Current Trends in Hypertension Identification and Management: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Following the 2017 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a global health issue associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate contemporary hypertension identification and management trends following the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed. Participants between 20 and 79 years of age were included. Participants were stratified into different treatment groups based on indication and guideline adherence. Descriptive statistics were used to compare medication use, diagnosis rates, and blood pressure control. A total of 265 402 026 people met the inclusion criteria, of which 19.0% (n=50 349 209) were undergoing guideline antihypertensive management. In the guideline antihypertensive management group, a single antihypertensive class was used to treat 45.7% of participants, and 55.2% had uncontrolled blood pressure. Participants not undergoing guideline antihypertensive management qualified for primary prevention in 11.5% (n=24 741 999) of cases and for secondary prevention in 2.4% (n=5 070 044) of cases; of these, 66.3% (n=19 774 007) did not know they may have hypertension and were not on antihypertensive medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to guidelines for antihypertensive management is suboptimal. Over half of patients undergoing guideline treatment had uncontrolled blood pressure. One-third of qualifying participants may not be receiving treatment. Education and medical management were missing for 2 in 3 qualifying participants. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for improving blood pressure control and reducing cardiovascular event outcomes.

Temporal trends in outcomes following inpatient transcatheter aortic valve replacement

INTRODUCTION

Despite the growing adoption of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), there remains a lack of clinical data evaluating procedural safety and discharge practices.

AIMS

This study aims to investigate if there have been improvements in postoperative clinical outcomes following TAVR.

METHODS

In this large-scale, retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent TAVR as an inpatient were identified from 2016 to 2020 using the National Readmissions Database. The primary outcome was temporal trends in the rates of discharge to home. Secondary endpoints assessed annual discharge survival rates, 30-day readmissions, length of stay, and periprocedural cardiac arrest rates.

RESULTS

Over the 5-year study period, a total of 31,621 inpatient TAVR procedures were identified. Of these, 79.2 % of patients were successfully discharged home with home disposition increasing year-over-year from 74.5 % in 2016 to 85.9 % in 2020 (Odds ratio: 2.01; 95 % CI 1.62-2.48, p < 0.001). The mean annual discharge survival rate was 97.7 % which did not change significantly over the 5-year study period (p = 0.551). From 2016 to 2020, 30-day readmissions decreased from 14.0 % to 10.3 %, respectively (p = 0.028). Perioperative cardiac arrest occurred in 1.8 % (n = 579) of cases with rates remaining unchanged during the study (p = 0.674).

CONCLUSION

Most TAVR patients are successfully discharged alive and home, with decreasing 30-day readmissions observed over recent years. This data suggests potential improvements in preoperative planning, procedural safety, and postoperative care. Despite perioperative cardiac arrest being associated with high mortality, it remains a relatively rare complication of TAVR.

Negative effects of COVID-19 on the implantation rate of cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator device

Introduction

COVID-19 drastically impacted the landscape of the United States' medical system. Limited data is available on the nationwide implantation trends in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator (CRT-D) devices before and during the pandemic. We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRT-D insertion rates and adverse outcomes related to delays in care.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis using the National Inpatient Sample database between 2017 and 2020. Variables were identified using their ICD-10 codes. Inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18 years, presenting for a nonelective admission, primary diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease, hypertensive heart, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure, and underwent insertion of a CRT-D. Between 2017 and 2020, CRT-D devices were inserted during 23,635 admissions. On average, 6198 devices were implanted yearly from 2017 to 2019, with only 5040 devices being implanted in 2020. Additionally, reduced implantation rates were noted for every cohort of hospital size, location, and teaching status during this year. The year 2020 also had the highest average death rate at 1.39%, but this difference was statistically insignificant (adjusted Wald test p = .767), and COVID-19 was not associated with an increased risk of inpatient mortality (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-1.82, p = .162).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all facets of the healthcare system, especially surgical volume rates. CRT-D procedures significantly decreased in 2020. This is the first retrospective study highlighting the trend of reduced rates of CRT-D implantation as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fatal ventricular arrhythmias in myocarditis: A review of current indications for defibrillator devices

