Case: A Case of Pembrolizumab Induced Myocarditis and Complete Heart Block.

Use of checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab has continued to grow since its approval in 2014. Rare instances of conduction side effects have been described including brady and tachyarrhythmias, heart block and even cardiac arrest. We present a case of Pembrolizumab induced myocarditis and persistent third-degree heart block.

Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry. 32nd official report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (1990-2022).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This article presents the annual activity report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) for the year 2022. METHODS: All Spanish centers with catheterization laboratories were invited to participate. Data were collected online and were analyzed by an external company in collaboration with the members of the board of the ACI-SEC. RESULTS: A total of 111 centers participated. The number of diagnostic studies increased by 4.8% compared with 2021, while that of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) remained stable. PCIs on the left main coronary artery increased by 22%. The radial approach continued to be preferred for PCI (94.9%). There was an upsurge in the use of drug-eluting balloons, as well as in intracoronary imaging techniques, which were used in 14.7% of PCIs. The use of pressure wires also increased (6.3% vs 2021) as did plaque modification techniques. Primary PCI continued to grow and was the most frequent treatment (97%) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Most noncoronary procedures maintained their upward trend, particularly percutaneous aortic valve implantation, atrial appendage closure, mitral/tricuspid edge-to-edge therapy, renal denervation, and percutaneous treatment of pulmonary arterial disease. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry for 2022 reveals a rise in the complexity of coronary disease, along with a notable growth in procedures for valvular and nonvalvular structural heart disease.

Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio for the Assessment of Intermediate Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: Correlations With Fractional Flow Reserve/Intravascular Ultrasound and Prognostic Implications: The iLITRO-EPIC07 Study.

BACKGROUND: There is little information available on agreement between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) in left main coronary artery (LMCA) intermediate stenosis. Besides, several meta-analyses support the use of FFR to guide LMCA revascularization, but limited information is available on iFR in this setting. Our aims were to establish the concordance between FFR and iFR in intermediate LMCA lesions, to evaluate with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in cases of FFR/iFR discordance, and to prospectively validate the safety of deferring revascularization based on a hybrid decision-making strategy combining iFR and IVUS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter registry with 300 consecutive patients with intermediate LMCA stenosis who underwent FFR and iFR and, in case of discordance, IVUS and minimal lumen area measurements. Primary clinical end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, LMCA lesion-related nonfatal myocardial infarction, or unplanned LMCA revascularization. RESULTS: FFR and iFR had an agreement of 80% (both positive in 67 and both negative in 167 patients); in case of disagreement (31 FFR+/iFR- and 29 FFR-/iFR+) minimal lumen area was ≥6 mm2 in 8.7% of patients with FFR+ and 14.6% with iFR+. Among the 300 patients, 105 (35%) underwent revascularization and 181 (60%) were deferred according to iFR and IVUS. At a median follow-up of 20 months, major adverse cardiac events incidence was 8.3% in the defer group and 13.3% in the revascularization group (hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI 0.30-1.72]; P=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with intermediate LMCA stenosis, a physiology-guided treatment decision is feasible either with FFR or iFR with moderate concordance between both indices. In case of disagreement, the use of IVUS may be useful to indicate revascularization. Deferral of revascularization based on iFR appears to be safe in terms of major adverse cardiac events. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03767621.

Percutaneous Closure of Mitral Paravalvular Leak: Long-Term Results in a Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Paravalvular leak occurs in 5-17% of patients following surgical valve replacement, more often in mitral position. The prognosis without treatment is poor. Percutaneous device closure represents an alternative to repeat surgery. The objective of this work is to evaluate the medium and long-term results in the percutaneous closure of PVL in mitral prosthesis. METHODS: This observational study is based on a retrospective registry including consecutive mitral PVL cases undergoing percutaneous closure at a single tertiary-care center from April 2010 to December 2020. The safety and efficacy results of the procedure, at 90 days and in the long term, were analyzed. Also, predictors of procedure failure and long-term events were identified. RESULTS: A total of 128 consecutive mitral paravalvular leak closure procedures were included. Technical success was achieved in 115 (89.8%) procedures. The presence of multiple PVLs was the sole factor that independently predicted procedural failure. Median follow-up of our sample was 41.8 months (mean 47.7 ± 35.7 months). Underlying hemolytic anemia as the indication for PVL closure, a recent admission for decompensated HF, and lack of improvement in functional class emerged as consistent predictors of MACE and death during long-term follow-up, while lack of procedural success during the first PVL procedure and chronic kidney disease were also associated with MACE during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous mitral PVL closure displayed high technical and procedural success rates, with an acceptable safety profile, in a high-risk population. Percutaneous mitral PVL closure achieved an improvement in short- and long-term functional class and a reduction of hemolysis in the vast majority of patients. In addition, long-term survival in our study was good, in particular for patients undergoing successful PVL closure procedures.

Prospective application of a bleeding and ischemic risks-adjusted antithrombotic protocol in elderly patients revascularized with everolimus-eluting stents: EPIC05-Sierra75 study.

OBJECTIVES: Elderly patients show a higher incidence of ischemic and bleeding events after percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate outcomes in elderly patients treated with antithrombotic strategy guided by bleeding and ischemic risks after revascularization with last generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES). METHODS: Prospective multicenter registry including patients over 75 years revascularized with EES and antithrombotic therapy guided by clinical presentation, PCI complexity and PRECISE DAPT score. Co-primary safety endpoints were: (1) composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis and; (2) bleeding (BARC 2-5). Primary efficacy endpoint was target lesion revascularization. A matched group of patients revascularized with current drug-eluting stents and no such tailored antithrombotic therapy was used as control. RESULTS: Finally, 1064 patients were included in SIERRA-75 cohort, 80.8 ± 4.2 years, 36.6% women, 71% acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and 53.6% complex PCI. Co-primary safety endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events was met in 6.2%, co-primary safety endpoint of bleeding in 7.8% and primary efficacy endpoint of TKLR in 1.5%. The multivariable adjusted model showed no significant association of the prescribed short/long dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) durations with any endpoint suggesting a well tailored therapy. No stent thrombosis reported in the subgroup with 1-3 months DAPT duration. As compared to control group, bleeding BARC 2-5 was significantly lower in SIERRA-75 group (7.4% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.04) as well as the net safety-efficacy endpoint (14.3% vs. 18.5%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly population, the application of this risks-adjusted antithrombotic protocol after revascularization with last generation EES seems to be associated with an improved prognosis in terms of ischemic and bleeding outcomes.

Resistencia antimicrobiana en Escherichia coli aislada de urocultivos / Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from urine cultures / Resistência antimicrobiana em Escherichia coli isolada de culturas de urina

Las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) son un problema de salud común, la morbilidad por infecciones del tracto urinario adquiridas en la comunidad es alta y el uropatógeno más frecuente en este estudio es Escherichia coli. OBJETIVO. Determinar la resistencia de antimicrobianos en E. coli aislada de urocultivos, durante Enero - Julio 2019, en pacientes que asistieron al laboratorio clínico Neolab. MATERIALES Y METODOS. La investigación es de tipo cuantitativa, documental, de corte longitudinal descriptiva. Se desarrolló en la ciudad de Cuenca, con un universo de 936 pacientes atendidos en el laboratorio clínico Neolab de Enero a Julio de 2019 con un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia con lo cual se obtuvo una muestra de 330 registros de datos, cuyos urocultivos presentaron E. coli. RESULTADOS. Se observó resistencia del 55,15% en Amoxicilina, Ácido Nalidíxico 50,91 % y Trimetoprim Sulfametoxazol 46,67%, Ciprofloxacino 26,67%, se evidencia mayor resistencia en mujeres tanto en ß-lactámicos, Quinolonas, Sulfas y Macrólidos, se encontró que el mayor número de pacientes se encuentran dentro del grupo de adultos que representa el 54,4 % y adulto mayor con 25,3%. CONCLUSIONES. La resistencia elevada a los antibióticos estudiados, podrían sugerir un uso empírico de los mismos, la detección de estas cifras representa una señal de alarma. La automedicación facilitada por la venta libre de antimicrobianos empeora el problema, por lo que se requiere control estricto y legislación oportuna.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common health problem, morbidity from community-acquired urinary tract infections is high, and the most common uropathogen in this study is Escherichia coli. OBJECTIVE. To determine the antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from urine cultures, during January - July 2019, in patients who attended the Neolab clinical laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The research is quantitative, documentary, descriptive longitudinal cut. It was developed in the city of Cuenca, with a universe of 936 patients treated in the Neolab clinical laboratory from January to July 2019 with a non-probabilistic convenience sampling with which a sample of 330 data records was obtained, whose urine cultures presented E coli. RESULTS. Resistance of 55.15% was observed in Amoxicillin, Nalidixic Acid 50.91% and Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole 46.67%, Ciprofloxacin 26.67%, greater resistance is evidenced in women both in ß-lactams, Quinolones, Sulfas and Macrolides It was found that the largest number of patients are within the group of adults that represents 54.4% and the elderly with 25.3%. COCLUSIONS. The high resistance to the studied antibiotics could suggest an empirical use of them, the detection of these figures represents an alarm signal. Self-medication facilitated by the over-the-counter sale of antimicrobials worsens the problem, requiring strict control and timely legislation.

As infecções do trato urinário (IU) são um problema de saúde comum, a morbidade das infecções do trato urinário adquiridas na comunidade é alta e o uropógeno mais frequente neste estudo é a Escherichia coli. OBJETIVO. Para determinar a resistência antimicrobiana em E. coli isolada de culturas de urina, durante janeiro - julho de 2019, em pacientes que freqüentam o laboratório clínico Neolab. MATERIALS E MÈTODOS. Esta é uma pesquisa longitudinal quantitativa, documental e descritiva. Foi desenvolvido na cidade de Cuenca, com um universo de 936 pacientes atendidos no laboratório clínico do Neolab de janeiro a julho de 2019 com uma amostragem não-probabilística por conveniência, com a qual foi obtida uma amostra de 330 registros de dados, cujas culturas de urina apresentaram E. coli. RESULTADOS. Foi observada uma resistência de 55,15% em Amoxicilina, Ácido Nalidíxico 50,91% e Trimethoprim Sulfametoxazol 46,67%, Ciprofloxacina 26,67%, maior resistência é evidenciada nas mulheres tanto em ß-lactams, Quinolones, Sulfas e Macrolides, verificou-se que o maior número de pacientes está dentro do grupo adulto representando 54,4% e adulto mais velho com 25,3%. CONCLUSÕES. A alta resistência aos antibióticos estudados poderia sugerir um uso empírico de antibióticos, e a detecção destes números representa um sinal de alarme. A automedicação facilitada pela venda sem prescrição de antimicrobianos agrava o problema, de modo que é necessário um controle rigoroso e legislação oportuna.

Frecuencia de (BLEE) (AmpC) y CARBAPENEMASAS en muestras de urocultivo, en cepas de Escherichia Coli de origen comunitario

Resumen La Escherichia coli (E. coli) forma parte del grupo de las principales enterobacterias, que por su alta prevalencia y capacidad de generar resistencia a ciertos antimicrobianos es la causante de varios procesos infecciosos de origen comunitario sobre todo infecciones del tracto urinario. El mecanismo de defensa de estas bacterias es la activación enzimática a través de las Betalactamas de tipo BLEE, AmpC y CARBAPENEMASAS. Materiales y Métodos. Diseño documental transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo, la población estuvo constituida por 671 informes de urocultivo procesadas en el período de enero - abril de 2020 en el Laboratorio Clínico Neolab de la ciudad de Cuenca en el Ecuador. Resultados . El 96,4% de las muestras son de pacientes femenino y un 3.6% al género masculino, el promedio de edad, el estudio tuvo mayor prevalencia en pacientes de 40 años de edad. El 7.62% de las muestras resultaron BLEE positivas, 0.13% AmpC y el 0% CARBAPENEMASAS. Los antibióticos con un mayor índice de efectividad para tratar la E.coli productora de BLEE en urocultivos fueron la Nitrofurantoína, la Gentamicina y Fosfomicina con índices de efectividad del 87.93%, 79,31% y 70,68% respectivamente. Sin embargo los antimicrobianos como Ampicilina presentaron una resistencia del 100% y Trimethoprim sulfa metoxazol del 72.41%. Conclusión . La detección de frecuencia de enzimas BLEE, AmpC y Carbapenemasas, orienta a un tratamiento terapéutico adecuado. Los pacientes con bacterias productoras de BLEE, tienen un alto índice de mortalidad al ser tratados con antimicrobianos que las bacterias presentan una resistencia alta.

