Pan pneumo: an unusual complication following pacemaker implantation.

Implantation of cardiac devices is usually considered to be a safe procedure. Rare complications, such as pneumothorax, may occur after the procedure. The association with pneumopericardium or pneumomediastinum is even more uncommon. We present the case of a patient in his 70s, on haemodialysis, admitted for complete atrioventricular block. He underwent implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker. He presented with chest pain the day after implantation. Chest CT scan revealed a pneumothorax associated with a pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum 'pan pneumo', due to an atrial perforation. We opted for a conservative management strategy. Repeat CT scan of the chest 8 days after the procedure showed a complete resorption of the 'pan pneumo'. The objective of this case report is to describe this rare complication and provide further insight into its management, particularly in the absence of specific guidelines.

Male adolescent with cardiac rupture after blunt thoracic trauma.

Blunt cardiac injury, including a rupture of the atria or ventricle, is most commonly caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls from great heights. A rupture of a cardiac chamber is an extremely rare diagnosis with a high mortality rate. The best chance at survival can only be accomplished with timely intervention.To raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening injury, we describe the case of a male adolescent with cardiac rupture after blunt thoracic trauma. While the focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) examination was negative, an additional CT showed pericardial effusion. During the operation a rupture of the right ventricle was observed.Even though the physical recovery of our patient is remarkable, the traumatic event still affects his mental well-being and activities in daily life. This case emphasises the need of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best possible physical and psychological recovery in multitrauma patients.

Evolución del traumatismo penetrante cardíaco operado / Penetrating cardiac injury: evolution of characteristics, severity and mortality in surgery treated patients

Resumen Introducción: El traumatismo penetrante cardíaco (TPC) es una lesión poco frecuente y con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución de características clínicas, anatómicas, gravedad, morbilidad y mortalidad de pacientes operados por TPC. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio analítico de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por TPC en Hospital Clínico Regional "Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente", Concepción, Chile. Se analizaron los periodos: enero-1990 a diciembre-2004 y enero-2005 a diciembre-2019. Se comparó: sexo, edad, lesiones asociadas, agente y mecanismo del traumatismo, comportamiento fisiopatológico, ubicación anatómica de la lesión, clasificaciones del traumatismo cardíaco Attar, Saadia y OIS-AAST, IGT (índices de gravedad del traumatismo): ISS, RTS-T y TRISS, morbilidad y mortalidad según periodos. Se realizó análisis estadístico con SPSS25®, se utilizaron las pruebas chi-cuadrado, exacta de Fisher y Mann-Whitney. Se consideró significativo un valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Total 235 TPC, 112 en el primer periodo y 123 en el segundo. Mecanismo arma blanca en 96 (85,7%) y 104 (84,6%) según periodos. En el segundo periodo se observó un aumento de lesiones extratorácicas asociadas, paro cardiorrespiratorio y lesión de ubicación izquierda. Las clasificaciones del traumatismo cardíaco y los IGT ISS, RTS-T y TRISS mostraron mayor gravedad y probabilidad de muerte en los pacientes del segundo periodo. La mortalidad no mostró diferencias: 14 (12,5%) y 14 (11,4%) según periodos (p = 0,792). Discusión: En nuestra serie los pacientes tratados por TPC han evolucionado hacia un perfil de mayor gravedad tanto en parámetros fisiológicos como anatómicos. La mortalidad se ha mantenido estable a través del tiempo.

