Ticagrelor and primidone interaction masquerading as dual antiplatelet therapy noncompliance.

Ticagrelor and aspirin is a common dual antiplatelet therapy regimen for patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite its ability to significantly reduce cardiovascular complications, ticagrelor response may be altered by other medications causing subtherapeutic effects. Traditionally, ticagrelor is thought to have fewer drug-drug interactions compared to other thienopyridine antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel. Primidone, metabolized into phenobarbital, is a strong CYP-3A inducer that can reduce serum concentrations of ticagrelor resulting in ineffective antiplatelet therapy. We present a 67-year-old male who suffered in-stent thrombosis after percutaneous intervention possibly due to the interaction between primidone and ticagrelor.

Ticagrelor and aspirin is a common antiplatelet regimen for patients who undergo coronary intervention and stent implantation. Ticagrelor is typically less associated with drug­drug interactions; however, our case illustrates an interaction between ticagrelor and primidone causing acute in-stent thrombosis to recently implanted drug-eluting stents.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and outcomes for witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Connecticut.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and outcomes for witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the United States have been previously described. We sought to characterize disparities in pre-hospital care, overall survival, and survival with favorable neurological outcomes following witnessed OHCA in the state of Connecticut. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study to compare pre-hospital treatment and outcomes for White versus Black and Hispanic (Minority) OHCA patients submitted from Connecticut to the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) between 2013 and 2021. Primary outcomes included bystander CPR use, bystander automated external defibrillator (AED) use with attempted defibrillation, overall survival, and survival with favorable cerebral function. RESULTS: 2,809 patients with witnessed OHCA were analyzed (924 Black or Hispanic; 1885 White). Minorities had lower rates of bystander CPR (31.4% vs 39.1%, P = 0.002) and bystander AED placement with attempted defibrillation (10.5% vs 14.4%, P = 0.004), with lower rates of survival to hospital discharge (10.3% vs 14.8%, P = 0.001) and survival with favorable cerebral function (65.3% vs 80.2%, P = 0.003). Minorities were less likely to receive bystander CPR in communities with median annual household income >$80, 000 (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.95; P = 0.030) and in integrated neighborhoods (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95; P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Black and Hispanic Connecticut patients with witnessed OHCA have lower rates of bystander CPR, attempted AED defibrillation, overall survival, and survival with favorable neurological outcomes compared to White patients. Minorities were less likely to receive bystander CPR in affluent and integrated communities.

Recovery From the Impact of COVID-19 on Treatment Times and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Interim Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergent percutaneous treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but few have examined recovery of healthcare systems in restoring prepandemic STEMI care. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of data from 789 patients with STEMI from a large tertiary medical center treated with percutaneous coronary intervention between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. RESULTS: For patients with STEMI presenting to the emergency department, median time from door to balloon was 37 minutes in 2019, 53 minutes in 2020, and 48 minutes in 2021 (P < .001), whereas median time from first medical contact to device changed from 70 to 82 to 75 minutes, respectively (P = .002). Treatment time changes in 2020 and 2021 correlated with median emergency department evaluation time (30 to 41 to 22 minutes, respectively; P = .001) but not median catheterization laboratory revascularization time. For transfer patients, median time from first medical contact to device changed from 110 to 133 to 118 minutes, respectively (P = .005). In 2020 and 2021, patients with STEMI had greater late presentation (P = .028) and late mechanical complications (P = .021), with nonsignificant increases in yearly in-hospital mortality (3.6% to 5.2% to 6.4%; P = .352). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was associated with worsening STEMI treatment times and outcomes in 2020. Despite improving treatment times in 2021, in-hospital mortality had not decreased in the setting of a persistent increase in late patient presentation and associated STEMI complications.

Transcarotid Versus Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (from a Propensity-Matched Comparison).

Previous reports comparing transcarotid (TC) versus transfemoral (TF) approaches for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement have had inconsistent conclusions. We compared in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes, changes in quality of life, and direct hospital costs for 138 TC versus 1,926 TF procedures. Propensity matching based on the Society of Thoracic Surgery Predicted Risk of Mortality was used to compare 130 patients who underwent TC with 813 patients who underwent TF. Matched TC versus TF cohorts did not differ with respect to in-hospital mortality (0.0% vs 1.4%, p = 0.380), stroke (2.3% vs 2.5%, p = 0.917), major vascular complications (0.8% vs 2.2%, p = 0.268), composite bleeding complications (4.6% vs 6.4%, p = 0.647), requirement for permanent pacemaker (14.6% vs 12.9%, p = 0.426), postoperative hospital length of stay (3.3 ± 3.4 vs 3.1 ± 3.3 days, p = 0.467), or direct hospital costs ($52,899 ± 9,560 vs $50,464 ± 10,997, p = 0.230). Similarly, at 1-year, patients who underwent TC versus patients who underwent TF did not differ with respect to all-cause mortality (7.6% vs 6.4%, p = 0.659), hospital readmission (20.0% vs 23.9%, p = 0.635), or quality of life as measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (84.0 ± 17.1 vs 88.4 ± 13.9, p = 0.062). Patients who underwent TC and TF did not differ with respect to in-hospital complications, length of hospital stay, and direct hospital costs, as well as 1-year mortality, readmission, and quality of life. These data add to ongoing support for the TC approach as the optimal alternative access for patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement deferred from a transfemoral approach.

