[Aortic dissection: an incidence study based on hospital cases].

To ascertain the incidence of aortic dissection, we retrospectively studied the data base of our hospital (Ospedale di Treviso-ULSS n 10). The population in the Treviso area is well defined as a geographic settlement and was sufficiently stable from a demographic point of view in the period examined (1976-1988). Patients were selected on the basis of established aortic dissection diagnosed by angiography, surgical inspection or autopsy.

Left-atrium-to-right-ventricle shunting after surgery for atrioventricular septal defect: an unusual sequel detected by transesophageal echocardiography.

A 25-yr-old female who had undergone surgery for common atrium and atrioventricular septal defect at the age of 9, was found to have residual shunting at the level of the atrioventricular junction. Precordial echocardiography failed to assess the direction of the shunt. Transesophageal echocardiography showed dehiscence of the atrial patch at the level of the atrioventricular junction.

Transesophageal echocardiographic findings in partial and complete papillary muscle rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Papillary muscle rupture occurred in two patients with recent inferior myocardial infarction. In one case with partial rupture transesophageal echocardiography in the standard four-chamber view did not visualize the rupture and in the second case with complete rupture it provided incomplete diagnostic information. A not previously described transgastric longitudinal scanning of the left ventricle provided complete delineation of the lesion and it was of great value in the diagnosis and management of this potentially lethal complication.

Coronary angioplasty in single-vessel complex lesions: short- and long-term outcome and factors predicting acute coronary occlusion.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of complex coronary lesions (plaque ulceration and/or thrombus) has an increased risk of procedural complications. To assess the influence of these angiographic features on immediate and long-term results of PTCA, we prospectively compared the success rate, incidence of procedural complications, and restenosis rate in two groups of patients selected on the basis of the presence (study group = 30 patients) or absence (control group = 200 patients) of complex morphology at the time of angioplasty. The two groups were similar with regard to extent of coronary artery disease and site of coronary stenosis.