Cardiology Commons^™

Role Of Midodrine On Vasopressor Duration In Patients With Sepsis, Kamah J. Ellena, Jenna L. Combs, Heather M. Draper, Julie J. Belfer

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Existing literature evaluating the off-label use of midodrine has focused primarily on postoperative hypotensive patients requiring a single vasopressor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of midodrine on vasopressor duration and length of stay in patients receiving vasopressors for sepsis-related hypotension. This is an institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective analysis of critically ill patients with hypotension secondary to sepsis who received midodrine and intravenous vasopressors compared to those who received intravenous vasopressors alone. Patients were matched by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, suspected source of infection, and presence of bacteremia. One hundred patients were included in …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of The Prevalence And Risk Factors In Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Malfunction, Abdullah Saeed, Abdullah Alshafea, Monerah Alqthami, Abdulrahman Bin Saeed, Foton A. Alahmri, Norah S. Alqahtani, Fatimah A. Al-Muslat, Atheer Alqahtani

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) include permanent pacemakers (PPMs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. They treat several cardiac issues and are dependent on batteries; however, similar to any medical equipment, they can fail. The prevalence and risk factors for CIED malfunction must be understood for earlier detection and better patient outcomes. Material and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through electronic bibliographic sources (PubMed and Cochrane) until January 2023 in order to identify reviews, cohort studies and case reports pertaining to CIED. The primary outcome is the probability of CIED malfunction. The secondary outcome …

Prevalence Of Central Venous Stenosis Among Black And White Eskd Patients With Dysfunctional Dialysis Access, Vipul Chitalia Md, Jonathan Ravid, Arinze Nkiruka, Kristina Yamkovoy, Matthew Diamond, Rohit Pillai, Tyler J. Ryan, Saran Lotfollahzadeh, Janice Weinberg, Alik Farber, Rajendran Vivendhan, Jean Francis, Nathanael Fillmore, Najia Idrees

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

In the United States, significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its management. Hemodialysis constitutes the main stay of renal replacement therapy for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which is initiated using central venous catheters (CVC) in most CKD patients in the United States. Black ESKD patients have higher usage and greater time on CVC for hemodialysis compared to White patients. This trend places Black patients at a potentially higher risk for CVC-related complications such as central venous stenosis (CVS). We posited that Black patients would have a higher prevalence and a greater risk of CVS. …

Treatment Of Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia With Radiofrequency Ablation And Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support, Som P. Singh, Alejandro Vidal Margenat, David L. Boone, Ellen Condoure, Ramesh Hariharan

The VAD Journal

Catheter-based radiofrequency ablation has long been recognized as an effective treatment for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). A 57-year-old male with severe coronary artery disease underwent percutaneous mechanical circulatory support because of worsening cardiogenic shock after failed revascularization attempts. Despite aggressive medical management, the patient experienced refractory VT episodes, leading to the decision to proceed with radiofrequency catheter ablation. Notably, the Impella 5.5 device (Abiomed) provided critical left ventricular support during the ablation procedure. This case underscores the potential benefits of Impella support during radiofrequency ablation of complex ventricular arrhythmias.

Defying The Vicious Cycle: An Intriguing Case Of Brash Syndrome, Ahmed Shehadah, Himal Kharel, Pulkit Gandhi

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

BRASH Syndrome is a rare and life-threatening condition marked by the combination of bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) nodal blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia. This case report presents a 79-year-old female with acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia, and severe bradycardia without typical EKG changes associated with hyperkalemia. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of BRASH syndrome, including its clinical manifestations, underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. The patient's presentation, laboratory findings, and response to treatment support the diagnosis of BRASH syndrome. The syndrome's pathogenesis involves a vicious cycle of bradycardia, renal failure, AV nodal blockade, and …

The Prevalence And Impact Of Obesity On The Outcomes Of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Using Mitraclip - A National Inpatient Sample Analysis 2016 To 2020., Garba Rimamskep Shamaki, Favour Markson, Osarenren Idemudia, Andrew Murphy, Tamunoinemi Bob-Manuel, Akanimo Antia, David Corteville

