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Abstract Background Cerebral cardiac embolism accounts for an increasing proportion of ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. Calcified cerebral emboli are rare and mostly iatrogenic secondary to heart or aorta catheterization. However, spontaneous cerebral calcified embolism in the case of calcified aortic valve is very rare and there are less than 10 case reports in the literature. And a more interesting fact is that such an event, in the context of calcified mitral valve disease, has never been reported, at least to our knowledge. We are reporting a case of spontaneous calcified cerebral embolism revealing a calcified rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. Case presentation We report a case of a 59 year-old Moroccan patient, with a history of rheumatic fever at the age of 14 and no history of recent cardiac intervention or aortic/carotid manipulation, who was admitted to the emergency department after a transient ischemic attack. Physical examination at admission found normal blood pressure of 124/79 mmHg and heart rate of 90 bpm. A 12-lead electrocardiogram showed an atrial fibrillation, no other anomalies. Unenhanced cerebral computed tomography imaging was performed, revealing calcified material inside both middle cerebral arteries. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed, showing severe mitral leaflets calcification with a severe mitral stenosis, probably due to rheumatic heart disease. Cervical arteries Duplex was normal. A vitamin K antagonist (acenocoumarol) was prescribed, targeting an international normalized ratio of 2–3 and mitral valve replacement surgery was performed using mechanical prosthesis. Short- and long-term health, with a 1-year follow-up, were good and the patient did not experience any stroke. Conclusion Spontaneous calcified cerebral emboli secondary to mitral valve leaflet calcifications is an extremely rare condition. Replacement of the valve is the only option to prevent recurrent emboli and outcomes are still to be determined.

This study introduces an innovative approach by employing a highly sensitive synchronous detection-based dynamic Sénarmont method for the precise measurement of electro-optical (EO) Pockels and Kerr coefficients within hybrid nanocomposite films. The experimental setup integrates LabVIEW instrumentation software, ensuring accurate data acquisition. The EO-active film compositions encompass diverse polymer (PMMA) and organic dye combinations, including PMMA/organic dyes (DR1 and CPO), as well as PMMA combined with DR1-SiC, DR1-TiO2, and CPO-TiO2. Through meticulous experimentation and calibration of the Sénarmont setup, this research demonstrates exceptional sensitivity in evaluating EO parameters based on film composition. Notably, the study examines the impact of poling conditions, geometric configurations, and the influence of TiO2 nanoparticle integration on electro-optical behavior. The findings reveal distinctive electro-optical responses, highlighting the significant potential for tailored designs and practical applications in optimizing polymer nanocomposite electro-optical properties. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into refining measurement techniques and leveraging nanomaterials for enhanced electro-optical functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) such as polycythemia Vera (PV) and Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) can be associated with a high risk of both venous and arterial thrombosis. However, the co-existence between these two complications is very rare and has never been described before, especially in young adults with no known history of MPNs. Case presentation We report the case of a 39 year-old Caucasian Moroccan male patient without cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), who presented with acute chest pain. He also suffered from a severe headache since 2 weeks. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in the posterolateral leads. Cerebral Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and cerebral Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) found a Superior Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis (SSST). Routine blood tests showed raised hemoglobin and hematocrit in addition to leukocytosis and thrombocythemia. His coronary angiography revealed a thrombus in the ostial left circumflex artery (LCX). Further testing revealed positive Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation and low erythropoietin level, confirming the diagnosis of PV according to the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Antithrombotic and anti-ischemic treatments, in addition to myelosuppressive therapy with hydroxyurea, were initiated with a good clinical and biological evolution. Conclusion This case shows that MPNs are an important cause of thrombosis, especially in young patients with no other risk factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are fundamental before the occurrence of life-threatening complications that can sometimes present in unusual forms associating arterial and venous thrombotic events.

Abstract Background Subpulmonic membrane as a cause of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients with concordant ventriculoarterial connection and intact ventricular septum is considered to be rare. Association with cor triatriatum dexter and success of subpulmonic balloon valvuloplasty have never been reported, at least to the best of our knowledge. Case presentation A 3-year-old Moroccan boy was referred to our tertiary care hospital with complaints of dyspnea on moderate exertion. A physical examination revealed parasternal lift, systolic thrill, and a 4/6 ejection systolic murmur, best heard over the left second intercostal space. His oxygen saturation was 99% on room air. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed a discrete circumferential membrane just below the pulmonic valve and a right atrial membrane. Continuous wave Doppler interrogation showed peak systolic pressure gradient of 85 mmHg across the subpulmonic membrane and no significant gradient across the right atrial membrane. Balloon dilation of the subpulmonic membrane was performed and the pressure gradient came down to 50 mmHg. During follow-up, he reported marked improvement in terms of exercise tolerance. Transthoracic echocardiography showed residual pressure gradient of approximately 40 mmHg across the membrane. Surgery resection of the two membranes was programmed, but he died after an extracardiac disease (appendicular peritonitis). Conclusions Subpulmonic membrane as an isolated cause of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is rare. Its association with cor triatriatum dexter is even less common. The result of percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty of subpulmonic membrane is an interesting alternative while waiting for surgery. Surgery is currently the preferred modality of treatment with the resection of both right atrial and subpulmonic membranes.

In light of a sort of crisis of water scarcity which begins to loom worldwide as well as the economic constraints for achieving sustainable development, it becomes essential to find appropriate solutions to face this challenge. Morocco, which has considerable brackish water resources and an important solar resource deposit, is required to use desalination techniques; however, the reliability of such techniques can no longer be applied just in terms of their value as renewable sources of energy. The solution presented in this publication, establishes a rather reliable way to produce drinking water. The technique of desalination by reverse osmosis is considered in this study to be a promising technique. The objective of our study is the implementation of a prototype for desalination of reverse osmosis, which is a low-cost small unit used to treat brackish water based on solar energy.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return is a rare congenital cardiopathy that can progress to right heart failure in the absence of treatment. It can be associated with an intra-auricular communication. The APVR remains often asymptomatic and its discovery is in the majority of cases fortuitous. The thoracic CT Angiogram is the examination of choice to make the diagnosis by showing the localization, the number and the path APVR drainage. We report the case of a 26-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease type an atrial septal defect; who was diagnosed with a partial bilateral APVR associated with PAH signs. We describe the history of the patient whose symptomatology was nonspecific and in whom the imaging examinations, in particular the CT angiogram, made it possible to reach the diagnosis.

Abstract Background Carcinoid heart disease is a frequent complication of carcinoid syndrome. It is related to the release by the carcinoid tumor and/or its metastases of bioactive substances such as serotonin. It is characterized by right-sided valvular involvement and can lead to right-sided heart failure. It is a prognostic factor of carcinoid syndrome. Case presentation We report the case of a 53-year-old African woman with an endocrine tumor of her small intestine complicated by carcinoid heart disease, revealed by right-sided heart failure. The diagnosis was confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography, which showed a severe tricuspid regurgitation with a patent foramen ovale, and by increased serum chromogranin A and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Initially she was treated with medical therapy (furosemide and injection of somatostatin). Afterwards she was proposed for surgery. The evolution of her treatment was good. Conclusions Carcinoid syndrome is complicated in 60% of the cases of a heart disease, and is responsible for an important morbidity and mortality. The prognosis of patients with carcinoid heart disease has improved in recent years through somatostatin analogues and the cardiac surgery.