Evaluation of intravascular contrast media transit times in coronary computed tomography angiography.

Objective: To measure the transit times (TTs) of contrast agents among the injection site (antecubital vein), superior vena cava, pulmonary trunk, and ascending aorta, in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) examinations of outpatients with no history of cardiovascular or lung disease, thus defining reference values for those TTs.

Materials And Methods: The contrast TTs from the injection site (antecubital vein) to the superior vena cava, from the superior vena cava to the pulmonary trunk, and from the pulmonary trunk to the ascending aorta were measured by monitoring contrast enhancement in real time (bolus tracking). Cardiac output was measured by the geometric method during the CTA examination and was correlated with the contrast TT.

Preoperative Alpha-Fetoprotein and Radiological Total Tumor Diameter as Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation.

Background: Liver transplantation is a unique treatment opportunity for patients with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selection of HCC patients for transplantation was revolutionized by Milan-based criteria, but tumor recurrence and shortage of organs are still a major concern. Nowadays, additional preoperative tumor parameters can help to refine the graft allocation process.

Recurrent Cardiac Sarcoma Resection With Modified Partial Autotransplantation.

Primary cardiac sarcomas are very aggressive, being a challenge to cardio-oncology specialty. Surgical planning and innovative techniques have enhanced the possibility of resection. We have described a case of recurrent primary left atrium angiosarcoma, successfully resected with a modified partial autotransplantation technique, planned using a 3-dimensional model created from computed tomography.

500 Consecutive Liver Transplants: The Outcomes of a New Transplantation Program in the Middle West of Brazil.

Introduction: Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Brazil holds the third highest number of liver transplants performed per year, but center maldistribution results in high discrepancies in accessing this treatment. In 2012, an interstate partnership successfully implemented a new liver transplantation program in the middle west of Brazil.

Effect of beta blockers (metoprolol or propranolol) on effect of simvastatin in lowering C-reactive protein in acute myocardial infarction.

Recent data indicated that statin therapy may fail to reduce the incidence of coronary events in patients concomitantly using beta blockers. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the concomitant use of beta blockers would modify the anti-inflammatory action of statins. Changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) between days 1 and 5 after myocardial infarction were evaluated in 189 patients treated with simvastatin alone (S), beta blockers alone (B; propranolol or metoprolol), S + B, or neither of these 2 medications (N) in a prospective observational cohort.