Short-term effects of air pollution on acute myocardial infarctions in Shanghai, China, 2013-2014

Background Although particulate matter, with diameters 〈 2.5 μm （PM2.5） and 〈 10 μm （PM10）, and other pollutants have been associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the effect of pollutants on acute myocardial infarctions （AMIs） has rarely been investigated in Asia, especially in Shanghai, China. Methods Between 1 November 2013 and 27 April 2014, 972 patients from the Pudong District, Shanghai City, were assessed by the Emergency Medical Service. A case-crossover design was used to analyze exposure to air pollution and the AMI risk. Exposures to PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide （NO2）, sulphurdioxide （SO2）, and carbon monoxide （CO） were based on the mean urban background levels. The associations among AMI admissions, the included pollutants, temperature, and relative humidity were analyzed using correlation and logistic regression. Results The urban background levels of PM2.5, PM10 and CO were associated with an increased risk of AMI, unlike NO2 and SO2 levels. The OR （95% CI） for AMI were 1.16 （1.03-1.29）, 1.05 （1.01-1.16）, 0.82 （0.75-1.02）, 0.87 （0.63-1.95）, and 1.08 （1.02-1.21） for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO, respectively. Increases in the air quality index （AQI） were associated with more AMI occurrences. There was no correlation between fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity with AMI hospital admissions. Conclusions Short-term exposure to moderate-serious pollution levels is associated with increased risk of AMI. Increased PM2.5, PM10 and CO levels are related to increased AMI admissions.

Cerebral and splenic infarctions after injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in esophageal variceal bleeding

Variceal bleeding is the most serious complication of portal hypertension,and it accounts for approximately one fifth to one third of all deaths in liver cirrhosis patients.Currently,endoscopic treatment remains the predominant method for the prevention and treatment of variceal bleeding.Endoscopic treatments include band ligation and injection sclerotherapy.Injection sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate has been successfully used to treat variceal bleeding.Although injection sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate provides effective treatment for variceal bleeding,injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is associated with a variety of complications,including systemic embolization.Herein,we report a case of cerebral and splenic infarctions after the injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate to treat esophageal variceal bleeding.

Prognostic implications of type 2 myocardial infarctions

Purpose: A type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) is due to ischemia from increased oxygen demand or decreased supply. It is not an infrequent complication following non-cardiac surgery or in the setting of acute medical illness. The purpose of this study was to determine whether type 2 MIs had a worse prognosis than a type 1 MI. Methods: The hospital database of a large terti-ary-level academic medical center was queried for all patients with a troponin I ≥ 1.6 ng/mL during a one-year period. The outcomes of patients with a type 2 MI were compared to those with a type 1 MI. Results: This retrospective study found that a type 2 MI is more lethal than the usual type 1 MI, particularly among women and the elderly. There was no statistical difference in outcomes between those that occurred in the post-operative setting compared to those that occurred in the setting of acute medical illness. Conclusions: Type 2 MIs are common and are associated with increased mortality, as compared with type 1 MIs. To date, no guidelines exist for the management of this type of MI. Further research into underlying mechanisms resulting in type 2 MI as well as potential treatment strategies is needed.

Silent brain infarctions and leuko-araiosis in Chinese patients with first-ever acute lacunar strokes

We report on silent brain infarction (SBI) and leuko- araiosis (LA) of 23 patients with clinically diagnosed “first-ever” acute ischemic lacunar stroke. The lacunar syndromes were pure motor hemiparesis (10), pure sensory syndrome (2), ataxic hemiparesis (3), dysarthria clumsy hand syndrome (3), and sensory- motor deficit (5). Nineteen out of the 23 patients presented with completed strokes on arrival to the hospital, and 4 (17%) developed evolving-stroke within 24 hours of stroke onset. A lacune corresponded to the acute stroke could be found in all patients on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in 18 (78%) on brain computed tomography (CT). MRI showed additional subclinical or asymptomatic “silent brain infarctions or lacunes” (SBI) in 19 (83%) of 23 patients, and leuko-araiosis (LA) of moderate to severe degree (> grade 2) was present in 61% of patients although dementia was absent. Hypertension is the risk factor in 78% of cases followed by diabetes mellitus, smoking, and elevated plasma cholesterol level. Independence of the types of lacunar syndromes, patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with high grade LA. None with normal blood pressure and plasma glucose had grade 3 or grade 4 LA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, evolving-stroke occurs in one- fifth of patients with “first-ever” lacunar infarct within the first 24 hours of stroke onset. SBI was found in 83% of cases. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with additional SBI and high grade LA. The severity of leuko-araiosis per se dictates the cerebrovascular risks.