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Low Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with poor outcomes in patients who undergo various cardiac interventions. Studies on patients with elevated BMI have produced mixed results. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of obesity on the in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair using MitraClip in the United States.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016-2020) was analyzed to identify patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair using MitraClip. Patients less than 18 years, with protein-energy malnutrition and rapid weight loss, were excluded. Our final study population was classified into Obese (BMI ≥ 30 …

Kounis Syndrome – Anaphylaxis-Induced Acute Coronary Syndrome, Austin T. Thacker Do, Brachman Herzig Oms, Brendan Robinson Do, Ahad Anjum Do

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Kounis syndrome is an underdiagnosed condition in which anaphylaxis triggers vasospastic acute coronary syndrome, either with or without underlying coronary artery disease. The prevalence of this syndrome among hospitalized patients for allergic/hypersensitivity/anaphylactic reactions in the United States is 1.1%, with a 7% rate of all-cause inpatient mortality. This article presents an anaphylaxis-induced acute coronary syndrome case in a patient with underlying coronary artery disease. The pathophysiological mechanism of anaphylactic-induced acute coronary syndrome involves the inflammatory mediators of type I hypersensitivity reactions.

Minoca - A Rarity Of It's Own And The Importance Of Cardiac Mri, Abdullah A. Orakzai, Deeptanshu Jain Md, Muhammad Osama, Syeda Sarah Raza, Soon-Il Song

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) disease is a diagnostic dilemma with clinical evidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with normal coronary arteries. MINOCA is a complex issue; the management of the patients needs to be focused on identifying the core problem. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can play an important role in enabling clinicians to build a differential diagnosis in patients with MINOCA and also identify other non-ischemic aetiologies of myocardial injury. We present a challenging case of a patient with MINOCA with MI in small proximal septal artery distribution revealed on …

Prevalence And Predictors Of Venous Stenosis Following First Transvenous Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation., ​Qayoom Yousuf, Aamir Rashid, Imran Hafeez, Hilal Rather, Ishrath Syed, Altaf Hussain Mir, Suheel Ahmad Mir, Ajaz ​ Lone

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Very few studies have been done on Venous stenosis following the first transvenous cardiac device implantation. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of Venous stenosis/Occlusion following the first transvenous cardiac device implantation with venous angiography at one year of follow-up. Methods: This study was a single-center prospective, observational study. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and device data was collected. All patients underwent a preimplant contrast and repeated venography at twelve months to look for upper limb venous anatomy, obstruction, or collaterals. Results: A total of 146 patients were included in the final analysis. 60 (41 %) patients developed some …

Position Statement On In-Hospital/Clinic Point-Of-Care Coagulation Testing For Anticoagulation Monitoring In Saudi Arabia, Fakhr Al Ayoubi, Malak Al Mashali, Mohamed Hassan Abdallah, Mohamed Al Sheef, Tarek Owaidah

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Hospital overload is a persistent occurrence in daily practice. Interventions such as point-of-care testing (POCT) are needed to alleviate the pressure faced by healthcare providers and administrators. Methods: An invited panel of experts from Saudi Arabia was formed under the auspices of the Saudi Heart Association in order to discuss local treatment gaps in the management of patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. This was done in a series of meetings, which resulted in the development of official recommendations for the implementation of POCT for anticoagulation monitoring in the country. Recommendations were based on a comprehensive literature review and international guidelines …

The Interventions To Improve Medication Adherence In Coronary Heart Disease Patient: A Systematic Review, Amanda Marselin, Lia Amalia, Lucia Kris Dinarti

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: The clinical outcome and quality of life of CHD patients are greatly influenced by medication adherence. Non-adherence of CHD patients to treatment results in sub-optimal clinical outcomes and increasing costs. This study aims to describe effectiveness of the intervention to improve the medication adherence in CHD patients. Methods: Systematic review methodology was used in this study. Scopus and PubMed were used to search the relevant article systematically. The outcome measured was medication adherence in coronary heart disease patients. Results: Final screening was 31 articles that met the inclusion criteria in this study of 788 articles. Selection processes the article …

