Snaring Technique for Removal of Entrapped Coronary Guidewire in the Left Anterior Descending Artery.

A 68-year-old female underwent coronary angiogram which was complicated by guidewire entrapment in a deployed left anterior descending (LAD) artery stent that extended into the aorta. Snare loop technique was utilized to retrieve the entrapped guidewire and LAD stent with successful deployment of a new stent. Snaring technique is a unique method for percutaneous extraction and can be utilized with whole stent removal along with the guidewire. This technique, as outlined in our case, can be a safe and effective approach.

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

Amyloidosis is an infiltrative disease with severe impact on the cardiac anatomy resulting in structural changes1. Mitral valve insult from the infiltrative process, although rare, has been known to cause severe mitral regurgitation4. Due to underlying comorbidities these patients may not be surgical candidates.17,18,19,20 The role of percutaneous mitral valve repair in cardiac amyloidosis has been described in a few prior cases.4,15 We review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. We also highlight prior cases described in the literature of cardiac amyloidosis and severe mitral regurgitation, while discussing the role of percutaneous mitral valve repair in these patients.

Outcomes With sGC Therapy in Patients With HFpEF: A Meta-Analysis of Prior Trials.

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agents have been shown to have possible beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. Unfortunately, the role of sGC in HFpEF has not been shown to be efficacious based on recent trials. The CAPACITY HFpEF and VITALITY-HFpEF trials independently showed that sGC does not improve 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance or the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) physical limitation score (PLS). The objective of this study was to analyze current data on the 6MWT and KCCQ PLS score from trials that included patients with HFpEF treated with sGC. Using MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, meta-analysis and systematic review was performed looking at data in the CAPACITY HFpEF and VITALITY-HFpEF trials.  For safety analysis we evaluated serious adverse events between the CAPACITY HFpEF, VITALITY-HFpEF, SOCRATES-PRESERVED, and DILATE-1trials. A total of 2 trials were analyzed to assess 6MWT and KCCQ score. The total number of combined patients from both trials assessing 6MWT distance in sGC vs placebo therapy were 620 with 309 in the treatment group and 311 in the placebo group. The total number of combined patients from both trials assessing KCCQ score outcomes were 583 with 280 in the treatment group and 303 in the placebo group. A total of 4 trials were evaluated for safety analysis with a total of 987 patients with 529 in the treatment group and 458 in the placebo group. The analysis did not demonstrate significant difference in 6MWT (P = 0.97), KCCQ PLS (P = 0.83), or serious adverse events (P = 0.67).

Comparison of Coronary Artery Involvement and Mortality in STEMI Patients With and Without SARS-CoV-2 During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular injury with SARS-CoV-2 infection is well known. Several studies have outlined baseline characteristics in patients presenting with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2. Paucity in data exists in selective coronary involvement in patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A systematic search and meta-analysis of studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria obtained from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed utilizing PRISMA criteria. The main outcome was likelihood of coronary artery involvement among patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 versus without SARS-CoV-2. The primary adverse outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The final analysis included 5 observational studies with a total of 2,266 patients. There was no statistical significance in LM (OR 1.40; 95% CI: 0.68, 2.90), LAD (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.83, 1.43), LCX (OR 1.17; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.85), or RCA (OR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.30, 1.17) disease among the 2 groups. LAD disease was the most prevalent coronary involvement among patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 (49.6%). Higher in-hospital mortality was observed in the STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 group (OR 5.24; 95% CI: 3.63, 7.56). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrated no statistical significance in selective coronary involvement in patients with STEMI and SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher mortality among patients with SARS-CoV-2 and STEMI has been noted in prior studies with concerns being late presentation due to fear of infection, delayed care time, and poor resource allocation. Focus should be placed on identifying and managing comorbidities to reduce mortality.

Outcomes in Hospitalization in Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Remote Pulmonary Artery Pressure Monitoring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Major Trials.

