COVID-19 and cardiac complications:Myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Coronavirus is an important pathogen causing disease in humans and animals.At the end of 2019,an investigation into an increase in pneumonia cases in Wuhan,Hubei Province,China,found that the cause was a new coronavirus.This disease,which spread rapidly across China and caused an outbreak worldwide,resulted in a pandemic.Although this virus has previously been referred to as 2019-nCoV,which causes coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),later it was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Children were usually asymptomatic and rarely severely affected.In April 2020,reports from the United Kingdom indicated that children may have Kawasaki disease or a clinical condition similar to toxic shock syndrome.This clinical picture was later defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.Since then,similarly affected children as well as cases with other cardiac complications have been reported in other parts of the world.In this review,we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 in terms of cardiac involvement by reviewing the literature.

Complexity in interpreting cardiac valve-associated thrombus from tumors in Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome(LFS)is a well-defined autosomal dominant predisposition syndrome due to TP53 germline mutation that causes many cancer malig-nancies.This early-onset syndrome poses a state of widespread malignancy.Such an inherited condition possessing defective p53,guardian of the genome,in the germline has the potential to cause multiple cancers by predominantly affecting mesenchyme(connective tissues,blood cells),breast,brain,and adrenal cortex organs.The tumors initially identified in LFS can eventually propagate to cause secondary malignancies.LFS contributes to multiple cancers in individuals with defective p53 inheritance.When suspected to possess any mass,patients with other co-morbidities,in particular those with certain cardiovascular conditions,undergo screening using high-throughput techniques like transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography or cardiothoracic magnetic resonance imaging to locate and interpret the size of the mass.In LFS cases,it is certain to presume these masses as cancers and plan their management employing invasive surgeries after performing all efficient diagnostic tools.There are only poor predictions to rule out the chances of any other pathology.This criterion emphasizes the necessity to speculate alternative precision diagnostic methods to affirm such new growth or masses encountered in LFS cases.Moreover,it has all the possibilities to ultimately influence surgical procedures that may be invasive or complicate operative prognosis.Hence,it is essential to strategize an ideal protocol to diagnose any new unexplored mass in the LFS community.In this editorial,we discuss the importance of diagnostic approaches on naïve pristine masses in LFS.

Tricuspid mass-curious case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Li-Fraumeni syndrome(LFS)is a rare autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing syndrome,which can manifest as a polymorphic spectrum of malignancies.LFS is associated with an early onset in life,with the majority of cases occurring prior to the age of 46.Notwithstanding the infrequency of primary cardiac tumors,it behooves clinicians to remain vigilant in considering the differential diagnosis of such tumors in LFS patients who present with a cardiac mass.This is due to the markedly elevated risk for malignancy in this particular population,far surpassing that of the general populace.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present a case of a 30-year-old female with LFS who was found to have a tricuspid valve leaflet mass.CONCLUSION This case exemplifies valuable learning points in the diagnostic approach for this exceptionally rare patient population.

Hepatocardiorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis:Recognition of a new entity?

Emerging evidence and perspectives have pointed towards the heart playing an important role in hepatorenal syndrome(HRS),outside of conventional understanding that liver cirrhosis is traditionally considered the sole origin of a cascade of pathophysiological mechanisms directly affecting the kidneys in this context.In the absence of established heart disease,cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may occur more frequently in those with liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.It is a specific form of cardiac dysfunction characterized by blunted contractile responsiveness to stress stimuli and altered diastolic relaxation with electrophysiological abnormalities.Despite the clinical description of these potential cardiac-related complications of the liver,the role of the heart has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of circulatory dysfunction in HRS.Yet from a physiological sense,temporality(prior onset)of cardiorenal interactions in HRS and positive effects stemming from portosystemic shunting demonstrated an important role of the heart in the development and progression of kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.In this review,we discuss current concepts surrounding how the heart may influence the development and progression of HRS,and the role of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction causing circulatory dysfunction within this setting.The temporality of heart and kidney dysfunction in HRS will be discussed.For a subgroup of patients who receive portosystemic shunting,the dynamics of cardiorenal interactions following treatment is reviewed.Continued research to determine the unknowns in this topic is anticipated,hopefully to further clarify the intricacies surrounding the liver-heart-kidney connection and improve strategies for management.