Background: Penetrating cardiac injury (PCI) is a rare injury with high morbidity and mortality. Aim: To analyze the evolution of clinical and anatomical characteristics, severity, morbidity and mortality of patients operated on by PCI. Materials and Methods: Analytical study of patients surgically treated for PCI at the "Guillermo Grant Benavente" Regional Clinical Hospital, Concepción, Chile. Two periods were analyzed: January-1990 to December-2004 and January-2005 to December-2019. Sex, age, associated injuries, trauma agent and mechanism, pathophysiological behavior, anatomic location of the injury, classifications of cardiac trauma: Attar, Saadia and OIS-AAST, TSI (trauma severity indices): ISS, RTS-T and TRISS, morbidity and mortality were compared according to periods. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS25®, the chi-square, Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total 235 PCI, 112 in the first period and 123 in the second. Stab as mechanism in 96 (85.7%) and 104 (84.6%) according to periods. An increase in associated extra thoracic injuries, cardiorespiratory arrest, and injury to the left location were observed in the second period. The cardiac trauma classifications and the TSI ISS, RTS-T and TRISS showed greater severity and probability of death in the second period patients. Mortality did not show differences: 14 (12.5%) and 14 (11.4%) according to periods, p = 0.792. Discussion: In our series, patients treated with PCI have evolved towards a more severity profile in both, physiological and anatomical parameters. Mortality has been stable over time.

[Traumatic Right Atrial Rupture with Left Hemothorax but without Hemopericardium:Report of a Case].

Traumatic cardiac rupture is mostly accompanied by tamponade and/or hemopericardium. We experienced a rare case of traumatic right atrial rupture with left hemothorax, but without hemopericardium. A 36-year-old male had a traffic accident, and was transported to our hospital. He was in a state of shock caused by massive hemothorax. He underwent emergency operation through median sternotomy. No blood was seen in the pericardium nor injury of any major vessels or lungs. When the heart was exposed, massive bleeding occurred. A tear of 30 mm in length was found in the right atrium at the junction of the superior vena cava. The tear was repaired under cardiopulumonary bypass. Even after surgery, however, he remained unconscious.

Ultrasound to Localize the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tip Position in Newborn Infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the application of ultrasound for the localization of the tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborn infants. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis on ultrasonic localization for PICC placement conducted in our department over the past 2 years. Ultrasonic localization was performed immediately after PICC placement in all neonatal patients. Successful PICC placement was confirmed if the PICC tip position was located at the inferior/superior cavoatrial junction. Chest X-ray localization was performed on 32 infants immediately after ultrasound examination to compare the accuracy of ultrasound localization. RESULTS: Of the 186 patients, 174 (93.5%) had successful PICC placement on the first attempt. In 11 (5.9%) patients, the catheter tip was placed beyond the ideal location as follows: too deep (in the right atrium) in 4 patients, too shallow in 4 patients, and malpositioned in 3 patients. Both the sensitivity and the specificity of ultrasound for identifying PICC tip localization were 100%. Complications occurred in 2.7% of this group of patients. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic localization of the PICC tip position is a timely, accurate, and reliable method and can identify the catheter tip with high accuracy. This method could be widely applied in neonatal wards.

Iliac vein stent migration with extensive cardiac damage in a patient with May-Thurner syndrome.

In May-Thurner syndrome, or iliac vein compression syndrome, the left common iliac vein is compressed between the right common iliac artery and corresponding vertebral body, increasing patient risk for deep vein thrombosis. Iliac vein stenting for patients with symptomatic May-Thurner syndrome has become standard practice in many centers. This article describes a patient whose stent embolized completely to the right ventricle, destroying most structures in its path.

Left atrium perforation with lung injury after catheter ablation.

Left atrial perforation is a known complication following pulmonary vein catheter ablation. Our case of a 62-year-old female underwent urgent surgery for repair of left atrium perforation with left pleural effusion as a late complication after multiple transcatheter radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablations for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Two cases of pericardial tamponade due to nitinol wire fracture of a gore septal occluder.

Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is recommended for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism through a PFO. In the United States, two Food and Drug Administration-approved PFO closure devices are currently available, and the choice depends on operator preference and PFO anatomy. Although these devices are easy to implant, there are several potential complications. As opposed to the Amplatzer PFO Occluder, there has been no published case of atrial erosion with Gore closure devices. This report describes two cases of pericardial tamponade due to perforation of the atrial wall induced by a wire frame fracture of the Gore Helex and Cardioform devices.

Case report and systematic review of iatrogenic left atrial dissection in different cardiovascular specialties: A common treatment for an uncommon complication?

