Cardiology Commons^™

Left Ventricular Noncompaction Syndrome: A Rare Congenital Cardiomyopathy, Ashwini V. Mallad, Mbbs, Waseem Ahmed, Md, Madhulika Urella, Md, Dr. Mehiar El-Hamdani, Md, Facc, Fscai

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare congenital condition occurring due to arrest of myocardial compaction in the first trimester, resulting in a thin layer of compacted epicardium and thick hypertrabeculated myocardium containing deep recesses. This article presents a 44-year-old female with progressive dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Examination revealed elevated jugular venous distention, lower extremity edema, and bibasilar crackles on lung auscultation, while the electrocardiogram (EKG) exhibited left bundle branch block. Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-Echo) showed a dilated left ventricle (LV) with ejection fraction (EF) of 25% and severe diffuse hypokinesia. Cardiac magnetic resonance …

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) Supplementation And Its Benefits In Cardiovascular Disease, Osteoporosis, And Cancer, Grant S. Buchanan, Md, Thomas Melvin, Brandon Merritt, Charles Bishop, Md, Franklin D. Shuler, Md, Phd

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Vitamin K is known to play an essential role in the coagulation cascade; however, a growing body of research has found that a subtype of this vitamin, vitamin K₂ (menaquinone) may have a beneficial effect in osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of recent literature regarding menaquinone and its role in human health. This review discusses the physiology of menaquinone, its clinical benefits in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer, and how it may interact with certain medications. The authors conclude that menaquinone supplementation has been shown to improve carboxylation …

Endovascular Therapy Of Tasc-D Lesion In Critical Limb Ischemia, Ahmed Amro, Md, Alaa Gabi, Md, Dr. Mehiar El-Hamdani, Md, Facc, Fscai

Marshall Journal of Medicine

CLI (Rutherford class IV-VI) is a terminal stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD); it is defined by the presence of resting pain and/or tissue loss for at least two weeks that may require urgent revascularization to promote healing and prevent limb loss.For patients with infrarenal aortoiliac occlusive disease, the revascularization options are surgery like aortofemoral bypass and axillofemoral bypass or percutaneous intervention. Aortoiliac and aortofemoral bypass procedures are associated with 74% to 95% 5-year patency rates, respectively, which are comparable but not superior to percutaneous therapies.These operations may imply a significant morbidity and mortality on CLI patients who usually have …

Selective Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors-Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Rahul Vasudev, Upamanyu Rampal, Hiten Patel, Kunal Patel, Mahesh Bikkina, Fayez Shamoon

NYMC Faculty Publications

CONTEXT: Takotsubo translates to "octopus pot" in Japanese. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Catecholamine excess is the one most studied and favored theories explaining the pathophysiology of TTC.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 52-year-old Hispanic female admitted for venlafaxine-induced TTC with a review literature on all the cases of Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)-associated TTC published so far.

CONCLUSION: SNRI inhibit the reuptake of catecholamines into the presynaptic neuron, resulting in a net gain in the concentration of epinephrine and serotonin in the neuronal synapses and causing iatrogenic …

Restriction Therapy In Acute Heart Failure Is Not Shown To Be Effective, Amrit K. Basi, Colleen W. Harkreader, Nicholus H. Yee M.D., Shadia A. Yeihey M.D., Suraiya K. Azom M.D.

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Travers B, O’Loughlin C, Murphy NF, et al. Fluid restriction in the management of decompensated heart failure: no impact on time to clinical stability. J Card Fail. 2007;13(2):128-132. doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2006.10.012

Limitations Of The Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation For Assessing Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Report, Rady Ho, Md, Mitul Kanzaria, Md, Paul Walinsky, Md

The Medicine Forum

INTRODUCTION

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) publ ished pre-operative risk stratification guidelines in 2014. These guidelines have routinely been used by physicians to pre-operatively risk stratify patients. In this case report, a patient was found to have multi-vessel coronary artery disease post-operatively in the setting of unremarkable cardiac work-up preoperatively. This case highlights a limitation of the 2014 ACC/AHA guidelines.

Case Report: Diagnosis Of Dual-Biopsy Negative Severe Cardiac Amyloidosis, Kristin Lohr, Md, Eric Kasprowicz, Md

The Medicine Forum

INTRODUCTION

Amyloidosis is a rare disorder that involves the deposition of misfolded protein in extracellular tissue. Disease manifestations vary depending on the affected organs. Areas most often involved include the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, heart, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. The most common type is AL amyloidosis, in which plasma cells produce an abundance of a monoclonal proteins that affect numerous organ systems. A second variety, AA amyloidosis, is associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, a heritable version of amyloidosis mediated by mutations in the transthyretin protein (TTR) has a predilection for deposition in …

