Inhaled treprostinil seems to have a similar efficacy profile as inhaled iloprost, although the demonstrated trough effect on exercise tolerance with treprostinil is an advantage. Perhaps more importantly, the longer half-life makes treprostinil more convenient with four-times-daily dosing. As compared with iloprost, inhaled treprostinil has practical advantages for patients (less frequent dosing, shorter inhalation times, once-daily preparation of the drug delivery device, and easier routine maintenance of the nebulizer), but direct comparisons about efficacy or durability of the treatment effect cannot be made in the absence of carefully controlled trials.

No abstract

Post-cardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is presumed to be an immune-mediated process. It affects the pericardium and, to a lesser extent, the epicardium, myocardium, and pleura. It has been rarely reported following pacemaker insertion with an estimated incidence of 1% to 2%. We present the case of a 62-year-old female who developed PCIS 8 weeks following pacemaker insertion. She presented with impending cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis; recurrent pleural effusions subsequently complicated her condition. The pleural effusion recurred despite trials of steroids, eventually requiring talc pleurodesis. This case highlights the need to consider PCIS as a possible etiology of recurrent pleural effusion following pacemaker insertion.

No abstract