Difficult cases in heart failure: reversible cardiomyopathy due to atrial fibrillation in a 46-year-old patient.

The authors describe the challenging case of a 46-year-old patient who presented with a 2-week history of exertional dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and orthopnea. He was found to have left ventricular failure and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. Initial work-up revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with marked left ventricular dysfunction, without any obvious cause. He received standard medical therapy for left ventricular dysfunction and his symptoms improved. Electrical cardioversion to sinus rhythm and maintenance resulted in complete recovery of left ventricular function within 6 months. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.

Successful management of coronary artery perforation with helical platinum microcoil embolization.

A case of small coronary artery perforation during coronary intervention is presented. Continued leakage occurred despite prolonged intracoronary balloon inflation, in part probably related to the use of glycoprotein (GP) IIB/IIIA inhibitors. It was successfully managed by microcoil embolization without any sequel, helping avoid surgery in a high-risk patient. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:320-322, 2000.