Cardiac Complications From Herbal Remedies.

The safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal remedies, particularly when used with modern medications or in non-traditional dosages, requires careful consideration. We present a case of a 62-year-old male with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors who developed tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) potentially linked to prolonged use of the TCM supplement "Tan Ke Jing." The supplement contains licorice root, caffeine, and apricot kernel, which have known cardiovascular effects.

Role of Steroid Therapy in Preventing Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with challenging management due to its potential complications and high recurrence rates. Catheter ablation is a standard treatment option for symptomatic patients, particularly those unresponsive to medical management but has variable success rates. Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and persistence of AF.

Every Fever Not Merely Due to Antibiotic Deficiency: Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Case Report.

This case report presents a 53-year-old female patient with a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) following an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, leading to significant respiratory distress and notable skin findings, including hyperpigmentation and chronic non-healing ulcers. The patient's clinical course illustrates the diverse manifestations of cGVHD, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that not all febrile episodes in post-transplant patients are attributable solely to infection. A multidisciplinary approach was essential for accurate diagnosis and management, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluation of symptoms in immunocompromised patients.

Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema Masquerading as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report.

Immersion pulmonary edema, also known as swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE), manifests with cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and hypoxemia from flash pulmonary edema after surface swimming, often in healthy young individuals with no predisposing conditions. SIPE commonly resolves spontaneously within 24-48 hours but can be fatal. Post-mortem findings demonstrate heavy, edematous lungs and frothy airways.

Unveiling Complexity: A Case Report of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome With Coronary Occlusion and a Concomitant Patent Foramen Ovale Shunt.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are rare autoimmune disorders that afflict a small percentage of the global female population. The complexity of these conditions is further exacerbated by their propensity to give rise to recurrent thrombosis and obstetric morbidity, thereby posing intricate challenges for clinicians and patients alike. One of the most concerning aspects of these diseases is the heightened risk they confer for accelerated atherosclerosis, which can ultimately culminate in the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Cancer Patients: A Review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a cardiac arrhythmia, exhibits a heightened prevalence among individuals diagnosed with cancer, notably prominent in cases of lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. Robust evidence from extensive studies underscores this association, emphasizing its clinical significance. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings and specific risk factors linking cancer and AF remain a subject of incomplete understanding.