Citations

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) are two conditions presenting as acute coronary syndromes that predominantly affect women and are frequently triggered by emotional or physical stress. While traditionally considered distinct entities, emerging evidence suggests that these conditions may coexist more frequently than previously recognized, sharing common pathophysiological mechanisms centered on catecholamine-mediated pathways, vascular vulnerability, and hormonal influences. Their overlapping presentations create significant diagnostic challenges that may lead to misdiagnosis and suboptimal management. This narrative review examines the pathophysiological convergence between SCAD and TTS, addresses the diagnostic complexity arising when these entities coexist, and proposes a novel stepwise diagnostic algorithm integrating clinical risk stratification, coronary angiography, intracoronary imaging, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The review also provides scenario-dependent management guidance and outlines priorities for future research.

Abstract Background/Objective: Maintaining acid-base balance within the central nervous system (CNS) is essential for neuronal homeostasis. Disruptions in this balance can result in respiratory disturbances, elevated intracranial pressure, or coma. These disturbances can occur concurrently with stroke, or CNS infection. However, they are augmented by various neurosurgical procedures involving CSF manipulation, either through direct ventricular irrigation during endoscopic neurosurgical procedures or by CSF exchange technologies. The IRRAflow active cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exchange system (IRRA flow ) manages acid-base balance changes in the ventricular system through continuous irrigation with fluids and medications and removal of endogenous CSF. We describe a novel clinical syndrome of iatrogenic metabolic acidosis and respiratory compensation in response to exogenous fluid introduction in the ventricular fluid system using IRRAflow. The syndrome was previously seen with endoscopic neurosurgical procedures that require irrigation with normal saline. We also recommend fluid alternatives for more effective use of the IRRAflow system or different endoscopic procedure and increased awareness of CSF derangements. Methods We describe 2 cases involving patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who developed a syndromic response characterized by tachypnea, conjunctival hyperemia, encephalopathy, and fluctuating language deficits due to continuous 0.9% normal saline irrigation. Results Both patients exhibited reproducible symptoms that persisted despite stable neuroimaging until normal saline was replaced with lactated Ringer solution, after which clinical parameters normalized within 3 hours. We named this condition SALT-CRAMD syndrome (saline acidosis leading to tachypnea, central respiratory alkalosis, and metabolic derangements). Pathophysiologic analysis based on the literature suggests that normal saline induced central hyperchloremia and dilutional acidosis, leading to heightened chemoreceptor activation in the medulla oblongata, triggering excessive respiratory drive and compensatory hypocapnia. Conclusion Awareness of SALT-CRAMD syndrome is crucial for understanding the profound pathophysiologic concepts of CSF dynamics, whether induced during treatment with active CSF exchange, endoscopic neurosurgical procedures, stroke, or CNS infections.

Background: Although skin cancer survivors have an increased risk of future malignancies, many are unaware of this and may not undergo preventative screening. Objective: To evaluate skin cancer survivors’ prevalence of breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancer screening. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database from 2017 to 2021 comparing skin cancer, other cancer, and non-cancer controls. Multivariate analysis compared screening rates, controlled for socioeconomic, chronic disease, and behavioral factors. Results: Compared to non-cancer controls, skin cancer survivors had higher odds of undergoing screening for breast (odds ratios [OR]: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.51), colorectal (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.40–1.66), and cervical cancer (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.56). Lung cancer screening rates were low and similar between skin cancer survivors and non-cancer individuals (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.84–1.74). In a subset analysis of skin cancer survivors, those who had melanoma were less likely to be screened for breast and colorectal cancer. Limitations: This study is based on anonymous, national survey data, relying on patient recall of their health information. Conclusion: Skin cancer survivors undergo cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer at higher rates compared to non-cancer controls. Melanoma survivors have lower rates of breast and colorectal screening compared to non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. Skin cancer survivors should be reminded of preventive cancer screening, particularly for lung cancer.