Acceptance, Awareness, Attitude, And Practices Toward Heart Transplantation: A Saudi Based Survey, Walid Abukhudair, ​​Ahmad Zaki ​ Hafiz, ​​Mohammed Abdullah ​ Alosaimi, ​​Fares Abu ​ Alaynayn, ​​Fahad Abdullah ​ Alosaimi, ​​Rehab Ahmed ​ Karam, ​​Tamer Mohamed ​ Abdelrahman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introductions: The awareness of brain death and heart donation (HD) among the Saudi population remains limited, coupled with negative attitudes toward heart donation, resulting in a significant gap between the demand for donor hearts and the available supply. This study aimed to comprehensively understand the current perceptions, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi population regarding HD, as well as identify the obstacles. The ultimate goal was to strengthen the local donor pool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023, employing a self-administered internet survey. The survey collected demographic information, assessed awareness, attitudes, and practices related to …

Revascularization Impact: Quality Of Life Enhancement In Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia, Cristian Traian Paius, Vlad Denis Constantin, Alexandru Carap, Andrei Tarus, Grigore Tinica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Globally, over 230 million people have peripheral artery disease, often undiagnosed, leading to chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Revascularization is vital for preventing amputation and improving quality of life. While specific questionnaires for severe ischemia are lacking, the SF-36 questionnaire is widely used to assess quality of life, with variations like SF-12 and SF-8 for larger cohorts. Objectives. Our aim was to assess how different lower limb revascularization methods affect the postoperative quality of life in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Methods. This study was conducted at the St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania. It included 166 adult patients with …

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring In Asymptomatic Patients, Bilal Hussain, Ahmed Mahmood, Michael G. Flynn, Thomas Alexander

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is an important prognostic tool for personalized cardiovascular preventive care and has recently been incorporated into American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. CAC provides direct visualization and quantification of CAC burden for risk stratification and primary prevention of cardiovascular events in an asymptomatic population. CAC scoring is recommended for individuals with intermediate 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and selective populations with borderline ASCVD risk. In this review, we outline the interpretation of CAC scores for predicting the risk of cardiovascular events, and we highlight the guidelines for starting statin and potentially starting aspirin …

Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy And Myocardial Bridging Association : A Coincidence Or A Usual Association ?, Abdessamad Couissi, Saleh Obeidat, Amine Mamoune Boutaleb, Rachida Habbal

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Left ventricular non compaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital disease. It occurs due to an arrest of the myocardial fibers compaction during embryogenesis. Myocardial bridge (MB) is a coronary anomaly in which the myocardium covers segments of the coronary arteries. We report a rare case of 62-year-old women who was diagnosed with the association of LVNC and MB revealed by chest pain and dyspnea. Some similar cases were reported in the last two decades suggesting that we may be in front of a usual yet underdiagnosed association. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in the Arab World.

Evaluation Of Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performance In Current Practice In Saudi Arabia, Meshary Binhotan, Joanne Turnbull, Graham Petley, Nawfal Aljerian, Mohammad Altuwaijri

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a global health problem with a low survival rate. Telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR) guidance by emergency medical services (EMS) dispatchers can improve CPR performance and, consequently, survival rates. Accordingly, the American Heart Association (AHA) has released performance standards for T-CPR in current practice to improve its quality. However, no study has examined T-CPR performance in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate T-CPR performance in the Saudi Arabian EMS system.

Methods: A retrospective observation of OHCA calls in current practice was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. OHCA calls were reviewed to identify those …

Cardiac Rehabilitation In Abu Dhabi: A Retrospective Investigation Of Program Delivery, Participants, And Factors Associated With Program Completion Utilizing A Hospital Registry, Aaron Heisey Thrush

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Investigations into the provision of cardiac rehabilitation from the Arabian Gulf countries are rare, despite suffering from an unusually high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This study reports patient and program characteristics from an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program in Abu Dhabi, and factors associated with program completion. Methods: Data was drawn from the institution’s cardiac rehabilitation registry, populated from the electronic medical record of patients enrolled in the hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program, from 2015 to 2022. The program was administered by physical therapist and nurse specialists and guided by individualized exercise parameters. Completion of the program was defined as attendance …

Recognizing A “Hot Phase” Of An Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report, Margarida Cabral, Sara Fernandes, Catarina Ruivo, Hélia Martins, João Morais

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

A 35-year-old male, with a medical history of acute myocarditis, presented with palpitations. Further investigation revealed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia and a slightly reduced left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed extended late gadolinium enhancement of the left ventricle and fat infiltration. Genetic testing was positive for a pathogenic desmoplakin mutation, fulfilling the criteria of arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, the authors described a case of a mimicked acute myocarditis at a young age in a patient with an arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the genetic study is essential for both diagnosis and management.

