RESUMEN
Erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent disease, especially in cardiovascular-compromised men. Many of the well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease are also risk factors for erectile dysfunction. A correlation between erectile dysfunction and endothelial dysfunction is well established. It is postulated that erectile dysfunction with an arteriovascular aetiology can predate and be an indicator of potential coronary artery disease. In this paper we will attempt to increase awareness among cardiologists for the predictive value of erectile dysfunction for future cardiovascular disease in order to optimise cardiovascular risk management. The treatment of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular interactions is also discussed in detail.
RESUMEN
Blunt chest trauma is a rare cause of cardiac pathology. Nevertheless, a variety of life-threatening cardiac diseases can be caused by blunt chest traumas. In this case report we describe a myocardial infarction associated with kickboxing. We also review the literature describing myocardial infarction associated with blunt chest trauma.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In this study the relationship between pericardial friction rub (PFR) and the degree of pericardial effusion was investigated. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed involving all patients for whom the diagnosis pericarditis was made on clinical grounds (type of chest pain, fever, laboratory findings and/or electrocardiographic signs) in the period 1990-1999. In this patient group (n=138) the presence of PFR was correlated against the amount of pericardial effusion measured echocardiographically. RESULTS: No statistically significant correlation between the presence of PFR and the amount of pericardial effusion was observed. It is, therefore, a misconception that the presence of a PFR signifies absence or only a small volume of pericardial effusion. Our results are in line with the literature. CONCLUSION: Based on this study and results presented in the literature, we postulate that the friction rub associated with pericarditis is not caused by friction of the 'roughened' pericardial layers, as is commonly propagated. Instead fibrin strands caused by the inflammation, connecting the two pericardial layers, may function as snares and generate, through the movements of the heart, the typical triphasic pericardial friction rub.
RESUMEN
Succinylcholine is a depolarising muscle relaxant. Because of its quick onset of action, it is particularly used in situations which require urgent intubation. However, there have been several reports of cardiac arrest after administration of succinylcholine. We describe the case of a young woman who developed ventricular fibrillation and rhabdomyolysis following succinylcholine administration. Possible mechanisms and treatment are discussed.
RESUMEN
Two patients are presented in which documented periods of asystole were caused by temporal epilepsy. Pacemaker implantation prevented total collapse but episodes of near collapse continued. After institution of anti-epileptic drug treatment both patients are free of symptoms.