Tropheryma Whipplei Endocarditis: A Diagnosis In Hindsight

Description of case: We report a case of Tropheryma whipplei endocarditis, a rare cause of bloodculture-negative infective endocarditis (BCNIE). Due to its rarity and lack of availability of diagnostic tests in district hospitals, the diagnosis remains challenging. The objective of this case report is to increase physician awareness of this pathogen. A 61-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with central chest pain at rest. A 12-lead ECG demonstrated ST- segment depression in V4-V6 leads, and his serial troponin levels were raised. He was commenced on treatment for acute coronary syndrome and transferred to the Coronary Care Unit. An echocardiogram showed a 15mm x 15mm vegetation in the aortic valve with mild aortic regurgitation. His initial microbiology workup, which included two sets of blood cultures (pre-antibiotics), MRSA screen & COVID-19 PCR, was negative. He was transferred to a cardiothoracic centre four days later. Pre-operative CT coronary angiogram showed severe three vessel coronary artery disease. He underwent triple coronary artery by-pass grafts and tissue aortic valve replacement. During early post-op recovery, he had fever episodes and an elevated C-reactive protein of 280 mg/L but normal white cell counts. He was treated with intravenous Tazocin for hospital-acquired pneumonia and discharged on doxycycline. Two weeks post-discharge, he had a positive 16S/18S PCR for Tropheryma whipplei on molecular analysis of the aortic valve. He was treated for Whipples endocarditis with a 4-week course of IV Ceftriaxone, followed by a 12-month course of oral Cotrimoxazole. The patient has reported doing well since the surgery. Discussion(s): Molecular assay with PCR of the heart valve is the mainstay of diagnosing Whipple's endocarditis. There have been 5 previously reported cases of Whipple's endocarditis in the United Kingdom in our knowledge. It is likely under-reported because of a reliance on tissue diagnosis. Preceding intestinal manifestations and arthralgia should raise its clinical suspicion for timely workup. Physician awareness of Whipple's Endocarditis is paramount in investigating for this pathogen.

The use of handheld ultrasound device in cardiac examination of patients with history of COVID-19

Background: Clinical usefulness of Handheld Ultrasound Device [HUD] was previously confirmed in numerous clinical scenarios. During the previous two years Covid-19 patients become a focal point of healthcare worldwide. The assessment of long term consequences of this infection is bound to overload already burdened healthcare system. Purpose(s): To assess clinical usefulness of HUD as an adjunct to physical cardiac examination of patients with history of COVID-19. Method(s): Study population consisted of randomly selected patients with no symptoms of cardiovascular pathology, who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 one year prior to examination. Physical examination and clinical assessment was augmented with short examination with the use of HUD, which included: Visual evaluation of the global and regional LV function, measurement of RV size, screening for the significant valve defects and the presence of pericardial effusion. Subsequently full echocardiographic examination with the use of high-end workstation was performed, which results were treated as reference. Result(s): 54 patients (35 men, mean age 63+/-13 years) were enrolled into the study. In clinical examination no significant cardiovascular abnormalities were discovered. In 30 [56%] of patients cardiac abnormalities in HUD examination were detected. In 18 patients [33%] LV function assessment was not performed, due to insufficient quality of registered view. In the remaining group significant impairment of LV ejection fraction (<50%) was detected in HUD examination in 3 [6%] patients (2 confirmed in full examination, positive predictive value [PPV] 57%, negative predictive value [NPV] 97%, AUC 0,82+/-0,17, P 0,057). WMA were diagnosed in 6 [11%] patients (4 confirmed in full examination, PPV 84% NPV 78%, AUC 0,69+/-0,17, P 0,02). RV enlargement was identified in 21 [39%] patients (PPV 57%, NPV 97%, AUC 0,85+/-0,05, P<0,0001), mild pericardial effusion in 3 [6%] patient (1 confirmed in full echocardiographic examination;2 false positive, no false negative), at least moderate mitral/tricuspid/aortic valve insufficiency in 7 [13%] patients (3 confirmed, 4 false positive cases, no false negative). A total mean time of the heart and lungs HUD examination was 2,1+/-0,6 minute. Conclusion(s): Cardiac abnormalities exposed in brief assessment with the use HUD are a relatively common finding in asymptomatic patients previously hospitalized due to COVID infection in a 1-year follow-up, despite normal physical examination. Normal HUD examination excludes the presence of significant cardiac abnormalities with high probability. However one should keep in mind a relatively high percentage of false positive results, which may lead to an exceeding number of patients referred for a full echocardiographic examination.

