The Role of Oral Calcium and Vitamin D in Hypocalcemia-Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Case ReportCase reports

Meity Ardiana, Bambang Herwanto, Inna Maya Sufiyah, Wynne Widiarti, Alviannur Halim

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):73-76 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.058  

Hypocalcemia-associated cardiomyopathy, a rare but serious condition, presents challenges in diagnosis and management. Severe hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism can precipitate rare yet reversible cases of dilated cardiomyopathy. This case report reported a 31-year-old woman with heart failure precipitated by hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy. Despite conventional heart failure treatments, her condition persisted until correction of hypocalcemia. Treatment involved calcium supplementation and guideline-directed heart failure therapy. Significant improvement was observed then. Hence, monitoring serum calcium levels is imperative...

(Rare rhythm disorder in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy during endocardial radiofrequency ablation of septal hypertrophy)Case reports

Katarína Doležalová, Zdeněk Stárek, Tomáš Honek, Filip Souček, Martin Pešl, Jan Krejčí

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):67-72 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.108  

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCMP) is characterized by abnormal thickening or enlargement of the left ventricular myocardium mass of non-dilated left ventricle not explained solely by loading conditions and presence of obstruction in outflow tract of left ventricle. Surgical septal myectomy was the first choice method of invasive treatment of septal hypertrophy in the past which was replaced by alcohol septal ablation in the nineties of the 20th century and nowadays it is still worldwide used, safe, and effective method in reduction of septal hypertrophy. Nowadays there is a new method of non-pharmacological treatment of septal hypertrophy...

Persistent Severe Bradyarrhythmia Following Donepezil Discontinuation in Dementia Patient: A Case Report and Literature ReviewReview articles

Okky Wahyu Firmansyah, Budi Baktijasa Dharmadjati, Rerdin Julario, Chabib Fachry Albab, Pandit Bagus Tri Saputra, Emil Prabowo

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):60-65 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.060  

Background: Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease management. It improves clinical symptoms but carries risks of orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia. Uncommon severe bradyarrhythmias post-discontinuation deserve attention. In addition, there have been no previous case reports regarding severe bradyarrhythmias post donepezil discontinuation. Case presentation: We report a case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of recurrent fainting. She has dementia and regularly takes donepezil. She experienced severe bradyarrhythmia with heart rate of 45 beats per minute regular on dopamine 5 µg/kg/min and unresponsive...

Minimally Invasive Management of Cystic Adventitial Disease in the Popliteal Artery: A Case Report and ReviewReview articles

Alexander Daskalov, Boris Ilchev

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):56-59 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.011  

Background: Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare cause of arterial stenosis, primarily affecting the popliteal artery. Case presentation: A 46-year-old male presented with sudden right calf pain. Physical examination and CT angiography revealed significant stenosis of the right popliteal artery. Initial thrombectomy failed to remove thrombotic material, prompting a hybrid approach with PTA and stent implantation. MRI confirmed CAD, and the patient remained asymptomatic at 24-month follow-up. Discussion: The etiology of CAD is debated, with theories including local trauma and synovial/ganglion origin. Traditional management has been surgical,...

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Published Case ReportsReview articles

Andrianto, Chabib F. Albab, Nabila R. Putri, Pratista Oktafia, Roy B. Kurniawan

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):48-55 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.081  

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) presents a unique challenge due to its prompt diagnosis and treatment requirements, demanding an in-depth understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the SCAD cases in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: We performed a systematic search across databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, on June 3, 2023. We included reported cases of SCAD in COVID-19 patients that described individual patient data. Results: The study analyzed 12 case reports, revealing that all patients were confirmed COVID-19 cases with a...

(Detection and treatment of arrhythmias in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis)Review articles

Ivona Šimková, Renáta Aiglová, Enikö Marczibál, Marián Fedorco, Miloš Táborský

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):43-47 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.099  

Arrhythmias are a very common manifestation of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The review article focuses on the mechanisms that lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction disorders, and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as their incidence and prevalence. It emphasizes the possibilities of using external and implantable monitoring devices in the detection of arrhythmias. It summarizes modern therapeutic approaches with particular attention to radiofrequency catheter ablation and the use of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation and flutter. It mentions the challenges of cardiac pacing and prevention of sudden cardiac...

