Comparison of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic strokes.

OBJECTIVES: Paradoxical embolism from right-to-left shunt through atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a well-accepted cause of "cryptogenic" strokes (CS). To better understand the pathogenic role of ASD, we compared ASD patients with CS having a high and low likelihood of being PFO-related. METHODS: In the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne, we calculated prevalence of PFO and ASD in CS patients undergoing echocardiography, and calculated odds ratios (OR) when compared to non-CS. Using the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score, we divided CS PFO patients in high (HL-PFO, RoPE 8-10) and low-likelihood (LL-PFO, RoPE 0-4) PFO-related stroke. We then performed univariate comparison of epidemiological, clinical and radiological variables of ASD patients with both PFO groups. RESULTS: Among all CS, prevalence of ASD and PFO were 1.3% and 36.8% respectively. When compared to non-CS, ASD and PFO were associated with CS (OR of 5.2, CI= 1.6-16.6, and 2.8, CI= 2.1-3.8). Compared with HL-PFO, ASD patients were older, more often female, had more cardiovascular risk factors and silent strokes. Compared with LL-PFO, ASD patients were younger, more often female, and had less risk factors. No differences were found for clinical and radiological characteristics and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: ASD is a rare stroke risk factor for CS. Since characteristics of such patients lie in-between high and low-likelihood paradoxical PFO-strokes, a thorough work-up for other stroke mechanisms is warranted. Individual evaluation of the likelihood of the ASD being causative for stroke may be preferable over routine ASD closure.

[Ischemia : when the ECG do not tell us everything]. / Ischémie : quand l'ECG ne nous dit pas tout.

The electrocardiogram recording, when an acute coronary syndrome is suspected, is of paramount importance as the modifications of the ST segment confirms the diagnosis of STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) which needs immediate treatment, or NSTEMI (Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction). In case of NSTEMI, the invasive procedure is generally performed in the first 24 to 72 hours. However, one patient in four present an acute occluded artery at the time of the coronary angiography and this is associated with a worse outcome. In this article, we describe an emblematic case, discuss the worse outcome of these patients and explore some ways to prevent this problem.

La réalisation de l'ECG lors de suspicion d'un syndrome coronarien aigu (SCA) occupe une place primordiale. En effet, c'est sur la présence ou l'absence d'un sus-décalage du segment ST que le diagnostic d'infarctus aigu type STEMI (infarctus myocardique avec élévation du segment ST), avec nécessité d'une prise en charge immédiate, ou NSTEMI (infarctus myocardique sans élévation du segment ST), est posé. En cas d'infarctus NSTEMI, en règle générale, la coronarographie est effectuée dans les 24 à 72 heures. Toutefois, 1 patient sur 4 avec infarctus NSTEMI présente une occlusion artérielle aiguë au moment de la coronarographie. Cela est associé à un mauvais pronostic au long cours. Dans cet article, nous vous présentons un cas illustratif et une synthèse de la littérature sur le mauvais pronostic de ces patients et quelques pistes afin d'éviter ce problème.

[Takotsubo syndrome in a peripheral hospital: not always typical]. / Syndrome de Takotsubo à l'hôpital: pas toujours typique.

In this paper, we describe the clinical presentation of 2 patients with atypical Takotsubo syndrome recently observed in our hospital. It is the occasion de review the clinical characteristics, the biological markers, the imaging clues as well as the diagnosis criteria, the treatment algorithm and the prognostic of this disease, first described 30 years ago by our Japanese colleagues. The current knowledge of this recently summarized entity in an international expert consensus document is the main reference of this presentation.

Dans cet article, nous décrivons 2 cas de présentation atypique d'un syndrome de Takotsubo survenus récemment à l'hôpital de Morges. C'est l'occasion de revoir le tableau clinique, la démarche diagnostique, les caractéristiques biologiques et d'imagerie, le traitement et le pronostic de cette affection décrite pour la première fois il y a 30 ans par nos collègues japonais. Nous nous sommes basés en particulier sur un document de consensus d'experts internationaux qui rassemblent toutes les connaissances actuelles sur cette affection.