Structural Valve Dysfunction As An Atypical Presentation Of Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Introduction: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) classically manifests as a restrictive cardiomyopathy or conduction abnormalities, though the full scope of phenotypes may be underrecognized. We present an atypical case of mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR) attributed to CS. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, tobacco use, and COVID-19 infection two months prior presented with worsening dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea and lower extremity edema. Initial work up revealed elevated pro-BNP and troponin, and a CXR with pulmonary edema. A prior CTA showed mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. Echocardiogram was notable for mildly dilated LV, severe hypokinesis of the basal inferior myocardium, LVEF 50-55%, moderate MR and moderate AR. cMR revealed multiple foci of predominantly mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the LV, including a focus adjacent to the posteromedial papillary muscle (Fig. 1). Cardiac PET showed extensive patchy, focal hypermetabolic activity in the LV inferobasal, anterobasal and anterolateral walls. With high suspicion for CS, the patient opted for treatment with steroids and follow-up PET over extracardiac lymph node biopsy due to procedural risk. Discussion(s): Isolated CS is underdiagnosed and can present with a wide range of symptoms. Detection is limited by current diagnostic criteria, namely difficulty ascertaining affected tissue, which may limit recognition of the full range of presentations. Diagnosis and treatment vary widely among institutions but there is consensus on starting immunosuppression and pursuing follow-up cardiac PET for suppression of inflammatory activity in cases of high clinical suspicion. Our patient plans to undergo repeat PET and have ongoing discussion about lymph node biopsy. COVID-19 myocarditis remains on our differential, however given the patchy nature of LGE on cMR which correlated with the FDG uptake on PET, CS is considered the most probable diagnosis. Conclusion(s): CS should be considered in the differential diagnosis for young patients with structural valve abnormalities, even in the absence of arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy. High clinical suspicion may justify early immunosuppressive treatment to prevent irreversible myocardial injury and/or fatal arrhythmias. Whether this treatment will result in resolution of the structural defects remains to be seen and further investigated.Copyright © 2022

Spontaneous embolization of an aortic prosthesis disc

We report the case of spontaneous disc embolization of a mechanical aortic prosthesis 4 years after its implantation. The reason for the implant was due to bacterial endocarditis. The patient was admitted with dyspnea and severe pulmonary edema due to aortic insufficiency that required immediate prosthesis replacement surgery. Cardiac catheterization revealed the absence of the disc, which was confirmed intraoperatively. Postoperative radiographic controls showed that the disc was embedded in the center of the longitudinal axis of the left iliac without causing obstruction to blood flow. The disc was never removed. The patient remained asymptomatic without vascular sym ptoms for 15 years. He died due to Fornier's gangrene complicated by Covid-19.Copyright © 2022 Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Cardiovascular y Endovascular

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the SAPIEN 3 valve to treat aortic regurgitation: The French multicentre S3AR study.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation now has a major role in the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, evidence is scarce on its feasibility and safety to treat patients with pure aortic regurgitation. AIMS: We sought to evaluate the results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) in patients with pure aortic regurgitation on native non-calcified valves. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and prospective French multicentre observational study. We included all patients with symptomatic severe pure aortic regurgitation on native non-calcified valves, contraindicated to or at high risk for surgical valve replacement, who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (male sex, 73%) with a median age of 81years (interquartile range 69-85years) were screened using transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography and were included at eight French centres. At baseline, 83.8% of patients (n=31) had dyspnoea New York Heart Association class≥III. The device success rate was 94.6% (n=35). At 30days, the all-cause mortality rate was 8.1% (n=3) and valve migration occurred in 10.8% of cases (n=4). Dyspnoea New York Heart Association class≤II was seen in 86.5% of patients (n=32), and all survivors had aortic regurgitation grade≤1. At 1-year follow-up, all-cause mortality was 16.2% (n=6), 89.7% (n=26/29) of survivors were in New York Heart Association class≤II and all had aortic regurgitation grade≤2. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve seems promising to treat selected high-risk patients with pure aortic regurgitation on non-calcified native valves, contraindicated to surgical aortic valve replacement.

