Bruce F. Waller

Pathology of tricuspid valve stenosis and pure tricuspid regurgitation--Part III.

This three‐part article examines the histologic and morphologic basis for stenotic and purely regurgitant tricuspid valves. In Part I, conditions producing tricuspid valve stenosis are reviewed. In over 90% of stenotic tricuspid valves, the etiology is rheumatic disease. In isolated tricuspid stenosis, the etiology is either carcinoid or congenital. Rare causes of tricuspid stenosis include active infective endocarditis, metabolic or enzymatic abnormalities (Fabrys, Whipples disease), and giant blood cysts.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of coronary arteries: A review relevant to new interventional and imaging techniques-part iv

In the last 15 years, intense interest has focused on various interventional pharmacologic and mechanical forms of therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis coronary artery disease. Many techniques and devices (dilating balloons, perfusion catheters, thermal probes and balloons, lasers, atherectomy devices, stents, intravascular ultrasound) have been used or are under study for future use. Many of these techniques and devices require an understanding of histologic and pathologic features of the coronary arteries and diseases which affect them. This article reviews selective areas of anatomy, histology, and pathology relevant to the use of various new interventional techniques.1,2 Part I of this review will focus on anatomic aspects of the epicardial coronary artery system, coronary arterial distribution, myocardial supply, and histologic features of the normal coronary artery.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of the cardiac conduction system—part III

Although morphologic findings in many of the cardiac arrhythmias of acute and chronic disease have been elusive, the correlates of heart block (particularly atrioventricular block) are abundant. Pathologic features of sinoatrial, atrioventricular, and bundle‐branch block are reviewed. Lev and Lenegre diseases (idiopathic bilateral bundle‐branch fibrosis) are also reviewed.

Nonatherosclerotic causes of coronary artery narrowing—Part II

Part II of this three‐part article on nonatherosclerotic causes of coronary heart disease focuses on myocardial bridges, coronary artery aneurysms, emboli, coronary dissection, and spasm as causes of luminal narrowing.