Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Vincenzi

Publications and source records attributed to M Vincenzi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Atresia of the left main coronary artery: clinical recognition and surgical treatment.

Atresia of the left main coronary artery is an extremely rare anomaly with very few cases presented in the literature. Even more uncommon are reports of successful surgical repair. This article concerns two cases of atresia of the left main coronary artery treated surgically with a favourable outcome. The two patients (a 16 year-old boy and a 43 year-old woman) had a different clinical presentation but identical angiographic and morphologic features. The authors examine the embryogenetic defect underlying this anomaly. The differential diagnosis involves two congenital malformations (single coronary artery and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk) and acquired atherosclerotic disease of the left main coronary artery; the distinguishing features of these conditions are reviewed. Surgical management by means of internal mammary artery revascularization is discussed in light of recent reports about adequacy of blood flow in internal mammary artery bypass grafts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Enhanced A-V nodal conduction (Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome) by congenitally hypoplastic A-V node.

The basic anatomical substrate of enhanced A-V nodal conduction, manifesting or not as Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome, is still a controversial issue. We describe the case of a 34-year-old man who presented episodes of ventricular fibrillation. Electrophysiological studies showed that the AH interval was 55 ms, and increased by only 20 ms at paced cycle lengths of 300 ms; atrial pacing induced atrial fibrillation, with a shortest RR interval of 240 ms. Despite verapamil therapy, this patient died suddenly at home. Histological study disclosed a severe A-V node hypoplasia that was evidently congenital in nature; the rest of the conduction system was normal, and no accessory A-V pathways were present. We suggest that enhanced A-V nodal conduction in this patient was due to the developmental defect in the A-V node; this abnormality caused a loss of specific impulse-delaying function, and thus allowed rapid, unfiltered atrial impulses to reach the lower A-V junction and ventricles.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Determination of prevalence and control level of hypertension in the community: Hypertension Management Audit Project--Vicenza].

As a part of the "Hypertension Management Audit Project" a random sample of 4070 subjects was drawn from the population aged 35-64 living in the city of Vicenza, in order to assess the prevalence and the level of control of hypertension in the community. 2854 (70.1%) were screened in the first step of the survey. Two blood pressure (BP) reading, height and weight measurements were performed and a short questionnaire filled in. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were (mean and 95% confidence interval) 143.7 (142.6-144.7) and 88.3 (87.7-88.8) mmHg in males; 137.8 (136.8-138.8) and 84.9 (84.5-85.5) mmHg in females, respectively. The BP value corresponding to the 95 degrees percentile of the cumulative distribution of BP was 180 mmHg for SBP and 105 mmHg for DBP in males; 173 mmHg for SBP and 100 mmHg for DBP in females. Systo-diastolic hypertension was present in 12.3% of the screened population; isolated diastolic hypertension in 9.1%; isolated systolic hypertension in 5.3%; borderline hypertension in 31.6%; severe hypertension (DBP > or = 115 mmHg) was present in 1.9% of females and in 2.2% of males. Prevalence in males was significantly higher with respect to females in all three categories of defined hypertension, but not in borderline hypertension. The second step of the survey involved 849 subjects (29.7% of the screened population) who completed two re-examinations because at the screening they had: 1) history of high BP; 2) BP > or = 160/95 mmHg; 3) ongoing antihypertensive treatment. At the end of the survey, 772 of these subjects (91%) were confirmed as hypertensives (mean BP of six readings > or = 140/90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive drugs). Patients aware of their high BP were 78.8%; aware and treated 51.0%; treated and controlled (BP < 140/90 mmHg) 19.1%. All indices of control were significantly higher in female with respect to male patients. Treated patients were significantly older than untreated patients; treated females had significantly lower BP than treated males, whereas no difference was detected between untreated patients; patients unaware of high BP had the highest BP values if compared to treated and untreated patients. This survey reveals a high prevalence of hypertension in the adult population of the city of Vicenza; quality of control shows a moderate improvement if compared to previous studies carried out in our country.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Esophageal stimulation in WPW syndrome].

Transoesophageal stimulation of the atria combined with bicycle ergometry provides a satisfactory reproducibility of a number of basic electrophysiological parameters at rest and during a load. Due to the good sensitivity and low specificity this test can be recommended in WPW syndrome as a screening examination in particular in active sportsmen and junior subjects. To assess the risk of sudden death in subjects with this syndrome it is, however, necessary to evaluate the complex of all assembled data, as the shortest R-R interval in induced atrial fibrillation is not sufficiently specific.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Hypertension, obesity and response to antihypertensive treatment: results of a community survey.

A random sample of 2,854 subjects aged 35-64 was examined in the town of Vicenza (Italy) as part of the 'Hypertension Management Audit Project'. Pearson's correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis considering systolic and diastolic blood pressure, age and body mass index (BMI) were performed. SBP was more closely correlated with age than DBP. BMI correlated with both SBP and DBP, but very little with age. Fifty-seven percent of the men had a BMI of 25.5 or more and 49% of the women had a BMI of 24.5 or more. The quality of BP control in the treated patients was worse in the overweight when compared with the lean patients, although overweight and lean patients are treated with the same frequency.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Administration of gallopamil by long-term venous infusion in spontaneous angina. A single-blind, self-controlled study versus placebo.

In order to assess the efficacy and tolerability of gallopamil (D-600, CAS 16662-47-8) by long-term venous infusion in the treatment of spontaneous angina, 15 consecutive patients were studied in a single-blind, self-controlled trial versus placebo. Following a 24-h Holter ECG recording of the patients receiving a saline infusion (run-in phase), i.v. administration of gallopamil was started at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg/h preceded by a 0.03 mg/kg bolus. After 24 h, the dosage was increased to 0.03 mg/kg/h and the infusion was maintained for another 48 h. The Holter ECG recording was repeated in the last 24 h of treatment and after 6 h from withdrawal (washout phase). The reduction in the number of angina attacks, as shown by a comparison between the average of the two placebo periods (run-in and washout phases) and the three days of treatment, was 68.2%, 92.5%, and 87%, respectively. Consumption of glyceryl trinitrate decreased by 92.5% on each one of the three days of treatment. The reduction in the number of ischemic episodes (IEs) with symptomatic (-91.6%) and silent (-98.0%) ST elevation, and with symptomatic (-100%) and silent (-90%) ST depression, also proved significant. Heart rate decreased only moderately. One patient showed a mild first-degree heart block, while another suffered a transient episode of isorhythmic A-V dissociation. In conclusion, when administered by venous infusion, gallopamil has been found to be well tolerated and highly effective in the treatment of spontaneous angina.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[The clinical and prognostic significance of the infarct size in patients discharged after a myocardial infarct].

The authors report their experience in the determination of the infarct size (IS) by means of enzymatic analysis in a series of 281 consecutive patients (230 males, 51 females) admitted to the CCU because of myocardial infarction (MI), who did not benefit from thrombolytic therapy in the acute phase. To obtain the enzymatic IS, the serum activity of creatine kinase (CK) is determined every 4 hours for 48 hours and after 72 hours; Sobel's formula is used and results are expressed as CK-g-Eq of tissue. The enzymatic IS was compared to the degree of left ventricular dysfunction (assessed by echocardiography); to the electrocardiographic extension of necrosis; to the severity of ventricular arrhythmias (expressed as Lown's class) on 24-hour Holter monitoring; to cardiac mortality at 2 years. Mean estimated enzymatic IS of the population under study was 129 +/- 101 g-Eq. Patients with extensive MI (216 +/- 144 g-Eq) had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher IS compared to patients with inferior (131 +/- 93 g-Eq), anterior (105 +/- 65 g-Eq) and non-Q wave MI (73 +/- 54 g-Eq); also, a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) was found between inferior and non-Q wave MI. Patients with severely compromised left ventricular function (defined as an echocardiographic ejection fraction less than 30%), had significantly higher values of IS compared to patients with preserved left ventricular function (171 +/- 130 vs 120 +/- 93 g-Eq; p less than 0.05). A poor correlation was found between enzymatic IS and ventricular arrhythmias documented at pre-discharge 24-hour Holter monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Echocardiographic and pulsed Doppler features in glycogen storage disease type II of the heart (Pompe's disease).

Two cases of cardiac glycogen storage disease type II are described: the first one, male aged 3 months, presented with generalized muscular hypotonia and decreased deep tendon reflexes; a 2/6 systolic murmur was audible at the left sternal border; chest X-ray and ECG were consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy; an echocardiogram disclosed an impressive and diffuse cardiac hypertrophy; the pump function appeared preserved and the estimated ejection fraction was about 70%. Pulsed wave Doppler demonstrated a normal envelope of mitral flow with E/A ratio = 1.27 in averaged 20 beats. The patient died suddenly at 6 months of age. The second patient was a female 4 months old with generalized muscular hypotonia. ECG and chest X-ray were consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy; 2D echocardiogram showed diffuse hypertrophy with estimated ejection fraction of 68% and an almost normal aspect of the mitral flow curve, with E/A ratio of 1.18. This child died at 13 months of age of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. In both cases the diagnosis was made by muscular biopsy and biochemical tests (alpha 1-4 glucosidase deficiency). We stress the fact that, despite the severe and diffuse hypertrophy, the pump function and the ventricular filling did not seem compromised.

Cardiomegaly↗
PubMed1990

[Prolongation of the QT interval and torsade de pointes caused by ketanserin].

The authors report the case of an 84-year-old man with mild aortic valvular disease and arterial hypertension who developed marked QT interval prolongation and several lipotimic and syncopal attacks after 3 months of treatment with ketanserin (40 mg/day). The correlation between ketanserin, QT prolongation and symptoms was assessed by withdrawal and subsequent re-administration of the drug. Continuous ECG monitoring revealed the occurrence of QT prolongation and symptomatic runs of torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia. The Authors suggest that treatment with ketanserin needs careful patients selection and follow-up.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Gallopamil infusion for treatment of Prinzmetal angina].

The efficacy of a new calcium channel blocker, gallopamil, has been tested via a single blind, self-controlled versus placebo protocol in 9 consecutive patients admitted to our Coronary Care Unit because of repeated daily attacks of Prinzmetal variant angina. Exclusion criteria were age (greater than 65 years) bradycardia (less than 50 beats/min), recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, sinoatrial or atrioventricular block. After a 24 hours run-in period on saline drip, gallopamil was administered as 0.03 mg/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion at 0.02 mg/kg/h for the first 24 hours and 0.03 mg/kg/h for the last 48 hours. Treatment was then stopped and the patients were again kept on saline infusion for the next 30 hours. Holter monitoring was recorded during run-in, on third day of treatment and 6 hours after gallopamil withdrawal. Anginal attacks were significantly reduced in number by therapy (-63%, -91%, -84% in the 3 days of treatment). Holter monitoring during gallopamil infusion showed a statistically significant reduction in silent (-98%) and symptomatic (-93%) ischemic episodes (IE). During the last 24 hours of the washout period we observed a statistically significant increase in silent ischemic episodes. While no transient ST segment elevation was recorded in 3 patients, in 1 patient symptomatic IE were increased of 150% with respect to the run-in period. On the whole we observed complete suppression of IE in 7 patients (78%) at the third day of treatment with gallopamil. In 2 patients (22%) a greater than 75% reduction was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Torsade de pointes induced by quinidine: a case treated successfully with verapamil].

