Within the LDL cholesterol levels in CARE (115 to 174 mg/dl), baseline values influenced both the risk of events in the placebo group as well as the clinical effectiveness of pravastatin therapy.

An unusual complication following transhiatal esophagectomy for lower esophageal carcinoma is reported in which extrapericardial tamponade and profound shock occurred secondary to a herniated section of omentum in the immediate postoperative period. The two-dimensional echocardiogram was nondiagnostic, but the diagnosis was confirmed during reexploration of the abdomen. Anatomic and pathophysiologic considerations of this unusual but life-threatening complication are discussed. The literature suggests that computed tomography is the study of choice to confirm the clinical diagnosis of pericardial pathology, and this case report is yet another example to support routine closure of the esophageal aperture.

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