Cardiac rupture in acute myocardial infarction: a reassessment.

Cardiac rupture as a complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been described as occurring infrequently. Because of the recent dramatic decrease in autopsy rates, the authors believe that current studies do not accurately represent the frequency of this catastrophic complication. Autopsy protocols and archived histologic slides of patients with AMI were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether the frequency of cardiac rupture, as a complication of AMI, is altered when a non-hospital-based patient cohort after autopsy is evaluated.

The relationship of imaging techniques to the accuracy of frameless stereotaxy.

Objective: We analyzed the accuracy of a frameless stereotactic system using computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of different slice thickness and T(1) versus T(2) weighting of MRI.

Methods: An open skull with graphite pegs fixed to its base was used for all scans. CT scans were done with slice thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm.

Predicting the rates of success and complications of computed tomography-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsies of the thorax from the findings of the preprocedure chest computed tomography scan.

The authors attempted to determine whether the anatomic characteristics of thoracic lesions and the surrounding lung field, as assessed by the preprocedure chest computed tomography (CT) scan, can assist in predicting the yield of complications or positive results of pathologic examination resulting from percutaneous core-needle biopsies (PCNB). The pathologic diagnoses and procedural complications of 50 consecutive thoracic PCNBs (43 men, age range 19-81 years) performed under the guidance of a single operator (J.A.

A study of early fetal growth patterns in twin pairs.

The relationships of sitting heights and body weights of fetal twin pairs were analyzed in comparison with established growth rate standards of singleton fetuses. The apparent rate of growth of individual twins scattered around the average growth curve in the same manner as singletons. In contrast, members of 12 twin pairs with < 125 mm sitting heights, were closely similar in terms of bodily dimensions.

Effects of one year of supplementation with zinc and other micronutrients on cellular immunity in the elderly.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a year of Zn supplementation on Zn concentrations in circulating cells and on cellular immune functions in the elderly. Subjects, aged 60-89, were given a placebo, 15 mg Zn, or 100 mg Zn daily for 12 months. All subjects also received a multivitamin/mineral supplement that contained no additional Zn.