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Khattar G, Asmar S, Sanayeh EB, Keesari P, Rahi W, Sakr F, Khoury M, Cinelli M, Lee S, Weinberg M, Kowalski M, Parikh V. Unveiling the Hidden Stroke Threat in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Am J Cardiol 2024; 218:94-101. [PMID: 38452840 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Recent American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) guidelines suggest that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at intermediate to low annual risk of ischemic stroke can benefit from consideration of factors that might modify their risk of stroke. The role of nontraditional risk factors, such as primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), remains unexplored. In our study, we investigated the potential association between PHPT and the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with AF. Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database, a retrospective cohort study focused on the adult population with AF, we stratified the participants based on PHPT presence. Demographic information, co-morbidities, and hospitalization details were extracted using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth revision codes. Propensity score matching was applied, encompassing over 20 confounding variables, including the risk factors outlined in the CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive heart failure (C), Hypertension (H), Age ≥75 years (A₂), Diabetes Mellitus (D), Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)/Thromboembolism (S₂), Vascular disease (V), Age 65-74 years (A), Sex category [female] (Sc)) score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed after matching to assess the independent impact of PHPT as an ischemic stroke risk factor. A total of 2,051 of the identified 395,249 patients with AF had PHPT. The PHPT group had an average age of 74 years and consisted of more women (66.1% vs 53.0%). After matching, it was observed that the PHPT group had longer hospital stays (5 vs 4 days) and higher hospitalization charges ($45,126 vs $36,644). This group exhibited higher rates of ischemic stroke (6.0% vs 4.4%) and mortality (6.3% vs 4.9%). The adjusted outcomes showed a 1.4-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke and a 1.32-fold increased risk for mortality in the PHPT cohort. The subgroup analysis showed a higher incidence of mortality in men with a high CHA2DS2-VASc score. In conclusion, this study highlights a marked association between PHPT and ischemic stroke in patients with AF, independent of the conventional CHA2DS2-VASc score. The potential mechanisms implicated include vascular changes, cardiac dysfunction, and coagulation cascade alterations. The presence of PHPT should be taken into consideration when deciding the assessment of thromboembolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York.
| | - Samer Asmar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Praneeth Keesari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Wissam Rahi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lankeneau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fouad Sakr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Michel Khoury
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Michael Cinelli
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Samantha Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Mitchell Weinberg
- Department of Interventional Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York; Chair of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Marcin Kowalski
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York; Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York
| | - Valay Parikh
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York; Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York
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Barakat S, El Chamieh C, Dankar R, Araji H, Khattar G, Bou Sanayeh E. Herbal alternatives: unveiling risks amidst the economic crisis. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-3. [PMID: 38591113 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2340763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Salim Barakat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | | | - Razan Dankar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hachem Araji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Bou Sanayeh E, Tawfik M, Makram M, Khattar G, Qaqish F, Acharya S, Farag J, Chalhoub M, Glaser A. Hungatella hathewayi bacteremia due to acute appendicitis: A case report and a narrative review. Anaerobe 2024; 86:102838. [PMID: 38521228 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Hungatella species, including Hungatella hathewayi and Hungatella effluvii, previously identified as part of the Clostridium genus, are anaerobic bacteria primarily residing in the gut microbiome, with infrequent implications in human infections. This article presents the case of an 87-year-old Asian male admitted for a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state with septic shock secondary to Hungatella hathewayi bacteremia originating from acute appendicitis. Remarkably, the bacterium was detected in the blood 48 hours before the emergence of clinical and radiographic evidence of acute appendicitis. Additionally, we conducted a literature review to identify all documented human infections caused by Hungatella species. Timely microbial identification in such cases is essential for implementing targeted antibiotic therapy and optimizing clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, USA.
