Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatment of juxtaglomerular cell tumors: a systemic review.

Juxtaglomerular cell tumors (JGCTs) or reninoma are rare kidney tumors leading to secondary hypertension, and the non-specific clinical manifestations bring about challenges to the diagnosis. This study is to summarize the clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment of JGCTs. The PubMed, EMBASE database, and manual search were utilized to find all cases, and 158 reports containing 261 patients were identified. Data on patients' demographics, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options were collected and analyzed. JGCTs occurred predominantly in female patients (female to male ratio, 2.1:1). The median age of patients was 25 years (IQR:18-34 years). Hypertension (97.24%) was the cardinal manifestation. Hypokalemia was reported in 78.71% (159/202) of subjects, and normal serum potassium accounted for 20.79% (42/202). In cases with assessed plasma renin activity (PRA) levels, the median PRA was 7.89 times the upper limit of normal (IQR:3.58-14.41), and 3.82% (5/131) of cases in the normal range. Tumors were detected in 97.8% (175/179) computed tomography (CT), 94.7% (72/76) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 81.5% (110/135) ultrasound, respectively. For 250/261 patients undergoing surgical procedures, 89.14% (197/221), 94.94% (150/158), and 100% (131/131) of patients were restored to normal blood pressure, PRA, and serum potassium, respectively. JGCTs are commonly associated with hypertension, hypokalemia, and hyperreninemia, whereas patients with normotension, normokalemia, and PRA should be systematically pursued after drug-elution lasting for 2 weeks. CT and MRI are more sensitive imaging diagnostic methods. The blood pressure and biochemical parameters of most patients returned to normal after surgery.

Evaluation of the role of combining inter-arm systolic pressure difference and derivatives of pulse volume recording in detecting subclavian artery stenosis.

Background: Subclavian artery stenosis (SAS) is a peripheral arterial disease of asymptomatic appearance and disastrous consequences. The traditional screening method remains unsatisfactory. Objective: The study aimed to assess the diagnostic performances of inter-arm systolic pressure difference (IASBPD), derivatives of pulse volume recording (PVR), and their combination in detecting subclavian artery stenosis. Materials and methods: The present study was a retrospective analysis of clinical data from inpatients suspected of supra-arch artery stenosis in Fuwai hospital during 1 year, who underwent selective arterial angiographies. We obtained simultaneous blood pressure measurements on four limbs and pulse waves for calculating IASBPD and PVR derivatives prior to the angiographies. We utilized the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to calculate the optimal cut-off value of IASBPD, upstroke time (UT), and upstroke time per cardiac cycle (UTCC) for detecting SAS. Moreover, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of IASBPD, UT, UTCC, and their combinations for diagnosing SAS (Clinical trial number: NCT03521739). Results: We consecutively enrolled 320 eligible patients. Based on SAS's definition of stenosis above 50%, the area under the curve of IASBPD, UT, and UTCC were 0.84, 0.76, and 0.80 (P < 0.001). And their corresponding cut-off points were 9 mmHg, 202 milliseconds, and 23.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of IASBPD ≥ 9 mmHg were 57.0 and 94.1%. UT ≥ 202 ms and UTCC ≥ 23.2% yielded similar sensitivity (72.6 vs. 72.6%, P > 0.05), but UTCC had higher specificity (81.1 vs. 72.4%, P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the combination of IASBPD and UT (85.2%) or UTCC (78.5%) was significantly higher than IASBPD alone (57%, P < 0.05). The specificity of either combination decreased to 67.6 and 76.8% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This present study showed that the combinations of IASBPD and PVR-derived parameters promoted diagnostic sensitivity and preserved adequate specificity than those alone for detecting SAS.

Case Report: Oxaliplatin-Induced Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block: First Discovery of an Important Side-Effect.

Background: The adverse effects of anticancer therapy in patients with malignancies and cardiovascular diseases are complicated. Oxaliplatin is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for gastric and colorectal cancers, and oxaliplatin-induced cardiotoxicity has rarely been reported. Case Summary: We report a 76-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and a 40-day history of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who exhibited a new third-degree atrioventricular block after oxaliplatin administration. We immediately withdrew oxaliplatin treatment and, to avoid future episodes, we implanted a permanent pacemaker for safety and added diltiazem hydrochloride. The third-degree atrioventricular block disappeared after oxaliplatin withdrawal. We detected no recurrence of the third-degree atrioventricular block in future chemotherapies. Conclusions: This is the first reported oxaliplatin-induced third-degree atrioventricular block, likely mediated by coronary artery spasm. Cancer patients with acute coronary syndrome are a unique and vulnerable population, whom physicians should carefully evaluate and monitor during anticancer treatment. Remarkably, even the most common chemotherapy drugs can cause life-threatening cardiac adverse events.

