Implantable loop recorder in unexplained palpitations or syncope: A randomised study among young patients with structurally normal heart.

Background: The utility of an implantable loop recorder (ILR) in the evaluation of unexplained syncope or palpitations in young patients in the absence of structural heart disease or ventricular dysfunction is limited. To compare the diagnostic yield of ILR with conventional extended Holter evaluation in the detection of arrhythmias among young patients with a structurally normal heart presenting with unexplained palpitations or syncope. Methods: Open-label randomised control trial was conducted in a tertiary cardiac care centre among young patients with recurrent unexplained palpitations (≥3 episodes/year) or syncope (≥2 episodes) with normal electrocardiogram and echocardiography, after excluding non-cardiac causes. Patients were block randomised to either ILR implantation or conventional extended Holter monitoring. Results: Fourteen patients in the ILR group and 16 patients in the conventional group completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 31.9 ± 5.5 and 31.2 ± 5.4 years. Males constituted 78.5% and 75% in the two groups, respectively. Diagnosis was established in 10 (71.5%) patients in the ILR group as compared to only 3 (18.7%) in the conventional group (p = 0.01), with an RR of 0.26 (95% CI 0.089-0.76, p = 0.01). The arrhythmias diagnosed with ILR were narrow complex tachycardia (30%), atrial fibrillation (20%), VPCs (20%), severe bradycardia with asystole due to sinus arrest (10%), VPCs with bigeminy (10%), and ventricular tachycardia (10%). Conclusion: In young patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations, ILR has a higher diagnostic yield in the accurate detection of arrhythmia compared with conventional Holter strategy, resulting in better management.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the developing world: Lessons learnt and its implications for practice.

Backrground: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an accepted modality of treatment in intermediate and high surgical risk patients of symptomatic severe calcific aortic stenosis (AS). We herein report Indian data of 84 intermediate and high-risk patients who underwent TAVR at two Armed Forces cardiac centres. Methods: Most of the patients underwent TAVR in cardiac catheterization lab by percutaneous transfemoral approach, under conscious sedation. Patients were followed up and echocardiographic parameters were assessed after six months of procedure. Results: Total of 84 intermediate and high-risk patients underwent TAVR between Jan 2017 and June 2021. Mean age of population was 71.5 ± 8.4 years; 28.5% of patients had bicuspid aortic valve and Mean STS score was 6.34 ± 2.08. Majority (92.8%) patients underwent the procedure under conscious sedation. Self-expanding valves were used in 72.6% and balloon expandable in 27.4% of patients. Predilatation was done in 64% patients while 13% cases underwent post dilatation. Procedural mortality was 2.3%. Rate of permanent pacemaker implantation was 4.9%. Ischemic stroke occurred in 1.1% of patents. There was no case of severe paravalvular leak. Emergency surgical aortic valve replacement was done in 2.4% patients. Procedural success in this study was 97.6%. All-cause mortality was 9.5% at 6 months. Conclusions: TAVR is an effective treatment modality in intermediate and high-risk Indian patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients with bicuspid or previous bio prosthetic aortic valves also have a good outcome post TAVR.

Epidemiology and pathophysiology of vascular thrombosis in acclimatized lowlanders at high altitude: A prospective longitudinal study.

