Tricuspid Regurgitation and Mortality in Patients With Transvenous Permanent Pacemaker Leads.

Estimates of the prevalence and importance of significant tricuspid regurgitation (STR) related to implantable device leads are based mainly on case reports, small observational studies, or mixed samples that include defibrillators. We sought to assess whether patients with permanent pacemaker (PPM) leads have an increased risk of STR and to determine mortality associated with PPM-related TR in a large longitudinal single-center cohort. We examined the prevalence of STR (defined as moderate-severe or ≥3+) among all echocardiograms performed from 2005 to 2011 excluding those with defibrillators.

Bronchogenic cysts of the neck in adults.

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital sacs that result from maldevelopment of the primitive foregut. Although they occur predominantly in the chest, there are reports of lesions in extrathoracic locations. The majority of reported bronchogenic cysts located in the neck are found in the pediatric population; a review of the literature reveals few reports of bronchogenic cysts of the neck among adults.

Angioedema associated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists: challenging our knowledge of angioedema and its etiology.

Introduction: Use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors has long been associated with angioedema. Increased levels of bradykinin caused by the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme have been thought to be responsible for this side effect. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AT2 blockers), such as losartan potassium (Cozaar; Merck & Co.