Low signal intensities of MRI T1 mapping predict refractory diplopia in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

OBJECTIVE: In Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), fibrosis in extraocular muscles (EOMs) may be related to intravenous glucocorticoid (ivGC)-resistant diplopia. Signal intensity (SI) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 mapping can quantify properties of EOM components, including fibrosis. We investigated EOM features of GO patients with diplopia using T1 mapping SI and the predictive value of T1 mapping SI in the response of diplopia to ivGCs. DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study that included 13 active GO patients, 34 inactive GO patients with history of diplopia, including 20 with a history of diplopia disappearance, 14 GO patients with refractory diplopia and 35 control subjects. In nine active GO patients, the relationship between T1 mapping SI at pretreatment and at diplopia outcome after ivGC treatment was prospectively investigated. METHODS: T1 mapping SI of left and right inferior rectus and medial rectus muscles was measured in all participants. RESULTS: T1 mapping SI in inactive GO patients with refractory diplopia was significantly lower than that of other groups in all evaluated EOMs. Diagnostic accuracy for refractory diplopia by T1 mapping SI in GO patients with a history of diplopia disappearance was excellent (AUC 0.89) compared with other assessments. Furthermore, among nine active GO patients, pretreatment T1 mapping SI in four patients with ivGC-resistant diplopia tended to be low compared with the other five patients with improved diplopia. CONCLUSIONS: Low intensity T1 mapping in EOMs is likely to be associated with refractory diplopia and may be useful in predicting the response of diplopia to ivGCs.

Prognostic impact of mitral L-wave in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without risk factors for sudden cardiac death.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with severe diastolic dysfunction is a major cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD) associated with lethal arrhythmia. Although various risk factors for cardiac events have been reported in HCM patients, previous studies have reported that some HCM patients exhibit either no risk or a low risk of SCD experienced cardiac events. The mid-diastolic transmitral flow velocity curve (mitral L-wave) is an echocardiographic index of left ventricular compliance, and it has been reported as one of the parameters of advanced diastolic dysfunction assessed noninvasively. However, little is known about the association between the mitral L-wave and long-term clinical outcomes in HCM patients without SCD risk factors. Between July 2005 and February 2016, 112 patients were diagnosed with HCM and 96 patients without risk factors were enrolled. After excluding 3 patients whom we could not detect L-wave more than once, 93 patients (mean age 57.7 ± 13.1 years, 33 females) were divided into the following two groups, according to the presence or absence of the mitral L-wave: Group L (+) (with the mitral L-wave) and Group L (-) (without the mitral L-wave). The correlations between the mitral L-wave and rates of cardiac events were investigated. The mitral L-wave was present in 14 (15.1%) patients [Group L]. During the follow-up period [4.7 (2.9-7.5) years], patients experienced 7 cardiac events. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the event-free rate was significantly lower in Group L (+) than in Group L (-) (log-rank P = 0.002). Additionally, in multivariate analysis, L-wave positivity was identified as independent predictors of cardiac events. Existence of the mitral L-wave can predict cardiac events, even in HCM patients without SCD risk factors.

Left ventricular phase entropy: Novel prognostic predictor in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and narrow QRS.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact and pathophysiology of global left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD), namely mechanical dyssynchrony of whole left ventricle, as assessed by phase analysis of electrocardiographically gated (ECG-gated) myocardial perfusion SPECT has not been clearly elucidated in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and narrow QRS complex (<120 ms). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-six patients with DCM underwent ECG-gated myocardial 99mTc-sestamibi perfusion SPECT and endomyocardial biopsy. LV phase entropy was automatically calculated using a phase analysis of ECG-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median phase entropy value: low-phase entropy (<0.61) (N = 23: LE group) and high-phase entropy (≥0.61) (N = 23: HE group). In the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the event-free survival rate was significantly lower in the HE group (log-rank P = 0.015). Moreover, high-phase entropy was an independent predictor of adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 5.77%; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-108.32; P = 0.047). Interestingly, the mRNA expression levels of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) in endomyocardial biopsy specimens were significantly lower in the HE group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: LV phase entropy, which may reflect impairment of Ca2+ handling caused by decreased SERCA2a mRNA levels, is a novel prognostic predictor in patients with DCM and narrow QRS complex.

[Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Combined with Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Posterior Instrumentation for Adult Spinal Deformity].

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)for adult spinal deformity(ASD)is aimed at minimizing perioperative and postoperative complications. However, MIS techniques have been reported to result in suboptimal sagittal plane correction or pseudoarthrosis when used for severe deformities. The authors present their early experience with circumferential MIS(cMIS), which involves oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF)with percutaneous pedicle screw(PPS)fixation using a rod cantilever technique to enhance lumbar lordosis(LL)for ASD. METHODS: Twenty-one thoracolumbar ASD cases in which surgical correction was performed from the lower thoracic spine corresponded to class IIIa in the modified minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery(MISDEF)algorithm. Patients with a rigid curve and prior fusion were excluded. Surgery was performed in 2 stages. During the first stage, OLIF was performed from L1/2 or Th12/L1 to L4/5. After 4 to 7 days, the patients were re-imaged with standing radiography, and the second-stage surgery was performed with L5/S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF)and percutaneous instrumentation from the lower thoracic spine to the pelvis. Radiological deformity correction at 4 weeks and perioperative complications were evaluated. Scatter plots were created for comparison of preoperative and postoperative sagittal spinopelvic parameters. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 75 years. The mean operative time was 488 min, and the blood loss was 901 mL. Significant improvement in the spinopelvic parameters were found on the preoperative images of the sagittal vertical axis(SVA)(108mm to 33.5 mm), lumbar lordosis(LL)(18° to 48°), pelvic tilt(PT)(31.8° to 19.2°), and Cobb angle(CA)(21.1° to 11.9°). The change from the preoperative to the postoperative sagittal spinopelvic parameters(SVA, PI-LL, and PT)strongly correlated with preoperative values. CONCLUSION: As cMIS resulted in improvement in spinopelvic parameters and no major complications, this technique could provide a safe and effective strategy to manage ASD even with severe sagittal imbalance.

Biphasic Force-Frequency Relation Predicts Primary Cardiac Events in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The force-frequency relation (FFR) is a hemodynamic index of the chronotropic relationship between left ventricular (LV) systolic function (percent change in dP/dtmax) and elevation of heart rate. FFR is a marker of myocardial contractile reserve and follows an upward slope in healthy myocardium [monophasic FFR (MoF)], a pattern that becomes biphasic (BiF) under pathological conditions. However, it remains uncertain whether the FFR determines a patient's prognosis. We investigated the promising role of the FFR as a predictor of cardiac events in the setting of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods and Results:A total of 113 consecutive patients with HCM (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I-II) were retrospectively evaluated; 27 (23.9%) had a BiF pattern and they experienced a higher incidence of cardiac events compared with those showing an MoF pattern (median follow-up, 4.7 years; P<0.001). Furthermore, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the LV end-diastolic volume index (hazard ratio: 1.051, P=0.014) and BiF pattern (hazard ratio: 15.260, P=0.001) were independent predictors of primary cardiac events. Interestingly, abnormal reductions in myocardial regulatory molecules related to contractility (SERCA2α) were observed exclusively in the patients exhibiting a BiF pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The FFR reflects latent myocardial abnormalities and predicts cardiac events in the setting of HCM, even during the asymptomatic stages of the disease.

Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Profile as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: An abnormal circadian blood pressure (BP) profile is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, its significance in heart failure patients with nonischemic etiology is unknown. Herein, we investigated the prognostic value of a circadian BP profile in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). METHODS: We enrolled 114 NIDCM patients (76 males, mean age 53.1 years). The percent nighttime BP fall (%NBPF) was defined using ambulatory BP monitoring as a percent decrease in mean systolic BP in nighttime from daytime. All patients were divided into three groups: dipper (%NBPF ≥10), non-dipper (0 ≤ %NBPF < 10), and riser (%NBPF <0). RESULTS: Riser patients had the highest serum creatinine levels (dipper, 0.78 ± 0.20 mg/dl; non-dipper, 0.85 ± 0.21 mg/dl; riser, 0.99 ± 0.23 mg/dl; p = 0.006). In survival analysis, riser patients had the highest cumulative cardiac-related deaths (log-rank, p = 0.001), which was an independent predictor of cardiac-related deaths (hazard ratio, 12.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-253; p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the norepinephrine level at 24-hour collected urine (24 h U-NE) and the serum creatinine level were independent determinants of %NBPF (adjusted R2 = 0.20; 24 h U-NE, p = 0.0001; serum creatinine, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The riser profile was associated with poor prognosis of NIDCM, which may reflect impaired sympathetic nervous system activity. Evaluating the circadian BP profile may be useful for risk stratification in NIDCM patients.

