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Cureus May 2024Coronary arteriovenous fistulas (CAVFs) are congenital or acquired communications between the coronary arteries and coronary venous system, and they can also include...
Coronary arteriovenous fistulas (CAVFs) are congenital or acquired communications between the coronary arteries and coronary venous system, and they can also include other cardiac structures or vasculature. We discuss a case of a large fistula between the left main coronary artery and the right atrium in a geriatric patient with a history of gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM). The occurrence of CAVFs, an uncommon cardiac irregularity, is particularly infrequent among older adults. Typically, it is discovered by chance when investigating symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, where coronary angiography is necessary to determine the most effective treatment strategy. This case highlights the possible utility of evaluating CAVFs in patients with a history of gastrointestinal AVM who similarly present with clinical symptoms of high-output heart failure. Once identified, this could simplify the treatment approach and improve communication between healthcare providers to minimize the risk of harm to the patient.
PubMed: 38947675
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61320 -
Cureus May 2024Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare congenital vascular malformation primarily manifested as dyspnea, migraine, ischemic stroke, hemoptysis, and nervous...
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare congenital vascular malformation primarily manifested as dyspnea, migraine, ischemic stroke, hemoptysis, and nervous system complications. However, in our case, an 18-year-old male patient with PAVF presented with sudden onset of ventricular tachycardia and type 2 acute myocardial infarction as initial symptoms. A diagnosis was achieved through pulmonary artery computer tomography angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction, revealing a complex and giant PAVF. Following multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation, the patient underwent thoracoscopic surgery and experienced a successful recovery during follow-up.
PubMed: 38947641
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61347 -
Cureus May 2024Coronary artery anomalies may place patients at risk for various adverse events. We present a case of a 62-year-old male with a two-year history of intermittent chest...
Coronary artery anomalies may place patients at risk for various adverse events. We present a case of a 62-year-old male with a two-year history of intermittent chest pain. A computed tomography coronary angiogram revealed a rare finding of an anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) originating from the left ascending aorta, with high-risk features. This case highlights the complexities in diagnosing and managing ARCA, underscoring the importance of individualized care and careful consideration of invasive intervention risks versus potential benefits.
PubMed: 38947621
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61375 -
IDCases 2024Infections associated with healthcare manipulations, particularly bloodstream infections stemming from catheters and medical devices, significantly heighten the...
Infections associated with healthcare manipulations, particularly bloodstream infections stemming from catheters and medical devices, significantly heighten the probability of vertebral osteomyelitis. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) frequently overlaps with vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). In cases where individuals are suspected of having hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis and have an intravascular catheter or device, it is recommended to undertake blood culture collection. We present a case of a 39-year-old male with a history of interventional AVM embolization and cerebral angiography, experiencing recurrent vertebral osteomyelitis. No definitive source of infection had been found, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) yielded negative results for IE. In Trans Esophageal Echocardiography (TEE), a retained micro-catheter extending from the aortic arch to the inguinal artery was discovered. Although we cannot definitively attribute the source of the osteomyelitis to the retained micro-catheter, no episodes of infection have been reported ever since. This case underscores the need to enhance our approaches and guidelines related to operating protocols in the surgical setting. Improving these guidelines can prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in healthcare practices.
PubMed: 38947558
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e02005 -
CASE (Philadelphia, Pa.) May 2024
PubMed: 38947191
DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2024.03.002 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Delayed coronary obstruction (DCO) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) mostly affecting the left...
BACKGROUND
Delayed coronary obstruction (DCO) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) mostly affecting the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and often caused by prosthesis endothelialization or thrombus formations. Herein, we report an unusual case of a delayed LMCA-obstruction caused by a calcium nodule, which was diagnosed 4 months after TAVI due to recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes.
CASE SUMMARY
A 73-year-old patient was readmitted to an external hospital with syncope three months after TAVI. Fast VT could be induced in electrophysiological examination, why the patient received a two-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). However, after 1 month the patient was readmitted to our department with another syncope. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator records revealed multiple fast VT episodes (200-220 b.p.m.). In addition, the patient reported new-onset exertional dyspnoea (New York Class Association Stage III) and elevated high-sensitive cardiac troponin of 115 ng/L. Due to the symptoms and laboratory markers indicating potential myocardial ischaemia, a cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed. Cardiac computed tomography angiography revealed obstruction of the LMCA likely caused by calcium shift during TAVI. After CCTA-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, patient's course remained uneventful.
DISCUSSION
The present case report highlights the role of CCTA as a powerful non-invasive diagnostic tool in complex settings after TAVI. Delayed coronary obstruction as a procedural complication can occur after TAVI and manifest with various symptoms, including new-onset or recurrent VTs, like in the present case. Cardiac computed tomography angiography provided accurate assessment of the implanted prosthesis and detection of DCO, thus guiding the subsequent PCI.
PubMed: 38947146
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae300 -
Coronary Artery Disease Jul 2024This study investigated the relationship between coronary artery disease-reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) for coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) and major...
Computed tomography angiography and coronary artery disease-reporting and data system and a 5-year prognostic major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event outcome study in a symptomatic Southeast Asian population.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the relationship between coronary artery disease-reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) for coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (MACE) in a symptomatic Southeast Asian, Thai population over a 5-year period.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study of Thai patients without known CAD who underwent CCTA for CAD symptoms. CCTA images and 5-year health data were reviewed for CAD-RADS and MACE. MACE consists of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure hospitalization, and stroke.
