048); however, when patients were subdivided according to different age bands, this difference disappeared. There were also no significant differences in the odds of mortality (OR 0.876, 95% CI 0.703, 1.093, P=0.241) or MI (OR 0.937, 95% CI 0.795, 1.105, P=0.439). Meta-regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between age and stroke (P=0.652), age and mortality (P=548), and age and MI (P=0.464).
 
  Patients undergoing CABG are becoming older and may suffer from multiple comorbidities increasing their risk profile. However, with respect to short-term clinical outcomes, the patient's age does not help in determining whether off- or on-pump is superior.
 Patients undergoing CABG are becoming older and may suffer from multiple comorbidities increasing their risk profile. However, with respect to short-term clinical outcomes, the patient's age does not help in determining whether off- or on-pump is superior.
  Although it is the most common agent among the fungal causes of endocarditis, Candida albicans endocarditis is rare.
 
  To evaluate the efficacy of amphotericin B in the treatment of C. albicans endocarditis beyond a systematic review.
 
  Articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, conducted in the following databases MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS and SciELO, in humans and published in the last 25 years.
 
  Observational studies, clinical trials, and case series providing data on the amphotericin B use in patients with a C. albicans endocarditis diagnosis without age limitations.
 
  From the initial search (n=79), 25 articles were fully evaluated, of which 19 were excluded for meeting one or more exclusion criteria, remaining five articles (two observational studies and three case series). Patients using amphotericin B demonstrated improvement in survival rates, and its main use was in association with the surgical method as well as with caspofungin association.
 
  Literature lacks evidence to conclude about efficacy and safety of amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal endocarditis. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to provide better evidence on the subject.
 Literature lacks evidence to conclude about efficacy and safety of amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal endocarditis. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to provide better evidence on the subject.We performed a review of the literature (until August 01, 2019) on the occasion of the first transcaval approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in our hospital. This review focuses mainly on the indications of this alternative access route to the aorta. It may be useful for vascular surgeons in selected cases, such as the treatment of endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair. We describe historical aspects of transcaval access to the aorta, experimental studies, available case series and outcomes. Finally, we summarize the most significant technical aspects of this little-known access.
  To understand the current evidence and guidelines behind the appropriate management of cardiac tumours.
 
  A comprehensive electronic literature search has been performed in major databases - PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Google Scholar. All articles that discussed all different forms of cardiac tumours, their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management methods have been critically appraised in this narrative review.
 
  All relevant studies have been summarized in appropriate sections within our review. Cardiac tumours are rare but can be catastrophic and life-threatening if not identified and managed on timely manner.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/avelumab.html  Utilization of all the available imaging methods can be of equivocal importance, relevant to each cardiac tumour. Surgical excision is the ultimate treatment method, however histopathological results can guide the adjunct treatment.
 
  Early detection of cardiac tumours has significant effect on planning the method of intervention. Technological advancements and increased availability of imaging modalities have enabled earlier and more accurate detection of these tumours. Novel medical therapies, recommendations for screening, and operative techniques have all contributed to overall improving knowledge of these tumours and ultimately patient outcomes.
 Early detection of cardiac tumours has significant effect on planning the method of intervention. Technological advancements and increased availability of imaging modalities have enabled earlier and more accurate detection of these tumours. Novel medical therapies, recommendations for screening, and operative techniques have all contributed to overall improving knowledge of these tumours and ultimately patient outcomes.
  Cocaine use is known to be associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases. It is likely to trigger or increase the risk for an aortic dissection. We conducted an analysis of 45 cases of cocaine-related aortic dissection to further characterize the clinical features and outcomes of this patient cohort.
 
  Our study cohort of 45 patients consisted of 11 cases from our institutional database and 34 published case reports.
 
  The observed cases of acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use showed a high proportion of young (41.3±8.67 years) and male (88.9%) patients. Most of the cases (75%) were classified as Stanford type A. Also, in 75% of the cases, cocaine use was prevalent for more than one year. Median time from last cocaine use to onset of symptoms was one hour. In-hospital mortality was 21.4%, while additional 11.9% of the cases died before arriving at the hospital.
 
  Acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use occurs in predominantly young male patients and has a dismal outcome when compared to all comer series.
 Acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use occurs in predominantly young male patients and has a dismal outcome when compared to all comer series.It has been reported that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces endothelial inflammation, therefore facilitating the progression of endothelial and vascular dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) involves mainly the use of the saphenous vein (SV) and internal mammary artery as graft material in the stenosed coronary arteries. Unfortunately, graft patency of the SV is low due to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 might cause vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis in coronary artery bypass graft vessels by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Therefore, in this Special Article, we consider the potential influence of COVID-19 on the patency rates of coronary artery bypass graft vessels, mainly with reference to the SV. Moreover, we discuss the technique of SV graft harvesting and the therapeutic potential of focusing on endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and thrombosis for protecting coronary artery bypass grafts in COVID-19 infected CABG patients.