ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES AND VASCULAR THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH THE MOST SEVERE FORMS OF COVID-19

BackgroundThe presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been observed in patients with COVID-19 (1,2), suggesting that they may be associated with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke in severe cases (3). Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder and the most common form of acquired thrombophilia globally. At least one clinical criterion, vascular thrombosis (arterial, venous or microthrombosis) or pregnancy morbidity and at least one laboratory criterion- positive aPL two times at least 12 weeks apart: lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GPI) antibody, have to be met for international APS classification criteria(4). Several reports also associate anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) with APS.ObjectivesTo combine clinical data on arterial/venous thrombosis and pregnancy complications before and during hospitalisation with aPL laboratory findings at 4 time points (hospital admission, worsening of COVID-19, hospital discharge, and follow-up) in patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19 infection.MethodsPatients with COVID-19 pneumonia were consequetively enrolled, as they were admitted to the General hospital Pancevo. Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease and diagnosis of APS. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records. Laboratory results, including LA, aCL, anti-β2GPI, and aPS/PT antibodies were taken at hospital admission, worsening (defined as cytokine storm, connection of the patient to the respirator, use of the anti-IL-6 drug- Tocilizumab), at hospital discharge and at 3-months follow-up and sent to University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia for analysis. Statistics was performed by using SPSS 21.Results111 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited;7 patients died during hospitalisation (none were aPL-positive on admission and at the time of worsening), 3 due to pulmonary artery embolism. All patients were treated according to a predefined protocol which included antibiotics, corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy and specific comorbidity drugs;patients with hypoxia were supported with oxygen. During hospitalisation, pulmonary artery thrombosis occurred in 5 patients, one was aPL-positive at all time points (was diagnosed with APS), others were negative. In addition, 9/101 patients had a history of thrombosis (5 arterial thrombosis (coronary and cerebral arteries), none of whom was aPL-positive on admission and at follow-up, and 4 venous thrombosis, one of which was aPL-positive at all time points and received an APS diagnosis). Among 9/101 patients with a history of thrombosis, 55.6% were transiently positive at the time of discharge, compared to patients without prior thrombosis, in whom 26.1% were transiently positive at the hospital release (p=0.074). Two patients had a history of pregnancy complications (both had miscarriage after 10th week of gestation), but did not have aPL positivity at any time point.ConclusionAlthough aPL was expected to be associated with vascular disease in the most severe forms of COVID-19, all patients that have died in our cohort were aPL negative. At hospital discharge, 56% of patients with a history of arterial or venous thrombosis had positive aPL that became negative at the 3-months follow-up (were transienlty positive), which should be considered when prescribing therapy after hospitalisation.References[1]Trahtemberg U, Rottapel R, Dos Santos CC, et al. Anticardiolipin and other antiphospholipid antibodies in critically ill COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2021;80:1236-1240.[2]Stelzer M, Henes J, Saur S. The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(9):72-4.[3]Xie Y, Wang X, Yang P, Zhang S. COVID-19 complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging 2020: 2: e200067.[4]Miyakis S, Lockshin MD, Atsumi T, Branch DW, Brey RL, et al. J.Thromb.Haemost. 2006;4: 295-306.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of nterestsNone Declared.

Clinical course and diagnosis of cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis associated with COVID-19 in young and middle-aged patients.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a form of cerebrovascular disorders that is difficult to recognize, it is potentially a life threatening condition and requires timely anticoagulant therapy. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a steady increase in CVT (4.2% vs. 0.5-1%). At the same time, mortality in patients with CVT on the background of COVID-19 significantly exceeds the mortality in patients with CVT without COVID-19 (45.5% vs. 15%). Objective(s): to study the clinical course of CVT, to determine the diagnostic value of radiological methods and the significance of genetic risk factors for thrombosis in the development of CVT in young and middle-aged patients against the background of COVID-19. Material and methods. Seven patients were examined: six women (five of them of reproductive age) and one man, aged 26 to 57 years (mean age 37 years). The main clinical and neurological manifestations of CVT, the results of laboratory examination, neuroimaging, and the data of molecular genetic analysis of risk factors for thrombosis were analyzed. Results. The course of COVID-19 was severe in one case, and moderate in the rest of cases. The interval between the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and the development of CVT ranged from 7 to 25 days. In three cases CVT had an acute course and was accompanied by the development of a stroke (in two cases, hemorrhagic stroke was noted, in one case, multifocal ischemic stroke), in other cases, a subacute course of CVT was noted. Genetic risk factors for thrombosis were identified in all patients. Conclusion. The diagnosis of CVT in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult, since the most common symptom of CVT - headache (90%) - can be regarded as a manifestation of COVID-19. At the same time, timely diagnosis of CVT and immediate initiation of anticoagulant therapy are associated with a relatively favorable prognosis.Copyright © 2023 Ima-Press Publishing House. All rights reserved.

PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AND EFFICACY OF DMARD USE IN GCA: RESULTS FROM THE PROSPECTIVE, LONGITUDINAL,MULTI-CENTRE HAS-GCA STUDY

BackgroundGCA is a critically ischemic large vessel vasculitis, varying in extent, severity and outcomes, hence requires disease stratification using clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters, for targeted management. Although DMARDs are used, the effectiveness in real life, such adjuvants remain un-elucidated. We performed a prospective, multi centre cohort study of new GCA stratified into remitting, relapsing, refractory, ischemic disease.ObjectivesWe assessed prognostic factors and compared critical outcomes such as remission with glucocorticoid (GC) monotherapy versus GC plus DMARDs in the first 12 months.MethodsHAS GCA study (1) recruited consecutive patients with new onset GCA from 7 centres (UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands). diagnosis was confirmed used a modified GiACTA criteria at 6 months follow up. All underwent ultrasound (bilateral common, parietal, frontal temporal arteries, and axillary arteries) using accepted standard cut-off values [2]. GCA patients had US at baseline,1,3,6,12 months and halo count (HC) and Halo score (Temporal TAHS, axillary AAHS, total THS) assessed [3]. The primary outcome- remission at 12 months (absence of signs/symptoms, CRP<5 mg/dl, prednisolone < 5 mg daily). Results are reported as descriptive statistics.Results229 participants included in the study (GCA- 84 (36.68 %) (Figure 1). Study recruited during Covid pandemic,73 completed,11 lost to follow-up (died -7, withdrawn-4). The deceased/withdrawn patients (compared to completers) were older (80 v74 yrs, p=0.018), preponderantly male (73% v 36%, p=0.043) with visual symptoms (91% v 49%, p=0.010) partial/total sight loss (55% v 21%, p=0.024), lower CRP (21 v 68, p=0.061) and ESR (42 v 62, p= 0.317).Of 73 completers 36 required early DMARDs (<12 weeks) for refractory/relapsing/ischemic/GC related AEs. This group had more LV involvement (50% v 11%, p=0.0003), Remission attained at 12 months 32/36 (89%) in DMARD group was comparable to the remitting GC monotherapy group 33/37 (89%) with comparable cumulative GC doses (Figure 1, Table 1).At 12-months follow up, median TAHS, AAHS and THS reduced from 13 to 3, 12 to 9 and 21.5 to 12, respectively.ConclusionOur study suggests, elderly males with visual symptoms, sight loss, lower CRP are a high-risk group with increased mortality within GCA. Difficult to treat disease is seen in half of all patients especially with LV involvement. This group responds well to early DMARD use achieving remission comparable to the remitting group at 12 months. Current therapies fail to achieve remission in 9.5 % of cases. HS and HC show significant improvement mirroring clinical outcomes during first 12 months of therapy.References[1]Sebastian A et al. BMC Rheum. 2020[2]Schafer VS et al. Rheumatology 2017[3]van der Geest KSM et al. ARD 2020Table 1.comparison between the DMARD-used group and only GC group in all the GCA completed the 12 months follow upPatients' characteristicsGCA with completed follow-up (n=73)GCA treated with DMARD=36GCA not treated with DMARD=37Age, median (range) years73.5 (60-89)76 (60-89)Sex, Females, n (%)23 (64)24 (65)US halo score (HS)/IMT median (range)Temporal artery HS11 (0-23)13 (1-22)Axillary artery HS12 (0-21)12 (0-18)Axillary artery IMT (mm)0.77 (0.33-2.6)0.82 (0.39-1.21)Total HS22.5 (2-41)21 (5-40)Clinical features, n (%)Temporal headache25(69)30 (81)Scalp tenderness17 (47)19 (51)Jaw & Tongue claudication22 (61)24 (65)Polymyalgic symptoms21 (58)13 (35)Constitutional symptoms21 (58)18 (49)Any visual disturbance15 (42)21 (57)Partial or complete vision loss8 (22)7 (19)History of PMR6 (17)3 (8)Exam findings, n (%)Temporal artery abnormality24 (67)30 (81)AION/ CRAO8 (22)6 (16)Ocular nerve palsy1 (3)3 (8)Lab markers at baseline, median (range)CRP mg/dL,72.2 (6.4-292)59 (6-206)ESR mm/hr67 (9-130)57 (2-120)GC treatment, median (range)GC starting dose, (baseline)45 (0-60)50 (0-60)GC dose at 12m,5 (0-25)2.5 (0-10)Cumulative GC dose at 12m4627.5 (2600-10260.5)4622.5 (944-10737.5)Remission with prednisolone dose ≤5 mg at 12m, n (%)32 (89)33 (89)Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsBhaskar Dasgupta Consultant of: Roche, Chugai, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Roche, Sanofi, AbbVie, and GlaxoSmithKline, Kornelis van der Geest Speakers bureau: Roche, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Alessandro Tomelleri: None declared, Pierluigi Macchioni: None declared, Giulia Klinowski: None declared, Carlo Salvarani: None declared, Abdul Kayani: None declared, Mohammad Tariq: None declared, Diana Prieto-Peña: None declared, Edoardo Conticini: None declared, Muhammad Khurshid: None declared, Sue Inness: None declared, Jo Jackson: None declared, Alwin Sebastian: None declared.