OBJECTIVES: Left atrial dissection (LatD) is a rare and heterogeneous condition affecting many cardiovascular areas. The present article, by the means of personal case report illustration and systemic review of different clinical management, is aimed to give to clinicians further knowledge on this controversial topic. BACKGROUND: LatD is an exceedingly rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery or catheter-based interventional procedures. Most of the cases are iatrogenic and its incidence is expected to grow due to an increase in the number of percutaneous coronary intervention and structural heart disease procedures. The management of this complication is controversial, and it may depend on related etiologies. METHODS: We have reported our single-case experience and review of the scientific literature, focusing on the decision-making process and the strategical approach by multimodality imaging techniques. RESULTS: Our case of LatD with initial hemodynamic instability was surgically treated. Conservative approach is often employed in literature despite the fact that conservative versus surgical approach is debatable, depending on clinical presentation, hemodynamic stability, multimodal imaging findings, and personal experience of the center. CONCLUSIONS: According to systematic literature review, a watchful-waiting strategy supported by multimodality imaging could be a safe and effective management in stable LatD.

An abnormal left ventricular-atrial perforation after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac radiofrequency ablation is a popular treatment for arrhythmias. However, it does have some complications, some of which are severe, even fatally. And there were limited reports on cardiac internal perforation after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) that required a surgical repair. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to chest congestion for 4 months. He received a radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) 9 months prior to admission. On admission, an echocardiogram showed an abnormal perforation between the left ventricle and the left atrium with moderate mitral valve regurgitation. We therefore performed a mitral valve replacement (MVR) and fixed the abnormal atrial-ventricular breakage via median sternotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac perforation is a severe complication of cardiac RFCA, operators should be extremely cautious to minimize radiofrequency associated perforations. Such a challenging and complex procedure should be deliberately considered by doctors and patients before implementation.

Myosin binding protein H-like (MYBPHL): a promising biomarker to predict atrial damage.

Myosin binding protein H-like (MYBPHL) is a protein associated with myofilament structures in atrial tissue. The protein exists in two isoforms that share an identical amino acid sequence except for a deletion of 23 amino acids in isoform 2. In this study, MYBPHL was found to be expressed preferentially in atrial tissue. The expression of isoform 2 was almost exclusively restricted to the atria and barely detectable in the ventricle, arteria mammaria interna, and skeletal muscle. After atrial damage induced by cryo- or radiofrequency ablation, MYBPHL was rapidly and specifically released into the peripheral circulation in a time-dependent manner. The plasma MYBPHL concentration remained substantially elevated up to 24 hours after the arrival of patients at the intensive care unit. In addition, the recorded MYBPHL values were strongly correlated with those of the established biomarker CK-MB. In contrast, an increase in MYBPHL levels was not evident in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In these patients, the values remained virtually constant and never exceeded the concentration in the plasma of healthy controls. Our findings suggest that MYBPHL can be used as a precise and reliable biomarker to specifically predict atrial myocardial damage.

Traumatic tricuspid valve papillary muscle case with concomitant acquired patent foramen ovale and covert right atrial rupture. / Ruptura traumática de músculo papilar da valva tricúspide com forame oval patente adquirido e ruptura atrial direita oculta.

Cardiac trauma often occurs in motor vehicle accidents. A 50-year-old female driver was transported to our hospital with multiple trauma after a high-speed car accident. After admission to the intensive care unit, cardiac ultrasound examination revealed traumatic tricuspid valve papillary muscle rupture and patent foramen ovale, while Lancisi's sign was noted on physical examination. Surgical treatment was performed with valve annuloplasty and closure of the patent foramen ovale and a covert right atrial defect that was detected intraoperatively.

O traumatismo cardíaco é comum em acidentes com veículos automotores. Uma mulher com 50 anos de idade foi transportada para nosso hospital após sofrer múltiplos traumatismos em um acidente de automóvel quando dirigia em alta velocidade. Após admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, uma ultrassonografia cardíaca revelou ruptura traumática de músculo papilar da valva tricúspide e forame oval patente, enquanto se observou, no exame físico, o sinal de Lancisi. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico com anuloplastia da valva e fechamento do forame oval patente; durante o ato cirúrgico, diagnosticou-se ruptura oculta do átrio direito.

