Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
-
Celiac disease is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. It is relevant to us for two very different reasons. Firstly, it has a prevalence of 1 % in the European population. ⋯ This again contributes to new celiac treatment modalities that will presumably alleviate the future fate of celiac disease patients. In 2022, the German guidelines for celiac disease are published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS). We have summarized some of the recommendations published therein.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2022
[New therapeutic developments in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus].
Diabetes mellitus has become a widespread disease worldwide. In recent years, there has been a rapid development of therapeutic options in the field of diabetology. ⋯ The article focuses, among other things, on the new findings of SGLT-2-inhibitors in cardiac and chronic renal failure and the further development of incretin-based drugs toward dual GIP/GLP-1-receptor agonists. Once-weekly insulin and the selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone will also be presented.
-
Functional diagnostics by rational echocardiography are the base of a verifiable and reliable analysis of ventricular and valvular function. The most important functional parameters in echocardiography are cardiac volumes - especially total and effective left ventricular stroke volume -, global longitudinal strain, effective orifica areas in valvular stenoses and effective regurgitant volumes, regurgitant fraction and regurgitant orifice areas in valvular regurgitations. Standardized documentation and correct measurements are the prerequisites for accurate echocardiographic estimations. ⋯ In addition, calculation of the effective orifice areas using the continuity equation needs methodological accuracy and standardization. Finally, assessment of regurgitant volumes, regurgitant fraction, and regurgitant orifice is often inconsistent with stable hemodynamic conditions - especially by functional assessment the 2D-PISA method. Thus, functional diagnostics by echocardiography in valvular heart diseases should focus on a plausible hemodynamic assessment.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2022
[Diagnosing Alzheimer's dementia - a playground for academics or a sensible clinical measure?]
The number of dementia cases continues to increase with Alzheimer's disease as the leading cause. The diagnostic workup of Alzheimer's dementia is complex, and its clinical relevance debatable considering the current lack of disease-modifying treatments. From this perspective, a stepwise diagnostic approach is recommended. ⋯ In cases remaining unclear, modern biomarker tests are proving increasingly useful. Knowledge of the diagnosis is pivotal for the patients to assess the prognosis, to enable them to make plans for their future and to get access to available treatment. The approval of aducanumab in the USA and other promising monoclonal antibodies currently in phase 3-trials as well as the development of blood biomarkers give us hope for the future.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2022
[Cardiac computed tomography - Current diagnostic role in cardiology].
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the heart requires specific equipment and protocols in order to synchronize image generation with the electrocardiogram (ECG), usually achieved via ECG-gated reconstruction or ECG-triggered acquisition. The main application of cardiac CT is coronary artery imaging. ⋯ In addition, CT has the potential to visualize coronary atherosclerotic plaque, even if non-obstructive, and data suggest that this may be a valuable guide towards more intensive risk modification strategy such as statin therapy. In recent years, the use of CT imaging to guide structural heart interventions has become another important application, and many interventions, such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation, substantially depend on CT imaging to plan the procedure, minimize risks, and optimize outcome.