Ventricular septal deffect and aortic imcompetence: clinical and haemodynamic study of 12 cases.

The incidence of aortic incompetence complicating ventricular septal defect has been estimated as varying from 2-5% (Glasser et alii, 1972) to 5% (Nadas et alii, 1964). Although numerous publications have appeared describing the clinical, pathological and surgical aspects of this syndrome in different parts of the world, documentation of its occurrence in Asian patients has been rare except for reports from Japan (Tatsuno et alii, 1973; Mizuno and Saegusa, 1967). This paper describes our experience of 12 cases collected over 10 years.

Stokes-Adams attacks due to acute nonspecific myocarditis.

Ten patients, all below 30 years of age (8 females and 2 males) developed Stokes-Adams attacks from complete heart block due to acute nonspecific myocarditis. Coexisting thyrotoxicosis was present in two patients and cardiogenic shock was seen in four. Temporary transvenous pacing was instituted in all but one patient.

Ruptured aneurysms of the aortic sinus of Valsalva.

Aneurysms of the aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV) are uncommon. This study describes eight cases of ruptured aneurysms of the congenital variety observed over a 10-year period in Singapore. Although ASV is classically diagnosed at the time of rupture, only one patient in this series presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea.

Cardiac tamponade due to leukaemic pericardial effusion.

, , 657-659. A 19-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to hospital with cardiac tamponade. Pericardial fluid analysis and other investigations failed to reveal a cause of the pericardial effusion and she was treated as for tuberculous pericarditis.