-
Cureus Feb 2024This is the case of a 31-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department experiencing persistent fevers, chills, and...
This is the case of a 31-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department experiencing persistent fevers, chills, and malaise for the past 2-3 weeks. During this period, he had multiple urgent care visits for possible left-sided otitis media which was treated with short a course of Augmentin. While on antibiotics his symptoms would improve, but they would reappear once he had finished treatment. The patient also had significant dental carries with a chronic right molar infection. At the emergency department, blood cultures grew two out of two. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a 1 cm x 0.5 cm mobile density on the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve with moderate-severe aortic insufficiency. The patient was started on empiric IV vancomycin. Further workup revealed that the source of infection was dental carries. While proceeding with a transesophageal echocardiogram, the patient went into flash pulmonary edema requiring ICU admission. Imaging revealed an elongated 1.7 cm x 0.6 cm vegetation attached to the base of the left coronary cusp on the left ventricular outflow tract side with severe aortic regurgitation and a small 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm vegetation on the atrial side of the anterior mitral leaflet at A2 associated with mitral leaflet perforation with severe mitral regurgitation. Oral surgery removed the infected teeth. Cardiothoracic surgery performed open heart valve replacement which revealed a completely destroyed aortic valve, droplet vegetation, and destruction of the mitral valve leading to mechanical valve replacement. The patient received a two-week course of gentamycin while in the ICU with meropenem. Once sensitivities were back, he was switched to IV penicillin therapy for a total of six weeks.
PubMed: 38455816
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53716 -
Experimental and Clinical... Jan 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease who are candidates for transplant may experience changes in capillary permeability, coagulation, and the endocrine system;...
Patients with chronic kidney disease who are candidates for transplant may experience changes in capillary permeability, coagulation, and the endocrine system; alterations in the pulmonary vasculature; and cardiac structural and functional changes. Patients with renal replacement by hemodialysis have a mortality rate 30 times higher than those who do not have uremia. According to the onset, duration, and severity of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease will be reflected in baseline function and response to stress. For this reason, it is important to establish the functional condition so that preoperative management can be started and factors inherent to the patient and the surgical procedure can be modified. Here, we report a 29-year-old male patient with chronic kidney disease secondary to renal hypoplasia, with no family history. The patient had renal replacement therapy with peritoneal dialysis and had progressive deterioration of general status, decreased functional capacity, decreased tolerance to physical activity, presence of fatigue and pulmonary congestion, and retention of liquids, with a diagnosis of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Kidney Transplantation; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Anesthetics; Kidney Failure, Chronic
PubMed: 38385424
DOI: 10.6002/ect.MESOT2023.P21 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Feb 2024Recently, improvements in the repair of tetralogy of Fallot have increased the need for reoperation in adulthood, and it's not rare that these reoperation candidates...
BACKGROUND
Recently, improvements in the repair of tetralogy of Fallot have increased the need for reoperation in adulthood, and it's not rare that these reoperation candidates suffer from biventricular failure. However, there are no firm treatment guidelines, and each country, and even each facility, treats each case individually.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the successful staged treatment of pulmonary regurgitation and pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy with biventricular failure in adulthood in a case of complete atrioventricular block after tetralogy of Fallot repair in childhood. We planned a staged therapeutic strategy with preoperative left ventricular volume reduction with medication, following surgical pulmonary valve replacement concomitant epicardial lead implantation on the lateral basal wall, placed just beneath the generator pocket through 3rd intercostal space. in addition to postoperative intervention with a defibrillator to adjust cardiac resynchronization therapy, resulted in improvement of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
In a patient with biventricular failure after TOF repair, a staged treatment strategy involving medication, PVR, and CRT with a combination of epicardial and intravenous leads could be a useful treatment worth trying before heart transplantation.
Topics: Humans; Cardiomyopathies; Heart Failure; Pacemaker, Artificial; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency; Tetralogy of Fallot; Treatment Outcome; Adult
PubMed: 38365717
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02585-2 -
The International Journal of... Mar 2024In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), the regurgitant fraction (RF) in left pulmonary artery (LPA) and right pulmonary artery (RPA) is usually unequal....
