Clinical Implications of Functional Imaging in the Assessment of Bronchiectasis-Associated Sarcopenia.

Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a complex lung disease with poorly studied systemic manifestations. Patients with bronchiectasis-associated sarcopenia exhibit a specific differential profile of functional muscle phenotype (vastus lateralis, VL), which may be analyzed using imaging (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI).

Methods: Ultrasound and MRI were used to explore functional imaging parameters in quadriceps of 20 patients with stable bronchiectasis and 10 healthy controls.

Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection in Coyotes from Guanacaste Conservation Area, Costa Rica, 2021.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is the second most common hookworm infecting humans in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent reports suggest presence of the parasite in the Americas. We report A.

Complementary effectiveness of carotid sinus massage and tilt testing for the diagnosis of reflex syncope in patients older than 40 years: a cohort study.

Aims: Indications, methodology, and diagnostic criteria for carotid sinus massage (CSM) and tilt testing (TT) have been standardized by the 2018 Guidelines on Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology. Aim of this study was to assess their effectiveness in a large cohort which reflects the performance under 'real-world' conditions.

Methods And Results: We analysed all patients who had undergone CSM and TT in the years 2003-2019 for suspected reflex syncope.

Evaluation of the human petrotympanic fissure using anatomized cadaveric specimens and multi-detector CT imaging.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study is twofold. First, to investigate the variability of the petrotympanic fissure's (PTF) morphology in anatomized human cadaveric specimens using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and second, to compare the resulting measurements to investigate the possibilities of applying MDCT in the determination of PTF morphology in living humans.

Methods: Specimens (n = 15) containing the temporal bone and TMJ were obtained from embalmed adult female (53.

Syncope in patients paced for atrioventricular block.

Aims: Although syncope is the main reason for cardiac pacing in ∼40% of patients affected by atrioventricular block (AVB), very few data are available on the benefit of cardiac pacing in preventing syncopal recurrences.

Methods And Results: We retrospectively evaluated 229 consecutive patients (124 males, age 80 ± 10 years) who had received a permanent pacemaker from January 2009 to December 2013 for AVB and syncope (94 patients, 41%) or AVB without syncope (135 patients, 59%). In patients with AVB and syncope, a third-degree or Mobitz II second-degree AVB had been documented in 73 and was only suspected in another 21, all of whom had bundle branch block.

Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Bifascicular Block and Unexplained Syncope Following Cardiac Pacing.

Background: According to the ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines, cardiac pacing is reasonable in patients with bifascicular block (BF-B) and syncope when other causes have been excluded. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients with BF-B and unexplained syncope following cardiac pacing.

Methods And Results: Between 2009 and 2015, we identified 43 consecutive patients (mean age of 78 ± 12 years, 64% males) who presented with syncope and BF-B and had received a pacemaker (PM).

Conservative treatment of an epidural abscess after thoracic epidural catheterization.

We describe a case of a thoracic epidural abscess after epidural catheter insertion in a patient undergoing lobar segmentectomy. The patient described a "pulsatile" back pain the sixth day after surgery, and purulent material at the entry site of the catheter was observed. The image of the nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed an epidural abscess that was treated conservatively with antibiotics after a consensus decision among neurosurgery, infectious diseases an anesthesia services.

Assessment of the vasodepressor reflex in carotid sinus syndrome.

Background: Assessment of the vasodepressor reflex in carotid sinus syndrome is influenced by the method of execution of the carotid sinus massage and the coexistence of the cardioinhibitory reflex.

Methods And Results: Carotid sinus massage reproduced spontaneous symptoms in 164 patients in the presence of hypotension or bradycardia (method of symptoms). When an asystolic pause was induced, the vasodepressor reflex was reassessed after suppression of the asystolic reflex by means of 0.

Clinical context and outcome of carotid sinus syndrome diagnosed by means of the 'method of symptoms'.

Aims: The prevalence and outcome of carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) reported in the literature vary owing to differences in indications and methods of carotid sinus massage (CSM).

Methods And Results: We performed CSM on all patients aged 40 years and above with unexplained syncope after the initial evaluation. Carotid sinus massage was performed in the supine and standing positions on both sides for 10 s during continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring; CSS was diagnosed in the event of an abnormal response to CSM in association with reproduction of spontaneous symptoms ('method of symptoms').

Restoring sinus rhythm results in blood pressure reduction in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and a history of hypertension.

Introduction: The long-term effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) on blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension (HTN) remain unclear. We hypothesized that restoration of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) results in a decrease in BP despite the expected increase in cardiac output.

Methods And Results: Twenty-four-hour BP measurements were obtained during AF, and on Day 1 and Day 30 post-successful cardioversion in 18 patients with AF and HTN (cardioversion group), and another 22 patients with AF and HTN with no immediate plans for cardioversion (control group).

Effect of clinical triggers on positive responses to tilt-table testing potentiated with nitroglycerin or clomipramine.

The effect of clinical triggers on tilt-table testing (TTT) responses has not been systematically evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of clinical triggers on positive responses to TTT potentiated with nitroglycerin (which acts mainly through peripheral dilation) or clomipramine (which acts mainly through a central serotoninergic mechanism). We enrolled 380 consecutive adult patients.

Morphology of the scapula relative to the reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Purpose: To analyse the morphology of the scapula relative to the reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Methods: Scapulas of 46 women and 27 men aged 16 to 84 (mean, 53) years with proximal humeral fractures (n=52) or recurrent antero-inferior instability (n=21) were assessed using 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT). For comparison, 108 cadaveric scapulas with unknown epidemiology were assessed using a goniometer and a caliper.