Functional Outcomes of Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Treatment of Malignant Infarctions of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Introduction: Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is a devastating entity that is associated with up to 80% mortality. Decompressive Hemicraniectomy has been utilized to treat brain swelling and mass effect secondary to these infarctions in an attempt to improve functional outcome. Aim: To evaluate the functional outcome of decompressive hemicraniectomy in management of malignant MCA infarctions. Methods: The study included 30 patients with malignant MCA infarctions operated upon by decompressive hemicraniectomy and duroplasty with pericranium or fascia lata graft in the period from June 2016 to January 2019. Pre-operative neurological condition, associated morbidity, location and extent of the infarction were assessed. Surgery was performed within 48 hours of the onset of stroke or 12 hours within deterioration of conscious level. Pre-operative CT scan as well as sequential post-operative CT was done. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the time of discharge and 3 months following surgery. Results: The study included 18 males and 12 females with a mean age of 54.7 years. The pre-operative GCS was <8 (5 - 7) in 11 patients and 8 or higher (8 - 13) in 19 patients. Good functional outcome (mRS 0 - 3) was achieved in 13 (43.3%) cases while poor outcome (mRS 4 - 5) occurred in 8 (26.7%) cases and mortality (mRS 6) occurred in 9 (30%) cases. Conclusion: Decompressive hemicraniectomy improves functional outcome in cases of malignant MCA infarction. Pre-operative GCS, age, volume of infarction, degree of midline shift, timing of surgery and associated morbidity are the most important factors affecting the outcome.

Multiple hepatic infarctions secondary to diabetic ketoacidosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic infarctions(HI)are ischemic events of the liver in which a disruption in the blood flow to the hepatocytes leads to focal ischemia and necrosis.Most HI are due to occlusive events in the liver’s blood vessels,but non-occlusive HI may occur.They are associated with disruption of microvasculature,such as in diabetic ketoacidosis.While HI usually presents as peripheral lesions with clear borders,irregular nodular lesions may occur,indistinguishable from liver neoplasms and presenting a diagnostic challenge.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of multiple extensive HI in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus,who first presented to the emergency room with diabetic ketoacidosis.He then developed jaundice,thrombocytopenia,and a marked elevation of serum aminotransferases.An ultrasound of the liver showed the presence of multiple irregular lesions.Further investigation with a computerized tomography scan confirmed the presence of multiple hypoattenuating nodules with irregular borders and heterogeneous appearance.These lesions were considered highly suggestive of a primary neoplasm of the liver.While the patient was clinically stable,his bilirubin levels remained persistently elevated,and he underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the largest lesion.Biopsy results revealed extensive ischemic necrosis of hepatocytes,with no signs of associated malignancy.Three months after the symptoms,the patient showed great improvement in all clinical and laboratory parameters and extensive regression of the lesions on imaging exams.CONCLUSION This case highlights that diabetic ketoacidosis can cause non-occlusive HI,possibly presenting as nodular lesions indistinguishable from neoplasms.

