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Cureus May 2024Intramyocardial bridging (IMB) is a congenital anomaly characterized by the tunneling of a coronary artery segment through the myocardium, potentially leading to serious...
Intramyocardial bridging (IMB) is a congenital anomaly characterized by the tunneling of a coronary artery segment through the myocardium, potentially leading to serious cardiac complications, such as myocardial ischemia, infarction, and sudden death, challenging the traditional view of it being benign. A case involving a 42-year-old man with a seven-day history of atypical chest pain highlights the significance of considering IMB in the differential diagnosis. Despite normal troponin levels, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, D-dimer, a negative drug screen, a normal ECG, and chest X-ray and no apparent issues on echocardiogram, left heart catheterization revealed IMB in the left anterior descending artery. This case underscores the necessity of including IMB in the differential diagnosis for chest pain, particularly in young males with familial cardiovascular disease history. While noninvasive imaging methods are useful for diagnosis, coronary angiography is the definitive diagnostic tool. Treatment primarily involves beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers, with revascularization as a secondary option for those unresponsive to medication.
PubMed: 38910665
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60874 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports May 2024Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart disease that can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischaemic symptoms. Managing patients with HCM and...
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart disease that can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischaemic symptoms. Managing patients with HCM and ischaemic symptoms is challenging, and several treatment options have been proposed.
CASE SUMMARY
A 30-year-old male patient presented with severe chest pain that had been ongoing for more than 30 min at rest. He was diagnosed with HCM and had periodic chest pain since the age of 14. He underwent two separate ethyl alcohol ablations of the first septal branches of the left anterior descending and posterior descending arteries, which relieved his symptoms.
DISCUSSION
This case report highlights the challenges in managing patients with HCM and ischaemic symptoms. In this patient, the use of ethyl alcohol ablation was effective in reducing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and improving symptoms. Ethyl alcohol ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that has been shown to be effective in symptomatic patients with HCM. Overall, this case report emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment for patients with HCM and the potential benefits of alcohol ablation in this population.
PubMed: 38887220
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae213 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Myocardial bridge is a rare, benign, normal anatomical variant of the coronary artery that puts the patient at risk for significant cardiac symptoms,...
Introduction Myocardial bridge is a rare, benign, normal anatomical variant of the coronary artery that puts the patient at risk for significant cardiac symptoms, resulting in myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial bridging (MB) in patients with chest pain undergoing coronary angiography. Methodology A total of 1301 patients presenting with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome with associated non-invasive supportive cardiac evaluation were subjected to coronary angiography by Philips Allura Xper FD10 Cath Lab (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA) and evaluated. Results Out of 1301 patients, the mean age was 54.70 ± 11.41 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1. Tobacco use and diabetes mellitus were the most common associated risk factors (49% and 44%, respectively). MB was seen in 51 patients, making the prevalence 3.9%, with male predominance over females in the ratio of 3.9:1. The most common clinical presentation was unstable angina (UA) (n = 22, 43.1%), followed by stable angina (SA) (n = 11, 21.6%), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (n = 10, 19.6%), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n = 8, 15.7%). Myocardial bridges were more common among patients with stable coronary artery disease. The left anterior descending artery (n = 51, 3.9%) was involved in all the cases and the middle segment was affected in all patients with MB. Among patients with myocardial bridge, 26 patients (51%) had atherosclerosis and 25 patients had a normal artery. Among patients with myocardial bridge with atherosclerosis, 17 patients (65%) had atherosclerosis in the same artery in which the myocardial bridge was present. Among patients with myocardial bridge with atherosclerosis, nine patients (52%) had atherosclerosis proximal to the bridge, three patients (17%) had atherosclerosis distal to the bridge, and five patients (31%) had atherosclerosis both proximal and distal to the bridge. Conclusion The prevalence of MB in the Indian population is significantly lower than in the Western populations, and it is significantly higher in the male population with patients diagnosed as normal coronaries on coronary angiography.
PubMed: 38860096
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60087 -
Medicine Jun 2024The aim of this study is to analyze the process and frontiers of research in myocardial bridges (MB) to identify future research directions in the last 3 decades.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to analyze the process and frontiers of research in myocardial bridges (MB) to identify future research directions in the last 3 decades.
