Is Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Alone a Therapy for the Treatment of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (AIOD)?

We present a rare case in which a 63-year-old male with a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) presented with bilateral external iliac artery near occlusion. We describe the utilization of lithotripsy balloon angioplasty as opposed to the traditional double-barrel stenting method or modified endovascular repair (EVAR) to treat the occlusion. Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated a 90 percent occlusion of both the distal aorta and right external iliac artery, and 99 percent occlusion of the left external iliac. The patient remains symptom-free three years post-intervention with normal right and left ankle-brachial indices, 1.34 and 1.32 respectively. We review the available literature regarding aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of novel and traditional treatment modalities. Understanding all treatment options is crucial for physicians who are presented with similar cases.

Keeping up to date: a current review of wearable cardioverter defibrillator use.

The introduction of wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCD) provides a novel means of protection in select patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. The WCD can safely record and terminate life-threatening arrhythmias. In this review, we explore the data behind indications for WCD use and discuss its limitations. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials for relevant studies. The VEST trial, the first randomised controlled trial on WCD use, did not show statistical significance in utility of the WCD in post-myocardial infarction patients with low ejection fraction. While the use of WCD in this select patient population showed no benefit, the findings of the trial merit closer inspection. Various other indications of WCD use still exist and others require exploration. Select subsets of patients who stand to benefit for other indications include severely decreased left ventricular function post-revascularization with high arrhythmic burden, severe non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, patients awaiting heart transplant and patients who have had their implantable cardioverter device temporarily removed. The role of the WCD is also being explored in children, peripartum cardiomyopathy, haemodialysis patients, and in syncope secondary to high-risk arrhythmias.

Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Prior Apical Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Challenging the Beta Receptor Gradient Theory.

Background: Classic Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been described as transient apical dyskinesia following major stress that is believed to be related to catecholamine surges. Atypical variants have been described, including the rarer reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Discrepant gradients of the beta-2 adrenoceptors are thought to determine the different anatomic variants. Case Report: A 43-year-old female presented with chest pain and a mild troponin elevation. Echocardiography and coronary angiography were consistent with stress-induced apical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Eight months later, the patient was admitted with a similar presentation; however, workup revealed stress-induced reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy involving different anatomic regions of the left ventricle is a rare phenomenon yet appears to be similar to typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in presentation and hospital course. Chronic therapy with beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors did not prevent a recurrence in this patient, suggesting that optimum treatment needs to be determined. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy affecting different myocardial segments may recur in the same patient, implying that the adrenoceptor distribution theory needs further refinement.

Incidence and predictors of readmissions to non-index hospitals after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the impact on in-hospital outcomes: From the nationwide readmission database.

INTRODUCTION: Whether readmission to non-index hospitals (where the initial procedure was not performed) could result in adverse outcomes and increased utilization of healthcare resources compared with readmission to index hospitals after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. METHODS: From January 2012 to September 2015, a nationwide readmission database was queried to identify those who were older than 50 years and had endovascular TAVR, using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code 35.05. Elective readmissions were excluded. In-hospital outcomes were compared between the index and non-index hospital readmissions. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of non-index hospital readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 6808 readmissions were identified of which 2564 (37.7%) were readmitted to non-index hospitals. Residents at smaller counties, metropolitan non-teaching hospitals, or hospitals at large metropolitan areas were predictors of non-index readmissions. In-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.27, p = 0.20), acute myocardial infarction (aOR 0.83, p = 0.53), pacemaker placement (aOR 0.97, p = 0.90), acute kidney injury (aOR 0.98, p = 0.84), and stroke (aOR 1.03, p = 0.90) were similar between index and non-index readmissions but bleeding events requiring transfusions were more frequently observed in readmissions at non-index hospitals (aOR 1.32, p = 0.025). Hospital cost (15,410 dollars vs. 16,390 dollars, p = 0.25) and length of stay (5.70 days vs. 5.65 days, p = 0.85) were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Non-index readmissions post-TAVR was relatively common but did not result in increased hospital mortality or healthcare utilization. Our results are reassuring for TAVR recipients with limited access to index hospitals.