The Authors report a case of incessant torsade de pointes, associated with QT prolongation, due to the proarrhythmic effect of quinidine, which was successfully treated with i.v. verapamil. The arrhythmia occurred after oral administration of quinidine polygalacturonate (550 mg + 275 mg + 275 mg over a 4-hour period) for the conversion of atrial fibrillation in a 41-year-old woman with mild mitral stenosis and regurgitation. Verapamil was administered as an i.v. bolus (5 mg at a rate of 1 mg/min) and with in four minutes the arrhythmia disappeared. The electrophysiological mechanisms of torsade de pointes and the potential role of Ca+(+)-channel-blocking agents in its treatment are briefly discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Transcatheter fulguration of the atrioventricular junction in supraventricular hyperkinetic arrhythmia. Immediate and long-term results].

Transcatheter direct-current ablation of the atrio-ventricular junction is a recently developed technique in the treatment of medically refractory supraventricular tachycardia. Twenty patients underwent this procedure between July 1987 and May 1989 and were followed-up for a mean period of 8.3 +/- 6 months (range 1-23). Indication for ablation included atrial flutter in 4 patients, atrial fibrillation in 8, atrial tachycardia in 1, atrio-ventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia in 4, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (concealed pathway) in 2, permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia in 1. These arrhythmias were resistant to a mean of 3.3 +/- 1.7 antiarrhythmic drugs. A mean of 1.4 +/- 0.59 (range 1-3) electrical shocks, with a mean energy of 285 +/- 135J (range 200-700), were delivered during 1-2 sessions. In all patients a persistent complete atrio-ventricular block was achieved. Immediate complications included transient hypotension in 2 pts, acute pulmonary edema in 1, premature ventricular complexes in 4, non sustained ventricular tachycardia in 4, sustained ventricular tachycardia in 1. Late complications included thrombophlebitis of the right femoral vein in 2 pts; one of them died suddenly as a result of massive pulmonary embolism 10 days after the procedure. Follow-up evaluation reveals chronic complete atrio-ventricular block in all patients. Symptoms related to pre-existing arrhythmia are absent in all pts and none of them is currently taking antiarrhythmic drugs. Two patients with DDD pacing had pacemaker mediated re-entrant tachycardia and 1 patient with VVIR pacing developed a pacemaker syndrome. This experience confirms that transcatheter fulguration of atrio-ventricular junction is an effective technique. However, possible severe complications related to the procedure suggest this approach be restricted to patients with very symptomatic and drug-refractory supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

[Prolonged myocardial ischemia after the high-dose dipyridamole test].

The intravenous dipyridamole test is considered a safe procedure with a very low incidence of severe cardiac effects and is routinely used in the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease. We report the case of a 63-year-old female with negative exercise stress test who developed prolonged and extensive myocardial ischemia after the high-dose intravenous dipyridamole echocardiography test. Aminophylline and nitroglycerin were employed but were ineffective and the patient was successfully treated with systemic thrombolysis. At coronary angiography, 48 hours later, a 50% stenosis in the proximal LAD was documented. We stress that high-dose intravenous dipyridamole can induce a severe ischemic response whose occurrence is unpredictable according to the pre-test clinical features.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1988

[Double mitral valve orifice associated with complete atrioventricular canal. Description of 2 cases].

The Authors describe two cases of double mitral valve orifice associated with complete atrioventricular canal. The first patient, 10 month-old male, affected by type A complete atrioventricular canal, underwent surgical repair which was performed in association with division of the tissue bridge between the two orifices. The patient died the day after because of severe mitral insufficiency and pulmonary oedema. The second patient, 3.5 year-old female, affected by type A complete atrioventricular canal with pulmonary banding, underwent a surgical procedure without division of the tissue bridge. In the postoperative period a suture dehiscence occurred which caused severe mitral regurgitation, and another intervention had to be performed; subsequently the patient did well and was discharged in good condition. The Authors discuss the possible role of two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis of this uncommon condition; they also discuss the related surgical problems and stress the necessity to repair with a proper compromise between residual mitral insufficiency and a mitral stenosis.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