REMDESIVIR-ASSOCIATED ASYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA IN AN ICU PATIENT ON DEXAMETHASONE FOR COVID-19

SESSION TITLE: Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with COVID-19 SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Even though COVID-19 is the largest pandemic of the twenty-first century, little is known about the disease or its management. Remdesivir has demonstrated some activity against severe ARDS associated with COVID-19. There is a dearth of data on the adverse effects of Remdesivir. We report a case of a COVID-19 patient who developed bradycardia following the administration of Remdesivir. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man, who tested positive for COVID-19, presented with shortness of breath (SOB) for a week. SOB was accompanied by a cough with tan-colored sputum. Past medical history included hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Physical examination showed regular rate and rhythm of the heart and diffusely decreased breath sounds. His blood pressure was 104/60 mmHg and his heart rate was 80 bpm. Oxygen saturation was 58% at room air. Significant lab results showed elevated CRP: 17.13 mg/dl, D-Dimer: 10.16 ug/mL FEU, Lactic acid: 2.5 mg/dl, Creatinine: 1.8 mg/dl, BUN: 60 mg/dl, and AST: 46 U/L. Chest x-ray showed bilateral patchy interstitial airspace opacities. Calculated Well's score of 3 indicated a moderate risk for pulmonary embolism. CT scan showed moderate bilateral diffuse areas of ground-glass lung consolidation concerning diffuse atypical infection. The patient was admitted to the ICU and started on CPAP with PEEP of 12 and FiO2 of 100%. The management included dexamethasone 6 mg oral for 10 days, Remdesivir for 5 days, and Tocilizumab given elevated CRP level. The patient was found to develop asymptomatic bradycardia with a heart rate as low as 40 bpm. An EKG obtained demonstrated sinus bradycardia without any heart block. Echocardiography showed mildly dilated right ventricle & mild aortic regurgitation. Bradycardia resolved after the last dose of Remdesivir. DISCUSSION: Remdesivir is frequently used in severe COVID-19 infections. The commonly reported adverse events affect the gastrointestinal and renal systems. The reported cardiovascular adverse events include hypotension, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac arrest. However, bradycardia is becoming increasingly encountered. Although corticosteroids are known to cause bradycardia, the patient we managed developed bradycardia following remdesivir therapy. The baseline EKG was normal and the history was non-contributory. Given the asymptomatic nature of the finding, cardiac monitoring alone sufficed. The heart rate picked up following the last dose of remdesivir further suggesting its causative role. CONCLUSIONS: Bradycardia is becoming more common with Remdesivir use. If the patient is not exhibiting any symptoms, cardiac monitoring alone should suffice;bradycardia is expected to resolve when the drug is stopped. Reference #1: Elsawah HK, Elsokary MA, Abdallah MS, ElShafie AH. Efficacy and safety of remdesivir in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis including network meta-analysis. Rev Med Virol. 2021;31(4):e2187. Reference #2: Taqi M, Gillani SFUHS, Tariq M, Raza ZA, Haider MZ. Current updates on clinical management of COVID-19 infectees: a narrative review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Aug;67(8):1198-1203. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210582. PMID: 34669870. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by AISHA ADIGUN No relevant relationships by Mobeen Haider No relevant relationships by Yousra Khalid No relevant relationships by Muhammad Hasib Khalil No relevant relationships by Aleena Naeem No relevant relationships by Zarlakhta Zamani

Next-Day Discharge Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: An Australian Tertiary Hospital Experience

Background: With increasing utilisation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis, there is a need to explore the safety of next-day discharge. We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of next-day discharge following TAVI. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TAVI at a tertiary centre between 2020 and 2021. Included patients were those discharged the next day after TAVI as routine care. Data collected included baseline demographics, Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, perioperative complications and 30-day mortality rates. Results: Thirty-three patients (33% female, median age 82 years;interquartile range [IQR], 77–84) were discharged the next day post-TAVI. Median STS score was 2.3% (IQR, 1.7–3.6). On pre-TAVI ECG, two patients (6%) had right bundle branch block (QRS duration 147–154 ms). All patients demonstrated well-seated aortic valve prosthesis with no aortic regurgitation on same-day transthoracic echocardiogram. Six patients (18%) had new conduction abnormalities post-TAVI (five transient left bundle branch block, one atrial fibrillation which self-resolved). There were no significant procedural complications including no pericardial effusion or vascular injury. All patients were discharged directly home without the need for subacute care. Two patients (6%) were re-hospitalised within 30 days of discharge: one admitted with presyncope of unclear cause and one required a pacemaker for tachy-brady syndrome. All patients were alive and well at 30 days. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that next-day discharge TAVI is safe in selected patients with an uncomplicated procedure. In the era of COVID, implementation of next-day discharge can reduce unnecessary length of stay and may improve hospital resource allocation.