Background: Alopecia is a burgeoning area of patient interest and dermatologic investigation. Alopecia following a solid organ transplant has been relatively unexplored, despite the potential for significant symptomatic and psychological impact on patients posttransplant. Objective: We set out to study alopecia in patients following solid organ transplants, including presentation, etiology, evaluation, and management. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent solid organ transplant without a preceding history of alopecia at a single center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, to record new alopecia diagnoses posttransplant. Demographic data, transplant type, immunosuppressive regimen, and type of alopecia were all collected. Results: Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 3,732 patients underwent a solid organ transplant with a median age of 58 (range: 18-82) years. Sixty-two percent were men, 72.5% were White, and 8.4% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Out of 3,732 patients who underwent a solid organ transplant, 39 (1%) subsequently developed alopecia. Risk of alopecia was higher in females (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.26, P < .001), Hispanics (HR = 2.49, P = .043), and pancreas transplant patients (HR = 24.26, P < .001). Limitations: This is a retrospective review. Conclusion: In this study, alopecia was rare after a solid organ transplant, but further investigation is needed to assess for potential underdiagnosis of alopecia following transplant and the higher risks reported in certain populations.

Abstract Objectives Medical nutrition therapy significantly impacts cardiovascular risk and overall health, but effects on muscle diseases remain unclear. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of dietary interventions and supplements on muscle disease outcomes. Methods A multidisciplinary team conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review registered on PROSPERO. Searches were conducted across multiple databases and screened against pre-specified inclusion criteria. Results Of 107 full-text articles screened, 51 met inclusion criteria. Most identified interventions used dietary supplements rather than whole dietary approaches. In inflammatory myopathies, creatine (loading dose 20 g/day, maintenance 3 g/day) combined with exercise improved high-intensity functional performance in PM and DM over 6 months. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, creatine (2–10 g/day for 8–16 weeks) improved maximal voluntary contraction and fatigue resistance. Carbohydrate-rich diets (65% CHO) reduced exercise-related symptoms in McArdle disease, while high-dose creatine (150 mg/kg/day) paradoxically worsened symptoms. Four trials of aceneuramic acid (6 g/day for 48 weeks) in GNE myopathy demonstrated dose-dependent strength improvements, leading to regulatory approval in Japan. High-protein supplementation showed positive trends for muscle preservation in critical illness myopathy. Quality assessment revealed 31% at low risk of bias, 49% with some concerns and 20% at high risk. Conclusion Evidence for nutritional interventions in muscle diseases remains limited, especially for inflammatory myopathies. The strongest support emerged for mechanistically targeted approaches: creatine with exercise, carbohydrate-rich and ketogenic diets in McArdle disease and sialic acid in GNE myopathy. Future research requires adequately powered multicentre trials with standardized outcomes, with focus on inflammatory myopathies.

Abstract Background Breast cancer is etiologically heterogeneous, but which risk factors differ in their associations across tumor subtypes remains unclear. We conducted a large, pooled analysis to evaluate independent, dose-response associations between breast cancer risk factors and quantitative tumor features. Methods Analyses of 15,731 invasive breast cancers from 24 studies evaluated associations (p-trend) between reproductive and hormonal factors, body mass index (BMI), alcohol, smoking, and family history in relation to quantitative immunohistochemistry measures on tissue microarrays (ER, PR, HER2, KI67, TP53) and tumor grade. Analyses in a subset of 10 population-based studies estimated subtype-specific odds ratios (ORs) comparing cases to controls. A Bayesian False Discovery Probability (BFDP) &lt;0.2 was used to identify associations with strong statistical evidence. Results Nulliparity and later age at menopause were associated with higher ER-positivity (p-trend=0.021 and 0.001, respectively), with corresponding OR[ER+] (95% CI) = 1.49 (1.16-1.90) for nulliparous vs. parous and 1.07 (1.03-1.11) per 5 years. Current combined menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use was associated with lower grade (p-trend&lt;0.001), with OR [grade1] = 3.37 (2.69-4.21) for current vs. never users. Higher BMI was associated with lower ER-positivity and higher grade in premenopausal women (p-trend&lt;0.001 and &lt;0.001), with OR[ER+] = 0.80 (0.74-0.87) and OR[grade1] = 0.75 (0.63-0.88) per 5 units, and with higher PR-positivity and higher grade in postmenopausal women (p-trend&lt;0.001 and &lt;0.001), with OR[PR+] = 1.08 (1.03-1.14) and OR[grade 3] = 1.10 (1.04-1.17) per 5 units. Conclusion This pooled analysis of 15,731 cases showed that nulliparity, age at menopause, MHT, and BMI have independent, dose-response associations with ER, PR, and grade, clarifying patterns of etiologic heterogeneity. Associations with HER2, KI67 and TP53, or other risk factors did not meet our threshold for strong evidence.