In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), the regurgitant fraction (RF) in left pulmonary artery (LPA) and right pulmonary artery (RPA) is usually unequal. The morphometrics may play a crucial role in this RF discrepancy. Cardiovascular MR of 79 rTOF patients and 20 healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled. Forty-four from the 79 patients were matched in age, sex and body surface area to the 20 controls and were investigated for: (1) phase-contrast flow of main pulmonary artery (MPA), LPA, and RPA; (2) vascular angles: the angles between the thoracic anterior-posterior line (TAPL) with MPA (θ), MPA with RPA (θ), and MPA with LPA (θ); (3) cardiac angle, the angle between TAPL and the interventricular septum; (4) area ratio of bilateral lung and hemithorax regions. Compared with the 20 controls, the 44 rTOF patients exhibited wider θ, sharper θ angle, and a smaller θ/θ ratio. In the 79 rTOF patients, LPA showed lower forward, backward, and net flow, and greater RF as compared with RPA. Multivariate analysis showed that the RF of LPA was negatively associated with the θ/θ ratio and the age at surgery (R = 0.255). Conversely, the RF of RPA was negatively associated with the left lung/left hemithorax area ratio and cross-sectional area (CSA) of LPA, and positively associated with CSA of RPA and MPA (R = 0.366). In rTOF patients, the RF of LPA is more severe than that of RPA, which may be related to the vascular morphometrics. Different morphometric parameters are independently associated with the RF of LPA or RPA, which may offer potential insights for surgical strategies.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Artery; Tetralogy of Fallot; Retrospective Studies; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency; Predictive Value of Tests; Ventricular Septum
PubMed: 38363435
DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-03035-1 -
Giant left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction: a case report.European Heart Journal. Case Reports Feb 2024Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a rare consequence of aneurysmal dilatation of...
BACKGROUND
Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a rare consequence of aneurysmal dilatation of one or more sinuses of Valsalva. We present a case of an unruptured and partially thrombosed left SVA, presenting as anterior MI and congestive heart failure.
CASE SUMMARY
A 55-year-old gentleman was admitted with pulmonary oedema and a late presenting ST-elevation MI with Q wave. After initial treatment on furosemide infusion, a coronary angiography showed significant stenosis in both his left main stem (LMS) and left anterior descending artery (LAD). This is likely a result of external compression, potentially from the enlarged left sinus of Valsalva. A subsequent transthoracic echocardiogram and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) confirmed large SVA involving the left coronary cusp measured 9.9 cm compressing both LMS and LAD.
DISCUSSION
Left SVAs are rare and frequently asymptomatic, typically being identified incidentally. Due to the close proximity of the left coronary system, they can present with myocardial ischaemia due to extrinsic compression of the coronary system. We were able to perform a comprehensive multi-modality assessment of left SVA, which helped establish this unusual diagnosis and guide management. Transthoracic echocardiogram and TOE helped assess the SVA and demonstrated the thrombus , aortic valve insufficiency, and cardiac function. The computed tomography scan aided in accurately defining the extent of the aneurysm and the extent of compression of the left coronary system and cardiac magnetic resonance scan was able to demonstrate viability in LAD and circumflex territory.
PubMed: 38328598
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae047 -
Circulation Journal : Official Journal... Apr 2024Complications arising from transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) in children, such as residual shunts and aortic regurgitation (AR),...
BACKGROUND
Complications arising from transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) in children, such as residual shunts and aortic regurgitation (AR), have been observed. However, the associated risk factors remain unclear. This study identified risk factors linked with residual shunts and AR following transcatheter closure of pmVSD in children aged 2-12 years.Methods and Results: The medical records of 63 children with pmVSD and a pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio <2.0 who underwent transcatheter closure between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed with a minimum 3-year follow-up. The success rate of transcatheter closure was 98.4%, with no emergency surgery, permanent high-degree atrioventricular block, or mortality. Defects ≥4.5 mm had significantly higher odds of persistent residual shunt (odds ratio [OR] 6.85; P=0.03). The use of an oversize device (≥1.5 mm) showed a trend towards reducing residual shunts (OR 0.23; P=0.06). Age <4 years (OR 27.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33-321.68) and perimembranous outlet-type VSD (OR 11.94, 95% CI 1.10-129.81) were independent risk factors for AR progression after closure.
CONCLUSIONS
Careful attention is crucial for pmVSDs ≥4.5 mm to prevent persistent residual shunts in transcatheter closure. Assessing AR risk, particularly in children aged <4 years, is essential while considering the benefits of pmVSD closure.
Topics: Humans; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular; Child, Preschool; Child; Risk Factors; Male; Female; Cardiac Catheterization; Retrospective Studies; Septal Occluder Device; Treatment Outcome; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Age Factors; Time Factors; Follow-Up Studies; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38325819
DOI: 10.1253/circj.CJ-23-0891 -
Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular... Feb 2024Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor...
INTRODUCTION
Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor movement across the valve, functional obstruction across the valve, and severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstruction. A common belief among surgeons is that excision of myxoma leads to abatement of symptoms, and further valve intervention may not be warranted.
METHODS
A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was designed to analyze patients who underwent excision of cardiac myxoma at our center. Data was analyzed regarding presenting features, echocardiographic findings of myxoma and valve morphology, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative outcome with/without valve repair/replacement in all patients.
RESULTS
A total of 22 patients underwent surgery for myxoma. Six patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty, two had moderate mitral regurgitation, three had severe mitral regurgitation, and one patient had no mitral regurgitation on preoperative assessment, but moderate mitral regurgitation was found intraoperatively. Four of these patients had no residual mitral regurgitation in follow-up period while two had mild residual mitral regurgitation. One patient had severe mitral stenosis of concurrent rheumatic etiology and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement.
