Balloon venoplasty for right heart catheterization from the arm in patients with subclavian vein stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: In the trans-radial era, arm venous access for right heart catheterization (RHC) is rising. Procedural success is affected by many factors, including subclavian/innominate vein stenosis (SVS) and pre-existing wires or catheters. In a study published previously by the same authors, 2% of cases had unsuccessful RHC through the arm, predominantly due to SVS. Since that study, techniques to improve RHC success rates have been developed, including crossing the stenosis with a coronary guidewire, followed by balloon dilatation. We aimed to determine whether subclavian/innominate venoplasty allows successful RHC in patients with SVS. METHODS: Our retrospective study included patients who had RHC from the arm between November 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022 that was unsuccessful due to the inability to pass a catheter through the SVS, and then underwent balloon venoplasty. The success rate of completed RHC was then assessed. RESULTS: Out of 2506 RHCs via arm access, 2488 were successful with a catheter alone or over a guidewire. In 18 patients, venoplasty was needed for catheter passage over a guidewire. Post-dilatation, all 18 cases (100%) had successful RHC with a mean procedural time of 35.2 (SD = 15.5) minutes. The most common stenosis site was the subclavian vein in 13 patients (72.2%), and 12 patients (66.7%) had pacemaker/ implantable cardioverter defibrillator wires present. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilatation of SVS is an efficacious method to improve the success rate of RHC from the arm. It is a safe technique that may prevent cross-over to a different access site, thereby improving patient satisfaction and reducing the possibility of alternate site complications.

Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report of an Unexpected Survivor Using Air Medical Transportation in Nepal.

This is a case of a 34-year-old man surviving hypothermic cardiac arrest with excellent neurologic recovery in Nepal. After 3 days without communication at an altitude of approximately 6,000 m, the patient was located in a crevasse and retrieved by a helicopter-supported search and rescue team. At first contact, he was reported to be breathing and shivering with appropriate pupillary response. The patient was then flown to a local teaching hospital where he was assessed on arrival and found to be in cardiac arrest with absence of spontaneous breathing and a central pulse and bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils. An electrocardiogram demonstrated asystole, and his core temperature was unrecordably low on the available device. After resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation, the patient received a secondary helicopter transfer to a major hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, where his recovery continued. The report discusses the physiological basis of the relatively favorable outcomes observed in hypothermic cardiac arrest and highlights the operations and capability of helicopter emergency medical services in a country on the United Nations list of least developed nations.

Neostigmine and atropine as a treatment for postdural puncture headache after spinal anesthesia in cesarean section: A case report.

Key Clinical message: Neostigmine and atropine offer a promising treatment option for postdural puncture headache (PDPH) following spinal anesthesia in cesarean section, providing effective relief with a favorable risk-benefit profile. Abstract: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common consequence of cesarean section surgeries after spinal anesthesia. This case study describes the successful treatment of PDPH with intravenous neostigmine and atropine. A 31 years female who underwent elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia developed a severe headache on the 6th postoperative day and was diagnosed to have PDPH. PDPH failed to respond to conventional treatment modalities like hydration, a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and sphenopalatine ganglion block. Epidural blood patch could not be performed due to lack of consent. A trial dose of intravenous neostigmine (20 mcg/kg) along with atropine (10 mcg/kg) successfully provided symptomatic and clinical relief. The combination of neostigmine and atropine demonstrates a rapid onset of action, providing patients with effective analgesia while avoiding the need for invasive procedures such as epidural blood patches and offers quicker pain relief. This promising result warrants additional research.

Use of baclofen and propranolol for treatment of neurogenic fever in a patient with pontine hemorrhage: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Neurogenic fever (NF) is a potentially life-threatening complication commonly seen in patients with pontine hemorrhage. This case report highlights the successful use of oral baclofen and propranolol as an effective treatment strategy to manage NF. Abstract: Neurogenic fever (NF) is a common complication following pontine hemorrhage and poses significant challenges for clinicians in terms of diagnosis, management, and patient outcomes. This study delves into the efficacy of treatment methods involving baclofen and propranolol for neurogenic fever in patients with pontine hemorrhage. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration and intensity of fever. Moreover, the treatment modality was well-tolerated and devoid of any adverse effects. These findings suggest that the use of oral baclofen and propranolol may be a promising therapeutic option for managing neurogenic fever in patients with pontine hemorrhage.

