Objective Long-standing diabetes mellitus is often associated with cardiovascular complications. We aimed to evaluate the presence, extent and composition of subclinical atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries by Computed Tomography in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDT2DM), and to identify the predictors. Methods In this study 101 consecutive patients with NDT2DM were included. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) ranging from 0, 0-10, 11-100, 101-400 to >400. All parameters were compared across these groups. Results The average patient age was 54.4 ± 11.6 years and 48 (47.5%) were females. Eight (7.9%) patients had CACS 0, 6.9% CACS 1-10, 42.6% CACS 11-100, 22.8% CACS 101-400 and 19.8% had CACS >400. Multiple regression analysis for the general data identified weight (p = .04) and systolic blood pressure (p = .033) as independent predictors for CACS. Conclusions Asymptomatic patients with NDT2DM in more than 90% of cases may present with calcified atherosclerotic plaques and this may be predicted by: patient weight and the level of systolic arterial pressure. Our study emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and early prevention of cardiovascular complications in individuals with NDT2DM.

Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAAs) can lead to serious medical conditions, such as stroke or compression over cranial nerves. In very few cases, there may be hemorrhagic complications due to the rupture. Although rare, they should be suspected cause in every patient with transitory ischemic attack or stroke, especially in the presence of pain, palpable mass or bruit in the neck.

The aim of this study is to describe the management and outcome of surgical treatment for post burn contractures in different parts of the upper extremities in children, and provide a final decision algorithm that can be a useful guide for the Resident regarding surgical approach to contracture management. This was a retrospective study conducted in the Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Pristina-Kosovo, between 2014-2016. All cases continued check ups in the Gentiana-Grelor private clinic in Pristina until 2019. Followups were conducted for no less than 6 months with respect to the viability and healing of the repaired area. Patients of both genders, aged from 0 months to 18 years with post-burn contracture in upper extremity, were included in the study. For the sake of presentation, we divided them anatomically into four main areas: axilla, elbow, wrist and hand. We start with a reconstructive ladder using skin grafts (STSG, FTSG), and local flaps such as advancement flaps, Z-plasties, V-Y or Y-V advancement flap, abdonimal/groin pedicled flap, cross finger flap, radial forearm flap were used. Patients were called for follow-up lasting a minimum of one to up to three years. The study included 144 patients. Their age ranged from 9 months to 18 years, the mean age being 12 years. Ordering them by location, post-burn contracture percentage in upper extremity in children was 68% on the hands, 18% on the elbows, 8% on the axilla and 6% on the wrist. A classification and treatment algorithm aids in achieving significant improvements in both joint motions and aesthetic deformities.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a challenging chronic inflammatory vasculitis of large vessels with unknown etiology. It usually affects the aorta and its main branches and in few cases it affects other arteries like pulmonary and coronary. We report a case of a young woman with transient ischemic attack (TIA) as the initial presentation followed later by ischemic limb syndrome and then ischemic stroke. Lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers for this disease makes early diagnosis and treatment challenging.