Implantation of a three-dimensional fibroblast matrix improves left ventricular function and blood flow after acute myocardial infarction.

This study was designed to determine if a viable biodegradable three-dimensional fibroblast construct (3DFC) patch implanted on the left ventricle after myocardial infarction (MI) improves left ventricular (LV) function and blood flow. We ligated the left coronary artery of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats and implanted the 3DFC at the time of the infarct. Three weeks after MI, the 3DFC improved LV systolic function by increasing (p < 0.

Cardiac MRI is complementary to echocardiography in the assessment of cardiac masses.

Despite the fact that the incidence of cardiac tumors is low, the prompt evaluation and adequate intervention of these is highly important. Although most tumors of the heart are considered histologically benign, there are significant risks associated with these "benign" tumors. These are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to obstruction of blood flow, alterations of conduction, propagation of arrhythmias, and thromboembolism, depending on their size, location, and nature.

Pretreatment with angiotensin receptor blockade prevents left ventricular dysfunction and blunts left ventricular remodeling associated with acute myocardial infarction.

Background: This study was designed to determine the effects of pretreatment with an angiotensin receptor blocker on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling during acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods And Results: Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with candesartan (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) for 2 weeks and studied at 1, 3, and 6 minutes after MI. Compared with untreated rats, pretreatment with candesartan lowered (P<0.