Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society
-
Post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction is a common phenomenon after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and contributes to hemodynamic instability and low survival rates after cardiac arrest. Mild hypothermia for 24 h after ROSC has been shown to significantly improve neurologic recovery and survival rates. In the present study we investigate the influence of therapeutic hypothermia on hemodynamic parameters in resuscitated patients and on contractility in failing human myocardium. ⋯ Contraction and relaxation kinetics are prolonged with hypothermia, indicating increased Ca(2+) sensitivity as the main mechanism responsible for inotropy. In conclusion, mild hypothermia stabilizes hemodynamics in cardiac arrest survivors which might contribute to improved survival rates in these patients. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that hypothermia improves contractility in failing human myocardium most likely by increasing Ca(2+)-sensitivity.
-
Case Reports
Restrictive ventricular septal defect and critical subaortic stenosis in tetralogy of Fallot.
Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by a non-restrictive malalignment ventricular septal defect (VSD), an overriding aorta and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction resulting from anterior deviation of the infundibular septum. Due to the large VSD, systolic pressures are equal in both ventricles. In rare cases, redundant tricuspid valve tissue may prolapse into the VSD resulting in restriction of the defect size and causing suprasystemic pressure in the right ventricle. Subaortic obstruction by prolapse of the redundant tricuspid tissue into the left ventricular outflow tract, although theoretically possible in this situation, has not been described yet in the literature. ⋯ In tetralogy of Fallot, accessory tricuspid valve tissue may obstruct the VSD as well as the left ventricular outflow tract resulting in a life threatening condition in newborns shortly after birth.
-
Chest pain units (CPUs) have been established to optimize treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to early and accurately discharge patients with non-coronary chest pain. The aim of this analysis was to elucidate whether treatment of ACS patients in the CPU versus emergency department (ED) has prognostic implications. ⋯ These results demonstrate a better 1-year prognosis for ACS patients treated in the CPU instead of the ED, therefore, supporting the idea to establish CPUs in Europe.
-
Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in a 90-year-old man was treated with percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a 29-mm CoreValve Revalving system. Following implantation, severe aortic regurgitation occurred. Echocardiography showed a small paravalvular and a huge valvular leakage, probably due to one malfunctioning valve leaflet. Concerning this pathophysiology, a further TAVI was performed using a second 29-mm CoreValve Revalving system, as a "valve-in-valve" implantation.
-
In Brugada syndrome implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is associated with a high rate of inappropriate therapies, mainly due to supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) (2.7-14.1%/year). Aim of the present study was to evaluate a single ventricular fibrillation (VF) detection zone with a high cut-off rate with respect to prevention of inappropriate ICD shock due to SVT and safety of this programming. ⋯ Programming of a single, high-rate VF zone in patients with Brugada syndrome and an implanted defibrillator is safe. Such programming may be associated with reduced inappropriate defibrillator discharges. A single detection zone with a high VF cut-off rate can be recommended in patients with Brugada syndrome.