In this cohort of patients, TEE confirms the role of 'gold standard' exam for the detection of PFO; the non-invasive methods, and the TTE in particular, present a good diagnostic accuracy, but are inferior to the TEE because of the low negative predictive value and the non-optimal detection of small shunts. If the only purpose of TEE is the detection of significative interatrial shunt, TEE can be replaced by TTE. The R3DTE presents a good diagnostic accuracy, provides a better anatomical definition of the interatrial septum, and may have a role in this setting of patients, but does not add a lot to the TTE for the diagnosis.

The TACT using TDI is an independent predictor of AF recurrence and can be used to predict the maintenance of SR after external electrical CV.

Advanced Digitalis intoxication is a rare event, mainly associated with overdose in patients with Digitalis therapy. We report an unusual case of acute 'familiar' digitalis poisoning in three patients who had eaten potato dumplings flavoured with leaves of Borago officinalis L. unconsciously mixed with leaves of Digitalis purpurea L. A complicated clinical course with marked bradyarrhythmias was presented, with good evolution thanks to the use of digoxin-specific antibody Fab fragments. The theme of the domestic use of plants with medicinal effects has been treated and discussed.