Dual stent migration to the heart and pulmonary artery.

The practice of intravascular stenting largely grew out of the concept of stenting the coronaries in acute myocardial infarction. According to the recent United States Renal Data System data registry, there has been a significant increase in endovascular intervention (1.8-fold increase-from 52,380 to 98,148) with a 2.2-fold increase in stent deployment in hemodialysis access (3792-8514). With the increasing use of endovascular stents in the management of dialysis access stenosis, the incidence of stent-related complications has increased significantly. Stent-related complications include stent restenosis, thrombosis (narrowing of the vessel lumen and being a nidus for thombus formation), stent shortening, stent fracture, stent infection, and stent migration. Physiologic variation in the diameter of veins due to respiration, which along with the geometry of the stent, can lead to a shortening lengthening of the stent-resulting in poor wall contact or high-speed impact of shock; in the case of trauma, mechanical bucking can result in tortuous blood vessels thereby resulting in stent migration (however proving this association was not the aim of this article). We report a case of a 44-year-old female with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, with stent placement to treat a compromised arteriovenous graft. There have been many cases of stent migration in the past; however, this is the first case of dual stent migration to the heart and pulmonary artery from an unusual (lower extremity) arteriovenous graft location.

Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.

Massive pulmonary embolism has a high mortality rate despite advances in diagnosis and therapy. This article attempts to review the evidence-based risk stratification, diagnosis, initial stabilization, and management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: evaluation and management.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis consists of a group of diseases resulting from inhalation of organic particles causing an immunopathological reaction of the lungs in susceptible individuals. The diagnosis requires a detailed and careful history that would include social, environmental, and occupational status, pulmonary function tests, serum precipitins, bronchoalveolar lavage, imaging, and lung biopsy. Early recognition and avoidance of the causative agent is important although the use of corticosteroids hastens improvement of symptoms.

Evaluation and management of cough.

Cough is the most common complaint for which patients seek outpatient medical attention. Usually a minor irritant, it can occasionally be caused by a serious underlying process, and healthcare providers should be diligent in their evaluation. Symptom duration and the particular response to treatment options help identify the etiology of the cough.

Hemoptysis in a patient with tracheopathia osteochondroplasia.

Tracheopathia osteochondroplasia is a rare slowly progressive benign disease of unknown etiology characterized by submucosal nodules protruding in the airway. Most patients are asymptomatic but with progression of disease, symptoms of cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, wheezing, hoarseness, and rarely airway compromise have been reported. Management is symptomatic with control of cough, prophylaxis with antibiotics, and rarely surgery.

Prevalence of use of cardiovascular drugs in 499 patients with suspected coronary artery disease at time of hospitalization for coronary angiography and in 357 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease documented by coronary angiography.

In a prospective study of 499 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) hospitalized for coronary angiography, the prevalence of use of cardiovascular drugs at hospital admission was 80% for antiplatelet drugs, 66% for beta blockers, 55% for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), 65% for lipid-lowering drugs, 24% for calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and 16% for nitrates. In 357 patients with obstructive CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography, the prevalence of use of these drugs at hospital discharge was 100% for antiplatelet drugs, 97% for beta blockers, 91% for ACE inhibitors or ARBs, 98% for lipid-lowering drugs, 17% for CCBs, and 27% for nitrates. Obstructive CAD was significantly more prevalent in men (P < 0.025), in cigarette smokers (P < 0.01), and in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001). Age, race, body mass index, and neck circumference were not significantly different for patients with versus without obstructive CAD.

Association of lung volumes with nocturnal oxygen saturation in obese persons: a possible role for therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure.

We investigated the association among obesity, nocturnal oxygen saturation, and pulmonary function in 31 obese women and 17 obese men scheduled for bariatric surgery who underwent nocturnal polysomnography and pulmonary function testing. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant association between expiratory reserve volume percent and average oxygen saturation (P = 0.027), between body mass index and lowest oxygen saturation (P = 0.034), and between body mass index and average oxygen saturation (P = 0.039). The mean age, body mass index, expiratory reserve volume percent, and functional residual capacity percent were not significantly different between obese women and men. The lowest oxygen saturation was 80 +/- 10% in obese women and 62 +/- 19% in obese men (P = 0.001). The average oxygen saturation was 88 +/- 5% in obese women and 83 +/- 6% in obese men (P = 0.005) Therapeutic nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure may have a role by improving ventilation-perfusion matching and thereby improving nocturnal oxygen saturation in these patients.

