Obesity, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance and high-fat diets (unsaturated fats) rich in cholesterol are all associated risk factors for cholesterol gallstones. In view of the high prevalence of cholesterol gallstones, there is an urgent need to understand whether pharmacological therapies can be harnessed for the treatment of cholesterol gallstones. Gallstones are shown to be associated with an increased risk, not only of mortality, but also of CVD. Statins, widely used in prevention of CVD and hypercholesteremia, have been shown to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in animal models and human studies, highlighting the potential for a pharmacological therapy for gallstones. More studies are required to understand the role of statins in the treatment of gallstones and for comparison with current treatment strategies.

Because of the emergence of warfarin resistance, new potent long-acting anticoagulants are now readily available in several over-the-counter rodenticide products. The availability of these "superwarfarin" compounds has led to accidental and purposeful human ingestions, one of which has resulted in a death. We summarize the prior case reports and report a second death. In addition, we report the availability of an assay to detect the presence of brodifacoum (a superwarfarin compound) in human plasma and tissues.

Objective: Evidence has emerged that out-patient management of pulmonary embolism may be an appropriate option in selected patients. This report is based on a safety data on a Pulmonary Embolism Ambulatory Treatment program. Methods: An observational study in acute assessment unit from 2000-2006, of all consecutive patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism (high probability ventilation-perfusion scan or computerized tomography pulmonary angiography), have been evaluated. Exclusion criteria were oxygen saturation less than 92%; systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg; significant cardiopulmonary or renal disease, and a bleeding risk. Patient treated initially with low molecular weight heparin followed by oral anticoagulants when diagnosis was confirmed and were assessed at 3 and 6 months. Results: Sixty-one patients (33 females), median age 55 (range; 16-89 years) were eligible. Patients needed a maximum of 13 appointments. Risk factors included surgery (8.2%), cancer (8.2%), long travel (14.8%), previous thromboembolism (14.8%), hormonal replacement therapy (3.3%) and contraceptive pill (8.2%). No risk factor was identified at 37.7%. The mortality was zero at 6 months. No complications were recorded. Four patients required hospital admission, all within the first week; all were discharged within 24 hours. The median length of stay for patients with uncomplicated pulmonary embolism was 7 days; implementation of the pulmonary embolism ambulatory treatment program saved 427 bed days. Conclusion: The pulmonary embolism ambulatory treatment program was cost-effective and was not associated with serious complications. Further evaluation of these programs could help establish the safety and cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Objective: Evidence has emerged that out-patient management of pulmonary embolism may be an appropriate option in selected patients. This report is based on a safety data on a Pulmonary Embolism Ambulatory Treatment program. Methods: An observational study in acute assessment unit from 2000-2006, of all consecutive patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism (high probability ventilation-perfusion scan or computerized tomography pulmonary angiography), have been evaluated. Exclusion criteria were oxygen saturation less than 92%; systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg; significant cardiopulmonary or renal disease, and a bleeding risk. Patient treated initially with low molecular weight heparin followed by oral anticoagulants when diagnosis was confirmed and were assessed at 3 and 6 months. Results: Sixty-one patients (33 females), median age 55 (range; 16-89 years) were eligible. Patients needed a maximum of 13 appointments. Risk factors included surgery (8.2%), cancer (8.2%), long travel (14.8%), previous thromboembolism (14.8%), hormonal replacement therapy (3.3%) and contraceptive pill (8.2%). No risk factor was identified at 37.7%. The mortality was zero at 6 months. No complications were recorded. Four patients required hospital admission, all within the first week; all were discharged within 24 hours. The median length of stay for patients with uncomplicated pulmonary embolism was 7 days; implementation of the pulmonary embolism ambulatory treatment program saved 427 bed days. Conclusion: The pulmonary embolism ambulatory treatment program was cost-effective and was not associated with serious complications. Further evaluation of these programs could help establish the safety and cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare tumour but hypertension conversely is very common. We present the case of a woman in her 30s, with poorly controlled hypertension on four antihypertensive agents. She was referred to the accident and emergency department with hypokalaemia. For a year, she had experienced oedema, weight gain, acne, hirsutism and oligomenorrhea. She had a classic Cushingoid appearance and marked striae. Cushing’s syndrome was confirmed biochemically with an abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test. She was diagnosed with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma following CT imaging. This was resected via a right adrenalectomy, nephrectomy and cholecystectomy. She also received mitotane. Unfortunately, she has a terminal prognosis having experienced a recurrence. This case demonstrates the value of a thorough clinical assessment. More importantly, it highlights the need to refer earlier patients under 40 with resistant hypertension to a specialist. Finally, it encourages clinicians to investigate hypokalaemia in the context of hypertension.