E. Siek

The evaluation of mechanical properties of animal tendons after corticosteroid therapy.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of systemic glucocorticosteroids administration on mechanical properties of animal tendons. Twenty female Wistar rats were divided into two groups and those that formed experimental group were subjected activity of hydrocortisone given to the peritoneum. Mechanical tests were performed. Hydrocortisone administration caused reduction of force value and the increase of strain, also the value of elasticity module was significantly smaller comparing to the control group. The results of biomechanical tests suggested that glucocorticoids produce less stiffness tendon, which fails in maximum point of load. This study revealed that systemic hydrocortisone administration changes significantly mechanical properties of tendons, which may cause frequent failure of the tendon.

Total anomalous pulmonary vein drainage in a 60-year-old woman diagnosed in an ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography – a case report and review of literature

Purpose Total anomalous pulmonary vein drainage (TAPVD) is a congenital cardiac defect in which there is no connection between pulmonary veins and the left atrium. Pulmonary veins form a confluence independent of the left atrium and drain to a systemic vein. TAPVD types are: supracardiac, cardiac, infracardiac, and mixed. TAPVD accounts for approximately 1.5-2.2% of all congenital heart diseases. This anomaly is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period, and it coexists with atrial septal defect. Adult cases of TAPVD are rarely reported. Case report We report a rare case of a 60-year-old woman with incidentally found, uncorrected TAPVD in ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography. In previous echocardiographic examinations partial anomalous pulmonary venous return and atrial septal defect were diagnosed. Conclusions ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography is a valuable diagnostic method for adults with congenital heart disease. It enables evaluation of coronary arteries and simultaneously provides detailed anatomy of great vessels.