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Context: A healthy, 22-year-old, male NCAA Division I baseball shortstop was experiencing confusion, chest pain, and tightness during an off-season intersquad scrimmage. The patient did not have any significant medical history or mechanism of head injury. After initial evaluation from the athletic trainer, the patient's cognitive status began to quickly decline. The emergency action plan was put in place rapidly and referred the patient to the local emergency clinic. Case Presentation: Upon arrival at the emergency department, an electrocardiogram was performed to rule out myocardial infarction or stroke. The first electrocardiogram results returned negative for any cardiac pathology, but a stroke alert was called. The patient was then transported to a level II trauma center due to continual cognitive decline. The patient was diagnosed with transient ischemic attack (TIA) secondary to an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale (PFO) that would later be diagnosed with further evaluation 2 months after the initial TIA incident. After multiple diagnostic and laboratory tests, the PFO went undetected until a 2D echocardiogram was performed and evaluated by a cardiologist. Management and Outcomes: After the confirmation of the congenital defect, surgical intervention was performed to correct the PFO using catheterization. Despite multiple preparticipation examinations, electrocardiograms, and examination of past family history, the PFO went undetected until the patient experienced symptoms of TIA. The discovery of PFO in this 22-year-old athletic individual is unusual because traditional screening techniques (electrocardiogram and preparticipation examinations) failed to detect the congenital defect. Conclusions: Due to the emergent and timely actions of the athletic trainer, the patient has made a full recovery and is able to compete fully in athletic events. This case study amplifies the need for athletic trainers at all sporting events, updated and reviewed emergency action plans, rapid recognition of TIA in athletic individuals, and return-to-play protocol for an athletic individual after TIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSex and racial disparities in the presentation and management of chest pain persist, however, the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on these disparities have not been studied. We sought to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to pre-existing sex and racial disparities in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study with retrospective data collection of patients between January 1, 2016, and May 1, 2022. This was a single study conducted at a quaternary academic medical center of all patients who presented to the ED with a complaint of chest pain or chest pain equivalent symptoms. Patient were further segregated into different groups based on sex (male, female), race, ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, White, and other), and age (18 - 40, 41 - 65, > 65). We compared diagnostic evaluations, treatment decisions, and outcomes during prespecified time points before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThis study included 95,764 chest pain encounters. Total chest pain presentations to the ED fell about 38% during the early pandemic months. Females presented significantly less than males during initial COVID-19 (48% vs. 52%, P < 0.001) and Asian females were least likely to present. There was an increase in the total number of troponins and echocardiograms ordered during peak COVID-19 across both sexes, but females were still less likely to have these tests ordered across all timepoints. The number of coronary angiograms did not increase during peak COVID-19, and females were less likely to undergo coronary angiogram during all timepoints. Finally, females with chest pain were less likely to be diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during all timepoints, while in-hospital deaths were similar between males and females during all timepoints.ConclusionsDuring COVID-19, females, especially Asian females, were less likely to present to the ED for chest pain. Non-White patients were less likely to present to the ED compared to White patients prior to and during the pandemic. Disparities in management and outcomes of chest pain encounters remained similar to pre-COVID-19, with females receiving less cardiac workup and AMI diagnoses than males, but in-hospital mortality remaining similar between groups and timepoints.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has higher diagnostic accuracy than coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain, while the added diagnostic value of combining CCTA with CAC is unknown. We investigated whether combining coronary CCTA with CAC score can improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD compared with CCTA alone. METHODS: A total of 2315 patients (858 women, 37%) aged 61.1 ± 10.2 from 29 original studies were included to build two CAD prediction models based on either CCTA alone or CCTA combined with the CAC score. CAD was defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on invasive coronary angiography. Models were built by using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept set for the original study. The two CAD prediction models were compared by the likelihood ratio test, while their diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC). Net benefit (benefit of true positive versus harm of false positive) was assessed by decision curve analysis. RESULTS: CAD prevalence was 43.5% (1007/2315). Combining CCTA with CAC improved CAD diagnosis compared with CCTA alone (AUC: 87% [95% CI: 86 to 89%] vs. 80% [95% CI: 78 to 82%]; p

Chest pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) that can be caused by a multitude of etiologies. It can be challenging to differentiate life-threatening conditions from more benign causes. A 54-year-old woman presented to the ED complaining of chest pain with dyspnea in the setting of recent blunt trauma. This case offers a thorough yet practical approach to the diagnostic workup of chest pain with dyspnea in the ED setting. The surprising final diagnosis and case outcome are then revealed.

Introduction: Myocardial ischemia can occur due to several causes, which result in an imbalance between the supply and demand of oxygen to cardiac muscles. One potential reason for this condition is the overwork of the heart due to hyperstimulated thyroid function. Case presentation: The patient was a 36-year-old woman who presented with left-sided chest pain, dyspnea, palpitation, and tremor. The initial evaluation showed evidence of myocardial ischemia (positive high-sensitivity troponin) caused by a hyperactive thyroid gland. The treatment for myocardial infarction, along with anti-thyroid medications, improved the patient's condition and subsided the symptoms. The coronary angiography revealed no pathologic finding, and the hypokinetic left ventricle, observed in the first echocardiogram, was resolved. The patient was discharged with an excellent clinical condition, and after the 4-month taking of a calcium channel blocker and tapering carbimazole, the thyroid function became normal, and her symptoms resolved completely. Conclusion: Patients without evident risk factors for ischemic heart disease, such as non-diabetic, nonsmoker, and young individuals who presented with acute coronary syndrome, should be evaluated for a potential background reason for the imbalance between the oxygen demand and supply of the myocardium. The presence of palpitation, weight loss, tremors, insomnia, and anxiousness, along with ischemic signs, should make the physician think about the probability of the hyperthyroid-induced cardiovascular disorder. Clinical key point: The initial presentation of hyperthyroidism might be accompanied by severe cardiac symptoms. When the demographic features are not aligned with usual ischemic heart disease, other probable symptoms and signs should be investigated, and thyroid function should be checked. The control of thyroid hyperactivity would result in the resolution of both cardiac and non-cardiac symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kounis syndrome is defined as the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes in the setting of allergic or anaphylactic reactions. It primarily affects men aged 40–70 years and is often associated with chest pain. This syndrome is often unrecognized and undiagnosed in clinical practice due to a low level of awareness. Herein, we present a case of type I Kounis syndrome in a young woman without chest pain. Case presentation: A 28-year-old Japanese woman with a history of atopic dermatitis received a glycyrrhizin, glutathione, and neurotropin preparation (a preparation of inflamed skin extract from rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus) at a dermatology clinic to treat pruritus caused by atopic dermatitis. Immediately after the administration, the patient developed abdominal pain and generalized body wheals. The patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis and was transported to our hospital. She had no chest pain on arrival at our hospital; however, a 12-lead electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in leads I, aVL, V2, and V3, and an echocardiogram showed decreased wall motion in the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. Sublingual nitroglycerin administration improved ST-segment elevation and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography, which revealed no significant stenosis, and was diagnosed with type I Kounis syndrome. Conclusion: Kounis syndrome without chest pain is rare in young women. Since it can be fatal in cases with severe allergic symptoms such as anaphylaxis, the possibility of concurrent acute coronary syndrome should be considered when treating systemic allergic reactions, regardless of age, sex, or the presence or absence of chest symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this randomized study was to investigate whether stripping massage (SM) of myofascial trigger points in the lower rhomboid muscle could alleviate chest pain in patients following thoracoscopic surgery. In addition, a literature review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of various pain management techniques. Sixty adult patients who reported a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 4 or higher were randomly assigned to receive conventional analgesics alone (conventional group) or combined with SM twice daily for 2 weeks (SM group). VAS scores and the use of additional analgesics were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30. Using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases, a review of current pain management techniques was carried out up to January 31, 2022. A subgroup analysis was also performed to examine the treatment effect during different surgical periods and techniques. Results showed that the SM group had significantly lower VAS scores on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, and 30 (p < 0.001), as well as a shorter hospitalization duration and reduced need for additional analgesics (p < 0.001). The literature review included a total of 20 studies (2,342 cases of chest pain relief after thoracoscopic surgery), which indicated that serratus anterior plane (SAP) blocks were commonly used as a perioperative approach to reduce pain and opioid consumption. SM and SAP can both serve as adjuvant treatments for chest pain in patients following thoracoscopic surgery, with SM being a safe and noninvasive pain control option after hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary functional testing to formally diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) reduces cardiovascular events and alleviates angina. This study aims to investigate the extensive and complex journey that patients with CMD undergo, from the onset of chest pain to eventual diagnosis. Data from the Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR) were analyzed, including information on the date of first documentation of chest pain, number of non-invasive and invasive tests the patient underwent, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. In addition, we estimated the total cost per patient. A total of 61 patients with CMD diagnosis were included in this analysis. Most patients in our cohort were older than 50 years of age. The median time from initial chest pain symptoms to diagnosis was 0.62 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.06–2.96) years. During this period, patients visited the emergency department a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0.0–2.0) times. Diagnostic tests included 