scholarly journals Retinal vessels modifications in acute and post-COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Invernizzi ◽  
Marco Schiuma ◽  
Salvatore Parrulli ◽  
Alessandro Torre ◽  
Federico Zicarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Automatic Analysis ◽  
Retinal Vessels ◽  
Good Marker ◽  
And Function

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 primarily affecting the respiratory system which can damage vessels walls virtually in any body district. Changes affecting retinal vessels are a good marker for systemic vascular alterations. This study investigated retinal vessels during the acute phase of COVID-19 and after patients recovery. Fifty-nine eyes from 32 COVID-19 patients and 80 eyes from 53 unexposed subjects were included. Mean arteries diameter (MAD) and mean veins diameter (MVD) were assessed through semi-automatic analysis on fundus color photos at baseline and 6 months later in patients and subjects unexposed to the virus. At baseline MAD and MVD were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to unexposed subjects (p < 0.0001). Both MAD and MVD significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients at follow-up (from 97.5 ± 10.9 to 92.2 ± 11.4 µm, p < 0.0001 and from 133.1 ± 19.3 to 124.6 ± 16.1 µm, p < 0.0001, respectively). Despite this reduction vessels diameter remained significantly higher in severe COVID-19 patients compared to unexposed subjects. Transient retinal vessels dilation could serve a biomarker for systemic inflammation while long-lasting alterations seen in severe COVID-19 likely reflect irreversible structural damage to the vessels walls and should be further investigated for their possible effects on tissues perfusion and function.

scholarly journals Serum Concentrations of Osteogenesis/Osteolysis-Related Factors and Micro-RNA Expression in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tomasz Jadczyk ◽  
Tomasz Francuz ◽  
Wojciech Garczorz ◽  
Malgorzata Kimsa-Furdzik ◽  
Mieczyslaw Dutka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Lv Remodeling ◽  
And Function

Background. Atherosclerosis and bone metabolism share similar molecular and cellular mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate (1) serum concentration of osteogenesis/osteolysis factors panel (Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), TNF-α, N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP), thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (sRANKL), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), (2) serum expression levels of micro-RNA- (miR-) 24-1 and miR-6802, and (3) assess their correlation with myocardial injury and LV remodeling and function in the acute phase of STEMI and after 3 months. Methods. Study enrolled 25 STEMI patients (mean age 55.4 ± 8.96 years). Blood samples were collected 4 days and 3 months after myocardial infarction. Serum concentrations of osteogenesis/osteolysis factors were measured using the Luminex assay. Analysis of miR-24-1, and miR-6802 expression was performed with qPCR. LV function and remodeling were assessed by MRI during index hospitalization and 3 months later. Results. There were no significant differences in serum levels of osteogenesis/osteolysis factors and expression of miR-24-1 and miR-6802 between the acute phase and 3-month follow-up. The levels were similar in patients with at least ≥5% improvement of LVEF (n = 10) and those without improvement. There was a negative correlation between the OPG serum level and LVEF during the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Conclusions. In STEMI patients, serum concentrations of osteogenesis/osteolysis factors, as well as miR-24-1 and miR-6802 expression, do not change significantly within the 3-month follow-up and are not correlated with LV remodeling and function.

scholarly journals Review of Pathogenesis of COVID-19: Considerations

2020 ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
C. N. Stanley ◽  
O. A. Ayodeji ◽  
P. C. Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Primary Target ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Human Respiratory System

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with a primary target on the human respiratory system. Coronavirus disease was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has currently become a global pandemic. A lot is still unknown about COVID -19 pathogenesis. Prompt assessment, adequate follow up, test and retest of recovered cases to corroborate immune related considerations will go a long way to understand the pathogenesis.

scholarly journals POS0677 THE ROLE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND IN PREDICTING THE RESPONSE TO JAK INHIBITORS: RESULTS FROM A LARGE MONOCENTRIC COHORT

