Relation of statin therapy to risk of heart failure after acute myocardial infarction.

Recent studies suggest that statin therapy reduces hospitalizations for heart failure (HF). However, few data exist regarding the role of statins in preventing HF after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In addition, the potential impact of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and coexisting functional mitral regurgitation (MR) on the efficacy of statin therapy was not considered.

Serum blood urea nitrogen and long-term mortality in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Introduction: Renal dysfunction is associated with increased mortality in acute coronary syndromes and other cardiovascular diseases. The prognostic value of kidney dysfunction has been investigated using creatinine-based measures of renal function. Few data are available on the prognostic significance of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a sensitive marker of hemodynamic alterations and renal perfusion.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation and risk of heart failure after myocardial infarction.

Background: The development of ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after myocardial infarction may impose hemodynamic load during a period of active left ventricular remodeling and promote heart failure (HF). However, few data are available on the relationship between ischemic MR and the long-term risk for HF.

Methods: We prospectively studied 1190 patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction.

Hyponatremia and long-term mortality in survivors of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Hyponatremia, a marker of neurohormonal activation, is a common electrolyte disorder among patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The long-term prognostic value of hyponatremia during the acute phase of infarction is not known.

Methods: We studied 978 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and without a history of heart failure who survived the index event.

Inhospital and 1-year mortality of patients who develop worsening renal function following acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Recent studies have emphasized the prognostic value of baseline creatinine or estimated creatinine clearance in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. However, the prevalence and prognostic significance of worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction are unknown.

Methods: We studied 1038 patients presenting with acute ST-elevation infarction.

Peritonitis caused by a ruptured infected mesenteric cyst.

Perforation of a mesenteric cyst is a very rare complication of a very unusual lesion. Acute presentation is the rule in half of all affected children. Ultrasonography and computed tomography are the best preoperative diagnostic tools.

[Carbon dioxide gas embolism during laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

A case of carbon dioxide gas embolism during laparoscopic cholecystetomy is presented. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment resulted in positive outcome. Laparascopic cholecystectomy is nowadays one of the most common operations for cholecystectomy and certainly the most frequent endoscopic surgical procedure.