Cardiology Commons^™

Cardiovascular Disease In Saudi Arabia: Facts And The Way Forward, Adel Abdulkader Tash, Rasha Fahad Al-Bawardy

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

While some risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are non-modifiable, other determinants like obesity, hypertension, type-2 diabetes and dyslipidemia can be mitigated by a wide plethora of measures to control CVD morbidity/mortality. Those determinants have been on the rise in Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyle. The Saudi Vision 2030 focuses include the reduction of CVD clinical and economic burden to scale-up vitality and longevity; in a new era of comprehensive healthcare. From a health economics standpoint, CVDs entail a burden on healthcare systems directly through expenditure and indirectly through years living with the disease, low productivity, premature morbidity and …

The Role Of Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio And Its Common Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Non-St Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome, Javed Jalbani, Khalid Iqbal Bhatti, Muhammad Tariq Sallar, Ahsan Mujtaba Baig, Palwasha Tariq, Faisal Ahmed, Ali Ammar, Vicky Kumar

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: To evaluate the admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for risk stratification for in-hospital outcomes and complications in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (non-ST-ACS) patients. Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with non-ST-ACS. The NLR was obtained and stratified as low, intermediate, and high-risk based on6.0, respectively. The new ST-T changes, arrhythmias, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), and mortality were recorded. Results: Median NLR was 3 [2.1-5.3] for 346 patients with 19.9% and 30.6% in high- and intermediate-risk group. New ST-T changes were observed in 3.5%(12) out of which 8, 3, and 1 patient in low, intermediate, and high-risk group (p=0.424), respectively. Arrhythmias were observed …

Incidence And Risk Factors For Chylothorax After Pediatric Heart Surgeries: Retrospective Analysis Of A Large Institution Database​, ​Muhammad Shahzad, Yasser Abdulrhman Alheraish, ​​Bushra ​ Algethami, ​​Patricia ​ Machado, Reem Mohamed Essa Beheri, Gamal Mohamed, Fared Khouqeer, Zohair Al Halees

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Risk factors for postoperative chylothorax in children who had cardiothoracic procedures are not always clear. Due to complex course in post-operative care, It’s always challenging to find the risk factors, and their management. Objective: The aim of our study was to identify the incidence, risk factors and effective treatment approaches for chylothorax after pediatric heart surgery. Methods: Children who had the cardiac surgery and subsequently developed chylothorax were included in the study. The ratio of the experimental group to the control group was 1:2. Decannulations of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were not included in the analysis of patient outcomes. …

The Prevalence Of Electronic Cigarette Use Among College Students Of Taibah University And Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Disease, Talal Alzahrani, Marwan Fahad Alhazmi, Ahmed Naji Alharbi, Feras Talal Alahmadi, Amer Nasser Alhubayshi, Bader Ahmed Alzahrani

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been increasing in popularity among young adults due to the misconception about the safety of e-cigarettes. Our study aims to identify the prevalence rate of e-cigarette use among college students, the reason behind their use, and the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and cardiovascular symptoms among college students. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to students of Taibah University between 2021 and 2022. Data from this survey were analyzed to obtain the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Taibah University students and to compare the demographic and health characteristics differences between e-cigarette users and …

Reversible Cardiomyopathy, What Should The Clinicians Keep In Mind? A Case Report, Abdulmajeed A. Alzahrani, Saud A. Bahaidarah, Zuhair N. Al-Hassnan, Gaser A. Abdelmohsen

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by decreased carnitine levels essential for Beta oxidation in various organs, including the heart. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCD can revert cardiomyopathy. A 13-year-old girl presented with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy and severe cardiac dysfunction; following L carnitine treatment, the patient's clinical conditions improved, and cardiac functions returned to normal within weeks. Investigations revealed PCD; regular L carnitine has been provided, all cardiac medications are discontinued, and the patient is doing well. We believe PCD should be ruled out in every patient with cardiomyopathy.