Sokolow-Lyon voltage is suitable for monitoring improvement in cardiac function and prognosis of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of electrocardiogram in the assessment of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of recording serial changes in Sokolow-Lyon voltage (∆%QRS-voltage) in one year to estimate left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) and predict a prognosis of IDCM patients under tailored medical therapy. METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with mild symptoms (52.1 ± 13 years old; 69% men; NYHA I/II/III/IV; 33/29/6/0) underwent electrocardiography and echocardiography at baseline and 12 month follow-up (follow-up period: 3.9 years). RESULTS: LVRR was observed in 30 patients (44.1%). The ∆%QRS-voltage was significantly lower in the LVRR group (LVRR; -26.9%, non-LVRR: -9.2%, p < .001). Univariate analysis showed that ∆%QRS-voltage correlated with ∆%LV end-diastolic diameter (r = .634, p < .001), and with ∆%LV ejection fraction and ∆%LV mass index (r = -.412, p < .001; r = .429, p < .001 respectively). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the estimation of LVRR, ∆%QRS of -14.7% showed optimal sensitivity (63.2%) and specificity (83.3%) (AUC = 0.775, p < .001). The composite endpoints of cardiac death (n = 0), hospitalization for advanced heart failure (n = 11) and fatal arrhythmia (n = 2) were observed in 13 patients during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher event-free rate in patients of the low ∆%QRS-voltage group (<-14.7%) (83%) than those of the high group (66%, p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that decrease in Sokolow-Lyon voltage is associated with improvement in cardiac function and favorable prognosis in IDCM patients on medical therapy, suggesting that this index is a feasible marker for response to treatment of IDCM.

[Risk Factors for Predicting the Need for Additional Surgery for Symptomatic Adjacent Segment Disease after Minimally Invasive Surgery-Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion].

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for symptomatic adjacent segment disease(SASD)requiring additional surgery in patients previously treated with minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(MIS-TLIF)for degenerative lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 467 consecutive patients who had undergone MIS-TLIF of one or two segments to treat degenerative lumbar disease was identified. The mean age of the patients at the time of the index operation was 67.7 years and the mean follow-up period was 33.2 months(range, 6.0-110.1 months). The incidence rate of SASD surgeries was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were used for risk factor analysis based on age, sex, number of fused segments, presence of laminectomy adjacent to index fusion, and L1 plumb line. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of SASD requiring additional surgery was 2.8%. Kaplan-Meier analysis predicted a disease-free rate of adjacent segments in 94.3% of the patients at 4 years and in 90.8% of the patients at 8 years after the index operation. In the analysis of risk factors, a negative L1 plumb line was associated with a 5.6 times higher incidence of SASD requiring additional surgery than that associated with a positive L1 plumb line(p=0.0096). There was no significant difference in the survival rates based on age, sex, number of fused segments, and concomitant laminectomy to adjacent segment. CONCLUSION: Approximately 9.2% of the patients were predicted to undergo additional surgery for treating SASD within 8 years of MIS-TLIF. In this study, presence of a negative L1 plumb line indicated higher incidence of additional SASD associated surgeries than that shown by a positive L1 plumb line. Therefore, surgeons should carefully consider this factor while performing MIS-TLIF.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing as a Tool for Diagnosing Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Recently, it has become increasingly recognized that pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a particularly threatening result of left-sided heart disease. However, there have been few investigations of the impact of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) variables on PH in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We evaluated the usefulness of crucial CPX variables for detecting elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in patients with DCM. METHODS: Ninety subjects with DCM underwent cardiac catheterization and CPX at our hospital. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the ability of CPX variables to distinguish between the presence and absence of PH. RESULTS: Overall mean values were: mean PAP (mPAP), 18.0 ± 9.6 mmHg; plasma brain natriuretic peptide, 233 ± 295 pg/mL; and left ventricular ejection fraction, 30.2 ± 11.0%. Patients were allocated to one of two groups on the basis of mean PAP, namely DCM without PH [mean PAP (mPAP) <25 mmHg; n = 75] and DCM with PH (mPAP ≥25 mmHg; n = 15). A cutoff achieved percentage of predicted peak VO2 (%PPeak VO2 ) of 52.5% was the best predictor of an mPAP ≥25 mmHg in the ROC analysis (area under curve: 0.911). In the multivariate analysis, %PPeak VO2 was the only significant independent predictor of PH (Wald 6.52, odds ratio 0.892, 95% CI 0.818-0.974; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: %PPeak VO2 was strongly associated with the presence of PH in patients with DCM. Taken together, these findings indicate that CPX variables could be important for diagnosing PH in patients with DCM.