Abstract Escherichia coli (E. coli) is part of the group of the main Enterobacteriaceae, which due to its high prevalence and capacity to generate resistance to certain antimicrobials is the cause of several infectious processes of community origin, especially urinary tract infections. The defense mechanism of these bacteria is enzymatic activation through ESBL-type Betalactams, AmpC and CARBAPENEMASES. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional documentary design, with a quantitative approach, the population consisted of 671 uroculture reports processed in the period January - April 2020 at the Neolab Clinical Laboratory in the city of Cuenca in Ecuador. Results. 96.4% of the samples are from female patients and 3.6% from male gender, the average age, the study had a higher prevalence in 40-year-old patients. 7.62% of the samples were positive ESBL, 0.13% AmpC and 0% CARBAPENEMASES. The antibiotics with the highest effectiveness rate for treating ESBL-producing E.coli in urine cultures were Nitrofurantoin, Gentamicin, and Fosfomycin, with effectiveness rates of 87.93%, 79.31%, and 70.68%, respectively. However, antimicrobials such as Ampicillin showed a resistance of 100% and Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole of 72.41%. Conclusion. The frequency detection of ESBL, AmpC and Carbapenemases enzymes guides an adequate therapeutic treatment. Patients with ESBL-producing bacteria have a high mortality rate when treated with antimicrobials that the bacteria have high resistance.

Resumo Escherichia coli (E. coli) faz parte do grupo das principais enterobactérias, que por sua alta prevalência e capacidade de gerar resistência a certos antimicrobianos é causa de diversos processos infecciosos de origem comunitária, principalmente infecções do trato urinário. O mecanismo de defesa dessas bactérias é a ativação enzimática por meio de Betalactamas do tipo ESBL, AmpC e CARBAPENEMASES. Materiais e Métodos. Desenho documental transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, a população foi constituída por 671 laudos de urocultura processados no período de janeiro a abril de 2020 no Laboratório Clínico Neolab da cidade de Cuenca no Equador. Resultados. 96,4% das amostras são do sexo feminino e 3,6% do sexo masculino, idade média, o estudo teve maior prevalência em pacientes com 40 anos de idade. 7,62% das amostras foram ESBL positivas, 0,13% AmpC e 0% CARBAPENEMASES. Os antibióticos com maior taxa de eficácia para o tratamento de E. coli produtoras de ESBL em urocultura foram nitrofurantoína, gentamicina e fosfomicina, com taxas de eficácia de 87,93%, 79,31% e 70,68%, respectivamente. No entanto, antimicrobianos como a Ampicilina apresentaram resistência de 100% e Trimetoprim sulfametoxazol de 72,41%. Conclusão. A detecção da frequência das enzimas ESBL, AmpC e Carbapenemases orienta um tratamento terapêutico adequado. Pacientes com bactérias produtoras de ESBL apresentam alta taxa de mortalidade quando tratados com antimicrobianos que as bactérias apresentam alta resistência.

Quercetin, a Promising Clinical Candidate for The Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy.

Iodinated contrast media (CM) are the leading cause of acute renal failure of toxic origin. Between 21% and 50% of patients that receive them develop contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). All prophylactic measures used so far have failed to provide effective prevention. Since oxidative stress is involved in the damage, a possible preventive strategy could be the administration of antioxidant substances, such as quercetin. This compound has shown renoprotective effects in experimental studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether quercetin may be helpful in preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary catheterization. A clinical phase II study was conducted. Patients were distributed in two groups, namely, CM (patients who only received contrast media) and CM+Q (patients who were pretreated with quercetin orally for 3-5 days). Results showed less incidence of CIN in the CM+Q group, possibly due to glomerular protection, evidenced by a lower increase in serum creatinine and albuminuria; and a lower decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Furthermore, in this group, the relative risk of developing CIN observed in patients that received a high dose of contrast media was inferior. In conclusion, this is the first study that demonstrates that quercetin is a promising safe candidate in preventing CIN.

Long-term Event Reduction After Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Results of the Iberian Registry II.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Many patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are still left without protection due to a contraindication for anticoagulants. This study aimed to establish the occurrence of stroke and major bleeding events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure with long-term follow-up and to explore the factors associated with higher long-term mortality. METHODS: Analysis of a multicenter single cohort prospectively recruited from 2009 to 2015. Thromboembolic and bleeding events were compared with those expected from CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. Multivariate analysis examined variables associated with mortality during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 598 patients (1093 patient-years) with a contraindication for anticoagulants were recruited (median 75.4 years). The success rate of left atrial appendage closure device implantation was 95.8%. Thirty patients (5%) experienced periprocedural complications. The rate of events (per 100 patient-years) during follow-up (mean 22.9 months; median 16.1 months) was as follows: death 7.0%; ischemic stroke 1.6% (vs 8.5% expected according to CHA2DS2-VASc; P < .001); intracranial hemorrhage 0.8%; gastrointestinal bleeding 3.2%; severe bleeding 3.9% (vs 6.3% expected by HAS-BLED, P = .002). These results were improved in the subgroup of 176 patients with follow-up > 24 months (mean follow-up 46.6 months, 683 patient-years) for severe bleeding 2.6% (vs 6.3% expected by HAS-BLED, P < .033). The factors significantly associated with higher mortality were age (HR, 1.1), intracranial hemorrhage (HR, 6.8), and stroke during follow-up (HR, 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial appendage closure significantly reduced the incidence of stroke and bleeding events and the benefit was maintained. Intracranial hemorrhage, age and stroke were associated with higher mortality.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Value of Acute Kidney Injury Among Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this registry were to determine the incidence, predictors, and prognostic value of periprocedural acute kidney injury (AKI) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). BACKGROUND: No data exist on the occurrence of AKI after LAAC. METHODS: A total of 355 patients undergoing LAAC were included in the study. AKI was defined as an absolute or a relative increase in serum creatinine of >0.3 mg/dl or ≥50%, respectively, after the procedure or the need for hemodialysis during index hospitalization. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was 9%, and patients with worse baseline renal function were at higher risk for developing AKI (odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 1.61; p = 0.004 for each 10 ml/min decrease in glomerular filtration rate). In-hospital bleeding events occurred more frequently in the AKI group (5.3% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.037). After a median follow-up period of 18 months, patients in the AKI group had higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.36 to 4.92; p = 0.004), more embolic events (HR: 6.14; 95% CI: 2.23 to 16.92; p = 0.001) and major bleeding events (HR: 2.36; 95% CI: 0.89 to 6.24; p = 0.083). The occurrence of AKI was an independent predictor of midterm mortality (HR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.91; p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of AKI was relatively frequent following LAAC, and patients with lower renal glomerular filtration rates were at high risk for developing this complication. AKI identified a group of patients with worse midterm outcomes, highlighting the importance of further preventive strategies in this population.

Long-term outcomes following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the late clinical outcomes of percutaneous LAA closure in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindication to oral anticoagulation. METHODS: Consecutive AF patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation who underwent successful LAA closure between December 2008 and March 2013 at four centers were included. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (median age 76 [IQR 69-80] years, 48% women, mean CHA2DS2-VASc 5 ± 2; HAS-BLED 4 ± 1) were included. Eighty-six (85.1%) patients received an Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet device and 15 (14.9%) patients a Watchman device. The mean follow-up period was 4 ± 1 years. During 358.6 patient-years of follow-up, 7 (6.9%) patients suffered a major stroke (2 cases per 100 person-years; expected rate: 6.2 cases per 100 person-years), and 20 (19.8%) patients experienced at least one episode of major bleeding (6.4 cases per 100 person-years; expected rate: 9.0 cases per 100 person-years). There were no cases of late adverse events related to the device. A total of 34 (33.7%) patients died during follow-up (9.5 cases per 100 person-years). Older age, male sex, low ejection fraction, and chronic kidney disease were identified as predictive factors of late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous LAA closure is safe and effective in the long term in patients with AF with contraindications to anticoagulation. However, a high long-term mortality rate was observed in this high-risk population. Comprehensive patient assessment prior to undergoing LAA closure should identify patients in whose comorbidities limit their overall prognosis.

Percutaneous closure of iatrogenic femoral arteriovenous fistula using a covered coronary stent.

We present the case of a patient with a high-output fistula between the right superficial femoral artery and femoral vein after left atrial appendage closure successfully treated with a PK-Papyrus covered coronary stent using a 6F guiding catheter. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a PK-Papyrus coronary stent has been used in this setting.

Gas intraportal como signo radiológico de isquemia intestinal: Presentación de caso / Intraportal Gas as a Radiologic Sign of Intestinal Ischemia: Case Report

El atrapamiento de gas en la vena porta es un signo radiológico poco común que se encuentra asociado a una necrosis extendida del intestino y a un desenlace fatídico. Se menciona una especificidad del 100 % en el diagnóstico de la isquemia intestinal cuando se encuentra gas en la vena porta. Se expone el caso de un hombre de 42 años de edad, quién acude a urgencias luego de recibir múltiples heridas en tórax y abdomen, con arma cortopunzante. La evolución del paciente es tórpida, con una grave inestabilidad hemodinámica que hace sospechar shock séptico secundario al traumatismo abdominal; se le practica una tomografía computarizada de abdomen en la que se encuentra gas en la vena porta como hallazgo principal, por lo que se realiza el diagnóstico de isquemia intestinal. Se le practica una laparatomía y, pocos días después, el cuadro del paciente se resuelve.

The entrapment of gas in the portal vein is a rare radiological sign that is associated with an extended bowel necrosis and a fatal outcome. A specificity of 100% is mentioned in the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia, when we have the presence of gas in portal vein. We report a case of a 42-year-old man who came to the emergency service after receiving multiple wounds with a sharp instrument in the thoracic and abdominal level. The patient had a torpid evolution with severe hemodynamic instability that raises suspicion of septic shock secondary to abdominal trauma; computed tomography of the abdomen was made, that shows as a main finding gas in the portal vein, reason for which the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia was made. A laparotomy is performed and after a few days the patient get better.

Percutaneous Closure of Paravalvular Leaks: A Systematic Review.

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is an uncommon yet serious complication associated with the implantation of mechanical or bioprosthetic surgical valves and more recently recognized with transcatheter aortic valves implantation (TAVI). A significant number of patients will present with symptoms of congestive heart failure or haemolytic anaemia due to PVL and need further surgical or percutaneous treatment. Until recently, surgery has been the only available therapy for the treatment of clinically significant PVLs despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with re-operation. Percutaneous treatment of PVLs has emerged as a safe and less invasive alternative, with low complication rates and high technical and clinical success rates. However, it is a complex procedure, which needs to be performed by an experienced team of interventional cardiologists and echocardiographers. This review discusses the current understanding of PVLs, including the utility of imaging techniques in PVL diagnosis and treatment, and the principles, outcomes and complications of transcatheter therapy of PVLs.

Utility of Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Mitral Paravalvular Leak.

BACKGROUND: Mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) is a potential complication of surgical valve replacement procedures. Real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3DTEE) has emerged as an efficient tool for providing essential information about the anatomy of mitral PVLs compared with 2DTEE findings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of RT-3DTEE in the assessment of mitral PVLs. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 3D characteristics of PVLs were recorded and compared with 2D findings. We included 34 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of mitral PVL in the study. Mitral PVLs were detected in 26 patients (76%); 26 PVLs were identified by 2DTEE and 37 by RT-3DTEE. Moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was present in 23 patients (88%). The most common PVL locations were the septal and posterior regions. The median PVL size measured by RT-3DTEE was 7 mm long×4 mm wide. The median vena contracta of defect measured by 2DTEE and RT-3DTEE was 5 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The median effective regurgitant orifice area of defect measured by RT-3DTEE was 0.36 cm(2). The defect types were "oval" (54%), "round" (35%), "crescentic" (8%) and highly irregular (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with 2DTEE, RT-3DTEE provided detailed descriptions of the number, location, size and morphology of PVLs, which is essential for planning and guiding the potential corrective techniques. (Circ J 2016; 80: 738-744).