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Kidney disease is frequent in HIV-patients. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman, with known uncontrolled HIV infection and chronic kidney disease due to HIV-associated nephropathy. After starting dolutegravir, the patient developed eosinophilia and worsening kidney function. A kidney biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis. Given the time relation with dolutegravir introduction, it was deemed the culprit medication. Dolutegravir was stopped, and corticosteroids were initiated, with moderate improvement in renal function. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of acute interstitial nephritis to dolutegravir, which should raise awareness of previously undocumented renal effects of antiretroviral therapy.

The recognition of cardiogenic shock in the setting of myocardial ischaemia has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Resuscitative efforts should focus on stabilizing circulatory and respiratory function, with early restoration of coronary blood flow to avoid multi-organ dysfunction and death. However, despite recent progress, the mortality rate remains high, in the order of 40–50%. This article highlights several key recent advances in the management of ischaemic cardiogenic shock, including the use of early bedside echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis, and culprit only lesion strategies of early revascularization. Furthermore, we appraise the variety of mechanical cardiac supports that are increasingly being used to assist the management of ischaemic cardiogenic shock in those cases refractory to pharmacological intervention.

Colonic mucosal injury is rare, but may severely fatal, complications following the administration of calcium polystyrene sulfonate resins. The incidence rate is about 0.57%, administered without sorbitol, and increases to 1.8% when it is concomitant with sorbitol, especially in postoperative patients. In this case report, we demonstrated the case of a 77-year-old female with stage 3b chronic kidney disease presented with in-hospital hematochezia after 3 weeks of calcium polystyrene sulfonate administration. The colonoscopic findings showed several serpiginous ulcers with some oozing at descending and sigmoid colon. The histological findings revealed some focal inflammation and ulcerations with crystal-like materials, compatible with cation exchange resins. The recent in vitro study, explaining the pathogenesis of cation exchange resin-associated colonic mucosal injury, was also reviewed.

Purpose Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) are severe and potentially lethal adverse drug reactions characterized by acute inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes, and ocular surface that typically occurs within weeks of a culprit drug ingestion. The purpose of this study is to report a retrospective trend analysis of SJS spectrum diagnoses and associated culprit drugs in patients admitted to the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) Burn Unit, the major referral center in the Chicagoland region for patients with SJS disease spectrum. Methods The electronic medical records (EMR) of 163 patients with a diagnosis of SJS/TENS admitted to the LUMC Burn Unit from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed. Clinical data in addition to the well-established algorithm of drug causality for epidermal necrolysis (ALDEN) allowed us to identify the single most probable culprit drug in 131 cases. Results From 2000 to 2019, the most common spectrum classification was TENS (48.1%), followed by SJS (33.6%) and SJS-TEN Overlap Syndrome (18.3%). Anticonvulsants were found to be the most probable culprit class in 30% of cases followed by Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in 19% of cases. Beta-lactams were the most probable culprit class in 11% of cases while NSAIDs and allopurinol were each the most probable culprit class/drug in 8.4% of cases. Conclusions This is one of the largest single center series of SJS/TENS cases in the United States. Further study into culprit drug distribution by region as well as continuous monitoring of trends is crucial in order to advise prescribing practices.

AIMS Culprit-plaque morphology [plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE)] and high-risk plaques (HRP) identified by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and residual SYNTAX score (rSS) have been reported to influence clinical outcomes. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic implication of culprit-plaque morphology and rSS for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS Based on plaque morphology and rSS, 274 STEMI patients were divided into 4 groups: PE/low-rSS (n=61), PE/high-rSS (n=58), PR/low-rSS (n=55), and PR/high-rSS (n=100). According to HRP and rSS, patients were stratified to non-HRP/low-rSS (n=97), non-HRP/high-rSS (n=109), HRP/low-rSS (n=19), and HRP/high-rSS (n=49). MACE was defined as the composite of all-cause death, recurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned revascularization of any coronary artery. RESULTS During the follow-up of 2.2 years, 47 (17.2%) MACE were observed. Patients with PR/high-rSS and HRP/high-rSS presented lower survival probability on revascularization and MACE. In fully adjusted analyses, PR/high-rSS group presented higher MACE risk than PE/low-rSS (HR: 4.80, 95% CI: 1.43-16.11, P=0.025). Patients with non-HRP/high-rSS (HR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.01-8.38, P=0.049) and HRP/high-rSS (HR: 8.67, 95% CI: 2.67-28.21, P＜0.001) presented higher risk of cardiac events than non-HRP/low-rSS. Adding rSS and HRP to the risk prediction model increased the C-statistic to 0.797 (95% CI: 0.737-0.857), with ΔC-statistic of 0.066 (P=0.002) and the NRI (46.0%, 95% CI: 20.5-56.8%, P＜0.001) and IDI (8.7%, 95% CI: 3.6-18.2%, P＜0.001). CONCLUSION High-risk plaques in combination with rSS enhanced the predictive ability for MACE, indicating culprit-plaque features and residual atherosclerosis burden should be taken into account in risk stratification of STEMI patients.

