Mitral regurgitation (MR) was analyzed by Doppler echocardiography, preoperatively and postoperatively, in 59 patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The ratio of left atrial dimension and aortic root dimension (LAD/AOD) and the maximal velocity of the mitral valve (MVmax) were compared in pre, postop group. The degree of the regurgitation was given to the MR group. In preop MR group (13 of 59,22%), we compared the LAD/AOD by echo and the Qp/Qs by catheterization with non-MR group. The following results were obtained: 1) In preop MR group, about half of them had a grade 1 regurgitation, where as one fourth showed grade 2, remaining one fourth showed grade 3. The later were all changed to grade 2, postoperatively. The whiffle or mild MR (grade 1 or 2) shown preoperatively were slightly reduced in their degrees of regurgitation, but most were not disappeared and persisted to 7th postop day. 2) LAD/AOD and MVmax were significantly reduced at postop state of PDA. 3) In preop MR group (n=13), LAD/AOD was significantly increased. Qp/Qs was higher in MR grade 2 group (n=6). In conclusion, left atrial dilatation could be a factor causing mitral regurgitation in the PDA. The amount of the pulmonary blood flow also related to that. The size of the PDA itself, Rp/Rs and associated cardiac lesions were not related to the regurgitation.
Catheterization ; Catheters ; Dilatation ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Humans ; Mitral Valve ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency*

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare affection characterized by fragility of the bones, blue sclerae, and deafness, less freqently by hypermobility of the joints. The etiology is unknown, but it appears to be a mesenchymal defect. A case of osteogenesis imperfecta(tarda form). in a 8 ycar old girl, is presented with a review of the literatures. The chief complaints were bowing deformities of the right upper arm and both lower extremities, stunted growth, blue sclerae, dental defects, weakness of the muscles and pigeon breast. X-Ray showed multiple malunited fractures of the right humerus, both femurs, and bilaterally of tibiae and fibulae.
Arm ; Breast ; Columbidae ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Deafness ; Female ; Femur ; Fibula ; Fractures, Malunited ; Growth Disorders ; Humans ; Humerus ; Joints ; Lower Extremity ; Muscles ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta ; Osteogenesis ; Sclera ; Tibia

No abstract available.
Alcoholics* ; Humans

No abstract available.
Heart Failure* ; Heart* ; Hypertension, Pulmonary* ; Nifedipine*

No abstract available.
Humans ; Inpatients*

Monitoring of the central venous pressure is a simple, relatively inexpensive method of assessing a patient's cardiac status, circulating blood volume, and vasomotor tone. The simplest way of checking the intrathoraeic location of the catheter tip is by observing oscillation of 2~4cmH2O in the manometer column, synchronous with respiratory cycle. Inaccurate measurements are often obtained by the misplacement of the central venous catheter tip, in addition to the other well-known complications. Radiographic identification of the catheter tip is essential to eliminate these problems. We experienced a case of arrhythmia which appeared upon misplacement of the central venous catheter tip, and confirmed its misplacement by radiographic study.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Volume ; Catheters ; Central Venous Catheters* ; Central Venous Pressure ; Methods

No abstract available.
Cell Line* ; Humans* ; Monocytes*

No abstract available.
Fetal Development* ; Pregnancy*

No abstract available.
Cesarean Section, Repeat* ; Female ; Fistula*

The TRAM flap provides the safe creation of a durable, soft, natural-appearing breast mound and has thus become the most popular method of breast reconstruction. On the other hand, the rectus muscle can be used as a good donor site for a flap reconstruction in trauma or osteomyelitis cases on the lower extremity. The abdominal sequelae, including abdominal wall dysfunction after free rectus muscle transfer, was evaluated. Thirty-seven patients underwent free TRAM (n=29) or rectus abdominis muscular free flap(n = 8) operations between 1994 and 1997. In harvesting of the TRAM flap, a muscle-splitting technique was used and thus one-quarter of the muscle was preserved. In rectus muscular free flap, the entire width of the rectus abdominis muscle was harvested. Among the 37 patients, 26 patients (20 free TRAM flap and 6 rectus muscular free flap) were studied, for they were followed up postoperatively for at least 6 months and had provided preoperative data of abdominal strength. Cosmetic results of the abdomem were appraised by four independent judges on photographs taken of 26 patients. The global appearance of the abdomen was rated as "natural" in 75%. The scar on the umbilicus and lower abdomen was rated as acceptable or not visible in 65%. The replies to questionnaires were analyzed Patient self-assessment showed general satisfaction. In 24 of 26 answers, they said they would recommend the operation to others, and 70% of the patients found their abdominal strength and sports ability the same or improved. Thirty percent of the patients complained that back pain developed or became aggravated after surgery. Abdominal muscular strength was tested both preoperatively and 6 months to 1 year period after surgery according to Lacote. The abdominal wall function was impaired, especially in the upper rectus and external oblique muscle. In conclusion even though the abdominal sequelae after free TRAM or rectus muscular free flap reconstruction should not be urderestimated, no problem of clinical significance was encountered, and patients showed a high degree of satisfaction with the operation
Abdomen ; Abdominal Wall ; Back Pain ; Breast ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Free Tissue Flaps* ; Hand ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Mammaplasty ; Osteomyelitis ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Rectus Abdominis* ; Self-Assessment ; Sports ; Tissue Donors ; Umbilicus