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To compare the outcome of patients undergoing conservative management versus ultrasound guided aspiration of small amoebic liver abscess (=

Objectives Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD) is commonly used for the management of patients with intractable pain. Past studies have proven efficacy in pain relief and reduction in opioid use and cost‐effectiveness in long‐term pain management. There are few studies investigating satisfaction among patients with implanted pain pumps that are managed with targeted intrathecal medications. Material and Methods Patients in a single medical practice implanted with pain pumps for relief of intractable pain were identified and extracted from the electronic health record (EHR). Six hundred and ten active TDD patients were identified and an anonymous 18‐question survey was administered to determine satisfaction with TDD therapy. During an 18‐month period from May 2018 to August 2019, patients were invited to take a satisfaction survey. Both primary and secondary outcomes were reported as proportions; P

Background The long-term risk of major bleeding after discontinuing anticoagulant therapy for a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. Objectives To determine the incidence of major bleeding up to 5 years after discontinuing anticoagulation for a first unprovoked VTE. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL (from inception to January 2021) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies reporting major bleeding after discontinuing anticoagulation in patients with a first unprovoked or weakly provoked VTE who had completed (IMAGE_)3 months of initial treatment. Unpublished data on major bleeding events and person-years were obtained from authors of included studies to calculate study-level incidence rates. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results across studies. Results Of 1,123 records identified by the search, 20 studies (17 RCTs) and 8,740 patients were included in the analysis. During 13,011 person-years of follow-up after discontinuing anticoagulation, the pooled incidence of major bleeding (n = 41) and fatal bleeding (n = 7) per 100 person-years was 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.54) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15). The 5-year cumulative incidence of major bleeding was of 1.0% (95% CI: 0.4–2.4%). The case-fatality rate of major bleeding after discontinuing anticoagulation was 19.9% (95% CI: 10.6–31.1%). Conclusion The risk of major bleeding once anticoagulants are discontinued in patients with a first unprovoked VTE is not zero. Estimates from this study can help clinicians counsel patients about the incremental risk of major bleeding with extended anticoagulation to guide decision making about treatment duration for unprovoked VTE.

Background: The long-term risk for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) during extended anticoagulation for a first unprovoked VTE is uncertain. Objectives: To determine the incidence of recurrent VTE during extended anticoagulation of up to 5years in patients with a first unprovoked VTE. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL were searched to identify randomized trials and prospective cohort studies reporting recurrent VTE among patients with a first unprovoked VTE who were to receive anticoagulation for a minimum of six additional months after completing ≥3months of initial treatment. Unpublished data on number of recurrent VTE and person-years, obtained from authors of included studies, were used to calculate study-level incidence rate, and random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results. Results: Twenty-six studies and 15603 patients were included in the analysis. During 11631 person-years of follow-up, the incidence of recurrent VTE and fatal pulmonary embolism per 100 person-years was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.03–1.84) and 0.09 (0.04–0.16), with 5-year cumulative incidences of 7.1% (3.0%–13.2%) and 1.2% (0.4%–4.6%), respectively. The incidence of recurrent VTE was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.77–1.44) with direct oral anticoagulants and 1.55 (1.01–2.20) with vitamin K antagonists. The case-fatality rate of recurrent VTE was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.2%–8.7%). Conclusions: In patients with a first unprovoked VTE, the long-term risk of recurrent VTE during extended anticoagulation is low but not negligible. Thus, clinicians and patients should be aware of this risk and take appropriate and timely action in case of suspicion of recurrent VTE. Estimates from this study can be used to advise patients on what to expect while receiving extended anticoagulation, and estimate the net clinical benefit of extended treatment to guide long-term management of unprovoked VTE. © 2021 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of dementia. Intranasal insulin (INI) has emerged as treatment for T2DM-related cognitive impairment. This randomized, doubled blind trial consisted of 24-week treatment with 40 IU of intranasal insulin (Novolin® R) or placebo (sterile saline) once daily and 24-week follow-up period. T2DM and control participants > 50 years old and able to walk for 6 minutes, were enrolled. The primary outcomes were INI effect on cognition and normal and dual task walking. A total of 244 participants (122 women; 65.8 ± 9.1 years old) were randomized in the four groups (57 DM-INI, 58 DM-Placebo, 65 Control-INI, 64 Control-Placebo). Of 223 at baseline, 174 completed treatment (84 DM [70% of planned enrollment] and 90 controls [100%]), and 156 (69 DM) completed the follow-up. In T2DM, INI did not improve cognitive outcomes or depression as compared to placebo. In controls, INI improved verbal learning during on-treatment (p=0.03) and post-treatment (p=0.03) periods (Mixed Models). DM-INI group had faster normal walking at baseline and on-treatment (p Disclosure V. Novak: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Dysimmune Foundtation, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Oxford University Press. L. Aponte becerra: None. L. H. Ngo: Consultant; Self; Five Islands Consulting, Other Relationship; Self; Radiological Society of America. C. Mantzoros: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., GENFIT, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. P. Novak: Other Relationship; Self; Dysimmune Foundation, Endonovo Therapeutics, Oxford Press. R. Mcglinchey: None. W. Dai: None. V. Lioutas: Consultant; Self; QMetis. S. Buss: Consultant; Self; Kinto Care. C. B. Fortier: None. F. Khan: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK103902); U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND107690); Novo Nordisk (ISS-001063), Medtronic (NERP15-0310); World Health Organization (UTN-U111-1175-1588)

