A grand mimicker of pulmonary malignancy: The massive mediastinal intercostal nerve tumour.

Mediastinal mass-like manifestations often cause alarm and instigate a myriad of investigative testing to rule out insidious malignant processes. However, a unique and benign finding, the schwannoma can present either incidentally or while in pursuit of a symptomatic presentation. Given its rarity, limited literature exists on these neurogenic tumours with less than three dozen reported cases. No specific guidelines exist regarding the extent of required advanced imaging or degree of invasive evaluation. Therefore, practitioners confronted with these intrathoracic tumours may find management challenging or delayed. We present a case discussing a large benign tumour causing symptomatic burden, the investigative methods implored and treatment modality. We add to the literature another unique presentation of an intercostal nerve sheath tumour with schwannoma pathology.

A Novel Percutaneous Snare-Assisted Manipulation and Repositioning of a ProtekDuo Cannula in a COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [VV-ECMO] has gained increasing notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic as a salvation therapy for fulminant respiratory failure. Various configurations can present unique challenges in management. For instance, the ProtekDuo cannula is a 29Fr to 31Fr dual-lumen cannula inserted by way of the right internal jugular vein that allows for right atrium to pulmonary artery bypass with an attached oxygenator, essentially resulting in VV-ECMO. Understanding that these different configurations inevitably dictate the types of complications that can arise during the circuit implantation and management is imperative. However, in a hemodynamically unstable patient, time or resources may not permit standard maneuvers for management. In conclusion, we present an innovative, percutaneous approach which allowed the restoration of flow and oxygenation in a decompensating ProtekDuo patient without having to explant/disconnect the circuit or implant a new VV-ECMO circuit.

Case Report: It's not always about the veins; intervention of bilateral May-Thurner Syndrome secondary to iliac aneurysm.

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) remains evasive because of the insidiousness and variable etiologies by which it can manifest. In this study, we examine a unique presentation of MTS resulting from compression of both common iliac veins by a right common iliac artery aneurysm that required complex endovascular venous and arterial intervention.

Endocarditis of the forgotten valve: vacuum-assisted aspiration (AngioVac) of the eustachian valve: a case report.

Background: Eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE) is a rare entity that traditionally has been treated with antibiotics or surgery, if refractory to antibiotic treatment. Case summary: A 64-year-old man presented with right shoulder pain and new-onset hypoxia. His blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive staphylococcal aureus (MSSA) 1 month ago and he was treated with antibiotics at that time. Blood cultures during this admission were again positive for MSSA. Trans-oesophageal echocardiogram showed a large independently mobile echogenic density consistent with vegetation (3.0 × 1.6 cm) on the eustachian valve (EV). The patient was a poor surgical candidate due to his multiple co-morbidities, and therefore, a non-invasive procedure called AngioVac® was selected. Discussion: In the setting of infective endocarditis refractory to antibiotics, the large-bore percutaneous mechanical aspiration (AngioVac®, AngioDynamics, Latham, NY, USA) system is gaining increasing momentum as the treatment of choice over standard surgical intervention for debulking large vegetations. AngioVac® has provided a minimally invasive and effective measure especially in those unable to tolerate surgery. The novel percutaneous technique is linked to great success in right-sided endocarditis, with the tricuspid valve accounting for a majority of the cases. However, in rare instances, the EV may be involved. To our knowledge, we report the first case of EVE treated with AngioVac®.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis as an emergent intervention for failed vacuum thrombectomy of pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism [PE] in the setting of hemodynamic instability and right ventricular strain is a complex presentation and typically is associated with high mortality rates. Prompt recognition and early intervention are critical to the survival of these patient. In such cases, current guidelines recommend use of systemic thrombolytics, along with as needed cardiopulmonary support. If contraindications are present, mechanical thrombectomy is advised. However, guidelines poorly define the next steps in intervention if mechanical thrombectomy were to fail. We present such a scenario and the methods implored to successful remove clot burden. We add to the literature, use of catheter directed thrombolysis at a designated 2 mg/h rate as a form of emergent intervention in failed mechanical thrombectomy.

To intervene or not to intervene: A case of symptomatic neurocysticercosis complicated by ventriculitis.

Although well described in the current literature, Neurocysticercosis [NCC] remains an enigma when confronted by practitioners. This is in part due to the haphazard nature of the parasitic infection on the central nervous system [CNS]. These include single or multiple anatomic sites of infection, stage of parasitosis, and the resultant inflammatory response. As a result, NCC can present with a complex constellation of symptomatic presentations, making therapeutic regiments highly individualized. Despite intervention, other impediments may arise post-therapy due to the nature of the infection. We present a case of rapidly progressive symptomatic NCC that initially was successfully treated, however would eventually succumb to complications of ventriculitis.

Amniotic fluid embolism-induced cardiopulmonary collapse successfully treated with combination VA-ECMO and Impella CP.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of pregnancy. Prompt and aggressive resuscitative strategies are crucial in promoting survivability. We present a case of AFE resulting in cardiopulmonary collapse and subsequent cardiac arrest where we were able to safely deliver the baby and resuscitate the mother with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella CP-a novel combination known as ECPELLA. We discuss the implications of this approach as a more efficacious strategy in resuscitating AFE-induced cardiogenic shock and arrest.