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1.
J Med Case Rep ; 18(1): 248, 2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38750592

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the motility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing a delay in the emptying process and leading to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Motility treatment along with symptom management can be done using antiemetics or prokinetics. This study highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of gastroparesis and suggests a potential link between facial trauma and symptom remission, indicating the need for further investigation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old Hispanic man with hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hyperlipidemia on amlodipine 10 mg, lisinopril 5 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, and insulin glargine presented with a diabetic foot ulcer with probable osteomyelitis. During hospitalization, the patient developed severe nausea and vomiting. The gastroenterology team advised continuing antiemetic medicine and trying very small sips of clear liquids. However, the patient didn't improve. Therefore, the gastroenterology team was contacted again. They advised having stomach emptying tests to rule out gastroparesis as the source of emesis. In addition, they recommended continuing metoclopramide, and starting erythromycin due to inadequate improvement. Studies found a 748-min stomach emptying time. Normal is 45-90 min. An uneventful upper GI scope was done. Severe gastroparesis was verified, and the gastroenterology team advised a percutaneous jejunostomy or gastric pacemaker for gastroparesis. Unfortunately, the patient suffered a mechanical fall resulting in facial trauma. After the fall, the patient's nausea eased, and emesis stopped. He passed an oral liquids trial after discontinuation of erythromycin and metoclopramide. CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies the difficulties in diagnosing and treating gastroparesis. An interesting correlation between parasympathetic surges and recovery in gastroparesis may be suggested by the surprising remission of symptoms following face injuries.


Subject(s)
Facial Injuries , Gastroparesis , Humans , Gastroparesis/drug therapy , Gastroparesis/physiopathology , Gastroparesis/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Facial Injuries/complications , Nausea/etiology , Nausea/drug therapy , Vomiting/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Antiemetics/therapeutic use , Gastric Emptying/drug effects , Treatment Outcome
2.
Cureus ; 16(1): e51484, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38304670

ABSTRACT

This case report highlights a very rare variant of diaphragmatic hernia, namely, an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia, which can arise as a complication of the convergence procedure. A 77-year-old man, presenting with chronic shortness of breath and fatigue, was unexpectedly found to have herniation of the transverse colon into the pericardial cavity through a diaphragmatic-pericardial defect. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with mesh via robotic surgery. The patient reported resolution of his symptoms at the six-month follow-up.

3.
Cureus ; 15(8): e44369, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37779787

ABSTRACT

Gallbladder tumors are the most common tumors of the biliary tract. They are rare but clinically aggressive tumors found either as metastatic disease or occasionally detected upon the histopathological assessment of cholecystectomy biopsy. Adenocarcinoma is the most common phenotype of gallbladder cancer, which can be mild to moderately differentiated. Other malignant phenotypes include mucinous adenocarcinoma, signet cell, small cell, papillary adenocarcinoma, intestinal type adenocarcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. The rarity of the disease makes the diagnosis extremely difficult in the initial phases. Liver abscesses are extremely rare and scarcely reported presentation of gallbladder cancer, with only a handful reported cases. It is speculated that the development of hepatic abscesses depicts direct involvement of hepatic parenchyma, development of associated necrosis, and superimposed bacterial infection evolving to an abscess. Gallbladder perforations are rare and potentially life-threatening complications of any gallbladder disease. Increased intraluminal pressure leads to mural necrosis, emphysematous changes in the wall, and vascular compromise which leads to gallbladder wall necrosis leading to perforation. Gallbladder tumors are exceedingly notorious for poor outcomes with very limited survival. Here, we present a case of a 69-year-old male who initially presented with impending perforation of the gallbladder with multiple hepatic masses, which were thought to be metastatic deposits. However, on biopsy, he was found to have multiple hepatic abscesses due to localized necrosis. Further workup revealed that the patient had an advanced metastatic gallbladder tumor that had passed the stage of tumor resection. Gallbladder perforations are classified according to Niemeier's classification. Our patient had a type II perforation which resulted in a hepatic abscess.

