Calcitonin gene-related peptide enhances the recovery of contractile function in stunned myocardium.

Introduction: Calcitonin gene-related peptide, a potent vasodilating inotropic agent, increases coronary artery perfusion when administered exogenously and reduces ischemic injury in nonmyocardial tissue. However, it is unclear whether this agent improves recovery of myocardial performance after reversible myocardial ischemia.

Methods: Nine dogs underwent complete occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 15 minutes and were monitored during 24 hours of reperfusion.

Primary choroidal malignant melanoma occurring in a New Zealand Maori.

Purpose/method: A case of a 28-year-old Maori with an aggressive primary choroidal malignant melanoma is presented.

Results/conclusion: Melanoma and particularly intra-ocular melanoma is very rare in pigmented races. This is the first reported case in the Maori.

Severe stenosis of the left main coronary artery with endarterectomy and graft: 33-year follow-up.

In 1964, a patient with symptomatic, severe left main coronary artery stenosis underwent operative treatment. Endarterectomy and pericardial patch grafting were performed successfully. The original operation is described, and the 33-year follow-up is provided.