(Continuous thermodilution - a novel method for direct measurement of coronary flow and resistance)Review articles

Petr Kala, Radka Adlová, Veronika Gašpárková, Petr Ošťádal, Petr Hájek

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):35-42 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.101  

Angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease is a frequent finding in patients with chest pain. Its pathophysiology involves two main mechanisms: structural and functional dysfunction of microcircula- tion, functional dysfunction of epicardial arteries, and their combination. The review article focuses on the diagnostics of microvascular dysfunction, particularly continuous thermodilution, as a safe, easy, fast, and operator-independent method. It describes both theoretical background and practical aspects with graphical examples of measurements.

Thyroid Doppler parameters association with coronary atherosclerosis burdenOriginal research articles

Ali AlQazzaz, Wasan Kadhum Abbas, Hussein Nafakhi, Abdulameer A. Al-Mosawi, Hayder Nafakhi

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):30-34 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.097  

Background: Little is known about the potential association between thyroid vascular parameters and coronary atherosclerotic burden in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Objectives: To assess the potential association between superior thyroid artery Doppler parameters and coronary atherosclerotic markers, including stenosis severity, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and plaque assessed by multi-detector CT (MDCT) coronary angiography among patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with chest pain who underwent MDCT coronary angiography to exclude the...

The prognostic importance of the percentage of immature granulocyte in 28-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromeOriginal research articles

Cihan Can, Hüseyin Narci, Akif Yarkaç, Özcan Örsçelik, Cüneyt Ayrik

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):24-29 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.009  

Background: The percentage of immature granulocytes (IG%) is an early marker of inflammation and has a prognostic significance in many diseases. Objective: In this study, we tried to investigate whether the percentage of immature granulocytes has a prognostic value in 28-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Method: This study was carried out retrospectively between 1.1.2019 and 30.6.2019 at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine. Patients older than 18 years who applied to the emergency department with chest pain and were hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of ACS were included in the...

18-Year Outcomes of Aortic Leaflet Extension Valvuloplasty Using Autologous Pericardium and Polytetrafluoroethylene: Single-Centre, Propensity-Matched AnalysisOriginal research articles

Matej Nosáľ, Fadi Sabateen, Pavel Valentík, Michal Šagát, Aref Saif Nagi, Kristína Kasičová, Vladimír Soják

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):16-23 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.105  

Background: Aortic valve repair with leaflet extension is routinely utilized in the management of aortic valve disease in children and adolescents. The material chosen may have an effect on the valve function and durability. Aims: To evaluate long-term outcomes of aortic valve repair using autologous pericardium and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) leaflet extensions and to investigate risk factors for aortic valve reoperation at single centre. Methods: A retrospective single-centre review of 89 patients undergoing aortic valvuloplasty by leaflet extensions with either autologous pericardium or PTFE from 2005 to 2023. Results: Eighty-nine patients (75%...

Near-infrared spectroscopy derived indexes as a potential predictor of plaque burden volume progression after unprotected left main coronary artery interventionOriginal research articles

Martin Hudec, Jan Kaňovský, Vojtěch Brázdil, Martin Poloczek, Ivona Kask, Kristýna Hochmanová, Radka Smitalová, Otakar Boček, Petr Jeřábek, Roman Štípal, Simona Littnerová, Jiří Jarkovský, Klára Benešová, Petr Kala

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):6-15 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.010  

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, which has driven significant advances in the field of interventional cardiology. The combination of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and near-infrared light spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a detailed view of coronary artery morphology and plaque composition. This advanced imaging capability facilitates a more accurate assessment of CAD and enhances therapeutic strategies. Objective: NIRS can detect and quantify lipid content in atherosclerotic plaque using the Lipid Core Burden Index (LCBI) and the Maximal Lipid Core Burden Index in a 4 mm segment (maxLCBI4mm). In this study,...

