The role of serial echocardiography in the evaluation and differential diagnosis of pericardial disease.

Echocardiography is an established method for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Echographic findings in fibroadhesive disease have also been described. The interpretation of a changing serial echogram during the clinical course of pericardial disease has not been established.

Surgical treatment of Candida endocarditis.

Case reports from a group of 15 patients with Candida endocarditis seen and treated at the Los Angeles-University of Southern California Medical Center between 1960 and 1974, together with a survey of other reported cases, serve to re-emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of this disease and lead to certain conclusions regarding its treatment. With medical or surgical treatment alone, the mortality for Candida endocarditis is 82 per cent. With surgery and medical treatment combined, the mortality is 20 percent.