The Power and Promise of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) in Heart Failure Management: National Consensus Statement

;Heart failure (HF) is a huge global public health task due to morbidity, mortality, disturbed quality of life, and major economic burden. It is an area of active research and newer treatment strategies are evolving. Recently angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), a class of drugs (the first agent in this class, Sacubitril-Valsartan), reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in chronic HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Positive therapeutic effects have led to a decrease in cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalizations (HFH), with a favorable safety profile, and have been documented in several clinical studies with an unquestionable survival benefit with ARNI, Sacubitril-Valsartan. This consensus statement of the Indian group of experts in cardiology, nephrology, and diabetes provides a comprehensive review of the power and promise of ARNI in HF management and an evidence-based appraisal of the use of ARNI as an essential treatment strategy for HF patients in clinical practice. Consensus in this review favors an early utility of Sacubitril-Valsartan in patients with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), regardless of the previous therapy being given. A lower rate of hospitalizations for HF with Sacubitril-Valsartan in HF patients with preserved EF who are phenotypically heterogeneous suggests possible benefits of ARNI in patients having 40-50% of LVEF, frequent subtle systolic dysfunction, and higher hospitalization risk.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Ultrasound-based carotid stenosis measurement and risk stratification in diabetic cohort: a deep learning paradigm

BACKGROUND

Stroke is in the top three leading causes of death worldwide. Non-invasive monitoring of stroke can be accomplished via stenosis measurements. The current conventional image-based methods for these measurements are not accurate and reliable. They do not incorporate shape and intelligent learning component in their design.

METHODS

In this study, we propose a deep learning (DL)-based methodology for accurate measurement of stenosis in common carotid artery (CCA) ultrasound (US) scans using a class of AtheroEdge system from AtheroPoint, USA. Three radiologists manually traced the lumen-intima (LI) for the near and the far walls, respectively, which served as a gold standard (GS) for training the DL-based model. Three DL-based systems were developed based on three types of GS.

RESULTS

IRB approved (Toho University, Japan) 407 US scans from 204 patients were collected. The risk was characterized into three classes: low, moderate, and high-risk. The area-under-curve (AUC) corresponding to three DL systems using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis computed were: 0.90, 0.94 and 0.86, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel DL-based strategy showed reliable, accurate and stable stenosis severity index (SSI) measurements.

A rare case of ruptured subclavian artery aneurysm treated successfully with covered stent

Subclavian artery aneurysms are uncommon. Presentation with complication of rupture is extremely rare. We report a patient presenting as hemothorax and shock because of ruptured right subclavian artery aneurysm. This was successfully treated with placement of a covered stent with good clinical outcome.

Carcinoembryonic antigen: an invaluable marker for advanced breast cancer

Serial serum Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured in 150 individuals (50 patients with breast cancer, 50 benign breast diseases and 50 other controls). These levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and follow-up information. Serum CEA levels were independent of the primary tumor status, their histology, lymphoreticular response and the patients' characteristics as well as the age, sex and the menstrual status. However, the nodal status, number of involved nodes and the grade of the tumors had significant influence on the level of serum CEA. Breast cancer patients especially those with metastasis had significantly higher serum CEA levels as compared to the controls and those with localised disease, irrespective of the site of metastasis. These levels were lowered appreciably by the disease regression and were raised or stable during the disease progression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed metastasis to be more frequent in patients with pretreatment serum CEA levels above 25 ng/ml and persistent post treatment CEA levels above 15 ng/ml. Serum CEA level was found to be a valuable prognostic indicator for advanced breast cancer and serial serum CEA levels provided an average lead time of about 3.9 months before the clinical appearance of metastasis.

