Abstract Aims: To determine the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular prognosis at 5 years of patients who underwent an ischemic stroke in Senegal. Methods: We performed a descriptive, retrospective and exhaustive study conducted at Principal Hospital of Dakar. We included all patients hospitalized at Principal Hospital of Dakar from 2013 to 2019 for an ischemic stroke confirmed by a cerebral CT-Scanner or by magnetic resonance imaging, and who survived the acute phase. Results: Overall, one hundred and seventy-one (171) pa tients were gathered. Ninety-six (96) male patients account for 56.14% and seventy-five (75) female patients account for 43.86%, with a sex ratio of 1.28. Patients’ mean age was 66.33 ± 13.99 years. Twenty-one (21) young patients (12.35%), aged less than 50 years, presented with an ischemic stroke. Myo cardial infarction was found in a female patient (0.6%) 3 months after she experienced an ischemic stroke, nine (9) patients (5.29%) underwent a recur rence of the ischemic stroke with a mean recurrence period of 8 months and extremes ranging from 1 to 24 months. Five (5) patients (2.92%) developed dementia with a score less than 28. A 30 years old patient presented with epi lepsy 12 months after the ischemic stroke accounting for 0.58%. We regis tered ninety (90) deaths that occurred in a mean period of 24 months ± 9.8 after they presented their ischemic stroke, standing for 52.63% amongst which thirty-five (35) accounting for 39% were female patients and fifty-five patients (55) representing 61% were male patients. Mortality-related factors included: advanced age, past medical history of heart surgery, known as dys lipidemia, physical inactivity, obesity and recurrent ischemic stroke. Conclusion: Long-term prognosis of ischemic stroke remains unclear in Senegal. Therefore, a strategy for primary prevention is highly crucial and it requires the control of risk factors in general and that of high blood pressure in particular.

Abstract Background: Pulmonary vein isolation by means of cryoballoon is a well-es tablished way of treatment of atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to compare the acute cryoballoon biophysical parameters attained during energy applications to the individual pulmonary vein during sinus rhythm versus atrial fibrillation. Methods: 100 Patients who underwent their first-time PVI using second-generation cryoballoon for symptomatic and drug-refractory AF, be tween the beginning of March to end of August 2016, were initially screened. 61 patients with paroxysmal AF were included in the present study. 39 patients with persistent AF were excluded. No pre-procedural anatomical imaging was reported. Results: A total of 61 patients (male 80%, age 59.3 ± 13.4 years)were included in the present analysis. A total of 243 pulmonary veins were isolated with an average of 1.87 ± 1.14 cryo energy applications per individual vein. During cryo application, there were no significant differences between applications delivered during sinus rhythm or ongoing AF in the rate of tem perature drop at 5 and 30 s, rate of warming at 5 s after freezing stop or achieved balloon nadir temperature. The same also was observed for both the balloon cooling rate and warming times. Conclusions: The present analysis shows no impact of the patient baseline rhythm at the time of energy application upon the acute balloon biophysical parameters in patients with normal sinus rhythm and those with ongoing atrial fibrillation using the second-generation cryo balloon.

Abstract Background: The aim of the current study was to assess fifteen-year life expectancy, cardiovascular events, fate of the limb, and risk factors with or without poly vascular disease in patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 1019 PAD patients. The endpoints were Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular Death (CCVD), All-Cause Death (ACD), Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), and Cardiovascular and/or Limb Events (CVLE). Results: The patients who died were 539 (52.9%) during follow-up periods. The rate of CCVD was 50.5% (n =272). In multiple regression analysis, the number of affected arteries had correlations with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), HDL-cholesterol ,Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI), and diabetes (p < 0.05). In multiple logistic analysis, PAD with Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) was correlated with older age, ABI, eGFR, and atrial fibrillation (p < 0.05); PAD with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) was correlated with younger age, eGFR, HDL-cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and diabetes (p < 0.05); and triple vascular disease (PAD with CVD and CHD) was correlated with ABI, eGFR, HDL-cholesterol, and diabetes (p< 0.05). The number of affected arteries had significant correlations with CCVD, ACD, MACE, and CVLE (p < 0.05). In Cox multivariate analyses, age, Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), eGFR, albumin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Body Mass In dex (BMI), CVD, and CHD were related to CCVD (p < 0.05); age, albumin, eGFR, CRP, BMI, CLI, and CVD were associated with ACD (p < 0.05); age ,albumin, eGFR, CRP, CLI, CHD, and diabetes were associated with MACE (p< 0.05); age, ABI, albumin, eGFR, CRP, CLI, CHD, and diabetes were related to CVLE (p < 0.05). Statins improved all outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions :Poly vascular disease was independently associated with fifteen-year mortality, cardiovascular events, and the fate of the limb with diverse risk factors in PAD patients.

