The Role of Ventricular Assist Devices in Patients With Heart Failure Due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent heart muscle disease characterized by ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction, leading to severe heart failure (HF) and often requiring heart transplantation (HTx). This systematic review aimed to synthesize information regarding the role of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in managing HF patients due to DCM. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies published between 2014 and 2024.

Phase 1 study of concomitant tumor treating fields and temozolomide chemoradiation for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor and has limited effective therapies. Tumor treating fields (TTF; Optune Gio) is an FDA-approved device with data supporting a significant survival benefit and minimal toxicity when added to maintenance chemotherapy. Uptake in clinical practice is not universal and might improve if a shorter duration of treatment is feasible.

Postoperative Analgesia With Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach in Neonatal and Infantile Abdominal Surgery.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) is a novel strategy for peripheral nerve block in the abdomen. Its usefulness has been highlighted in adults, but no literature is currently available regarding its efficacy in infants. This report describes the cases of a one-day-old neonate in open abdominal surgery and a one-month-old infant in laparoscopic surgery who received M-TAPA.

Pushing the hybrid approach to the edges, three stories in one: a case report.

Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common in the elderly. Extensive calcification has been historically challenging for the cardiac surgeons, with traditional surgical approaches carrying significant risks. Less invasive approaches have recently been explored in an attempt to reduce this risk.

Osteopoikilosis in a patient with familial adenopolyposis : A case report.

Osteopoikilosis, a sclerosing bone dysplasia, is an asymptomatic incidental finding characterised by multiple bone islands. Although it requires no treatment there can be diagnostic uncertainty as appearances can be similar to osteoblastic metastases or metabolic disorders such as Paget disease. We present a case of osteopoikilosis in a patient with familial adenopolyposis and discuss the clinical presentation, image findings and key considerations in diagnosis of this benign entity.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis Associated With Progressive Giant Multilocular Pancreatic Pseudocyst and Steroid-Induced Diabetes.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is acknowledged as a benign ailment with swift responsivity to corticosteroid treatment (CST). Though past assumptions dismissed its connection to cyst formation, a few instances of AIP-linked pancreatic cysts (PCs) have been documented. While some cases responded positively to CST, others demonstrated resistance, necessitating intervention.

Transient Urinothorax Following Nephrostomy Tube Placement and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Case Report.

Urinothorax is a rare complication of urological procedures. This report presents a case of a patient who developed urinothorax following nephrostomy tube placement and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The patient was managed conservatively with chest tube and Foley catheter placement, without the need for surgery.

First successful ovarian cortex allotransplant to a Turner syndrome patient requiring immunosuppression: wide implications.

Objective: To determine whether we can safely and successfully transplant an ovary tissue allograft from a nonidentical donor to her Turner syndrome sister.

Design: Transplantation of cryopreserved ovary tissue, as well as fresh transplantation of ovarian tissue between identical twins, is now well established with numerous reported successful cases. However, there have not yet been any ovary transplants between nonidentical women requiring immunosuppression (ovary allotransplant).

Intrafraction Motion in Surface-Guided Breast Radiation Therapy and its Implications on a Single Planning Target Volume Margin Strategy.

Purpose: This study quantifies intrafraction motion in surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) for breast cancer and considers the need for individualized intrafraction motion measures when calculating planning target volume (PTV) margins.

Methods And Materials: SGRT was used to assess intrafraction motion in consecutive patients according to (1) site irradiated (whole-breast/chest wall vs whole-breast/chest wall + regional lymph nodes) and (2) the use of deep inspiration breath hold versus free breathing. Intrafraction motion variation was evaluated throughout the treatment course for all cases.

Comparison of Outcomes with the Use of Different Heat-Activated Crimping Prostheses in Stapedotomy.

Objective: To determine differences in failure rate and hearing outcomes of a completely encircling heat-activated crimping prosthesis (SMart 360°) compared to partially encircling prosthesis (SMart).

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Private neurotology tertiary referral center.

Predictors of arrhythmias in the population hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Studies exploring predictors of arrhythmias in the population primarily hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are scarce. Understanding this is crucial for risk stratification and appropriate management.

Methods: Using the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we identified primary admissions for COVID-19.

Heterotopic Splenic Tissue Mimicking Metastases on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: Heterotopic splenic tissue can occur following splenectomy and is typically asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. This benign condition may mimic malignant processes, posing diagnostic challenges especially in patients with a history of cancer or concurrent malignancy.

Case Description: We report the case of a 60-year-old male with a history of well-controlled hypertension and a splenectomy following a traumatic injury at age 7.

Intra-articular migration of tibial suture button in pediatric full epiphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A case report.

We report a case of a 12-years-old boy that underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and lateral meniscus repair. The all-epiphyseal, all-inside technique, with quadriceps tendon autograft and adjustable suspensory button fixation was utilized due to the open physes. Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirmed optimal position of the buttons, while arthroscopic evaluation of the graft showed proper tension, with full range of motion and knee stability.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Psychological Distress Among Adult Informal Caregivers.

Background and objective Providing care for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability can be mentally and emotionally challenging. Determining the factors that contribute to psychological distress among informal caregivers can be important in developing effective interventions to support this vulnerable population. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic determinants of psychological distress among adult informal caregivers in the United States.