Prediction of gall stone composition by ultrasound: implications for non-surgical therapy

Oral cholecystography is the basic radiodiagnostic procedure required to assess chemical composition of gallstones as well as functional status of gall bladder prior to non-surgical management of gallstones. However, the value of ultrasound in non-surgical management of gallstones is yet to be proved. In this study we attempt to establish sonographic criteria which will predict the composition of gallstones prior to their non-surgical treatment. For this purpose the ultrasonographic characteristics of 233 patients with gallstone disease and functioning gall bladders were studied and an effort was made to correlate cholesterol and calcium content of different types of stones (as estimated by X-Ray powder diffraction study and atomic absorption spectrophotometry) with their ultrasonographic characteristics. Sonographic criteria for the presence of cholesterol stones were those which were floating and gallstones producing acoustic shadowing without internal echoes from within the stone. In detecting findings which would predict the presence of cholesterol stones on ultrasound, ultrasound had a sensitivity of 72.90% and a specificity of 100%. The predictive values of positive findings and negative findings were 100% and 93.4%, respectively. The demonstration of typical features of cholesterol stones on ultrasound obviates the need for oral cholecystography.

Situs inversus with cholelithiasis

Situs inversus totalis is a form of heterotaxia which is usually detected accidentally while investigating for any associated condition. If undetected, this condition can create a diagnostic puzzle. We report one such case in which situs inversus was associated with cholelithiasis.

Giant hydronephrosis masquerading as massive ascites

A case of unilateral giant hydronephrosis containing about 20 litres of old haemorrhagic fluid, clinically simulating massive ascites, is reported. The role of preceding abdominal trauma in the pathogenesis and the rapidity of the disease process is discussed.

Prenatal recognition of central nervous system complications of alloimmune thrombocytopenia

The radiological findings associated with alloimmune thrombocytopenia have not been well described. We present two such cases diagnosed in utero by ultrasound and discuss the radiographic findings of intracranial hemorrhage and hydrocephalus secondary to alloimmune thrombocytopenia. An awareness of this entity and its early diagnosis and intervention may greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Fine needle aspiration cytology, imprint cytology and tru-cut needle biopsy in breast lumps: a comparative evaluation

Fine needle aspiration cytology, imprint cytology and tru-cut needle biopsy were performed in 86 patients with breast lump and the results of these techniques were finally compared with the incisional or excisional biopsy in all the patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology had the sensitivity of 96.8% and specificity of 100%, the imprint cytology had the sensitivity of 98.4% and specificity of 100%. While the tru-cut needle biopsy had the sensitivity and specificity of 100% though in this technique 15 of 86 (17.4%) specimens were rejected as insufficient for any diagnosis.

Preoperative chemotherapy for fungating breast cancer

Thirty cases of fungating breast cancer (stages III and IV) were treated preoperatively by combination chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and prednisone. Mastectomy was performed after 2 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy followed by 6 more cycles postoperatively. Of 30 patients, 25 (83.3%) were made operable and had better disease-free survival. Preoperative chemotherapy has an advantage as regards improvement in quality and longevity without much toxicity, and provides a better palliation.

Cell surface antigens in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

The ABH isoantigen was investigated in 80 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and in their 46 affected lymph nodes. Isoantigen deletion shows a characteristic pattern of benign to malignant transformation of oral cancer. Total loss of isoantigen was found in anaplastic tumours, in metastatic lymph nodes and in the majority of advanced stage tumours. Total loss of isoantigen in metastatic lymph nodes indicates a frequent discharge of isoantigen-negative metastatic cells from the primary tumours to the lymph nodes and the regional organs. It seems that with the recent techniques a prospective observation of ABH isoantigen added to other pathological and clinical findings could be of prognostic significance in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

In vivo and in vitro observation of cellular immune parameters in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and its correlation with tumor load and prognosis

