Clinical cardiology
-
Clinical cardiology · Mar 1995
ReviewPathology of tricuspid valve stenosis and pure tricuspid regurgitation--Part II.
This three-part article examines the histologic and morphologic basis for stenotic and purely regurgitant tricuspid valves. In Part I, conditions producing tricuspid valve stenosis were reviewed. ⋯ In contrast to the relatively few causes of tricuspid stenosis, the causes of pure (no element of stenosis) tricuspid regurgitation are multiple. Some of the conditions producing pure regurgitation include floppy tricuspid valves, infective endocarditis, papillary muscle dysfunction, rheumatic disease, and Ebstein's anomaly.
-
Clinical cardiology · Feb 1995
ReviewPathology of tricuspid valve stenosis and pure tricuspid regurgitation--Part I.
This three-part article examines the histologic and morphologic basis for stenotic and purely regurgitant tricuspid valves. In Part I, conditions producing tricuspid valve stenosis are reviewed. ⋯ In isolated tricuspid stenosis, the etiology is either carcinoid or congenital. Rare causes of tricuspid stenosis include active infective endocarditis, metabolic or enzymatic abnormalities (Fabry's, Whipple's disease), and giant blood cysts.
-
Clinical cardiology · Sep 1994
ReviewShould every patient with atrial fibrillation have the rhythm converted to sinus rhythm?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common atrial tachyarrhythmia. Consideration for the potential conversion of atrial fibrillation and the subsequent maintenance of sinus rhythm may be related to underlying pathology. Typically, extra cardiac factors such as thyroid hyperactivity help to determine initial therapy. ⋯ Both antiarrhythmic drug therapy and electric cardioversion are useful for restoration of sinus rhythm in both acute and chronic atrial fibrillation. The most important negative aspect of drug conversion of atrial fibrillation may be the potential development of a proarrhythmic drug effect. Although controversial, conversion (medical or electrical) is probably indicated in every patient with the first episode of persistent atrial fibrillation, even if the patient is asymptomatic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
-
Clinical cardiology · Feb 1992
Review Case ReportsDocumentation of successful treatment of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis with intravenous urokinase infusion for twenty-four hours.
Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a life-threatening situation requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment has usually been surgical and has been associated with a high mortality. Thrombolytic therapy is a therapeutic alternative to surgery and has been successful in a number of cases. This report concerns the technique used to diagnose the condition, treatment strategy, and documentation of the results of therapy.
-
Clinical cardiology · Jun 1990
ReviewBiophysical and anatomical considerations for safe and efficacious catheter ablation of arrhythmias.
The development of catheter ablation techniques for therapy of cardiac arrhythmias continues to evolve. Although many patients have benefited from catheter ablation procedures, failure to ablate the arrhythmogenic substrate and complications from the pulse used in these procedures remain too frequent occurrences. The purpose of this review is to focus on these problems of inefficacy and safety with attention directed to the role various direct current and radiofrequency pulses have had in the genesis of these difficulties.