Interstitial pericytes synthesize renin during development and the number of renin-expressing pericytes increases in response to a homeostatic threat imposed early in life such as lack of angiotensinogen.
BackgroundPathologic diagnosis remains the gold standard for final diagnosis of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS); however, other less invasive tests could suggest the presence of AIFS in at‐risk populations where early diagnosis is crucial. Serum galactomannan Aspergillus antigen has been shown to correlate with a diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; however, it has not adequately been evaluated in regard to AIFS. The objective of this study is to evaluate the statistical relevance of galactomannan in predicting diagnosis of AIFS.MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of pathologic records using Co‐Path from 2006 to 2017, incorporating 2 separate searches with designated criteria identifying patients who received pathologic evaluation for invasive fungal sinusitis. Electronic medical records were subsequently reviewed. After exclusions isolating at‐risk populations and removing duplications, 78 cases were reviewed using the indicated search criteria. Of these, 38 met further criteria of having had both pathologic evaluation and galactomannan analysis. Statistical variables were assessed, as well as all‐cause mortality. Peak and closest galactomannan levels were evaluated.ResultsOverall, galactomannan had a sensitivity of 44.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.5% to 64.3%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 66.4% to 100%), positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI, 74.3% to 100%), and negative predictive value of 36% (95% CI, 18.0% to 57.5%). No significant association was observed in galactomannan status and mortality in this patient population.ConclusionPositive serum galactomannan can be an indication of AIFS in patients with a high clinical suspicion. In our study, a positive galactomannan always correlated with a positive pathologic diagnosis. However, given its low sensitivity, one must use caution in relying on galactomannan as a screening tool in diagnosis of AIFS.
This case report discusses a previously healthy young male who suffered an in hospital cardiac arrest, found to be secondary to massive pulmonary emboli (PE). This patient was not a candidate for PE dosing of tPA, but continued to have worsening cardiogenic shock and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. The decision was made to initiate venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) in combination with catheter assisted thrombolysis.With time, the sequelae of his disease process changed. Although his cardiogenic shock improved, the hypoxemia worsened, and the patient was transitioned from VA to venovenous (VV) ECMO, while managing further complications due to multiple episodes of cardiac arrest and severe coagulopathy with multiple, acute, life-threatening bleeding events.Albeit a growing field, VA and VV ECMO are less than common, individually, however this case reports outlines the even rarer event of transition from VA to VV ECMO in combination with catheter assisted thrombolysis treatment via the EKOS EndoWave Infusion Catheter System. Providing care for critically ill patients often demands a collaborative effort between multiple specialties. This case report exemplifies this collaboration, leading to the combination and unification of alternative treatments: ECMO and catheter assisted thrombolysis.
In this case, we present the diagnosis of right atrial cardiac angiosarcoma by multiple imaging modalities including MRI and subsequent angiography, allowing for prompt surgical intervention and initiation of adjuvant therapy that resulted in a survival time of 19 months.
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