4.
Cureus ; 15(9): e44986, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37822435

ABSTRACT

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), is a rare self-limiting disorder presenting with fever and swollen lymph nodes. It is characterized by the focal proliferation of reticular cells, the presence of nuclear debris, and histiocytes. In advanced cases, it can present with hepato-splenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. Historically, it has been associated with viral infections, as it frequently was found to be associated with upper respiratory symptoms. Alternative explanations include the immune response of T-cells leading to alteration in CD8-positive T-cell-mediated cell apoptosis. It is also speculated that KFD can be associated with rheumatological autoimmune diseases. We present a case of a 21-year-old African American female with a known diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-systemic sclerosis (SS) overlap presented with febrile lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed to have HNL on histological exam of lymph node biopsy.

5.
Cureus ; 15(8): e43325, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37700985

ABSTRACT

The sinus of Valsalva presents the initial segment of the aorta from where the coronary vessels arise. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SOVAs) present as progressive dilatation of the aortic sinus. SOVA arises both from the congenital and acquired weakness of the elastic lamina of the aortic media. Though most of the SOVAs are asymptomatic and diagnosed on screening for other pathologies, patients can present with symptoms of arrhythmia, aortic insufficiency, aorto-cardiac fistulas, and, in a few cases, with rupture. We describe a patient who presented with recurrent syncope and was found to have a 6 cm dilated SOVA with an ectatic ascending aorta. Further assessment revealed a left anterior fascicular block, aortic regurgitation, and mitral regurgitation. On further assessment, no other cause of syncope was found. There was no family history of aneurysm or sudden cardiac death. The patient was eventually discharged with outpatient follow-up with cardiothoracic surgery. In patients presenting with asymptomatic SOVA, a dilatation with a maximum diameter of 6.0 cm requires stringent monitoring and should be considered for surgery.

6.
Cureus ; 15(8): e43211, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37692725

ABSTRACT

Candida lusitaniae is an emerging opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts and hospitalized patients. However, the incidence is low in immunocompetent hosts. Because of their characteristic similarities, C. lusitaniae may be confused with other fungal species, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and even Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recently reported cases of serious infections caused by C. lusitaniae have proven detrimental, and some cases reported amphotericin resistance. Here, we present a case report of empyema caused by C. lusitaniae in an immunocompetent patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit and intubated for acute hypoxic respiratory failure. This case demonstrates the importance of recognizing this organism and initiating early treatment for the prevention of fatal complications.

7.
Cureus ; 15(7): e41897, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37581132

ABSTRACT

This case report describes a patient with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who presented with a large pericardial effusion and a scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). The patient's clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment plans are reviewed. The coexistence of these complications presents a challenging clinical scenario requiring an interdisciplinary approach. The management of pericardial effusion in SSc and SRC is discussed, emphasizing the need for early detection and prompt treatment. Further research is needed to better understand and manage these complex complications in SSc patients.

8.
Cureus ; 15(6): e40964, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37503493

ABSTRACT

This case report presents the clinical course of a 70-year-old female with a history of hypertension who developed sinus pauses following abdominal surgery, ultimately requiring the placement of a pacemaker. The patient initially presented with altered mental status preceded by abdominal pain, which progressed to confusion and obtundation. Examination revealed signs of toxicity, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a distended abdomen with absent bowel sounds. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen indicated closed-loop small bowel obstruction with free air and ascites. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, revealing purulent fluid and a necrotic, perforated appendix, leading to appendectomy and peritoneal irrigation. Subsequent surgeries addressed the coagulative necrosis of the omentum and wound closure. During the recovery period, the patient exhibited bradycardia with sinus pauses, including episodes of complete heart block. Cardiology consultation attributed this to increased parasympathetic tone following surgery and recommended the placement of a temporary transvenous pacemaker. As the patient's condition improved, the sinus pacing function progressively returned, leading to the removal of the pacemaker. This case underscores the potential development of sinus pauses after abdominal surgery and highlights the importance of prompt recognition, appropriate management, and collaboration between surgical and cardiology teams to ensure patient recovery.

