R. P. Jepson

Myocarditis and Phæochromocytomata

Two case histories are presented in each of which an unexpected postoperative death was associated with a previously unsuspected phaochromocytoma, and post-mortem examination disclosed the presence of myocarditis. It is suggested that the myocarditis and the gross cardiac arrhythmias leading to the death of the patients may be connected. It is urged that this diagnosis should be kept in mind when unexpected arrhythmias develop in relationship to operation, and that the alpha and beta adrenergic blockers may have a therapeutic value in these circumstances.

The Effects of External Pneumatic Splint Pressure on Muscle Blood Flow

The effects of external pneumatic pressure on muscle blood-flow through the calf have been estimated by a Xenon-133 clearance curve technique. Flow was found to be greatly reduced at 40 mm. of mercury external pressure, and it was concluded that for first-aid purposes inflation pressures in excess of 30 mm. of mercury should not be used.

The management of aorto-iliac disease.

This paper is concerned with the fate of 112 patients with aorto-iliac disease who underwent surgery from 1959 to 1966. The patency rate for those who underwent endarterectomy was 92%, and for those in whom a prosthesis was placed, 26%. It is stressed that the operation should be designed to suit the special needs of the individual patient, and it is pointed out that provided the proximal occlusions are overcome and the profunda femoris artery is intact, the symptoms of additional femoro-popliteal disease are usually acceptable in elderly patients.