Historically, patients with myocarditis were considered for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) utilization only in the chronic phase of the disease following the development of persistent cardiomyopathy refractory to medical therapy or occurrence of a major ventricular arrhythmic event. However, recent literature has indicated that ventricular arrhythmias are frequently reported even in the acute phase of the disease, challenging the long-standing perception that this disease process was largely reversible. Given this changing environment of information, the latest US and European guidelines were recently updated in 2022 to now consider ICD implantation during the acute phase which has significantly increased the number of individuals eligible for these devices. Additionally, several studies with small subgroups of patients have demonstrated a possible benefit of wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) in this patient demographic. Assuming that larger studies confirm their utility, it is possible that WCDs can assist in detection of ventricular arrhythmias and selection of high-risk candidates for ICD implantation, while providing temporary protection for a small percentage of patients before the development of a major arrhythmic event. This review ultimately serves as a comprehensive review of the most recent guidelines for defibrillator use in acute and chronic myocarditis. OPINION STATEMENT: The latest US and European guidelines support ICD use for myocarditis patients following the development of persistent cardiomyopathy refractory to medical therapy or occurrence of a major ventricular arrhythmic event. Previously, patients in the acute phase were excluded from ICD utilization even after experiencing malignant ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation due to the long-standing perception that this disease process was largely reversible. However, recent literature has indicated that ventricular arrhythmias are frequently reported even in the acute phase of the disease. Additionally, we found that the myocardial damage that is inflicted persists many years after the initial episode. Given this changing environment of information, guidelines were recently updated in 2022 to now consider ICD implantation during the acute phase which has significantly increased the number of individuals eligible for these devices. We support possible ICD utilization for secondary prevention during the acute phase of myocarditis given the elevated risk of arrhythmia recurrence and the fact that any ventricular arrhythmia can induce sudden cardiac death. Future prospective studies are needed to assess which patients may benefit most from early ICD implantation. WCDs have improved survival in patient populations at high-risk for sudden cardiac death who are not candidates for ICD implantation. After analyzing several recent studies with small subgroups of patients, WCDs appear to demonstrate similar efficacy for myocarditis patients as well. Assuming that larger studies confirm their utility, we believe that WCDs can assist in detection of ventricular arrhythmias and selection of high-risk candidates for ICD implantation. Furthermore, WCDs have the additional benefit of acting as primary prevention by providing temporary protection for a small percentage of myocarditis patients before they develop a major arrhythmic event.

Adverse Events of SARS-CoV-2 Therapy: A Pharmacovigilance Study of the FAERS Database

BACKGROUND

Over the past 2 years of the several strategies recommended to help fight COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a novel drug shown in the EPIC-HR phase 2 to 3 clinical trial to lower COVID-19-related death or hospitalization at day 28 when compared with placebo.

OBJECTIVE

Our study's aim was to explore the reported adverse events (AEs) associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use for COVID-19.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database for AEs, listing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir as the primary drug between January and June 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of reported AEs associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. The OpenFDA database was queried using Python 3.10 to collect the AEs and Stata 17 was used to analyze the database. Adverse events were analyzed by associated medication, with "Covid-19" excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 8098 reports were identified between January and June 2022. Most reported complaints in the AE system were COVID-19 and disease recurrence. The most common symptomatic AEs were dysgeusia, diarrhea, cough, fatigue, and headache. Event rates significantly rose between April and May. Disease recurrence and dysgeusia were the most commonly reported complaints for the top 8 concomitant drugs identified. Cardiac arrest, tremor, akathisia, and death were reported in 1, 3, 67, and 5 cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This is the first retrospective study done on reported AEs associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use for COVID-19. COVID-19 and disease recurrence were the most reported AEs. Further monitoring of the FAERS database is warranted to periodically reassess the safety profile of this medication.