Pheochromocytoma as a cause of repeated acute myocardial infarctions,heart failure,and transient erythrocytosis:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamines-secreting tumor arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla.It classically presents with paroxysmal hypertension,headaches,palpitations,sweating,and metabolic disorders.Atypical presentations such as acute myocardial infarction,heart failure,cardiomyopathy,stroke,and transient erythrocytosis have been infrequently documented.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with pheochromocytoma presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction,heart failure,and transient erythrocytosis with nonobstructed coronary arteries.This was his second heart attack.The patient was previously diagnosed with myocardial infarction,and an immense mass was found on the left adrenal gland 3 years prior.Based on clinical and laboratory findings,a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed.His coronary angiogram showed nonobstructed coronary arteries except for a myocardial bridge in the left anterior descending branch.This was a form of type-2 myocardial infarction.The myocardial cell lesions were caused by sudden secretion of catecholamines by the pheochromocytoma.Even more atypically,his hemoglobin level was obviously elevated at admission,but after a few days of treatment with an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker,it dropped to normal levels without additional treatment.CONCLUSION Pheochromocytoma may be a cause of acute myocardial infarction,heart failure,and transient erythrocytosis.

Additional Treatment Modality to Improve Outcomes in Myocardial Infarctions and Strokes

In 1974, in Nature, we hypothesized that removal of cytokines can be effective in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We call this approach anticytokino-therapy. Later it was shown that neutralization of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon alpha (IFN-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), leads to a good therapeutic effect. Anticytokinotherapy is currently used around the world for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other Th-1-mediated inflammatory diseases. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have also been found in other conditions (myocardial infarctions, strokes, chronic pain syndromes, etc.). This leads us to believe that hyper- production of pro-inflammatory cytokines forms a basis of a variety of pathological conditions and represents a uniform response of the organism to a wide variety of insults in any part of the body. Thus, we propose to add monoclonal antibodies to (or other blockers of) pro-inflammatory cytokines to the treatment regimens for myocardial infarctions, strokes, and possibly other Th-1-mediated diseases.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Prolongation of the Management of Myocardial Infarctions Seen Late: A Cross-Sectional Study of 25 Cases Collected in the Cardiology Department of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar (Senegal)

Background: Timely management determines the prognosis of patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome with persistent ST-segment elevation (STEMI). Coronavirus COVID-19 appeared in China, in Wuhan in December 2019, which has spread at a lightning speed across the planet earth, becoming a pandemic. Senegal, as well as countries around the world, has also been affected by this pandemic, which has had a strong impact on all its sectors of activity, particularly the health system. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the factors that increase the time required to treat myocardial infarctions, received late at H?pital Aristide le Dantec and to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on these delays. Results: A total of 25 patients were included: 17 patients in pre-pandemic period and 8 patients in pandemic period. The predominance was male with a sex ratio of 2.5. The mean age was 59.20 years. Hypertension was the leading risk factor with a prevalence of 60% followed by sedentary lifestyle (48%). Typical chest pain was the most frequent clinical symptom found on admission (80%) followed by nausea and vomiting (40%). The first medical contact took place in a hospital in most patients (44%) and was made by a general practitioner (64%). The majority of patients (76%) were referred to the cardiology department. The personal car was the most frequently used means of transportation for our patients (60%). The average distance by car between the place of occurrence and the hospital was 22.6 km with extremes of 3.30 and 36 km. The average travel time from the place of occurrence to the cardiology department was 43 min 30 s with extremes of 11 and 57 min. When comparing the results according to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the number of incident cases is noted. Before the pandemic, a consultation in multiple units was noted in the majority of cases (41%) before admission. During COVID-19, the majority of patients (62.5%) had consulted only one site. The average time from pain to first medical contact was 06 h 30 min before the COVID-19 pandemic and 42 h06 min during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean time to electrocardiogram recording was 14 h 30 min before the Covid-19 pandemic and 27 h 22 min during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: There are significant delays in the management of STEMI patients. They are attributable to both the patients and the system. The main factors of system delay found in our study were the delay in ECG recording, its interpretation, and the organization of transfer via a medical ambulance. The Covid-19 disease has globally aggravated these delays that were already present before the pandemic. Consequent measures must be taken to reduce these delays that determine the vital prognosis of STEMI patients.

Silent Cerebral Infarctions in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients;Could Brain MRI Be a Routine Investigation?

