Saad S. Al-Harthi

Aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary arteries : diagnostic patterns and clinical significance

In order to define the clinical features, clinical patterns and significance of aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary arteries, five cases are presented which were diagnosed by coronary angiography. Three cases presented with left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary arterial occlusive disease and the fourth patient presented with thromboembolic cerebrovascular disease. The fifth case presented with manifestations of acute myocardial infarction.

The morbidity and mortality pattern of Brucella endocarditis

Six cases of well-documented Brucella endocarditis are reported. All the patients gave a history of ingestion of raw milk and/or being in contact with sheep and/or camels during herding. The diagnosis was based in each case on a history of ingestion of raw milk, high titres of Brucella antibodies, a positive blood culture and echocardiography. A combination of tetracycline, rifampicin and streptomycin was found to be effective in eradicating the Brucella organism. Two cases required aortic valve replacement, and another two required replacement of both aortic and mitral valves. One case died before any surgical intervention could be performed and one patient did not require surgery. Although it was noted that the Brucella organism attacks mainly valves which are already damaged, it may also attack and infect normal valves.

Hemodynamic Changes and Intravascular Hydration State in Heat Stroke

Acute and serial hemodynamic measurements in 13 pilgrims (average age, 55.2 ± SD 9.3 years) suffering from heat stroke (average rectal temperature, 41.3 ± 1.0°C) revealed a hyperdynamic circulation...

Prevalence of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Presumably Healthy Young Saudi Men

ABSTRACT Echocardiographic and clinical data of 118 presumably healthy young Saudi medical students were analyzed to determine the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Eight subjects satisfie...

Safety and Diagnostic Value of Intravenous Dipyridamole Thallium Scintigraphy in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging (Tl-201 MPI) performed in patients after maximum exercise is widely used to evaluate patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Intravenous dip...

Cardiomyopathy in Saudi Arabia: The King Khalid University Hospital Experience

ABSTRACT This is a study of the prevalence and clinical presentation of 112 cases of cardiomyopathy seen at a large teaching hospital in Riyadh. All patients satisfied the diagnostic criteria for c...