Pericardial Hematoma Following Coronary Angiography, Davin Evanson, Allegra Delman, Michael Romeo

Transformative Medicine (T-Med)

Introduction: Pericardial hematoma is defined as an accumulation of blood in the pericardial space, located in close proximity to the myocardium and deep to the fibrous pericardial sac, which encloses the heart.

Case Description: We present a rare case of pericardial hematoma following percutaneous coronary intervention in an individual presenting with stenotic vein graft following symptoms of a myocardial infarction. Initial computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated hematoma in the pericardial space. This finding was managed conservatively and hematoma was deemed stable on serial CT scans.

Discussion: In this urgent situation, CT imaging proves valuable due to its speed, convenience, and …

Welcome To The Fall Issue Of Transformative Medicine, Adam Sigal

Transformative Medicine (T-Med)

No abstract provided.

Congenital Complete Heart Block Complicated By Atrial Flutter Diagnosis And Management, Ali A. Alakhfash, Abdulrahman Almesned, Abdullah Alqwaiee, Hashem D. Alqurashi, Waleed Almanea, Mesned Abdulrahman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Seventeen-month-old child was diagnosed in utero to have congenital complete heart block. The mother has Sjogren’s syndrome with high Anti Ro antibodies. The baby was delivered at term with a heart rate of 55 to 60 beats per minute. Echocardiography revealed a structurally normal heart with a small atrial septal defect and moderate patent ductus arteriosus. At the age of 17 months, he developed atrial flutter which was aborted using electrical cardioversion in the Cath lab. No recurrence of the atrial flutter during a one-year follow-up.

The Brink Of The Abyss: From Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, To Impella, To Left Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy, Jake Kieserman, Megan Sheehan, Marisa Cevasco, Brian Mccauley, Ryan Prentice, Jay Giri, Joyce Wald

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Acute valvular emergencies are common causes of cardiogenic shock. Patients with critical aortic pathologies causing shock frequently undergo percutaneous interventions for valve replacement. However, in cases of persistent cardiogenic shock after valve replacement, there are limited options for further mechanical support. In this case study, we report a patient with a prior history of aortic valve replacement who presented in cardiogenic shock. After a transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement, he remained in persistent shock with worsening clinical parameters requiring escalating inotropic and vasopressor support. With input from a multidisciplinary care team, an Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Inc.) was placed through the valve …

Heart Failure Burden In Oman As A Mid-East Exemplar Versus Global Perspectives: An Integrative Review, Maryam Alharrasi, Chandrani Isac, Joy Kabasindi Kamanyire

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Heart failure (HF), a clinical syndrome caused by a structural and functional cardiac abnormality and corroborated by elevated natriuretic peptide levels and pulmonary congestion. This study intends to investigate the state of heart failure (HF) in Oman and assess it in comparison of global trends. Ten published literatures from the past 20 years were included after a thorough search of databases (Arab World Research Source, EBSCOhost, Medline, and Google Scholar). These studies were reviewed considering the global literature. We have observed an increase in HF cases especially in older adults, over the past two decades in Oman. Acute coronary syndrome …

The Prevention And Cardiac Rehabilitation Group Of The Saudi Heart Association Recommendations Regarding Establishing A Cardiac Rehabilitation Service, Abdulhalim Jamal Kinsara, Raghdah Aljehani, Jadwiga Wolszakiewicz, Adam Staron, Muteb A. Alsulaimy

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation has obtained the highest class of recommendation and the level of evidence for the treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, after myocardial revascularization, with chronic coronary syndromes, and in patients with heart failure (HF). Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation should be implemented as soon as possible, be multi-phasic, and adjusted to the individual needs of the patient. CR is still suboptimally used, and many cardiac centers do not have such services (2). The provision of CR services should be based on standards and …

Early Identification And Management Of Heart Failure In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus In The United Arab Emirates: A Call To Action, Firas Al Badarin, Lina Yasine, Rabih Hijazi, Susan Abu Khalaf, Wael Al Mahmeed, Yosef Manla, Feras Bader