Congress abstracts: Czech Cardiovascular Research and Innovation Days 2024Abstracts

editorial staff

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(Suppl. 2):4-48  

Vienna House Hotel, Prague, November 4–5, 2024

Congress abstracts: ECPR Prague School, Cubex Centrum Prague, October 24–26, 2024Abstracts

editorial staff

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(Suppl. 1):4-14  

(95 years of Czech cardiology)Editorial

Petr Ošťádal

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):562 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.095  

22. konference České asociace akutní kardiologie Hotel Thermal, Karlovy Vary, 1.–3. 12. 2024Abstracts

redakce

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):655-668  

Petr Jakubec a kolektiv: Infekce dolních cest dýchacích, plic a pohrudniceBook reviews

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):654  

Radek Ptáček, Petr Bartůněk: Soucit v medicíněBook reviews

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):653  

Eva Chytilová a kol.: Cévní přístupy pro hemodialýzuBook reviews

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):652  

Zemřel doc. MUDr. Václav Chaloupka, CSc. (24. 8. 1947–24. 10. 2024)Personalities

Jiří Vítovec

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):651  

(Antibiotic prophylaxis of infective endocarditis. Recommended practice guaranteed by the Czech Society of Infectious Diseases, the Czech Society for Medical Microbiology, and the Czech Professional Society of Clinical Pharmacy)Guidelines

Jiří Beneš, Pavla Paterová, Lukáš Bauer, Václav Musil

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):645-649 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.083  

(Antibiotic therapy of infective endocarditis. Recommended practice guaranteed by the Czech Society of Infectious Diseases, the Czech Society for Medical Microbiology, and the Czech Professional Society of Clinical Pharmacy)Guidelines

Jiří Beneš, Pavla Paterová, Lukáš Bauer, Václav Musil, Marek Štefan

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):632-643 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.084  

(Expert consensus statement of the Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases of the Czech Society of Cardiology on constitution of specialized cardiomyopathy units for diagnostics and treatment of cardiomyopathies)Expert consensus statement

Aleš Linhart, Alice Krebsová, Jan Krejčí, Miloš Kubánek, Vojtěch Melenovský, Tomáš Paleček, David Zemánek, Petr Ošťádal, Oponenti: Jiří Bonaventura, Jaroslav Januška, Eva Kapsová, Petr Kuchynka, Jan Lhotský, Radek Pudil, Martin Radvan, Miloš Táborský

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):628-631 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.088  

Exploring Post-Transfusion Pulmonary Edema: Differentiating Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) from Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)Case reports

Meity Ardiana, Annisa Trissatharra, Inna Maya Sufiyah, Bambang Herwanto, Wynne Widiarti

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):623-627 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.087  

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) represent significant contributors to transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. This case study involves a 28-year-old female patient presenting with shortness of breath following a transfusion. The diagnostic approach relied on physical examination, chest x-ray, basic laboratory tests, and echocardiography. The challenges included difficulty in establishing the diagnosis between TACO, TRALI, or a combination thereof due to limited awareness, poorly defined diagnostic criteria, and the lack of specific therapeutic interventions. These complexities...

A hard pill to swallow - statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy manifesting as dysphagiaCase reports

Rita Veiga, Nuno Cotrim, Catarina Coelho, Beatriz Andrade, Kevin Domingues

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):620-622 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.037  

Background: Statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM) is a very rare and devastating complication of statin therapy. Case presentation: We report a case of a 70 year-old-male who presented in the ER with progressive proximal muscle weakness, dysphagia, and myalgia for the past 4 months. He was medicated in the previous 2 years with 40 mg atorvastatin. On admission, his blood analysis revealed elevated CPK (22086 U/L). Although the patient suspended statin therapy, CPK values remained high and his symptoms persisted. The autoimmune study was notable for strongly positive HMGCR antibody. Deltoid muscle biopsy revealed muscle-cell necrosis...

Intercostal lung hernia as a complication of minithoracotomy for transapical valve implantation - a case reportCase reports

Štefan Lukačin, Tomáš Toporcer, Anton Bereš, Marián Homola, Michal Trebišovský, Adrián Kolesár

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):615-619 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.086  

Intercostal lung herniation is defined as a protrusion of lung tissue beyond the normal limits of the chest wall. The first case of pulmonary hernia was described in 1499 by Roland. The ratio of acquired to congenital lung hernias is 4 : 1. Based on anatomical localisation, cervical, intercostal, and diaphragmatic forms of lung herniation are known. The risk zone for posttraumatic and postoperative intercostal lung hernia is the front wall of the chest due to the poor muscular cover. The case report presents a 71-year-old man who underwent aortocoronary bypass, replacement of the mitral valve, repair of the tricuspid valve, and the MAZE procedure 9...