Two-Stage Cervical and Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Circumferential Fixation for Pyogenic Spondylitis: A Case Report.

Pyogenic spondylitis is a rare life-threatening condition. Conservative treatment with antibiotics is indicated; however, surgery can be considered in refractory cases. The surgical strategy varies, as pyogenic spondylosis can occur from the cervical to sacral regions. To our knowledge, although there is less invasiveness as an advantage in the following management, cervical and thoracic-lumbar-sacral circumferential fixations in two sessions for pyogenic spondylitis have not been previously described. An 84-year-old man complained of ambulation disturbances and pain in the neck and upper and lower extremities (the Japan Orthopaedic Association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire score of 5/17). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pyogenic spondylitis of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. Epidural abscesses and spondylodiscitis were concurrently diagnosed with multi-level skipping lesions from the cervical to the sacral regions. As these lesions were resistant to antibiotic treatment and the neurological symptoms worsened, surgical treatment was planned. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and posterior cervical fixation were followed by oblique and posterior lumbar intervertebral fusions with long-level fixation from T12 to the ilium using percutaneous pedicle screws. The surgeries were performed in two sessions to avoid the invasiveness of surgeries in a single session. The patient's condition improved after a second surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 116. No recurrence was observed for six months, and the patient was able to ambulate independently. Two-stage cervical and thoracic-lumbar-sacral circumferential fixation for pyogenic spondylitis contributed to a favorable outcome (the Japan Orthopaedic Association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire score of 13/17).

L5 Nerve Root Radiculopathy as a Rare Complication Following Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion at L5/S1 Combined With Posterior Fixation via Percutaneous Pedicle Screws for Adult Spinal Deformity.

Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is an established and less invasive surgical approach for patients with adult spinal deformities. This method can also be applied to the L5/S1 region (termed "OLIF51"); however, reports on L5 nerve root radiculopathy as a rare complication of OLIF51 are limited. Here, we present the case of a 77-year-old woman with progressive adult spinal deformity who was followed up after an initial OLIF for the L3/4 and L4/5 levels. An additional operation was performed to resolve ambulation difficulty and back pain related to adult spinal deformity. Circumferential fixation was performed over two sessions. Initially, OLIF51 was performed concurrently with OLIF for L1/2 and L2/3. Eight days later, posterior fixation surgery from T10 to the ilium via percutaneous pedicle screws was performed. Two days after the second operation, the patient started complaining of left L5 nerve root radiculopathy, for which medication and rehabilitation were both ineffective. Retrospectively, we identified that the left L5/S1 foramen narrowed after the lordotic correction by OLIF51 and posterior fixation. Additionally, posterior facetectomy for L5/S1 was performed, and the left L5 nerve root radiculopathy was resolved. L5 nerve root radiculopathy can develop as a rare complication of OLIF51. Neurosurgeons should be aware of this rare complication related to OLIF51.

[Assessment of cardiac contractile reserve].