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Heart failure (HF) is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that remains widely under-recognized. Multidisciplinary management protocols for patients with concurrent DM and HF are not widely utilized in the Middle East/ Gulf region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. Since early identification of patients with DM and HF will likely lead to initiation of therapies known to prevent adverse cardiovascular events and subsequently improve patient prognosis, we aim to highlight the importance of early recognition of HF in diabetic patients. We will also describe existing management challenges in the region, especially the lack of multidisciplinary care …

Leiomyosarcoma Of The Inferior Vena Cava Extending To The Right Atrium And Ventricle, Naif Saad Alghasab, Mohammad Alruwayeh, Abdulaziz A. Algharras, Amin Mulji

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Primary tumors originating from the inferior vena cava (IVC), namely leiomyosarcoma, present significant challenges due to their poor prognostic features, including extensive extension and a substantial tumor burden. In this case, we present a 55-year-old female patient complaining of abdominal discomfort and vague abdominal pain. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive summary encompassing key aspects related to symptomatology, diagnostic approaches, treatment, and prognostic indicators. We also discuss the complexities involved in managing primary tumors of the inferior vena cava, emphasizing the critical significance of adopting a multidisciplinary team-based approach.

Bi-Atrial Thrombus Via Patent Foramen Ovale With Medical Noncompliance: A Case Report, Reid Mccullough, Ayesha Cheema, Owesh Contractor, Krystal Tomsky-Jackson

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Numerous diagnoses in the hospital setting require anticoagulation. With different etiologies, certain specific assessments may not have a treatment plan that is studied extensively in evidence-based medical texts. In these uncommon situations, management may not have clear medical guidelines for successful treatment. We present a case of bi-atrial thrombus via PFO with concurrent pulmonary embolism, extensive clot burden history, and the plan to move forward with Angiovac. In patients with this specific history and pathology, modern procedures like Angiovac should be considered and discussed.

Pseudo-Wellens Syndrome: A Rare Entity Associated With Cocaine Use, Mohamed Salah Mohamed, Syed Hamza Waheed, Amir Mahmoud, Anas Hashem, Bipul Baibhav, Abdullah M. Firoze Ahmed

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Wellens syndrome usually indicates critical left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion. Pseudo-Wellens syndrome consists of criteria of Wellens syndrome in the absence of critical LAD occlusion. We report a case of Pseudo-Wellens syndrome related to cocaine use. A 52-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension and diabetes, presented with acute retrosternal chest pain of 3 days duration. Physical examination was unremarkable. EKG on presentation showed deep T-wave inversions in leads V2 to V5. Highly sensitive troponin was elevated. The patient admitted to using cocaine daily for the past two months. Due to concerns for Wellens syndrome, the patient had …

Hydroxychloroquine Induced Cardiomyopathy, Mohamed Salah Mohamed, Katrina Wojciechowski, Scott Feitell, Muhammad Osama, Anas Hashem, Jayesh Patel, Amir Mahmoud, Ali Abdelhay, Prakash Upreti, Soidjon Khodjaev

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is one of the immunomodulatory medications used in treatment of autoimmune diseases. Rarely, HCQ can cause serious complications, such as cardiotoxicity. We present a rare case of HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy. 60-year-old female patient with a medical history of SLE on chronic HCQ therapy for 28 years, preexisting non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction for 7 years, and complete heart block status post pacemaker insertion presented with acute chest pain and severe weight loss. Patient underwent coronary angiogram that showed normal coronaries and right-sided heart catheterization that showed acute heart failure. Echocardiogram showed LVEF of 30% with …

Seeing Into The Future: Heartmate 3 To The Systemic Right Ventricle In A Completely Blind Patient With Congenitally-Corrected Transposition Of The Great Arteries, Juhi Ramchandani, Chirag Dipak Shah, Kashif Saleem, Maya Guglin, Roopa Rao

The VAD Journal

A 24-year-old, blind male with congenitally-corrected transposition of the great arteries and systemic right ventricular failure presented with New York Heart Association class IV heart failure despite home inotropic therapy. He was not a transplant candidate due to psychosocial issues. He underwent a successful HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories) placement with the implementation of techniques to guide home ventricular assist device care despite blindness.