COVID-19 infection in left ventricular assist device patients

We describe two cases of favorable and unexpected recovery in positive patients with coronavirus disease 2019, suffering from multiorgan comorbidity and already assisted with the left ventricular assist device. We have observed that, although in the presence of more comorbidities, when the maintenance of a valid support of the cardiovascular function is guaranteed, the possibility of successfully overcoming the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is still alive.     

Off-pump coronary artery surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass has several associated deleterious effects that include a systemic inflammatory response, coagulopathy, central nervous system complications and a variable degree of end-organ damage. The recent upsurge in interest in "beating-heart" surgery attempts to avoid these deleterious effects. Advances in surgical technique, such as the use of intracoronary shunts and the Octopus retractor, have made beating-heart surgery a reality. The challenges for the anaesthetist are greater than for coronary artery surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, and whilst some advantages are proven, such as the lack of the inflammatory response and the decreased need for blood or blood products, others have yet to be proved and there is a need for further research. The advantages and disadvantages need to be evaluated in randomised studies in order to confirm the safety and efficacy of these new techniques in terms of long-term graft patency and decreased morbidity.     

Lysosomal enzyme release from the lungs after cardiopulmonary bypass

The activity of some lysosomal enzymes has been investigated in venous and arterial blood collected from patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Before bypass, there is no arterio-venous difference in the activity of n-acetyl-beta glucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase or lysozyme. After operation, the activity of n-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase is greater in arterial than in superior caval blood within the first 24 h after bypass, and a small arterio-venous increment in the activity of beta-glucuronidase can also be detected towards the end of the first day. The site of enzyme release has not been identified with certainty but may lie within the pulmonary circulation.     

Placental Growth Factor as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with CKD from the NARA-CKD Study

Placental growth factor (PlGF) contributes to atherogenesis through vascular inflammation and plaque destabilization. High levels of PlGF may be associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease, but the relationship between PlGF level and adverse outcomes in patients with CKD is unclear. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1351 consecutive participants with CKD enrolled in the Novel Assessment of Risk management for Atherosclerotic diseases in CKD (NARA-CKD) study between April 1, 2004, and December 31, 2011. During a median follow-up of 3 years, 199 participants died and 383 had cardiovascular events, defined as atherosclerotic disease or heart failure requiring hospitalization. In adjusted analyses, mortality and cardiovascular risk increased in each successive quartile of serum PlGF level; hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) for mortality and cardiovascular risk, respectively, were 1.59 (0.83 to 3.16) and 1.55 (0.92 to 2.66) for the second quartile, 2.97 (1.67 to 5.59) and 3.39 (2.20 to 5.41) for the third quartile, and 3.87 (2.24 to 7.08) and 8.42 (5.54 to 13.3) for the fourth quartile. The composite end point of mortality and cardiovascular events occurred during the study period in 76.4% of patients in both the highest PlGF quartile (≥19.6 pg/ml) and the lowest eGFR tertile (<30 ml/min per 1.73 m²). The association between PlGF and mortality or cardiovascular events was not attenuated when participants were stratified by age, sex, traditional risk factors, and eGFR. These data suggest elevated PlGF is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with CKD.     

Epicardial ultrasound in a case of myocardial bridge and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A 59-year-old male with a history of unstable angina was diagnosed with a myocardial bridge of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and apical variant hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM). He underwent unroofing of the myocardial bridge and a left ventricular apical myectomy. Intraoperatively, epicardial ultrasound was used to identify the myocardial bridge with systolic compression of the LAD and confirm resolution of this compression postoperatively. Furthermore, epicardial ultrasound was used for guiding the degree of apical resection of the decompressed heart. This novel use of intraoperative epicardial ultrasound can help guide surgeons preoperatively and confirm results immediately after an operation.     

Adipose tumors of the heart

Background

Primary cardiac adipose tumors are rare. There are two distinct pathologically defined entities that represent this tumor type: lipoma and lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS). We present a single‐center experience with these tumors and demonstrate that the location may not correspond to the pathologic diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected cardiac surgery database from January 1990 to July 2016 identified 254 cases of surgically treated primary cardiac tumors at our Institution. Of these, 06/254 (2%) were primary adipose tumors.

Results

In 3/6 (50%) cases, patients were asymptomatic or had symptoms referable to other known intracardiac lesions. Five patients (83%) had preserved ventricular function. In 4/6 cases (67%), the tumor was identified preoperatively. All patients presented in New York Heart Association functional class ≤2. Pathologic diagnosis of LHIS was made in 5/6 cases (83%), with 2/5 LHIS (40%) located in the interatrial septum. A bovine pericardial patch was utilized for reconstruction following tumor resection in 3/6 cases (50%). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 88 ± 43 min. All the patients tolerated the procedure well without any postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Primary cardiac adipose tumors are responsible for a small portion of all primary heart tumors. Surgical resection provided excellent outcomes, and did not affect cardiac performance, in spite of the need for extensive resections. LHIS was identified in locations other than the interatrial septum and was usually symptomatic.     

Recurrent cardiac intimal sarcoma misdiagnosed as a myxoma or malignant transformation of a cardiac myxoma?

