[Reversible asymmetric septal thickening in the echocardiogram in a case with suspected perimyocarditis (author's transl)]. / Reversible asymmetrische Septumverdickung im Echokardiogramm bei einem Fall von Peri-Myokarditis.

A 42-year-old male patient, previously in good health, developed signs of pericarditis, pericardial effusion and possible myocarditis 3 weeks after a virus infection of the upper respiratory tract. Because of enlargement of the previously normal cardiac silhouette, an M-mode-echocardiogram was performed. A pericardial effusion and pericardial thickening was diagnosed. Disproportionate septal thickening was noted (septum/posterior wall = 1.4). 3 days after institution of cortisone therapy gradual clinical improvement started. on day 6 a repeat M-mode-echocardiogram showed regression of the pericardial effusion of the septal thickening. Consecutive echocardiograms showed complete disappearing of the pericardial effusion, regression of the pericardial thickening, and complete normalisation of the left ventricular dimensions. Computer-assisted analysis of the first echocardiogram revealed reduced rate of septal and posterior wall thinning and prolongation of the early diastolic period of rapid filling, while peak VCF remained within normal limits. These changes were much less apparent on day 6. On day 26 all relaxation- and contraction parameters were within normal limits. It is concluded that in this case transient disproportionate thickening of the interventricular septum, prolongation of the early diastolic period of rapid left ventricular filling and reduced rate of diastolic septal and posterior wall thinning may have represented edematous and/or inflammatory changes of the myocardium. It is supposed that these findings may represent early changes in acute peri-myocarditis.

[Studies on the diuretic effects of etozolin (Elkapin) in heart failure - a comparison with the loop diuretic agent furosemide (author's transl)]. / Etozolin (Elkapin) in der Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz. Ein Vergleich mit der Wirkung des Schleifendiuretikums furosemid.

UNLABELLED: In 115 randomized patients with left and/or right ventricular failure, the effect of the new diuretic Etozolin (800 mg p.o.) (n = 55) is compared with that of the loop diuretic Furosemide (80 mg p.o.) (n = 60). RESULTS: 1. The increased diuresis after Etozolin remains constant during the entire trial period. Furosemid initially induces a more intense diuresis. 2. Analysis of the action profile shows that the higher daily urinary output following Furosemide is due to a more intense diuresis in the first fractions of the day. The action of Etozolin is more constant and lasts into the evening. 3. Both substances reduce body weight to the same extent. 4. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure decline significantly during trial. 5. Etozolin induces lesser electrolyte elimination than Furosemide in the initial phase of the trial. Potassium elimination values, in particular, remain below Na+ and Cl- elimination values for both substances. 6. During the trial period both substances had no significant effect on blood and liver values, serum electrolytes, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Etozolin may be classified as a diuretic similar to a thiazide derivative in its 24-h profile but behaves like a loop diuretic in its diuretic effect.