Background/purpose Taiwan Drug-Injury Relief System (TDRS) has been implemented since 1999. More than 60% of the approved applications were associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). Studies assessing SCARs using real-world evidence are very limited. TDRS offers abundant case information as a source of real-world evidence to investigate the characteristics of SCARs in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to understand the trends and characteristics of SCARs in Taiwan. Methods Applications from Drug-Injury Relief Database (TDRD) from 1999 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results A declining trend in SCARs application was noticed after 2012, and 952 applications of SCARs were identified. The most common subtypes of SCARs were SJS/TEN (n = 455/206), DRESS (n = 228), GBFDE (n = 34) and AGEP (n = 18). The most common culprit drugs were allopurinol, carbamazepine, phenytoin, diclofenac and lamotrigine for SJS/TEN; allopurinol, phenytoin, co-trimoxazole, carbamazepine and phenobarbital for DRESS; mefenamic acid for GBFDE; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-lactam antibacterials for AGEP. The proportions of mortality cases were 28.9% for SJS/TEN; 36% for DRESS; 11.8% for GBFDE and 5.6% for AGEP. The mean latent period of SJS/TEN, DRESS, GBFDE and AGEP were 21.8 days, 29.2 days, 3.3 days and 6.7 days, respectively. Conclusions The approved drug-injury relief applications associated with SCARs were mainly SJS, TEN and DRESS. The most common culprit drugs were antiepileptics, antibacterials, antigout agents, and NSAIDs. The latent periods showed some distinct features for different types of SCARs. In light of the high mortality rate, public awareness and vigilance of SCARs are crucial for the patient safety.

The aim of this study was to compare the level of coronary inflammation between plaque rupture and plaque erosion using pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation.Vascular inflammation plays a key role in plaque rupture, while the role of inflammation in plaque erosion remains less well defined. PCAT attenuation determined using computed tomography has emerged as a marker specific for coronary artery inflammation.Patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes who underwent preintervention coronary computed tomographic angiography and optical coherence tomographic culprit lesion imaging were enrolled. PCAT attenuation was measured around the culprit lesion and in the proximal 40 mm of all coronary arteries.Among 198 patients, plaque rupture was the underlying mechanism in 107 (54.0%) and plaque erosion in 91 (46.0%). Plaque rupture had higher PCAT attenuation than plaque erosion both at the culprit plaque level (-65.8 ± 7.5 HU vs -69.5 ± 11.4 HU; P = 0.010) and at the culprit vessel level (-67.1 ± 7.1 HU vs -69.6 ± 8.2 HU; P = 0.024). The mean PCAT attenuation of all 3 coronary arteries was also significantly higher in patients with plaque rupture than in plaque erosion, indicating a higher level of inflammation (-67.9 ± 5.7 HU vs -69.9 ± 6.8 HU; P = 0.030). In multivariable analysis, plaque rupture was significantly associated with high PCAT attenuation.PCAT attenuation in culprit plaque, culprit vessel, and all 3 coronary arteries was higher in plaque rupture than in plaque erosion. The results suggest that pancoronary inflammation plays a more significant role in plaque rupture than in plaque erosion. (Massachusetts General Hospital and Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital Coronary Imaging Collaboration; NCT04523194).

BACKGROUND Whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can affect the outcomes of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of DILI in Taiwan, with an emphasis on the impact of HBV infection. METHODS We prospectively recruited patients with DILI from multiple centers in Taiwan from 2010 to 2018. RESULTS A total of 1,014 patients were enrolled. The leading culprit drug category was antimicrobials (481, 47.4%), followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, and statins. Among the antimicrobials, antituberculosis agents were most likely to induce liver injury (257, 25.3%), followed by antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents. The liver-related mortality rate was 8.2% (83/1,014). The patients who died had higher rates of hepatocellular-type liver injury, elevated liver biochemical tests, preexisting liver cirrhosis, jaundice, chronic HBV infection and antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) than the survivors. A total of 131 patients (12.9%) with DILI were HBV carriers, of whom 23 (17.6%) died of hepatic failure. The rate of HBV-DNA > 2000 IU/mL was higher in the patients who died (47.8% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.047) than in the survivors. After adjusting for possible risk factors, active HBV infection with HBV-DNA > 2000 IU/mL was the most significant risk factor for liver-related mortality (adjusted HR: 4.40, 95% CI: 2.31-8.38, p < 0.001). The other independent risk factors for mortality were ATDILI and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score (adjusted HR: 1.25 and 4.09, respectively, p < 0.003). CONCLUSION Antituberculosis agents were the leading cause of DILI in Taiwanese, and they were associated with poorer outcomes than other drug categories. Active HBV infection, ATDILI and ALBI score were independent risk factors for fatal DILI. Close monitoring of liver tests and timely anti-viral therapy should be implemented in HBV carriers during the administration of high-risk drugs, such as antituberculosis agents.

Objectives We assessed the relationship between exposure to air pollutants and mechanisms of coronary instability evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Background Air pollution is an emerging key player in determining the residual risk of coronary events. However, pathophysiological mechanisms linking air pollution and coronary events have been not adequately investigated. Methods Patients with ACS undergoing OCT imaging were retrospectively selected. Mechanism of culprit lesion instability was classified as plaque rupture (PR) or intact fibrous cap (IFC) by OCT, and the presence of macrophage infiltrates (MOI) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) at the culprit site was also assessed. Based on each case’s home address, exposure to several pollutants was evaluated, including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), PM10, and carbon monoxide (CO). Only patients with >2 years of available data on air pollution exposure prior to ACS were enrolled. Results We included 126 patients (median age: 67.0 years of age; interquartile range: 55.5-76.0; 97 male patients [77.0%]). Sixty-six patients (52.4%) had PR as the mechanism of plaque instability. Patients with PR were exposed to significantly higher PM2.5 levels than to IFC, and PM2.5 was independently associated with PR (odds ratio: 1.194; 95% CI: 1.036 to 1.377; P = 0.015). Moreover, exposure to higher levels of PM2.5 was independently associated with the presence of TCFA and of MOI at the culprit site. Interestingly, PM2.5, PM10, and C o levels were positively and significantly correlated with serum levels of C-reactive protein. Conclusions We provide novel insights into the missing link between air pollution and increased risk of coronary events. In particular, exposure to higher concentrations of air pollutants is associated with the presence of vulnerable plaque features and with plaque rupture as a mechanism of coronary instability. An enhanced systemic and plaque inflammatory activation may explain these findings.