Centrally administered insulin stimulates the reward system to reduce appetite in response to food intake in animal studies. Previous studies in humans have shown mixed results, suggesting INI may decrease appetite, body fat, and weight in non-obese and young males, but this hypothesis has not been tested in elderly with and without type 2 diabetes. This randomized, doubled blind trial consisted of 24 weeks of treatment with either 40 IU of INI (Novolin® R) or Placebo (sterile saline) once daily in elderly adults from MemAID. The primary outcome was the INI effect on food intake, and secondary outcomes included appetite, anthropometric measures, and body composition. In exploratory analyses, we tested the effect of INI on these outcomes when contrasting individuals by gender, BMI, and type 2 diabetes. Randomization included 121 participants, of which 89 (42 women, 53%; age 65±9 years; 46 INI, 52%; 38 diabetes, 43%) completed baseline and at least one intervention visit. Of those, 70 completed treatment (31 diabetes). There was no INI effect on caloric intake on any of the secondary outcomes. Sub-analyses comparing participants within the INI group also showed no differential effect on primary and secondary outcomes. We did not observe an overall INI effect on food intake, appetite, anthropometric measures, and body composition. However, whether insulin resistance may limit the effect of INI in participants without type 2 diabetes remains to be explored. Further research on the mechanisms underlying the potential effect of INI on appetite centrally is warranted (NCT02415556). Disclosure L. Aponte becerra: None. F. Khan: None. L. H. Ngo: Consultant; Self; Five Islands Consulting, Other Relationship; Self; Radiological Society of America. V. Novak: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Dysimmune Foundtation, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Oxford University Press. Memaid collaborators (a. gavrieli, j. upadhyay): n/a. C. Mantzoros: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., GENFIT, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK103902); U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND107690); Novo Nordisk (ISS-001063), Medtronic (NERP15-0310); World Health Organization (UTN-U111-1175-1588)

Effective recruitment and retention strategies in clinical trials are essential to achieve the enrollment goals. We aimed to identify baseline characteristics predicting dropouts and analyze the effect of retention strategies within the MemAID elderly cohort. The trial consisted of 12 visits during 24 weeks of INI/placebo treatment and 24 weeks of follow-up. Retention strategies were implemented 2 years after the beginning of the study and included incentives (meals, stipend, transportation), revised eligibility criteria, and flexibility in scheduling. A total of 244 participants (122 female; 65.8 ± 9.1 years old, 115 diabetes (DM)) were randomized, and completed baseline (223), treatment (174), and follow-up (156). After randomization, 65 participants (27%, 30 DM [46%]) dropped out. Dropouts occurred earlier in the study (19.6% cumulative failure at 100 days) as compared to later (25.3% cumulative failure at 300 days). Cox models showed no risk of dropout with DM diagnosis, but increased risk (p Disclosure F. Khan: None. D. F. Isaza-pierotti: None. P. Novak: Other Relationship; Self; Dysimmune Foundation, Endonovo Therapeutics, Oxford Press. C. Mantzoros: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., GENFIT, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. L. H. Ngo: Consultant; Self; Five Islands Consulting, Other Relationship; Self; Radiological Society of America. V. Novak: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Dysimmune Foundtation, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Oxford University Press. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK103902); U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND107690); Novo Nordisk (ISS-001063), Medtronic (NERP15-0310); World Health Organization (UTN-U111-1175-1588)

