Transient Severe Functional Mitral Valve Regurgitation: An Extremely Rare Cause of Recurrent Pulmonary Edema.

A 79-year-old woman presented with recurrent pulmonary edema. Extensive testing spanning 5 admissions showed only mild mitral regurgitation (MR). A transthoracic echocardiogram with the patient in the supine position and passive leg raise showed severe MR. This suggested transient severe MR. She underwent mitral valve replacement and had an uneventful postoperative course without recurrence of symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Bicuspid Versus Tricuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis: Meta-Analysis and Systemic Review.

Because of its anatomic and procedural complexities, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has been excluded from previous trials investigating transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of TAVR in BAV and tricuspid aortic valve patients. We searched the databases systematically from inception until March 2023 for studies that reported the outcomes of TAVR in BAV and tricuspid aortic valve patients. The primary focus was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Additional outcomes included outcomes at 30-day follow-up. Secondary and subgroup analyses were performed on propensity-matched patients, patients at low surgical risk, and based on the type of transcatheter valve type. We included 30 studies with a total of 193,274 patients who underwent TAVR, of which 14,353 patients had BAV stenosis. The rate of 1-year mortality was lower in the BAV group compared with the tricuspid group with the results reaching statistical significance (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.98, p = 0.02). The rate of 30-day stroke, however, was higher in patients with BAV who underwent TAVR (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43, p <0.05). Other 30-day clinical outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. Similar outcomes were observed in secondary analysis of matched populations with less mortality and higher rate of stroke in patients with BAV (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.96, p = 0.01, and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.75, p <0.05, respectively). Comparing the outcomes for self-expandable and balloon-expandable valves resulted in similar results. Subgroup analysis of low-surgical-risk patients similarly showed lower 1-year mortality in patients with BAV (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.91, p = 0.01), without difference in 30-day stroke between the 2 groups (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.88, p = 0.30). In conclusion, this report indicates that TAVR is safe and feasible in patients with BAV, including patients at low surgical risk. The higher rate of 30-day stroke, however, warrants caution when pursuing TAVR in this population. More studies, specifically randomized trials, are still warranted to further assess the safety and the long-term outcomes in this group.

Advanced Case of Cardiac Amyloidosis Presents With Chronic Diarrhea.

Late diagnosis of light chain (AL) amyloidosis can lead to catastrophic consequences on the quality of life of affected patients and overall disease prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should have high suspicion and recognize clinical red flags for amyloidosis. This case report presents a 65-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss with significant hypotension. The patient was treated four weeks prior to admission with a five-day course of nitrofurantoin for urinary tract infection. The initial workup was positive for Clostridium difficile(C.diff), which was treated medically; however, the patient started to complain of mild shortness of breath accompanied by mildly elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Later on, the patient had a cardiac arrest and was appropriately resuscitated. Subsequent ECHO showed significant left ventricular hypertrophy, raising high suspicion of myocardial infiltration. Because of persistent diarrhea despite aggressive medical management and an inconclusive workup, the patient underwent colonoscopy with duodenum biopsy, which revealed amyloid deposition confirmed by Congo red staining. The patient afterward suffered from a stroke and recurrent syncopal episodes requiring critical care admission. Due to a compromised quality of life, the patient eventually opted for hospice care. In view of insufficient prospective data spotlighting AL amyloidosis, all patients should be treated within clinical trials whenever possible and ideally evaluated for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) eligibility.

Genotype-Guided Use of P2Y12 Inhibitors: A Review of Current State of the Art.

The pharmacodynamics of the purinergic receptor type Y, subtype 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors has evolved. Our understanding of the metabolism of P2Y12 inhibitors has revealed polymorphisms that impact drug metabolism and antiplatelet efficacy, leading to genetic testing guided therapy. In addition, assays of platelet function and biochemistry have provided insight into our understanding of the efficacy of "antiplatelet" therapy, identifying patients with high or low platelet reactivity on P2Y12 therapy. Despite the data, the implementation of these testing modalities has not gained mainstream adoption across hospital systems. Given differences in potency between the three clinically available P2Y12 inhibitors, the balance between thrombotic and bleeding complications must be carefully considered, especially for the large proportion of patients at higher risk for bleeding. Here we review the current data for genetic and functional testing, risk assessment strategies, and guidelines for P2Y12 inhibitors guided therapy.