Objective: To study the prevalence of silent cerebral infarction in Type II diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: The study was a prospective on 80 patients recruited from neurology, endocrine outpatient clinics. Patients were type II diabetics as described by the American Diabetes Association, 2011 criteria. All patients underwent full metabolic profiles to diagnose diabetes mellitus and MRI brain scans to detect cerebral infarction. Results: Silent cerebral infarctions were detected in 60% of patients (48/80 patients) predominately along periventricular white matter area and subcortical areas (Basal ganglia, Thalamus). Conclusion: Asymptomatic Type II diabetes mellitus patients could have vascular cerebral changes without neurological symptoms. MRI brain scans could be recommended as routine diagnosis (if possible) for early cerebral infarct detection in type II diabetic patients.

Successful emergency surgical intervention in acute non-STsegment elevation myocardial infarction with rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is rising,with cardiac rupture accounting for approximately 2%of deaths in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Ventricular free wall rupture(FWR)occurs in approximately 2%of AMI patients and is notably rare in patients with non-STEMI.Types of cardiac rupture include left ventricular FWR,ventricular septal rupture,and papillary muscle rupture.The FWR usually leads to acute cardiac tamponade or electromechanical dissociation,where standard resuscitation efforts may not be effective.Ventricular septal rupture and papillary muscle rupture often result in refractory heart failure,with mortality rates over 50%,even with surgical or percutaneous repair options.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of an acute non-STEMI patient who suffered sudden FWR causing cardiac tamponade and loss of consciousness immediate before undergoing coronary angiography.Prompt resuscitation and emergency open-heart repair along with coronary artery bypass grafting resulted in successful patient recovery.CONCLUSION This case emphasizes the risks of AMI complications,shares a successful treatment scenario,and discusses measures to prevent such complications.

Hemogram-derived ratios as prognostic markers for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its diverse outcomes.Understanding the prognostic role of hematological parameters and derived ratios in NSTEMI patients could aid in risk stratification and improve patient care.AIM To evaluate the predictive value of hemogram-derived ratios for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in NSTEMI patients,potentially improving clinical outcomes.METHODS A prospective,observational cohort study was conducted in 2021 at the Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Hospital in Tuzla,Bosnia and Herzegovina.The study included 170 patients with NSTEMI,who were divided into a group with MACE and a control group without MACE.Furthermore,the MACE group was subdivided into lethal and non-lethal groups for prognostic analysis.Alongside hematological parameters,an additional 13 hematological-derived ratios(HDRs)were monitored,and their prognostic role was investigated.RESULTS Hematological parameters did not significantly differ between non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)patients with MACE and a control group at T1 and T2.However,significant disparities emerged in HDRs among NSTEMI patients with lethal and non-lethal outcomes post-MACE.Notably,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)were elevated in lethal outcomes.Furthermore,C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio(CRP/Ly)at T1(>4.737)demonstrated predictive value[odds ratio(OR):3.690,P=0.024].Both NLR at T1(>4.076)and T2(>4.667)emerged as significant predictors,with NLR at T2 exhibiting the highest diagnostic performance,as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.811(95%CI:0.727-0.859)and OR of 4.915(95%CI:1.917-12.602,P=0.001),emphasizing its important role as a prognostic marker.CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant prognostic value of hemogram-derived indexes in predicting MACE among NSTEMI patients.During follow-up,NLR,PLR,and CRP/Ly offer important insights into the inflammatory processes underlying cardiovascular events.

dP/dt_(max):An underestimated prognostic factor in large animal infarction model

The present study aims to establish a reproducible large animal experimental unit using a minipig model to monitor cardiac function changes.A 90-min closed-chest bal-loon occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was used to induce myocardial infarction in Pannon minipigs.To monitor the cardiac function,measurements were made by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(cMRI),invasive pressure monitoring,and a Pulse index Continuous Cardiac Output(PiCCO)hemo-dynamic system at 0,72,and 720 h during the follow-up period.End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes(EDV,ESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)obtained by cMRI evaluation,global ejection fraction and aortic dP/dt_(max)obtained by the invasive method,were recorded and compared.The 72-and 720-h EDV data showed a signifi-cant increase(p=0.012,<0.001)compared to baseline,and the Day 30 data showed a significant increase compared to Day 3(p=0.022).The ESV 72 h after the infarction showed a significant increase(p=0.001)compared to baseline,which did not change significantly by Day 30(p=0.781)compared to Day 3.EDV and ESV were signifi-cantly negatively correlated with aortic dp_(max),and ESV was significantly correlated with LVEF.For LVEF and dP_(max),a significant(p<0.001 and p=0.002)worsening was demonstrated at Day 3 compared to baseline,which was no longer statistically de-tectable for LVEF at Day 30(p=0.141),while the difference for dP_(max)was maintained(p=0.002).The complementary use of PiCCO hemodynamic measurements in large animal models makes the previously used methodologies more robust and reliable.

