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Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Feb 2024The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) in oncological patients who present with a malignant...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) in oncological patients who present with a malignant pericardial effusion (MPE).
BACKGROUND
The use of PBP as a treatment for MPE is not standardized due to the limited evidence. Furthermore, the performance of a second PBP for a recurrence after a first procedure is controversial.
METHODS
The BALTO Registry (BALloon pericardioTomy in Oncological patients) is a prospective, single-center, observational registry that includes consecutive PBP performed for MPE from October 2007 to February 2022. Clinical and procedural, characteristics, as well as clinical outcome were analyzed.
RESULTS
Seventy-six PBP were performed in 61 patients (65% female). Mean age was of 66.4 ± 11.2 years. In 15 cases, a second PBP procedure was performed due to recurrence despite the first PBP. The procedure could be performed effectively in all cases with only two serious complications. Ninety-five percent of cases were discharged alive from the hospital. During a median follow-up of 6.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-10.8), MPE recurred in 24.5% cases although no recurrences were reported after the second procedure. No evidence of malignant pleural effusion developed on follow-up. The median overall survival time was 5.8 months (IQR, 0.8-10.2) and the time to recurrence after the first PBP was 2.4 months (IQR, 0.7-4.5).
CONCLUSIONS
PBP is a safe and effective treatment for MPE. It could be considered an acceptable therapy in most MPE, even in those who recur after a first procedure.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Pericardiectomy; Treatment Outcome; Prospective Studies; Pericardial Effusion; Balloon Occlusion
PubMed: 38204382
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.30953 -
Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia (2006) Jan 2024Constrictive pericarditis is a rare, but fatal disease, leading to heart failure due to diastolic dysfunction resulting from the fibrotic and non-elastic pericardium....
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare, but fatal disease, leading to heart failure due to diastolic dysfunction resulting from the fibrotic and non-elastic pericardium. Clinical presentation is sneaky, with initial symptoms of splanchnic and peripheral venous congestion, then with hepatomegaly and ascites: this kind of presentation is not often recognized, delaying diagnosis. We report the case of a young male adult with no previous cardiovascular history, but with a diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis: investigations in our Centre led to the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, successfully treated with pericardiectomy; however, despite the effective venous decongestion, it was not possible to spare the patient from liver transplant.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Pericardiectomy; Heart Failure; Echocardiography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38140998
DOI: 10.1714/4165.41592 -
Veterinary Surgery : VS Apr 2024To investigate a left-sided fourth intercostal approach to thoracic duct (TD) ligation and unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy in dogs. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a left-sided fourth intercostal approach to thoracic duct (TD) ligation and unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy in dogs.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective computed tomography (CT) review and cadaveric study.
ANIMALS
Thirteen dogs with idiopathic chylothorax and 10 canine cadavers.
METHODS
A retrospective study of CT lymphangiograms in client-owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax evaluated location and branching of the TD at the left fourth intercostal space. A cadaveric study evaluated the efficacy of TD ligation at this site. Following methylene blue mesenteric lymph node injection, TDs were identified through a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy, ligated, and sealed. Unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy was performed through the same incision. Computed tomography scans were performed to determine the success of TD ligation.
RESULTS
A review of lymphangiograms revealed a single TD in 10/13 clinical cases at the fourth intercostal space. Three cases had additional branches. Thoracic duct ligation via a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was successful in nine out of 10 cadavers. A single branch was noted intraoperatively in six out of 10, and two branches were noted in four out of 10 cadavers. All branches were observed on the left side of the esophagus.
CONCLUSION
TD ligation at the left fourth intercostal space was successfully performed in 9/10 canine cadavers and appeared feasible in a retrospective review of 10/13 clinical cases. Unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy can also be performed via this approach.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Fewer thoracic duct branches at this location in comparison with the standard caudal location may simplify TD ligation. If elected, unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy can be performed through the same incision. Further investigation in clinical patients is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Thoracic Duct; Chylothorax; Retrospective Studies; Pericardiectomy; Dog Diseases; Ligation; Cadaver; Methylene Blue
PubMed: 38078621
DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14060 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Nov 2023Constrictive pericarditis associated with actinomycosis infection is a rare and challenging diagnosis due to its insidious manifestation. We describe the successful...
BACKGROUND
Constrictive pericarditis associated with actinomycosis infection is a rare and challenging diagnosis due to its insidious manifestation. We describe the successful treatment of pericardial infiltration and constriction due to actinomycosis.