Congenital coronary artery-to-pulmonary fistula with giant aneurysmal dilatation and thrombus formation: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal vascular communication between the coronary artery and pulmonary artery. While most patients remain asymptomatic, some might exhibit symptoms of myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death if coronary aneurysm, thrombosis, infective carditis, or other congenital cardiac defects coexist. Case presentation We present a 66-year-old male complaining of angina pectoris with a history of hypertension and active smoking. He was diagnosed with a coronary aneurysm based on coronary computed tomography angiography. We subsequently identified a coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula with giant aneurysmal dilation on coronary angiography. Ultimately we conducted surgery ligation and aneurysmorrhaphy. During surgery, we discovered newly formed thrombus within the aneurysmal cavity. Histological analysis of the aneurysmal wall supported the diagnosis of the congenital disorder. Our patient was successfully discharged and remained asymptomatic at two months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: We presented a rare and complex combination of congenital coronary artery-to pulmonary artery fistula, giant coronary aneurysmal dilatation, and thrombosis through multi-modality evaluations.

The 11-Year Prognostic Impact of Chronic Total Occlusion in the Noninfarct-Related Coronary Artery on Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of CTO in the non-IRA in patients with AMI has been under dispute. Relevant long-term follow-up studies are lacking. Hypothesis. CTO in the non-IRA is an independent predictor of poor long-term prognosis in patients with AMI. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 2336 patients with AMI who received emergent percutaneous coronary intervention successfully from January 2006 to May 2011. Our primary endpoints included death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and target-vessel revascularization. We adopted Cox regression analysis adjusted for confounders to analyze the impact of CTO in the non-IRA on long-term mortalities. RESULTS: We identified 628 (27.6%) subjects with CTO in the non-IRA among 2282 AMI patients. After a mean follow-up duration of 134.3 months, we found the CTO group had significantly higher MACCE rate than the group without CTO (30.4% versus 24.3%, P=0.004). CTO in the non-IRA independently predicted 11-year MACCE in the male AMI subgroup (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.54, P=0.01) and in the male NSTEMI subgroup (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.15, P=0.02). In the CTO group, three-vessel disease independently predicted 11 year MACCE (hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 3.28, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term observational study supported the association between CTO in the non-IRA and poorer prognosis in AMI patients undergoing primary PCI. We identified the group with the three-vessel disease as a high-risk subgroup in patients with CTO in the non-IRA.

Leriche syndrome in a patient with acute pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Both acute myocardial infarction and acute pulmonary embolism are distinct medical urgencies while they may conincide. Leriche's syndrome is a relatively rare aortoiliac occlusive disease characterized by claudication, decreased femoral pulses, and impotence. We present the first case of concomitant acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male with a history of intermittent claudication was admitted for evaluating the sudden onset of chest pain. Elevated serum troponin level, sustained high D-dimer level, ST-T wave changes on electrocardiogram, and segmental wall motion abnormality of the left ventricle on transthoracic echocardiography were noted. Pulmonary Computed Tomography Angiogram revealed multiple acute emboli. Aortic Computed Tomography Angiogram spotted complete obstructions of the subrenal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries with collateral circulation, maintaining the vascularization of internal and external iliac arteries. We stated the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism and Leriche syndrome and initiated oral anticoagulation. However, Q waves on electrocardiogram and wall motion abnormality on echocardiography persisted after embolus dissolved successfully. Coronary computed tomography angiogram found coronary arterial plaques while myocardial Positron Emission Tomography detected decreased viable myocardium of the left ventricle. We subsequently ratified the diagnosis of concurrent acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome. The patient was discharged and has been followed up at our center. CONCLUSION: We described the first concurrence of acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome.

Takayasu arteritis presented with acute heart failure: case report and review of literature.

