From the Gut to the Heart: A Rare Case of Salmonella dublin Pericarditis.

BACKGROUND Salmonella infections manifest typically as self-limiting gastroenteritis after the consumption of contaminated food. Extra-intestinal manifestations of Salmonella infections such as pericarditis are rare and are usually seen in severely immunocompromised individuals. Prior case reports suggest high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with Salmonella pericarditis.

Improved left atrial appendage closure procedural efficiency using radiofrequency transseptal wire system.

Objective: The radiofrequency (RF) needle has been shown to improve transseptal puncture efficiency and safety compared to mechanical needles. This study aimed to investigate the use of VersaCross RF transseptal wire system (Baylis Medical) to improve procedural efficiency of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) compared to the standard RF needle-based workflow.

Methods: Eighty-one LAAC procedures using WATCHMAN FLX were retrospectively analyzed comparing the standard RF needle-based workflow to a RF wire-based workflow.

Time Sequence of Measurement Affects Blood Pressure Level in an African American Cohort.

Introduction: Uncontrolled hypertension can result in severe clinical conditions such as stroke, chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure, especially in African American populations. To the knowledge of the authors, the effect of time sequence on blood pressure (BP) using an Automated Office Blood Pressure (AOBP) device has not been documented in an African American cohort. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible influence of time sequence of measurement (pre- and post-physician visit) on BP readings in an African American cohort, in the presence or absence of a Medical Assistant (MA) via AOBP monitoring.