Differences in culprit lesion characteristics remain unclear between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables high-resolution in vivo identification of plaques. We investigated potential differences in culprit lesions between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with ACS by means of OCT.We included 191 ACS patients who had undergone preinterventional OCT and stratified them into 2 groups according to their menopausal status: premenopausal (n = 97) and postmenopausal (n = 94). The characteristics of culprit lesions were compared between the 2 groups.Multivessel lesions were more commonly noted on angiography in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group (40.21% vs 72.34%; P0.0001). On OCT, the most common type of culprit plaque was the fibrous plaque in the premenopausal group and the lipid plaque in the postmenopausal group. Compared with the premenopausal group, plaque rupture was more common in the postmenopausal group (39.18% vs 55.32%; P = 0.0254); culprit lesions had more vulnerable features, including macrophage accumulation (58.76% vs 87.23%; P0.0001), microchannel (38.14% vs 84.04%; P0.0001), cholesterol crystals (30.93% vs 62.77%; P0.0001), lipid-rich plaque (32.99% vs 58.51%; P0.0001), thin-cap fibroatheroma (3.09% vs 21.28%; P = 0.0001), and calcium (20.62% vs 44.68%; P = 0.0004); maximum lipid arc was larger (121.06 ± 110.99° vs 220.12 ± 115.47°, P0.0001); and lipid length was longer (5.78 ± 5.29 mm vs 12.90 ± 8.97 mm; P 0.0001).Compared with premenopausal women with ACS, postmenopausal women with ACS had more vulnerable culprit lesions. These finding suggest potential optimised lipid-lowering therapy for postmenopausal women with ACS.

Background The EROSION study (Effective Anti-Thrombotic Therapy Without Stenting: Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography–Based Management in Plaque Erosion) allowed us to observe the healing process of coronary plaque erosion in vivo. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of newly formed healed plaque and different baseline characteristics of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients caused by plaque erosion with or without newly formed healed plaque using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods A total of 137 ACS patients with culprit plaque erosion who underwent pre-intervention OCT imaging and received no stent implantation were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of newly formed healed phenotype at 1-month (137 patients) or 1-year OCT follow-up (52 patients). Patient's baseline clinical, angiographic, OCT characteristics and outcomes were compared. Results There were 55.5% (76/137) of patients developed healed plaque at 1 month, and 69.2% (36/52) of patients developed healed plaque at 1 year. Patients with newly formed healed plaque had larger thrombus burden, and lower degree of area stenosis (AS%) at baseline than those without, and thrombus burden and AS% were predictors of plaque healing. The healing process was accompanied by the significant increase of AS% and incidence of microchannels, and greater inflammatory response. The outcomes appeared to be similar between the two groups. Conclusions Newly formed healed plaque was found in more than half of ACS patients with plaque erosion without stenting. Patients with newly formed healed plaque had lower luminal stenosis and larger thrombus burden. During healing process, luminal stenosis increased gradually.

Background Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) has a 5% incidence after anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Multiple risk factors predispose to LVT formation, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction and infarct size, however measurable predictors during index left heart catheterization (LHC) have not been determined. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients presenting between January 2010 and September 2017 with anterior STEMI who had in-hospital transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). LHC variables that were assessed included coronary anatomy, location of culprit stenosis, presence of diffuse stenosis, number of severely diseased vessels, apical akinesis on left ventriculogram (LVG), left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and success of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results Of 598 consecutive anterior STEMI patients, records and inpatient TTE results were available in 425 patients. The incidence of LVT was 6.8% (n = 29). After multivariate adjustment, severe triple vessel coronary disease (OR = 8.27, CI = 2.97–23.00, p ≤0.001), apical akinesis on LVG (OR = 6.74, CI = 1.48–30.73, p = 0.014), wrap-around left anterior descending (LAD) anatomy (OR = 5.10, CI = 1.97–13.23, p = 0.001), and failure of recanalization after PCI (OR = 3.94, CI = 1.06–14.66, p = 0.04) were predictors for LVT formation. The combined negative predictive value (NPV) for the absence of these four indices was 99.2%. Conclusion Severe triple vessel disease, apical akinesis on LVG during index admission, wrap-around LAD, and failure of recanalization after PCI are associated with increased risk of LVT formation after anterior STEMI. The high NPV for the absence of these indices could serve as a risk stratification tool for LVT risk to guide early TTE utilization.