Acute heart failure due to myocarditis is not common in Takayasu arteritis, let alone in combination with thrombosis affecting both ventricles and pulmonary arteries. The concomitant infection of non-tuberculosis mycobacterium further complicates the clinical scenario and poses challenges for implementation of tailored treatments. This case report describes a teenage girl with a history of intermittent claudication and Erythema Nodosum who developed acute heart failure. Detailed clinical investigations and imaging techniques confirmed the diagnosis.

Safety and efficacy of a novel iopromide-based paclitaxel-eluting balloon following bare metal stent implantation in rabbit aorta abdominalis.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting balloons (DEB) may be promising technology for treating atherosclerotic arterial disease. In fact, several DEBs have been clinically available for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR), de novo coronary lesions, and peripheral artery disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to elucidate the mechanism of action and in vivo safety and efficacy of a novel iopromide-based paclitaxel-eluting balloon. METHODS: In vitro cytotoxicity of a novel DEB on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo pharmacokinetics of DEB in a rabbit aorta abdominalis were assessed. Then, bare metal stents (BMS) were implanted at both the proximal and distal sites of the rabbit aorta abdominalis. Stented vascular segments were immediately dilated with a bare balloon (control group) or the DEB (DEB group) randomly. Histological evaluation was performed in all treated segments at 28 days. Because paclitaxel is a tubulin-disrupting agent that binds preferentially to ß-tubulin, we measured ß-tubulin expression in aortal stent specimens via immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We observed that DEB was compatible and could reduce neointimal hyperplasia compared with the bare balloon. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry revealed that ß-tubulin expression in the DEB group increased compared with the control group, indirectly suggesting successful uptake of paclitaxel by vessel walls after DEB dilation. CONCLUSIONS: The novel DEB is safe and has a favorable vascular healing response on neointimal hyperplasia.

Fibromuscular dysplasia affecting a two-branched renal artery in a patient with a solitary kidney: case presentation.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory arterial disease, commonly involving the renal arteries. Here we report a case of a 16-year-old Chinese male who was found to have severe hypertension with proteinuria for 2 years. Computed tomography showed absence of the left kidney and enlargement of the right kidney. Subsequent angiography confirmed the above findings and revealed narrowing of both the upper and lower branches of the right renal artery caused by FMD. These combined lesions are very rare, and individuals affected are at increased risk of renal dysfunction if left untreated. Treatment with percutaneous balloon angioplasty is the first choice in such a patient and usually results in optimal outcomes.

Insulin resistance predicts progression of de novo atherosclerotic plaques in patients with coronary heart disease: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to explore and evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance and progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. With the great burden coronary heart disease is imposing on individuals, healthcare professionals have already embarked on determining its potential modifiable risk factors in the light of preventive medicine. Insulin resistance has been generally recognized as a novel risk factor based on epidemiological studies; however, few researches have focused on its effect on coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression. METHODS: From June 7, 2007 to December 30, 2011, 366 patients received their index coronary angiogram and were subsequently found to have coronary atherosclerotic plaques or normal angiograms were consecutively enrolled in the study by the department of cardiology at the Ruijin Hospital, which is affiliated to the Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. All patients had follow-up angiograms after the 1-year period for evaluating the progression of the coronary lesions. The modified Gensini score was adopted for assessing coronary lesions while the HOMA-IR method was utilized for determining the state of their insulin resistance. Baseline characteristics and laboratory test results were described and the binomial regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression. RESULTS: Index and follow-up Gensini scores were similar between the higher insulin lower insulin resistant groups (9.09 ± 14.33 vs 9.44 ± 12.88, p = 0.813 and 17.21 ± 18.46 vs 14.09 ± 14.18, p =0.358). However the Gensini score assessing coronary lesion progression between both visits was significantly elevated in the higher insulin resistant group (8.13 ± 11.83 versus 4.65 ± 7.58, p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic binomial regression analysis revealed that insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 3.4583) was an independent predictor for coronary arterial plaque progression (OR = 4.969, p = 0.011). We also divided all the participants into a diabetic (n = 136) and a non-diabetic group (n = 230), and HOMA-IR remained an independent predictor for atherosclerosis plaque progression. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis plaque progression in patients with coronary heart disease in both the diabetic and non-diabetic population.