[New color imaging of [99mTc]-pyrophosphate and [201Tl]-chloride dual isotope single photon emission computed tomography in acute myocarditis]

[99mTc]-pyrophosphate (PYP) and [201Tl]-chloride dual isotope single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is now available to detect the site and extent of acute myocardial infarction. In inflammatory myocardial disease, [99mTc]PYP makes hot image on damaged area. We performed dual isotope SPECT of [99mTc]PYP and [201Tl]Cl in two patients with acute myocarditis and severe rhythm disturbance to evaluate the severity of inflammation. Myocardial damage was estimated by [201Tl] perfusion coloring blue and myocardial inflammation was estimated by [99mTc]PYP uptake coloring red. The overlap display of both images made it clear to detect spatial extent of myocardial inflammation. Using this technique, we expect to estimate the severity of myocarditis and to make a decision of therapeutic plan.

Factors associated with persistent and transient fascicular blocks in anterior wall acute myocardial infarction

To determine the factors associated with persistent and transient fascicular blocks, 144 patients with Q-wave anterior wall acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied. Thirty-three patients had new onset of fascicular block considered to be a consequence of AMI. Multivariate analysis using 16 clinical variables revealed that the number of asynergic segments, serum potassium level and pericardial rub were significant factors related to the occurrence of fascicular block. Among the 33 patients with fascicular block, 18 had persistent (group 1) and 15 had transient (group 2) fascicular blocks. When the 2 groups with fascicular block were compared, group 1 had significantly more asynergic segments than group 2 (4.7 +/- 1.2 vs 3.7 +/- 1.6, respectively), whereas pericardial rubs were observed significantly more in group 2 (67%) than in group 1 (28%). Therefore, the inflammatory process of AMI was 1 of the mechanisms related to the occurrence of a transient fascicular block and a more extensive myocardial necrosis was associated with a persistent fascicular block.

[The usefulness of two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in follow-up studies of dissecting aortic aneurysm]

Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) facilitates clear imaging of the thoracic aorta, and we have already reported the diagnostic value of this procedure for detecting dissecting aortic aneurysm (DAA). Recently, we performed preoperative and postoperative 2D-TEE in nine surgically treated patients with DAA (Debakey type I: 2 cases, type II: 1 case, type IIIa: 2 cases, type IIIb: 4 cases), and repeated 2D-TEE in six medically treated patients (DeBakey type IIIa: 2 cases, type IIIb: 4 cases), and the usefulness of 2D-TEE in the follow-up study of DAA was evaluated. Two types of ultrasound probe (radial scan type, and sector type with a color-Doppler system) were used in this study. Of the surgically treated patients, four of nine cases in which the initial tears were excised or repaired showed neither leakage nor pseudoaneurysm at the site of graft insertion. Other surgically treated patients showed residual intimal tears and continued to harbor patent false lumen. One patient with type I dissection demonstrated localized saccular aneurysm in the proximal arch of the aorta, but no evidence of aortic regurgitation. Of the six medically treated patients, further extension of the initial dissection was observed in one of the two type IIIa cases. False lumen narrowing was recognizable in three of the four type IIIb patients, and complete obliteration of false lumen was observed at necropsy in one of these three cases. Double-channeled aorta was seen in another case of type IIIb dissection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

cDNA cloning and nucleotide sequence of rat muscle-specific enolase (beta beta enolase)

The nucleotide sequence of rat muscle-specific enolase cDNA was determined by sequencing three cDNA clones encoding this enolase isozyme. The nearly full-length cDNA consists of 13-bp 5'- and 84-bp 3'-noncoding regions and a poly(A) tail in addition to a 1302-bp coding region encoding a polypeptide composed of 434 amino acid residues. The deduced primary structure of this enolase isozyme is about 80% similar to those determined previously for rat neuron-specific and non-neuronal enolase isozymes. Southern blot analysis suggested strongly the existence of a single copy of the muscle-specific enolase gene per haploid genome. The mRNA for this enolase isozyme was detected in rat skeletal muscle on day 1 after birth and its level increased rapidly during 10-30 days after birth without any change in its size (1500 bases).