Abstract Background: Arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction are common. Bradyarrhythmias need specific insight into when and how to treat them. Objectives: To delineate the incidence, course, and management of different types of bradyarrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction, the study period was five years. Methods: 453 patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) were ad mitted to intensive care in five years. ECGs were analyzed for the presence of bra dyarrhythmias and details of management. Results: 65 patients with bradycardia were found. Sinus bradycardia in 40, sick sinus syndrome in 10, junctional rhy thm in 10, second-degree block in 10, complete heart block in 24. We divided patients with sinus bradycardia into a stable group and an unstable group. Unstable sinus bradycardia is more prevalent in cases with hypotension or shock, slower heart rates, gross or transmural infarction. Also, predictors of instability were changeable morphology of the “P” wave and inferior rather than anterior infarction.The indications and danger of atropine are defined. Complete heart block was found in 24 patients (0.053%). 13 were managed by drug therapy (isoprenaline, corticosteroids, and atropine); Eleven patients were paced. 14 out of the 24 patients died (58%), the total mortality rate among the 453 patients was 22%. The prognostic factors of CHB were defined. Techniques of introduction of the lead in RV without fluoroscopy are described. Conclusions: Sinus bradycardia in AMI is accompanied by a lower incidence of mortality. Atropine is not a safe drug to be given as routine. Complete heart block predictors of mortality are the association with heart failure, early-onset, and persistence of the block.

Abstract Background: Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm is considered a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge. In an unprecedented way in the literature, we describe an aneurysm originating from the Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Case Presentation: A 25-ear-old male patient came to the Emergency Room of the ABC University Hospital in Sao Bernardo do Campo referring to bilateral neck pain for 1 month, associated with carotid aneurysms. Due to the severity and urgency of the clinical condition, immediate surgical therapy was performed without a definitive etiological diagnosis. The initial morphological analysis of the carotid artery suggested a diagnosis of Polyarteritis Nodosa. After anamnesis, physical examination, the use of a specific primary vasculitis algorithm, and a review of the pathological anatomy was requested, which showed bilateral carotid aneurysms secondary to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. Conclusion: It remains evident that Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm-related morbidity and mortality caused by Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome are influenced by a quick and correct diagnosis.

Abstract Background: Long-term survival in acute coronary syndrome has increased steadily in the last decades. Follow-up studies developed in this patient clearly reveal that they are at risk of suffering a new event, placing them in a new stage, secondary prevention. Assuming this increased risk, the control target of their cardiovascular risk factors become more ambitious. In this field, control of Cholesterol levels, particularly LDL-C, has arisen as a priority objective in patients with coronary arterial disease. In this sense, management of dyslipidemia guidelines, recently recognises the role of functional food, highlighting among them is the Red Yeast Rice (RYR). The aim of the study is to establish the potential role of functional food, in secondary prevention, while determining its additional capacity to reduce LDL-C in patients that despite optimal classic treatment (maximum tolerated dose of stain plus Ezetimibe) is still out of control objectives. Results and Discussion: 88 patients were included and after 3 months of treatment with RYR, their lipid profiles were compared with the baseline. The variation of T-Col, LDL-C and Trig were statistically significant. A reduction in LDL-C was 10.73 mg/dL, which means a 10.93% of additional reduction over the standard therapy the patients were receiving. Concerning security, no relevant side effects were reported when adding RYR, even in a relevant percentage (35.4%), myalgia disappeared (especially when reducing the titrating dose of the statin). Conclusion: Adding RYR in secondary prevention patients in combination with the usual treatment, seems to be an effective alternative to optimize LDL levels and thus gets closer to the target set in the guidelines, without adding relevant side effects, and even improving tolerance to the statins.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a dysmetabolic medical condition resulting in the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) CT non-invasively identifies atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals. This translational study tested the hypothesis that clinically overt cardiovascular disease can be prevented in asymptomatic individuals in a medical clinic. Methods: Two hundred and sixasympto matic adults requested a CAC scan to identify subclinical heart disease. Individuals with a positive CAC score > 1 (n = 125) were prescribed targeted medical therapy to reverse their atherosclerosis. The goal was to achieve an LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) ≤ 60 mg/dl. One hundred and ten individuals reached this goal (67 male, 43 female) receiving 10 mg/d of rosuvastatin and 10 mg/d of ezetimibe plus a low cholesterol diet. Other fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores did not achieve this LDL-C goal. Results: In the group following medical therapy and achieving an LDL-C ≤ 60 mg/dl, no cardiovascular events were observed during a maximum observation period of 5 years (mean observation time = 3.6 years). Based on previously published CVD outcome data in individuals with similar CAC scores, 12.6 cardiovascular events were expected. Two of fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores not following medical therapy had a cardio vascular event. None of the 81 individuals with a zero score had a cardiovascular event during follow-up. No adverse effects of therapy occurred. Conclusion: In a medical clinic, adult population with positive CAC scores and an LDL-C ≤ 60 mg/dl, targeted medical therapy prevented overt cardiovascular dis ease. These results should encourage other physicians to aggressively treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in their clinic population .

