Patterns of cardiovascular diseases in COVID-19 patients admitted to tertiary cardiac care centre.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the pattern of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in COVID-19 patients admitted to tertiary cardiac care centre. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 511 adult patients admitted between July 1, 2020, and November 30, 2020, with COVID-19 infection and having either new onset or pre-existing CVDs. Clinical features, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, chest X-ray, biomarkers, haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56.62 ± 14.74 years. Male: Female ratio was 2.78:1. Pre-existing CVDs were present in 258 patients (50.5%). The most common cardiovascular manifestation was acute coronary syndrome (ACS), seen in 259 patients (50.7%). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was more common than non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). Possible myocarditis was seen in 52 patients (10.1%). Rhythm and conduction abnormalities were noted in 144 patients (28.2%), the most common being QT prolongation, seen in 51 patients (10%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 97 patients (18.9%). Age, serum Ferritin level, D-dimer, NT-pro-BNP and total leukocyte count were significantly higher among patients with in-hospital mortality compared to survival group. Blood lymphocyte count and Haemoglobin level were significantly lower in mortality-group, compared to survival-group. Incidence of pre-existing CVDs, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), and renal failure were significantly higher in mortality-group compared to survival-group. CONCLUSION: The most common CVD in COVID-19 patients in our study was ACS. STEMI was more common than NSTE-ACS. Advanced age, elevated serum ferritin, D-dimer, NT pro-BNP, leucocytosis, lymphopenia, lower haemoglobin, pre-existing CVDs heart failure, cardiogenic shock, AF and renal failure were associated with increased mortality in these patients.

The prevalence of enteroviral RNA and protein in mitral valves of chronic rheumatic heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Acute Rheumatic Fever/ Rheumatic Heart Disease (ARF/RHD), a sequel of group A streptococcal (GAS) infection, even today constitutes a public health issue in developing countries including India. Differences in the prevalence of ARF/RHD in countries with a similar prevalence of GAS infections indicate the role of other cofactors in pathogenesis of RHD. METHODOLOGY: We investigated the prevalence of enterovirus (EV) in RHD by probing for both EV RNA and VP1 protein using Nonisotopic In Situ Hybridization (NISH) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively in 75 valvectomy specimens obtained from RHD cases. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (37%) of the valves showed tissue inflammation with lymphocytic infiltration in a majority of the cases. Twenty-six and 27 (38% and 40%) of the 68 valves showed the presence of EV by IHC and NISH respectively, indicating a very good association between the two tests; however, only about 46 to 48% of them exhibited tissue inflammation. In eight cases (12%) the EV genome was detectable in absence of VP1 protein perhaps indicating a latent viral infection. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a high degree of endemicity of EV in India, we are tempted to speculate that EV may be responsible for the severity and rapid progression of RHD. The virus could either be working synergistically with GAS or could be an opportunist infecting damaged valves.

Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and ACE activity in predicting outcome after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The Ace polymorphism had shown association with ACE activity, premature atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, LV dysfunction, LV remodelling, severity and extent of CAD and mortality after MI. Though ACE I/D polymorphism has been reported to be associated with various cardiovascular diseases it remained a controversial risk factor and studies have presented conflicting results. This study was designed to determine the association between ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, ACE activity and acute STEMI in Indian population and to determine its influence on outcome after acute MI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 934 patients diagnosed with acute STEMI who underwent thrombolysis. ACE I/D polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction and ACE activity was measured in 615 patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of DD, ID, and II genotypes in our study group were 41.97%, 34.36%, and 23.66% respectively. The ACE polymorphism was not significantly associated with the type of myocardial infarction, the LV ejection fraction, the number of vessels diseased and patency of the vessel after thrombolysis. The polymorphism had no influence on in hospital mortality (P = 0.453). The ACE activity also showed no influence on in hospital mortality (P = 0.482). The age > 60 years, Male gender, occluded artery and severe LV dysfunction (LVEF < 35%) were predictors of in-hospital mortality on multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION: There was no differences among ACE (I/D) polymorphism observed in STEMI population. Neither ACE I/D polymorphism nor ACE activity predicted in-hospital mortality inpatients admitted with acute STEMI.

Cerebrovascular Events Complicating Cardiac Catheterization - A Tertiary Care Cardiac Centre Experience.

Background: Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are one of the rare complications of cardiac catheterization. This prospective single-center study was conducted to assess the incidence, presentations, and outcomes of CVEs in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods: Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization who developed CVEs within 48 h of procedure were analyzed prospectively with clinical assessment and neuroimaging. Results: Out of 55,664 patients, 35 had periprocedural CVEs (0.063%). The incidence of periprocedural CVEs with balloon mitral valvotomy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary angiography was 0.127%, 0.112%, and 0.043%, respectively. A larger proportion of periprocedural CVEs occurred in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, 77.1%) than in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The majority of CVEs were ischemic type (33 patients, 94.3%). It was most commonly seen in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Hemorrhagic CVEs were very rare (2 patients, 5.7%). The majority of the CVEs manifested during or within 24 h of the procedure (31 patients, 88.6%). Neurodeficits persisted during the hospital stay in 20 patients (57.2%), who had longer duration of procedure compared to those with recovered deficits (P = 0.0125). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients (8.5%) and post-discharge mortality in another 3 (8.5%). Conclusions: Periprocedural CVEs are rare and have decreased over time. They occur in a greater proportion in patients with ACS than in patients with stable CAD, more with interventional than diagnostic procedures. Ischemic event in the left MCA territory is the most common manifestation, commonly seen within 24 h of the procedure. Longer duration of procedure was a risk factor for larger infarcts and hence persistent neurodeficit at discharge. Although a substantial number of patients recover the neurodeficits, periprocedural CVEs are associated with adverse outcomes.

