The American journal of medicine
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Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) represents a heterogeneous subgroup of patients with cryptogenic stroke, in which despite an extensive diagnostic workup the cause of stroke remains uncertain. Identifying covert atrial fibrillation among patients with ESUS remains challenging. ⋯ Accumulating evidence indicate that long-term continuous monitoring, especially in selected patients with ESUS, significantly increases the possibility of atrial fibrillation detection, suggesting it may be a cost-effective tool in secondary stroke prevention. This review summarizes available evidence related to the use of long-term cardiac monitoring and the use of implantable cardiac monitoring devices in patients with ESUS.
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The diagnostic accuracy of the stethoscope is limited and highly dependent on clinical expertise. Our purpose was to develop an electronic stethoscope, based on artificial intelligence (AI) and infrasound, for the diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS). ⋯ Our initial findings show that an AI-based stethoscope with infrasound capabilities can accurately diagnose AS. AI-based electronic auscultation is a promising new tool for automatic screening and diagnosis of valvular heart disease.
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Epidemiological data on the associations of microvascular disease with atrial fibrillation are scarce. We evaluated the associations of diabetes-related microvascular disease in multiple vascular beds and its burden with incident atrial fibrillation among adults with type 2 diabetes. ⋯ In a large cohort of adults with type 2 diabetes, the presence of microvascular disease and its burden were independently associated with higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation.
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One of the best methods for protection against respiratory diseases is the use of an N95 mask. Supply shortages have demonstrated a significant need for effective alternatives to N95 masks. Benefits of 3D-printed respirators over N95s include reduced cost and ease of production, widespread availability, reusability/sterilizability, and customizability. 3D-printed mask designs have been downloaded thousands of times; however, there is little to no data on the efficacy of these potential alternatives. ⋯ 3D-printed respirators provide a possible alternative to N95 masks to protect against respiratory pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Fit testing results demonstrate that certain 3D-printed mask designs may exceed the fit of N95 masks.