Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Thrombosis: Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Presenting with Venous Gangrene in a Child.

A 12-year-old girl with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection presented as phlegmasia cerulea dolens with venous gangrene. Emergent mechanical thrombectomy was complicated by a massive pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest, for which extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapeutic hypothermia were used. Staged ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis was used for treatment of bilateral pulmonary emboli and the extensive lower extremity deep vein thrombosis while the patient received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. We highlight the need for heightened suspicion for occult severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among children presenting with unusual thrombotic complications.

Implications of Misclassification of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction on Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) are often classified under the diagnosis of non-ST-segment-elevation MI (NSTEMI) despite the significant differences in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes between type 2 MI and type 1 NSTEMI. This may have significant implications that can lead to inaccurate assessment of quality measures by MI quality review programs. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of 1224 patients discharged with the diagnosis of type 1 NSTEMI between January 2015 and September 2017. Based on the third universal definition of MI, we stratified patients into type 2 MI or type 1 NSTEMI. Patient's characteristics, comorbidities, medications prescribed during hospitalization and at discharge, readmissions within 30 days after discharge, and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions data was collected. The primary goal of this study was to identify how often type 2 MI patients were misclassified as type 1 NSTEMI, we also assessed the differences in treatment and outcomes between type 2 MI and type 1 NSTEMI. RESULTS: 1224 patients assigned the ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes of type 1 NSTEMI at discharge were evaluated for study inclusion. After application of the inclusion criteria, 945 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these 945 patients, 281 (29.7%) patients were classified as type 2 MI and 664 (70.3%) patients were classified as type 1 NSTEMI. Patients with type 2 MI were older, more likely to have systolic heart failure, had lower peak troponin levels, were less likely to receive aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors and statin at discharge, and had longer length of stay. Compared with type 1 NSTEMI patients, those with type 2 MI had higher all cause 30-day mortality (13.5% versus 2.9%, P < 0.0001) (RR: 4.65; 95% CI, 2.85-9.65). After adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and medications, patients with type 2 MI were still more likely to die within 30 days after discharge (RR: 2.89; 95% CI, 1.58-7.46). In addition, patients with type 2 MI were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days after discharge than patients with type 1 NSTEMI (17.7% versus 13.9%, P < 0.01) (RR: 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Close to one third of patients given the diagnosis of type 1 NSTEMI at discharge at our institution were type 2 MI patients. Patients with type 2 MI are managed differently from type 1 NSTEMI patients and have higher 30-day mortality and readmission rate. Misclassification of type 2 MI as type 1 NSTEMI can have a significant impact on hospitals MI clinical performance and quality measures.

Percutaneous transaxillary approach for peripheral endovascular interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and feasibility of percutaneous transaxillary (TAx) access for peripheral endovascular interventions. BACKGROUND: The common femoral artery (CFA) is the most commonly used access site for peripheral endovascular interventions. However, its use might be precluded in multiple circumstances. The axillary artery is comparable in size to the CFA and is less affected by atherosclerosis. Data regarding its percutaneous use in peripheral endovascular interventions are scarce. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous TAx peripheral endovascular interventions were identified. Demographic and periprocedural data were extracted. Axillary artery access was obtained percutaneously with the arm abducted. A destination sheath was advanced to the relevant vessel. Endovascular interventions were performed using standard devices and techniques. Vascular closure devices were utilized to achieve hemostasis. Primary endpoints included procedural technical success, access-related complications, and major adverse events (MAEs). Secondary endpoints included cannulation time, total procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Percutaneous TAx access was successfully utilized to perform 41 procedures in 29 patients, lacking a suitable conventional access. Three quarters of target vessels were infrainguinal. The lesions of 61% were classified as TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C or D. Access-related complications occurred in two procedures (5%). No MAEs occurred. Median cannulation time was 12 min, procedure time 135 min, fluoroscopy time 20 min, and LOS 1 day. CONCLUSIONS: When no suitable access exists for lower extremity catheter-based interventions, percutaneous TAx approach is a feasible and safe alternative. As such facility with this approach is a valuable asset for interventionalists.

Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Renal Function in Patients With Previous Renal Dysfunction.