Prevalence of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in persons with systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease and in persons with systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, and no peripheral arterial disease.

Echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was present in 120 of 160 patients (75%) (mean age 72 +/- 8 years) with systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and in 43 of 94 age- and gender-matched patients (46%) with systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, and no PAD (p<0.001). Echocardiographic LV hypertrophy was present in 63 of 68 patients with PAD (93%) with ankle-brachial indexes (ABIs) of <0.60 and in 57 of 92 patients (62%) with ABIs of 0.60 to 0.89 (p<0.001).

Association of reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity with moderate or severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in obese persons.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the association of reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D(LCO)) with moderate or severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in obese persons. DESIGN: We investigated the association of D(LCO) with LVDD in 105 patients with a mean +/- SD body mass index of 49 +/- 5 kg/m2. An abnormal D(LCO) was < 80%. LVDD was investigated by Doppler and by tissue Doppler echocardiography. The Doppler echocardiographic data were analyzed blindly without knowledge of the clinical characteristics or whether the D(LCO) was normal or abnormal. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: The 105 patients included 19 men and 86 women (mean age, 45 +/- 9 years). RESULTS: An abnormal D(LCO) was present in 62 of 105 patients (59%). Moderate or severe LVDD was present in 35 of 105 patients (33%). Moderate or severe LVDD was present in 25 of 62 patients (40%) with an abnormal D(LCO) and in 10 of 43 patients (23%) with a normal D(LCO) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Obese patients with a decreased D(LCO) have an increased prevalence of moderate or severe LVDD.

Role of the 12-lead electrocardiogram in diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

We investigated the role of the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to improve the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism before performing computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography. A retrospective chart analysis was performed on patients who underwent CT pulmonary angiography at a tertiary care hospital during a 30-month period. Comparison of 15 ECG parameters was made between those with CT pulmonary angiograms positive for pulmonary embolism and a matched control group with negative CT pulmonary angiograms. Data were analyzed by chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Sinus tachycardia (39% vs. 24%, P <0.01), an S1 Q3 T3 pattern (12% vs. 3%, P <0.01), atrial tachyarrhythmias (15% vs. 4%, P <0.005), a Q wave in lead III (40% vs. 26%, P <0.02), and a Q3 T3 pattern (8% vs. 1%, P <0.02) were the findings significantly associated with pulmonary embolism. We conclude that 1) standard 12-lead ECG findings can increase the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism before performing CT pulmonary angiography; and that 2) the ECG findings have relatively low likelihood ratios to have clinical use.

Prevalence of increased cardiac troponin I levels in patients with and without acute pulmonary embolism and relation of increased cardiac troponin I levels with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Cardiac troponin I levels were increased in 24 of 147 patients (16%) with documented acute pulmonary embolism and in 20 of 594 patients (3%) without pulmonary embolism (p <0.001). In patients with acute pulmonary embolisms, 8 of 24 (33%) with increased cardiac troponin I levels and 9 of 123 (7%) with normal cardiac troponin I levels died during hospitalization (p <0.001).

Open pulmonary embolectomy for treatment of major pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate data exist regarding the management of acute major pulmonary embolism. Various modalities that are used, including thrombolytics and embolectomy, have not been shown to conclusively improve mortality when compared to heparin. In the past, open pulmonary embolectomy was reserved for patients with severe hemodynamic instability because of its high mortality rate. Our objective was to analyze our experience with early embolectomy as an alternative for the treatment of major pulmonary embolism. METHODS: A retrospective review of charts of all patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy at our institution over the last two years was performed. Patients were followed until their discharge from hospital. RESULTS: There were 13 patients (7 women and 6 men). Four had massive and 9 had submassive pulmonary embolism. There was one mortality. Postoperative echocardiography showed no evidence of pulmonary hypertension in 7. CONCLUSIONS: Open pulmonary embolectomy can be performed in patients with major pulmonary embolism with minimal mortality and morbidity. It may prevent the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and should be a part of the algorithm in the treatment of major pulmonary embolism.

