Cardiology
-
Women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been previously shown to be at an independently increased risk for post-operative morbidity and mortality. However, there are considerably less data on whether this trend remains true in patients undergoing concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR) and CABG surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate this pertinent issue. ⋯ Female gender is not associated with poorer short- or long-term outcomes after concomitant CABG and AVR surgery.
-
Comparative Study
Anemia and early mortality in patients with decompensation of chronic heart failure.
The possible independent effect of mild-to-moderate anemia (hemoglobin value not <9 g/dl) on the short-term mortality of patients with decompensation of NYHA class III/IV chronic heart failure has not been investigated yet. ⋯ Mild-to-moderate anemia seems not to contribute independently to short-term mortality in patients with decompensation of NYHA class III/IV chronic heart failure. An adverse concomitant baseline risk profile may have a key role in the induction of mild-to-moderate anemia and in the increased risk of death in these patients.
-
Functional coronary artery occlusion due to type A aortic dissection has rarely been reported in the literature. We report a case of aortic dissection presenting with anterior ST elevation. ⋯ An electrocardiogram after the operation revealed resolution of anterior ST elevation. The mechanism of initial anterior but not inferior ST elevation should be related to functional obstruction of the left main coronary artery by intimal flap and reciprocal ST-T change over inferior leads.
-
Case Reports
Unplanned staged hybrid management of postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an uncommon but potentially deadly complication of transmural myocardial infarction (MI). Emergency surgical treatment has traditionally offered the best chance for survival. ⋯ Percutaneous catheter-based closure techniques can be used to treat these critically ill patients, offering a less invasive and less morbid technique. This case demonstrates the successful application of an unplanned, staged hybrid approach utilizing initial percutaneous and subsequent surgical repair after recovery of tissue integrity.
-
Case Reports
Severe mitral regurgitation and heart failure due to caseous calcification of the mitral annulus.
Caseous calcification is a rare form of mitral annular calcification. Echocardiography reveals an echodense mass in the inferior mitral annulus with smooth borders and an echolucent inner core. We present a case where caseous calcification of the mitral annulus caused severe mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. ⋯ The mass was surgically removed and a prosthetic valve was implanted. We conclude that caseous calcification of the mitral annulus should be considered not only in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses but also in the background of mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This case also represents the usefulness of multimodal imaging in identifying cardiac masses.