A 58-year-old man with left atrial myxoma complicated with acute myocardial infarction is presented. On coronary arteriography, 50% stenosis and a saccular aneurysm was found just below the stenosis at segment 1 of the right coronary artery. Ergonovine provocation study was negative. It was proposed that the myocardial infarction probably was caused by coronary embolization from the left atrial myxoma.

Coronary Aneurysm↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dopamine D3 receptors in rat juxtaglomerular cells.

D2-like receptors in the kidney have been suggested to be important in the regulation of renin release but the D2-like subtype(s) expressed in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells is not known. Therefore, we determined which of the D2-like family of dopamine receptors is located in primary cultures of rat juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) identified D3 and D4 but not D2Long mRNA in JG cells (n = 3). D3 receptor function was demonstrated by a concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production by LY-171555 (a non-selective D2-like receptor agonist) and PD-128593 (a partially selective D3 agonist) (n = 3-7/group). The stimulatory action of LY-171555 and PD-128593 we blocked by the non-selective D2-like antagonist YM-09151. We conclude that D3 and D4 dopamine receptor subtypes are expressed in JG cells; the receptor subtype linked to the inhibition of cAMP in JG cells remains to be established.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of postoperative digestive function after pancreatico-duodenectomy: a comparison of reconstruction techniques.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Malabsorption is a frequent complication following pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic carcinoma. Gastrojejunostomy followed by Billroth I type of reconstruction (PD III) has been advanced to prevent this disorder. We compared postoperative digestion and absorption determined by 131I-triolein, D-xylose and pancreatic function diagnostant (PFD) after extensive PD followed by one of two reconstructive procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Postoperative digestive and absorptive functions in patients operated by Child's method (PD II) were compared with patients in whom the stomach emptied proximal to the pancreas and bile duct (PD III). RESULTS: The absorption of D-xylose was significantly higher (1.24 +/- 0.36 g vs. 0.72 +/- 0.21 g) in the PD III group. No difference was noted in pancreatic endocrine secretion between the two groups. Biliary scintigraphy revealed increased bile secretion in the PD III group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PD III is superior to PD II following extensive PD.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new technique for variable-load cholangiomanometry. Implication for biliary tract surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Variable-load cholangiomanometry was performed to obtain data on terminal biliary function during the surgical treatment of cholelithiasis. The decision of whether or not to perform a definitive biliary drainage procedure was based on the results of this test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rate of perfusion was reduced in four steps from 15.3 ml/min to 1.2 ml/min, and the resultant perfusion pressures were plotted. The gradient produced by the straight line was considered the resistance, R. The baseline pressure without perfusion was regarded as the static pressure, P. RESULTS: A review of 444 patients with cholelithiasis who underwent intraoperative cholangiomanometry during the past 11 years led to the following indications for definitive biliary drainage: (1) R > 10 units and P > 200 mm H2O, (2) if only R or P is elevated, priority is given to R, and (3) if the elevation of R or P is borderline, the presence of a type I curvature in the segment of low flow rate is an indication for surgery. CONCLUSION: By performing an intraoperative cholangiomanometry concrete indications for a biliary drainage procedure can be defined.

Cholelithiasis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new classification of Mirizzi syndrome from diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A new classification of Mirizzi syndrome was developed based on our experience with 30 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using diagnostic and therapeutic criteria, four distinct entities were identified. Type I characterized by stenosis of the common hepatic duct due to a stone impacted in the cystic duct or the neck of the gallbladder. Type II is characterized by fistulization of the common hepatic duct as a result of a stone embedded in the cystic duct or the neck of the gallbladder. Type III is defined by hepatic duct stenosis due to a stone of the confluence, and Type IV by hepatic duct stenosis as a complication of cholecystitis in the absence of calculi impacted in the cystic duct or the neck of the gallbladder. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients there were 14 Type I, 2 Type II, 6 Type III, and 8 Type IV patients. Distinctive cholangiographic features were identified. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic approach differs from each of the four distinct pathologic entities.

Adult↗