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Biomedical subjects

Paolo Angelini

Publications and source records attributed to Paolo Angelini.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Coronary arteries in crisscross heart.

Crisscross heart, or superoinferior ventricles, is a complex and often confusing congenital anomaly. We report a heretofore unreported presentation of "isolated" crisscross heart in situs inversus levocardia, which allows us to more clearly define the typical features of crisscross ventricles. The case of this 41-year-old woman, who had a peculiar coronary anatomy, underscores the concept that coronary artery anatomy is strictly related to the myocardial mass served. In complex congenital heart defects, development of an anterior descending artery is possible (as a primary artery, along with the circumflex and right coronary arteries) only if the ventricular septum develops properly and is aligned with the semilunar valves. We use the present case of crisscross heart to illustrate the spectrum of anomalies that can occur during formation of the cardiac apex; this spectrum ranges from a normal apex, to a diverted apex (as in dextroversion in situs solitus), to a crisscross anomaly.

Adult↗

Coronary artery anomalies--current clinical issues: definitions, classification, incidence, clinical relevance, and treatment guidelines.

The study of coronary artery anomalies would benefit from the clarification of various fundamental issues, including the definitions, classification, incidence, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and clinical relevance of each anomaly. The greatest challenge is to identify the abnormality and determine its clinical relevance so that appropriate treatment can be instituted. Currently, the coronary anatomy is essentially defined by the features of the (conductive) epicardial coronary tree and its dependent territory. Therefore, one must consider all the possible and observed variations in anatomic features that are used to describe the coronary arteries. We propose that the left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries be considered the essential elementary units of coronary anatomy. We also suggest that the coronary arteries be defined not by their origin or proximal course, but by their intermediate and distal segments or dependent microvascular bed. A strict classification system is necessary before meaningful data can be gathered about the incidence of coronary anomalies. With respect to clinical relevance, the greatest challenge is presented by anomalies that only occasionally cause critically severe clinical events and are otherwise compatible with a normal life. In such cases, it is not known whether the specific features of a given anomaly cause adverse clinical consequences, or whether additional episodic factors are required. To correlate subclassifiable anatomic and functional features with clinical events and prognoses, a large, multicenter database, relying on prospective, coordinated protocols, is urgently needed. In the absence of established official guidelines, we present practical protocols for diagnosing and treating coronary anomalies.

Coronary Angiography↗

Can stent-angioplasty be a valid alternative to surgery when revascularization is indicated for anomalous origination of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus?

When intervention is indicated for anomalous origination of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus, stent-angioplasty may seem more attractive than coronary artery bypass grafting. However, in the case of anomalous origination of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus, the anatomy is quite different from that encountered in atherosclerotic disease, and stent-angioplasty would involve unusual challenges, both in technique and prognostic outcomes. We illustrate these points by presenting the 2 first cases in which intervention was indicated because of severe symptoms. We conclude from this preliminary study that coronary artery bypass grafting should still be considered the preferred (although unproven) method of revascularization in patients who have symptomatic anomalous origination of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus. Until adequate data have been gathered to evaluate the late results of stent-angioplasty in these patients (in comparison with the results of surgical and medical treatment), the procedure should be performed only in selected patients, enrolled in prospective, controlled studies.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Congenital coronary artery-cardiac chamber fistulae: Report of two cases.

Two cases of coronary arteriovenous fistulae are reported. In the first case, the right coronary artery (RCA) drained into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the distal RCA filled through a branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery. In the second case, the RCA drained into the right atrium and filled through a branch of the left circumflex artery. The fistulae were closed with subcoronary mattress sutures that preserved the continuity of the native circulation.

Journal Article↗

Variations in coronary artery anatomy: Normal versus abnormal.

We offer a comprehensive classification of coronary artery anomalies, together with angiographic examples of each entity. Minimal requirements for normality include the following criteria: (1) the dual aortic origin is from right and left coronary ostia; (2) the course of the right coronary artery follows the right atrioventricular groove; (3) the course of the left coronary artery follows the left atrioventricular groove and anterior interventricular groove; (4) the posterior descending branch originates from either the right or left coronary artery; (5) the major coronary branches flow epicardially; and (6) the coronary arteries terminate at the myocardial capillary level. This conception of "normal" coronary arteries has determined the classification of abnormalities presented here. Early and correct diagnosis of anomalies that may compromise the myocardial blood supply is stressed, and possible surgical solutions are offered. Selective coronary angiography is the technique of choice for precise visualization of the coronary artery system.

Journal Article↗

Cervical aortic arch with mediocystic necrosis.

The case of a 21-year-old woman with symptomatic cervical aortic arch is discussed. Rapid enlargement of an aneurysm at the level of the abnormal arch caused symptoms that prompted the patient to undergo angiographic diagnosis and surgical repair. Histologic examination of the aneurysm revealed mediocystic necrosis, which contributed to the malignant course of the congenital disease. Successful repair was accomplished without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Journal Article↗

OBLITERATIVE RESTRICTIVE ENDOMYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS: A SURGICAL APPROACH.

Restrictive cardiomyopathies have been variously classified and interpreted. Although their etiologic and anatomic features may vary, their common denominator is indicated by restrictive hemodynamic behavior of either the left or right ventricle or both. This report describes a case in which such restriction was caused by obliterative endomyocardial fibrosis of unknown etiology. Because of significant symptomatology, including congestive failure and syncope, the patient underwent surgical excision of the endomyocardial overgrowth.

Journal Article↗

SUCCESSFUL CLOSURE OF POST-TRAUMATIC CAROTID-JUGULAR ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA COMPLICATED BY CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AND CEREBROVASCULAR INSUFFICIENCY.

This report describes a patient who received a traumatic injury of the neck 28 years prior to admission to this institution. He had required multiple hospitalizations, along with medications for congestive heart failure. After ligation of a large arteriovenous fistula and replacement of a 3 cm segment of the left common carotid artery with an 8 mm double-velour graft, the patient was greatly improved.

Journal Article↗