Recurrent Multivalvular Endocarditis Causing Complete Heart Block after TAVR.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (PVE after TAVR) is a feared complication most often observed during the early postprocedural period. We report a case of severe, multivalvular PVE after TAVR with complete heart block caused by an uncommon organism. A 78-year-old female with prior mitral valve endocarditis treated with antibiotics presented one year later with severe, symptomatic aortic insufficiency.

Fulminant myocarditis secondary to murine typhus mimicking acute coronary syndrome.

Myocarditis is a disease with variable clinical presentation, ranging from an uncomplicated febrile illness to cardiogenic shock. Herein, we report a case of fulminant myocarditis secondary to murine typhus in a 52-year-old male that initially mimicked an acute coronary syndrome. Emergent coronary angiography showed angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Cardiac Tamponade Secondary to IVC Filter Retrieval.

Cardiac tamponade is a rare but potentially fatal complication of inferior vena cava filter retrieval. We discuss such a case to facilitate prompt recognition and prevention of this complication by medical providers. ().

Recurrent massive pulmonary embolism following catheter directed thrombolysis in a 21-year-old with COVID-19: a case report.

Background: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with increased incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), even among patients at low risk for venous thrombo-embolic (VTE) events.

Case Summary: We present the case of a 21-year-old male, with no previous medical history, who presented with cough, fevers, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and 1 day of dizziness with near syncope as well as acutely worsened dyspnoea. He was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 and massive PE.

Pulmonary vascular resistance index: Getting the units right and why it matters.

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and PVR index (PVRI) are key variables in a broad range of contexts, including prediction of outcomes in heart and liver transplantation, determining candidacy for closure of atrial or ventricular septal defects, and guiding treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Significant variability exists among the units used to report PVRI in current literature, making the interpretation of data and translation into clinical practice difficult. Here, we will review the measurement and derivation of PVR and PVRI and demonstrate the extent of confusion in the literature.

Reconstruction with submental flap for aggressive orofacial cancer- an updated series.

Purpose: Submental flap is gaining popularity for head and neck reconstruction. We have reported in 2007 our early experience of using submental flap for aggressive orofacial malignancy. Novel flap design and application is described in this updated series.

Hemithyroidectomy for low-risk follicular carcinoma of the thyroid: results from a regional hospital.

Introduction: Excellent outcomes after conservative thyroid surgery for low-risk follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) have been reported from highly specialised centres. However, it is uncertain whether low-volume hospitals can achieve similar treatment results.

Methods: At our institution, 49 patients with FTC were treated during the period 1991-2014.

Prognostic value of lymph node density in buccal squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Lymph node density(LND) has been shown to be a better prognosticator than conventional nodal classification to predict prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the oral cavity. However, studies focusing on subsites of oral cancer are meager. The role of LND for buccal SCC was evaluated in this study.

Malignant presternal goitre.

Goitres usually enlarge and descend caudad into the substernal space and are not palpable. We report on a patient whose goitre spread downward but anterior to the sternum. The thyroid mass was subsequently removed and was proven to be a papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Stimulation of NF-κB activity by the HIV restriction factor BST2.

BST2 (HM1.24; CD317; tetherin) is an interferon-inducible transmembrane protein that restricts the release of several enveloped viruses, including HIV, from infected cells. Before its activity as an antiviral factor was described, BST2 was identified as an inducer of NF-κB activity.

Role of the endocytic pathway in the counteraction of BST-2 by human lentiviral pathogens.

The interferon-inducible transmembrane protein BST-2 (CD317, tetherin) restricts the release of several enveloped viruses from infected cells. BST-2 is broadly active against retroviruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2. To counteract this host defense, HIV-1 uses the accessory protein Vpu, whereas HIV-2 uses its envelope glycoprotein (Env).