"Recognition of heart attack symptoms and treatment-seeking behaviors: a multi-center survey in Tehran, Iran".

BACKGROUND: In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), timely recognition of symptoms and early hospital presentation positively affect patient morbidity and mortality. Due to the high burden of ischemic heart disease in Iran, this study aimed to identify factors affecting the level of knowledge, responses at the time of AMI onset, and sources of health information among the Iranian population. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Tehran, Iran. An expert-validated questionnaire was used to obtain data. A total of 400 individuals were enrolled. RESULT: Among the respondents, 285 people(71.3%) considered "chest pain or discomfort," and 251 (62.7%) regarded "pain or discomfort in the arm or shoulder" as MI symptoms. Approximately 288 (72.0%) respondents had poor knowledge of the AMI symptoms. Knowledge of symptoms was higher among those with higher levels of education, those with medical-associated jobs, and those who resided in the capital areas. Major risk factors identified by the participants were: anxiety (340)(85.0%), obesity (327)(81.8%), an unhealthy diet (325)(81.3%), and the presence of high LDL levels (258)(64.5%) and Diabetes Mellitus (164)(41.0%) were less appreciated. Calling an ambulance (286)(71.5%) was the most common treatment-seeking behavior in the case of a suspected heart attack. CONCLUSION: It is vital to educate the general population about AMI symptoms, particularly those with comorbidities at the greatest risk for an AMI episode.

NT-proBNP level as a substitute for myocardial perfusion scan in preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment in noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment is one of the main principles before noncardiac surgeries. Cardiac stress imaging, such as myocardial perfusion scan (MPS), is a proposed cardiovascular risk evaluation method according to the latest guidelines. Yet, its efficacy, along with the cost-effectiveness of the method, has been questioned in previous studies. Our study aims to evaluate the utility of N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level measurement in predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications in candidates who have undergone an MPS before surgery and compare the results. METHODS: A cohort of 80 patients with a revised cardiac risk index score of one or more who were scheduled for moderate to high-risk noncardiac surgeries and met the criteria to undergo an MPS for risk assessment were included in the study. All of them underwent an MPS one week before surgery. Their preoperative NT-proBNP, troponin levels, and electrocardiograms were obtained one day before surgery and again on day three postoperative. The predictive efficacy of NT-proBNP levels and MPS were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients underwent surgery, three of which exhibited a rise in troponin level, six showed changes on electrocardiogram, and pulmonary edema was detected in one, three days after surgery. There was no mortality in our patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the MPS for predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications were 100% and 66%, respectively. MPS also had a positive predictive value of 20% and a negative predictive value of 100% in our study. A 332.5 pg/ml cut-off value for NT-proBNP level yielded a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.2%, positive predictive value of 40%, and negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the incremental specificity and positive predictive value of NT-proBNP level measurement in preoperative cardiovascular risk evaluation compared to MPS. Given the low feasibility, high costs, and disappointing predictive value of MPS, preoperative NT-proBNP level assessment can be substituted. This method can assist anesthesiologists and surgeons with precisely detecting at-risk patients resulting in taking proper measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the proposed patients before and during surgeries.

Re-emphasis on the role of echocardiography in diagnosis of aortic root surgery complications.

BACKGROUND: Aortic pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent complication of ascending aorta surgery. CASES: This is a report of two cases that underwent the Bentall procedure that presented with large pseudoaneurysms. CONCLUSION: Use of multimodality imaging after Bentall surgery has been advocated for the detection of surgical complications. Although 3D CT angiography has the highest diagnostic accuracy, familiarity with transthoracic echocardiographic finding in these patients will lead to earlier diagnosis.

Right ventricular diastolic function predicts clinical atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft.

