High platelet reactivity on clopidogrel therapy correlates with increased coronary atherosclerosis and calcification: a volumetric intravascular ultrasound study.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the relationship between platelet reactivity and atherosclerotic burden in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with pre-intervention volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging.

Background: Atherosclerosis progresses by the pathologic sequence of subclinical plaque rupture, thrombosis, and healing. In this setting, increased platelet reactivity may lead to more extensive arterial thrombosis at the time of plaque rupture, leading to a more rapid progression of the disease.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO).

Background: Despite technical advancements, there is a paucity of data on long-term outcomes after PCI of CTO.

Methods: We evaluated long-term clinical outcomes in 1,791 patients who underwent PCI of 1,852 CTO at 3 tertiary care centers in the United States, South Korea, and Italy between 1998 and 2007.

Successful use of nitazoxanide in the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.

A 78-year-old, retired Caucasian male presented in emergency room with 3 days history of progressive watery diarrhoea. Two weeks earlier, he received intravenous levofloxacin for community acquired pneumonia. The patient was diagnosed as severe Clostridium difficile infection based on clinical presentation, labs and imaging studies.

Myoblast transfer in ischemic heart failure: effects on rhythm stability.

Skeletal myoblast (SM) implantation promotes recovery of myocardial function after ischemic injury. Clinical observations suggest an association of SM implantation and ventricular arrhythmias. Support for this link has been sought in animal studies, but none employing models of congestive heart failure.