The increasing burden of atrial fibrillation in acute medical admissions, an opportunity to optimise stroke prevention.

Background Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke. We investigated whether active screening for atrial fibrillation in secondary care, followed by careful evaluation of risk factors and communication to general practitioners from stroke specialists, could increase appropriate anticoagulation prescription. Methods Between 1/9/14 and 28/2/15 all acute medical admissions were screened for atrial fibrillation at Cambridge University Hospital. Individualised letters were sent to the general practitioners of patients who it was felt would benefit from anticoagulation. Results In total, 847 patients with atrial fibrillation (15% prevalence, 52% female, median age 81.9 years, median CHA2DS2-VASc 4.4) were identified; 671 (79.2%) had known atrial fibrillation, and 176 (20.8%) were diagnosed on admission. After screening and identifying 'at risk' patients, 112 individualised letters were sent to GPs. A 91% response rate was achieved, resulting in an additional 43 individuals being appropriately anticoagulated. Conclusions Atrial fibrillation prevalence is significantly increasing among acute hospital admissions; these patients have high risk of cardioembolic stroke. Careful screening and identification in secondary care can lead to improved rates of anticoagulation.

What is the impact of pregnancy and parenthood on studying medicine? Exploring attitudes and experiences of medical students.

Medical students are often faced with stressors such as high work demands, numerous assessments, placements and career choices. Using the results of a questionnaire we examined medical students' attitudes and choices surrounding the impact of pregnancy and parenthood on studying medicine. Many questionnaire respondents (77.6%) believe that the decision to have a child is influenced by studying medicine; 23% have delayed becoming a parent and 7.5% have chosen not to have children. The four most common factors considered to be barriers for parent/pregnant medical students are lack of time, financial difficulties, the stressful and demanding nature of the course and social factors. Almost 90% of the respondents were not aware of the support available for pregnant students/parents. Specialised, well-publicised and easily accessible support services as well as flexibility in their training programme and clinical placements can ensure full and successful participation of pregnant/parent medical students in learning.

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis in a young patient with hemiplegia and seizures associated with radiological appearance mimicking cerebral tumour.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disease, affecting approximately one million adults worldwide. This paper describes a young female patient who presented to the acute medical team with generalised tonic-clonic seizures and right hemiplegia on a background of MS. Radiological imaging revealed a large ring enhancing lesion exerting mass effect. We describe an unusual form of MS and discuss diagnostic pitfalls of tumefactive demyelinating lesions which can be mistaken for brain tumours and abscesses.

Long-term effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) in either atrial fibrillation (AF) or sinus rhythm (SR). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PATIENTS: 295 consecutive patients with HF (permanent AF in 66, paroxysmal AF in 20, SR in 209; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or=120 ms). INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent CRT without atrioventricular junction ablation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular death or unplanned hospitalisation for major cardiovascular events. Secondary end points included the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for worsening HF. Cardiovascular mortality, total mortality and changes in NYHA class, 6-minute walking distance, quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire) and echocardiographic variables were also considered. RESULTS: Over a follow-up period of up to 6.8 years, no differences emerged between patients in AF or SR in any of the mortality or morbidity end points. The AF and SR groups derived similar improvements in mean NYHA class (-1.3 vs -1.2), 6-minute walking distance (92.3 vs 78.4 m) and quality of life scores (-25.2 vs -18.7) (all p<0.001). In both the AF and the SR groups, reductions were seen in left ventricular end-systolic (-25.9 vs -34.5 ml, both p<0.001) and end-diastolic (-20.2 ml, p = 0.001 vs 26.2 ml, p<0.001) volumes and improvements in LVEF (4.69% vs 7.86%, both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy leads to similar prognostic and symptomatic benefits in patients in AF and SR, even without atrioventricular junction ablation. Echocardiographic improvements are also comparable.

Effect of posterolateral left ventricular scar on mortality and morbidity following cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a posterolateral (PL) left ventricular scar on mortality and morbidity following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: Sixty-two patients with heart failure (age 67.3 +/- 9.6 yrs [mean +/- SD], 45 males, New York Heart Association class [NYHA] class III or IV, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]= 35%, left bundle branch block, QRS > or = 120 ms) underwent late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) for scar imaging. Patients were followed up for 741 (75-1602) days (mean [range]). RESULTS: The presence of a PL scar emerged as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure (HR: 3.06 [1.63, 7.7, P < 0.0001]) as well as the endpoint of cardiovascular death (HR: 2.63 [1.39, 6.65], P = 0.0016). A transmural PL scar was the strongest predictor of these endpoints (both P < 0.0001). The symptomatic responder rate (improvement by > or =1 NYHA classes or > or =25% in 6-min walking distance) was 83% in the group with non-PL scars, but only 47% in the group with transmural PL scars (P < 0.0001). Pacing over the scar was associated with a higher mortality and morbidity than pacing outside the scar (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A PL scar is associated with a worse clinical outcome following CRT, particularly if it is transmural. Pacing scarred left ventricular myocardium carries a greater risk of mortality and morbidity than pacing nonscarred myocardium.

Late left ventricular lead displacement and treatment with a new endovenous active fixation lead.

Left ventricular (LV) lead displacement is an early complication of biventricular pacemakers and leads to loss of capture, diaphragmatic pacing, and symptomatic deterioration, requiring a revision procedure. We report a case of late LV lead displacement following a coughing fit and treatment with a lead with a new principle of active fixation.