Alexander A. Doerner

The use of pharmacological tests in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Abstract 1. 1. A partial review of the literature concerning pheochromocytoma is presented. 2. 2. A patient in whom the correct diagnosis was made preoperatively and the tumor successfully removed is discussed. 3. 3. Attention is called to the variability of the clinical picture associated with pheochromocytoma and its correlation with the type of epinephrine elaborated by the tumor. 4. 4. The benzodioxane, histamine, tetraethylammonium, and Mecholyl tests are reviewed and evaluated in the reported case. 5. 5. An explanation for the mechanism of action of tetraethylammonium in pheochromocytoma is advanced. 6. 6. It is concluded that a battery of pharmacological tests has a definite and useful place in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

Functional cor triloculare

Abstract We have presented the clinical and pathologic data on a patient with malrotation of the colon, dextrocardia, common ventricular origin of the aorta and pulmonary artery, and patent interventricular septum. We feel that this represents an unusual variant of transposition of the great vessels.

Cation adsorption by alginic acid in humans.

Conclusions 1. Alginic acid is well tolerated in humans when ingested in quantities of 45 g per day and is mildly laxative. 2. Alginic acid increases fecal sodium and potassium excretion in humans to the extent of approximately one-fifth to one-sixth that of the cation exchange resins in clinical use.

Ballistic respiratory variation as measured by the electromagnetic ballistocardiograph

Abstract 1. 1. A short review of the variation in cardiac output with phases of the respiratory cycle is given. 2. 2. The normal respiratory variation is defined as Amplitude of Inspiratory IJ Amplitude of Expiratory IJ which is less than 2.0. An increased ratio is found in coronary artery disease, hypertension, and emphysema. 3. 3. A method of differentiating the coronary disease patient from the emphysema patient ballistocardiographically is suggested. 4. 4. When a patient presents a combination of coronary artery and other disease, his ballistocardiogram is usually of the type seen in coronary disease. 5. 5. The genesis of ballistic respiratory variations of the normal, the hypertensive, coronary disease, and emphysematous patients is discussed. 6. 6. Of the criteria examined for interpretation of the electromagnetic ballistocardiogram, a combination of the Brown grading system and respiratory ratio of 2.0 or greater served best to differentiate between normal individuals and those with cardiac or chronic pulmonary disease.