Purpose Of Review: Despite advances in the technology of mechanical circulatory support, the need for heart transplantation continues to grow. The longevity of heart transplants continues to be superior to mechanical solutions, though the short-term differences are shrinking. In this review, we cover three timely developments and summarize the recent literature.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiogenic shock (CS) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease. In the past, acute myocardial infarction was the leading cause of CS. However, in recent years, other etiologies, such as decompensated chronic heart failure, arrhythmia, valvular disease, and post-cardiotomy, each with distinct hemodynamic profiles, have risen in prevalence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe American Heart Association reports the annual incidence of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests (OHCA) is greater than 300,000 with a survival rate of 9.5%. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves one life for every 30, with a 10% decrease in survival associated with every minute of delay in CPR initiation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn many individuals, drug abuse is intimately linked with HIV-1 infection. In addition to being associated with one-third of all HIV-1 infections in the United States, drug abuse also plays a role in disease progression and severity in HIV-1-infected patients, including adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Specific systems within the brain are known to be damaged in HIV-1-infected individuals and this damage is similar to that observed in drug abuse.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrimary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is an AIDS-defining illness and always associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Classic presentations involve the pleural, pericardial or peritoneal cavities. Infrequently, extracavitary solid tumours develop.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInfection of implanted cardiac devices has a low rate of occurrence. Fungal infections of such devices represent an atypical phenomenon, associated with high mortality. Both medical and surgical therapies are recommended for a successful outcome.
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