Glycemic Control and Diabetes Duration in Relation to Subsequent Myocardial Infarction among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of glycemic control and diabetes duration on subsequent myocardial infarction(MI)in patients with both coronary heart disease(CHD)and type 2 diabetes(T2D).Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 33,238 patients with both CHD and T2D in Shenzhen,China.Patients were categorized into 6 groups based on baseline fasting plasma glucose(FPG)levels and diabetes duration(from the date of diabetes diagnosis to the baseline date)to examine their combined effects on subsequent MI.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used,with further stratification by age,sex,and comorbidities to assess potential interactions.Results Over a median follow-up of 2.4 years,2,110 patients experienced MI.Compared to those with optimal glycemic control(FPG<6.1 mmol/L)and shorter diabetes duration(<10 years),the fullyadjusted hazard ratio(HR)(95%Confidence Interval[95%CI])for those with a diabetes duration of≥10 years and FPG>8.0 mmol/L was 1.93(95%CI:1.59,2.36).The combined effects of FPG and diabetes duration on MI were largely similar across different age,sex,and comorbidity groups,although the excess risk of MI associated with long-term diabetes appeared to be more pronounced among those with atrial fibrillation.Conclusion Our study indicates that glycemic control and diabetes duration significant influence the subsequent occurrence of MI in patients with both CHD and T2D.Tailored management strategies emphasizing strict glycemic control may be particularly beneficial for patients with longer diabetes duration and atrial fibrillation.

Association of elevated hs-CRP and multiple infarctions with outcomes of minor stroke or TIA: subgroup analysis of CHANCE randomised clinical trial

Background and purpose The relationship of high-sensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)levels and infarction numbers with the prognosis of stroke is uncertain.This study evaluated the association of different hs-CRP levels and infarction numbers with the prognosis of acute minor ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack(TIA).Methods A subset of 807 patients with both hs-CRP measurement and baseline MRI was included from the Clopidogrel in High-risk Patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events trial.The primary efficacy outcome was the occurrence of an ischaemic stroke at the 1-year follow-up.Infarction numbers were classified as multiple acute infarctions(MAIs),single acute infarction and no acute infarction(NAI).The association between different hs-CRP levels with different infarction numbers and the risk of any outcome was analysed using multivariable Cox regression models.Results Among the 807 patients,84(10.4%)patients had a recurrent ischaemic stroke within 1 year.After adjustment for conventional confounding factors,patients with both elevated hs-CRP levels and MAIs were associated with approximately 4.7-fold of risk of ischaemic stroke within 1 year(16.7% vs 3.5%,HR 4.68,95% CI 1.54 to 14.23,p=0.007),compared with those with non-elevated hs-CRP levels and NAI.Similar results were observed for the composite events.Conclusions Combined elevated hs-CRP levels and MAIs may increase 1-year stroke risk stratification efficiency in patients with minor ischaemic stroke or TIA compared with using those markers alone,which indicated that the combination of inflammatory and imaging markers might improve the effectiveness of risk stratification concerning minor ischaemic stroke or TIA.

