Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Patient With Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery from Right Coronary Artery.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now a well-established modality of treating severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis in patients deemed at great surgical risk. In patients with coexisting anomalous coronary arteries, however, TAVI presents technical challenges, and coronary obstruction is a feared complication. In this study, we present the case of successful TAVI in a 78-year-old patient with anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right coronary artery.

Impact of improving severity of secondary mitral regurgitation on survival.

AIMS: Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is frequent in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and portends detrimental prognosis. Despite interventions addressing the mitral valve (MV) have been proven effective to improve survival, an important knowledge gap exists regarding the role of medical therapy (MT) in this context. Thus, we aimed at investigating the role of MT optimization in patients with SMR and HFrEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 435 patients with SMR and HFrEF were retrospectively evaluated. Of those, 158 with severe SMR were finally included, with 63 (40%) managed with MT alone and 96 (60%) with MV intervention plus MT. Echocardiography was performed after 30 days of MT optimization or MV intervention. Responders were patients with a final mitral regurgitation (MR) grade of ≤2+. Survival data were gathered through the National Database Index and patient chart review. MR severity improved in 131 patients (100% MV intervention; 57% MT) but stayed the same or worsened in 27 patients. Responders and non-responders were similar for baseline characteristics. Overall, long-term survival of responders was significantly higher than non-responders [hazard ratio (HR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.32-0.96), P = 0.032]. No difference in survival was observed when evaluated by intervention type in the overall population (MT alone, n = 63; MV intervention plus MT, n = 95) [HR 0.77, 95% CI (0.48-1.26), P = 0.3], nor within responder group (MT alone, n = 36; MV intervention plus MT, n = 95) [HR 1.03, 95% CI (0.56-1.89), P = 0.94]. CONCLUSIONS: MT reduces SMR severity in 57% of the patients with severe SMR. A final SMR grade of ≤2+ is linked to improved survival, independently of the type of treatment they receive.

Severe Mitral Paravalvular Leak Treated with Percutaneous Paravalvular Leak Closure with Underlying Severe Mitral Annular Calcium.

Standard operative mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis in the setting of severe mitral annular calcium has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inability to ensure a well seated prosthesis may lead to periprosthetic leak. We present a case of severe paravalvular leak, causing significant hemolysis, after mitral valve replacement with underling severe mitral annular calcium. The leak was successfully repaired using a transseptal percutaneous approach, with subsequent resolution of hemolysis.

Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Antegrade Wire Technique to Successfully Cross a Common Iliac Chronic Total Occlusion from Retrograde Access.

Percutaneous endovascular intervention is the preferred modality of revascularization for iliac arterial obstructive disease. Chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the iliac arteries can be uniquely challenging, as typically utilized polymer jacketed 0.035 in wires have a tendency to enter subintimal planes within the iliac artery or aorta, which consequently require complicated re-entry wire techniques. We present a case of a common iliac chronic total occlusion, initially unable to be crossed with a traditional 0.035 in polymer jacketed guidewire due to subintimal entry. Instead, using an antegrade coronary CTO wire escalation technique with a 0.014 in coronary CTO guidewire, the iliac occlusion was successfully crossed via the true lumen.

Enterovirus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with multiorgan failure.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a highly fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome that is increasingly being recognized in adults. It can be primary or secondary in the setting of malignancy, autoimmune disorders, infections, or acquired immune deficiencies. We present a case of a 50-year-old man with enterovirus-associated multiorgan system dysfunction and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

The ketogenic diet and the QT interval.

Long QT syndrome is a disorder of ventricular myocardial repolarization associated with an increased risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This report highlights a case of QT prolongation with torsades de pointes in a patient with baseline congenital long QT syndrome, believed to be precipitated by metabolic changes associated with the "ketogenic diet."

Alteration of lipid metabolism in chronic kidney disease, the role of novel antihyperlipidemic agents, and future directions.

