Said Alsidawi

Strategies for thromboprophylaxis in Fontan circulation: a meta-analysis

Background The Fontan circulation is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events (TEs). As many as 25% of these thrombotic events result in fatality. More subtle adverse effects on the pulmonary circulation from embolic thrombi may further impair adequate functioning of the circuit. Despite these well-documented phenomena, the most optimal approaches to thromboprophylaxis are still not clearly defined. Objective A meta-analysis of published trials in English on PubMed and Cochrane libraries that evaluated the role of using TE prophylaxis in patients who underwent the Fontan procedure was conducted. Methods 10 studies with a total number of 1200 patients with an average follow-up time of 7.1 years were identified. A random effect model was used. Results The incidence of TE was significantly less in patients who received TE prophylaxis (using either aspirin or warfarin) compared with patients who did not receive TE prophylaxis (OR 0.425, 95% CI 0.194 to 0.929, p<0.01, I2=37%). The incidence of TE was significantly lower in patients who received aspirin compared with no TE prophylaxis (OR 0.363, 95% CI 0.177 to 0.744, p<0.01, I2=0%) and who received warfarin compared with no TE prophylaxis (OR 0.327, 95% CI 0.168 to 0.634, p<0.01, I2=2.5%). There was no significant difference in incidence of TE between warfarin and aspirin (OR 0.936, 95% CI 0.609 to 1.438, p=0.54, I2=0%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in incidence of early TE (within 6 months of the operation) or late TE (>6 months) between patients receiving warfarin and aspirin (OR 0.784, 95% CI 0.310 to 1.982, p=0.37, I2=8%) and (OR 0.776, 95% CI 0.249 to 2.42, p=0.3, I2=45%), respectively. When only total cavopulmonary connection patients were included, there was again no difference between warfarin and aspirin in the incidence of TE (OR 0.813, 95% CI 0.471 to 1.401, p=0.34, I2=11%). Conclusions This study shows a significantly lower incidence of TE after Fontan procedure if either aspirin or warfarin is used. This meta-analysis suggests no significant difference in incidence of early or late TE in patients receiving aspirin compared with warfarin.

Adderall induced inverted‐Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as stress‐induced cardiomyopathy, was initially described in Japan in 1990. Both illicit and prescription drugs have added to the growing list of insulting stressors. We describe an interesting case of atypical TTC triggered by adderall overdose. Clinical case: A 19‐year‐old female was brought to the Emergency Department after ingesting 30 Adderall tablets. She was complaining of pressure like chest pain and shortness of breath. Her cardiac enzymes were elevated but the electrocardiogram was unremarkable. Echocardiography identified an ejection fraction (EF) of 25–30% with severe hypokinesis of the base and a preserved apex. Cardiac angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries with an EF of 35%, hyperkinetic apex and akinetic base consistent with the diagnosis of inverted‐TTC. Her symptoms resolved in 24 hrs. Repeat echocardiogram performed 3 days later showed an EF of 60% with no regional wall motion abnormalities. Discussion: TTC can be identified as a rapid development of severe and reversible left ventricular dysfunction extending beyond the territory of a single epicardial coronary artery in the absence of coronary artery disease or pheochromocytoma. Clinical presentation can be challenging and very hard to distinguish from acute myocardial infarction. Medication induced‐TTC has been reported. In our case, the patient overdosed on Adderall which is a sympathomimetic medication. Cardiac imaging identified wall motion abnormalities consistent with inverted type TTC. Restoration of left ventricular function within days confirms the diagnosis of TTC. In conclusion, this case offers an interesting insight into the pathophysiology of TTC.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is a rare form of lung cancer that is classified into low grade and high grade based on histological features. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for low-grade MEC with excellent outcomes, while high-grade MEC is a more aggressive form of malignancy. Clinical Case. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Imaging studies revealed a mass involving the right upper lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy, surgical resection, and pathological examination revealed a low-grade MEC with tumor-free margins. No adjuvant treatment was given. Discussion. Primary pulmonary MEC is a rare type of lung cancer with only few reported cases. This patient illustrates a typical presentation for low-grade MEC wherein surgical resection is considered curative. In contrast, high-grade MEC is a more aggressive malignancy with a poorer outcome. The role of targeted therapy directed against EGFR or a novel CRTC1-MAML2 fusion protein expressed in some high-grade tumors is yet to be determined.

The Role of Vascular Imaging in Guiding Routine Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Meta‐Analysis of Bare Metal Stent and Drug‐Eluting Stent Trials