The hemodynamic pattern of the syndrome of delayed orthostatic hypotension.

Purpose: We investigated the hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the syndrome of delayed orthostatic hypotension (OH) and the hemodynamic effect of the treatment with leg compression bandages.

Methods: Non-invasive monitoring of systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) was performed during tilt testing in patients affected by delayed OH compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Thirteen patients (68 +/- 14 years) and nine controls (68 +/- 8 years) were studied.

Acute ischemic stroke in anterior choroidal artery territory.

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe a series of patients with acute ischemic infarct in the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) territory. Moreover, we analyzed the prevalence of these strokes and compared them with hemispheric and deep infarcts. Finally, we hypothesized that the size of the infarct could be related to aetiology and prognosis.

Cadaveric and three-dimensional computed tomography study of the morphology of the scapula with reference to reversed shoulder prosthesis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the morphology of the scapula with reference to the glenoid component implantation in reversed shoulder prosthesis, in order to improve primary fixation of the component.

Methods: Seventy-three 3-dimensional computed tomography of the scapula and 108 scapular dry specimens were analyzed to determine the anterior and posterior length of the glenoid neck, the angle between the glenoid surface and the upper posterior column of the scapula and the angle between the major craneo-caudal glenoid axis and the base of the coracoid process and the upper posterior column.

Results: The anterior and posterior length of glenoid neck was classified into two groups named "short-neck" and "long-neck" with significant differences between them.

The pectoralis major tendon as a reference for restoring humeral length and retroversion with hemiarthroplasty for fracture.

The success of anatomic reattachment of the tuberosities in proximal humeral fractures, treated with hemiarthroplasty, correlates with functional results. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the upper edge of the pectoralis major insertion (PMI) as a landmark to establish the proper height and version of hemiarthroplasty implanted for proximal humeral fractures. Twenty cadaveric humeri were studied by CT scan to analyze the relationship between the PMI and humeral height and retroversion.

Resynchronization of the left ventricular contraction by tailored programming of right and left ventricular pacing.

Aims: The prerequisite and the rationale for the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is that it is able to resynchronize left ventricular (LV) walls that have a delayed activation.

Methods And Results: In 69 consecutive patients who underwent biventricular (BIV) pacemaker implantation, we assessed the magnitude of intraventricular resynchronization achieved by means of simultaneous (BIV 0) and sequential BIV pacing (with an individually optimized VV interval value among +80 ms and -80 ms) using pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging techniques and in particular the measurement of the intra-LV electromechanical delay. The intra-LV delay was defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest activation time in the six basal segments of the LV.

[Comparative study of results of catheter ablation in ventricular tachycardia of different etiologies].

Background: The aim of this study was to assess long-term results and adverse events in patients with ventricular tachycardia from different etiologies.

Methods: The recurrence rate of tachycardia, consequent further therapies (other catheter ablation procedures, drug therapy and implantable defibrillator) and clinical events have been assessed in 60 consecutive patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia catheter ablation between January 2000 and December 2004.

Results: During a median follow-up of 20 months (interquartile range 13-36 months), tachycardia recurred in 27 patients (45%) after a median of 3 months (interquartile range 1-12 months).

Lower limb and abdominal compression bandages prevent progressive orthostatic hypotension in elderly persons: a randomized single-blind controlled study.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the efficacy of compression bandage of legs and abdomen in preventing hypotension and symptoms.

Background: Progressive orthostatic hypotension can occur in elderly people during standing.

Methods: Twenty-one patients (70 +/- 11 years) affected by symptomatic progressive orthostatic hypotension underwent 2 tilt-test procedures, with and without elastic bandage of the legs (compression pressure 40 to 60 mm Hg) and of the abdomen (compression pressure 20 to 30 mm Hg) in a randomized crossover fashion.

Seven-year follow-up after catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia.

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation is considered to be a curative therapy for patients with atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Nevertheless, there is little information available with respect to long-term results and the consequences of catheter ablation. The present study aimed to assess the long-term results (a minimum of 5 years) and clinical events.

The usage and diagnostic yield of the implantable loop-recorder in detection of the mechanism of syncope and in guiding effective antiarrhythmic therapy in older people.

Objectives: To evaluate the usage and diagnostic yield of the implantable loop-recorder (ILR) in detection of the mechanism of syncope and in guiding therapy in patients aged >/=65 years and comparing them with those <65 years.

Design: This was a two-hospital, observational, prospective study in consecutive patients with unexplained syncope who underwent an ILR implantation. Between November 1997 and December 2002, a total of 2052 patients with syncope were evaluated (local population of 590,000 inhabitants).

Outpatient treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation with the "pill-in-the-pocket" approach.

Background: In-hospital administration of flecainide and propafenone in a single oral loading dose has been shown to be effective and superior to placebo in terminating atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the feasibility and the safety of self-administered oral loading of flecainide and propafenone in terminating atrial fibrillation of recent onset outside the hospital.

Methods: We administered either flecainide or propafenone orally to restore sinus rhythm in 268 patients with mild heart disease or none who came to the emergency room with atrial fibrillation of recent onset that was hemodynamically well tolerated.

Incidence, diagnostic yield and safety of the implantable loop-recorder to detect the mechanism of syncope in patients with and without structural heart disease.

Aim: To evaluate the incidence, diagnostic yield and safety of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients with or without structural heart disease (SHD).

Methods And Results: Two-hospitals, observational, prospective study in consecutive patients with unexplained syncope who underwent an ILR implantation. Between November 1997 and December 2002, a total of 2052 patients with syncope were evaluated (referral population of 590000 inhabitants).