Publications

PURPOSE

To perform myocardial T1 mapping pre- and post-gadolinium (Gd) administration and determine the volume of distribution of Gd (VdGd ) in patients with cardiac amyloidosis to assess extracellular space expansion from amyloid protein deposition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T1 mapping was performed before contrast and 20 minutes following bolus administration of 0.15 mmol/kg of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) in five subjects with cardiac amyloidosis and in eight healthy volunteers using previously validated 3-5 Modified Look-Locker Inversion (MOLLI) pulse sequence. The partition coefficient (λ) and VdGd were determined and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Before contrast the T1 of the blood and myocardium are longer in amyloidosis as compared to controls (1665 vs. 1509 msec; P = 0.03 and 1144 vs. 963 msec; P < 0.001, respectively). Postcontrast blood T1 was also significantly longer in amyloidosis (486 vs. 408 msec; P = 0.003) with a trend towards shorter T1 in the myocardium (503 vs. 544 msec; P = 0.15). The VdGd was 83% higher in amyloidosis than in controls (0.51 vs. 0.28; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Myocardial VdGd is markedly increased in cardiac amyloidosis, reflecting the increased extracellular space occupied by amyloid proteins. The precontrast T1 of blood and myocardium are increased in amyloidosis extending diagnostic utility in patients who cannot receive Gd.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether diabetes clinical standards consider increased hypoglycemia risk in vulnerable patients.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, the National Guidelines Clearinghouse, the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse, and supplemental sources.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of clinical standards (guidelines, quality metrics, or pay-for-performance programs) for glycemic control in adult diabetes patients. The primary outcome was discussion of increased risk for hypoglycemia in vulnerable populations.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

Manuscripts identified were abstracted by two independent reviewers using prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria and a standardized abstraction form.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We screened 1,166 titles, and reviewed 220 manuscripts in full text. Forty-four guidelines, 17 quality metrics, and 8 pay-for-performance programs were included. Five (11 percent) guidelines and no quality metrics or pay-for-performance programs met the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical standards do not substantively incorporate evidence about increased risk for hypoglycemia in vulnerable populations.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to dichloromethane (DCM or methylene chloride - CH₂ Cl₂ ) in paint strippers continues to be an avoidable source of morbidity and mortality. DCM has been under regulatory scrutiny by occupational and consumer product agencies since the identification of its carcinogenicity in the mid-1980s.

METHODS

We investigated two independent workplace incidents that resulted in three cases of DCM intoxication from paint stripper use.

RESULTS

Each incident investigated resulted in a fatality. A third worker suffered obtundation requiring hospitalization and intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

The continued occurrence of fatalities and other serious injuries due to DCM-containing paint strippers in the United States calls for a re-evaluation of existing regulatory strategies.