Cardiac intimal sarcoma is extremely rare and aggressive primary malignant cardiac tumors. Here, we reported the case of a young man initially operated for a tumor of the left atrium, causing a dynamic obstruction of the mitral valve and (mis‐)diagnosed as a myxoma at the histopathological analysis. Patient presented a local recurrence at 3 months and was reoperated. Pathology revealed this time the presence of an intimal sarcoma. Patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite a good local control, the 1‐year follow‐up positron emission tomography scan revealed the presence of a metastasis in the left adrenal gland that was surgically resected. This article aims to highlight the risk of misdiagnosis in case of cardiac tumors, the hypothetical concept of malignant transformation of a cardiac myxoma, the aggressive course of the extremely rare cardiac intimal sarcoma, and the therapeutic modalities available to treat this pathology.     

A novel problem,a tested solution: A case of an infected left ventricular titanium plug

Persistent infection of left ventricular-assisted devices are challenging to treat. We describe a case of a middle-aged man who presented with cardiogenic shock and profound heart failure from sarcoid myocarditis, necessitating the placement of a left ventricular assist device. After recovery of cardiac function, the device was decommissioned but complicated by infection in the implant bed, chest wall, and of the titanium plug left in situ. This to our knowledge is the first report of an infected titanium plug and we describe an option of using a latissimus dorsi flap using its vascularized tissues to treat the infected plug. This is another example where a multidisciplinary approach can yield rewarding results in cases such as these.     

Radiofrequency ablation for the pre-excitation syndrome of functionally corrected transposition of great arteries

We reported a 57-year-old female patient who had functionally corrected transposition of the great arteries, severe tricuspid insufficiency, enlarged left atrium and functional right ventricle, which were successfully performed radiofrequency ablation.     

Conservative management of a rare case of atrial septal hematoma after pediatric cardiac surgery

Atrial septal hematoma is uncommon complication that may happen after any cardiac intervention. Although it is rare, it can pose a challenging situation in the postoperative care. Multiple management approaches has been described with different outcomes. Here we are reporting a boy, aged 13 years, with dilated aortic root who underwent aortic root replacement with valve preservation. Postoperative course was complicated by atrial septal hematoma. A nonsurgical management approach was chosen based on the patient clinical condition. Regression in size with complete resolution of the hematoma was observed during the follow up.     

Colonoscopy in the elderly

An evaluation of the utility, morbidity, and patient tolerance of colonoscopy in elderly (70 years) patients was undertaken and compared to data for a similar group of younger patients (50–70 years) who underwent colonoscopy during the same 48 months. Data reviewed for both groups included demographics, indications for colonoscopy, effectiveness of bowel preparation, colonoscopy completion, endoscopic findings, and complications. The mean age of the entire 656-patient population was 69±10 years; 87 (25%) of the 354 elderly patients were greater than 80 years of age and the average age of the 302-member control group was 59.8±5.8 years. Indications for colonoscopy were the same in both groups and included rectal bleeding, 134 (20%); prior colorectal operation, 115 (18%); a history of adenomatous polyps, 82 (12%); guaiac-positive stools, 49 (8%); abnormal finding on barium enema, 19 (3%); and miscellaneous other gastrointestinal symptoms, 151 (23%). Screening colonoscopy was performed in 106 (16%). Colonoscopy was successfully completed to the cecum or the ileocolic anastomosis in 85% (555/656) of the entire population. Only 78% (275/354) of elderly patients had colonoscopy successfully completed compared to 93% (281/302) of their younger counterparts (P=0.001). Elderly patients were significantly more likely to have an abnormality than younger patients (74% vs 60%, P<0.05). Malignant colorectal neoplasia was more common in the elderly (6% vs 2%, P=0.03); however, benign neoplasia was equally present in both age groups (30% vs 27%, P=NS). Thirty percent (195/656) of all patients underwent either snare polypectomy or biopsy. There were no perforations, and postprocedural hemorrhage occurred in 2% (4/195) and was unrelated to age. Overall morbidity, including procedural-related oxygen desaturation, was no different between the two groups. There were no deaths. We conclude that colonoscopy is safe in elderly patients and that advanced age does not, by itself, confer increased risk to the procedure. The lower completion rate in elderly patients mandated additional subsequent testing to complete colonic evaluation but was offset by the significantly increased likelihood of discovering treatable pathology. These results support the continued, aggressive use of colonoscopy in the colonic evaluation of the elderly.     

A three-decade review of thermal injuries among the elderly at a regional burn centre

AIM: To review trends in incidence and treatment of thermal injuries among the elderly. METHOD: A 3-year retrospective review of medical records of people aged 65 years and older admitted to our burn centre over July 2003-June 2006. RESULTS: Elderly people with burns continued to have significant comorbidities. They were often burned because they were inappropriately trying to live alone. Thus discharge was often complicated. CONCLUSIONS: At our burn centre, survival among elderly people with burns has increased, probably as a result of more sophisticated medical, surgical and nursing care, as well as more extensive rehabilitation.     

The aging of the spine

Summary In the strictest sense of the word, the so-called aging process of the spine develops as a natural age-related response to the dislocation of the tissues, which occurs from adulthood. These often clinically subtle degenerative changes are able to alter the mechanical properties and the anatomical structures of the spine. This dysfunction may entail a destabilization and sometimes lead to spinal instability. The various degenerative injuries to the elements stabilizing the spine, including the vertebra, the spinal motion segment and muscles, may cause segment injuries that are likely to affect the flexibility and the stability of the spine, thereby altering its curvatures. Destabilization worsens progressively as the anatomic structures keep deteriorating. Degenerative lesions and destabilization can endure and experience à transition into degenerative spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. But more often than not a spinal ankylosis—i.e. amending of the degenerative process by restabilization-can be established. Spinal ankylosis can develop in the aftermath of a destabilization but in most cases it does not develop secondary to any destabilization.