Multifocal atrial tachycardia in two neonates

Two neonates with rapid and irregular pulse rate had an uncommon form of atrial tachycardia. The irregular heart rate was first detected during fetal monitoring. Postnatal electrocardiograms were compatible with the diagnosis of multifocal atrial tachycardia or chaotic atrial rhythm. Both patients were treated with digoxin and the rhythm gradually reverted to sinus. This may represent the first description of multifocal atrial tachycardia in the newborn.

Echocardiographic differentiation of a cystic and a solid tumor of the heart

A hydatid cyst in the ventricular septum was diagnosed with echocardiography in a child with abdominal echinococcosis. The finding was confirmed with cardiac catheterization, cineangiography and surgical removal and pathologic examination of the cyst. The echocardiographic features of the fluid-filled hydatid cyst are contrasted with those of solid left ventricular tumor (rhabdomyoma) in a newborn.

Echocardiographic sepctrum of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a clinicopathologic correlation in 19 newborns

Ultrasonic studies were performed in 19 neonates with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome whose diagnosis was confirmed at angiography or autopsy, or both. The patients were classified in two echocardiographic groups: Group I, 10 infants whose ventricular septum could be recorded, and Group II, 9 infants whose septum could not be recorded. The findings in these groups were compared with those in 60 neonates without congenital heart disease also studied with ultrasound. Two additional neonates who presented with signs of shock were also studied. The diagnostic echocardiographic features of hypoplastic left heart syndrome were: (1)a left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of less than 9 mm; (2)an aortic root diameter of less than 6 mm; (3)a ratio of left ventricular end-diastolic to right ventricular end-diastolic dimension of less than 0.6; and (4)a mitral valve echo that is absent or greatly distorted and of small amplitude. These echocardiographic criteria differed significantly from findings in the normal group (P less than 0.01). Echocardiography proved valuable in neonates with shock. It is a safe, reliable technique that can be used to delineate the intracardiac anatomy in sick neonates with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Echocardiographic pattern of right atrial tumour motion

Propagation of Wilm's tumour to the right atrium was diagnosed by echocardiography. The tumour prolapsed into the right ventricle during each atrial systole. The presence of the tumour and its motion were confirmed by cardiac catheterization, cineangiography, and surgical exploration. Successful resection of the tumour was accomplished. Echocardiography was helpful in detecting the presence of the right atrial tumour and accurately reflected the pattern of its atrioventricular motion.

Echocardiographic spectrum of Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve

Sixteen patients aged between one day to 18 years with Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve were studied with ultrasound. The findings were compared with a group of 74 patients without Ebstein's malformation. Two features were considered specific for Ebstein's malformation: 1) ability to record the anterior tricuspid leaflet (ATL) farther to the left of the left sternal border than in the control group; and 2) abnormally prolonged interval between the "C" points of the tricuspid and the mitral valve echoes (McTcI). All other parameters measured were nonspecific for Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve. The sail sound was recorded in ten patients with Ebstein's malformation and occurred at the time when the anterior tricuspid leaflet was in the most posterior position. In a patient with congenital heart disease, an McTc interval greater than 0.03 sec and recording of an anterior tricuspid leaflet near the apex of the heart strongly suggest the diagnosis of Ebstein's malformation. These two criteria were not fulfilled in any patient who did not have Ebstein's malformation. Conversely, however, absence of these two features does not rule out Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of right atrial extension of Wilms' tumor

A fourth case is presented of propagation of Wilms' tumor to the right atrium through the inferior vena cava. Ultrasonic examination of the heart was diagnostic of the tumor and the diagnosis was confirmed by angiographic studies and surgical exploration. This report provides the first echocardiographic description of a right atrial tumor in a child.

Complete heart block mimicking seizure disorder

Two patients are described who presented with seizures. Electrocardiogram revealed complete heart block with ventricular asystole lasting four to 10 seconds in each case. These Stokes-Adams episodes were controlled with temporary transvenous pacing. Although there was full clinical recovery in each case, both patients continue to have right bundle branch block (RBBB) and left anterior hemiblock (LAH) 1-1/2 years after their initial presentation.

The mode of segregation of the bacterial cell membrane

The distribution of phospholipids from labeled parental membranes to progeny cells was studied by autoradiography and a minicell system. The minicell experiments showed that, during growth, the parental membrane is diluted at the same rate in cells and in minicells, which indicates that ends of cells are not different from the cylindrical portions with regard to the distribution of parental molecules. The same result was obtained after labeling heme-containing proteins with delta-aminolevulinic acid. The autoradiographic experiments indicate that the membrane segregates in about 250 subunits 4 x 10(4) nm(2) in size. These subunits appear to be conserved during growth.