Background: Patients with moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are at high risk of mortality and morbidity. Our aim is to evaluate the right ventricular (RV) diastolic function in these patients, and monitor its effects on postoperation outcomes. Materials and Methods: In a cohort study, patients with moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤35%) who were candidate for CABG were included. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed, and RV diastolic function measures were obtained. After CABG, the length of intubation, inotrope dependency, hospital stay in intensive care unit and ward, in-hospital and after discharge mortality, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) were evaluated in all patients. Results: Sixty-seven patients were prospectively included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation age of our patients was 61.4 ± 9.3. There was no difference between grades of RV diastolic function and postoperative outcomes. However, we found significant difference between grades of RV diastolic function and onset of in hospital, and total POAF (P-value = 0.017). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative tricuspidEt/E't (ratio of peak early-diastolic flow rate across the tricuspid valve orifice to peak early-diastolic velocity at the lateral tricuspid annulus), left atrial volume and "high risk" Euroscore II were independent predictors for POAF during hospitalization and total POAF in patients with moderate to severely impaired left ventricular systolic function (P-values were 0.04, 0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We believe that patients with increased tricuspid Et/E't are high risk for POAF; therefore, any risk score for POAF should include a comprehensive TTE including evaluation of RV diastolic function before surgery.

Lessons learnt from COVID-19 in adult congenital heart patient in Tehran: a survey-based study of prevention, exposure, susceptibility, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: COVD-19 pandemic has overwhelmed many healthcare systems worldwide. Underlying cardiovascular disease predisposes to greater disease susceptibility and more complications including mortality. Such data is unverified in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The aim of the study is to report the Tehran experience with respect to preventative self-care measures, disease exposure, susceptibility, and outcomes after COVD-19 infection in ACHD patients. METHODS: A telephone-based survey was conducted in ACHD patients, focusing on new-onset symptoms that might indicate COVID-19 infection, prevention measures, confirmed infection rates, and outcomes. RESULTS: Three-hundred and nine ACHD patients, with a mean age of 29.13 years (range from 14 to 72 years, SD = 10.64), and 170 (55%) women were assessed. The majority (86.7%) had moderate or complex ACHD. Two-thirds (67.3%) of the patients practiced high-level preventative self-care measures. After community exposure, 33.3% developed COVID-19, and after household exposure, 43.7% developed COVID-19. There was only one mortality in a post-operative patient. Thirty-seven patients (12%) reported new symptoms including cough (10%), fatigue (8%), fever (7%), and new dyspnoea (6.5%). Amongst 18 (6%) with confirmed COVID-19, there was only 1 mortality in a post-operative patient. Age (adjusted OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.31, p = 0.001), contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases (adjusted OR = 59.34, 95% CI: 3.68-955.10, p = 0.004) were independently associated with COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality risk associated with COVID-19 infection in ACHD patients with moderate or severe disease appears to be relatively low, similar to the general population. Such risk appears to act through conventional risk factors, and in this cohort, we demonstrated age as a significant risk factor in addition to exposure to the development of COVID-19 infection. Preventative self-care measures are a potentially significant and impactful intervention target for intervention and for improving outcomes.

Acceleration rate of mitral inflow E wave: a novel transmitral doppler index for assessing diastolic function.

