Evolutionary history of the Afro-Madagascan Ixora species (Rubiaceae): species diversification and distribution of key morphological traits inferred from dated molecular phylogenetic trees.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous work on the pantropical genus Ixora has revealed an Afro-Madagascan clade, but as yet no study has focused in detail on the evolutionary history and morphological trends in this group. Here the evolutionary history of Afro-Madagascan Ixora spp. (a clade of approx. 80 taxa) is investigated and the phylogenetic trees compared with several key morphological traits in taxa occurring in Madagascar. METHODS: Phylogenetic relationships of Afro-Madagascan Ixora are assessed using sequence data from four plastid regions (petD, rps16, rpoB-trnC and trnL-trnF) and nuclear ribosomal external transcribed spacer (ETS) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The phylogenetic distribution of key morphological characters is assessed. Bayesian inference (implemented in BEAST) is used to estimate the temporal origin of Ixora based on fossil evidence. KEY RESULTS: Two separate lineages of Madagascan taxa are recovered, one of which is nested in a group of East African taxa. Divergence in Ixora is estimated to have commenced during the mid Miocene, with extensive cladogenesis occurring in the Afro-Madagascan clade during the Pliocene onwards. CONCLUSIONS: Both lineages of Madagascan Ixora exhibit morphological innovations that are rare throughout the rest of the genus, including a trend towards pauciflorous inflorescences and a trend towards extreme corolla tube length, suggesting that the same ecological and selective pressures are acting upon taxa from both Madagascan lineages. Novel ecological opportunities resulting from climate-induced habitat fragmentation and corolla tube length diversification are likely to have facilitated species radiation on Madagascar.

ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) is naturally processed through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and is a potential immunotherapeutic target in breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.

Selection of suitable antigens is critical for the development of cancer vaccines. Most desirable are over-expressed cell surface proteins that may serve as targets for both antibodies and T cells, thus maximizing a concerted immune response. Towards this goal, we characterized the relevance of tumour necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme (ADAM17) for such targeted therapeutics. ADAM17 is one of the several metalloproteinases that play a key role in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling and has recently emerged as a new therapeutic target in several tumour types. In the present study, we analysed the expression profile of ADAM17 in a variety of normal and cancer cells of human origin and found that this protein is over-expressed on the surface of several types of cancer cells compared to the normal counterparts. Furthermore, we analysed the presentation of a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted epitope from ADAM17 protein to specific T cells established from normal donors as well as ovarian cancer patients. Our analysis revealed that the HLA-A2-restricted epitope is processed efficiently and presented by various cancer cells and not by normal cells. Tumour-specific T cell activation results in the secretion of both interferon-γ and granzyme B that can be blocked by HLA-A2 specific antibodies. Collectively, our data present evidence that ADAM17 can be a potential target antigen to devise novel immunotherapeutic strategies against ovarian, breast and prostate cancer.

Using social media for patient-reported outcomes: A study of genital appearance and sexual function in adult bladder exstrophy patients.

INTRODUCTION: There have been few prior studies on patient-centered outcomes of adults with bladder exstrophy; those performed have been single institution reviews. In collaboration with the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Communities (ABeC) - an international support network for patients and families living with bladder exstrophy - an anonymous social media survey was performed of patient-reported genital appearance and erectile function. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the Penile Perception Score (PPS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) in adult men with bladder exstrophy. It was hypothesized that scores would be significantly lower than prior reported scores for men without the condition. STUDY DESIGN: After review by an anonymous patient advocate volunteer, the ABeC performed an anonymous online survey using social media. RESULTS: Adult men with bladder exstrophy reported PPS, and satisfaction with penile length and axis that were lower than prior published controls (n = 54, P < 0.05). Orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction were also lower (n = 46, P < 0.05). There was no difference in erectile function or intercourse satisfaction compared to controls. There was an association between PPS and erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction (P < 0.05) (Summary Fig.). Respondents identified urinary issues, genital appearance, and sexual function as the three main domains that warranted further research. CONCLUSION: This study found that PPS and IIEF-15 were low in adult men with bladder exstrophy, and worse perception of genital appearance was associated with worse sexual satisfaction. Social media is a novel tool for patient-centered outcomes research, and continued collaboration with patients and patient advocate groups is vital.

