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Biomedical subjects

A Reale

Publications and source records attributed to A Reale.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

[Primary pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective study of 13 patients].

Twenty-four patients (9M and 15F, mean age 28 years) with primary pulmonary hypertension underwent cardiac catheterization in our institution from 1955 to 1989. The prevalence of the disease in our population was lower (0.2%) than that reported by other Authors (1%). Thirteen of these patients (4 M and 9 F, mean age 32 years) evaluated between January 1979 and December 1989, were followed. Five were alive after 52 +/- 30 months (Group A) while 8 died after 11 +/- 9 months (Group B). In Group B mean pulmonary pressure was significantly higher than in Group A (66.7 +/- 17.2 vs 41.2 +/- 19.0 mmHg, p less than 0.05, respectively). Cardiac index and systolic volume index were lower in Group B than in Group A (2.07 +/- 0.85 vs 3.72 +/- 1.32 l/min/m2, p less than 0.01 and 24.43 +/- 10.25 vs 41.08 +/- 16.97 ml/m2, p less than 0.05, respectively). Pulmonary resistance index and systemic resistance index were higher in Group B than in Group A (3039 +/- 1519 vs 1181 +/- 1236 dyne x s x cm-5/m2, p less than 0.01; 4277 +/- 1794 vs 2309 +/- 1238 dyne x s x cm-5/m2, p less than 0.01). One patient underwent repeated cardiac catheterization after 2 years. This patient showed a deterioration of the hemodynamic parameters, consistent with the worsening of the clinical conditions. In conclusion, in our population of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, an increase in pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary resistances, as well as a decrease in cardiac index, are associated with a reduced life expectancy. On the other hand, right atrial pressure does not affect mortality.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis of ischemic heart disease with simultaneous radioisotope evaluation of regional myocardial function perfusion and an exercise test].

The recently developed myocardial agent methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI), labelled to 99mTc, allows one to evaluate global and regional ventricular function as well as myocardial perfusion by means of a single exercise stress test, significantly increasing diagnostic accuracy for coronary artery disease. Between September 1988 and March 1989, 407 patients with either suspected or already ascertained coronary artery disease underwent simultaneous assessment of regional ventricular function with first pass radionuclide angiography, and of myocardial perfusion with single photon emission computerized tomography, by means of 2 injections of 99mTc-MIBI at rest and at peak of the same exercise test. Out of these patients, 56 (52 men and 4 women, whose mean age was 57 +/- 7 years) underwent coronary angiography within 6 months of radionuclide examination and were included in the study. There were 13 1-vessel, 26 2-vessel and 17 3-vessel disease patients. Thirty-six of them had had a previous (greater than 6 months old) myocardial infarction, on the anterior wall in 16 patients, on the inferior wall in 20. In all patients a computerized bicycle stress test was performed; interruption criteria were ST segment depression greater than or equal to 1 mm in 27 patients (48%), the achievement of a heart rate greater than 85% of maximal age-predicted heart rate in 12 patients (22%) and fatigue in 17 patients (30%). Scintigraphic results were compared to angiographic findings: global sensitivity and specificity of the simultaneous evaluation were 82% and 81%, respectively, vs 95% and 56% of functional results and 85% and 71% of perfusion results, respectively. Regional analysis was also performed, by dividing scintigraphic images into the territories supplied by the 3 main coronary vessels, i.e., left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCx) and posterior descending artery (PD). On LAD territory the simultaneous evaluation achieved a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 63%, vs 98% and 38% of functional analysis and 88% and 50% of perfusional analysis, respectively. On LCx territory sensitivity and specificity were respectively 71% and 96%, vs 91% and 64% of function, and 77% and 96% of perfusion alone. On PD territory sensitivity was 85%, vs 94% and 91%, respectively; specificity was 73%, vs 55% and 55%, respectively. Combined functional and perfusional analysis achieved a 68% sensitivity in identifying less than or equal to 75% coronary narrowings, and a 90% sensitivity for greater than 90% narrowings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1990

[Winging effect in interatrial defect after transseptal mitral valvuloplasty: an anatomical study].

In the balloon catheters the redundancy of the deflated balloon produces 2 or 3 sort of thin wings. The presence of wings can reduce the catheter "pushability" or, in certain conditions, can determine tissue lesion (winging effect). Simulating a transeptal valvuloplasty of the mitral valve by technique of the 2 balloon in human fresh heart, we studied the winging effect over the interatrial septum in 12 hearts; in the first 6 the atrial septum was dilated with a 6 mm balloon (Group A), in the second 6 the atrial septum was dilated with a 10 mm balloon (Group B). The procedure was completed introducing consecutively 2 bigger balloons (15 + 20 mm). We suppose that the winging effect of the 2 bigger balloons (15 + 20 mm) could counter balance the theoretical advantage of a small balloon (6 mm). The atrial septal defect (ASD) after septal dilatation was 5.0 +/- 0.59 mm x 1.56 +/- 0.25 mm (long axis x short axis) in Group A and 6.53 +/- 0.35 x 2.16 +/- 0.39 mm in Group B (p less than 0.01). The final ASD (after introducing the 2 bigger balloons) was 7.04 +/- 1.06 x 2.36 +/- 0.57 mm in Group A and 7.03 +/- 0.18 x 2.16 +/- 0.32 mm in Group B (NS). Our data show that the winging effect can determine biological negative effects.

