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European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Fontan surgery aims to palliate univentricular congenital heart diseases in which biventricular repair is not feasible. A large spectrum of early and late complications...
BACKGROUND
Fontan surgery aims to palliate univentricular congenital heart diseases in which biventricular repair is not feasible. A large spectrum of early and late complications has been described in literature. However, pulmonary thromboembolism represents a rare complication in these patients, leading to a scarcity of evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment strategies.
CASE SUMMARY
We present a case of a 27-year-old woman born with a complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, namely pulmonary and tricuspid stenosis with subaortic interventricular communication and atrial septal defect, who underwent palliation surgery with Blalock-Taussig shunt, bidirectional Glenn, and extracardiac Fontan. She developed acute respiratory failure and was admitted to the hospital, being diagnosed with bilateral thromboembolism. Since she was haemodynamically stable, initially, a conservative approach was chosen. However, due to no clinical improvement, she subsequently underwent bilateral thromboaspiration with restoration of pulmonary circulation.
DISCUSSION
Due to the unique Fontan pathophysiology, the possible physiological and clinical implications of pulmonary thromboembolism in this condition are profound. Thus, care and imaging tests in specialized centres are important as the management of these patients is different from those with biventricular physiology.
PubMed: 38915741
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae190 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare cardiovascular complication in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). IE after COVID-19 can also be complicated by...
Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for perioperative management of infective endocarditis after COVID-19 with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare cardiovascular complication in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). IE after COVID-19 can also be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, the guidelines for the treatment of such cases are not clear. Here, we report a case of perioperative management of post-COVID-19 IE with ARDS using veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO).
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient was a 40-year-old woman who was admitted on day 18 of COVID-19 onset and was administered oxygen therapy, remdesivir, and dexamethasone. The patient's condition improved; however, on day 24 of hospitalization, the patient developed hypoxemia and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to respiratory failure. Blood culture revealed Corynebacterium striatum, and transesophageal echocardiography revealed vegetation on the aortic and mitral valves. Valve destruction was mild, and the cause of respiratory failure was thought to be ARDS. Despite continued antimicrobial therapy, ARDS did not improve the patient's condition, and valve destruction progressed; therefore, surgical treatment was scheduled on day 13 of ICU admission. After preoperative consultation with the team, a decision was made to initiate V-V ECMO after the patient was weaned from CPB, with concerns about further worsening of her respiratory status after surgery. The patient returned to the ICU with transition to V-V ECMO, and her circulation remained stable. The patient was weaned off V-V ECMO on postoperative day 33 and discharged from the ICU on postoperative day 47.
CONCLUSIONS
ARDS may occur in patients with IE after COVID-19. Owing to concerns about further exacerbation of pulmonary damage, the timing of surgery should be comprehensively considered. Preoperatively, clinicians should discuss perioperative ECMO introduction and configuration.
Topics: Humans; Female; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Adult; COVID-19; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Perioperative Care; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Coronavirus Infections; Endocarditis; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Betacoronavirus
PubMed: 38915030
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02890-w -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jun 2024The notion of a constant relationship between resistance and capacitance (RC time) in the pulmonary circulation has been challenged by more recent research. The RC time...
The notion of a constant relationship between resistance and capacitance (RC time) in the pulmonary circulation has been challenged by more recent research. The RC time can be obtained using either a simplified empirical approach or a semilogarithmic equation. Although direct curve-fit analysis is a feasible and ostensibly reference approach for RC analysis, it remains largely unexplored. We aimed to study the relationship between various RC methods in different states of pulmonary hemodynamics. Methods In total, 182 patients underwent clinically indicated right heart catheterization. The pressure curves were exported and processed using the MATLAB software. We calculated the RC time using the empirical method (RC), semilogarithmic approach (RC), and direct measurement of curve fit (RC). Results Among 182 patients, 137 had pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), 35 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 10 demonstrated normal hemodynamics (non-PH). RC consistently overestimated the RC and RC measurements by a mean of 75%. With all three methods, the RC values were longer in the PAH (RC = 0.36 ± 0.14 s) than in the PH-LHD (0.27 ± 0.1 s) and non-PH (0.27 ± 0.09 s) groups (p < 0.001). Although the RC and RC values were similar among the three subgroups, they exhibited broad limits of agreement. Finally, the RC demonstrated a strong discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.86, p < 0.001, CI = 0.79-0.93) in identifying PAH. Conclusion RC time in PAH patients was substantially prolonged compared to that in PH-LHD and non-PH patients. The use of the empirical formula yielded systematic RC overestimation. In contrast, the semilogarithmic analysis provided reliable RC estimates, particularly for group comparisons.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Pulmonary Artery; Middle Aged; Cardiac Catheterization; Aged; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Vascular Resistance; Adult; Hemodynamics; Vascular Capacitance; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
PubMed: 38914995
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03107-5 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Jun 2024Borderline left ventricle cases present considerable difficulties in determining the most effective surgical approaches. The evolution of approaches in the field has...
