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1,5-AG was lower in T2DM individuals group. As regarding the echo parameters no significant difference found between both groups regarding left ventricular, left atrial and aortic root dimensions. T2DM individuals group showed a statistically significant higher mitral valve area, apical 2 chambers, apical 4 chambers, apical longitudinal axis and GLS. No correlation found between HbA1c and any echo parameters while 1,5-AG showed a significantly negative correlation with apical 2 chambers, apical 4 chambers, apical longitudinal axis and GLS. ROC curve analysis detected 1,5-AG less than 7.51 ng/ml as the best cut off value with sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity 75% to diagnose patients with T2DM and SCD.

1,5-AG might be used as an additional surrogate marker to identify patients with T2DM and SCD.

1,5-AG might be used as an additional surrogate marker to identify patients with T2DM and SCD.Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the most effective therapy in the management of acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Evidence recommends keeping the period from symptom onset to reperfusion to a minimum in order to preserve left ventricular function, improve outcome and reduce mortality. This position statement describes the recommendations of the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Intervention Society for optimal conditions and timing for the acute management of patients presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction during ordinary and pandemic times.Primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma has an extremely low incidence with overall median survival of approximately 6 months. Here, We report the case of a 60-year-old man who underwent complete surgical excision of right atrial mass. Histologic examination revealed leiomyosarcoma. The patient made a full recovery with no evidence of recurrence at 24 months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case or primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma in the Middle East.Transcatheter valvular interventions are established as an alternative for surgery in selected patients in symptomatic high surgical risk patients. Tricuspid valve replacement after failed repair ring had limited experience to date. We report this case to highlight the procedure details and results.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) put a spotlight on focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS). However, the spectra of cardiac disease, and the resources available for investigation vary internationally. The applicability of FoCUS to internal medicine (IM) and critical care medicine (CCM) practice in Saudi Arabia and their current use of FoCUS are unknown.

To determine the applicability of FoCUS to IM and CCM practice in Saudi Arabia and quantify the residents’ current proficiency, accreditation and use of FoCUS.

A questionnaire was distributed to the residents in IM and CCM at our institution to determine their proficiency, use of FoCUS, and perceptions of its applicability.

In total, 110 residents (IM 100/108; CCM 10/10) participated (Response rate 93.2%) and reported that FoCUS was very applicable to their practice, most specifically for pericardial effusion, right heart strain, and left ventricular function. Two IM residents had received postgraduate training, ten used FoCUS regularly, none were accredited and overall self-reported proficiency was poor. In contrast all CCM residents had received postgraduate training and reported regular use of FoCUS. Two were accredited.

Whilst FoCUS is applicable to IM practice in Saudi Arabia, significant skills gaps exist. The skills gap in CCM is lower but unaccredited practice is common. Our residents’ responses were similar to those from Canada. Thus, international standardization of FoCUS training could be considered.

Whilst FoCUS is applicable to IM practice in Saudi Arabia, significant skills gaps exist. The skills gap in CCM is lower but unaccredited practice is common. Our residents’ responses were similar to those from Canada. Thus, international standardization of FoCUS training could be considered.

It has been shown that blood concentrations of NT-proBNP may be useful in identifying preterm infants at risk of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and its complications. The aim of the study was to assess predictive value of serum NT-proBNP levels for early ductus arteriosus (DA) closure in very preterm newborns.

Fifty-two infants <32 weeks’ gestation aged <72 hours with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diameter >1.5 mm were involved in a randomized study. TH5427 datasheet Twenty-seven (52%) of them were treated with ibuprofen or paracetamol starting within the first 3 days of life. Expectant management was applied to 25 (48%) infants. All patients underwent planned echocardiographic (daily) and two serum NT-proBNP measurements within the first 10 days after birth. Depending on the DA closure within the first 10 days of life, 2 groups of patients were formed retrospectively, with closed (n = 30) or patent (n = 22) DA by this age.

In the first 10 days of life, DA closure occurred in 19 (70%) treated infants and in 11 (44%) infants managed expectantly (p > 0,05). Initial concentrations of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in infants that had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at 10 days of life. By the eighth day, median NT-proBNP values in both groups significantly decreased but remained considerably higher in newborns with PDA. NT-proBNP serum concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict DA closure within the first 10 days after birth in treated babies (the AUC was significant 0.81 [95% CI 0.58-1.03], p < 0.05) but not in infants who were managed expectantly.

Serum NT-proBNP concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict early PDA closure in treated but not in expectantly managed very preterm infants.

Serum NT-proBNP concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict early PDA closure in treated but not in expectantly managed very preterm infants.Stent loss during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncommon but may lead to serious adverse events. Here we describe a challenging case of stent loss in the radial artery during primary PCI. There, a long stent failed to cross the culprit lesion, and an attempt to pull back the undeployed stent into the guiding catheter resulted in eversion of the stent, partially stripping it off the stent balloon and rendering the stent irretrievable. Retrieval of the stent at all costs might have led to major complications; hence stent deployment in the radial artery bailed us out of this precarious situation.