A Proton Pump Inhibitor in the Reformulation Setting: Bioequivalence and Potential Implications for Long-Term Safety.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become known for both their therapeutic effect and good safety profile. An application was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for approval of a reformulated PPI product that failed bioequivalence testing, but was submitted on the basis of the long history of PPI use as a "surrogate" for equivalence. This review evaluates the safety data for PPIs, discuss variability of pharmacokinetic parameters of PPIs in the reformulation setting, and potential implications of those changes for long-term safety.

Smoking rates and smoking cessation among individuals with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Adults with physical disabilities tend to smoke at higher rates than smokers in the general population. No study to date, however, has assessed smoking prevalence and cessation among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Such information is critically needed because smoking is more deleterious for individuals with MS than for smokers without MS and increases MS risk. METHOD: Questionnaires were sent to 700 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Rhode Island Chapter members. RESULTS: Based on a 50% response rate, results demonstrated a 15.2% current smoker prevalence rate, which is lower than USA and Rhode Island general adult population averages. Individuals who smoked, however, tended to be heavy smokers, consuming 20 - 30 cigarettes daily, and had been smoking 10 years or longer. Smokers varied in their interest in quitting but seemed confident in their ability to do so. Respondents reported that it was difficult to quit because smoking was pleasurable; smoking was helpful in coping with boredom and with having MS; withdrawal symptoms were unpleasant; and treatment for tobacco dependence was expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacious smoking cessation interventions for smokers with MS should be developed to address a critical health need for a population of highly nicotine-dependent smokers who face numerous obstacles to quitting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in the current era compared with 1985-1986: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Registries.

BACKGROUND: Although refinements have occurred in coronary angioplasty over the past decade, little is known about whether these changes have affected outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline features and in-hospital and 1-year outcomes of 1559 consecutive patients in the 1997-1998 Dynamic Registry who were having first coronary intervention were compared with 2431 patients in the 1985-1986 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Registry. Compared with patients in the 1985-1986 Registry, Dynamic Registry patients were older (mean age, 62 versus 58 years; P:<0.001) and more often female (32.1% versus 25.5%; P:<0.001). In the Dynamic Registry, procedures were more often performed for acute myocardial infarction (22.9% versus 9.9%; P:<0.001) and treated lesions were more severe (84.5% versus 82.5% diameter reduction; P:<0.001), thrombotic (22.1% versus 11.3%; P:<0.001) or calcified (29.5% versus 10.8%; P:<0.001). Stents were used in 70.5% of Dynamic Registry patients, whereas 1985-1986 patients received balloon angioplasty alone. Procedural success was higher in the Dynamic Registry (92.0% versus 81.8%; P:<0.001) and the rate of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction, and emergency coronary bypass surgery combined was lower (4.9% versus 7.9%; P:=0.001) than in the 1985-1986 Registry. The 1-year rate for CABG was lower in the Dynamic Registry (6.9% versus 12.6%; P:<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although Dynamic Registry patients had more unstable and complex coronary disease than those in the 1985-1986 Registry, their rate of procedural success was higher whereas rates of complications and subsequent CABG were lower. Results of percutaneous coronary intervention have improved substantially over the past decade.

Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty: its role in the management of patients with aortic stenosis requiring major noncardiac surgery.

Seven patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty in preparation for major noncardiac surgery. There were four men and three women (mean age 82 +/- 1.3 years, range 78 to 88). A significant reduction in the transaortic pressure gradient from 77 +/- 7.8 to 31 +/- 6.2 mm Hg (p = 0.002) and increase in calculated aortic valve area from 0.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.0 +/- 0.3 cm2 (p = 0.05) was noted. Three of the seven procedures were performed anterograde with use of transseptal puncture: two of the three because of abdominal aortic aneurysm and one because of peripheral vascular disease. All seven patients underwent uncomplicated noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia 10 +/- 4.3 days (range 0 to 29) after aortic valvuloplasty. One patient had exploratory laparotomy, one underwent stabilization of a hip fracture and two underwent resection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Of the three other patients who underwent colectomy, one had repeat aortic valvuloplasty and repair of a hip fracture 7 months later and one required exploratory laparotomy without repeat valvuloplasty 7 weeks later. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty is an effective and safe procedure that may reduce the risk of general anesthesia and major noncardiac surgery in elderly patients with aortic stenosis.

Mitral balloon valvuloplasty for mitral restenosis after surgical commissurotomy.

