Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized Watchman device on a papillary muscle in the left ventricle.

The use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have gained prominence as an alternative to long-term anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and high risk of bleeding. While these devices have shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk, there have been reported cases of embolization of the Watchman device. There are very few cases of successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized Watchman devices from the left ventricle (LV), as many of these cases require open heart surgery for safe removal. We are presenting a case of an 80-year-old male whose Watchman device embolized to the LV and was entrapped on the LV papillary muscle that was then successfully retrieved via percutaneous methods, which shows the percutaneous options remain a viable strategy to retrieve LAAO devices from the LV.

A profile on the CardioMEMS HF system in the management of patients with early stages of heart failure: an update.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, there have been noteworthy advances in the evaluation and treatment of heart failure (HF). Despite an improved understanding of this chronic disease, HF is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. Decompensation and rehospitalization of HF patients remain an integral problem in disease management, with significant economic implications. Remote monitoring systems have been developed to detect HF decompensation early and address it before hospitalization. The CardioMEMS HF system is a wireless pulmonary artery (PA) monitoring system that detects changes in PA pressure and transmits data to the healthcare provider. As changes in PA pressures occur early during HF decompensation, the CardioMEMS HF system allows providers to institute timely changes in HF medical therapies to alter the course of the decompensation. The use of the CardioMEMS HF system has been shown to reduce HF hospitalization and improve quality of life. AREAS COVERED: This review will focus on the available data supporting the expanded utilization of the CardioMEMS system in patients with HF. EXPERT OPINION: The CardioMEMS HF system is a relatively safe and cost-effective device that reduces the incidence of HF hospitalization and qualifies as intermediate-to-high value medical care.

Cardiogenic Shock Due to Serotonin Syndrome Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy causes transient left ventricular dysfunction. It typically has a favorable prognosis but rarely leads to complications such as cardiogenic shock. Also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, it is precipitated by emotional or physical stress. Serotonin syndrome can cause severe stress due to excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. We report a case of cardiogenic shock precipitated by serotonin syndrome-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Only one other documented case has exhibited cardiogenic shock in this setting.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in the COVID-19 Era.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize aerosol-generating procedures, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was utilized at our institution as an alternative to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for diagnosing infective endocarditis (IE). This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of CMR for detecting IE among 14 patients growing typical microorganisms on blood cultures or meeting modified Duke Criteria. Seven cases were treated for IE. In 2 cases, CMR results were notable for possible leaflet vegetations and were clinically meaningful in guiding antibiotic therapy, obtaining further imaging, and/or pursuing surgical intervention. In 2 cases, vegetations were missed on CMR but detected on TEE. In 3 cases, CMR was non-diagnostic, but patients were treated empirically. There was no difference in antibiotic duration or outcomes over 1 year. CMR demonstrated mixed results in diagnosing valvular vegetations and guiding clinical decision-making. Further prospective controlled trials of CMR Vs TEE are warranted.

Cardioprotective Role for Paraoxonase-1 in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a hydrolytic enzyme associated with HDL, contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-atherogenic properties. Deficiencies in PON-1 activity result in oxidative stress and detrimental clinical outcomes in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear if a decrease in PON-1 activity is mechanistically linked to adverse cardiovascular events in CKD. We investigated the hypothesis that PON-1 is cardioprotective in a Dahl salt-sensitive model of hypertensive renal disease. Experiments were performed on control Dahl salt-sensitive rats (SSMcwi, hereafter designated SS-WT rats) and mutant PON-1 rats (SS-Pon1em1Mcwi, hereafter designated SS-PON-1 KO rats) generated using CRISPR gene editing technology. Age-matched 10-week-old SS and SS-PON-1 KO male rats were maintained on high-salt diets (8% NaCl) for five weeks to induce hypertensive renal disease. Echocardiography showed that SS-PON-1 KO rats but not SS-WT rats developed compensated left ventricular hypertrophy after only 4 weeks on the high-salt diet. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of genes linked to cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as a significant decrease in genes essential to left ventricular function in SS-PON-1 KO rats compared to SS-WT rats. A histological examination also revealed a significant increase in cardiac fibrosis and immune cell infiltration in SS-PON-1 KO rats, consistent with their cardiac hypertrophy phenotype. Our data suggest that a loss of PON-1 in the salt-sensitive hypertensive model of CKD leads to increased cardiac inflammation and fibrosis as well as a molecular and functional cardiac phenotype consistent with compensated left ventricular hypertrophy.

Fluvoxamine in Nonhospitalized Patients With Acute COVID-19 Infection and the Lack of Efficacy in Reducing Rates of Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, and Mortality in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have investigated the use of fluvoxamine in preventing clinical deterioration in nonhospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infection via stimulation of sigma-1 receptors, which regulates cytokine production and functional inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase activity, which may prevent infection of epithelial cells with SARS-CoV-2. However, the role of fluvoxamine is currently unclear because of a paucity of studies, particularly because the drug is being repurposed as an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent. STUDY QUESTION: Aim of our meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of fluvoxamine in nonhospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infection. DATA SOURCE: Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science was performed from inception to February 10, 2022, for studies comparing fluvoxamine versus placebo for outpatient management of COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: The primary outcome of interest was rate of hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were rates of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and mortality. The random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 index. RESULTS: Three studies (2 randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort trial) involving 1762 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In patients who received fluvoxamine compared with placebo, there was no significant difference in rates of hospitalization (RR 0.26, 95% CI, 0.04-1.73, P = 0.16, I2 = 62%), mechanical ventilation (RR 0.73, 95% CI, 0.45-1.19, P = 0.21, I2 = 0%), and mortality (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.37-1.22, P = 0.19, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not indicate a significant effect of fluvoxamine on the rates of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality of patients with COVID-19 infection.

Outcomes and Revascularization Strategies of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Myocardial ischemia is a known complication of HCM. Contemporary outcomes and care processes after STEMI are extensively examined; however, there are limited data on outcomes, and revascularization strategies of HCM patients with STEMI. The National Inpatient Sample 2004-2018 was queried to identify adult patients presenting with a primary diagnosis of STEMI, of whom a subset of patients with concomitant diagnosis of HCM were identified. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the association of HCM with in-hospital outcomes. HCM patients with STEMI who were revascularized were compared with their counterparts who were not revascularized. Of 3,049,068 primary STEMI hospitalizations, 2583 (0.8%) had an associated diagnosis of HCM. HCM patients were more likely to be elderly and female with less traditional cardiovascular risk factors compared to those without HCM. HCM patients were less likely to receive revascularization compared to those without HCM. STEMI with HCM was associated with similar in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-1.44; P = 0.561) compared to those without HCM. Notably, HCM patients who were revascularized had similar in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.69; 95% CI 0.36-1.33; P = 0.266) compared to HCM patients who did not receive revascularization. Despite lower rates of revascularization, STEMI in patients with HCM is associated with similar in-hospital mortality compared to those without HCM.

Demographic and Regional Trends of Mortality in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 1999 to 2019.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related mortality has been decreasing within the United States because of improvements in management and preventive efforts; however, persistent disparities in demographic subsets such as race may exist. In this study, the nationwide trends in mortality related to AMI in adults in the United States from 1999 to 2019 are described. Trends in mortality related to AMI were assessed through a cross-sectional analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 people and associated annual percentage change and average annual percentage changes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Joinpoint regression was used to assess the trends in the overall, demographic (gender, race/ethnicity, age), and regional groups. Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 3,655,274 deaths related to AMI occurred. In the overall population, age-adjusted mortality rates decreased from 134.7 (95% CI 134.2 to 135.3) in 1999 to 48.5 (95% CI 48.3 to 48.8) in 2019 with an average annual percentage change of -5.0 (95% CI -5.5 to -4.6). Higher mortality rates were seen in Black individuals, men, and those living in the South. Patients older than 85 years experienced substantial decreases in mortality. In addition, rural counties had persistently higher mortality rates in comparison with urban counties. In conclusion, despite decreasing mortality rates in all groups, persistent disparities continued to exist throughout the study period.

In-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: The effects of cardiovascular comorbidities on outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalized patients has not been well studied. METHODS: This is a hospital-based study evaluating the effects of CVD on the outcomes in patients admitted with COVID-19. Clinical outcomes were studied in patients with and without CVD. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients had CVD, and 193 patients had no history of CVD. Ischemic heart disease was the most common CVD (63%). When compared with patients with no CVD, those with CVD had higher mortality (29% vs 9%, p < 0.001), discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (36% vs 15%, p < 0.001), and change of code status to 'do not resuscitate' (41% vs 14%, p < 0.001). The odds for mortality were high with ischemic heart disease (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.8-7.3, p < 0.001), and systolic heart failure (OR 3.8,95% CI 1.2-12.3, p = 0.02). Patients in the CVD group were more likely to have incident atrial fibrillation (22% vs 3%, p < 0.001), type 2 Mi (17% vs 6%, p = 0.002), high BNP (57% vs 14%, p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (64% vs 29%, p < 0.001), and any type of circulatory shock (27% vs 12%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: CVD is associated with increased mortality, myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and discharges to an SNF.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of 217 COVID-19 Patients in Northwest Ohio, United States.

