Does the Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Enhance Graft Healing and Maturation? A Comparative MRI Study of 44 Cases.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction performed with growth factors and activated platelets has been suggested to accelerate tendon ligamentization, leading to earlier return to daily activities and sports.

Hypotheses: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) will result in improved graft maturation and healing as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients undergoing hamstring ACL reconstruction. Hemostatic and analgesic properties of PRF will lead to less postoperative blood loss and pain.

Prenatal diagnosis of periventricular nodular heterotopia in borderline ventriculomegaly using sonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is usually missed on prenatal sonographic examinations, even on targeted scans. Irregular ventricular walls on axial view and irregular square-shaped lateral ventricles on coronal view are suggestive of PNH in the early third trimester. To achieve an early prenatal diagnosis, it is important to keep in mind the possible coexistence of PNH with brain malformations such as ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa anomalies, or agenesis of corpus callosum.

Sixty-Four-Section Cardiac Computed Tomography in Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valve Dysfunction: Thrombus or Pannus.

Background: Distinguishing pannus and thrombus in patients with prosthetic valve dysfunction is essential for the selection of proper treatment. We have investigated the utility of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in distinguishing between pannus and thrombus, the latter amenable to thrombolysis.

Methods And Results: Sixty-two (23 men, mean age 44±14 years) patients with suspected mechanical prosthetic valve dysfunction assessed by transesophageal echocardiography were included in this prospective observational trial.

Anomalous origin and interarterial course of right coronary artery associated with angina and proven ischemia.

Clinical significance of coronary arteries with anomalous origin and/or course is highly heterogeneous. Anomalies with the origin from the opposite sinus and interarterial course can be associated with angina, syncope, and sudden cardiac death. However, there are no clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of such cases.

Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect with MAPCAs associated with right sided endocarditis and paradoxical embolic event.

Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) with major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCAs) is a complex and extremely heterogeneous anomaly. PA-VSD with both pulmonary arteries originating from systemic arterial circulation without MAPCAs and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a very rare disease and according to our knowledge a case without cyanosis and symptoms of congestive heart failure after the first decade of life has not been reported. The majority of untreated patients die in their first decade of life as a result of intractable congestive heart failure or respiratory distress.