In vivo and in vitro observations of cellular immune response in 70 patients with squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity and in 40 age-matched normal controls, were made using delayed hypersensitivity responses to DNCB, PPD, and Candida albicans extract (Dermatophytin 'O'), absolute lymphocyte counts, absolute T-cell numbers, and PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis reactions as parameters. The results were correlated with clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node involvement, tumor differentiation, lymphoreticular responses, and outcome during a one-year follow-up period. A significant degree of impairment of both in vivo and in vitro parameters was found in oral cancer patients compared to normal control. The impairment was more prominent in advanced stages. Lymph node involvement was associated with impaired dermal hypersensitivity to recall antigens as well as a reduced T-cell population and blastogenic response. Only delayed hypersensitivity response to DNCB, PPD, and Candida showed a correlation with histologic features such as tumor differentiation and lymphoreticular response. Although absolute lymphocyte counts and T-cell population were reduced in the primary stage of the disease, the functional capacity of isolated lymphocytes to undergo blast formation was retained. PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis showed a significant impairment only when the tumor was well established and disseminated beyond its local confines. Delayed hypersensitivity responses to DNCB, higher T-cell counts, and blastogenic indices were associated with recurrence-free survival. Immunologic parameters provide prognostic information beyond the clinical stage of the disease. Therefore, it seems that a multiparametric in vivo and in vitro observation of cellular immune response may be useful as an indicator of clinical course and prognosis of patients with squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity.

Nutritional status in advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer

Fifty-four patients with advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer were assessed for their nutritional status prior to any form of therapy. Anthropometric parameters--weight loss, arm muscle circumference, skin-fold thickness--and biochemical parameters--serum albumin and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to purified protein derivative (PPD) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)--were used for nutritional assessment. Using standard values for comparison, about 80% of all patients were found to be nutritionally depleted. Immunocompetence did not show significant correlation with other nutritional parameters.

Immune status in advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers

Thirty-eight cases of advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer were assessed for their immune status prior to any form of therapy. Cell-mediated immunity, as tested by absolute lymphocyte count, T-cell count and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to purified protein derivative and phytohemagglutinin showed severe depression. Immunoglobulins A and M were elevated, while immunoglobulin G reduced. No correlation could be established between the immune status and the site of cancer or its extent, the performance status of the patients, or their response to chemotherapy.

A multiparametric observation of immune competence in breast cancer and its correlation with tumour load and prognosis

A multiparametric observation of cellular immune status by delayed hypersensitivity response to primary and recall antigens, absolute lymphocyte counts, T-cells counts, lymphocyte stimulation to PHA and serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) was done in 60 patients of breast cancer and 40 age-matched normal controls. The findings were correlated with clinical stage, tumour size, lymphnode involvement, distant metastases, tumour differentiation, lymphoreticular response and tumour recurrence within one year of follow-up period. Delayed hypersensitivity response to DNCB, PPD and Candida was significantly impaired (P = less than .001) in breast cancer patients as compared to normal controls. DNCB and candida response showed a gradual decrease with increasing clinical stage and PPD response was impaired in the advanced stage (Stage III and IV). Patients with well-differentiated tumour were more anergic than those with poorly differentiated tumour. Delayed hypersensitivity response to both primary and recall antigen showed a good correlation with tumour recurrence. Patients who had early recurrence or progressive disease were more anergic to all the three antigens. Absolute lymphocyte counts, absolute T-cells and E-rosette were significantly reduced in breast cancer patients as compared to normal controls and further correlated with clinical stage. Absolute T-cells and E-rosettes were lower in patients with lymphnode involvement, and distant metastases as compared to those with localized tumour. Absence of lymphoreticular response was related with impaired T-cell population. Absolute T-cell counts and E-rosettes further correlated with prognosis of the patients being significantly impaired in patients with early recurrence or with progressive disease (P = less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Genetics of site specific colon cancer: a family study

In a kindred of 46 individuals of an Indian Sikh family with no history of consanguinity, 8 suffered from site specific colon (caecum) cancer (not associated with polyposis). The clinical features in the affected kindred were indicative of a "cancer family syndrome". The study of the family depicted an autosomal dominant transmission pattern of site specific colon cancer, with probably 100% penetrance in the affected individuals. A low percentage of mitotic index (MI) was observed in the two probands who were available for the study. No structural or numerical chromosomal aberrations were observed in either case. It is probable that the gene responsible in this family could have begun by mutation at the germ cell level in the 1st generation and remained in a heterozygous condition in the affected individuals.