[Basic studies on hard direct reline resins. Part 1. Adhesive strength]

Direct relining methods has come to occupy an important position in removable denture prosthodontics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various experimental conditions on the adhesive strength of hard direct reline resins to denture base resin. The experimental conditions were as follows: 1) immersion time of denture base resin before relining, 2) amount of load at relining, 3) roughness of adhesive surface, 4) immersion time of relined resin. The following results were obtained: 1. The adhesive strength of Rebaron was the highest, followed by that of TRIAD and KOOLiner. 2. The immersion times of denture base resin did not appreciably affect the adhesive strength. 3. With the rougher adhesive surface, Rebaron and KOOLiner showed a tendency to increase adhesive strength. 4. The adhesive strength was not appreciably affected by load. 5. We did not find a definitive correlation between adhesive strength and immersion times of relined resin.

[Hemodynamic response to diurnal activities of patients with myocardial infarction evaluated by ambulatory monitoring of systolic time intervals using ear densitography]

The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the hemodynamic changes during daily activities by 24-hour continuous ear-densitographic monitoring (Holter EDG) in 14 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), and (2) to define the changes in left ventricular performance during and after acute upright posture in 35 patients with old MI. Ninety-seven percent of the daily activities could be reliably measured by ambulatory monitoring of systolic time intervals (STI) and the most significant change in STI was observed during defecation. The ratio of preejection period to left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) increased significantly during defecation (0.42 +- 0.09----0.50 +- 0.09, p less than 0.05), but heart rate either increased (5 patients) or decreased (4 patients). Though there was no change in PEP/LVET during sleep, walking and washing the face and hands, it tended to increase during eating and urinating. Acute upright posture caused sudden acceleration of the heart rate, and increased PEP/LVET immediately (0.36 +- 0.05----0.39 +- 0.06, p less than 0.005). The latter further increased immediately after sitting (0.36 +- 0.05----0.41 +- 0.07, p less than 0.001) and 1 min after sitting (0.36 +- 0.05----0.43 +- 0.07, p less than 0.001), but it was stable thereafter. Thus, abrupt changes in these parameters indicate that changes both in neural activity and venous return are virtually instantaneous. We concluded that the Holter EDG will facilitate the evaluation of daily activities of patients, and that the information obtained in this study could be valuable in understanding the physiology and hemodynamics of patients recovering from acute MI.

The factors associated with fascicular block in acute anteroseptal infarction

To elucidate the genesis and effect of fascicular block, 131 patients with acute Q-wave anteroseptal infarction were studied. Thirty-seven patients had new onset of fascicular block in the coronary care unit. The hospital mortality rate was 16%. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the important variables related to the occurrence of fascicular block and hospital mortality based on 17 clinical variables obtained at the time of hospital admission. Serum potassium level and heart rate were the significant factors predicting the occurrence of fascicular block, whereas cardiac output and arterial oxygen tension were important for hospital mortality. Therefore, not only the rise in the heart rate but also the effect of the serum potassium level on the conduction system are independent factors related to the occurrence of fascicular block, and fascicular block in itself has no significant influence on the hospital mortality.

Species-dependent antigenicity of the 34-kDa glycoprotein found on the membrane of various primate lymphocytes transformed by human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) and simian T-cell leukemia virus (STLV-I)

Sixteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against TA34 antigen found on the surface of human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) infected cells were prepared. These MAbs and one previously prepared anti-TA34 MAb (TAG34) recognized 34-kDa peptide not only in HTLV-I-infected cells, but also in cells infected with simian T-cell leukemia virus (STLV-I), which is analogous in antigenicity and gene structure to HTLV-I. Radioimmuno-precipitation (RIP) tests with the MAbs showed that TA34 antigen had at least 3 overlapping epitope groups. The antigenicities of the TA34 antigens of HTLV-I-infected cells derived from various primates were investigated by immunofluorescence staining using 9 anti-TA34 MAbs. Cells from humans, apes and Old World monkeys reacted with all these antibodies, whereas cells from New World monkeys were stained by most of the antibodies, but little if at all by the remaining 2 (5A8 and TAG34). Similar results were obtained with various primate cells infected with STLV-I. All 17 MAbs used recognized a 22-kDa peptide in HTLV-I-infected cells cultured in the presence of tunicamycin. When incubated with 1% 2-mercaptoethanol at pH 7.2 at 37 degrees C, TA34 antigen lost its reactivity with TAG34, suggesting that the antigen has an intramolecular S-S bond. Twenty sera of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients did not react with TA34 antigen in RIP tests.