Long (>12 Months) and Short (<6 Months) Versus Standard Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended for 6-12 months after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation to prevent ischemic events and late stent thrombosis. The optimal duration of DAPT has not been established. We performed a meta-analysis of the comparative effects of short and long versus standard duration DAPT duration on adverse cardiovascular and major bleeding. We conducted an EMBASE and MEDLINE search for studies in which patients were randomized to treatment with a different duration of DAPT. We included studies that provided data on DES selection, DAPT regimen and duration, and incidence of the selected endpoints at the end of the follow-up period. We identified 5 prospective randomized studies comparing short versus standard duration DAPT and 3 comparing long versus standard duration DAPT with a total of 28,343 patients. Short-term DAPT has similar incidence of stent thrombosis, MI, and death compared to standard duration DAPT, whereas major bleeding was significantly lower in short duration DAPT. Long-term DAPT was associated with lower rates of stent thrombosis and MI but significantly increased major bleeding and all-cause mortality compared to standard duration DAPT. In this meta-analysis of prospective controlled studies we found that short duration DAPT is safer and as effective as standard duration DAPT in patients with second-generation DES. Extended DAPT is associated with less ischemic events at the expense of high bleeding and mortality rates.

Guide Wire Induced Cardiac Tamponade: The Soft J Tip Is Not So Benign.

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion rarely causes cardiac tamponade due to perforation. Although it is a rare complication, it can be lethal if not identified early. We report a case of cardiac tamponade caused by internal jugular (IJ) central venous catheter (CVC) insertion using a soft J-tipped guide wire which is considered safe and rarely implicated with cardiac tamponade. A bedside transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a pericardial effusion with tamponade. An emergent bedside pericardiocentesis was done revealing bloody fluid and resulted in clinical stabilization.

Esophageal Microperforation due to Calcified Mediastinal Lymph Node Leading to Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

A 42-year-old male presented with worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and cough. The clinical symptoms during the early course of illness were striking for aspiration pneumonia. He was given a prescription of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. Rapid decline in the clinical condition with worsening respiratory status was noted. Worsening symptoms of fever, cough, and chest pain prompted further diagnostic work-up suggesting esophageal microperforation. Esophagogram was found to be suggestive of tracheoesophageal fistula. The tracheoesophageal fistula was due to subcarinal lymph node of nontuberculous origin.

Spontaneous Distal Right Coronary Artery Dissection in a Patient With Massive Pulmonary Embolism: Thrombolyze or Not?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. We report a case with SCAD of distal right coronary secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism. Reported treatment options for SCAD include medical therapy, thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass surgery. The decision as to which one depends on the clinical and angiographic factors. The benefit of thrombolysis in these patients is controversial. The prognosis in patients surviving the initial event is generally believed to be favorable. In patients who remain stable, conservative management seems to be safe and is compatible with a good long-term outcome.

Myoepithelial carcinoma in the mediastinum involving the left atrium.

We report a case of a 56-year-old male who presented with typical atrial flutter and was diagnosed with a large mediastinal mass, posterior to the ascending aorta, noted within the left atrium, compressing the superior vena cava and right superior pulmonary vein, and measuring >9.0 cm at its greatest diameter. Histopathological studies showed a myoepithelial carcinoma. The patient underwent tumor debulking and radiation therapy. This is the first report of a mediastinal myoepithelial carcinoma involving cardiac chambers.

Comparison of right ventricular contractile abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy versus hypertensive heart disease using two dimensional strain imaging: a cross-sectional study.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects the right ventricle (RV) because of the anatomically hypertrophied septum and plausibly by extension of the myopathic process to the RV. We sought to investigate RV strain in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to either HCM or hypertension (H-LVH). Our cross-sectional study included 32 patients with HCM, 21 patients with H-LVH, and 11 healthy subjects, who were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography. Using a dedicated software package, bi-dimensional acquisitions were analyzed to measure segmental longitudinal strain in apical views. Right ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was calculated by averaging septal and right free wall strains. The HCM and H-LVH groups were comparable for age and demographic characteristics. Right ventricular tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was not significantly different between HCM and H-LVH subjects. Moreover, RV GLS, septal and lateral RV myocardial strain were significantly impaired in patients with HCM (all p < 0.001). Regional and global RV strain parameters were not significantly impaired in H-LVH compared to healthy controls An RV GLS cut-off value of >14.9% differentiated HCM and H-LVH with a 90% sensitivity and a 95% specificity (p < 0.001). RV strain parameters are impaired in patients with HCM. Assessment of two-dimensional RV strain parameters could help differentiate between HCM and H-LVH.

Large right ventricular mass causing outflow tract obstruction secondary to metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

We present a case of a 87-year-old patient presenting with signs suggestive of new-onset heart failure which lead to the diagnosis of a large right ventricular mass occupying the entire cavity and extending to the right ventricular outflow tract.