A complicated steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome: a large intracardiac thrombus with bilateral distal embolization

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a consequence of the reduced ability of the glomerulus barrier to exclude proteins of intermediate size and other macromolecules from urine. Albumin and proteins that modulate the coagulation cascade are among the substances eliminated in urine. This is responsible of thromboembolic complication. The incidence of this extra renal complication is probably underestimated because of asymptomatic thromboembolic events. We report the case of a 23 years old man followed up for an idiopathic nephrotic syndrome since childhood who presented a large intracardiac thrombus complicated by distal embolisation of his two lower limbs, successfully treated by fogartisation-embolectomy and oral anticoagulation

Reversible Myocardial Injury and Intraventricular Thrombus Associated with Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning

Aluminium phosphide (ALP) is widely used as a fumigant pesticide. In case of ALP poisoning, it is responsible for myocardial dysfunction, related to toxic myocarditis, and hemodynamic disorders. We report a case of a 28-year-old female who had intentionally ingested ALP and was admitted with cardiogenic shock. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at the time of admission showed severe global myocardial hypokinesia with the presence of a giant left ventricular thrombus. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) revealed extensive toxic myocarditis with a left ventricular systolic dysfunction. All cardiac lesions were reversible after symptomatic treatment, within 6 months. We aim, by reporting this case, to evidence the complete reversibility of cardiac injury due to aluminium phosphide poisoning documented by transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of organ donation in Morocco: A cross-sectional survey

In any health system, public awareness of organ donation fundamentally affects the organ transplantation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of the people in Morocco toward organ donation as well as to identify the reasons and determinants for refusal of organ donation. This opinion survey included a representative sample of 2000 participants in Morocco, and data related to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and self-opinion about organ donation, and reasons behind refusal were collected. Statistical analysis showed that 55.2% of the participants were women, the median age was 21 years, and 60.8% of included participants had secondary education. Almost two-thirds of surveyed participants (62.3%) showed a low to mid-level of knowledge about organ donation and transplantation in Morocco. About half of the interviewed participants (48.8%) refused to donate their organs. Concern about risk of medical error and the belief in trafficking of procured organs were the main reasons for refusal, seen in 66% and 62% of the interviewees, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models showed that the older, the less educated and the less informed a person is, the less he accepted organ donation. Therefore, promotion of organ donation in Morocco should involve a regular information and awareness among the general population