Mitral balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 14 patients with recurrent mitral stenosis 16.9 +/- 1.8 years (range 6 to 30) after surgical commissurotomy. There were 13 women and 1 man with a mean age of 55 +/- 4 years (range 23 to 73). Mitral balloon valvuloplasty resulted in an increase in mitral valve area from 0.8 +/- 0.1 to 1.7 +/- 0.2 cm2 (p = 0.001), a decrease in mean mitral diastolic pressure gradient from 15 +/- 2 to 7 +/- 1 mm Hg (p = 0.001) and an increase in cardiac output from 3.4 +/- 0.3 to 3.9 +/- 0.3 liters/min (p = 0.03). No deaths, strokes, vascular complications or conduction abnormalities were observed. Mitral regurgitation developed or increased in severity in seven patients (50%). There was no evidence of significant left to right shunt through the atrial septal puncture site after mitral balloon valvuloplasty. A good result (defined as a mitral valve area greater than 1.0 cm2, an increase in mitral valve area greater than 25% and a mean gradient less than 10 mm Hg) was achieved in 9 (64%) of the 14 patients. A subgroup of four patients who had a superior result (increase in mitral valve area of 1.7 +/- 0.2 versus 0.5 +/- 0.1 cm2 in the other 10 patients, p = 0.004) was identified. These patients had less echocardiographic evidence of rheumatic mitral valve damage and were the only patients who had sinus rhythm. They were also younger, less debilitated and had a lower grade of fluoroscopic valve calcification compared with the other patients. Thus, mitral balloon valvuloplasty is a safe and effective procedure for patients with recurrent mitral stenosis after surgical commissurotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Percutaneous transvenous balloon valvotomy in a patient with severe calcific mitral stenosis.

Percutaneous transvenous balloon mitral valvotomy was performed successfully in a 57 year old man with refractory congestive heart failure due to calcific mitral stenosis. Cardiac surgery was not an option because of other major medical problems. Balloon mitral valvotomy was performed using the transseptal technique. The interatrial septum was dilated with the use of an 8 mm balloon catheter to allow passage of larger balloon valvotomy catheters to the mitral anulus. The procedure resulted in a marked decrease in the diastolic transmitral gradient from 20 to 4 mm Hg. This decrease was associated with an increase in cardiac output from 3.4 to 5.7 liters/min. Mitral valve area increased from 0.7 to 2.5 cm2. Balloon valvotomy did not result in significant mitral regurgitation. This case indicates that further trials are warranted to evaluate percutaneous transseptal mitral valvotomy for the treatment of patients with mitral stenosis.

Comparison of early versus late experience with percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.

The immediate outcome of the first 150 patients (Group 1) and the last 161 patients (Group 2) who underwent percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty was compared. There was no difference between the two groups in age, gender, New York Heart Association functional class, presence of calcification, atrial fibrillation, degree of mitral regurgitation, mean pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial pressure, cardiac output, pulmonary vascular resistance, mitral valve gradient and mitral valve area. Fewer patients in Group 1 than Group 2 had an echocardiographic score less than or equal to 8 (62% versus 69%, respectively, p = 0.02). The atrial septum was dilated with an 8 mm balloon in 74% of patients in Group 1 and with a 5 mm balloon in all patients in Group 2. Ratio of effective balloon dilating area to body surface area was larger in Group 1 than in Group 2 (4.05 +/- 0.07 versus 3.7 +/- 0.03 cm2/m2, p = 0.0001). A good result (mitral valve area greater than or equal to 1.5 cm2) was obtained in 77% and 75% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = NS). After percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty, a greater than or equal to 2 grade increase in mitral regurgitation was noted in 12% of Group 1 and 6% of Group 2 (p = 0.02) and a left to right shunt was detected in 22% of Group 1 and 11% of Group 2 (p = 0.0001). There were three procedure-related deaths in Group 1, but none in Group 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atrial septal defect after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty: immediate results and follow-up.

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 150 patients. There were 124 women and 26 men (mean age 53 +/- 1 years). A left to right shunt through the created atrial communication was present in 28 patients (19%) after valvuloplasty. The pulmonary to systemic flow ratio was greater than or equal to 2:1 in 4 patients and less than 2:1 in 24. Univariate predictors of left to right shunting after valvuloplasty included older age (p less than 0.01), lower cardiac output before mitral valvuloplasty (p less than 0.01), higher New York Heart Association functional class before valvuloplasty (p less than 0.05), presence of mitral valve calcification under fluoroscopy (p less than 0.01) and higher echocardiographic score (p less than 0.05). Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis identified the presence of mitral valve calcification (p less than 0.02) and lower cardiac output (p less than 0.02) as the independent predictors of a left to right shunt through the atrial communication after balloon valvuloplasty. Follow-up (10 +/- 1 months) of patients with an atrial septal defect after valvuloplasty showed that 1) 6 patients died (3 in the hospital and 3 at 2, 16 and 18 months, respectively, after valvuloplasty); 2) an atrial septal defect was demonstrated in 3 of 6 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (6 +/- 0.8 months after valvuloplasty); and 3) 13 patients were in functional class I, 2 patients were in class II and 1 patient was in class III at 13 +/- 1 months after valvuloplasty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arterial changes after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: results at autopsy.