A 65-year-old man, a smoker, presented to the emergency department with progressive digital ischaemia, fever and weight loss. The clinical examination revealed generalised lymphadenopathy and ischaemic changes of the right distal phalanges of the second, third and fourth fingers. He had an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the cervical lymph node, which showed histopathological findings of classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Paraneoplastic acral vascular syndrome (PAVS) is a rare phenomenon and seen more in solid malignancies. There are very few reported cases of PAVS in haematological malignancies, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This case highlights the idea that the presence of acral vascular syndrome—especially in older patients—should alert physicians to search for an underlying malignancy as part of the medical evaluation. Also, it shows that medical treatment may slow the progress of the digital ischaemia until the culprit tumour has been identified and treated.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a physiological coronary evaluation with the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) of nonculprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) successfully revascularized. METHODS A multicenter registry including patients of four high-volume PCI centers with ACS and underwent successful revascularization of the culprit vessel and had other nonculprit lesions that were physiologically evaluated with the iFR between January 2017 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, probable or definitive stent thrombosis and new revascularization (MACEs). RESULTS A total of 356 patients with 472 nonculprit lesions were included. The mean age was 66 ± 11 years. The clinical presentation was ACS without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS) in 235 patients (66%) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 121 patients (34%). After a median follow-up period of 21 (14-30) months, the primary endpoint occurred in 32 patients (9%). There were no differences in outcomes regarding clinical presentation (NSTEMI vs. NSTE-ACS, 9.1 vs. 8.9%, padj = 0.570) or iFR induced treatment strategy (patients with all lesions revascularized vs. patients with at least one lesion with an iFR > 0.89 deferred for revascularization, 10.5 vs. 8.4%, padj = 0.476). CONCLUSIONS The use of the iFR to guide percutaneous coronary intervention decision making in nonculprit lesions seems to be feasible, with an acceptable percentage of MACEs at the mid-term follow-up. Patients with deferred revascularization of lesions without physiological significance and patients undergoing complete revascularization had a similar risk of MACEs.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may lead to adverse remodelling and impaired cardiac function. Limited data exists on the effect of culprit coronary artery lesion site and impact on longitudinal cardiac remodelling. The present study included a total of 299 patients suffering from ACS treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All patients had two echocardiographic examinations. The first echocardiography was median 2(IQR: 1;3) days following PCI, while the follow-up echocardiography (FUE) was median 257(IQR: 96;942) days following the first. Patients were grouped based on coronary artery PCI location; left anterior descending artery (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA) or circumflex artery (Cx). Patients with multiple lesions were excluded. Mean age was 63 ± 11 years and 77% were male. At FUE, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42 ± 9% and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was - 13 ± 4%. PCI treatment was allocated as 168 LAD lesions, 95 RCA lesions, and 36 Cx lesions. Linear regression analysis showed that patients with a LAD lesion displayed worsening in E/A (mean ∆ = 0.05, β = - 0.196, p = 0.001) and a larger increase in LVEDV (mean ∆ = 33.18 mL, β = 0.135, p = 0.012). Meanwhile patients with Cx lesion were significantly associated with a larger decrease in E/e' (mean ∆ = 2.6, β = - 0.120, p = 0.028). Patients with Cx lesion were observed to have elevated E/e' at baseline, which normalized at FUE. The present study suggests that culprit coronary artery lesion has a differential impact on myocardial remodelling. This information may potentially aid in understanding the pathophysiological differences in cardiac structure and function amongst patients with ACS.

Background The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is an indicator of arterial stiffness and has been reported to be associated with the severity of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. However, whether CAVI can predict the composition of coronary plaques remains unclear. Methods We enrolled 208 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for culprit lesions evaluated with iMAP-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), a radiofrequency imaging system for characterizing tissues. iMAP-IVUS classified the culprit plaque composition as fibrotic, lipidic, necrotic, or calcified, and the respective absolute volumes [fibrotic volume (FV), lipidic volume (LV), necrotic volume NV, and calcified volume] and their ratios (%) within the total plaque volume were calculated. A plaque with a median %NV of ≥ 33.2% was defined as a larger NV (LNV) plaque. We measured CAVI and divided the patients into two groups according to CAVI ≥8 (high CAVI, n = 164) or Results Culprit plaques had significantly greater absolute NV (p = 0.016), %NV (p = 0.01), and smaller %FV (p = 0.02) in patients with high CAVI than in those with low CAVI. Patients with high CAVI had a higher prevalence of LNV plaques in culprit lesions than those with low CAVI (54% vs. 34%, p = 0.026). CAVI correlated significantly and positively with absolute NV, LV, and negatively with %FV. In logistic regression analysis after adjustment for the classic coronary risk factors and possible variables associated with vulnerable plaques, high CAVI had an independent and significant association with the presence of LNV plaques (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.45–7.79; p = 0.0032). Conclusions A high CAVI is associated with the composition of coronary culprit plaques, particularly increased amount of necrotic tissue, in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI .

Purpose To investigate characteristics of intra- and extracranial arterial culprit plaques between patients with single infarct and multiple-infarcts by a head-neck combined high resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-MRVWI). Materials and methods Forty-three patients with recent ischemic stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis were enrolled. The head-neck combined HR-MRVWI was performed in all patients both pre- and post-contrast administration. Based on diffusion weighted imaging findings, patients were divided into single-infarction and multiple-infarction groups. For patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke, they were also divided into perforating artery infarction (PAI) and non-PAI groups. Patient demographics, number and location of culprit plaques, artery stenosis percentage, intraplaque hemorrhage, and plaque enhancement were evaluated and compared between single-infarction and multiple-infarction groups, as well as between PAI and non-PAI groups. Results A total of 83 culprit plaques were identified. The artery stenosis degree was more severe and plaque enhancement more prominent in multiple-infarction group than in single-infarction group. Patients with multiple infarcts also had more culprit plaques per patient than those with single infarct, which contributed to the occurrence of multiple infarcts. For comparison of PAI and non-PAI groups, a higher artery stenosis percentage was observed in non-PAI group, and patients with non-PAI had more culprit plaques per patient, which contributed to a variety of infarct manifestations. Conclusion A higher stenosis grade and higher number of culprit plaques seem to be associated with a higher number of cerebral infarcts in patients with large artery atherosclerosis.

