Effect of Corticosteroids on Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an important cause of cardiomyopathy. The trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with CS undergoing treatment remains unclear. Patients with CS who were treated with corticosteroids and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were studied. Baseline characteristics, treatment, echocardiographic data (including baseline to follow-up change in LVEF), and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Among 100 patients, 55 had baseline reduced LVEF (<50%), and 45 had preserved LVEF (≥50%). At follow-up, 82% of patients demonstrated stable or improved LVEF. Change in LVEF was significantly higher in the baseline reduced than in the preserved LVEF group (5% [interquartile range 0 to 15] vs 0% [interquartile range -10% to 5%], p = 0.001). There was no difference in corticosteroid exposure or use of heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy between patients who did experience improvement in LVEF and those who did not experience improvement in LVEF. On multivariable analysis, baseline reduced LVEF (Odds ratio 54.89, 95% confidence interval 3.84 to 785.09, p = 0.003) and complete heart block (Odds ratio 28.88, 95% confidence interval 2.17 to 383.74, p = 0.011) at presentation were significantly associated with reduced LVEF after treatment. In conclusion, most patients with CS treated with corticosteroids maintain or improve LV systolic function. Cardiac characteristics at presentation impact prognosis in CS, despite treatment.

Case of vago-glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to metastatic oropharyngeal cancer.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain syndrome caused by compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve. It is typically idiopathic and often goes misdiagnosed because of its similarities to trigeminal neuralgia. Vago-glossopharyngeal neuralgia, an even rarer subset of GN, occurs when the pain is accompanied by syncope and/or arrhythmia. Here, we present the case of a 54-year-old man with oropharyngeal cancer that metastasised to areas within his left carotid sheath. He presented with numerous intermittent episodes of pain, accompanied by vagal episodes. While this presentation is similarly described in prior case reports, our case is unique in that the syndrome occurred as a direct sequelae of a metastatic tumour completely encasing the left internal carotid artery.

The mechanisms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses for the treatment of cancer.

The use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer is an emerging field of cancer research and therapy. Oncolytic viruses are designed to induce tumor specific immunity while replicating selectively within cancer cells to cause lysis of the tumor cells. While there are several forms of oncolytic viruses, the use of vaccinia viruses for oncolysis may be more beneficial than other forms of oncolytic viruses. For example, vaccinia viruses have been shown to exert their anti-tumor effects through genetic engineering strategies which enhance their therapeutic efficacy. This paper will address some of the most common forms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses and will explore the mechanisms whereby they selectively target, enter and destroy cancer cells. Furthermore, this review will highlight how vaccinia viruses activate host immune responses against cancer cells and will address clinical trials evaluating the tumor-directed and killing efficacy of these viruses against solid tumors.