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The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is higher in pregnant patients than in non-pregnant patients. The incidence of thrombosis in all pregnancies is reported to be between 0.05 and 1%, and an incidence as high as 3% may be present in women after caesarean section. Anticoagulant medication is prescribed during pregnancy in patients presenting with VTE, thrombophilia abnormalities, or a history of PE or VTE. Since unfractionated heparin (UH) does not cross the placental barrier, it has become the gold standard anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy. Oral anticoagulants may also be prescribed during the second trimester but they cross the placental barrier. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are effective, easy to use and have good safety profiles. The practical conditions of use have yet to be validated for pregnancy settings. In the absence of an approved indication, LMWH use during pregnancy is therefore the responsibility of the practitioner. However, several studies on LMWH as prophylaxis for PE or VTE have shown that such products are effective with good safety. Moreover, LMWH use is associated with reduced frequencies of thrombocytopenia and osteoporosis compared with UH use. Very few studies on LMWH use for the treatment of PE or VTE during pregnancy have been published, but the safety of LMWH use in this setting appears to be good. The review of the use of LMWH in pregnancy settings includes recommendations on the practical conditions of use. In the absence of large-scale, randomised, double-blind trials in such settings (which are needed), we propose the use of LMWH as prophylaxis for PE and VTE during pregnancy, but not for the treatment of these conditions. In prophylaxis settings, dalteparin sodium and enoxaparin sodium have been the most widely studied LMWH and we believe that priority should therefore be given to those products. Pending approval of LMWH for use in pregnancy, the use of LMWH off-label is the practitioner's responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of tachycardia due to reentry within the His-Purkinje system (HPS) occurring after introduction of flecainide. The patient presented with a mild mitral regurgitation and normal left ventricular function. He had incomplete left bundle branch block with left-axis deviation. At the electrophysiology study, a prolonged HV interval was observed at baseline, and the tachycardia could be reproduced after ajmaline infusion. Six months after interruption of flecainide, the patient remains free of arrhythmia recurrence. The authors emphasize that proarrhythmic effects of flecainide may include reentry within the HPS in patients with underlying HPS disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the paced QT interval in the days after radiofrequency ablation of the atrioventricular junction in patients with chronic rapid atrial fibrillation. There is an abnormality in the dynamics of the paced QT interval until the second day after ablation, resulting in an increased duration when the paced heart rate is <75 beats/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery (CA) dissection following blunt chest trauma is a life-threatening and rare event. Its occurrence in the setting of a contact sport like rugby is even less common. We report on two cases of young adult presenting with segment elevation myocardial infarction related to CA dissection following rugby game. Both were successfully treated with stent implantation. We discuss the mechanism, diagnosis, and optimal management of blunt chest trauma-induced CA dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the commonly accepted potential effects of Artemisinin-based combinaison therapy (ACT) on repolarization and QT., Method: We realized a retrospective study, evaluating epidemiologic, clinical, biological and electrocardiographic data for patients treated for falciparum malaria, between August 31 st and November 3 rd , 2017 in the Pôle de santé unique on the Camp Kosseï of N'Djamena., Results: One hundred and four patients were included (28,6 years old [0 - 75 years], 72% male). All had fever (38,4 °C [36,6 - 41,5 °C]), asthenia, and main symptoms were headache and arthromyalgia (58%). No significant difference was noted after treatment concerning biological data (especially kaliemia: 3.81 versus 3.91 mmol/l, p = 0.154). There was no significant increase of QTc (415.8 versus 421.4 ms, p = 0.89) with the two ACT treatment used and no adverse events., Discussion: Population is essentially composed of Chadian men, often partly immunized, that can modify clinical presentation. French soldiers' medical follow up in military operations decreases contra-indications of ACT., Conclusions: These results are in favor of a good cardiac tolerance of ACT with piperaquine and it should be proposed not to realize systematic ECG for the French soldiers in external operation when treated with ACT., (Copyright © 2021 SFMTSI.)

Introduction: The etiology of myocarditis often remains undetermined. A large variety of infectious agents, systemic diseases, drugs, and toxins can cause the disease. We report the case of a 19-year-old man who developed myocarditis three days after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccination., Case Report: A 19-year-old man, presenting with troponin-positive acute chest pain, was referred to our department. He had received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine three days prior to his admission. The diagnosis of acute myocarditis was confirmed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Patient hemodynamic status remained stable during hospitalization. The left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved during hospital stay and at one-month follow-up. We found no evidence for another infectious or autoimmune etiology., Conclusion: Although imputability of the vaccine cannot be formally established on the basis of this case report, the findings raise the possibility of an association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and acute myocarditis., (Copyright © 2021 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The literature on forearm overgrowth after plating in traumatic conditions is relatively poor though this technique can be useful when intra-medullary nailing is not sufficient in pediatric cases. The goal of this study was to assess a potential overgrowth after plating and identify impact on function. We conducted a retrospective study of all pediatric patients who underwent open surgery of the radius and/or ulna diaphysis with internal fixation by plating, in our institution, between October 2013 and July 2019. At last follow-up, functional and radiological outcomes were compared between the operated and uninjured forearm. Range of motion (ROM) of the wrist and elbow, clinical scores, radial and ulnar length were measured. A positive bone length discrepancy of more than 2mm was considered as an overgrowth. Were also studied the radio-ulnar index, radial inclination and radiocarpal angle. Thirteen patients were included. The mean age was 12.1 years old (±3.0 years), they were plated on the radius (10 cases) or on the ulna (3 cases). Mean follow- up was 4.4 years (± 1.8). In two cases, the plated bone (radius) was significantly longer than the uninjured one. There was no significant difference regarding radio-ulnar index, radial inclination and radiocarpal angle. The only statistically significant difference between the operated and uninjured forearm was the pronation/supination range, which was greater in the uninjured forearm (mean 160 ±48° versus 175 ±49°, p=0.01). This study confirms the good functional and radiological outcomes after plating even in a skeletally immature forearm. Level of evidence : IV.

