Introduction Calcium is a fundamental component of biological systems and plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes. Calcium entry triggers a mechanism known as calcium-induced calcium release, in which calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is modulated by the influx of calcium from the extracellular space. Muscle contraction subsequently occurs through the interaction between calcium and the troponin-tropomyosin complex. In the heart, intracellular calcium is the primary regulator of contractile force (inotropism). Hypocalcemia-induced cardiomyopathy is a rare […]

Introduction Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the evaluation of chest pain. Misinterpretation of symptom characteristics and failure to consider the patient’s epidemiological profile may lead to inappropriate diagnostic workups and treatment strategies. The case described herein represents only the second report with similar characteristics published in major medical databases. This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon causes of chest pain and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while also providing a brief review of […]

Case presentation A 54-year-old patient with no previous medical history was evaluated in the cardiology clinic for chest pain with atypical characteristics. Due to a pretest probability of ischemic heart disease of 20%, a coronary computed tomography scan was performed, which showed a coronary aneurysm (10 × 11 mm) from the origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) to the mid-segment (, white arrow; ). In the RCA mid-segment, there was partial circumferential thrombosis with 50% lumen stenosis ( and […]

Introduction Primary cardiac tumors are rare entities, approximately 75% of which are benign, with myxoma as the most common type., Only about 15% of primary cardiac tumors are malignant, predominantly sarcomas. In contrast, metastatic cardiac involvement is relatively frequent and has been identified in up to 9% of patients who died from cancer. Clinical manifestations are more closely related to tumor location than to histopathological classification. They may result from embolic phenomena, intracardiac obstruction with signs of heart failure (HF), […]

Introduction Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a relatively frequent congenital heart defect; however, the identification of large thrombi between the atria through a PFO is a rare condition. When visualized, they represent a major clinical challenge and require emergency treatment. The severity of this condition becomes even more accentuated when associated with other thrombotic events, such as pulmonary embolism. In turn, these events may have their genesis in hyperinflammatory states with high thrombogenic and angiopathic potential, as in the case […]