New technique for nephron-sparing surgery in polar tumours. A modification of the Kim technique. / Nueva técnica para cirugía conservadora de nefronas en tumores polares. Una modificación de la técnica de Kim.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the indication, provided it is feasible and meets the international treatment guidelines. One of the objectives of performing NSS is to reduce the ischemia time as much as possible. We propose a surgical technique for treating polar renal tumours and those larger than 4cm based on the principle of the technique described by Kim in 1964. METHOD: The technique performs a continuous circular suture on the base of the tumour, achieving compression of the renal pole without vascular clamping, facilitating haemostasis and avoiding the blind transfixion performed in Kim's original technique. We selected 28 patients for the implementation of the technique. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 56 years (30-69). The R.E.N.A.L. scores were as follows: 12 of low complexity, 12 of moderate complexity and 4 of high complexity. The mean surgical time was 109minutes (75-140), and the mean estimated blood loss was 120mL (50-300mL). No positive margins were identified, and no patients required blood transfusions. The mean stay was 3.7 days (2-6). There were no Clavien grade 2 or higher complications. There were 3 Clavien 1 complications (fever). The difference in glomerular filtration rate was -0.71mL/min/m2. The pathology was malignant in 26 cases, 19 of them clear-cell carcinomas. Two cases were reported as oncocytomas. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique showed acceptable results, with a low rate of complications in the patient group.

Molecular mechanisms of hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process resulting from a combination of pathway alterations that are either caused directly by viral factors or immune mediated as a consequence of a chronic state of inflammation. Host genetic variation is now emerging as an additional element that contribute to increase the risk of developing HCC. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents foresees a rapid decline of HCC rate in HCV patients. However, a full understanding of the HCV-mediated tumourigenic process is required to elucidate if pro-oncogenic signatures may persist after virus clearance, and to identify novel tools for HCC prevention and therapy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Quantum Nondemolition Measurement Enables Macroscopic Leggett-Garg Tests.

We show how a test of macroscopic realism based on Leggett-Garg inequalities (LGIs) can be performed in a macroscopic system. Using a continuous-variable approach, we consider quantum nondemolition (QND) measurements applied to atomic ensembles undergoing magnetically driven coherent oscillation. We identify measurement schemes requiring only Gaussian states as inputs and giving a significant LGI violation with realistic experimental parameters and imperfections. The predicted violation is shown to be due to true quantum effects rather than to a classical invasivity of the measurement. Using QND measurements to tighten the "clumsiness loophole" forces the stubborn macrorealist to recreate quantum backaction in his or her account of measurement.

Clinical efficacy of bariatric surgery versus liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity: a 12-month retrospective evaluation.

AIMS: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bariatric surgery vs medical therapy with liraglutide on weight loss, glycemic control and cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was conducted in 31 patients with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity who had undergone bariatric surgery and in 31 patients with type 2 diabetes and comparable body weight who had added liraglutide to their background medical treatment in the period 2009-2013. Anthropometric parameters, glycemic control, treatment of diabetes and other comorbidities, safety and side effects before and 12 months after treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Age was 47 ± 8 years (mean ± SD) in bariatric surgery and 56 ± 9 years in medical treatment group (p < 0.001); body mass index before treatment was 44 ± 7 and 40 ± 4 kg/m(2) in bariatric surgery and medical treatment, respectively (p = 0.03). Twelve months after treatment, average weight loss was 38 ± 15 kg among bariatric surgery patients, and 5 ± 8 kg in medical treatment group (p < 0.001). Glycemic control improved in both groups with greater improvement in bariatric surgery patients. The UKPDS risk score decreased in both groups, although it remained higher in medical treatment than in bariatric surgery patients (p < 0.001). Of note, almost 60 % of patients on liraglutide met the target of glycated hemoglobin <7 % (53 mmol/mol) and lost ≥5 % of body weight. CONCLUSIONS: In severely obese type 2 diabetic patients, bariatric surgery reduced body weight and improved overall metabolic control to a greater extent than medical treatment. Randomized clinical studies are necessary.