Background There is limited data on the clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in North West Ohio. We performed a retrospective review of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the ProMedica Health System in Northwest Ohio from March 25 to June 16, 2020. The study aims to identify epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and predictors of Mortality of COVID-19 patients in Northwest Ohio. Methods This study was conducted on 217 COVID-19 patients admitted to ProMedica Health System Hospitals in Northwest Ohio from March 25 to June 16, 2020. We collected data, including clinical signs, symptoms, and outcomes of the COVID-19 patients. We compared clinical signs and symptoms along with comorbidities of survivors and non-survivors. Results Of the 217 patients included in the study, the mean age of the population was 63.13 (SD 17.8), of which 194 (89.4%, mean age 61.7 years) survived while 23 (10.6%, mean age 74.6 years) died. Among them, 53% were females and 47% male. Common presenting symptoms were chest pain (91.71%), shortness of breath (79.7%), cough (71%), and fever (64%). Mortality was associated with age greater than 63 (p-value 0.0052) and hypertension (p-value: 0.0058) with marginal significance with gender (p-value: 0.0642), chest pain (p-value: 0.0944), and history of cancer (p-value: 0.0944). Conclusions Advanced age and hypertension (HTN) are independent predictors for increased mortality. History of cancer and chest pain are associated with increased mortality with marginal significance. Awareness among physicians about predictors of mortality is essential in dealing with COVID-19 patients. It is essential to educate the public about preventative strategies such as wearing masks to decrease mortality and morbidity from this pandemic.

Cryoablation versus antiarrhythmic therapy for initial treatment of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia that affects approximately 2% of the overall population. Current guidelines suggest the use of antiarrhythmic agents as initial therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation; however, using cryoablation as a first-line therapy might provide increased efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review from inception to March 2021 to find randomized controlled trials (RCT) that directly compared cryoablation therapy versus antiarrhythmic therapy as initial treatment for atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was recurrence of atrial arrhythmias. The secondary outcome evaluated serious adverse events of each therapy. Three RCTs involving 724 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in recurrence of atrial arrhythmias in patients receiving cryoablation compared to antiarrhythmic therapy [RR 0.60, 95% CI (0.50, 0.72), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. There was no significant difference in serious adverse events between patients receiving cryoablation compared to patients receiving antiarrhythmic therapy [RR 0.80, 95% CI (0.57, 1.13), P = 0.21, I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that cryoablation therapy as initial therapy is more efficacious than antiarrhythmic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation without an increased risk of serious adverse events.

Triple Valve Endocarditis With Aortic Root Abscess Presenting With Complete Heart Block and Distal Embolization.

Infective endocarditis (IE) carries a high mortality rate. Consequently, the prognosis is poorer in patients with multiple valve involvement. Due to poor prognosis of patients with endocarditis, early diagnosis and management of these patients can be challenging in the clinical setting. We describe a case of a 45-year-old man who came in with bacteremia secondary to a diabetic foot ulcer. Electrocardiogram (EKG) showed complete third-degree heart block which rose suspicion for possible valvular abscess formation. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed and revealed vegetations on the aortic and mitral valve. A follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed an abscess on the aortic valve along with vegetations on the mitral and tricuspid valve, the latter which was missed on TTE. The prompt utilization of TEE in detecting early and late mechanical complications of endocarditis is imperative in facilitating rapid clinical decision-making and early intervention. Patients with multi-valve endocarditis are at extremely high risk of complications and should be evaluated for surgical intervention immediately.

Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease: Diversity in the Vessel Wall.

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). VC is a complex process expressing similarity to bone metabolism in onset and progression. VC in CKD is promoted by various factors not limited to hyperphosphatemia, Ca/Pi imbalance, uremic toxins, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and activation of multiple signaling pathways in different cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), macrophages, and endothelial cells. In the current review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the various kinds of VC, the clinical significance and available therapies, significant contributions from multiple cell types, and the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms for the VC process in the setting of CKD. Thus, we seek to highlight the key factors and cell types driving the pathology of VC in CKD in order to assist in the identification of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for patients burdened with this disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and QTc prolongation.