Anesthesia for penetrating injury of the oropharynx in a child: a case report

BackgroundPenetrating injury of the oropharynx occurs frequently in children, however, anesthetic management is seldom described in such cases.Case presentationA 2-year old child came to the emergency room with a toothbrush impacted in the gingivobuccal sulcus making airway management difficult. We used a simple yet unique approach to secure the airway safely given the lack of pediatric size fibreoptic and videolaryngoscopes in our emergency operation theatre. The patient was kept in Pediatric ICU and watched for any complications and discharged on the 4th postoperative day.ConclusionsThus, ingenious non-invasive techniques to secure the airway can prevent the patient from undergoing surgical tracheostomy.

Unusual presentation of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins in a child with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia: A case report.

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) is a rare congenital diffuse lung disorder, with a fatal course during the neonatal period. We describe an 18-month-old boy who presented with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia and pulmonary hypertensive crisis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Exome sequencing revealed a FOXF1 frameshift variant, NM_001451.2:c.995_998delACTC, inherited from his asymptomatic mother. Genetic findings were compatible with histopathology findings from a lung biopsy. Based on the disease course, histopathology, and outcomes of this case, we believe ACDMPV should be considered a possibility in an infant presenting with hypoxemic respiratory failure, resistant pulmonary hypertension, and vasodilator-induced pulmonary edema. Genetic testing can contribute to the diagnostic process.