Heart failure is a leading global pandemic and a cause of economic burden. Although, treatments exist to help symptomatic alleviation, patient compliance and monitoring is the basis of ensuring efficacy. With devices that allow for remote wireless PA pressure monitoring such as CardioMEMS, the inconsistency in patient reporting and factors such as symptoms and hospitalizations can be reduced. A systematic review and meta-analysis utilizing the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus database was performed to identify randomized and non-randomized clinical trials evaluating baseline characteristics and hospitalizations. Five trials for the systematic review and 2 trials for the meta-analysis meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Baseline characteristics included an average age of 64.6 years, male predominance, mean BMI of 29.6, predominance of HFrEF, hypertension the most prevalent comorbidity, and a mean PA pressure of 27.2 mm Hg. The follow-up periods ranged from 90 days to 12 months. There was a total of 64 adverse events, mostly non-serious. Patients who underwent remote PA monitoring were less likely to be hospitalized compared with patients who did not (Odds Ratio: 0.52; 95% Confidence Interval 0.39, 0.69). Remote PA pressure monitoring allows for reduced hospitalizations. With the recent and now resurging SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, devices such as CardioMEMS can allow for heart failure patients to be managed from home to not only reduce hospitalizations but for symptom prevention and management.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy-Associated Myocarditis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has played an important role in the treatment of several groups of cancers. Although a life prolonging treatment, many side effects have been shown with ICI therapy. This study looked at individual level clinical characteristics and outcomes with ICI therapy in patients who developed ICI-related myocarditis. A comprehensive review of the National Library of Medicine PubMed database was performed. Inclusion criteria were all studies that were composed of case reports and case series of individual patients undergoing ICI therapy that developed myocarditis. To appreciate individual patient level data, observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Our search yielded 333 results with 71 cases reviewed of ICI therapy-related myocarditis. The findings included an average age of 68 years, higher incidence in men, and pretreatment cardiac history of hypertension. Melanoma was the most prevalent malignancy with nivolumab being the most used ICI therapy. Heart failure was the most prevalent adverse event that was co-prevalent with myocarditis. Corticosteroid therapy alone was the most utilized therapy to treat ICI-related myocarditis. Mortality was seen in nearly half of the patient population. Our study reviewed the preexisting literature of prior reported myocarditis secondary to ICI therapy. Periodic surveillance should be performed by the cardio-oncologist and internist. Due to the expanding role of ICI therapy in treating a variety of cancer patients, appreciation of its impact on the development of myocarditis is needed.

Comparison of Echocardiographic Variables in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Ejection Fraction Grouped by Flow and Gradient.

The pathophysiology of severe aortic stenosis (AS) is complex with vascular, valvular, and myocardial components. To better define this process, we compared echocardiographic and clinical variables in patients with severe AS and preserved EF according to flow and gradient. We retrospectively studied the clinical and echocardiographic data of 287 patients (mean age 76 ± 11 years, 57% men) from 2012 to 2017 with severe AS (indexed aortic valve area <0.6 cm2/m2) and preserved ejection fraction (>50%). Patients were divided into 4 groups based on flow (stroke volume index < or ≥35 ml/m2) and mean aortic pressure gradient (< or ≥40 mm Hg): normal flow, high gradient (NFHG), normal flow, low gradient (NFLG), low flow, high gradient (LFHG) and low flow, low gradient (LFLG). Among patients with severe AS, 23% had NFHG, 44% had NFLG, 10% had LFHG, and 23% had LFLG. Only diabetes was marginally significantly different among the clinical variables. Aortic valve area index was largest in NFLG and smallest in LFHG (p < 0.001 for pairwise comparisons). Valvuloarterial impedance was highest in LFHG (p < 0.01 for pairwise comparisons). Systemic arterial compliance was lower and systemic vascular resistance was higher in low flow compared with normal flow groups. In conclusion, LFHG had the smallest valve area index along with markers of increased vascular resistance combined with high gradients, which suggests a unique pathophysiology in this group of severe AS patients with preserved EF.

Stress echocardiography using real-time three-dimensional imaging.

Two-dimensional (2D) stress echocardiography is well established in the assessment of patients with ischemic heart disease. However, in a number of patients, this technique results in nondiagnostic tests due to limited time available at peak stress to capture wall motion abnormalities. In order to obtain all segments of the left ventricle, the sonographer is expected to acquire multiple echocardiography views from multiple windows. The changes in heart rate during acquisition and the technical challenges in exactly matching the stress with the baseline 2D echocardiographic views may adversely impact the sensitivity of the test. Real-time three-dimensional (3D) stress echocardiography offers advantages in acquisition of all images from one echo window in a single capture, with the technique relatively easy to master. The current review will describe the 3D stress echocardiography technique, its advantages, and limitations. Additionally, the future direction of 3D stress echocardiography in detecting ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease will be discussed.

Utility of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in improved assessment of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma.

Primary cardiac tumors are exceedingly rare. They are usually first identified by transthoracic echocardiography. However, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), with the aid of real-time three-dimensional (3D) imaging, can provide additional important mass characteristics. We present a case that demonstrates the usefulness of 3D TEE in characterizing a papillary fibroelastoma.

High-intensity cardiac rehabilitation training of a firefighter after placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Firefighters who have received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are asked to retire or are permanently placed on restricted duty because of concerns about their being incapacitated by an ICD shock during a fire emergency. We present the case of a 40-year-old firefighter who, after surviving sudden cardiac arrest and undergoing ICD implantation, sought to demonstrate his fitness for active duty by completing a high-intensity, occupation-specific cardiac rehabilitation training program. The report details the exercise training, ICD monitoring, and stress testing that he underwent. During the post-training treadmill stress test in firefighter turnout gear, the patient reached a functional capacity of 17 metabolic equivalents (METs), exceeding the 12-MET level required for his occupation. He had no ICD shock therapy or recurrent sustained arrhythmias during stress testing or at any time during his cardiac rehabilitation stay. By presenting this case, we hope to stimulate further discussion about firefighters who have an ICD, can meet the functional capacity requirements of their occupation, and want to return to work.

High-intensity, occupation-specific training in a series of firefighters during phase II cardiac rehabilitation.

Six male firefighters who were referred to phase II cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization participated in a specialized regimen of high-intensity, occupation-specific training (HIOST) that simulated firefighting tasks. During each session, the electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored, and the patients were observed for adverse symptoms. No patient had to discontinue HIOST because of adverse arrhythmias or symptoms. For physicians who must make decisions about return to work, the information collected over multiple HIOST sessions might be more thorough and conclusive than the information gained during a single treadmill exercise stress test (the recommended evaluation method).

High-intensity cardiac rehabilitation training of a police officer for his return to work and sports after coronary artery bypass grafting.

A 39-year-old male police officer with coronary artery disease enrolled in our cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program after coronary artery bypass grafting. He wanted to return not only to his job but also to playing ice hockey and outdoor soccer, and his responses to a self-assessment scale confirmed that he identified strongly as an athlete. On the basis of this unique profile, the CR staff designed an occupation- and sport-specific exercise program that was symptom limited and enabled the patient to train safely, but earlier and at a higher intensity than is typically allowed in conventional CR programs. The exercises were selected to replicate the various combinations of muscular strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance required by the patient's police work and two competitive team sports. He completed the high-intensity training with no clinically significant adverse symptoms.

High-intensity track and field training in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

A 65-year-old male athlete with coronary artery disease enrolled in our cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program after successful coronary artery bypass graft surgery following an acute myocardial infarction. Unlike the typical sedentary cardiac patient in his age group, he loved to participate in hurdle events at masters division track meets (competitions for athletes aged 30 years and older). He expressed a strong desire to return to his sport, so we designed a sport-specific, symptom-limited exercise program that enabled him to train safely but at a higher intensity than is typically allowed in conventional CR programs. Although his measured peak heart rates during the sport-specific sessions were significantly higher than the calculated maximum heart rate limits usually imposed on patients during conventional CR exercise training, the patient had no adverse events and safely reached his fitness goal. When developing a CR plan, health care professionals should consider the patient's goals, not just his or her age.

Measurement of right ventricular volumes before and after atrial septal defect closure using multislice computed tomography.

Volumetric measurements of the right ventricle are helpful in patients with atrial septal defects (ASDs) in estimating the degree of right ventricular (RV) failure. They also may be important in following patients postoperatively after ASD closure. Traditional imaging modalities used to obtain such measurements have had limitations in measuring the complex shape of the right ventricle. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a technique that provides excellent spatial resolution of the moving heart. This study was conducted to assess whether MSCT could be used to evaluate RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) before and after the closure of an ASD. From June 2004 to March 2006, 10 patients with ASDs underwent MSCT to calculate their RV volumes. The patients then had their ASDs closed by either a percutaneous or a surgical approach. Three months later, the patients' MSCT scans were repeated, and RV volumes were recalculated. EDV was approximated using 3-dimensional volume-rendered models of the right ventricle. At a mean follow-up of 3 months, a significant reduction in mean RV EDV, indexed for body surface area, was demonstrated, from 131 +/- 31 to 83 +/- 22 cm(3)/m(2) (p = 0.0007). In conclusion, this report is the first to describe the utility of MSCT to demonstrate RV EDV reduction after ASD closure.