Interatrial septum dissection and atrial wall hematoma following transseptal puncture: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Interatrial septum (IAS) dissection due to transseptal puncture (TSP) is a rare, underreported complication of the procedure. Data on the mechanism, diagnosis, and management of this complication are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of all reported cases of IAS dissection with or without associated LA hematoma due to TSP, by thoroughly searching MEDLINE and EMBASE through May 2019. RESULTS: After screening of n = 882 studies, eight studies with a total of 19 patients addressed the complication of IAS dissection and/or LA hematoma secondary to TSP. Median age was 63 years with a 1:1 male to female ratio. Ablation of atrial fibrillation was the most frequently reported procedure (84%). Diagnosis was established using fluoroscopy with contrast injection (58%), TEE (32%) or intracardiac echocardiography (5%). The mechanism identified involved puncture of the septum secundum portion of the IAS, leading to transient needle passage into the extracardiac space. In the majority of patients, the hematoma remained localized in the IAS and management was conservative with progressive resolution of the hematoma during follow-up (95%). Two patients (11%) required further intervention by either pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage due to hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSIONS: IAS dissection with or without hematoma after TSP remains an underdiagnosed entity. The main mechanism involves lesion to the septum secundum portion of the IAS, resulting in needle passage into the extracardiac space and local bleeding. Although conservative management may be sufficient in the majority of cases, interventional cardiologists should be familiar with this complication and its diagnosis.

[Approach to chronic mitral regurgitation in 2016]. / L' insuffisance mitrale: mise au point en 2016.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most frequent valvular disease in industrialised countries. MR is classified as primary (mostly degenerative with valve prolapse) or secondary (mainly due to underlying ischemic heart disease resulting in deformation of the valve structure). Surgical repair represents the optimal treatment for severe primary MR, whereas the benefits of surgical correction of secondary MR are controversial. Over the past few years, transcatheter techniques have been developed to treat MR, such as the percutaneous edge-to-edge procedure (MitraClip). These approaches represent a novel therapeutic choice for patients judged inoperable by the "heart team". This review article aims to summarize the principles of MR assessment and discuss current therapeutic options for severe MR, taking into account the latest advances in the field.

Optimized Treatment of Refractory Hypercholesterolemia in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease or Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia With Alirocumab (OPTIMIZE).

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In confirmatory trials, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab substantially lowered LDL-C and reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the routine clinical use of alirocumab in Switzerland has not yet been studied. Methods: In this prospective nation-wide cohort study, we aimed to investigate the patient profile and routine clinical efficacy and safety of alirocumab in 207 patients with ASCVD or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and increased LDL-C despite maximally tolerated statin therapy. LDL-C was measured at baseline and after 3-months follow-up. Results: Overall, mean age was 63 ± 11 years, 138 (67%) were men, and 168 (81%) had statin intolerance (SI). Patients with SI had a higher baseline LDL-C (4.3 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.4 mmol/l; p < 0.001) and less frequently ASCVD (71% vs. 95%; p = 0.002). After 3 months of treatment with alirocumab, LDL-C was reduced from 4.1 ± 1.5 to 2.0 ± 1.2 mmol/l (50.5%; p < 0.001). Mean absolute and relative reductions in LDL-C were similar in patients with vs. without SI (2.2 ± 1.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.3 mmol/l; p = 0.24 and 49.0 vs. 56.6%; p = 0.11, respectively). In total, adverse events were recorded in 25 (12%) patients, with no new safety signals. Conclusions: In routine clinical practice, alirocumab was predominantly used in patients with SI suggesting that the great majority of patients with insufficient LDL-C control who would be candidates for alirocumab are not receiving this therapeutic option in Switzerland. LDL-C lowering was potent and similar in patients with and without SI, replicating the favorable efficacy-safety profile of alirocumab from randomized trials.

Case Report: Coronary-Pulmonary Fistula Closure by Percutaneous Approach: Learning From Mistakes.

Coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas (CPAF) are congenital vascular anomalies detected incidentally in most cases. When a significant left-right shunt exists, surgical, or percutaneous treatment is indicated. We describe a challenging case of CPAF closure, by percutaneous approach, in a patient symptomatic for dyspnea and evidence of a significant left-right shunt. A first attempt to close the fistula was performed implanting a vascular plug but it quickly embolized. The plug was successfully retrieved. In a second attempt, we deployed several coils before implanting the vascular plug with total closure of the fistula. The combination of plugs and coils is associated with a higher success rate of closure.

Urological surgery and antiplatelet drugs after cardiac and cerebrovascular accidents.

