Impact of gene expression of orotate phosphoribosyl transferase for complete response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

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Background: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a potential alternative to surgery in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Complete response (CR) to CRT is essential for a good prognosis and there is a need for a predictive method of CR in CRT. Methods: The pretreatment formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded endoscopic tumor biopsy material was obtained from 41 patients treated with a definitive concurrent CRT (5-FU/CDDP and 60 Gy) for esophageal cancer (cStage II or III). cDNA was derived from tumor cells of biopsy specimens by the laser capture microdissection and analyzed to determine mRNA expression relative to an internal reference gene (β-actin) using fluorescence-based, real-time reverse transcription PCR. Gene expression levels of thymidylate synthase, thymidine phosphorylase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT), metylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), excision repair cross-complementing gene 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were measured. Results: Median gene expression levels of OPRT and DHFR were significantly higher in CR patients (p=0.0206 and 0.0191, respectively). MMP-9 was significantly lower in CR patients (p=0.0436). When the median values of the gene expression levels were selected as the cutoff values, CR rate was significantly higher in the high OPRT group and high DHFR group (p=0.0104 and 0.0104, respectively). However, there was no statistical difference in CR rate between the low MMP-9 group and the high MMP-9 group. Multivariate analysis, including clinical stage and biomarkers, revealed that high OPRT gene expression was an independent predictive factor of CR (p=0.0329, relative risk=6.65, 95% confidence interval, 1.17–37.89%). Conclusions: The measurement of OPRT gene expression in tumor biopsies may be a predictive factor of CR to CRT in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I/II study of oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 plus oral Leucovorin as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer

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Background: The results of phase I portion of the treatment with the oral S-1 (a new oral fluoropyrimidine) plus oral leucovorin (LV) in patients (pts) with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was reported at ESMO 2006. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were grade 3 stomatitis/pharyngitis, nausea, diarrhea, ileus and exanthema. The recommended doses (RDs) for this phase II portion were determined to be S-1 40 mg/m2 and LV 25 mg/body orally given twice daily on days 1 to 14 of a 28-day cycle. The PK profiles of S-1 plus LV were similar to those of S-1 monotherapy and UFT plus LV, respectively. The main purpose of this phase II portion is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 plus LV at RD level in pts with untreated mCRC. Methods: Pts were eligible as follows; unresectable mCRC with no prior chemotherapy or receiving adjuvant chemotherapy completed at least 6 months before, histologically proven adenocarcinoma, PS(ECOG) 0–2, age 20 to 75, measurable lesions, adequate organ function and written informed consent. The pts received 40 mg/m2 of S-1 plus 25 mg/body of LV twice daily as RD in this phase II portion. The primary endpoint was the objective response rates (RRs), and secondary endpoints were time to progression (TTP) and toxicities. Results: Between Sep 2004 and Jun 2006, 56 pts of 65 enrolled pts received the treatment at RD level. The objective RRs were 55% (36 of 65) for all pts and 55% (31 of 56) for pts at RD. Disease control rates (DCRs) were 86% (56 of 65) for all pts and 86% (48 of 56) for pts at RD. Median TTP was 5.5 months for pts at RD, with a median follow-up of 5.5 months. The median survival time is under observation. During the 6 months from starting the treatment, the most common grade 3/4 toxicities at RD were as follows: diarrhea, 23%; stomatitis, 20%; anorexia, 18%; and neutropenia 13%. Conclusions: A combination of S-1 plus oral LV is an effective, well tolerated, and convenient regimen in pts with untreated mCRC, without the addition of either oxaliplatin or irinotecan. The updated results of the objective RRs, DCRs, TTP reviewed extramurally, and detailed safety profile will be presented at the meeting. This trial was supported by Taiho pharmaceutical co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Determination of optimal duration of mechanical unloading for failing hearts to achieve bridge to recovery in a rat heterotopic heart transplantation model

BACKGROUND

Mechanical unloading (MU) of a failing heart using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can lead to "bridge to recovery" in some patients. However, it is still unknown how to determine when to withdraw assistance. We sought to determine the optimal duration of MU by investigating its short- and long-term effects using a rat model of heterotopic heart transplantation.

METHODS

Heart failure (HF) was induced in Lewis rats by ligating the left anterior descending artery. In the MU-HF groups, failing hearts were harvested and heterotopically transplanted. In the non-unloaded HF groups and the control group, hearts were not transplanted. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks, we evaluated papillary muscle function, histologic change and cardiac gene expression. Normal hearts served as the control group.

RESULTS

In the MU-HF groups, papillary muscle function improved significantly in the early period of unloading. It peaked and normalized at 4 weeks of unloading, but decreased to 50% the level of a normal heart at 8 weeks. In parallel with papillary muscle function, expression of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA and SERCA2a mRNA normalized at 2 and 4 weeks of unloading, respectively, but deteriorated after 4 weeks. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was normalized at 2 weeks of unloading, but extended unloading induced cardiac atrophy. Myocardial fibrosis increased after unloading.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical unloading of the failing heart can help normalize cardiac function, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac gene expression for an optimal duration (<4 weeks), but this normalization deteriorates with prolonged support.

Successful aortic valve replacement for Heyde syndrome with confirmed hematologic recovery

Aortic valve stenosis can be complicated by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly that due to angiodysplasia, also called Heyde syndrome. Recently, acquired type 2A von Willebrand disease, which is characterized by the loss of the large multimer of von Willebrand factor by the shear stress of aortic valve stenosis, was reported to be associated with this hemorrhagic syndrome. A 78-year-old woman, with severe aortic stenosis, presented with advanced anemia due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed Heyde syndrome. By perioperative supplementation of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, aortic valve replacement was safely performed without gastrointestinal bleeding. After the operation, the multimer of von Willebrand factor was normalized and thereafter no gastrointestinal bleeding occurred. This case reports the successful aortic valve replacement for Heyde syndrome, with confirmed hematologic recovery.

A Novel Approach to Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia by Sustained Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Using Biodegradable Gelatin Hydrogel An Initial Report of the Phase I-IIa Study

BACKGROUND

Limb ischemia remains a challenge. To overcome shortcomings or limitations of gene therapy or cell transplantation, a sustained release system of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) using biodegradable gelatin hydrogel has been developed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A phase I-IIa study was performed, in which 7 patients had critical limb ischemia. They were intramuscularly injected with 200 microg of bFGF-incorporated gelatin hydrogel microspheres into the gastrocnemius of the ischemic limb. End-points were safety and feasibility of treatment after 4 and 24 weeks. One patient was excluded from the study for social reasons, but only after symptomatic improvements. In the evaluation of the other 6 patients, significant improvements were observed in the distance walked in 6 min (295+/-42 m vs 491+/-85 m for pretreatment vs after 24 weeks, p=0.023) and in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (53.5+/-5.2 mmHg vs 65.5+/-4.0 mmHg, p=0.03). The rest pain scale also improved (3.5+/-0.2 vs 1.0+/-0.6, p=0.022). The ankle-brachial pressure index improved at 4 weeks but not at 24 weeks. Among 5 patients who had a non-healing foot ulcer, the ulcer was completely healed in 3 patients, reduced in 1, and there was no change in 1 patient at 24 weeks. The blood levels of bFGF were undetected or within the normal level in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The sustained release of bFGF from gelatin hydrogel might be simple, safe, and effective to achieve therapeutic angiogenesis because it did not need genetic materials or collection of implanted cells, and because it did not have any general effects, which was supported by there being no elevation of the bFGF serum level.

A novel atrial volume reduction technique to enhance the Cox maze procedure: Initial results

OBJECTIVE

Large left atrial diameter is reported to be a predictor for recurrent atrial fibrillation after the Cox maze procedure, and left atrial diameter by itself influences the chance of sinus rhythm recovery, as well as maintenance of sinus rhythm. However, additional cut-and-sew procedures to decrease left atrial diameter extend operative time and can cause bleeding. Thus we developed a no-bleeding, faster, and therefore less invasive left atrial volume reduction technique to enhance the Cox maze procedure.

METHODS

The modified Cox maze III procedure with cryoablation or the left atrial maze procedure in association with mitral valve surgery was performed in 80 patients with atrial fibrillation and enlarged left atria (> or =60 mm). Among them, 44 patients had the concomitant volume reduction technique (VR group); continuous horizontal mattress sutures for left atrial plication were placed on the left atrial wall along the pulmonary vein isolation line. Cryoablation was applied to the suture line so that the plicated left atrium is anatomically and electrically isolated. Another 36 patients did not have the volume reduction technique (control group).