Coronary Subclavian Steal Syndrome, Rady Ho, Md, Jonathan A. Dunn, Md

The Medicine Forum

INTRODUCTION

Coronary subclavian steal (CSS) syndrome is a rare complication of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) involving the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. It results from stenosis of the left subclavian artery proximal to the LIMA, which compromises myocardial blood flow. The incidence of CSS syndrome is between 0.1-3.4% in the United States.1 Most cases occur as a result of long-standing subclavian stenosis due to progres-sion of the stenosis following CABG. We report a case of CSS syndrome, which presented as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Allergic Inflammatory Mediated Coronary Artery Vasospasm: A Case Report Of Kounis Syndrome, Jonathan Hullman, Ms4, Jaehee Kim, Md, Gregary D. Marhefka, Md, Facc, Facp

The Medicine Forum

INTRODUCTION

Kounis syndrome is an acute coronary syndrome occurring secondary to an anaphylactic reaction. A wide variety of triggers such as drugs and environmental exposures have been described for the so-called allergic myocardial infarction. The pathophysiology of Kounis syndrome is thought to be due to the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and cytokines by mast cells and eosinophils resulting in either coronary vasospasm, myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastatic To The Heart Mimicking St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Jason Chen, Md, Colin Craft, Md, Andrew W. Panakos, Md, Gregary D. Marhefka, Md, Facc, Facp

The Medicine Forum

INTRODUCTION

Heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for about one quarter of all deaths in 20131. Acute ischemic heart disease is a major subpopulation of this group, and typically presents with characteristic electrocardiographic (EKG) changes. The most concerning of these findings are ST-elevations, as ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) typically indicates the need for emergent reperfusion therapy because 30-day mortality of untreated STEMI is approximately 10-15% versus 5% in treated cases2. As a result, clinicians are taught to recognize the symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia and STEMI in order to achieve timely …

Incidence Of Pump Thrombosis In Heartmate Ii During Destination Therapy, Rohan Samson, Abhishek Jaiswal, Frank Smart, Thierry H. Lejemtel

The VAD Journal

Pump thrombosis (PT) occurs during destination therapy (DT) with HeartMate II, a continuous blood flow left ventricular assist device (St Jude, Pleasanton, CA, USA). With adherence to stringent post-operative and long-term anticoagulation a low incidence of PT was initially reported during DT. The increased PT incidence during DT that was reported in early 2013 was attributed to lenient anticoagulation. A wide range of PT incidence during DT is being reported since the return to stringent post-operative and long-term anticoagulation. We searched PubMed from January 2008 to February 2016 for reports of PT during mechanical circulatory support with HeartMate II and …

Effects Of Quercetin On Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Maria-Corina Serban, Alberto Zanchetti, George Howard, Diana Antal, Wilbert S. Aronow, Lipid And Blood Pressure Meta-Analysis Collaboration (Lbpmc) Group

NYMC Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Quercetin, the most abundant dietary flavonol, has antioxidant effects in cardiovascular disease, but the evidence regarding its effects on blood pressure (BP) has not been conclusive. We assessed the impact of quercetin on BP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE up to January 31, 2015 to identify placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of quercetin on BP. Meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I(2) statistic. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% …

Cardiac Arrest In An Adolescent With Uhl’S Anomaly: Two Unusual Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms, Jeffrey P. Moak, Gail D. Pearson, Bradley Clark, Charles I. Berul, Russell R. Cross, Dilip S. Nath

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Intracardiac Tumor Causing Left-Ventricular Outflow-Tract Obstruction In A Newborn, Christopher P. Jordan, John P. Costello, Kendal Endicott, Christine Reyes, Thomas Hougen, Susan Cummings, Dilip S. Nath

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The following report describes the case of newborn girl with an asymptomatic systolic murmur, which on imaging revealed a nearly obstructive mass in the left-ventricular outflow tract. The mass was resected and found to be consistent with a rhabdomyoma. Here, we describe the pathologic and clinical characteristics of this tumor.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases: Crucial Regulators Of Blood Pressure, J. Yang, V. Villar, Ines Armando, Pedro A. Jose, C. Zeng

Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Validation Of Noninvasive Measures Of Left Ventricular Mechanics In Children: A Simultaneous Echocardiographic And Conductance Catheterization Study., Shahryar M. Chowdhury, Ryan J. Butts, Carolyn L. Taylor, Varsha M. Bandisode, Karen S. Chessa, Anthony M. Hlavacek, Girish S. Shirali, G Hamilton Baker

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular contractility has not been validated in children. The objective of this study was to compare echocardiographic measures of contractility with those derived from pressure-volume loop (PVL) analysis in children.

