Outcomes in congenital and childhood complete atrioventricular block: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of patients with congenital and childhood complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB/CAVB) after pacemaker implantation are unclear. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of all the studies of CCAVB. A systematic search of PubMed and CENTRAL databases from January 1, 1967 to January 31, 2020 was performed. The quality of studies included was critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and outcome data were analyzed using the restricted maximum likelihood function. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were eligible for analysis, with a total of 1553 patients. The all-cause-mortality was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5%-9.9%), while pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) was seen in 3.8% (95% CI: 1.2-7.2). Diagnosis at birth (effect size [ES] [95%CI]: -2.23 [-0.36 to -0.10]; p < .001), presence of congenital heart disease (ES [95%CI]: -0.67 [0.41-0.93]; p < .001), younger age at pacemaker implantation (ES [95%CI]: -0.01 [-0.02 to -0.001]; p = .02), and duration of pacing (ES [95%CI]: -0.03 [-0.05 to -0.003]; p = .03), were associated with an higher mortality on binominal logistic regression. None of the parameters were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Pooled proportional mortality in patients with CCAVB and CAVB is 5.7% with an infrequent incidence of PICM (3.8%) in the paced patients with AVB suggesting that pacing in these patients is an effective management strategy with a low incidence of long-term side effects. Registry and randomized data can throw additional light regarding the natural history and appropriate management strategy in these patients.

18F-NaF PET uptake characteristics of coronary artery culprit lesions in a cohort of patients of acute coronary syndrome with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and chronic stable angina: A hybrid fluoride PET/CTCA study.

BACKGROUND: 18F-NaF PET/CT identifies high-risk plaques due to active calcification in coronary arteries with potential to characterize plaques in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic stable angina (CSA) patients. METHODS: Twenty-four MI and 17 CSA patients were evaluated with 18F-NaF PET/CTCA for SUVmax and TBR values of culprit and non-culprit plaques in both groups (inter-group and intra-group comparison), and pre- and post-interventional MI plaques sub-analysis. RESULTS: Culprit plaques in MI patients had significantly higher SUVmax (1.6; IQR 0.6 vs 1.3; IQR 0.3, P = 0.03) and TBR (1.4; IQR 0.6 vs 1.1; IQR 0.4, P = 0.006) than culprit plaques of CSA. Pre-interventional culprit plaques of MI group (n = 11) revealed higher SUVmax (P = 0.007) and TBR (P = 0.008) values than culprit CSA plaques. Culprit plaques showed significantly higher SUVmax (P = 0.006) and TBR (P = 0.0003) than non-culprit plaques in MI group, but without significant difference between culprit and non-culprit plaques in CSA group. With median TBR cutoff value of 1.4 in MI culprit plaques, 6/7 plaques (85.7%) among the event prone non-culprit lesions had TBR values > 1.4 in CSA group. CONCLUSION: The study shows higher SUVmax and TBR values in MI culprit plaques and comparable TBR values for event prone plaques of CSA group in identifying high-risk plaques.

One-year outcomes of novel BioMime Morph tapered stent in long and multiple coronary artery lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Even with the immense progress achieved in the field of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), treatment of diffuse long atherosclerotic coronary artery disease continues to remain a challenge for durable outcomes. The downstream reduction in diameter along the lesion length of a coronary artery may compel the cardiologist to use either 2 overlapping stents of different diameters or a single long stent leading to stent-vessel mismatch at the edges. Recently, Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., India, has introduced a long-tapered sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) system, BioMime Morph, which conforms to the normal tapered geometry of coronary arteries along with adequate lesion coverage. In this study, we aimed to provide real world experience regarding the safety and efficacy of the BioMime Morph SES over a follow-up of one year. METHODS: This was a single center, retrospective study involving 172 participants who underwent PCI with the BioMime Morph SES. Mean length of the target lesion was 34.4±10.4 mm, and mean stent length was 53.2±8.7 mm. The most frequent revascularized vessel was the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in 97 lesions (54.4%). RESULTS: Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (defined as a composite of target vessel myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and death due to a cardiac cause) at 1, 6, and 12 months were seen in 4 (2.3%), 7 (4.0%), and 8 (4.7%) patients, respectively. Overall, 5 cardiac deaths and 2 definite stent thrombosis were observed in the study. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the novel BioMime Morph SES is an effective and a safe option for PCI in the treatment of long diffuse atherosclerotic lesions.

