Chest
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A 44-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of persistent upper-back pain, chest discomfort, and dyspnea. He denied any precipitating events such as trauma or vigorous activity before the presentation of symptoms. ⋯ Chest CT scan performed during an asthma exacerbation 2 years earlier demonstrated two left-side lung blebs. He had no prior surgical procedures.
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It remains uncertain whether patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a single additional stroke risk factor (CHA2DS2-VASc score = 1 in males, 2 in females) should be treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC). We investigated the risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism and death in a community-based cohort of unselected AF patients with a 0-1 stroke risk factors, based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. ⋯ Among AF patients with one single additional stroke risk factor (CHA2DS2-VASc score = 1 in males, 2 in females), OAC use was associated with an improved prognosis for stroke/systemic thromboembolism/death.