Long-term outcomes and reverse remodelling in recently diagnosed unexplained left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

AIMS: In patients with recently diagnosed non-ischaemic LV systolic dysfunction, left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) and favourable prognosis has been documented in studies with short-term follow-up. The aim of our study was to assess the long-term clinical course and stability of LVRR in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively studied 133 patients (37 women; 55 [interquartile range 46, 61] years) with recently diagnosed unexplained LV systolic dysfunction, with heart failure symptoms lasting <6 months and LV ejection fraction <40% persisting after at least 1 week of therapy. All patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) at the time of diagnosis and serial echocardiographic and clinical follow-up over 5 years. LVRR was defined as the combined presence of (1) LVEF ≥ 50% or increase in LVEF ≥ 10% points and (2) decrease in LV end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDi) ≥ 10% or (3) LVEDDi ≤ 33 mm/m2. LVRR was observed in 46% patients at 1 year, in 60% at 2 years and 50% at 5 years. Additionally, 2% of patients underwent heart transplantation and 12% experienced heart failure hospitalization. During 5-year follow-up, 23 (17%) of the study cohort died. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were baseline right atrial size (OR 1.097, CI 1.007-1.196), logBNP level (OR 2.02, CI 1.14-3.56), and PR interval (OR 1.02, CI 1.006-1.035) (P < 0.05 for all). The number of macrophages on EMB was associated with overall survival in univariate analysis only. LVRR at 1 year of follow-up was associated with a lower rate of mortality and heart failure hospitalization (P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of LVRR were left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (OR 0.97, CI 0.946-0.988), LVEF (OR 0.89, CI 0.83-0.96), and diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.04, CI 1.01-1.08) (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: LVRR occurs in over half of patients with recent onset unexplained LV systolic dysfunction during first 2 years of optimally guided heart failure therapy and then remains relatively stable during 5-year follow-up. Normalization of adverse LV remodelling corresponds to a low rate of mortality and heart failure hospitalizations during long-term follow-up.

Human Infections by Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica: A Mini-Review and the First Report of a Burn Wound Infection after Accidental Myiasis in Central Europe.

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica are bacteria that cause rare infections, typically associated with the infestation of an open wound with fly larvae. Here, we present a unique case report of the first W. chitiniclastica isolation from a burn wound with accidental myiasis in a 63-year-old homeless man and a literature review focused on human infections caused by these bacteria. So far, 23 cases of infection with W. chitiniclastica have been reported; in 52% of these, larvae were found in the wound area. Most of these cases suffered from chronic non-healing wound infections but none of these were burn injuries. The overall fatality rate associated directly with W. chitiniclastica in these cases was 17%. Infections with parasitic larvae occur in moderate climates (especially in people living in poor conditions); therefore, an infection with rare bacteria associated with accidental myiasis, such as W. chitiniclastica, can be expected to become more common there. Thus, in view of the absence of recommendations regarding the treatment of patients with accidental myiasis and, therefore, the risk of infection with W. chitiniclastica or other rare pathogens, we provide a list of recommendations for the treatment of such patients. The importance of meticulous microbial surveillance using molecular biological methods to facilitate the detection of rare pathogens is emphasized.

A novel postgraduate endoscopic course using a large animal model of secondary Crohn's disease stricture.

BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity of advanced endoscopic techniques places a high demand on the endoscopist's expertise. Thus, live porcine models have been more frequently used for training. We briefly describe a hands-on postgraduate endoscopic course regarding a novel method of treatment of anastomotic strictures in a porcine model. METHODS: The porcine model of Crohn's disease anastomotic stricture with two artificial side-to-side ileo-colonic anastomoses was used. Participants performed endoscopic stricturotomy under supervision at one of two equipped endoscopic stations. Available animals were endoscopically re-examined 3 months after the course. RESULTS: Twelve anastomoses were prepared for the course. Eleven circumferential stricturotomies together with horizontal cut and clip placement were conducted. All anastomoses were passable for the scope after the procedure, and no case of perforation or bleeding occurred. All anastomoses available for re-examination remained passable for the endoscope after 3 months. CONCLUSION: We successfully organised the first endoscopic hands-on course for the training of endoscopic stricturotomy on a large animal model.