Left ventricular (LV) function is usually measured by imaging modalities such as echocardiography under static conditions in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, some studies have reported that LV contractile function at rest is not reliable for assessment of the reversibility of LV contraction. Therefore, it is important to evaluate LV functional response under dynamic conditions by use of pharmacological as well as exercise stress (contractile reserve). In our studies, LVdP/dtmax was measured at rest and under dobutamine stress using a pigtail catheter with a high-fidelity micromanometer placed into the left ventricle in DCM patients. deltaVdP/dtmax as an index of myocardial contractile reserve was defined as the percentage increase in LVdP/dtmax induced by dobutamine infusion. Firstly, deltaLVdP/dtmax was correlated with peak oxygen consumption by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. In addition, impaired deltaLVdP/dtmax was associated with unfavorable prognosis. Secondly, reduced deltaLVdP/dtmax was associated with an increased washout rate evaluated by myocardial 123I-MIBG and 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy. Finally, this residual contractile reserve was related to molecular remodeling caused by overactivation of the sympathetic nerve system in DCM patients. This review focused on the current status of contractile reserve with our findings, including procedures for evaluating contractile reserve, clinical implications, and molecular biological significance.

Vertebral Fracture in a Short Period Following Posterior Decompression and Fixation for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

Posterior decompression and fixation are established therapeutic modalities for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). Postoperative complications associated with these procedures may require supplementary interventions, potentially resulting in subsequent vertebral fractures. However, vertebral fractures that occur within a short period after posterior decompression and fixation for DLS are rare. An 80-year-old woman presented with right leg pain and ambulatory difficulties attributed to DLS. The patient was administered medications, including prednisolone, for managing diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequently, the patient underwent posterior decompression from L3 to S1, coupled with fixation extending from L4 to S1 using percutaneous pedicle screws. The symptoms disappeared, and the patient was discharged two weeks after the surgery. However, two months after the surgery, the patient visited our outpatient clinic, complaining of sudden backache and motor weakness in the bilateral lower extremities. A vertebral fracture of L4 was identified on computed tomography (CT). Long-level fusion from Th10 to the iliac bone was performed to correct the thoracic-lumbar deformity. Following rehabilitation therapy after the second surgery, the patient was discharged on day 45 post-surgery. As observed in this case, vertebral fractures following posterior decompression and fixation surgery for DLS can occur within a relatively short period. Neurosurgeons should be aware of these rare complications.

Hyperthyroidism in Graves Disease Causes Sleep Disorders Related to Sympathetic Hypertonia.

CONTEXT: It is well known that Graves disease (GD) causes sleep disorders (SDs). However, the characteristics and associated factors of SD and its clinical course post hyperthyroidism normalization remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics and associated factors of subjective SD and its clinical course after GD treatment. METHODS: From November 2017 to October 2020, we enrolled 72 participants (22 newly diagnosed with GD with untreated hyperthyroidism, 20 previously diagnosed with GD with normal thyroid function, and 30 normal controls) with no other underlying SD-related diseases. We compared the groups at enrollment and conducted prospective observations after 12 months of treatment on participants with newly diagnosed GD. Main outcome measures were differences and changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global and component sleep quality scores. RESULTS: PSQI global sleep quality scores (P = .036) and sleep disturbance scores (P = .011) were significantly different among the 3 groups, and were highest in the untreated hyperthyroidism group. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that free thyroxine level, which was positively correlated with sympathetic tone (ST) as evaluated by pulse rate, and urinary total metanephrines was associated with poorer PSQI global sleep quality scores independently of other factors (P = .006). Prospective observation showed that PSQI global sleep quality scores (P = .018) and sleep disturbance scores (P = .011) significantly improved with thyroid function normalization and ST attenuation. CONCLUSION: Hyperthyroidism caused by GD augmented ST and exacerbated subjective SD. Normalization of hyperthyroidism caused by GD improved subjective SD.

