Classic and non-classic forms of mitral valve prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of the established distinction between classic and non-classic forms of mitral valve prolapsed (MVP). METHODS: We included in this prospective study all patients examined in our preventive cardiology outpatient clinics during the biannual period October 2004-October 2006. We examined in total 10.818 patients, 238 of whom (2.2%) were diagnosed for MVP. We noted relevant demographic and clinical data (gender, age of diagnosis, symptoms, need for hospitalization) and performed statistical comparisons between patients with the classic and those with the non-classic form. Follow-up controls were performed three years afterwards. RESULTS: Patients with the classic form had an earlier age of first diagnosis, more prominent symptoms, and more frequently diagnosis for other disorders (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) than the rest of the patients; however, there were no significant differences as far as certain major complications (stroke, death, submission to surgery) were concerned. CONCLUSION: The classic form of mitral valve prolapse is more tightly associated with morbid complications, and a more frequent follow-up control in this group of patients may be useful.

Double auricles of the right atrium: a unique anatomic deformity.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic deviations, especially those detected during the course of an operation, are medically intriguing, as they raise concerns about their clinical significance and putative complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We present, to our knowledge, for the first time a case of an anatomic deviation in the form of a second right atrial auricle in a 70 year-old, coronary bypass-operated male Caucasian patient of Greek origin. No complications were noted intra-or postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A second right atrial auricle was found intraoperatively, without causing any clinical complications, or obstructing the normal course of a surgical procedure.

Visual disorders or "eye stroke"after heart surgery: can we prevent it?

The aim of the study was to elucidate the problem of visual disorders after heart surgery, focusing on aetiology, modes of prevention and treatment. Information from a literature search and the authors' personal experience are provide clues as to the modes of development and the means of avoidance and therapy of this category of postoperative, neurosensory complications. Multiple morbid situations, such as preoperative augmented ocular pressure, perioperative bleeding and hypotension, are shown to be predisposing and precipitating factors. Medical treatment seems to be less important than minimisation of risk factors. Prevention rather than treatment is more helpful for heart-operated patients, as far as postoperative visual disorders are concerned.