[Pseudocoarctation of the aorta associated with aortic arch aneurysm--a case report]

A twenty-nine-year old female was diagnosed as the associated aortic arch aneurysm 14 years after the initial diagnosis of the pseudocoarctation of the aorta. The aneurysm was asymptomatic and aortogram revealed that it was located just proximal to the pseudocoarctation. The aneurysmal wall was so thin that intraluminal blood stream could be visible easily during operation. Aneurysmectomy and Dacron graft implantation was successfully performed with temporary bypass procedure. In most of the cases, pseudocoarctation of the aorta has been reported to be a congenital entity without indication for any surgical intervention. However some cases in the literature were combined with formation of the aneurysm during the long term follow-up period. Careful observation must be needed for a case of pseudocoarctation of the aorta and the associated aneurysm should be treated surgically even if asymptomatic.

[Vascular endoscopy using a flexible fiberscope with a thin external diameter; experimental and clinical studies]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate capability of a fiberscope with a thin external diameter (2. 5mm, Olympus PF25-L) in observing the inner surface of blood vessels in animals and humans. Vascular endoscopy was firstly performed in three living dogs. The inner surface of canine abdominal aorta was not be fully inspected because of retrograde blood flow from the renal and lumbal arteries, but by blocking the proximal and distal blood flow using Fogarty catheters that of canine iliac artery including a flap of intima of 1mm diameter could be successfully observed. As clinical application of this endoscope the inspection of intravascular structures of Dardik's Biografts obliterated after peripheral bypass surgery were performed. In every case, bellows-like inner surface of this graft and several shapes of stenosis could be clearly recognized. Thus this endoscope presented the good optical quality, but due to lack of an angulating system visualization of anastomotic site was not achieved in most cases. No patient incurred complications of any sort. We conclude that vascular endoscopy using this type of endoscope can be performed safely, and provide useful information to the field of peripheral vascular surgery, but for the widespread clinical use of this vascular endoscopy, efforts should be made to improve the endoscope system itself and the method of effective interruption of blood flow.

Clinical applications of Ga-67 DFO-DAS-fibrinogen

Ga-67 DFO-DAS-fibrinogen scanning was performed in 15 patients to detect fresh arterial thrombus. Seven patients were preoperative cases of aortic aneurysm and eight were postoperative cases of graft bypass. Scanning was performed on the first and second days after the injection. Nine of 13 grafts in eight cases were visualized by 67Ga-DFO-DAS-fibrinogen scan. Velour Dacron grafts were more strongly visualized compared with woven Dacron or Goatex. In three patients with aortic aneurysm in whom fresh thrombus was identified by operative findings, arterial thrombus was clearly visualized by 67Ga-DFO-DAS-fibrinogen scan, whereas in three other patients with aortic aneurysm, thrombus was not visualized, although it was identified by other examinations. In one case, a marked accumulation was observed in the abdominal aorta, although no arterial thrombus was found at operation. This was thought to be an accumulation in a blood pool because it decreased on the second day. We think it important to observe the relative changes of accumulation.

[Establishment and characteristics of a new human choriocarcinoma cell line and its production of tumor markers]

A human gestational uterine choriocarcinoma cell line (NJG) was established in vitro. The NJG cell line had been subcultured more than 73 times over 7 years. The cells consisted mainly of Langhans-like cells, while multinucleated cells were occasionally seen. The cells grew in a monolayered sheet, showing a tendency to pile up, with the population doubling in 80 hrs. Electron-microscopically, desmosomes were characteristically observed, which suggested that the cultured cells were of epithelial origin. Chromosomal analysis revealed aneuploidy with a hypertriploid mode and 4 marker chromosomes. Immunocyto- and-histochemical staining for tumor markers of the cultured cells and the transplanted tumors to nude mice showed close similarity. SP1 was occasionally demonstrated and PP5 was faintly stained only in the heterotransplanted tumors, although PP10 and PP12 were not demonstrable. HCG was localized not only in syncytial cells, but also in Langhans cells, and syncytial cells without hCG were also observed in the tumors. A single cell clone was also established from the original NJG cells by a limiting dilution method. The heterotransplanted tumor consisted of Langhans and syncytial cells, indicating that both cells originated from the same cell.