Abstract Context Biochemical test results are central to clinical decision-making for the diagnosis and management of Cushing syndrome (CS). With emerging research and increasing availability of different tests, updated consensus on the utility of these biomarkers is warranted. Objective To establish an updated consensus on the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent CS, address novel therapeutic approaches, and identify areas for future research. Design A modified 2-round Delphi panel was conducted. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement/disagreement for Likert-scale statements or ≥70% selection of the same option for single-choice questions. Setting Participants represented a range of international expertise. Participants Forty-one participants took part in the Delphi panel, with no attrition between rounds (one nonclinician was not required to complete the second round). An 8-member Steering Committee guided statement development. Results Of statements designed to reach consensus, 45% (14/31) and 44% (11/25) statements reached consensus in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively. Notably, most panelists reported the use of late-night salivary cortisol for diagnosis of mild CS and for monitoring following pituitary surgery or medical or radiation therapy. Most panelists responded that block-and-replace therapies can be considered in patients with cyclical or severe CS, and consensus was reached that restoration of circadian rhythm is a treatment goal for patients with CS. Conclusion Areas of alignment among experts on the diagnosis and monitoring of CS are presented. The findings from this study are intended to support clinicians in their clinical decision-making and highlight priority areas for future research.

ABSTRACT Background Current staging systems for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNCSCC), such as AJCC8 and BWH, often fail to adequately stratify high‐risk patients, particularly due to the exclusion of important biological and host factors. This study aimed to identify independent prognostic factors for HNCSCC outcomes in the largest multi‐institutional retrospective series to date. Methods De‐identified data from 8,610 primary HNCSCC tumors, treated with curative intent surgery across multiple international centers, were analyzed. Outcomes included local recurrence (LR), locoregional metastasis (LM), distant metastasis (DM), and disease‐specific death (DSD). Multivariable Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard regression models with robust standard errors clustered at the patient level were fitted to generate exploratory hypotheses regarding independent hazard determinants. Results During a median follow‐up of 31.4 months (IQR 14.2–52.8), the cumulative incidence was 3.3% for LR, 2.7% for LM, 0.5% for DM, and 1.2% for DSD. Multivariable analysis confirmed that tumor diameter, poor differentiation, deep invasion, and large‐caliber perineural invasion (LCPNI) were the strongest predictors, being significantly associated with at least three of the four outcomes. Notably, factors currently excluded from or weighted differently in staging systems also proved critical: Immunosuppression was significantly associated with LR (SHR 2.03) and DSD (SHR 1.70); and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was independently associated with LM (SHR 3.00). Poor differentiation demonstrated high prognostic impact, being a significant predictor for all four endpoints. Conclusion Tumor diameter, poor differentiation, deep invasion, LCPNI, immunosuppression status, and LVI are the most critical independent factors for HNCSCC prognosis. Our multi‐institutional data provide a robust framework for hypothesis generation, highlighting that incorporating host biological features and non‐anatomic variables could significantly refine future staging system discussions.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder of gut-brain interaction, with heterogeneous symptoms, no available biomarkers and limited pathogenetic insight. Objective To identify genetic risk factors and actionable mechanisms for future clinical translation in IBS. Design We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of IBS in 2 775 539 individuals from 22 biobanks. IBS genetics was studied across multiple ancestries, different case definitions and symptom-related subtypes. Heritability and genetic correlations with other traits were estimated, and Mendelian randomisation was used to test causal relationships. GWAS data were functionally annotated and fine-mapped to prioritise tissues, cell types, pathways, candidate genes, specific mechanisms and druggable targets. Results Significant heritability was only detected in individuals of European ancestry, with near-identical genetic architecture across case definitions. Genetic correlations with GI, psychiatric and cardiometabolic traits were observed, including causal relationships with triglyceride (TG) levels. Functional annotation of IBS risk loci highlighted cell types and pathways relevant to brain, enteric neuro-glial and cardiometabolic domains, as well as actionable targets like GCKR, a regulator of TG metabolism. Druggability analyses converged on cardiometabolic mechanisms, including TG modulation. IBS polygenic risk scores were derived and showed a significant association with case status in an independent case-control dataset, supporting further evaluation in external population-based and clinically ascertained cohorts. Conclusions This study provides the most comprehensive assessment of IBS genetics to date, demonstrating reproducible polygenic inheritance. We link IBS risk to convergent neurogastrointestinal and novel cardiometabolic mechanisms, highlight specific biological pathways and actionable mechanisms and outline translational opportunities emerging from integrated computational analyses.