Radiological findings of COVID-19-related thromboembolic complications

BackgroundThe ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause, in addition to lung disease, a wide spectrum of non-respiratory complications. Among these are thromboembolic complications. The theories that explain the mechanism of thromboembolic complications of COVID-19 are accumulating rapidly, and in addition to the role of imaging for assessment of COVID-19 pneumonia, CT may be useful for identification of these complications, such as pulmonary embolism, ischaemic stroke, mesenteric ischaemia, and acro-ischaemia.ResultsThromboembolic manifestations were diagnosed in 10% of our patients (124 patients out of the total 1245 COVID-19 patients);56 patients (45.2%) presented with pulmonary embolism, 32 patients (25.8%) presented with cerebrovascular manifestations, 17 patients (13.7%) presented with limb affection, and 19 patients (15.3%) presented with gastrointestinal thromboembolic complications.Most of our patients had significant comorbidities;diabetes was found in 72 patients (58%), dyslipidemia in 72 patients (58%), smoking in 71 patients (57.3%), hypertension in 63 patients (50.8%), and morbid obesity in 40 patients (32.2%).Thromboembolic events were diagnosed on admission in 41 patients (33.1%), during the first week in 61 patients (49.2%), and after the first week in 22 patients (17.7%).ConclusionsThe incidence of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 patients is relatively high resulting in a multisystem thrombotic disease. In addition to the crucial role of imaging for assessment of COVID-19 pneumonia, CT is important for assessment of the thromboembolic complications, such as pulmonary embolism, ischaemic stroke, mesenteric ischaemia, and peripheral ischaemia, especially in patients with elevated d-dimer levels and those with sudden clinical deterioration.

Renal vein thrombosis in a recent COVID-19 patient;a case report

We report a 74-year-old male with a recent history of COVID-19 pneumonia who was admitted with acute periumbilical and left lower quadrant pain and respiratory distress. Laboratory data showed pre-renal azotemia and microscopic hematuria. An abdominopelvic computerized tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast was conducted, showing signs of right renal vein thrombosis (RVT) with extension to inferior vena cava (IVC), without any evidence of renal ischemia. The patient did not have any risk factors for thrombosis except for probable hypercoagulopathy due to COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus. He was not an appropriate candidate for surgical or radiologic thrombectomy, thus received heparin infusion accordingly. Unfortunately, he died after the cardiopulmonary arrest on the second day of admission. Considering his respiratory distress, we suspect pulmonary embolism as the most probable cause of death © 2023 The Author(s);Published by Nickan Research Institute. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Emergency Management of Priapism

Pathophysiology To have an erection, the smooth muscle of the cavernosal arteries and tissue must be relaxed, resulting in increased non-ischemic inflow and decreased venous outflow. The sickling of red blood cells can decrease venous outflow in the corpora cavernosa during an erection leading to low-flow priapism in men with sickle cell disease. Doppler ultrasound can be utilized to observe if blood flow is low or absent, but corporal aspiration is the gold standard. Adjunctive laboratory evaluation should be performed based on the clinical concern for blood dyscrasia or other conditions affecting clinical decision-making.

Medication Errors

No expiration date on COVID-19 vaccine label... STS abbreviation results in a close call...

Case Series Evaluating Lymphocyte Subgroups at Diagnosis and After Treatment in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 in Children: Journal of Pediatric Infection

Lymphopenia, Increased B cell count, reversal of the CD4/CD8 ratio, and Increased active T cell count may be beneficial In the early diagnosis of MIS-C. Since It Is thought that the cytokine storm causes complications In MIS-C, Immediate administration of IVIG treatment Is considered essential. The disease was considered a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome, and with the increase in awareness, it has been reported more frequently in children (MIS-C) in Europe and the United States (2,3). Since the disease is thought to cause complications by leading to cytokine storms, immediate administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment is deemed important, and it is also essential to emphasize that IVIG treatment leads to marked cellular changes. Case 2 A nine-year-old male patient presented with fever, abdominal pain, headache, and diarrhea that had been present for five days, followed by a rash, conjunctivitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy. [...]the patient was considered to have atypical Kawasaki disease. According to a review, the most common signs and symptoms reported during MIS-C consisted of abdominal pain (61.9%), vomiting (61.8%), skin rash (55.3%), diarrhea (53.2%), hypotension (49.5%), and conjunctivitis (48.4%), and particularly gastrointestinal (90.9%), cardiovascular (86.5%), or dermatological or mucocutaneous (70.9%) involvement (2).

