Texas Heart Institute journal
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Osteoporosis, a major risk factor for sternum-related morbidity after median sternotomy, is quite prevalent among the elderly. In this prospective study, we investigated the potential of sternal protection by use of the "sternal wrapping method" in elderly osteoporotic patients who were undergoing median sternotomy. For this study, we chose 100 elderly osteoporotic patients who were scheduled to undergo median sternotomy. ⋯ Sternal wrapping using polyvinyl chloride tubes provides mechanical protection and, apparently, less postoperative chest pain and shorter hospitalizations. Probably, it reduces sternum-related complications, particularly in high-risk patients. Its benefits, however, should be confirmed in larger studies.
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A 58-year-old man presented with chest pain and tightness and was diagnosed with a Q-wave anterior myocardial infarction. He then developed pulseless ventricular arrhythmias, which were treated with repeated direct-current shocks and intravenous amiodarone. He underwent emergency cardiac catheterization: stents were deployed in the left anterior descending coronary artery and right coronary artery, and an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted. ⋯ Multiple doses of intravenous amiodarone and lidocaine and multiple external direct-current shocks were all tried, but these measures failed to terminate the life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. We performed a pharmacologic block of the left stellate ganglion, and this resulted in a return to sinus rhythm after 1 direct-current shock. To our knowledge, this is the 1st patient with refractory ventricular arrhythmias to have been treated with TandemHeart support and left stellate ganglion block.
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Pulmonary hypertension associated with pediatric congenital heart defects is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and death. Sildenafil has been combined with inhaled nitric oxide to treat pulmonary hypertension. We retrospectively studied the pre- and postoperative effects of oral sildenafil as monotherapy in children with pulmonary hypertension who underwent surgery to correct congenital cardiac defects. ⋯ No sildenafil-related hypertensive crises or sequelae occurred. As monotherapy, oral sildenafil in low doses appears to control pulmonary hypertension safely and effectively in children undergoing operations to correct congenital heart defects, particularly when it is given both preoperatively and postoperatively. Further study is warranted.
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Case Reports
Double-valve Libman-Sacks endocarditis causing ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest.
Libman-Sacks endocarditis is a well-known and rather common cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography are the definitive imaging methods used to evaluate cardiac valvular involvement in this disease. Valvular masses (vegetations) and valvular thickening are 2 common morphologic echocardiographic patterns. ⋯ This compromised coronary blood flow and resulted in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. The vegetations were surgically excised, and the patient's cardiac function recovered. We discuss the treatment of the patient and that of Libman-Sacks endocarditis.
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Air embolism is rare and potentially fatal. Its early recognition and prompt treatment can help to prevent life-threatening sequelae. Herein, we report the case of a 75-year-old man who underwent a computed tomographic-guided lung biopsy of a left-lower-lobe pulmonary nodule. ⋯ After 4 hours, computed tomography revealed that the air had been absorbed into the circulation. The patient had no residual neurologic deficits. In addition to reporting this case, we discuss possible causes of air embolism and the management of the condition after percutaneous lung biopsy.