Background: Previous literature suggests that thrombosis is more common in lowlanders sojourning at high altitude (HA) compared to near-sea-level. Though the pathophysiology is partly understood, little is known of its epidemiology. To elucidate this, an observational prospective longitudinal study was conducted in healthy soldiers sojourning for months at HA. Methods: A total of 960 healthy male subjects were screened in the plains, of which 750 ascended, to altitudes above 15,000ft (4,472m). Clinical examination, haemogram, coagulogram, markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, were studied at three time points during ascent and descent. The diagnosis of thrombosis was confirmed radiologically in all cases where a thrombotic event was suspected clinically. Subjects developing thrombosis at HA were labelled as Index Cases (ICs) and compared to a nested cohort of the healthy subjects (comparison group,(CG)) matched for altitude of stay. Findings: Twelve and three subjects, developed venous (incidence: 5,926/105 person-years) and arterial (incidence: 1,482/105 person-years) thrombosis at HA, respectively. The ICs had enhanced coagulation (FVIIa: p<0.001; FXa: p<0.001) and decreased levels of natural anticoagulants (thrombomodulin, p=0.016; tissue factor pathway inhibitor [TFPI]: p<0.001) and a trend to dampened fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator tPA; p=0.078) compared to CG. ICs also exhibited statistically significant increase in the levels of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation markers (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1[VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 [VEGFR-3], P-Selectin, CD40 ligand, soluble C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase: p<0.001). Interpretation: The incidence of thrombosis in healthy subjects at HA was higher than that reported in literature at near sea-level. This was associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, a prothrombotic state and dampened fibrinolysis. Funding: Research grants from the Armed Forces Medical Research Committee, Office of the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) & Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, India.

Need to Study the Health Impact and Economics of Adult Vaccination with India in Focus.

Vaccination is undoubtedly the most effective and economical way of dealing with the diseases which can affect masses. Pediatric immunization against vaccine preventable disease (VPD) is being supported by most of the international health agencies, making them accessible and affordable to even the poorest of the countries. However, adult vaccination is needed to protect the most productive age group and improve the quality of life of the aging population and is left to those who can afford it. In most of the low- and middle-income countries including India, adult vaccination did not even find a mention in national vaccination policies. Although recommendation exists from various health associations in India for adult vaccination, they have not been given enough publicity as data on burden of VPDs and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines in adults are not available. Most of the general population and a substantial proportion of health care professionals in India lack awareness on the availability and need for these adult vaccinations. Now with improved childhood immunization and increased life expectancies, many diseases are showing epidemiological shift to the later part of life, thereby bringing the focus on adult immunization through the life course approach to reduce morbidity and mortality because of VPDs in adults and improve the quality of life of those left vulnerable because of aging or their existing medical condition.

Analysis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction occurring in soldiers during strenous military training.

BACKGROUND: At our tertiary care cardiology center, we are receiving soldiers who sustained acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) during the strenuous Battle Field Efficiency Test (BPET) and other such activities. METHODS: This was a single-center observational study to assimilate and analyze the precipitating causes, risk factors, symptoms, and the efficacy of the management protocols in soldiers sustaining STEMI during the BPET or other forms of strenuous military training. RESULTS: All 25 soldiers with documented STEMI following strenuous military training presented with chest pain as the primary symptom. 88% had symptoms either during or within 1st hour of the strenuous activity. 76% underwent thrombolysis with an angiographic success rate of 95%. Primary PCI was possible in only 3/25 (12%) of the cases, of which 2 (66%) did not require stenting after thrombus aspiration; 88% of soldiers reported "training for the event" for less than four times/week. CONCLUSION: STEMI precipitated by strenuous unaccustomed military training have exclusively single vessel affection with an excellent response to thrombolysis and thrombus aspiration. Thus, the timely institution of pharmacological or mechanical revascularization therapy has dramatic results in the preservation of ventricular function. The lack of training for the strenuous event provides strong evidence for comprehensive, graded, physical training prior to strenuous military activities to prevent acute coronary syndromes.

Spontaneous closure of grade IV coronary perforation.

Previous coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is an independent risk factor for coronary perforation (CP) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of complexity of the cases. However in patients with prior CABG surgery, cardiac tamponade is rare because of local or regional pericardial adhesions.

Retroperitoneal iliac conduits as an alternative access site for endovascular aortic repair: a tertiary care center experience.

