Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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The heart is closely connected with the endocrine system. On the one hand, the heart is an endocrine organ itself and produces several hormones like atrial and brain natriuretic peptides. On the other hand, cardiac structures are targets of many hormones like catecholamines, thyroid hormones, and corticosteroids. ⋯ In this article, we describe three instructive clinical cases of patients with hormonal disorders that mimicked cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we shortly discuss useful diagnostic and treatment algorithms. All cases emphasize the value of interdisciplinary management of patients with cardiac symptoms.
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Kidney patients age faster and vascular risk factors intensify the process. Lifetime is reduced up to 16 years in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and kidney disease. SGLT2 inhibitors play a significant role in maintaining organ function. ⋯ The beta blocker is combined with an SGLT2 inhibitor in the first stage. In the second stage, the angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor and then a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) is used. These therapies have a complementary effect.
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Smoking tobacco is the most important and potentially modifiable risk factor for cancer in Germany. Combining tobacco with alcohol can multiply cancer risks. ⋯ Smokers should be encouraged to stop smoking and join programmes of cancer screening. Smoking cessation effectively reduces tobacco-associated cancer risk.
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Since its beginning, 30 years ago, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart made tremendous progress. Starting from an almost experimental level in the 90 s it has now become a routine tool within cardiac diagnostics. This article presents a selection of present applications of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ Perfusion imaging allows detection of ischemia, and measurement of blood flow quantifies cardiac shunts and valve disorders. In combination with Positron Emission Tomography, the relationship of molecular/cellular processes and functional, microstructural alterations become visible in myocarditis and amyloidosis. Recent contraindications of cMRI/MRI as cardiac devices MRI have been resolved; however, image quality of the heart is still a challenge.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2021
[Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in employees of a general hospital in Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany].
We assessed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the staff of a general hospital in North-Rhine-Westphalia in a cross-sectional study. ⋯ Between 27.04. and 20.05.2020, 3.9 % of the employees working in a general hospital were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. This proportion was lower than expected; possible explanations are the low level of endemic infection and the extensive, uniform in-house preventative measures.