Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Mar 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyClinical findings of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: results from a multicenter international study.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy consists of reversible systolic left ventricular apical ballooning associated with chest pain. Electrocardiographic abnormalities and the minimal rise of serum cardiac markers are similar to those in acute myocardial infarction, but without evidence of myocardial ischemia or injury. To date, many reports concerning this kind of acute reversible heart failure have been published, but the information available about the management of affected patients is scarce and the clinical data are incomplete. ⋯ Our results demonstrate a good course of Takotsubo cardiomioathy, after the initial phase. An echocardiogram is an important tool for improving the diagnosis.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Mar 2008
Case ReportsType F quadricuspid aortic valve: surgical treatment of a rare cause of aortic valve disease.
Quadricuspid aortic valve is the rarest congenital anomaly of the semilunar valves. In the past it has been frequently detected incidentally at autopsy or during cardiac surgery. Recently, the evolution of diagnostic techniques with Doppler analysis has allowed to identify preoperatively this uncommon cardiac abnormality. We report a case of quadricuspid aortic valve diagnosed during surgery.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyIntraoperative embolism and hip arthroplasty: intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic study.
Cardiopulmonary complications are well known in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance and the origin of embolization, to correlate the event with the procedure and to establish the clinical relevance of this phenomenon. ⋯ Our data suggest that the presence of emboli detected by TEE in the right heart and pulmonary artery appears to derive principally from the reaming of the femoral canal and the placement of the femoral stem, particularly during the placement of cemented prostheses. However, the passage of embolic material had no adverse sequelae. For these reasons routine, intraoperative TEE cannot be recommended in orthopaedic surgery.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Mar 2008
Case ReportsLeft atrial myxoma presenting with ventricular fibrillation.
Coronary artery embolism with myocardial infarction is a very rare and potentially life-threatening complication of left atrial myxoma. We report the case of a 51-year-old male who presented with chest pain. Whilst awaiting medical review in the emergency department, he collapsed and a cardiac monitor revealed ventricular fibrillation. ⋯ He underwent curative surgery, and histology confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. We have discussed embolic complications of myxoma and the possible reasons for rarity of coronary embolisation. Emphasis is given to the importance of considering other causes of myocardial infarction in relatively young patients and the important role of early echocardiography following myocardial infarction.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Mar 2008
Case ReportsThromboaspiration during acute myocardial infarction in a heart transplant patient.
Each year, an estimated 10% of heart transplant recipients develop coronary allograft vasculopathy, an aggressive form of coronary artery disease that limits survival after transplantation. The pathologic characteristics of coronary allograft vasculopathy are not uniform and both the clinical importance and pathophysiological significance of thrombosis and vasospasm in this setting are not completely understood. Mechanical reperfusion is a better alternative to systemic thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction and thrombus removal before standard percutaneous coronary intervention improves coronary epicardial flow. ⋯ Coronary angiography showed acute coronary thrombosis of the circumflex coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention with thrombus extraction was successfully attempted. This case represents an unusual clinical presentation and treatment of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.