scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of pericardial delayed hyperenhancement helps identify patients with ongoing recurrences of pericarditis

Open Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e000944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnav Kumar ◽  
Kimi Sato ◽  
Beni Rai Verma ◽  
Chandra Kanth Ala ◽  
Jorge Betancor ◽  
...  

ObjectivesRecurrences of pericarditis (RP) are often difficult to diagnose due to lack of clinical signs and symptoms during subsequent episodes. We aimed to investigate the value of quantitative assessment of pericardial delayed hyperenhancement (DHE) in diagnosing ongoing recurrences of pericarditis.MethodsQuantitative DHE was measured in 200 patients with established diagnosis of RP using cardiac MRI. Conventional clinical criteria for diagnosis of pericarditis were ≥2 of the following: chest pain, pericardial rub, ECG changes and new or worsening pericardial effusion.ResultsA total of 67 (34%) patients were identified as having ongoing episode of recurrence at the time of DHE measurements. In multivariable analysis, chest pain (OR: 10.9, p<0.001) and higher DHE (OR: 1.32, p<0.001) were associated with ongoing recurrence of RP. Addition of DHE to conventional clinical criteria significantly increased the ability to diagnose ongoing recurrence (net reclassification improvement (NRI): 0.80, p<0.001; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI): 0.12, p<0.001). Among 150 patients with history of RP who presented with chest pain, higher DHE was still independently associated with ongoing recurrence (OR: 1.28, p<0.001), showed incremental value over clinical criteria (NRI: 0.76, p<0.001; IDI: 0.13, p<0.001) and demonstrated a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 74%.ConclusionAmong patients with RP, quantitative DHE provided incremental information to diagnose ongoing recurrences over conventional clinical criteria of pericarditis. Quantitative DHE demonstrated acceptable test characteristics to diagnose ongoing recurrence even in RP patients presenting with chest pain.

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
HO Lee

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction is inversely related to the time between the onset of signs and symptoms and definitive therapy, long delays in seeking treatment have been reported consistently. A variety of reasons for the delays have been suggested. Because such delays are associated with longer hospital stays and higher mortality and morbidity, interventions that reduce delays are especially important. PURPOSE: To examine research on patients with myocardial infarction who delay seeking professional treatment and the factors related to the delay, and to review studies indicating that black patients have premonitory clinical signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction and changes in the structure and function of the cardiovascular system that are different from those in whites. METHODS: Studies were reviewed by using MEDLINE and by doing a manual search of relevant research journals in cardiovascular, nursing, and behavioral medicine published since 1970. Data published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research were also reviewed. RESULTS: Although the lengths of the delays have varied considerably, blacks have generally experienced longer delays than whites between acute onset of signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction and arrival at the emergency department. Studies show that black patients have a lower incidence of classic chest pain or discomfort but an increased incidence of dyspnea, whereas white patients are much more likely to complain of chest pain. CONCLUSION: Culturally sensitive public education about typical and atypical premonitory clinical signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction and the significance of early treatment of myocardial infarction in blacks is needed.


2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2021-322290
Author(s):  
Jordan E Roberts ◽  
Jeffrey I Campbell ◽  
Kimberlee Gauvreau ◽  
Gabriella S Lamb ◽  
Jane Newburger ◽  
...  

ObjectiveFeatures of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) overlap with other febrile illnesses, hindering prompt and accurate diagnosis. The objectives of this study were to identify clinical and laboratory findings that distinguished MIS-C from febrile illnesses in which MIS-C was considered but ultimately excluded, and to examine the diseases that most often mimicked MIS-C in a tertiary medical centre.Study designWe identified all children hospitalised with fever who were evaluated for MIS-C at our centre and compared clinical signs and symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 status and laboratory studies between those with and without MIS-C. Multivariable logistic LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression was used to identify the most discriminative presenting features of MIS-C.ResultsWe identified 50 confirmed MIS-C cases (MIS-C+) and 68 children evaluated for, but ultimately not diagnosed with, MIS-C (MIS-C-). In univariable analysis, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, fatigue, hypoxaemia, tachypnoea and hypotension at presentation were significantly more common among MIS-C+ patients. MIS-C+ and MIS-C- patients had similar elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP), but were differentiated by thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated ferritin, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, BNP and troponin. In multivariable analysis, predictors of MIS-C included age, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelets, conjunctivitis, oral mucosa changes, abdominal pain and hypotension.ConclusionsAmong hospitalised children undergoing evaluation for MIS-C, children with MIS-C were older, more likely to present with conjunctivitis, oral mucosa changes, abdominal pain and hypotension, and had higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios and lower platelet counts. These data may be helpful for discrimination of MIS-C from other febrile illnesses, including bacterial lymphadenitis and acute viral infection, with overlapping features.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 782-783
Author(s):  
Hans Zellweger

The multitude of laboratory methods available nowadays in our diagnostic armamentanium often lead the physician to under estimate and to disregard the clinical signs and symptoms. This has become true even for conditions such as mongolism which (in the pre-cytogenetic era) was recognized only by its clinical criteria. It was pleasing, therefore, to read the monograph of Aldeghi and Maderna, both from the Child Psychiatric Division of the Psychiatric Institute of the Province of Milan, Italy.


Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Johnson ◽  
Judd E. Hollander

Cocaine is powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant derived from the coca plant. It affects the body via a number of mechanisms including blockade of fast sodium channels, increased catecholamine release, inhibition of catecholamine reuptake, and increased concentration of excitatory amino acid concentrations in the CNS. It is rapidly absorbed via the aerodigestive, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary mucosa, and also may be injected. When injected intravenously or inhaled, cocaine is rapidly distributed throughout the body and CNS, with peak effects in 3–5 minutes. With nasal insufflation, absorption peaks in 20 minutes. Its half-life is approximately 1 hour. Common clinical manifestations include agitation, euphoria, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and hypertension. Chest pain is a common presenting complaint among cocaine users; 6% of these patients will have myocardial infarction. Other life-threatening sequelae include stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, seizures, dysrhythmias, and rhabdomyolysis. Clinical signs and symptoms, as well as severity of intoxication, should dictate the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cocaine intoxicated patients. If the patient has chest pain, an ECG, chest radiograph, and measurement of cardiac biomarkers should be performed. A brief observation period may be useful in these patients. Many manifestations of cocaine intoxication, including agitation, hypertension, and chest pain, are effectively treated with benzodiazepines. Beta-blockers should be avoided in patients with suspected cocaine intoxication. Special attention should be paid to pregnant patients and those who present after ingesting packets filled with cocaine, as they may exhibit severe toxicity if these packets rupture.


Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Donatella Rita Petretto ◽  
Gian Pietro Carrogu ◽  
Luca Gaviano ◽  
Lorenzo Pili ◽  
Roberto Pili

Over 100 years ago, Alois Alzheimer presented the clinical signs and symptoms of what has been later called “Alzheimer Dementia” in a young woman whose name was Augustine Deter [...]


Pituitary ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza B. Geer ◽  
Roberto Salvatori ◽  
Atanaska Elenkova ◽  
Maria Fleseriu ◽  
Rosario Pivonello ◽  
...  

The original version of the article unfortunately contained an error in the first name and the surname of one of the authors in the author group. The last author name was incorrectly published as ‘F. Pecori Giraldi’ and the corrected name is ‘Francesca Pecori Giraldi’ (First name: Francesca; Surname: Pecori Giraldi).


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shadi Saghafi ◽  
Reza Zare-Mahmoodabadi ◽  
Narges Ghazi ◽  
Mohammad Zargari

Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the demographic characteristics of patients with central giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) and peripheral giant cell granulomas (PGCGs) in Iranian population.Methods: The data were obtained from records of 1019 patients with CGCG and PGCG of the jaws referred to our department between 1972 and 2010. This 38-year retrospective study was based on existing data. Information regarding age distribution, gender, location of the lesion and clinical signs and symptoms was documented. Results: A total of 1019 patients were affected GCGLs including 435 CGCGs and 584 PGCGs during the study. The mean age was 28.91 ± 18.16. PGCGs and CGCGs had a peak of occurrence in the first and second decade of life respectively. A female predominance was shown in CGCG cases (57.70%), whereas PGCGs were more frequent in males (50.85%). Five hundred and ninety-eight cases of all giant cell lesions (58.7 %) occurred in the mandible. Posterior mandible was the most frequent site for both CGCG and PGCG cases. The second most common site for PGCG was posterior maxilla (21%), whereas anterior mandible was involved in CGCG (19.45%). The majority of patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions: In contrast to most of previous studies PGCGs occur more common in the first decade and also more frequently in male patients. Although the CGCGs share some histopathologic similarities with PGCGs, differences in demographic features may be observed in different populations which may help in the diagnosis and management of these lesions.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.220-223


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