Refractory Chest Pain in Mild to Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 Successfully Treated with Saikanto, a Japanese Traditional Medicine.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a variety of pain symptoms in the acute phase. Severe chest pain suddenly occurs even without abnormalities on examination and is sometimes refractory to analgesics. Such pain is a clinical concern in care facilities with limited resources, and this is the first report on the use of saikanto for its treatment. In Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms were admitted to a hotel that operated as an isolation facility, and their symptoms were observed. In this article, we report four cases in which chest pain comorbid with mild to moderate COVID-19 was successfully treated with saikanto, a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine. The patients presented with chest pain and underwent medical examination at the facility. Two patients had severe chest pain refractory to acetaminophen. Critical cardiopulmonary diseases were ruled out in all the patients, and three patients had features of pneumonia on chest radiograph. Medications, including saikanto, were administered to the patients. The patients' chest pain and other symptoms improved 1-4 days after the administration of saikanto, and they left the care facility without hospitalization. The cause of the chest pain experienced by these patients is unclear, but we speculate that it could be minimal pleural inflammation or neuropathy. Previous pharmacological studies have suggested anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the crude drugs that constitute saikanto. This case report suggests that saikanto could be a treatment option for chest pain refractory to analgesics in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Coronary CT Angiography CAD-RADS versus Coronary Artery Calcium Score in Patients with Acute Chest Pain.

Background The Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) was established in 2016 to standardize the reporting of coronary artery disease at coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Purpose To assess the prognostic value of CAD-RADS at CCTA for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. Materials and Methods This multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at four qualifying university teaching hospitals. Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain underwent CCTA between January 2010 and December 2017. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors for MACEs, including clinical factors, coronary artery calcium score (CACS), and CAD-RADS categories. The prognostic value compared with clinical risk factors and CACS was also assessed. Results A total of 1492 patients were evaluated (mean age, 58 years ± 14 years [standard deviation]; 759 men). During a median follow-up period of 31.5 months, 103 of the 1492 patients (7%) experienced MACEs. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that a moderate to severe CACS was associated with MACEs after adjusting for clinical risk factors (hazard ratio [HR] range, 2.3-4.4; P value range, <.001 to <.01). CAD-RADS categories from 3 to 4 or 5 (HR range, 3.2-8.5; P < .001) and high-risk plaques (HR = 3.6, P < .001) were also associated with MACEs. The C statistics revealed that the CAD-RADS score improved risk stratification more than that using clinical risk factors alone or combined with CACS (C-index, 0.85 vs 0.63 [P < .001] and 0.76 [P < .01], respectively). Conclusion The Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System classification had an incremental prognostic value compared with the coronary artery calcium score in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Vliegenthart in this issue.

