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Biomedical subjects

J Houel

Publications and source records attributed to J Houel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Cardiac hydatidosis. Review of recent literature and report of 15 cases].

In the context of a personal series of fifteen cases of hydatid cyst of the heart, the authors present a computerized review of the last one hundred cases published in the literature. The modern features of the disease are discussed together with its severity (mortality of 23.47% in 98 recent cases). Despite the considerable contribution of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a certain number of pejorative criteria appear to persist:delayed diagnosis, diagnostic error, acute pulmonary oedema and incomplete surgical cure.

Adolescent

[Results of cardiac surgery in patients over 70 years of age. Apropos of a retrospective study of 170 patients].

The ever increasing age of the general population and the frequency of coronary and aortic lesions in patients aged 70 or older make cardiac surgery in the elderly a topic of current interest. In a retrospective study of 170 cases the overall mortality rate was 14 p. 100 (4.7 p. 100 in 1986). During the past two years (1985 and 1986), the mortality rates in patients with coronary disease who underwent elective surgery were 10 p. 100 and 4 p. 100 respectively. Emergency surgery (left coronary trunk and unstable angina excluded) and associated operations on the heart made the prognosis worse with overall mortality rates of 13 p. 100 and 15 p. 100 respectively (9 p. 100 in 1985, 10 p. 100 in 1986). In aortic valve surgery, hospital mortality rates were 28 p. 100 in 1985 and 6 p. 100 in 1986. Post-operative morbidity was high (52 p. 100 of patients) and consisted mostly of respiratory and neurological complications (14.7 p. 100 and 9.4 p. 100 respectively of all patients). Only 4 p. 100 of the patients developed peri-operative myocardial infarction. Functional results were satisfactory in both coronary disease and heart valve disease patients. The survival rate at 4 years was 74.5 +/- 10 p. 100 globally and 87.3 +/- 9 p. 100 in coronary patients operated upon electively. Thus, the considerable advances in surgical techniques and post-operative intensive care achieved during the last few years have significantly improved the results obtained in this population.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged

[Disobstruction of the inferior vena cava under extracorporeal circulation].

An original technique used to remove obstructions of the inferior vena cava under cardiopulmonary bypass is described. This technique is indicated in pulmonary embolectomy or to dispose of a vena cava clot prolapsed into the right cardiac cavities. Through a rigid and blunt thoracic drain introduced via the right atrium, a Fogarthy venous catheter is pushed into the inferior vena cava, thus avoiding the risks of accidental passage into the supra-hepatic or renal veins and blockage in a thebesian valve. The catheter is inflated, then removed together with the drain, thereby freeing the caval lumen. The technique is reliable and reproducible, and it has proved very effective.

Catheterization

[Peculiar indications and results of the use of a blood cell saver apparatus in cardiac surgery].

Results are reported of the use of autotransfusion by means of the blood cell saver in a group of patients at high risk for hemorrhage in Heart Surgery Department. Methods employed are described, and results are discussed: these were encouraging both from the clinical and biological viewpoints. The cost benefits of this procedure are emphasized and technical perspectives outlined with respect to recovery of plasma and platelets.

Adult

[Symptomatology of hydatid cyst of the heart. Study of a continuous series of 13 cases and value of x-ray computed tomography].

Thirteen consecutive cases of cardiac hydatic cyst were studied. The cysts were usually multiple, predominantly left ventricular. There were two cases of rupture of left ventricular cysts with systemic embolism, and three ruptures of right ventricular cysts causing pulmonary embolism. The average age of the patients was 31 years: 12 patients lived in regions where hydatid disease was endemic. Other localisations of hydatic disease were found in 7 cases. Two patients were completely asymptomatic. Three patients presented with a tumoral syndrome. The presentation was atypical simulating coronary artery disease in 2 cases, valvular heart disease in 2 cases, pericarditis in 2 cases and bronchopneumonia in 3 cases. The electrocardiogramme showed sinus rhythm in all cases and changes of subepicardial ischaemia in 8 cases and acute cor pulmonale in 3 cases. Chest X-ray showed a localised deformation of the cardiac silhouette in 5 cases and calcification in 4 cases. Direct angiocardiographic signs were present in 2 out of 8 cases; usually there was an indirect image of endocavitary filling defect. The tumour was demonstrated by 2D echocardiography in the three most recent cases. The value of CAT was assessed in the last 2 cases: it was absolutely diagnostic in 1 case of septal localisation. The results were poor in the second case due to the presence of mitral calcification. Twelve patients underwent surgery; there were 3 deaths due to rupture and 1 death before surgery. The clinical presentation of cardiac hydatid disease is very variable and the diagnosis is difficult.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

[Resistant ventricular tachycardia caused by right ventricular dysplasia. A case of surgical recovery reported 6 years after intervention].

A 52 year old patient with no previous medical history had an attack of ventricular tachycardia, the configuration of which showed left sided delay. Electrical reduction was followed by multiple recurrences. There were ST-T wave changes over the right precordium on the basal ECG. The hydro-electrolytic equilibrium was normal. Coronary angiography and selective left ventricular cineangiography were also normal. Right angiocardiography showed an aneurysmal deformation of the pulmonary infundibulum. The recurrence of attacks over a two year period led to several hospital admissions, demonstrating the failure of antiarrhytmic therapy. The attacks became so frequent in the last three months that surgery was undertaken. Epicardial mapping showed delayed potentials over the pulmonary infundibulum and surgery consisted in resection of the abnormal infundibular zone. The macro- and microscopic pathological findings were of wall thinning and muscular degeneration with fibrosis and fatty infiltration. The authors discuss the relationship between right ventricular dysplasia and a localised form of Uhl's anomaly. Six years after surgery the patient has had no recurrence of the arrhythmia or shown signs of cardiac failure in the absence of any drug therapy.

Cardiomyopathies