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Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are surgically implanted mechanical support devices utilized with increasing frequency as a bridge to myocardial recovery, destination therapy, and heart transplantation. While the use of such devices in patients with advanced heart failure has shown significant survival benefits and improved quality of life, they bear their own risks and complications.1 Bleeding, infection, pump thrombosis, and stroke are just some of the serious complications associated with LVADs.2 LVAD-associated pseudoaneurysms are rare, with prior reports of occurrence at the left ventricular apex and at the anastomosis site of the outflow graft to the ascending aorta.3,4 Typically, this device-related complication requires surgical repair and, if at all feasible, heart transplantation. However, in cases of difficult anatomy, unfavorable position, and significant comorbidities, surgery may be contraindicated due to high surgical risk. This case portrays a patient suffering from a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after HeartMate-III implantation that was not amenable to surgical repair due to heightened surgical risk. We document the first pseudoaneurysm associated with the HeartMate-III in available literature and describe a novel management strategy of documented nonoperative course of LVAD-associated pseudoaneurysm, with the patient surviving 56+ months with medical optimization and management.

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INTRODUCTION: Non-gated, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly ordered for a variety of non-cardiac indications, but do not routinely comment on the presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC)/atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) which is known to correlate with increased cardiovascular risk. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can help detect and quantify CAC/ASCVD which can lead to early treatment and improved outcomes. METHODS: Using an FDA-approved algorithm (NANOX AI) to measure coronary artery calcium (CAC) on non-gated, non-contrast CT chest, 536 serial scans were evaluated in this single-center retrospective study. Scans were categorized by Agatston scores as normal-mild (<100), moderate (100-399), or severe (≥400). AI results were validated by cardiologist's overread. Patient charts were retrospectively analyzed for clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 527 patients included in this analysis, a total of 258 (48.96%) had moderate-severe disease; of these, 164 patients (63.57%, p< 0.001) had no previous diagnosis of CAD. Of those with moderate-severe disease 135 of 258 (52.33% p=0.006) were not on aspirin and 96 (37.21% p=0.093) were not on statin therapy. Cardiologist interpretation demonstrated 88.76% agreement with AI classification. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Machine learning utilized in CT scans obtained for non-cardiac indications can detect and semi-quantitate CAC accurately. Artificial intelligence algorithms can accurately be applied to non-gated, non-contrast CT scans to identify CAC/ASCVD allowing for early medical intervention and improved clinical outcomes.

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Background: Most pericardial effusions that occur in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are small, simple, and without symptomology. However, in its most severe form, pericardial effusion can precipitate cardiac tamponade, and when untreated, can cause abrupt hemodynamic instability. Pericardial effusion may be a manifestation of left ventricular free-wall rupture, hemorrhagic pericarditis, or aortic dissection involving a coronary artery. Case Report: We describe the case of a 65-year-old male who experienced chest pain for several days prior to admission but delayed seeking care because he wished to avoid coronavirus disease 2019 exposure. Upon arrival, he was hemodynamically unstable. Electrocardiogram was consistent with anterior STEMI. Bedside echocardiogram demonstrated a hypertrophic left ventricle with preserved function and a large, complex pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade physiology. Computed tomography of the chest identified hemopericardium but was unable to delineate etiology. The patient underwent emergent thoracotomy because of persistent shock, and during the surgery, left ventricular free-wall rupture was identified and repaired. Coronary artery bypass grafting to the patient's left anterior descending artery was also performed. The patient remained asymptomatic at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: The differential for hemodynamic compromise in a patient with STEMI is broad, but quickly distinguishing pump failure from other life-threatening causes of shock is imperative to dictate time-sensitive management decisions. The presence of a hemorrhagic pericardial effusion in the setting of STEMI is a surrogate marker for a severe infarct and can help the bedside physician determine whether a patient will be better served in the catheterization lab for revascularization or in the operating room for surgical repair.