Socioeconomic and demographic factors in the diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the social determinants that influence access and outcomes for pediatric neurosurgical care for patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and syringomyelia (SM). METHODS: The authors used retro- and prospective components of the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium database to identify pediatric patients with CM-I and SM who received surgical treatment and had at least 1 year of follow-up data. Race, ethnicity, and insurance status were used as comparators for preoperative, treatment, and postoperative characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 637 patients met inclusion criteria, and race or ethnicity data were available for 603 (94.7%) patients. A total of 463 (76.8%) were non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 140 (23.2%) were non-White. The non-White patients were older at diagnosis (p = 0.002) and were more likely to have an individualized education plan (p < 0.01). More non-White than NHW patients presented with cerebellar and cranial nerve deficits (i.e., gait ataxia [p = 0.028], nystagmus [p = 0.002], dysconjugate gaze [p = 0.03], hearing loss [p = 0.003], gait instability [p = 0.003], tremor [p = 0.021], or dysmetria [p < 0.001]). Non-White patients had higher rates of skull malformation (p = 0.004), platybasia (p = 0.002), and basilar invagination (p = 0.036). Non-White patients were more likely to be treated at low-volume centers than at high-volume centers (38.7% vs 15.2%; p < 0.01). Non-White patients were older at the time of surgery (p = 0.001) and had longer operative times (p < 0.001), higher estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and a longer hospital stay (p = 0.04). There were no major group differences in terms of treatments performed or complications. The majority of subjects used private insurance (440, 71.5%), whereas 175 (28.5%) were using Medicaid or self-pay. Private insurance was used in 42.2% of non-White patients compared to 79.8% of NHW patients (p < 0.01). There were no major differences in presentation, treatment, or outcome between insurance groups. In multivariate modeling, non-White patients were more likely to present at an older age after controlling for sex and insurance status (p < 0.01). Non-White and male patients had a longer duration of symptoms before reaching diagnosis (p = 0.033 and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic and demographic factors appear to influence the presentation and management of patients with CM-I and SM. Race is associated with age and timing of diagnosis as well as operating room time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. This exploration of socioeconomic and demographic barriers to care will be useful in understanding how to improve access to pediatric neurosurgical care for patients with CM-I and SM.

Spontaneous Intramural Esophageal Rupture: An Uncommon Presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Requiring Endoscopic Clipping.

Spontaneous intramural esophageal rupture (SIER) is a form of acute esophageal trauma defined as an injury deeper than a Mallory-Weiss tear but not extending completely through the muscular propria as in Boerhaave syndrome. SIER is a rare complication of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); after extensive literature review, we found 7 case reports of SIER complicating EoE. We present a case of SIER complicating EoE in a 46-year-old man with an atypical presentation requiring endoscopic clipping to achieve successful hemostasis.

Additional Attachment of the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Muscles to the Crural Fascia: A Review and Case Illustration.

The semitendinosus and gracilis muscles insert primarily onto the superior medial aspect of the tibia. These tendons can be harvested for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and knowledge of their accessory attachments is important for the success of such harvesting procedures. Here, we present a case illustration and review of the attachment of these muscles into the crural fascia (deep fascia of the leg), which is often an underappreciated insertion site.

Wormian Bone of the Orbit: A Case Report.

Wormian bones are formed due to abnormal ossification centers in various locations in the skull. Genetic and/or environmental factors have been proposed to explain their formation. These bones can be normal anatomical variants or associated with a number of pathological conditions. The literature reports the most common locations of these bones as the cranial sutures, and reports of the presence of these bones in the orbit are rare. Clinically, these bones in the orbit can simulate fractures on imaging or can dislodge during surgery causing injury to the surrounding structures. Herein, we report a case of wormian bones of the orbit and discuss other reports from the literature.

