RWMAs in critically ill patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries

Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is estimated to occur in 10%–25% of the general intensive care unit (ICU) population and is frequently seen as regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Although RWMA is mostly attributed to myocardial ischemia or infarction, some studies have suggested that nonischemic RWMA might also be prevalent. We sought to establish that RWMA can be seen in critically ill patients with normal coronary arteries and to explore reasons for RWMA in this population.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from the hospital angiography register and the ICU register were collated between 2012 and 2019. Patients were identified who underwent angiography in conjunction with their ICU stay and had RWMA on echocardiography. Patients were divided into either those with non-obstructed or those with obstructed coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) examinations were reviewed if they had been performed on patients with non-obstructed coronaries.

Results

We identified 53 patients with RWMA and non-obstructed coronary arteries and 204 patients with RWMA and obstructed coronary arteries. Patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries were more often female, younger, and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors. They less commonly had ST elevation, but more frequently had T-wave inversion or serious arrhythmias. Troponin levels were higher in patients with obstructed coronary arteries, but NT-proBNP was similar between the groups. There were no differences in risk-adjusted 90-day mortality between patients with non-obstructed versus obstructed coronary arteries (OR 1.21, [95% CI 0.56–2.64], p = .628). In those with non-obstructed coronary arteries, follow-up echocardiography was available for 38 patients, of whom 30 showed normalization of cardiac function. Of the 14 patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries on whom cMRI was performed, 7 had a tentative diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome or myocardial stunning; 4 had a myocardial infarction (preexisting in 3 cases); 1 patient had acute myocarditis; 1 patient had post-myocarditis; and 1 patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

RWMA can be seen to occur in critically ill patients in the absence of coronary artery obstruction. Several conditions can cause regional hypokinesia, and cMRI is useful to evaluate the underlying etiology.     

会所康复模式在女性精神分裂症恢复期病人中的应用

目的:探讨会所康复模式在女性精神分裂症恢复期病人中的应用效果。方法:选取2019年2月—2020年3月精神科收治的100例女性精神分裂恢复期病人作为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为对照组、观察组各50例,对照组采取常规康复治疗,观察组在常规康复治疗基础上应用会所多维度康复治疗模式。采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)、疾病家庭负担量表(FBS)、日常生活能力量表(ADL)、生活满意度指数B量表(LSIB)评价两组病人干预前、干预3个月、干预6个月精神症状、家庭负担、日常生活能力、生活自理能力。结果:两组病人干预3个月、干预6个月PANSS、FBS、ADL及LSIB评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组组内干预前后PANSS、FBS、ADL及LSIB评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:女性精神分裂症病人在恢复阶段应用会所康复模式进行干预可改善其精神症状,缓解其家庭负担,调节其日常生活能力和生活自理能力,提升其生活满意度。     

COVID-19 Gender Disparities and Mitigation Recommendations: A Narrative Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly created widespread impacts on global health and the economy. Data suggest that women are less susceptible to severe illness. However, sex-disaggregated data are incomplete, leaving room for misinterpretation, and focusing only on biologic sex underestimates the gendered impact of the pandemic on women. This narrative review summarizes what is known about gender disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic, domestic, and health burdens along with overlapping vulnerabilities related to the pandemic. In addition, this review outlines recommended strategies that advocacy groups, community leaders, and policymakers should implement to mitigate the widening gender disparities related to COVID-19.     

Anatomy of the accessory mental foramen in a Saudi subpopulation: A multicenter CBCT study

AimThe aim of this is to evaluate the prevalence and location of the accessory mental foramen (AMF) in a Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodologyCBCT data were retrieved from two dental facilities at two universities located in two different cities and filtered over a period of four years. The scans were aligned when the AMF was noticed, and then the size of both the AMF and mental foramen (MF), its location, and the distance from the AMF to the MF were recorded. The AMF measurements were compared between males and females and between the two sides of the mandible.ResultsIn total, 603 CBCT scans were investigated. The percentage of scans with an AMF was 9.95% (n = 60), and AMFs were almost equally distributed on both sides. Only four cases (0.66%) of a second AMF were detected among the scans. The MFs on both sides were significantly larger in males than in females (P > 0.05), but they showed no differences in the sizes of the AMFs. The AMFs were most commonly located inferior and posterior to the MF. The distance between the MF and AMF ranged from 2.32 to 5 mm.ConclusionsThe prevalence of the AMF in this Saudi population was 9.95%, and it was significantly more prevalent in males than in females. Its proximity to the MF makes it clinically important to conduct proper detailed planning prior to performing any procedure that might risk the vital structures.     

扶正法治疗精神疾病的心悟

慎察精神疾病患者之症象,准确辨证,若系正气虚匮或不足,予相应之扶正方药、针灸等主治或辅治之,收效颇佳。反之,审证不清,“实而误补,固必增邪”(《顾氏医镜》)。同时,宜鼓励患者多做活动锻炼,增强体质,提高正气,亦可谓一种较好的扶正辅助疗法。