Characterization of a calcified intra-cardiac pseudocyst of the mitral valve by magnetic resonance imaging including T1 and T2 mapping.

Background: Even though intra-cardiac cystic lesions are extremely unusual in adults, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with valvular masses. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as modality of choice for non-invasive characterization of cardiac masses.

Case Presentation: We report a case of an intra-cardiac mass of the mitral valve in a 51-year old male, detected by echocardiography after transient ischemic attack and retinal artery occlusion.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphisms and their potential impact on left ventricular myocardial geometry after aortic valve surgery.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Genetic variants of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) cascade may influence left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) regression after aortic valve surgery. Postoperative long-term changes in LV indices were investigated in patients with asymptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) and symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and related to alleles of ACE polymorphisms.

Methods: A total of 96 patients was included in the study, 21 with class IIa AR (22%) and 75 with class I AS (78%) recommendations for surgery.

Partial liquid ventilation combined with two different gas ventilatory strategies in acute lung injury in piglets: Effects on gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and hemodynamics.

Background/purpose: Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) has been shown to improve oxygenation and lung mechanics in different models of acute lung injury. This study was designed to investigate the effects of 2 gas ventilatory strategies during PLV on gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and hemodynamics in acute lung injury in piglets.

Methods: After induction of acute lung injury, the animals were assigned randomly to 2 groups with different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels and tidal volumes (Vt) (group A, Vt > 12.

Partial liquid ventilation versus conventional mechanical ventilation with high PEEP and moderate tidal volume in acute respiratory failure in piglets.

This prospective randomized pilot study aimed to test the hypotheses that partial liquid ventilation combined with a high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and a moderate tidal volume results in improved gas exchange and lung mechanics without negative hemodynamic influences compared with conventional mechanical ventilation in acute lung injury in piglets. Acute lung injury was induced in 12 piglets weighing 9.0 +/- 2.

Late dissection of the ascending aorta after previous cardiac surgery: risk, presentation and outcome.

Objective: Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition and may follow surgical interventions as a complication with distinct presentation and high mortality. Information on the incidence and etiology of aortic dissections following cardiac surgery is sparse and inconsistent. The true incidence of this entity may so far have been underestimated.