INI has emerged as a potential treatment for T2DM-related functional decline and is safe in adults without T2DM. However, INI safety in T2DM-IDDM is unknown. We aimed to demonstrate safety of long-term INI use in T2DM-IDDM MemAID participants. We screened 86 participants with T2DM-IDDM, 14 were randomized (9 INI/5 Placebo), 9 started treatment (5 INI [60±14 years, 2 Female]; 4 Placebo [68±2 years, 1 Female]). Of those, 2-INI and 3-Placebo participants completed 24 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks of follow-up. Participants underwent one week of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)(Medtronic IPro2) at baseline and after INI (Novolin® R ) or placebo initiation. HbA1c, fasting plasma and capillary glucose, and insulin were measured throughout the study. Insulin levels were unchanged across the study. In 2 INI-treated participants, HbA1c, fasting plasma and capillary glucose declined from baseline, but the average values were similar during treatment and follow up, and comparable to 3 placebo-treated participants. Both INI-treated participants had adjustments of IDDM regimens. Capillary glucose did not decline 2 hours after INI administration, and there were no interactions between INI and subcutaneous insulin. There were no INI-related serious adverse events. Of 13 hypoglycemia (HG) episodes across the study, 2 asymptomatic level-1 HG (15.4%) occurred in INI group and 7 (53.8%) in placebo group. There were 2 asymptomatic level-2 HG (15.4%) in both INI and placebo groups. INI therapy was not associated with serious adverse events or HG in older participants with T2DM-IDDM. This study may pave the way towards future larger studies evaluating the safety of concomitant administration of INI and subcutaneous insulin (NCT02415556). Disclosure L. Aponte becerra: None. B. Galindo mendez: None. F. Khan: None. C. Mantzoros: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., GENFIT, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. P. Novak: Other Relationship; Self; Dysimmune Foundation, Endonovo Therapeutics, Oxford Press. V. Lioutas: Consultant; Self; QMetis. L. H. Ngo: Consultant; Self; Five Islands Consulting, Other Relationship; Self; Radiological Society of America. Memaid investigators (j. trevino): n/a. V. Novak: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Dysimmune Foundtation, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Oxford University Press. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK103902); U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND107690); Novo Nordisk (ISS-001063), Medtronic (NERP15-0310); World Health Organization (UTN-U111-1175-1588)

Chronic pain remains an important public health problem as it continues to increase healthcare-related cost. Comorbidities like obesity have been associated with efficacy of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) therapy and worse outcomes. The goal of this study is to investigate the trends of obesity amongst hospitalized patients with SCS therapy as well as healthcare utilization outcomes. Using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) ninth and tenth procedure and diagnosis code, we investigated the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients with SCS implants between 2011 and 2015. Patients received a diagnosis of obesity based on the following categories: class I, II and III obesity. Age, gender, and comorbid conditions of patients with obesity were matched 1:1 on propensity score to those without obesity diagnosis. Our primary outcome was defined as trend of obesity diagnosis. Our secondary outcome, healthcare utilization, included in-hospital cost, length of stay, and discharge location. Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 3893 patients with SCS implants were identified (average age 56 ± 15 years, 58% female, 0.70 ± 1.1 Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI). Of this cohort, 640 patients were identified as obese. The proportion of patients with obesity diagnosis increased significantly from 13.75% in 2011 to 19.36% in 2015 (p

Essentials Unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be the first manifestation of an undiagnosed cancer. The rate of occult cancer detection in patients with unprovoked VTE is approximately 5%. Clinicians should keep a low threshold of suspicion for occult cancer in these patients. Patients should only undergo a limited as well as age- and gender-specific cancer screening. Unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be the first manifestation of an undiagnosed cancer. Recently published studies have suggested that approximately 4-5% of patients with new unprovoked VTE will be diagnosed with cancer within 12 months of follow-up. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to keep a low threshold of suspicion for occult cancer in this patient population. After an unprovoked VTE diagnosis, patients should undergo a thorough medical history, physical examination, basic laboratory investigations (ie, complete blood count and liver function tests), chest X-ray, as well as age- and gender-specific cancer screening (breast, cervical, colon, and prostate). More intensive cancer screening including additional investigations (eg, computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis) does not seem to increase the rate of occult cancer detection, decrease cancer-related morbidity, or increase survival or cost-effectiveness.