METHODS: Patients with relatively normal loading conditions undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. PVLs were obtained via conductance catheters. The gold-standard measure of contractility, end-systolic elastance (Ees), was obtained via balloon occlusion of one or both vena cavae. Echocardiograms were performed immediately after PVL analysis under the same anesthetic conditions. Single-beat estimations of echocardiographic Ees were calculated using four different …

Structure And Functions Of Angiotensinogen, Hong Lu, Lisa A. Cassis, Craig W. Vander Kooi, Alan Daugherty

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the sole precursor of all angiotensin peptides. Although AGT is generally considered as a passive substrate of the renin–angiotensin system, there is accumulating evidence that the regulation and functions of AGT are intricate. Understanding the diversity of AGT properties has been enhanced by protein structural analysis and animal studies. In addition to whole-body genetic deletion, AGT can be regulated in vivo by cell-specific procedures, adeno-associated viral approaches and antisense oligonucleotides. Indeed, the availability of these multiple manipulations of AGT in vivo has provided new insights into the multifaceted roles of AGT. In this review, the combination of …

Epidemiology And Outcomes Of Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest In A Developing Country-A Multicenter Cohort Study., Minaz Mawani, Muhammad Masood Kadir, Iqbal Azam Syed, Amber Mehmood, Bryan Mcnally, Kent Stevens,, R. Nuruddin, Mohammad Ishaq, J. Razzak

Section of Cardiology

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Overall survival after an OHCA has been reported to be poor and limited studies have been conducted in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the rates of survival from OHCA and explore components of the chain of survival in a developing country.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study in the emergency departments (ED) of five major public and private sector hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan from January 2013 to April 2013. Twenty-four hour data collection was performed by trained data collectors, using a …

Normal Lactate Dehydrogenase Does Not Exclude Pump Thrombosis In Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Julie Shelton Do, Bennet George Md, Amanda Hart Bsn, Rn, Maya Guglin Md

The VAD Journal

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pump thrombosis is a well-known complication of LVAD placement. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has classically been the first objective marker of pump thrombosis. In this case, we present a patient found to have normal serum LDH values but was ultimately found to have significant pump thrombosis.

Outcomes Of External Repair Of Heartmate Ii™ Lvad Percutaneous Leads, Jay D. Pal, Claudius Mahr, Jason W. Smith, Todd F. Dardas, Jay Pinette, David J. Farrar, Nahush A. Mokadam

The VAD Journal

Background: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) receives power via a percutaneous lead connected to an external controller and batteries. At times, this lead can be damaged during normal wear, as well as by traumatic fracture, which may jeopardize the functionality of the LVAD. If there is significant internal damage, surgical replacement of the LVAD is required. However it is possible to repair externally damaged leads by replacing the distal portion of the lead to avoid pump replacement. We report the overall experience and outcomes in patients with external lead repairs.

Methods: A procedure for full …

Intensity Of Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast As A Correlate For Stroke Risk Stratification In Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation., Yuanping Zhao, Lijing Ji, Jian Liu, Juefei Wu, Yan Wang, Shuxin Shen, Shengcun Guo, Rong Jian, Gangbin Chen, Xuan Wei, Wangjun Liao, Shelby Kutty, Yulin Liao, Jianping Bin

Journal Articles: Cardiology

The intensity of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been proposed as an important variable in the stratification of thromboembolic risk, particularly in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We hypothesized that the quantification of LASEC by ultrasound will improve its utility in predicting subsequent stroke events in patients with NVAF. Patients (n = 206) with definite NVAF receiving TEE were included for this prospective cohort study. Baseline clinical risk factors of stroke, CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-Vasc, left atrial thrombus (LAT), the five-grades of LASEC and video intensity (VI) value of LASEC were measured. During …

Barriers To Anticoagulation In Atrial Fibrillation Among Cardiologists, Internists And Family Physicians, Jad Al Danaf, Md, Mph, Mitul Kanzaria, Md, John U. Doherty, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Current Performance:

The rates of AC in patients 18 years or older who visited general internists & family physicians not seen by cardiologists from 4/30/2013 to 4/30/2015, cardiologists from 11/29/2012 to 11/29/2014 and all 3 specialties from 1/30/2014 to 1/30/2016 were derived from the EHR.

A 12-question survey was shared using RedCap with these physicians to examine potential reasons for not prescribing AC.

Exploring Body Mass Index Changes In Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients, Raquel E. Thomas, Corrine Hanson, Glenda Woscyna, Brian D. Lowes

The VAD Journal

Background: Current treatment options for end-stage heart failure, such as transplantation, can be limited by obesity guidelines. Mechanical devices such as Left Ventricular Assistive Devices (LVAD) can bridge heart failure patients to transplantation, however, after implantation; some patients may experience weight gain that precludes them from transplantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate weight changes after the implantation of an LVAD.