Medication Errors

No expiration date on COVID-19 vaccine label... STS abbreviation results in a close call...

Post-Covid cavernous sinus thrombosis with peri-orbital cellulitis, ophthalmoplegia, deep cervical vein thrombosis, sinusitis in a 24-year-old lady: A case report

A 24-year-old female presented with blurring of vision, chemosis, protrusion of eyeball, restriction of movements of right eye, numbness over the right side of the face with severe headache, stiffness of neck, and fever of 2 days duration. She gives a history of recent Covid-19 infection 3 weeks back. She was treated symptomatically and recovered fully. On examination, there was proptosis, chemosis, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth nerve palsy on the right side, and nuchal rigidity. She was started on broad spectrum antibiotics, analgesics, anticoagulant, and prophylactic antifungal thinking in line of post-Covid orbital cellulitis or mucormycosis. Her investigations revealed raised total leucocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate with normal ultrasound abdomen and chest X-ray. Blood culture and culture of nasal swab and oral cavity for fungus were sterile. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging brain, orbit, and sinus showed proptosis, myofascial edema, superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis, right cavernous sinus and deep cervical vein thrombosis, sphenoid and bilateral ethmoid sinusitis with narrow lumen of the internal jugular vein. She responded very well to the treatment. Her inflammatory parameters came down drastically and clinically, she started opening her eyes and ophthalmoplegia subsided within a week. By the 10th day she was asymptomatic. Repeat MRI showed reduction of proptosis, myofascial edema with partial recanalization of right superior ophthalmic vein, right cavernous sinus, and right deep cervical vein. She was discharged on injectable anticoagulant and antibiotics for another 10 days.

Protective Action of Phosphorus 6CH in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induced Pathogenecity in Gallus-gallus Embryo

Introduction: In the search of effective medicines against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) besides the conventional mode of treatment many medicines belonging to alternative therapeutics claimed to be effective in this disease. In homeopathy-a branch of alternative medicine some medicines are claimed to be effective in COVID-19 after human trials. Aim: To study whether ultradiluted preparation of Phosphorus 6CH (centesimal (C) dilutions, using Hanhemann's (H) dilution method) can protect damaging action of Delta Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) in Gallus gallus embryo in relation to their gross appearances, histopathological changes and cytokine changes. Materials and Methods: An in-vivo fertilized chick embryo model experimental analysis was carried out at the Genetic Research Laboratory of Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The whole experimental study was done in a time period of November 2021 to January 2022 and the data collected were analysed using statistical software Minitab. About 14 days old Gallus gallus embryonated eggs were inoculated with the antigen along with the vehicle alcohol controls. The Phosphorus 6CH was used to see whether it can prevent or cure the damaging action of the spike protein in the embryo in different experimental sets. results: The notable finding in this experiment is the remarkable elevated expression of Interleukin (IL)-10 gene in the curative, preventive sets as well as in the medicine control sets in comparison to antigen and alcohol control sets. In case of Transforming Growth Factor, (TGF) β1 there was enhanced expression of TGF β1 gene in the alcohol 6C set and antigen set which gets ameliorated with Phosphorus 6CH. The morbid anatomy of the embryo and the histopathological picture of the liver of the embryo also reflected similar findings in these two experimental sets. After statistical analysis it was found that there was significant correlation in between Interferon (IF) γ and IL-10 in these experimental results which appears very important. conclusion: The homeopathic medicine phosphorus 6CH is capable of maintaining cytokine balance in Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD induced pathogenecity in Gallus gallus embryo.