Subclinical atherosclerosis and genetic risk markers in healthy offspring of patients with premature myocardial infarction.

AIM: Healthy young subjects with parental history of premature myocardial infarction (PHPMI) might constitute a privileged population for the study of genetic risk markers (GRM) for atherosclerosis. Aim of this study was to evaluate which, if any, GRM atherosclerosis-associated in previous studies has increased prevalence in a selected population. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy young subjects (12 males and 12 females; mean age 18.0±8.0 years) with PHPMI and 24 age- (±1 year), sex-matched healthy subjects without PHPMI were enrolled in the study. They underwent: 1) fasting measurement of lipid profile, resting blood pressure and body mass index; 2) high resolution B-mode ultrasonographic evaluation of common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT); 3) evaluation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) for six candidate genes associated with preclinical atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Compared to controls, subjects with PHPMI had increased IMT of common carotid arteries (mean of combined sites: 0.535±0.171 mm versus 0.432± 0.133 mm in controls, P=0.017). Offspring of coronary patients showed an increased prevalence of the unfavourable chemochine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) SNP risk genotype (P=0.047). CONCLUSION: In healthy young subjects with PHPMI there is an increased prevalence of the unfavorable CXCL12 SNP risk genotype.

Tratamiento laparoscopico de quistes simples sintomáticos / Laparoscopic treatment of symptomatic renal cysts

Objetivo: Los Quistes Renales Simples (QRS) son, en general, asintomáticos y no requieren tratamiento. Para los QRS que ameritan terapéutica quirúrgica, la vía laparoscópica ofrece una opción mínimamente invasiva. El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrarlos resultados obtenidos con esta técnica quirúrgica en nuestra institución. Métodos: Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva 41 casos de pacientes con QRS sintomáticos que fueron tratados mediante marsupialización laparoscópica; todas realizadas por el mismo equipo quirúrgico entre noviembre de 1992 y mayo de 2006. Las vías de abordaje utilizadas fueron la endoscópica transperitoneal y retroperitoneal. Se registraron datos demográficos y perioperatorios de forma prospectiva en una base de datos. Resultados: En el período comprendido entre noviembre de 1992 y mayo de 2006, 41 pacientes fueron operados con el diagnóstico de QRS. La serie estaba formada por 23 (56%) mujeres y 18 (44%) hombres con una edad promedio de 54 años (rango: 27-74 años). Todos los pacientes tratados presentaban síntomas, siendo el más frecuente dolor. El tamaño promedio de las lesiones fue de 10 cm. (rango: 5-16 cm.). Se realizó abordaje transperitoneal en 24 pacientes (58%) y retroperitoneal en 17 (42%). Dieciséis quistes se localizaron en el riñón izquierdo (39%), 24 en el derecho (54%) y un caso era bilateral (3%). El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 52 min. (rango: 20-150 min.), la estadía hospitalaria fue de 42 horas (rango: 12-96 h.). Treinta y nueve de las lesiones (95.2%) correspondieron al tipo Bosniak I y 2 (4.8%) al tipo Bosniak II. La patología final confirmó QRS en todas las lesiones. Se presentó una única recidiva que fue resuelta con tratamiento percutáneo. Conclusión: La marsupialización laparoscópica es una excelente opción quirúrgica para el tratamiento de los QRS sintomáticos, siendo este tratamiento realizable y seguro (AU)