A Clot In Transit: A Cause Of Death Or A Bystander?, Al-Zahraa Almahlawi, Mohammad Alghamdi, Mutaz Althobaiti, Duha Alahmadi, Yazeed Almalki, Rahaf Alsahli, Hamdan A Jahdali, Jinan Shamou, Salim Baharoon

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: The clot in transit is a rare manifestation of thromboembolic disease occurring usually in the setting of PE and frequently associated with poor outcomes. The best therapeutic option is not well established. We describe a series of 35 patients diagnosed with clots in transit including their therapeutic interventions and outcome between the period January 2016 to December 2020. Methods: a retrospective chart review of all patients with an Echocardiogram showing thrombi in the right heart chambers including patients with thrombus in the presence of central lines or other devices. We exclude patients where masses were described as tumors or …

Nhc/ Sha 2023 Focused Update Of The 2019 Guidelines For The Management Of Heart Failure, Waleed Al Habeeb, Adel Tash, Abdelfatah Elasfar, Ali Almasood, Abeer Bakhshi, Fayez Elshaer, Fakhr Al Ayoubi, Kamal Alghalaini, Maryam Alqaseer, Mosaad Alhussein, Osama Almogbel, Shukri Alsaif, Yahia Alhebeshi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases is undeniable in local populations, who have high mortality rates and a young age of disease onset. A systematic review of emerging evidence and update of the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) 2019 heart failure (HF) guidelines was therefore undertaken. Methodology: A panel of expert cardiologists reviewed recommendations of the 2019 guidelines following the Saudi Heart Association methodology for guideline recommendations. When needed, the panel provided updated and new recommendations endorsed by the national heart council that are appropriate for clinical practice and local resources in Saudi Arabia. Recommendations and conclusion: The focused update describes …

Infective Endocarditis-Related Pseudoaneurysms After Bentall Surgery: The Role Of 3d Printing In Pre-Surgical Planning And Management: Case Report, Abdalla Eltayeb, Shaid Khan, Irene Landi, Mohammed Aladmawi, Olga Vriz

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

We present a case report of a male patient who underwent modified Bentall surgery with a mechanical valved conduit due to severe aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm. Four years later, the patient developed a cascade of events as acute stoke, infective endocarditis due to Brucella abortus complicated by pseudoaneurysms of aortic graft with left ventricular outflow tract communication. A multi-modality approach, included a three-dimensional printing, facilitated the diagnosis and surgical planning. During surgery, the team opted for a salvage approach, and the patient showed continued improvement during follow-up. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and detection of …

Novel Adiponectin Resistin Indices And Ratios Predict Increased Cardiovascular Risk In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Syed Shahid Habib, Thamir Al-Khlaiwi, Muhammad Amir Butt, Syed Mohammad Habib, Huthayfah Al-Khliwi, Khalid Al Regaiey

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Adiponectin and resistin are adipokines involved in insulin resistance, glucometabolic control and adiposity. There is evidence that hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistinemia are associated with cardiovascular disease. Whether the ratio of Adiponectin-Resistin (AR) and Insulin Resistance Adiponectin-Resistin (IRAR) indices can be used as non-invasive biomarker of cardiovascular disease needs more attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationships of AR and IRAR indices with adiposity, glucometabolic control and cardiovascular risk incurred by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy subjects and patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: This observational case control study was conducted in the Department …

Unexpected Course Of Left Ventricular Thrombus After Covid-19 Infection In A Woman With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Kutluhan Eren Hazir, Ersin Çağrı Şi̇mşek, Gizem Çabuk, Cenk Sari

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) is defined as heart failure that develops in the last trimester of pregnancy or in the first few months after delivery without an underlying cause. Altought it is seen rarely, it can lead to thromboembolic events and can be life-threatening. Similarly, COVID-19, which is a viral pneumonia agent, is known to cause thrombogenesis. In this case report, the unexpected course of left ventricular thrombus developing in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy accompanied by COVID-19 infection is presented.