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 583-583
Author(s):  
C. Garufi ◽  
F. Ceccarelli ◽  
F. R. Spinelli ◽  
S. Mancuso ◽  
C. Pirone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Jak Inhibitors ◽  
Inflammatory Score ◽  
Inflammatory Status

Background:In the management of chronic arthritis, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ultrasound (US) assessment can provide relevant information about the joint inflammatory status in the diagnostic phase and even more in the monitoring of disease activity and structural damage1,2.Objectives:In this longitudinal study, we aimed to assesse the role of US in predicting the efficacy of JAK-inhibitors (JAKi) in RA patients.Methods:We enrolled RA patients starting baricitinib or tofacitinib. All patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks. Disease activity was calculated by DAS28CRP. US examination in 22 joints (I–V MCPs and PIPs, wrists) aimed at evaluating inflammatory features (synovial effusion and hypertrophy, power Doppler-PD), through a semi-quantitative scale (0-3). The total US (0-198) and PD (0-66) scores were calculated. We scanned bilateral flexor (I–V fingers of hands) and extensor compartments (1-6) tendons: tenosynovitis was scored as absent/present (0/1), resulting in a total score (0-22).Results:We studied 102 patients (M/F 15/87; median age 59.2 years, IQR 17.75; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 126), 61 treated with baricitinib and 41 with tofacitinib. At baseline, the median total US score was 18 (IQR 19) and the median PD score 2 (4). We observed a significant reduction in both total and PD US scores at all time-points (p<0.0001) (Figure 1). At baseline, 75.4% of patients showed tenosynovitis involving at least one tendon, with a median score of 2 (IQR 3.5) significantly decreasing after 24 weeks (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for baseline DAS28CRP and other concomitant treatments (including glucocorticoids and methotrexate treatment), confirmed the independent association between baseline US (PD and tenosynovitis) scores and the reduction of disease activity at follow-up evaluations.Conclusion:The present study confirmed the early efficacy of JAKi in RA patients by using US evaluation. Furthermore, power doppler and tenosynovitis scores could play a predictive role in response to treatment.References:[1]MUELLER RB, HASLER C, POPP F, et al. Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Safety of Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data from the St. Gallen and Aarau Cohorts. J Clin Med. 2019;8(10):1548.[2]COLEBATCH AN, EDWARDS CJ, ØSTERGAARD M, et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging of the joints in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(6):804-14.Figure 1.Ultrasound inflammatory score (a) and Ultrasound Power Doppler (PD) score (b) at baseline and follow-up.Table 1.Baseline characteristics of 414 RA patients.WEEKS04122448US inflammatory score18 (19)11 (15.5)9.5 (11.7)7.5 (8)6 (11)US PD score2 (4)0 (2)0 (1)0 (1)0 (0.7)Disclosure of Interests:Cristina Garufi: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Carmelo Pirone: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Pfizer, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos

scholarly journals Visceral Mycotic Aneurysm: Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm Caused by K. pneumoniae

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Reham Almasoud ◽  
Alaaeddin Nwilati ◽  
Saeb Bayazid ◽  
Mamoun Shafaamri
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Superior Mesenteric Artery ◽  
Mesenteric Artery ◽  
Mycotic Aneurysm ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Resected Tissue ◽  
Infectious Disease Specialists

We herein report a rare case of mycotic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery caused by <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. A 66-year-old man, a known case of hypertension and aorto-oesophageal fistula with stented aorta in 2010 and 2018, presented to the emergency department multiple times over 2 months with severe postprandial abdominal pain associated with vomiting and fever. On his last presentation, the obtained blood cultures grew ESBL positive <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and a repeated computed tomography (CT) showed a growing aneurysm at the origin of the ileocecal branch of the superior mesenteric artery measuring 17 × 10 mm (the aneurysm was 8 × 7.5 mm in the CT angiography on the previous admission). Extensive workup did not reveal the underlying cause of the mycotic aneurysm, thus we believe the cause to be the infected aortic stent, leading to bacteraemia and vegetations to the mesenteric artery causing the aneurysm. The management plan was placed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of vascular surgeons and infectious disease specialists along with review from a dietician to evaluate the patient’s nutritional status. The patient was started on total parenteral nutrition due to his postprandial pain and on antibiotic therapy according to the infectious disease team’s recommendation. He underwent surgical resection of the mycotic aneurysm, which showed a thrombosed aneurysm in the jejunoileal mesenteric area. The histopathology of the resected tissue demonstrated inflammatory aneurysm of the mesenteric artery. Following the surgery, the patient continued his antibiotic therapy and was discharged on the 13th post-operative day with follow-up appointments in the vascular surgery and infectious disease clinic.