The role of anti-hyperlipidemic therapy remains of key importance in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, given an already exaggerated predisposition for vascular disease at baseline, there is a preponderance of data that show management of hyperlipidemia is especially important in patients with chronic kidney disease. This is a concise, up-to-date review of lipid physiology, alterations in lipid concentrations with progressive renal failure, and currently available and emerging hyperlipidemic treatment options. Specifically, the roles of these therapies in patients with chronic kidney disease are reviewed.

Delayed complication of abdominal aortic stent: a rare complication.

We hereby present a case of recurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm due to endoleak to outline complications and secondary intervention strategies post endovascular aneurysm repair.

Guidelines for Perioperative Management of the Diabetic Patient.

Management of glycemic levels in the perioperative setting is critical, especially in diabetic patients. The effects of surgical stress and anesthesia have unique effects on blood glucose levels, which should be taken into consideration to maintain optimum glycemic control. Each stage of surgery presents unique challenges in keeping glucose levels within target range. Additionally, there are special operative conditions that require distinctive glucose management protocols. Interestingly, the literature still does not report a consensus perioperative glucose management strategy for diabetic patients. We hope to outline the most important factors required in formulating a perioperative diabetic regimen, while still allowing for specific adjustments using prudent clinical judgment. Overall, through careful glycemic management in perioperative patients, we may reduce morbidity and mortality and improve surgical outcomes.

Comorbidity of diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea in hospitalized patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes are two morbidities commonly encountered in the hospitalized setting. Both diseases will present with an array of complications if not managed in a timely, competent manner. However, a growing body of evidence suggests a link between these two pathologies. It is our hope that through careful review of the literature, we may generate heightened awareness of the OSA/diabetes comorbidity. Through better understanding of these conditions and their interactions, we may insure efficient management in the clinical setting and prevent exacerbation of common complications.

Delayed recurrence of atypical pulmonary carcinoid cluster: a rare occurrence.

Carcinoid is one of the most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract followed by the tracheobronchial tree. Bronchial carcinoid compromises 20% of total carcinoid and accounts for 1-5% of pulmonary malignancies. Carcinoid can be typical or atypical, with atypical carcinoid compromises 10% of the carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid usually presents as peripheral lung lesion or solitary endobronchial abnormality. Rarely it can present as multiple endobronchial lesion. We hereby present a rare case of an elderly gentleman who had undergone resection of right middle and lower lobe of lung for atypical carcinoid. Seven years later he presented with cough. CT scan of chest revealed right hilar mass. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed numerous endobronchial polypoid lesions in the tracheobronchial tree. Recurrent atypical carcinoid was then confirmed on biopsy.

Prolonged ventricular asystole: a rare adverse effect of hydrocodone use.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged ventricular asystole is a rare vagal reaction caused by hydrocodone use. Sinus bradycardia is a characteristic presentation of the vasovagal response; examples of other presentations include arrest or atrioventricular block. Physicians need to be aware of ventricular asystole due to vagally-mediated atrioventricular block caused by hydrocodone or other opiates. CASE REPORT: We present a case of prolonged ventricular asystole in a young patient due to a vasovagal reaction caused by the hydrocodone found in the hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular asystole can be a rare complication of hydrocodone found in hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Physicians need to be aware of this adverse effect, rather then resorting to expensive diagnostic interventions.

Spontaneous extraperitoneal lumbar artery hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous extraperitoneal hemorrhage (SEH) is an uncommon complication of anticoagulation therapy. Cases of SEH that are unresponsive to management through correction of coagulopathy, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and other supportive measures are typically treated with surgery. Nevertheless, treatment of SEH with the use of angiography and arterial embolization may provide a safe, efficacious alternative to surgery. OBJECTIVES: This case is presented to increase awareness among Emergency Physicians of the management options for patients with SEH. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with hemodynamic collapse due to retroperitoneal bleeding secondary to spontaneous rupture of a lumbar artery. An emergency abdominal angiogram revealed an actively bleeding left lumbar vessel. The localized bleeding was treated with catheter embolization and detachable microcoil embolization. This resulted in stabilization of the patient's condition without surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Overall, the improvement in hemodynamic stability and the decreased percentage of transfusion requirements can be achieved safely without surgical intervention through the prompt use of coil or catheter embolization.