Association of Longitudinal Changes in Cardiac Biomarkers With Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Study).

We evaluated the association of longitudinal changes in circulating levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) with the burden of arrhythmias as captured by 2-week ambulatory ECG monitoring. This study included 1,930 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants who wore a leadless, ambulatory ECG monitor (Zio XT Patch) at visit 6 (2016 to 2017) and had cardiac biomarkers measured at visit 6 and visit 4 (median of 19 years earlier). The mean age of participants at V6 was 79 ± 5 years, 41% were men, and 22% were black. Adjusting for demographics, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, left ventricular mass, cardiac medications, patch wear time, visit 4 levels of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT, and relative change in hs-cTnT, each log-transformed unit relative increase in NT-proBNP was associated with a higher likelihood of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.48), a higher number of daily atrial tachycardia episodes (geometric mean ratio [GMR] 1.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.21), and a higher daily ectopic burden (premature ventricular contractions -GMR 1.42, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.62; premature atrial contractions -GMR 1.40, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.57). In fully adjusted analyses, each log-transformed unit relative increase in hs-cTnT was only found to be weakly associated with a higher daily premature ventricular contraction burden (GMR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.70). In conclusion, longitudinal change in NT-proBNP was associated with an increased atrial and ventricular arrhythmia burden.

Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Clinical Association.

Background Recently there has been increased interest in a possible association between mast cell activation (MCA) disorder and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study examined the frequency with which symptoms and laboratory findings suggesting MCA disorder occurred in patients diagnosed with POTS. Methods and Results Data were obtained from patients in whom symptoms and orthostatic testing were consistent with a POTS diagnosis. Individuals with <4 months symptom duration, evident ongoing inflammatory disease, suspected volume depletion, or declined consent were excluded. All patients had typical POTS symptoms; some, however, had additional nonorthostatic complaints not usually associated with POTS. The latter patients underwent additional testing for known MCA biochemical mediators including prostaglandins, histamine, methylhistamine, and plasma tryptase. The study comprised 69 patients who met POTS diagnostic criteria. In 44 patients (44/69, 64%) additional nonorthostatic symptoms included migraine, allergic complaints, skin rash, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Of these 44 patients, 29 (66%) exhibited at least 1 laboratory abnormality suggesting MCA disorder, and 11/29 patients had 2 or more such abnormalities. Elevated prostaglandins (n=16) or plasma histamine markers (n=23) were the most frequent findings. Thus, 42% (29/69) of patients initially diagnosed with POTS exhibited both additional symptoms and at least 1 elevated biochemical marker suggesting MCA disorder. Conclusions Laboratory findings suggesting MCA disorder were relatively common in patients diagnosed with POTS and who present with additional nonorthostatic gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and allergic symptoms. While solitary abnormal laboratory findings are not definitive, they favor MCA disorder being considered in such cases.

Life's Simple 7 cardiovascular health score and premature atrial contractions: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study.

