Aswan Heart Centre Science & Practice Series - Volume 2011, Issue 2

Abstract Cardiac malformations, most commonly valve defects, are some of the predominant causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Up to a third of all patients with complex congenital heart defects and numerous syndromic conditions, as well as a significant amount of the general population, exhibit valve defects. These observations have not only major implications in infancy; they also have a major impact on t Read More

Abstract The formation and remodeling of the embryonic valves is a complex and dynamic process that occurs within a constantly changing hemodynamic environment. Defects in embryonic and fetal valve remodeling are the leading cause of congenital heart defects, yet very little is known about how fibrous leaflet tissue is created from amorphous gelatinous masses called cushions. Microenvironmental cues such as mechanical Read More

Abstract The embryonic heart initially consists of only two cell layers, the endocardium and the myocardium. The epicardium, which forms an epithelial layer on the surface of the heart, is derived from a cluster of mesothelial cells developing at the base of the venous inflow tract of the early embryonic heart. This cell cluster is termed the proepicardium and gives rise not only to the epicardium but also to epicardium-derived cells. These cells Read More