Approximately 50% of patients presenting with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). A number of randomized studies ( Table 1 ) have all shown that complete revascularization (CR), either at the time of primary percutaneous coronary revascularization (PPCI) or within 45 days of the index admission, is safe and reduces the risk of repeat coronary revascularization and myocardial infarction (MI), particularly in the non-infarct related artery (NIRA). Despite consistently showing clinical benefit for CR, the results from the trials show variations in what drives this effect. Specifically, no study to date has provided a mechanistic insight as to how complete revascularization of chronic bystander disease may lead to the observed clinical benefit. Indeed, the randomized studies, through the variable nature of their results (reduction in MI versus revascularization etc.), have suggested the possibility that there are differing mechanisms for the observed benefit. In this review, we summarize the evidence base, highlight the limitations, and make the case that we need to understand the mechanism(s) underpinning the advantage of revascularization of NIRA in order to establish which patients are most likely to benefit. Without this insight, the current “one size fits all” approach may lead us in the wrong direction.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging is used to detect cardiac inflammation and predict functional outcome in acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, data on the correlation of post-MI acute cardiac inflammation evaluated by 18F-FDG imaging and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are limited. Therefore, we sought to explore the prognostic value of cardiac 18F-FDG imaging in patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Thirty-six patients with STEMI underwent 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) 5 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. 18F-FDG activity in infarcted and remote regions, as well as peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT), were measured and expressed as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Patients were followed to determine the occurrence of MACE. The infarcted myocardium had a higher 18F-FDG intensity than the remote area. Moreover, the PCAT of culprit coronary arteries showed a higher 18F-FDG uptake than that of non-culprit arteries. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that increased SUVmax of PCAT [HR 5.198; 95% CI (1.058, 25.537), P = .042] was independently associated with a higher risk of MACE. Enhanced PCAT activity after acute MI is related to the occurrence of MACE, and 18F-FDG PET/CT plays a promising role in providing prognostic information in patients with STEMI.

Purpose of review To provide updates on recent advances in the diagnosis and management of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Recent findings The number of identified HLA allele associations with DRESS continues to grow. There is increasing evidence indicating viral infection, reactivation, and cross-reactivity may play key roles in disease. Translational work illuminated JAK/STAT activation in recalcitrant disease. There is expanding recognition of rapid-onset DRESS resulting from specific drugs. Summary DRESS is a severe form of adverse drug reaction with potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Recent research advances may improve clinical care. HLA screening can now be performed to prevent disease in susceptible patients and may help identify culprit drugs in the near future. Viral testing should be performed on every patient, and if positive, patients potentially treated with antiviral therapy. JAK inhibitors may be an effective treatment option for DRESS. Early onset of disease relative to drug exposure should not exclude the diagnosis of DRESS.

Introduction: Women perform worse after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) than men. The reason for these differences is unclear. The aim was to ascertain gender differences in the culprit plaque characteristics in ACS. Methods:Patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for the culprit vessel underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Culprit plaque was identified as lipid rich,fibrous, and calcific plaque. Mechanisms underlying ACS are classified as plaque rupture, erosion,or calcified nodule. A lipid rich plaque along with thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was a vulnerable plaque. Plaque microstructures including cholesterol crystals, macrophages, and microvessels were noted. Results: A total of 52 patients were enrolled (men=29 and women=23). Baseline demographic features were similar in both the groups except men largely were current smokers (P

Non–thrombotic pulmonary embolism can occur from rare but diverse etiology and is not well understood. Increasing prevalence of osteoporosis in the aging population has contributed to increased utilization of percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures of vertebroplasty and its recent modification, kyphoplasty. Though these procedures are relatively well tolerated, there is risk of potentially fatal complication of bone cement embolization to distant vasculature. We report a case of symptomatic pulmonary cement emboli developed 2 day's post kyphoplasty and its successful treatment with novel anticoagulant for 6 months. We also summarize evidence to assist clinicians and radiologists for early identification, treatment, and prevention of cement pulmonary emboli.

Although acute coronary syndrome culprit lesions occur more frequently in the proximal coronary artery, whether the proximal clustering of high-risk plaque is reflected in earlier-stage atherosclerosis remains unclarified. We evaluated the longitudinal distribution of stable atherosclerotic lesions on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in 1,478 patients (mean age, 61 years; men, 58%) enrolled from a prospective multinational registry of consecutive patients undergoing serial CCTA. Of 3,202 coronary artery lesions identified, 2,140 left lesions were classified (based on the minimal lumen diameter location) into left main (LM, n = 128), proximal (n = 739), and other (n = 1,273), and 1,062 right lesions were classified into proximal (n = 355) and other (n = 707). Plaque volume (PV) was the highest in proximal lesions (median, 26.1 mm3), followed by LM (20.6 mm3) and other lesions (15.0 mm3, p