Abstract Background: Physical activity has a cardinal role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the changes that occur to the cardiac muscle in athletes is still doubtful whether it is only an adaptation to exercise or a concealed pathological condition. Most of these changes are well documented in apparently healthy heart and characterized by cardiac enlargement with Brady-arrhythmias specially individuals participating in long distance runners with exercise capacity without signs of cardiovascular disease. Methods: The study searched the subclinical myocardial necrosis by comparing two groups of young marathon runners, both groups were chosen from AlGizera youth center in January 2018. First group included adults above the age of 18 years and ran for 12 km. and the second was under 18 years and ran for about 8 km. Both groups were volunteered for this study. They are monitored carefully with blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate and their blood samples were collected pre- and post-race immediately for assessment of cardiac markers NT pro BNP, Galectin-3 and cTnI. Results: All cardiac markers were elevated post exercise compared to that achieved in pre-exercise regardless age of athletes. Also, pre-exercise adult results were higher in ga lectin-3 and cTnI but not in proBNP while there is no difference in the acute response in both groups. These results revealed micro cardiac necrosis due to long run exercise with possible bad prognosis. Conclusions: It is important to develop risk assessment and prediction methods for screening the young athletes and consider the term athletic heart as a subclinical disorder rather than physiological adaptation.

Abstract We report the case of a 16-year-old young girl seen for precordial pain and stage II NYHA dyspnea. Clinical examination found a maximal systolodiastolic murmur in the left subclavicular. Lateral Q waves were noted on the electrocardiogram and echocardiography revealed a right coronary fistula draining in right atrium. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Patient was addressed to a specialized center for percutaneous closure of the fistula. In case of signs indicating coronary artery disease, the search for coronary anomalies should be systematic in children by using EKG and transthoracic echocardiography. In case of doubt, a second imaging such as the multislice Ct scan is performed. Coronary angiography has a dual diagnostic and therapeutic interest. The indications for treatment depend on the symptoms and the results of ischemia tests.

Abstract We report the case of a 58-year-old hypertensive patient under treatment who presented with a ventricular tachycardia unveiling an obstructive cardiomyopathy complicated with an apical aneurysm. Aim: Highlight the rarity of the case and the difficulty of management. Case Presentation: This patient was transferred from Regional Hospital of Ziguinchor in southern Senegal for a brutal dizzy spell without loss of consciousness. The electrocardiogram showed a wide monomorphic QRS complex regular tachycardia with a rate of 215 beats/min. An external electrical cardio version at 300 joules was applied which led to the recovery of a sinus rhythm on the electrocardiogram. The Doppler echocardiography showed an asymetricalmedio-ventricular hypertrophy with a maximum left intra-ventricular gradient at 10 mm Hg at rest. The coronarography via the radial artery was normal. The evolution was labeled with a recurrence of the ventricular tachycardia. The patient was then put on amiodarone 200 mg, beta-blocker (bisoprolol 10 mg) and anti-vitamin K (acenocoumarol 4 mg). Facing rhythmic instability ,an implantable automatic defibrillator was fitted. No complication has been reported after one year of evolution. Conclusion: HCM with medio ventricular obstruction and apical aneurysm complicated with ventricular arrhythmias is a rare entity. Its management is difficult and controversial.

Abstract We report the case of an 18-year-old young man without previous medical history, who was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cardiac murmur.Physical examination found holosystolic 4-5/6 apical murmur with normal ECG. Bidimensionnal (2D) echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with thin mitral leaflets. Three dimensional (3D) Echocardiography done for better assessment of mitral valve regurgitation mechanism revealed an isolated mitral leaflet cleft, without signs of endocarditis or traumatic lesion. Regarding the absence of symptoms and excellent maximal exercise tolerance at stress echocardiography, a repair surgery wasn’t offered. Isolated mitral leaflet cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, in adults, the cleft may be an incidental finding that remains asymptomatic for years when the leak is well tolerated. 2D combined with 3D echocardiography is key for diagnosis and surgery guidance.

Abstract Introduction: Cardio-renal syndrome is a pathophysiological disorder of the heart and kidneys in which chronic or acute dysfunction of one can lead to chronic or acute dysfunction of the other. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardio-renal syndrome in the Medical Department of the Tombouctou Hospital in Mali. Methods: It is about a descriptive transversal study carried out over 18 months, from January 01st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021 and relating to the analysis of 75 files of patients hospitalized for heart failure and with impaired renal function. Results: The frequency of cardio-renal syndrome was 6.4% with a predominance of men (sex ratio: 2). Hypertension was the most widely described risk factor (50.6%). The history was dominated by chronic heart failure (14.6%) and diabetes (6.6%). The average age was 58 with extremes of 18 and 90. The main aetiologies were dilated cardiomyopathy (46.6%) and ischemic heart disease (20%). Symptoms were dominated by dyspnea (90.6%) and edema of the lower limbs and face (74.6%) accompanied by cough (74.6%). Anemia was noted in 15 patients (20%). The mean clearance (MDRD) was at 32 ml/min. Doppler echocardiography found left ventricular dilation (66.6%), lower left ventricular systolic fraction (64%) and kinetic abnormalities (20%). The kidney ultrasound performed in 9 patients returned to normal in 8 cases and in 1 patient the kidneys were small. Eight deaths (10.6%) were noted. Conclusion: Cardio-renal syndrome is a common feature in which mixed failure is observed in the unfavorable course of heart disease and nephropathy. Its prevalence is unfortunately under evaluated in cardiological settings in Africa and particularly in Mali, hence the interest of a more advanced study.

Abstract Introduction: Carotid web (CW), a rare and probably unknown arterial cause of ischemic stroke (IS), is commonly reported in young black patients, although most of the published cases resided in a non-African country. We describe the features of the first six Senegalese cases diagnosed at the Neurology Department of the Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar. Patients and Method: It was a preliminary retrospective and prospective study conducted at the Neurology department of Fann teaching hospital (Dakar-Senegal). The symptomatic CW diagnosis was based on angioCT-scan of the neck arteries. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess the severity of the IS and the functional disability after the event, respectively. Results: CW was causing a left sylvian infarction in 4 patients. The mean age of the patients at the IS diagnosis was 41 ± 6 years with a sex ratio of 1. The mean time to diagnosis of CW was 13 months. Smoking (1/6), hypertension (1/6), and obesity (1/6) were the main vascular risk factors. The mean LDL cholesterol level was 1.52 g/L ± 0.49. The mean initial NIHSS was 15 ± 6 (8-22). Half of the patients had a severe infarction (NIHSS ≥ 15). For secondary prevention, half of the patients were treated with aspirin and the other half with acenocoumarol. After 18 months ± 17 of follow-up, the mean mRS score was 2 ± 1 (1-3). Conclusion: CW is an unknown cause of IS in young black patients. An early and appropriate multidisciplinary management could help to reduce the risk of recurrences.