Deep Learning Approaches to Automatic Chronic Venous Disease Classification

Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs in a substantial proportion of the world’s population. If the onset of CVD looks like a cosmetic defect, over time, it might be transformed into serious problems that will require surgical intervention. The aim of this work is to use deep learning (DL) methods for automatic classification of the stage of CVD for self-diagnosis of a patient by using the image of the patient’s legs. The images of legs with CVD required for DL algorithms were collected from open Internet resources using the developed algorithms. For image preprocessing, the binary classification problem “legs–no legs” was solved based on Resnet50 with accuracy of 0.998. The application of this filter made it possible to collect a dataset of 11,118 good-quality leg images with various stages of CVD. For classification of various stages of CVD according to the CEAP classification, the multi-classification problem was set and resolved by using four neural networks with completely different architectures: Resnet50 and transformers such as data-efficient image transformers (DeiT) and a custom vision transformer (vit-base-patch16-224 and vit-base-patch16-384). The model based on DeiT without any tuning showed better results than the model based on Resnet50 did (precision = 0.770 (DeiT) and 0.615 (Resnet50)). vit-base-patch16-384 showed the best results (precision = 0.79). To demonstrate the results of the work, a Telegram bot was developed, in which fully functioning DL algorithms were implemented. This bot allowed evaluating the condition of the patient’s legs with fairly good accuracy of CVD classification.

Two-year outcomes of using a stepwise thrombolysis protocol for the management of acute non-malignant portomesenteric thrombosis

IntroductionAcute extensive non-malignant non-cirrhotic portomesenteric thrombosis can lead to bowel infarction and frequently does not resolve with anticoagulation. In 2019 we published our first case series of a stepwise thrombolysis protocol involving the use of low dose tissue plasminogen activator (L-tPa) followed, if indicated, by Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT) and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPSS). We present an updated series, aiming to explore the recanalization rates, symptom resolution and any adverse events for patients who received this protocol.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who received the stepwise regimen at Royal Free Hospital between December 2019 & March 2022.ResultsA total of 35 patients were included with a mean age of 47 (SD=14) years;63% were males. Thrombophilia was identified in 13 (37%) cases and 14 (40%) had other local or systemic causes for thrombosis (1 had COVID-19;3 received ChAdOx1 vaccination). Three patients had underlying chronic liver disease. All patients had ongoing abdominal pain despite anticoagulation. Occlusive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was found in 30 (86%) patients with 18 (51%) having thrombosis of all three vessels (PVT + splenic vein + superior mesenteric vein). While all patients received L-tPa within a median of 15 (IQR =18) days of symptoms, CDT was applied in 17 (49%) patients and TIPSS was inserted in 15 (43%). CDT was delivered through EKOS™ endovascular system in 11/17 (65%). A degree of recanalization was observed in 24 (69%). TIPSS was patent at discharge in 14/15 (93%).The majority 28 (80%) were maintained on warfarin and 11 had concomitant anti-platelet therapy. Fifteen patients had imaging follow-up available [median duration of 9 (IQR = 11) months]. Recanalization was maintained in 9/15 (60%) and TIPSS remained patent in 6/9 (67%). At a median follow up of 6.5 (IQR = 9) months, complete symptom resolution was achieved in 30/34 (88%).Nine patients underwent bowel resection within a median duration of 11 (IQR= 10.5) days from presentation;mean length of bowel resected was 67 cm (SD = 50). One patient was discharged on parenteral nutrition and had a stoma. One patient died during the initial admission (related to bowel ischemia) and 1 had intracranial haemorrhage. Minor bleeding was recorded in 8 patients.ConclusionOur protocol resulted in good recanalization and patency rates with the majority achieving symptom resolution. While some patients required surgical intervention, bowel continuity was maintained and only one patient had a stoma.