| | - Mark Tawfik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Marina Makram
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, NY, USA
| | - Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Faris Qaqish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Sudeep Acharya
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Janet Farag
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Michel Chalhoub
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Allison Glaser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Khan S, Yetiskul E, Khan MWZ, Chavez Reyna G, Matra A, Khattar G, Odaimi MA. Aplastic Anaemia Associated with Bendamustine Therapy - A Rare Side Effect. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2024; 11:004339. [PMID: 38455694 PMCID: PMC10917404 DOI: 10.12890/2024_004339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction During treatment for malignant lymphoma, cytopenia can develop for several reasons. This can range from mild cytopenias leading to infection and bleeding to full-blown drug-induced aplastic anaemia. While aplastic anaemia affects individuals of all genders and ages, here, we describe aplastic anaemia after chemotherapy exposure to bendamustine in a 65-year-old female with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Case description A 65-year-old woman with recurrent indolent marginal zone lymphoma and post-chemotherapy with bendamustine and rituximab, presented with a neutropenic fever and was admitted with a leading diagnosis of sepsis. In the previous two weeks, the patient required regular transfusions of packed red blood cells and platelets and maintained a daily ZARXIO® regimen. Laboratory results revealed pancytopenia, and broad-spectrum antibiotics (cefepime/vancomycin) were given. The patient was subsequently admitted to the hospital under the care of the haematology/oncology team and was ultimately diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, likely as a consequence of bendamustine chemoimmunotherapy. She elicited a positive response to the triple immunosuppressive therapy (IST) regimen (two immunotherapeutic agents plus one anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), after which her cell counts returned to normal. Conclusions This case underscores the importance of recognising haematologic complications linked to bendamustine and advocates for further research to increase the understanding among healthcare professionals of drug-induced aplastic anaemia. Bendamustine can cause severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and aplastic anaemia and may require multiple transfusions and a multidrug regimen for treatment. The use of ATG as a therapeutic intervention is appropriate because it has been effective in treating aplastic anaemia. LEARNING POINTS Bendamustine can cause severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and aplastic anaemia, a side effect which has rarely been reported but is of significant clinical importance.Drug-induced aplastic anaemia is a complex, potentially devastating consequence of treating blood cancers and is a relatively unexplored area that requires further understanding.Anti-thymocyte globulin is effective in treating bendamustine-induced aplastic anaemia as it degrades lymphocytes that destroy the bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
| | - Ekrem Yetiskul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
| | | | - Gabriel Chavez Reyna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Matra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
| | - Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
| | - Marcel A. Odaimi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, NY, USA
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Fadlallah A, Khattar G, Habre C, Khanafer D. Impact of removing soft contact lenses 1 day versus 1 month before surgery on the outcomes of microkeratome laser in situ keratomileusis. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:79. [PMID: 38351423 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcomes, safety, efficacy, and predictability of microkeratome laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) 24 h and one month or more after removing soft contact lenses. SETTING ULTRALASIK Eye Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. METHODS The patients were divided based on the time of discontinuation of the soft contact lenses before LASIK (Group 1 at 24 h and Group 2 at one month or longer), and the two groups were well matched. Schirmer's testing, tear break-up time, corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction spherical equivalent, and infection rate were evaluated preoperatively and at one week, one month, and six months after treatment. RESULTS Group 1 (G1) comprised 1025 eyes, and group 2 (G2) had 1052 eyes. The groups were comparable preoperatively. The overall-mentioned outcomes were comparable between groups with uncorrected distance visual acuity of - 0.084 ± 0.12 logMAR in G1 and - 0.078 ± 0.17 logMAR in the G2 at 6 months (P = 0.322). Tear break-up time as well as Schirmer's testing results was also comparable with no evidence of increased risk of dry eyes or non-inflammatory complications in any of the groups on follow-up visits at 1 week (P = 0.421), 1 month (P = 0.101), and 6 months (P = 0.399) postoperatively. Finally, no infectious complications were recorded in either of the groups. CONCLUSION With the absence of corneal warpage, no statistical or clinical difference in microkeratome LASIK outcomes and safety was spotted between the groups despite the difference in SCL discontinuation time before the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fadlallah
- UltraLasik Eye Center, Dubai Health Care City, Building 27, Block A, Floor 6, Dubai, UAE.
- Eye and Ear Hospital International, Naqqache, Lebanon.
- Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Georges Khattar
- Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Habre
- Eye and Ear Hospital International, Naqqache, Lebanon
- Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Dana Khanafer
- UltraLasik Eye Center, Dubai Health Care City, Building 27, Block A, Floor 6, Dubai, UAE
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Khattar G, Siddiqui FS, Grovu R, Baker SA, Sanayeh EB, Wei C, El Gharib K, Sattar SBA, Elsayegh D, El-Hage H, Sayegh SE, Chalhoub M, Mustafa A. The calcium-clot connection: investigating the association between primary hyperparathyroidism and acute venous thromboembolism. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2024; 57:220-225. [PMID: 37848627 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-023-02906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Primary hyperthyroidism (PHPT) is a relatively uncommon disease and leads to increased calcium levels. Ionized calcium, known as clotting Factor IV, may lead to overt coagulation cascade activation, increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). National Inpatient Sample Database was used to sample individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism, and baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected using ICD-10 codes. Patients with missing data and age less than 18 were excluded. Moreover, patients with other types of hyperparathyroidism and risk factors for VTE, such as malignancy, thrombophilia, chronic kidney and liver disease, fractures, trauma, oral contraceptive/steroid use, and organ transplant, were excluded. Greedy propensity matching using R was performed to match patients with and without primary hyperparathyroidism on age, race, gender, and 10 other comorbidities, including chronic deep venous thromboembolism. Univariate analysis pre- and post-match were performed. Binary logistic regression was performed after matching to assess whether primary hyperparathyroidism was an independent risk factor for acute VTE. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 460,529 patients included in the study, 1114 (6.5%) had PHPT. Baseline comorbidities were more common in the PHPT group. On univariate analysis, patients with PHPT were more likely to have acute VTE (2.5% vs. 1.4%; p < 0.001). After 1:1 matching, PHPT patients were twice as likely to have Acute VTE. (OR: 2.1 [1.08-4.1]; p < 0.025). These findings suggest an association between PHPT and VTE, which should be further investigated to prevent the increasing incidence of VTE and its recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA.
