Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia Following the Convergence Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation.

This case report highlights a very rare variant of diaphragmatic hernia, namely, an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia, which can arise as a complication of the convergence procedure. A 77-year-old man, presenting with chronic shortness of breath and fatigue, was unexpectedly found to have herniation of the transverse colon into the pericardial cavity through a diaphragmatic-pericardial defect. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with mesh via robotic surgery. The patient reported resolution of his symptoms at the six-month follow-up.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular outcomes, including angina, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery calcification (CAC), myocardial infarction (MI), and calcified coronary plaques. METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, was conducted up to January 2023. Studies were included investigating the relationship between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes in adult populations. Exclusion criteria were studies on animals, pediatric populations, and those not published in English. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 32 studies with a total of 5,610,990 participants. NAFLD demonstrated significant associations with increased risks of angina (Relative Risk (RR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.79), CAD (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.38), CAC >0 (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.69), and calcified coronary plaques (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.27). However, no significant association was found between NAFLD and CAC >100 (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.38) or MI (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.16, 18.32). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes independent of conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper management of NAFLD.