BACKGROUND The routine use of vascular imaging including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in guiding percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is still controversial especially when using drug-eluting stents. A meta-analysis of trials using bare metal stents was previously published. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of available published trials that compared imaging-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI in patients undergoing routine PCI only. Trials that enrolled patients with acute coronary syndrome were excluded to decrease heterogeneity. We aimed to study both drug-eluting stents (DES) as well as bare metal stents (BMS). We identified seven randomized controlled trials on IVUS-guided bare metal stents. We also identified three randomized controlled trials on IVUS-guided drug-eluting stents. To improve the power of the drug-eluting stent data, we identified, and included, nine registries that compared IVUS-guided PCI to angiography-guided PCI in the drug-eluting stent era. Nonrandomized registries that included BMS only were excluded as there are multiple previous meta-analyses that studied these patients. Finally, we identified one registry that compared OCT-guided PCI to angiography-guided PCI using either a BMS or a DES. A total of 14,197 patients were studied overall. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random effect model. RESULTS Imaging guidance was associated with a significantly larger postintervention minimal luminal diameter (SMD: 0.289. 95% CI: 0.213-0.365. P < 0.01). Imaging-guided stenting was associated with a significant decrease in the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the DES patients (odds ratio: 0.810. 95% CI: 0.719-0.912. P < 0.01) and combined DES and BMS patients (odds ratio: 0.782. 95% CI: 0.686-0.890. P < 0.01). Imaging guidance was associated with significantly lower events of death from all causes in DES patients (odds ratio: 0.654. 95% CI: 0.468-0.916. P < 0.01) and in the combined DES and BMS patients (odds ratio: 0.727. 95% CI: 0.540-0.980. P < 0.01). The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) was significantly lower with imaging guidance in both, DES patients (odds ratio: 0.551. 95% CI: 0.363-0.837. P < 0.01) and combined DES and BMS patients (odds ratio: 0.589. 95% CI: 0.425-0.816. P < 0.01). This may, in part, be explained by the significantly lower risk of stent thrombosis in imaging-guided DES patients (odds ratio: 0.651. 95% CI: 0.499-0.850. P < 0.01) and combined DES and BMS patients (odds ratio: 0.665. 95% CI: 0.513-0.862. P < 0.01). Patients who received a DES showed no difference between imaging guidance and angiography guidance in repeated target lesion revascularization, while the analysis of BMS alone and the DES and BMS combined showed significant superiority of the imaging-guided PCI group. CONCLUSION Imaging-guided PCI significantly lowered the risk of death, MI, stent thrombosis, and the combined MACE in DES-implanted patients and all stented patients (DES or BMS). However, imaging guidance had no significant effect on repeated target vessel or target lesion revascularization in patients who received DES, likely due to the effect of the drug in the stent.

Peri-procedural management of anti-platelets and anticoagulation in patients undergoing MitraClip procedure

The MitraClip device was recently approved by the FDA for the management of severe degenerative mitral regurgitation in patients considered to be high risk for surgical repair or replacement of the mitral valve. The management of anti-platelet and anticoagulant therapy before, during, and after the MitraClip placement is not well defined given the lack of evidence from large randomized trials. In this paper, we propose practical management guidelines for using these agents.

THROMBOEMBOLISM PROPHYLAXIS IN FONTAN PATIENTS. WHAT SHOULD WE USE? A META-ANALYSIS OF PUBLISHED TRIALS

The role of anti-platelets and anticoagulation in patients who underwent the Fontan procedure remains controversial. While most authors agree on the need for prophylaxis to prevent thromboembolic (TE) events, there is still lack of strong evidence to support such approach and the best agent that

Advances in interventional cardiology: MitraClip

Severe mitral valve regurgitation is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. It is not uncommon recently, to see patients with significant mitral valve regurgitation that are considered “non-surgical candidates” due to their comorbidities. MitraClip is a new percutaneous approach for treating mitral valve regurgitation which involves mechanical edge-to-edge coaptation of the mitral leaflets. In October of 2013, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the MitraClip for patients with symptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation deemed high risk for mitral-valve surgery. Several large clinical trials confirmed the safety and efficacy of MitraClip. We here discuss the growing role of MitraClip, the major clinical trials, the ongoing trials and the potential complications of the procedure.

Anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery

An 81 year-old Caucasian female presented to the hospital with dyspnea on exertion and was found to be in new onset atrial fibrillation. She has a past medical history of hypertension and has led an active life till her symptoms of dyspnea started. An echocardiogram was performed as a part of the work up showing an ejection fraction of 35 % with moderate mitral valve regurgitation (Fig. 2). Given her new onset cardiomyopathy and reluctance to undergo invasive work up, a pharmacologic nuclear myocardial perfusion stress test was performed showing a moderate sized area of anterolateral wall mixed ischemia and scar with an ejection fraction of 36 % (Fig. 3). A coronary angiography was recommended but patient was still reluctant and preferred a non-invasive work-up. Thus, a cardiac CT angiography was recommended. This showed an anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the proximal main pulmonary artery just beyond the pulmonic valve. The contrast density in the left main coronary artery is slightly higher than in the pulmonary artery and matches the contrast density in the arterial circulation indicating collateral filling of the left coronary system from either the aorta or right coronary artery (Fig. 4). She was started on beta-blockers and lisinopril. She underwent a successful electrical cardioversion preceded by a transesophageal echocardiogram to rule out left atrial appendage clot. She was started and warfarin and discharged. On follow-up 3 months later, she remained in sinus rhythm with significant improvement in her symptoms. A repeated echocardiogram showed significant improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction to 55 % with only mild mitral regurgitation. On six-month follow-up she remained asymptomatic with improved functional capacity.

Congenital Anastomosis Between Left Anterior Mammary and Pulmonary Vasculatures

Abstract:Several case reports have described the presence of acquired fistula connecting the left internal mammary artery to the pulmonary vasculature; however, occurrence of this type of congenital fistulas is less common. The authors present a case of a congenital left internal mammary artery-pulmonary vasculature fistula that was incidentally found during a coronary angiography in a patient who was being evaluated for coronary artery bypass surgery. The particulars of the case are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.

Correlation of Cardiac Sympathetic Nervous System Dysfunction with Diastolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Controlled Hypertension

Abstract Introduction. Sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA) has significant health and socioeconomic outcomes in affected subjects. Objective. To evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of sensitizer-induced OA in bakers and cotton workers three to five years after cessation of exposure to the offending workplace agent.Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of supraphysiologic ovarian stimulation but infrequently has been described in spontaneous pregnancy.Introduction: Sympathetic nervous system activity is increased in patients with systemic hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors can effectively control hypertension without a reflex sympathetic stimulation. However, limited data are available about the role of sympathetic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of diastolic dysfunction among patients with controlled hypertension receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.