Extensive pulmonary venous stenoses as a complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Although pulmonary veins stenosis (PVS) is a well documented complication of radiofrequency-catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF), simultaneous involvement of multiple PVs is extremely rare. We present the case of a 69 years-old male patient, with prior medical history of persistent AF, who had been treated with RFCA two years ago. After RFCA, he started with shortness of breath and needed hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia. One year after the procedure, he was on home oxygen, but still referred dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed moderate right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction and elevated RV systolic pressure. Dedicated cardiac tomography for PV assessment revealed severe narrowing and pre-stenotic engorgement of all 5 PVs, with subtotal ostial occlusion of both the left lower and right middle PVs. PV angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Only the left and right upper PV were able to be wire-crossed and stented, with substantial reductions in stenosis from 90 % to 10 %. After 3 months of follow-up, the patient improved substantially, and home O2 was withdrawn.

Thromboembolic Events and COVID-19 Vaccine: An International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience

Introduction: Thromboembolic events (TE) are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors have been associated to this condition such as age over 65 years, obesity, history of venous thromboembolism and hereditary thrombophilias [1]. Otherwise, TE have been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, these events were expected to decrease significantly [2]. However, some TE cases appeared after COVID-19 vaccination. Objective: The aim of this study was to summarize all the cases of TE that occurred after COVID-19 immunization in Tunisia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving all cases of TE that occurred after COVID-19 vaccination, from the beginning of the campaign of immunization in March 2021 to May 2022. These cases were notified to the National Center of Pharmacovigilance, Tunisia. Results: There were 25 cases of thrombotic events over about 12 million doses of vaccine. The mean age was 51.2±15,8 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1,27. Symptom onset occurred within 1 to 60 days. Both arterial and venous thrombotic events were reported. Venous thromboembolism was observed in 21 cases (84%). Deep vein thrombosis in 9 cases (36%), superficial vein thrombosis in 3 cases (12%), pulmonary embolism in 3 cases (12%) and the site of venous thrombosis was not specified in 6 cases (24%). Arteriel thromboembolism was reported in 4 patients: splenic infarction (1 case), thrombosis of the renal artery (1 case), thrombosis of the brachial artery (1 case) and femoral artery embolism (1 case). The TE were reported after the first shot in 72% of cases, after the second shot in 24% and after the third shot in one case (4%). The involved vaccines are summarized in table 1. Investigations revealed risk factors for TE in 12 patients. There were: age over 65 years in 25% of cases, thrombophilia in 25%, thromboembolic events histories in 25%, varicose vein thrombosis in 16.7% and immobilization in 8.3% of cases. This data was not provided for the 13 other patients. The outcome was favorable in 19 patients, one patient died and 5 patients were lost to follow up. There were no cases of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia syndrome. Conclusion: Despite a temporal relationship, the vaccine responsibility cannot be retained given the patient's medical histories.

Defibrotide Protects Endothelium from Radiation Induced Injury: A Potential New Strategy in the Armamentarium against Radiation Toxicity

Radiation induced toxicity (RIT) has long been a notorious limit of radiotherapy. RIT can only be circumvented by patient selection or dose de-escalation. No effective treatment of RIT is available. Endothelium injury (EnI) has been recognized as the key pathogenesis in radiotoxicity. EnI initiates the vicious cascade and propagates to various RIT. Defibrotide (DF), a mixture of oligonucleotides, is a potent endothelium protector and is the only medication approved for the treatment of post-HSCT severe hepatic sinusoid obstructive syndrome (SOS), with survival benefits and minimal toxicity. The protective effect of DF has been exhibited in chemo-toxicity, hypoxia, physical injury and infection, but not yet in radiation (RT). We hypothesize that DF alleviates RIT through a similar mechanism. Here, we present the first report and primitive results of an in vitro study of DF in RT setting. Primary human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HHSEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured and RT for a single 4Gy or 8Gy with or without DF at the final concentration of 300ug/ml. Assays for cell viability, survival and proliferation were evaluated. Molecule expression pattern was analyzed by rt-PCR. All the assays were replicated 3 times. After RT, HHSECs became sparse and deformed under the microscope. In contrast, HHSECs cultured with DF before RT generally appeared normal. In accordance, a cell counting kit assay showed that viability of HHSECs was preserved after RT at the presence of DF, while it was dramatically reduced by RT alone (p<0.001). Flow cytometry analysis of programed cell death 48h post-RT confirmed that DF significantly reduced both early and late apoptosis (8.9% vs 14.6%, p<0.05). In the proliferation assay, RT alone almost quartered the number of HUVEC clones, while DF co-treatment partially prevented the extermination. DF alone had no deleterious effect compared with control groups, in concordance with published studies. RT-PCR revealed elevated expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant molecules. In detail, raised mRNA levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a and eNOS were detected after RT, which were down regulated by DF. DNA break assay by γ-H2AX formation was performed, which showed no drastic difference of γ-H2AX staining after RT with or without DF, implicating other mechanisms. Besides, DF prophylaxis before RT rather than salvage after RT revealed better endothelium protection. We then built a rat model of radiation induced endothelium injury (RIEI) by whole liver exposure. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and temporary un-availability of DF, further study is in waiting. Effective therapy of RIT is a huge unmet medical need. DF, an approved, well-tolerated orphan drug for post-HSCT SOS, exhibited definitive protective effect in RIEI as well. Further studies, not only pre-clinically but also in clinical scenarios are warranted and in eager expectation. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics is the property of Pergamon Press - An Imprint of Elsevier Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

SARS-CoV-2 infection and heart disease in dogs and cats

Since the appearance of COVID-19 in humans, there have been numerous reports of dogs and cats being infected with SARSCoV- 2, with cats appearing to be particularly susceptible. The portal of entry of the virus into the body's cells is a membrane receptor called ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) belonging to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The ACE2 receptor is expressed in airway epithelial cells, myocardium, venous and arterial endothelial cells, kidney, liver, oral cavity, intestine and also adipose tissue, explaining the diversity of clinical expression of the disease, with respiratory manifestations predominating. SARS-CoV-2 causes an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system. In addition, the virus has a direct action combined with an immune reaction, that is sometimes intense, causing a cascade of lesions, mainly in the lungs but also in the heart. The clinical expression of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains rare in dogs and cats and mainly includes fever, depression, anorexia, digestive, respiratory or ocular disorders. As in humans, various cardiovascular clinical signs are less frequently seen. Several cases of myocarditis, correlated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (PCR or serology), have been identified in England and at least one in France. In the latter case, further investigation led to a strong suspicion of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by myocarditis. It is highly likely that obesity (with significant fat deposition in the pleural and pericardial spaces, tissues with high expression of the ACE2 receptor) may have favoured these complications. SARS-CoV-2 infection should therefore now be included in the differential diagnosis of agents causing myocarditis and pneumonia in both cats and dogs.

Renal vein thrombosis in a recent COVID-19 patient;a case report

We report a 74-year-old male with a recent history of COVID-19 pneumonia who was admitted with acute periumbilical and left lower quadrant pain and respiratory distress. Laboratory data showed pre-renal azotemia and microscopic hematuria. An abdominopelvic computerized tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast was conducted, showing signs of right renal vein thrombosis (RVT) with extension to inferior vena cava (IVC), without any evidence of renal ischemia. The patient did not have any risk factors for thrombosis except for probable hypercoagulopathy due to COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus. He was not an appropriate candidate for surgical or radiologic thrombectomy, thus received heparin infusion accordingly. Unfortunately, he died after the cardiopulmonary arrest on the second day of admission. Considering his respiratory distress, we suspect pulmonary embolism as the most probable cause of death.