Background: Retroperitoneal open iliac conduits (ROIC) are used in patients with hostile iliac anatomy undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Objectives: We hereby report our experience of ROIC in patients subjected to EVAR. Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of 8 patients out of a total of 75 patients (11%) who underwent EVAR in the last 10 years. Pre-procedure computed tomography angiography was used to assess the dimensions of iliac and femoral arteries. Patients who had small arterial dimensions (i.e. smaller than the recommended access size for the aortic endograft device) were subjected to ROIC. Results: The mean age of the 3 males and 5 females studied was 45.7 ± 15.2 years. The indication for ROIC was the small caliber ilio-femoral access site in 7 patients and atherosclerotic disease in 1 patient. All external grafts were anastomosed to the right common iliac artery except one which was anastomosed to the aortic bifurcation site because of a small common iliac artery. The procedural success rate was 100%. Local access site complications included infection (n=1), retroperitoneal hematoma (n=1), and need for blood transfusion (n=3). The median post-intervention hospital stay was 10 days. All patients had favorable long-term outcomes at a median follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions: Female patients require ROIC during EVAR more frequently. Adjunctive use of iliac conduit for EVAR was associated with favorable perioperative and short-term outcomes.

Contexto: Os condutos ilíacos abertos retroperitoneais são utilizados em pacientes submetidos a reparo endovascular de aneurisma (REVA) com anatomia ilíaca hostil. Objetivos: Relatamos a nossa experiência com os condutos ilíacos em pacientes submetidos a REVA. Métodos: Trata-se de uma avaliação retrospectiva de oito pacientes, de um total de 75 (11%), os quais foram submetidos a REVA nos últimos 10 anos. Foi realizada angiotomografia computadorizada antes do procedimento para avaliar as dimensões das artérias ilíaca e femoral. Os pacientes com dimensões arteriais menores, abaixo do tamanho de acesso recomendado para o dispositivo de endoprótese aórtica, foram submetidos a condutos ilíacos. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 45,7±15,2 anos, sendo três do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino. As indicações para condutos ilíacos foram local de acesso ilíaco femoral de pequeno calibre, para sete pacientes, e doença aterosclerótica, para um paciente. Todas as próteses externas foram anastomosadas na artéria ilíaca comum direita, com exceção de uma, que foi anastomosada no local da bifurcação aórtica por apresentar artéria ilíaca comum menor. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 100%. As complicações no local de acesso incluíram infecção (n = 1), hematoma retroperitoneal (n = 1) e necessidade de transfusão de sangue (n = 3). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar pós-intervenção foi de 10 dias. Todos os pacientes apresentaram desfechos de longo prazo favoráveis no seguimento mediano de 18 meses. Conclusões: As pacientes do sexo feminino necessitaram de condutos ilíacos durante REVA com maior frequência. O uso adjuvante de condutos ilíacos com REVA foi associado a desfechos perioperatórios e de curto prazo favoráveis.

Retroperitoneal iliac conduits as an alternative access site for endovascular aortic repair: a tertiary care center experience / Condutos ilíacos retroperitoneais como local de acesso alternativo para reparo endovascular de aneurisma: experiência em centro de atenção terciária

Abstract Background Retroperitoneal open iliac conduits (ROIC) are used in patients with hostile iliac anatomy undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Objectives We hereby report our experience of ROIC in patients subjected to EVAR. Methods This was a retrospective evaluation of 8 patients out of a total of 75 patients (11%) who underwent EVAR in the last 10 years. Pre-procedure computed tomography angiography was used to assess the dimensions of iliac and femoral arteries. Patients who had small arterial dimensions (i.e. smaller than the recommended access size for the aortic endograft device) were subjected to ROIC. Results The mean age of the 3 males and 5 females studied was 45.7 ± 15.2 years. The indication for ROIC was the small caliber ilio-femoral access site in 7 patients and atherosclerotic disease in 1 patient. All external grafts were anastomosed to the right common iliac artery except one which was anastomosed to the aortic bifurcation site because of a small common iliac artery. The procedural success rate was 100%. Local access site complications included infection (n=1), retroperitoneal hematoma (n=1), and need for blood transfusion (n=3). The median post-intervention hospital stay was 10 days. All patients had favorable long-term outcomes at a median follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions Female patients require ROIC during EVAR more frequently. Adjunctive use of iliac conduit for EVAR was associated with favorable perioperative and short-term outcomes.