Light and electron microscopic examinations were performed on 20 coronary artery sites from nine patients who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Twelve successfully dilated sites without prior thrombosis showed evidence of a tear in the luminal surface (with or without fracture of an atheroma) even at 140 days after angioplasty. The tear split through a relatively undistensible intima in 9 (75%) of the 12 sites. Two successfully dilated sites with prior thrombosis showed an intraintimal tear with a widely lacerated fibrous cap and thin mural thrombus. After dilation, the occluded prior nonthrombosed site showed marked protrusion of a separated plaque. An occluded prior thrombosed site after dilation revealed intraintimal canal-like hematoma. Four sites that occluded after balloon passage revealed a dissecting hematoma in three and plaque disruption in the other.

Comparison of ejection fraction and pulmonary blood volume ratio as markers of left ventricular function change after coronary angioplasty.

Exercise-induced increases in pulmonary blood volume ratio have been shown to be a sensitive marker of coronary artery disease, and correlate well with exercise-induced increases in left ventricular filling pressure. To compare the impact of single vessel coronary disease on left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction) versus diastolic filling pressure (pulmonary blood volume) before and after intervention, serial supine exercise gated blood pool scans were performed before and after coronary angioplasty in 32 patients with isolated left anterior descending coronary artery disease. By applying previously established criteria of abnormal ejection fraction (rest less than 50% or failure to rise by 5% with exercise) and pulmonary blood volume ratio (greater than 1.06), 66% of the patients were found to have abnormal responses before angioplasty by ejection fraction compared with 81% abnormal responses by pulmonary blood volume ratio (p = 0.15). After angioplasty, the proportion of patients with abnormal ejection fraction (59%) was essentially unchanged, whereas only 38% continued to have an abnormal pulmonary blood volume ratio (p less than 0.01 compared with before angioplasty). The mean pulmonary blood volume ratio also decreased significantly from 1.15 +/- 0.10 before angioplasty to 1.02 +/- 0.15 after angioplasty (p less than 0.001). It is concluded that in single vessel coronary artery disease: 1) pulmonary blood volume ratio is abnormal at least as frequently as is ejection fraction; 2) in contrast to ejection fraction, pulmonary blood volume ratio improves significantly after successful angioplasty; and 3) pulmonary blood volume ratio may be a more sensitive indicator of changes in ventricular function after an intervention in single vessel coronary disease.

Underestimation of prosthetic mitral valve areas: role of transseptal catheterization in avoiding unnecessary repeat mitral valve surgery.

In patients with symptoms of heart failure after mitral valve replacement, identification of a stenosed prosthesis may be difficult. Twelve such patients were evaluated, presenting at a mean of 8.4 years after mitral valve replacement (four mechanical, eight porcine). Transvalvular pressure gradients were obtained using both indirect (pulmonary capillary wedge) and direct (transseptal catheterization) measurements of left atrial pressure. In all 12 patients, the diastolic gradient across the prosthetic valve was overestimated when pulmonary wedge rather than transseptal measurements were used. Calculated mitral valve prosthetic area was underestimated by the pulmonary wedge determinations. These findings may be caused by either the phase delay of the pulmonary wedge V wave relative to the transseptal V wave, resulting in a higher diastolic mean left atrial pressure, or the faulty wedge determinations in the setting of pulmonary hypertension, or both. In patients being considered for repeat mitral valve replacement because of prosthetic valve stenosis, transseptal catheterization allows for more accurate determination of prosthetic valve area and more accurately defines the need for repeat mitral valve surgery.