COVID19 INFECTION IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE WITH DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION IN VALVULAR SURGERY PATIENTS IN TERTIARY HEART CENTRE

Objective: The patient was a 59-year-old man who was referred to the hospital due to shortness of breath due to increased activity, accompanied by cough, weakness, and lethargy. The patient also had a history of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and asthma. The patient also underwent cardiac stenting last year. LCX and LAD stenting Design and method: He had a continuous pan-systolic murmur on cardiac examination diagnosed with valvular dysfunction. Severe aortic regurgitation was reported on echo. The patient underwent a CT scan of the lungs and a PCR test to rule out Covid-19, which was negative. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation and underwent aortic valve replacement surgery. Echocardiography was performed before the operation, and the diagnosis was confirmed. Results: Echocardiography was performed postoperatively, which showed good valve function and no valve leakage. From the 5th day after the operation, the patient developed fever and increased leukocytosis. Suspected of having Covid19 and accordingly underwent PCR test, the test result was positive;the patient underwent a CT scan of the lungs. After that, he was transferred to the corona ICU. The patient was treated with Remdesivir, and after two weeks, his PCR was negative, and he was almost ready to be discharged. The patient had completed the entire course of treatment and developed pulmonary fibrosis due to Covid disease, but suddenly, after two weeks from the onset of the illness, she developed severe shortness of breath, which led to intubation. We find severe pulmonary fibrosis in the re-CT scan, especially in the left lung, where the entire left lung had fibrosis. Prednisolone was started at a dose of 50 mg three times a day. The patient was intubated for ten days, then gradually removed from the device. Now the patient is extubated and ready for discharge. Conclusions: Risk factors such as Past cardiac surgery and present cardiac intervention with diabetes mellitus increase the risk of developing lung failure in these Covid19 patients. Elective intubation is better than emergency intubation in patients with comorbidities. Corticosteroids can be effective in treating pulmonary insufficiency.

TRACKING DOWN AUTOANTIBODIES

Background/Aims Vaccine-associated autoimmunity is not infrequent, pertaining to either the cross-reaction between antigens or the action of adjuvant. This issue is more inexplicable to the COVID-19 vaccine, because of nucleic acid formulation and the hastened development process inflicted by the urgent pandemic condition. Here we are presenting a young patient who developed a significant abnormal autoimmune profile immediately post covid vaccination. Methods A 31-year-old IT engineer was referred to Rheumatology with postvaccine arthralgia. He had a history of recent aortic root aneurysm repair after having chest pain on exertion. Echocardiography showed dilated aortic root with significant aortic regurgitation, CT aortogram confirmed spiral type A dissection. He underwent an emergency cardiothoracic surgery in October 2020, followed by an uneventful recovery. He received the first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on 2nd February, the very next day he developed painful ankles, knees, left hip, and right shoulder. Blood tests showed elevated CRP of 45, ESR 34, rheumatoid factor positive at 92, anti-CCP >340, ANA 13, ds-DNA 202, U1RNP positive, anti-SM antibody positive, Ro and La antibodies positive, antiJo1 antibody positive, with normal complements. He denied any swelling of the joints. No history of hair loss, photosensitive skin rashes, Raynaud's, sicca symptoms, oro-genital ulceration, or cracking of the skin. There were no constitutional symptoms, chest pain, or bowel issues. He was previously labeled as asthmatic, which is stable after surgery. He doesn't smoke or drinks alcohol. There was no family history of autoimmune conditions. On examination, he has tenderness across both hands and wrists with palmar erythema but no synovitis. He has painful right shoulder abduction with left hip pain on flexion and extension. Cardiovascular and GI examination was unremarkable apart from sternotomy scar and metallic valvular heart sounds. His dipstick urinalysis was negative for blood and protein. In recent x-rays hands and feet were normal. We agreed on a trial a tapering course of prednisolone started with 20mg daily. Three weeks later in follow-up, he reported partial response to steroids. His inflammatory markers were coming down. We have started azathioprine as a steroid-sparing agent. Results This gentleman with negative autoimmune screening prior to cardiothoracic surgery expressed florid newly detected autoantibodies straightaway after the COVID-19 vaccine. This is suggestive of undifferentiated connective tissue disease with the likelihood of overlap syndrome between rheumatoid arthritis and SLE. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination showed a beacon of light to end the pandemic by achieving herd immunity. There is an excusable socioeconomic rush towards mass vaccination without long-term safety analysis, however, it is also crucial that any vaccine licensing process should entail meticulous scrutiny of the human proteome against vaccine peptide sequences. This will minimize the risks of acute autoimmune reactions to inoculation and future chronic autoimmune pathology.

