Heavy transluminal calcification as assessed with CT-CA is an independent predictor of failed PCI of CTO. CT-CA may have a role in the work-up of CTO patients prior to PCI.

rug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), also known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, is a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to medication. The diagnosis of DIHS is based on clinical and biochemical findings. It commonly presents clinically with fever, facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, and a morbilliform eruption. 1 Internal organ involvement can include hepatic, renal, pulmonary, hematologic, cardiac, and endocrine abnormalities. 1 Most often, DIHS is caused by anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and allopurinol. 2 With an estimated mortality rate up to 10%, the treatment of DIHS is important. 3 Treatment of DIHS involves withdrawal of treatment with the suspected causative medication, supportive care, and often systemic corticosteroids. In this observational case series, 2 patients referred to the der-matology service of an academic tertiary care hospital and subsequently diagnosed as having DIHS were studied from December 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014. These 2 patients were treated with a short course of cyclosporine followed by a quick resolution of the adverse drug reaction. The findings suggest that cyclosporine is a potential alternative to the traditional long course of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of DIHS.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent physical distancing recommendations created major gaps in traditional dermatologic undergraduate and postgraduate medical education delivery. Nevertheless, the educational consequences of various public health restrictions have indirectly set aside the inertia, resistance, and risk averse approach to pedagogical change in medicine. In Canada, rapid collaboration and innovation in dermatologic education has led to novel programs including the implementation of a range of internet-facilitated group learning activities and a dramatic expansion of digital telehealth and virtual care. Going forward, three key issues arising from these developments will need to be addressed: the ongoing assessment of these innovations for efficacy; sustaining the momentum and creativity that has been achieved; and, determining which of these activities are worth maintaining when traditional “tried and true” learning activities can be resumed.

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