BACKGROUND: We performed comprehensive transmitral and pulmonary venous Doppler echocardiographic studies to devise a novel index of diastolic function. This is the first study to assess the utility of the acceleration rate (AR) of the E wave of mitral inflow as a primary diagnostic modality for assessing diastolic function. METHODS: Study group consisted of 84 patients (53 + 11 years) with left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction and 34 healthy people (35 ± 9 years) as control group, who were referred for clinically indicated two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during 2012 and 2013 to Imam Hospital. Normal controls were defined as patients without clinical evidence of cardiac disease and had normal TTE. LV diastolic function was determined according to standardized protocol of American Society of Echocardiography (ASE). As our new parameter, AR of E wave of mitral inflow was also measured in all patients. It was represented by the slope of the line between onset of E wave and peak of it. Correlation between AR of E wave and LV diastolic function grade was measured using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of AR of E wave in diagnosing LV diastolic dysfunction in randomly selected two-thirds of population then its derived cutoff was evaluated in rest of the population. The institutional review board of the hospital approved the study protocol. All participants gave written informed consent. This investigation was in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: The mean value of AR was 1010 ± 420 cm/s(2) in patients whereas the mean value for the normal controls was 701 ± 210 cm/s(2). There was a strong and graded relation between AR of E wave of mitral inflow and LV diastolic function grade (Spearman P ≤0.0001, rs =0.69). ROC curve analysis revealed that AR of E wave of mitral inflow =750 cm/s(2) predicted moderate or severe LV diastolic dysfunction with 89 % sensitivity and 89 % specificity (area under curve [AUC] = 0.903, P <0.0001). Application of this cutoff on test group showed 96 % sensitivity and 77 % specificity with AUC = 0.932 and P <0.0001. CONCLUSION: AR of E wave of mitral inflow could be used for assessment of diastolic function, especially moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction. However, before its clinical application, external validation should be considered.

Rudimentary left atrial appendage in a patient with a history of CVA.

Key Clinical Message: Rudimentary left atrial appendage (LAA) is an extremely rare condition with an unclear association with cerebrovascular events. This case report discusses a patient with an unexplained cerebrovascular accident (CVA), where the diagnosis of rudimentary LAA was made using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and subsequently confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Abstract: Rudimentary left atrial appendage (LAA) is extremely rare. This report presents the case of a 50-year-old woman who experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and was found to have a rudimentary LAA. The patient had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm, and Holter monitoring did not detect any atrial fibrillation (AF). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed to identify the source of cardiac emboli, revealing a rudimentary LAA with no thrombus present.

The effect of significant weight loss after bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices: an observational study focusing on left ventricular deformation by 2D speckle echocardiography and right ventricular size.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiac disease. HYPOTHESIS: This study evaluated the effect of significant weight loss following bariatric surgery on myocardial deformation indices and right ventricular size (RV). This was a prospective cohort study. Morbid obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery from July 2017 to February 2018 at Firoozgar Hospital were included in our study and referred for transthoracic echocardiography at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients entered the study. The absolute value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) at baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery was 17.42 ± 2.94%, 18.24 ± 3.09%, and 19.52 ± 2.78%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference from baseline to after six months (P value < 0.001). The absolute value of global circumferential strain (GCS) at baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery was 20.14 ± 4.22%, 23.32 ± 4.66%, and 24.53 ± 4.52%, respectively, with statistically significant changes (P value < 0.001) from baseline to three months and from baseline to six months and no significant difference from three months to six months. A significant decrease was reported in mechanical dispersion of circumferential strain (38.05 ± 23.81-23.37 ± 20.86 ms, P value = 0.006) 6 months after surgery. Right ventricular size three- and six-month post-surgery showed a significant decrease relative to baseline echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery could enhance cardiac function, as proven by 2D speckle echocardiography. Changes in RV size may be related to weight loss and should be considered when assessing patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Devastating fungal endocarditis involving ascending aorta in a patient with a history of aortic valve replacement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious condition associated with high mortality rates. Various predisposing factors contribute to its occurrence, such as underlying cardiac abnormalities, cardiac surgeries, prosthetic cardiac devices, and central venous catheters. Diagnosing fungal endocarditis, particularly Aspergillus, poses challenges, often complicated by negative blood cultures. CASE PRESENTATION: This report details a case of extensive ascending aorta involvement in Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) in a 24-year-old man with a history of bioprosthesis aortic valve replacement (AVR). Three months post-AVR, he presented with pericardial effusion and aortic rupture, leading to a redo biological valved conduit aortic root replacement (Bentall surgery). Despite the intervention, the tubular graft exhibited extensive Aspergillus involvement, resulting in graft disruption and significant peri-aortic infection. A second redo procedure involving aortic homograft root replacement was performed. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed two days after the surgery. CONCLUSION: A combined approach of medical and surgical therapies is recommended to manage fungal endocarditis. Despite efforts, the mortality rate associated with Aspergillus endocarditis remains unacceptably high, with no significant difference observed between combination therapy and antifungal treatment alone. Further research is essential to explore novel therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for patients with this challenging condition.

Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis in a pediatric patient with down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis (IPE) accounts for less than 2% of all infective endocarditis patients. It is commonly associated with several predisposing factors, including intravenous drug use (IVDU) and congenital heart disease. The most common causative pathogens of IPE are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans. We report a Down's syndrome patient with IPE and with no standard risk factors caused by the rare pathogen Acinetobacter spp. This led to respiratory failure and systemic infection due to septic pulmonary emboli. Early elective surgery was decided upon as the patient was no longer responding to medical therapy, and his clinical condition was worsening over time. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old male with Down syndrome and no underlying heart defect presented with a 3-month history of episodic fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed large vegetation on the pulmonary valve leaflet, another mobile mass at the pulmonary artery bifurcation, and severe pulmonary regurgitation. Serial blood cultures isolated Acinetobacter spp. Despite initial antibiotic therapy, the patient continued to have sepsis, unresolved vegetations, and developed life-threatening complications and respiratory distress, which convinced us to perform a pulmonary valve replacement surgery with a homograft. After surgery, the patient recovered and was discharged on the ninth postoperative day (POD). CONCLUSION: This report highlights IPE's diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, alongside the importance of a comprehensive cardiopulmonary workup in patients with unexplained fever, sepsis, and pulmonary symptoms, even without typical risk factors. Based on the patient's aggravating condition despite medical treatment, early surgical intervention and pulmonary valve replacement were deemed crucial. However, there still needs to be a definitive guideline on when and how surgery should be performed in patients with complicated IPE, especially in pediatric patients.

Late recognition of cardiac implantable electronic device misplacement in left ventricle: a case report.

Background: Cardiac electronic device implantation may be associated with complications. Case Summary: This is a report of inadvertent implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead through an unrecognized sinus venosus atrial septal defect into the left ventricle that was not diagnosed early after implantation. Six months later chest x-ray showed an abnormal lead course that was confirmed with echocardiography as to be in the left ventricle. Surgical removal of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead, repair of atrial septal defect, and correction of abnormal pulmonary venous connections were performed. Meanwhile, follow-up of the patient receiving a new dual chamber permanent pacemaker from the contralateral side and discussion of the aforementioned complication are addressed. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of device implantation complication is of paramount importance and prevents potential catastrophic complications.

This is a report of a middle-aged woman who received a heart battery (pacemaker) without proper initial indication and faced unnecessary consequences/complications. The wire was supposed to be implanted in the right side of the heart, but due to the congenital heart disease of the patient (that was not diagnosed), the wire was erroneously passed through the congenital defect to the left side of the heart. After the diagnosis of the problem, we referred her to a heart surgeon to correct the congenital heart defect and also pull the wire out. After open surgery, a new pacemaker (with two wires) was implanted in the patient without any additional complications.

Revisiting echocardiographic features of prosthetic heart valves: the necessity of correct differentiation of mono-leaflet vs. bileaflet mechanical heart valves in a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical heart valve replacement is a standard treatment for severe valvular disorders. The use of mono-leaflet valves has decreased recently. Recognizing the echocardiographic features of mono-leaflet and bileaflet valves is crucial for accurate complication diagnosis and proper management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female with mono-leaflet mitral and bileaflet tricuspid valves underwent an echocardiographic assessment. This simple educational case provides a unique opportunity to compare the echocardiographic features of these valves within a single patient. CONCLUSION: There is a crucial need for clinicians, particularly those in training, to differentiate between mono-leaflet and bileaflet mechanical heart valves adeptly. With mono-leaflet valves decreasing in prevalence, proficiency in recognizing the echocardiographic nuances of each type is imperative. Failure to do so may result in misdiagnoses and inappropriate management. This underscores the significance of continuous education and vigilance in echocardiographic assessments to ensure optimal patient care.