Sex-based differences in left ventricular assist device clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) continues to be a significant public health issue, posing a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality for both genders. Despite the widespread use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the influence of gender differences on clinical outcomes following implantation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the impact of gender differences on readmission rates and other outcomes following LVAD implantation in patients admitted with advanced HF.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent LVAD implantation for advanced HF between 2014 and 2020, using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Our study cohort was divided into male and female patients. The primary outcome was 30-day readmission (30-dr), while secondary outcomes were inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), procedural complication rates, and periadmission rates. Multivariate linear, Cox, and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 11,492 patients with advanced HF who had LVAD placement were identified. Of these, 22% (n = 2532) were females and 78% (n = 8960) were males. The mean age was 53.9 ± 10.8 years for females and 56.3 ± 10.5 years for males (adjusted Wald test, p < 0.01). Readmissions were higher in females (21% vs. 17%, p = 0.02) when compared to males. Cox regression analysis showed higher readmission events (hazard ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.52, p = 0.03) in females when compared to males. Inpatient mortality, LOS, and most procedural complication rates were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05, all).

CONCLUSION

Women experienced higher readmission rates and were more likely to be readmitted multiple times after LVAD implantation when compared to their male counterparts. However, there were no significant sex-based differences in inpatient mortality, LOS, and nearly all procedural complication rates. These findings suggest that female patients may require closer monitoring and targeted interventions to reduce readmission rates.

Pylephlebitis-induced acute liver failure: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Pylephlebitis is an extremely rare form of septic thrombophlebitis involving the portal vein, carrying high rates of morbidity and mortality.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case of a 42-year-old male with no past medical history who presented with acute onset of abdominal pain and altered mental status with laboratory tests demonstrating new-onset acute liver failure. Pylephlebitis was determined to be the underlying etiology due to subsequent workup revealing polymicrobial gram-negative anaerobic bacteremia and complete thrombosis of the main and left portal veins. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of acute liver failure as a potential life-threatening complication of pylephlebitis.

CONCLUSION

Our case highlights the importance of considering pylephlebitis in the broad differential for abdominal pain, especially if there are co-existing risk factors for hypercoagulability. We also demonstrate that fulminant hepatic failure in these patients can potentially be reversible with the immediate initiation of antibiotics and anticoagulation.

Geographic variability and operator trends of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in the United States

BACKGROUNDS

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) devices are used for primary mitral regurgitation (MR) and secondary MR. Despite the growing use of TEER devices, there have not been many studies on operator experience or procedure volumes by state.

AIMS

We aimed to investigate nationwide operator volume trends and geographic variation in access to TEER.

METHODS

The United States Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database (MPUPD) was analyzed between 2015 and 2020 for initial TEER procedures.

RESULTS

Procedure volume and total operators increased yearly from 2015 to 2019 but declined in 2020. Mean annual procedure volume per operator varied significantly by state, between 0 in multiple states and 35 in North Dakota. In 2019, 994 unique operators were identified, with 295 operators documented performing 10 or more procedures (29.68%). Operators performing 10 or more TEER procedures provided 68.46% of all operations in 2019, averaging 20.94 procedures per operator.

CONCLUSIONS

TEER procedures are becoming increasingly common as more operators are being trained. However, significant variability exists in the procedural volume per operator.

Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Fatal yet Underappreciated Variant of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a group of diseases affecting the left ventricle heart muscle that share a common feature of left ventricular hypertrophy without associated cardiac or systemic disorder. It was found to have a genetic basis with autosomal dominant mutations in the sarcomeric protein genes. Apical HCM is a rare subtype and underappreciated variant of HCM that primarily affects the apex of the heart. Apical HCM is dissimilar to classic HCM, with more challenges in diagnosis and inconsistent clinical course than other types. We report a case of a 91-year-old female who presented with a syncopal episode. Workup revealed atypical nonclassic features. Her transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a "spade-like" configuration of the left ventricular cavity at end-diastole consistent with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The remaining of her workup was consistent with the apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a reason for the syncopal episode on presentation. Apical HCM is a distinct form of HCM that requires more attention among clinicians. In our case, the patient ended up having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention and a prescription of a beta blocker with a good outcome in her case.