Prognostic value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin Ⅰ in children with dengue shock syndrome

Objective:To investigate the contribution of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-pro BNP)and troponin Ⅰ to mortality in children with dengue shock syndrome.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted on children with dengue shock syndrome in a hospital in southern Vietnam.Detailed clinical histories,physical examinations,and laboratory parameters,including NT-pro BNP and troponin Ⅰ,were recorded.A comparison between survival and non-survival was carried out to identify factors influencing mortality.Results:A total of 107 patients with a median age of 9 years were included in the study.Among them,63.6%(68/107)presented with compensated shock,36.4%(39/107)had hypotensive shock,23.4%(25/107)required mechanical ventilation,and 12.1%(13/107)died.The NT-pro BNP levels were 3.9 pmol/L(IQR:1.9,10.3)and 15.2 pmol/L(5.8,46.3),while the median high sensitivity troponin Ⅰ levels were 20 pg/L(6,95)and 62 pg/L(12,325)at the first and second measurements,respectively.The mortality group exhibited higher rates of hypotensive shock,prolonged shock,lactate levels,liver damage,NT-pro BNP,and troponin Ⅰ levels.Hypotensive shock(OR 12.96,95%CI 2.70-62.30,P=0.004),prolonged shock(OR 39.40,95%CI 6.68-232.70,P<0.001),AST>1000 IU/L(OR 9.50,95%CI 2.63-34.34,P=0.041),and NT-pro BNP>7 pmol/L(OR 44.40,95%CI 5.44-362.20,P=0.001)were identified as predictive factors for mortality in dengue shock syndrome.Conclusions:The NT-pro BNP level could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting mortality in children with dengue shock syndrome.

Tricuspid mass-curious case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome:A letter to the editor

We focus specifically on the rare occurrence of cardiac thrombi in Li-Fraumeni syndrome(LFS).LFS is a hereditary risk to a diverse range of specific,uncommon,malignancies.Children and young adults have a heightened susceptibility to many malignancies,particularly soft-tissue and bone tumors,breast malignancies,central nervous system malignancies,adrenocortical carcinoma,and blood cancers.Additionally,LFS patients may experience other cancer types such as gastrointestinal,lung,kidney,thyroid,and skin cancers,along with those affecting gonadal organs(ovaries,testicles,and prostate).An accurate diagnosis of LFS is crucial to enable affected families to access appropriate genetic counseling and undergo surveillance for early cancer detection.

Initial decrease in the lipoprotein(a)level is a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases;however,its role in acute coronary syndrome(ACS)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the hypothesis that the Lp(a)levels are altered by various conditions during the acute phase of ACS,resulting in subsequent cardiovascular events.METHODS From September 2009 to May 2016,377 patients with ACS who underwent emergent coronary angiography,and 249 who completed≥1000 d of follow-up were enrolled.Lp(a)levels were measured using an isoform-independent assay at each time point from before percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)to 48 h after PCI.The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACE;cardiac death,other vascular death,ACS,and non-cardiac vascular events).RESULTS The mean circulating Lp(a)level decreased significantly from pre-PCI(0 h)to 12 h after(19.0 mg/dL to 17.8 mg/dL,P<0.001),and then increased significantly up to 48 h after(19.3 mg/dL,P<0.001).The changes from 0 to 12 h[Lp(a)Δ0-12]significantly correlated with the basal levels of creatinine[Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient(SRCC):-0.181,P<0.01]and Lp(a)(SRCC:-0.306,P<0.05).Among the tertiles classified according to Lp(a)Δ0-12,MACE was significantly more frequent in the lowest Lp(a)Δ0-12 group than in the remaining two tertile groups(66.2%vs 53.6%,P=0.034).A multivariate analysis revealed that Lp(a)Δ0-12[hazard ratio(HR):0.96,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.92-0.99]and basal creatinine(HR:1.13,95%CI:1.05-1.22)were independent determinants of subsequent MACE.CONCLUSION Circulating Lp(a)levels in patients with ACS decreased significantly after emergent PCI,and a greater decrease was independently associated with a worse prognosis.

