[Myocardial changes after spinal cord injuries in humans and experimental animals]

The hearts of 15 persons dying within one day after the trauma of the spinal cord as well as the hearts of 50 laboratory animals (rats and dogs) were examined histologically, histochemically and by electron microscopy. Cardiomyocytes demonstrated in both conditions (autopsy and experimental) many early contractual alterations. Electron microscopy of experimental material with the use of colloid lanthanum showed, already 15 minutes after the trauma of the spinal cord, the indirect signs of overloading the contractile cells with calcium this being the main cause of acute heart failure immediately after the spinal cord trauma.