Duplication of the Alar Ligaments: A Case Report.

The alar ligament is one of the two strongest ligaments stabilizing the craniocervical junction. The literature describes many variations of the attachment, insertion, shape, and orientation of the alar ligament and an understanding of these variations is vital as they can lead to altered biomechanics or misinterpretation on imaging. Herein, we report, to our knowledge, the first case of duplication of the alar ligaments and discuss the anatomical variations present in the literature.

A Case of Concomitant Emphysematous Cystitis and Clostridium difficile Colitis with Pneumoperitoneum.

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a rare condition described as air within the wall and lumen of the urinary bladder. It is a complicated form of urinary tract infection caused by gas-forming bacteria. Pneumoperitoneum described as gas in the peritoneum is usually seen with abdominal hollow organ perforation, and approximately 10% of cases have been reported that are not associated with abdominal hollow viscus perforation. To the best of our knowledge, no case of EC with pneumoperitoneum in the setting of concurrent Klebsiella urinary tract infection and Clostridiumdifficile (C. difficile) colitis have been reported. Here we present a unique case of EC with pneumoperitoneum, in a patient with recurrent C. difficile infection and Klebsiella pneumonia-urinary tract infection, treated conservatively with a favorable outcome.

The Course of the V2 Segment of the Vertebral Arteries in Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Case Report.

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by the fusion of one or more cervical vertebrae leading to limitations in the rotation, extension, and flexion of the neck and possible neurological symptoms. Other abnormalities can also be found in these patients. The anatomy of the vasculature can be abnormal in these patients including variations in the course and origin of the vertebral arteries potentially leading to intra-operative complications. Herein, we report a case of Klippel-Feil syndrome and detail the course of the vertebral arteries in an osteological specimen.

Let's get a hand on this: Review of the clinical anatomy of "knuckle cracking".

Knuckle cracking refers to the characteristic sound produced when joints are moved or distracted, and there is considerable interest in the mechanism and the clinical associations of knuckle cracking. Different mechanisms for knuckle cracking have been proposed over a century, and some have speculated that it can lead to deleterious effects on the joints. Herein, we review the literature on the mechanism and clinical associations of knuckle cracking. There is agreement in the literature regarding the formation of a bubble as part of the mechanism of knuckle cracking; however, the process by which the bubble is formed and the source of the cracking sound is not clear. The evidence for the association of knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis comes mainly from observational studies that have failed to show an association. Fewer studies report other associations mainly through descriptive, small or cross-sectional studies. Clin. Anat. 31:942-945, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Arcuate Foramen: Anatomy, Embryology, Nomenclature, Pathology, and Surgical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: The arcuate foramen is an anatomic variant that is thought to arise from ossification of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane. Owing to potential entrapment of the vertebral artery segment that traverses the foramen, vertebrobasilar ischemia may occur, and the person may experience vertigo, headache, or neck pain. METHODS: We reviewed the literature regarding anatomy (both human and comparative), embryology, nomenclature, pathology, and surgery of the arcuate foramen. RESULTS: Surgically, the presence of an arcuate foramen is important when placing screws into lateral masses of the atlas. In these cases, the screws can damage the V3 segment of the vertebral artery and/or the suboccipital nerve. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to review the current literature on the arcuate foramen to further understand its morphology and clinical relevance.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to prevent recurrent stroke in a patient with a nickel allergy.

The case of a 44-year-old female with multiple embolic cerebellar infarcts associated with a "high risk" patent foramen ovale (PFO) is presented. This article reviews current management of PFO in association with cryptogenic stroke in light of the results of three recent randomized controlled trials and two meta-analyses of observational data. The article will also discuss circumstances which merit consideration for closure despite the negative trial data, and will review our management strategy for closure in this patient with a nickel allergy that precluded the use of the most commonly used PFO closure device.

PFO and ASD Closure in Adulthood: Where Do We Stand?

OPINION STATEMENT: Ever since the observation was made linking a higher prevalence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in younger individuals with cryptogenic stroke (CS), there has been a vigorous debate as to the role the PFO plays and a search for the optimal management strategy to prevent recurrent CS. Data from observational studies from the past two decades have demonstrated the superiority of percutaneous device closure over medical therapy. The recent publication of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which failed to demonstrate the superiority of percutaneous closure has reignited the controversy as to how best treat these patients. In this article, we will review the contemporary literature from the past three years including the results from new meta-analyses of medical therapy and device closure. In addition, we will review the three published randomized control trials to date (ie, CLOSURE I, the PC trial, and RESPECT) along with a meta-analysis of their results. While on primary intention-to-treat analysis, the three RCTs failed to demonstrate a superiority of percutaneous PFO closure vs medical therapy, a closer look at the data seems to suggest a trend toward benefit. We come to the conclusion that the issue of optimal treatment of PFO in patients with CS is far from settled and is unlikely to be a "one size fits all" approach due to the heterogeneity of this condition. In our opinion, based on the entirety of available data, both observational and randomized, there is likely a role for percutaneous device closure in select patients with CS in whom a PFO is the likely cause of their first stroke and will remain a significant risk for recurrent neurologic events. The article will go on to review current indications for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and will highlight safety, efficacy and caveats regarding this technique.

