The effects of ergometrine 0.5 mg i.v. and of synthetic oxytocin 5 units i.v. on the alpha and the beta adrenoceptive blood vessels of the foreann have been studied by means of volume-pulse plethysmography in 40 gynaecological patients. Ergometrine constricted the alpha and the beta blood vessels. It is thought that the widespread vasoconstriction may precipitate post-partum hypertension or pul...

EVIDENCE has now accumulated that incorporation of blood clot into arterial intima might as well be a cause as a result of arteriosclerosis. Those who have studied large human systemic arteries from this thrombogenic viewpoint agree that all aspects of intimal arteriosclerosis including atheroma can follow incorporation of blood clot.1-4 Because red cell envelopes are rich in lipoid, it is sugg...

Recurrent or massive haemoptysis is a potentially lethal complication occurring in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). In particular, it is most frequently described in patients with pulmonary vascular obstructive disease such as tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD). Although widely believed to be a rare complication of PA-VSD, the true pre...

Background Echocardiography (echo) is the primary imaging modality for assessment of aortic and pulmonary blood flow velocities. 2D phase contrast (PC) MRI provides better access to all segments of the aortic and pulmonary system and is considered the standard for evaluating blood flow. Both techniques are limited by velocity analysis in 2D planes and by single-direction velocity measurement wh...

The direction of blood shunts between abnormally communicating ventricles or large vessels is dependent upon blood pressure differences in the adjacent structures, and upon the respective vascular resistance in both circulating systems distal to the communication. In a case of patent ductus arteriosus, physiologic measurements suggested that the direction of blood flow through the ductus was re...