Cardiology
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Several studies have associated elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to estimate the frequency and prognostic impact of AF in patients with bacteremia, and to study the possible association between AF and CRP as well as between AF and mortality in this population. ⋯ The frequency of new-onset AF in bacteremia is substantial. Initial CRP levels or white blood cell count do not seem to predict new-onset AF, as opposed to systemic inflammatory response syndrome. On the other hand, in patients with bacteremia, new-onset AF should be viewed as an indicator of increased mortality and morbidity.
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Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels correlate with prognosis in patients with cardiac disease and may be useful in the risk stratification of cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS). The objective of this study was to examine whether BNP levels predict perioperative events in cardiac patients undergoing NCS. ⋯ BNP levels may predict perioperative complications in cardiac patients undergoing NCS, and the measurement of BNP should be considered to assess the preoperative cardiac risk.
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Case Reports
Pulmonary artery aneurysm as a cause for chest pain in a patient with Noonan's syndrome: a case report.
A pulmonary artery aneurysm is defined as pulmonary artery dilatation >4 cm. Pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare findings and are usually not associated with chest pain. ⋯ The patient underwent pulmonary valvuloplasty as well as pulmonary arterioplasty to repair the pulmonary artery aneurysm, and experienced subsequent relief of chest pain. In conclusion, pulmonary artery aneurysm is a rare complication in patients with Noonan's syndrome and can be the cause of chest pain in such patients.