PURPOSE: The perioperative treatment of patients on dual antiplatelet therapy after myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event or coronary stent implantation represents an increasingly frequent issue for urologists and anesthesiologists. We assess the current scientific evidence and propose strategies concerning treatment of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE and PubMed search was conducted for articles related to antiplatelet therapy after myocardial infarction, coronary stents and cerebrovascular events, as well as the use of aspirin and/or clopidogrel in the context of surgery. RESULTS: Early discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention is associated with a high risk of coronary thrombosis, which is further increased by the hypercoagulable state induced by surgery. Aspirin has recently been recommended as a lifelong therapy. Clopidogrel is mandatory for 6 weeks after myocardial infarction and bare metal stents, and for 12 months after drug-eluting stents. Surgery must be postponed beyond these waiting periods or performed with patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy because withdrawal therapy increases 5 to 10 times the risk of postoperative myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or death. The shorter the waiting period between revascularization and surgery the greater the risk of adverse cardiac events. The risk of surgical hemorrhage is increased approximately 20% by aspirin and 50% by clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of coronary thrombosis when antiplatelet agents are withdrawn before surgery is generally higher than the risk of surgical hemorrhage when antiplatelet agents are maintained. However, this issue has not yet been sufficiently evaluated in urological patients and in many instances during urological surgery the risk of bleeding can be dangerous. A thorough dialogue among surgeon, cardiologist and anesthesiologist is essential to determine all risk factors and define the best possible strategy for each patient.

Perioperative antiplatelet therapy.

Aspirin is recommended as a lifelong therapy that should never be interrupted for patients with cardiovascular dis- ease. Clopidogrel therapy is mandatory for six weeks after placement of bare-metal stents, three to six months after myocardial infarction, and at least 12 months after placement of drug-eluting stents. Because of the hypercoagulable state induced by surgery, early withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease increases the risk of postoperative myocardial infarction and death five- to 10-fold in stented patients who are on continuous dual antiplatelet therapy. The shorter the time between revascularization and surgery, the higher the risk of adverse cardiac events. Elective surgery should be postponed beyond these periods, whereas vital, semiurgent, or urgent operations should be performed under continued dual antiplatelet therapy. The risk of surgical hemorrhage is increased approximately 20 percent by aspirin or clopidogrel alone, and 50 percent by dual antiplatelet therapy. The present clinical data suggest that the risk of a cardiovascular event when stopping antiplatelet agents preoperatively is higher than the risk of surgical bleeding when continuing these drugs, except during surgery in a closed space (e.g., intracranial, posterior eye chamber) or surgeries associated with massive bleeding and difficult hemostasis.

[Intracardiac echocardiography: a new tool for interventional cardiology]. / Echographie intracardiaque: un nouvel outil en cardiologie interventionnelle.

Intracardiac echocardiography is a new technique based on the use of ultrasonic diagnostic catheter, which can be introduced through the femoral vein up of the right atrium. Intracardiac echocardiography provides bidimensional views, coupled to colour and pulsed Doppler. This review summarizes multiple applications of intracardiac echocardiography in the field of interventional cardiology, particularly during percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. A major advantage of intracardiac echocardiography is the possibility of avoiding general anaesthesia as well as providing equivalent information to the reference technique of transoesophageal echocardiography.

[Antiplatelet drugs and intraoperative hemorrhage]. / Antiplaquettaires et hemorragie peropératoire.

Antiplatelet drugs and intraoperative haemorrhage Current literature demonstrates that there is less risk involved in maintaining anti-aggregant therapy (which might imply to transfuse more the patients), than in stopping it, which then increases dangerously the risk of coronary thrombosis. Aspirin, as a secondary preventive drug, should not be interrupted. Clopidogrel is essential for protection against thrombosis in areas where the endothelium is not intact. Unless there is a high hemorrhagic risk in closed cavities (intracranial surgery), clopidogrel should not be interrupted. Furthermore, any surgical intervention increasing the coagulability of the platelets, it seems particularly dangerous to stop such medication perioperatively.

Very long-term follow-up after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale.