Resistance Exercise Increases the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle FSTL1 Consequently Improving Cardiac Angiogenesis in Rats with Myocardial Infarctions

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether skeletal muscle-derived follistatin-like 1(FSTL1)reaches the heart and exerts the angiogenetic function in rats suffering myocardial infarctions(MI)after exercise intervention.Methods Forty-eight male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups.MI was provoked by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery.MI rats underwent adeno-associated virus injection of FST1 in tibialis anterior muscle and 4 weeks of resistance exercise via a tail-suspended incremental weight-climbing method(0-75%body weight,daily load increased by 10%;1 h/day,5 day/w).Heart function was evaluated by hemodynamics including LVSP,LVEDP and±dP/dt max;the cross-sectional area of muscle cells and myocardium fibrosis were analyzed by DiI and Masson’s stain-ing,respectively;the FSTL1 expression,endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis were visualized by immunofluores-cence staining;and protein expression was quantified by Western blotting.Results Resistance exercise reverted MI-induced skeletal muscle atrophy,increased muscle FSTL1 expression and stimulated skeletal muscle derived FSTL1 entering into the MI heart via blood circulation.The overexpression of skeletal muscle FSTL1 improved myocardial endothelial cell proliferation,increased small vessel density in the fibrotic border,inhibited myocardial fibrosis and improved heart function in the MI rats after the exercise intervention.Meanwhile,DIP2A-PI3K-Akt-mTOR,Erk1/2 and TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathways were activated in the myocardium.Conclusion Resistance exercise stimulates skeletal muscle derived FSTL1 to reach the myocardium which makes a positive contribution to cardioprotection in MI rat.

Reversible renal infarctions associated with pheochromocytoma:a case report

To the Editor:The complications of pheochromocytoma caused by barely controlled hypertension and the overproduction of catecholamine can reduce patients’life expectancy and quality of life.Herein,we report a case of bilateral multiple renal infarctions on computed tomography(CT)scan related to pheochromocytoma,which achieved complete relief on follow-up after tumor removal.A 47-year-old male with a 3-year history of uncontrolled hypertension(the highest value recorded was 210/160 mmHg)and intermittent severe headache,pallor,and sweating presented to our hospital on April 15,2014.He did not monitor his blood pressure regularly but occasionally took dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers.

Decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions: a meta-analysis

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been the classical management for malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions (mMCAI) in clinical practice. However, the association between DC and mMCAI remains unclear. This review went to evaluate the efficacy of DC in treating mMCAI patients. Methods: Studies were entirely searched since the foundation dates of multiple databases to June 2016. All major databases were involved, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other sources. the bias risk of studies involved were evaluated. Modified Rankin Scale was defined as Primary outcome, Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals was taken as measurements. T2 (tau-squared) test, I2 test, and chi-square tests were used for statistical heterogeneity evaluation for each meta-analysis result, followed by fixed-effect model. Mantel-haenszel method was used in the process of summary estimations. All of the meta-analysis was conducted by Review Manager 5.3.Results & Conclusion: One thousand one hundred forty-five records of data were critically identified and collected through databases and 14 studies were finally involved. Result suggested that DC can ameliorate the suboptimal outcome of mMCAI patients.

Recurrent myocardial infarctions with normal coronary arteries in a patient with atrial flutter: A case report

Coronary embolism secondary to atrial fibrillation can lead to myocardial infarction independently of atherosclerotic coronary arteries. We encountered a patient repeatedly tortured by atrial fibrillation who presented with recurrent myocardial infarctions with normal coronary anatomy and ischemic stroke. We were frustrated by repeated failures because of some probably inappropriate decisions.

Cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease induced by hypertension

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for the progression of cognitive impairment caused by cerebral small vessel disease,the most common cerebrovascular disease.Howeve r,the causal relationship between hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease remains unclear.Hypertension has substantial negative impacts on brain health and is recognized as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.Chronic hypertension and lifestyle factors are associated with risks for stro ke and dementia,and cerebral small vessel disease can cause dementia and stroke.Hypertension is the main driver of cerebral small vessel disease,which changes the structure and function of cerebral vessels via various mechanisms and leads to lacunar infarction,leukoaraiosis,white matter lesions,and intracerebral hemorrhage,ultimately res ulting in cognitive decline and demonstrating that the brain is the to rget organ of hypertension.This review updates our understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertensioninduced cerebral small vessel disease and the res ulting changes in brain structure and function and declines in cognitive ability.We also discuss drugs to treat cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment.