ABSTRACT
A case of a spontaneous aortocaval fistula that was detected by computed tomography in a patient with an arteriosclerotic infrarenal aortic aneurysm, is reported. To our knowledge, the direct visualisation of an aortocaval fistula by computed tomography has been reported only once. The lack of local symptoms delayed the diagnosis. The origin of the fistula from a second, false lumen of the aneurysm was also unusual. The clinical findings and the use of computed tomography to verify the diagnosis are discussed.
Subject(s)
Aortic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Arteriovenous Fistula/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Venae Cavae/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Pregnant women with a Marfan syndrome carry a risk of developing an aortic arc dissection. As the developing aneurism may be diagnosed by echocardiography, this method should be applied repeatedly during pregnancy. We report the case of a Marfan patient, who developed an acute aortic dissection during the third trimester of her pregnancy and discuss the guidance and surveillance of Marfan patients who are or wish to become pregnant.
Subject(s)
Aortic Aneurysm/surgery , Aortic Dissection/surgery , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis , Cesarean Section , Heart Valve Prosthesis , Marfan Syndrome/surgery , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/surgery , Aortic Dissection/genetics , Aorta/surgery , Aortic Aneurysm/genetics , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/genetics , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Marfan Syndrome/genetics , PregnancyABSTRACT
The efficacy of various irradiation regimens in phototherapy of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia was analysed. One hundred and one newborns were assigned to three groups at random. The best results were achieved when six special blue fluorescent lamps were used and the sides of the incubator were draped with white cloth to reflect the light diffusely. This simple measure increased the therapeutic effect by approx. 35%. Compared to standard phototherapy units equipped with fluorescent lights, a halide lamp was no more effective. The results of the clinical trial confirm the conclusions drawn from measurements, published previously. According to those findings, irradiating large areas of skin as homogeneously as possible should produce optimum results. Using a lamp with a large surface in combination with diffusely reflecting areas should best meet this requirement.
