Publications by authors named "Diva Maraj"

Ventricular septal rupture, a formidable complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is linked to significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical manifestation typically involves pronounced hemodynamic compromise necessitating prompt surgical intervention. This report outlines the case of a 60-year-old male presenting with acute heart failure 3 weeks post a presumed AMI.

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Mesenteric ischemia is an urgent event and requires prompt recognition and treatment, in order to reduce the risk of mortality. It results from the sudden onset of small intestinal hypoperfusion, from a reduction or cessation of arterial perfusion, which can occur from an embolic obstruction at the superior mesenteric artery. We present a case of transient mesenteric ischemia from an episode of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response rate.

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Pacemaker insertion is a daily occurrence in the United States of America, and it is a relatively common procedure; however, complications can occur. One common complication includes the development of a pneumothorax; however, there are rare instances where patients can develop a pneumopericardium as well. We present a case of a patient who underwent dual chamber pacemaker implantation complicated by a pneumothorax and left-sided pneumopericardium, which is a rare finding.

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Cardiac amyloidosis is restrictive cardiomyopathy, commonly classified as either light-chain amyloidosis (AL) or transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), which can be further subdivided into wild-type (systemic senile amyloidosis) and hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Advanced-stage, silent, and clinically undiagnosed amyloidosis has a poor prognosis, with a survival rate of six months and up to five years. We present a 72-year-old female with a past medical history of heart failure, with preserved ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and stage 3b chronic kidney disease, who presented with persistent shortness of breath, lower extremity pitting edema, jugular venous distension, and dyspnea despite optimal medical therapy.

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Both Gradenigo's syndrome and Vernet syndrome are rare pathologies of the intracranial space; both involve compression of a particular anatomic location in the skull, thus affecting structures nearby or within that space. A patient presenting with one or both of these syndromes should raise concern for malignancy, head trauma, or an intracranial infection. We present a case of a 39-year-old female with three weeks of left-sided ear, face, and neck pain along with difficulty swallowing and reduced vision in the left eye.

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Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy is an embryological disorder of endocardial trabeculation and can cause heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolism. Lifelong anticoagulation is indicated in patients with reduced ejection fraction due to high risks of thromboembolism. Reduced ejection fraction can develop in these patients as a consequence of this cardiomyopathy, thereby increasing the risk of intracardiac thrombus formation.

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Methemoglobinemia is a severely dangerous condition that can be induced by congenital mutations or can be acquired. One of the ways to acquire methemoglobinemia is by using topical anesthetics during procedures, such as nasogastric (NG) tube placement, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), and during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Herein, we present the case of a 35-year-old lady who presented to the hospital for an initial hysterectomy.

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Pernio, also known as chilblains, presents as erythematous macules at sites of cold exposure, mainly in women. It is a diagnosis that is often overlooked, and when suspecting a patient with pernio, other conditions such as lupus nephritis and Raynaud's must be ruled out. A 46-year-old lady presented to the clinic with skin findings suggestive of pernio.

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