BACKGROUND: Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke. Although lifestyle and risk factor modification reduces AF incidence, their relationship to PACs frequency is unclear. We assessed the association of Life's Simple 7 (LS7) and individual LS7 factors in midlife with PACs frequency in late life in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. METHODS: We followed 1924 participants from ARIC clinic Visit 3 (1993--95) to Visit 6 (2016-17) when a 2-week continuous heart rhythm monitor (Zio®XT Patch) was applied. LS7 factors were assessed at Visit 3 and a composite score was calculated. PACs frequency was categorized as minimal (<0.1%), occasional (≥0.1%-5%) and frequent (>5%). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of LS7 score and individual factors with PACs frequency. RESULTS: Each 1-point LS7 score increase was associated with lower odds of frequent PACs vs. no PACs (OR [95% CI]: 0.87 [0.78, 0.98]) and frequent PACs vs. occasional PACs (OR [95% CI]: 0.88 [0.79, 0.98]). Of the individual LS7 factors, compared with ideal physical activity, poor physical activity was associated with 81% higher odds of frequent PACs vs. no PACs. Compared with ideal BMI, poor BMI was associated with 41% higher odds of occasional PACs vs. no PACs. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle risk factors, particularly physical activity and BMI, are associated with higher odds of PACs frequency. More research is needed to determine whether modifying these risk factors in midlife would prevent frequent PACs, and thereby prevent AF and stroke in older age.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Cytobacillus firmus Isolated from the Stem Bark of Terminalia arjuna and Their Antimicrobial Activity.

This work reports an eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using endophytic bacteria, Cytobacillus firmus isolated from the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by visual observation as a change in color of the bacterial solution impregnated with silver. Further, the morphology of the AgNPs, average size, and presence of elemental silver were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. The roles of endophytic secondary metabolites in the metal reduction, stabilization, and capping of silver nanoparticles were studied by qualitative FTIR spectral peaks. The antimicrobial ability of AgNPs was evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and pearl millet blast disease-causing fungi (Magnoporthe grisea). The biosynthesized AgNPs showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities. AgNPs effectively inhibited the bacterial growth in a dose-dependent manner and presented as good antifungal agents towards the growth of Magnoporthe grisea.

Prognostic role of procalcitonin in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiogenic shock accounts for the majority of deaths amongst patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Procalcitonin is elevated in acute myocardial infarction, especially when complicated by left heart failure, cardiogenic shock, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and bacterial infections. However, the prognostic utility of procalcitonin in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock has not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective registry review of 125 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock over 2 years at a tertiary referral hospital to examine the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin measurement at 24 hours after the onset of infarction for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 57.75 ± 11.1 years, and the median delay from onset to hospital admission was 15 hours. The in-hospital mortality was 28.8%. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a strong relationship between elevated procalcitonin and in-hospital mortality (area under the curve = 0.676; p = 0.002). Although procalcitonin was found to be higher in non-survivors in univariate analysis, it was not an independent predictor of mortality in multivariate regression analysis. Acute kidney injury, left ventricular ejection fraction, and non-revascularization were independently associated with mortality after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSION: Although procalcitonin was higher in non-survivors, static procalcitonin measurement at 24 hours after the onset of ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Additional prospective studies are required to assess the role of serial procalcitonin monitoring in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Sinus arrest: A rare observation during radiofrequency ablation along the coronary sinus roof.

Catheter-based radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeting segments of the cardiac conduction system and/or selected regions of myocardium is an accepted treatment for many cardiac arrhythmias. On the other hand, while purposeful extension of RF ablation to include nearby cardiac neural elements, particularly epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP), remains a subject of ongoing study, inadvertent stimulation of such structures may occur during an otherwise conventional RF ablation procedure. Thus, asystolic pauses have been observed during RF ablation of left ventricular free-wall accessory pathways, slow AV node pathways, and the left superior pulmonary vein. In this report, sinus arrest occurred within 3.3 s of RF application (40 W at 50°C) along the coronary sinus roof for treatment of an atypical "slow-slow" atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Energy delivery was immediately terminated, but asystole persisted for 4.7 s followed by sinus bradycardia. The procedure was temporarily halted, but later was successfully resumed. Given the latency from terminating RF to return of sinus node function, the sinus arrest was likely a centrally mediated reflex vagal response. Consequently, while parasympathetic ganglia near the CS os are believed to principally innervate the AV node, not the sinus node, our observation highlights the neural cross-communications that likely exist in this region of the heart.

Impact of Denervation by Heart Transplantation on Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility.

Atrial fibrillation is common following cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgery and is associated with poorer outcomes, including: increased risk of stroke, hemodynamic instability, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality. Current understanding suggests that post-op atrial fibrillation results from the interplay of local and systemic operative inflammation, increased sympathetic activity, perhaps the release of free radical species in the perioperative period, and the patient's underlying cardiac substrate. Cardiac denervation following orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) using modern bicaval techniques presents a unique opportunity to study the relative contribution of the autonomic nervous system to post-op atrial fibrillation susceptibility. Observational studies show a reduced incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation following orthotopic heart transplant compared to other cardiac and thoracic surgeries. Moreover, comparison of atrial fibrillation rates with double lung transplant recipients suggests that cardiac denervation has a contribution apart from surgical pulmonary vein isolation alone. This report reviews current concepts of the mechanisms of post-op atrial fibrillation with a focus on the role of the autonomic nervous system, the autonomic regulation of the native heart, and evidence regarding the impact of cardiac denervation following OHT.

Role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in the prediction of outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Although measurements of natriuretic peptides have a role in chronic heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, their role has not been studied in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS-STEMI). Sixty-four patients with CS-STEMI were prospectively recruited to assess the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement after 24 h of the onset of angina or anginal equivalent. Patients who died within 24 h were excluded. The mean age was 56.9 ± 10.6 years and the median time to presentation was 22 h (Interquartile range 7-48 h). Thrombolysis was done in 51% and PCI in 31% of cases. The in-hospital mortality was 26.5%. The ROC analysis showed a strong relationship between elevated NT-proBNP and in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.748; p = 0.003). An NT-proBNP value > 8582 pg/mL showed 76.5% sensitivity, 68% specificity, 46.4% positive predictive value, and 89% negative predictive value for in-hospital mortality. Acute kidney injury [Odds ratio (OR) 7.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-37.37] and NT-proBNP (OR 1.12 per 1000 pg/mL; CI 1.012-1.25) were independent predictors of mortality in multivariate regression analysis. Although we found plasma NT-proBNP at 24 h to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in CS-STEMI, additional studies with a larger sample are required to ascertain these findings and validate the appropriate cut-off values.

Neurohormones in the Pathophysiology of Vasovagal Syncope in Adults.

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope across all age groups. Nonetheless, despite its clinical importance and considerable research effort over many years, the pathophysiology of VVS remains incompletely understood. In this regard, numerous studies have been undertaken in an attempt to improve insight into the evolution of VVS episodes and many of these studies have examined neurohormonal changes that occur during the progression of VVS events primarily using the head-up tilt table testing model. In this regard, the most consistent finding is a marked increase in epinephrine (Epi) spillover into the circulation beginning at an early stage as VVS evolves. Reported alterations of circulating norepinephrine (NE), on the other hand, have been more variable. Plasma concentrations of other vasoactive agents have been reported to exhibit more variable changes during a VVS event, and for the most part change somewhat later, but in some instances the changes are quite marked. The neurohormones that have drawn the most attention include arginine vasopressin [AVP], adrenomedullin, to a lesser extent brain and atrial natriuretic peptides (BNP, ANP), opioids, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and serotonin. However, whether some or all of these diverse agents contribute directly to VVS pathophysiology or are principally a compensatory response to an evolving hemodynamic crisis is as yet uncertain. The goal of this communication is to summarize key reported neurohumoral findings in VVS, and endeavor to ascertain how they may contribute to observed hemodynamic alterations during VVS.

Outcomes of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the off-label use of large occluders (≥16 mm).

