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Measurements of the auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were used to assess the functional integrity of the brainstem auditory pathways following open-heart surgery. Recording of ABR was performed in 31 patients before and after open-heart surgery. The values of ABR measurements were compared to those of a control group of normal-hearing subjects. Postoperative aberrations in ABR were observed in 12 patients. Brainstem transmission time measured as wave I to wave V interpeak latency (I-V IPL) was prolonged in 6 patients and shortened in 8 patients. Concomitant impairment in hearing function was not present, and therefore, these changes most probably reflected a functional alteration in the neurological status of the brainstem. Possible explanations of the postoperative changes in I-V IPL are discussed, however, further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis of these changes. Measurement of ABR may prove to be an important adjunct in the overall assessment of the neurological status following open-heart surgery.

Cor triatriatum (CTT) sinistrum is a rare, congenital left ventricular inflow anomaly. Previous reports have used cardiac angiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging to establish the diagnosis prior to surgery. We report a case of CTT diagnosed by echocardiography whose hemodynamic significance was established by the use of pulsed wave and color Doppler techniques. Immediate surgery was recommended based on anatomical and hemodynamic parameters.

A male patient, operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, in whom sarcoidosis was discovered in the resected lung specimen, is reported. The increased association of sarcoidosis along with malignant diseases is discussed, as well as the various mechanisms probably responsible for this association.

Experimental substitution of a long segment of ureter by a fallopian tube was performed in dogs. Three different techniques of proximal and distal anastomosis for reconstruction of the urinary tract were used in three groups of animals. Based on this, it is believed that the fallopian tube, as a pedicle graft, could serve in female dogs as the most approximate ideal substitute for ureter because of (a) anatomic proximity to the ureter permitting blood supply to the tube, (b) the fallopian tube's mucosa lining is not affected by urinary excretions, (c) does not allow absorption of electrocytes, (d) has a muscular wall with peristaltic activity, and (e) avoids the problems of antigenicity and/or foreign body reaction.

Familial occurrence of membranous subaortic stenosis (MSS) is described in three families. The defect was found in 2 siblings in two of these families, and in 3 siblings of the third family. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of MSS is emphasized. We suggest early evaluation of first-degree relatives of patients with MSS for the possibility of this defect.