Catheterization↗
PubMed1990

[Changes in R wave voltage during exercise: are they a sign of changes in ventricular volume or of myocardial ischemia?].

In an attempt to assess the significance of R wave amplitude changes during exercise in patients with coronary artery disease, we retrospectively analysed radionuclide as well as exercise test results of 147 patients with either suspected or already ascertained coronary artery disease, 126 men and 21 women, whose mean age was 56.0 +/- 9.3 years, 56 of which with previous myocardial infarction (16 on the anterior, 33 on the inferior and 7 on the lateral wall), who underwent a simultaneous evaluation of regional ventricular function by means of first pass angiography with multielement gamma-camera and of myocardial perfusion by means of single photon emission computerized tomography. All patients received 2 iv injections of 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile at rest and at peak of a computerized bicycle stress test, whose end-points were ST segment depression greater than or equal to 1 mm or the attainment of a heart rate greater than 85% of maximal age-predicted one. R wave amplitude was measured by means of a magnifying lens on an averaged ECG complex, selecting for each patient the precordial lead showing the largest R wave amplitude. Absolute values of left ventricular volumes were computed by means of a standardized method from first pass angiography data. Patients were divided in subgroups according to the presence and to the number of coronary territories with evidence of stress-induced myocardial ischemia at radionuclide study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Fulguration of the bundle of His. Description of 3 new cases].

With the purpose to call attention to the clinical utility of fulguration of the His bundle (a therapeutic procedure somewhat neglected in Italy) 3 new cases are presented. All patients had a long history of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to conventional treatment. Patients 1 and 2, in whom surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot and mitral valve replacement, respectively, had been performed several years before, had chronic atrial tachycardia with congestive heart failure. Patient 3 suffered from persistent atrial flutter, in the absence of demonstrable organic heart disease. Three shocks of 320 J were necessary to induce complete AV block in patient 1 and 2. In patient 3, a single discharge (320 J) resulted in interruption of AV conduction. Twenty-four hours after the procedure, a rate-responsive ventricular pacemaker was implanted in all patients. The success of the procedure was confirmed 3 months later, during transitory pacemaker inhibition. Patients 1 and 3 exhibited atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter, respectively, but complete AV block was still present, with junctional escape rhythm at a rate of 40 and 45 b/min; in patient 2 atrial tachycardia with high degree AV block, and a mean ventricular rate of 75 b/min, were observed. Refinement of transcatheter ablative techniques is desirable. However, even in the present status, catheter ablation of the His bundle is an effective, low-risk procedure for patients with refractory supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Determinants of end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a multivariate analysis of 104 patients.

Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation of clinical, electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and histopathologic features at diagnosis with the long-term prognosis in 104 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy to determine which factors are the independent determinants of the end-stage disease. During a mean follow-up of 3.8 +/- 3.5 years, 35 patients (33%) died, 14 (13%) suddenly and 21 (20%) from congestive heart failure. Univariate analysis of survival curves disclosed that clinical and electrocardiographic variables at diagnosis were similar in survivors and non-survivors. On the contrary, patients who subsequently died had higher mean right atrial pressure (p = 0.0001), right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (p = 0.0061), mean pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.0001), and left ventricular systolic (p = 0.0049) and end-diastolic (p = 0.0021) pressure than survivors. They also exhibited larger left ventricular end-diastolic (p = 0.0046) and end-systolic (p = 0.0027) volumes, lower ejection fraction (p = 0.0001), and a greater proportion had severe mitral regurgitation (p = 0.0095). Univariate analysis of histologic findings collected in a subgroup of patients referred since 1984 revealed a mild degree of myocellular hypertrophy to be associated with a poor prognosis (p = 0.0217). Multivariate analysis selected only mean right atrial pressure (p = 0.0022), ejection fraction (p = 0.0089), and end-systolic volume (p = 0.0265) as independent determinants of cardiac death. Our results suggest that cardiac catheterization is mandatory for risk stratification of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, since it allows the assessment of hemodynamic, angiographic, and histopathologic features helpful in identifying patients with a poor prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Postaxial acrofacial dysostosis or Miller syndrome. A case report.

A case of postaxial acrofacial dysostosis (Miller syndrome) is presented. This rare syndrome is essentially characterized by a Treacher-Collins-like facial appearance together with absence of the fifth digital ray of all limbs and variable forearm hypoplasia.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1989

[Validity of some electrocardiographic criteria in left ventricular hypertrophy].

The aim of the study was the assessment of the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of some ECG criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Left ventricular mass (LVM) measured on the M-mode echogram of the left ventricle was the reference standard. Ninety-four (94) unselected, consecutive clinical patients (34 women, 60 men, average age 47 years) underwent in the same day, ECG and echocardiogram. Exclusion criteria were the presence of ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The ECG tracings were interpreted independently by 2 investigators following 5 independent criteria of LVH: 1) Sokolow-Lyon voltage criterion (SL); 2) a modified Romhilt-Estes point score (REM); 3) left atrial abnormality (LAA); 4) left ventricular strain; 5) a new voltage criterion RaVL + SV3 corrected by sex and age. The left ventricular M-mode echograms were recorded using a left parasternal approach and were interpreted independently by 2 investigators. LVM was measured using the "Penn convention" and taking the R wave peak as end-diastole. The prevalence of LVH (= LVM 215 g) in the study population was 47%. The following results were achieved (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy): SL: 68.2%, 84%, 76.6%; REM: 63.6%, 90%, 77.7%: LAA: 36.4%, 84%, 61.7%; strain 52.3%, 72%, 62.8%; RaVL + SV3: 54.5%, 82%, 69.1%. Our data suggest: 1) the high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of Romhilt-Estes point score are confirmed; 2) the sensitivity of Sokolow-Lyon voltage criterion is reevaluated; 3) the most sensitive morphological criterion seems to be the left ventricular strain; 4) a new voltage criterion could be useful.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Electrophysiologic significance of the electric alternans in supraventricular tachycardia].

To investigate the electrophysiologic significance of QRS alternans during narrow QRS tachycardia, transesophageal atrial pacing and recording was performed in 24 patients with a history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Standard electrocardiograms (ECG) showed ventricular preexcitation in 15 patients and normal QRS pattern in 9. The ventriculo-atrial interval during tachycardia, as defined by means of transesophageal electrogram, allowed tentative diagnosis of the tachycardia mechanism. A 12-lead ECG was recorded either during spontaneous or induced tachycardia, as well as during transesophageal atrial pacing at increasing rates. Electrical alternans occurred spontaneously in 8 patients (33%, Group A): 5 with accessory pathway reentry (mean VA: 136 +/- 43 ms), 3 with intranodal reentry (mean VA: 48.3 +/- 43 ms). Tachycardia rate ranged between 170 and 230 b/min (mean 200.7 +/- 16). In 2 patients alternation of the QRS occurred only in the presence of a heart rate exceeding 180 and 190 b/min, respectively. The amplitude of QRS remained stable during tachycardia in 16 patients (67%, Group B): 14 with accessory pathway reentry (mean VA: 137.5 +/- 32 ms), 2 with intranodal reentry (mean VA: 45 +/- 7 ms). In this group, the tachycardia rate ranged from 150 to 210 b/min (mean 175 +/- 12). Incremental transesophageal atrial pacing up to rates equal to that of tachycardia was performed in 5 patients of Group A and in 8 of Group B. Electrical alternans could not be induced in both groups with pacing at progressively increasing rates. In contrast, the phenomenon was elicited in 2 patients of Group A when an abrupt pacing at the same rate that had showed the spontaneous occurrence of QRS alternans was instituted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Asymptomatic pre-excitation. Identification of potential risk using transesophageal pacing].

Noninvasive assessment of the conducting capability of the accessory pathway (AP) in asymptomatic patients with a preexcitation ECG pattern is desirable, since life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden death may be the first manifestation of the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. To investigate whether in patients with preexcitation ECG pattern the absence of clinical arrhythmias excludes the potential for rapid ventricular responses, transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) was performed in 11 subjects (9 male, 2 female), aged 5 to 43 years. The extrastimulus technique was used in order to define the refractory periods and in the attempt to induce reciprocating tachycardia. Incremental TAP up to the occurrence of block in the AP was instituted, and attempts to induce atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid burst pacing were made. One to one atrioventricular conduction over the AP at progressively increased cycle lengths (CLs), and the shortest R-R interval between pre-excited beats during induced AF were evaluated. The following findings were considered predictors of potential life-threatening arrhythmias: 1) anterograde refractory period of the AP equal to or shorter than 250 ms; 2) one to one AP conduction at CLs shorter than 300 ms; 3) shortest R-R interval, during induced AF, less than 250 ms. Sustained reciprocating tachycardia could not be induced in all patients in spite of the use of the use of an aggressive stimulation protocol. The anterograde refractory period of the AP could not be defined in 9 patients. In the remaining 2 this parameter was longer than 250 ms. In 8 patients (72%), the shortest CL maintaining 1:1 AP conduction ranged from 220 to 280 ms (mean 253 +/- 19).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Quantitation of renal blood flow by contrast ultrasonography: preliminary results.

Contrast ultrasonography, employing tracers behaving like red blood cells, is a promising technique to study regional blood flow distribution. Aim of this note is to quantitate renal blood flow in the dog using contrast ultrasonography. Mathematical formulae derived from the classical dye-dilution theory are applied. Ten different renal blood flow levels (ranging from 16 to 125 ml/min) were obtained by means of mechanical (stenosis and reperfusion) and pharmacological interventions (iv infusion of adrenaline, noradrenaline and fenoldopam). Renal blood flow was measured by electromagnetic flow-meter and contemporary calculated by contrast ultrasonography. The correlation coefficient between measured and calculated flow was 0.92 (p less than 0.01). Contrast ultrasonography is a technique capable of measuring renal blood flow at a wide range of different flow levels.

Albumins↗