Novel porcine model of Crohn's disease anastomotic stricture suitable for evaluation and training of advanced endoscopic techniques.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Currently, treatment options in postsurgical recurrence of stricturing Crohn's disease (CD) are limited. However, development of new invasive endoscopic techniques in clinical practice has safety constraints. The aim of this study was to create a large animal model of anastomotic stricture with CD properties to enable development of new techniques and training. METHODS: A side-to-side ileocolonic anastomosis was created in a modified Roux-en-Y manner with bowel continuity preserved. Two weeks after surgery, we began endoscopic submucosal injections of phenol/trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution. This solution was injected every 2 weeks in each quadrant of the anastomosis until development of a stricture. The anastomosis site was assessed endoscopically 2 weeks after the last application (baseline) and then every 2 months until month 6. Endoscopically nonpassable strictures were treated with balloon dilation, endoscopic stricturotomy, and stent placement to confirm the feasibility of such interventions. RESULTS: Nineteen minipigs were included with no postoperative adverse events. After a mean of 4.4 ± .7 injection sessions with 10.5 ± 3.0 mL of the solution, anastomotic strictures were created in 16 pigs (84.2%). Mean diameter of the strictures at baseline was 11.6 ± 2.2 mm. The strictures were inflamed, and the endoscope could not pass. Follow-up was successfully completed in 15 animals (79.0%) with the mean deviation from the initial diameter in every measurement of -.02 ± 2.26 mm (P = .963) and a mean final diameter of 11.7 ± 3.4 mm. The histopathologic evaluation revealed the presence of submucosal fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and microgranulomas. All strictures were amenable to endoscopic therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel, reproducible porcine model of anastomotic stricture with histologically verified changes mimicking CD and stable diameter for more than 6 months. It is suitable for further endoscopic interventions.

Giant cell myocarditis in an older patient - reassessing the threshold for endomyocardial biopsy.

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare form of autoimmune myocarditis with high morbidity and mortality that affects mainly middle-aged adults. We report a case study of a 70-year-old man on chronic immunosuppression who presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia and symptoms of acute systolic heart failure, both with poor response to standard measures. A decision to pursue endomyocardial biopsy established the diagnosis of GCM and lead to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and a favourable outcome. Our case illustrates that a low threshold for endomyocardial biopsy in new onset heart failure can lead to actionable information even in patients of advanced age.

Rare manifestation of CMV infection - circular stenosis of the stomach.

This article reports a case of a female patient who presented with epigastric pain. Further investigations confirmed CMV infection as a cause of stenosing gastric ulcer. In this case treatment with a proton pump inhibitor and antivirotic treatment led to a full recovery. Orgain manifestation of CMV infection if often in immunocompromitant hosts and it is, on the contratry, relatively rare in immunocompetent adults.

