Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Opioid Dependence: A National Inpatient Sample Study.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition characterized by the sudden obstruction of one or more coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood flow to the heart muscle. This acute ischemic event demands swift and precise intervention to minimize myocardial damage and preserve cardiac function. Opioids, a class of potent analgesic medications, are frequently utilized in the management of STEMI-related chest pain.

Disparities in the implantation of secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator in the United States.

Background: The annual incidence of sudden cardiac death is over 300,000 in the United States (US). Historically, inpatient implantation of secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been variable and subject to healthcare disparities.

Objective: To evaluate contemporary practice trends of inpatient secondary prevention ICD implants within the US on the basis of race, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES).

Amiodarone and β-blocker combination therapy versus β-blocker monotherapy for ICD shock prevention: A meta-analysis.

While implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a lifesaving therapy, they can negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Amiodarone is commonly combined with β-blockers (BB) in ICD recipients. However, this combination therapy's efficacy in preventing shocks compared to standard BB monotherapy is not well studied.

Autoimmunity in Syndromes of Orthostatic Intolerance: An Updated Review.

Orthostatic intolerance is a broad term that represents a spectrum of dysautonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), as manifestations of severe autonomic failure. While the etiology of orthostatic intolerance has not yet fully been uncovered, it has been associated with multiple underlying pathological processes, including peripheral neuropathy, altered renin-aldosterone levels, hypovolemia, and autoimmune processes. Studies have implicated adrenergic, cholinergic, and angiotensin II type I autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of orthostatic intolerance.

Three-year incidence of pacemaker implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation and sinus node dysfunction receiving ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs.

Background: Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is commonly seen in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pacemaker implantation among patients with SND and AF treated with catheter ablation (CA) versus anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs).

Methods: The 2013-2022 Optum Clinformatics database, an administrative claims database for commercially insured individuals in the United States (US), was used for this study.

Impact of COVID-19 infection on baseline autonomic symptoms in patients with preexisting postural tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic intolerance: A retrospective study.

Background: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and dysautonomia following a SARS-CoV-2 infection have been recently reported. The underlying mechanism of dysautonomia is not well understood. The impact of this viral illness on the underlying autonomic symptoms has not been studied in patients with a pre-existing POTS diagnosis.

Mortality post in-patient catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in rural versus urban areas: Insights from national inpatient sample database.

Background: A growing body of evidence is supportive of early atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to maintain sinus rhythm. Disparities in health care between rural and urban areas in the United States are well known. Catheter ablation (CA) of AF is a complex procedure and its outcomes among rural versus urban areas has not been studied in the past.

Prevalence of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Based on Resting and Post-Tachycardia Pacing Left Atrial Pressure.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are frequent co-morbid conditions. In patients with symptomatic AF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction the clinical diagnosis of HFpEF may be difficult, as history, examination, and echocardiography are not sensitive or specific. This study sought to assess the prevalence of HFpEF in patients undergoing AF ablation utilizing resting and post-tachycardia pacing left atrial pressure (LAP) measurements.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With and Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is indicated for high-risk patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). Given the shared risk factors and coexistence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and AS, there is inconsistent clinical data regarding potential survival benefits of paired percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with TAVR procedures. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception through June 2023 assessing the impact of concomitant PCI in patients with obstructive CAD undergoing TAVR.

Rare Association of Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis and Stiff Person Syndrome.

Antibodies to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis (LE) and Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). However, their association is quite rare. We present a case of a 48-year-old Caucasian female who presented with symptoms of recurrent severe headaches, behavioral and cognitive dysfunction, and an episode of seizure.

Outcomes of Ventricular Tachycardia Catheter Ablation in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Defibrillator Implantation Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis.

The timing of when to perform ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation while receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) during the same hospitalization has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the use and outcomes of VT catheter ablation in patients with sustained VT receiving ICD in the same hospital stay. The Nationwide Readmission Database 2016 to 2019 was queried for all hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of VT with subsequent ICD during the same admission.

Low voltage area guided substrate modification in nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Low voltage areas (LVAs) on left atrial (LA) bipolar voltage mapping correlate with areas of fibrosis. LVAs guided substrate modification was hypothesized to improve the success rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation particularly in nonparoxysmal AF population. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies yielded mixed results.

Role of Adjunctive Cryoballoon Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation in Non-paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-analysis.

Progressive remodeling of left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) plays an important role in the pathology of persistent/ long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The role of pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) and adjunctive LAPW isolation using cryothermal energy in non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is yet to be established. The databases of Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to April 2022.

Endovascular Intravascular Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Calcific Common Femoral Artery Disease: A Case Series With an 18-Month Follow-Up.

Background: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel endovascular treatment for calcified common femoral artery disease (CFA). Data on midterm effectiveness for clinically driven target lesions revascularization (CD-TLR) is lacking. This study investigated CD-TLR during 18-month follow-up in patients requiring IVL for CFA disease treatment.

Adequacy Rate of Magnesium Citrate Bowel Preparation in a Large Retrospective Cohort.

Introduction: Magnesium Citrate (MC) is not FDA approved as a colonoscopy preparation. Advantages include low cost, small volume and accessibility without prescription. We retrospectively evaluated bowel preparations used in a private gastroenterology practice.

Intravascular Lithotripsy in Calcified Subclavian and Innominate Peripheral Artery Disease: A Single-Centre Experience.

Background: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel tool for the treatment of calcified vascular stenosis. Recently, IVL has been successfully used for modification of calcified plaque in coronary and lower extremity peripheral arteries with promising results. However, experience in subclavian and innominate peripheral arterial disease is limited.

COVID-19-induced granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

COVID-19 and granulomatosis with polyangiitis share many clinical and radiological features, making it challenging for clinicians to distinguish between the two. In this case report, we describe a patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020. One month later, she presented with persistent fatigue, shortness of breath and anaemia with worsening renal functions, found to have elevated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and antiproteinase 3 antibodies, and diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Impella Support Versus Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is associated with high mortality rates. Data has shown that intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support does not provide a survival benefit over optimal medical therapy in AMICS. Despite lack of supportive evidence, IABP is still commonly used in these clinical situations.

Safety and efficacy of dual versus triple antithrombotic therapy in Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention have indications for oral anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. The concurrent use of all three agents, termed triple oral antithrombotic therapy (TAT), increases the risk of bleeding. A number of prospective trials showed that the omission of aspirin mitigates the risk of bleeding without affecting major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE).

Meta-Analysis Comparing Endovascular Treatment Modalities for Femoropopliteal Peripheral Artery Disease.

Endovascular interventions are commonly utilized for treatment of femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease. The relative efficacy of these interventions remains unclear. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed comparing 5 endovascular treatment modalities: balloon angioplasty (BA), bare metal stent (BMS), covered stent (CS), drug-coated balloon (DCB), drug-eluting stent (DES) for femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease.