[Action of betaxolol on ventricular arrhythmias. Control of efficacy and tolerance by repetitive Holter recordings]. / Etude de l'action du bétaxolol sur les troubles du rythme ventriculaire. Contrôle de l'efficacité et de la tolérance par enregistrements de Holter répétés.

The ventricular anti-arrhythmic action of 20 mg of betaxolol per day was evaluated in 14 patients treated in monotherapy for a fortnight, by means of repeated Holter recordings. A significant decrease in the number of ischemic ventricular extrasystoles was observed during the diurnal and nocturnal periods. Repetitive ventricular events were also reduced. Betaxolol therefore appears to have a direct anti-arrhythmic action which is not related to its action on the heart rate. The other effects of beta-blocker treatment were also observed: a decrease in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and sinus bradycardia.

[Calcification of the tricuspid annulus]. / Calcifications de l'anneau tricuispidien.

Tricuspid annular calcification was observed on cardiac screening of a 50 year old woman with congenital valvular pulmonary stenosis and confirmed by angiography. At operation, the tricuspid annular calcification was palpable but there was no interference with valvular function. There was no associated disease process in this patient. Phosphate and calcium metabolism was normal. Tricuspid annular calcification is very rare: 7 other reported cases, aged 42 to 51 years old. All patients had right ventricular hypertension usually caused by pulmonary stenosis. Tricuspid valve function was normal in all cases. The pathogenesis is discussed: a premature degenerative process favored by right ventricular hypertension may be responsible. This would appear to be the first case to be published in France.