The role of percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock and critical aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock due to severe aortic stenosis and associated major comorbid conditions and to establish predictors of survival. BACKGROUND: The prognosis for patients in cardiogenic shock with severe aortic stenosis is poor. Aortic valve replacement can be lifesaving, but the presence of multiorgan failure precludes these patients from operation. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty has been used in these patients with short-term improvement and could be an alternative therapeutic option. METHODS: Of 310 patients undergoing percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty, 21 were in cardiogenic shock and were included in this study. All 21 patients had associated major comorbid conditions at the time of presentation. RESULTS: After percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty, systolic aortic pressure increased from 77 +/- 3 (mean +/- SEM) to 116 +/- 8 mm Hg (p = 0.0001); aortic valve area increased from 0.48 +/- 0.04 to 0.84 +/- 0.06 cm2 (p = 0.0001); and cardiac index increased from 1.84 +/- 0.13 to 2.24 +/- 0.15 liters/min per m2 (p = 0.06). Nine patients died in the hospital, two during the procedure and seven after successful percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty (five from multiorgan failure). Five patients had vascular complications. Stroke, cholesterol emboli and aortic regurgitation requiring aortic valve replacement occurred in one patient each. Twelve patients (57%) survived and were followed up for 15 +/- 6 months; five patients subsequently died. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a 38 +/- 11% survival rate at 27 months. The only predictor for longer survival rate was the postprocedure cardiac index. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Emergency percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty can be performed successfully as a lifesaving procedure. 2) Morbidity and mortality remain high despite successful percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty. 3) For nonsurgical candidates, percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty may be the only therapeutic alternative.

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy in patients with calcific mitral stenosis: immediate and long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the immediate and long-term outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in patients with and without fluoroscopically visible mitral valve calcification. BACKGROUND: Mitral valve calcification has been shown to be an important factor in determining immediate and long-term outcome of patients undergoing surgical mitral commissurotomy. Patient selection has an important impact on the outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. METHODS: The immediate and long-term results of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy were compared in 155 patients with and 173 patients without mitral valve calcification. The patients with calcified valves were assigned to four groups according to severity of calcification. RESULTS: Patients with calcified mitral stenosis more frequently were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and more frequently had atrial fibrillation, previous surgical commissurotomy, echocardiographic score > 8, higher pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures, higher pulmonary vascular resistance and mean mitral valve gradient and lower cardiac output and smaller mitral valve area. Mitral valve area after valvotomy was significantly smaller in patients with calcified valves (1.8 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.06 cm2) and was > or = 1.5 cm2 in 65% of patients with and 83% of patients without calcified valves (p = 0.004). A successful outcome, defined as mitral valve area > 1.5 cm2 without significant mitral regurgitation and left to right shunting, was achieved in 52% of patients with and 69% of patients without uncalcified valves (p = 0.001). The success rate was 59%, 48%, 35% and 33% in subgroups with 1+, 2+, 3+ and 4+ calcification, respectively. The rates of significant left to right shunting and mitral regurgitation after valvuloplasty were similar in the two groups. Estimated survival rate (80% vs. 99%, respectively, p = 0.0001), survival rate without mitral valve replacement (67% vs. 93%, respectively, p < 0.00005) and event-free survival rate (63% vs. 88%, respectively, p < 0.00005) at 2 years were significantly better in the patients with uncalcified valves. Survival rate curves became progressively worse as the severity of calcification increased. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that immediate and long-term results of mitral valvuloplasty are not as successful in patients with fluoroscopically visible mitral valve calcification as in those without calcification.

Prognostic value of computer-quantitated exercise thallium imaging early after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

To develop an approach to predicting adverse events after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 50 patients had thallium-201 exercise testing within 1 month after successful single vessel coronary angioplasty and were followed up for a mean of 18 months. Adverse events were: 1) clinical events consisting of recurrent angina (17 patients) and myocardial infarction (1 patient); 2) treatment events consisting of repeat coronary angioplasty (10 patients) and coronary bypass surgery (1 patient); and 3) restenosis, defined as a greater than 30% increase in luminal stenosis (15 of 38 recatheterized patients). There were no deaths. Of the clinical, exercise, angiographic and thallium scan variables analyzed by stepwise logistic regression, postangioplasty gradient greater than 20 mm Hg predicted clinical events and treatment events, and the number of segments with slower thallium clearance predicted clinical events, treatment events and restenosis. Using Cox Hazards model regression of survival without events, the number of transient qualitative thallium defects also predicted clinical events and restenosis. At 1 year after angioplasty, 24% of patients with these variables had restenosis compared with only 6% of those without these variables and 36% of patients with these variables had a clinical or treatment event compared with 8% of patients without these variables. Three measures of the adequacy of myocardial perfusion (post-angioplasty gradient, reduced thallium clearance and transient thallium defects) were additive predictors of adverse events after coronary angioplasty with the relative risk being approximately four times greater in patients with these variables than in those without. Such adverse events, therefore, are usually a consequence of inadequate revascularization.

Comparison of the echocardiographic and hemodynamic diagnosis of rheumatic tricuspid stenosis.

Two-dimensional echocardiography has proved to be reliable in the diagnosis of mitral, aortic and pulmonary stenosis. Its role in the diagnosis of rheumatic tricuspid stenosis is still being defined; therefore, the tricuspid valve echograms of 147 patients with rheumatic heart disease were examined. Thirty-eight of these patients also underwent hemodynamic evaluation. Tricuspid stenosis was defined echocardiographically as diastolic anterior leaflet doming, thickening and restricted excursion of the other two tricuspid leaflets and decreased separation of the leaflet tips. Using these criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of the echocardiogram in detecting tricuspid stenosis were 69 and 96%, respectively, in the group of 38 patients who had both echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluations. However, when the smaller group of 17 patients who had simultaneous right atrial and right ventricular pressure recordings were considered separately, there was complete agreement between the echocardiographic and hemodynamic data. Thus, the two-dimensional echocardiogram is a sensitive and specific test for diagnosing rheumatic tricuspid stenosis. In addition, these data provided an opportunity to determine the prevalence of tricuspid stenosis in this group of patients with chronic rheumatic valvular disease. Tricuspid stenosis was present in 14 (9.5%) of the total group of 147 patients who had two-dimensional echocardiograms, and in 10 (26.3%) of the 38 who had both echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies. In patients with rheumatic heart disease about to undergo cardiac catheterization, an echocardiographic study should prove useful in making the diagnosis of tricuspid stenosis.

Mitral regurgitation after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in adults: evaluation by pulsed Doppler echocardiography.

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a new technique used in the treatment of adult patients with mitral stenosis. To evaluate the occurrence and severity of mitral regurgitation after balloon valvuloplasty, 24 patients (20 women and 4 men, mean age 57 years) were studied using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography before and less than 24 h after this procedure. Mitral valve area increased after valvuloplasty in all patients, from 0.89 +/- 0.07 to 1.61 +/- 0.09 cm2 (p less than 0.001). Before valvuloplasty, 10 patients had no mitral regurgitation, 4 had 1+, 4 had 2+ and 6 had 3+ mitral regurgitation. After valvuloplasty, new mitral regurgitation occurred in six patients. Regurgitation grade did not change in 13 patients (54%), increased by one grade in 8 patients (33%) and by two grades in 3 patients (13%). Left atrial volume decreased in all except one patient from 100 +/- 12 to 83 +/- 12 cm3 (p less than 0.001). Neither age, sex, cardiac rhythm, initial mitral valve area, increase in mitral valve area, morphologic characteristics of the valvular and subvalvular apparatus, previous mitral commissurotomy nor effective balloon dilating area discriminated between those patients with and without an increase in mitral regurgitation after valvuloplasty. Thus, mitral balloon valvuloplasty is frequently associated with an increase in mitral regurgitation. However, in this series, no patient developed severe mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume decreased in nearly all patients. An increase in mitral regurgitation could not be predicted from any features of the valve or subvalvular apparatus, clinical characteristics of the patients or technical aspects of the procedure.

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy for the treatment of cardiac tamponade and large pericardial effusions: description of technique and report of the first 50 cases.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the technique, clinical characteristics and results of the first 50 patients undergoing percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy as part of a multicenter registry. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy involves the use of a percutaneous balloon dilating catheter to create a nonsurgical pericardial window. METHODS: Patients eligible for percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy had either cardiac tamponade (n = 36) or a moderate to large pericardial effusion (n = 14). In addition to clinical follow-up, serial echocardiograms and chest X-ray films were obtained. RESULTS: The procedure was considered successful in 46 patients after a mean follow-up period of 3.6 +/- 3.3 months. Two patients required an early operation, one for bleeding from a pericardial vessel and one for persistent pericardial catheter drainage. Two patients required a late operation for recurrent tamponade. Minor complications of the procedure included fever in 6 of the first 37 patients (studied before the prophylactic use of antibiotic agents), thoracentesis or chest tube placement in 8 and a small spontaneously resolving pneumothorax in 2. Despite the short-term success of this procedure, the long-term prognosis of the 44 patients with malignant pericardial disease remained poor (mean survival time 3.3 +/- 3.1 months). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy is successful in helping to manage large pericardial effusions, particularly in patients with a malignant condition. It may become the preferred treatment to avoid a more invasive procedure for patients with pericardial effusion and a limited life expectancy.