The follow electronic only articles are published in conjunction with this issue of Heart.

Propionibacterium acnes endocarditis on an annuloplasty ring in an adolescent boy

W Y Vanagt, W J Daenen, T Delhaas

Propionibacterium acnes, a constituent of the human cutaneous flora, infected both the native mitral valve and a Carpentier mitral annuloplasty ring in an adolescent patient. In the case of culture negative endocarditis, the incubation period of blood cultures should be prolonged to identify this pathogen.

(Heart 2004;90:e56) www.heartjnl.com/cgi/content/full/90/9/e56

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/haemolytic uraemic syndrome associated with clopidogrel: report of two new cases

F Andersohn, F G Hagmann, E Garbe

Clopidogrel has been reported to be safe and effective in reducing vascular events. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that clopidogrel may cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/haemolytic uraemic syndrome (TTP/HUS). This association has been debated, since in several cases alternative causes could not be excluded. Two new cases of TTP/HUS associated with clopidogrel are reported here. After discontinuation of clopidogrel and treatment with plasma exchange, both patients had a complete and sustained recovery from TTP/HUS. These cases corroborate previous observations that clopidogrel may indeed be a rare cause of TTP/HUS.

(Heart 2004;90:e57) www.heartjnl.com/cgi/content/full/90/9/e57