Objectives To determine the rate of a first recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) event after discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment in patients with a first episode of unprovoked VTE, and the cumulative incidence for recurrent VTE up to 10 years. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from inception to 15 March 2019). Study selection Randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies reporting symptomatic recurrent VTE after discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment in patients with a first unprovoked VTE event who had completed at least three months of treatment. Data extraction and synthesis Two investigators independently screened studies, extracted data, and appraised risk of bias. Data clarifications were sought from authors of eligible studies. Recurrent VTE events and person years of follow-up after discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment were used to calculate rates for individual studies, and data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Sex and site of initial VTE were investigated as potential sources of between study heterogeneity. Results 18 studies involving 7515 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled rate of recurrent VTE per 100 person years after discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment was 10.3 events (95% confidence interval 8.6 to 12.1) in the first year, 6.3 (5.1 to 7.7) in the second year, 3.8 events/year (95% confidence interval 3.2 to 4.5) in years 3-5, and 3.1 events/year (1.7 to 4.9) in years 6-10. The cumulative incidence for recurrent VTE was 16% (95% confidence interval 13% to 19%) at 2 years, 25% (21% to 29%) at 5 years, and 36% (28% to 45%) at 10 years. The pooled rate of recurrent VTE per 100 person years in the first year was 11.9 events (9.6 to 14.4) for men and 8.9 events (6.8 to 11.3) for women, with a cumulative incidence for recurrent VTE of 41% (28% to 56%) and 29% (20% to 38%), respectively, at 10 years. Compared to patients with isolated pulmonary embolism, the rate of recurrent VTE was higher in patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis (rate ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.7) and in patients with pulmonary embolism plus deep vein thrombosis (1.5, 1.1 to 1.9). In patients with distal deep vein thrombosis, the pooled rate of recurrent VTE per 100 person years was 1.9 events (95% confidence interval 0.5 to 4.3) in the first year after anticoagulation had stopped. The case fatality rate for recurrent VTE was 4% (95% confidence interval 2% to 6%). Conclusions In patients with a first episode of unprovoked VTE who completed at least three months of anticoagulant treatment, the risk of recurrent VTE was 10% in the first year after treatment, 16% at two years, 25% at five years, and 36% at 10 years, with 4% of recurrent VTE events resulting in death. These estimates should inform clinical practice guidelines, enhance confidence in counselling patients of their prognosis, and help guide decision making about long term management of unprovoked VTE. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42017056309.

Dysgraphia, a learning disability associated with writing skills, hinders students to put their thought on paper and write correctly. Writing problems hit students most frequently that one third students become failed to acquire writing skill. Different IT based assistance solutions available for dysgraphia students but most of them are accommodations based or provides writing alternatives rather than developing writing skills of a dysgraphia student. Handwriting is an essential skill for academic life and developed handwriting skill helps student to protect their self-esteem and build student’s confidence to participate in other activities during class. Most of available writing assistance solutions do not provide interesting ways to acquire writing skills. To handle this problem, augmented reality (AR) based dysgraphia assistance solution has presented in this work. This study utilized AR to develop dysgraphia student’s interest in writing and used it to assist in writing activity by providing help in spellings. AR based dysgraphia assistance writing environment (AR-DAWE) modal use Google cloud API of speech-to-text and addressed one of the important issues of dysgraphia student that is associated with spelling mistakes.