Development of pulmonary hypertension remains a major hurdle to corrective surgery in Down syndrome

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality encountered in clinical practice with 50%of them having associated congenital heart disease(CHD).Shunt lesions account for around 75%of all CHDs in Down syndrome.Down syndrome patients,especially with large shunts are particularly predisposed to early development of severe pulmonary hypertension(PH)compared with shunt lesions in general population.This necessitates timely surgical correction which remains the only viable option to prevent long term morbidity and mortality.However,despite clear recommendations,there is wide gap between actual practice and fear of underlying PH which often leads to surgical refusals in Down syndrome even when the shunt is reversible.Another peculiarity is that Down syndrome patients can develop PH even after successful correction of shunt.It is not uncommon to come across Down syndrome patients with uncorrected shunts in adulthood with irreversible PH at which stage intracardiac repair is contraindicated and the only option available is a combined heartlung transplant.However,despite the guidelines laid by authorities,the rates of cardiac transplant in adult Down syndrome remain dismal largely attributable to the high prevalence of intellectual disability in them.The index case presents a real-world scenario highlighting the impact of severe PH on treatment strategies and discrimination driven by the fear of worse outcomes in these patients.

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder following acute coronary syndrome and clinical characteristics of patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated that patients who have experienced acute coronary syndrome(ACS)have an increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and experiencing worse survival outcomes than those who do not develop PTSD.Nevertheless,the prevalence rates of PTSD following ACS vary widely across studies,and it is noteworthy that in most cases,the diagnosis of PTSD was based on self-report symptom questionnaires,rather than being established by psychiatrists.Additionally,the individual characteristics of patients who develop PTSD after ACS can differ widely,making it difficult to identify any consistent patterns or predictors of the disorder.AIM To investigate the prevalence of PTSD among a large sample of patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation(CR)after ACS,as well as their characteristics in comparison to a control group.METHODS The participants of this study are patients who have experienced ACS with or without undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and are enrolled in a 3-wk CR program at the largest CR center in Croatia,the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Krapinske Toplice.Patient recruitment for the study took place over the course of one year,from January 1,2022,to December 31,2022,with a total of 504 participants.The expected average follow-up period for patients included in the study is about 18 mo,and currently ongoing.Using self-assessment questionnaire for PTSD criteria and clinical psychiatric interview,a group of patients with a PTSD diagnosis was identified.From the participants who do not have a PTSD diagnosis,patients who would match those with a PTSD diagnosis in terms of relevant clinical and medical stratification variables and during the same rehabilitation period were selected to enable comparability of the two groups.RESULTS A total of 507 patients who were enrolled in the CR program were approached to participate in the study.Three patients declined to participate in the study.The screening PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version questionnaire was completed by 504 patients.Out of the total sample of 504 patients,74.2%were men(n=374)and 25.8%were women(n=130).The mean age of all participants was 56.7 years(55.8 for men and 59.1 for women).Among the 504 participants who completed the screening questionnaire,80 met the cutoff criteria for the PTSD and qualified for further evaluation(15.9%).All 80 patients agreed to a psychiatric interview.Among them,51 patients(10.1%)were diagnosed with clinical PTSD by a psychiatrist according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria.Among the variables analyzed,there was a noticeable difference in the percentage of theoretical maximum achieved on exercise testing between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups.Non-PTSD group achieved a significantly higher percentage of their maximum compared to the PTSD group(P=0.035).CONCLUSION The preliminary results of the study indicate that a significant proportion of patients with PTSD induced by ACS are not receiving adequate treatment.Furthermore,the data suggest that these patients may exhibit reduced physical activity levels,which could be one of the possible underlying mechanisms in observed poor cardiovascular outcomes in this population.Identifying cardiac biomarkers is crucial for identifying patients at risk of developing PTSD and may derive benefits from personalized interventions based on the principles of precision medicine in multidisciplinary CR programs.