RESULTS

The VR group had preoperative left atrial diameters similar to those of the control group (67.1 +/- 7.8 vs 64.5 +/- 6.7 mm) and a longer preoperative duration of atrial fibrillation (14.1 +/- 5.4 vs 9.5 +/- 5.1 years, P < .05) but had smaller postoperative left atrial diameters (47.6 +/- 6.3 vs 62.1 +/- 7.9 mm, P < .01). There were no differences in mean crossclamp/bypass time and chest tube drainage for 12 hours between the groups. Twelve months after surgical intervention, the sinus rhythm recovery rate of the VR group was better than that of the control group (90% vs 69%, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in patients with long-standing atrial fibrillation and an enlarged left atrium, maze procedures concomitant with the novel left atrial volume reduction technique improved the sinus rhythm recovery rate without increasing complications. Although further study with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period is needed, this safe and thus far potent technique that catheter-based ablation cannot copy might extend indication of the Cox maze procedure for patients with tough atrial fibrillation.

Chymase inhibition prevents cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction after myocardial infarction in rats

Human chymase activates not only angiotensin II but also transforming growth factor-beta, a major stimulator of myocardial fibrosis, while rat chymase activates transforming growth factor-beta, but not angiotensin II. To clarify the role of chymase-dependent transforming growth factor-beta activation, we evaluated whether chymase inhibition prevents cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction in rats. Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. One day after the ligation, rats were randomized into 2 groups: 1) a chymase-treated group that received 10 mg/kg per day of the chymase inhibitor NK3201 orally for 4 weeks; and 2) a vehicle group of non-treated rats with myocardial infarction. We also included a control group who underwent sham-operation and no treatment. Four weeks after ligation, echocardiography revealed that chymase inhibitor treatment reduced the akinetic area and increased fractional area change but did not significantly change left ventricular end-diastolic area. Chymase inhibition significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, increased the maximal end-systolic pressure-volume relationship and decreased the time constant of left ventricular relaxation. Chymase activity in the non-infarcted myocardium was significantly increased in the vehicle group, but it was significantly reduced by chymase inhibitor treatment. The fibrotic area in the cardiac tissues and the mRNA levels of collagen I and collagen III were also significantly lower in the chymase inhibitor-treated group than in the vehicle group. Therefore, the pathway forming chymase-dependent transforming growth factor-beta may play an important role in myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction rather than left ventricular dilatation after myocardial infarction.

A more comprehensive left ventricular repair for severely dilated cardiomyopathy

We report a patient with cardiogenic shock due to severely dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent complex, but comprehensive left ventricle (LV) repair. Preoperative investigation showed marked LV dilatation, poor LV function, severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and total occlusion of two coronary arteries. We urgently performed (1) modified Batista operation which preserves the LV apex, (2) septal anterior ventricular exclusion (SAVE) operation, (3) mitral annuloplasty, (4) tricuspid annuloplasty, and (5) coronary bypass. Postoperative evaluation revealed good graft flow, reduced LV dimension preserving the elliptical shape, improved LV function, and minimal MR. Twenty-six months postoperatively, the patient has minimum clinical symptoms (NYHA: I).

Saphenous vein graft rupture eighteen years after coronary artery bypass grafting

Delayed saphenous vein graft (SVG) rupture following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is an unusual but potentially fatal complication. Herein we report a case of SVG rupture 18 years after CABG. A 75-year-old man had undergone a CABG with SVG in 1987 at another institution. In 2004 the patient developed angina and underwent re-CABG with arterial conduits in our hospital. On the preoperative cineangiogram, the SVG to the right coronary artery (RCA) was irregularly dilated, yet still providing flow to the distal RCA. In 2005 he was readmitted to our hospital for abdominal pain. Chest computed tomography revealed a huge round mass adjacent to the heart. Cineangiogram showed leakage of the contrast in the midportion of the SVG. At operation, graft rupture was evident and repaired under cardiopulmonary bypass. Although cardiac function was well maintained, after the surgery he developed ischemic colitis and died of multiple organ failure on the 17th postoperative day.

Does the beta2-agonist clenbuterol help to maintain myocardial potential to recover during mechanical unloading?