Valoración geriátrica y factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes muy ancianos con neumonía extrahospitalaria / Geriatric Assessment and Prognostic Factors of Mortality in Very Elderly Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Introducción: Analizar la relación de parámetros Obtenidos en la valoración geriátrica con la mortalidad en ancianos con neumonía extrahospitalaria (NEH) en una unidad de geriatría de agudos (UGA). Método: Un total de 456 pacientes (≥ 75 años). Variables: edad, sexo, procedencia, antecedentes, nivel de conciencia, frecuencia cardíaca y respiratoria, presión arterial, datos de laboratorio, derrame pleural, afectación multilobar, capacidad funcional (independencia para actividades de la vida diaria) previa al ingreso (índice de Lawton [IL], índice de Barthel previo [IBp]) y en el momento del ingreso (IBi), función cognitiva (test de Pfeiffer [TP]), comorbilidad (índice de Charlson [ICh]) y nutrición (proteínas totales, albúmina). Resultados: Los 110 pacientes que fallecieron durante el ingreso (24,2%) tuvieron mayor edad (86,6 ± 6,4 vs 85,1 ± 6,4; p < 0,04), mayor comorbilidad (ICh 2,35 ± 1,61 vs 2,08 ± 1,38; p < 0,083), menor capacidad funcional (IL: 0,49 ± 1,15 vs 1,45 ± 2,32; p < 0,001; IBp: 34,6 ± 32,9 vs 54,0 ± 34,1; p < 0,001; IBi: 5,79 ± 12,5 vs 20,5 ± 22,9; p < 0,001), mayor porcentaje de pérdida funcional al ingreso (85,9 ± 23,2 vs 66,4 ± 28,6; p < 0,0001), mayor deterioro cognitivo (TP: 7,20 ± 3,73 vs 5,10 ± 3,69; p < 0,001) y mayor desnutrición (albúmina 2,67 ± 0,54 vs 2,99 ± 0,49; p < 0,001). Hubo también mayor mortalidad con alteración de conciencia (49,2%; p < 0,01), taquipnea (33,3%; p < 0,01), taquicardia (44,4%; p < 0,002), urea elevada (31,8; p < 0,001), anemia (44,7%; p < 0,02), derrame pleural (42,9%; p < 0,002) y afectación multilobar (43,2%; p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado resultaron significativos: edad ≥ 90 años (OR: 3,11 [IC 95%: 1,31-7,36]), alteración de conciencia (3,19 [1,66-6,15]), hematocrito < 30% (2,87 [1,19-6,94]), derrame pleural (3,77 [1,69-8,39]) y afectación multilobar (2,76 [1,48-5,16]). El sexo femenino y la capacidad funcional más conservada previa (IL ≥ 5) y en el momento del ingreso (IBi ≥ 40) fueron protectores de mortalidad (0,40 [0,22-0,70]; 0,09 [0,01-0,81] y 0,11 [0,02-0,51]). Conclusiones: Los parámetros de valoración geriátrica y las variables clínicas habituales estuvieron relacionados con la mortalidad

Introduction: To assess the relationship between the parameters obtained in the geriatric assessment and mortality in elderly people with community-acquired pneumonia in an acute care geriatric unit.MethodsFour hundred fifty-six patients (≥ 75 years). Variables: age, sex, referral source, background, consciousness level, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, laboratory data, pleural effusion, multilobar infiltrates, functional status (activities of daily living) prior to admission [Lawton index (LI), Barthel index (BIp)] prior to and at admission (BIa), cognitive status [Pfeiffer test (PT)], comorbidity [Charlson index (ChI)] and nutrition (total protein, albumin). Results: A hundred ten patients died (24.2%) during hospitalization. These patients were older (86.6 ± 6.4 vs 85.1 ± 6.4, P < 0.04), had more comorbidity (ChI 2.35 ± 1.61 vs 2.08 ± 1.38; P < 0.083), worse functional impairment [(LI: 0.49 ± 1.15 vs 1.45 ± 2.32, P < 0.001) (BIp: 34.6 ± 32.9 vs 54.0 ± 34.1, P < 0.001) (BIa: 5.79 ± 12.5 vs 20.5 ± 22.9, P V< 0.001)], a higher percentage of functional loss at admission (85.9±23.2 vs 66.4 ± 28.6; P < 0.0001), worse cognitive impairment (PT: 7.20 ± 3.73 vs 5.10 ± 3.69, P < 0.001) and malnutrition (albumin 2.67 ± 0.54 vs 2.99 ± 0.49, P < 0.001). Mortality was higher with impaired consciousness [49.2% (P < 0.01)], tachypnea [33.3% (P < 0.01)], tachycardia [44.4% (P < 0.002), high urea levels [31.8 (P < 0.001)], anemia [44.7% (P < 0.02)], pleural effusion [42.9% (P < 0.002)], and multilobar infiltrates [43.2% (P < 0.001)]. In the multivariate analysis, variables associated with mortality were: age ≥ 90 years [OR: 3.11 (95% CI: 1.31-7.36)], impaired consciousness [3.19 (1.66-6.15)], hematocrit < 30% [2.87 (1.19-6.94)], pleural effusion [3.77 (1.69-8.39)] and multilobar infiltrates [2.76 (1.48-5.16)]. Female sex and a preserved functional status prior (LI ≥ 5) and during admission (BIa ≥ M40) were protective of mortality [0.40 (0.22-0.70), 0.09 (0.01-0.81) and 0.11 (0.02-0.51)]. Conclusions: Geriatric assessment parameters and routine clinical variables were associated with mortality

Dolor torácico con elevación del segmento ST en un consumidor de cannabis / Chest pain with elevation of the ST segment in a cannabis consumer

La miocarditis se define como una inflamación del miocardio. Frecuentemente se asocia a afectación pericárdica constituyendo una miopericarditis. Su etiología es muy variada, e incluye agentes infecciosos, químicos como drogas de abuso, radiaciones e hipersensibilidad a fármacos. La causa más frecuente es la infección por enterovirus. Es más frecuente en niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes, con predominio del sexo masculino. Aunque las manifestaciones clínicas son muy variables, en algunos casos puede semejar un síndrome coronario agudo. Por otro lado, el consumo de cannabis, se ha asociado a vaso espasmo, infarto agudo de miocardio y taquiarrítmias. Se describe el caso de un varón joven, consumidor de cannabis, que consultó por dolor torácico con alteraciones electrocardiográficas y enzimáticas sugestivas de síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del ST. Se discute el diagnóstico diferencial, métodos diagnósticos y actitud terapéutica (AU)

Myocarditis is defined as inflammation of the myocardium, and it is frequently associated with pericardial involvement leading to myopericarditis. Myopericarditis may be due to different etiologies, including infectious and chemical agents, such as drugs of abuse, radiation and hypersensitivity to drugs. Infection caused by enterovirus is the most frequent cause. The disease is more common in children, adolescents and young adults with a predominance of the male sex. Although patients may present different clinical manifestations, in some cases symptoms may resemble an acute coronary syndrome. On the other hand, cannabis consumption has been associated with vasospasm, acute myocardial infarction and tachyarrhythmias. We describe the case of a young man who was a cannabis consumer and presented chest pain with biochemical and electrocardiographic abnormalities suggestive of acute coronary syndrome with an elevated ST segment. The differential diagnosis, diagnostic work-up studies and therapeutic approach are commented on (AU)

Subdural hematoma following spinal cord stimulator implant.

Headache following interventional procedures is a diagnostic challenge due to the multitude of possible etiologies involved. Presentation can be simple (PDPH alone) or complex (exacerbation of pre-existing chronic headache along with PDPH) or headache associated with a new onset intracranial process. Subdural hematoma is a rare complication of cranio-spinal trauma. Cranial subdural hematoma may present in an acute, sub-acute, or chronic fashion. Diagnosis of a subdural hematoma in the wake of a PDPH is difficult, requiring a high level of suspicion. Delayed diagnosis of subdural hematoma is usually related to failure to consider it in the differential diagnosis. Thorough history, assessment of the evolution of symptoms, and imaging studies may identify the possible cause and help direct treatment. Change in the character of initial presenting symptoms may be a sign of resolution of the headache or the onset of a secondary process. We report a case of acute intracranial subdural hematoma secondary to unintentional dural puncture during placement of a permanent spinal cord stimulator lead for refractory angina. There is need for careful follow-up of patients with a known post-dural tear. Failure to identify uncommon adverse events in patients with complicated spinal cord stimulator implantation may lead to permanent injury.

Biofeedback treatment of paradoxical vocal fold motion and respiratory distress in an adolescent girl.

In this investigation, we evaluated the effectiveness of surface electromyography (EMG) biofeedback to treat paradoxical vocal fold motion in a 16-year-old girl. EMG biofeedback training occurred once per week over the course of 10 weeks. In a changing criterion design, muscle tension showed systematic changes that corresponded with changes in the criterion. Overall, baseline muscle tension levels were reduced over 60%, with corresponding reductions in episodes of respiratory distress and chest pain. Subjective reports by the patient and the patient's mother indicated improvements in school attendance and overall adaptive functioning.

Prognostic value of dipyridamole stress echocardiography in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, chest pain and resting electrocardiographic repolarization abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD); therefore, evaluating the presence of CAD is a primary clinical goal. However, the noninvasive tests that are commonly used have poor diagnostic specificity, particularly in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prognostic value of dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DET) for ischemic events in a subset of patients with hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy, chest pain and resting electrocardiographic repolarization abnormalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients (48 men and 34 women; average age 65+/-7.2 years with left ventricular hypertrophy documented echocardiographically (left ventricular mass index greater than 50 g/h(2.7)), and resting ST segment shift of 0.1 mV or more from baseline at 80 ms after J point in at least two contiguous leads, were submitted to DET according to high-dosage protocol and coadministered with atropine. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 25.11+/-8.3 months. The stress test produced positive results in 30 patients (36.5%); 16 (53%) and three (5%) cardiac events occurred in positive and negative stress test groups, respectively. At multivariate analysis, only positive DET response (P=0.000002), left ventricular mass index (P=0.028) and a family history of CAD (P=0.037) were independent predictors. The two-year event-free survival rates were 95% and 47% (log-rank 21.093, P=0.00001) for negative and positive stress test results, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DET is a useful tool in the prognostic assessment of coronary events in this particular subgroup of patients with hypertension.

Acontecimientos vitales estresantes: relación con las enfermedades físicas en la infancia y adolescencia / Stressfull life events: the relationship to physical diseases in childhood and adolescence

Se hace una revisión sobre la importancia de los acontecimientos vitales ya sean recientes o acumulativos en la aparición y o exacerbación de enfermedades físicas (inflamación de garganta, hernias, apendicitis), el dolor crónico (cefaleas, abdominalgias, dolor en el pecho, etc.) y enfermedades crónicas en la infancia y adolescencia (diabetes, asma, fibrosis cistica, hemofilia, artritis reumatoide, herpes) (AU)

Implicación pronóstica de la sospecha clínica inicial en la disección de aorta torácica. Revisión de los métodos diagnósticos utilizados / Prognostic significance of the initial diagnostic suspicion in cases of thoracic aortic dissection. review of the diagnostic techniques

Objetivo. Analizar la importancia de la sospecha clínica inicial en el diagnóstico de la disección de aorta torácica y la influencia en su pronóstico, revisar los diferentes métodos complementarios utilizados. Material y métodos. Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 33 casos de disección de aorta torácica entre enero de 1993 y junio de 1998, valorándose parámetros clínico-epidemiológicos, diagnósticos de ingreso y pruebas complementarias. Los resultados cualitativos se valoraron mediante 2.Resultados. La sintomatología típica de disección (dolor torácico, abdominal e interescapular) se apreció en 19 (58 por ciento) casos. La sospecha clínica al ingreso se realizó en 9 (27 por ciento) de los pacientes, siendo diagnósticos tardíos/casuales 22 (67 por ciento ) casos. Se realizó el diagnóstico de disección a través de la necropsia en 2 (6 por ciento) ocasiones. Diagnósticos erróneos de ingreso fueron: cardiopatía isquémica en 9 casos; isquemia de miembros inferiores en 3. Se realizó el diagnóstico de cólico hepático, neumonía, gastroenteritis, síncope, cólico nefrítico, aneurisma de aorta abdominal, pancreatitis y dolor osteomuscular respectivamente en un caso. El retraso en el diagnóstico no influyó significativamente en la mortalidad. La prueba diagnóstica que se utiliza en nuestro medio en primer lugar es la tomografía axial computarizada (TAC). La aortografía se utiliza como prueba confirmatoria del diagnóstico. Conclusiones. No se valoran adecuadamente los datos de la clínica inicial. La mortalidad es mayor en el grupo de pacientes en el cual no hay sospecha clínica inicial de disección de aorta (AU)