Sudden onset of paraplegia from acute aortic occlusion: a review of 2 cases and their unique presentation.

Acute aortic occlusion is an uncommon entity requiring prompt recognition and intervention to limit morbidity and mortality. We describe 2 patients with acute aortic occlusion who presented uniquely with sudden onset of paraplegia. In addition, we highlight their circuitous diagnostic course and the adverse impact of diagnostic delay in their management and outcome.

Vacuum-assisted wound closure of deep sternal infections in high-risk patients after cardiac surgery.

Background: Sternal wound infections are a serious complication arising from cardiac surgery. Recently, the general application of negative pressure to wounds by vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy has shown enhanced granulation and wound contraction. Here we examine the effect of VAC on sternal wounds.

Caspases from apoptotic myocytes degrade extracellular matrix: a novel remodeling paradigm.

Induction of smooth muscle cell apoptosis is critical to the reversal of severe structural remodeling in hypertensive pulmonary arteries during disease regression. This process involves coordinated resorption of pathologically deposited extracellular matrix, including elastin, and occurs in the presence of serine elastase and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. Here, we show that apoptotic smooth muscle cells exhibit extensive degradation of elastin coincident with cell surface immunolocalization and release of caspases.