3.0 (IQR: 2.0–6.0) electrocardiograms, 3.0 (IQR: 0.0–6.0) high-sensitivity troponin tests, and 1.0 (IQR: 1.0–2.0) echocardiograms. Prior to diagnosis of CMD, 13 (21.3 %) patients had left heart catheterization without coronary functional testing. Non-invasive testing for ischemia was conducted in 43 (70.5 %) patients. Alternative non-cardiac diagnoses were given to 11 (18.0 %) patients during the diagnostic process, with referrals made to gastroenterology for 16 (26.2 %) and pulmonology for 10 (16.4 %) patients. The cost was almost $2000/patient. Timely identification of CMD offers promising opportunities for prompt symptom alleviation, accompanied by reduced visits to the emergency department, cardiovascular testing, invasive medical procedures, and consequently reduced healthcare expenses. • Angina pectoris impacting millions of individuals around the world • Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a known etiology to cause angina. • This study reveals the journey of CMD patients from chest pain to diagnosis. • Healthcare providers must improve CMD awareness and understanding. • Further research is crucial to optimize CMD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a prevalent condition among patients with cardiovascular risk factors, leading to a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Novel invasive techniques have emerged to more accurately diagnose CMD. However, CMD's natural history remains poorly understood due to limited data. To address this knowledge gap, the Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR) was established with the primary aim of standardizing comprehensive coronary functional testing and understanding of CMD. CMDR is a prospective, multicenter registry enrolling an unlimited number of consecutive subjects who undergo comprehensive invasive hemodynamic assessment of the entire coronary arterial vasculature. Patients undergoing acetylcholine provocation test for coronary vasospasm will also be included. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 30 days and annually for up to 5 years. The primary endpoint is Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina grade over time. Secondary endpoints, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalizations, medication changes, and subsequent coronary interventions, will be analyzed to establish long-term safety and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing invasive CMD assessment. CMDR aims to characterize the clinical and physiologic profile of patients undergoing comprehensive invasive coronary functional testing, simultaneously providing crucial longitudinal information on the natural history and outcomes of these patients. This will shed light on CMD's course and clinical implications, which, in turn, holds the potential to significantly improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for CMD patients, ultimately leading to the enhancement of their overall prognosis and quality of life. clinicaltrials.gov , NCT05960474 • CMD leads to reduced quality of life and increased risk of MACE. • CMD's natural history remains poorly understood due to limited data. • Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry aims to standardize CMD understanding. • CMDR will characterize CMD patients' clinical and physiologic profiles. • This holds the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of CMD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: A floppy Nissen fundoplication with valve calibration (FNF-VC) performed by laparotomy has been described, to reduce postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating after 360°-fundoplication. As laparoscopy is the gold standard for fundoplication, this study reports the first results of a modified FNF-VC adapted for laparoscopy (LFNF). Methods: Seventy-two consecutive patients, who underwent LFNF for refractory GERD between 2012 and 2021, were included. Postoperative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) by GERSS, GERD-HRQL, and GIQLI scores before and after surgery were assessed. Results: The main symptoms were pyrosis (81%), regurgitation (39%), Ear–Nose–Throat symptoms (22%), and thoracic pain (24%). Hiatal hernia was present in 85% (n = 61) of the patients. There was no postoperative mortality, and the severe postoperative morbidity rate (Dindo–Clavien ≥ III) was 6%. After a median follow-up of 3.6 years, only 8% of patients were still taking proton-pump inhibitors. Long-term residual dysphagia was noted in 15% of the patients, but none required reoperation or interventional endoscopic procedures. QoL improved, with a significant reduction in GERSS and GERD-HRQL scores and a postoperative GIQLI of 101.75 (75–117.5). Conclusion: This series reports the safety and efficacy of an FNF-VC adapted for laparoscopy to treat GERD with a limited rate of residual dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmic complication in cancer patients and can be exacerbated by traditional cytotoxic and targeted anticancer therapies. Increased incidence of AF in cancer patients is independent of confounding factors, including preexisting myocardial arrhythmogenic substrates, type of cancer, or cancer stage. Mechanistically, AF is characterized by fast unsynchronized atrial contractions with rapid ventricular response, which impairs ventricular filling and results in various symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Due to increased blood stasis, a consequence of both cancer and AF, concern for stroke increases in this patient population. To compound matters, cardiotoxic anticancer therapies themselves promote AF; thereby exacerbating AF morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. In this review, we examine the relationship between AF, cancer, and cardiotoxic anticancer therapies with a focus on the shared molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms linking these disease processes. We also explore the potential role of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in the management of anticancer-therapy-induced AF. • Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is prevalent among active cancer patients and survivors. • Several classes of anticancer drug therapies also increase AF risk. • Preexisting and cancer-related cardiac remodeling contributes to AF development. • Oxidative stress, inflammation, and ionic alterations have been documented. • Emerging data suggests a role for SGLT2i in management of anticancer-induced AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]