Abstract Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition that necessitates urgent evaluation and treatment with an urgent need for hospital admission. Among the available imaging modalities, echocardiography is the method of choice due to its feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Lung ultrasonography in emergency department, critical and cardiac care units is becoming popular. The present study aimed to assess the value of the focused echocardiography and lung ultrasound protocol for guiding treatment and its effect on the hospitalization period in AHF patients admitted to the CCU, 6 months re-hospitalization and mortality. Methods: This study included 40 consecutive patients admitted to the Cardiology and Angiology department after disposition from the emergency department at Alexandria main university hospital in Egypt with the diagnosis of (AHF). Patients were divided into 2 groups, 20 patients received the standard treatment while the other group received a modification of medication doses according to daily imaging changes. All patients were followed up for 6 months to assess the 6 months HF rehospitalization and death rates. Results: Group II patients had a significantly shorter duration of hospitalization; 6.45 ± 2.01 days compared to 9.10 ± 3.82 days among group I patients (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the 6 months rehospitalization and death rates. Conclusion: The focused echocardiography and lung ultrasound-guided therapy for AHF patients resulted in a shorter duration of hospitalization without increased adverse events.

Abstract Background: Tricuspid valve thrombus with concomitant bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE) and right heart strain poses a significant risk of hemodynamic instability and increased mortality. Case Report: We report the unique case of a female who presented with dyspnea and tachycardia, and was subsequently found to have a structure attached to the tricuspid valve. Concomitantly, she also had bilateral upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and bilateral sub-massive PE. Thorough clinical assessment, and diagnostic and risk stratification tools were applied to guide the management and disposition. Tricuspid valve thrombus resolved after unfractionated heparin therapy followed by oral anticoagulation as seen on repeat transthoracic echocardiography. We think the readership will benefit from our experience of managing an uncommon and critical clinical presentation of tricuspid valve thrombus in the setting of extensive venous thromboembolism. Conclusion: Careful clinical assessment, risk stratification tools, and close monitoring are needed to guide the management of tricuspid valve thrombus with concomitant bilateral PE and UEDVT.

Abstract Background: Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a clinical entity whose two clinical manifestations are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is a frequent and severe disease in Cameroon, thus constituting a significant public health problem. We aimed to describe VTE management in the Yaoundé Emergency Center, in particular the use of thrombolysis. Methods: This was a retrospective study on patients hospitalized at the Yaoundé Emergency Center for DVT and/or PE from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. We collected clinical signs, paraclinical signs, risk factors of VTE, and management methods from each patient. Results:We recruited 106 participants. Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom; PE was the most common form of VTE in eight patients on 10. Obesity and high blood pressure were the main cardiovascular risk factors. The main clinical signs were oedema and pain in the limb for DVT, dyspnea, and tachycardia for PE. Heparinotherapy was the most commonly used management modality. Thrombolysis was performed in 7.5% of participants, especially in the case of hypotension or massive PE. Conclusion: In VTE management, thrombolysis remains the least used therapeutic modality in our context. Heparino therapy remains the basis of the therapy .

Abstract Introduction: Neurological complications are possible during infective endocarditis. They are often life-threatening and can be a source of sequelae. Case Presentation: We report the case of an 11-year-old patient admitted to the cardiology department of the CHU-ME “LUXEMBOURG” in Bamako for functional impotence of the left hemibody, accompanied by fever and NYHA stage II dyspnea. The clinical examination on admission shows the poor general condition, normal consciousness, and sensory-motor deficit of the pyramidal type of the left hemibody. The cardiovascular examination notes a systolic murmur at the mitral focus, hepato-jugular reflux, hepatomegaly, and slight edema in the lower limbs. Brain CT showed localized hypodensity in favor of an ischemic stroke. The electrocardiogram shows a sinus rhythm. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography revealed mitral insufficiency with vegetation of 17 × 14 mm on the anterior mitral valve, with left ventricular ejection fraction estimated at 75%. Dual antibiotic therapy associated with conventional treatment for heart failure was initiated. The clinical evolution was marked by the persistence of the deficit of the left upper limb, the cardiac Doppler echography of control after 6 weeks of treatment found the same vegetation. A discussion with the heart team with a view to a surgical cure has been initiated for the rest of the treatment. Conclusion: A motor deficit associated with fever related to an ischemic vascular accident should lead to a search for infective endocarditis on cardiac Doppler ultrasound.