Dermatologic Manifestation of Acro-Ischemia Associated With COVID-19.

Background: The common dermatologic manifestations seen in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include morbilliform, pernio-like, urticarial, macular erythematous, vesicular, and papulosquamous disorders, as well as retiform purpura. Although cases of acro-ischemia have been demonstrated, they are not well studied or reported. Case Report: A 73-year-old male was admitted for acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 infection. During the patient's hospital course, his oxygen requirement progressively increased, and he developed painful, violaceous purpura on his right lower extremity digits. The patient was treated with therapeutic doses of enoxaparin and nitroglycerin ointment in the hospital and apixaban on discharge. The patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The multiorgan dysfunction associated with COVID-19 includes dermatologic manifestations. This case illustrates that acro-ischemia can resolve with guideline-based medical treatment.

Comparison between Malerba osteotomy and combined Evans/medial displacement calcaneal osteotomies for the management of flexible pes planus in young adults: a prospective randomised control trial, three years follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of Malerba osteotomy in comparison to the standardized combined Evans/Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy (MDCO) in the management of symptomatic flexible pes planus in young adults. METHODS: Prospective randomized control trial included 34 feet (33 patients), 17 cases in each group. Functionally, patients were assessed by AOFAS and FADI scores. Radiographic evaluation included calcaneal pitch, lateral talo-1st metatarsal, AP talo-first metatarsal, AP talo-calcaneal angles, and the talar coverage percentage. RESULTS: Pre-operative and three years follow-up scores and angles were compared between both groups. No statistically significant difference could be detected between both groups (P value 0.87). However, the data showed statistically significant difference in each group when comparing (pre-operative and third year follow-up scores and angles) (P value < 0.001). The mean union rate was eight weeks in Malerba group and nine weeks in Evans/MDCO group. No incidence of nonunion. Complications like calcaneocuboid subluxation, calcaneal anterior process fracture, and lateral column pain were exclusively reported in Evans/MDCO group. CONCLUSION: Malerba osteotomy is a strong valid option for the operative management of flexible pes planus in young adults. Authors recommend Malerba osteotomy in all mild and moderate deformities due to lower complication rate while the combined Evans/MDCO is preferred in severe deformity due to relatively higher corrective power with consideration of possible complications.

Increased Risk of Valvular Heart Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: An Underrecognized Cardiac Complication.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac involvement is a poor prognostic marker in systemic sclerosis (SSc). While diastolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and arrhythmias are traditionally considered features of primary cardiac involvement in SSc, the incidence of valvular heart disease (VHD) is not well reported. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of VHD at the time of SSc diagnosis and incidence of VHD during follow-up compared to non-SSc subjects. METHODS: Medical records of patients with suspicion of SSc were reviewed to identify incident cases. SSc subjects were matched 1:2 by age and sex to non-SSc subjects. RESULTS: The study included 78 incident SSc cases and 156 non-SSc comparators (56 yrs [± 15.7], 91% female). A nearly 4-fold increase in the prevalence of moderate/severe VHD prior to SSc diagnosis compared to non-SSc subjects (6% vs 0%; P = 0.004) was identified. During follow-up, 18 SSc and 12 non-SSc patients developed moderate/severe VHD. The cumulative incidence of VHD at 10 years after SSc incidence/index was 17.9% (95% CI 10.7-29.9) in patients with SSc compared with 2.3% (95% CI 0.7-7.0) in non-SSc subjects (HR 4.23, 95% CI 2.03-8.83). Coronary artery disease was the only significant risk factor for VHD. CONCLUSION: Patients with SSc have a 4-fold increase in the prevalence of moderate/severe VHD at diagnosis compared to non-SSc patients. They also have a 4-fold increased risk of developing moderate/severe VHD after diagnosis of SSc. Aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation have a much higher prevalence in patients with SSc, besides secondary tricuspid regurgitation. Underlying mechanisms for this association require further elucidation.