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BACKGROUND: Cardiac metastasis of melanoma is rare and typically diagnosed post-mortem. Here we perform a retrospective cohort study and systematic review of patients with metastatic melanoma to characterize prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of cardiac metastasis. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of all outpatients with metastatic melanoma who underwent evaluation at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from January 2009 to January 2022, identifying patients with a clinical or histopathologic diagnosis of cardiac metastasis. We performed a systematic review of the literature to summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with melanoma and cardiac metastasis. RESULTS: Overall, 23 of 1254 (1.8%) patients with metastatic melanoma were diagnosed with cardiac metastasis. Cardiac metastasis was reported in the right ventricle (65%), left ventricle (35%), and right atrium (35%). A total of 11 (48%) patients experienced at least one cardiovascular complication after the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis, the most common being arrhythmia (30%), heart failure (22%), and pericardial effusion (17%). Immunotherapy was more commonly used in patients with cardiac metastasis (80% vs 65%; p = 0.005). Mortality at 2-years post-diagnosis was higher for patients with cardiac metastasis compared to those without (59% vs 37%; p = 0.034). Progression of malignancy was the underlying cause of death of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac metastasis occurs in <2% of patients with metastatic melanoma, can affect all cardiac structures, and is associated with various cardiovascular complications and high mortality.

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INTRODUCTION: Lingual squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is an aggressive malignancy that carries significant mortality risk and the potential for cardiac metastasis. The authors performed a systematic review designed to characterize disease progression of LSCC cardiac metastasis by evaluating patient demographics, characteristics, management, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Two authors independently screened articles in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up until December 2019 for study eligibility. Demographic data, patient symptomatology, imaging findings, management strategies, and patient outcomes were obtained and analyzed. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence categorization was implemented to determine the quality of studies selected in this review. RESULTS: From this review, a total of 28 studies met inclusion criteria and received an OCEBM Level 4 evidence designation. Thirty-one patients were identified with cardiac metastasis from LSCC. Shortness of breath (29.0%) and chest pain (29.0%) were the most common presenting symptoms, and pericardial effusion (29.2%) and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (25.0%) were the predominant echocardiogram findings. Cardiac metastases most often presented in the right ventricle (56.7%), followed by the left ventricle (43.3%). Palliative intervention (68.2%) or chemotherapy (40.9%) were typically implemented as treatments. All sample patients expired within one year of metastatic cancer diagnosis in cases that reported mortality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with shortness of breath, tachycardia, and a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue may indicate evaluation for LSCC cardiac metastasis. Although LSCC cardiac metastases typically favor the right and left ventricles, they are not exclusive to these sites. Palliative care may be indicated as treatment due to high mortality and overall poor outcomes from current interventions.

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Collision tumors are two independent, distinct tumors occupying the same anatomical space. This case presents a pituitary adenoma-craniopharyngioma collision tumor presenting with hemianopsia. A 60-year-old with a past history of a nonsecretory pituitary adenoma presented with progressive headaches, bitemporal hemianopsia, and nausea. Previously, in 2008, his adenoma was effectively treated with nasal septal flap and transsphenoidal pituitary resection. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was ordered for concern of recurrence, given his history and neurologic complaints. The MRI revealed a suprasellar mass extending into the third ventricle with displacement of the hypothalamus and optic chiasm. Laboratory testing revealed no indicators of endocrinopathy. The neurosurgical and otolaryngologic teams were elected to perform tumor resection given the ongoing symptoms. An image-guided transsphenoidal tumor resection with abdominal fat graft harvest and septal mucosal flap CSF leak repair was performed. Histopathological examination revealed two tumor components within the resection including an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and recurrent pituitary adenoma.

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Papillary fibroelastomas represent the second most common benign cardiac tumour, secondary only to cardiac myxoma. A majority of patients are asymptomatic on presentation. The most common clinical manifestations include stroke, transient ischaemic attack, myocardial infarction and angina. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for identification of these tumours. The majority of papillary fibroelastomas arise from the valves. Simple surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, carrying an excellent prognosis. We present an unusual case of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma originating from the coumadin ridge (CR) in a 70-year-old woman. The patient exhibited increasing paroxysms of her atrial fibrillation and was pursuing a MAZE procedure. Preoperatively, a transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a 0.7×1 cm intracardiac mass that had echocardiographic appearance of a fibroelastoma. Surgical resection and MAZE procedures were performed. The gross specimen and histopathology findings were consistent with papillary fibroelastoma. This case reports the seventh documented case of fibroelastoma originating from the CR.