OBJECTIVE

Chronic mechanical unloading induces left ventricular (LV) atrophy, which may impair functional recovery during support with an LV-assist device. Clenbuterol, a beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist, is known to induce myocardial hypertrophy and might prevent LV atrophy during LV unloading. Furthermore, beta2-AR stimulation is reported to improve Ca2+ handling and contribute to antiapoptosis. However, there is little information on the effects of clenbuterol during LV unloading.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated LV atrophy and function after LV unloading produced by heterotopic heart transplantation in isogenic rats. After transplantation, rats were randomized to 1 of 2 groups (n=10 each). The clenbuterol group received 2 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) of the drug for 2 weeks; the control group received normal saline. The weight of unloaded control hearts was 48% less than that of host hearts after 2 weeks of unloading. Clenbuterol significantly increased the weight of the host hearts but did not prevent unloading-induced LV atrophy. Papillary muscles were isolated and stimulated, and there was no difference in developed tension between the 2 groups. However, the inotropic response to the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol significantly improved in the clenbuterol group. The mRNA expression of myocardial sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and fetal gene shift (myosin heavy chain [MHC] mRNA isozyme) was also significantly improved by clenbuterol treatment. There was no difference in beta1-AR mRNA expression between the 2 groups. In contrast, beta2-AR mRNA was significantly decreased in the clenbuterol-treated, unloaded heart. This indicates that clenbuterol may downregulate beta2-ARs. In the evaluation of apoptosis, mRNA expression of caspase-3, which is the central pathway for apoptosis, tended to be better in the clenbuterol group.

CONCLUSIONS

During complete LV unloading, clenbuterol did not prevent myocardial atrophy but improved gene expression (SERCA2a, beta-MHC) and beta-adrenergic responsiveness and potentially prevented myocardial apoptosis. However, chronic administration of clenbuterol may be associated with downregulation of beta2-ARs.

Evaluation of sentinel node identification with isosulfan blue in gastric cancer

AIMS

The aim of this study was to clarify whether the metastasis of gastric cancer can be detected by identifying the sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) using only lymphatic dye.

METHOD

The study was based on 101 patients clinically diagnosed with T1 and T2 gastric cancer. Isosulfan blue was intraoperatively injected within the submucosal layer around the lesion through an endoscope and blue stained nodes (BNs) were identified as SNs and harvested. Standard radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed on all patients and SNs and other nodes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of 101 patients, 21 had lymph-node metastases. The accuracy of SN identification was 97.0% (98/101) and the metastasis detection rate was 85.7% (18/21). With improvement of the manoeuvre in the latter 84 cases, the detection rate was elevated up to 100.0% (18/18), as was the accuracy (84/84).

CONCLUSION

The sentinel concept using lymphatic dye is applicable to gastric cancer, but the identification of SNs with lymphatic dye requires some practice. Furthermore, the issue of intraoperative metastasis detection remains to be resolved.

Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis of 303 Compounds Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Compared to generally used solvent extraction methods, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide has the advantages of automation and simple operation in preparing samples for pesticide residue analysis. This report is the outcome of our evaluation of the practicality of SFE for the preparation of samples for pesticide residue analysis. We studied the recovery of 303 compounds with several crops by a simultaneous analytical method of SFE, cartridge column purification, followed by GC/MS determination. We achieved 70 to 120% recovery for more than 80% of the examined compounds.

[Prophylactic treatment of oral sildenafil citrate for pulmonary hypertension in an infant treated with inhaled nitric oxide after open-heart surgery]

A 3-month-old boy with coarctation of the aorta (CoA), ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect, and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) underwent one-stage repair consisting of patch closure of VSD and coarctation repair. Inhalation of nitric oxide (iNO) was commenced to treat residual severe PH on the day of the operation. Oral sildenafil citrate was commenced on the day 1 and iNO was gradually weaned off on the day 3. There was no "rebound", severe increase in pulmonary artery pressure, which commonly occurs after discontinuation of iNO. Then the patient was extubated without any difficulties or recurrent PH. The oral sildenafil citrate therapy was ceased on the day 8. Prophylactic use of oral sildenafil citrate for PH might be an useful alternative to shorten the duration of iNO therapy and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the selected patients after congenital open heart surgery.

