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An obituary for cardiac surgeon Michael E. DeBakey is presented.

Presents letters to the editor regarding transmyocardial laser revascularization and myocardial infarction.

A letter to the editor is presented about the book "Amazing Adventures of a Heart Surgeon: The Artificial Heart: The Frontiers of Human Life," by Domingo Liotta.

Presents a letter to the editor about diastolic heart failure in elderly patients.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to a review article on rosuvastatin by Schuster.

Presents a letter to the editor regarding the role of selective coronary arteriography in patients with cardiac myxoma.

Presents a letter to the editor regarding the value of brain natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure.

Presents a letter to the editor about the anomalous coronary arteries.

Presents a letter to the editor suggesting that atherosclerosis is not an infectious disease.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to a report by Takeichi et al on the relationship between left atrial function and plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with various types of heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article by Ku et al on seasonal variations in acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor in response to an article by Eliasson et al on the mechanism of angina relief by spinal cord stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor by Tsung O Cheng in response to the article "Behçet's Disease ('Silk Route Disease') and Mitral Valve Prolapse" by S. Morelli.

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues of the medical journal "Cardiology". Cheng highlighting the incompetence of the pulmonic valve following balloon valvuloplasty; Response to the article "Acute Coronary Syndrome" by O.M.P. Jolobe, which focuses on acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background Anomalous origin of pulmonary artery (AOPA) from the ascending aorta is a rare but serious congenital cardiac malformation, which frequently involves the right pulmonary artery (RPA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the echocardiographic characteristics of 9 cases with anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AORPA) studied from 2007 to 2014 in our institution. The results were compared with the findings at surgery. Results The corrective surgery was performed in all 9 cases with AORPA. The diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of 8 cases with AORPA was confirmed at surgery. The coincidence rate for TTE and surgical findings was 88.9%. One case was misdiagnosed as anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. The anomalous RPA in all cases had a proximal origin from the posterior or lateral part of the ascending aorta in our series. The mean distance from the aortic valve to the site of origin of pulmonary artery was 16.1 ± 6.6 mm (range: 7.0 mm-24.0 mm). The mean diameter of the anomalous pulmonary artery was 9.6 ± 4.5 mm (range: 4.5 mm-17.0 mm). In 4 of 9 (44.5%) cases there were associated aortopulmonary septal defect, intact ventricular septum, patent ductus arteriosus and interruption of aortic arch (Type A), also known as the Berry's syndrome. Other associated cardiovascular abnormalities included patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect. Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension was noted in all cases. Conclusions TTE plays an important role in the non-invasive and accurate diagnosis of AORPA. TTE can clearly display its site of origin and course, as well as other associated malformations and hemodynamic changes. TTE also plays an important role in the preoperative diagnosis of AORPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several correspondence related to medicine. Decisions for the use of thrombolytic treatment in myocardial infarction; Warning for Islamic patients in stopping from oral and inhaled drug treatment during Ramadan; Debate on the funding policies for HIV infection and AIDS.