Association Between Catheter Ablation and Dementia Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of Dementia. However, the association between catheter ablation (CA) in patients with atrial fibrillation and the risk of dementia is not well established, with conflicting results to date. We aimed to evaluate the association between CA patients and the risk of Dementia. We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries for relevant articles from inception until 10th May 2023. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effect model, and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 5 studies with 125,649 patients (30,192 in the CA group and 95,457 in the non-CA group) were included. The mean age of patients among CA and non-CA groups was comparable (58.7 vs 58.18). The most common comorbidity among CA and non-CA groups was hypertension (18.49% vs 81.51%), respectively. Pooled analysis of primary outcome showed that CA was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of Dementia (HR, 0.63 [95% CI: 0.52-0.77], P < 0.001). Similarly, pooled analysis of secondary outcomes showed that the patients with CA had a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (HR, 0.78 [95% CI: 0.66-0.92], P < 0.001) compared with the non-CA group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of vascular dementia (HR, 0.63 [95% CI: 0.38-1.06], P = 0.08) between both groups of patients. Our study suggested that catheter ablation reduced the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease compared to the nonablation group of patients.

Unmasking Type 1 Diabetes in Adults: Insights From Two Cases Revealing Misdiagnosis As Type 2 Diabetes, With Emphasis on Autoimmunity and Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults, resulting in inadequate treatment and poor disease management. In this report, we present two patients initially misdiagnosed with T2DM for 14 and four years, respectively, leading to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Reevaluation confirmed adult-onset T1DM through antibody tests. Treatment was adjusted to a basal-bolus insulin regimen with the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The correct diagnosis and CGM implementation significantly improved diabetes mellitus management. This case report emphasizes the importance of mindful diagnosis in adult patients with diabetes mellitus, considering both type 1 and type 2 differentials.

The Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices in Managing Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study.

This retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in managing uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). The study cohort comprised 25 patients with uncontrolled diabetes who received treatment at an internal medicine resident clinic. The objective was to evaluate the impact of transitioning from self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) to CGM devices on glycemic control, as measured by changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, average blood glucose levels, hypoglycemic events, time spent within the target blood sugar range, and glucose variability. The findings indicated significant improvements in glycemic control with the adoption of CGM devices, highlighting their potential benefits for optimizing diabetes management. The study is particularly interesting because it was done in an internal medicine continuity clinic with the main participation of the internal medicine residents under the supervision of an endocrinologist. It was not done as the majority of the other studies used CGM in specialized endocrinology clinics.

A Rare Case of Nodular Mantle Cell Lymphoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract Discovered During a Routine Colonoscopy With a Positive Response to R-CHOP Chemotherapy Regimen.

This report describes the case of a 73-year-old female patient who presented with abdominal symptoms. A colonoscopy identified a cecal mass confirmed as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Imaging showed extensive lymph node involvement. The patient received rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy, resulting in tumor reduction and adenopathy resolution. Despite a typically unfavorable prognosis associated with a high Ki-67 index, the patient responded well to chemotherapy and achieved a favorable outcome. This case highlights the importance of early detection, appropriate treatment which in our case was R-CHOP, and personalized management approaches in addressing MCL.

A Rare Case of a Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Discovered During a Routine Colonoscopy.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare malignancy, accounting for only 0.1% to 3% of all gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Although GISTs are the most common mesenchymal tumor of the GI tract, they are primarily found within the stomach, with rectal GISTs rarely reported. They may present with rectal bleeding, constipation, pain, or a palpable mass while some are found incidentally. The incidence of GISTs has been on the rise, possibly due to advancements in diagnostic technology. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old female who presented with intermittent constipation and rectal pain and was found to have a submucosal rectal mass during a routine diagnostic colonoscopy. Further evaluation confirmed the presence of a spindle-cell neoplasm, which was mildly cellular and showed positive expression of CD34 and CD117 on immunohistochemistry, consistent with the diagnosis of GIST of the rectum. This case report emphasizes the importance of routine colonoscopies in the early detection of neoplastic lesions of the colon and highlights the rare incidence of GISTs, their risk factors, pathogenesis, and common sites of occurrence.

A Rare Case Report of Flecainide-Induced Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) and Transient Cardiomyopathy.

Flecainide is an antiarrhythmic agent that has been reported to have numerous cardiotoxic effects, including the development of arrhythmias and the reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, it is not commonly reported as a cause for left bundle branch block and cardiomyopathy. In this case report, we present the case of a 67-year-old female patient who developed transient cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block (LBBB) secondary to flecainide therapy. The patient's condition improved upon cessation of flecainide.

Gallstone Ileus Caused by Migration of Gallstone Through Cholecystoduodenal Fistula Resulting in Small Bowel Obstruction.

Gallstone ileus is a rare condition characterized by mechanical obstruction of the intestine due to gallstone impaction. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, symptoms, and characteristic Computed Tomography (CT) scan findings. Treatment typically involves surgical extraction of gallstones, with laparoscopy as an effective and potentially safer approach. Here, we describe a case of an 84-year-old woman with gallstone ileus presenting with small bowel obstruction.

