Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Primary tumors of the heart are rare even in major cardiac surgery centers. Because of the low case numbers, there is an insufficient evidence base to determine the optimal treatment, particularly for malignant tumors. ⋯ Patients with cardiac tumors should undergo surgery in a timely fashion in a specialized center. This holds for both malignant and benign tumors, particularly for atrial myxoma, which can cause serious secondary complications by embolization.
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The prognostic significance of near-syncope has not yet been adequately characterized. ⋯ Patients with near-syncope do not differ to any large extent from patients with syncope with respect to the features studied. The diagnostic evaluation should be similar for patients in the two groups.
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Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) each have characteristic advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered in clinical decision-making. This point is discussed in reference to the main types of lung disease that are encountered in practice. ⋯ The choice of radiologicalal technique for the detection, staging, follow-up, and quantification of lung disease should be based on the individual clinical options, so that appropriate treatment can be provided without excessive use of diagnostic testing.
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Cardiotoxic and other side effects limit the usefulness of treatments for cancer. ⋯ Treating physicians need to be thoroughly acquainted with the cardiotoxic effects of anti-cancer drugs so that they can diagnose them early on and avoid jeopardizing the overall success of treatment.