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Background Cardiovascular disease, especially cardiomyopathy, was the major cause of death among owl monkeys ( Aotus sp.) at a major colony and threatened colony sustainability. For this study, echocardiography (echo) and electrocardiography (ECG) normal values were established, and cardiomyopathy animals identified . Methods Forty-eight owl monkeys were studied, 30 older than 10 years of age (‘aged’) and 8 of age 5 years (‘young’). Eight aged owl monkeys had cardiomyopathy. Results and Conclusions Aged Aotus had increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness over young animals. Left ventricular diameter and ejection fraction appeared to be the best identifying measurements for cardiomyopathy. There were no differences in the ECG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case of myocardial ischemia secondary to a large coronary-pulmonary fistula. Case history; Connection of coronary artery with the cardiac chamber; Identification of a fistulous communication between coronary artery and pulmonary artery.

Background: Morbid obesity produces a variety of ECG alterations, including leftward shifts of the P-wave, QRS, and T-wave axes; disproportionately high frequencies of low QRS voltage; left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial abnormality; and a high frequency of T-wave flattening in the inferior and lateral leads. This study was designed to assess the effects of substantial weight loss on the ECG in morbid obesity. Methods: We performed a resting 12-lead ECG on 60 normotensive patients (48 women and 12 men; mean ± SD age, 37 ± 7 years), whose body weight was twice their ideal body weight prior to and at the time of maximum weight loss after bariatric surgery. Results: Mean weight decreased from 136 ± 7 to 85 ± 3 kg. Weight loss produced significant decreases in the frequencies of low QRS voltage; Romhilt-Estes point score ≥ 5 points; SV[sub 1] + RV[sub 5] or V[sub 6] > 35 mm; RV[sub 5] or V[sub 6] > 26 mm; RaVL > 11 mm; RaVL ≥ 7.5 mm; SaVR > 14 mm; P-terminal force more negative than -0.04 mm·s in lead V[sub 1]; and T-wave flattening in the inferior, lateral, and inferolateral leads. Weight loss significantly shifted the mean P-wave, QRS, T-wave axes rightward, and significantly reduced mean RaVL and mean SaVR voltage. Conclusion: Substantial weight loss is capable of reversing many of the ECG alterations associated with morbid obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sixty-seven-year-old woman with effort intolerance and presyncope was noted to have a congenital aneurysmal right coronary artery to left ventricular fistula, an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, and severe aortic insufficiency. This is the first case reported with this combination of cardiac anomalies. The diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and aortography. Aortic valve replace ment, closure of the atrial septal defect, and ligation of the right coronary artery to left ventricle fistula were performed without incident. The patient has remained asympto matic since surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A sixty-seven-year-old woman with effort intolerance and presyncope was noted to have a congenital aneurysmal right coronary artery to left ventricular fistula, an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, and severe aortic insufficiency. This is the first case reported with this combination of cardiac anomalies. The diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and aortography Aortic valve replacement, closure of the atrial septal defect, and ligation of the right coronary artery to left ventricle fistula were performed without incident. The patient has remained asymptomatic since surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a rare (<1%) and underdiagnosed cause of secondary hypertension. We present a case of aortic dissection in a patient with primary hyperaldosteronism. To our knowledge, there are six other reported cases of aortic dissection in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Our case strengthens the hypothesis that primary hyperaldosteronism is a potential independent risk factor for aortic dissection. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]