Life Change Events,Ballistocardiography and Coronary Death

Abstract

Thirty-six men and women who experienced a documented myocardial infarction, half of whom ultimately died from their disease and half of whom survived over a six-year period, provided longitudinal recent life changes and ballistocardiographic data. The 18 patients who died from their coronary disease indicated a significant buildup in life changes which peaked approximately one year prior to death; their serial ballistocardiograms indicated a significant buildup in average force of contraction which was seen to peak approximately six months prior to death. The 18 post-infarction patients who survived the six-year follow-up showed neither a buildup in life change nor a buildup in the ballistocardiographic index of cardiac contraction force. These findings of a life change peak preceding ballistocardiographic evidence of an “overworked” heart are discussed in terms of their possible medical and psychophysiological significances.     

Elongated Styloid Process (Eagle''s Syndrome) Causing Hemicrania

SYNOPSIS
Hemifacial pain and hemicrania can be caused by an elongated styloid process (Eagle's syndrome). This entity is reviewed historically with six case histories and x–rays presented. The etiology of the symptom complex is unclear, but possible mechanisms such as cranial nerve pressure and carotid sympathetic nerve involvement are discussed. Specific treatment is surgical removal of the tip of the styloid process.     

Unusual electrocardiographic evidence of metastatic cardiac tumor resembling atrial infarction

A case of metastatic carcinoma of the left atrium is described. The correct antemortem diagnosis was made on the basis of electrocardiographic changes resembling atrial infarction. These included deformed P waves, deviation of the P-Ta segments and atrial arrhythmias.     

Proctitis following fecal diversion

Nonspecific colitis, histologically similar to ulcerative colitis, may be seen in the defunctionalized colon of patients who have undergone fecal diversion for indications other than inflammatory bowel disease. Little is known about this entity, which may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications in any patient who undergoes fecal diversion. A case of symptomatic diversion colitis is presented. A review of the records of all patients who underwent fecal diversion in our hospital between 1978 and 1983 yielded one additional patient with asymptomatic colitis in the defunctionalized rectum. Further review of the literature produced only two articles pertaining to diversion colitis, underscoring the lack of recognition of this entity in this group of patients.     

TRICHO-RHINO-PHALANGEAL SYNDROME

The major characteristics of tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) include shortened and deviated digits, a typical facies with a pear-shaped nose, a long philtrum and slow-growing, fine, sparse hair. Cone-shaped digital epiphyses are seen on x-ray. A few patients with TRPS are mentally retarded. Associated endocrine abnormalities have been reported. Autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance have been described with most cases showing a dominant mode of inheritance.