Methods: A retrospective review of 130 patients receiving an LVAD were divided into two groups based on BMI at the time of implantation: obese (>30 kg/m²) and non-obese (/m²). Patients were …

3-Year Outcomes In High-Risk Patients Who Underwent Surgical Or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement., G Michael Deeb, Michael J Reardon, Stan Chetcuti, Himanshu J Patel, P Michael Grossman, Steven J Yakubov, Neal S Kleiman, Joseph S Coselli, Thomas G Gleason, Joon Sup Lee, James B Hermiller, John Heiser, William Merhi, George L Zorn, Peter Tadros, Newell Robinson, George Petrossian, G Chad Hughes, J Kevin Harrison, Brijeshwar Maini, Mubashir Mumtaz, John Conte, Jon Resar, Vicken Aharonian, Thomas Pfeffer, Jae K Oh, Hongyan Qiao, David H Adams, Jeffrey J Popma

Heart and Vascular Articles

BACKGROUND: In patients with severe aortic stenosis at increased risk for surgery, self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with improved 2-year survival compared with surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether this clinical benefit was sustained over time.

METHODS: Patients with severe aortic stenosis deemed at increased risk for surgery by a multidisciplinary heart team were randomized 1:1 to TAVR or open surgical valve replacement (SAVR). Three-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were obtained in those patients with an attempted procedure.

RESULTS: A total of 797 patients underwent randomization at 45 U.S. centers; 750 patients underwent an attempted …

A Protocol For Collecting Human Cardiac Tissue For Research, Cheavar A. Blair, Premi Haynes, Stuart G. Campbell, Charles Chung, Mihail I. Mitov, Donna Dennis, Mark R. Bonnell, Charles W. Hoopes, Maya Guglin, Kenneth S. Campbell

The VAD Journal

This manuscript describes a protocol at the University of Kentucky that allows a translational research team to collect human myocardium that can be used for biological research. We have gained a great deal of practical experience since we started this protocol in 2008, and we hope that other groups might be able to learn from our endeavors. To date, we have procured ~4000 samples from ~230 patients. The tissue that we collect comes from organ donors and from patients who are receiving a heart transplant or a ventricular assist device because they have heart failure. We begin our manuscript by …

Contemporary Data On Cardiovascular Diseases In Indians: American College Of Cardiology's Pinnacle India Quality Improvement Program, Ankur Kalra, Nathan Glusenkamp, William J. Oetgen, Salim S. Virani

Office of the Provost

No abstract provided.

Endocarditis And Incomplete Endothelialization 12 Years After Amplatzer Septal Occluder Deployment, Allan K Nguyen, Brian A Palafox, Joanne P Starr, Richard N Gates, Farbouch Berdjis

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

A 4-year-old boy had a 15-mm atrial septal defect repaired percutaneously with use of an Amplatzer Septal Occluder. At age 16 years, he presented with a week's history of fever, chills, dyspnea, fatigue, and malaise. Cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a 1.25 × 1.5-cm pedunculated mass on the left aspect of the atrial septum just superior to the mitral valve, and a smaller vegetation on the right inferior medial aspect of the septum. At surgery, visual examination of both sides of the septum revealed granulation tissue, the pedunculated mass, the small vegetation, and exposed metal …

Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Myxoma In A 12-Year-Old Male., Meghan Chlebowski, James O'Brien, Casey Hertzenberg, Jonathan B. Wagner

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Cardiac myxoma is the most common cardiac tumor in patients of all ages; the majority are encountered as single left atrial tumors. Left ventricular myxomas are exceedingly rare, having been recorded in a small number of case reports involving children worldwide. We report a case of a left ventricular myxoma with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a previously healthy, asymptomatic adolescent black male. Transthoracic echocardiograms revealed a single, large (2.5 × 5-cm), lobulated, mobile mass within the left ventricular cavity that oscillated into the outflow tract, thereby causing moderate obstruction during systole. Advanced images delineated the location and tissue …

Skepticism, The Trained Eye, And The Telltale Clue, Ethan A Natelson

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

No abstract provided.

Two Cases Of Transcatheter Closure Of Central Aortopulmonary Shunts: One With An Amplatzer Duct Occluder Ii And One With An Amplatzer Vascular Plug I, Ahmet Celebi, Ilker Kemal Yucel, Sevket Balli, Mehmet Kucuk

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

When total correction is not possible in infants who have a cyanotic congenital heart disease, creation of a palliative aortopulmonary shunt is essential. A central aortopulmonary shunt is preferable, because of its technical and hemodynamic advantages. Overcirculation, thrombosis, and stenosis of the shunt are the main postoperative sequelae that necessitate urgent reintervention. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of aortopulmonary shunts can eliminate the need for reoperation and substantially decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. We report our successful transcatheter closures of central aortopulmonary shunts in a 3-month-old infant and a 15-year-old girl, with use of an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II and an …