From the Editor's Desk

David E. Beck

This issue marks the start of the second full year of the reinstituted Ochsner Journal. We continue with a number of original articles which I hope our readers will find interesting and useful.

Drs. Susic, Varagic and Frohlich from the Division of Research provide a basic science review of the effects of hypertension, aging, and salt overload on coronary artery circulation.

Dr. Lavie and other members of the cardiology department present a review of how Ochsner and other studies explain the impact of left ventricular geometry on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

Fecal incontinence is a common problem that many patients and physicians are hesitant to discuss. Dr. David Margolin, an Ochsner Colon and Rectal Surgeon, provides an update on the current evaluation and management of this increasingly important clinical challenge.

Continuing on an intestinal theme, I have included an article on the evaluation and management of constipation. Constipation is a very common problem that causes significant difficulties. Newer methods of evaluation and therapy are now available and familiarity with these clinical advances can help all our practitioners.

Blood transfusion is a common life saving activity that has potential risks. One of the more serious non-infections complications is transfusion-related acute lung injury. Dr. Bobby Nossaman, from the Ochsner Department of Anesthesiology, comprehensively reviews this topic.

Dr. Reinoso and colleagues from the fields of ophthalmology and neuroscience, provides us with a basic science article that explores factors that may play a role in macular degeneration.

Continuing our case report series, Drs. Ramsey, Beckman, and Winters present an unusual case of breast cancer with metastasis to the urinary bladder.

Finally, Dr Richard Re, the Scientific Director of the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, discusses the current status of research at Ochsner. This sets the background for the next issue of The Ochsner Journal, which will include abstracts from the annual Ochsner Research night in May.