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Biomedical subjects

M A Berman

Publications and source records attributed to M A Berman.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Effects of acutely increasing systemic vascular resistance on oxygen tension in tetralogy of Fallot.

Effects of phenylephrine hydrochloride on the degree of hypoxia were studied in six cyanotic patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Baseline aortic and right atrial oxygen saturations, blood gas tensions, pH, and indicator-dilution curves were obtained under stable conditions. Phenylephrine was infused while systemic arterial pressure was monitored continuously. Aortic and right atrial blood samples were measured at each 10 mm Hg systolic pressure increment and decrement and analyzed for pH, PO2, PCO2, and oxygen saturation. A 40 mm Hg peak systolic aortic pressure rise was the arbitrary end point for phenylephrine infusion and the indicator-dilution curve repeated. Aortic oxygen tensions rose in all from 4 to 28 mm Hg (mean, 14 mm Hg). The net right-to-left shunt decreased from 10% to 40% (mean, 25%) with phenylephrine infusion as compared to the shunt under basal conditions. The presumed mechanism related to the increase in systemic vascular resistance relative to right ventricular outflow obstruction with resultant augmentation of pulmonary blood flow. It is concluded that acutely raising systemic vascular resistance in patients with tetralogy of Fallot using phenylephrine infusion has a beneficial effect on systemic arterial oxygen level and might be the medical treatment of choice for protracted hypoxic spells.

Child↗

Cor triatriatum: masked by complex congenital cardiac anomalies.

The radiographic, angiographic, hemodynamic, and surgical features of 2 cases of cor triatriatum complicated by other cardiac anomalies are presented. In the first case, the patient had tetralogy of Fallot, the scimitar syndrome, and left ventricular obstruction. In the second case the patient had truncus arteriosus. The first case was revealed only after augmentation of pulmonary flow by an aorta-pulmonary artery anastomosis. In the second case, the diagnosis was retrospectively suggested by certain angiographic and hemodynamic clues. The prospective diagnosis was made only after a modified Rastelli procedure for truncus arteriosus. The difficulties encountered in making the diagnosis in both cases are discussed. It is stressed that a high index of suspicion, thorough accumulation and examination of hemodynamic data, and excellent angiograms and plain film radiography are all necessary to an early diagnosis of cor triatriatum when the latter is complicated by other congenital heart anomalies.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Prosthetic valve replacement in children.

Reported clinical experience with prosthetic valve replacement in children have suggested a high operative mortality. We placed 25 valves in 24 children with one operative death. There has been one late death related to pacemaker malfunction, but the remainder of the patients have generally done extremely well. The children have not undergone elective anticoagulation, and the long-term embolism rate has not exceeded the incidence of systemic embolization in adults who have been controlled on warfarin sodium (Coumadin) therapy. The objective of prosthetic valve replacement is myocardial preservation. We believe that valve replacement with currently available prostheses should be undertaken in any child with valvular malfunction who is not well controlled with good medical management.

Adolescent↗

Postnatal development of obstruction in coarctation of the aorta: role of the ductus arteriosus.

The sequence of events leading to the development of acute obstruction in two infants with coarctation has been defined by clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic studies. One infant had normally related great arteries and an isolated coarctation, while the other infant had transposition with a hypoplastic right ventricle, a ventricular septal deffect, narrowing of the aortic isthmus, and a localized site of coarctation. In each instance, a posterior aortic shelf--the basic pathologic lesion in coarctation--could be observed angiographically. Signs of aortic obstruction were absent, however, as long as the ductus arteriosus was widely patent. Following ductal obliteration, femoral pulsations diminished, a peak systolic pressure difference was recorded between the ascending and descending aorta, and a discrete area of juxtaductal coarctation was seen. The basic malformation (posterior aortic curtain) would appear to exist in utero, possibly as an aortic branch point. This lesion is nonobstructive as long as blood can traverse the aortic isthmus through the aortic end of the ductus into the descending aorta. Postnatally, as the ductus arteriosus undergoes constriction at its aortic insertion, signs of acute aortic obstruction may b =ecome apparent. Normal femoral arterial pulsations during the newborn examination do not definitively exclude coarctation. Pediatricians should recheck at 2 weeks of age if the infant is asymptomatic or sooner if there are signs of cardiac failure to establish the presence or absence of this defect.

Angiography↗

Current status of the surgical treatment of truncus arteriosus.

Persistent truncus asteriosus is now correctable surgically in patients with favorable anatomy. Given pulmonary arteries of reasonable size arising from any source, successful correction is possible so long as irreversible pulmonary vascular disease has not occurred. Although the majority of children with this defect demonstrate increased pulmonary blood flow, systemic-pulmonary artery shunts can be used. Also, banding of the pulmonary artery, followed subsequently by successful total correction, has been described. Recent reports of a few successful total corrections in infancy, performed with the aid of deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest, may modify the current approach. Although the majority of the reported corrections have involved aortic homograft reconstruction of the pulmonary artery, we strongly favor a synthetic prosthesis containing a heterograft valve. Based upon our clinical experience and this review of the literature, a suggested management protocol is presented.

Age Factors↗