Particularities of African descent patient's electrocardiogram have been described for many years. Variations such as higher QRS voltage, early repolarization pattern, precordial T-wave inversion and anterior ST segment elevation associated with T-wave inversion are more frequently observed. Ignorance of these variations can lead to misdiagnosis or therapeutic negligence. We present the electrocardiographic particularities attributed to the patient of African origin., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Interactions between heart and thyroid are strong. Main cardiac complications of Graves' disease are supra-ventricular tachycardia or high output cardiac failure, without real myocardial involvement., Observation: A 40-year-old man with history of refractory Graves' disease was hospitalized for an acute chest pain with elevated cardiac biomarkers and normal coronarography. Acute myocarditis was confirmed by cardiac MRI. We found no evidence for an infectious etiology. We retained the hypothesis of acute autoimmune myocarditis in the context of active Graves' disease., Conclusion: Acute myocarditis is an exceptional complication of Graves' disease, with most likely an autoimmune mechanism. Possible occurrence of fulminant rhythmic or hemodynamic complications justify minimal cardiological check-up before introducing beta blockers., (Copyright © 2020 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Primary or secondary subtalar joint arthrodesis after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures makes use of talocalcaneal large-diameter screw fixation after an eventual correction of geometric hindfoot deformity. Despite this procedure usually having a successful functional outcome, potential complications occur, including nonunion and malalignment, with an unknown rate of loss of correction or implant migration during the healing period. Angular stable fixation of the subtalar joint arthrodesis with an interlocking nail applied in a minimally invasive technique affords maintenance of the hindfoot position until osseous healing occurs. The key steps of the surgical technique are described., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Real life management of myocardial infarction has not recently been evaluated in France., Aims: To describe ST-elevation myocardial infarction management in France in 2014 and to compare it with current guidelines., Methods: A multicentre study was performed. An e-mail questionnaire was sent to French interventional cardiologists. Demographic data of interventional cardiologists, procedural aspects of percutaneous coronary intervention, antithrombotic treatments and patient rehabilitation have been investigated., Results: One hundred and seventy-six answers were analysed. Most of centres realized more than 600 annual angioplasties. An average of 209 myocardial infarctions were managed per centre in 2014, more often in academic than in general or private centres (respectively 51, 32 and 17% of infarctions). Anti-GPIIbIIIa (34% of the cases) and thromboaspiration were not systematic but depend on patient's characteristics, according to guidelines. Radial access was favoured in 85% of the cases and increased for the last decade. Drug eluting stents were used in 62% of cases. Unfractionated heparin and enoxaparine accounted for more than 80% of anticoagulants treatments. Overall, use of clopidogrel was as high as that of prasugrel or ticagrelor although clopidogrel is recommended in second-line. Cardiovascular rehabilitation was proposed to more than 50% of patients., Conclusion: In spite of heterogeneity of ST-elevation myocardial infarction management in 2014, real-life practices generally comply with current guidelines., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

We report 77 cases of occupational exposures for 57 healthcare workers at the Ebola Treatment Center in Conakry, Guinea, during the Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2014-2015. Despite the high incidence of 3.5 occupational exposures/healthcare worker/year, only 18% of workers were at high risk for transmission, and no infections occurred.

