Optical coherence tomography characterization of spontaneous recanalized coronary thrombus - Single center experience.

Introduction: Recanalized thrombus is an under diagnosed clinical entity. Aim was to investigate the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in identifying spontaneously recanalized thrombi (SRCT) for management in clinical practice. Methods: This was a retrospective study analyzing 2678 coronary angiograms over a 4-year period which included intravascular imaging guidance in 75.8% of the percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Angiographic suspicion of SRCT has hazy appearance seen in 34 patients. Results: Eight patients (7 males and 1 female) were confirmed with SRCT on OCT and two underwent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Median age was 52 years (range 33-67 years). Based on clinical symptoms, diagnosis was STEMI-2, NSTEMI-1, unstable angina-3 and chronic stable angina-2. Angiographic patterns were veiled/hazy appearances in 3; braided in 2; pseudo dissection in 2; and near occlusion in 1 patient. OCT findings displayed multiple small cavities, signal-rich with high backscattering and thin septa with smooth inner borders dividing the lumen and intercommunications. Presence of multiple holes conferred typical "Swiss cheese" or 'lotus root' like appearance, characteristic of recanalized thrombi. SRCT lesion length was (median interquartile ranges [IQR], 16.5[12.07-21.5] mm) and minimal luminal area (median [IQR], 1.77 [0.93-3.26] mm2) with significant stenosis (median [IQR], 74.0[67.0-81.0] %). Minimum/maximum number of channels were (median [IQR], 2.0[2.0-2.0]) and (median [IQR], 4.50[4.0-6.75]) respectively. Lipid rich plaque was predominant. IVUS demonstrated echo-lucent channels with small cavities. All but one patient underwent PCI. Conclusion: Intravascular imaging by OCT delineates the characteristics of recanalized thrombi and distinguishes ambiguous lesions. Majority of the lesions involving SRCT were significant both symptomatic and stenosis severity wise on OCT requiring PCI.

Large Unrepaired Aortopulmonary Window Presenting in Adulthood.

BACKGROUND: Aortopulmonary window is an uncommon congenital heart disease, with untreated cases not surviving beyond childhood. However, very rarely it can present in adult patients with features of pulmonary hypertension. Clinically these patients cannot be differentiated from other more common conditions with left to right shunt. Transthoracic echocardiography if performed meticulously, can depict the defect in aortopulmonary septum. RESULTS: We report a case of large unrepaired aortopulmonary window in a 23 years old patient, diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiography.

Clinical Characteristics, Complications, and Treatment Practices in Patients With RHD: 6-Year Results From HP-RHD Registry.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developing countries such as India, data on characteristics, complications, and treatment practices are lacking. The HP-RHD (Himachal Pradesh Rheumatic Heart Disease) registry aimed at reporting these parameters in patients with RHD from a northern state of India. METHODS: A total of 2,005 consecutive patients of RHD were enrolled over a period of 6 years (2011 to 2016) in the present study. The clinical characteristics, complications, and treatment practices were systematically recorded. RESULTS: The mean age for patients with RHD was 40.3 ± 14.3 (range 5 to 83 years). RHD predominantly affected females (72.3%) and population from rural background (92%). Multivalvular involvement was frequent (43.2%), mitral valve was the commonest affected valve (83.3%). The majority of the patients had moderate-to-severe valvular dysfunction (69.3%). Mitral and tricuspid valve involvement was more frequent in female subjects compared with more frequent aortic valve involvement in male subjects (p < 0.001). The major adverse cardiovascular events were recorded in 23.4% patients at the time of registry and comprised mainly advanced heart failure (15.6%), peripheral embolism (4.1%), and stroke (3.9%). The independent risk determinants of major adverse cardiovascular events (were advanced age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.02), severe mitral stenosis (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.34-2.20), severe tricuspid regurgitation (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.48-3.02), presence of pulmonary artery hypertension (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04-1.69), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.28-2.11). Evidence-based use of oral anticoagulant therapy was documented in 77.7% of high-risk patients. Only 28.5% of study population was receiving secondary prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Complications in patients with RHD increase with age and worsening valvular dysfunction. Programs focused on early detection and evidence-based management will assist in improving outcomes.

Prevalence, risk determinants and consequences of atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease: 6 years hospital based-Himachal Pradesh- Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease (HP-RF/RHD) Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). METHODS: The Himachal Pradesh- Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease (HP-RF/RHD) Registry database of 1918 patients was analyzed. AF was diagnosed with 12-lead ECG recording at entry in to the registry. The association of AF with nature and severity of valvular dysfunction was analyzed, adjusted for age, left atrial (LA) dimension and pulmonary arterial hypertension using multivariable logistic regression model and strength of association was reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (C. I.). RESULTS: The study population consisted of young (40.2 ±â€¯14.3 years), predominantly females (72.3%) from rural area (94.1%). Prevalence of AF was 23.9% (95% C. I. 22.1%-25.8%). The independent determinants AF were age (OR 1.04, 95% C.I. 1.03-1.06), LA size (OR 1.10, 95% C.I. 1.08-1.11). The association of AF with age, New York Heart Association functional class, mitral stenosis severity and tricuspid regurgitation was statistically significant and graded. Mitral regurgitation and aortic valve disease had no significant independent association with AF. The prevalence of heart failure, stroke, peripheral embolism and mortality was significantly higher among patients with AF (p < .01). CONCLUSION: AF is common in RHD patients and is significantly associated with heart failure and systemic thromboembolism. Age, mitral stenosis severity, tricuspid regurgitation and LA size were independently associated with AF.

Prevalence, risk factors, and significance of iron deficiency and anemia in nonischemic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction from a Himachal Pradesh heart failure registry.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, risk determinants, and its clinical significance of iron deficiency and anemia in patients of nonischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and the hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured in 226 consecutive patients with HFrEF diagnosed based on the left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45% and absence of coronary artery luminal narrowing of more than 50%, in a prospective tertiary care hospital-based heart failure registry. Patients with the New York Heart Association functional class III/IV were classified as patients with advanced heart failure. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the risk determinants of iron deficiency and anemia and their clinical significance as the risk factors for advanced heart failure. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as the estimates of the strength of association between exposure and outcome variables. RESULTS: Iron deficiency and anemia were prevalent in 58.8% (52.2%-65.1%) and 35.8% (29.8%-42.3%) of patients, respectively. Female gender [OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.9-6.5)], history of bleeding [OR 11.7 (95% CI 1.4-101.2)], and vegetarian diet [OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.6)] were significantly associated with iron deficiency, while diabetes [OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.40-6.5)], estimated glomerular filtration rate [OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99)], history of bleeding [OR 13.0 (95% CI 2.3-70.9)], and female gender [OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.5-5.7)] had significant association with anemia. The Hb level (OR 0.82 (95% CI 0.70-0.96) and transferrin saturation (OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99)] had a significant inverse association with symptoms of advanced heart failure. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency and anemia are common comorbidities associated with HFrEF. Low Hb and transferrin saturation are significantly associated with advanced heart failure. The findings have important implications in the management of heart failure.

All in the name of flavour, fragrance & freshness: commonly used smokeless tobacco preparations in & around a tertiary hospital in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There is a general misconception that smokeless tobacco particularly sweetened and flavoured paan masala and gutkas are safe to use. The present study was undertaken with the objective of highlighting the deceptive and aggressive marketing techniques adopted by the manufacturers of smokeless tobacco preparations exploiting cultural, social and religious values. Another object was to highlight the lack of transparency in terms of content, weight, quality control and warning. METHODS: All empty pouches of the used paan masalas, gutka, khaini or surti in and around a tertiary care hospital at east Delhi were collected. Their constituents were studied as per written declaration by the manufacturers on each packet. Information on net weight, cost, presence and type of warning, and quality assurance on each brand provided on side of the packets was noted. RESULTS: A total of 1136 pouches of 33 brands/varieties were collected. Most of the gutka preparations contained tobacco, betel nut, unknown flavouring agents, undeclared spices and heavy metals. Warning regarding the harmful effect of tobacco was written in 90.9 per cent of brands with 81.8 per cent in English language only in minute font. Contents of the products were mentioned in 84.8 per cent of brands and only 27.3 per cent of those mentioned the net weight of the ingredients. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Seemingly 'innocuous' tobacco preparations in the form of paan masalas, gutka, khaini, surti or mouth fresheners contain various harmful substance like tobacco, betel nut, sugar coated fennel, saccharine, heavy metals like silver, unknown flavouring agents and undeclared spices in unknown quantities. Lack of transparency in terms of content, weight, quality control and warning is duping unsuspecting consumers.

An uncommon infectious cause of pleural effusion.

Lymphatic filariasis is one of the major public health problems across the globe. Clinical manifestations usually depend on the site of lymphatic involvement. A 21-year-old female resident of a non-endemic filarial region presented with axillary lymphadenopathy, bilateral pleural effusion, ascites and pedal oedema. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of axillary lymph nodes revealed microfilariae. On the administration of diethyl carbamazine, lymph nodes gradually disappeared, the patient improved symptomatically and the filarial antigen test after treatment was negative. We report this case of bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy with pleural effusion and ascites as a rare manifestation of filariasis.