AbstractInflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Calprotectin, a protein released by inflammatory cells, is associated with this inflammatory response.A prospective study was conducted on 30 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, 30 patients with severe COVID-19, and 30 healthy controls. Calprotectin levels were analyzed with a commercially purchased Cloud Cloning Kit.Plasma calprotectin levels in COVID-19 patients (12.5 ± 8.8 ng/mL) were significantly greater than those in the controls (8.23 ± 2.99 ng/mL; p = 0.012). The calprotectin level in the mild to moderate COVID-19 group (9.85 ± 6.94 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in the severe COVID-19 group (15.19 ± 9.87 ng/mL; p = 0.019). The recommended cutoff value for the calprotectin level was 7.45 ng/mL with 63.3% sensitivity and 53.3% specificity. Seventeen (28.3%) of the COVID-19 patients died due to COVID-19-related causes. The calprotectin level in the exiting patients (16.33 ± 7.65 ng/mL) was significantly greater than the calprotectin level in the living cases (11.01 ± 8.95 ng/mL; p = 0.035).Calprotectin levels were greater in COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls and in more severe patients than in mild to moderate cases. Calprotectin levels may be used as a biomarker to predict severe COVID-19 cases.

AbstractPituitary hyperplasia is often overlooked as a potential complication of chronic hypothyroidism. When hypothyroidism persists, the disruption of the negative feedback loop from the thyroid can lead to increased thyrotropin production in the pituitary, resulting in hyperplasia.This case report aims to explore pituitary hyperplasia as a reversible complication of untreated primary hypothyroidism, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent unnecessary interventions.We reported a 13-year-old female presented with psychosis, crying spells, and emotional instability, which led to an initial psychiatric evaluation. Laboratory tests revealed severely elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels greater than 100 mIU/L, low free thyroxine (T4) levels at 0.1 ng/dL, and high thyroid peroxidase antibodies (> 600 IU/mL), confirming a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and severe primary hypothyroidism. A pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of pituitary hyperplasia. Following the initiation of levothyroxine therapy, the patient's TSH levels normalized, and the pituitary hyperplasia significantly regressed. The patient has since remained stable and asymptomatic.This case report details a 13-year-old female diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and pituitary hyperplasia. Following levothyroxine treatment, both thyroid function and pituitary size normalized, leading to significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of recognizing pituitary hyperplasia as a reversible condition caused by hypothyroidism. It underscores the critical need for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.

AbstractThe 10th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Libyan Cardiac Society Congress (CARDIOLIBYA 10) was held between October 10 and 13, 2024, at Misrata University, Misrata, Libya. Abstracts were received in three categories: clinical vignette, research, and quality improvement. All abstracts underwent a peer-review process by the scientific committee and independent reviewers. A grading system was used based on the abstract’s quality, novelty, and clinical significance. Here, we present the oral and poster abstracts submitted by the authors after minimal restyling to suit publication purposes. They are published here for rapid communication and to benefit those who could not attend the congress physically.

AbstractSodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a groundbreaking class of oral antihyperglycemic agents for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), offering dual benefits in glycemic control and cardiovascular protection. These agents work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to glucose excretion through urine and effectively lowering blood glucose levels. Beyond their glycemic control capabilities, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduce sodium reabsorption, contributing to blood pressure reduction through natriuresis and diuresis. Remarkably, their benefits extend to renal outcomes, showing significant improvements in patients with diabetic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease, even without diabetes. The nephroprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors are multifaceted, including the reduction of glomerular hyperfiltration, alleviation of intraglomerular pressure, and attenuation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in the kidneys. This comprehensive review illustrates the diverse functions of SGLT2 inhibitors, emphasizing their significant influence on the management of T2DM and their increasing importance in the treatment of renal diseases. These inhibitors have become an integral part of the current therapeutic strategies for diabetes and its associated complications.

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and is the most common cancer affecting women in Saudi Arabia. This research aims to highlight the strategy and measures needed to improve breast imaging services focusing on imaging justification, optimization, acquisition, and interpretation.The Find, Organize, Clarify, Understand, Select – Plan, Do, Check, Act (FOCUS-PDCA) methodology of quality improvement was adopted. In phase one, identification of deficiencies or problems was made by evaluating imaging requests, time management, workforce, and resource utilization between 2015 and 2017 (3 years). These were presented on a fishbone diagram. Optimization of services was made by appointing or training reliable breast imaging staff. The action plan and changes were subsequently implemented and their effects, in terms of improvement in justified imaging requests, increase in the number of screening studies, imaging acquisition, reporting by specialists, and adherence to a standard Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System mammography reporting format, were evaluated from 2018 till the end of 2021.Total mammographic studies almost doubled in a year (from an average of 225 per annum in preintervention years to 443 exams postintervention), in which mammography screening studies increased three times in the postintervention period. Breast imaging referrals were streamlined primarily under primary care physicians and breast surgeons, with more than double referrals for the screening studies. Standard reporting was achieved in more than 90% of studies compared to 60% initially.Breast imaging services can be improved by promoting awareness and education to patients and primary physicians, streamlining imaging requests, properly utilizing time and resources, ensuring imaging acquisition, and interpretation by specialists.