Our study aims to assess gender differences in blood pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients in Jordan and identify factors influencing these differences. We conducted a cross‐sectional study at Jordan University Hospital (JUH), collecting data from 601 hypertensive patients following up in JUH clinics. Patients were eligible if they were >18 years old, diagnosed with hypertension, taking anti‐hypertensive medication for at least 6 months, and had no chronic kidney disease. BP control was defined as systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg. Poor BP control was observed in 59.1% of females and 62.7% of males. Females demonstrated better BP control, even though they had lower incomes, lower education levels, and higher BMIs compared to males. Among females, good medication adherence (p = 0.042) was linked to improved control, while stress and a history of preeclampsia were negatively associated (p = 0.01 and p = 0.030, respectively). Among males, concurrent systemic medication use (p = 0.025) was a positive predictor of BP control, whereas smoking negatively impacted BP control (p = 0.019). Home BP monitoring was common but did not improve control in either gender. In conclusion, females showed better outcomes in BP management, largely due to treatment adherence. A history of preeclampsia and high stress was linked to poorer control in females. Both genders were aware of normal BP levels, but females were more preemptive in maintaining control. To improve hypertension care, we should consider these differences when treating patients.

Ludwig’s angina is a rare, life-threatening cellulitis of the submandibular space, if unchecked, can rapidly progress to severe complications such as necrotizing mediastinitis, a condition with significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 32-year-old male who developed this rare complication following wisdom tooth extraction. The patient presented with throat swelling and hematemesis, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging had a decisive role in capturing the full extent of the infection, revealing severe airway narrowing, mediastinal free air, and a suspected superior vena cava thrombus. These imaging findings shaped critical clinical decisions, leading to urgent surgical drainage performed jointly by thoracic and ear, nose and throat teams along with aggressive therapy. CT not only guided treatment but also provided a roadmap for tracking disease resolution and detecting complications. Despite severe systemic involvement, including sepsis and hypotension, the patient responded well to a targeted antimicrobial regimen and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of multidisplinary work in such extensive cases, and emphasizes how radiology is more than a diagnostic tool and is an active force in shaping the management and outcome of complex infections, allowing for precise intervention before irreversible complications arise.

Pro-adrenomedullin (proADM) involved in cardiovascular hemostasis, has shown promise as a prognostic biomarker in heart failure (HF). However, it's precise role in predicting HF outcomes has yet to be defined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether proADM can effectively predict outcomes in patients with HF. We systemtically searched Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies on proADM levels in adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with HF. Cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials were considered. The primary outcomes were mortality and hospitalization, with the risk of bias assessed using the QUIPs tool. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to report pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals. Our search identified 956 studies, of which 25 met the inclusion criteria after full-text screening, encompassing a total of 13,915 patients. ProADM emerged as a robust predictor of mortality (HR = 2.46, 95% CI [2.02–3.01]) and combined mortality/hospitalization (HR = 2.96, 95% CI [2.17–4.04]). Notably, each 1-log-unit (nmol/L) increase in proADM was associated with a 196% higher risk of mortality or hospitalization and a 146% higher risk of mortality. ProADM shows significant potential as a prognostic biomarker for HF, with elevated levels linked to a higher risk of mortality and hospitalization. Future research should focus on integrating proADM into risk assessment tools for predicting worsening HF events, as this could influence management guidelines and reshape our approach to treating HF patients.

Heart failure (HF) continues to pose a major burden worldwide, and risk stratification is important to guide management. Hemodynamic indices such as the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) and aortic pulsatility index (API) have gained attention as potential prognostic tools, but their role is still not well established. We conducted a systematic review to assess the prognostic role of PAPI and API in HF patients. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for studies assessing PAPI and API in adults (≥18 years) with HF. We included cohort studies and randomized trials reporting outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, left ventricular assist device implantation, or heart transplantation. Of 601 studies identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 3681 patients. Across different HF populations, lower PAPI values were consistently associated with worse outcomes, with reported cutoffs ranging from ≤1.9 in cardiogenic shock to around ≤2.8–2.95 in broader HF populations, and up to ≤3.65 in advanced HF. Aortic pulsatility index showed a similar pattern, but with more consistent performance: values 2.9 were associated with better event-free survival. In studies that evaluated both indices, API generally showed stronger prognostic value. Overall, PAPI and API provide clinically useful prognostic information, particularly in advanced HF patients undergoing invasive hemodynamic assessment, though further large-scale prospective studies are needed to better define their role.

Deep vein thrombosis is an uncommon yet significant complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. Prolonged manual compression at the access site, a common practice for achieving hemostasis, can inadvertently exacerbate thrombosis risks, including venous stasis and endothelial injury. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with coronary artery disease who underwent staged percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement in the left circumflex and left anterior descending arteries. After the procedure, manual pressure was applied to the femoral access site for over 30 minutes, after which the patient developed hypotension and leg pain. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed a large deep vein thrombosis in the right femoral vein, extending into the profunda and saphenous veins. The patient was treated with a heparin drip and monitored without surgical intervention. Her condition improved, and follow-up imaging confirmed resolution of the deep vein thrombosis. This case underscores the risks associated with extended manual compression and highlights the importance of adhering to guidelines for post percutaneous coronary intervention care. The use of vascular closure devices may reduce the likelihood of such complications. Additionally, early recognition and management of deep vein thrombosis is critical in preventing further thromboembolic events and improving patient outcomes.

Dumping syndrome is a recognized complication of bariatric surgery but has not been previously reported following endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). We present a woman in her mid-30s who underwent ESG in 2022, achieving a body mass index reduction from 35.4 to 26.7 kg/m ² . Following subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, she developed stereotyped postprandial episodes of diaphoresis, palpitations, lightheadedness, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating, with a Sigstad score of 12 confirming dumping syndrome. Dietary modification and acarbose provided meaningful relief. This case raises the possibility that ESG-related changes in gastric physiology may predispose to dumping syndrome, particularly after subsequent abdominal surgery.