Impact of rhythm in non-valvular atrial fibrillation on four cardiac chamber deformation imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Philabout ◽  
L Soulat-Dufour ◽  
I Benhamou-Tarallo ◽  
S Lang ◽  
S Ederhy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Cardiac Rhythm ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Chamber ◽  
Deformation Imaging ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background Few studies have assessed the evolution of cardiac chambers deformation imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to cardiac rhythm outcome. Purpose To evaluate cardiac chamber deformation imaging in patients admitted for AF and the evolution at 6-month follow-up (M6). Methods In forty-one consecutive patients hospitalised for AF two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed at admission (M0) and after six months (M6) of follow up. In addition to the usual parameters of chamber size and function, chamber deformation imaging was obtained including global left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) reservoir strain, global left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) free wall longitudinal strain. Patients were divided into three groups according to their cardiac rhythm at M0 and M6: AF at M0 and sinus rhythm (SR) at M6 (AF-SR) (n=23), AF at M0 and AF at M6 (AF-AF) (n=11), SR at M0 (spontaneous conversion before the first echocardiography exam) and SR in M6 (SR-SR) (n=7) Results In comparison with SR patients (n=7), at M0, AF patients (n=34)) had lower global LA reservoir strain (+5.2 (+0.4 to 12.8) versus +33.2 (+27.0 to +51.5)%; p&lt;0.001), lower global RA reservoir strain (+8.6 (−5.4 to 11.6) versus +24.3 (+12.3 to +44.9)%; p&lt;0.001), lower global LV longitudinal strain (respectively −12.8 (−15.2 to −10.4) versus −19.1 (−21.8 to −18.3)%; p&lt;0.001) and lower global RV longitudinal strain (respectively −14.2 (−17.3 to −10.7) versus −23.8 (−31.1 to −16.2)%; p=0.001). When compared with the AF-SR group at M0 the AF-AF group had no significant differences with regard to global LA and RA reservoir strain, global LV and RV longitudinal strain (Table). Between M0 and M6 there was a significant improvement in global longitudinal strain of the four chambers in the AF-SR group whereas no improvements were noted in the AF-AF and SR-SR group (Figure). Conclusion Initial atrial and ventricular deformations were not associated with rhythm outcome at six-month follow up in AF. The improvement in strain in all four chambers strain suggests global reverse remodelling all cardiac cavities with the restoration of sinus rhythm. Evolution of strain between M0 and M6 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals POS0514 IMPORTANCE OF BODY MASS MEASUREMENT AND THE GRIP STRENGTH TEST TO PREDICT FALLS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 491.2-491
Author(s):  
M. Tada ◽  
Y. Yamada ◽  
K. Mandai ◽  
N. Hidaka
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Survival Rate ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Curve Analysis ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Leg Muscle ◽  
And Function

