Protein-Losing Enteropathy as the Principal Manifestation of Constrictive Pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis represents a rare cause of protein-losing enteropathy resulting from intestinal lymphangiectasia. We report the case of a patient with an atypical clinical presentation of constrictive pericarditis and protein-losing enteropathy as its principal manifestation; he was successfully treated with pericardiectomy. We conclude that constrictive pericarditis should be considered in the presence of protein-losing enteropathy and also, protein-losing enteropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia

Comparison of the efficacy of rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin in reducing apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Results of the CENTAURUS study

Background. The mechanism underlying statin-induced event reduction in patients with acute coronary syndrome remains unclear. Aims. To assess the efficacy of rosuvastatin 20 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg in reducing the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 (apoB/apoA-1) ratio at 3 months. Non-inferiority of rosuvastatin 20 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at 1 and 3 months was also assessed. Methods. Patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome were enrolled into this randomized, double blind, parallel-group trial. Results. In total, 753 patients (369, rosuvastatin 20 mg; 384, atorvastatin 80 mg) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis; 478 patients (226, rosuvastatin 20 mg; 252, atorvastatin 80 mg) were included in the per-protocol analysis. Rosuvastatin 20 mg was more effective than atorvastatin 80 mg in decreasing apoB/apoA-1 ratio at 1 month (-44.4% vs -42.9%, p = 0.02) but not at 3 months (both -44.4%, p = 0.87). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by similar to 50% after 1 and 3 months in both groups. Non-inferiority of rosuvastatin 20 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg was demonstrated at 1 month (difference, -0.3% [95% confidence interval, -2.7; +2.1]), but not at 3 months (+1.0% [-1.6; 3.5]) (intention-to-treat analysis). In the per-protocol analysis, non-inferiority of rosuvastatin 20 mg was demonstrated at both 1 (-0.7% [-3.5; 2.0]) and 3 (-0.5% [-3.5; 2.5]) months. Conclusion. In patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, rosuvastatin 20 mg decreased apoB/apoA-1 ratio at 1 month more than atorvastatin 80 mg. No difference could be shown at 3 months; thus, the primary endpoint was not met. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS

Dual antiplatelet therapy duration after coronary stenting in clinical practice: results of an EAPCI survey

Aims: Our aim was to report on a survey initiated by the EuropeanAssociation of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) concerning opinion on the evidence relating to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration after coronary stenting.Methods and results: Results from three randomised clinical trials were scheduled to be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2014 (ARIA 2014). A web-based survey was distributed to all individuals registered in the EuroIntervention mailing list (n=15,200) both before and after ARIA 2014. A total of 1,134 physicians responded to the first (i.e., before AHA 2014) and 542 to the second (i.e., after ARIA 2014) survey. The majority of respondents interpreted trial results consistent with a substantial equipoise regarding the benefits and risks of an extended versus a standard DAPT strategy. Two respondents out of ten believed extended DAFT should be implemented in selected patients. After ARIA 2014, 46.1% of participants expressed uncertainty about the available evidence on DAFT duration, and 40.0% the need for clinical guidance.Conclusions: This EAPCI survey highlights considerable uncertainty within the medical community with regard to the optimal duration of DAFT after coronary stenting in the light of recent reported trial results. Updated recommendations for practising physicians to guide treatment decisions in routine clinical practice should be provided by international societies