Spec. MD. Sefa Sural

A 72-year-old retired shipyard welder from a coastal village presented with progressive fatigue. He had been misdiagnosed with COPD for years. Dr. Sural identified constrictive pericarditis from chronic metal fume exposure, confirmed via cardiac MRI. Surgical pericardiectomy was performed. The patient's two estranged sons reconciled during his recovery, taking turns caring for him. He now tends his olive grove with restored energy.

A 19-year-old university student, a refugee from Syria, presented with palpitations during final exams. Extensive testing revealed no structural abnormalities. Dr. Sural diagnosed 'resettlement arrhythmia', a psychosomatic condition linked to trauma and academic pressure. Treatment involved cognitive behavioral therapy combined with a beta-blocker regimen only during exam periods. The patient graduated and now volunteers at a refugee center.

A 41-year-old female beekeeper developed recurrent chest pain that correlated precisely with hive inspections. Allergy tests were negative. Dr. Sural diagnosed Kounis syndrome (allergic myocardial infarction) triggered by a specific venom component. Treatment involved venom immunotherapy desensitization and prescription of a epinephrine auto-injector with specific cardiac monitoring protocols during beekeeping seasons.

An 84-year-old retired philosophy professor with advanced dementia was brought by his granddaughter for worsening edema. His care facility insisted it was heart failure. Dr. Sural discovered severe aortic stenosis but also recognized the edema was primarily from immobility and poor nutrition. He advocated against invasive intervention, instead implementing a palliative care plan focusing on comfort. The professor died peacefully six months later, listening to his favorite recordings of Plato.

A 28-year-old female competitive freediver presented with unexplained syncope during deep dives. Dr. Sural discovered a rare case of diving-induced pulmonary edema combined with a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale that only manifested under extreme pressure changes. Treatment involved a percutaneous closure device and a tailored rehabilitation program to retrain her autonomic nervous system response to pressure. She returned to competitive diving after 9 months with modified depth limits.