Acute myocardial infarction following blunt chest trauma and coronary artery dissection

Blunt chest traumatic coronary artery dissection is an uncommon cause of atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Injuries of the coronary artery after blunt chest trauma are caused by different mechanisms such as vascular spasm, dissection and intimal tear or rupture of an existing thrombus formation. Chest pain might be masked by other injuries in patients with multiple traumas in car accident. Present case report is on a 37-year-old male without any specific past medical history who reported to the emergency department of a hospital with chest discomfort and was discharged with the impression of chest wall pain. After three days he experienced severe chest pain and he was admitted with the impression of acute coronary syndrome and underwent coronary angiography which showed Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery dissection. The possibility of injury of the coronary artery should be kept in mind after blunt trauma to the chest. This condition is sometimes underdiagnosed. Its diagnosis may be difficult because chest pain can be interpreted as being secondary to chest wall contusion or it may be overshadowed by other injuries. Coronary dissection diagnosis after chest trauma requires clinical suspicion and systematic evaluation. Electrocardiography (ECG) should be done for every patient with thoracic trauma as the clinical findings may be misleading. © 2016, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved

Bioactive adrenomedullin as a marker of congestion and disease progression in patients with a systemic right ventricle

Background: Adults with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) are at a high risk for heart failure (HF) hospitalization and mortality. Bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) has been proposed as a marker of congestion and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and mortality and HF events in sRV patients. Methods: Plasma bio-ADM was measured by a novel immunoassay in plasma of 85 sRV patients. A composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and HF events was used as outcome. HF events were defined as onset or progression of HF signs or symptoms requiring hospitalization, initiation or intensification of therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and outcome. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 9 years and 65% were male. Patients with higher plasma bio-ADM concentrations were more often treated with diuretics (p = 0.007), possibly because of signs and/or symptoms of congestion. During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 33.7% of the patients reached the endpoint. After adjustment for age and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), higher bio-ADM levels were associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.09 [95%-confidence interval: 1.15–3.78]). Bio-ADM improved risk prediction when added to NT-proBNP and age (C-statistic improved from 0.748 to 0.776 [p = 0.03]). Conclusions: Bio-ADM can be considered as a marker of congestion and independent predictor of death and HF events in adult patients with a sRV. Moreover, in terms of risk prediction, it has added value to NT-proBNP.</p

Bioactive adrenomedullin as a marker of congestion and disease progression in patients with a systemic right ventricle

Background: Adults with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) are at a high risk for heart failure (HF) hospitalization and mortality. Bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) has been proposed as a marker of congestion and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and mortality and HF events in sRV patients. Methods: Plasma bio-ADM was measured by a novel immunoassay in plasma of 85 sRV patients. A composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and HF events was used as outcome. HF events were defined as onset or progression of HF signs or symptoms requiring hospitalization, initiation or intensification of therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and outcome. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 9 years and 65% were male. Patients with higher plasma bio-ADM concentrations were more often treated with diuretics (p = 0.007), possibly because of signs and/or symptoms of congestion. During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 33.7% of the patients reached the endpoint. After adjustment for age and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), higher bio-ADM levels were associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.09 [95%-confidence interval: 1.15–3.78]). Bio-ADM improved risk prediction when added to NT-proBNP and age (C-statistic improved from 0.748 to 0.776 [p = 0.03]). Conclusions: Bio-ADM can be considered as a marker of congestion and independent predictor of death and HF events in adult patients with a sRV. Moreover, in terms of risk prediction, it has added value to NT-proBNP.</p

Bioactive adrenomedullin as a marker of congestion and disease progression in patients with a systemic right ventricle

Background: Adults with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) are at a high risk for heart failure (HF) hospitalization and mortality. Bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) has been proposed as a marker of congestion and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and mortality and HF events in sRV patients. Methods: Plasma bio-ADM was measured by a novel immunoassay in plasma of 85 sRV patients. A composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and HF events was used as outcome. HF events were defined as onset or progression of HF signs or symptoms requiring hospitalization, initiation or intensification of therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and outcome. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 9 years and 65% were male. Patients with higher plasma bio-ADM concentrations were more often treated with diuretics (p = 0.007), possibly because of signs and/or symptoms of congestion. During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 33.7% of the patients reached the endpoint. After adjustment for age and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), higher bio-ADM levels were associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.09 [95%-confidence interval: 1.15–3.78]). Bio-ADM improved risk prediction when added to NT-proBNP and age (C-statistic improved from 0.748 to 0.776 [p = 0.03]). Conclusions: Bio-ADM can be considered as a marker of congestion and independent predictor of death and HF events in adult patients with a sRV. Moreover, in terms of risk prediction, it has added value to NT-proBNP.</p