Impact of Frailty on Left Ventricular Assist Device Clinical Outcomes

Frailty is a clinical syndrome prevalent in older adults and carries poor outcomes in patients with heart failure. We investigated the impact of frailty on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) clinical outcomes. The Nationwide Readmission Database was used to retrospectively identify patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure who underwent LVAD implantation during their hospitalization from 2014 to 2020. Patients were categorized into frail and nonfrail groups using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score. Cox and logistic regression were used to predict the impact of frailty on inpatient mortality, 30-day readmissions, length of stay, and discharge to a skilled nursing facility. LVADs were implanted in 11,465 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was more LVAD use in patients who were identified as frail (81.6% vs 18.4%, p <0.001). The Cox regression analyses revealed that LVAD insertion was not associated with increased inpatient mortality in frail patients (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 1.65, p = 0.427). Frail patients also did not experience a higher likelihood of readmissions within 30 days (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.44, p = 0.239). LVAD implantation did not result in a significant increase in inpatient mortality or readmission rates in frail patients compared with nonfrail patients. These data support continued LVAD use in this high-risk patient population.

Improving Discharge Rates to Home With the Help of Mobility Technicians: A Step in the Right Direction

Background Early ambulation during acute hospitalization has been associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients. Despite the benefits of mobility in the hospital setting, physical therapists and nursing staff are often constrained by time. Mobility technicians (MTs) are individuals with specialized training who have emerged as a potential solution by providing safe ambulation for patients during their hospital stay. Objectives The purpose of this quality improvement project was to investigate the impact of MTs on clinical and financial outcomes for admitted patients at a high-volume tertiary institution. Methods A quality improvement project was implemented at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, from October 2022 to March 2023. The study was a prospective, single-institution cohort study and included patients admitted to two medical floors. Patients were divided into an experimental group that received services from MTs and a control group that did not receive this service but was eligible based on clinical status. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients discharged to home. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay and financial impact. Results A total of 396 admitted patients were included, with 222 patients in the MT group and 174 in the non-MT group. Patients in the MT group were discharged home more frequently, at a rate of 79.7% compared to 66.1% for patients in the non-MT group (p = 0.002). MTs contributed to an average 2.4-day reduction in the length of hospital stay (7.8 days vs. 10.2 days, p = 0.007). The MT intervention led to an estimated net savings of $148,500 during the six-month study period. Additionally, 2.9 daily hospital beds were created. Conclusion Implementing an MT program significantly increased the discharge-to-home rates and decreased hospital length of stay. Preliminary analysis suggests that this intervention is cost-effective and can assist institutions in managing increased hospital capacity strain through the creation of additional hospital beds.

A Double Hit to Ubiquitination Leading to a New Diagnosis of VEXAS Syndrome

VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, auto-inflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a newly defined illness that bridges hematology, oncology, and rheumatology. Its pathophysiology originates in a mutation in the UBA1 gene that leads to a defect in ubiquitination resulting in a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, data are scarce due to limited cases described in the literature. Here we describe a case of a male in his 60s who was referred to hematology-oncology due to progressive dyspnea, poor oral intake, and weight loss. He was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis 2 years prior; however, his symptoms did not improve despite treatment. He was ultimately diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome with a mutation in UBA1 (ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1) and a concurrent SQSTM1 mutation. In addition, the coexistence of two mutations in the ubiquitination pathway in the same patient has not been reported to date. This patient and the treatment course were compared to pre-existing literature to increase awareness and improve the medical management of VEXAS syndrome.

Acute Pancreatitis as an Unusual Culprit of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Nondiabetic: A Case-Based Review

Acute pancreatitis has been associated with a multitude of complications including pancreatic necrosis, pseudocysts, abscesses, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hyperglycemia. To date, only rare case reports have demonstrated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a rare sequela of acute pancreatitis. We report a case of a 34-year-old female with no prior history of diabetes who was subsequently diagnosed with DKA after presenting with severe acute pancreatitis. This case serves as a framework to not only highlight DKA as a rare complication of acute pancreatitis but also to explore the potential pathophysiology that underlies this phenomenon including stress hyperglycemia and post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus.

