Plasma Angiotensin II Is Increased in Critical Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) employs angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its receptor for cell entrance, and studies have suggested that upon viral binding, ACE2 catalytic activity could be inhibited; therefore, impacting the regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). To date, only few studies have evaluated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the blood levels of the components of the RAAS. The objective of this study was to determine the blood levels of ACE, ACE2, angiotensin-II, angiotensin (1-7), and angiotensin (1-9) at hospital admission and discharge in a group of patients presenting with severe or critical evolution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Head-to-head comparison of ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and multidetector computed tomography angiography for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism in clinical practice.

Introduction: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) images have been widely used to detect PE, but few studies have performed a direct comparison between them. We aimed to evaluate the performance of these tests in the same group of patients, selected from the routine practice of a general hospital.

Methods: Patients with suspected acute PE were prospectively submitted to CTA and V/Q SPECT/CT.

Safety and Outcomes Associated with the Pharmacological Inhibition of the Kinin-Kallikrein System in Severe COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can develop into a severe respiratory syndrome that results in up to 40% mortality. Acute lung inflammatory edema is a major pathological finding in autopsies explaining O diffusion failure and hypoxemia. Only dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality in severe cases, further supporting a role for inflammation in disease severity.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of icatibant and C1 esterase/kallikrein inhibitor in severe COVID-19: study protocol for a three-armed randomized controlled trial.

Background: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enters the cells through a mechanism dependent on its binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein highly expressed in the lungs. The putative viral-induced inhibition of ACE2 could result in the defective degradation of bradykinin, a potent inflammatory substance. We hypothesize that increased bradykinin in the lungs is an important mechanism driving the development of pneumonia and respiratory failure in COVID-19.

The Use of Ultrasound as a Tool to Evaluate Pulmonary Disease in Cystic Fibrosis.

Background: Lung ultrasound is an examination that allows the assessment of pulmonary involvement by analyzing artifacts. Our primary aim was to correlate our lung ultrasound findings with pulmonary function and the modified Bhalla score in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Methods: Subjects with cystic fibrosis were evaluated based on the results of lung ultrasound, pulmonary function exams (ie, spirometry before and after the use of a bronchodilator and S ), and the modified Bhalla score.

Noninvasive imaging assessment of rehabilitation therapy in heart failure with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (IMAGING-REHAB-HF): design and rationale.

Background: Studies have shown significant benefits of exercise therapy in heart failure (HF) with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effect of exercise in HFrEF and HFpEF are still unclear. We hypothesized that the effect of exercise on myocardial remodeling may explain its beneficial effect.

Vaginal axis after abdominal sacrocolpopexy versus vaginal sacrospinous fixation-a randomized trial.

Aims: To compare postoperative vaginal axis (VA) following vaginal sacrospinous fixation (VSF) or abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at postoperative period, in a randomized sample.

Methods: Seventy-one patients randomized to VSF with an anterior mesh or ASC were recruited with a mean 27-month follow-up for pelvic MRI; 40 patients underwent the examination. VA was calculated in relation to the pelvic inclination correction line.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy: a nonsurgical therapeutic option for acute cholecystitis in high-risk and critically ill patients.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy offers a potentially important type of therapy for critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis who present high risk when undergoing laparotomy or laparoscopy under general anesthesia. It offers a distinct advantage for these kinds of patients by avoiding the risks of the surgical intervention. Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate and low procedure-related complications.

Magnetic resonance imaging of tibial classic adamantinoma at 2 tesla.

Adamantinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm arising most often in the tibia and is locally aggressive. Conservative surgical treatment frequently is followed by recurrence and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays an important role in preoperative planning. Magnetic resonance features of this tumor have not been described in detail.