Usefulness of multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography to identify patients with abnormal myocardial perfusion stress in whom diagnostic catheterization may be safely avoided.

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been validated for noninvasive assessment of coronary anatomy. The aim was to establish whether CTA could guide the use of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in symptomatic patients with intermediate risk after myocardial perfusion stress imaging (MPSI). From April 2005 to February 2006, patients referred for CTA to a cardiology practice were entered into a database.

Pharmacologic management of cardiovascular problems in women.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Nurse-midwives play a unique role in screening their clients, especially because they will be caring for an increasing number of aging women as the population grows older. Risk assessment, health history, physical examination, and nonpharmacologic management of cardiovascular problems in women are discussed in the March/April 1995 issue of the Journal of Nurse-Midwifery.

The clinical utility of transesophageal echocardiography in ischemic papillary muscle rupture.

Ischemic papillary muscle rupture is a potentially lethal complication of myocardial infarction. Acute mitral regurgitation, shock with pulmonary edema, may ensue as its result. Transthoracic echocardiography is the initial noninvasive tool used to confirm the diagnosis.