Distal urethral plate adhesions: New anatomical perspective in hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: We found midline epithelial adhesions in the glandar urethral plate in patients with hypospadias. After dissolution, a blind epithelized channel becomes visualized inside of the plate pointing to immature embryonic luminization. In addition it reveals that the epithelized surface of the distal urethral plate is larger than previously considered. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and extent of these new anatomical details of urethral plate in hypospadias patients. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the detailed anatomy of the urethral plate in 72 consecutive patients with hypospadias. We recorded the presence of adhesions in the middle of the glandar urethral groove that can be easily dissoluted (dissolution line - D-line). We recorded the plate width before and after D-line dissolution, the presence of the hidden blind channel at continuation of D-line (channel type-A) and of the visible blind channel between D-line and urethral hypospadiac meatus (type-B) (Figure). In 62 patients, where the urethral plate tubularization was considered (Duplay, TIP), septs between channels were opened in the midline and a final width of the plate was measured by rolling the plate around a tube. RESULTS: Midline adhesions (D-line) were found in all 72 patients. Mean length of D-line was 5.13 ± O.17 mm. Mean plate width before dissolution was 5.9 ± 0.15 mm, and after dissolution 7.8 ± 0.16 mm. A blind channel of type A was detected in 22 patients (31%), type B in 24 (33%), type A and B in 16 (22%), and none in 10 patients (14%). Mean final plate width after D-line dissolution and opening of septs between channels in 62 patients with urethral plate tubularization was 8.7 ± 0.15 mm. DISCUSSION: The main contribution of our study is a new perspective of distal urethral plate anatomy that enables enlargement of the epithelized surface of the distal urethral plate by dissolution of the preexisting epithelized groove and opening of epithelized channels within the plate. To the best of our knowledge, this anatomical anomaly has not been described previously. CONCLUSIONS: The distal urethral plate of all hypospadias patients is partially "folded" in the midline by epithelial adhesions of different depth and extent that may be easily dissoluted. In half of the patients (53%) the "folded" part of the plate continues proximally as a blind channel inside the urethral plate (type A channel). Opening of these structures together with the well-known urethral plate pits (type B channel) helps augment the width and the overall epithelized surface of the distal urethral plate.

[Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy]. / Arytmogenní kardiomyopatie levé komory.

Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC) is a rare condition characterised by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium of the left ventricle in combination with arrhythmias of left ventricular origin. ALVC has been linked to autosomal dominant mutations of genes encoding desmosomal proteins, similarly to the classic arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with which it also shares pathological and prognostic features. It seems that isolated left or right ventricular abnormalities represent two extremes of the spectrum of clinical manifestations of a single disease: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. In addition to arrhythmias originating from the left ventricle, the diagnosis of ALVC is based on identification of morphological changes of the left ventricle including late gadolinium enhancement with subepicardial to midwall distribution, corresponding to fibrous or fibrofatty replacement on histopathology. The diagnosis is confirmed by detection of a causal mutation. ALVC should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia of non-ischemic origin.Key words: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy - cardiac magnetic resonance - late gadolinium enhancement - ventricular tachycardia.

Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Eosinophilic Myocarditis.

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) represents a rare form of myocardial inflammation with very heterogeneous aetiology. In developed countries, the most prevalent causes of EM are hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, as well as hematological diseases leading to eosinophilia. The disease may have a variable clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic forms to life-threatening conditions. Most patients with EM have marked eosinophilia in peripheral blood. Endomyocardial biopsy needs to be performed in most cases in order to establish a definitive diagnosis of EM. The therapy depends on the underlying aetiology. Immunosuppressive therapy represents the treatment mainstay in the majority of EM forms.

A high frequency of viral agents yet absence of Borrelia burgdorferi is seen within the myocardium of subjects with normal left ventricular systolic function: an electron microscopy study.

A wide range of viral agents is associated with the development of acute myocarditis and its possible chronic sequela, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). There is also increasing evidence that Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) is associated with DCM in endemic regions for Bb infection. This study sought to use electron microscopy to prospectively analyze the presence of viruses and Bb within the myocardium of 40 subjects with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and 40 patients with new-onset unexplained DCM during the same time period. Virus particles were found within the myocardium of 23 subjects (58%) of both cohorts studied, yet there was no statistically significant difference in virus family presence between those with DCM versus those with preserved LV systolic function. In contrast, Bb was detected only in those subjects with DCM (0 versus 5 subjects; p ˂ 0.05). Polymerase chain reaction was performed on samples from patients who were positive for Bb according to electron microscopy, and Bb was confirmed in 4 out of 5 individuals. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of viral particles does not differ between subjects with preserved LV systolic function versus those with DCM and therefore suggests that the mere presence of a viral agent within the myocardium is not sufficient to establish a clear link with the development of DCM. In contrast, the presence of Bb was found only within myocardial samples of patients with DCM; this finding supports the idea of a causal relationship between Bb infection and DCM development.