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) reperfusion delays despite reduced emergency department (ED) volumes. However, little is known about ED contributions to these delays. We sought to measure STEMI delays and ED quality benchmarks over the course of the first two waves of the pandemic. STUDY: This study was a multi-centre, retrospective chart review from two urban, academic medical centres. We obtained ED volumes, COVID-19 tests and COVID-19 cases from the hospital databases and ED Code STEMIs with culprit lesions from the cath lab. We measured door-to-ECG (DTE) time and ECG-to-Activation (ETA) time during the phases of the pandemic in our jurisdiction: pre-first wave (Jan-Mar 2020), first wave (Apr-June 2020), post-first wave (July-Nov 2020), and second wave (Dec 2020 to Feb 2021). We calculated median DTE and ETA times and compared them to the 2019 baseline using Wilcox rank-sum test. We calculated the percentages of DTE ≤10 min and of ETA ≤10 min and compared them to baseline using chi-square test. We also utilized Statistical Process Control (SPC) Xbar-R charts to assess for special cause variation. RESULTS: COVID-19 cases began during the pre-wave phase, but there was no change in ED volumes or STEMI quality metrics. During the first wave ED volumes fell by 40%, DTE tripled (10.0 to 29.5 min, p = 0.016), ETA doubled (8.5 to 17.0 min, p = 0.04), and percentages for both DTE ≤10 min and ETA ≤10 min fell by three-quarters (each from more than 50%, to both 12.5%, both p < 0.05). After the first wave all STEMI quality benchmarks returned to baseline and did not significantly change during the second wave. A brief period of special cause variation was noted for DTE during the first wave. CONCLUSIONS: Both DTE and ETA metrics worsened during the first wave of the pandemic, revealing how it negatively impacted the triage and diagnosis of STEMI patients. But these normalized after the first wave and were unaffected by the second wave, indicating that nurses and physicians adapted to the pandemic to maintain STEMI quality of care. DTE and ETA metrics can help EDs identify delays to reperfusion during the pandemic and beyond.

Background Evidence is limited regarding the role of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CGS). In particular, the role of MCS in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is unknown. Methods The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI) is a multicenter United States registry of patients with ACS complicated by CGS treated with MCS. We compared the rate of survival to hospital discharge among patients with OHCA, in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), or no cardiac arrest. We subsequently used multivariable analyses to determine independent predictors of OHCA survival. Results Survival to hospital discharge occurred in 85.7% (42/49) of OHCA, 72.4% (50/69) of IHCA, and 74.5% (111/149) of non-cardiac arrest patients. By multivariable analysis, pre-procedural predictors of survival included younger age, female sex, fewer diseased vessels, left anterior descending coronary artery culprit, lower troponin, higher lactate, and delayed initiation of MCS. Procedural and post-procedural predictors of survival included fewer vessels treated, complete revascularization, higher post-MCS cardiac power output, and fewer inotropic medications required. Conclusions This study demonstrates that excellent outcomes may be achieved following OHCA when MCS is employed for patients appropriately selected by prognostic demographic, anatomic, and health status characteristics. A larger study population, currently being enrolled, is needed to validate the observation further.

Background: South Asians, and Indians in particular, are known to have a higher incidence of premature atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with worse clinical outcomes, compared to populations with different ethnic backgrounds. However, the underlying pathobiology accounting for these differences has not been fully elucidated. Methods: ACS patients who had culprit lesion optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging were enrolled. Culprit plaque characteristics were evaluated using OCT. Results: Among 1315 patients, 100 were South Asian, 1009 were East Asian, and 206 were White. South Asian patients were younger (South Asians vs. East Asians vs. Whites: 51.6 ± 13.4 vs. 65.4 ± 11.9 vs. 62.7 ± 11.7; p < 0.001) and more frequently presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (77.0% vs. 56.4% vs. 35.4%; p < 0.001). On OCT analysis after propensity group matching, plaque erosion was more frequent (57.0% vs. 38.0% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.003), the lipid index was significantly greater (2281.6 [1570.8–3160.6] vs. 1624.3 [940.9–2352.4] vs. 1303.8 [1090.0–1757.7]; p < 0.001), and the prevalence of layered plaque was significantly higher in the South Asian group than in the other two groups (52.0% vs. 30.0% vs. 34.0%; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Compared to East Asians and Whites, South Asians with ACS were younger and more frequently presented with STEMI. Plaque erosion was the predominant pathology for ACS in South Asians and their culprit lesions had more features of plaque vulnerability. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03479723

Tricuspid annular PVCs constitute 8% of idiopathic PVCs and 5% of RV PVCs. Although a rare entity to encounter in routine clinical practice, it can be a prime culprit behind major arrhythmic burden in few individuals. Electroanatomic approach with sub tricuspid retrograde catheter technique can target those annular PVCs and decrease the arrhythmia burden to normal or near normal range. Although procedural approach for parahisian PVCs requires a close look to avoid injury to native conduction system, TA PVCs are a real challenge due to inherent catheter instability and contact issue in sub tricuspid retrograde approach.