Epidemiology and Trends in Survival of Systemic Sclerosis in Olmsted County (1980-2018): A Population-based Study.

Background/Purpose: To update the epidemiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and evaluate the performance of the ACR/EULAR 2013 vs. 1980 ARA classification criteria in a U.S. population-based cohort. Methods: An inception cohort of patients with incident SSc from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2018, in Olmsted County, Minnesota, was identified based on comprehensive individual medical record review. Incidence and prevalence rates were age- and sex-adjusted to the 2010 US white population. Survival rates were compared with expected rates in the general population. Fulfillment of 1980 and 2013 classification criteria was ascertained. Results: A total of 85 incident cases of SSc (91% female, mean age 55.4 ± 16 y) and 49 prevalent cases on Jan 1, 2015 were identified. The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence was 25 (95% CI 20-31) per million population, with no change in incidence over time. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence was 436 (95% CI: 313-558) per 1,000,000 population. 77 (91%) patients fulfilled the 2013 classification criteria, and 38 (45%) fulfilled the 1980 criteria. Mortality among patients with SSc was significantly higher in comparison to the general population, with a standardized mortality ratio of 2.48 (95% CI:1.76-3.39) and no evidence of improvement over time. Conclusions: SSc developed in 25 persons/million/year with no change over the 39-year study period. The 2013 classification criteria perform significantly better than the 1980 criteria but failed to classify 9% of patients. SSc portends a 2.5-fold higher risk of mortality than the general population, with no evidence of improved survival over time.

Systemic Sclerosis Portends Increased Risk of Conduction and Rhythm Abnormalities at Diagnosis and During Disease Course: A US Population-Based Cohort.

Objectives: To study the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of conduction and rhythm disorders in a population-based cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) vs. non-SSc comparators. Methods: An incident cohort of patients with SSc (1980-2016) from Olmsted County, MN was compared to age- and sex-matched non-SSc subjects (1:2). Electrocardiograms (ECGs), Holter ECGs, and need for cardiac interventions were reviewed to determine the occurrence of any conduction or rhythm abnormalities. Results: 78 incident SSc cases and 156 comparators were identified (mean age 56 y, 91% female). The prevalence of any conduction disorder prior to SSc diagnosis compared to non-SSc subjects was 15% vs. 7% (p=0.06), and any rhythm disorder was 18% vs. 13% (p=0.33). During a median follow-up of 10.5 years in patients with SSc and 13.0 years in non-SSc comparators, conduction disorders developed in 25 patients with SSc with cumulative incidence of 20.5% (95% CI: 12.4-34.1%) vs. 28 non-SSc patients with cumulative incidence of 10.4% (95% CI: 6.2-17.4%) (HR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.48-4.45), while rhythm disorders developed in 27 patients with SSc with cumulative incidence of 27.3% (95% CI: 17.9-41.6%) vs. 43 non-SSc patients with cumulative incidence of 18.0% (95% CI: 12.3-26.4%) (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.00-2.64). Age, pulmonary hypertension and smoking were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: Patients with SSc have an increased risk of conduction and rhythm disorders both at disease onset and over time, compared to non-SSc patients. These findings warrant increased vigilance and screening for ECG abnormalities in SSc patients with pulmonary hypertension.

The rare presentation of the de Winter's pattern: Case report and literature review.

Although not classified as a ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), the patterns known as equivalents also require prompt recognition and treatment. A 50-year-old male with no pertinent history presented to the emergency department for chest pain that radiated to his left shoulder. An electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed findings consistent with the de Winter's pattern, which were greater than 1 mm upsloping ST depressions at the J point in leads V3-V6 (maximally in leads V3-V5), tall, peaked T waves in leads II, III, and V3-V5, ST elevations in lead aVR, and 1 mm ST elevation in V1 and V2. The physical exam, troponins, and other laboratory investigations were unrevealing. Urgent, diagnostic coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which was successfully treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and two drug-eluting stents. After the stent placement, arterial blood flow was re-established and the ECG normalized. The patient was started on guideline based treatment and discharged home once medically stable. The de Winter's pattern on electrocardiogram indicates a significant coronary artery disease. This pattern requires urgent intervention, typically percutaneous stent placement.

