Invasive Management of Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis and Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis on Efficacy and Safety Endpoints.

Vertebrobasilar angioplasty and stenting or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a stent retriever or suction thrombectomy are effective interventions in managing acute ischemic stroke caused by vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO). This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of self-expanding stents and balloon angioplasty in managing ischemic stroke. We reviewed the literature for relevant clinical trials and included those reporting the following primary outcomes: successful recanalization, favorable clinical outcome, and stenosis degree change.

Outcomes With Left Ventricular Assist Device in End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review.

Renal dysfunction is a common comorbidity in patients with advanced heart failure who may benefit from mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Unfortunately, renal function may result after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The purpose of this study is to examine the outcomes of advanced heart failure patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT).

Factors Impacting Stent Thrombosis in Patients With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Stent thrombosis (ST) is a frequently reported complication in cardiac patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that adversely impacts their prognostic outcomes. Medical literature reveals several baseline characteristics of PCI patients that may predict their predisposition to ST and its potential complications. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the diagnostic significance of these baseline parameters in terms of determining the risk of ST among adult patients with PCI.

An Unusual Case of Severe Cystic Lung Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Cystic lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders with varying presentations and pathophysiology. They present as air-filled lung cysts that are prone to rupture and result in spontaneous pneumothoraxes. While pulmonary cysts are not uncommon, cysts presenting later in life with unclear etiology are rare and result in both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Localized Pulmonary Nocardia farcinica Infection As the Presenting Symptom of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection that most commonly affects immunocompromised patients, with clinical presentations ranging from localized to disseminated disease. In the United States, the reported incidence is approximately 500 to 1,000 cases per year, with an observed male-to-female predominance of 3:1. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with a past medical history of malaria who presented with watery, non-bloody diarrhea for four days associated with a fever for two weeks.