Associations between hemodynamic parameters at rest and exercise capacity in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic parameters at rest are known to correlate poorly with peak oxygen uptake (VO2) in heart failure. However, we hypothesized that hemodynamic parameters at rest could predict exercise capacity in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), because LVAD pump rotational speed does not respond during exercise. Therefore, we investigated the relationships between hemodynamic parameters at rest (measured with right heart catheterization) and exercise capacity (measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing) in patients with implantable LVAD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients who received implantable LVAD at our institution from November 2013 to December 2017. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in this study (15 males; mean age, 45.8 years; median duration of LVAD support, 356 days). The mean peak VO2 and cardiac index (CI) were 13.5 mL/kg/min and 2.6 L/min/m2, respectively. CI and hemoglobin level were significantly associated with peak VO2 (CI: r = 0.632, p = 0.003; hemoglobin: r = 0.520, p = 0.019). In addition, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, right atrial pressure, and right ventricular stroke work index were also significantly associated with peak VO2. In multiple linear regression analysis, CI and hemoglobin level remained independent predictors of peak VO2 (CI: ß = 0.559, p = 0.006; hemoglobin: ß = 0.414, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: CI at rest and hemoglobin level are associated with poor exercise capacity in patients with LVAD.

Early cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis with acute extensive cerebral infarction.

Early cardiac surgery was successfully performed on a patient with infective endocarditis and extensive cerebral infarction due to septic embolus, following mechanical embolectomy for proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Mechanical embolectomy may be useful for the success of early cardiac surgery in these patients.

Pathological changes of the myocardium in reworsening of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy after explant of a left ventricular assist device.

We herein report the long-term changes in cardiac function and pathological findings after successful explantation of a left ventricular assist device in a 42-year-old patient with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy with reworsening heart failure. Endomyocardial biopsy samples revealed that the cardiomyocyte diameter decreased and collagen volume fraction increased just after left ventricular assist device explantation. The collagen volume fraction decreased after 6 months, despite preserved systolic function. At 5 years after left ventricular assist device explantation, the systolic function markedly decreased and cardiomyocyte diameter increased. Pathological changes of the myocardium may enable the identification of cardiac dysfunction prior to echocardiographic changes in patients with reworsening heart failure after left ventricular assist device explantation.

Reactions of Bifunctional Perfluoroarylsilanes with Activated C-F Bonds in Perfluorinated Arenes.

Reactions of bifunctional perfluoroarylsilanes, p- and m-C6F4(SiMe3)2 as well as o-BrC6F4SiMe3, with substituted perfluoroarenes having electron-withdrawing groups were investigated using NMR and density functional theory calculation techniques. The C-F bond in perfluoroarenes was activated by the para-position of an electron-withdrawing group, such as CF3, C6F5, CN, and NO2. The reaction of C6F4(SiMe3)2 mainly occurred at the para-position of the perfluoroarenes and also occurred at the ortho-position of C6F5CN and C6F5NO2. Two equivalent reactions of perfluoroarenes with bifunctional p- and m-C6F4(SiMe3)2 provided disubstituted perfluoroarenes, along with a small amount of protonated monosubstituted perfluoroarenes. The reaction of o-BrC6F4SiMe3 with the CF3- and CN-substituted pentafluorobenzenes provided unexpected coupling products between C-Br and C-F bonds, in addition to the coupling products between C-SiMe3 and C-F bonds.

Hemodynamics of cardiac tamponade during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a patient with fulminant myocarditis.

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) causes rapid onset severe heart failure requiring inotropes or mechanical circulatory support. Myocarditis is sometimes associated with pericardial effusion, however, how this effusion affects the hemodynamics in patients with FM under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) management has not been fully reported. We show a case of FM presenting with cardiac tamponade during VA-ECMO management. A 64-year-old female diagnosed as having FM showed a rapid hemodynamic collapse and that led to the application of VA-ECMO. Although her left ventricular ejection fraction did not improve despite proper hemodynamics management for several days, a pericardial effusion accumulated gradually. Apparent elevation of right atrial pressure and reduction of blood pressure were not observed, however, we performed pericardiocentesis because we were not able to wean off VA-ECMO. After the drainage of pericardial effusion, the blood pressure and cardiac output elevated as did the left ventricular ejection fraction. We successfully removed VA-ECMO and the patient was discharged without any complications. This is a case report in which a cardiac tamponade under VA-ECMO did not show typical signs and pericardiocentesis contributed to withdrawal of a VA-ECMO system. .