Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a multi-factorial disease, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical risk factor in developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Cholesteryl-ester transfer-protein (CETP), synthesized by the liver, regulates LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) through the bidirectional transfer of lipids. The novelty of CETP inhibitors (CETPis) has granted new focus towards increasing HDL-C, besides lowering LDL-C strategies. To date, five CETPis that are projected to improve lipid profiles, torcetrapib, dalcetrapib, evacetrapib, anacetrapib, and obicetrapib, have reached late-stage clinical development for ASCVD risk reduction. Early trials failed to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular occurrences. Given the advent of some recent large-scale clinical trials (ACCELERATE, HPS3/TIMI55-REVEAL Collaborative Group), conducting a meta-analysis is essential to investigate CETPis' efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a thorough search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that commenced between 2003 and 2023; CETPi versus placebo studies with a ≥6-month follow-up and defined outcomes were eligible. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality, all-cause mortality. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: stroke, revascularization, hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS: Nine RCTs revealed that the use of a CETPi significantly reduced CVD-related mortality (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.98; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%); the same studies also reduced the risk of MI (RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.98; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%), which was primarily attributed to anacetrapib. The use of a CETPi did not reduce the likelihood any other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis shows, for the first time, that CETPis are associated with reduced CVD-related mortality and MI.

Catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a proven alternative to pharmacologic rhythm control in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether outcomes differ in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is of interest. Methods: Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Primary efficacy outcomes of interest include atrial arrythmia recurrence and repeat ablation. Harm outcomes of interest include all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalizations, cardiovascular hospitalizations, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and cardiac tamponade. Results: We included 7 observational studies comprising 2554 patients with HFpEF who underwent catheter ablation for AF. When comparing patients with HFpEF versus without HF, there was no significant difference in atrial arrhythmia recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-2.13), stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.03-6.54), or cardiac tamponade (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.12-12.20). When comparing patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF, there was no significant difference in atrial arrhythmia recurrence (RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.92-1.37), repeat ablation (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.74-1.93), all-cause mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.67-1.13), all-cause hospitalizations (RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.94-1.30), cardiovascular hospitalizations (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-1.01), stroke or TIA (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.29-2.25), or cardiac tamponade (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.19-5.16). Conclusions: Non-randomized studies suggest that catheter ablation for AF in patients with HFpEF is associated with similar arrythmia-free survival and safety profile when compared to patients with HFrEF or without heart failure.

In-hospital complications associated with total artificial heart implantation in the United States between 2004 to 2011.

OBJECTIVE: Total artificial heart (TAH) utilization has increased over the recent years. The goal of this study was to evaluate the trend of artificial hearts used in the USA with its associated morbidity and mortality based on a large in-hospital database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a very large nationwide inpatient samples (NIS) database, we used ICD-9 code for a total artificial heart. We evaluated the utilization of this device over the years studied. Furthermore, we evaluated any associated complications and mortality in patients receiving this device. RESULTS: From 2004 until 2011, the rate of total artificial heart implants increased over the years from 5 in 2004 to the highest of 26 in 2011 across the United State. TAH was insesrted in 75 patients. Death was reported in 22 patients (29.3%). Acute renal failure was the most common complication (69.3%). This is followed by post-operative infectious complications (28.0%), acute renal failure requiring dialysis (16%), bleeding complications requiring blood transfusion (14.7%) respiratory complications (6.7%), and stroke/TIA (4.0%). There was no post-operative deep vein thrmobosis or pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: The use of total artificial heart has increased in the United State steadily with substantial morbidity and mortality associated with this device.

