Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Who Undergo Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Introduction: There is paucity of data regarding the cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline treatment in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Even a transient decrease in cardiac function might affect transplantation outcome.

Patients And Methods: We reviewed the clinical records and echocardiography examinations of 78 patients with AML who received induction therapy and underwent HSCT.

Dysfunctional endothelial progenitor cells in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in complete remission.

Background: Patients with a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are at increased long-term risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies report an association between the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) and levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which play an essential role in vascular injury repair. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential involvement of abnormal EPC level or function in the CAD risk of survivors of HL in remission.

Low plasma vitamin D levels and muscle-related adverse effects in statin users.

Background: Treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) is often complicated by muscle-related adverse effects (MAEs). Studies of the association between low plasma vitamin D levels and MAEs have yielded conflicting results.

Objectives: To determine if low plasma vitamin D level is a risk factorfor MAEs in statin users.

[Large pericardial cyst in a young woman presenting with fever abdominal pain and diarrhea].

Pericardial cysts are rare mediastinal abnormalities occurring in 1 in 100,000 persons. Most pericardial cysts are congenital but may also be acquired. Their presence poses a diagnostic challenge, distinguishing them from other intracardiac and mediastinal lesions.

Echocardiography versus right-sided heart catheterization among lung transplantation candidates.

Background: Right-heart-catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography are routine tests to measure pulmonary artery systolic pressure among lung transplantation candidates. Echocardiography may be as accurate as right-heart-catheterization, without the inherent risks of an invasive test.

Methods: We examined the correlation between pulmonary pressures estimated by echocardiography versus right-heart-catheterization among lung transplantation candidates and their correlation to measurements during lung transplantation.