A rare case of regressively changed lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum presenting with anemia and recurrent fever.

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS) is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue within some segments of the interatrial septum. Only one published case so far describes fever as a presenting feature of LHIS. On the other hand, systemic symptoms including anemia and fever are well-known clinical presentations of cardiac myxomas. We report an unusual case of a 79-year-old woman who was thoroughly but unsuccessfully investigated for recurrent fever and anemia in several specialized departments over the course of 4 years. Computed tomography scan showed a pathological mass localized in the interatrial septum and spreading to ascending aorta. Histological analysis of the biopsy samples from surgery revealed the unexpected diagnosis of regressively changed LHIS. We discuss the clinical and pathologic features of this lesion suggesting that its regressive changes may be associated with inflammation and can cause systemic symptoms such as fever and anemia.

Absence of Borrelia burgdorferi in the myocardium of subjects with normal left ventricular systolic function: a study using PCR and electron microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) genome in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). To further support a causal relationship between the presence of Bb in the heart muscle and the development of DCM, demonstration of the absence of Bb in the myocardium of subjects with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function is needed. AIM: To determine the prevalence of Bb by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy (EM) in individuals with normal LV systolic function and no history suggestive of myocarditis. METHODS: We investigated 50 patients (67 ± 9 years, 15 women) with normal LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% undergoing cardiac surgery. During surgery, four samples from the right atrial appendage were obtained and subsequently examined by PCR and EM for the presence of Bb, and by immunohistochemistry to detect inflammatory cells. Serological testing of antibodies against Bb was also performed. RESULTS: Neither PCR nor EM detected Bb in any of the subjects. Immunohistological examination revealed myocardial inflammation in 2 individuals (4%). Serological analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated IgM antibodies against Bb in 4% and IgG antibodies in 12% of the study cohort; Western blot revealed IgM as well as IgG positivity in 14% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of Bb in the myocardium of individuals who undergo cardiac surgery and have normal LV systolic function supports the idea of Bb pathogenicity in the development of DCM.

Recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

BACKGROUND: Several recent small studies have suggested a causal link between Lyme disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by demonstrating the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) genome in the myocardium of patients with recent-onset DCM. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effect of targeted antibiotic treatment of Bb-related recent-onset DCM in a larger cohort of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in 110 individuals (53 ± 11 years, 34 women) with recent-onset unexplained DCM, and detected the Bb genome in 22 (20 %) subjects. Bb-positive patients were subsequently treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for 21 days in addition to conventional heart failure medication. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up, a significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (26 ± 6 vs. 44 ± 12 %; p < 0.01) and a decrease in LV end-diastolic (69 ± 7 vs. 63 ± 11 mm; p < 0.01) and end-systolic (61 ± 9 vs. 52 ± 4 mm; p < 0.01) diameters were documented. Moreover, a significant improvement in heart failure symptoms (NYHA class 3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.01) was also observed. CONCLUSION: Targeted antibiotic treatment of Bb-related recent-onset DCM in addition to conventional heart failure therapy is associated with favorable cardiac remodeling and improvement of heart failure symptoms.

