Superficial Venous Disease-An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: This review article provides an updated review of a relatively common pathology with various manifestations. Superficial venous diseases (SVDs) are a broad spectrum of venous vascular disease that predominantly affects the body's lower extremities. The most serious manifestation of this disease includes varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, stasis dermatitis, venous ulcers, superficial venous thrombosis, reticular veins, and spider telangiectasias. METHODS: The anatomy, pathophysiology, and risk factors of SVD were discussed during this review. The risk factors for developing SVD were related to race, age, sex, lifestyle, and certain genetic conditions as well as comorbid deep vein thrombosis. Various classification systems were listed, focusing on the most common one-the revised Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification. The clinical features including history and physical examination findings elicited in SVD were outlined. RESULTS: Imaging modalities utilized in SVD were highlighted. Duplex ultrasound is the first line in evaluating SVD but magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography venography, plethysmography, and conventional venography are feasible options in the event of an ambiguous venous duplex ultrasound study. Treatment options highlighted in this review ranged from conservative treatment with compression stockings, which could be primary or adjunctive to pharmacologic topical and systemic agents such as azelaic acid, diuretics, plant extracts, medical foods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants and skin substitutes for different stages of SVD. Interventional treatment modalities include thermal ablative techniques like radiofrequency ablationss, endovenous laser ablation, endovenous steam ablation, and endovenous microwave ablation as well as nonthermal strategies such as the Varithena (polidocanol microfoam) sclerotherapy, VenaSeal (cyanoacrylate) ablation, and Endovenous mechanochemical ablation. Surgical treatments are also available and include debridement, vein ligation, stripping, and skin grafting. CONCLUSIONS: SVDs are prevalent and have varied manifestations predominantly in the lower extremities. Several studies highlight the growing clinical and financial burden of these diseases. This review provides an update on the pathophysiology, classification, clinical features, and imaging findings as well as the conservative, pharmacological, and interventional treatment options indicated for different SVD pathologies. It aims to expedite the timely deployment of therapies geared toward reducing the significant morbidity associated with SVD especially varicose veins, venous ulcers, and venous insufficiency, to improve the quality of life of these patients and prevent complications.

Emergent Management of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Post-Intragastric Balloon: A Case Report Highlighting the Importance of Preoperative Assessments and Postoperative Monitoring in Obesity Management.

BACKGROUND Obesity is a global epidemic often managed through surgical interventions, such as intragastric balloons. Despite the minimally invasive appeal of intragastric balloons, severe complications, such as gastric outlet obstruction, can occur with their use. The most recent guidelines recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for specific body mass index categories but rarely discuss the potential complications and required postoperative monitoring. Guidelines encourage metabolic and bariatric surgery for patients with a body mass index of 30-34.9 kg/m² and presence of metabolic disease, or body mass index ≥35 kg/m², regardless of co-morbidities. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 35-year-old woman with severe nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, and chest pain, leading to ICU admission just 2 weeks after intragastric balloon placement in Mexico. Testing and diagnostics were concerning for metabolic imbalance and heart rhythm changes. Imaging and endoscopic investigations confirmed gastric outlet obstruction, necessitating emergent endoscopic balloon deflation and removal. Following the procedure, her symptoms resolved, and she was discharged with appropriate medication and scheduled follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and a corresponding surge in surgical interventions, this case serves as a cautionary tale. Selection of a type of metabolic and bariatric surgery should be patient specific, with the patient involved in the decision making. Rigorous preoperative assessments and sustained postoperative monitoring are imperative. This study aims to guide future research toward enhanced patient selection and prevention of severe complications, thus influencing practice and policy in obesity management.

Tacrolimus-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following liver transplantation.

In this editorial, we talk about a compelling case focusing on posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) as a complication in patients undergoing liver transplantation and treated with Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus (FK 506), derived from Streptomyces tsukubaensis, is a potent immunosuppressive macrolide. It inhibits T-cell transcription by binding to FK-binding protein, and is able to amplify glucocorticoid and progesterone effects. Tacrolimus effectively prevents allograft rejection in transplant patients but has adverse effects such as Tacrolimus-related PRES. PRES presents with various neurological symptoms alongside elevated blood pressure, and is primarily characterized by vasogenic edema on neuroimaging. While computed tomography detects initial lesions, magnetic resonance imaging, especially the Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery sequence, is superior for diagnosing cortical and subcortical edema. Our discussion centers on the incidence of PRES in solid organ transplant recipients, which ranges between 0.5 to 5 +ACU-, with varying presentations, from seizures to visual disturbances. The case of a 66-year-old male status post liver transplantation highlights the diagnostic and management challenges associated with Tacrolimus-related PRES. Radiographically evident in the parietal and occipital lobes, PRES underlines the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers. This editorial emphasizes the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of PRES to optimize outcomes in liver transplant patients. The case further explores the balance between the efficacy of immunosuppression with Tacrolimus and its potential neurological risks, underlining the necessity for careful monitoring and intervention strategies in this patient population.

A meta-analysis of left ventricular dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, presenting a considerable morbidity risk. Although evidence consistently indicates an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease among AS patients, debates persist regarding the likelihood of these patients developing left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Our investigation aimed to determine whether individuals with AS face a greater risk of LVD compared to the general population. To accomplish this, we identified studies exploring LVD in AS patients across five major databases and Google Scholar. Initially, 431 studies were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria, collectively involving 2933 participants. Results show that AS patients had: (1) poorer Ejection Fraction (EF) [mean difference (MD): -0.92% (95% CI: -1.25 to -0.59)], (2) impaired Early (E) and Late (atrial-A) ventricular filling velocity (E/A) ratio [MD: -0.10 m/s (95% CI: -0.13 to -0.08)], (3) prolonged deceleration time (DT) [MD: 12.30 ms (95% CI: 9.23-15.36)] and, (4) a longer mean isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) [MD: 8.14 ms (95% CI: 6.58-9.70)] compared to controls. Though AS patients show increased risks of both systolic and diastolic LVD, we found no significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure [MD: 0.32 mmHg (95% Confidence Interval (CI): -2.09 to 2.73)] or diastolic blood pressure [MD: 0.30 mmHg (95% CI: -0.40 to 1.01)] compared to the general population. This study reinforces AS patients' susceptibility to LVD without a notable difference in HTN risk.

Prevalence and factors associated with cognitive frailty in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a global health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Cognitive frailty, a syndrome characterised by physical frailty and cognitive impairment without dementia, is increasingly recognised in this population. Cognitive frailty is associated with worse outcomes, including increased hospitalisation, disability and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the incidence, prevalence and predictors of cognitive frailty in HF patients. METHODS: A systematic search will be conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to the latest search date. Eligible studies will report original data on adult patients (age ≥18 years) with HF, focusing on the incidence, prevalence and predictors of cognitive frailty. Two investigators will independently extract data and assess study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and mixed-methods appraisal tool. Meta-analyses and meta-regression will be performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty in HF patients and to identify predictors associated with increased risk, respectively. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review does not require ethical approval and informed consent, as it does not use identifiable patient data. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. This comprehensive meta-analysis of the literature on cognitive frailty among HF patients will inform tailored interventions and management strategies, ultimately improving patients' quality of life and outcomes.

Navigating the Esophageal Enigma: A Vascular Odyssey of Dysphagia.

We report a 58-year-old female with severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, choking on solid meals, coughing, and hoarseness. CT angiography of the chest revealed vascular compression of the esophagus by an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). The patient underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and revascularization to address the ARSA. The patient experienced significant improvement in her symptoms following the surgical intervention.  Dysphagia lusoria is a rare condition involving compression of the esophagus and airway by an ARSA. While medical management is the first line of treatment for mild symptoms, surgical intervention is often necessary for severe cases or those unresponsive to conservative management. TEVAR with revascularization is a feasible and minimally invasive option for treating symptomatic non-aneurysmal ARSA, potentially resulting in favorable outcomes.

Sudden Cardiac Death: An Update on Commotio Cordis.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality, and it is caused by a diverse array of conditions. Among these is commotio cordis, a relatively infrequent but still significant cause, often seen in young athletes involved in competitive or recreational sports. It is known to be caused by blunt trauma to the chest wall resulting in life-threatening arrhythmia (typically ventricular fibrillation). The current understanding pertains to blunt trauma to the precordium, with an outcome depending on factors such as the type of stimulus, the force of impact, the qualities of the projectile (shape, size, and density), the site of impact, and the timing of impact in relation to the cardiac cycle. In the management of commotio cordis, a history of preceding blunt chest trauma is usually encountered. Imaging is mostly unremarkable except for ECG, which may show malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Treatment is focused on emergent resuscitation with the advanced cardiac life support protocol algorithm, with extensive workup following the return of spontaneous circulation. In the absence of underlying cardiovascular pathologies, implantable cardiac defibrillator insertion is not beneficial, and patients can even resume physical activity if the workup is unremarkable. Proper follow-up is also key in the management and monitoring of re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias, which are amenable to ablative therapy. Prevention of this condition involves protecting the chest wall against blunt trauma, especially with the use of safety balls and chest protectors in certain high-risk sporting activities.  This study aims to elucidate the current epidemiology and clinical management of SCD with a particular focus on a rarely explored etiology, commotio cordis.

Smoking Cessation and Benefits to Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Literature.

Tobacco smoking is a chief cause of preventable deaths worldwide, accounting for various cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Tobacco smoking accounts for more than seven million deaths every year. Worldwide statistics show that about 1.1 billion active smokers exist; 80% live in low- and middle-income countries. Nicotine is the addictive ingredient with the least harm compared to other active ingredients in tobacco, albeit not completely benign. Nicotine acts on the nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) and produces the release of neurotransmitters. The mechanism by which it affects the cardiovascular system involves endothelial dysfunction by reducing nitrogen monoxide production, pro-thrombotic conditions, and activating inflammatory routes. These factors, along with the increased amounts of coronary atherosclerosis, have addictive adverse effects. Smoking has been shown to cause increased amounts of coronary atherosclerosis which may be responsible for the increased risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and atrial fibrillation, potentially contributing to the association of current smokers with a higher incidence of heart failure. This has led to worsened burdens and outcomes of cardiovascular disease among smokers. Smoking cessation has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality. This ranges from the reduction in the incidence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure. As regards behavioral and mental health, smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in people experiencing mental illness. The prevalence of smoking continues to trend downward over the past couple of decades. Despite this downtrend, cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately half a million deaths per year in the United States and billions of dollars spent in healthcare. This buttresses the need to explore the various effects of smoking cessation on cardiovascular health and suggest ways to curb the disease burden.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): A Case Report and Narrative Review.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening syndrome of excessive inflammation and tissue destruction secondary to abnormal immune activation. The term macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is used when HLH develops in the setting of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA; formerly known as Still's disease), adult-onset Still's disease, or any other rheumatologic disorder. We present a case of a 21-year-old female with a known history of SJIA who presented to the hospital with fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. Initial evaluation at the time of presentation suggested sepsis likely due to acute pyelonephritis, and the patient was started on antibiotics and intravenous fluid hydration. However, further workup suggested that her symptoms were non-infectious and were likely due to MAS, a rare complication of SJIA. We promptly diagnosed her, and she received a course of steroids and made an uneventful recovery.