Objectives: Simple renal cysts (SRC) are usually asymptomatic and do not require any kind of treatment. Laparoscopy is a reasonable minimally invasive surgical option for symptomatic cysts. Herein, we present the results of the laparoscopic technique for the treatment of symptomatic renal cysts performed in our institution. Methods: Between November 1992 and May 2006, 41 patients with symptomatic renal cysts were laparoscopically treated. The surgical techniques employed were transperitoneal and retroperitoneal. Demographic and surgical data was prospectively collected and analysis retrospectively performed. Results: 41 patients were treated for symptomatic renal cysts in a fourteen year period. 23 (56%) women and 18 (44%) men, with a median age of 54 years. (Range 27-74 years.). All patients in the series were symptomatic. Pain was the most frequent symptom. Median cyst size was 10 cm. (range 5-16 cm.). Transperitoneal approach was performed in 24 patients (58%) and retroperitoneal in 17 (42%). No differences were verified between these approaches. 16 lesions were located at the left renal unit, 24 in the right renal unit (54%) and one case presented bilateral lesions (3%). Median operative time was 52 min. (range 20-150 min.), median hospital stay was 42 hours (range 12-96 h.). 39 cysts (95.2%) were classified as Bosniak’s type I lesions, 2 lesions (4.8%) were type II based on Bosniak’s description. Final pathology confirmed every lesion as a simple renal cyst. There was only one relapse in the series. The latter was treated percutaneously. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a feasible, safe and advantageous surgical therapeutic option for symptomaticrenal cysts (AU)

[Single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst exsicion in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease]. / Resección laparoscópica de feocromocitoma y quiste pancreático en un paciente con enfermedad de von Hippel-Lindau.

INTRODUCTION: Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a dominant autosomic hereditary condition, characterized by cerebellar hemangioblastomas, retinal animas and visceral cysts and tumors. We report a case of a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau in which we performed a single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a pheochromocytoma and pancreatic cyst excision. PATIENT AND METHOD: A 20 year old male patient with Von Hippel Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a 5 cm left adrenal mass. A 3 cm cystic lesion was found of the tail of the pancreas and was resected completely laparoscopically during the same operative procedure. RESULTS: Total operative time was 120 minutes. There were no operative or postoperative complications. Blood loss was < 50 mL and hospital stay was 3 days. The histopathologic result was adrenal pheochromocytoma and pancreatic mucous microcystic cystoadenoma. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy allows surgical approach of patients with simultaneous lesions in several abdominal solid viscera, like Von Hippel Lindau disease. This case represents the first report of one-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst excision.

Resección laparoscópica de feocromocitoma y quiste pancreático en un paciente con enfermedad de Von Hippel-Lindau / Single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst exsicion in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Von Hippel-Lindau es una condición autosómica dominante, caracterizada por la presencia de hemangioblastomas cerebelosos, angiomas retinianos, quistes y tumores viscerales. Reportamos una experiencia en la resección por vía laparoscópica de un feocromocitoma y quiste pancreático en un paciente con enfermedad de Von Hippel-Lindau. Material y método: Paciente de 20 años de edad, sexo masculino, con historia de enfermedad de Von Hippel- Lindau, a quien en estudio de hipertensión arterial se le encuentra una masa suprarrenal izquierda de 5 cm. de diámetro y la evaluación bioquímica orienta hacia un feocromocitoma. Es llevado a adrenalectomía laparoscópica y como hallazgo intraoperatorio se encuentra un quiste de 3 cm. en relación a la cola del páncreas, el cual se reseca en el curso de la misma intervención. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio fue de 120 minutos. No se registraron complicaciones intra o postoperatorias. El sangrado quirúrgico fue < 50 mL y la estadía hospitalaria fue de 3 días. El estudio de anatomía patológica confirmó el diagnóstico de feocromocitoma de la glándula suprarrenal y la lesión quística fue informada como cistoadenoma microquístico mucoso del páncreas. Conclusión: La técnica laparoscópica nos ha permitido realizar el abordaje quirúrgico de lesiones en diferentes órganos abdominales en el mismo tiempo operatorio con excelente resultado. A nuestro entender, este es el primer reporte de una adrenalectomía y quistectomía pancreática laparoscópica simultánea