Can echocardiographically estimated pulmonary arterial elastance be a non-invasive predictor of pulmonary vascular resistance?

INTRODUCTION: Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is essential in evaluating a patient with pulmonary hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from right heart catheterization (RHC) and echocardiograms performed within 90 days of each other on 45 non-consecutive adult patients were reviewed in this retrospective study. Patients were recruited using an assortment of strategies to ensure the presence of patients with a wide range of PVR. RESULTS: The linear regression equation between RHC-derived PVR and echocardiographic pulmonary arterial elastance (PAE) was: PVR = (562.6 × PAE) - 38.9 (R = 0.56, p < 0.0001). An adjustment for echocardiographic PAE was made by multiplying it by hemoglobin (in g/dl) and (right atrial area)(1.5) (in cm(3)). As RHC-derived PVR varies with blood hemoglobin, an adjustment for PVR was made for hemoglobin of 12 g/dl. Visualization of the XY scatter plot of adjusted PVR and adjusted PAE isolated a subset of patients with PVR higher than 8.8 Wood units, where a strong linear relationship existed (adjusted PVR = (0.89 × adjusted PAE) + 137.4, R = 0.89, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The correlation coefficient of the regression equation connecting echocardiographic PAE and RHC-derived PVR was moderate. In a subset of patients with very high PVR and after appropriate adjustment, a strong linear relationship existed with an excellent correlation coefficient.

Operationalizing the internal medicine milestones-an early status report.

BACKGROUND: The internal medicine milestones were developed to advance outcomes-based residency training and will play an important role in the next accreditation system. INNOVATION: As an element of our program's participation in the internal medicine educational innovations project, we implemented a milestones-based evaluation process in our general medicine and pulmonary-critical care rotations on July 1, 2010. MEASURES: Outcomes assessed included survey-rated acceptability to participating faculty, residents, and clinical competency committee members. RESULTS: Faculty and residents agreed that the milestones promoted a common understanding of what knowledge, skills, and attitudes should be displayed at particular points in residents' professional development and enhanced evaluators' ability to provide specific performance feedback. Most residents and faculty members agreed that the milestones promoted fairness and uniformity in the evaluation process. Clinical competency committee members agreed the milestones improved the quality of information available for deliberations and resulted in more uniform promotion standards. Faculty rated the use of too many milestones per form/tool at a mean of 7.3 (where 1 was minimally problematic, and 10 was maximally problematic) and the potential for evaluator fatigue (mean, 8.2) as the most significant challenges to the use of milestones. Eight of 12 faculty members would recommend milestones in other programs; 4 were uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Despite logistical challenges, educators and trainees found that milestones promoted a common understanding of what knowledge, skills and attitudes should be displayed at particular stages of training; permitted greater specificity in performance feedback; and enhanced uniformity and fairness in promotion decisions.

Management of massive and nonmassive pulmonary embolism.

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is characterized by systemic hypotension (defined as a systolic arterial pressure < 90 mm Hg or a drop in systolic arterial pressure of at least 40 mm Hg for at least 15 min which is not caused by new onset arrhythmias) or shock (manifested by evidence of tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, including an altered level of consciousness, oliguria, or cool, clammy extremities). Massive pulmonary embolism has a high mortality rate despite advances in diagnosis and therapy. A subgroup of patients with nonmassive PE who are hemodynamically stable but with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction or hypokinesis confirmed by echocardiography is classified as submassive PE. Their prognosis is different from that of others with non-massive PE and normal RV function. This article attempts to review the evidence-based risk stratification, diagnosis, initial stabilization, and management of massive and nonmassive pulmonary embolism.

Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity: An unusual response to steroids.

