Assessing left atrial size and pump function in ischemic stroke patients: Is cardiac MRI superior to transthoracic echocardiography?

Objectives: Current guidelines recommend transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) following an ischemic stroke as the primary technique to identify cardiac abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cerebral embolism. It is unclear whether cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), a technique shown to provide increased imaging resolution, may also enhance the cardiac assessment of ischemic stroke patients. We compared cMRI with TTE in the evaluation of Left Atrial (LA) size and pump function in a cohort of 44 patients with ischemic stroke.

Pulmonary tuberculosis and Cryptococcal native knee septic arthritis with osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient: Mycobacterial effect on CD4 function and cellular immunity.

Clinically significant cryptococcal disease is typically seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, Cryptococcosis has also been observed among non-HIV immunocompromised hosts. Cryptococcosis and tuberculosis (TB) infections both occur due to impaired cell mediated immunity but co-infection is rare among immunocompromised patients.

Siddha fasting in obese acute decompensated heart failure may improve hospital outcomes through empowerment and natural ketosis.

Background: Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions) is present in 25 - 35% of acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) patients. Prevalence of HF increases with duration of morbid obesity from 30% at 15 years to over 90% at 30 years. There is a need to develop pragmatic therapies that address the unique physical and mental challenges faced by obese AHF patients.

Siddha fasting in morbidly obese heart failure patients achieves significant weight loss and reduces hospitalization.

Two thirds of heart failure (HF) patients are overweight or obese. Current guidelines are unclear about weight reduction goals. We explored impact of Heartful Living (HL,) a cardiologist-led Self-Inquiry (Si) mindfulness program targeting deeper insight and resilience to promote intentional weight loss in morbidly obese HF patients.