Successful reoperation for diffuse supravalvular aortic stenosis.

We reoperated for diffuse supravalvular aortic stenosis using a modified technique of patch plasty described by Brom. A 36-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with a peak systolic pressure gradient of 92 mmHg across the ascending aorta had previously undergone Doty's operation at another hospital. Aortography showed an ascending aorta diffusely stenotic from the sinotubular junction to the aortic arch.

Mitral valve replacement in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Reports of a cardiac operation in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura are scarce. Here we present a case of successful mitral valve replacement in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Preoperative treatment with high-dosage gamma-globulin successfully increased the platelet count from 50,000/microliter to 80,000/microliter.

Modulation of norepinephrine release by ATP-dependent K(+)-channel activators and inhibitors in guinea-pig and human isolated right atrium.

Objective: The aim of this study was to show, whether ATP sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels), are involved in the modulation of norepinephrine (NE) release from the sympathetic nerves innervating the guinea-pig and human right atrium.

Methods: The resting and stimulation-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) was measured from the isolated guinea-pig and human right atrium and the effect of activators and inhibitors of ATP sensitive K+ channels was studied.

Results: Cromakalim (30-300 microM), a KATP channel-agonist decreased concentration-dependently the stimulation-evoked release of NE from the guinea-pig atrium, an effect, antagonized by glibenclamide, a KATP channel-antagonist (30 microM).