9.
Cureus ; 15(6): e41012, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37519508

ABSTRACT

Tracheal stenosis (TS) is an iatrogenic sequela after intubation or tracheostomy that is increasing despite technological improvement and skilled respiratory care in the ICU. According to the studies, the rate of TS varies from 10 to 22%, but only 1-2% of these stenoses are severe and present with inspiratory dyspnea that does not respond to medical management. Bronchoscopy is considered the most appropriate diagnostic test, and laser surgery and tracheobronchial stenting are the most commonly performed procedures for tracheal stenosis. However, alternative treatment options, including cryotherapy for inoperable patients, have yet to be studied widely. As the number of patients requiring ICU admission with mechanical intubation is increasing, it is crucial to acknowledge this complication and consider alternative management options. Here we present a review of the use of cryotherapy for post-intubation tracheal stenosis.  Pubmed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were inquired for studies performed using the keywords 'airway stricture' OR 'airway obstruction' AND 'post-intubation' OR 'post-extubation' OR 'tracheostomy' AND 'cryotherapy'. After the primary and secondary screening, five studies were included in the analysis.  We included 67 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 50.2 (range: 42-55) years. Tracheal stenosis and subglottic stricture were the most common sites of stenosis. Twenty-nine patients were treated with cryotherapy only, while the rest 38 patients had cryotherapy followed by balloon dilation. After the intervention, 48 patients experienced improvement, five experienced no change in the symptoms, 13 patients were asymptomatic before the treatment, and one died. No complication was reported in 65 patients, with only minor complications reported in rest.  Although, there is no clear treatment protocol for patients with inoperable tracheal stenosis. Our review demonstrates that cryotherapy for inoperable tracheal stenosis can be an acceptable alternative treatment with significant clinical improvement. Additionally, cryotherapy has fewer adverse effects compared to other treatment options.

10.
Cureus ; 15(6): e40912, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37496555

ABSTRACT

The systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endobronchial stent placement for malignant airway obstruction.  A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and case-control studies examining the outcomes of endobronchial stent placement in patients with malignant airway obstruction were included. Data on pre-treatment evaluation, such as pulmonary function testing, dyspnea severity scoring systems, arterial blood gas parameters, imaging, and degree of obstruction, were also collected. Primary outcomes of interest included post-procedure stenosis, pulmonary function testing evaluation, blood gas parameters, and survival outcomes. Secondary outcomes encompassed improvements in clinical status, dyspnea grade, and procedure-related complications. A total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The included studies demonstrated promising outcomes of endobronchial stent placement in managing malignant airway obstruction. Post-procedure airway diameters, pulmonary function testing, and blood gas parameters improved significantly. Survival outcomes varied among studies. Furthermore, endobronchial stent placement was associated with improvements in clinical status and dyspnea grade. Procedure-related complications ranged from pain, hemoptysis and mucus plugging to stent obstruction, migration and pneumothorax.  This systematic review suggests that endobronchial stent placement is an effective and safe intervention for managing malignant airway obstruction. It offers significant improvements in post-procedure stenosis, pulmonary function testing, blood gas parameters, and clinical outcomes. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and standardized reporting are warranted to better evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of endobronchial stent placement for malignant airway obstruction.

11.
Cureus ; 15(5): e39301, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37346199

ABSTRACT

Schwann cell tumors are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system and are extremely rare in the gastrointestinal system. They usually originate in the colon or rectum but can also occur in the esophagus and small intestine. Their occurrence is rare in GI tract and mainly in the sigmoid colon. Schwann cell tumors have no association with any familial cancer syndromes. We present a 65-year-old female patient who underwent routine colon cancer screening. In addition to open mouth diverticulosis, she was found to have a 3 mm polyp, which was diagnosed as a Schwann cell hamartoma after a biopsy. This study aimed to present this rarely reported case in the literature as an example of a tumor that should be included in the differential diagnosis when considering submucosal colonic lesions. Though the reported reoccurrence rate is low, this case highlights the lack of published guidelines regarding appropriate follow-up surveillance periods.

12.
Cureus ; 15(5): e38764, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37303375

ABSTRACT

Many studies have reported severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affecting the gastrointestinal tract and causing gastritis, colitis, duodenitis and acute pancreatitis (AP). We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate if SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19 infection) affects the outcomes and severity of AP. We searched for articles in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov databases and included studies comparing the outcomes of AP in patients with and without COVID-19. Our outcomes were the mean age of occurrence of AP, Charlson Comorbidity Index, incidence of idiopathic etiology of AP, severity of AP, incidence of necrotizing pancreatitis, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality between the two cohorts. We included five observational studies with a total population of 2,446 patients. Our results showed that in COVID-19 patients; AP had higher odds of having an idiopathic etiology (odds ratio, OR 3.14, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.36-7.27), be more severe (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.47-7.49), had higher risk for pancreatic necrosis (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.62-3.55), require ICU admission (OR 4.28, 95% CI 2.88-6.37) and had higher mortality (OR 5.75, 95% CI 3.62-9.14) than in patients without COVID-19 infection. Our study concluded that SARS-CoV-2 infection does increase the morbidity and mortality associated with AP and further large-scale multi-center studies are needed to confirm these results.

13.
Cureus ; 15(4): e37653, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37200638

ABSTRACT

A 71-year-old female visiting from Colombia presented to the emergency room with a productive cough, subjective fever, and chills for the past three days. Baseline EKG demonstrated a QT interval of 385 milliseconds with left ventricular hypertrophy and T wave inversions in leads V4, V5, and V6. Azithromycin was administered, and she was subsequently found to have torsades de pointes (TdP) on telemetry. In high-risk individuals, medications with reduced effects on cardiac conduction should be considered to avoid potentially lethal reactions. This case highlights the importance of clinical history prior to the administration of medications that have a propensity to cause abnormalities in cardiac conduction. Our patient had a grossly normal QT interval prior to the administration of azithromycin; however, she subsequently developed torsades de pointes. The patient was on telemetry monitoring, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was quickly initiated as she was in a hospitalized setting; however, in an outpatient community setting, she likely would not have survived. By examining all the elements which contribute to QT prolongation, clinicians can have a deeper understanding of the complexities, particularly in individuals with multiple co-morbid conditions prior to the administration of medications that have a propensity to affect the QT interval.

14.
Cureus ; 15(3): e35752, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37020491

ABSTRACT

Takotsubo, or stress cardiomyopathy (SC), is described as a transient systolic dysfunction of the apical segments of the left ventricle mainly triggered by emotional or physical stress resembling the presentation of an acute coronary syndrome in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Reverse Takotsubo SC is a rare variant of SC that presents with basal ballooning instead of apical ballooning seen in classic SC. We present a case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to the ICU with septic shock. Laboratory test results showed elevated troponin. An echocardiogram showed reduced cardiac contractility and relative hypokinesis of the basal and mid segments compared to the apical segments, consistent with reverse Takotsubo SC, which recovered after 10 days. It can happen in critically ill patients in the ICU secondary to severe sepsis and could contribute to hemodynamic worsening, affecting the final clinical outcomes.