Echocardiographic predictors of symptomatic cardiotoxicity among patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with cardiotoxicity; thus, they require close monitoring. Several echocardiographic variables have been investigated as early predictors of symptomatic cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To identify if global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a better predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity compared to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through December 2020. Adults who developed symptomatic cardiotoxicity (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class III-IV heart failure, cardiac arrest, or cardiac death) after undergoing chemotherapy with pre- and postchemotherapy echocardiographic measures of cardiac function were included. The primary focus was on the prediction of symptomatic cardiotoxicity. Estimates were reported as random effects hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Four studies met inclusion criteria. The most common malignancy identified in the included studies was breast cancer, and the most common chemotherapeutic agent utilized was anthracyclines. Most studies utilized the Simpson biplane method to measure echocardiographic parameters. Pooled results demonstrated no significant association between LVEF and the prediction of symptomatic cardiotoxicity (HR 1.48; 95% CI, 0.96-2.27; P = 0.07). However, 2 studies that analyzed GLS found it to be a strong predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity (HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34-1.58; P < .001). There was no significant association between symptomatic cardiotoxicity and baseline left ventricular end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, or end diastolic volume index. CONCLUSIONS: GLS may predict symptomatic cardiotoxicity and be used to monitor patients on chemotherapy for symptomatic cardiac dysfunction. While the pooled results for baseline LVEF identified that it is not a predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity, this differs from the findings of the only randomized trial included in this meta-analysis. The data for baseline GLS as a predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity is encouraging, but definite evidence that GLS may be superior to LVEF is lacking. Prospective randomized, blinded trials are required to identify if 1 echocardiographic parameter may be superior to the other.

Mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis among patients with malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With advancements in cancer treatment, the life expectancy of oncology patients has improved. Thus, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be considered as a feasible option for oncology patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). We aim to evaluate the difference in short- and long-term all-cause mortality in cancer and non-cancer patients treated with TAVR for severe AS. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Patients with cancer who underwent treatment with TAVR for severe AS were included and compared to an identical population without cancer. The primary endpoints were short- and long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 899 studies included, 8 met inclusion criteria. Cancer patients had significantly higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR when compared to patients without cancer (risk ratio [RR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.62; P < 0.01). Four studies evaluated short-term mortality after TAVR and demonstrated no difference in it in patients with and without cancer (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.47-1.08; P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer and severe AS have higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR. However, we found no difference in short-term all-cause mortality when comparing patients with and without cancer. The decision to perform TAVR in cancer patients should be individualized based on life expectancy and existing co-morbidities.

Incidence and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices.

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) devices are increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock as a bridge to recovery or bridge to decision to advanced heart failure therapies. Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication that can be catastrophic. Because of the paucity of data describing the association of GIB with pMCS, we analyzed this population using the United States National Inpatient Sample database. We performed a retrospective study in patients with pMCS devices who had GIB during the index hospitalization using the National Inpatient Sample. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of GIB in these patients. A total of 466,627 patients were included. We observed an overall increase in the incidence of adjusted GIB from 2.9% to 3.5% (p = 0.0025) from 2005 to 2014. In comparison to patients without GIB, those with GIB had significantly higher in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost. In addition to the usual co-morbid conditions, the presence of small bowel and colonic ischemia, colon cancer, diverticulosis, chronic liver disease, and peptic ulcer disease were noted to be significant predictors of GIB for all (p <0.001). In conclusion, patients with pMCS and GIB have higher in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay, and higher cost of hospitalization. Awareness of patient risk factors for bleeding and gastrointestinal disorders are important before the use of mechanical circulatory support devices because they are associated with a substantially higher risk for bleeding.

Catheter directed compared to systemically delivered thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the efficacy and safety of systemic and catheter directed thrombolysis for patients with pulmonary embolism. Pubmed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched from inception to May 31st 2020 to identify relevant studies. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and major bleeding including intracranial hemorrhage. We included 8 observational studies comprising 11,932 patients with PE. Catheter directed thrombolysis was associated with lower in-hospital mortality [RR 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-0.68]. Although there was no difference in major bleeding by treatment strategy (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.37-1.76), intracranial hemorrhage was lower in patients receiving catheter directed therapy (RR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.94).The certainty in these estimates was low. Non-randomized studies suggest that catheter directed delivery of thrombolytic therapy may be associated with lower in-hospital mortality and intracranial hemorrhage rates. These results may help inform management strategies for health care and pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) involved in the management of high risk patients with massive or submassive pulmonary emboli.