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter closure is the first-choice strategy for the management of appropriate patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The management of large PDAs is challenging due to the limited available sizes of approved devices and the inherent risks of surgical ligation, especially in adults with calcified PDAs. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of the off-label use of large occluders at a tertiary center. METHODS: This retrospective review included patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure with large occluders (≥16 mm) over 16 years. The baseline patient data, procedural details, angiograms, and immediate outcomes were recorded and patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 months after the intervention and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Of the 685 patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure, 36 patients (mean age 16.6 ± 12.5 years) needed occluders ≥ 16 mm in size. Cocoon duct occluder, Cera duct occluder, Amplatzer atrial septal occluder (ASO), and Cera muscular ventricular septal defect occluders were used for PDA closure. There was no device embolization, one patient in whom ASO was used had residual shunt with intravascular hemolysis requiring surgery, and one patient had mild left pulmonary artery narrowing after the intervention, which was managed conservatively. No patient had residual shunt and one patient had persistent pulmonary hypertension at an intermediate duration of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter PDA closure with the use of large devices, which are available in Asia and Europe, is an effective and safe method, especially in adolescents and adults. However, a close follow-up of these patients is mandatory.

Hyperlocal Postcode Based Crowdsourced Surveillance Systems in the COVID-19 Pandemic Response.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has rapidly saturated healthcare resources across the globe and has led to a restricted screening process, hindering efforts at comprehensive case detection. This has not only facilitated community spread but has also resulted in an underestimation of the true incidence of disease, a statistic which is useful for policy making aimed at controlling the current pandemic and in preparing for future outbreaks. In this perspective, we present a crowdsourced platform developed by us for the true estimation of all SARS-CoV-2 infections in the community, through active self-reporting and layering other authentic datasets. The granularity of data captured by this system could prove to be useful in assisting governments to identify SARS-CoV-2 hotspots in the community facilitating lifting of restrictions in a controlled fashion.

QTc dispersion as a novel marker in identifying patients requiring an epicardial approach for ablation of scar mediated ventricular tachycardia.

INTRODUCTION: Epicardial exit sites of ventricular tachycardia (VT) are frequently encountered during VT ablation requiring an epicardial ablation approach for successful elimination of VT. We sought to assess the utility of repolarization markers in identifying individuals requiring an epicardial ablation approach in addition to an endocardial approach. METHODS: 32 patients who underwent successful ablation for scar mediated VT were included in the study. Fourteen patients who required a combined endocardial and epicardial VT ablation were defined as epicardial VT group (Epi) whereas 18 patients who were successfully ablated from the endocardium alone constituted the endocardial VT group (Endo). Repolarization markers during sinus rhythm were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A higher QTc max and QTc dispersion were seen in the Epi group compared to Endo group (479 ± 34 vs 449 ± 20, p = 0.008 and 63 ± 13 vs 38 ± 8, p = 0.001, respectively). Ts-p and Ts-p/Tp-e were higher in the Epi group (166 ± 23 vs 143 ± 23, p = 0.008 and 1.55 ± 0.26 vs 1.3 ± 0.21, p < 0.005). On multivariate regression, QTc dispersion was an independent predictor of the need for an epicardial approach to ablation. A QTc dispersion more than 51.5 msec identified individuals requiring a combined epicardial and endocardial approach to ablation with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients requiring an epicardial ablation have a higher QTc dispersion. A value greater than 51.5 msec reliably differentiates between the two groups with high sensitivity and specificity.

Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly: The Role of Sub-Clinical Isolated Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Amyloid infiltration of the atrium is described in patients with valvular heart disease and is associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation(AF) while amyloid deposits in the ventricles is increasingly being diagnosed in patients with HFpEF. The role of amyloid deposits in patients with AF without valvular heart disease, which represents the most common form of AF globally, is undefined. In this study, we sought to assess the prevalence of sub-clinical isolated cardiac amyloidosis (ICA) at autopsy and the odds of AF in these patients. A total of 1083 patients were included in the study and 3.1% of patients were found to have asymptomatic ICA. Patients with ICA were older and had a higher odds of AF independent of age and CHA2DS2VASc score. Amongst patients with AF, those with ICA were more likely to have persistent forms of AF and had a lower sinus rhythm P-wave amplitude. Further studies are required to further define this entity, identify imaging modalities to aid in antemortem diagnosis of ICA and to establish the optimal management strategies in these patients.

