Cyanosis and clubbing in a patient with iatrogenic Lutembacher syndrome

A patient with rheumatic mitral and aortic stenosis is describedin whom balloon dilatation of the mitral valve was complicatedby an iatrogenic atrial septal defect with a small left to rightshunt. Over the course of 4 years, the patient became progressivelycyanosed and clubbed and was found to have reversed the shuntacross the atrial septal defect due to the occurrence of severetricuspid stenosis. The tricuspid valve was successfully dilatedwith re-establishment of a net left to right shunt. This syndrome,the first of its kind, should be appropriately termed the reversedLutembacher syndrome.     

Esthetic Proportions versus Biologic Width Considerations: A Clinical Dilemma

Abstract: Combining harmonious proportions of final restorations with periodontal health and stability surrounding these restorations is a basic fundamental in esthetic dentistry. However, when one can adversely affect the other, a clinical dilemma arises. This article describes a case with unfavorable proportions that may be worsened due to an existing unfavorable preparation design. A simple approach for diagnosis and treatment of such a situation is presented.     

Mid-systolic Click and Echocardiographic Evidence of Mitral Valve Prolapse During Electrical Pacing

A mid-systolic click was present in a patient during three years of follow-up after implantation of a permanent transvenous pacemaker. Echocardiography revealed posterior motion of the anterior leaflet which resembled mitral valve prolapse. Both the click and echocardiographic evidence of prolapse disappeared simultaneously with resumption of sinus rhythm and during supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. With spontaneous change in the position of the electrode three years after initial implantation, both the click and the posterior motion of the mitral valve disappeared. The association of mitral valve prolapse with electrical pacing is most unusual and appears to have a distinct pathophysiological mechanism. (PACE, Vol. 4, November-December, 1981)     

The Use of the Balloon-Tipped Floating Catheter in Temporary Transvenous Cardiac Pacing

The effectiveness and safety of balloon-tipped, flow guided, electrodes for ventricular pacing as opposed to the fluoroscopy-guided semi-rigid bipolar electrodes have never been compared in a controlled study. A prospective study was therefore undertaken to compare both techniques in semi-elective and emergency procedures. Flow guided electrodes were inserted in 67 patients (group A) and semi-rigid electrodes in 44 patients (group B). The results of group A were judged to be superior to those of group B in four aspects: a) shorter time (6'45" vs. 13'30", p less than 0.0005); b) lower incidence of catheter displacement (13.4 vs. 32.0 percent, p less than 0.05); c) longer interval of time between implantation and catheter displacement (4.4 vs. 1.9 days, p less than 0.0005); d) lower incidence of serious ventricular arrhythmias during insertion (1.5 vs. 20.4 percent, p less than 0.005). Threshold at insertion was not significantly different (0.6 +/- 0.3 vs 0.7 +/- 0.2 milliampere). The superiority of flow-guided electrodes over fluoroscopy-guided electrodes persisted in the comparison of semielective insertions in groups A and B. We conclude that the flow-guided insertion technique is safer, more expeditious and more stable than the fluoroscopy-guided technique in semi-elective as well as in emergency insertions.     

Dismembered pyeloplasty in children: A review of 5 years single center experience

AIM: Dismembered pyeloplasty is the treatment of choice for significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. In the present study, we review our experience in 103 pediatric patients and present the clinical characteristics, the surgical treatment and its complications and the long term results. METHODS: We have reviewed the medical charts of 103 consecutive patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty in a 5-year period, from 1997 to 2002. Preoperative data, short- and long-term complications and outcome were recorded. Imaging studies included urinary tract sonography and dynamic renal scans, the results of which were compared pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Most of our patients were boys (81%), diagnosed prenatally (78%). We had no major complications and acceptable incidence of minor complications. Postoperative outcome was excellent, with decreased hydronephrosis (81%), improved renal drainage (87%) and preserved or improved renal function (89%). CONCLUSION: Dismembered pyeloplasty can be performed with a low incidence of minor complications, no major complications and excellent long-term outcome.     

Fifty Years of Interdisciplinary Site Development: Lessons and Guidelines from Periodontal Prosthesis

Abstract: Just as "osseointegration" became synonymous with successful restoration of function in the fully edentulous patient during the 1980s, the term "implant site development" has become intricately associated in the 1990s with the techniques used to achieve esthetic results with implants in the partially edentulous patient. This article explores the roots of the concept of site development within the philosophy and principles of periodontal prosthesis. In addition, the myriad of techniques that are presently collectively referred to as site development are systematically classified into a sequential four-tiered approach that optimizes their efficient application as well as overall success.