Cocaine-Induced Asthma and the "Crack Lung": A Case Report.

Cocaine, the second most used illicit drug, is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other complications. Lung involvement associated with cocaine use, also known as "crack lung syndrome" (CLS), can elicit new-onset and exacerbate chronic pulmonary conditions. A 28-year-old female with a history of chronic controlled asthma arrived at the Emergency Department (ED), referring to cocaine inhalation, followed by symptoms compatible with an asthmatic crisis, requiring immediate steroid and bronchodilator therapy.

Gender differences in cardiology professionals: A Latin American Survey.

Background: Gender-based differences among cardiology professionals have been reported in North America and Europe. However, the perspective of Latin American cardiologists remains unexplored.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to analyze the gender gap perspective among cardiologists from Latin America.

Alteration in the Lipid Profile and the Desaturases Activity in Patients With Severe Pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2.

The kidnapping of the lipid metabolism of the host's cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) allows the virus to transform the cells into optimal machines for its assembly and replication. Here we evaluated changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile and the participation of the activity of the desaturases, in plasma of patients with severe pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 alters the FA metabolism in the cells of the host.

Antioxidants and pentoxifylline as coadjuvant measures to standard therapy to improve prognosis of patients with pneumonia by COVID-19.

The type 2 coronavirus causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and produces pneumonia with pulmonary alveolar collapse. In some cases it also causes sepsis and septic shock. There is no specific treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

A randomized controlled trial of lung ultrasound-guided therapy in heart failure (CLUSTER-HF study).

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a new tool for the evaluation of congestion in heart failure (HF); incorporation of LUS during follow-up may detect congestion earlier and prompt interventions to prevent hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the incorporation of LUS during follow-up of patients with HF may reduce the rate of adverse events compared with usual care.

Methods: In this single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized into an LUS-guided arm or control arm.

Lung ultrasound in cardiology: realities and promises.

Lung ultrasound is an easily available, reproducible examination tool, both in ambulatory and critically-ill patients, which is used to evaluate congestion status and to differentiate the etiology of dyspnea. In this review, we explain lung ultrasound technique, acquisition protocols and their interpretation, as well as the evidence that shows its effectiveness among stable and critically-ill patients. Lung ultrasound should be used as an add-on to traditional physical examination in order to give an accurate diagnosis and a rapid treatment to patients with pulmonary congestion.