Introduction: Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a dominant autosomic hereditary condition, characterized by cerebellar hemangioblastomas, retinal animas and visceral cysts and tumors. We report a case of a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau in which we performed a single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a pheochromocytoma and pancreatic cyst excision. Patient and method: A 20 year old male patient with Von Hippel Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a 5 cm left adrenal mass. A 3 cm cystic lesion was found of the tail of the pancreas and was resected completely laparoscopically during the same operative procedure. Results: Total operative time was 120 minutes. There were no operative or postoperative complications. Blood loss was < 50 mL and hospital stay was 3 days. The histopathologic result was adrenal pheochromocytoma and pancreatic mucous microcystic cystoadenoma. Conclusion: Laparoscopy allows surgical approach of patients with simultaneous lesions in several abdominal solid viscera, like Von Hippel Lindau disease. This case represents the first report of one-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst excision

[Urinary undiversion; Bricker to Studer. With regard of two cases]. / Desderivación urinaria; de Bricker a Studer. A propósito de dos casos.

We present two cases of urinary undiversion from an ileal loop (Bricker) to an orthotopic neobladder. Due to miss adaptation to the stoma, two patients demanded reconversion to a continent urinary diversion. We proceed to change their urinary diversion to an ileal neobladder (Studer), one by open surgery and the other by laparoscopic surgery. In both cases immediate postoperative went uneventful. Both patients are continent, satisfied with their new situation, and without metabolic complications. Urinary undiversion from an ileal conduit to an orthotopic neobladder is technically feasible by open or laparoscopic surgery. It is a valid alternative for patients with complications due to their urinary diversion or miss adaptation to the cutaneous stoma.

[Complications in laparoscopic nephrectomy]. / Complicaciones de la nefrectomía laparoscópica.

OBJECTIVE: To report the complications and their respective management in our series of laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 1992 and March 2004, 319 patients underwent laparoscopic ablative renal surgery: 152 were women and 167 were men, mean age was 45 years (range: 0,5-82 years). There were 70 radical nephrectomies, 16 radical nephroureterectomies, 63 partial nephrectomies, 124 simples nephrectomies, 15 simples nephroureterectomies, 8 heminephrectomies and 23 living donor nephrectomies. RESULTS: The complication rate was 5.64%. The most frequent complications were bleeding (2.5%) and retroperitoneal haematoma (1.2%). There was not statically difference in complications rate by age, sex, or approach via: transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal. Complication rate was alike with laparoscopic or hand assisted technique. There was not mortality in the series. CONCLUSIONS: We have a low complication rate in laparoscopic nephrectomy. We believe that laparoscopy is a safe technique for patients that require ablative renal surgery when the surgical team has experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

[Lumboscopic drainage of retroperitoneal abscess. Case report]. / Drenaje de absceso retroperitoneal por lumboscopia: presentación de un caso.

Existing reports evaluate the management of infected pancreatic necrosis. Most of the authors choose between percutaneous and retroperitoneoscopic drainage. The high morbidity and mortality of this pathology distorts the objective evaluation of the treatment employed. With present a case of infected pancreatic collection favorably resolved with retroperitoneoscopic drainage evidencing the low morbidity of this technique.

Desderivación urinaria; de Bricker a Studer. A propósito de dos casos / Urinary undiversion: bricker to studder with regard of two cases

Exponemos dos casos de reconversión de una derivación urinaria con asa ileal (Bricker) a neovejiga ortotópica. Exponemos dos casos de reconversión de una derivación urinaria con asa ileal (Bricker) a neovejiga ortotópica, uno mediante cirugía abierta y otro por laparoscopia. En ambos casos el postoperatorio transcurrió sin incidencias. Los dos pacientes se encuentran satisfechos con su nueva situación, continentes y sin presentar complicaciones metabólicas. La reconversión de un conducto ileal hacia una neovejiga ortotópica es técnicamente viable tanto por cirugía abierta como por laparoscopia, planteándose como una alternativa válida en pacientes que presentan complicaciones secundarias a la derivación inicial o mala adaptación a la misma

