Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is an uncommon condition. Few patients survive past 50 years of age, because of associated congenital defects, systemic (morphological right) ventricular dysfunction, atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or complete heart block. A unique case is presented of exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia, which led to the diagnosis of CCTGA, without atrioventricular block or other cardiac anomalies.

Effect of raised alveolar pressure on leukocyte retention in the human lung.

To determine whether an increase in alveolar pressure delays the passage of leukocytes (WBCs) through the lung by compressing the lung capillaries, we measured the concentration of WBC across the lung in response to a forced expiratory maneuver. In 20 human subjects, blood was sampled from catheters placed in the pulmonary artery (PA) and left ventricle (LV) before, during, and after a forced expiratory maneuver held for greater than or equal to 20 s against an occluded airway. Pressures were recorded at the mouth and from both catheters.

Two-year follow-up study of coronary bypass surgery. Psychologic status, employment status, and quality of life.

This study is a prospective report of the cases of 135 patients who were slated for coronary artery bypass grafting and selected according to designated criteria. Patients received, in addition to an interview, a comprehensive cognitive, neuropsychologic, and personality assessment 2 weeks before operation and 3, 12, and 24 months after operation. Of the available sample, 82.

Complications of coronary arteriography.

In a prospective study of coronary arteriography with Judkins' technique the rate of major complications in 713 patients was 2.1%, a rate similar to or lower than those reported from other studies, even though more major complications were considered in this study. No deaths occurred.

Cardiac murmurs in childhood.

Innocent heart murmurs can be identified and distinguished from organic murmurs using only clinical skills. Pulmonary flow murmurs may be differentiated from those of atrial septal defect or pulmonary stenosis by the behavior of the second heart sound, parasternal vibratory murmurs from ventricular septal defect, aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation by their length and radiation, venous hums from patent ductus arteriosus by maneuvers designed to obliterate the hum, and supraclavicular arterial murmurs from carotid artery bruit, aortic stenosis and coarctation by similar maneuvers and blood pressure recordings. The article outlines the points of differentiation in order to arrive at a firm diagnosis and obviate concern and unnecessary referrals.