HLA Profile in Iraqi rheumatic valvulitis patients

Human leukocyte antigen [LILA] is the most polymorphic genetic system in man. The genes of this region influence susceptibility to certain disease. This study was established to shed light on the possible association of HLA class I and II antigens with RV patients. Lymphocvtotoxicity assay for HLA for class I and II typing had been done for [100] iraqi patients suffering from rheumatic valvulitis [RV] the control groups consisting of [75 healthy individuals and 35 non rheumatic heart disease [NRHD] patients]. The results showed a significant association of A33-Ag with these patients as compared with healthy and cardiac controls [P=0.005][P=0.033] respectively. Another interesting finding was the low frequency of AI in RI patients when compared with heal/he control [p=0.002], suggesting that Al allele may confer protective effect against this disease. In addition significant association between blood group B and RV was evident [p=0.04] An interesting observation was a strong association of blood group B and A33 among those patients [P < 0.001]. The present results are consistent with hypothesis that susceptibility to RV is genetically linked and in turn may be associated mainly with A33 in Iraqi patients

Persistent truncus arteriosus-the first case totally corrected in Iraq

This report presents a six year old child, who had persistant Truncus Arteriosus [Type II] with severe pulmonary hypertension and intractable heart failure, that underwent total correction at Saddam Center for Cardiac Surgery. Post operative follow-up data and review of the relevant literature are included. This is the first case with such anomaly to be repaired successfully and reported in Iraq

significance of early chest radiography following open-heart surgery

A series of thirty -seven patients who underwent elective open heart surgery were reviewed to show the routine postoperative radiographic alterations. Whether surgery was for acquired valve disease or congenital heart lesions, most postoperative problems were similar and result from the surgery itself, and the patients initial cardiac disorder. Serial postoperative films were necessary to demonstrate the progression of radiographic findings which indicate the two important surgical postoperative complications: mediastinal haemorrhage and sternal dehiscence. Atelecctasis was the commonest radiological postoperative finding. Life supporting devices and monitoring lines placement were also noted

Surgery in multiple valvular heart diseases

This study presents twenty patients who underwent surgery for multiple valvular heart diseases. The operated valves included the mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves, that were either repaired or replaced. The overall operative mortality was 15%

Repeat cardiac operations for mitral restenosis

Twelve patients with mitral valve re-stenosis following previous closed mitral valvotomy, who had repeat cardiac operations, are discussed, with only one operative mortality

Vascular access for hemodialysis in the problem patient

This is a review of 39 patients with end stage chronic renal failure, for whom permanent vascular access for haemodialysis was created. The majority of the patients [72%] had failure of previous access. Post operative patency rate was 90%

Surgical correction of tricuspid atresia by modified Fountain's procedure

This report presents a twelve year old girl with tricuspid valve atresia who successfully underwent surgical correction at the Medical City Teaching Hospital, together with a review of the relevant literature. The case is the first of its kind to be reported from this center