15.
Cureus ; 15(2): e35211, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36968886

ABSTRACT

Heart failure results in significant morbidity and mortality. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF) in the absence of atrial fibrillation has been increasingly considered an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, partly because of the development of left ventricular thrombus and subsequent cardioembolic stroke and partly because of hemodynamic impairment. Here, we present a case of a 60-year-old male with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, who presented with cardioembolic ischemic stroke. In the investigation to localize the source, he was found to have slow intra-ventricular blood flow, which over shorter periods of follow up lead to the development of left ventricle intra-mural thrombi. Meanwhile, the patient also developed hemorrhagic conversion in the ischemic stroke, which further complicated the choice of anticoagulation. To date, no consensus has been developed on the choice of anticoagulation and clinical criteria for the use of anticoagulation in patients having HfrEF and sinus rhythm. This case brings forth a need for further research on whether anticoagulation would be beneficial in patients with HfrEF and sinus rhythm.

16.
Cureus ; 15(1): e34434, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36874755

ABSTRACT

Endobronchial malignancies with significant airway obstruction can lead to multiple complications including pneumonia, and atelectasis over a period of time. Various intraluminal treatments have proven their value in palliative treatment for advanced malignancies. Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12) laser has established its role as a major palliative intervention due to its minimal side effects and improvement in quality of life by relieving local symptoms. The systematic review was conducted with the goal of elucidating the patient characteristics, pre-treatment parameters, clinical outcomes, and possible complications resulting from the use of the Nd:YAG laser. A thorough literature search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception of the idea to November 24, 2022. Our study included all original studies including retrospective studies and prospective trials, but excluded case reports, case series with less than 10 patients, and studies with incomplete or irrelevant data. A total of 11 studies were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes focused on the evaluation of pulmonary functional tests, postprocedural stenosis, blood gas parameters after the procedure, and survival outcomes. Improvement in clinical status, improvement in objective scale for dyspnea, and complications were the secondary outcomes. Our study shows that Nd:YAG laser treatment is an effective form of palliative treatment to provide subjective and objective improvement in patients with advanced and inoperable endobronchial malignancies. Due to the heterogeneous study populations in the studies reviewed and the presence of many limitations, more studies are still warranted to reach a definitive conclusion.

17.
Cureus ; 15(1): e33294, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36741631

ABSTRACT

Primary appendiceal carcinomas are rare and often found incidentally when the appendix is surgically removed. Adenocarcinoma predominates the histological types of malignancies, with mucinous adenocarcinoma being the most prevalent of the various subtypes. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), a complication seen in mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix (MAA), is the collection of mucinous ascites in the intra-abdominal cavity and the thickening of the surrounding viscera by mucin-producing tumor cells. PMP initially presents with increased abdominal discomfort and girth and, in later stages, presents with obstructive abdomen symptoms. These symptoms are nonspecific and can be a challenge to pinpoint. Such was the case for our patient, in this case report, who initially presented with dyspepsia and later demonstrated compressive symptoms and weight loss, raising concern for malignancy. An appendiceal pathology was of concern when his right lower quadrant pain acutely worsened during an abdominal ultrasound, and imaging and biopsy confirmed MAA with PMP. The aim of this report is to shed light on the management of recurrent MAA. Our patient's recurrent MAA was managed with debulking procedures and three rounds of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and was managed postoperatively with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and bevacizumab, which in its totality helped achieve a progression-free survival of more than two years. We believe that cytoreduction and intraoperative chemotherapy prolong survival in patients with recurrent disease, as was the case with our patients. Our patient also demonstrated benefit as his disease stabilized after starting bevacizumab; however, more studies need to be performed at a larger scale to show a consistent relationship.