Type 2 Decompensated Diabetes Mellitus Weaned off Subcutaneous Insulin Therapy by Utilizing a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device.

A case series was conducted on three patients diagnosed with decompensated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ranging from 9.5% to above 14%. Patients were self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) levels four times a day. These patients were seen at the resident continuity clinic and were placed on continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices to monitor their blood glucose levels. To improve the effectiveness of the treatment closely, a CGM team consisting of transitional year and internal medicine residents was arranged. The CGM team provided comprehensive education and written instructions on dietary changes, insulin administration, and physical activity at monthly follow-up appointments. Before the instructions were given to the patients, they were reviewed and approved by the supervising attending physician who was a board-certified endocrinologist. Our CGM team successfully managed these three patients with T2DM by tailoring their insulin regimens by using real-time CGM data. With the help of close CGM monitoring, patients were successfully transitioned from requiring multiple subcutaneous insulin injections to oral anti-diabetics. After the transition, patients' T2DM remained well-controlled with an HbA1c level of less than 7% at their follow-up appointments. This case series demonstrated the successful implementation of CGM-guided T2DM treatment in a continuity clinic managed by residents. To our knowledge, the use of CGM-guided T2DM treatment in the setting of resident care has never been reported in the United States before. This may serve as a benchmark for other continuity clinics which residents run across the country.

Benign Intrapulmonary Schwannoma With High Uptake on Fluorodeoxyglucose-18 (FDG-18 PET) Presenting as a Pancoast Tumor.

A 46-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a rare and benign intrapulmonary schwannoma, a neurogenic tumor that represents approximately 20% of adult mediastinal tumors, with schwannomas being the most common subtype. The patient was initially asymptomatic; however, after a period of four years, the patient presented with bilateral extremity edema, chronic venous stasis, elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, and a slightly enlarged inferior vena cava. These symptoms were caused by the lung tumor compressing intrathoracic structures. This case highlights the need for early evaluation and proper management of neurogenic tumors to avoid serious symptoms and complications. It also emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and prompt surgery to achieve the best outcome for patients with neurogenic tumors.

Empagliflozin-Associated Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) is an uncommon condition, which is characterized by an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis with ketonemia/ketonuria, in the presence of normal blood glucose levels. Common risk factors for the development of this condition include pregnancy, prolonged fasting, acute pancreatitis, and bariatric surgery. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been identified as a rare cause of euDKA. A recent literature review on PubMed found only 86 case reports of euDKA secondary to SGLT inhibitors published in the medical literature up to December 2022. Here, we present the case of a 43-year-old man who was taking empagliflozin, an SGLT-2 inhibitor. The patient was found to have euDKA, which was likely an adverse effect of his medication.

Annular Rupture Due to Calcified Nodule Located in Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Managed by Protamine Sulfate.

Annular rupture is a rare yet fatal complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The likelihood of annular rupture is increased by the presence of extensive subannular calcification, excessive balloon dilatation for valve expansion or aggressive valve oversizing to prevent paravalvular leakage during TAVR. Although extensive annular or aortic root calcification increases the likelihood of annular rupture, rupture due to the presence of a calcified nodule in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is not commonly reported. We present the case of an 84-year-old man who developed an annular rupture during TAVR, likely due to the presence of a calcified nodule located in LVOT, which was noted on a pre-procedural computed tomography (CT) scan. The rupture was identified early and was successfully reversed with the administration of protamine sulfate during the procedure.

An Unusual Case of an Acute Mesenteroaxial Gastric Volvulus Secondary to a Hiatal Hernia.

Gastric volvulus is characterized by the abnormal twisting of the stomach along its axis. It is a rare condition that can develop secondary to an underlying gastrointestinal anatomic defect such as a hiatal hernia. Gastric volvulus may present acutely with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction and can lead to potentially fatal complications, if not treated in a timely manner. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with an acute mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus with gastric outlet obstruction that developed secondary to a large hiatal hernia.

Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Setting of Iron Overload Secondary to Heterozygous HFE Gene Mutation.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory condition of the liver that is characterized by high titers of certain autoantibodies in the serum. As in other chronic inflammatory conditions, the transferrin saturation in patients with AIH is typically low. However, in rare instances, AIH has been reported to be associated with elevated transferrin saturation secondary to heterozygous HFE gene (H63D) mutation. This report describes one such case in which the patient had characteristic histopathologic findings of AIH but was also found to have iron overload and heterozygous H63D mutation on genetic testing, leading to the initial dual differential diagnosis of AIH and hemochromatosis, which highlighted the further need of obtaining a liver biopsy.

Low-Dose Methotrexate Toxicity Presenting as Pancytopenia.

High-dose methotrexate (MTX, 5 g/week) is typically used for the treatment of different malignancies and may be associated with serious side effects, such as acute kidney injury, myelosuppression, and hepatotoxicity. On the other hand, low-dose MTX (10-25 mg/week) is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for autoimmune arthropathies. Toxicity due to low-dose MTX is rare but can present with serious complications, such as pancytopenia. In this report, we present the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented with low-dose, MTX-induced severe pancytopenia and was treated with leucovorin rescue therapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy.