Patterns of Anticoagulation Use in Patients With Cancer With Atrial Fibrillation and/or Atrial Flutter.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiovascular complication affecting patients with cancer, but management strategies are not well established.

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate cross-sectional patterns of anticoagulation (AC) use in patients with cancer with AF or atrial flutter (AFL) on the basis of their risk for stroke and bleeding.

Methods: Patients with cancer and electrocardiograms showing AF or AFL performed at Moffitt Cancer Center in either the inpatient or outpatient setting were included in this retrospective analysis.

National Trends of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use in Patients Admitted With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a significant health and economic burden in the US. Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are established risk factors. We sought to evaluate the national trend of use of each substance in patients admitted with AMI.

Cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a prominent role in the treatment of many cancers. With increasing use of RT and high overall survival rates, the risks associated with RT must be carefully considered. Of these risks, the cardiovascular and autonomic toxicities have been of significant concern.

Vasogenic Cerebral Edema following CT Myelogram with Nonionic Omnipaque 300.

Computed Tomography (CT) with myelogram is a relatively safe procedure. It requires the use of nonionic contrast agents which, unlike ionic contrast agents, have been associated with low complication rates. We report a case of a 69-year-old female who developed diffuse bilateral cerebral edema following a lumber myelogram with the use of intrathecal nonionic contrast agent Omnipaque (Iohexol) 300.

Clopidogrel-induced refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura successfully treated with rituximab.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a multisystem disorder characterized by microvascular aggregation of platelets and fibrin strands causing thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and organ dysfunction. TTP can develop as a result of a deficiency in ADAMTS13 enzyme activity due to either a genetic defect or, more commonly, the development of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. TTP can also be associated with pregnancy, organ transplant, lupus, infections, and drugs.