Cardiac involvement in Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PIMS) triggered by pandemic COVID19

Introduction: We want to present the cardiac implication in PMIS, a new and serious SARS COV2 pandemic entity, that has similar characteristics with Kawasaki disease(KD) or Toxic Shock Syndrome and may develop a severe and potential fatal Macrophage Activation Syndrome(MAS), targeting major organs. Methods: During pandemic, 7 patients were admitted into our clinic with prolonged unremitted fever and different clinical onset, 4 female and 3 males, with ages between 4 mo and 16 yo. All patients underwent clinical examination, ECG, serial Echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, Cardio-pulmonary X ray or CT, complex lab tests. Two tested positive for COVID antibodies. S66 Cardiology in the Young: Volume 32 Supplement 1 Results: Two patients developed incomplete Kawasaki-like disease with slight dilatation of the coronary arteries and thrombocytosis over 1 million/mm3, treated with IGIV and Aspirin. PIMS with severe MAS, a rare complication was present in 5 patients admitted for fever and: diarrhea(1), rash(2), aseptic meningitis(1), encephalitis, seizures and coma(1), ground glass pneumonia(5), generalized purpura(1), appendicitis(2), ascites(1), colonic abscesses(1), arthritis mimicking Systemic Juvenile Arthritis(1), symptoms presented in different combinations, targeting 2 or 3 organs. Hepato-splenomegaly was palpable in all 5. Cardiac involvement was present at the beginning in 2 cases: pericarditis(2), mitral insufficiency(1), mitral and aortic insufficiency(1), and rapidly after admittance in 3 cases: cardiac tamponade and severe hypotension(1), pericarditis( 1), myocarditis(1). Cardiac biomarkers: NT-proBNP and Troponins T and I were elevated in all cases, with more sensitive Troponin I. All 5 patients had: elevated CRP, Ferritin, D-Dimers, liver enzymes, triglycerides, low fibrinogen, falling ESR, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia(one patient with 5000/mm3 thrombocyte), abnormal coagulation. Interleukin 6(IL6) was high in all 7 patients, but in PIMS with MAS, the cytokine storm syndrome, was confirmed by highly elevated soluble IL2 receptor. This patients were promptly treated with IV corticotherapy, anticoagulants, IGIV and antibiotics with favorable evolution. Conclusions: Cardiac tamponade, pericarditis, myocarditis, mitral and aortic insufficiency and Kawasaki-like disease with coronary artery dilatation were found in PIMS patients. Only two cases were positive for COVID Antibodies. Rapid recognition of PIMS and aggressive treatment of MAS prevent fatalities and determined a favorable evolution.

THE GREAT AORTIC VALVE DESTROYER: A CASE OF NEISSERIA GONORRHEA INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS

Background: With the advent of antibiotics to eradicate common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as those due to Neisseria gonorrhea, we do not often see their most severe complications. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs in 0.5-3% of all infections, with infective endocarditis (IE) being a complication in 1-2% of patients with DGI. Case: A 30-year-old male with no past medical history, presented for 2 weeks of progressively worsening midline pleuritic chest pain, fevers, chills, malaise and dyspnea. TTE on admission noted severe aortic regurgitation and mild to moderate mitral regurgitation. Follow-up TEE noted destruction of the aortic valve with evidence of para-aortic abscess and a small dissection of the aortic root. Empiric intravenous antibiotic coverage was subsequently initiated. These findings, coupled with 2 blood cultures positive for N. gonorrhea, led to the patient's transfer to our institution for surgical evaluation. Decision-making: There have been about 50 reported cases of N. gonorrhea infective endocarditis since 1949. Treatment of the offending pathogen is made difficult by the infected typically being asymptomatic, which is why the mortality rate remains at about 20%. In our case, the patient was treated empirically for chlamydial co-infection and maintained on IV ceftriaxone until 6 weeks post-operatively. Due to the patient's symptoms and degree of valvular destruction, urgent surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) was undertaken. The 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for IE management recommend either bioprosthetic or mechanical AVR. A mechanical valve was chosen based on 2020 data indicating that there may be an association between bioprosthesis and higher IE risk. Conclusion: Despite our current ability to eradicate STIs with oral antibiotics, complicated infections like IE are still seen. This is pervasive amongst the sexually active in our underserved populations, augmented by decreased healthcare contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, continued consideration of this diagnosis in patients like ours, as well as a multidisciplinary approach inclusive of surgical evaluation, is imperative.