Resumo Contexto Os condutos ilíacos abertos retroperitoneais são utilizados em pacientes submetidos a reparo endovascular de aneurisma (REVA) com anatomia ilíaca hostil. Objetivos Relatamos a nossa experiência com os condutos ilíacos em pacientes submetidos a REVA. Métodos Trata-se de uma avaliação retrospectiva de oito pacientes, de um total de 75 (11%), os quais foram submetidos a REVA nos últimos 10 anos. Foi realizada angiotomografia computadorizada antes do procedimento para avaliar as dimensões das artérias ilíaca e femoral. Os pacientes com dimensões arteriais menores, abaixo do tamanho de acesso recomendado para o dispositivo de endoprótese aórtica, foram submetidos a condutos ilíacos. Resultados A média de idade dos participantes foi de 45,7±15,2 anos, sendo três do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino. As indicações para condutos ilíacos foram local de acesso ilíaco femoral de pequeno calibre, para sete pacientes, e doença aterosclerótica, para um paciente. Todas as próteses externas foram anastomosadas na artéria ilíaca comum direita, com exceção de uma, que foi anastomosada no local da bifurcação aórtica por apresentar artéria ilíaca comum menor. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 100%. As complicações no local de acesso incluíram infecção (n = 1), hematoma retroperitoneal (n = 1) e necessidade de transfusão de sangue (n = 3). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar pós-intervenção foi de 10 dias. Todos os pacientes apresentaram desfechos de longo prazo favoráveis no seguimento mediano de 18 meses. Conclusões As pacientes do sexo feminino necessitaram de condutos ilíacos durante REVA com maior frequência. O uso adjuvante de condutos ilíacos com REVA foi associado a desfechos perioperatórios e de curto prazo favoráveis.

Accidental Snapping of Right Ventricular Pacing Lead with MICRA.

Leadless Pacemaker implantation rates are increasing worldwide. These pacemakers have to be deployed, captured and redeployed in order to achieve optimal electric parameters. Various complications occur during this procedure. We herein report a unique case, where right ventricular (RV) pacing lead of the patient was accidently snapped with the tines during deployment of intracardiac pacemaker in an elderly male with pocket site infection.

Assessing safety of leadless pacemaker (MICRA) at various implantation sites and its impact on paced QRS in Indian population.

BACKGROUND: In this study we report our experience in implanting MICRA TPS (transcatheter pacing system) at various RV sites; observing its safety, and impact on paced QRS in Indian population. MATERIAL & METHODS: 35 patients with MICRA TPS deployed from March 2017 to December 2019 at Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, at RVOT, apical septum and mid septum of RV were enrolled in the study. These patents were followed up and impact of implantation site, procedure related complications, change in pacing parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction and duration of paced QRS were monitored. RESULTS: Sick sinus syndrome was the commonest indication of pacing in this study (51.5%), followed by high degree AV block (34.2%). Mean follow up of 1.4 years showed no change in left ventricular ejection fraction, electrical parameters or change in pacing thresholds after implantation. Mean pQRS was broadest (166.60 ms) in apically implanted MICRA TPS and narrowest in mid septum group 139.33 ms. Among 35 cases, in our study one patient developed pericardial effusion, and other had intermittent diaphragmatic pacing. CONCLUSION: Among these three implantation sites mid septum deployment is associated with narrowest paced QRS in Indian population.

Study of saline optical coherence tomography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (SOCT-PCI Study).

