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Background/aim: To investigate the effects of pulmonary hypertension on early clinical variables in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Materials and methods: The preoperative echocardiographic data of patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 1244 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: one group consisted of patients with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) values equal to or greater than 30 mmHg (Group 1, n = 184), while the other group consisted of patients with SPAP values below 30 mmHg (Group 2, n = 1060). Results: Early mortality was similar in both groups (0% in Group 1 and 1.2% in Group 2; P > 0.05). Comparison of postoperative data indicated that Group 1 had a higher need for inotropic agent treatment, a longer average duration of ventilation, and a longer average duration of stay in the intensive care unit (P < 0.05). For the other variables, no significant differences were identified between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Mild pulmonary hypertension (mean SPAP = 37.7 ± 8.4 mmHg) was not associated with a significant difference in the mortality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. For patients undergoing this type of coronary bypass surgery, lower morbidity and mortality rates can be achieved through comprehensive preoperative examinations and effective perioperative medical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 56-year-old man had a 6 x 5-cm mass originating from the fossa ovalis in the atrial septum found by echocardiography and multiple enlarging scalp masses. The mass had a regular surface and was prolapsing into the mitral valve during diastole. The tumor was successfully treated by surgical excision, which revealed a well-defined mass with a narrow-base stalk originating from the fossa ovalis in the atrial septum. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. The scalp masses were also removed surgically; histopathologic examination corresponded to benign trichilemmal cyst. The patient recovered without complication and was discharged 10 days after the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) include repeated episodes of arterial and/or venous thrombosis, recurrent fetal wastage, and premature births. Correct diagnosis of APS requires identification of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). Other antibodies such as anti-β2 glycoprotein-I have also been detected. A 32-year-old man presented with acute left-sided hemiplegia and was admitted with a possible diagnosis of primary APS. A pulmonary embolus-in-transit was captured incidentally by transthoracic echocardiographic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]