Early and Mid-Term Results of Left Ventricular Volume Reduction Surgery for Dilated Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate structure-oriented left ventricular volume reduction surgery (LVVRS). The purpose of this study was to report the early and mid-term results of left volume reduction surgery for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODS

We performed LVVRS on 29 patients with DCM. The age of the patient ranged from 8 to 73 years (mean 58 +/- 18 years). There were 19 male patients (63%). Twenty-three patients were ischemic, 5 were non-ischemic, and 1 had salcoidosis. Twenty-three patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Fourteen patients underwent the Dor operation, 11 underwent a septal anterior ventricular exclusion operation, and 6 underwent a modified Batista operation. Fifteen patients underwent mitral annuloplasty and 2 patients had mitral valve replacement. All patients were divided into two groups, a Dor group (n = 14) and non-Dor group (n = 15). Postoperative early results and mid-term survival rate were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was 13.8% (4/29). The causes of death were low-output syndrome (n = 3) and septic shock (n = 1). Survival rate was 80% at 1 year and 72% at 3 years. Two-year survival rate of Dor and non-Dor groups were 69.8% and 93.8%, respectively (p = 0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and mid-term results of LVVRS were satisfied, and the non-Dor operation tended to be superior in mid-term survival to the Dor operation. Long-term follow-up is warranted.

Characteristics of metachronous multiple early gastric cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of early gastric cancer is a minimally invasive procedure. The incidence and characteristics of metachronous multiple gastric cancers were investigated in a retrospective study in patients with early gastric cancer after EMR treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 143 patients with early gastric cancer who had undergone EMR treatment were periodically followed up with endoscopic examinations for 24 months or longer.

RESULTS

The median period of endoscopic follow-up was 57 months (range 24 - 157 months). None of the patients died of gastric cancer, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Five patients died of other diseases. Of 20 patients (14 %) with metachronous multiple gastric cancers, 15 were treated by EMR. One patient with differentiated submucosal cancer and four with undifferentiated cancers underwent surgery. Sixteen patients (11 %) had synchronous multiple early gastric cancer lesions within 1 year of the initial EMR. About half of the multiple lesions were located in the same third of the stomach as the primary lesion, and most lesions were similar in macroscopic type to the primary lesions. Most multiple lesions were of the differentiated type.

CONCLUSIONS

Annual endoscopic examinations can preserve the whole stomach in most patients with early gastric cancer after successful EMR.

Heterotopic transplantation of the failing rat heart as a model of left ventricular mechanical unloading toward recovery

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is usually used in patients with end-stage heart failure as a bridge to transplantation. Recently, some studies have reported functional recovery with the use of an LVAD, although the mechanisms responsible for recovery are not fully understood. We investigated the functional recovery of the infarcted, failing rat heart in response to mechanical unloading after heterotopic transplantation. Heart failure was induced in Lewis rats by ligating the left anterior descending artery. After 4 weeks, the infarcted hearts were harvested and heterotopically transplanted. The transplanted infarcted heart was removed after 2 weeks of unloading and examined for hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as for mRNA levels encoding for brain natriuretic peptide, sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase2a (SERCA2a), and beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors. Normal and infarcted rats without transplantation served as control animals. The infarcted heart was hypertrophied as evidenced by an increase in heart weight and myocyte diameter. After unloading the infarcted heart for 2 weeks, there was a decrease in heart weight and myocyte diameter. However, the percentage of myocardial fibrosis increased after unloading. The mRNA expression of brain natriuretic peptide and the beta2-adrenergic receptor significantly improved after mechanical unloading. The levels of SERCA2a mRNA tended to increase after unloading. In conclusion, unloading the failing, infarcted heart can help normalize left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac gene expression. This unloading model appears to partially mimic the conditions of hemodynamic support with an LVAD in heart failure patients and potentially offers insights into the mechanisms of functional recovery.

Cardiac functional analysis with multi-detector row CT and segmental reconstruction algorithm: comparison with echocardiography, SPECT, and MR imaging

PURPOSE

To evaluate accuracy of cardiac functional analysis with multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and segmental reconstruction algorithm over a range of heart rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained. Informed consent was not required. Multi-detector row CT (500-msec rotation time, 8 x 1-mm detector collimation) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed in 50 patients (28 men, 22 women; age range, 46-84 years; mean age, 67 years). Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 41 patients, and electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 27. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and left ventricular (LV) mass were estimated with multi-detector row CT and compared with values estimated with MR imaging, which served as the reference standard. Additionally, EF values estimated with multi-detector row CT, echocardiography, and SPECT were compared with those estimated with MR imaging. Systemic error and degree of agreement of global functional parameters measured with MR imaging and other modalities were assessed. In a second analysis, linear regression analysis was added.

RESULTS

EF estimated with multi-detector row CT agreed and correlated well with EF estimated with MR imaging (bias +/- standard deviation, -1.2% +/- 4.6; r = 0.96). Agreement and correlation were similar for EDV (-0.35 mL +/- 15.2; r = 0.97), ESV (1.1 mL +/- 8.6; r = 0.99), and LV mass (2.5 mL +/- 15.0; r = 0.96). Standard deviation of EF difference between multi-detector row CT and MR imaging was significantly less than that between echocardiography and MR imaging (P < .001) or that between SPECT and MR imaging (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Various LV functional parameters were measured with multi-detector row CT with a segmental approach, and measurements correlated and agreed with those obtained with MR imaging. Moreover, functional analysis with multi-detector row CT was more accurate than that with two-dimensional echocardiography or ECG-gated SPECT.

[Successful resection of left ventricular myxoma in a toddler; report of a case]

A 4-year-old girl was found to have large left ventricular myxoma without any tumor-related symptoms. She underwent an urgent surgery and the myxoma was successfully removed through a left ventriculectomy. Great care was taken to prevent tumor-embolization during surgery, and to resect the endocardium attaching directly to the tumor. Future surveillance of this case warrants our operative technique described in this report.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Helps Prevent Late Remodeling After Left Ventricular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular aneurysm repair (LVR) reduces LV wall stress and improves LV function. However, as we reported previously, the initial improvement of LVR was short-term because of LV remodeling but could be maintained longer with postoperative use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been used to treat patients with heart failure by natriuretic and vasodilatory actions. Recent reports have suggested that ANP inhibits the rennin-angiotensin system. In this study, the effects of ANP after LVR were evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rats that had an LV aneurysm 4 weeks after left anterior descending artery ligation underwent LVR by plicating the LV aneurysm and were randomized into 2 groups: LVR+A group was intravenously administrated with 10 microg/h of carperitide, recombinant alpha-hANP, by osmotic-pump for 4 weeks, and the LVR group was given normal saline. Echocardiography revealed better LV remodeling and function in LVR+A group than in LVR group. Four weeks after LVR, left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and Tau were significantly lower in LVR+A group (LVEDP: 10+/-4 in LVR+A group versus 18+/-6 mm Hg in LVR group, Tau: 13+/-2 versus 17+/-2ms). End-systolic elastance (Ees) was higher in LVR+A group (Ees: 0.34+/-0.2 versus 0.19+/-0.11 mm Hg/microL). The levels of myocardial ACE activity in LVR+A group was significantly lower than in LVR group. The mRNA expressions of brain natriuretic peptide and transforming growth factor beta1 inducing fibrosis significantly decreased in LV myocardium in LVR+A group. Histologically, myocardial fibrosis was significantly reduced in LVR+A group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous administration of ANP had beneficial effects on LV remodeling, function, and fibrosis after LVR. ANP could be a useful intravenous infusion drug for postoperative management after LV repair surgery.

[Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in octogenarians]

We evaluate the outcomes of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in high-risk octogenarians. There are 20 cases in 5 years, which contain 1 re-operation case, and 10 emergency cases. Nineteen cases were performed off-pump CABG (OPCAB), and conventional CABG was performed for only 1 case because of unstable hemodynamics with intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP). We generally performed CABG with aorta no-touch technique. There is no death case, and no serious complication like stroke. We used 23 artery and 11 vein grafts for CABG, and mean number of grafts per patient was 1.8+/-0.7. And "hybrid therapy" with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was done for 5 cases. Octogenarians are at increased risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality after CABG, but we have performed OPCAB for them and have had good results. And we think that aorta no-touch technique, proper selection and use of graft are important.