Epidemiological aspects and clinical outcome of patients with rhinocerebral zygomycosis: A survey in a referral hospital in Iran

Introduction: No comprehensive reports have been published on epidemiological status of Rhinocerebral zygomycosis infections and its outcome in our population, Hence, the current study came to address epidemiological characteristics as well as clinical outcome of patients with Rhinocerebral zygomycosis infection referred to a referral hospital in Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed at the Rasoul-e-Akram hospital, an 800-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. The pathology recorded charts were reviewed to identify all cases of Rhinocerebral zygomycosis from patients admitted between April 2007 and March 2014. A diagnosis of Rhinocerebral zygomycosis was based on histopathological assessments. Results: Sixty four patients with Rhinocerebral zygomycosis were assessed. The mean age of the patients was 46.07 ± 22.59 years and 51.6 were female. Among those, 67.2 were diabetic, 26.6 were hypertensive and 29.7 had history of cancer. Different sinuses were infected in 73.4 of the patients. Out of all the patients 26.6 underwent surgical procedures and 17.2 were controlled medically. Extensive debridement was carried out in 40.6. Neutropenia ( 14 days) was found in 60.9. According to the Multivariable logistic regression analysis, the main predictors of in-hospital mortality included female gender, advanced age, the presence of sinus infection, and neutropenia, while higher dosages of amphotericin administered had a protective role in preventing early mortality. In a similar Multivariate model, history of cancer could predict prolonged hospital stay, whereas using higher dose of amphotericin could lead to shortening length of hospital stay. Conclusion: There is no difference in demographic characteristics between our patients with Rhinocerebral zygomycosis and other nations. The presence of diabetes mellitus is closely associated with the presence of this infection. Sinus involvement is very common in those with Rhinocerebral zygomycosis leading to high mortality and morbidity. Besides female gender, advanced age, and presence of neutropenia was a major risk factor for increasing early mortality. The use of higher doses of antifungal treatment such as amphotericin can prevent both mortality and prolonged hospital stay. The cancer patients may need longer hospital stay because of needing comprehensive in-hospital treatment. © Vida Bozorgiet al

Cardiovascular patients in COVID-19 era, a case series, an experience from a tertiary cardiovascular center in Tehran, Iran

Different cardiovascular presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 can be seen because of the systemic involvement. Considering its new presentations, there is need for further studies regarding the mechanistic pathways involved. © 2020 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Lt

P1493 Univentricular heart diagnosed by echocardiography in a patient with good functional capacity

Abstract A 32 years old male without a history of cardiac disease or surgery was referred to our hospital due to abnormal findings on electrocardiography (ECG). He was a healthy active young man applying for private health insurance and did not have any symptoms. On physical examination he had normal vital signs and a systolic ejection murmur was present in the pulmonic area. His Oxygen saturation was 93% and had a functional capacity of 11 METs. On electrocardiography which is shown in part A and B of the figure, he had right axis deviation and poor R progression. On chest x-ray (part C of the figure) he had top normal cardiothoracic ratio and prominent main pulmonary artery (PA). On laboratory data he had normal complete blood count and normal electrolytes. Because of the murmur found in physical examination and the right axis deviation in ECG, transthoracic echocardiography was done for the patient which revealed single ventricle with left ventricle morphology and mild systolic dysfunction (part D of the figure). Abdominal and atrial situs were solitus. There was normal inferior vena cava continuity into the right atrium. Transesophageal echocardiography was also done for the patient which revealed thickening of the pulmonary valve and presence of a subvalvular web which resulted in severe subvalvular PS (part E and F of the figure). There were dilated main PA and its branches. The left sided atrioventricular valve had mild regurgitation while the right sided one had mild to moderate regurgitation. There was dilated coronary sinus due to persistent left superior vena cava. The case describes the role of echocardiography in diagnosing rare congenital heart disease in a patient without symptoms of cardiac disease. Abstract P1493 Figure</jats:p

P850 Role of echocardiography in a patient with heart failure and multiple cerebral strokes