Effect of exercise on ventricular diastolic time in coronary artery disease

To evaluate diastolic time during uninterrupted upright exercise, 28 normal volunteers (group 1) and 12 men with coronary artery disease (group 2) were studied by ear densitography. Electromechanical systole-heart rate and diastolic time-heart rate regression equations during upright exercise were obtained from group 1. Electromechanical systole-heart rate had an inverse linear relation (electromechanical systole = 480 - 1.4 heart rate) and diastolic time-heart rate had an inverse nonlinear relation (diastolic time = 1206e-0.02 heart rate). Although there were no significant differences in electromechanical systole and diastolic time at 1 minute of exercise between patients with and without CAD, at peak exercise prolongation of electromechanical systole and consequent shortening of diastolic time in patients with CAD were observed. This disproportionate shortening of diastole with lengthening of systole at peak exercise tends to decrease myocardial perfusion and, hence, oxygen supply, while increasing myocardial oxygen demand, contributing to aggravation of ischemia in patients with CAD.

[Production of monoclonal antibody against a newly established human endometrial cancer cell line SNG-II]

A cell line designated SNG-II was established from the operation specimen of human endometrial adenocarcinoma, and by means of an immunization procedure using intact SNG-II cells, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) named MSN-1 which reacts immunohistochemically with endometrial cancers was obtained. The cell line grew well without interruption for over 5 years, and, SNG-II cells produced tumors of cell differentiated adenocarcinoma in nude mice. The modal chromosomal number was diploid without a marker chromosome. The production of human chorionic gonadotropin and its beta-subunit, CA-125, tissue polypeptide antigen, and placental proteins such as PP6 and PP7 in SNG-II was confirmed. MSN-1 was of IgM subclass. As the antigenic reactivity was unchanged by trypsin treatment, but lost by periodic treatment, it was suggested that the antigen corresponding to MSN-1 was a carbohydrate sequence. Immunohistochemically MSN-1 reacted with about 70% cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma, but seldom with normal endometrium. Furthermore, the staining pattern of MSN-1 was different in benign cells from that in malignant cells: only the luminal surface of the normal endometrium was positive, whereas the cytoplasma was also stained in many of adenocarcinoma cells.

The trend of coronary heart disease and its risk factors based on epidemiological investigations

Changes in the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the past 20 years have been observed in workers in the city and residents in rural areas and the risk factors of CHD studied. Findings show that the incidence of CHD in the residents in rural areas has hardly changed, and remains still low. However, the incidence of CHD in workers in the city has recently shown a tendency to increase. Furthermore, a study of CHD risk factors shows that in the rural areas residents hypertension has a strong influence on the incidence of CHD, while the role of serum total cholesterol is weak. In the city workers a high serum total cholesterol has become a risk factor. Therefore, it appears that the incidence of CHD caused by hypertension and by hypercholesterolemia are mixed in Japan. At present it appears that the influence of hypertension is becoming weaker, while the influence of hypercholesterolemia is becoming stronger. The resulting balance between them may be expressed as a rise and fall of CHD in Japan at present.

High renin hypertension in the elderly

This paper describes clinical features of high renin hypertension in the elderly. Peripheral plasma renin activity ranged from 0 to 20.1 ng/ml/hr in 59 hypertensive in-patients aged 70 to 86. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 9 cases with plasma renin activity greater than or equal to 3.0 ng/ml/hr (high renin group) and the remaining 50 with plasma renin activity less than 3.0 ng/ml/hr (control group). The development of hypertension differed between the 2 groups. Six of the high renin group (66.7%) had a history of acceleration of previously mild hypertension, while only 3 of the control group (6.0%) had this history (p less than 0.01). The frequencies of high diastolic blood pressure (greater than or equal to 120 mmHg), massive proteinuria (at least 3.0 g/day), hypokalemia (serum potassium less than or equal to 3.0 mEq/L) and high serum cholesterol (greater than or equal to 250 mg/100 ml) were significantly greater in the high renin group than in the control group (p less than 0.01, respectively). Renovascular hypertension was suspected in 6 patients from the high renin group (66.7%), as compared with 1 of the control group (2.0%) (p less than 0.001). There was massive proteinuria in 3 of 6 patients with renovascular hypertension in the high renin group and 2 showed nephrotic syndrome. Thus, two-thirds of the elderly patients with high renin hypertension had probable renovascular hypertension with a history of rapid progression of hypertension.