METHODS
Relevant literature on MB combined with myocardial infarction (MI) was searched from 1991 to 2023 in the Web of Science database, and was analyzed by bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix."
RESULTS
A total of 1233 English articles were included in this study. The number of published articles showed an increasing trend yearly. From 2017 to 2022, the annual publication volume rose rapidly, and in 2021 the publication volume even reached 95 articles, which was the highest in all years. These publications were from 68 countries and 1854 institutions, with the leading country being the U.S. and the leading institution being Columbia University. Myoho Clinical International has a close collaborative relationship with Columbia University, while in recent years, the Harvard Medical School has explored the study of MB combined with MI. Annals of Thoracic Surgery was the journal with the highest number of publications, and Takayama Hiroo and Naka Yoshifumi were the authors with the highest number of publications. The most common keywords were MI, cardiogenic shock, and MB.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings can help researchers explore the current status of MB combined with MI research and choose new survey routes for upcoming studies. Prevalence and prognosis, mechanism of MB combined with MI and molecular mechanism may become the focus of future research. In addition, more research and cooperation are needed worldwide.
Topics: Bibliometrics; Myocardial Infarction; Humans; Myocardial Bridging
PubMed: 38847718
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038420 -
European Journal of Case Reports in... 2024Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a severe complication following acute myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from mechanical disruption of the interventricular septum...
INTRODUCTION
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a severe complication following acute myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from mechanical disruption of the interventricular septum due to extensive myocardial necrosis. Despite advances in management, the mortality rate approaches 50%. We report a case of a 58-year-old male with VSD following MI who was successfully treated with a delayed surgical approach after haemodynamic support using Impella.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 58-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with three days of chest pain. Testing revealed late presenting acute anterior ischaemic infarction and left-to-right shunt in the apical ventricular septum. Urgent cardiac catheterisation showed near-total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. An Impella CP was placed before angioplasty with a drug-eluting stent to optimise haemodynamics. After a multidisciplinary discussion, the Impella CP was upgraded to Impella 5.5, and surgery was delayed allowing for scar formation. The patient remained in the intensive care unit, where he underwent physical therapy, showing improvements in exercise tolerance by the time of surgery. He underwent a left ventriculotomy with a successful repair via an endocardial patch 28 days after initial presentation. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with the patient discharged five days later, reporting no physical limitations one month post-discharge.
CONCLUSION
The successful management of VSD post-MI relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, careful timing of surgical intervention and the strategic use of mechanical support devices such as the Impella. This case highlights the potential for favourable outcomes when tailored treatment approaches are employed.
LEARNING POINTS
Given the rarity of ventricular septal defects (VSD) post-myocardial infarction (MI), maintaining a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients with anterior infarcts and other high-risk features, is imperative for ensuring early recognition and management of this life-threatening complication.Surgical repair is the treatment of choice for VSD post-MI, offering improved survival rates, particularly when intervention is delayed to allow for myocardial scarring.Mechanical circulatory support devices, such as the Impella, can play a crucial role in bridging patients to surgical repair by providing temporary haemodynamic stabilisation. However, timing is vital, and early initiation of mechanical support can prevent the progression of cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure.
PubMed: 38846674
DOI: 10.12890/2024_004549 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Modelling human diseases serves as a crucial tool to unveil underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology. Takotsubo syndrome (TS), an acute form of heart failure resembling... (Review)
Review
Modelling human diseases serves as a crucial tool to unveil underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology. Takotsubo syndrome (TS), an acute form of heart failure resembling myocardial infarction, manifests with reversible regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) of the ventricles. Despite its mortality and clinical similarity to myocardial infarction, TS aetiology remains elusive, with stress and catecholamines playing central roles. This review delves into current animal models of TS, aiming to assess their ability to replicate key clinical traits and identifying limitations. An in-depth evaluation of published animal models reveals a variation in the definition of TS among studies. We notice a substantial prevalence of catecholamine-induced models, particularly in rodents. While these models shed light on TS, there remains potential for refinement. Translational success in TS research hinges on models that align with human TS features and exhibit the key features, including transient RWMA. Animal models should be comprehensively evaluated regarding the various systemic changes of the applied trigger(s) for a proper interpretation. This review acts as a guide for researchers, advocating for stringent TS model standards and enhancing translational validity.
