Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), delivered as peripheral venous injections, have been developed to enhance the ultrasound image quality. The current application, recognized by the FDA and European Medecines Agency (EMEA) is the enhancement of the left ventricular endocardial border or left ventricular opacification (LVO). These microbubbles with a diameter and an intravascular velocity simila...

A2-year-old cachectic cross-breed gelding was admitted toVeterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran followingthe onset of a marked respiratory distress, coughing and ventraledema. Clinical examinations indicated harsh respiratory andexpiratory sounds as well as jugular vein distention. Therespiratory and heart rates were 35/min and 60 bpm, respectively.Agrade III/IV pansystolic murmur...

The use of synthetic connective tissue grafts became popular in the mid-1980s, particularly for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; however, this trend was soon changed given the high failure rate due to abrasive wear. More than 20 years later, a vast range of grafts are available to the orthopaedic surgeon for augmenting connective tissue following rupture or tissue loss. While the biom...

Asymptomatic rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is rare. A fistula following rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm may cause infective endocarditis. Here, we report a case of infective endocarditis of an aorto-right atrial fistula caused by asymptomatic rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. A 45-year-old male, who was first diagnosed with a heart murmur at the age of 37 years, present...

Hydatid cyst, the larval stage of Echinococcus spp., is a common parasitic disease in Iran. The liver and the lungs are the most commonly involved organs. Hydatid cysts have also been reported in bones and soft tissues such as muscle, brain tissue, spleen, thyroid and even in the heart. Hydatid cyst of the inguinal area, resembling a hernia is a rarity presenting at an unusual site. A hyper...