LITERATURE REVIEW 635

Kloner RA, Hale S, Alker K, Rezkalla S: The effects of acute and chronic cocaine use on the heart. Circulation 85:407-419,1992

This complete and readable review article describes the effects of cocaine on ventricular function, coronary caliber and blood flow, and cardiac electrophysiology. Cocaine effects in humans reviewed include myocardial infarction, coronary spasm, accelerated athero-

sclerosis, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopothy, and sudden cardiac death. Treatment of cocaine cardiotoxicity is discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Papers reviewed in this issue were selected from those published in the following journals: Annals of Thora& Surgery Chesr, Circulation, Joumal of the American Medical Assqciation, Joumal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, New England Joumal of Medicine, Pediatbcs, and Surgery.