Ruptura traumática de músculo papilar da valva tricúspide com forame oval patente adquirido e ruptura atrial direita oculta / Traumatic tricuspid valve papillary muscle case with concomitant acquired patent foramen ovale and covert right atrial rupture

RESUMO O traumatismo cardíaco é comum em acidentes com veículos automotores. Uma mulher com 50 anos de idade foi transportada para nosso hospital após sofrer múltiplos traumatismos em um acidente de automóvel quando dirigia em alta velocidade. Após admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, uma ultrassonografia cardíaca revelou ruptura traumática de músculo papilar da valva tricúspide e forame oval patente, enquanto se observou, no exame físico, o sinal de Lancisi. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico com anuloplastia da valva e fechamento do forame oval patente; durante o ato cirúrgico, diagnosticou-se ruptura oculta do átrio direito.

ABSTRACT Cardiac trauma often occurs in motor vehicle accidents. A 50-year-old female driver was transported to our hospital with multiple trauma after a high-speed car accident. After admission to the intensive care unit, cardiac ultrasound examination revealed traumatic tricuspid valve papillary muscle rupture and patent foramen ovale, while Lancisi's sign was noted on physical examination. Surgical treatment was performed with valve annuloplasty and closure of the patent foramen ovale and a covert right atrial defect that was detected intraoperatively.

Atrial-Esophageal Fistula After Catheter Ablation: Diagnosing and Managing a Rare Complication of a Common Procedure.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is considered the most common cardiac arrhythmias in the United States with rate and rhythm control strategies traditionally used for management. If patients are intolerant to class I or class III anti-arrhythmic medications, catheter ablation may be used as a rhythm control strategy. As catheter ablation becomes more commonplace, so too do the procedure-related complications, which include tamponade, total arterio-venous fistula, pulmonary vein stenosis, and atrial-esophageal fistula. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old male underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and subsequently presented with complaints of fever and chills. Initial workup for a source of infection included a computed tomography (CT) scan and transesophageal echocardiogram which did not reveal any abnormalities. Antibiotic therapy was initiated, and multiple CT scans were performed; eventually patient was found to have an atrial-esophageal fistula, secondary to thermal injury. The patient underwent thoracotomy and full thickness necrosis of the posterior left atrium and pericardium near the base of the left inferior pulmonary vein was visualized, with a roughly nickel sized orifice, which was repaired. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was doing well on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Atrial-esophageal fistula is a rare but lethal complication of atrial fibrillation ablation. While imaging modalities have improved and can detect the condition, they can also yield ambivalent findings which can challenge patient care. It is important for clinicians to maintain a heightened awareness of this complication in post-ablation patients and utilize clinical history and not rely solely on imaging to diagnose and treat this complication.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma with right atrial wall rupture: A case report.

RATIONALE: Cardiac angiosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the heart and a rare disease with rapid disease progression and poor prognosis. Cardiac wall rupture is an extremely rare complication. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 32-year-old woman presented with an acute onset of epigastric pain and chest discomfort at first time when she visited an emergency room. DIAGNOSES: A cardiac mass was identified on echocardiography and subsequently performed chest computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed the cardiac tumor at right atrium with right atrial wall rupture and hematogenous lung metastasis. Histopathologic diagnosis of metastatic angiosarcoma was done by open lung biopsy. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy for the primary cardiac tumor and hematogenous lung metastasis. OUTCOMES: The follow-up imaging studies revealed treatment response of the primary cardiac tumor and hematogenous lung metastasis. LESSONS: Clinical and radiologic evaluation of the cardiac angiosarcoma was well performed in our case with various diagnostic imaging modalities including echocardiography, chest computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography. This case report well demonstrates typical imaging findings of a rare cardiac tumor and emphasizes importance of early investigation for accurate diagnosis and proper management of the cardiac tumor.

Right Atrial, Right Ventricular, Superior Vena Cava Dissection Caused by Swan-Ganz Catheter Placement.

This case involves Swan-Ganz catheter placement in a patient who developed cardiogenic shock, possibly due to the catheter dissecting the intimal lining of the superior vena cava and endocardium.