We present two cases of urinary undiversion from an ileal loop (Bricker) to an orthotopic neobladder. Due to miss adaptation to the stoma, two patients demanded reconversion to a continent urinary diversion. We proceed to change their urinary diversion to an ileal neobladder (Studer), one by open surgery and the other by laparoscopic surgery. In both cases immediate postoperative went uneventful. Both patients are continent, satisfied with their new situation, and without metabolic complications. Urinary undiversion from an ileal conduit to an orthotopic neobladder is technically feasible by open or laparoscopic surgery. It is a valid alternative for patients with complications due to their urinary diversion or miss adaptation to the cutaneous stoma

Complicaciones de la nefrectomía laparoscópica / Complications in laparoscopic nephrectomy

Objetivos: Presentamos las complicaciones en nuestra serie de nefrectomía laparoscópica y el manejo dado a cada una de ellas. Métodos: Entre noviembre de 1992 y marzo de 2004, 319 pacientes fueron llevados a cirugía renal ablativa con técnica laparoscópica: 152 mujeres y 167 hombres, con edad promedio de 45 años (rango: 0,5 - 82 años). Se realizaron 70 nefrectomías radicales, 16 nefroureterectomías radicales, 63 nefrectomías parciales, 124 nefrectomías simples, 15 nefroureterectomías simples, 8 heminefrectomías y 23 nefrectomías de donante vivo para trasplante. Resultados: La tasa de complicaciones fue del 5,64%. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron sangrado (2,5%) y hematoma retroperitoneal (1,2%). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la tasa de complicaciones por sexo, edad o vía de abordaje: transperitoneal o lumboscópica. El realizar una técnica laparoscópica pura o con asistencia manual, no representó cambio en la tasa de complicaciones. No hubo casos de mortalidad en la serie. Conclusiones: Nuestra serie de nefrectomía laparoscópica muestra una baja tasa de complicaciones. Consideramos que en manos experimentadas, la laparoscopía es una técnica segura en pacientes que requieren cirugía renal ablativa

Objective: To report the complications and their respective management in our series of laparoscopic nephrectomy. Material and methods: Between November 1992 and March 2004, 319 patients underwent laparoscopic ablative renal surgery: 152 were women and 167 were men, mean age was 45 years (range: 0,5 - 82 years). There were 70 radical nephrectomies, 16 radical nephroureterectomies, 63 partial nephrectomies, 124 simples nephrectomies, 15 simples nephroureterectomies, 8 heminephrectomies and 23 living donor nephrectomies. Results: The complication rate was 5.64%. The most frequent complications were bleeding (2.5%) and retroperitoneal haematoma (1.2%). There was not statically difference in complications rate by age, sex, or approach via: transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal. Complication rate was alike with laparoscopic or hand assisted technique. There was not mortality in the series. Conclusions: We have a low complication rate in laparoscopic nephrectomy. We believe that laparoscopy is a safe technique for patients that require ablative renal surgery when the surgical team has experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery

Drenaje de absceso retroperitoneal por lumboscopia: presentación de un caso / Lumboscopic drainage of retroperitoneal abscess. Case report

Las publicaciones existentes evalúan el manejo de las necrosis pancreáticas infectadas. Dichas son tratadas por diversos autores en forma percutánea o por la vía retroperitoneoscópica. La morbilidad y mortalidad de dicha patología prevalece por encima de la vía empleada para su resolución dificultando la evaluación objetiva del método empleado. Presentamos un caso de drenaje de una colección pancreática por retroperitoneoscopia con resolución favorable evidenciando la escasa morbilidad y las ventajas de este método

Existing reports evaluate the management of infected pancreatic necrosis. Most of the authors choose between percutaneous and retroperitoneoscopic drainage. The high morbidity and mortality of this pathology distorts the objective evaluation of the treatment employed. With present a case of infected pancreatic collection favorably resolved with retroperitoneoscopic drainage evidencing the low morbidity of this technique

Characterization and prognostic significance of silent myocardial ischemia on predischarge electrocardiographic monitoring in unselected patients with myocardial infarction.