RESULTS
In total 336 patients were evaluated. The median follow-up period was 6.4 years. The overall MACE incidence was 63 cases (18.8%). The MACE event rate was progressively increased with higher CAD-RADS categories; CAD-RADS 3 [hazard ratio (HR), 3.62; P = 0.015], CAD-RADS 4a (HR, 3.50; P = 0.024), CAD-RADS 4b & 5 (HR, 7.56; P = 0.001). The risk of MACE increased significantly in the moderate to severe CAD burden group (HR, 5.58; P = 0.01). Kaplan-Meier curve showed a significant rise in MACE with higher CAD-RADS categories (P = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
CAD-RADS classification has a significant prognostic value in Southeast Asian, Thai population with cardiac symptoms.
PubMed: 38946395
DOI: 10.1097/MCA.0000000000001403 -
Clinical Radiology Jun 2024A range of abnormalities may acutely affect the upper limb (UL) extremity vasculature including trauma, peripheral vascular disease, and inflammatory conditions.... (Review)
Review
A range of abnormalities may acutely affect the upper limb (UL) extremity vasculature including trauma, peripheral vascular disease, and inflammatory conditions. Significant technical advances in computed tomography angiography (CTA) have led to the widespread adoption of this noninvasive modality for rapid evaluation of UL arterial abnormalities in the emergency department setting. A key advantage of CTA over traditional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the ability to evaluate concurrent osseous and soft tissue injuries. Accurate identification of pathology requires knowledge of normal UL arterial anatomy in addition to a high-quality study, which may be achieved with a robust CTA protocol. We describe the spectrum of imaging findings on upper limb CTA associated with various acute presentations. Traumatic vascular injuries may occur secondary to penetrating and blunt aetiologies appearing on CTA as contrast extravasation, pooling, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, and arteriovenous fistula. Peripheral vascular disease manifests as atherosclerotic plaques with thready downstream opacification, and these may precipitate acute thromboembolic events. Inflammatory conditions affecting the UL vasculature includes large and small vessel vasculitides characterised by arterial mural thickening. The use of modalities, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), should be considered for further characterisation where appropriate.
PubMed: 38945792
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2024.06.005 -
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia :... Jun 2024Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is part of group 4 of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) classification and generally affects more than a third of... (Review)
Review
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is part of group 4 of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) classification and generally affects more than a third of patients referred to PH centers. It is a three-compartment disease involving proximal (lobar-to-segmental) and distal (subsegmental) pulmonary arteries that are obstructed by persistent fibrothrombotic material, and precapillary pulmonary arteries that can be affected as in pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a rare complication of pulmonary embolism (PE), with an incidence of around 3% in PE survivors. The observed incidence of CTEPH in the general population is around six cases per million but could be three times higher than this, as estimated from PE incidence. However, a previous venous thromboembolic episode is not always documented. With advances in multimodality imaging and therapeutic management, survival for CTEPH has improved for both operable and inoperable patients. Advanced imaging with pulmonary angiography helps distinguish proximal from distal obstructive disease. However, right heart catheterization is of utmost importance to establish the diagnosis and hemodynamic severity of PH. The therapeutic strategy relies on a stepwise approach, starting with an operability assessment. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), also known as pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, is the first-line treatment for operable patients. Growing experience and advances in surgical technique have enabled expansion of the distal limits of PEA and significant improvements in perioperative and mid- to long-term mortality. In patients who are inoperable or who have persistent/recurrent PH after PEA, medical therapy and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) are effective treatment options with favorable outcomes that are increasingly used. All treatment decisions should be made with a multidisciplinary team that includes a PEA surgeon, a BPA expert, and a chest radiologist.
PubMed: 38945473
DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2024.04.006 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Jun 2024Differentiating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) from acute coronary syndrome involving the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD-ACS) is difficult due to left... (Review)
Review
Simplified echocardiographic assessment of regional left ventricular wall motion pattern in patients with takotsubo and acute coronary syndrome: The Randomized Blinded Two-chamber Apical Kinesis Observation (TAKO) Study.
BACKGROUND
Differentiating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) from acute coronary syndrome involving the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD-ACS) is difficult due to left ventricular apical wall motion abnormality pattern in both and typically requires an invasive coronary angiography (ICA) study for diagnostic confirmation.
OBJECTIVES
To identify differences in the regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) pattern using a comprehensive comparative analysis of the transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) findings in patients with TTC versus LAD-ACS.
METHODS
This was a retrospective, randomized, blinded comparison study including a derivation cohort of 105 patients with TTC (N=52) or LAD-ACS (N=53) with concomitant TTE and ICA identified from our institutional database. A comprehensive echocardiographic wall motion analysis was performed (unblinded) to search for subtle differences in RWMA patterns by marking the exact locations of the end-systolic hinge points (HP) - defined as the intersection between the normal and abnormal regional myocardial thickening - in all apical views. The HP location relative to mitral annulus in each apical view was compared for symmetry and the apical 2-chamber (A2C) view was identified as having the most consistent, quantitative difference between TTC and LAD-ACS. This A2C quantitative model was then prospectively studied in a randomized, blinded, validation cohort of 30 subjects with either TTC or LAD-ACS by eight echocardiographic readers with all levels of clinical experience.
RESULTS
In the unblinded derivation cohort, the A2C view showed that the ratio (1.02) and the absolute distance between the anterior HP (3.57 cm) and the inferior HP (3.53 cm) in TTC was significantly different than the ratio (0.761) and the absolute differences between the AHP (4.5 cm) and the IHP (5.93 cm) in LAD-ACS. An AHP: IHP of 0.96 for men and 0.84 for women was able to correctly categorize 84.8% of male and 91.7% of female patients. When applied to the validation cohort, the model showed fairly accurate results with a 74% prediction rate in diagnosing TTC in female patients.
CONCLUSION
We propose a relatively simple 2-D TTE diagnostic tool emphasizing subtle differences in the RWMA pattern in the A2C view alone as a semi-quantitative imaging parameter to help differentiate TTC from LAD-ACS.
PubMed: 38945184
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102731