Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) is an aggressive and uncommon cancer developing in the peripheral nerve sheath. Primary cardiac MPNST is an extremely rare finding, with no specific imaging and clinical characteristics. Only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature; thus, little is still known about them. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) are important means of assessing cardiac morphology and function. The preferred course of treatment for this pathology is by full surgical resection of the tumour, with negative (clear) margins, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with no significant cardiovascular symptoms who was incidentally diagnosed during routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with a cardiac mass located in the left ventricle.

The global demand for cardiac transplants continues to rise, even with advancements in assistive devices. Currently, the estimated annual mortality rate stands at 3–5%, and patients often face a waiting time of approximately four years on transplant waiting lists. Consequently, many transplant centers have started to consider heart transplants from donors who may be deemed “less than ideal” or marginal. However, the decision to accept such donors must be highly individualized, taking into consideration the risks associated with remaining on the waiting list versus those posed by the transplantation procedure itself. A potential solution lies in the creation of two distinct recipient lists, matched with donor criteria, allowing marginal donors to provide the lifeline that selected patients require. This paper follows a two-step approach. Firstly, it offers an overview of the current state of affairs regarding the topic of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients. Secondly, it presents firsthand experience from our clinical center with a comprehensive case presentation of a patient in this unique medical context. The clinical case refers to a 62-year-old male patient, a smoker with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a prior OHT a decade earlier, who presented with fatigue during minimal physical exertion. The Heart Team carefully reviewed the case, considering the patient’s immunosuppressed status and the heightened risk associated with a repeat intervention. In this instance, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was deemed the appropriate treatment. The TAVI procedure yielded successful results, leading to improved clinical status and enhanced cardiac function. The inclusion of marginal donors has introduced novel challenges related to the utilization of previously diseased marginal organs. TAVI has already demonstrated its efficacy and versatility in treating high-risk patients, including heart transplant recipients. Consequently, it emerges as a vital tool in addressing the unique challenges posed by the inclusion of marginal donors.

Introduction: Reconstruction surgery of the proximal aorta in most cases involves the use of an aortic conduit, followed by reimplantation of the coronary ostia. Although uncommon, the origin of the coronary arteries in certain anatomical variants poses additional difficulties when performing surgery on the aortic root and requires a different treatment rationale. Case report: We hereby present the case of a 60-year-old patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia), suffering from severe degenerative stenosis of a bicuspid aortic valve, associated with ascending aorta aneurysm and a significant extrinsic stenosis of the left coronary artery caused by the aneurysm. The patient presented with severe degenerative bicuspid aortic valve stenosis associated with ascending aorta aneurysm and a significant extrinsic stenosis of the left coronary artery caused by the aneurysm. Following the preoperative assessment, it was decided that the best course of action was to perform surgery on the aortic valve and ascending aorta. During the surgery, the origin of the right and left coronary ostia were found at the level of the left coronary cusp, both forming a common coronary button. Due to this particular anatomical variant, it was decided to reimplant them as a common button onto the main conduit by means of an interposed No.10 PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) vascular prosthesis. Conclusion: A rare case of aortic root surgery associated with coronary ostia origin variant "shotgun barrel", which required a different method of reimplantation: modified Cabrol technique.

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) requires management tailored to the disease phase and clinical presentation, with the subacute period representing a favorable window for endovascular intervention due to improved procedural safety and remodeling potential. We report the case of a 38-year-old male with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and bicuspid aortic valve disease who presented one month after symptom onset with persistent chest pain and progressive bilateral lower-limb numbness. Clinical examination suggested early spinal cord ischemia, while laboratory tests demonstrated acute hepatic and renal dysfunction. CT angiography revealed a subacute TBAD with a markedly expanded false lumen and near-complete compression of the true lumen, resulting in visceral, renal, and potential spinal malperfusion. Given the high-risk anatomy and evolving organ dysfunction, a staged hybrid strategy was undertaken. A left carotid–subclavian bypass was performed to secure proximal landing for endovascular repair, followed the next day by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using two thoracic stent grafts. Postoperative recovery was favorable, with rapid resolution of neurological symptoms and normalization of hepatic and renal parameters, allowing discharge on postoperative day seven. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of malperfusion and timely hybrid intervention in subacute TBAD with severely compressed true lumen, demonstrating excellent early clinical outcomes.