Novel Cause Of Late Atrial Septal Defect Devices Embolization, Wejdan Ba-Atiyah, Hala Gabel, Ahmad Jamjoom, Jameel Al-Ata

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Transcatheter closure of septal defects using specialized devices is a common procedure that has a high success rate. Embolization of Atrial septal defect devices is a known complication seen at a rate of 0.5%. We report a case of late ASD device occluder embolization immediately after brain MRI with clinical consequences and intraoperative evidence of right atrial wall thermal injury. To our knowledge Atrial septal occluder (ASO) device embolization post magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not reported before, although theoretically possible and that's why six to eight weeks post device implantation MRI is prohibited even with current MRI compatible devices.

Culprit Lesion Morphology On Oct In Stemi Vs Nstemi – A Systematic Review Of 7526 Patients, Avinash Mani, Vineeta Ojha, Harikrishnan Sivadasanpillai, Bijulal Sasidharan, Sanjay Ganapathi, Ajit Kumar Valaparambil

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background Patients with STEMI are postulated to have different culprit lesion morphology compared to NSTEMI. The use of OCT in ACS can help delineate lesion morphology. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the available data on culprit plaque morphology in ACS patients.

Methods The available literature was systematically screened for studies on culprit lesion morphology in ACS patients. Data was extracted from the selected studies and analyzed for baseline characteristics as well as culprit lesion morphology on OCT. Lesion characteristics between STEMI and NSTEMI groups were compared.

Results A total of 32 studies were selected for the …

National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2023 Guidelines On The Management Of Hypertension, Waleed Alhabeeb, Adel Abdulkader Tash, Mostafa Alshamiri, Mohamed Arafat, Mohammed Ali Balghith, Ali Almasood, Abdulla Eltayeb, Hossam Elghetany, Taher Hassan, Owayed Alshemmari

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease in Saudi Arabia with poor control rates. Updated guidelines are needed to guide the management of hypertension and improve treatment outcomes. Methodology: A panel of experts representing the National Heart Center (NHC) and the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) reviewed existing evidence and formulated guidance relevant to the local population, clinical practice and the healthcare system. The recommendations were reviewed to ensure scientific and medical accuracy. Recommendations: Hypertension was defined and a new classification was proposed as relevant to the Saudi population. Recommendations on diagnosis, clinical evaluation, cardiovascular assessment were detailed, along with guidance …

Better Survival In Morbidly Obese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Non-Vitamin K-Dependent Oral Anticoagulants, Monirah A. Albabtain, Zaid Alanazi, Nawaf Al Mutairi, Yahya Al Hebaishi, Ola Alyafi, Haneen Alghasoon, Amr A. Arafat

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K-dependent anticoagulants (NOAC) are not well investigated in the obese population, and fixed dosing could lead to under-anticoagulation. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of obesity on anticoagulation outcomes and survival in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods: We enrolled 755 patients who required anticoagulation for AF from 2015 to 2016. We grouped the patients into four groups. Group 1 (n= 297) included patients with BMI< 40 Kg/m2 treated with NOACs, Group 2 (n= 358) included patients on warfarin with BMI< 40 Kg/m2, Group 3 (n= 57) had patients on NOACs with BMI≥ 40 Kg/m2 and Group 4 (n= 43) included patients on warfarin and BMI≥ 40 Kg/m2. Study outcomes were the composite endpoint of stroke, bleeding, and survival. Results: Competing risk regression showed that stroke and bleeding were not affected by obesity or treatment (SHR: 1.09 (95% CI: 0.79- 1.51); P= 0.62). Older age was the predictor of stroke/bleeding (HR:1.03 (95% CI:1.01- 1.06); P= 0.02). Predictors of mortality were heart failure (HR:2.23 (95% CI:1.25- 3.97); P= 0.007), lower creatinine clearance (HR: 0.98 (95% CI:0.97- 0.98): P< 0.001), non-obese patients on warfarin (HR:3.51 (95%CI:1.6- 7.7): P=0.002) and obese patients on warfarin (HR: 6.7 (95% CI:2.51- 17.92); P< 0.001). Conclusion: NOACs could have a similar risk profile to warfarin in obese and non-obese patients with non-valvular AF but could have better survival. Larger randomized trials are recommended.

