Biswaraj Tharu

Comparison of Outcomes after Hospitalization among Heart Failure Patients with and without History of Heart Transplantation

INTRODUCTION Heart transplantation is an effective treatment option for end-stage heart failure patients. The effect of heart failure admission post heart transplantation has not been explored in the past. METHODS We used the National Inpatient Sample to compare the outcome of hospitalization in heart failure patients after heart transplantation with heart failure patients without heart transplantation. We used diagnosis codes for heart failure and history of heart transplantation from International Classification of Disease-9 and Clinical Classification Software-Diagnoses codes. RESULTS We used multivariable logistic regression for this purpose, which showed no difference in outcome in terms of mortality, length of stay, and cost. CONCLUSION Our study showed similar outcomes in hospitalized heart failure patients regardless of the history of heart transplantation. This is an important statistic for outcome in a patient undergoing heart transplantation.

Daptomycin associated eosinophilic pneumonia: case report and differential diagnoses

ABSTRACT Daptomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic approved for treatment of gram-positive skin and soft tissue infections. We present a case of an 89-year-old man who presented with fever, shortness of breath and nonproductive cough on week 4 of starting daptomycin for infective endocarditis. Computerized tomography scan showed bilateral interstitial infiltrates predominantly affecting the lower lobes. He also had peripheral eosinophilia of 6%. He was diagnosed with eosinophilic pneumonia secondary to daptomycin use. His symptoms improved with discontinuation of daptomycin and initiation of corticosteroids. Clinical correlation of pneumonia-like presentation with recent use of daptomycin should make physicians rule out this rare adverse effect for early institution of correct treatment.

Multifactorial aetiology for non-uremic calciphylaxis: a case report

ABSTRACT Calciphylaxis is commonly associated with end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis. We present a rare case of calciphylaxis in a non-uremic patient. The diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed with skin biopsy showing calcification of the dermal and subcutaneous tissues in the von Kossa stain. We believe that the combination of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, a non-functioning paraganglioma and vitamin D deficiency in a susceptible female patient was responsible for causing calciphylaxis in our patient. An index of suspicion should be maintained by clinicians for calciphylaxis even in patients without uremia.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated with Polycythemia Vera

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient apical ballooning with preserved basal ventricular function triggered by physical or emotional stressors. We present a case of a 75-year-old man referred to our facility for the management of acute myocardial infarction later diagnosed as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We believe platelet-mediated adrenaline release from massive thrombocytosis might have been the precipitating factor for the pathogenesis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

An extensive chronic aortic dissection presenting with acute embolic stroke

ABSTRACT Herein, we present a rare case of extensive chronic aortic dissection with extension to bilateral subclavian arteries, bilateral common carotid arteries, right internal carotid artery, bilateral proximal external iliac arteries and simultaneous presentation of acute embolic stroke and seizure. The rarity of this case presentation and the presence of neurological features necessitated a high index of clinical suspicion to reach the definitive diagnosis. This study also demonstrates a unique situation requiring correlation between chronic aortic dissection and multi-organ system dysfunction from chronic ischemia.

Acquired von Willebrand Disease Associated with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance

We present a case of a 79-year-old male who presented with retroperitoneal hematoma a week after motor vehicle accident. Prior history and family history of bleeding were nonsignificant. His activated partial thromboplastin time was found to be prolonged in the emergency department. Further workup with coagulation studies showed decreased factor VIII, vWF antigen, and vWF:ristocetin cofactor assay, and negative Bethesda assay, indicating acquired von Willebrand disease. Immunofluorescence to find an underlying etiology was suggestive of MGUS. Management of AvWD depends on controlling active bleeding and treating the underlying cause. He was treated with factor VIII, haemate-p, rituximab, two cycles of IVIg, and three weeks of oral steroids.

Life-Threatening Hemopericardium Associated with Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban is a novel oral anticoagulant used in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. The use of this medication has expanded over the recent years with resultant expansion of side effect profile. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath and chest pain 12 weeks after starting rivaroxaban for left upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. She was later diagnosed with spontaneous hemopericardium requiring pericardial fluid drainage. Rarer side effects like this will be encountered more often with the increasing use of novel oral anticoagulants. The clinicians should be cognizant of this entity among patients with shortness of breath and chest pain for timely diagnosis and intervention.