Endometrial serous carcinomas are very clinically aggressive, which constitutes 40% of all deaths and recurrences associated with endometrial cancer. Small-cell carcinoma of the endometrium is relatively rare but aggressive, and often presents a component of endometrioid carcinoma, and is not generally associated with serous carcinoma. Herein, we report a case of 74-year-old African-American female, who presented with intermittent post-menopausal bleeding for > 1-month. She underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, sentinel lymph node mapping, and pelvic-and-aortic lymphadenectomy. Final pathology was consistent with serous carcinoma of the endometrium in combination with neuroendocrine small-cell carcinoma. This extremely rare combination of tumors presents a challenge for treatment. The mainstay of treatment seems to be surgery followed by chemotherapy ± radiation therapy. To our knowledge, it represents an under-reported area of gynecological medicine., Highlights • Small-cell carcinoma of endometrium is rare but aggressive and challenging to care. • We report a case presenting with intermittent post-menopausal bleeding for > 1-month. • She underwent robotic hysterectomy, BSO, SLN mapping, and complete lymphadenectomy. • Pathology revealed serous carcinoma of endometrium combined with neuroendocrine SCC. • To our knowledge, it represents an under-reported area of gynecological medicine.

Mature cystic teratomas constitute 10–20% of all ovarian neoplasms. Malignant transformation is very rare occurring in only 0.1–2% of mature teratoma cases. Malignant melanoma is among the least common transformations. Herein, we describe a case of young woman initially undergoing evaluation for infertility who was found to have malignant melanoma arising in a mature dermoid cyst. She subsequently underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with staging procedure with benign pathology. There was no need for adjuvant therapy and the patient is without disease to date (nearly 10-months in follow-up now). We reviewed the existing literature and this is one of only a few cases documented in the last decade., Highlights • We describe a young woman case who initially underwent evaluation for infertility. • Later she was found to have malignant melanoma arising in a mature dermoid cyst. • She subsequently underwent USO with staging procedure with benign pathology. • There was no need for adjuvant therapy and the patient is without disease to date. • We reviewed the existing literature and this is one of only a few cases documented.

Metastatic neoplasms to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are an uncommon entity and in extremely rare cases originate from the breast. The clinical manifestations of metastatic breast cancer into the GI tract are frequently non-specific, and the interval between the diagnosis of lobular carcinoma and GI metastasis can often delay up to 30 years. Here, we present a 73-year-old female with an unusual colonoscopy that revealed a submucosa nodular infiltrate throughout all the colon with a cobblestone-like appearance, which was later confirmed to be metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast that was surgically removed 15 years early. A couple of months later, she developed malignant small bowel obstruction and laparotomy revealed extended small bowel and colonic metastatic involvement.

KEY POINTS A trial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality[1][1] with an incidence that increases with age. Patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly older adults, have a substantially increased risk of

Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi, MD/PhD, is a stroke neurologist, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and a neuroscientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). As the Scientific Director of the Ottawa Stroke Program, he is conducting cutting-edge research in the area of acute stroke, with a special interest in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). He was part of the recent ESCAPE trial, a national groundbreaking study that has redefined the scope of stroke therapy around the world. We had the incredible opportunity of speaking with Dr. Dowlatshahi about his exciting career as a clinician-scientist, as he educated us about the unique features of stroke, informed us of the recent advancements in his research, and provided advice for interested students and trainees who want to pursue a career in academic medicine.RÉSUMÉ: Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi, MD/PhD, est un neurologue spécialisé en AVC, professeur adjoint à l’Université d’Ottawa, et un neuroscientifique à l’Institut de recherche en santé d’Ottawa (IRSO). Comme directeur scientifique du Programme d’AVC à Ottawa, il mène des recherches de pointe dans le domaine de l’AVC aigu, avec un intérêt particulier dans l’hémorragie intracérébrale (HIC). Il a fait partie de l’essai récent « ESCAPE », une étude révolutionnaire nationale qui a redéfini le cadre de la thérapie de l’AVC autour du monde. Nous avons eu l’incroyable opportunité de parler avec le Dr. Dowlatshahi à propos de sa carrière passionnante comme clinicien-chercheur. Il nous informa ainsi sur les caractéristiques uniques de l’AVC, des récents progrès dans ses recherches, et nous a fourni des conseils pour les étudiants et stagiaires voulant poursuivre une carrière en médecine académique.