PubMed: 38841261
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1351587 -
JACC. Case Reports Jul 2024We present 2 patients with angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease and concomitant myocardial bridging. Despite maximal tolerated pharmacotherapy, symptoms...
We present 2 patients with angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease and concomitant myocardial bridging. Despite maximal tolerated pharmacotherapy, symptoms remained. Invasive anatomical and hemodynamic assessment identified myocardial bridging as a contributing cause of angina. Following heart team discussion, both patients underwent successful coronary artery unroofing of the left anterior descending artery.
PubMed: 38840821
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2024.102382 -
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal 2024We present the case of a 60-year-old male, with active smoking and cocaine use disorder, who reported progressive chest pain. Various anatomical and functional cardiac...
We present the case of a 60-year-old male, with active smoking and cocaine use disorder, who reported progressive chest pain. Various anatomical and functional cardiac imaging, performed to further evaluate chest pain etiology, revealed changing severity and distribution of left main artery (LMA) stenosis, raising suspicion for vasospasm. Intracoronary nitroglycerin relieved the vasospasm, with resolution of the LMA pseudostenosis. A diagnosis of vasospastic angina (VA) led to starting appropriate medical therapy with lifestyle modification counselling. This case highlights VA, a frequently underdiagnosed etiology of angina pectoris. We discuss when to suspect VA, its appropriate work-up, and management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Coronary Stenosis; Coronary Vasospasm; Nitroglycerin; Coronary Angiography; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents; Predictive Value of Tests; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Severity of Illness Index; Angina Pectoris; Diagnosis, Differential; Smoking
PubMed: 38799179
DOI: 10.14797/mdcvj.1365 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) serve as transcriptional co-activators that dynamically shuttle between the... (Review)
Review
Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) serve as transcriptional co-activators that dynamically shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus, resulting in either the suppression or enhancement of their downstream gene expression. Recent emerging evidence demonstrates that YAP/TAZ is strongly implicated in the pathophysiological processes that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the cardiovascular system, YAP/TAZ is involved in the orchestration of a range of biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, proliferation, and autophagy. Furthermore, YAP/TAZ has been revealed to be closely associated with the initiation and development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy. In this review, we delve into recent studies surrounding YAP and TAZ, along with delineating their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of CVDs with a link to various physiological processes in the cardiovascular system. Additionally, we highlight the current potential drugs targeting YAP/TAZ for CVDs therapy and discuss their challenges for translational application. Overall, this review may offer novel insights for understanding and treating cardiovascular disorders.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Signal Transduction; YAP-Signaling Proteins; Animals; Transcription Factors; Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
PubMed: 38795886
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132473 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024: Myocardial bridging (MB) is still not yet considered a significant finding in Indonesia both radiographically and clinically. Hence, this article aims to assess the...
: Myocardial bridging (MB) is still not yet considered a significant finding in Indonesia both radiographically and clinically. Hence, this article aims to assess the prevalence of MB using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and look at factors contributing to stenosis amongst patients with MB. This study is cross-sectional in a single centre, with consecutive sampling, looking at all patients who underwent a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan from February 2021 until February 2023. GraphPad Prism version 9.0.0 for Windows (GraphPad Software, Boston, MA, USA) was used to analyse the results. : There are 1029 patients with an MB, yielding a prevalence of 44.3% (95%CI 42.3-46.4). The left anterior descending vessel is the most commonly implicated, with 99.6%. Among those with stenosis, the middle portion of the bridging vessel is the most common site of stenosis ( = 269), followed by the proximal portion ( = 237). The severity of stenosis is more often moderate, with 30-50% ( = 238). Females (odds ratio [OR] of 1.8, 95%CI 1.4-2.3; -value < 0.0001), older age (-value 5.6, -value < 0.0001), symptomatic patients (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9; -value = 0.013), and higher mean coronary artery calcium score (-value 11.3, -value < 0.0001) are more likely to have stenosis. The degree of stenosis is significantly higher in the proximal stenosis group than in the middle stenosis group (-value 27, -value < 0.0001). : Our research demonstrates that MB may prevent atheromatosis of the coronary segment distal to the MB and predispose the development of atherosclerosis in the section proximal to the bridge.
Topics: Humans; Indonesia; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Myocardial Bridging; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Adult; Aged; Coronary Stenosis
PubMed: 38792977
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050794