[Cardiac effects of dermatomyositis. A case report]. / Atteintes cardiaques des dermatomyosites. A propos d'un cas.

The cardiac effects of dermatomyositis and polymyositis are found frequently at autopsy, even though the clinical manifestations are rare. We report the observation of a patient with dermatomyositis, in whom ventricular tachycardia, and dilated hypokinetic cardiomyopathy were in the foreground of the cardiac anomalies. This rhythm disturbance responds to treatment, as opposed to the associated dilated cardiomyopathy. Electrocardiographic anomalies are frequent, notably conduction disturbances. Ventricular rhythm disturbances are of poorly defined frequency. Cardiac insufficiency is often stabilised with treatment. The other effects are much rare.

[Ischemic pseudo-normalization of T waves and ST segment]. / Pseudo-normalisation ischémique des ondes T et du segment ST.

The development of acute myocardial ischaemia in a territory with baseline repolarization abnormalities can be reflected by transient pseudo-normalisation of the T wave and/or ST segment. These repolarization abnormalities can occur spontaneously, during a stress test or during of an isoproterenol test. Clinicians should be familiar with these unusual electrocardiographic changes of acute ischaemia, which require appropriate surveillance and treatment.

[Primary biliary cirrhosis associated with pericardial effusion]. / Cirrhose biliaire primitive associée a un épanchement péricardique.

The authors report a case of primary biliary cirrhosis, associated with moderate pericardial effusion, in a patient with antiphospholipid antibodies. The pericardial effusion resolved, and did not recur, in response to treatment with Colchicine and ursodesoxycholic acid.