The mechanisms behind poorer cardiac outcomes in underweight patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are not understood and features of coronary culprit lesions in underweight ACS patients have not been fully examined. A total of 1,683 patients with ACS were divided into 4 groups according to body mass index (BMI):18.5 (n = 73), 18.5 to 24.9 (n = 995), 25 to 29.9 (n = 488), and ≥30 (n = 117). Angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were analyzed for 1,428 of these patients who had primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 838 who had primary PCI with OCT guidance, respectively. Diabetes (p0.001), hypertension (p0.001), and dyslipidemia (p0.001) were less prevalent in BMI18.5. Statin prescription at discharge was less frequent in the BMI18.5 group (p0.001). Quantitative coronary angiography analyses revealed smaller reference vessel (p = 0.001) and minimum lumen diameters after PCI (p = 0.019) and OCT revealed longer lipidic plaque length (p = 0.029) in the BMI18.5 group. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed higher rates of cardiac mortality (p0.001) and major bleeding (p = 0.034) during the 2-year follow-up in the BMI18.5 group. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, BMI18.5 independently predicted 2-year cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 1.917 [95% confidence interval [1.082 to 3.397], p = 0.026). In conclusion, being underweight contributed to poorer cardiac outcomes in established ACS population. Smaller minimum lumen diameter after PCI and further progressed atherosclerosis at the culprit lesions despite their lower prevalence of comorbid metabolic risk factors may be related partly to poorer cardiac outcomes.

Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) has been suggested as a precursor lesion of coronary plaque rupture. As elevated plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels have been documented in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), we sought to determine whether the presence of TCFA is linked to MMP-9 levels in these patients.We evaluated 51 ACS patients with de novo culprit lesions who were examined via optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound. Blood samples were obtained from the peripheral vein (PV) and the ostium and culprit lesion of the infarct-related coronary artery (CA) in the acute phase of ACS and from the PV in the chronic phase (8 months after ACS).The plasma MMP-9 level in the acute phase was significantly higher than that in the chronic phase. Plasma MMP-9 levels at the culprit lesion of the infarct-related CA were significantly higher than, but positively correlated with those in the PV (10.9 (5.9-16.1) ng/mL and 8.9 (5.6-13.0) ng/mL, p0.0001, respectively; Spearman ρ = 0.84, p0.0001). Significantly higher PV plasma MMP-9 levels were observed in patients with TCFA than in patients without TCFA (12.1 (7.0-13.5) and 5.7 (4.0-8.2) ng/ml, p0.0001, respectively). Further, plasma MMP-9 levels in the PV were positively correlated with the remodeling index (Spearman ρ = 0.29, p = 0.039) and negatively correlated with fibrous cap thickness (Spearman ρ = -0.42, p = 0.0021). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the plasma MMP-9 levels in the PV could predict the presence of TCFA at a cut-off value of 9.9 ng/mL.Plasma MMP-9 levels were closely associated with MMP-9 levels in the CA and were further linked with TCFA in patients with ACS.

BACKGROUND: The 12-lead ECG plays an important role in triaging patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, making automated ECG interpretation statements of “Acute MI” or “Acute Ischemia” crucial, especially during prehospital transport when access to physician interpretation of the ECG is limited. However, it remains unknown how automated interpretation statements correspond to adjudicated clinical outcomes during hospitalization. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of prehospital automated interpretation statements to four well-defined clinical outcomes of interest: confirmed ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); presence of actionable coronary culprit lesions, myocardial necrosis, or any acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: An observational cohort study that enrolled consecutive patients with non-traumatic chest pain transported via ambulance. Prehospital ECGs were obtained with the Philips MRX monitor from the medical command center and re-processed using manufacturer-specific diagnostic algorithms to denote the likelihood of >>>Acute MI<<< or >>>Acute Ischemia<<

The primary concern of justice department law enforcement as the arms of the criminal justice system is the rapid discovery of the crime. This article seeks to investigate the attitude of Iran's criminal policy or, more specifically, Iran's criminal policy towards the observance of the right to remain silent in trials. In line with this, the problem of the study translates into the question: what are the results of the observance of the right to silence of the accused in the different stages of the criminal process? Utilizing the documentary investigation method, issues related to the right of the accused to remain silent in Iran's criminal proceedings at the stage of discovery of the crime, the initial investigation stage, and the trial stage in Iran's laws on criminal procedures were investigated seminally. Among the main conclusions is that Iran's trial system, which was in line with the inquisitorial trial system, changed its procedures with the passage of the law on criminal trial procedures in 2013 and was influenced by the effect of international human rights regulations.

Background The causes of idiopathic ileocolic intussusception are unknown, with infection as the most likely culprit. Recently, social distancing measures were implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to decrease transmissible infectious diseases, creating an opportune setting to study the role of infection on the pathogenesis of intussusception on a population level. Objective To investigate the impact of social distancing on intussusception. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed air contrast enemas and pylorus ultrasounds performed between March 2010 and March 2021 to identify cases of ileocolic intussusception and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), using the latter as a negative control. The study time frame was divided into two periods: pre-pandemic (March 2010–February 2020) and pandemic (April 2020–March 2021). The number of cases that occurred in these two time periods were compared using the Poisson regression model. Results Of the 407 cases of idiopathic ileocolic intussusception identified, 396 occurred in the pre-pandemic time period (mean = 39.6 per 12-month period) and 11 occurred in the 12-month pandemic time period. The mean monthly number of intussusceptions showed a decline of 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49–85%) between the pre-pandemic and pandemic time periods (3.3 vs. 0.9 monthly cases; P

