Gastrobronchial fistula--a recent series.

Gastrobronchial fistula is a very rare condition with only 27 reported cases. Previous gastro-oesophageal surgery, subphrenic abscess, and gastric ulcers are the most commonly reported causes. We are reporting two recent cases of gastrobronchial fistula that presented to us.

Interleukin-4 C-590T polymorphism has no role in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Interleukin-4 exerts anti-inflammatory effects through decreased macrophage production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta. We investigated genetic predisposition in the interleukin-4 response to coronary revascularization and studied the association between C-590T polymorphism, interleukin-4 levels, and outcome of surgery. DNA was obtained from 96 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary revascularization.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha influences the inflammatory response after coronary surgery.

Background: A systemic inflammatory response is not uncommonly observed after coronary revascularization. Tumor necrosis factor alpha is one of a number of modulators of this response. A functional polymorphism within the TNFalpha gene at position G-308A has been associated with increased TNFalpha levels.

Psoriasis-induced postoperative cardiac failure.

Erythroderma-induced cardiogenic shock is a rare but known manifestation of erythrodermic psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis is an aggressive form of the disease and can be precipitated by numerous factors including stress to the body. In this article we present a case of persistent severe vasodilatation after coronary artery bypass surgery that required prolonged epinephrine administration.