Search

We report two cases of coronary-to-bronchial artery communication responsible for coronary steal. In both cases the anastomosis originated from the proximal circumflex artery and developed because of bronchiectasis. In both cases closure of the anastomosis was achieved successfully by embolization. To date, the patients remained free from symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsaponifiable part of avocado pear oil, after heating during extraction and processing, contains an abundant fraction that has never been found in the unsaponifiable part of usual vegetable oils nor in cold-pressed avocado oil. Nine components were detected. Eight of them could be identified through chromatographic fractionations and spectroscopic analysis, mainly by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. These products are characterized by a homogeneous structure. A furyl nucleus is substituted in position 2 by an aliphatic, mono- or polyunsaturated chain. The chainlength varies from 13 to 17 carbon atoms. The carbon number is always odd. The significance of these components in the biological effects of avocado oil unsaponifiables is still being studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the value of non-invasive clinical and Doppler echocardio-graphic findings, compared to cardiac catherization, in management decision-making for patients with left-sided valvular regurgitation. Methods One hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients with left-sided valvular regurgitation who underwent cardiac catherization and detailed Doppler echocardiography were prospectively studied. Two independent groups of experienced cardiologists, given clinical information combined with either Doppler echocardiographic or cardiac catherization data, decided to operate, not to operate, or remained uncertain. Results In 63 (81%) of 78 patients with mitral regurgitation, there was agreement on the decision for valve surgery or medical treatment between Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catherization. Valve repair was performed in 22 patients, which agreed with the echocardiographic decision. In the remaining 15 patients, although the severity and type of mitral valve lesions and left ventricular functional status were confirmed by Doppler echocardiography, the clinical decision was uncertain; additional information concerning coronary anatomy (13 patients) and pulmonary artery pressure (one patient) or both (one patient) was required. In 47 of 57 patients (82%) with aortic regurgitation, there was agreement on their management as a result of Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catheterization findings. In 10 patients, the clinical decision reached with the help of Doppler echocardiography alone was uncertain and coronary (seven patients), left ventricular (two patients) angiography or aortography (one patient) were requested. Overall, there were no conflicting clinical decisions made by the two methods in patients with either mitral or aortic regurgitation. Conclusions In every patient in whom it was considered that a decision could be reached by echocardiography alone (more than 80% of patients) there was l00% agreement from the cardiac catherization assessment group on the management decision. Therefore, in patients with significant mitral or aortic regurgitation where echocardiographic data is adequate, cardiac catherization can be safely omitted from the investigative process for surgery. Where echocardiographic indices are conflicting, or significant coronary artery disease is suspected, cardiac catherization is required. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]