Background Limits to ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) criteria may lead to prolonged diagnostic time for acute coronary occlusion. We aimed to reduce ECG-to-Activation (ETA) time through audit and feedback on STEMI-equivalents and subtle occlusions, without increasing Code STEMIs without culprit lesions. Methods This multi-centre, quality improvement initiative reviewed all Code STEMI patients from the emergency department (ED) over a one-year baseline and one-year intervention period. We measured ETA time, from the first ED ECG to the time a Code STEMI was activated. Our intervention strategy involved a grand rounds presentation and an internal website presenting weekly local challenging cases, along with literature on STEMI-equivalents and subtle occlusions. Our outcome measure was ETA time for culprit lesions, our process measure was website views/visits, and our balancing measure was the percentage of Code STEMIs without culprit lesions. Results There were 51 culprit lesions in the baseline period, and 64 in the intervention period. Median ETA declined from 28.0 min (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.0–45.0) to 8.0 min (95%CI 6.0–15.0). The website garnered 70.4 views/week and 27.7 visitors/week in a group of 80 physicians. There was no change in percentage of Code STEMIs without culprit lesions: 28.2% (95%CI 17.8–38.6) to 20.0% (95%CI 11.2–28.8%). Conclusions Our novel weekly web-based feedback to all emergency physicians was associated with a reduction in ETA time by 20 min, without increasing Code STEMIs without culprit lesions. Local ECG audit and feedback, guided by ETA as a quality metric for acute coronary occlusion, could be replicated in other settings to improve care.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore head and neck injuries secondary to accidents involving pogo sticks. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Submission System (NEISS). Head and neck injuries resulting from the use of a pogo-stick were included. The predictor variables were demographics, type, site, context of injury, and season in which the injury occurred. The primary outcome variable was admission rate, used to estimate the severity of the injury. We employed chi-squared and independent sample tests to determine whether an association existed or not. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the odds of admission for all significant variables. RESULTS A total of 619 pogo stick injuries were included, with 96.1% under 18 years of age. The decrease in the number of injuries from the year 2000 to 2019 was significant (P = .003). Nearly all patients were under 18 (96.1%), with the remaining few being 18 or older. Laceration (43.8%) was the most common primary diagnosis. The head (37.2%) was the most commonly injured anatomical region, followed by the face (32.8%). The majority of the injuries took place at the patient's home (85.9%). Patients with head injuries were more likely to be admitted relative to patients who didn't suffer head injuries (P < .01). Concerning primary diagnosis, patients who suffered fractures and internal organ injuries were more likely to be admitted relative to patients without the respective injuries (P < .01). On the contrary, patients who suffered lacerations were less likely to be admitted than patients who did not suffer lacerations (P < .01). After controlling for all possible covariates, fracture (OR, 12.31; P < .01) was independently associated with increased odds of admission. Additionally, compared to all other injuries, fractures were roughly 21 times (P < .05) more likely to get admitted. Patients under 18 were less likely to suffer an internal organ injury relative to patients age 18 or older (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Head and neck injuries secondary to pogo sticks illustrated a predilection to the head. Fractures were the culprit behind the significantly increased odds of admission. Hence, all sectors of society should conceive different measures and implement them to protect against skull fractures (ie, helmet). Despite the decline in popularity of pogo sticks over the last two decades, all remaining riders should wear a helmet as religiously as bicycles or scooter riders to protect against skull fractures.

Background Out of Hospital Cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors with ST elevation (STE) with or without shockable rhythms often benefit from coronary angiography (CAG) and, if indicated, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the benefits of CAG and PCI in OHCA survivors with nonshockable rhythms (PEA/asystole) and no STE are debated. Methods Using the International Cardiac Arrest Registry (INTCAR 2.0), representing 44 centers in the US and Europe, comatose OHCA survivors with known presenting rhythms and post resuscitation ECGs were identified. Survival to hospital discharge, neurological recovery on discharge, and impact of CAG with or without PCI on such outcome were assessed and compared with other groups (shockable rhythms with or without STE). Results Total of 2113 OHCA survivors were identified and described as; nonshockable/no STE (Nsh-NST) (n = 940, 44.5%), shockable/no STE (Sh-NST) (n = 716, 33.9%), nonshockable/STE (Nsh-ST) (n = 110, 5.2%), and shockable/STE (Sh-ST) (n = 347, 16.4%). Of Nsh-NST, 13.7% (129) were previously healthy before CA and only 17.3% (161) underwent CAG; of those, 30.4% (52) underwent PCI. A total of 18.6% (174) Nsh-NST patients survived to hospital discharge, with 57.5% (100) of such survivors having good neurological recovery (cerebral performance category 1 or 2) on discharge. Coronary angiography was associated with improved odds for survival and neurological recovery among all groups, including those with NSh-NST. Conclusions Nonshockable initial rhythms with no ST elevation post resuscitation was the most common presentation after OHCA. Although most of these patients did not undergo coronary angiography, among those who did, 1 in 4 patients had a culprit lesion and underwent revascularization. Invasive CAG should be at least considered for all OHCA survivors, including those with nonshockable rhythms and no ST elevation post resuscitation. Brief abstract Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors with ST elevation and/or shockable rhythms benefit from coronary angiography and revascularization. Nonshockable cardiac arrest survivors with no ST elevation have the worst prognosis and rarely undergo coronary angiography. Nonshockable rhythms with no ST elevation was the most common presentation after OHCA and among a small subgroup underwent coronary angiography, 1 in 4 patients with had culprit lesion and underwent revascularization. Coronary angiography was associated with high prevalence of acute culprit coronary lesions and should be considered for those with a probably cardiac cause for their arres.