Quality control of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging segmentation, feature tracking, aortic flow, and native T1 analysis using automated batch processing in the UK Biobank study.

Aims: Automated algorithms are regularly used to analyse cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. Validating data output reliability from this method is crucial for enabling widespread adoption. We outline a visual quality control (VQC) process for image analysis using automated batch processing.

Myocardial Strain Measured by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Predicts Cardiovascular Morbidity and Death.

Background: Myocardial strain using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a sensitive marker for predicting adverse outcomes in many cardiac disease states, but the prognostic value in the general population has not been studied conclusively.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the independent prognostic value of CMR feature tracking (FT)-derived LV global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial strain (GRS) metrics in predicting adverse outcomes (heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and death).

Methods: Participants from the UK Biobank population imaging study were included.

Potential for organ donation after controlled circulatory death: a retrospective analysis.

Objectives: Despite the discrepancy between demand and availability of organs for transplantation, controlled circulatory death donation has not been implemented in Portugal. This study aimed to estimate the potential increase in organ donation from implementing such a program.

Material And Methods: All deceased patients within the intensive care medicine department at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, throughout the year 2019, were subjected to retrospective analysis.

Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in critically ill cirrhotic patients: a post-hoc analysis of the EUROBACT-2 international cohort study.

Background: Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and have a high mortality rate. Patients with cirrhosis are especially susceptible to infections, yet there is a knowledge gap in the epidemiological distinctions in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients in the ICU. It has been suggested that cirrhotic patients, present a trend towards more gram-positive infections, and especially enterococcal infections.

Unusual presentation of benzodiazepine withdrawal with Takotsubo syndrome: a case report.

Background: Thousands of people suffer from anxiety, depression, and insomnia every day, with benzodiazepines being one of the strategies used to treat these conditions. Withdrawal from its long-term use can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, including Takotsubo syndrome. The authors highlight an atypical case of Takotsubo syndrome secondary to benzodiazepine withdrawal, a rare life-threatening complication of acute substance withdrawal.

Cardiac Tamponade Complicating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Analysis.

Objectives: Cardiac tamponade is a potentially life-threatening complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this study, the authors assessed the incidence, patient characteristics, and risk factors for mortality of cardiac tamponade during ECMO.

Design: The authors queried the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry from 1997 to 2021 for all adults with cardiac tamponade as a reported complication during ECMO.

Occurrence and predictors of delirium in critically ill older patients: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the occurrence of delirium in critically ill older patients and to identify predictors of delirium.

Methods: This prospective study included critically ill older patients admitted into level II units of Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital. Patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤11, traumatic brain injury, terminal disease, history of psychosis, blindness/deafness, or inability to understanding/speaking Portuguese were excluded.

Critically ill patients with high predicted mortality: Incidence and outcome.

Objective: As calculated by the severity scores, an unknown number of patients are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a very high risk of death. Clinical studies have poorly addressed this population, and their prognosis is largely unknown.

Design: Post hoc analysis of a multicenter, cohort, longitudinal, observational, retrospective study (CIMbA).

Ultrasonography to Access Diaphragm Dysfunction and Predict the Success of Mechanical Ventilation Weaning in Critical Care: A Narrative Review.

Introduction: Weaning failure is common in mechanically ventilated patients, and whether ultrasound (US) can predict weaning outcome remains controversial. This review aims to evaluate the diaphragmatic function measured by US as a predictor of weaning outcome.

Methods: PubMed was searched to identify original articles about the use of diaphragmatic US in ICU patients.

Standardized approach for extubation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational study.

Background: Extubation during extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO) in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been well studied. Despite the potential benefits of this strategy, weaning from ECMO before liberation from invasive mechanical ventilation remains the most frequent approach. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a standardized approach for extubation during ECMO in patients with severe ARDS.

Neurocritical care management supported by multimodal brain monitoring after acute brain injury.

Objective: To evaluate the association between different intensive care units and levels of brain monitoring with outcomes in acute brain injury.

Methods: Patients with traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted to intensive care units were included. Neurocritical care unit management was compared to general intensive care unit management.

Surviving critical COVID-19: How functionality, physical, mental and cognitive outcomes evolve?

Purpose: To analyze the long-term consequences of critical COVID-19, regarding physical, mental, cognitive and functional impairments, and to describe its evolution through time.

Methods: Prospective cohort study, with consecutive inclusion of patients admitted due to SARS-CoV-2 to intensive care units(ICU) of a tertiary-care center, between May/2020 and September/2021. All included patients were included in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine(PRM) inpatient programs during ICU stay.

Recall of delirium and related distress in elderly hospitalized patients: A prospective study.

Delirium is a very common neuropsychiatric disorder in the elderly, with a significant physical and psychological burden. Much is still unknown about its psychological effects. This study aims to identify the proportion of patients who recall delirium and to analyze the distress caused by it.

Creatinine Clearance in Acute Brain Injury: A Comparison of Methods.

Background: Currently, the measurement of glomerular filtration rate is very complex and costly, so its daily evaluation is performed using endogenous markers, of which creatinine is the most frequently used. It allows the estimation of glomerular filtration rate by means of its clearance or by formulas based on its serum and urine concentration. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is frequent among critically ill patients and is defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) > 130 ml/min/1.