Hemopericardium Following Transseptal Puncture During Balloon Mitral Valvotomy: Management Strategies and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hemopericardium is a major complication of balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). Only a few studies are available to address this issue following transseptal access. In addition, the management strategy regarding completion of BMV is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal puncture during BMV. In addition, the management strategy adopted and outcomes are highlighted. METHODS: This prospective study included 29 consecutive patients who developed hemopericardium following transseptal access during BMV. RESULTS: Out of 1424 patients who underwent BMV, hemopericardium developed in 29 patients following transseptal access (2.0%). The mean age of the study cohort was 36.9 ± 13.7 years and 82.8% were women. A second transseptal puncture was done and BMV was completed in 26 patients (89.6%). An acceptable hemodynamic result was obtained in 22 patients (84.6%). Six patients (20.7%) underwent emergency surgery for hemopericardium. The sites of perforation were inferior vena cava-right atrial junction in 4 cases, left atrial posterior wall in 1 case, and left atrial appendage in 1 case. In addition to repair of the perforation, a total of 2 patients underwent mitral valve replacement and 1 patient underwent open mitral commissurotomy. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal access during BMV was 2.0%, and was associated with a mortality rate of 6.9%. BMV can be safely performed in the same sitting with a second transseptal puncture, in patients with a favorable valve morphology. Surgical intervention can be reserved for a subset of patients with persistent pericardial collection.

Prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis, malfunction, and paroxysmal mitral regurgitation.

Intermittent dysfunction of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis is an uncommon condition. It carries serious clinical implications if unrecognized. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old female with a history of rheumatic multivalvular disease, for which she had undergone double valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty. Six months later, she presented with heart failure. Clinical examination revealed intermittent loss of closing clicks followed by a pansystolic murmur at the apex, suggestive of mitral prosthetic valve dysfunction. We highlight the echocardiographic findings of paroxysmal mitral valvular regurgitation secondary to prosthetic valve malfunction secondary to prosthetic valve thrombosis.

Percutaneous Stenting for Unprotected Left Main Chronic Total Occlusion.

PCI of a left main coronary artery chronic total occlusion followed by PCI of the right coronary artery was performed in a patient refusing CABG surgery.

Percutaneous Balloon Dilation of Discrete Subaortic Stenosis: A Futile Exercise.

Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) is a progressive obstruction of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) resulting in the development of aortic regurgitation in its natural course. Hence, early intervention is recommended. Percutaneous balloon dilation of DSS has been reported and can substantially reduce LVOT pressure gradient. The response to balloon dilation of DSS is transient and may complicate with chordal or papillary muscle rupture. Hence, balloon dilation of DSS should be discouraged.

Incidental Detection of Arteria Lusoria During Transradial Coronary Intervention.

Transradial access has become popular and preferred approach in coronary interventions due to high success rate, low risk of complications and patients' comfort. However various anatomical variations and anomalies may pose technical challenge. Arteria lusoria is an uncommon condition which is technically challenging and may warrant cross-over to alternate access. We report a middle aged male presenting with acute coronary syndrome in which arteria lusoria was incidentally detected during right transradial coronary intervention.

Peripheral Artery Stent Dehiscence: Percutaneous Management.

An elderly male presented with left abdominal swelling of 1-week duration and inability to move the left lower limb. He had undergone bilateral common iliac and left external iliac artery stenting with self-expandable stents for aortoiliac occlusive disease 1 month back. Clinical examination revealed tender abdominal nonpulsatile mass with systolic bruit. Ultrasonography suggested retroperitoneal hematoma. His hemoglobin was 7 g%. Echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 40%. Computed tomography angiogram revealed large 10 × 10 retroperitoneal hematoma with possibility of continued bleeding from the left external iliac artery. He was taken up for urgent catheterization after consultation with the vascular surgeons who deemed him high risk for surgery in view of left ventricular dysfunction. Abdominal aortogram showed diffuse extravasation of contrast from the junction of left common iliac artery and external iliac artery into the retroperitoneal space. Sustained balloon occlusion of the vessel across the extravasated portion was done, still the leak persisted. Two covered stents were deployed in the external iliac artery overlapping each other, percutaneously resulting in complete closure of leak with good distal runoff. His symptoms improved considerably the next day with a decrease in abdominal swelling and he was able to move his left lower limb. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed regression of the retroperitoneal hematoma and no suspicion of leak. Computed tomography angiogram done 10 days and 2 months later showed regression of retroperitoneal hematoma and no extravasation with good peripheral runoff.

Lipomatous hamartoma of mitral valve.

Primary cardiac tumors are very rare, and tumors arising from cardiac valves are extremely rare. We present a case of lipomatous hamartoma of the mitral valve in a young female. This is the 6th case of lipomatous hamartoma of the mitral valve to be reported. We discuss the operative and histopathological findings.

An adult with central cyanosis and differential pulmonary vascularity.

A 22-year-old male patient presented with progressive effort intolerance of 2-years duration. Clinical findings and investigations were suggestive of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). In addition, there was a conspicuous difference in the pulmonary vascularity with oligemia on the left side and relative hypervascularity on the right side. The right pulmonary artery was arising from the proximal ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery was continuing as the left pulmonary artery. The anomalous origin of a branch pulmonary artery from the aorta (AOPA) is a rare cardiac anomaly. We report this condition in association with TOF, highlighting the differential pulmonary vascularity.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in a rare variety of single coronary artery.

We present a case of 50-year-old male having unstable angina. A rare type of single coronary artery was identified during the Coronary angiogram. The left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX) had originated from the proximal segment of right coronary artery along with significant lesion in LCX. Computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiogram confirmed the origin and course following which successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was done to LCX. The incidence of this type of coronary anomaly is 0.004%. We emphasize the importance of having a CT coronary angiogram to identify the course before the intervention. The procedural risk during PCI in patients with single coronary ostium is high. Moreover, the angulation and course of the culprit artery also pose a challenge. Good coaxial guide support by using an appropriate guiding catheter is the key to success.

Hematological dyspnea: A rare cause with gratifying recovery.

A 17-year-old female was referred for evaluation of fever of two-month duration with acute onset of dyspnea since 1 week. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnea, elevated jugular venous pressure, bilateral basal crepitations with normal heart sounds, and no murmur. Chest X-ray showed infiltrates in bilateral lung fields. Echocardiography revealed obliteration of biventricular apices along with layered thrombus over the left ventricular endocardium. Doppler studies elicited restrictive physiology with mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Complete hemogram revealed hypereosinophilia with eosinophilic count of 7.4 × 109/L. All secondary causes of elevated eosinophil count were excluded. The patient was started on steroids and anticoagulation. Serial echocardiograms showed clearing of the thrombus with marked symptomatic improvement. We highlight a case of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with classic cardiac (Loeffler endocarditis) and pulmonary manifestations and prompt recovery with steroids and anticoagulation. .

Spectrum of cyanotic congenital heart disease diagnosed by echocardiographic evaluation in patients attending paediatric cardiology clinic of a tertiary cardiac care centre.

BACKGROUND: Cyanotic CHD comprises up to 25% of cases of all causes of CHD. RATIONALE: There is lack of data about the present spectrum of congenital cyanotic heart disease in the paediatric age group. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to determine the spectrum of patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease in the paediatric age group in tertiary paediatric cardiac care clinic. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Paediatric cardiac clinic of a tertiary cardiac care centre. METHODS: All children aged 0-18 years with suspected cyanotic CHD were provisionally included in this study. They underwent a thorough echocardiographic evaluation, and those patients who had definitive diagnosis of congenital cyanotic heart disease were included for final analysis. RESULTS: A total of 119 children met the inclusion criteria. Tetralogy of Fallot and its variant were the most common congenital cyanotic heart disease with proportion of about 44%. Other common malformations were double outlet right ventricle (14%), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (8%), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (7%), d-transposition of the great arteries (9%), tricuspid valve anomalies--tricuspid atresia and Ebstein's anomaly--hypoplastic left-heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, and complex CHD such as single ventricle. CONCLUSION: Tetralogy of Fallot and its variants were the most common cyanotic heart disease diagnosed in our patients. As there were a significant proportion of cases with complex cyanotic CHD, paediatric cardiologists should be familiar with the diagnosis and management of all these complex congenital malformations of the heart.

Dilated cardiomyopathy being the presenting manifestation of Takayasu arteritis and treated with renal angioplasty.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an uncommon complication of Takayasu arteritis (TA) with a prevalence of about 6%. We report a case of 14-year-old girl who presented with dyspnea, bipedal edema, loss of weight, and easy fatigability for three months. She was being treated for DCM for the same duration. Clinical examination revealed absence of both upper limb pulses. Echocardiography revealed features of DCM with severe biventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 30%). Computed tomography angiogram confirmed the diagnosis of TA and revealed the presence of bilateral renal artery stenosis. Bilateral renal angioplasty was done, and immunosuppressant therapy with oral prednisolone and weekly oral methotrexate was started.

Hydatid cyst of lung: An uncommon cause of chest pain in young.

Echinococcosis can involve any organ. The liver is the most common organ involved, followed by the lungs. Depending on the location of involvement it can have varied presentation. We describe a young adult presenting with chest pain secondary to a pulmonary giant hydatid cyst. A pulmonary hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain without conventional risk factors of coronary artery disease, especially in a tropical region.