David S. Braden

Obese hypertensive rabbits develop concentric and eccentric hypertrophy and diastolic filling abnormalities.

We have developed a new small animal model of obesity in which rabbits fed a high diet develop abnormalities in common with obese humans, including left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Using M-mode and two dimensional Doppler echocardiography we examined the characteristics of LV hypertrophy and diastolic function in obese and lean rabbits. Obese rabbits had greater interventricular septum and LV posterior wall thickness and greater LV internal end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters. Functionally, obese rabbits had higher A/E ratios. Similarly to obese humans, obese hypertensive rabbits developed combined concentric and eccentric LV hypertrophy and diastolic filling abnormalities. Therefore, this model may be valuable in the study of the development and pathology of obesity-related LV hypertrophy.

Hypocalcemic Rickets: An Unusual Cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

We report a breast-fed infant with clinical evidence of rickets and with dilated cardiomyopathy who responded well to supplemental calcium and vitamin D. We believe that this is the first report of such an association in an American child.

Normative Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise in Children

The ‘‘typical’’ cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise in normal children and adolescents are summarized. The term ‘‘normative data’’ is somewhat of a misnomer because of variability in exercise protocols, subject populations, and measurement methodology [15]. Although pediatric cardiovascular responses to exercise are in many ways similar to those in adults, differences are found in many areas. These are noted, as are the effects of gender, ethnicity, protocol, position, and training on cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise.

Closure of a large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation using multiple Gianturco-Grifka vascular occlusion devices

A large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was successfully occluded using multiple Gianturco‐Grifka vascular occlusion devices. The filler wire protruded from one of the devices and was successfully retrieved 3 weeks after implantation. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:426–429, 2000.

Gianturco-Grifka Vascular Occlusion Device for Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

We retrospectively reviewed the results of catheter closure of patent ductus areteriosus using the Ginaturco-Grifka vascular occlusion device in our institution. All patients in whom it was attempted had successful implantation, complete closure on follow-up, and no complications.

Congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula presenting with syncope.

Previous reports of syncope in patients with coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF) have theorized that it occurs secondary to a coronary steal phenomenon. We present a case of syncope in a young woman with a CAVF and no anatomic substrate for coronary steal.

Postsurgical use of Amplatzer septal occluder in cyanotic patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum: Significance of cor triatriatum dexter and dilated right atrium

Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) has been shown to be safe and effective. However, its role after surgery in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease who may have associated cor triatriatum dexter and a dilated right atrium has not been established. This article reports on successful closure in such patients, including precautions and results. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:186–191, 2000.

Normally Connected Anomalously Draining Obstructed Pulmonary Veins in an Infant with Mitral Atresia: Clinical Presentation and Catheter Management

A patient with hypoplastic left ventricle and double outlet right ventricle underwent pulmonary artery band as a newborn. At age 3 months, cardiac catheterization demonstrated complete closure of his atrial septal defect with decompression of the left atrium via a small levo-cardinal vein. Thus, he had normally connected, anomalously draining obstructed pulmonary veins. He underwent successful catheter intervention with excellent release of the obstruction. This rare finding and technical aspects of catheter intervention are discussed.

USE OF NITRIC OXIDE. 2052

This randomized study was designed to evaluate afficacy of nitric oxide(NO) in treatment of persistant pulmonary hypertension of the newborn(PPHN). Infants who were on 1.0 FIO2, 30cm H2O or greater PIP, had PO2 less than 60 and adequately ventilated were eligible for the study. Diagnosis of PPHN was confirmed by echocardiogram and informed consent was obtained. Starting level of NO was 10 ppm and increased at 15 minutes or greater interval by 5 to 10 ppm as indicated till response noted, the higher limit of NO being 80 ppm. Both NO and NO2 were monitored by electrochemical sensor. Statistical significance was defined as p value of <0.05. Data from 4 infants who received NO are available. Mean NO used was 25 ppm, the highest being 50 ppm. Mean duration of NO administration was 85 hrs, the longest being 120 hrs. Mean age of starting NO was 33 hrs. Highest Methb level was 3.1. All survived and mean age for discharge home was 18 days. Mean oxygen indexes (OI) 1 hr prior to zero time was 69% in reference to OI at zero time (100%). Mean OI in percentage in reference to zero time are shown inTable: When analyzed OI using repeated measure ANOVA, significant reduction in OI was noted at all time periods, compared to baseline value (p<0.001). In conclusion during the preliminary stage of the study, in a small number of patients the use of nitric oxide appears to be effective in the treatment of PPHN, and no short term adversed effects were noted. Nitric oxide was supplied by BOC gases.