Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 are diverse and complex and include acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis masquerading as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, pericarditis and pericardial effusion. We present 2 cases of COVID-19 infection with myocardial involvement with distinct mechanistic pathways and outcomes. Important decision strategies such as the timing of cardiac catheterization (when indicated) and requirement of early hemodynamic support in critically ill patients are discussed.
Vesicovaginal fistula has remained a scourge and of public health importance, causing significant morbidity, and psychological and social problems to the patient. Continuous wetness, odor and discomfort cause serious social issues. The diagnosis has been traditionally based on clinical evaluation, dye testing, cystoscopic examination and contrast studies. A successful repair of such fistulas requires an accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention using techniques that are based on basic surgical principles with or without the use of interpositional flaps. The method of repair depends on the type and location of the fistula, and the surgeon's training and expertise. The main complications are recurrence and stress/urge incontinence. Prevention must include universal education, improvement in the social and nutritional status of women, discouraging early marriages, and the provision of improved accessible healthcare services.
Pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS) is an infrequent, life-threatening complication following pericardial drainage for cardiac tamponade physiology. PDS usually develops after initial clinical improvement following pericardiocentesis and is significantly underreported and may be overlooked in the clinical practice. Although the precise mechanisms resulting in PDS are not well understood, this seems to be highly associated with patients who have some underlying ventricular dysfunction. Physicians performing pericardial drainage should be mindful of the risk factors associated with the procedure including the rare potential for the development of PDS.
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