Recurrent Pleural Effusions Secondary to Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Case Presentation.

Pleural effusion can be a complication of pancreatic diseases. Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication arising as a result of chronic pancreatitis that causes recurrent pleural effusions often resistant to thoracentesis. Diagnosis of PPF can be delayed, and presentation with respiratory symptoms related to pleural effusion is common. Elevated pleural fluid amylase and lipase levels are always helpful, but final diagnosis mostly requires demonstration of fistula on imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Here, we present a case of PPF leading to recurrent pleural effusions, treated with stent placement.

Delirium in COVID-19: An Atypical Case Managed With Quetiapine.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present without the typical symptoms of respiratory tract infection. Delirium has been reported as a prominent feature leading to an atypical presentation in older adults infected with COVID-19. Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old female who came to our hospital with confusion and altered mental status. The patient maintained an asymptomatic course of illness after testing positive for COVID-19 two weeks prior to the hospital visit. An appropriate workup was done to rule out other causes of the patient's symptoms. During the next couple of days, the patient developed classic symptoms suggestive of delirium. The patient was eventually treated based on the general guidelines for delirium management due to the absence of adequate medical literature specifying the management of delirium in the population of interest. Thus, the patient was given a trial of an atypical antipsychotic, quetiapine, to which she responded well and was subsequently discharged one week later.

Natural Coronary Bypass: A Rare Case of Aortocoronary Fistula in a Patient with Three-Vessel Disease.

Coronary arterial fistula (CAF) is an abnormal connection between one or both coronary arteries and a cardiac/extra-cardiac chamber or another vessel. Aortocoronary fistula is a rare type of CAF, which involves an anomalous connection between coronary arteries and any segment of aorta. The following case report describes the case of an adult male patient who presented with the complaint of typical chest pain. Coronary angiography was done and the diagnosis of severe three-vessel disease with an associated aortocoronary fistula was made. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was planned and performed, and the patient was discharged after a week postoperatively.

Thyroid and Heart: Severe Three Vessel Coronary Artery Disease in a Middle-Aged Female with Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition. The low metabolic state in hypothyroidism leads to significant cardiovascular and hemodynamic changes. Hypothyroidism is associated with heart failure, diastolic hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), and decreased insulin sensitivity. Similarly, the administration of levothyroxine worsens the cardiovascular disease by establishing a supply-demand mismatch. Here, we present a case of a 45-year-old woman with hypothyroidism who presented to us with exertional chest pain and later got diagnosed with severe three-vessel disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery was planned after the establishment of euthyroid state.

Assessment and comparison of sleep patterns among medical and non-medical undergraduates of Karachi: A cross-sectional study - SPECIAL REPORT.

To assess and compare patterns, habits and quality of sleep in undergraduate medical and non-medical students. The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2018, at Dow Medical College, Karachi, and Pakistan Air Force-Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology. Data was collected by self-reported questionnaires. Sleep quality of individuals was assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 245 subjects, 137(55%) were medical students and 108(45%) were non-medical. Overall, 101(41.2%) subjects aid 8 hours of sleep was sufficient for them; 153(62.4%) reported daytime sleeping; and 168(68.5%) did not take naps. The duration of nap was >30 minutes in 118(48%) students. Factors affecting sleep were cited as electronic media 132(53.9%), caffeine 42(17.1%) and stress 126(51.4%). Of the total, 161(65.7%) subjects had poor sleep quality. There was no significant difference between medical and non-medical students (p>0.05). Majority of medical and non-medical undergraduate students were poor sleepers.