Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a critical condition with significant mortality and morbidity, necessitating timely detection and intervention to improve patient outcomes. This review examines the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in PE management. Two primary AI-driven models that are currently being explored are deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) for enhanced image-based detection and natural language processing (NLP) for improved risk stratification using electronic health records. A major advancement in this field was the FDA approval of the Aidoc© AI model, which has demonstrated high specificity and negative predictive value in PE diagnosis from imaging scans. Additionally, AI is being explored for optimizing anticoagulation strategies and predicting PE recurrence risk. While further large-scale studies are needed to fully establish AI’s role in clinical practice, its integration holds significant potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and overall patient management.

Introduction: Inclisiran is a novel drug that employs ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference to lower the levels of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein. It has demonstrated a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels compared to a placebo. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the safety of using Inclisiran in patients with dyslipidemia and ASCVD or an ASCVD risk equivalent. Methods: Four electronic databases, namely, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched from inception to June 2024 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing safety profiles of Inclisiran and the control group. The outcomes investigated were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), injection-site adverse events, new-onset or worsening type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and nasopharyngitis. The effect estimates of outcomes were assessed using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using the restricted maximum likelihood method. Subgroup analysis was performed based on different dosing regimens. Results: The study included 7 RCTs, enrolling 4790 patients (age 63.8 ± 9.7 years, 33.2% females) who received Inclisiran. Compared to the control group, Inclisiran use did not yield a significant effect on all-cause mortality (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.54; I² = 0%), MACEs (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.17; I² = 0%), nasopharyngitis (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.45; I² = 0%), and T2DM (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.21; I² = 0%). However, Inclisiran use demonstrated a significant increase in injection-site adverse events (RR, 6.50; 95% CI, 3.20 to 13.20; I² = 29%). Conclusions: Inclisiran use significantly increased injection-site reactions, with no increase in mortality, T2DM, or nasopharyngitis. It demonstrates a generally favorable safety profile, making it a promising option for lipid management in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, such as those with ASCVD or equivalent conditions. While it effectively improves dyslipidemia, decision-makers should be aware of an increased incidence of injection-site reactions, which, though typically mild, warrant consideration in clinical practice. Further trials are required to assess the safety of Inclisiran, particularly the association of the severity of injection-site adverse events over longer treatment durations.

Myocardial viability assessment plays a critical role in the clinical management of patients with ischemic heart disease, particularly in guiding revascularization decisions. Various non-invasive imaging modalities have been developed and refined to evaluate viable myocardium, each offering unique insights into myocardial perfusion, metabolism, and contractile function. This review examines the comparative strengths and limitations of key imaging techniques. Understanding the pathophysiological basis and diagnostic capabilities of these modalities enables clinicians to tailor viability assessments to individual patient profiles, ultimately enhancing decision-making and optimizing outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Libman–Sacks endocarditis is a noninfectious form of endocarditis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), and solid malignancies. Case Presentation: A 20‐year‐old woman with no medical history presented with left‐sided weakness and facial drooping. Laboratory tests were unremarkable except for thrombocytopenia and a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute ischemic infarct in the bilateral frontal lobes. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) identified two mitral vegetations with regurgitation: the first located on the posterior leaflet with perforation (1.2 × 1.0 cm) and the second (1.0 × 0.9 cm) situated on the subvalvular apparatus of the anterior leaflet. The patient reported no signs of infection, and multiple blood cultures showed no bacterial growth. A rheumatological panel indicated SLE and APS, which resulted in a diagnosis of Libman–Sacks endocarditis. The patient received treatment with Coumadin and hydroxychloroquine, and a surgical resection of the vegetation was scheduled if the valvular lesions did not resolve within 1 month. However, a follow‐up TTE demonstrated near‐complete resolution of the masses. Conclusion: A stroke in a young individual should raise suspicion for Libman–Sacks endocarditis. Due to limited evidence regarding surgical versus conservative management, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. This case illustrates the successful conservative management of two large vegetations.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow. Here, we evaluate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the stages of COPD. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 60 patients diagnosed with COPD aged between 35 to 70 years was performed and the relationship between CRP and stages of COPD was noted. Data was tabulated and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Fifty percent of the study participants were aged between 51 to 60 years with a mean of 55.85 ± 7.64 years. According to the Global Initiative for Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, 50 percent of the study participants were diagnosed with Stage II COPD and 35% with Stage III COPD. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was 84 ± 2.39 percent in stage I COPD and 28.20 ± 1.48 percent in stage IV. The mean CRP levels recorded were 3.91 ± 1.26 mg/dL in stage I COPD (p < 0.05), 5.79 ± 1.23 mg/dL in stage II (p < 0.05), 9.01 ± 0.96 mg/dL in stage III (p < 0.05) and 11.98 ± 0.73 stage IV (p < 0.05). Statistically significant incremental mean CRP level was noted with progressive stages of COPD. Conclusions COPD is a systemic inflammatory disease in which CRP levels significantly increase with the progression of the disease. This warrants serial measurement of CRP in patients with COPD to monitor the progression of the disease. Measurement of CRP should also be considered in stable COPD patients to document the baseline for follow-up.