Atrial septal defect can mimic pulmonary thromboembolism after a major surgery.

Trauma-related embolic events in pulmonary vascular bed are generally due to fat or thrombus embolism. In this report, we present a patient who had severe hypoxia and tachycardia at postoperative period after surgery of an open tibia fracture. Because of the clinical and electrocardiographic findings, we calculated patients Wells score as “pulmonary embolism likely” (N4 points, 28%-52% pulmonary embolism risk), and we performed chest contrast computed tomography.

Assessment of atrial conduction time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder resulting in multisystemic inflammatory damage. Recent articles report that 20% to 30% of deaths in patients with SLE have cardiovascular origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the atrial conduction time in patients with SLE by using high-usefulness tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDI).

Effect of long-term and high-dose allopurinol therapy on endothelial function in normotensive diabetic patients.

Objectives: Endothelial dysfunction is a well known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Uric acid levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis even if in physiological range. Xanthine oxidase inhibition with allopurinol decreases uric acid levels and oxidative stress and improves endothelial function.