Objective: To assess serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and to assess any correlation with clinical symptoms and echocardiographic indices. Patients and methods: We enrolled 77 male patients (mean age: 73F10 years) admitted to the Cardiology Emergency Department (ED) with cardiac symptoms requiring hospitalization. Diagnosis of CHF was based upon medical history or initial echocardiographic evaluation on current admission. Serum CA125 was measured by an enzyme immunoradiometric assay, on admission and before discharge. Results: The median overall CA125 value was 22.4 (11.5-48.9) U/ml. Serum CA125 levels were related to the severity of CHF [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I: 19.2 (7.2-31) U/ml, NYHA class II: 17.6 (10-23) U/ml, NYHA class III: 32 (25-77) U/ml and NYHA class IV: 34.3 (18.6-77) U/ml ( pb0.04)]. Patients in NYHA classes III and IV had significantly higher mean values of CA125, than patients in class II ( pb0.005 and pb0.05, respectively). Moreover, patients with fluid congestion (pulmonary congestion, ankle edema) had higher levels of serum CA125 than patients without congestion ( p=0.002 and pb0.03, respectively). Finally, levels of serum CA125 correlated weakly with right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and renal function, while no significant correlation was found between CA125 and E wave deceleration time on Doppler echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), liver function and the medical treatment prescribed. Conclusion: Serum CA125 is associated with the clinical severity of CHF and the symptoms and signs of fluid congestion and therefore may be a useful additional tool for the evaluation and clinical staging of these patients.

MVr in pts with non-ischemic MR and preoperative LV dysfunction achieves better preservation of LV systolic indices than MVR, probably due to preservation of the subvalvular apparatus and LV geometry.

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We describe a previously healthy 28-year-old woman who presented with the clinical picture of large vessel occlusions (stroke with left hemiparesis, myocardial infarction) and developed multi-organ failure (i.e. kidneys, heart, brain, liver, blood, skin) over a very short period of time. Peripheral blood smear was consistent with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Transesophageal echocardiogram was supportive of the diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), revealing Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative, anticardiolipin antibodies were highly increased and lupus anticoagulant was positive. Cerebral and coronary angiograms were negative, suggesting possible microthrombotic occlusive disease in the setting of CAPS.

Zakynthinos EG, Vassilakopoulos T, Kontogianni DD, Roussos C, ). A role for transoesophageal echocardiography in the early diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (Case Report). J Intern Med 2000; 248: 521±526.We describe a previously healthy 28-year-old woman who presented with the clinical picture of large vessel occlusions (stroke with left hemiparesis, myocardial infarction) and developed multi-organ failure (i.e. kidneys, heart, brain, liver, blood, skin) over a very short period of time. Peripheral blood smear was consistent with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Transesophageal echocardiogram was supportive of the diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), revealing Libman±Sacks endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative, anticardiolipin antibodies were highly increased and lupus anticoagulant was positive. Cerebral and coronary angiograms were negative, suggesting possible microthrombotic occlusive disease in the setting of CAPS.

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