Fulminant Presentation of Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to COVID-19 Infection

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare condition characterized by the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. In cases of new BCS, inherited and acquired hypercoagulability states must be evaluated. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can induce a hypercoagulable state because of its extensive inflammatory response, and while it has been reported to cause portal vein thrombosis, it rarely causes BCS. This article presents a case of a 22-year-old man who developed fulminant symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed with BCS and portal vein thrombosis secondary to COVID-19 infection, after ruling out other inherited and acquired causes of BCS. In addition, a literature review is provided to understand the presentation and management of such patients. Although most patients improve with medical management, this article emphasizes the consideration of liver transplant for patients who do not improve.

Severe Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage due to Monkeypox Virus-Associated Proctocolitis

Monkeypox is primarily a painful cutaneous disease with occasional systemic manifestations. Monkeypox is transmitted predominantly through close physical contact and occasionally sexual contact. The first case was reported in the United States on May 17, 2022, in a recent monkeypox worldwide outbreak. We present a case of severe gastrointestinal bleeding as an atypical manifestation of monkeypox infection in a 40-year-old male with HIV. In our case, monkeypox-induced proctocolitis progressed to severe rectal bleeding requiring one unit of packed red blood cells transfusion despite one week of tecovirimat (TPOXX) therapy. So, patients should be educated about the possibility of unusual complications of monkeypox infection, i.e., bleeding in immunocompromised hosts.

A Rare Case of COVID-19 Vaccination-Induced Cholangiopathic Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury is a serious adverse drug reaction that can result in acute liver injury or cholestatic injury affecting the bile ducts, known as cholangiopathic liver injury (CLI). Although CLI is not as familiar as the hepatocellular pattern, emerging evidence suggests that it may occur after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This case report focuses on an 89-year-old woman who developed CLI after receiving the tozinameran COVID-19 vaccine. The main aim of this report was to raise awareness of the possibility of developing CLI after COVID-19 vaccination and to underscore the critical significance of promptly identifying and managing this infrequent but severe side effect.

Unique Variant of Zieve Syndrome With a Normal Reticulocyte Count

Zieve syndrome is a rare diagnosis seen in patients with chronic alcohol use which consists of a distinct clinical triad of hyperlipidemia, hemolytic anemia, and jaundice. Patients typically have an elevated reticulocyte count due to the hemolytic nature of the anemia. We present the case of a 44-year-old female who was discovered to have an unusual variant of Zieve syndrome with a normal reticulocyte count, which was believed to be due to suppression of bone marrow from excessive alcohol consumption. She was treated with steroids and complete alcohol cessation, with remarkable improvement on subsequent follow-up. An exhaustive literature review of 31 documented cases of Zieve syndrome was conducted to better understand the clinical presentation and overall prognosis of these patients. This case report and literature review aimed to improve patient outcomes through increased recognition of this underrecognized syndrome.

Renal Artery Thrombosis Leading to Renal Infarct in a Patient With Recurrent Nephrolithiasis

Renal infarction is a rare entity that presents similarly to other common renal conditions such as nephrolithiasis, which can often result in a missed or delayed diagnosis. As a result, a high degree of suspicion for this diagnosis is warranted in patients presenting with flank pain. We present a patient with recurrent nephrolithiasis who presented with flank pain. A subsequent workup revealed a renal infarct due to underlying renal artery thrombosis. We also explore if there was a possible mechanism between this event and his history of recurrent nephrolithiasis.

