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Presentations of pulmonary embolism (PE) are often associated with various cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities detected on electrocardiograms (EKG). We describe a 65-year-old female with no known history of heart disease or arrhythmias who presented with an acute onset of shortness of breath. Initial EKG showed right bundle branch block (RBBB), and first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block with subsequent development of second-degree Mobitz type II AV block. The patient's clinical appearance was highly suggestive of a massive pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic instability, and treatment with alteplase (tPA) was given, followed by heparinization. A CT pulmonary angiography confirmed the provisional diagnosis and revealed a large saddle embolus within the right and left main pulmonary arteries. Subsequent EKG showed resolution of the RBBB, first-degree AV block, and second-degree AV block. The patient improved clinically and was discharged to a subacute rehab facility with follow-up appointments. This case highlights that pulmonary embolism may present with many EKG changes, including RBBB, first-degree, second-degree, or complete heart block. Early recognition of PE and thrombolytic treatment can improve cardiac function and restore heart rhythms. Further evaluation for underlying conduction abnormalities can later be performed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Ghallab et al.)

Background Accurate management of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients can be achieved by stratifying risks as early as possible on hospital admission. Previously, the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score has been validated and used on patients presenting with NSTEMI or unstable angina (UA) in developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the TIMI risk score in patients presenting with NSTEMI in Pakistan. Methods This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 300 patients who were diagnosed with NSTEMI. Data were collected from medical records, the TIMI score was calculated, and 14-day outcome was recorded. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed, and area under the curve (AUC) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed and odds ratio (OR) along with 95% CI was reported. Results This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 300 patients who were diagnosed with NSTEMI. Data were collected from medical records, the TIMI score was calculated, and 14-day outcome was recorded. Validity of TIMI score in predicting hospital mortality 14 days after the diagnosis of NSTEMI in a population in Pakistan was assessed by ROC curve and logistic regression analysis. The AUC of the TIMI score for predicting 14-day outcome was 0.788 [95% CI: 0.689-0.887], with optimal cutoff of ≥4 with sensitivity of 77.78%. On multivariate analysis, cardiac arrest at presentation and the TIMI risk score were found to be independent predictors of 14-day mortality with adjusted ORs of 136.49 [10.23-1821.27] and 2.67 [1.09-6.57], respectively. Conclusions The TIMI risk score is a useful and simple score for the stratification of patients with high risk of 14-day mortality with reasonably acceptable discriminating ability in patients with NSTEMI acute coronary syndrome., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Kumar et al.)

Objective Sun exposure is a primary preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of certain skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of sunscreen use among medical students in Karachi. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among 578 students from multiple medical universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The levels of use of sunscreen were recorded using a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 29 questions. Descriptive statistics were used and p-values less than 0.05 calculated using the chi-square test were considered significant. Results A majority (n=441, 73.9%) of the participants in this study were female students. Sunscreen use was prevalent in 415 (69.5%) participants. Female students were more aware of the risk of skin cancer from extended sun exposure (n=186, 72.4%). Sunscreen use was significantly associated with gender (p<0.001) and the propensity to get sunburned easily (p=0.001). Few (n=19, 5.0%) students reported being well-versed regarding skin cancer and its risk factors. Most participants were aware of the use of sunscreen for sunburn prevention (n=473, 79.2%), though knowledge of the additional benefits of sunscreen, such as the prevention of skin cancer (n=257, 43.0%) and aging (n=199, 33.3%), was lacking. Conclusion There is an evident lack of knowledge of the importance of sunscreen protection among medical students, particularly regarding the prevention of skin cancer and skin aging. However, an overall positive attitude was observed regarding the use of sunscreen among female students. Medical students are an imperative part of our future healthcare system and should be adequately informed on sunscreen benefits and skin cancer prevention., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.