Background:We previously reported that the prevalence of sarcopenia was 28% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort study 1. RA patients have a high risk of falls and fractures 2. However, the predictors of falls and fractures in RA patients are not known.Objectives:Whether evaluation of muscle mass and function at baseline could predict falls and fractures during four-year follow-up was investigated.Methods:The four-year follow-up data from a prospective, observational study (CHIKARA study: Correlation researcH of sarcopenIa, sKeletal muscle and disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis) were used. Muscle mass was measured by a body impedance analyzer, and leg muscle mass was calculated. The leg muscle score (max: 100, min: 0) reflected the ratio of leg muscle mass to overall weight. Grip strength as an indicator of muscle function was evaluated using a digital, hand-held, isokinetic dynamometer. The correlations between muscle mass or function and falls or fractures were analyzed by survival rates and Cox hazard ratios. Leg muscle mass and grip strength were investigated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for correlations with falls or fractures.Results:A total of 100 RA patients (female: 78%, mean age: 66.1 years) were enrolled; 35 patients had falls, and 19 patients had fractures during the four-year follow-up. The leg muscle score, grip strength, age, and fractures at baseline were significantly correlated with falls. The cut-off values of the leg muscle score and grip strength were calculated to be 84.5 points (sensitivity: 0.79, specificity: 0.43) and 15.9 kg (sensitivity: 0.56, specificity: 0.70), respectively, by ROC curve analysis. The patients were divided into four groups by their leg muscle scores and grip strength; the numbers of falls and fractures are shown in Table 1 for each group. The fall-free survival rate was significantly lower in the group with low leg muscle score and low grip strength (35.3%) than in the other groups (P=0.002) (Figure 1). The hazard ratio for the both low group was significantly increased, 3.6-fold (95%CI: 1.1-11.5), compared to that in the both high group.Table 1.Numbers of falls and fractures by category of leg muscle score and grip strengthLG + GS+(n=34)LG - GS+(n=12)LG + GS-(n=37)LG - GS-(n=17)P value*Falls, N6515110.010Fractures, N34660.072LG+: leg muscle score >84.5 points, GS+: grip strength >15.9kg, LG-: leg muscle score ≤84.5 points, GS+: grip strength ≤15.9kg*: compared in four groups by Kruskal-Walls test.Figure 1.Fall-free survival rate in the four groupsConclusion:RA patients with both low leg muscle score and low grip strength at baseline were at high risk for falls during the four-year follow-up period. Evaluation of muscle mass and function can predict falls in RA patients.References:[1]Tada, M., Yamada, Y., Mandai, K. & Hidaka, N. Matrix metalloprotease 3 is associated with sarcopenia in rheumatoid arthritis - results from the CHIKARA study. Int J Rheum Dis21, 1962-1969, doi:10.1111/1756-185X.13335 (2018).[2]van Staa, T. P., Geusens, P., Bijlsma, J. W., Leufkens, H. G. & Cooper, C. Clinical assessment of the long-term risk of fracture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum54, 3104-3112, doi:10.1002/art.22117 (2006).Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Proximal Lunate Articular Defects

2017 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 329-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Jacoby ◽  
Paul Marchetto ◽  
Peter DeLuca ◽  
Randall Culp ◽  
Michael Gaspar
Keyword(s):  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Osteochondral Defects ◽  
Proximal Row Carpectomy ◽  
Osteochondral Autograft ◽  
Chondral Defects ◽  
Transplantation Surgery ◽  
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Active Patients

Abstract Background No consensus treatment option for focal osteochondral defects of the proximal lunate exist in the literature. Surgical management has thus far been limited to salvage procedures such as proximal row carpectomy and partial arthrodesis. Case Description We report our experience using the osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS) procedure in two young, active patients with focal osteochondral defects of the proximal lunate. At mean follow-up of 6 years, sustained improvements in pain, motion, and function were observed. Both patients reported high levels of satisfaction and neither experienced any complications. Literature Review To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of OATS to treat proximal lunate defects. Clinical Relevance OATS is a valuable surgical option for treating focal chondral defects of the proximal lunate, with positive outcomes at greater than 5 years postoperatively. This may be an especially useful technique for younger, active patients, and those wishing to maintain maximum functionality.

Lung Structure And Function Relation In Elastase-Treated Rats: A Long-Term Follow Up Study

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margit V. Szabari ◽  
Jozsef Tolnai ◽  
Balazs Maar ◽  
Harikrishnan Parameswaran ◽  
Elizabeth Bartolak-Suki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structure And Function ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
And Function ◽  
Function Relation
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