Serum Paraoxonase-1 and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular DiseaseReview articles

Siho Hidayet, Lutfu Askin

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):608-614 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.082  

Due to where paraoxonase-1 (PON-1)'s hydrophobic lipid domain is located, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) protects low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the cell membranes on the outside from oxidation. It doesn't stop the formation of conjugated dienes, but it changes the products of lipid peroxidation into harmless carboxylic acids instead of aldehydes that could link to apolipoprotein B. Serum PON-1 inversely affects new events in diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and inflammation decrease PON-1 activity. Human PON-1 gene ablation or overexpression in animals enhances or reduces atherosclerosis susceptibility....

(Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis as a cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - a case report and a review)Review articles

Volodymir Dudash, Miloš Kubánek, Petr Peichl, Ondřej Fabián, Theodor Adla, David Zogala, Martina Koziar Vašáková, Alice Krebsová, Marek Šramko, Adrian Reichenbach, Jana Vrbská, Vojtěch Melenovský, Josef Kautzner

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):599-607 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.078  

Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare disease with a challenging diagnostic process reflecting a low sensitivity of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Therefore, it often requires a multimodal imaging using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and/or positron emission tomography (PET-CT) with administration of ^18Ffluordeoxyglucose (FDG). Its clinical manifestation includes advanced atrioventricular block, ventricular tachyar- rhythmias and congestive heart failure. We aimed to illustrate pitfalls in the diagnosis of clinically isolated cardiac sarcoidosis in a young male with an aborted cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. This...

(Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy)Review articles

Roland Oravský, Andrej Nagy

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):592-597 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.054  

Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) does not have an internationally accepted definition. In general, the term refers to the heart failure with a left ventricular EF below 50% and its reduction ≥ 10% after implantation of a pacemaker without known cause. The pacing burden that increases the risk of PICM is > 20%. On the other hand, it cannot be said that a lower pacing burden is safe or that a higher pacing burden is clearly harmful. It is necessary to identify patients with a higher risk of developing PICM before the implantation of a pacemaker and offer other (for now) alternative methods of pacing. In the case of an already developed PICM,...

The Effect of Lisinopril on Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) in Stable Coronary Heart Disease Post COVID-19Original research articles

Yudi Her Oktaviono, Mohammad Budiarto, Johannes Nugroho Eko Putranto, Budi Susetyo Pikir, Andrianto, Meity Ardiana, Makhyan Jibril Al-Farabi, Dara Ninggar Ghassani, Bagus Putra Dharma Khrisna, Sondang Jasmine Mustikasari Sitorus, Maltadila Ratu Hajjrin, Pandit Bagus Tri Saputra

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):587-591 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.059  

Background: COVID-19 infection is associated with endothelial dysfunction. The concept of endothelial cell repair utilizing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) has been developing which is known for its potential for EPC's angiogenesis improvement. Methods: This is a true experimental in vitro study with post-test only control group design. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral venous blood of patient with chronic coronary syndrome and history of COVID-19. The cells then cultured on special media for 7 days and EPC was identified using immunocytochemical examination with labelled...

(Evaluating Virtual Reality as an Educational Tool in Preoperative Settings for Coronary Angiography)Original research articles

Karin Poloková, Adéla Drozdová, Otakar Jiravský, Miroslav Hudec, Bogna Jiravská Godula, Filip Jiravský, Jan Hečko, Libor Škňouřil

Cor Vasa 2024, 66(6):580-586 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.080  

Background: Effective pre-procedural education is crucial for patients' cooperation and adherence to treat- ment plans. Virtual reality (VR) has recently been expanding in clinical medicine. This study aimed to prove the non-inferiority of VR education compared to conventional education in patients prior to invasive coronary angiography. Methods: In this prospective study, 386 participants undergoing elective coronary angiography were randomized into a VR group (n = 193) that watched a 360° video about the procedure using VR headset Oculus Meta Quest 2 and a conventional group (n = 193) educated by a physician. Patients completed question- naires assessing...