Incremental Value of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Over Transesophageal Multiplane Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Cardiac Masses and Defects

In the present study, we compared three-dimensionally (3-D) reconstructed images with multiplane two-dimensional (2-D) transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) images in 17 patients with various cardiac masses and defects. To overcome the problem of making measurements from 3-D reconstructed images, we carefully "dissected" the 3-D dataset using paraplane and anyplane 2-D sections, which were then used to obtain the maximum sizes of the cardiac masses and defects. Of the 15 vegetations and 9 abscesses detected by 3-D TEE in 7 patients, only 8 (53%) vegetations and 4 (44%) abscesses were detected by multiplane 2-D TEE (P < 0.02). Also, the exact anatomical location, shape, geometry, and extent of various cardiac masses and defects were more clearly delineated by 3-D than 2-D TEE. The maximum dimensions of cardiac masses and defects were larger by 3-D than by 2-D TEE in 17 (89%) of the 19 lesions available for comparison (P < 0.002). In addition, 3-D TEE correlated more closely than 2-D TEE when compared to surgical measurements in three patients in whom they were available. Thus, it would appear that in several instances, the exact size of the cardiac lesion could only be assessed by analysis of the 3-D volumetric dataset. Out preliminary study has demonstrated the superiority of transesophageal 3-D reconstruction over multiplane 2-D TEE in both qualitative and quantitative assessment of various cardiac mass lesions and pathological defects.     

Left ventricular fibroma in an aged patient: Report of a case

We report herein the case of a 77-year-old man with a left ventricular tumor originating from the papillary muscle of the left ventricular wall, in whom a successful tumor resection with mitral valve replacement was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was confirmed as cardiac fibroma. His postoperative course was uneventful and he is currently well with no signs of recurrence 2 years after surgery.     

Isoflurane for removal of chest drains after cardiac surgery

Thirty-five patients who had undergone uncomplicated cardiac surgery were randomly allocated to receive either Entonox or isoflurane 0.25% in Entonox as inhalational analgesia for the removal of their two chest drains. The gases were presented premixed in high-pressure cylinders and were self-administered by means of a demand valve. The removal of the second drain was more painful than the first but that pain was better controlled by isoflurane 0.25% in Entonox than by Entonox alone.     

肌钙蛋白T在诊断急性心肌梗死中的应用

采用肌钙蛋白Ｔ半定量试纸条检测急性心肌梗死１６例，心绞痛１３例，以２０例健康体检者为对照组。结果显示，ＡＭＩ组阳性反应１５例，心绞组仅１例阳性，对照组均为阴性，结果提示，ＴｎＴ半定量试纸条检测法在ＡＭＩ诊断中，敏感性和特异性较高，方法简便方便，尤其适用于急诊室，内科监护病房及基层医院使用。     

Abdominal Pumping

This article reviews the author's experience with a form of interposed abdominal compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (IAC-CPR) in the United Kingdom. The development of the technique based upon animal resuscitation, including the use of phasic compression (abdominal pumping) for the resuscitation of rats from 30 minutes of cardiac arrest due to hypothermia, is reviewed. A simple technique for clinical use is described. The technique uses a hard-covered book or bean-shaped board applied to the abdomen below the umbilicus and compressed alternately with cardiac massage while respiration is assisted. Anecdotal clinical results suggest that further controlled clinical investigation is warranted.     

Plant cardiac glycosides and digoxin Fab antibody

The potential application of the Digoxin Fab antibody (Wellcome Digibind) in the clinical management of plant poisoning was investigated. The cardiac glycoside contents of various Australian plants were studied using immunoassay techniques. The cross-reactions of the Fab antibody and two digoxin assay antibodies against extracts of these plants were also studied. Results obtained indicated that the Digibind antibody cross-reacted with a wide range of glycosides contained in Australian plants and therefore could be of use in the treatment of life-threatening plant poisoning.     

抗菌处理对猪肺动脉瓣膜细胞活性及组织结构的影响

目的 探讨抗菌处理对肺动脉瓣膜细胞活性和组织结构的影响因素及优化同种瓣膜的制备方法。方法 3组猪肺动脉瓣叶(n=6)浸泡在含抗生素的DMEM液中，在不同温度下孵育6h或24h。然后通过XTT比色法测定瓣膜细胞活性，用免疫组织化学荧光染色检测瓣膜细胞和细胞外基质，并行光镜观察。结果 抗菌时间为24h，37℃抗菌组与4℃抗菌组的瓣膜细胞活性与瓣膜组织结构无明显区别。抗菌6h组的瓣膜细胞活性与瓣膜组织结构明显优于抗菌24h组。结论 抗菌时间为24h时，抗菌温度对瓣膜细胞活性及结构完整性无明显影响。抗菌时间缩短至6h，有利于瓣膜细胞活性与结构完整性的保持。     

平板式全数字心血管造影机在周围血管及非血管介入中的应用

目的 :评价平板式全数字心血管造影机在周围血管及非血管介入中的应用价值。方法 :对平板探测器(FPDD)X线成像与影像增强器 电视 (IITV)X线成像在动态范围、成像均匀性、对比度线性、对比分辨率等图像质量指标的检测及比较。随机选择上述两机型在周围血管及非血管介入诊疗病例图像资料各 6 0例 ,由三名高年资医师对其图像质量进行综合评价 ,记录评价结果 ,并进行比较。结果 :FPDD成像在动态范围、成像均匀性、对比度线性、对比分辨率等图像质量指标均优于IITV成像 ;在人体各部位周围血管及非血管介入诊疗中的图像综合评价结果也优于IITV成像。结论 :平板式全数字化心血管造影机不仅适用于心血管介入 ,同时能满足全身各部位周围血管及非血管介入诊疗的需要。