AIMS: To evaluate the very long-term risk of recurrent thromboembolic events in patients treated by percutaneous PFO closure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2008, a total of 232 consecutive patients with PFO and a high suspicion of paradoxical embolism were treated by percutaneous closure. The following major events were observed during hospitalisation: implantation failure (one patient) and appearance of an acute left-sided device thrombus requiring surgery (one patient). The primary endpoint of the study was a recurrent embolic event beyond at least five years' follow-up. During a mean follow-up of 7.6±2.4 years, this event occurred in five patients, representing a 0.28% annual/patient risk. Other major complications during follow-up were the following: late thrombus formation on the device (two patients) and transient atrial fibrillation (15 patients). Three patients died during follow-up from cardiovascular causes considered not related to the index procedure. The PFO was judged closed on follow-up echocardiography in 92.3% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up following percutaneous PFO closure for presumed paradoxical embolism reveals very low recurrence rates. This observation should be put in perspective with recent published randomised trials comparing percutaneous closure and medical therapy.

Tropheryma whipplei bivalvular endocarditis and polyarthralgia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Tropheryma whipplei infection should be considered in patients with suspected infective endocarditis with negative blood cultures. The case (i) shows how previous symptoms can contribute to the diagnosis of this illness, and (ii) elucidates current recommended diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to Whipple's disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old Swiss man with a past history of 2 years of diffuse arthralgia was admitted for a possible endocarditis with severe aortic and mitral regurgitation. Serial blood cultures were negative. Our patient underwent replacement of his aortic and mitral valve by biological prostheses. T. whipplei was documented by polymerase chain reactions on both removed valves and on stools, as well as by valve histology. A combination of hydroxychloroquine and doxycycline was initiated as lifetime treatment followed by the complete disappearance of his arthralgia. CONCLUSIONS: This case report underlines the importance of considering T. whipplei as a possible causal etiology of blood culture-negative endocarditis. Lifelong antibiotic treatment should be considered for this pathogen (i) due to the significant rate of relapses, and (ii) to the risk of reinfection with another strain since these patients likely have some genetic predisposition.

Supine Bicycle Exercise Echocardiography: A Potent Immediately Available Tool for Detection and Localization of Myocardial Ischemia for the Initial Cardiologist.

BACKGROUND: Exercise echocardiography (EE) is being used increasingly as an investigative technique now that dynamic images can be captured digitally. Its equivalent reliability with scintigraphic methods has been demonstrated in a hospital setting. This study analyzes its impact on daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized progressive stress was produced by supine bicycle ergometry. Echocardiographic images of complete cardiac cycles were obtained in standard apical and parasternal short-axis views before, during, and after maximum effort, and digitized for simultaneous analysis of synchronized images at rest and during exercise. Two hundred sixteen patients (175 men and 41 women; mean age 58 +/- 10 years) were studied. RESULTS: Image quality was suboptimal in 4 cases. In the remaining 212 cases, ischemia was detected in 91 cases, and the test was negative in 114 cases and doubtful in 7 cases. Control by selective coronary angiography, as indicated by the clinical situation, was performed in 52 cases. In this particular group, EE showed 87% sensitivity, which is significantly higher than the 59% recorded for conventional exercise testing (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: EE by bicycle ergometer in the supine position is a valid, noninvasive investigative technique that can be used in an outpatient situation (feasibility 95%) since it is readily available. Its value appears to be greatest in cases in which exercise ECG is not conclusive. A negative result enables the initial cardiologist to reassure the patient immediately, which has been demonstrated in the literature to have favorable prognostic value. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 13, May 1996)

Perioperative use of anti-platelet drugs.

Performing a surgical procedure on a patient undergoing anti-platelet therapy raises a dilemma: is it safer to withdraw the drugs and reduce the haemorrhagic risk, or to maintain them and reduce the risk of myocardial ischaemic events? Based on recent clinical data, this review concludes that the risk of coronary thrombosis on anti-platelet drugs withdrawal is much higher than the risk of surgical bleeding when maintaining them. In secondary prevention, aspirin is a lifelong therapy and should never be stopped. Clopidogrel is mandatory as long as the coronary stents are not fully endothelialized, which takes 6-24 weeks depending on the technique used, but might be required for a longer period.

A case of recurrent transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with atrial fibrillation.

We report the case of a post-menopausal female who presented two episodes of transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with rapid atrial fibrillation within a four-month period. The clinical features of this phenomenon also known as Tako-tsubo mimic acute myocardial infarction and may be a form of catecholamine-induced neurogenic stunning. The case illustrates that typical ECG features could be masked by atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.