30th Annual Scientific Meeting of Indonesian Heart Association (ASMIHA)

The proceedings contain 200 papers. The topics discussed include: an ultra-rare case of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome with severe aortic regurgitation due to bicuspid aortic valve in a 9-year-old girl;pulse dose corticosteroid improves clinical outcome in pulmonary hypertension patient: a potential of immense affordability and availability medication in suburban area;infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm with klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia in injected drug abuser: a case report;cardiac complications in immunocompromised patient : a case report;cardiac arrest in COVID-19 patient presenting with takotsubo cardiomyopathy;cardiac amyloidosis: a great pretender of left ventricular hypertrophy with systemic manifestation;and managing acute decompensated heart failure with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural area: a case report.

The Tasmanian TAVI Service: Initial Experience and Outcomes

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now guideline treatment for severe aortic stenosis in patients over the age of 80 years. Objective: We report the initial experience of the first 50 patients for the Tasmanian TAVI Service at the Royal Hobart Hospital established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The records of patients undergoing TAVI with a balloon-expandable device between June 2020 and March 2021 at the Royal Hobart Hospital were reviewed. We report the procedural success and outcome, including major adverse events and haemodynamic results at the 30-day follow-up. Results: Mean age was 83.2±0.7 and mean EuroSCORE II and Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ scores were 5.6%±0.4% and 6.2%±1.0%, respectively;18% had undergone prior cardiac surgery. Successful transfemoral deployment of the valve was achieved in all patients. The cumulative stroke and mortality rates at 30 days were 0%. The minor vascular complication rate was 3.8%, with no major vascular complications, as per the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria. No/trivial paravalvular aortic regurgitation (pAR) was observed in 79%, with 21% mild pAR. The mean AVA (cm2) increased from 0.73 to 2.1, with a subsequent mean reduction in mean gradient (mmHg) from 40 to 10. Post-TAVI permanent pacemaker rate was 12%. Median length of hospital stay was 1.48 days. Conclusion: TAVI is now readily accessible locally for Tasmanians deemed suitable for intervention as per the state-wide heart team. Early results are excellent and indicate that TAVI is being used appropriately, according to current national and international guidelines.

COVID-19 temporally related multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C): An early window of opportunity is a good treatment strategy The experience of the paediatric covid center in Palermo

Introduction: Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) shows a presentation mimicking Kawasaki Disease (KD), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS). Furthermore, many children show respiratory or abdominal symptoms. Objectives: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is recommended as first line treatment as in KD, followed by aspirin, steroids and, in IVIGresistant patients, IL-1 or IL-6 blocking agents. Methods: We describe a cohort of 16 Sicilian children (6M;10F;age:1.4-14 years), with MIS-C, with clinical features compatible with classical or incomplete KD, in some cases with MAS and/or TSS. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic and imaging findings, treatment strategy and outcome were collected. Results: Common presenting symptoms included: fever (94%), abdominal pain or vomiting (50%), mucocutaneous rash (50%), conjunctivitis (44%), latero-cervical lymphadenitis (63%), cheilitis/ pharyngeal hyperaemia (81%), hands and feet oedema (13%). Symptoms started 1-8 days before the hospitalization. Nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-19 was positive in 12/16 patients, with positive serological IgG, negative or grey zone IgM-type antibodies. 2 patients with negative swab had a history of recent infection and positive IgG-type antibodies;2 patients had parents with positive swab. All the patients showed significant increase of C-reactive protein (CRP). AST, ALT, gamma-GT were increased in 25%. Pancreatic amylase and lipase were increased in 13%, 19% showed lymphocytopenia. Pro-BNP was increased (129-3980pg/ml) in 44% and troponin was increased (27.3-246ng/ml) in 31%. In addition, hyponatraemia was found in 100% of cases. Furthermore, 31 % had proteinuria. 50% showed cardiac involvement (3 pericardial effusion;5 mitral insufficiency;2 mitral and aortic insufficiency;1 coronaritis). Pleural, ascitic, pericardial effusion and abdominal adenitis were found in 19%, 25%, 19% and 31% of cases, respectively. IL-6 levels were evaluated in 9/16 patients and 8/9 showed a significant increase (30.2-285pg/ml) with a rapid normalization after steroids and IVIG treatment. Pro-BNP persisted increased for 7-10 days after IVG and steroids treatment. 25% of patients dramatically and rapidly evolved in a MAS-like form, fulfilling the classification criteria for the diagnosis of MAS (ACR/EULAR 2016). High doses of steroids and IVIG were promptly started with a significant improvement of the clinical course. In all the patients, treatment was started within 72 hours of admission, with IVIG (2 g/ Kg/dose), methylprednisolone (2mg/Kg/day in 56% of patients;30 mg/Kg/day for 3 days, followed by 2 mg/Kg/day in 38% of patients). 2 patients were treated with enoxaparin. TSS was described in 2 patients, who received additionally vasoactive drugs, albumin and diuretics. Conclusion: In our series, most of patients received a prompt treatment with IVIG and steroids. This approach could explain the good outcome in all the cases and the rapid restoring of cardiac function also in patients with MAS or TSS. Patients showed a wide spectrum of presenting signs and symptoms;evidence of inflammation with pathological values of CRP, ESR, D-dimer, ferritin, pro-BNP, troponin, transaminase, pancreatic amylase and albumin;a multi-organ involvement was documented in a high percentage of cases, inducing the clinician to perform a multi-specialistic approach.