Abstract Background: Mitral valve repair in secondary mitral regurgitation is still uncertain as the chance of recurrence is approximately 30 percent after solely undersized annuloplasty. Some procedures adding to the subvalvular level are proposed to alleviate the recurrent rate. This study was to evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of papillary muscle relocation plus undersized ring in secondary mitral regurgitation (2nd MR). Methods: Medical records of moderate to severe 2nd MR with tethering depth of more than 1 cm patients who underwent papillary muscle relocation plus undersized ring from 2014 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters before and after operation were analyzed. Results: Thirty-two patients were included during the 6-year period. There was no perioperative mortality. Two patients died at one year from ischemic stroke and car accidents with overall 5-year survival of 93.7%. All patients were in NYHA class I and II with MR grading as trivial or mild at a median follow-up of 33 months. Postoperative mean tenting depth, area and posterior leaflet angle decreased remarkably from 1.18 cm, 2.61 cm2 and 46.5 degree to 0.65 cm, 1.22 cm2 and 28.6 degree, respectively (p < 0.001, 0.02, and 0.01). Moreover, left ventricular function and remodeling were also notably improved (EF; 38.2% vs 49.1%: p = 0.018, LVEDD; 62.8 vs 54.6 mm: p = 0.005, LVESD; 50.2 vs 42.4 mm: p = 0.01). Conclusions: Papillary muscle relocation combined with undersized annuloplasty improved mid-term clinical outcomes. Apart from reduction of recurrent MR rate, restoration of mitral configuration and reverse LV remodeling could be the effect of adding subvalvular correction in this pathology.

Abstract We present a case of ictal asystole in an 81-year-old female, with no prior history of epileptic activity, or cardiac history suggestive of arrhythmia, who suffered several seemingly unrelated epileptic and asystolic episodes prior to finally having a witnessed seizure followed by an asystolic event. Following this event, all atrioventricular (AV) nodal blockers, and medications with potential seizure threshold lowering activity were stopped, and anti-epileptic medication was optimized. Due to the wishes of the patient’s family, no invasive interventions were pursued. However, the patient continued to be medically treated with anti-epileptic therapy and had no further asystolic events. Unfortunately, the patient’s overall clinical status deteriorated, and she subsequently passed during her hospital stay after being made do not resuscitate and do not intubate (DNR/DNI) by the family and then subsequently comfort care. Prior to her passing, however, she had remained free of epileptic events for 10 days and free of asystolic events for 21 days

Abstract Objective: Ischemic conditioning (IC) limits myocyte necrosis after acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion; however, controversy persists regarding its potential to attenuate LV contractile dysfunction. Pressure-volume (P-V) loop analysis, via the load-insensitive conductance catheter method, was used to evaluate LV contractility, diastolic function, and ventriculo-arterial coupling. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of IC to improve post-ischemic recovery of LV contractile function. Methods: Twelve anesthetized dogs were randomly distributed to either the IC or the non-IC group; all dogs were subject to 60-min acute coronary occlusion followed by 180-min reperfusion. IC consisted of 4 repeated cycles of 5-min occlusion and 5-min reperfusion of the left main coronary artery. LV P-V relations were constructed under steady-state conditions (by inferior vena cava occlusion) at the beginning and end of the experiments; P-V loops were acquired at different time points before and during ischemia-reperfusion. Results: During ischemia and reperfusion, dP/dtmax decreased significantly compared to baseline in both groups; dP/dtmin, an indicator of the rate of LV relaxation rate was not affected for either group. Significant changes in several parameters of LV function including LVEF, SW, tPFR, ESV, and EDV caused by ischemia were also identified; none of these negative effects were resorbed, even in part, during reperfusion. Conclusions: Diminished LV contractile efficiency during systole and diastole produced by ischemia-reperfusion did not improve with IC pre-treatment despite significant endogenous protection against tissue necrosis.

Abstract Background: Cancer increases the incidence of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE), which represents a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden in cancer patients. Objective: We aimed to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic pattern of VTE in cancer patients followed-up in two reference hospitals in Cameroon over the past ten years.Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in the oncology department of the General hospitals of Yaoundé and Douala. We included the medical records of all patients aged 18 years and above who had active cancer with a confirmed diagnosis of VTE from 2010 to 2021. Results:We analysed 408 patients’ medical records. The prevalence of VTE was 7.6%. All those having VTE had solid tumours. There were twenty (64.5%) cases of deep venous thrombosis, five (16.1%) cases of pulmonary embolism, and three (9.7%) cases of both. Poor performance status and chemotherapy were independently associated with the development of VTE. Most of the patients were treated with compression stockings and low molecular weight heparin. Conclusion: VTE prevalence is high among cancer patients in Cameroon. It is most frequent in solid tumours originating from the genitourinary system, the lung, the pancreas, and the brain.