Hounsfield unit values of liver pathologies in unenhanced post-mortem computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate if unenhanced PMCT HU values of liver pathologies differ from post-mortem HU values of non-pathologic liver tissue. METHODS: Liver HU values were measured in five liver segments in PMCT unenhanced datasets of 214 forensic cases (124 male, 90 female, mean age 54.3 years). Liver HU values were compared with corresponding histologic liver findings. HU values of non-pathologic livers were compared to HU values of liver pathologies. RESULTS: A total of 64 non-pathologic livers (mean HU 58.32, SD 8.91) were assessed. Histologic diagnosed liver pathologies were as follows: steatosis (n = 121 (grade I n = 61, grade II n = 37, grade III n = 23)), fibrosis (n = 10), and cirrhosis (n = 19). HU values of the livers exhibiting severe steatosis (mean HU 32.44, SD 13.76), fibrosis (mean HU 44.7, SD 16.31), and cirrhosis (mean HU 50.59, SD 9.42) significantly differed to HU values of non-pathologic livers at ANOVA testing. CONCLUSION: PMCT unenhanced liver HU value measurements may be used as an additional method to detect unspecific liver-pathology. Values below 30 HU may specifically indicate severe steatosis.

Potential use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors during acute illness: a systematic review based on COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: SGLT-2i are increasingly recognized for their benefits in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests potential applications in acute illnesses, including COVID-19. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of SGLT-2i in patients facing acute illness, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, medRxiv, Research Square, and Google Scholar identified 22 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently. RESULTS: Out of the 22 studies included in the review, six reported reduced mortality in DM-2 patients taking SGLT-2i, while two found a decreased risk of hospitalization. Moreover, one study demonstrated a lower in-hospital mortality rate in DM-2 patients under combined therapy of metformin plus SGLT-2i. However, three studies showed a neutral effect on the risk of hospitalization. No increased risk of developing COVID-19 was associated with SGLT-2i use in DM-2 patients. Prior use of SGLT-2i was not associated with ICU admission and need for MV. The risk of acute kidney injury showed variability, with inconsistent evidence regarding diabetic ketoacidosis. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review reveals mixed findings on the efficacy of SGLT-2i use in COVID-19 patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. While some studies suggest potential benefits in reducing mortality and hospitalizations, others report inconclusive results. Further research is needed to clarify optimal usage and mitigate associated risks, emphasizing caution in clinical interpretation.

Systemic embolization due to non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis: An autopsy case report and mini review of the literature.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis is a rare, non-infectious complication associated with hypercoagulable states, such as malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Due to the difficulty distinguishing marantic endocarditis from infective endocarditis, the diagnosis is often delayed or even a postmortem finding. We present the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian female with marantic endocarditis secondary to metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma. The patient presented with a short history of memory deficits, personality disturbances, and left homonymous hemianopia. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed multi-territorial bihemispheric cerebral infarctions. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed native mitral valve endocarditis, and serial blood cultures remained negative. Despite antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition continuously deteriorated, and she died within 3 weeks after her initial presentation. Postmortem examination showed a non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Early clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis are of decisive importance for the survival of the patients.