Timing of venous thromboembolism diagnosis in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in COVID-19 patients varies widely depending on patient populations sampled and has been predominately studied in hospitalized patients. The goal of this study was to assess the evolving burden of COVID-19 and the timing of associated VTE events in a systems-wide cohort. METHODS: COVID-19 PCR positive hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients ≥18 years of age tested between 1/1/2020 through 12/31/2020 were retrospectively analyzed using electronic medical records from multiple states across the Mayo Clinic enterprise. Radiology reports within 90 days before and after confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were examined for VTE outcomes using validated Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms. RESULTS: A 29-fold increased rate of VTE compared to the pre-COVID-19 period was noted during the first week following the first positive COVID-19 test (RR: 29.39; 95% CI 21.77-40.03). The rate of VTE steadily decreased and returned to baseline by the 6th week. Among 366 VTE events, most occurred during (n = 243, 66.3%) or after (n = 111, 30.3%) initial hospitalization. Only 11 VTE events were identified in patients who did not require hospitalization (3.0% of total VTE events). VTE and mortality increased with advancing age with a pronounced increased each decade in older patients. CONCLUSION: We observed a profoundly increased risk of VTE within the first week after positive testing for COVID-19 that returned to baseline levels after 6 weeks. VTE events occurred almost exclusively in patients who were hospitalized, with the majority of VTE events identified within the first days of hospitalization.

Coronary computed tomography angiography following robotic coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: Systematic approach to image analysis and practical considerations.

Standard open chest Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) has evolved over last couple of decades. With advancement in minimally invasive procedures, Robotic CABG (RCABG) is still in its evolution phase. There is dearth of experienced surgeons in this complicated field and lack of data to verify it clinical safety. in this review, we intend to describe the utility of Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) in assessment of graft anatomy and quality, grafting strategy, distal graft anastomosis site evaluation and detection of complications associated with RCABG. CCTA appears to provide valuable information regarding the visualization of grafts, target coronary arteries and other cardiac and non-cardiac structures.

Outcome of anticoagulation in isolated distal deep vein thrombosis compared to proximal deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Isolated, distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT) is thought to have low rates of propagation, embolization, and recurrence compared with proximal DVT (PDVT), but the data are limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess outcomes among patients with IDDVT compared with PDVT. PATIENTS/METHODS: Consecutive patients with ultrasound-confirmed acute DVT (March 1, 2013-August 1, 2020) were identified by reviewing the Mayo Clinic Gonda Vascular Center and VTE Registry databases. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the DVT location (isolated, distal vs. proximal DVT). Outcomes including venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, major bleeding, and death were compared by thrombus location and anticoagulant therapy, warfarin vs. direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). RESULTS: Isolated, distal deep vein thrombosis (n = 746) was more often associated with recent surgery, major trauma, or confinement (p < .001), whereas patients with PDVT (n = 1176) were more frequently unprovoked, had a prior history of VTE, or active cancer (p < .001). There was no overall difference in VTE recurrence or major bleeding between groups during follow-up. Patients with IDDVT had a higher death rate at 3 months (p = .001) and when propensity scored for cancer (p = .003). Independent predictors of mortality included warfarin (vs. DOAC) therapy, increasing age, and active cancer. DOAC therapy resulted in lower VTE recurrence, major bleeding, and death rates in both groups. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of IDDVT including VTE recurrence and bleeding rates were similar to PDVT despite higher early mortality rates. Outcomes for both groups were positively influenced by the use of DOACs.

Coronary Heart Disease Risk Associated with Primary Isolated Hypertriglyceridemia; a Population-Based Study.

Background Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease but the association is often attributed to concomitant metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the epidemiology of primary isolated hypertriglyceridemia (PIH) and associated cardiovascular risk in a population-based setting. Methods and Results We identified adults with at least one triglyceride level ≥500 mg/dL between 1998 and 2015 in Olmsted County, Minnesota. We also identified age- and sex-matched controls with triglyceride levels <150 mg/dL. There were 3329 individuals with elevated triglyceride levels; after excluding those with concomitant hypercholesterolemia, a secondary cause of high triglycerides, age <18 years or an incomplete record, 517 patients (49.4±14.0 years, 72.0% men) had PIH (triglyceride 627.6±183.6 mg/dL). The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of PIH in adults was 0.80% (0.72-0.87); the diagnosis was recorded in 60%, 46% were on a lipid-lowering medication for primary prevention and a triglyceride level <150 mg/dL was achieved in 24.1%. The association of PIH with coronary heart disease was attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and conventional cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06-2.20; P= 0.022). There was no statistically significant association between PIH and cerebrovascular disease (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.65-1.73, P= 0.813), peripheral artery disease (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.43-3.75; P= 0.668), or the composite end point of all 3 (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.92-1.80; P=0.148) in adjusted models. Conclusions PIH was associated with incident coronary heart disease events (although there was attenuation after adjustment for conventional risk factors), supporting a causal role for triglycerides in coronary heart disease. The condition is relatively prevalent but awareness and control are low.