Screening for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in Patients with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Identifying Missed Opportunities for Early Detection and Treatment

Purpose: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been linked to many extra-cardiac manifestations including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study is to analyze patients with bilateral CTS to identify patients with high-risk features or “red flags” for ATTR-CA, identify if systematic screening was done for ATTR-CA and define opportunities for improved detection. Methods: Out of >5000 patients with bilateral CTS evaluated in a single tertiary care center in Southeast Michigan (2010-2016), we retrospectively studied a focused population of patients: men > 50 years and women > 60 years old with bilateral CTS and atrial fibrillation (n = 295). Baseline demographic, comorbidities, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were analyzed. A high-risk group suspicious for ATTR-CA was identified as patients with bilateral CTS, atrial fibrillation, and concomitant “red flags” including heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results: Out of 295 patients, 51.2% were female, 75.6% were White, and 22.4% were African American. Upon comparing the high-risk group (n = 67) with the remaining study population (n = 228), both diagnosis of ATTR-CA and mortality were higher among the high-risk group (7.5% vs 0.4% and 43.3% vs 24.6%, respectively, P = 0.003). Conclusions: A substantial number of bilateral CTS patients had additional “red flags” warranting formal evaluation for ATTR-CA;however, systematic evaluation for cardiac amyloidosis was not performed in many patients. This emphasizes that Multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to create a systematic workflow and to raise awareness amongst cardiologists and other physicians for suspecting ATTR-CA in bilateral CTS patients who have additional “red flags”.

Early repolarization syndrome: A cause of sudden cardiac death

Early repolarization syndrome(ERS), demonstrated as J-point elevation on an electrocardiograph, was formerly thought to be a benign entity, but the recent studies have demonstrated that it can be linked to a considerable risk of life- threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death(SCD). Early repolarization characteristics associated with SCD include high-amplitude J-point elevation, horizontal and/or downslopping ST segments, and inferior and/or lateral leads location. The prevalence of ERS varies between 3% and 24%, depending on age, sex and J-point elevation(0.05 m V vs 0.1 m V) being the main determinants.ERS patients are sporadic and they are at a higher risk of having recurrent cardiac events. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and isoproterenol are the suggested therapies in this set of patients. On the other hand, asymptomatic patients with ERS are common and have a better prognosis. The risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with ERS still remains a grey area. This review provides an outline of the up-to-date evidence associated with ERS and the risk of life- threatening arrhythmias. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmogenesis in patients with ERS.

The Effect of Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity,Behavior,and Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in China

Aim:To investigate the effect of home-based cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity,health behavior,and risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome in China.Methods:Eighty patients with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled study.Patients in the cardiac rehabilitation group(n=52)received home-based cardiac rehabilitation with a heart manual and a home exercise video for 3 months and patients in the control group(n=28)received only routine secondary prevention.The 6-min walk distance,laboratory test results,healthy behavior(questionnaire),quality of life(12-item Short Form Health Survey),anxiety(7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire),and depression(9-item Patient Health Questionnaire)were evaluated at the beginning and after treatment for 3 months.Results:Compared with baseline data,52 patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation had longer 6-min walk distance(515.26±113.74 m vs 0.445.30±97.92 m,P<0.0002),higher proportions of“always exercise”(78.26% vs.28%,P<0.05),“always limit food with sugar”(65.22% vs 12%,P<0.05),“always eat fruits 200–400 g every day”(82.61% vs.4%,P<0.05).and“always eat vegetables 300–500 g every day”(21.74%vs.12%,P<0.06)after treatment for 3 months.The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control rate(52.17% vs.28%,P<0.05)and the systolic blood pressure control rate(100%vs.68%,P<0.05)were also signifi cantly increased after treatment for 3 months in the cardiac rehabilitation group.No signifi cant increase was found in the control group after treatment for 3 months.No cardiac-event related to home exercise was reported in both groups.Conclusion:Home-based cardiac rehabilitation is a feasible and available cardiac rehabilitation mode in China.

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome:Mechanisms and evaluation of adrenal insufficiency

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death and represents maximal stress in humans. After restoration of spontaneous circulation, post-cardiac arrest syndrome is the predominant disorder in survivors. Besides the post-arrest brain injury, the post-resuscitation myocardial stunning, and the systemic ischemia/reperfusion response, this syndrome is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, a disorder that often remains undiagnosed. The pathophysiology of adrenal insufficiency has not been elucidated. We performed a comprehensive search of three medical databases in order to describe the major pathophysiological disturbances which are responsible for the occurrence of the disorder. Based on the available evidence, this article will help physicians to better evaluate and understand the hidden yet deadly post-cardiac arrest adrenal insufficiency.

