Clinical cardiology
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2000
Case ReportsTricuspid valve group B streptococcal endocarditis after an elective termination of pregnancy.
A patient developed fever, chills, and shortness of breath after an elective first trimester dilation and curettage. Blood cultures grew Group B streptococcus, and a transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a 2 x 2 cm vegetation on the tricuspid valve and global left ventricular hypokinesis. A 6-week course of parenteral antibiotics and vasodilator therapy resulted in resolution of the valvular vegetation as well as of the left ventricular dysfunction.
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2000
Case ReportsOrtner's syndrome in association with mitral valve prolapse.
The case of an 83-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomegaly is presented. The patient also had progressive hoarseness of her voice and intermittent dysphagia. ⋯ A review of literature of Ortner's or cardiovocal syndrome is presented. Ortner's syndrome due to mitral valve prolapse has not been reported previously.
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2000
Comparative StudyAcute management of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in the critical care unit: should it be ibutilide?
Ibutilide is currently indicated for the rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation (Afb) or atrial flutter (Afl) of recent onset but limited to patients who are hemodynamically stable and without symptomatic cardiovascular conditions. ⋯ Ibutilide is an effective and well tolerated drug for the rapid termination of Afb or Afl of recent onset associated with symptomatic and/or hemodynamically unstable disorders, and it is most efficacious (> or = 90%) when the atrial arrhythmia is < or = 1 week in duration. Proarrhythmic events are readily manageable in a monitored unit with access to appropriate treatment.