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K Sasse

Publications and source records attributed to K Sasse.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

[MRI in postoperative assessment of univentricular heart disease: correlation with echocardiography and angiography].

PURPOSE: To determine the value of MRI in the postoperative evaluation of a singular ventricle compared to echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (range: 6 months to 30 years) with a functional single ventricle following palliative corrective operations. Five patients had a Blalock-Taussig-Shunt, 8 patients a Glenn-Anastomosis and 18 a cavopulmonary shunt (6 with classic Fontan-Circulation, 12 with modified cavopulmonary anastomosis). The results in terms of postoperative morphologic changes were compared to percutaneous echocardiography (31/31) and cardiac catheterization (6/31). RESULTS: Echocardiography, which was performed on all patients, could not visualize the entire length of the tunnel, the Glenn-Anastomosis or the central pulmonary arteries in 70 % of the patients due to an inadequate acoustic window. MRI was able to show the entire tunnel in 11/12 patients and the central pulmonary arteries in 30/31 patients. The exact anatomy was seen in all 6 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. CONCLUSION: MRI is useful in the postoperative evaluation of a functionally single ventricle. It is superior to echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization should be reserved for patients with inconclusive MRI findings.

Adolescent↗

Myocardial viability assessed by positron emission tomography in infants and children after the arterial switch operation and suspected infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess regional glucose metabolism and contractile function by gated positron emission tomography using fluoro-18-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) in pediatric patients after the arterial switch operation and suspected myocardial infarction. BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality after the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries are often related to impaired coronary function. Justification of high-risk revascularization procedure in infancy requires thorough evaluation of myocardial viability. Although PET is state-of-the-art for evaluation of myocardial viability in adults there are no reports on its impact and feasibility in infants and children. METHODS: We applied electrocardiogram-triggered FDG-PET for assessment of metabolic and functional status of the myocardium in seven infants and seven children. Glucose metabolism, wall motion and wall thickening were evaluated visually and quantitatively on the basis of parametric 3-D images. Additionally, single-photon emission computed tomography perfusion scan was performed in six children. RESULTS: In two of seven infants, FDG-PET demonstrated viable myocardium in akinetic or hypokinetic regions corresponding to a coronary artery stenosis or occlusion. Therefore, indication for revascularization was derived from this finding. In six of the seven children, impaired glucose uptake reflecting myocardial scarring was present. Two patients had pathological findings on coronary angiography and signs of ischemia but were not suitable for revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial viability and contractile function can be assessed simultaneously by gated FDG-PET even in infant hearts. This method contributes pertinent information to guide further therapy after the arterial switch operation and suspected myocardial infarction.

Adolescent↗

[Influence of different components of stored blood on the infectivity of Treponema pallidum (Nichols Strain) (author's transl)].

A factor with killing effect at 35 degrees C on Treponema pallidum is shown to be in normal human serum. The activity of this factor is increased by the stabiliser of stored blood.--In the presence of the stabiliser T. pallidum loses its infectivity in human serum at 4 degrees C within 10 hours. The mechanism of the reaction is explained.--Finally it is discussed whether these observations may be helpful in the prevention of transfusion syphilis.

Animals↗