The American journal of the medical sciences
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Broncholithiasis is a rare disease defined as the presence of calcified material (broncholith) within the tracheobronchial tree. We described our experience in broncholithiasis to provide a more effective clinical basis for the management of this condition. ⋯ Broncholithiasis is a benign bronchial disease that can cause complications. Endoscopic removal of broncholiths is considered as initial therapy and surgical removal is suggested as a second-line treatment. Treatment with anti-infectives is required for patients who fail to receive removal of broncholiths.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with high mortality is the common complication in acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to formulate and validate an individualized predictive nomogram for in-hospital incidence of ARDS in Patients with AP. ⋯ The study developed an intuitive nomogram with easily available laboratory parameters for the prediction of in-hospital incidence of ARDS in patients with AP. The incidence of ARDS for an individual patient can be fast and conveniently evaluated by our nomogram.
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Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death globally. Patients with cardiovascular disease are at risk of poor outcomes from deferral of healthcare during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Little is known about recovery of cardiovascular hospitalizations or procedural volume following the COVID-19 surges. We sought to examine the cardiovascular diagnoses requiring healthcare utilization surrounding the first and second COVID-19 waves and characterize trends in return to pre-pandemic levels at a tertiary care center in Massachusetts. ⋯ There was a gradual but initially incomplete recovery to pre-surge levels of hospitalizations and procedures during the reopening phase, which eventually rebounded to meet or exceed pre-COVID-19 levels. To the extent that this reflects deferred or foregone essential care, it may adversely affect long-term cardiovascular outcomes. These results should inform planning for cardiovascular care delivery during future pandemic surges.
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Sepsis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may both present in a single patient in the intensive care unit. The impact of PAH on the sepsis process is not well understood. Here we assess the effect of PAH in patients with sepsis from multiple perspectives. ⋯ PAH had little effect on the inflammation profile in sepsis, but it may worsen the sepsis outcome by impairing cardiac function and subsequent hemodynamic stability.
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Patients undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are generally considered to have successful clinical outcomes; however, there are still significant differences in clinical outcomes among these patients. The aim of the study was to find a common indicator to predict the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in this population. ⋯ In patients with ACS with successful PCI and normal LVEF, elevated NT-proBNP was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes. These results suggest that NT-proBNP is a useful biomarker for prognosis and risk stratification in this population.