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of heparinised saline as flushing media for frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) image acquisition during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) optimisation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients undergoing FD-OCT-guided PCI were enrolled. Heparinised saline was injected into the coronary during FD-OCT image acquisition. A total of 118 runs were analysed for image quality and diagnostic value. FD-OCT runs were categorised as follows: good runs (GRs), clinically usable runs (CURs) and clinically not usable runs (NURs); GRs and CURs were combined as clinically effective runs (ERs). Saline FD-OCT enabled visualisation of all possible coronary lesions. Of the 118 runs analysed, 61%, 27.1%, 11.9% and 88.1% were GRs, CURs, NURs and ERs, respectively. Sixty-one percent of total runs were left coronary system (LCS) and 39% were right coronary system (RCS) runs. Among LCS runs, 55.6%, 30.6%, 13.8% and 86.2% were GRs, CURs, NURs and ERs, respectively. Among RCS runs, 69.6%, 21.7%, 8.7% and 91.3% were GRs, CURs, NURs and ERs, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate the technical feasibility of isolated saline FD-OCT for PCI optimisation.

Granular Cell Tumour of the Chest Wall: FNA Diagnosis with a Review of Literature and Elaboration of Cytological Mimickers.

Granular Cell Tumours (GCTs) are uncommon tumours which can be confused with other benign soft tissue tumours on clinical examination. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) plays a significant role in their diagnosis. There are certain cytological mimickers of GCTs so a cytopathologist must be aware of its characteristic cytomorphology. These tumours can be present anywhere on the body; however, chest wall is one of the uncommon sites. We present a case of GCT present on the chest wall in an elderly male as a subcutaneous nodule. We have discussed the common cytological differential of GCTs, features of malignant GCTs along with cytomorphological and immunohistochemical features.

Left ventricular size as a predictor of outcome in patients of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Limited data is available regarding prognosis of patients with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and varying LV dimensions. Purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with respect to LV size. METHODS: 145 patients of DCM cohort with LV ejection fraction <35% were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 with normal LV dimensions, group 2 with mild-moderately enlarged left ventricle and group 3 with severely dilated left ventricle. Primary endpoint was composite of all cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations at end of follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (30.3%) with normal LV diastolic diameter (51.9±5.3mm) were included in group 1, 57(39.3%) with mild-moderately enlarged LV (61.4±3.7mm) in group 2 and 44(30.3%) with severely enlarged LV (71.3±7.4mm) in group 3. Mean follow-up was 42.2±31.6months. Primary end point occurred in 4 patients (9.1%) in group 1, 8 patients (14%) in group 2 and 9 patients (20.5%) in group 3, p=0.23 by log-rank test. Hazard ratio for primary endpoint in group 2 as compared to group 1 was 1.71(95% CI, 0.51 to 5.67; p=0.39) and in group 3 as compared to group 1 was 1.61(95% CI, 0.89 to 2.91; p=0.11). Of patients with more than two years of follow-up, 2 of 29 patients(6.9%) died in group 1, 3 of 35 patients(8.6%) in group 2 and 3 of 34 patients(8.8%) died in group 3, p=0.95. CONCLUSIONS: Intermediate term prognosis of patients with severe LVSD and severely dilated left ventricle is good, with outcomes similar to patients with normal or mild-moderately dilated left ventricle.

Longitudinal stent deformation during coronary bifurcation stenting.

A distortion of implanted coronary stent along its longitudinal axis during coronary intervention is known as longitudinal stent deformation (LSD). LSD is frequently seen with newer drug eluting stents (DES), specifically with PROMUS Element stent. It is usually caused by impact of guide catheter tip, or following passage of catheters like balloon catheter, IVUS catheter, guideliner, etc. We hereby report a case of LSD during coronary bifurcation lesion intervention, using two-stents technique. Patient had acute stent thrombosis as a complication of LSD, which was successfully managed.

Left atrial ball valve thrombus in restrictive cardiomyopathy and normal mitral valve: Loose cannon in heart.