A rare case of Boerhaave syndrome with cervico-thoracic esophageal junction rupture causing bilateral empyema; case report from Nepal.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Boerhaave syndrome is a rare finding where spontaneous rupture of esophagus occurs, usually in distal segment. It is a life threatening condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 70 years male who presented with pleural effusion and later empyema following spontaneous rupture of cervico-thoracic junction of esophagus who was managed successfully with primary surgical repair. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Although Boerhaave syndrome is tricky to diagnose but it should be considered in all cases with a combination of gastrointestinal and pulmonary signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Clinical correlation along with imaging such as HRCT chest or gastrografin study is required to come to a diagnosis, however surgical intervention should not be delayed to reduce the mortality.

Emerging PET Tracers in Cardiac Molecular Imaging.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) represent emerging PET tracers used to assess atherosclerosis-related inflammation and molecular calcification, respectively. By localizing to sites with high glucose utilization, FDG has been used to assess myocardial viability for decades, and its role in evaluating cardiac sarcoidosis has come to represent a major application. In addition to determining late-stage changes such as loss of perfusion or viability, by targeting mechanisms present in atherosclerosis, PET-based techniques have the ability to characterize atherogenesis in the early stages to guide intervention. Although it was once thought that FDG would be a reliable indicator of ongoing plaque formation, micro-calcification as portrayed by NaF-PET/CT appears to be a superior method of monitoring disease progression. PET imaging with NaF has the additional advantage of being able to determine abnormal uptake due to coronary artery disease, which is obscured by physiologic myocardial activity on FDG-PET/CT. In this review, we discuss the evolving roles of FDG, NaF, and other PET tracers in cardiac molecular imaging.

Use of Computed Tomography of the Head in Patients With Acute Atraumatic Altered Mental Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: The usefulness of computed tomography of the head (CTH) in patients with acute-onset atraumatic altered mental status (AMS) is poorly understood, but use in these patients remains high. Objective: To evaluate the use of CTH (event rate) in patients with AMS and the positive outcome event rate of the performed CTH studies. Data Sources: The PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched using predefined Boolean parameters. All studies that met inclusion criteria until January 31, 2022, were included. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials and observational, cohort, and case-control studies were included. Conference abstracts, reviews, letters, case reports, case series, systematic literature, and meta-analyses were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: The systematic literature review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data were independently extracted by 2 authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects method. Main Outcomes and Measures: Event rate of CTH use in patients with acute atraumatic AMS. The CTH event rates and positive CTH event rates were calculated with 95% CIs. Results: Of 9338 studies identified, 26 qualified for the systematic review and 25 for the meta-analysis. The 25 studies in the meta-analysis included a total of 79 201 patients. The CTH event rate was 94% (proportion, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.76-1.00), and the positive CTH event rate was 11% (proportion, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.15). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies included (I2 > 50%, P < .001), for which a random-effects model was used. There was significant publication bias, as evident by an asymmetric funnel plot. There was no fluctuation of the results during the sensitivity analysis, which reassured the reliability of the data. Conclusions and Relevance: In this meta-analysis, CTH use among patients with acute-onset atraumatic AMS was very high with a low yield. Large-scale studies are needed to guide clinical decision-making in such a situation.

A Review of 177Lutetium-PSMA and 225Actinium-PSMA as Emerging Theranostic Agents in Prostate Cancer.

The development of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands labeled with radionuclides is a ground-breaking achievement in the management of prostate cancer. With the increasing use of 68Gallium-PSMA and 18F-DCFPyL (Pylarify) and their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), other PSMA agents and their unique characteristics are also being studied. Two other PSMA agents, namely 177Lutetium-PSMA (177Lu-PSMA) and 225Actinium-PSMA (225Ac-PSMA), are currently drawing the researcher's attention mainly due to their theranostic importance. Studies focusing on the essential characteristics of these two emerging radiotracers are relatively lacking. Hence, this review article, beginning with a brief introduction, intends to provide insights on the mechanism, efficacy, adverse effects, usefulness, including theranostic implications, and limitations of these two emerging PSMA agents. The 177Lu-PSMA is commercially accessible, is well tolerated, and has been found to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels while improving patients' quality of life. It also reduces pain and the requirement for analgesics and is safe for advanced diseases. However, despite its potential advantages, around one-third of patients do not respond satisfactorily to this costly treatment; it is still challenging to personalize this therapy and predict its outcome. Similarly, 225Ac is compatible with antibody-based targeting vectors, releasing four extremely hazardous high-energy emissions with a longer half-life of 10 days. It has made 225Ac-PSMA therapy useful for tumors resistant to standard treatments, with a better response than 177Lu-PSMA. Dosimetry studies show a good biochemical response without toxicity in patients with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, it can potentially cause significant damage to healthy tissues if not retained at the tumor site. Encapsulating radionuclides in a nano-carrier, hastening the absorption by tumor cells, and local delivery might all help reduce the harmful consequences. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of PSMA agents may rely on desired qualities, cost, and convenience, among other factors. Further research is warranted in order to better understand their ideal use in clinical settings.