A previously healthy 47-year-old woman was started on anticoagulant therapy six months ago. She had been diagnosed with a submassive pulmonary embolism after returning from a trip to the Caribbean. At that time, she had no associated deep vein thrombosis on ultrasonography and her symptoms have

What you need to know How far to go in screening patients with an unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) for an occult cancer is a clinical dilemma. Unprovoked VTE, either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, can be the first manifestation of an undiagnosed cancer. Until recently, the literature suggested that up to 10% of such patients would be diagnosed with a cancer in the year after their diagnosis of VTE.1 However, the incidence of occult cancer in patients studied in two recent, high quality, randomised controlled trials was only about 4%.23 This drop in the proportion of people with occult cancer may require an adjustment in the clinical approach. Fig 1⇓ outlines a conservative approach and a more detailed approach to investigating such patients. Extensive screening has become the standard of care, though it is based on limited data. Fig 1 Occult cancer screening strategies in unprovoked venous thromboembolism (from NICE guidelines 20124) However, high quality data from recently completed trials discussed below suggest that extensive screening strategies may not provide additional value over routine cancer screening in the frequency of cancer detection in these patients. #### Search strategy and study selection We searched PubMed (from inception to 31 December 2016) for randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews using the search terms “cancer screening,” “venous thromboembolism,” “unprovoked,” “meta-analysis,” and “randomized controlled trial.” We reviewed articles published in English between 2012 (publication of NICE guidelines) and 2016. We also searched the Cochrane Library and …

IntroductionFor patients with a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE), the optimal duration of anticoagulation is a crucial clinical dilemma which has yet to be resolved. The decision to stop anticoagulant therapy (AT) after the initial 3–6 months or to continue AT indefinitely, is primarily governed by the long-term risk of recurrence when treatment is discontinued. This risk however, is not well established, hindering decision making.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies involving patients diagnosed with a first, symptomatic unprovoked VTE or VTE provoked by minor transient risk factors, who have completed at least 3 months of initial AT; and who were followed-up for standardised time intervals of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 years (±3 months) after stopping AT. We will search (from inception to January 2017) MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library for randomised controlled trials and prospective observational studies. Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data collection independently. The primary outcome of the rate of recurrent VTE at the standardised time intervals will be calculated for each study from the total number of recurrent events and the corresponding number of patient-years of follow-up. We will use a random-effects model to pool study results and report a weighted estimate of the absolute rate of recurrent VTE (events per 100 patient-years) over standardised time intervals of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 years after discontinuing anticoagulants.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not applicable for this study. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publication as well as relevant national and international conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017056309.

We thank Dr. Rehman[1][1] for his interest in our article on deciding the optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with acute unprovoked venous thromboembolism, [2][2] and his comments pertaining to the controversial topic of testing for thrombophilia in the management of venous

What you need to know Venous thromboembolism includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. In DVT a blood clot forms in the lower extremities that may break off and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. DVT is more common than pulmonary embolism during pregnancy1 and will constitute the focus of this clinical update. However, the prevalence, risk factors, and therapeutic options for DVT and venous thromboembolism in pregnancy are closely linked, and thus information regarding venous thromboembolism in pregnancy has also been covered where appropriate or when data regarding DVT are unavailable. Among pregnant women, pulmonary embolism is the most serious complication of DVT and remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in the developed world.2 Pregnancy related DVT is associated with a higher risk of embolic complications and of the post-thrombotic syndrome (chronic leg pain, intractable oedema, leg ulcers) than DVT in non-pregnant women.13 This article provides an update on the diagnosis and management of pregnant women with DVT. The risk of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy is about four times the risk among non-pregnant women of childbearing age4; it is highest in the third trimester …

Transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is often observed in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Studies show that all symptoms of IIH can be resolved by transverse sinus stent placement. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with IIH presented with papilledema and severe headaches. The consideration of interventional management was necessitated by the preceding failure of several months of medical treatment. Her vascular imaging demonstrated stenosis of the transverse sinus and her intracranial venous pressure measurements indicated elevated pressure with a high pressure gradient across the stenosis. She underwent transverse sinus stent placement across the stenotic segment. After this intervention, her symptoms improved and her intracranial pressure normalized. The imaging follow-up revealed efficacious patency of the stent. Based on a mathematical model, we suggest that a Starling-like resistor demonstrating a collapsible transverse sinus can permanently be replaced by a rigid-walled sinus upon employment of an endovascular stent in the stenotic transverse sinus, which should be considered as an alternative to other surgical procedures for IIH patients.

An 87-year-old woman presented to the emergency department three hours after acute onset of left hemiplegia, profound neglect and dysarthria (severe stroke; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] = 18). Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) of the head showed early ischemic changes in the