ABSTRACT
Chronic heart failure (HF) is a major problem of public health in Morocco with few studies exploring HF particularities in this country where the prevalence of HF is estimated to be around 2.2%. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between frequency of rehospitalization in our population with age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), heart rate (HR), and QRS duration, Since the number of rehospitalizations is strongly correlated to mortality as shown by many studies. Materials and Methods: Patients with HF were enrolled in this retrospective case control study regardless of their LVEF, patients with recent (<3months) myocardial infarction were excluded. They were all examined and questioned in the heart failure unit of our hospital between the period of October 2022 and December 2022. The correlations were calculated by PEARSON index using R Statistical Software. Results: 224 patients were included. The mean patient age was 59 years (57.2-63;IC 95%) with a male predominance of 60.1 % (56.8-71; IC 95%). 35.5% and 32.2% of patients were treated for hypertension and diabetes respectively. The mean LVEF was 35.2% (33.96-36.91;IC 95%). A positive correlation was found between rehospitalization frequency and age and high heart rate (+ 0.42 p = 0,04;+0.322, p<0.005) respectively . Conversely a negative correlation was found with LVEF (-0.312, p<0.005) while there was a positive correlation with QRS duration but without significance (+0.162 , p=0.03). Conclusion: This study shows strong correlation between rehospitalization and advanced age, higher HR and lower LVEF.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this case report is to draw attention at the potential severity of presentation of these associated pathologies. Prevention through early screening of colorectal cancer in patients with coronary artery disease and vice versa is the guarantee of a better management of the two pathologies. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests associations between cardiovascular disease and several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Many cases have reported severe coronary artery disease (CAD) in association with colorectal cancer including triple vessel disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reporting a total occlusion of the left main coronary artery in such patients. We report the case of a 52 years old woman presented to our cath lab for severe angina (Class III of the Canadian classification) and impairment of left ventricle function. Six months before the patient was diagnosed with a metastatic colorectal cancer. Coronary angiography showed absence of anterograde opacification of the left coronary system. Selective right coronary artery angiography showed a retrograde filling of the left coronary system by collaterals issued from proximal and distal dominant right coronary artery. Several studies have reported the association between colorectal neoplasm and CAD but Isolated left main coronary artery disease is extremely uncommon. Patients with left main coronary artery disease have always a grim prognosis and without prompt revascularization 60% will die after 5 years while survivors live with severe angina; heart failure or both.
ABSTRACT
Learning Objectives: Learn how to identify and differentiate the shark fin EKG pattern from other EKG patterns and abnormalities. Explore the potential diagnostic and prognostic implications of the shark fin EKG pattern, including its association with increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Background: The Lambda-wave ECG, also known as the Shark fin or Thombostone pattern, has been linked to ST-elevation myocardial infarction's (STEMI) hazardous implications. It is characterized by merged QRS, ST, and T waves, forming a 'triangular QRS-ST-T waveform' or 'giant R waves.' This treacherous signature poses an alarming risk, with chances of cardiogenic shock and ventricular fibrillation leading to fatality. To tackle this peril, implementing swift thrombolysis or percutaneous intervention for reperfusion is critical for successful treatment. For optimal outcomes, the preferred setting to utilize ventricular assist devices is the ICU. Misdiagnosis can happen and be seen as either wide complex tachycardia or ECG changes induced by hyperkalemia. Imperative to prevent severe complications, early detection and treatment are crucial. We are reporting three cases of this Ekg pattern.
ABSTRACT
Drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease as well as those used in the treatment of multiple other conditions can occasionally produce exaggerated prolongation of the QT interval on the surface electrocardiogram and the morphologically distinctive polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that results is known as «torsade de pointe». «Torsade de pointe» (TDP) is a characteristic polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia associated with delayed ventricular repolarization as evidenced on the surface electrocardiogram by QT interval prolongation. It typically occurs in self-limiting bursts, causing dizziness and syncope, but may occasionally progress to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. This rare case report showed the potential higher risk of the occurrences of «Tdp» when levetiracetam (KEPPRA) was used in combination therapy with fluconazole, which is already a known medication with the risk of causing polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia.
ABSTRACT
LVNC (left ventricular non-compaction) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy with a reported incidence of 0.05% in adults. It can occur in isolation or affect both ventricles. It’s characterized by prominent LV trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses which are filled with blood from the ventricular cavity without evidence of communication to the epicardial coronary artery system. Frequent premature supra ventricular tachycardia as unique finding in LVNC cardiomyopathy is rare manifestation of this disease. We report a case of a frequent persistent supraventricular tachycardia as first manifestation of a patient with LVNC cardiomyopathy in a young healthy woman who despite radio frequency ablation therapy of the supraventricular tachycardia remains symptomatic. The patient was later placed on medical therapy based on a non-cardio selective beta-blocker with a good clinical outcome without recurrent of supra-ventricular arrythmias.