Calf vein thrombosis outcomes comparing patients with and without cancer.

Distal or calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are said to have low rates of propagation, embolization, and recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine outcomes among cancer patients with calf DVT compared to those without cancer. Consecutive patients with ultrasound confirmed acute calf DVT (3/1/2013-8/10/2019) were assessed for venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding outcomes compared by cancer status. There were 830 patients with isolated calf DVT; 243 with cancer and 587 without cancer. Cancer patients were older (65.9 ± 11.4 vs. 62.0 ± 15.9 years; p = 0.006), with less frequent recent hospitalization (31.7% vs. 48.0%; p < 0.001), surgery (30.0% vs. 38.0%; p = 0.03), or trauma (3.7% vs. 19.9%; p < 0.001). The four most common cancers included hematologic malignancies (20.6%), lung (11.5%), gastrointestinal (10.3%), and ovarian/GYN (9.1%). Nearly half of patients had metastatic disease (43.8%) and 57% were receiving chemotherapy. VTE recurrence rates were similar for patients with (7.1%) and without cancer (4.0%; p = 0.105). Major bleeding (6.3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.007) were greater for cancer patients while clinical relevant non major bleeding rates did not differ (7.1% vs. 4.6%; p = 0.159). In this retrospective analysis, cancer patients with calf DVT have similar rates of VTE recurrence but higher major bleeding outcomes compared to patients without cancer.

Clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction following fibrinolytic therapy: a nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) database analysis.

The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on clinical outcomes of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following fibrinolytic therapy remains uncertain. We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for STEMI patients who received fibrinolytic therapy. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using the unadjusted odds ratio (uOR) and t-test analysis, respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used to control the outcomes for patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and baseline comorbidities. A total of 111,155 (no-DM 84,146, DM 27,009) were included. The unadjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (8.4% vs. 6.8%, uOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19-1.31, P = <0.0001) and cardiogenic shock (7.7% vs. 6.2%, uOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-1.33, P = <0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with DM compared to those with no DM, respectively. The odds for major bleeding and cardiopulmonary arrest were significantly lower for in diabetes. The adjusted pooled estimates mirrored the unadjusted findings. Diabetic patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI might have higher odds of all-cause mortality and cardiogenic shock compared to non-diabetic patients.

Pulmonary venous thrombosis in a patient with COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVES: Infection with the SARS-COV2 virus (COVID-19) may be complicated by thrombotic diathesis. This complication often involves the pulmonary microcirculation. While macrovascular thrombotic complications of the lung may include pulmonary artery embolism, pulmonary artery thrombus in situ has also been hypothesized. Pulmonary vein thrombosis has not been described in this context. METHODS/RESULTS: Herein, we provide a case of an otherwise healthy male who developed an ischemic stroke with left internal carotid thrombus. Further imaging revealed pulmonary emboli with propagation through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium. This left atrial thrombus provides a source of atypical "paradoxic arterial embolism". CONCLUSIONS: Thrombotic outcomes in the setting of severe COVID 19 pneumonia may include macrovascular venous thromboembolism, microvascular pulmonary vascular thrombosis and arterial thromboembolism. Pulmonary vein, herein described, provides further mechanistic pathway for potential arterial embolic phenomenon.

Efficacy and Safety of Perioperative Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Elective Surgical Procedures: A Meta-analysis.

