Inflammatory aortic aneurysm: possible manifestation of IgG4-related sclerosing disease.

In this study, we investigate the hypothesis that IgG4-related autoimmune reaction is involved in the formation of inflammatory aortic aneurysms (IAA). We obtained 23 cases of IAA and 11 cases of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysms (AAA) as control group. We evaluated the expression of IgG4 in both IAA study cases and AAA control cases.

Outcomes after right-side heart sarcoma resection.

Background: In patients with primary cardiac sarcoma, the tumor's location is more important than cell type in determining patient presentation, therapy options, and outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the outcomes after right-side heart sarcoma resection.

Methods: Clinicopathologic data from patients who underwent right-side heart sarcoma resection at our institution and patients identified in a literature search were examined.

Surgical outcome in 85 patients with primary cardiac tumors.

Background: We present a large, single institution experience with adult cardiac tumors and address factors affecting outcome.

Methods: A retrospective review was made of all patients who underwent surgery for primary cardiac tumors from April 1975 through August 2002.

Results: Eighty-five patients (33 male and 52 female) with a mean age of 54 years were identified with follow-up available for 80 (94%) patients.

A histologic study of fractured human vertebral bodies.

Twenty-seven fractured human vertebral bodies and 24 unfractured human vertebrae from adjacent levels were studied postmortem using histologic and high-resolution radiographic techniques. The findings were compared with those in the vertebral bodies of individuals without spinal fracture. Forty-six human thoracolumbar spines were obtained from individuals at autopsy.

Cardiac hypertrophy after transplantation is associated with persistent expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Background: The mechanisms that contribute to cardiac allograft hypertrophy are not known; however, the rapid progression and severity of hypertrophy suggest that nonhemodynamic factors may play a contributory role. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine produced in cardiac allografts and capable of producing hypertrophy and fibrosis; therefore, we suggest that TNF-alpha may play a contributory role. Accordingly, the aims of our study were to define the role of systemic hypertension in the development of hypertrophy, characterize the histological determinants of hypertrophy, and characterize the expression of myocardial TNF-alpha after heart transplantation.