We previously studied a pair of MZ twins with situs viscerum inversus of the heart, liver and stomach, concordant with regard to ali other factors normally utilized to diagnose zygosity [3]. We have now reexamined them after three years to evaluate the development of their cardiovascular system. Our male MZ twins, now 17 years old, have been examined with hìgh-resolution electrocardiography (HR...

BACKGROUND There are very few published studies of heart disease in HIV infected children living in sub-Saharan Africa, a region with more than 50% of the world's population of HIV infected patients. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, and describe the type and clinical presentation of heart disease among children with HIV attending an ambulatory clinic. METHODOLOGY Two hundred and thir...

The need for long-term follow-up in Kawasaki disease is poorly recognized although cardiac sudden death attacks asymptomatic young people with past illness after a long latent period. Therefore, in order to prevent cardiac disasters, high risk groups should be identified and the prevalence rate of the disease should be determined for crisis management. A total of 9,965 consecutive freshmen at t...

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of grape seed extract (GSE) as a powerful antioxidant in preventing adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on heart function. Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX (2 mg/kg/48h, for 12 days) and GSE (100 mg/kg/24h, for 16 days) plus DOX. Left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamic parameters were assess...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the follow-up of patients with vaccinia-associated myocarditis. BACKGROUND With the threat of biological warfare, the U.S. Department of Defense resumed a program for widespread smallpox vaccinations on December 13, 2002. One-year afterwards, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of myocarditis and pericarditis among those v...

BACKGROUND Potassium and magnesium depletion prolongs the duration of the action potential of the cardiomyocyte, which predisposes to ventricular arrhythmias. In addition, potassium or magnesium depletion might impair cardiac performance and facilitate coronary artery thrombosis. METHODS Continuous 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, treadmill exercise testing and echocardiograph...

OBJECTIVE Cardiac complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in beta-thalassemia major. The aim of the study was to evaluate right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular systolic and diastolic functions using myocardial performance index in young, asymptomatic children suffering from thalassemia major, for early detection of cardiac function impairment, preventing further cardiac dama...

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography are mandatory in preparticipation cardiac screening in soccer players. Abnormal ECG findings usually require follow-up investigations. The main aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings in male professional soccer players according to European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) recommendations and the Seattle criteria, and t...