The study aims to investigate the incidence of immediate renal function improvement in renal dysfunction patients who had transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI patients with ≥ moderate reduced renal function [estimated GFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2] at baseline were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on percent change [(discharge eGFR - baseline eGFR/baseline GFR) × 100] in eGFR post-TAVR. Improvement ≥ 10%, no change, Decline ≥ 10%. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors that predicted improvement/decline in GFR postprocedure. Out of 677 patients, 359 (53%) had eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Of these, 188 (52%) had an improvement in eGFR ≥ 10%, 125 (34%) had no change and 48 (14%) observed decline ≥ 10%. All groups had similar proportions of females and age was comparable in patient groups. Patients in whom a decline in eGFR was observed had significantly higher Society of thoracic Surgeons scores (10.7 vs 8.2 vs 8.2; p = 0.007) and incidence of liver disease (6% vs, 0% vs 2%; p = 0.014) than the no-change or improved groups respectively. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of decline/improvement in eGFR were being female, low left ventricular ejection fraction and baseline liver dysfunction. In conclusion, over half of patients with compromised renal function who underwent TAVI experience an immediate improvement in kidney function post-TAVI. Being female, baseline liver dysfunction and a low left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with an immediate decline in eGFR.

Counterintuitively Crossing a Critically Stenosed Aortic Valve is a Diastolic Phenomenon.

Crossing of a critically stenosed aortic valve is a pivotal step during diagnostic cardiac catheterization to measure the transvalvular gradient, especially in patients with discordant clinical and echocardiographic findings and also during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures. However, there are no data in the literature indicating whether aortic valve crossing typically occurs during systole or diastole. We hypothesize that aortic valve crossing is a diastolic phenomenon and describe our technique for crossing critically stenosed aortic valves.

Value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of mortality in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been studied as a measure of inflammation and as a prognosticating factor in various medical conditions including neoplastic, inflammatory and cardiovascular. The prognostic role of NLR in predicting mortality in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) has not been studied. The aim of our study is to explore the utility of NLR as a predictor of both, short and long-term mortality, in patients undergoing surgical AVR. METHODS: Consecutive patients with aortic stenosis admitted for AVR to our institution were evaluated for study inclusion. Of the 335 patients admitted from January 2007 to September 2011, 234 met study inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their initial preoperative NLR level with a cutoff value of 3. Three-year vital status was accessed with electronic medical records and Social Security Death Index. Survival analysis, stratified by NLR, was used to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative NLR levels. RESULTS: Patients with NLR ≥3, when compared to those with NLR <3, had a significantly higher short-term (9.40% vs. 0, P=0.0006), 6-month (19.54% vs. 0.95%, P<0.0001), and 3-year mortality (27.35% vs. 3.78%, P<0.0001). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, co-morbidities, symptomatology, echocardiographic findings, and blood tests, NLR level remained a significant independent predictor of 3-year mortality; Hazard ratios (HRs) increased by a factor of 1.18 (1.05-1.33, P=0.0068) and patients with a NLR ≥3 had 4.77 fold increase in 3-year mortality (1.48-15.32, P=0.0090). CONCLUSIONS: NLR is an independent predictor of short-term and long-term mortality in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing AVR surgery, especially those with NLR ≥3. We strongly suggest the use of NLR as a tool to risk stratify patients with aortic stenosis undergoing AVR surgery.

Amiodarone induced myxedema coma: Two case reports and literature review.

Amiodarone is a benzofuran derivative that contains 37% iodine by weight and is structurally similar to the thyroid hormones. Amiodarone has a complex effect on the thyroid gland, ranging from abnormalities of thyroid function tests to overt thyroid dysfunction, with either thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma secondary to amiodarone use has been rarely reported in the literature. Our two case reports are an add on to the literature, and illustrate that amiodarone is an important cause of thyroid dysfunction including hypothyroidism and myxedema coma. Hence, healthcare providers should have a high index of suspicion for these conditions while treating patients who are taking amiodarone therapy as early recognition and management are essential to optimize outcomes.

Cardiac troponin and outcome in decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin (cTn) has been established as an effective prognostic marker in acute heart failure (HF) with predominantly reduced ejection fraction. However, it's prognostic value in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unclear. The aim of this study is to describe the prognostic role of troponin I in patients hospitalized for HFpEF decompensation. METHODS: We included 363 consecutive patients admitted for HFpEF decompensation that was not associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with troponin level elevation (troponin I level ≥0.04 ng/mL) were compared to patients with normal troponin level. The primary outcome was short-, intermediate-, and long-term all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were differences in B-type natriuretic peptide level (BNP), length of stay, and readmission rates between the two groups. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients in the Cohort had troponin level elevation. Troponin level elevation was significantly associated with higher 30-day (4.8% vs. 0.6%, P=0.014), 1-year (12.2% vs. 4.6%, P=0.009), and 2-year mortality (13.8% vs. 5.1%, P=0.005) when compared to a normal troponin level. Troponin level elevation was an independent predictor of mortality after adjusting for clinical and laboratory risk factors seen in HFpEF decompensation. Additionally, BNP level >287 pg/mL, age, and history of atrial fibrillation were identified as statistically significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin level elevation, in hospitalized patients with HFpEF decompensation, was associated with higher short-, intermediate-, and long-term mortality.

Percutaneous Transaxillary Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The axillary artery is an alternative, large-caliber vessel that can be utilized in the presence of hostile aortoiliac segments. It can accommodate sheaths up to 18 Fr and is infrequently affected by atherosclerosis.

Syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis masquerading as meningitis in HIV patient.

Syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL syndrome) is described as "headache attributed to noninfectious inflammatory disease" featuring, as its name suggests, headache that mimics migraine in addition to neurologic symptoms such as hemiparesis, hemiparesthesia and dysphagia. We report a case of a 50-year-old African-American female who presented with headache, malaise and subsequent hemiparesis. Despite bearing a close resemblance to an acute episode of meningitis clinically, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis of the patient was only positive for isolated elevation in white cell count. The patient was diagnosed with HaNDL syndrome which is characterized by transient headache and neurologic deficits with CSF lymphocytosis. While the overall condition often appears substantial, the disease is self-limiting and patients usually recover spontaneously.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with left horizontal gaze palsy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms including headache, seizures, altered consciousness, and visual disturbance, as well as radiologic findings of focal reversible vasogenic edema. Multiple visual disturbances have been described in PRES, such as hemianopia, visual neglect, auras, visual hallucinations, and cortical blindness. However, horizontal gaze palsy has not been previously reported. We report a 72-year-old female who presented with blurred vision, severe headache, lethargy, and later developed seizures. She was found to have left horizontal gaze palsy with intact vestibulo-ocular reflex. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed severe edema throughout the subcortical white matter, and signal in the posterior parietal and occipital lobes. She was diagnosed with PRES associated with supranuclear gaze palsy.

Amiodarone-induced loculated pleural effusion without pulmonary parenchymal involvement: A case report and literature review.

Amiodarone is an extremely effective antiarrhythmic drug that is known to cause many adverse effects such as pulmonary, thyroid, and liver toxicities. Of these, pulmonary toxicity is most serious. Pulmonary toxicity can present as interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, pulmonary nodules and masses, and very rarely pleural effusions. We present a case of a 73-year-old male who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea, nonproductive cough, generalized fatigue, and weakness. He was found to have multiorgan toxicity secondary to long-term treatment with high doses of amiodarone. This case illustrates that amiodarone may cause toxicity involving multiple organs simultaneously in patients receiving long-term therapy and represents the first reported case of amiodarone-induced loculated pleural effusion without associated lung parenchymal involvement.

An unusual cause of postpartum heart failure.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a weakness of the heart muscle. It is an idiopathic cardiomyopathy that presents with heart failure secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction toward the end of pregnancy or in the months after delivery, in the absence of any other cause of heart failure. It is a rare condition that can carry mild or severe symptoms.

Left ventricular noncompaction diagnosed following Graves' disease.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy. Clinical manifestations are variable; patients may present with heart failure symptoms, arrhythmias, and systemic thromboembolism. However, it can also be asymptomatic. When asymptomatic, LVNC can manifest later in life after the onset of another unrelated condition. We report a case of LVNC which was diagnosed following a hyperthyroid state secondary to Graves' disease. The association of LVNC with other noncardiac abnormalities including neurological, hematological, and endocrine abnormalities including hypothyroidism has been described in isolated case reports before. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LVNC diagnosed following exacerbation in contractile dysfunction triggered by Graves' disease.

Skin rash, eosinophilia, and renal impairment in a patient recently started on allopurinol.

Allopurinol is a hypoxanthine analog which inhibits xanthine oxidase, it is a widely used medication for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Allopurinol-induced drug-induced rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is an infrequent, life-threatening adverse reaction of allopurinol therapy that is remarkable for the higher mortality rate with the use of allopurinol than with the use of another agent. We present a case of a 62-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease stage 3, hypertension and gout who developed skin rash, eosinophilia, and renal impairment 2 weeks after he was started on allopurinol therapy for gout. Allopurinol was stopped, and the patient was started on steroids. This case emphasizes that although allopurinol is commonly used the drug for the treatment of gout. However, it can be associated with serious life-threatening complications. Therefore, care should be taken when prescribing allopurinol, and it should be prescribed only for the appropriate indications.