Cardiac transplantation

Beginning with experimental studies in 1905, cardiac transplantation has progressed, with notable advancements in 1967 to 1968, to be a proven therapeutic modality for patients with end-stage heart disease. The Texas Heart Institute, one of the major heart transplant clinics in the world, re-established its heart transplant program in 1981 using the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Since then (as of July 17, 1985), 74 transplant operations have been performed there with particular care to the details of donor selection, patient management, surgical procedure, and postoperative care.     

Levotransposition of the aorta: identification of segmental cardiac anatomy using MR imaging

Several reports have shown that high-quality magnetic resonance (MR) images can be obtained in patients with congenital heart disease. However, little attention has been paid to the segmental analysis of cardiac MR images. The authors believe that this approach is essential in the evaluation of complex congenital cardiac abnormalities. The segmental approach is based on the morphologic identification of the different cardiac compartments and the type of connection among these compartments. The authors applied the basic principles of the segmental approach to the interpretation of MR images obtained in a group of patients with levotransposition of the aorta. Results indicate that this logical step-by-step method can be used to advantage in the accurate analysis of MR images obtained in patients with complex congenital cardiac disease. In this report, the authors discuss the results obtained when the segmental approach is used to interpret cardiac MR images.     

Metrizamide computed tomography cisternography: pediatric applications

The methodology and clinical use of metrizamide (Amipaque) computed tomography (CT) cisternography are described as applied in the cases of 22 children with morphologic and physiologic abnormalities affecting the cranial portion portion of the central nervous system. In contrast to pneumoencephalography, CT cisternography affords equivalent or superior visualization of the basal cranal subarachnoid spaces with simpler technique and low morbidity. Intrathecal metrizamide enchancement in children causes a very low incidence of side effects.