Borderline left ventricle cases present considerable difficulties in determining the most effective surgical approaches. The evolution of approaches in the field has shifted from classical systemic pulmonary shunts to orthodox univentricular palliation and has subsequently seen the emergence of biventricular repair concepts. The concept of biventricular repair for borderline left heart conditions has developed through studies that aim to establish predictive scoring systems for identifying appropriate candidates. Despite continuous efforts, a definitive scoring system for guiding this decision is still difficult to find. There is a growing trend to provide neonatal patients with borderline ventricles with options other than univentricular palliation. Several centers have developed personalized strategies, including hybrid and staged ventricular recruitment approaches. These strategies provide sufficient time for personalized decision-making, taking into account the individual circumstances of each patient. This article presents an overview of the changing approaches to borderline left ventricular cases. It discusses the use of predictive scoring systems and emphasizes the advancements in staged strategies that improve the likelihood of successful biventricular repairs.
PubMed: 38913849
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezae247 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024There is limited evidence for the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in adult patients with a total cavopulmonary, or Fontan circulation.
BACKGROUND
There is limited evidence for the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in adult patients with a total cavopulmonary, or Fontan circulation.
CASE SUMMARY
A patient in his twenties with a Fontan circulation presented with sepsis, pneumonia, and pulmonary oedema. He was born with a hypoplastic left ventricle, atrioventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic aortic arch, and a total cavopulmonary circulation had been established within his first years of life. Standard of care treatment with antibiotics, non-invasive ventilatory support, loop diuretics, and vasopressors was initiated. Due to persistent pulmonary congestion and increasing general fatigue, an IABP was placed via a femoral artery to offload the failing systemic ventricle. Secondary to IABP treatment, mean arterial pressure rose, and vasodilatory nitroprusside could be introduced. Over 4 days of IABP treatment, the patient's general condition and ventricular systolic function improved significantly.
DISCUSSION
This case suggests that IABP treatment was important in the recovery of our patient with a Fontan circulation, pneumonia, and heart failure. We propose that during IABP treatment, an increase in stroke volume and a reduction in ventricular filling pressure is achieved, thereby increasing the transpulmonary pressure gradient that is central to pulmonary blood flow in Fontan patients. More definitive evidence is necessary to confirm our hypotheses.
PubMed: 38912116
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae289 -
Pulmonary Circulation Apr 2024Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a disease resulting from impaired patency of the pulmonary arteries by a clot, and the treatment method of...
Nonsurgical treatment of a patient with decompensated right ventricular failure due to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with proximal clot location-A case report.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a disease resulting from impaired patency of the pulmonary arteries by a clot, and the treatment method of choice is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). In inoperable patients, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is recommended, but we need to implement pharmacological bridge therapy to BPA in some cases. We report a case of a 38-year-old male diagnosed with CTEPH, disqualified from PEA due to comorbidity, who developed right ventricular (RV) failure. The case shows a complex pharmacological treatment method that can be successfully used as an effective bridge therapy to BPA in patients with CTEPH and severe RV dysfunction, disqualified from surgery.
PubMed: 38911185
DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12400 -
Pulmonary Circulation Apr 2024Pulmonary hypertension (PH) adds a substantial disease burden, including higher mortality, when associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a severe, chronic,...
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) adds a substantial disease burden, including higher mortality, when associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a severe, chronic, progressive condition. Yet little is known of the lived experiences, perspectives, priorities, and viewpoints of patients and carers living with PH-ILD. The Voice of the Patient meeting at the center of this qualitative research study aims to provide these difficult-to-obtain insights from a European perspective for the first time. The multistakeholder approach brought together four PH-ILD patients, three primary caregivers, two patient associations, clinical experts, sponsor representatives, and a facilitator. Of the six major themes identified in the thematic analysis, symptoms, and physical limitations were the most impactful. Shortness of breath was the most bothersome symptom affecting patients daily. Further symptoms included fatigue, cough, dizziness, syncope, edema, and palpitations. Physical limitations focused on reduced mobility, impacting patients' ability to perform daily tasks, hobbies, sports, and to enjoy travel. Existing antifibrotic and pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted treatments were perceived as beneficial. However, despite advances in treatment, severe disease burdens and high unmet medical needs persist from the perspectives of patients. Most meaningful to patients' daily wellbeing was supplemental oxygen, enabling greater mobility. Patients and carers reported difficulties and barriers in navigating the healthcare system and obtaining adequate information to reduce their considerable uncertainties, documenting the substantial challenges that rare and complex conditions such as PH-ILD pose for routine clinical practice beyond PH expert centers and indicating an urgent need for high-quality patient- and clinician-directed information to support patient-centered care.
