echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular systolic functions in hypertensive patients

A total of 30, consecutive, hypertensive patients, equally divided between the two sexes, were evaluated by M mode and 2-D echocardiography. They were divided into four groups; Group A - Left ventricular [L.V.] mass < 100 g/m2. Group B LV mass = 101 - 125 g/m2. Group C - LV mass = 126 - 150 g/m2. Group D - LV mass> 150 g/m2. All patients [n=7] in group A had normal LV Systolic function as determined by E-point-to-septal separation [E.P.S.S.], Ejection Fraction [E.F.] and Fractional Shortening [F.S.] excepting one patient with a minimally increased E.P.S.S. Of 11 patients in group B, eight [72.5%] showed increased E.P.S.S. whereas only one of these eight patients had reduction in E.F. and F.S. as well. The other three patients had normal E.P.S.S. E.F. and F.S. Group C consisted of six patients. All [100%] of these had increased E.P.S.S. but normal E.F. and F.S. Group D also had six patients, Of these four [66%] had prolonged E.P.S.S. whereas three of these four patients had reduced E.F. or F.S. as well. The other two patients had normal E.P.S.S. and F.S. In Conclusion, this study suggests a direct correlation of increasing LV mass with progressive LV systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients. Also, increased E.P.S.S. appears as the first abnormality of LV systolic function before reduction in E.F. or F.S

Delayed radiological resolution of pulmonary edema

A case of acute pulmonary edema following anterior myocardial infarction with early clinical but very late radiological resolution is described. This is believed to be a unique case in the literature. The report highlights the importance of serial radiological follow-up of such cases even in the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms