RESUMEN
Infection of leadless pacemakers (LPM) is rare, even in patients at high risk for infections. Only 3 cases of LPM infection have been documented in the literature, all occurring within 1 month of device implantation. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of late-onset LPM infection, developing almost 2 years after implantation. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).
RESUMEN
Heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States despite recent advances in its treatment. The nitric oxide -soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic 3', 5'-guanosine monophosphate pathway is a key signaling cascade involved in many physiologic processes. Derangements of the cascade may play an important role in the pathophysiology of HF and other diseases. Organic nitrates, which derive their action from their metabolic conversion to nitric oxide, exploit this pathway therapeutically. They are a mainstay of treatment for acute HF, but the development of tolerance with chronic administration limits their long-term efficacy. The development of a novel class of sGC activators has shown in both animal and preliminary clinical trials to improve hemodynamics without tolerance, while preserving renal function in patients with HF. A phase II clinical program using the sGC activator cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) is now in progress in patients with symptomatic HF to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach.