Cardiomyopathies: An Overview.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of pathologies characterized by structural and functional alterations of the heart. AIMS: The purpose of this narrative review is to focus on the most important cardiomyopathies and their epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. METHODS: Clinical trials were identified by Pubmed until 30 March 2021. The search keywords were "cardiomyopathies, sudden cardiac arrest, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ARCV), takotsubo syndrome". RESULTS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common primary cardiomyopathy, with a prevalence of 1:500 persons. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has a prevalence of 1:2500 and is the leading indication for heart transplantation. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is the least common of the major cardiomyopathies, representing 2% to 5% of cases. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ARCV) is a pathology characterized by the substitution of the myocardium by fibrofatty tissue. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is defined as an abrupt onset of left ventricular dysfunction in response to severe emotional or physiologic stress. CONCLUSION: In particular, it has been reported that HCM is the most important cause of sudden death on the athletic field in the United States. It is needless to say how important it is to know which changes in the heart due to physical activity are normal, and when they are pathological.

Oxygen Therapy in Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The global active prevalence of migraines is approximately 14.7%. Oxygen therapy may reduce the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which often have various negative side effects. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the literature on the efficacy of high flow oxygen for the management of headache disorders, compared to placebo treatment. METHODS: Studies were identified by PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus database from 1980 to the 30 October 2020. The search included the following terms: "oxygen therapy" and "headache" and "migraine". Studies were included if high flow oxygen was used in the treatment of headache disorders. All selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Our literature search identified 71 studies, of which 65 were discarded and 6 were included in the meta-analysis. The random effect model did not show a pooled significant resolution of headache disorders (OR 2.08 (95% CI 0.92-4.70), p < 0.0001) in the oxygen therapy group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: In our systematic review of six studies, there were no significant differences between high flow oxygen and placebo treatment groups.

Diagnostic accuracy of computerized tomography (CT) angiography in detecting non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (NVGIB): a sistematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has produced numerous algorithms for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in which endoscopy plays a major role. The aim of this Systematic Review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computerized tomography (CT) angiography in detecting non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (NVGIB). METHODS: Studies were identified on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2009 to 2019. The search performed included the following terms: "digestive" and "bleeding" as well as "acute bleeding gastrointestinal" or "acute bleeding digestive". Studies were included if enrolled adult patients and included measures of diagnostic accuracy (sensibility and specificity) of CT angiography in detecting GIB. Studies on variceal bleeding were excluded. First, a bivariate diagnostic randomeffects meta-analysis was fitted through REML (Restricted maximum likelihood approach) method, with the estimation of pooled sensitivity, specificity and SROC curve. Then, an univariate model was fitted for the 11 studies, with the estimation of pooled Diagnostic Odds Ratio and Cochrane's Q for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eleven studies were eligible for inclusion criteria and so included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivity is 85% [75%, 92%], the pooled specificity 93% [89%, 96%]. The pooled DOR is 94.35 [37.91, 234.82]. Q for heterogeneity is not significant (p=0.377). CONCLUSIONS: CT angiography showed a good sensibility and specificity in detecting NVGIB. Therefore, it would be useful to consider CT angiography use also in the suspicion of NVGIB, especially when endoscopy is not immediately available and there are signs and symptoms of bleeding in progress.

Sensitization to rodents (mouse/rat) in urban atopic populations without occupational exposure living in Campania district (Southern Italy): a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Up to now very few data on allergic sensitization to rodent allergens in Western Europe and Italy are available, and there are no information at district level.The aim of this report was to investigate clinical significance and characteristics of allergic sensitization to mouse/rat (M/Rt) allergens in atopic subjects living in Campania district (Southern Italy). METHODS: Allergists from the whole Campania district were required to report the results of skin prick tests of at least 100 consecutive subjects. In 1,477 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to M/Rt dander. Clinical history including a careful evaluation of the modality of exposure and the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty seven patients were sensitized to M/Rt dander (5.78%). Two patients were mono-sensitized. Fourteen patients reported indoor conditions suggesting presence of rodents allergens at home. All patients exhibited low-moderate degree of SPT positivity to M/Rt. High frequency of concomitant allergic sensitization to dust mites was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the role of allergic sensitization to rodents is not negligible in atopic subjects without occupational exposure living in Campania district area; these values are higher in comparison to those previously found in Naples area. Highly atopic individuals should be tested by SPTs/evaluation of serum specific IgE to rodents in the case they should begin an occupational exposure to M/Rt or keep these animals as pets.