| | - Fasih Sami Siddiqui
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Radu Grovu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Saif Abu Baker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Chapman Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Khalil El Gharib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Saud Bin Abdul Sattar
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Dany Elsayegh
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Halim El-Hage
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne El Sayegh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA
- Department of Nephrology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Michel Chalhoub
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Ahmad Mustafa
- Department of Cardiology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Khattar G, Mustafa A, Siddiqui FS, Gharib KE, Chapman W, Abu Baker S, Sattar SBA, Elsayegh D, El-Hage H, El Sayegh S, Chalhoub M. Pulmonary hypertension: An unexplored risk factor for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107247. [PMID: 37523879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is one of the most common and significant risk factors for stroke, with the CHADsVAsc score used as the tool for stroke risk assessment. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been studied as an independent risk factor for stroke in individuals with Afib. METHODS In this retrospective case-control study, National Inpatient Sample Database was used to sample individuals with atrial fibrillation, and baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected using ICD-10 codes. Patients with missing data, age under 18, history of thromboembolic diseases, or stroke were excluded. Greedy propensity matching using R was performed to match patients with and without PH on age, race, gender, and 19 other comorbidities, including anticoagulation use. Binary logistic regression was performed after matching to assess whether PH was an independent risk factor for stroke. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 2,421,545 patients included in the study, 158,545 (6.5%) had PH. PH patients were more likely to be elderly, females, and smokers. Comorbidities were more common in the PH group. Patients with PH were more likely to have an ischemic stroke (3.6% vs. 2.9%, p<0.001), hemorrhagic stroke (2.2% vs. 0.7%, p<0.001), and transient ischemic attack (TIA) (2.3% vs. 0.7%, p<0.001). After matching, the presence of PH was associated with increased ischemic stroke (OR: 1.2 [1.1-1.2]; p<0.001), hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 2.4 [2.1-2.6]; p<0.001) and TIA (OR: 2.2 [2.0-2.4]; p<0.001). PH patients also had increased length of stay (β = 0.8; p<0.001) mortality (OR: 1.1 [1.0-1.2]; p<0.001). CONCLUSION Apart from demonstrating the deleterious effect of PH on mortality and length of hospital stay, this study is the first to report on such a large scale that PH independently increases the incidence of all types of strokes in patients with Afib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Khattar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA.
| | - Ahmad Mustafa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
| | - Fasih Sami Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
| | - Khalil El Gharib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
| | - Wei Chapman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
| | - Saif Abu Baker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
| | - Saud Bin Abdul Sattar
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Dany Elsayegh
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Halim El-Hage
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Suzanne El Sayegh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York 10305, USA; Department of Nephrology, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Michel Chalhoub
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York, USA
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Khattar G, Hallit J, El Chamieh C, Bou Sanayeh E. Wellens' syndrome following severe COVID-19 infection, an innocent coincidence or a deadly association: two case reports. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:106. [PMID: 36829118 PMCID: PMC9950701 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with late-onset cardiovascular complications primarily due to a hypercoagulable state. Its association with Wellens' syndrome, which reflects a stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, is not well established. We present two cases diagnosed with this syndrome following their COVID-19 acute phase despite taking adequate anticoagulation. CASE PRESENTATION We present two patients with incidental electrocardiography (ECG) showing the typical Wellens'-related changes, with an underlying severe triple-vessel coronary artery disease a few weeks following a severe COVID-19 infection associated with high inflammatory markers. The stenotic lesions were diagnosed by cardiac catheterization, and both patients underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting successfully. Notably, patients' baseline ECGs were normal, and they were maintained on Rivaroxaban 10 mg following their viral illness. CONCLUSION Despite advances in the preventive measures for COVID-19 complications, its pathophysiologic impact on vasculature and atherosclerosis is still incompletely understood. Further clinical trials must be conducted to study this association between Wellens' syndrome and this virus to prevent life-threatening complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Jennifer Hallit
- Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carolla El Chamieh
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Khattar G, Hallit J, El Chamieh C, Bou Sanayeh E. Cardiovascular drug shortages in Lebanon: a broken heart. Health Econ Rev 2022; 12:24. [PMID: 35403980 PMCID: PMC8996493 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
For nearly 3 years now, Lebanon has been assailed by compounded crises. With the economic instability, the coronavirus pandemic, and the explosion of the Beirut Port on August 4, 2020; the fragile Lebanese healthcare system has found itself at massive risk of a catastrophic public health crisis secondary to cardiovascular drug shortages. The time has come for public health authorities to find urgent solutions for this national trajedy that is projected to last for years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Jennifer Hallit
- Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carolla El Chamieh
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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