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In 23 patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, the functional class of the patients has been related to the echocardiographic parameters generally used to diagnose this disorder. These are the extent of apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and the delay in tricuspid valve closure time related to that of the mitral valve. In addition, the functional class of the patients has also been evaluated in relation to the severity of tricuspid valve insufficiency and to the presence or absence of associated cardiac abnormalities. The study revealed that the echocardiographic parameters i.e. the degree of apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and the delayed closure time of the tricuspid valve have no predictive value for the patient's clinical condition. On the other hand, both tricuspid valve insufficiency and the presence of additional anomalies have a direct correlation with the well-being of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper we report the sequelae of a patient with an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA)originating from the pulmonary artery (PA) in association with a normal heart, operated upon at the age of 13 years. Three years after the end-to-side reimplantation of the RCA, with a rim of thePA, into the aorta, the surgical result has been evaluated by cineangiography. Before operation both coronary arteries were tortuous and increased in size. Afterwards the left coronary artery showed a normalized calibre, although the RCA remained tortuous with no decrease of the internal diameter. The notable postoperative changes in shape and size of the LCA may be due to the disappearanceof the steal phenomenon. The lack of involutive changes in the RCA could be explained by its thinner wall. Left ventricular wall motion, evaluated under resting conditions and during an atrial pacing stress test, was found to be normal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]