Peculiar mitral valve and papillary muscle lesions induced by vagus manipulations in rabbits. An experimental model for nonrheumatic mitral regurgitation

Peculiar lesions of mitral valves and papillary muscles developed in 50 to 80% of rabbits after clipping (N = 38), crushing (N = 15) or electrical stimulation (N = 44) of their cervical vagi. Both right and left vagus manipulations induced similar cardiac lesions. The earliest manifestation was bleeding of the mitral leaflets, which was followed by swelling and fibrosis of the papillary muscles. Ventricular arrhythmias and systolic murmurs were frequently associated with the vagus manipulations. During or just after electrical stimulation of the vagus, ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) were observed in 30 of 44 animals. Twenty-nine of these 30 animals with VPCs (96.7%) were found to have mitral valve and/or papillary muscle lesions at autopsy, whereas only 5 of 14 animals without VPCs (35.7%) had the cardiac lesions. These results indicate that the occurrence of these ventricular arrhythmias during vagus manipulations was closely related with the mitral valve and papillary muscle lesions.

Exercise-induced QRS axis shift and its clinical significance

Exercise tests occasionally induce a QRS axis shift. Reviewing single Master's two-step test electrocardiograms of 1810 patients, we examined the incidence of the QRS axis shift and the relations of the QRS axis shifts to ischemic heart disease. The QRS axis shift was 30 degrees or more to the right in 38 (2.1%), 15 to 29 degrees to the right in 304 (16.8%), less than 15 degrees to the right or to the left in 1375 (75.9%), 15 to 29 degrees to the left in 81 (4.5%), and 30 degrees or more to the left in 12 patients (0.7%). The frequency of positive Master's tests and clinical ischemic heart disease were both significantly greater in the patients with QRS axis shifts of 30 degrees or more to the right (15.8% and 26.3%, respectively) and the patients with those of 30 degrees or more to the left (33.3% and 50.0%, respectively) than in the patients with shifts less than 15 degrees (6.5% and 8.5%, respectively). These results indicate that the exercise-induced QRS axis shift is a useful clue for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

[Production and characterization of monoclonal antibody to uterine cervical cancer cell line SKG-IIIa]

By means of an immunization procedure using intact living cells, the established uterine cervical epidermoid cancer cell line SKG-IIIa, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) which reacts with uterine cervical epidermoid cancer cells was obtained. The Mab was of IgG2a subclass. Immunohistochemically the Mab reacted with uterine cervical epidermoid cancer cells (17 out of 25). At the same time, it reacted with a basal layer of normal squamous epithelium, surface mucus secreting cells and parietal cells in stomach and kidney uriniferous tubules. The Mab reacted with the cell surface epitope on HeLa cells to the same extent as on SKG-IIIa cells, but on CCD18-Lu cells (normal diploid) to about one-half as much. The results of an inhibition test using a competitive reaction between Mab and conventional polyclonal antibody indicated that the Mab didn't react with 39 kinds of human serum proteins such as albumin, transferrin, IgG, fibrinogen, lysozyme and some tumor markers. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed that the Mab didn't recognize human blood group substances (A,B,H type, Lewis's a,b type). Treatment of SKG-IIIa cells with a mixture of glycosidases neuraminidase or periodate didn't change the reactivity to the Mab, suggesting that the epitope didn't reside in sugar chains.

[A case of adenolipoma of the breast]

A 40-year-old woman was found to have a well-circumscribed mass in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast at a routine physical examination. Mammographically, the tumor was a radiolucent mass, measuring 4.6 X 3.2 X 4 cm, surrounded by a capsule. The tumor consisted of fat and numerous strings with the appearance of ordinary glandular tissue. There was no area of microcalcification. Grossly, the tumor mass was encapsulated by fine connective tissue. On the cut surface, the tumor consisted of fatty tissue containing islands of grayish-white breast tissue. Histologically, the fatty tissue presented (a feature) of mature lipoma. Embedded in the fat were areas of breast tissue simulating fibrocystic disease. In limited areas, the fat cells had direct contact with the ducts without intervening fibrous tissue.