Proteinase 3 (PR3)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitic neuropathy in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: a rare duo.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by non-inflammatory vasculopathy, autoimmunity and widespread fibrosis. While the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) has been reported in SSc, their association with ANCA-associated vasculitis is exceedingly rare. Myeloperoxidase ANCA is more common than proteinase-3 ANCA, and glomerulonephritis is the most common clinical presentation of ANCA-associated vasculitis in SSc. ANCAs have been associated with the adverse disease outcomes in SSc, including higher mortality per recent reports. A 65-year-old man with diffuse cutaneous SSc for 6 years presented with new-onset peripheral neuropathy. Workup revealed a positive proteinase-3 and cytoplasmic ANCA, and histopathology confirmed an inflammatory vasculitic neuropathy. The patient was successfully treated with rituximab. Our case highlights the importance of checking ANCA in SSc at baseline, given the risk of disease-related complications, even years later. Tissue biopsy is often warranted for confirmation of vasculitis and prompt treatment can optimise long-term outcomes.

Long standing biliary colic masking chylous ascites in laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass; a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is considered to be an intra-abdominal collection of creamy colored fluid with triglyceride content of > 110 mg/dL. Chylous ascites is an uncommon but serious complication of numerous surgical interventions. However, it is a rare complication of LRYGB. An internal hernia limb defect is thought to be the underlying etiology, where the hernia will cause lymphatic vessel engorgement and lymphatic extravasation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 29 years old male with a 9 year history of laparoscopic Roux en y gastric bypass (LRGYB), presenting with recurrent abdominal pain for 2 months radiating to the right shoulder. Ultrasound examination revealed gallstones and the patient was subsequently admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperatively, whitish colored fluid, high in triglycerides content was aspirated. During exploration, an internal hernia limb defect was found and corrected. CONCLUSION: Post LRGYB patients with symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain should be suspected for chylous ascites reflecting an internal hernia.

Diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice computed tomography in identifying lesion characteristics in coronary total occlusion.

We performed this study to compare the sensitivity and specificity of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) to coronary angiography (CA) in detecting coronary total occlusion (CTO) lesion characteristics. Moreover, we analyzed the association between these characteristics and the risk of revascularization failure. Fifty patients with confirmed CTO diagnosis were tried for revascularization using the antegrade (all 50) or retrograde (in failed nine antegrade interventions) approaches. Each patient underwent CA and MSCT before the intervention and data from both modalities were compared using the SPSS software. Successful revascularization occurred in 36 (72%) and 6 (66.7%) patients of the antegrade and retrograde groups, respectively. Compared to CA, MSCT exhibited high sensitivity in detecting CTO segment calcification (100%), size of the affected vessel (100%, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.82), distal filling of the affected segment (97.7%) and side-branching at the CTO segment (93.3%). However, it had lower sensitivity in detecting collaterals (75%) and the length of the affected segment (87.5%, AUC = 0.77). According to MSCT data, increased occlusion length > 18 mm (p = 0.01), atherosclerotic vessel wall (p = 0.02), small distal vessel size ≤ 2.75 mm (p = 0.002), proximal side-branching (p = 0.01) and calcification of the proximal cap (p = 0.007) or distal stump (p = 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of revascularization failure. MSCT exhibited high sensitivity in identifying several CTO lesion characteristics, such as lesional calcification and size of the affected vessel. However, further research is needed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of this modality and define the predictors of revascularization failure in CTO patients.