[Oral sildenafil citrate as an effective alternate in the treatment of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis after congenital heart surgery]

A five-month-old girl of Down syndrome underwent a corrective surgery for complete atrioventricular septal defect. Her postoperative course was complicated with pulmonary hypertensive (PH) crises despite nitroglycerin (NTG) infusion and inhaled nitric oxide (NO). Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, was administered through a nasogastric tube at a starting dose of 0.3 mg/kg by stepwise increment to the maximum dose of 2 mg/kg 4 hourly. Sildenafil citrate dramatically lowered pulmonary arterial pressure and the patient was weaned from NTG and NO without PH crisis. There was no side effect after sildenafil citrate administration. Oral sildenafil citrate is a safe and potent adjunct to the existing therapies for postoperative PH in infants after open heart surgery.

PMEA Coating of Pump Circuit and Oxygenator May Attenuate the Early Systemic Inflammatory Response in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

We investigated the effects of coating a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit and oxygenator with poly-2-methoxy-ethyl acrylate (PMEA) on the systemic inflammatory response during and after CPB. Thirty patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized into three groups (each group n = 10): noncoated (group N), heparin coated (group H), and PMEA coated circuit and oxygenator (group X). Bradykinin (BK), complement 3 activation (C3a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured as early phase indicators of inflammatory response, as were maximum C reactive proteins (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels. The alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-a DO2) was measured as a parameter of respiratory function. IL-6 levels after CPB were significantly higher in group N than in groups H and X (p < 0.05). Serum BK and C3a levels showed similar patterns in all groups. A-a DO2 was lower at the end of and 3 hours after CPB in groups H and X than in group N (p < 0.05). Maximum CRP levels were lower in group X than in groups N (p < 0.05). This prospective study suggests that PMEA coated CPB may improve respiratory function and decrease systemic inflammatory response after cardiac surgery, possibly because this circuit is as biocompatible as heparin coated CPB circuit.

Pharmacological assessment of composite arterial conduits using angiography early in the postoperative period

OBJECTIVES

Muscular arteries are vulnerable to vasospasm unlike elastic arteries. Having developed experimental models of composite arterial grafts, we assessed and compared the responses of the grafts with different pharmacological agents using angiography early in the postoperative period.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We harvested the internal thoracic artery (ITA) and brachial-median artery (BMA) from 10 sheep. BMA was used as an alternative to the radial artery. Each vessel was assessed histologically and morphologically. Then, a serial composite graft was constructed so that BMA was interposed. On postoperative day one or two, angiography was performed on the composite graft to measure the diameter of each vessel in response to phenylephrine (alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist), nitroglycerin+phenylephrine, and milrinone+phenylephrine.

RESULTS

The BMA had a wide media layer which consisted of abundant smooth muscle cells. The combined intima and media were thicker in BMA than in ITA (p<0.01). After injection of phenylephrine, the BMA diameter decreased (2.5+/-0.4 mm to 1.9+/-0.3 mm, p<0.01), while the ITA diameter remained unchanged (3.7+/-0.2 mm to 3.6+/-0.2 mm). Continuous infusion of nitroglycerin or milrinone prevented phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction of the BMA (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that muscular arteries have a more pronounced vasoconstrictive response to alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists than the elastic arteries. To avoid potential decrease in graft flow of muscular artery, it is advisable to use a vasodilator nitroglycerin or milrinone early in the postoperative period.

Visualization of intramuscular left anterior descending coronary arteries during off-pump bypass surgery

In off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, an appropriate method for intraoperative evaluation of grafts and vessels has been awaited. We report the usefulness of a 15-MHz linear transducer for this purpose. A 15-MHz linear transducer with a SONOS 5500 (Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands) was applied epicardially in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Vascular anatomy was easily discerned when the transducer was applied in an appropriate way. In 6 patients, intramuscular coronary arteries were easily detected, and in all of these patients, anastomoses were successful. The shapes of the anastomoses were very clearly shown, and the flow and its phase in the bypass graft or coronary artery were measured with synchronization of electrocardiograms in all patients. The total left internal thoracic artery (LITA) flow (28.4 +/- 6.8 mL/s) and the pattern of the flow was dominantly diastolic in all patients. The 15-MHz linear transducer system (Philips) is very useful for detecting intramuscular left anterior descending coronary arteries and may become one of the standard tools for intraoperative evaluation in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.