Abstract A 78 years old male with a history of hypertension and heart failure from 10 years before presented to our hospital with dyspnea, transient loss of consciousness and fatigue. He also had a history of frequent transient ischemic attacks previously with the most recent one being one year before. He was on standard heart failure treatment without any echocardiography done during the past year. On physical examination, he had stable blood pressure and heart rate but increased respiratory rate and respiratory distress. He also had aphasia and rales in the base of his lungs. His oxygen saturation was 70% and was admitted in the intensive care unit. On baseline laboratory data he had a creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dl. After treatment with furosemide and oxygen (O2) therapy and stabilization, brain computed tomography (CT) was done for the patient which showed an old stroke in the territory of right posterior cerebral artery and a new stroke in the territory of the inferior division of the middle cerebral artery (shown in part A of the figure). Echocardiography was done for the patient which showed a large mobile apical left ventricle (LV) clot and moderate LV systolic dysfunction (Three chamber view is shown in part B of the figure) . He was put on anticoagulation and was a candidate for referral to a tertiary center for surgery but after consult due to his acute renal failure and taking in mind his own and family concerns and their refusal for surgery he stayed at our center for continuing his treatment. Unfortunately, after 2 days of treatment, his brain status deteriorated and he had more ischemic brain symptoms for which brain CT scan was done which showed a new infarct in the upper parietal lobes (shown in part C of the figure). Echocardiography was repeated (Three chamber view shown in part D of the figure) which showed a smaller LV clot which was possibly due to a partial detachment of the clot and embolization into the cerebral arteries. With heart failure treatment and proper hydration his creatinine level reduced to 1.1 mg/dl after 6 days of treatment but because of respiratory infection and distress he was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation (Lung CT scan is shown in part E of the figure). He was then put on antibiotic treatment and anticoagulation was done with heparin. His INR level increased and he had a high bleeding tendency which forced us to discontinue anticoagulation. Although his vital signs were stable all through treatment but unfortunately after 14 days of treatment he had bradycardia and asystole and did not respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusion: The case describes a patient with heart failure and multiple cerebral strokes because of an LV clot diagnosed by echocardiography. The case emphasizes the difficulties faced while treating a heart failure patient with co-morbid conditions and the role of echocardiography in diagnosis and guiding management. Abstract P850 Figure</jats:p

Impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in lichen planus patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Lichen planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease can cause impaired atrial electromechanical coupling, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate atrial electromechanical coupling in LP patients by using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Methods Forty-six LP patients were investigated in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group comprised healthy individuals selected in age and gender-matched manner. Echocardiography and ECG were done for all patients to show inter and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and P wave dispersion respectively. The electromechanical delays were calculated by using the difference between the delays from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler recordings of the different areas. Results The baseline characteristics of the case and control group were similar and did not differ significantly. The P wave dispersion was 45.63 ± 3.48 milliseconds in the LP group in comparison to 36.56 ± 2.87 milliseconds in the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). As shown in the table, the intra and inter-atrial electromechanical delays were also significantly prolonged in LP patients when compared to the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference between the left and right ventricular systolic function and diastolic function of the two groups. Conclusion The results of the study indicate the presence of significant impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in patients with LP confirmed by both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tools. Electromechanical delays Case N = 46 (mean ± SD) Control N = 46 (mean ± SD) P value Septal - PA (msec) 59.71 ± 13.24 44.39 ± 11.07 0.002 Lateral - PA (msec) 55.71 ± 13.26 48.89 ± 11.21 0.009 Tricuspid - PA (msec) 52.37 ± 13.12 43.28 ± 10.58 0.002 Inter-atrial delay (msec) (lateral PA−RV PA) 8.47 ± 1.62 6.37 ± 1.36 &amp;lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (LA) [lateral PA−septal PA] 4.80 ± 1.48 3.83 ± 0.82 &amp;lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (RA) [septal PA−RV PA] 3.91 ± 0.96 2.02 ± 0.71 &amp;lt;0.001 PA Delay from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler, N: number, SD: Standard Deviation, LA: Left Atrium, RA: Right Atrium, RV: Right Ventricle </jats:sec

Relationship between the pulmonary artery pressure and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgeries. The incidence of postoperative AF has risen continuously over the past decades. AF is associated with lengthened hospital stays and risk of stroke. We sought to study the relationship between the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and the occurrence of AF after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: This prospective observational study was designed to assess the relationship between the PAP and the occurrence of post-CABG AF. Patients with chronic and paroxysmal AF before surgery were excluded. All the patients had complete evaluation via echocardiography, ECG, and laboratory testing. The patients were monitored for 3 days after surgery, and any tachycardia monitored as AF was noted. The study population was divided into 2 groups: with postoperative AF and without AF. Results: We selected 232 patients, 106 with AF and 126 with sinus rhythm. The results confirmed that the occurrence rate of AF after CABG was higher in the older patients (P � 0.001). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant relationship between a higher occurrence rate of post-CABG AF and a higher PAP (mean value = 26.5 vs 20 mm Hg) in the patients (P �0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Although age has been the most important predictor for the occurrence of AF after CABG in the past and present studies, there are many other variables affecting its occurrence. Among the variables evaluated in this study, a higher PAP was a significant predictor for a higher occurrence rate of AF following CABG. © 2017, Iranian Heart Association. All rights reserved