Anemia in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units

Background Little information exists about the role of anemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units(ICCU).The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and its impact on management and outcomes in this clinical setting.Methods All consecutive patients admitted to eight different ICCUs with diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation ACS(NSTEACS)were prospectively included.Anemia was defined as hemoglobin<130 g/L in men and<120 g/L in women.The association between anemia and mortality or readmission at six months was assessed by the Cox regression method.Results A total of 629 patients were included.Mean age was 66.6 years.A total of 197 patients(31.3%)had anemia.Coronary angiography was performed in most patients(96.2%).Patients with anemia were significantly older,with a higher prevalence of comorbidities,poorer left ventricle ejection fraction and higher GRACE score values.Patients with anemia underwent less often coronary angiography,but underwent more often intraaortic counterpulsation,non-invasive mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapies.Both ICCU and hospital stay were significantly longer in patients with anemia.Both the incidence of mortality(HR=3.36,95%CI:1.43–7.85,P=0.001)and the incidence of mortality/readmission were significantly higher in patients with anemia(HR=2.80,95%CI:2.03–3.86,P=0.001).After adjusting for confounders,the association between anemia and mortality/readmission remained significant(P=0.031).Conclusions Almost one of three NSTEACS patients admitted to ICCU had anemia.Most patients underwent coronary angiography.Anemia was independently associated to poorer outcomes at 6 months.

Assessment of C-Reactive Protein/Serum Albumin Ratio in Relation to Acute Presentation and Early Outcome of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cardiovascular (CV) cause of mortality. C reactive protein (CRP) has linked with long-term risk of recurrent cardiovascular events or death. Albumin, in contrast to CRP known as a negative acute-phase protein. Thus a newly introduced marker assessed relation of CRP to albumin ratio (CAR), which may provide better results than the use of either marker alone. The aim of the study is to assess the association of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) with in-hospital short-term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Patients & Methods: A multi-centers prospective cohort study was conducted at coronary intensive care units (CICU) in Baghdad during the period from March to October 2021 that included a total of 132 patients who were diagnosed as a case of ACS. They were assessed for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) like cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, post-MI angina, and acute heart failure while inside the ward, in addition to need for early interventional therapeutic approach in relation to (CAR) immediately at time of admission to hospital. Results: High values of CAR, whether using hs-CRP or CRP, were identified as an independent predictor for in-hospital MACEs (P value Conclusion: The CAR was independently correlated with in-hospital short-term MACEs and can be used for risk stratification in patients with ACS.

Warm ischemia time and elevated serum uric acid are associated with metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation with donation after cardiac death

AIM To describe the prevalence of posttransplant metabolic syndrome(PTMS) after donation after cardiac death(DCD) liver transplantation(LT) and the pre-and postoperative risk factors.METHODS One hundred and forty-seven subjects who underwent DCD LT from January 2012 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study. The demographics and the clinical characteristics of pre-and post-transplantation were collected for both recipients and donors. PTMS was defined according to the 2004 Adult Treatment Panel-Ⅲ criteria. All subjects were followed monthly for the initial 6 mo after discharge, and then, every 3 mo for 2 years. The subjects were followed every 6 mo or as required after 2 years post-LT.RESULTS The prevalence of PTMS after DCD donor orthotopic LT was 20/147(13.6%). Recipient's body mass index(P = 0.024), warm ischemia time(WIT)(P = 0.045), and posttransplant hyperuricemia(P = 0.001) were significantly associated with PTMS. The change in serum uric acid levels in PTMS patients was significantly higher than that in non-PTMS patients(P < 0.001). After the 1 s t mo, the level of serum uric acid of PTMS patients rose continually over a period, while it was unaltered in non-PTMS patients. After transplantation, the level of serum uric acid in PTMS patients was not associated with renal function.CONCLUSION PTMS could occur at early stage after DCD LT with growing morbidity with the passage of time. WIT and post-LT hyperuricemia are associated with the prevalence of PTMS. An increased serum uric acid level is highly associated with PTMS and could act as a serum marker in this disease.

