Atypical Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Precipitated by Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Review of the Pathophysiology.

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, otherwise known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, typically presents with chest pain and acute left ventricular failure with unobstructed coronary arteries. There is an increase in disease incidence as clinicians are becoming more aware of this clinical entity. An atypical variant exists where there is left ventricular dysfunction with apical sparing. Various precipitants have been described in the literature, however, there has not been any documented case following massive gastrointestinal bleeding. We report an atypical variant of takotsubo cardiomyopathy following a gastrointestinal bleed with review of the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the disease process.

Incidental Finding of Thoracic Aortic Dissection in a Patient Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Most patients present to the emergency room with severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or after a syncopal episode. Asymptomatic patients pose a challenge to diagnosis. The authors present a case of an 82-year-old male, who was found to have an incidental finding of a 5-cm ascending aortic aneurysm with an intimal dissection flap four months after CABG. Extensive workup on possible risk factors such as underlying aortic diseases, genetic conditions, and hypertensive crisis proved noncontributory. Aggressive blood pressure control was achieved, and the patient was observed in the intensive care unit before discharge with follow-up. The purpose of this case report is to alert clinicians of TAD after CABG and highlight the importance of developing a protocol for follow-up and monitoring of patients who have undergone CABG, as complications can be asymptomatic. Early and accurate diagnosis of TAD as a complication of CABG is essential to improving survival rates.

Thoracic Aortic Rupture Post Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Patient With Previous Thoracic Aneurysm Repair.

Aortic dissection is characterized by a tear or rupture in the intimal layer of the aorta causing blood to flow between the layers of the arterial wall, thus separating them. While cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving intervention, it can unintentionally contribute to the development or worsening of aortic dissection. The forceful chest compressions involved in CPR can put significant pressure on the fragile aortic wall, potentially leading to a tear or rupture. This highlights the delicate balance between life-saving measures and the potential risks they carry. Though studies have been done on the effects of CPR on the thoracic wall, few reports have studied the effects on the structures that lie in the thoracic cavity. The authors present a 63-year-old with a history of thoracic aneurysm repair who experienced a cardiac arrest while choking on food at home. The patient received CPR and a CT scan done thereafter revealed thoracic dissection and rupture. The patient received medical management in the Intensive Care Unit but eventually expired due to irreversible neurological damage. This highlights the importance of recognizing that CPR can pose a risk for aortic dissection and rupture, particularly in individuals with prior aortic repairs. It emphasizes the need for developing protocols to monitor patients who have undergone aneurysmal repair and adjusting CPR techniques to suit their specific needs. Additionally, further studies are needed to understand how often aortic complications occur after CPR and to provide guidance for follow-up care in patients who have had aortic repairs. By implementing these measures, we can improve outcomes and safety during resuscitation.

A Rare Case of Myocarditis After the First Dose of Moderna Vaccine in a Patient With Two Previous COVID-19 Infections.

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the cardiac muscle caused by a variety of factors ranging from infections to autoimmune diseases. Most cases of vaccine-induced myocarditis occur after the second dose of vaccination; however, a few cases have been reported following the first dose of vaccination with or without previous coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. A case of myocarditis occurring about three weeks after the first dose of the Moderna vaccine has been reported in a patient with one previous COVID-19 infection. However, there have not been any documented cases of myocarditis after the first dose of the Moderna vaccine in a patient with two prior COVID-19 infections. Our index patient had already experienced two COVID-19 infections in the past and was diagnosed with myocarditis eight hours after receiving the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The susceptibility to developing this likely stems from the possible production of antibodies to the viral antigen from previous COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, the fact that our patient developed symptoms eight hours after receiving the vaccine suggests a possible additive effect of antibodies produced from the two previous COVID-19 infections. This case report suggests that individuals repeatedly infected with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of myocarditis following the administration of the Moderna vaccine.

Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Inpatient Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Background Though multiple myeloma (MM) patients have been reported to have the highest risk of atrial fibrillation compared to other cancer patients, studies are lacking on the impact of atrial fibrillation on health outcomes in this population. In this study, we examined the impact of atrial fibrillation on inpatient outcomes among hospitalized patients with MM. Methodology Retrospective cohort analyses were conducted using National Inpatient Sample data from 2016 to 2018. Descriptive analyses were performed to explore the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among MM patients. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the association between atrial fibrillation and inpatient all-cause mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges among hospitalized patients with MM. Results Overall, 13.1% of the patients reported having atrial fibrillation. MM patients with atrial fibrillation had 1.2 times (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.29) higher odds of inpatient all-cause mortality when compared to those without atrial fibrillation. They were also 1.3 times (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.23-1.35) more likely to have a length of stay of more than five days relative to five days or less. Additionally, MM patients with atrial fibrillation had $8,020 (95% CI = $5,495.2-$10,546.3) higher hospital costs when compared to their counterparts without atrial fibrillation. Stratified results by the use of anticoagulation further showed that MM patients who were not using anticoagulation had bad health outcomes, reporting higher odds of inpatient all-cause mortality (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.25-1.57), a longer length of hospital stay of more than five days (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.36-1.53), and total hospital charges (ß = $14,772.5; 95% CI = $11,467.8-$18,077.3). Conclusions Our findings stress the need for monitoring and possible screening to detect atrial fibrillation in MM patients as anticoagulation helps improve mortality in these patients. Medication reconciliation remains a key component of hospital admissions/discharges and may help in decreasing the length of stay and healthcare costs.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in a Patient With Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Novel Approach.

Subdural hematoma is a type of brain bleed characterized by the accumulation of blood beneath the dura matter. It usually occurs as a sequela of a traumatic event or following the use of antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants. The clinical presentation may include symptoms like headache, confusion, ataxia, and hemiparesis. However, it may even be asymptomatic, especially in the elderly population. The presence of subdural hematoma is a relative contraindication to antiplatelet therapy because of the associated risk of worsening bleeding. Hence, acute coronary syndrome or conditions requiring antiplatelet therapy presents a management dilemma when they coexist with subdural hematoma. This paper reports a case of successful use of dual antiplatelets post percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with spontaneous chronic subdural hematoma. Our patient had a history of coronary artery disease six months prior to stent placement and was on dual antiplatelet therapy. He developed a headache some months later and his neurologist, on evaluating him, made a diagnosis of subdural hematoma, evident on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. His antiplatelet therapy was discontinued, and he subsequently had a bilateral middle meningeal artery embolization. Following the procedure, a left heart catheterization was done with appropriate interventions for acute coronary syndrome diagnosed at the time of presentation. He was later discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy, followed up on outpatient at scheduled intervals, and was found stable. This case report suggests that individuals with chronic subdural hematoma who may require antiplatelet therapy can still go on to receive the medication after undergoing a bilateral middle meningeal artery embolization. More observational studies are needed to make this the standard of care.