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Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States due to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. This case demonstrates a 20-year-old male patient presenting with complaints of annular skin rash, malaise, fever, and lightheadedness after significant outdoor exposure. Physical exam revealed multiple large targetoid lesions on the back and extremities. The rash had raised borders and centralized clearing consistent with erythema migrans chronicum. Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. The patient was started on intravenous ceftriaxone due to clinical suspicion for Lyme carditis. ELISA and Western blot tests were reactive for Lyme IgM and IgG, confirming the diagnosis. The AV block resolved by hospital day four and the patient was discharged with outpatient follow-up. Early identification of disease allowed for effective treatment with no adverse outcomes or sequelae.

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Although pericardial lipomas are both rare and benign, rapid or excessive growth can induce potentially fatal conditions such as pericarditis, arrhythmia, and cardiac tamponade. This case illustrates an example where a 65-year-old with atypical chest tightness unveiled a 10 × 15 cm anterior pericardial mass with circumferential effusion and progressive deterioration to cardiac tamponade. Initial transthoracic echocardiogram imaging was technically difficult in this patient due to habitus and body mass, which failed to illustrate underlying effusion. Recurrent bouts of refractory supraventricular tachycardia prompted further investigation of this patient's presentation with transesophageal echocardiogram, which showed evidence of an echogenic mass with cardiac tamponade. An urgent pericardial window and pericardial lipectomy immediately relieved this hemodynamically compromising condition. Subsequent atrial flutter resulted with the removal of the anterior fat pad during surgery, complicating recovery.

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CONTEXT: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It is typically asymptomatic and found incidentally in the work-up of another medical complaint. However, it has been known to cause complications in a minority of cases. METHODS: This case involves an elderly male in his early 80's who presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of emesis and hematochezia, in addition to sudden onset syncope and angina-like symptoms. Serial electrocardiograms demonstrated diffuse ST-segment depressions, consistent with myocardial ischemia. The patient underwent laboratory testing, imaging, endoscopy, and a subsequent exploratory laparotomy. RESULTS: Laboratory results revealed lactic acidosis, anemia, and leukocytosis. Upper endoscopy resulted in negative findings. Imaging, including CT-scan and Technetium-99 RBC scan, visualized a gastrointestinal bleed. However, the arterial embolization procedure was unable to stop the bleeding diverticulum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an infarcted Meckel's diverticulum. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates the importance of clinicians generating a wide differential when evaluating a gastrointestinal bleed, and considering Meckel's diverticulum as a potential cause of a bleed with an unknown source. The primary test to diagnose a Meckel's diverticulum is a Technetium-99 RBC scan. However, visualization via exploratory laparotomy is the best test for definitive diagnosis. The decision to intervene surgically earlier can limit mortality with symptomatic Meckel's diverticula.

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INTRODUCTION: Osseous choristomas of the tongue are rare, benign tumor-like lesions composed of abnormally placed bone and cartilage tissue. The few publications to date concerning this condition have been primarily limited to case reports. This systematic review aimed to clarify the clinical presentations of osseous choristomas and how to delineate them from other oral pathologies. METHODS: The authors utilized PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library reference databases from 1971 to mid-2020. Search terms were "osseous choristoma," "oral cavity," and "lingual." Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to aggregate relevant data from each study. The authors specifically collected data regarding patient demographics, clinical findings, symptoms, treatments, and subsequent outcomes relating to lingual osseous choristomas. RESULTS: A total of 35 (14.6% of total identified) publications that met inclusion criteria were identified concerning a total of 69 lingual osseous choristoma cases. Results were compiled focusing on sex and age, presenting symptoms, histology, appearance of the lesion base being most commonly pedunculated (e.g., stalk or stem-like), the lesion's location on the tongue, and subsequent treatments. Osseous choristomas had a higher rate of occurrence in females, 48 (70%) and those under the age of 40. Symptomatic presentations occurred in 38 (55%) patients, with the most common presenting symptoms being gagging/globus (i.e., lump or foreign body) sensation (n = 47, 68%) and dysphagia (n = 20, 29%). Identified masses were pedunculated in 33 (80%) of cases and eight (20%) were identified as sessile (i.e., immobile). A total of 41 (59%) lesions were more commonly located in the posterior one third of the tongue compared to 28 (41%) in the anterior two thirds of the tongue. Of those 49 (71%) cases requiring surgical mass excisions, recurrence was reported in 0% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although osseous choristomas are benign processes that rarely arise from the tongue, providers should carefully inspect patients with a gagging/globus sensation and pedunculated mass toward the back of the tongue. Surgical resection remains the best treatment to prevent recurrence.