An animal model for a high-flow, aorta-to-vena cava fistula has been developed using microsurgical techniques in the rat. This model provides a means for histopathologic and angiographic evaluation of the natural evolution of major vessel, artery to vein fistulae. Data obtained from such a model may have relevance to the successful treatment of high-flow, head and neck fistulae using detachable...

We previously reported significantly enhanced cardiac remodeling post aortocaval fistula (AV) in unilateral nephrectomized (UNX) rats. However, the relationship between the size of the AV and the cardiorenal effects in UNX rats remains unknown. In the present study, AV was induced by 20, 18 and 16 gauge needles in UNX rats to see if larger shunt would definitely induce heavier cardiac and renal...

Congestive heart failure (CHF) due to hyperkinetic states can occur in systemic diseases and in arteriovenous fistulas. An 18 year old Turkish male patient complaining of dyspnea and palpitations, who had suffered a stab wound to his abdomen eight months earlier, was admitted to our clinic. Auscultation revealed a systolodiastolic murmur over the entire abdomen. Chest x-rays demonstrated signif...

We have previously reported gender differences in ventricular remodeling and development of heart failure using the aortocaval fistula model of chronic volume overload in rats. In contrast to males, female rats exhibited no adverse ventricular remodeling and less mortality in response to volume overload. This gender-specific cardioprotection was lost following ovariectomy and was partially rest...

Despite continuous progress in our understanding of the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF) and its management, mortality remains high. Therefore, development of reliable experimental models of CHF and cardiac hypertrophy is essential to better understand disease progression and allow new therapy development. The aortocaval fistula (ACF) model, first described in dogs almost a centur...

With this October issue, CLÍNICAS begins to introduce a new style. At this point we have started to reorganize our Editorial Board to cover a worldwide spectrum of expertise. Next, will be internet online submission and handling of manuscripts which we hope to have operational by early 2005. We are looking forward to receiving your original paper, or your case report. In this issue we are publi...

dssue from sham-operated (Sham), untreated-fistula (Fist), and bosentan (100 mg'kg-1'day-r)-treated animals Gist + Bos) was analyzed for mast cell density, MMP activity, and myocardial collagen volume ' : ' H;h;; ai''i and 5 days after the qeation of an aortocaval fistula. r When compared with untreated flstulas, bosentan treafrnent prevented the marked increase in LV mast cell density at I day...