COVID-19 Unveiling Heart Failure in the Realm of Rheumatic Heart Disease.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in various clinical manifestations, including cardiovascular complications. This case report focuses on a unique instance where COVID-19 infection exacerbated heart failure and induced atrial fibrillation in a previously asymptomatic young male with undiagnosed rheumatic heart disease (RHD). RHD, a prevalent cause of valvular abnormalities in developing countries, poses an additional risk for severe outcomes when coexisting with COVID-19 infection, highlighting the need for prompt and tailored interventions.

Role of ECG in the Accidental Finding of an Atrioventricular Septal Defect in an Asymptomatic Patient Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important diagnostic tool in identifying congenital heart disease (CHD), as demonstrated by this case of a 48-year-old female who presented for a preoperative evaluation for cosmetic surgery. ECG showed a right bundle branch block (RBBB) and first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, and further testing revealed a primum atrial septal defect (ASD) with mitral valve anterior leaflet cleft and a membranous ventricular septal defect (VSD). She underwent successful surgical repair and was discharged home without complications.

Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Young Male With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Following COVID-19 Infection.

Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting males. It is characterized by progressive muscle tissue degeneration. Patients with DMD are at an increased risk of respiratory infections, including coronavirus disease 20019 (COVID-19), due to weakened respiratory muscles.

The Unrepaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Tale of Delayed Presentation and Limited Access to Care.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common cyanotic congenital heart disease characterized by four distinct anatomical features. While surgical repair has significantly improved long-term outcomes, some individuals, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds who lack access to medical care, may suffer from complications such as pulmonary hypertension (pHTN) and heart failure. We present a case report of a young female with unrepaired TOF who presented with acute-on-chronic hypoxic respiratory failure and heart failure, highlighting the complex nature and challenges associated with this condition.

Rifampicin-resistant by GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Associated Factors Among Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Nepal.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) remains a major public health problem worldwide, and emergence of drug-resistant TB has become a significant obstacle to effective TB control. However, the rate of MTB and rifampicin resistant-MTB (RR-MTB) in the Nepalese setting has not been studied extensively. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the rate of MTB and RR-MTB and further determine the factors associated with it.

Climate change, risk perception, and protection motivation among high-altitude residents of the Mt. Everest region in Nepal.

Mountain ecosystems are considered vulnerable to early impacts of climate change. Whether and how local residents of these areas perceive these changes, however, remain under-studied questions. By conducting a household survey in the Khumbu region of Nepal, this study assessed local residents' experience-based perception of changes in climate trends and patterns, perceived risk, and attitudes towards climate issues.