Left atrial septal pouch thrombus: An unusual cause of an embolic stroke.

Left-atrial septal pouch (LASP) is a newly described anatomical variant caused by incomplete fusion of the septa primum and secundum. This case visualizes LASP as a potential nidus for blood stasis and cardiac embolism and highlights the need for consideration of TEE in the work up of cryptogenic stroke.

The impact of pre-stroke metformin use on clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, with limited treatment options available for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not only widespread but also a known risk factor for stroke. Our meta-analysis aims to assess the influence of pre-stroke metformin use on the clinical outcomes in AIS patients with T2DM.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Severe Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction in Pregnancy.

Pregnancy can worsen symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and increase the risk of complications. Severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with gradient >100 mm Hg poses a high risk of deterioration during pregnancy. We present a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in the third trimester of pregnancy with a left ventricular outflow tract gradient >100 mm Hg and discuss successful interdisciplinary management.

Combination prophylactic amiodarone with beta-blockers versus beta-blockers in atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: A systematic-review and meta-analysis.

Background: Guideline recommendations regarding the preferred preventive measures for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are unclear, nor have we found any review articles addressing the combination of amiodarone and beta-blockers for the prevention of POAF.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of combination beta-blockers and amiodarone in the prevention of POAF while also comparing the use of amiodarone and beta-blockers individually.

Methods: We used Pubmed as the primary resource.

An Update on Treatment Options for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacteremia: A Systematic Review.

Since the last century, methicillin-resistant (MRSA) bacteremia has become a major global and public health concern not only in terms of morbidity and mortality but also the duration of hospital stay, healthcare cost, and antimicrobial choices. Especially alarming is the growing antimicrobial resistance due to their misuse and overuse, which has led the world to be exhausted of its effective antibiotic resources. In this review article, we sought to figure out the most efficacious antimicrobial agents to treat MRSA-related bloodstream infections.

Hiccup: The Striking Manifestation of Hyponatremia Due to Ischemic Stroke-Induced Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome (CSWS).

Among many clinical symptoms, hiccups are an infrequent presentation of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia indicates a serum sodium level of less than 135 mmol/l, the most common reported electrolyte abnormality. Cerebral salt wasting syndrome is a less common cause of hyponatremia, which can arise from a spectrum of brain pathology.

A Case of Cryptococcal Meningitis and Fungemia With Relapse in an HIV-Negative, Non-transplant Patient on Azathioprine Therapy for Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder.

Cryptococcal meningitis typically occurs in immunocompromised patients. Approximately 80% of cryptococcal infections occur in HIV patients. Non-HIV, non-transplant recipient patients are the least numerous population groups affected by cryptococcal infections.

Prognostic implications of serial outpatient blood pressure measurements in patients with an axial continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) has been linked to adverse events during left ventricular assist device support. In this study we investigated the association between outpatient BP and stroke or suspected pump thrombosis among HeartMate II (HMII) recipients.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 220 HMII patients.