Rare Presentation of Stercoral Ulcer Spontaneous Perforation Without Preceding Radiographic Evidence of Colonic Inflammation and Fecal Impaction

Stercoral ulcers are caused by persistent fecal impaction. A life-threatening consequence of stercoral ulcers is colonic perforation, which is rare. A high index of clinical suspicion should be held for patients with stercoral ulcer, as colonic perforation is a medical emergency, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Here, we report a case of a 45-year-old female admitted with sepsis of unknown picture and subsequently developed stercoral ulcer perforation (SUP), diagnosed intraoperatively, without prior radiographic evidence of colonic inflammation. She was successfully managed with emergency laparotomy and left colectomy with sigmoid colectomy.

Hemophilia B: A Pain in the Back

This case report describes an unusual manifestation of hemophilia B, in the form of a lateral chest wall hematoma. A 27-year-old hemophiliac male was found to have a lateral chest wall hematoma after presenting with back pain associated with localized chest wall swelling. Even more unusual than the location of his hematoma was the absence of any preceding triggers such as a fall or trauma to the area. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of its kind in a patient with inherited hemophilia B. We believe the reporting of such rare presentations increases awareness of these possibilities and thus aids in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of other similar cases when they are encountered.

An Unusual Etiology: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Resulting in Transient Apical Ballooning Syndrome

Intracranial bleeds, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, carry high morbidity and mortality rates. Often intracranial hemorrhages result in debilitating residual neurological symptoms but can be so extensive that cardiac complications can also be seen. We present a rare case of a patient who was found to have a subarachnoid hemorrhage that incited the development of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which subsequently progressed to an acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this case report is to explore the underlying pathophysiology of how cerebral hemorrhage can result in apical ballooning of the left ventricle through various mechanisms including sympathetic-induced surge in catecholamines and neurogenic damage to the myocardium. We also intend to highlight the importance for clinicians to consider brain bleeds in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with an acute myocardial infarction as treatment with heparin is generally contraindicated.

A Rare and Unusual Cause of Ischemic Stroke to Be Aware of

Congenital absence of an internal carotid artery (ICA) is an extremely rare vascular anomaly. This case report presents an instance of right ICA agenesis to highlight the importance of early identification of this anomaly and its impact on disease presentation and complications. With transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and cerebral aneurysms being among the chief presenting scenarios or course of the anomaly, it is important to have a high level of suspicion for these in patients with known ICA agenesis. Understanding the underlying development of this vasculature and its impact on cerebral circulation aids in identifying possible findings on imaging. This case report aims to delineate the pathophysiology of ICA agenesis, recognition of the vasculature that contributes to the anomaly, different presentations of the disease, complications, and obstacles in management.

Atrial Septal Aneurysm: An Incidental Finding or a Clinically Significant Anomaly?

Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a condition involving the bulging of the interatrial septum into one or both of the atrial chambers. We present the case of an ASA found on transesophageal echocardiogram in a patient who presented with exertional dyspnea. This case report aims to highlight the growing clinical association of ASA with arterial embolism through various mechanisms and emphasize the unknown aspects of clinical management for such patients. While there are currently no clear recommendations on whether to start anticoagulation after an ASA is diagnosed, many suggest a careful patient-centered approach for such decisions due to the reported increased risk of thromboembolic events. Further studies regarding the significance of ASA and cardioembolic events are needed.

Empyema Versus Lung Abscess: A Case Report

Lung abscesses and empyemas are 2 forms of pulmonary infection that can present with similar clinical features. However, empyemas are associated with higher morbidity and mortality, necessitating the need to distinguish one from the other. Plain radiographs can sometimes provide clues to help differentiate the 2 pathologies but more often than not, a computed tomography scan is required to confirm the diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is essential, as the goal standard therapeutic intervention for empyemas may be contraindicated in patients with lung abscesses. Empyemas require percutaneous or surgical drainage in combination with antibiotics, while lung abscesses are generally treated with antibiotics alone as drainage can be associated with various complications. We present a case of a 65-year-old man with parapneumonic empyema diagnosed with characteristic findings on chest computed tomography and treated with surgical drainage and antibiotics. We hope to improve patient outcomes by highlighting the classical radiographic findings that help distinguish empyema and abscess.