INTRODUCTION: The cause-and-effect relationship of QTc prolongation in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been studied well. OBJECTIVE: We attempt to better understand the relationship of QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients in this study. METHODS: This is a retrospective, hospital-based, observational study. All patients with normal baseline QTc interval who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection at two hospitals in Ohio, USA were included in this study. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients had QTc prolongation, and 210 patients continued to have normal QTc during hospitalization. The baseline QTc intervals were comparable in the two groups. Patients with QTc prolongation were older (mean age 67 vs. 60, P 0.003), more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease (48% versus 26%, P 0.001), ischemic heart disease (29% versus 17%, P 0.026), congestive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (16% versus 8%, P 0.042), chronic kidney disease (23% versus 10%, P 0.005), and end-stage renal disease (12% versus 1%, P < 0.001). Patients with QTc prolongation were more likely to have received hydroxychloroquine (75% versus 59%, P 0.018), azithromycin (18% vs. 14%, P 0.034), a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (29% vs 7%, P < 0.001), more than 1 QT prolonging agents (59% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). Patients who were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) were less likely to develop QTc prolongation (11% versus 26%, P 0.014). QTc prolongation was not associated with increased ventricular arrhythmias or mortality. CONCLUSION: Older age, ESRD, underlying cardiovascular disease, potential virus mediated cardiac injury, and drugs like hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin, contribute to QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients. The role of ACEi in preventing QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients needs to be studied further.

Predictors of mortality in 217 COVID-19 patients in Northwest Ohio, United States: A retrospective study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aims to identify specific lab markers, complications, and treatments that may be associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. This study is retrospective in nature; it included 217 COVID-19 positive patients who were admitted to a ProMedica Health System hospital in Northwest Ohio, United States, between March 25 and June 16, 2020. We collected various laboratory values, complications, and treatment courses. T test and χ2 analyses were used to predict mortality. COVID-19 test was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction. Of 217 patients included in the study, the mean age of the population was 63.13 (SD, 17.8), of which 194 (89.4%, mean age 61.7 years) survived while 23 (10.6%, mean age 74.6 years) died. Among them, 53% were females and 47% male. Laboratory values that were associated with mortality were low hemoglobin (p = .0046), elevated INR (p = .0005), low platelets (p = .0246) and elevated procalcitonin (p = .0472). Marginally significant laboratory values included elevated troponin (p = .0661), and elevated creatinine (p = .0741). Treatment with either antibiotic, antifungals, antivirals, blood transfusion, steroids, and intubation were all statistically significant for mortality. COVID-19 related complications with either ARDS, myocarditis, elevated INR, septic shock, or age greater than 63 were significant predictors of mortality. Low hemoglobin, elevated INR, Low platelet, elevated procalcitonin, treated with either antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, blood transfusion, steroids, and intubation are associated with high mortality related to COVID-19 infection. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these predictors.

Myocardial injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study, systematic review, and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of studies evaluating the effect of myocardial injury on the survival of COVID-19 patients have been performed outside of the United States (U.S.). These studies have often utilized definitions of myocardial injury that are not guideline-based and thus, not applicable to the U.S. METHODS: The current study is a two-part investigation of the effect of myocardial injury on the clinical outcome of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The first part is a retrospective analysis of 268 patients admitted to our healthcare system in Toledo, Ohio, U.S.; the second part is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all similar studies performed within the U.S. RESULTS: In our retrospective analysis, patients with myocardial injury were older (mean age 73 vs. 59 years, P 0.001), more likely to have hypertension (86% vs. 67%, P 0.005), underlying cardiovascular disease (57% vs. 24%, P 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (26% vs. 10%, P 0.004). Myocardial injury was also associated with a lower likelihood of discharge to home (35% vs. 69%, P 0.001), and a higher likelihood of death (33% vs. 10%, P 0.001), acute kidney injury (74% vs. 30%, P 0.001), and circulatory shock (33% vs. 12%, P 0.001). Our meta-analysis included 12,577 patients from 8 U.S. states and 55 hospitals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, with the finding that myocardial injury was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR 2.43, CI 2.28-3.6, P 0.0005). The prevalence of myocardial injury ranged from 9.2 to 51%, with a mean prevalence of 27.2%. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the U.S. have a high prevalence of myocardial injury, which was associated with poorer survival and outcomes.

Myocardial Infarction in a 28-Year-Old Male With Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects multiple systems throughout the body. Although there are multiple documented vasculopathies that can be seen in NF1, there are very few documented cases of coronary artery aneurysms with complete thrombosis of the ectatic vessel resulting in myocardial infarction. This case report describes a 28-year-old male with a past medical history of NF1 who presented with an anterolateral ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. He underwent urgent cardiac catheterization, which was significant for severe thrombotic occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery (LAD) with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow 0. The LAD was noted to be severely ectatic. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with thrombectomy was attempted and was unsuccessful, with TIMI flow 0 after the intervention attempt. An echocardiogram was performed, which showed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-35%. This case report is presented to familiarize physicians with the rare vasculopathies that can occur in patients with NF1. Occlusive or aneurysmal disease can occur almost anywhere in the body in patients with NF1 due to the proliferation of fusiform endothelial cells in the blood vessels.