CONCLUSION
Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve should be assessed intraoperatively after excision of mass as preoperative assessment might often be insufficient. Concomitant mitral valve intervention might be needed with a case-specific tailored approach, and mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty offers best surgical outcome in such cases.
Topics: Humans; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Retrospective Studies; Mitral Valve; Echocardiography; Heart Neoplasms; Myxoma; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38315074
DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2023-0040 -
The International Journal of... Mar 2024Evaluating right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Recently, novel echocardiographic assessment of RV myocardial work (RVMW) by non-invasive pressure-strain...
Evaluating right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Recently, novel echocardiographic assessment of RV myocardial work (RVMW) by non-invasive pressure-strain loops was proposed. This enables evaluation of right ventriculoarterial coupling and quantifies RV dyssynchrony and post-systolic shortening. We aimed to assess RVMW in patients with different etiologies of RV dysfunction and healthy controls. We investigated healthy controls (n=17), patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR; n=22), and patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PCPH; n=20). Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed to assess 1) RV global constructive work (RVGCW; work needed for systolic myocardial shortening and isovolumic relaxation), 2) RV global wasted work (RVGWW; myocardial shortening following pulmonic valve closure), and 3) RV global work efficiency (RVGWE; describes the relation between RV constructive and wasted work). RVGCW correlated with invasive RV stroke work index (r=0.66, P<0.001) and increased in tandem with higher afterload, i.e., was low in healthy controls (454±73 mmHg%), moderate in patients with FTR (687±203 mmHg%), and highest among patients with PCPH (881±255 mmHg%). RVGWE was lower and RVGWW was higher in patients with FTR (86±8% and 91 mmHg% [53-140]) or PCPH (86±10% and 110 mmHg% [66-159]) as compared with healthy controls (96±3% and 10 mmHg%). RVMW by echocardiography provides a promising index of RV function to discriminate between patients with RV volume or pressure overload. The prognostic value of this measure needs to be settled in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Predictive Value of Tests; Echocardiography; Systole; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Ventricular Function, Right; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 38305942
DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-03038-y -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia Dec 2023Central Illustration : Position Statement on the Use of Myocardial Strain in Cardiology Routines by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology's Department Of Cardiovascular...
Central Illustration : Position Statement on the Use of Myocardial Strain in Cardiology Routines by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology's Department Of Cardiovascular Imaging - 2023 Proposal for including strain in the integrated diastolic function assessment algorithm, adapted from Nagueh et al.67 Am: mitral A-wave duration; Ap: reverse pulmonary A-wave duration; DD: diastolic dysfunction; LA: left atrium; LASr: LA strain reserve; LVGLS: left ventricular global longitudinal strain; TI: tricuspid insufficiency. Confirm concentric remodeling with LVGLS. In LVEF, mitral E wave deceleration time < 160 ms and pulmonary S-wave < D-wave are also parameters of increased filling pressure. This algorithm does not apply to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), mitral annulus calcification, > mild mitral valve disease, left bundle branch block, paced rhythm, prosthetic valves, or severe primary pulmonary hypertension.
Topics: Humans; Echocardiography, Doppler; Brazil; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Atria; Cardiology; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 38232246
DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230646 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jan 2024Edward syndrome is a severe chromosomal defect that occurs as a result of non-disjunction through meiosis. It presents with cardiac septal defects, horseshoe kidneys,...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Edward syndrome is a severe chromosomal defect that occurs as a result of non-disjunction through meiosis. It presents with cardiac septal defects, horseshoe kidneys, patent ductus arteriosus, central nervous system dysgenesis, distinctive craniofacial deformities, and overriding or overlapping fingers. Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) is found in 1 in 660 newborn males. It is considered to be one of the most common genetic causes of infertility. It manifests with small firm testes, androgen insufficiency, and azoospermia.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 2-month-old male infant with a history of weakness in feeding, frequent convulsions, and an increase in cyanosis two days ago. There were multiple skeletal deformities and a tendency to spasm in the extremities, left ventricular atrophy, mitral atresia, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect with dilated right cavities, tricuspid valve regurgitation, pulmonary valve stenosis; and the aorta exits in the right ventricle. There is a widening of the subdural space, which was observed in the left frontal-parietal side with cortical atrophy in that area and a widening of the Sylvian fissure. A karyotype test confirmed the presence of Edward and Klinefelter syndromes.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Aneuploidy is a chromosomal issue characterized by an abnormal number of a chromosome copies. The coexistence of two aneuploidies is called "double aneuploidy" which is a rare occurrence. Herein, we report a case of a 2-month-old male with Edward syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome.
CONCLUSION
This publication aims to highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating a complicated genetic disease.
PubMed: 38222680
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001468