Characteristics and prognostic significance of ischemic ST changes at predischarge Holter monitoring were evaluated in 270 consecutive postinfarction patients. The 64 patients with ST changes had a greater incidence of non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (p less than 0.01) and ventricular premature contractions (p less than 0.01); they were more frequently in Moss class greater than 2 (p less than 0.01) and they had a lower wall motion score (p less than 0.05). At 2-year follow-up, patients with ST changes had a higher incidence of cardiac death and reinfarction. At multivariate analysis, Killip class (p less than 0.01) and ST changes (p less than 0.05) were the most predictive variables; when multivariate analysis was repeated including an additional variable--the inability to perform a stress test--Killip class was the most significant variable (p less than 0.01), and the presence of ST changes showed only borderline statistical significance (p less than 0.1). In the subset of patients who did not perform the stress test, ST change was the most important variable (p less than 0.01), followed by Killip class (p less than 0.05). Thus, after myocardial infarction, ST changes during Holter monitoring are associated with a poor prognosis and appear useful for stratifying patients who do not perform exercise stress tests.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of silent myocardial ischaemia detected by exercise test and continuous ECG monitoring after acute myocardial infarction.

The incidence and prognostic significance of silent myocardial ischaemia in 165 patients who survived a first acute myocardial infarction were assessed by means of maximal exercise stress test and 24 h continuous ECG monitoring performed before discharge. During the 1 year follow-up period 10 cardiac deaths occurred; moreover seven patients suffered a fatal myocardial re-infarction and 14 developed unstable angina. Cardiac death occurred in five of 40 patients (12.5%) with ST segment depression on stress test by in only three of 117 (2.6%) without ST segment changes (P less than 0.01). One-hundred-and-three of 117 patients (88.0%) without angina or ST segment depression on stress testing survived 1 year without cardiac events, compared with 24 of 40 patients (60.0%) with ST segment depression whether or not associated with angina (P less than 0.001). Cardiac death occurred in five of 25 patients (20.0%) with ST segment depression on continuous ECG monitoring, compared with five of 140 (3.6%) without (P less than 0.01). One-hundred-and-seventeen out of 140 patients (83.6%) without angina or ST segment depression survived 1 year follow-up without cardiac events, compared with 13 of 25 (52.0%) with ST segment depression with or without angina (P less than 0.01). Classifying patients in a 2 x 5 contingency table according to the occurrence of ST segment depression on exercise testing and/or ECG ambulatory monitoring, the Yates corrected chi-square test showed a significant pattern when cardiac deaths and cardiac events were considered together (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Different modalities of classification and prognostic significance of ventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarct. Prospective study]. / Differenti modalitá di classificazione e significato prognostico delle aritmie ventricolari dopo infarto acuto del miocardio. Studio prospettivo.

In our study we compared the prognostic significance of clinical variables, laboratory results and different classification models of ventricular ectopic beats recorded by means of a pre-discharge 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, in 210 survivors of acute myocardial infarction. In addition a full multivariate analysis of the factors affecting survival time was carried out using Cox's proportional hazards (multiple) regression model. Multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis identified hypertension, congestive heart failure assessed by Killip class, and the grading system for ventricular arrhythmias as the most important prognostic variables. When Moss grading system for ventricular arrhythmias was used, the relative risk was a superior as heavy Moss grading system (Moss 2 vs Moss 1 and Moss 3-4 vs Moss 1, relative risk = 1.2 and 3.6 total death, respectively). Furthermore, the hazard ratio of Moss grading system was higher utilizing as comparison patients without ventricular ectopic beats (relative risk = 1.7 for Moss 2 and 5.3 for Moss 3-4) than patients with ventricular ectopic beats less than one/hour (relative risk = 1.2 for Moss 2 and 3.7 for Moss 3-4). Thus, in survivors of acute myocardial infarction, a rational and useful ventricular ectopic beats categorization includes both frequency and the presence or absence of malignant characteristics.