Objective: The study objective was to determine if peri-operative bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation is beneficial or harmful.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Setting: Inpatient or in-hospital setting.Participants: Adults with atrial fibrillation having a CHADS2 score >1 undergoing elective surgical procedure on anticoagulation.Methods: A systemic search of multiple databases (Cochrane, Medline, PubMed) was performed regarding studies conducted on efficacy and safety of perioperative bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Studies identified were reviewed by two authors individually before inclusion. The results were then pooled using Review Manager to determine the combined effect. Stroke/systemic embolism was considered as the primary efficacy outcome. Major bleeding was the primary safety outcome.Results: The systematic search revealed 108 potential articles. The full texts of 28 articles were retrieved for assessment of eligibility. After full text review, 25 articles were excluded. Three articles met inclusion criteria. No significant difference in stroke/systemic embolism with bridging anticoagulation was noted (risk ratio, 1.25-95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-2.85). Bridging was associated with significantly higher risk of major bleeding (risk ratio, 3.29-95% CI, 2.25-4.81).Conclusion: An individualized approach is required when initiating peri-operative bridging anticoagulation. There is certainly a higher risk of bleeding with bridging anticoagulation and no difference in stroke/systemic embolism. However, the results cannot be extrapolated to patients who have valvular atrial fibrillation or CHADS2 score of 5 or greater.

Cardiovascular Effects of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review.

Utilization of marijuana as a medicinal agent is becoming increasingly popular, and so far, 25 states have legalized it for medical purposes. However, there is emerging evidence that marijuana use can result in cardiovascular side effects, such as rhythm abnormalities, syncope/dizziness, and myocardial infarction, among others. Further, there are currently no stringent national standards or approval processes, like Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluation, in place to assess medical marijuana products. This review includes the largest up-to-date pooled population of patients with exposure to marijuana and reported cardiovascular effects. Although purported as benign by many seeking to advance the use of marijuana as an adjunctive medical therapy across the country, marijuana is associated with its own set of cardiovascular risks and deserves further definitive study and the same level of scrutiny we apply in research of all other types of medications. When used as a medicinal agent, marijuana should be regarded accordingly, and both clinical providers and patients must be aware of potential adverse effects associated with its use for early recognition and management.

Postoperative Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a 67-Year-Old Woman Associated with Hemolytic Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, and Acute Renal Failure.

BACKGROUND Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) develops from uncontrolled complement activation leading to intravascular hemolysis and thrombotic microangiopathy. Atypical HUS is diagnosed by excluding a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13 deficiency, and infection-associated HUS. Patients with atypical HUS may respond to eculizumab. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman who developed atypical HUS with hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and thrombocytopenia following an elective hip arthroplasty. CASE REPORT An otherwise healthy 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after an elective right total hip arthroplasty. In the postoperative course, she developed vomiting and acute renal failure that was initially attributed to a prerenal cause. She continued to have worsened renal failure in spite of intravenous hydration, and she also developed mild thrombocytopenia. A peripheral blood smear was performed and showed the presence of schistocytes (red blood cell fragments) consistent with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. In the context of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure, this finding led to a prompt and early referral to a tertiary care center and a timely diagnosis of atypical HUS. The patient underwent treatment with plasmapheresis, hemodialysis, and eculizumab. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the importance of examination of the peripheral blood smear in the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy. As shown in our case, the presence of schistocytes indicates the need for prompt clinical management.

Myocardial Infarction Type 2: Avoiding Pitfalls and Preventing Adverse Outcomes.

Myocardial infarction type 2 (MI type 2) is an elevation of cardiac biomarkers in a physiologically stressful state leading to demand-supply mismatch of oxygen. This type of myocardial infarction is commonly seen in hospitalized patients. Since the introduction of clear definition, diagnostic criteria and International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes, the diagnosis has become increasingly common. There still remains plenty to learn about MI type 2 especially prevention and treatment strategies. Studies have shown that there is increased mortality and morbidity associated with MI type 2 when compared to MI type 1, and there may be benefit in having a multi-disciplinary approach including cardiology when treating such patients. Secondary prevention therapies may also play a role in decreasing adverse events from MI type 2. However, randomized control trials are insufficient, and results of studies are cautiously interpreted. In this article we have assessed the current evidence on MI type 2 and the gap in literature that will potentially be the focus of future analyses.