Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in lean vs. non-lean MASLD: A comprehensive meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), characterized by a BMI < 25 kg/m² (or < 23 kg/m² in Asians), presents a challenging prognosis compared to non-lean MASLD. This study examines cardiovascular outcomes in both lean and non-lean MASLD cohorts. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, pooled odds ratios (ORs) within 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for primary outcomes (cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) and secondary outcomes (cardiovascular disease [CVD], all-cause mortality, hypertension, and dyslipidemia). Studies comparing lean and non-lean MASLD within the same cohorts were analyzed, prioritizing those with larger sample sizes or recent publication dates. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were identified, encompassing lean MASLD patients (n = 7153; mean age 52.9 ± 7.4; 56 % male) and non-lean MASLD patients (n = 23,514; mean age 53.2 ± 6.8; 63 % male). Lean MASLD exhibited a 50 % increase in cardiovascular mortality odds compared to non-lean MASLD (OR: 1.5, 95 % CI 1.2-1.8; p < 0.0001). MACE odds were 10 % lower in lean MASLD (OR: 0.9, 95 % CI 0.7-1.2; p = 0.7), while CVD odds were 40 % lower (p = 0.01). All-cause mortality showed a 40 % higher odds in lean MASLD versus non-lean MASLD (p = 0.06). Lean MASLD had 30 % lower odds for both hypertension (p = 0.01) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.02) compared to non-lean MASLD. CONCLUSION: Despite a favorable cardiometabolic profile and comparable MACE rates, lean individuals with MASLD face elevated cardiovascular mortality risk.

How Well Do We Know Wellens?

Wellens' syndrome is a pattern of electrocardiographic T-wave changes that is associated with critical left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis. This syndrome continues to be under-recognized by clinicians and carries a significant risk of mortality if not intervened timely. We describe the case of an elderly Chinese woman who initially presented to the outpatient clinic with atypical chest pain. A routine EKG obtained in the office was documented as non-ischemic and was sent for a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. Pretest two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram demonstrated akinesis and aneurysmal deformity of the entire apical myocardium and upon review of the previous EKG, Type 1 Wellens' sign was noted prompting emergent coronary angiogram, which revealed critical LAD stenosis (99%). She underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents.

Aggressive Presentation of Streptococcus constellatus.

The Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) consists of three bacteria (Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus anginosus) that are known commensals of the upper respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. While a rare occurrence, these bacteria have the capability of causing devastating pyogenic infections and ensuing abscess formations. It is often difficult to distinguish this group as a contaminant or the offending organism (as it is often cultured in respiratory specimens); therefore, it is important to understand the risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings that can provide a more accurate picture to identify the organism. Published literature pertaining to the SAG group has rarely documented any invasive surgical intervention that was undertaken for treatment. We describe a case of a 59-year-old male who presented for persistent chest pain and profuse productive cough weeks after he was diagnosed with a left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and right-sided pulmonary embolism. The patient was found to have a rapidly evolving Streptococcus constellatus right middle lobe lung abscess complicated by a right hemithorax empyema. Management included an exploration of the right chest, decortication, parietal pleurectomy, and partial excision of the right middle lobe. Subsequently, the patient completed four weeks of antibiotics with ertapenem.