High-dose versus low-dose CMFP regimen in advanced breast cancer

Fifty cases of advanced breast cancer (stages III and IV) were treated by combination chemotherapy. The study compares the two different dose schedules and toxicities of a combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-flurouracil, and prednisone. Results are better with high-dose regimen, though the incidence of toxicity is much as compared to low-dose schedules, but, considering the beneficial response, the high-dose schedule is recommended.

Qualitative platelet dysfunction following cancer chemotherapy: a case report

A case of qualitative platelet dysfunction following cancer chemotherapy is documented. Besides the numerical reduction defect, there appear to be functional changes in the platelets leading to bleeding diathesis. The present case was thoroughly evaluated, and it was observed that there is suppression of the platelet functions in a patient receiving cancer chemotherapy, a combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil.

Maternal coffee drinking and unusually high concentrations of caffeine in the newborn

The authors report a case of a premature infant with unusually high concentrations of transplacentally acquired caffeine. The mother drank 24 cups of coffee per day during pregnancy. The infant developed apnea, and not having known the above maternal history, was started on caffeine therapy. Serum caffeine concentration was found to be 40.3 micrograms/ml prior to caffeine administration on the fifth day of age. Caffeine concentration at birth was probably much higher based on the pharmacokinetic extrapolation (caffeine half-life of 100 hours). It is suggested that manifestation of apnea in this infant may have been related to caffeine withdrawal.

Intensive combination chemotherapy for cancer of the oral cavity

Thirty advanced cases of cancer of the oral cavity were treated by intensive combination chemotherapy using bleomycin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and Oncovin administered over a period of 48 hours. Bleomycin was given as a continuous infusion and Oncovin was administered six hours prior to the administration of other drugs. A clinical response was obtained in 73.3% of the cases, a complete response in 33.3%, and a partial response in 40%. The toxicity was within acceptable limits.

Delayed hypersensitivity in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Delayed hypersensitivity response to Dinitrochlorobenzine (DNCB), Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) and Candida albicans abstract (Dermatophytin 'O') was observed in 60 patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and 40 normal controls. The response to all these three antigens were significantly impaired in cancer patients as compared to normal controls. PPD and Dermatophytin 'O' response showed progressive decline with increasing tumour burden. Patients with well differentiated tumours responded well to all these three antigens as compared to those with poorly differentiated tumours.

Microcomputer evaluation of cerebral blood flow velocity studies in the neonate

A semi-automated system for evaluation of Doppler cerebral blood flow studies obtained from newborn infants is described. A low cost digitizer is used to convert the graphic data from the flow tracing to digital data. A small business computer is used to analyze the data and produce a chartable report. The reliability of the digitizer is also evaluated.

The fontanelle tonometer: a noninvasive method for measurement of intracranial pressure

The use of a modified pneumotonometer as a noninvasive method to measure intracranial pressure through the fontanel was evaluated in the animal laboratory and in the clinical setting. Pressure measured with the tonometer from a surgically created fontanel in an adult mongrel dog demonstrated good correlation with pressure measured from an epidural balloon catheter. Pressure recorded with the tonometer was compared with direct measurements in a single infant. There were 20 paired measurements with a correlation coefficient of 0.91. Fontanel pressure was measured in 72 healthy infants. The mean pressure was 7.0 mm Hg with a standard deviation of 1.75. This result compares favorably with previous reports utilizing other methods. The machine is safe and simple to use.

Serum immunoglobulins in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) have been studied in 70 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and in 40 age-matched normal controls. The results were correlated with clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node status, tumor differentiation, and treatment modalities. There was a significant rise in serum IgM and IgA in oral cancer patients as compared to controls. It was further raised in advanced clinical stage, but tumor size and histological differentiation and treatment modalities (surgery and chemotherapy) do not seem to affect serum immunoglobulin levels. The observations implies that the extension and dissemination of tumor mass is the important factor for the change in serum immunoglobulin level in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Intracranial pressure and cerebral arterial pulsatile flow measurement in neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage

We examined the clinical significance of noninvasive intracranial pressure measurements and pulsatility indices in 74 infants with confirmed IC-IVh. The intracranial pressure measurements were obtained using the applanation principle, and the pulsatility indices were calculated from the Doppler flow velocity tracings of the anterior cerebral artery. Fifty-three infants (71.6%) who died had a significantly lower birth weight and gestational age than those who survived. Survival rate decreased significantly with increased intracranial pressure (P less than 0.0002) and increased pulsatility indices (P less than 0.0001). We found no significant relationship between outcome and the size of IC-IVH demonstrated by CT scan. Birth weight, intracranial pressure measurements, and cerebral arterial pulsatile flow changes appear to be major prognostic indicators in neonatal IC-IVH.

