Exploring the Heart Failure Connection in Long COVID Patients: A Narrative Review.

In this narrative review, we explore the relationship between long COVID patients and their risk of developing heart failure (HF). Patients with long COVID face a heightened risk of HF, a critical cardiovascular complication linked to the prolonged effects of COVID-19. Clinical manifestations of long COVID-associated HF present diagnostic challenges, complicating patient management. Multidisciplinary care is essential to address these complexities effectively. We found that long COVID can result in various cardiovascular issues including HF. The current view is long COVID leads to HF by activating systemic inflammation by causing endothelial dysfunction, which leads to activation of the complement pathways, tissue factor pathways, and Von Willebrand factor; activation of all these factors leads to venous and arterial thrombosis, which could lead to clogging of blood vessel of the heart leading to cardiovascular complications. The association between long COVID and HF can be challenging despite being recognized as comorbidity because biomarkers are not dependable in determining whether a patient had HF before or after contracting COVID-19. Emerging therapeutic modalities offer hope for improving outcomes, but further research is needed to refine management strategies and mitigate long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: An Updated Comprehensive Review.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is defined as a non-iatrogenic, non-traumatic separation of the coronary artery wall, which has gained considerable recognition as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome. Despite the emerging evidence, it is still frequently missed and requires a high index of suspicion, as failure to accurately identify SCAD promptly could prove fatal. SCAD is most prevalent among middle-aged women, although it can also be found in men and postmenopausal women. Risk factors of SCAD include exogenous hormone use, physical and emotional stressors, pregnancy, and several inflammatory and connective tissue disorders. COVID-19 also contributes to the prevalence of SCAD. SCAD is classified into four main types based on the angiographic findings - type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4. The gold standard for diagnosis is coronary angiography; however, intracardiac imaging is useful if diagnostic doubts persist. Despite the increasing recognition of this disease, there is a paucity in the guidelines on the management of SCAD. Management may be conservative, medical, or interventional. Cardiac rehabilitation is also necessary in the management of patients with SCAD. In light of the gaps in evidence, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature, outlining the pathophysiology, classification, and, most importantly, the evidence and pitfalls circulating diagnosis, acute, and long-term management of SCAD.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Induced by Stress From Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and a Mechanical Fall.

Named after the Japanese octopus trap, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an acute myocardial condition characterized by a reversible ventricular dysfunction with ballooning of the left ventricle (LV) during systole. A catecholamine surge is likely the primary mechanism responsible for myocardial damage in this condition. The association between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has not been well established. We present a unique case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy diagnosed in a patient with ALS who presented after a fall with shortness of breath, generalized weakness, and hypotension. She was found to have troponinemia, elevated brain natriuretic peptide, and Osborn waves without ST-segment changes noted on electrocardiography (EKG). The diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was confirmed via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which revealed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, apical ballooning of the LV, akinesis of the ventricular apex, and hyperkinesis of the base of the heart. Coronary angiography revealed no coronary artery disease. She was managed medically and was hemodynamically stable at the time of discharge.

Eruptive Xanthomas Precipitated by Severe Hypertriglyceridemia From Diabetes and Alcohol Use.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a common abnormality found in patients in the clinical setting. Severe hypertriglyceridemia may manifest phenotypically as eruptive xanthomas, which are red or yellow papules found on the skin, most commonly on extensor surfaces and buttocks. We present a case of severe hypertriglyceridemia in a patient found in the outpatient setting, which manifested as eruptive xanthomas in his posterior upper arms, back, buttocks, axilla, and legs. Laboratory testing of his lipid profile revealed extremely high triglyceride levels, and the patient was immediately referred to the nearest hospital where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). He was promptly managed with a low-fat diet, anti-hypertriglyceridemic agents, and insulin infusion, with a dramatic reduction in triglyceride levels. He subsequently underwent a skin biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of eruptive xanthoma. Rapid reduction in triglyceride levels is instrumental in the prevention of complications, most notably, acute pancreatitis. This article highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for recognition of the signs and symptoms of severe hypertriglyceridemia, as well as the different management options available for the control of triglyceride levels and the prevention of complications.

Unmasking the Silent Intruder: A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection continues to pose a diagnostic dilemma in the evaluation of patients with chest pain. Our case discusses its manifestation in a male patient who visited the emergency department complaining of recent-onset chest pain. Evaluation of his chest pain through coronary angiography revealed luminal radiolucency corresponding to type 1 spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). The patient was promptly managed using medical interventions until stability was achieved and referred to cardiac rehabilitation care with close follow-up. In our literary contribution, we present a fascinating diagnosis, potentially life-threatening, observed in an otherwise active and healthy male patient. Notably, this diagnosis is uncommon in the male population. Through this study, we aimed to shed light on understanding, awareness, and clinical recognition of SCAD, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Dental Infection Causing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Spinal Infection: A Case Report.

Poor dentition as a source of infection causing bacteremia and spinal infections (such as paraspinal abscess, and discitis) should be considered even in the absence of recent dental surgery. The case presents a patient found to have an infection in the cervical and thoracic spine, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, and poor dentition. Although the patient had a history of drug use, he denied a history of intravenous drug use. He had Crohn's disease that resulted in periodontal and endodontal tooth disease. The patient was found to have poor dentition with erythematous gums. He had not been to the dentist in over 24 years and had active dental caries. Since he presented with bacteremia and a spinal infection, it is likely the patient had an infection in the oral cavity that spread hematogenously to the blood, and then the spine. This report highlights the importance of considering tooth infections as the source of bacteremia and spinal infections.