Revisiting Echocardiographic Ranges of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume Index: An Analysis of the Discrepancies Between the 2006 and the 2015 Recommendation for Chamber Quantification Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi) is a left ventricle (LV) size marker. The "Recommendations for Chamber Quantification" guideline was published in 2006 and updated in 2015. Although the previous guideline maintained uniform cutoff points for both men and women, the latest revision introduced new thresholds that vary between genders. We evaluated the extent of change in labeled indexed LV diastolic volumes in men and women following the adoption of the 2015 guideline. METHODS: Data were extracted from a web-based registry from March 2020 to October 2022. LV indexed volume variables were categorized on the basis of the 2006 and 2015 guidelines. RESULTS: Among the 7598 individuals, the classification of LVEDVi differed in 910 (12.0%) individuals. In 213 (5.5%) female subjects, substantial reclassification (i.e., transitioning from normal to moderate LV enlargement to mild to severe LV enlargement) occurred on the basis of the 2015 guideline. All females classified as having moderately abnormal LVEDVi according to the 2006 guideline were reclassified as having severely abnormal LVEDVi according to the 2015 guideline. Age, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and significant aortic regurgitation (AR) were common factors contributing to the observed discrepancy in both men and women. Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) and regional or global motion abnormality were correlated with the reclassification of LVEDVi to higher abnormal partitions only in women. CONCLUSION: The observed disparities underscore the importance of ongoing dedicated research to reassess the range of indexed echocardiographic parameters, considering various outcomes and differences in countries.

Echocardiographic estimation of left ventricular filling pressures in heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic estimation of left ventricular filling pressure in heart transplant (HTx) recipients is challenging. The ability of echocardiography to detect elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in HTx patients was assessed in this study. RESULTS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 39 HTx recipients who were candidates for endomyocardial biopsy as a part of their routine post-transplantation surveillance. Doppler transthoracic echocardiography was done before the procedure, and left heart catheterization was done during the endomyocardial biopsy. Thirty-nine patients (15 female, 24 male), with a mean age of 39.6 years (range 13-70), were enrolled. A strong relation was observed between lateral E/e' and LVEDP (R = 0.64, P value < 0.001) and average E/e' and LVEDP (R = 0.6, P value < 0.001). The best cutoff value for LVEDP prediction was the average E/e' ≥ 6.8 with a sensitivity of 96.15% and specificity of 68.5% for the prediction of LVEDP more than or equal to 20 mmHg. Two predictive models comprising age, gender, and lateral E/e' or average E/e' were also proposed. A significant relationship was also found between LVEDP and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (R = - 0.31, P value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral E/e' was the best predictor of LVEDP. The cutoff of average E/e' had the best validity for the estimation of LVEDP. Despite the strong observed association, echocardiographic parameters cannot be considered a surrogate for invasive LVEDP measurements when seeking information about left ventricle filling pressure on heart transplant recipients.

Echocardiography in left atrial thrombosis.

Atrial fibrillation is one of the major predisposing factors in developing left atrial thrombosis, leading to morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography plays a paramount role in this condition's detection and subsequent treatment.

Comparison of myocardial perfusion between the users of two antiepileptic medications: valproate vs. carbamazepine.

Objectives: The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is high in patients with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs (AED). Epilepsy, AED, or the type and duration of AED use , may contribute to higher CAD risk.In this study, myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) was compared between patients using carbamazepine and valproate. Method: Out of 73 patients receiving carbamazepine or valproate monotherapy for more than 2 years, visited at a tertiary referral clinic, 32 patients participated in a 2-day stress and rest phases MPI. For each phase, 15-25 mCi 99mTc-MIBI was injected, at peak exercise or by pharmacologic stimulation for the stress phase. SPECT with cardiac gating was done by a dual-head gamma camera and processed and quantified. Scans with at least one definite reversible hypo-perfusion segment were considered abnormal. Results: Seventeen patients received carbamazepine monotherapy and 15 valproates. Age and duration of AED use were similar between the groups. Two scans were abnormal (6.3%) both in valproate group (13.3%). Duration of AED use was higher in patients with abnormal scans. In patients receiving monotherapy >2 years, the frequency of abnormal MPI was similar between groups (P-value=0.12). In patients receiving monotherapy > 5 years, prevalence of abnormal MPI was higher in the valproate group (28.6% vs. 0.0%; P-value=0.042). Considering valproate subgroup, ischemic patients had higher duration of AED use, comparing with the normal patients (17.0±4.2 vs. 6.4±4.8, P-value=0.014). Conclusion: MPIs were abnormal in patients receiving valproate after 5 years compared to patients receiving carbamazepine. Long-term valproate use may increase the risk of CAD.

Left ventricular strain echocardiography in advanced uremic cardiomyopathy compared to dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac involvement is common in end-stage renal disease patients. The presenting study aimed to evaluate the global and segmental longitudinal strain in patients with advanced uremic cardiomyopathy (AUCM) and compare it to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). RESULTS: The mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly lower in AUCM (P value = 0.045). Comparing segmental strain showed a lower strain in mid inferoseptal (P value = 0.048), base and mid anterolateral (P value = 0.026, 0.001 respectively), base and mid anteroseptal (P value = 0.005, 0.009 respectively), base and mid inferior (P value = 0.015, 0.034 respectively) and mid anterior (P value = 0.015) in patients with AUCM compared with DCM. In both groups, the segmental strain increased from base to apex. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental and GLSs in advanced uremic cardiomyopathy were significantly lower than those of dilated cardiomyopathy. In both groups, the segmental strain increased from base to apex.

A large intracardiac hydatid cyst with concomitant cervical and hepatic involvement: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Cardiac hydatidosis is a relatively rare complication of echinococcosis. Understanding the atypical manifestations, potential associated risk factors, and epidemiology leads to optimal and timely management. Abstract: Cardiac hydatidosis is a relatively rare complication of echinococcosis, with a potentially life-threatening condition. Here, we reported a large interventricular septal hydatid cyst bulging in the left ventricle accompanied by a huge cervical lamp with recurrent hepatic cysts that underwent cardiac surgery to excise the cyst uneventfully.

Extensive right-sided endocarditis in double-chamber right ventricle presented with leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). Ventricular septal defects and ventricular outflow tract obstructions are this population's most common causes of endocarditis. We present a patient diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, renal, and pulmonary involvement with right-sided IE as an etiology for vasculitis.

Successful Pregnancy after a Heart Transplant in Iran: A Case Report.

Pregnancy after a heart transplant is a concern for many female recipients, and it remains a medical challenge that raises many questions. A 24-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 0, contacted us for obstetric care in the first trimester of gestation, about 3 years after an orthotopic cardiac transplant. She was a known case of dextrocardia with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. The transplant had been performed for severe retractable heart failure, manifesting during her previous lost pregnancy. The course of the current gestation was uneventful. The patient's cardiovascular function was good throughout the pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital for dyspnea at 35 weeks and 4 days of gestational age. A cardiovascular consult and echocardiography were performed. The results were within the normal range, and labor pains explained the patient's dyspnea. Because of labor pain, a repeat Cesarean section was performed at 35 weeks and 4 days of gestational age. A male baby weighing 2700 g, with an Apgar score of 7/9, was delivered. The patient was discharged after delivery with enoxaparin (40 mg), prednisolone (5 mg), levothyroxine, and mycophenolate mofetil (500 mg) without any complications. Follow-up was carried out at 1 month, and no abnormality was found. Here, we report a case of a successful pregnancy in a young woman after a heart transplant.