Cross validation of serum to saliva relationships of caffeine, theophylline and total methylxanthines in neonates

We have previously described the relationships of serum and saliva concentrations of caffeine, theophylline and total methylxanthines in premature infants. We have now extended the previous studies in order to validate the previously derived relationships with new data. The new serum to saliva relationships, derived using regression and ratio models, are cross validated against the relationships from the previous data, and vice versa. A good cross validation was observed for caffeine and total methylxanthine concentrations in infants treated with caffeine. In the theophylline treatment group, theophylline concentrations did not cross validate well, whereas the total methylxanthine concentrations did. Since in vivo conversion of theophylline to caffeine and vice versa may affect the individual methylxanthine relationships, the total methylxanthine equations are recommended for predicting serum concentrations from salivary concentrations.

Temporomandibular ankylosis

Temporomandibular ankylosis is commonly seen in children and young adults. Trauma in childhood is the commonest cause. Treatment of choice is by surgical intervention. Depending upon the local findings a gap arthroplasty or interposition arthroplasty is the procedure carried out. Early mobilisation is recommended.

Sarcomas of the breast: homogenous or heterogenous?

Eighteen cases of sarcomas of the breast are reported. Cases could be divided into two groups histogenetically. Group A, malignant cystosarcoma phylloides (14 cases); and Group B, pure sarcomas (4 cases). The malignant cystosarcoma phylloides occurred in the forth decade, had linger duration of illness invariably followed by sudden increase in the size of the tumor, had a striking mucoid and slimy look grossly, and showed discernible epithelial elements histologically. In the event of their recurrence the ductal elements were not seen microscopically. Contrarily, Group B cases presented in the sixth decade were rapidly growing from the beginning, and grossly were fleshy and haemorrhagic. Microscopically these did not reveal any epithelial component. There was poor correlation between cytologic malignancy and the biologic behavior in Group A. Mode of treatment seems more important in determining the subsequent course of the disease. Simple mastectomy with follow-up appears to be adequate in the majority of cases.

Primary tumours and tumour-like conditions of the mandible

Reports on comprehensive mandibular tumours are very rare. The present article describes a total of 81 primary tumour and tumour-like lesions of the mandible seen at the University Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, during last 16 years. In the mandible the ratio of odontogenic to nonodontogenic tumors is 1.6:1. Ameloblastomas constitute 56% of the odontogenic tumors. Among the benign mesenchymal tumours of the jaw 58% are neoplastic and 42% are nonneoplastic in which cementoostoid tissue is laid down secondary to inflammatory process. Over all 40 cases are benign 28 potentially malignant (ameloblastoma) and 13 are malignant lesions. Among the malignant mandibular tumours, bone tumours are more common than the soft tissue sarcomas. Microscopically mandibular osteosarcomas are better differentiated than similar tumours in the long bones. Local, segmental, or radical surgery seems to be the treatment of choice in the mandibular tumours.

Carcinoma of breast associated with pregnancy and lactation

Out of 840 cases of breast carcinoma seen over a period of ten years, 18 were found to be associated with pregnancy and lactation. According to the mode of onset and presentation of the disease, these patients were divided into four groups. The average age of these patients was 31.9 years old. Thirteen out of 18 patients presented in a very advanced stage of the disease. In a short period, involvement of liver was noticed in 8, brain in 3, and bones and lung in 2 each. The disease was bilaterally simultaneous in two patients. The acceleration of growth was noticed during second and third trimesters of pregnancy as well as during lactation. The termination of pregnancy in three patients did not alter the clinical course of the disease.