Arrhythmogenic substrate at the interventricular septum as a target site for radiofrequency catheter ablation of recurrent ventricular tachycardia in left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (LDAC) is a rare condition characterised by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium of the left ventricle (LV) in combination with ventricular arrhythmias of LV origin. CASE PRESENTATION: A thirty-five-year-old male was referred for evaluation of recurrent sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) of 200 bpm and right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed late gadolinium enhancement distributed circumferentially in the epicardial layer of the LV free wall myocardium including the rightward portion of the interventricular septum (IVS). The clinical RBBB VT was reproduced during the EP study. Ablation at an LV septum site with absence of abnormal electrograms and a suboptimum pacemap rendered the VT of clinical morphology noninducible. Three other VTs, all of left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern, were induced by programmed electrical stimulation. The regions corresponding to abnormal electrograms were identified and ablated at the mid-to-apical RV septum and the anteroseptal portion of the right ventricular outflow tract. No abnormalities were found at the RV free wall including the inferolateral peritricuspid annulus region. Histological examination confirmed the presence of abnormal fibrous and adipose tissue with myocyte reduction in endomyocardial samples taken from both the left and right aspects of the IVS. CONCLUSION: LDAC rarely manifests with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. In this case, several VTs of both RBBB and LBBB morphology were amenable to endocardial radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Early pericardial valve deterioration as a result of adhesions with native mitral valve.

We report an unusual case of early pericardial tissue valve prosthesis deterioration that required replacement. Four years after mitral valve replacement, 1 of the 3 leaflets of the valve was thickened and retracted in a fixed open position, which resulted in severe mitral insufficiency. The cause of this was adhesion of the leaflet and the patient's own retained posterior mitral valve leaflet. The finding was confirmed at operation and by histologic examination.

A case of an epignathus with intracranial extension appearing as a persistently open mouth at 16 weeks and subsequently diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestation.

We report a rare case of oral mass (epignathus) with intracranial extension originally suspected antenatally at 16 weeks' gestation because of a persistent open mouth. Postmortem MRI and pathologic examination of the fetus confirmed an oral teratoma with bilateral ventricular dilatation, corpus callosum agenesis, and a neuroepithelial intracranial cyst. The relevant literature regarding this anomaly is reviewed.

Herpes simplex virus-induced cardiomyopathy successfully treated with acyclovir.

Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) represents an acquired form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Viral infection is the most common cause of DCMi. In contrast with other cardiotropic viruses, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very rare finding in endomyocardial biopsies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We report a case of HSV-induced cardiomyopathy successfully treated with acyclovir.

Is it always possible to determine a diagnosis? Prenatal ultrasonography, post mortem magnetic resonance, autopsy.

Pathological-anatomical autopsy is the gold standard for determining of foetal abnormalities, but in some cases its role is limited (pathology of central nervous system, in particular, in case of ventricular dilatation or developed autolysis). In pathology of central nervous system, where insufficiency of autopsy can occur, additional post mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed to determine type of malformation. In this case report, we would like to point out the fact that although all investigating methods including post mortem magnetic resonance and autopsy (incl. imunohistochemical tests) are used, this need not necessarily result in a clear diagnostic conclusion of the aborted foetus. Post mortem MRI visualized pathology: dilatation of both lateral ventricals, more in the left and, above all, a pathological focus parasagittaly on the right with haemorrhage and cystic component; it raised a suspicion on ependymoma. However imunohistochemical test did not give an unambiguous conclusion; therefore diagnosis based on MRI could not be uniquely verified.

Benefits of examination by post mortem performed magnetic resonance imaging of foetus: haemorrhage in germinal matrix.

Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging is demonstrated as a supplementary method to classic pathological-anatomical autopsy in determining anomalies of the foetus. Frequently it plays a key role; primarily where the possibilities of performing autopsy are somehow limited (autolysis, ventricular dilatation). Specification of the final diagnosis subsequently enables us to improve prenatal diagnostics, both by means of magnetic resonance imaging and primarily by correlation with the prenatal ultrasound scan; this feedback improves the later method. This case report demonstrated that post mortem magnetic resonance imaging, in contrast with prenatal ultrasound examination, showed extensive haemorrhage in the germinal matrix, and also illustrated indirect symptoms testifying to agenesis of the corpus callosum. Prenatal ultrasound examination showed only hydrocephalus and absence of septum pellucidum. Pathological-anatomical autopsy of the brain was insufficient with regard to advanced autolysis and brain haemorrhage.