CASE SUMMARY
A 50-year-old Aboriginal man presented with insidious onset of fatigue, dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, fever, drenching sweats, severe exercise intolerance to 50 m, and recurrent itchy skin lesions over 8 months. Prior investigations, including serial fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron emission tomography scans, found a progressively enlarging, metabolically active anterior mediastinal mass with two biopsies on separate occasions showing no malignancy, granulomas, tuberculosis, or other pathology. Screening for infective, autoimmune, and connective tissue disease was negative. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed fibrinous pericarditis with extensive myocardial tethering and constrictive physiology confirmed on heart catheterization. A pericardial biopsy showed inflammatory tissue only. Biopsy of a skin lesion on the buttock showed abscess formation with Splendore Hoeppli phenomenon with Gram-positive and Grocott-positive filamentous bacteria suggestive of actinomyces, confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. He was diagnosed with cardiac actinomycosis, likely due to mediastinal infiltration from a lung infection, with haematogenous spread and treated with Penicillin G with adjunctive high-dose steroid therapy with resolution of symptoms and marked improvement in TTE features of constriction after 6 weeks.
DISCUSSION
Actinomycosis is an extremely rare cause of pericardial infiltration and constriction yet highly sensitive to penicillin, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis. Corticosteroids are a useful adjunct to prevent chronic constrictive pericarditis and to avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with pericardiectomy.
PubMed: 38077408
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad510 -
JFMS Open Reports 2023A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy, anorexia and labored breathing. Significant pleural and pericardial effusions prompted thoracocentesis and...
CASE SUMMARY
A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy, anorexia and labored breathing. Significant pleural and pericardial effusions prompted thoracocentesis and pericardiocentesis. Cytologic evaluation of the pericardial effusion revealed a highly cellular hemorrhagic, eosinophilic (12%) effusion, with many markedly atypical suspected mesothelial cells, interpreted as concerning for neoplasia. Thoracoscopic subtotal pericardiectomy and histology of the pericardium revealed predominantly eosinophilic inflammation with multifocal mesothelial hypertrophy and ulceration. A peripheral eosinophilia was not present on serial complete blood counts. Initial infectious disease testing was mostly negative. titers were most consistent with prior exposure, although reactivation could not be excluded. The owner's medical history included a prior diagnosis of bartonellosis. Owing to the challenges of definitive species exclusion, the cat was treated empirically with pradofloxacin and doxycycline, and a subtotal pericardectomy. There was improvement at first but pleural effusion recurred approximately 3 months after discharge. The cat was euthanized and a necropsy was not performed. Subsequent pericardial effusion droplet digital PCR detected DNA of subspecies , and peripheral blood culture and sequencing revealed a rare apicomplexan organism (90% homology with species) of unknown clinical significance. Testing for filamentous bacteria and fungal pathogens was not performed.
RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION
This case offers several unique entities - eosinophilic pericardial effusion and eosinophilic pericarditis of unknown etiology - and illustrates the well-known marked atypia that may occur in reactive and hyperplastic mesothelial cells, particularly of infrequently sampled and cytologically described feline pericardial effusion, supporting a cautious interpretation of this cytology finding.
PubMed: 38050616
DOI: 10.1177/20551169231213498 -
Archivos Peruanos de Cardiologia Y... 2023Constrictive pericarditis is a rare cause of ascites and cardiac cirrhosis. We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient with a history of cirrhosis of unknown...
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare cause of ascites and cardiac cirrhosis. We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient with a history of cirrhosis of unknown etiology, who consulted for refractory ascites, dyspnea, and lower limb swelling. Echocardiography determined constrictive pericarditis, which was corroborated by the findings of computed tomography. The clinical and hemodynamic worsening of the patient led to an emergency pericardiectomy with satisfactory recovery. This report shows a severe clinical consequence of constrictive pericarditis, cardiac cirrhosis, which was reversible with pericardial extirpation. Multimodal imaging was essential in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.
PubMed: 38046233
DOI: 10.47487/apcyccv.v4i3.294 -
JFMS Open Reports 2023An 8-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented collapsed and was subsequently diagnosed with a pericardial effusion based on ultrasound imaging. A...
CASE SUMMARY
An 8-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented collapsed and was subsequently diagnosed with a pericardial effusion based on ultrasound imaging. A laboratory analysis of pericardial fluid revealed a septic pericardial effusion and further diagnostics, including abdominal ultrasound and fluid analysis, revealed a concurrent hepatic abscess. Bacterial isolation and identification from both septic foci revealed . Therapeutic measures included a combination of medical and surgical intervention, the latter including a pericardiectomy, cholecystectomy, liver lobectomy and splenectomy.
RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION
Septic pericarditis is one of the least reported causes of feline pericardial effusion. This case report describes bacterial pericarditis in a cat, suspected to be derived from a hepatic abscess via haematological spread. In this case, a favourable response was achieved with both surgical and medical management.
PubMed: 38035151
DOI: 10.1177/20551169231208896 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Nov 2023COVID-19 infection and the COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with rare cases of pericarditis. We present a case of constrictive pericarditis (CP) following the...
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 infection and the COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with rare cases of pericarditis. We present a case of constrictive pericarditis (CP) following the vaccine.
CASE SUMMARY
A 19-year-old healthy male started having progressive abdominal pain, emesis, dyspnoea, and pleuritic chest pain 2 weeks after the second dose of Pfizer vaccine. Computed tomography angiography chest revealed bilateral pleural effusions and pericardial thickening with effusion. Cardiac catheterization showed ventricular interdependence. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed septal bounce and left ventricular tethering suggestive of CP. A total pericardiectomy was performed with significant symptom improvement. Pathology showed chronic fibrosis without amyloid, iron deposits, or opportunistic infections. Patient had Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) viraemia 825 IU/mL and histoplasmosis complement-fixation positive with negative serum and urine antigen. Hypercoagulable panel and infectious workup were otherwise negative. The patient had resolution of cardiac symptoms at 3 months of follow-up.
DISCUSSION
The patient developed progressive symptoms within 2 weeks of his second Pfizer vaccine. Echocardiogram and CMR had classic signs of CP, and pericardial pathology confirmed fibrotic pericardium. The patient had no prior surgery, thoracic radiation, or bacterial infection. Epstein-Barr Virus viraemia was thought to be reactionary, and histoplasmosis complement likely represented chronic exposure. The timing of symptoms and negative multidisciplinary workup raises the suspicion for COVID vaccine-induced CP. The COVID vaccines benefits far exceed the risks, but complications still can occur. Practitioners should have a high index of suspicion to allow prompt diagnosis of CP.
PubMed: 38025132
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad540 -
Journal of Cardiology Cases Nov 2023Milk of calcium (MOC) pericardial effusion (PE) is extremely rare and has rarely been reported. A 78-year-old man was referred to our institution because of...
UNLABELLED
Milk of calcium (MOC) pericardial effusion (PE) is extremely rare and has rarely been reported. A 78-year-old man was referred to our institution because of breathlessness and bilateral leg edema. Echocardiography revealed mild PE. In addition, abrupt posterior motion of the ventricular septum in early diastole was observed. A non-contrast chest computed tomography revealed a hyperdense PE, with Hounsfield units of 130, suggestive of MOC PE. Right heart catheterization (RHC) revealed that the right ventricular pressure had a dip and plateau pattern. We diagnosed the patient with constrictive pericarditis (CP) with MOC PE. As the right heart failure secondary to CP was refractory to medical therapy, we decided to perform surgical treatment. During pericardiectomy, a highly viscous PE, of which the color was pale and reddish brown, was aspirated. Chemical analysis of the PE revealed a very high calcium content of 39.2 mmol/L. The clinical symptoms secondary to CP improved. RHC performed postoperatively confirmed the disappearance of a dip and plateau pattern in the right ventricular pressure. In conclusion, we experienced a of CP with MOC PE and surgical treatment contributed to the improvement of the clinical symptoms and pericardial constriction secondary to CP.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Because constrictive pericarditis (CP) with milk of calcium (MOC) pericardial effusion (PE) can cause severe morbidity and even mortality, the early diagnosis of CP is important in patients suspected of having MOC PE. MOC PE has hyperdensity on computed tomography, so its findings could be helpful in the diagnosis of MOC PE. Pericardiectomy for CP with MOC PE may contribute to the improvement of the clinical symptoms and pericardial constriction secondary to CP.
PubMed: 38024114
DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2023.07.003 -
Cureus Oct 2023This abstract presents the case of a 37-year-old female with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department with a unique and challenging...
This abstract presents the case of a 37-year-old female with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department with a unique and challenging clinical scenario. The patient complained of chest pain, dyspnea, and a productive cough associated with stabbing chest pain that improved with leaning forward for the past week. Despite an initial diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to septic shock. Blood cultures ultimately revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative organism. Subsequent imaging and diagnostic procedures demonstrated a complex clinical course, including loculated pleural and pericardial effusions. The patient's condition necessitated multiple interventions, including pericardiocentesis, chest tube placement, and intracavitary lytic therapies, in addition to intubation for acute respiratory failure. The case further evolved with the development of a pericardial abscess, successfully managed with surgical drainage and a partial pericardiectomy. The patient eventually showed significant clinical improvement and was discharged on a targeted antibiotic regimen. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in identifying rare complications of pneumonia and the need for prompt, multidisciplinary management to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Long-term follow-up was recommended to assess the patient's recovery. This case underscores the complexities and challenges of managing uncommon presentations of infectious diseases and emphasizes the value of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in such cases.
PubMed: 38021773
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47780