PubMed: 38911184
DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12405 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Jun 2024Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disease characterized by excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum and can cause bronchial stenosis, superior...
INTRODUCTION
Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disease characterized by excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum and can cause bronchial stenosis, superior vena cava obstruction, pulmonary artery and vein stenosis, etc. CASE PRESENTATION: An aging patient with intermittent chest tightness and shortness of breath was diagnosed with FM associated pulmonary hypertension (FM-PH) by echocardiography and enhanced CT of the chest, and CT pulmonary artery (PA)/ pulmonary vein (PV) imaging revealed PA and PV stenosis. Selective angiography revealed complete occlusion of the right upper PV, and we performed endovascular intervention of the total occluded PV. After failure of the antegrade approach, the angiogram revealed well-developed collaterals of the occluded RSPV-V2b, so we chose to proceed via the retrograde approach. We successfully opened the occluded right upper PV and implanted a stent.
CONCLUSIONS
This report may provide new management ideas for the interventional treatment of PV occlusion.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Pulmonary Veins; Chronic Disease; Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease; Stenosis, Pulmonary Vein; Mediastinitis; Male; Phlebography; Angioplasty, Balloon; Aged; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Fibrosis; Collateral Circulation; Pulmonary Circulation; Female
PubMed: 38909188
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03984-y -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jun 2024Superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV) is a new type of jet ventilation, but its safety and effectiveness in rigid bronchoscopy have not been fully...
Superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV) is a new type of jet ventilation, but its safety and effectiveness in rigid bronchoscopy have not been fully verified, especially in patients with airway stenosis and preoperative cardiovascular disease. This study is intended to retrospectively analyze the effectiveness and safety of SHFJV in the endobronchial treatment under rigid bronchoscopy. A total of 363 patients were included in this study. They were divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 176)-presence of airway stenosis; Group B (n = 187)-absence of airway stenosis. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and pulse oxygen saturation were recorded before anesthesia and during the procedure. Arterial blood gases was recorded before anesthesia, at the end of the procedure and second-day postoperation respectively. The duration of procedure, extubation time, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), length of postoperative hospitalization, incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as 30 day mortality were also recorded. All the patients had stable circulation during the procedure, including that with preoperative cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. There were no substantial differences observed in terms of extubation time, PACU stay, and postoperative hospital days. Patients with severe preoperative airway stenosis exhibited longer procedure duration compared to those with mild to moderate stenosis, but there was no difference noted in terms of the extubation and PACU time. SHFJV is effective and safe in the endobronchial treatment for patients with airway stenosis and preoperative cardiovascular disease. It can serve as an ideal airway management strategy for rigid bronchoscopy.
PubMed: 38907650
DOI: 10.1177/01455613241261594 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024To compare the patterns of multimorbidity between people with and without rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to describe how these patterns change by age... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
10-year multimorbidity patterns among people with and without rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: an observational cohort study using linked electronic health records from Wales, UK.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the patterns of multimorbidity between people with and without rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to describe how these patterns change by age and sex over time, between 2010 and 2019.
PARTICIPANTS
103 426 people with RMDs and 2.9 million comparators registered in 395 Wales general practices (GPs). Each patient with an RMD aged 0-100 years between January 2010 and December 2019 registered in Clinical Practice Research Welsh practices was matched with up to five comparators without an RMD, based on age, gender and GP code.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES
The prevalence of 29 Elixhauser-defined comorbidities in people with RMDs and comparators categorised by age, gender and GP practices. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted to calculate differences (OR, 95% CI) in associations with comorbidities between cohorts.
RESULTS
The most prevalent comorbidities were cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension and diabetes. Having an RMD diagnosis was associated with a significantly higher odds for many conditions including deficiency anaemia (OR 1.39, 95% CI (1.32 to 1.46)), hypothyroidism (OR 1.34, 95% CI (1.19 to 1.50)), pulmonary circulation disorders (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.73) diabetes (OR 1.17, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.23)) and fluid and electrolyte disorders (OR 1.27, 95% CI (1.17 to 1.38)). RMDs have a higher proportion of multimorbidity (two or more conditions in addition to the RMD) compared with non-RMD group (81% and 73%, respectively in 2019) and the mean number of comorbidities was higher in women from the age of 25 and 50 in men than in non-RMDs group.
CONCLUSION
People with RMDs are approximately 1.5 times as likely to have multimorbidity as the general population and provide a high-risk group for targeted intervention studies. The individuals with RMDs experience a greater load of coexisting health conditions, which tend to manifest at earlier ages. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among women. Additionally, there is an under-reporting of comorbidities in individuals with RMDs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Multimorbidity; Middle Aged; Wales; Adult; Aged; Rheumatic Diseases; Electronic Health Records; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child; Aged, 80 and over; Child, Preschool; Infant; Prevalence; Infant, Newborn; Cohort Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38904124
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079169