Spontaneous type 1 pattern, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Brugada Syndrome： an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Brugada syndrome （BrS） is primary electrical disorder characterized by ST segment elevation with right bundle branch block morphology in patients with apparent structurally normal hearts, It predisposes affected individuals to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation （VT/VF） and sudden cardiac death （SCD）.A number of studies have identified risk factors that are associated with a more malignant course of disease. These include male gender, syncope, a spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern, family history of SCD, family history of Brugada syndrome,

Origin of and therapeutic approach to cardiac syndrome X:Results of the proton pump inhibitor therapy for angina-like lingering pain trial (PITFALL trial)

AIM: To investigate the frequency of gastroen-terological diseases in the etiology and the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the treatment of cardiac syndrome X (CSX) as a subform of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). METHODS: We investigated 114 patients with CSX using symptom questionnaires. A subgroup of these patients were investigated regarding upper gastrointestinal disorders (GIs) and treated with PPI. Patients not willing to participate in investigation and treatment served as control group. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients denied any residual symptoms and were not further evaluated. After informed consent in 27 of the remaining 78 patients, we determined the prevalence of disorders of the upper GI tract and quantifi ed the effect of treatment with pantoprazole. We found a high prevalence of gastroenterological pathologies (26/27 patients, 97%)with gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux as the most common associated disorders. If treated according to the study protocol, these patients showed a significant improvement in the symptom score. Patients treated by primary care physicians, not according to the study protocol had a minor response to treatment (n = 19, -43%), while patients not treated at all (n = 26) had no improvement of symptoms (-0%). CONCLUSION: Disorders of the upper GI tract are a frequent origin of CSX in a German population and can be treated with pantoprazole if given for a longer period.

Overall approaches to cardiac tumors:Still an unsolved enigma?

Cardiac tumors are neoplasms involving heart structures at any level,meaning the myocardium,valves,and cardiac chambers.When considering cardiac masses,it is not uncommon for surgeons to be surprised when they diagnose one.The real incidence of this complex group of diseases has been explored only after cardiac diagnostic tools became more appropriate.Despite differential diagnosis being relevant,surgical indication is usually requested for all malignant cardiac tumors and also for many types of benign tumors.The development of cardiac imaging techniques,therefore,has been the key point for a better understanding of the history of cardiac tumors and especially of the relevance of surgical indication in such conditions.Systematic and combined applications of echocardiography,cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance allow in the majority of case a clear definition of the nature of a newly discovered cardiac mass.The presence of a Li-Fraumeni syndrome seems to be the trigger aspect in accelerating the propensity of developing a cardiac tumor.Despite the revolutionary usefulness of the cardiac imaging techniques available,it is still considered a hazard to diagnose a malignant cardiac mass just with radiological imaging;the mainstay of the final diagnosis stands in surgical excision of the mass and histopathological report.

Performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity troponin assay:Do components of major adverse cardiac events matter?

BACKGROUND:The accelerated diagnostic protocol(ADP)using the Emergency Department Assessment of Chest pain Score(EDACS-ADP),a tool to identify patients at low risk of a major adverse cardiac event(MACE)among patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department,was developed using a contemporary troponin assay.This study was performed to validate and compare the performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I between patients who had a 30-day MACE with and without unstable angina(MACE I and II,respectively).METHODS:A single-center prospective observational study of adult patients presenting with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome was performed.The performance of EDACS-ADP in predicting MACE was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and negative predictive value.RESULTS:Of the 1,304 patients prospectively enrolled,399(30.6%;95%confidence interval[95%CI]:27.7%–33.8%)were considered low-risk using the EDACS-ADP.Among them,the rates of MACE I and II were 1.3%(5/399)and 1.0%(4/399),respectively.The EDACS-ADP showed sensitivities and negative predictive values of 98.8%(95%CI:97.2%–99.6%)and 98.7%(95%CI:97.0%–99.5%)for MACE I and 98.7%(95%CI:96.8%–99.7%)and 99.0%(95%CI:97.4%–99.6%)for MACE II,respectively.CONCLUSION:EDACS-ADP could help identify patients as safe for early discharge.However,when unstable angina was added to the outcome,the 30-day MACE rate among the designated lowrisk patients remained above the level acceptable for early discharge without further evaluation.