Vein of Marshall alcohol ablation for dormant pulmonary vein conduction: A case report.

We report a case of alcohol ablation into a vein of Marshall for recurrent dormant conduction into the pulmonary veins with adenosine testing in a patient where two prior ablation attempts failed to isolate the left vein.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pulmonary Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) disproportionately affects women, presenting challenges during pregnancy. Historically, patients with PH are advised to avoid pregnancy; however, recent reports have indicated that the incidence of adverse events in pregnant patients with PH may be lower than previously reported. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in pregnant patients with PH using the National Readmission Database from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. PH was categorized according to the World Health Organization classification. Primary end points include maternal mortality and 30-day nonelective readmission rate. Other adverse short-term maternal (cardiovascular and obstetric) and fetal outcomes were also analyzed. Of 9,922,142 pregnant women, 3,532 (0.04%) had PH, with Group 1 PH noted in 1,833 (51.9%), Group 2 PH in 676 (19.1%), Group 3 PH in 604 (17.1%), Group 4 PH in 23 (0.7%), Group 5 PH in 98 (2.8%), and multifactorial PH in 298 (8.4%). PH patients exhibited higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events (15.7% vs 0.3% without PH, p <0.001) and mortality (0.9% vs 0.01% without PH, p <0.001). Mixed PH and Group 2 PH had the highest prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events in the World Health Organization PH groups. Patients with PH had a significantly higher nonelective 30-day readmission rate (10.4% vs 2.3%) and maternal adverse obstetric events (24.2% vs 9.1%) compared with those without PH (p <0.001) (Figure 1). In conclusion, pregnant women with PH had significantly higher adverse event rates, including in-hospital maternal mortality (85-fold), compared with those without PH.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin [hs-cTn] as a Valuable Biomarker for Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Stratification: A Contemporary Review of the Literature.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can lead to cardiac failure, thereby significantly affecting life expectancy and quality of life. Due to inadequate disease surveillance and risk assessment, clinical challenges persist despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to review the potential of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) as a biomarker for predicting outcomes in PH patients. Methods: A thorough examination of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted through March 2023. Studies involving adult PH patients and hsTn as a prognostic indicator of outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, and disease progression were included, after screening their titles and abstracts. Two independent evaluators extracted data, with the quality assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Results: This review uncovered eight studies that examined the prognostic value of hs-cTn in PH patients. Higher hs-cTn levels were associated with increased mortality and hospitalization rates, according to the studies. The severity of PH, cardiac dysfunction, right ventricular function, and systolic dysfunction were associated with hs-cTn. Multiple studies have demonstrated that hsTn has the potential to identify high-risk PH patients who could benefit from targeted therapies and increased clinical monitoring. Conclusions: This review suggests that hsTn may be a biomarker for PH risk stratification and prognosis. Across PH subtypes, elevated hsTn levels predict poor outcomes. However, large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm hs-cTn's function in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension and determine its potential value in treatment.

A Rare Case of Autopsy Proven Achromobacter xylosoxidans Endocarditis Involving Tricuspid Valve: A Case Report.

Infective endocarditis refers to infection of one or more valves of the heart, with Achromobacter xylosoxidans (A. xylosoxidans) being a rare cause. So far, 24 cases of A. xylosoxidans endocarditis were reported, with only one case describing tricuspid valvular involvement. Despite the rarity of A. xylosoxidans endocarditis, it is important for clinicians to be aware of atypical presentation and the high mortality associated with it. We present an autopsy-proven case of tricuspid valve endocarditis in the setting of A. xylosoxidans bacteremia in a 43-year-old female.

Known Unknowns in the Contemporary Management of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: What Do the Guidelines Tell Us.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition with increasing hospital admissions. Prompt identification and treatment of PE patients with hemodynamic collapse are essential. Conflicting recommendations and weak evidence hinder effective management of PE, resulting in unchanged mortality rates despite advancements in therapies. Current risk stratification lacks granularity, necessitating a more detailed classification to guide treatment, predict outcomes, and improve patient selection for clinical trials. This article reviews clinical practice guidelines from major North American and European societies, emphasizing the need for more research and guidance to improve mortality and morbidity outcomes in PE.

The vicious cycle of BRASH syndrome: A case report.

First described in 2016, BRASH syndrome is an underreported clinical entity characterized by bradycardia, renal dysfunction, atrioventricular nodal blockade (AVNB), shock, and hyperkalemia. The recognition of BRASH syndrome as a clinical entity is crucial for early and effective management. Patients with BRASH syndrome present with symptomatic bradycardia that is resistant to treatment with standard agents such as atropine. In this report, we present the case of a 67-year-old male patient who presented with symptomatic bradycardia with an ultimate diagnosis of BRASH syndrome. We also shed light on predisposing factors and challenges encountered during the management of affected patients.