Left atrial ball valve thrombus is an unusual condition, especially in patients with normal mitral valve. In the present case, we describe a 61-year-old female with restrictive cardiomyopathy who presented with a large left atrial ball valve thrombus, which subsequently embolized to right carotid artery and was treated with intravenous thrombolysis. This case provides useful insight into the genesis of such thrombi and highlights management dilemmas of a rare clinical problem.

Use of fetal echocardiography for characterization of fetal cardiac structure in women with normal pregnancies and gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To assess fetal cardiac structure and function and to evaluate the efficacy of routine fetal echocardiography for detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities in women with normal pregnancies and those with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: In this prospective study, we studied fetal cardiac structure and function in 294 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and 302 pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. Fetal echocardiography (2-dimensional sonography and pulsed wave Doppler imaging) was used to assess functional parameters and to detect any cardiac structural abnormality. Data from clinical and echocardiographic evaluations of neonates at birth and 3 months were obtained to confirm the antenatal findings. RESULTS: The mean maternal age ± SD was 28.9 ± 5.0 years in the diabetes group and was comparable to that of women with normal pregnancies. The mean hemoglobin A1c value was 6.3%, and the mean body mass index was 28.0 kg/m(2). The systolic function as assessed by the ejection fraction increased significantly in the diabetes group compared to the normal pregnancy group independent of glycemic control (P < .001). The pulsed wave parameters (early diastolic peak flow velocity and early-to-late diastolic peak flow velocity ratio) were significantly different between the groups (P < .001). The interventricular septum and fetal ventricular wall thicknesses were significantly increased in the presence of gestational diabetes (P < .001). No major fetal cardiac structural anomaly was detected in either group. On follow-up after delivery, all neonates were assessed clinically and by transthoracic echocardiography to rule out congenital defects. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, significant increases in the interventricular septum and ventricular wall thicknesses were detected in the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, none of the neonates of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were found to have echocardiographic evidence of congenital heart disease.

A clinicopathological analysis of 26 patients with infection-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and the importance of bone marrow phagocytosis for the early initiation of immunomodulatory treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinicopathological presentation, outcome and importance of bone marrow haemophagocytosis in patients with infection-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (IA-HLH) in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2007 and December 2009, 26 consecutive patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for IA-HLH, based on the HLH2004 protocol of the Histiocyte Society, were followed up for between 12 and 34 months (median 20 months). RESULTS: IA-HLH was diagnosed in three of the five patients who died 5-6 weeks after the onset of the illness, whereas diagnosis in the remaining group was made a median of 2 weeks after the onset of the illness. The predominant presenting features were fever (100%), hepatomegaly (69%), splenomegaly (58%) and anaemia (96%). All patients showed >3% haemophagocytosis on bone marrow studies-in four cases after serial aspiration/biopsies. Twenty-one (80.8%) cases were non-fatal and five (19.2%) patients died. The non-fatal cases included eight (38.1%) cases of viral infection, seven (33.3%) bacterial infections, two (9.6%) fungal and four (19.0%) protozoal infections; whereas four (80%) bacterial infections and one (20%) viral infection were associated with the fatal cases. The mean of the nadir blood counts of white blood cells, absolute neutrophil counts and platelets; the mean of all the peak biochemical parameters of liver function tests, lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin and the lowest fibrinogen values before treatment, differed significantly (p<0.05) between the non-fatal and the fatal group, being worse in the latter. CONCLUSIONS: IA-HLH is important because it can obscure the typical clinical features of the underlying primary disease, thus delaying the diagnosis and having a negative effect on the outcome. Although bone marrow haemophagocytosis is not a mandatory diagnostic criterion, we found it to be a useful tool together with biochemical parameters for early recognition of HLH, especially in developing countries lacking molecular and flow laboratories. The severity of pancytopenia and derangement in biochemical markers were significantly higher in the patients who died.