Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital (CDUH), known as Cebu Doctors' Hospital until 2006, is a major tertiary private hospital in Cebu City, Philippines. The 300-bed hospital was inaugurated on August 20, 1972..
Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in the Philippines in 2023 to raise awareness of the importance of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited via opportunistic/convenience sampling at various screening sites. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. In total, 33,190 were screened, with a mean age of 45.6 years and 58.9% were female. Of all participants, 11,421 (34.4%) had hypertension, of whom 4,177 (36.6%) were aware, and 4,058 (35.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2,088 (51.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 18.3% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Philippines identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. This group of patients represent a missed opportunity for prevention of complications, hence the need for improved awareness through establishment of year-round hypertension screening programs and the use of at least two or more first-line antihypertensive drugs to achieve good BP control as recommended by guidelines.
Abstract Rationale The Philippines ranks fourth globally in tuberculosis incidence with an estimated 739,000 cases and 37,000 deaths in 2023. A significant diagnostic challenge arises when patients cannot produce sputum, impeding TB GeneXpert testing and delaying treatment initiation, thereby increasing healthcare burden in resource-limited settings. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis reviewed 667 records from a tertiary hospital in Cebu City (January 2020-December 2024). One hundred patients aged ≥18 years with complete sputum GeneXpert and chest Computed Tomography (CT) results were included. Exclusion criteria included prior anti-TB treatment, endobronchial TB without parenchymal involvement, and mimics of TB. Demographic data, comorbidities, and imaging findings were analyzed using Jamovi 2.4.7 (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results Among 100 patients (33 GeneXpert-positive, 67 GeneXpert-negative), the mean age was 50-59 years with male predominance (62%). Tobacco smoking was more prevalent in positive patients (51.5% vs. 32.8%; p = 0.072). Hypertension (43%) was the most common comorbidity. Cavitation occurred significantly more in GeneXpert-positive patients (42.4% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.039), predominantly in upper lobes. Reticulonodular densities showed strong association with positivity (90.9% vs. 58.2%; p = 0.003). Selective lymphadenopathy patterns demonstrated robust correlation with active TB: precarinal (27.3% vs. 10.4%; p = 0.031), aortopulmonary/paraaortic (30.3% vs. 3.0%; p < 0.001), and perivascular (18.2% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.024) lymphadenopathy were significantly more prevalent in positive patients. Pleural effusions (38%) and ground glass opacities (4%) showed no significant associations with GeneXpert status and lack diagnostic specificity. Conclusion This study demonstrates that specific chest CT findings, particularly cavitation and reticulonodular densities, exhibit significant correlation with GeneXpert positivity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Additionally, selective lymphadenopathy patterns—including precarinal, aortopulmonary/paraaortic, and perivascular involvement—strongly associate with molecular confirmation of active TB infection. Notably, these radiologic features provide valuable diagnostic adjuncts, particularly in patients with negative sputum production who cannot undergo conventional molecular testing. The upper lobar predominance of cavitary and reticulonodular lesions aligns with classical tuberculosis pathology, reinforcing the diagnostic utility of chest CT imaging. While features such as calcified nodules, fibrotic bands, and pleural effusions are common, they lack specificity for distinguishing active TB from inactive disease. These findings underscore the critical role of integrating chest CT imaging with molecular diagnostics to facilitate timely identification and treatment initiation of active pulmonary tuberculosis in resource-limited settings. In the Philippines’ high TB-burden context, leveraging radiologic patterns can bridge diagnostic gaps when sputum-based confirmation is unavailable, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing disease transmission. This abstract is funded by: None
BACKGROUND:Colorectal cancer is the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancer in Asia. Cardiac metastasis is exceedingly rare, and clinical detection during life is low as most cases remain clinically silent. CASE SUMMARY:A 41-year-old woman with a history of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma, who previously underwent upfront surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, presented with progressive dyspnea and recurrent syncope. Evaluation revealed complete heart block and a large pericardial effusion. Pericardial fluid drainage was immediately performed, and a permanent pacemaker was subsequently implanted, resulting in clinical improvement. DISCUSSION:This case highlights extensive cardiac infiltration manifesting 2 life-threatening cardiac manifestations in a recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma, underscoring the importance of immediate interventions. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES:In retrospect, the absence of total neoadjuvant therapy in the initial management may have contributed to early recurrence of rectal cancer. Prompt and coordinated multidisciplinary interventions are crucial in a critical cardiac metastatic disease to improve survival and quality of life.