Case Of Bilateral Atrial Myxomas In Carney Syndrome, Anwar Abdullatif Alhulaibi, Abdulrahman Mashatel Alruwaili, Zahra Mohammed Albahar, Wiam Tagelsir Abdelsalam, Mohamed Abdelaziz Elasheri, Abdullah Saad Alotaibi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Carney complex is rare neoplastic disorder. Intracardiac myxoma presenting the most common non-cutaneous lesions in this complex. We are reporting a 31-year-old Saudi female known case of Carney complex presented with asymptomatic biatrial myxoma that was identified on routine transthoracic echocardiogram, and was successfully excised. However, these patients need a careful surveillance in order to detect any new masses and prevent their complications.

Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction Earlier After Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Predictors And In-Hospital Outcome– A Middle Eastern Tertiary Center Experience, Sheeren Khaled, Ghada Shalaby

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Improving or maintaining heart function following percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is not identified in all patients. Our aim in the current study is to investigate the prevalence, factors associated with early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction following successful revascularization of myocardial infarction patients

Methods: A single-center retrospective study included 2863 myocardial infarction patients who were admitted to our center and treated with successful PPCI

Results: Out of 2863 consecutive patients who underwent PPCI from May 2018 to August 2021, 1021 (36%) developed server LV dysfunction. They showed a higher history rate of ischemic heart disease and previous revascularization before AMI (P=0.05 …

Results Of Surgical Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation In Patients With Rheumatic Heart Disease, Turki B. Albacker, Sultan Alaamro, Abdulaziz M Alhothali, Amr A Arafat, Khaled D Algarni, Ahmed Eldemerdash, Bakir M Bakir

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background There is conflicting evidence regarding the success of the Maze procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with rheumatic heart disease. Hence, the aim of our study was to describe the results of surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods This is a retrospective study that included adult patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation. The ablation lesions were performed using monopolar radiofrequency ablation in all patients. Results Fifty-seven consecutive patients were included in the study. Cox Maze IV was performed in 44 patients (77%), while …

Predictors Of Neurological Complications Of Pediatric Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support, Hala Mounir Agha, Amr Fathalla, Giuseppe Isgro, Mauro Cotza

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was associated with significant neurological complications affecting the overall outcome. The aim of the work is to determine the incidence and the predictors of neurological events during pediatric extracorporeal life support after cardiac surgery. Patients & Methods: This is a retrospective study that encompassed all neonates, infants, and children (<18 years of age) who need extracorporeal life support following cardiac surgery between January 2015 and December 2018 at San Donato Hospital, Italy. Data as regards surgical procedure of congenital heart disease, in-hospital mortality, length of ECMO, hospital stay durations, short-term neurological ECMO complications and outcome were analyzed. Results: The sixty-three patients who received post-cardiotomy ECMO, Neurological complications were evident in 31.7% in the form of ischemic stroke in 17.5% and hemorrhagic stroke in 11.1%. By multivariable analysis, the older age of cyanotic cases, the need for a venting cannula, and the rapid CO2 drop in the first 24 h were the most independent risk factors for neurological complications. Prolonged ECMO support and hospital stay duration were associated with neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Neurological complications either ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were common during pediatric postcardiotomy ECMO and were significantly related to prolonged ECMO support and hospital stay. Predictors of these neurological sequelae are the older cyanotic cases, the need for a venting cannula, the oxygenator thrombosis, and the rapid CO2 drop in the first 24 h of ECMO.

Cardiogenic Shock Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction In A Middle Eastern Country: A Single-Centre Experience, Ghada Shalaby, Azmat Khadija Niazi, Sheeren Khaled

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic Shock (CS) remains the most common cause of death in hospitalized acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Predictors of outcomes in those patients include clinical, laboratory, radiologic variables, and management strategies. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, predictors of cardiogenic shock and mortality among acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients in our center METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted at KAMC, Makkah during 2015-2020. All acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients during this era were divided into two groups CS group and non-CS group. RESULTS: In this study total 3074 acute ST-segment …

Validation Of Various Prediction Scores For Cardiac Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury, Anwar Abdullatif Alhulaibi, Abdulrahman Mashatel Alruwaili, Abdullah Saad Alotaibi, ​Fatima Nabih Alshakhs​, Habib Samir Alramadhan, ​Mohammed Salman Koudieh

