The American journal of the medical sciences
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Recent guidelines and randomized clinical trials favor the multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) strategy undertaken immediately or staged after primary PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. However, the optimal strategy of MV-PCI remains unknown. ⋯ Our meta-analysis suggests that among patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, staged instead of immediate MV-PCI may be the optimal revascularization strategy.
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Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective medication in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other rheumatic diseases and various solid tumors. However, its side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, oral ulcers, and especially bone marrow suppression, could be fatal and require special attention, particularly in patients with renal failure. We present two hemodialysis patients with RA who presented with a complication of severe pancytopenia after treatment with MTX. ⋯ Compared with the patients who recovered, the deceased patients showed a lower level of leukocytes. Which dialysis method might be the best choice is unclear. The mode of renal replacement therapy can be chosen according to the actual situation.
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Review Case Reports
Incidental Lung Cavity in the Heartland: 70-year Old Woman with Lung Cavity.
Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a rare inflammatory disease. Although considered by some to be a subtype of sarcoidosis, this opinion is not universal. NSG is histologically characterized by the presence of necrotizing sarcoid like granuloma and granulomatous vasculitis. ⋯ The histopathologic analysis revealed sarcoid-like granulomatous inflammation with large necrosis and mild granulomatous vasculitis. The pulmonary function test revealed a restrictive ventilatory defect. The patient was treated with steroid therapy with rapid radiologic and spirometric improvement.
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Atherosclerotic heart disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The past few decades have seen the emergence of chronic inflammation as a mediator of atherosclerosis. ⋯ In addition, the rapid emergence of systemic liver diseases has unraveled a pathophysiological link with heart disease with therapeutic implications. In this review, we explore the relationship between the liver and the heart in myocardial ischemia, describe epidemiological associations between various liver pathologies and coronary heart disease, and elucidate practical challenges in the clinical management of patients with concomitant coronary heart disease and hepatic abnormalities.