Inter-Defect Septal Puncture Technique For Single Device Closure of Wide-Spaced Multi-Hole Atrial Septal Defect.

Closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole secundum atrial septal defect (MHASD) using a single occluder is difficult to accomplish. Multiple occluder implantation has risks such as incomplete endothelialisation, device embolisation, and residual shunt. Blade or balloon septotomy enables single device occlusion; however, the aforementioned may cause a short circumferential rim with subsequent device instability. This paper describes an inter-defect septal puncture technique for single device closure of different layouts of wide-spaced MHASDs via per-atrial or percutaneous approach under exclusive transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance. This technique combined with anti-tenting puncture equally befits a small caval atrial septal defect and MHASD with a floppy aneurysmal septum.

Approaches and Challenges in the Management of Multiple Myeloma in the Very Old: Future Treatment Prospects.

The increasing incidence of geriatric patients with multiple myeloma has elevated concerns in clinical practice. While the introduction of novel therapeutic agents has substantially improved outcomes in younger patients with myeloma, poorer outcomes remain in older patients. Managing older patients requires a multidisciplinary team approach to consider factors that may influence both treatment selection and outcomes. Aging is associated with remodeling of vital organs, physiological downregulations of basal metabolism, susceptibility to multiple comorbidities with ultimate frailty, thereby contributing to the underrepresentation and exclusion of very old patients from clinical trials. Therefore, timely confirmation of a precise diagnosis is crucial for prompt initiation of treatment if the desired outcome is to be achieved. Adequate and judicious assessment using comprehensive geriatric assessment tools minimizes toxicities and treatment discontinuation. Initiating treatment with combinational therapy requires knowledge of indications and anticipated outcomes, as well as individualized therapy with appropriate dose-adjustment. Individualized therapy based on good clinical acumen and best practices obverts unwanted polypharmacy, preventing iatrogenic harm. This review will therefore address the approaches and challenges faced in managing myeloma in geriatric patients aged 80 years and older, highlighting recommended therapeutic strategies and future prospective regimens.

The significant role of redox system in myeloid leukemia: from pathogenesis to therapeutic applications.

BACKGROUND: Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of a defective antioxidant system can induce cellular damage and disrupt normal physiological functions. Several studies have revealed the unfavorable role of ROS in promoting the growth, proliferation, migration, and survival of leukemia cells. In this review study, we summarize the mechanisms of ROS production and its role in leukemogenesis, counteractive effects of antioxidants, and implicate the current ROS-dependent anticancer therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. BODY: The dysregulation of the redox system is known to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Leukemia cells generate high levels of ROS, which further increases the levels through extra pathways, including mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic mutation, leukemic oncogene activation, increased nicotinamide adenine phosphate hydrogen (NADPH), and cytochrome P450 activities. Aforementioned pathways once activated have shown to promote genomic instability, induce drug resistance to leukemia medical therapy, disease relapse and reduce survival period. The current standard of treatment with chemotherapy employs the pro-oxidant approach to induce apoptosis and promote tumor regression. However, this approach retains several deleterious effects on the subject resulting in degradation of the quality of life. Nevertheless, the addition of an antioxidant as an adjuvant drug to chemotherapy alleviates treatment-related toxicity, increases chemotherapeutic efficacy, and improves survival rates of a patient. CONCLUSION: Acute myeloid leukemia remains a daunting challenge to clinicians. The desire to achieve the maximum benefit of chemotherapy but also improve patient outcomes is investigated. ROS generated through several pathways promotes leukemogenesis, drug resistance, and disease relapse. Chemotherapy, the mainstay of treatment, further upregulates ROS levels. Therefore, the addition of an antioxidant to leukemia medical therapy alleviates toxicity and improves patient outcomes.

Non-syndromic aortic valve myxoma in a teen, cause of angina symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxoma, a common benign primary tumor of the heart can be categorized into syndromic (Carney Complex) and non-syndromic(isolated). Carney Complex associated myxomas can be found in any region and system (cardiac, cutaneous, osseous, genitalia), and may manifest at a tender age. On the contrary, non-syndromic cardiac myxomas are usually confined to the chambers, and symptoms often present from 5th decade of life. Aortic valve myxoma is a very unusual occurrence, and presentation in a teen is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We share a case of aortic valve myxoma, uncovered using echocardiography in a 16-year-old male, admitted with complaints of exertional chest pain, dyspnoea and systolic murmur. Patient underwent uneventful surgery for tumor excision, and discharged 6-days post operation. CONCLUSION: Given the high risk of developing cardiogenic stroke, infective endocarditis, degenerative effects on aortic valve leaflets and possible sudden death, like many other centers, we advocate for immediate liquidation of aortic myxoma regardless of age and symptoms.

Heart in the 'jaws' of a constrictor, unusual cause of subacute right heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Constrictive Pericarditis(CP) can be viewed as a constellation of syndromes resulting from compression of the heart, etiologies, course and types are well discussed in other reports. However, localized CP as a cause of right heart failure is rare, and presentation with interposed fluid under-pressure is extremely odd. CASE REPORT: A case of C.X. Z, male aged 39 years old, who presented to our department with sudden onset of symptoms of subacute right heart failure due localized CP. In January, 2018 C.X.Z presented to the county hospital with complaints of 10-day history of transient mild bilateral pedal edema. He was managed on diuretic therapy and symptoms resolved completely. 10 months later, he suddenly presented to the local facility with symptoms of subacute right heart failure. 7 days after on-set of symptoms, his condition shifted from NYHA I to III-IV. Although wake-up chest radiography appeared normal, standard medical therapy yielded no positives results. He was referred to our hospital, upon which after echocardiography and computed tomography investigations, aforementioned diagnosis was made. We performed off-pump partial pericardiectomy with no complications. After operation, he received analgesics and diuretics for pain and edema(ascites) respectively. He was discharged 7-days after operation on analgesics only, with no symptoms of right heart failure. CONCLUSION: Localized constrictive pericarditis as a cause of subacute right heart failure (RHF) has never been reported elsewhere, and presentation with interposed fluid is extremely odd. Progressive symptoms of Acute RHF in the absence of typical radiologic clue 'egg-shell' should heighten suspicion index of CP.

Peratrial Device Closure of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Into Right Atrium.

An alternative peratrial device closure technique for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium under exclusive transesophageal echocardiographic guidance is presented. The ruptured site was occluded with a hollow probe-assisted delivery system through a fourth intercostal mini-incision. The peratrial approach provided perfect alignment and positioning for device deployment to avoid device impingement on the aortic valve. This technique may help a certain number of patients, especially those patients with a prior history of radiocontrast media allergy.