Evaluation of thymic changes after median sternotomy in children.

In patients who undergo median sternotomy to treat congenital heart diseases, a thymectomy is performed to yield better access to the cardiac system. In this study we have used MRI to evaluate the changes in size, shape and location of the thymus after midsternatomy. This case-control study was performed during 2011-2012 in Shiraz, Iran.

QT dispersion in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the impact of disease activity.

Background: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although autopsy studies have documented that the heart is affected in most SLE patients, clinical manifestations occur in less than 10%. QT dispersion is a new parameter that can be used to assess homogeneity of cardiac repolarization and autonomic function.