Incidence and predictors of super-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has significantly improved management of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A significant number of patients have a dramatic response and have been termed "super-responders". The characteristics of this subset of patients in Indian and Asian population have not been well studied. In this study, we sought to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of this cohort of patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving patients undergoing CRT. Changes in ejection fraction and LVESV at the end of one year of follow-up following device implantation were assessed, and patients were stratified into non-responders, responders, and super-responders. Responders had a 15-29% decrease in LVESV while super-responders had a >30% decrease in LVESV. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients who had undergone CRT-P/CRT-D implantation, 16 patients did not have echocardiograms at the end of one year of follow-up and were excluded from the analysis. Thus, 58 patients were enrolled for analysis. We identified 16 patients (27.6%) to be super-responders, 26 patients (44.8%) to be responders, and 16 patients (27.6%) to be non-responders. Factors associated with a super-response were a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy as against ischemic cardiomyopathy (93.7% vs 6.3%; p - 0.01), prior right ventricular (RV) apical pacing (25% vs 2.4%; p - 0.02) and absence of a prior history of myocardial infarction (MI) (0% vs 33.3%; p - 0.02). CONCLUSION: In our study, 27.6% of patients were super-responders, and a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, absence of a prior history of MI and prior RV apical pacing predicted a super-response to CRT.

Optical coherence tomography in varying aetiologies of renal artery stenosis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a common cause of secondary hypertension. The most common aetiology is atherosclerosis; however, other causes like fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) are also frequently encountered. The lesion characteristics and its response to percutaneous intervention depend upon the aetiology of RAS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an excellent imaging modality to analyse coronary lesions during percutaneous coronary interventions. The data regarding the utility of OCT in renal artery imaging is limited, consisting of a few case reports. CASE SUMMARY: We hereby report four cases of RAS, each of different aetiology (atherosclerotic, FMD, post-transplant, and TA), who underwent OCT imaging of the renal artery along with percutaneous renal angioplasty. DISCUSSION: The advantages of OCT imaging include demonstration of the arterial wall, pathological features of the disease, and to guide percutaneous interventions. The major limitation of OCT is its lower imaging depth, which may render imaging of large vessels difficult.

Cardiac mucormycosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection (IFI) most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis, haematopoietic transplantation, iron overload states, and deferoxamine therapy are considered to be some of the classical risk factors. While cutaneous and rhino-sinusoidal forms may be seen in immunocompetent (IC) individuals, cardiac and mediastinal involvement is rare. In this report, we describe a young patient without predisposing factors who presented as mediastinal mucormycosis with extensive cardiac involvement. CASE SUMMARY: A 19-year-old male presented with complaints of dry cough and dyspnoea on exertion over the last 4 months. Echocardiography showed diffuse infiltration of both atria along with multiple pedunculated freely mobile masses. A computed tomography chest was done to further delineate the true extent of the disease and revealed diffuse infiltration of the mediastinum, bilateral atria and interatrial septum, pulmonary veins, and superior vena cava. A fine needle aspiration cytology from a mediastinal mass revealed broad aseptate fungal hyphae with right angled branching consistent with Mucor. Extensive evaluation could not find any predisposing factors. The patient was started on Amphotericin B and surgical debridement was contemplated. However, owing to the diffuse infiltration around the heart and mediastinal vasculature, debridement could not be performed and the patient eventually succumbed to the illness. DISCUSSION: Mediastinal mucormycosis though rare in IC patients, is a rapidly progressive condition with a high fatality. A high index of suspicion needs to be maintained in individuals presenting with infiltrative disorders of the mediastinum for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.