Post COVID-19 vaccine Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute generalized polyneuropathy which usually follows infection with a virus or bacteria, although rarely vaccination may be associated with it. We present a case of a 44-year-man who presented with progressive weakness of both lower limbs since 6?days, neurological examination findings were consistent with flaccid-type paraplegia and investigation findings including lumbar puncture and nerve conduction studies were consistent with the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. He had received the Johnson and Johnson corona virus disease-19 vaccine intramuscularly 15 days before his presentation. Only potential triggering factor in this case was positive finding of Jansen Vaccine. Keywords: Guillain-Barré syndrome; immunoglobulin; jansen vaccine; polyneuropathy.

Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent.

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised patients estimating 650,000 deaths each year. Across the globe, CM has been occasionally seen in apparently immunocompetent patients who otherwise don't have established risk factors. The clinical presentation of CM in immunocompetent hosts is subtle and often results in complications including persistent neurological deficits and death. We present a case of Cryptococcal neoformans meningitis in a diabetic female with no other identified risk factors. Although her clinical presentation was atypical, her clinical course was uncomplicated. The pathophysiology in immunocompetent hosts appears somewhat different, so is the clinical presentation. Since there are no separate evidence-based treatment recommendations, it is challenging to treat this group of patients. There seems to be a need for further studies for management in CM for HIV negative, non-transplant immunocompetent patients.

An Unusual Case of Cavitary Lung Lesion and a Brief Review of Literature.

Large cavitary pulmonary infarctions are extremely rare. Here, we report an unusual case of large pulmonary infarction due to pulmonary embolism (PE). This was complicated by secondary infection with Actinomyces leading to cavitary abscess formation. The patient had minimal non-specific symptoms despite extensive involvement and was treated with lobectomy, antibiotics, and anticoagulation, with expedited recovery. This case depicts a rare association between PE/pulmonary infarction and pulmonary actinomycosis. Furthermore, it highlights a high index of suspicion needed to diagnose these two conditions in low-risk individuals without traditional risk factors.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Involving the Heart: A Case Report and Focused Literature Review.

Cardiac tumors are extremely rare. Here, we report an unusual case of cardiac plasmacytoma that occurred 11 years after complete remission of the original multiple myeloma (MM). The tumor primarily manifested as a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) with extensive infiltration into the heart and large vessels. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. The relapsing tumor assumed a unique immunophenotype from CD138+/CD38+/CD56- to CD138-/CD38+/CD56-. The patient responded to chemotherapy consisting of carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. This case highlights the importance of multimodal imaging evaluation and tissue diagnosis for accurately characterizing this rare disorder.

Comparison of outcome predictions by the Glasgow coma scale and the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score in the neurological and neurosurgical patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

Assessment of level of consciousness is very important in predicting patient's outcome from neurological illness. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is the most commonly used scale, and Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score is also recently validated as an alternative to GCS in the evaluation of the level of consciousness. We carried out a prospective study in 97 patients aged above 16 years. We measured GCS and FOUR score within 24 h of Intensive Care Unit admission. The mean GCS and the FOUR scores were lower among nonsurvivors than among the survivors and were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Discrimination for GCS and FOUR score was fair with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 and 0.82, respectively. The cutoff point with best Youden index for GCS and FOUR score was 6.5 each. Below the cutoff point, mortality was higher in both models (P < 0.001). The Hosmer-Lemeshow Chi-square coefficient test showed better calibration with FOUR score than GCS. A positive correlation was seen between the models with Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.91 (P < 0.001).

Pattern of thyroid dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome and its relationship with components of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction (TD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are known risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). TD is risk factor for ASCVD mediated by the effects of thyroid hormones on lipid metabolism and blood pressure hence the components of MetS. It is possible that coexistence of these two disease entities and unrecognized TD in patients with MetS might substantially increase ASCVD risk. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between TD and the components of MetS. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of TD in patients with MetS and its relationship with components of the MetS. METHODS: A total of 358 previously diagnosed patients with MetS were recruited in the study. The thyroid function test parameters were measured to classify TD at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.0 to evaluate pattern and relationship. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of TD in patients with MetS was 31.84% with high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (29.32%). We found no evidence of a relationship between TD and components of MetS, although there was significant difference in waist circumference between four groups of TD. CONCLUSION: Patients with MetS had subclinical hypothyroidism greatly. Although there was no evidence of any relationship between thyroid status and all components of MetS, TD should be taken into account when evaluating and treating patients with MetS to reduce the impending risk.