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone, class III anti-arrhythmic was originally introduced to treat angina pectoris, was later approved by FDA in 1985 for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. Despite its anti-arrhythmic properties, amiodarone is associated with side effects such as thyroid dysfunction, corneal deposits, bluish skin discoloration, neuropathy and pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT) is one of the most serious side effect thus limiting its use. CASE REPORT: We encountered a 66 year old male with early onset AIPT who presented with dyspnea and chest imaging revealed extensive ground-glass opacities throughout lung parenchyma with rapid resolution of these opacities in a week following treatment with corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: There have been few case reports of AIPT with complete resolution of ground glass opacities on treatment with corticosteroids, but none demonstrated a rapid response to corticosteroids. Heath care providers should withdraw amiodarone at the earliest suspicion (as illustrated in our case); any delay can potentially be fatal. This case highlights the fact that AIPT is a reversible phenomenon, provided its early recognition and treatment before fibrosis sets in This case also highlights the need to include AIPT in the differential diagnosis in any patient on amiodarone who presents with shortness of breath.

Prediction of moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension by main pulmonary artery diameter and main pulmonary artery diameter/ascending aorta diameter in pulmonary embolism.

We investigated the accuracy of computed tomographic measurements of main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) and of MPAD/ascending aorta diameter (AAD) in predicting moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension in 190 patients with acute pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary artery systolic pressure of > or = 50 mm Hg measured by Doppler echocardiography was considered moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension. A MPAD of > 28.6 mm and a MPAD/AAD ratio of > or = 1.00 measured by computed tomography were considered abnormal. A MPAD of > 28.6 mm had a 75% sensitivity and specificity, a 52% positive predictive value, a 89% negative predictive value, a 3.0 likelihood ratio for a positive test, and a 0.33 likelihood ratio for a negative test in predicting moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension. A MPAD/AAD ratio of > or = 1.00 had a 59% sensitivity, a 82% specificity, a 55% positive predictive value, a 84% negative predictive value, a 3.3 likelihood ratio for a positive test, and a 0.50 likelihood ratio for a negative test.

Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in persons with and without obstructive sleep apnea.

We investigated the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in persons with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fifty-three persons had a nocturnal polysomnogram to diagnose OSA and 2-dimensional echocardiograms to measure left ventricular mass. OSA was considered mild if the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 5 to 15, moderate if the RDI was 15 to 30, and severe if the RDI was >30. LVH was diagnosed if the left ventricular mass index was >110 g/m in women and >134 g/m in men. LVH was present in 21 of 27 persons (78%) with moderate or severe OSA, in 6 of 13 persons (46%) with mild OSA, and in 3 of 13 persons (23%) with no OSA (P < 0.001 comparing moderate or severe OSA with no OSA and P < 0.05 comparing moderate or severe OSA with mild OSA). OSA was a significant independent predictor of LVH after controlling the confounding effects of hypertension with an odds ratio of 3.579 (95% confidence interval, 1.589-8.058).

Efficacy of unfractionated heparin for thromboembolism prophylaxis in medical patients.

A common mode of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in medical inpatients is unfractionated heparin 5000 U subcutaneously (s.q.) twice daily. We examined the evidence in favor of using this dose of heparin in this group of patients. MEDLINE was searched for studies using the words deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis and heparin. All randomized controlled trials comparing heparin and placebo or heparin and a low molecular weight heparin were used. Relative risk was 0.4 (95% confidence interval 0.22-0.73) in studies comparing heparin 5000 U s.q. b.i.d. with placebo. Relative risk was 0.28 (95% confidence interval 0.21-0.38) in studies comparing heparin 5000 units s.q. t.i.d. versus placebo. In studies comparing unfractionated heparin with enoxaparin relative risk was 1.42 (95% confidence interval 0.99-2.05). Heparin 5000 U s.q. b.i.d. is less efficacious than low molecular weight heparins and unfractionated heparin 5000 U s.q. t.i.d.

Prevalence of moderate or severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in obese persons with obstructive sleep apnea.

We investigated prior to gastric bypass surgery the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) by Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography in 14 obese women and in 6 obese men, mean age 45 years, with a mean body mass index of 49+/-5 kg/m2 who had nocturnal polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiographic data were analyzed blindly without knowledge of the clinical characteristics or whether OSA was present or absent. Of 20 patients, 8 (40%) had no OSA, 4 (20%) had mild OSA, and 8 (40%) had moderate or severe OSA. Moderate or severe LVDD was present in 4 of 8 patients (50%) with moderate or severe OSA and in none of 12 patients (0%) with no or mild OSA (p<0.01). Obese patients with moderate or severe OSA have a higher prevalence of moderate or severe LVDD than obese patients with no or mild OSA.