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background and Objectives: Following cardiac surgery, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-known complication that increases morbidity and mortality. This study was carried out to determine the factors associated with acute kidney injury and to assess the predictive value of three predictive scores for the development of AKI post-cardiac surgery in the Saudi community. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients aged 18 years and above who underwent cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at Saud Albabtin Cardiac Center between January 2018 and March 2021 were reviewed. The first stage of both Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes …

Saudi Heart Association Guidelines On Best Practices In The Management Of Chronic Coronary Syndromes, Owayed Alshammeri, Shukri Al Saif, Halia Al Shehri, Mirvat Alasng, Fatema Qaddoura, Mohammad Al Shehri, Yosra Turkistani, Adel Tash, Walid Alharbi, Fahad Al Qahtani, Rafael Diaz, Wael Mahaimeed, Waleed Al Habeeb, Khalid Alfaraidy

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The prevalence of both chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and its risk factors is alarming in Saudi Arabia and only a minority of patients achieve optimal medical management. Context-specific CCS guidelines outlining best clinical practices are therefore needed to address local gaps and challenges. Consensus panel: A panel of experts representing the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) reviewed existing evidence and formulated guidance relevant to local clinical practice considering the characteristics of the Saudi population, the Saudi healthcare system, its resources and medical expertise. They were reviewed by external experts to ensure scientific and medical accuracy. Consensus findings: Recommendations are provided …

St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction In North African Women: Results From A Twenty-Year Experience., Ikram Chamtouri, Rania Souissi, Nesrine Amdouni, Walid Jomaa, Wajih Abdallah, Khaldoun Ben Hamda, Faouzi Maatouk

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background. Coronary artery disease remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population. Several studies in developed countries have reported a gender-related difference in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in terms of risk factors, clinical presentation, delays in management, therapeutic modalities, and in-hospital as well as one-year outcomes. Data from non-developed countries about women with STEMI remain rare. We therefore aimed through this study to investigate the baseline characteristics of STEMI in Tunisian women compared to men and to determine the impact of gender difference on STEMI complications, in-hospital mortality, and one-year follow-up outcomes. Methods. All …

Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (Tavr) Vascular Complications: Femoral Artery Minimal Surgical Access Versus Percutaneous Approach, Ahmed A. Arifi, Mohamed Belgaith, Kamal Ayoup, Fawaz Al Mutairi, Hani N Al Kattan, Elanany Mohamed

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: Percutaneous transfemoral access approach for the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still associated with significant vascular complications. Hence, evaluation of best techniques for the reduction of vascular injury via the femoral access remains a key subject of research.

Aim: We report on a single centre’s experience with TAVI performed via the Femoral Artery Minimal Surgical Access (MSA) and percutaneous approach (PC). The primary endpoints were to evaluate the incidents of vascular complications by comparing the MSA versus the PC approach according to the VARC-2 criteria. The secondary endpoint included the impact of vascular complications on the in-hospital 30-day …

The Impact Of A New Stemi Hotline On Cardiovascular Outcomes In Stemi Patients Undergoing Primary Pci: A National Cohort Study, Fawaz Bardooli, Ali Alhashli, Omar Y. Alkhaja, Mohammed Faizal, Khaled Abdulmalek, Shaikha Musameh, Saad I. Mallah, Mohammed Alkhayat, Abdulkarim Abdulrahman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a common and challenging clinical condition with a high risk of mortality. STEMI complications are related directly to prolonged ischemia time. Mohamad Bin Khalifa Cardiac Centre (MKCC) established a national STEMI Hotline program on January 2022, to facilitate early detection and transfer of STEMI cases in the country to a dedicated tertiary cardiac center capable of performing primary PCI. Methods: This is an observational cohort study conducted on patients who presented to MKCC for primary PCI between August 2021 to February 2022. Patients who underwent primary PCI through referral from the newly developed STEMI …