In vivo clastogenicity of lead chromate in mice

Cytogenetical effects of lead chromate were evaluated in vivo. When 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g/kg body weight of lead chromate suspensions in 0.5% gum arabic were administered i.p. to C57BL/6N male mice twice, the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the femoral bone marrow were significantly (p less than 0.01) different from that in the vehicle control. Moreover, as the dose increased, the ratio of the polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes decreased in a dose-response fashion (p less than 0.05). Thus, it is concluded that lead chromate in vivo gives rise to chromosomal damage as well as disturbance in hematopoiesis.

Clinical experience of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty--technique and results

PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) was performed on 109 patients from April 1981 through March 1984, and successful dilatation was achieved in 82 patients (75.2%). The patients were followed for an average period of 15.6 +/- 10.6 months (range, 0.5-36 months). Twenty-one patients (24%) relapsed, and repeat PTCA resulted in successful dilatation in 13 of 24 patients. The present communication discusses important technical points of PTCA, results of follow-up, and findings in cases of recurrence. The prognosis was good in patients with an uneventful course during six months or more of follow-up. When the successful patients were divided into two groups of relapse and non-relapse, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding sex, age, history of angina pectoris, number of vessels involved, and which coronary artery was involved. It remains for further studies to find the cause of recurrent stenosis and establish an appropriate therapy to prevent it.

Clinical significance of radionuclide studies in the acute phase of myocardial infarction

Tl201 MPS and MGCBS were performed on patients with myocardial infarction in the acute phase and the results were evaluated using a scoring system. The findings obtained in this study can be summarized as follows. There was a significant difference in RNEF between Killip class I and III. Significantly high correlation was noted between RWM score and RNEF. In cases of low RNEF (less than 35%) with poor RWM (less than 7), the incidence of complications, especially malignant PVC (47%, P less than 0.01) was markedly high. There was no obvious correlation between Tl201 MPS and complications. However, adding low RNEF (35% or less) to poor Tl scores (-22 or less) malignant PVC was noted with high frequency. Tl scores on admission were not related to the number of coronary arteries involved. For patients with good Tl score and low RNEF on admission (suspected of having severe ischemia), EF did not necessarily showed a tendency toward improvement. Patients with single-, tow- or three-vessel disease showed no difference in improvement of EF at discharge. There was no marked difference in Tl score on admission among three groups of single lesion of left anterior descending artery; patients with total occlusion without collateral circulation, patients with collateral circulation and patients with recanalization.

Reduced number of erythrocyte sodium pump units in essential hypertension

The number of sodium pump units of erythrocytes measured with ouabain binding assay was significantly lower in 17 patients with essential hypertension (0.538 +/- 0.020 pmol/10(9) cells) than in 13 normotensive controls (0.673 +/- 0.031 pmol/10(9) cells) (p less than 0.01) and it was inversely correlated with erythrocyte sodium concentration (r = -0.86, p less than 0.01).

Clinical experience of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) was performed on 44 patients with angina pectoris during the 18-month period from April 10, 1981 to September 30, 1982. It was successful in 36 of the 44 patients (82%), resulting in a subsidence of the symptoms and a considerable increase in exercise tolerance. Successful dilatations were achieved in 30 of 35 left anterior descending arteries (86%) and 7 of 11 right coronary arteries (64%). Five patients had complications: myocardial infarction in 2, unstable angina pectoris in 1, and dissection of the coronary artery in 2. One of these patients underwent an urgent A-C bypass operation. The patients were followed up for 0.5 to 18 months (average: 7.4 +/- 0.9 months). Stenosis recurred in 6 patients (16.7%), but repeat PTCA disclosed successful dilatations of stenotic lesions in 3 patients. No deaths occurred throughout the study period including the follow-up period. Our experience suggests that PTCA is of use in the treatment of certain groups of angina pectoris patients if case selection is appropriate.