Translation and validation to Portuguese of a 60-item questionnaire to evaluate theoretical knowledge in fundus examination.

Purpose: To translate and validate a questionnaire that evaluates the theoretical knowledge regarding fundus examination.

Methods: A 60-item multiple-choice English questionnaire that investigates various aspects of knowledge regarding fundus examination was translated into Portuguese. The process involved translation, back-translation, and evaluation by an expert committee.

Risk of thrombogenicity among nonionic radiocontrast agents.

Several contrast agents have been approved in the United States for radiographic imaging purposes. Most of the older ionic, high-osmolar contrast agents are no longer used because of their side effect profile. Therefore, newer nonionic, low or iso-osmolar contrast agents have been widely accepted as an alternative due to their improved tolerability and safety.

Carotid artery in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting.

Carotid in-stent restenosis is a potential long-term sequela that may occur after carotid artery stenting. We report a single-center experience with this procedure and reviewed the database for individual patient characteristics and possible management options.

HIV disease in thrombocardiology.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects multiple organs including the cardiovascular system. Postmortem studies have revealed multiple abnormalities including abnormal coronary artery pathology, arteriopathy/endothelial dysfunction, hyperlipidemia and hypercoagulability prior to the use of protease inhibitors. With the introduction of antiretroviral medications, specifically protease inhibitor therapy, patients with HIV have been further noted to have premature coronary artery disease, hypercoagulability, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, fat redistribution syndrome and increased tendency to myocardial infarction.

Alveolar hemorrhage associated with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have been shown to improve outcomes in percutaneous coronary interventions. Their use with multiple anticoagulants has been associated with increased bleeding complications. Among these, alveolar hemorrhage is a rare and potentially fatal complication.

Right ventricular hemangioma causing right ventricular inflow obstruction and right heart failure.

We report a patient who presented with symptoms of right heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a right ventricular mass, causing right ventricular inflow obstruction. Coronary angiography revealed a characteristic tumor blush.

Right ventricular foreign body: percutaneous transvenous retrieval of a Greenfield filter from the right ventricle--a case report.

A 55-year-old man suffered head injury during a motor vehicle accident. He underwent a prophylactic inferior vena cava Greenfield filter placement. The filter migrated and lodged in the right ventricle at the level of the tricuspid valve.

Association of carotid artery intima-media thickness with complex aortic atherosclerosis in patients with recent stroke.

This study was undertaken to determine whether carotid intima-media thickness can predict complex aortic atherosclerosis. A retrospective review was conducted of 64 consecutive patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography for evaluation of recent ischemic stroke at MCP Hahnemann University, Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 1999. The mean age was 65+/-14 years and 59% of the patients were women.