18.
Cureus ; 15(1): e33695, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36788902

ABSTRACT

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complication frequently encountered among patients who are chronic alcohol abusers. It is considered to have a significant impact on the United States healthcare system. It not only has a toll on the healthcare spending but also contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Benzodiazepines are considered first line in the treatment of AWS. Since patients with alcohol use disorder have downregulated gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, this often leads to benzodiazepine resistance. Phenobarbital is also used in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of the drug. We conducted an electronic database search for relevant studies published between the inception of the project and November 20, 2022, in three databases, including Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Our study included all original studies with prime focus on the baseline characteristics of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for alcohol withdrawal syndrome and management/monitoring protocol implemented for its treatment. The primary outcomes that were the focus of our study consisted of changes in the length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and changes in scoring systems (for alcohol withdrawal assessment and monitoring) following the implementation of phenobarbital. The secondary outcomes included complications such as intubation and mortality. Based on our analysis, the mean difference in hospital stay was statistically significant at -2.6 (95% CI, -4.48, -0.72, P=0.007) for phenobarbital compared to the benzodiazepine group. We were unable to comment on the heterogeneity in our meta-analysis due to the standard deviation not being reported in one study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the length of stay in the intensive care unit compared to the control/comparative arm, with a mean difference of -1.17 (95% CI, -1.17, 0.09, P=0.07), with considerable heterogeneity (I2=77%, P=0.002). Our meta-analysis also investigated the risk of intubation between the phenobarbital and the control/comparative group. There was statistically significant difference in the incidence of intubation, relative risk (RR) 0.52 (95% CI, 0.25, 1.08, P=0.08), with considerable heterogeneity (I2=80%, P=0.0001). Our study concludes that phenobarbital is an effective tool in the management of AWS in an ICU setting. However, various studies have reported contradictory results, and vital information appears to be lacking. Moreover, there is a lack of uniformity in terms of phenobarbital dosing. Drug administration should be adapted according to the severity of the symptoms. Further studies need to be conducted discussing the safety profile and adverse effects of the drug when it comes to the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

19.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30273, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36381892

ABSTRACT

Marijuana is among the most widely used recreational drugs in the United States. The most common side effects of marijuana include mood changes, impaired memory, impaired body movements, and hallucination. Chronic use of marijuana is associated with transaminitis and hepatomegaly. Reported cases of acute hepatitis secondary to heavy marijuana smoking are very rare.

20.
Cureus ; 14(9): e29522, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36312695

ABSTRACT

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the current treatment of choice for good surgical candidates with moderate to severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). As transcatheter aortic valvular replacement (TAVR) has shown an improved one and two-year all-cause mortality, it has been chosen for moderately symptomatic severe AS patients. The purpose of this review was to perform a clinical comparison of TAVR vs. SAVR and to analyze the Health Index Factor (HIF) that makes TAVR a treatment of choice in asymptomatic AS patients.  An extensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed using the keywords "Aortic stenosis", "SAVR", "TAVR", and "Asymptomatic". A total of 45 prospective randomized clinical trials in the English language that were published from the year 2000 onwards were included in the final analysis. It has been found that 59.3% of asymptomatic AS patients are likely to die in the next five years without proactive treatment. Multiple studies have proven that early intervention with aortic valve replacement is superior to conservative treatment in severe asymptomatic AS; however, the choice between SAVR and TAVR is not well established. The NOTION Trial, SURTAVI Trail, and PARTNER 3 study have shown the non-inferiority of TAVR over SAVR, during one-year follow-up for low surgical risk patients. Evolut Low-Risk study and Early TAVR are the only two prospective studies performed to date that have enrolled patients with asymptomatic severe AS. The Evolut Trial demonstrated no difference in all-cause mortality at 30 days (1.3% vs. 4.8%. p=0.23), and 12 days (1.3% vs. 6.5%, p=0.11). Additionally, TAVR also decreases the risk of post-procedural atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury (AKI), and rehospitalization, and leads to significant improvement in the mean trans-aortic pressure gradient. TAVR also showed marked improvement in the 30-day Quality of Life (QOL) index, where SAVR did not report any significant change in the QOL index. However, the official recommendations of Early TAVR are still awaited. TAVR has consistently shown a statistically non-significant difference in case mortality, risk of stroke, and rehospitalization with moderate to high surgical risk patients whereby recent initial trials have shown significant improvement in the QOL index and hemodynamic index for patients with asymptomatic disease. More extensive studies are required to prove the risk stratifications, long-term outcomes, and clinical characteristics that would make TAVR a preferred intervention in asymptomatic patients.

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