Capecitabine-induced coronary vasospasm--a case report.

The authors report the case of a 70-year-old man with metastatic colon cancer and no known history of coronary disease or major risk factors who developed coronary vasospasm after the initiation of capecitabine (Xeloda). Although coronary vasospasm has been associated with another older fluoropyrimidine compound, 5-fluorouracil, this is the first reported occurrence with this relatively newer cancer drug.

Diluent volume for epidural fentanyl and its effect on analgesia in early labor.

UNLABELLED: Epidural fentanyl after a lidocaine and epinephrine test dose provides adequate analgesia and allows for ambulation during early labor. We designed the current study to determine the influence of the diluent volume of the epidural fentanyl bolus (e.g., whether it has an effect on the onset and duration of analgesia). Sixty laboring primigravid women received a 3-mL epidural test dose of lidocaine with epinephrine and then received a fentanyl 100- micro g bolus in either a 2-mL, 10-mL, or 20-mL volume. Pain scores and side effects were recorded for each patient. The onset of analgesia was similar in all three groups. The mean duration before re-dose was not significantly different in the 2-mL group (108 +/- 40 min), the 10-mL group (126 +/- 57 min), or the 20-mL group (126 +/- 41 min). No patient in any group experienced any detectable motor block; one patient (2-mL group) complained of mild knee weakness and was not allowed to ambulate. In early laboring patients, the volume in which 100 micro g of epidural fentanyl (after a lidocaine-epinephrine test dose) is administered does not affect the onset or duration of analgesia, nor does it affect the ability to ambulate. IMPLICATIONS: In early laboring patients, the volume in which 100 micro g of epidural fentanyl (after a lidocaine-epinephrine test dose) is administered does not affect the onset or duration of ambulatory analgesia.

The addition of hydromorphone to epidural fentanyl does not affect analgesia in early labour.

PURPOSE: Epidural fentanyl after a lidocaine and epinephrine test dose, provides adequate analgesia and allows for ambulation during early labour. The current study was designed to determine the influence of hydromorphone added to an epidural fentanyl bolus (e.g., whether there is an increase in duration of analgesia). METHODS: Forty-four labouring primigravid women, at less than 5 cm cervical dilation, who requested epidural analgesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind study. After a 3 mL test dose of lidocaine with epinephrine, patients received fentanyl 100 microgram (in 10 mL volume). They randomly received the fentanyl with either saline or hydromorphone (300 microgram). After administration of the initial analgesic, pain scores and side effects were recorded for each patient at ten, 20, and 30 min, and every 30 min thereafter, by an observer blinded to the technique used. RESULTS: The patients were taller in the hydromorphone group (P < 0.04). There were no other demographic differences between the two groups. The mean duration prior to re-dose was not significantly different in the group that received hydromorphone (135 +/- 52 min) compared to the control group (145 +/- 46 min). Side effects were similar between the two groups. No patient in either group experienced any detectable motor block. CONCLUSION: In early labouring patients, the addition of hydromorphone (300 microgram) to epidural fentanyl (100 microgram after a lidocaine and epinephrine test dose) neither prolongs the duration of analgesia nor affects the ability to ambulate, and cannot be recommended according to the current study.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: who plays and who sits.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically determined, primary myocardial disease associated with an increased risk for sudden cardiac death during physical exertion. In the United States, HCM is the most frequent cause of exertion-related sudden cardiac death (SCD). Current recommendations provided by the 26th Bethesda Conference entitled Recommendations for Determining Eligibility for Competition in Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities restrict participation for patients with HCM to sports requiring low levels of dynamic and isometric exertion. Such recommendations are prudent given the association of the disease with disastrous cardiovascular consequences. Nevertheless, because the prognosis of HCM and its risk of sudden death is typified by great variability among patients, these recommendations may be overly restrictive for many patients with this disease, and it is possible that a subset of low-risk patients can be identified who may continue to engage in more vigorous exercise activities. This article presents our current understanding and approach to evaluating and advising athletes with HCM.