Aims: Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, infective endocarditis (IE) remains a severe disease. The aim of the study was to describe clinical features and prognosis of patients with IE in a non-teaching hospital and compare them with current data and a similar study conducted 10 years earlier in the same center., Methods: We performed a single institution retrospective study including all patients with Duke-Li definite IE between 2004 and 2014., Results: Ninety-four patients were included. Results are consistent with current French and international data, including in-hospital death rate of 16%. In accordance with literature, we report on an increase in Staphylococcus and health care-associated IE and endocarditis on pacemaker leads, but without significant difference compared to our previous study. In univariate analyses, renal failure, age over 77 years and Staphylococcus aureus IE were associated with in-hospital mortality. In multivariate analyses, predictors of in-hospital death were renal failure and lack of surgery. There was a non-significant trend of excess mortality in Staphylococcus endocarditis and in patients with heart failure., Conclusion: IE remains a severe disease and S. aureus is more often involved. IE seems to be safely managed in a peripheral hospital provided that there is a partnership with a reference hospital., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Ebola patients frequently exhibit behavioral modifications with ideation slowing and aggressiveness, sometimes contrasting with mild severity of Ebola disease. We performed lumbar punctures in 3 patients with this presentation and found Ebola virus in all cerebrospinal fluid samples. This discovery helps to discuss the concept of a specific Ebola virus encephalitis., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder causing venous and arterial thrombosis. Acute coronary complications are rare but potentially dramatic., Case Report: We report a 39-year-old woman who presented with an acute anterior myocardial infarction after intravenous corticosteroids as part of the treatment of lupus arthritis and revealing antiphospholipid syndrome. Emergency coronary angiography was performed with drug-eluting stent angioplasty despite the need for anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy., Conclusion: Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy management is pivotal in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and acute coronary syndrome to prevent thrombosis recurrence., (Copyright © 2015 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: The pathogenesis of Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains unclear. The sporadic nature of Ebola outbreaks and their occurrence in resource-limited settings have precluded the acquisition of extensive clinical and laboratory data. Rhabdomyolysis during EVD has been suggested to occur in previous studies showing increased aspartate aminotransferase-alanine aminotransferase ratios, but, to date, has not been confirmed with creatine kinase (CK) assays., Methods: We performed an observational study of 38 patients admitted to an Ebola treatment center from January to April 2015. CK values from patients with confirmed EVD were compared with those in patients without confirmed EVD. A panel of other analyses were also performed. In patients with EVD, characteristics were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors., Results: High levels of CK were more frequent in patients with EVD than in those without (P = .002), and rhabdomyolysis was more frequent (59% vs 19%, respectively; P = .03). CK levels >5000 U/L were observed in 36% of patients with EVD. Also in patients with EVD, fatal outcome was significantly associated with higher creatinine and bilirubin levels, international normalized ratio, and viral load., Conclusions: Rhabdomyolysis is a frequent disorder in EVD and seems to be more common than in other viral infections. It may contribute to the renal failure observed in nonsurviving patients. More studies are needed to determine the impact of rhabdomyolysis on EVD outcome., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is the major determinant of long-term survival in patients after heart transplantation. Clinical presentations are congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Acute coronary syndrome is a rare presentation of cardiac allograft vasculopathy due to myocardial denervation. We present the case of a 31-year-old patient, who had undergone heart transplantation 6 months earlier and who developed a painless anterior myocardial infarction revealed by syncope. He was successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stent implantation., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: The role of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in the evaluation strategy for recurrent syncope in France is limited by lack of knowledge of the cost., Aim: To compare a conventional evaluation strategy for syncope with the early use of an ILR in low-risk patients, in terms of diagnostic yield, cost and impact on quality of life (QoL)., Methods: National prospective randomized open-label multicenter study of patients with a single syncope (if severe and recent) or at least two syncopes in the past year., Results: Seventy-eight patients (32 men) were randomized to the ILR strategy (ILR group, n=39) or the conventional evaluation strategy (CONV group, n=39): mean age 66.2±14.8 years; 4.3±6.4 previous syncopes. After 14 months of follow-up, a certain cause of syncope was established in 18 (46.2%) patients in the ILR group and two (5%) patients in the CONV group (P<0.001). Advanced cardiological tests were performed less frequently in the ILR group than in the CONV group (0.03±0.2 vs. 0.2±0.5 tests per patient; P=0.05). Patients in the ILR group were hospitalized for a non-significantly shorter period than patients in the CONV group (5.7±3.2 vs. 8.0±1.4 days). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of QoL main composite score., Conclusion: In patients with unexplained syncope, the early use of an ILR has a superior diagnostic yield compared with the conventional evaluation strategy, with lower healthcare-related costs., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

We report the case of a 63-year old patient presenting five infective endocarditis (IE) in a 13-years period, with different types of streptococcus. No entrance way had been found until the last relapse occurring on mitro-aortic bioprosthesis. This recurrence leads to the diagnosis of caecal adenocarcinoma by coloscopy, preceded and guided by PET scanner. It seems to be the initial entrance way which had been unrecognized because of its small size and its particular location, that is very difficult to observe by coloscopy. Recurrent streptococcus IE are rare and severe. When a gut or colic tumor is suspected, PET scan seems to be helpful in etiological survey., (Copyright (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis due to a nematode threadworm, Trichinella, essentially Trichinella spiralis. Human cases mostly appeared sporadically, sometimes endemically, related with consumption of larva stinking meat. We report two cases of trichinellosis, including a myocarditis, caused by Trichinella britovi after consumption of frozen wild boar meat.

The occurrence of a left atrial thrombus without a haemodynamic predisposing factor (arrhythmia, mitral valvulopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction) is a rare event. We report a case during the progression of refractory myeloma, four months after stopping treatment with thalidomide. The promoting haemodynamic factors for left atrial thrombosis in sinus rhythm, described in the literature, had been excluded. In our case the potential role of thalidomide is debatable, in the light of recent publications about venous and arterial thromboses observed with this treatment.