Short-segment fixation through a limited ilioinguinal approach for treating anterior acetabular fractures: a historical-control study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the potential advantages of short-segment fixation of certain anterior acetabular fracture patterns through a limited ilioinguinal approach. METHODS: Two patient groups were studied. The first group comprised 22 patients (20 men, two women; average age 36 years) treated using the short-segment fixation protocol through a limited ilioinguinal approach. We modified the use of short pelvic brim plates, spring plates and posterior-column screws as reduction and fixation tools (leaving the distal end of the fracture unfixed) to keep the dissection entirely lateral to the iliac vessels. The second (control) group comprised 31 patients with matched fracture patterns fixed through the standard ilioinguinal approach. All patients were followed up for a minimum of two years. The estimated amount of blood loss (primary outcome measure), operative time, postoperative radiographic assessment of reduction quality and functional score assessment (secondary outcome measures) were compared between groups. RESULTS: The short-segment-fixation group had significantly less blood loss (p < 0.0001) and shorter operative time (p = 0.002) compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the quality of fracture reduction and functional scores between groups at the final follow-up. No major complications were encountered in either group. CONCLUSION: Short-segment fixation through a limited ilioinguinal approach is a safe and effective alternative for treating certain patterns of anterior acetabular fractures. Decreased blood loss and shorter operative time with less soft tissue dissection are the main advantages of this approach.

Multiple arthroscopic debridement and graft retention in septic knee arthritis after ACL reconstruction: a prospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to prospectively analyse, at a mean five-year follow-up, the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in patients who developed postoperative acute septic knee arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. We also assessed the effect of multiple arthroscopic debridement and graft retention on the functional outcomes in comparison with the matched control group. METHODS: From a consecutive case series of 2,560 ACL-injured patients who were treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, we report on 24 cases with postoperative septic knee arthritis. These patients were individually matched for age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI) and preinjury Tegner activity scale in a ratio of 1/1. Clinical, laboratory, synovial fluid analysis and culture were performed. Arthroscopic debridement and graft retention was done for all cases, in addition to antibiotic therapy i.v.. A detailed physical examination, KT1000 laxity testing, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed. RESULTS: In all cases, treatment of infection was successful after a median of three (range one to six) repeated arthroscopic graft debridement and retention, in addition to antibiotic therapy i.v.. At an average of five years follow-up, two patients had over five millimetres manual maximum side-to-side difference in laxity. There were no significant differences between groups regarding Lysholm score, IKDC and KOOS. Median final Tegner activity score was 5.5 versus 7 in the control group (p = 0.004). Complications included graft rupture in three patients, loss of range of motion in five, Sudeck's atrophy in one and moderate joint narrowing in two. There were no recurrences of septic arthritis or bone infection. CONCLUSION: Graft retention seems not only possible but appropriate in view of the experience presented in this article for postoperative septic knee arthritis using hamstring autograft. A potential residual complication is arthrofibrosis, which deserves maximum attention.

Analgesic effect of intra-articular magnesium sulphate compared with bupivacaine after knee arthroscopic menisectomy.

This work aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intra-articular injection of magnesium sulphate (4%) compared with equivalent volume of bupivacaine (0.5%) after outpatient knee arthroscopic meniscectomy. Forty patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group M (n = 20) received intra-articular magnesium sulphate 4%, group B (n = 20) received bupivacaine (0.5%). Analgesic effect was evaluated by analgesic duration, and by measuring pain intensity at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 h both at rest and on knee movement to 90°. The primary outcome variable was pain intensity on the VAS at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 h post arthroscopy at rest and on movement (flexion of knee to 90°), although the magnesium group had lower time weighted averages (TWAs) at rest and on movement, these TWAs were not statistically significant. The median duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in the patients treated with magnesium sulphate (528 min) than in the bupivacaine group (317 min) (p < 0.0001), with less number of patients needing supplementary analgesia in magnesium group (8/20) than those of the bupivacaine group (16/20) (p < 0.022). Also analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the magnesium sulphate group (p < 0.002). We concluded that the use of magnesium sulphate is rational and effective in reducing pain, and is more physiological and shortens convalescence after outpatient arthroscopic meniscectomy, however our hypotheses that analgesic efficacy of intra-articular isotonic magnesium sulphate would be superior to intra-articular local anaesthetic cannot be supported with this study.