Delayed presentation of biopsy-proven eosinophilic myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

Myopericarditis associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has been recognized as an uncommon adverse reaction, especially among young, healthy adult males. Eosinophilic myocarditis is a rare form of inflammation reflecting a hypersensitivity reaction following an inciting event commonly caused by drugs including vaccines. Eosinophilic myocarditis, a subtype of myocarditis, is characterized by eosinophilic myocardial infiltrates. It is usually accompanied by systemic eosinophilia in the form of a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome and is rarely associated with myocyte fibrosis and/or necrosis. In this report, we present a case of biopsy-proven eosinophilic myocarditis in a 24-year-old male patient, likely secondary to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe delayed eosinophilic myocarditis following the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Clinicians should be aware of possible delayed presentation to avoid associated morbidity.

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Procedural Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in adults with congenital heart disease are not well described. METHODS: In a retrospective study of adult patients with congenital heart disease who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation between 2000 and 2020 at Mayo Clinic, procedural characteristics and outcomes were collected. The primary outcomes were atrial arrhythmia (AA) recurrence following a 3-month blanking period and repeat ablation. An arrhythmia clinical severity score was assessed pre- and post-ablation based on the duration of arrhythmia episodes, symptoms, cardioversion frequency, and antiarrhythmic drug use. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five patients (age, 57±12 years; 28% female; 63% paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) underwent 198 ablations with a median follow-up of 26 months (interquartile range, 14-69). One hundred ten, 26, and 9 patients had simple, moderate, and complex congenital heart disease, respectively. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation, and non-pulmonary vein targets were ablated in 79 (54%). AA recurrence at 12 months was 37% (95% CI, 29%-45%). On univariate analysis, increasing left atrial volume index was associated with higher odds of AA recurrence (odds ratio, 1.03 [1.00-1.06] per 1 mL/m2 increment; P=0.05). Noninducibility of atrial flutter was predictive of decreased odds of AA recurrence (odds ratio, 0.43 [0.21-0.90]; P=0.03). A second ablation was performed in 43 patients after a median of 20 (interquartile range, 8-37) months. Arrhythmia clinical severity scores improved following ablation, reflecting a decrease in symptoms, cardioversions, and antiarrhythmic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is feasible and effective in patients with adult congenital heart disease and reduces symptoms. Recurrence of AA frequently requires repeat ablation.

A Rare Case of Colo-Colonic Intussusception Caused by Colonic Submucosal Lipoma.

Unlike in infancy, where intussusception is an abdominal emergency, diagnosis of intussusception could be tricky in adults as most of these patients present sub-acutely with vague abdominal symptoms. Early diagnosis could impact these patients significantly in decreasing morbidity and mortality along with reduction in healthcare expenses. Colo-colonic intussusception is rare and accounts for less than 20% of adult intussusception. More than 50% of adult intussusception is caused by mass-like lesions. In such cases, this could be an early presentation of malignant intestinal lesions. Abdominal CT is mandatory in all adult patients; when combined with ultrasound, it has 95.5% accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis. Here we report a case of a 42-year-old female who presented with a two-month history of intermittent abdominal pain; a CT abdomen revealed colo-colonic intussusception which was initially missed on prior imaging. We discuss the importance of considering intussusception as a rare differential of abdominal pain, the need for early diagnosis, and the role of colonoscopy and non-surgical management in adults.

Isolated Splenic Infarction: An Initial Manifestation of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Splenic infarction is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. In this article, we present a case of isolated splenic infarction presenting with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and with associated generalized weakness. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis with contrast revealed multiple splenic infarctions of the entire lower pole with occlusion of the branch splenic arteries, while CT abdomen without contrast was unremarkable. Etiology was later revealed to be thromboembolism secondary to atrial fibrillation. It was managed with anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the second case of splenic infarction presenting as an initial manifestation of atrial fibrillation (AF), reported in the literature.

Arrhythmias Associated with Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias associated with inflammatory cardiomyopathies. RECENT FINDINGS: Inflammatory cardiomyopathies are increasingly recognized as the etiology of both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. There have been recent studies providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of arrhythmias in inflammatory cardiomyopathies and exploring the role of various diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. SUMMARY: Patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathies often present with one or more arrhythmias, including atrioventricular block, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and occasionally sudden cardiac death. Given dynamic pathophysiology and heterogeneous presentation, the management of arrhythmias in these patients presents unique challenges. We review the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias in this challenging cohort of patients with an emphasis on cardiac sarcoidosis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version of this article (10.1007/s11936-020-00871-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.