Role Of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography To Predict Lv Dysfunction Post Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery For Severe Mitral Regurgitation, Parth Shanishwara, Pooja Vyas, Hasit Joshi, Iva Patel, Gajendra Dubey, Jignesh Patel, Shubham Sharma

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Despite improvement in the surgical procedure and strictly following the guidelines for mitral valve replacement (MVR), left ventricular dysfunction still occurs. Novel echocardiographic indices can predict development of LV (left ventricle) dysfunction post MVR. LV-GLS (global longitudinal strain) derived from speckle tracking echocardiography, has been proposed as a novel measure to better depict latent LV dysfunction.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients with severe MR (mitral regurgitation) planned for MVR were included. Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed at baseline and at follow up post MVR. ROC (Receiver operating characteristics) curve was plotted to derive the cutoff value of …

Successful Long-Term Anticoagulation With Low Molecular Weight Heparin In A Patient With Mechanical Mitral Valve And Atrial Flutter, Narjis Aljaziri, Meshail Saleh Alkhaleel, Norah Alrajhi, Mohammed Alghamdi, Ahmed Aljizeeri

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Mechanical heart valves are associated with high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolic complications. Vitamin K antagonist is the only approved oral medication for the anticoagulation in cases of mechanical heart valves. This poses a challenge in cases where vitamin K antagonists are contraindicated. Although temporary anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is common among pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves, data about long term anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is limited. We report a successful long-term anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin in a patient with mechanical mitral valve and atrial flutter.

Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure Before Versus After Adulthood, Mohamed Saber Hafez, Mohamed Ibrahim Abdelrahman El-Sayed, Maiy Hamdy El Sayed

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: To evaluate the long term outcome of patients who underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects during teenage life versus adulthood. Methods: The study included 100 patients with secundum type ASD who were treated by transcatheter closure of their defects 2-5 years before enrollment. The study population was subdivided into 2 equal groups: group 1 who underwent transcatheter closure during teenage life (13-19 years) and group 2 who underwent transcatheter closure after the age of 30 years. The two groups were compared according to resting 12 lead ECG, 24 hour Holter ECG and transthoracic echocardiographic findings (Right …

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Connected To The Left Atrium Via The Left Superior Pulmonary Vein. An Unusual Cause Of Air Lock, Abdelkader Boukhmis, Mohamed El Amin Nouar

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

The intraoperative diagnosis of a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) that drains into the left atrium (LA) via the left superior pulmonary vein may be difficult because of its extrapericardial pathway. We report here the case of a 48-year-old man, operated for a mitro-aortic endocarditis complicating a Laubry-Pezzi syndrome. The opening of the LA was followed immediately by a sudden air lock. It was only after opening of the left pleura that we were able to find and then ligate the LSVC. The patient underwent mitral valve repair, closure of the infundibular septal defect and aortic valve replacement.

Carfilzomib-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An Analysis Of The Fda Adverse Event Reporting System (Faers), Benjamin Buck, Eric Kellett, Daniel Addison, Ajay Vallakati

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Carfilzomib and other proteasome inhibitors (PIs) have revolutionized treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). PIs have proven to be highly effective, but are associated with significant cardiovascular adverse events (AEs). No prior study has compared the cardiotoxicity of carfilzomib against other PI’s and all other classes of medications. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to characterize the cardiotoxicity of carfilzomib with respect to other PIs and all classes of medications using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database and to define the observed cardiotoxicity profile. Methods: The FAERS database was queried between years 2017 …

Medical Autopsy For Sudden Unexplained Death In Saudi Arabia: A Call To Action, Wael Alqarawi, Abdulelah Alsaeed, Malak Alghamdi, Ahmed Hersi, Tarek Kashour, Khaldoon Aljerian

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Sudden unexplained death (SUD) is a sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death in an individual older than 1 year. It is one of the most devastating and tragic events to families and the community at large, particularly when it happens at a young age. Finding the cause of SUD is extremely important in order to prevent its recurrence in the family, and to help understand the epidemiology of SUD in the community. It has been well-established that the most effective way of finding the cause of SUD is by performing a medical autopsy. In many countries, medical autopsy is mandated in …