Acute cardiovascular manifestations in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection in a Sicilian case series

Introduction: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of COVID-19 infection, typically evidenced 4-6 weeks after the infection. The debated pathogenesis is a dysregulation of inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection ad a cytokine hyperexpression. Persistent fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common manifestations, associated with typical clinical signs described in Kawasaki Disease (KD). Furthermore, pleiomorphic cardiac manifestations are described, including ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery dilation and aneurysms, arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities and pericardial effusion. These manifestations are a strong link with KD, even if in MIS-C they are more frequently documented. Severe cases can present as Toxyc Shock Syndrome (TSS) with vasodilatory or cardiogenic shock, requiring treatment with plasma expanders, inotropic drugs, diuretics, albumin and -in the more severe patients- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical ventilation. KD experience guided the clinicians to treat these children with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, aspirin (ASA) and, in refractory cases, anti-IL-1 monoclonal antibodies. Objectives: Most patients recover within days to a couple of weeks and mortality is rare, although the medium- and long-term sequelae, particularly cardiovascular complications, are not yet known. Methods: We describe the short-term outcome in a case series of 12 Sicilian children (4M;8F;age: 1.4-14 years) with MIS-C and a documented recent or actual infection by SARS-CoV-2 who showed cardiac involvement. Results: The cardiac features were: 3 patients showed pericardial effusion;1 coronaritis;6 transient mitral valve regurgitation;1 Brugada pattern, evidenced when he was febrile;2 showed associated mitral and aortic valve regurgitation). 7/8 patients with valve regurgitation showed a significant increase of pro-BNP, normalized during the follow-up. TSS was described in 2 patients, showing a significant increase of troponin, promptly treated with high dose of methylprednisolone, IVIG, vasoactive drugs, albumin and diuretics. 3 patients (21%), after the resolution of the acute phase, showed bradycardia (heart rate < 50/min), persisting for 7-10 days. The bradycardia was not associated with first-degree AVB, or a pathological PR. 6 patients (42%) showed an altered ventricular repolarization phase, in association with an increase of pro-BNP (129-3980 pg/ml). 4/12 (33%) had increased troponin levels (27.3-246 ng/ml) in the acute phase, with the normalization of troponin after IVIG and steroids treatment. Pro-BNP persisted increased for a longer time, besides the clinical improvement and the normalization of blood chemistry parameters. Conclusion: Generally, pro-BNP and troponin levels in MIS-C are higher than in KD, reflecting vasculopathy and cardiomyocytes damage extent. Persistence of increased levels of pro-BNP, in patients with a normalization of inflammatory parameters, suggests a mechanism of myocardial oedema, persisting besides the intensive care approach useful, however, to limit effects on cardiac function and normalize inflammatory parameters. Patients admitted with MIS-C require close electrocardiogram monitoring during the acute phase and the recovery, even if they do not manifest dyselectroliteemia, coronary lesions, pericardial effusion, myocarditis, shock. This approach can avoid severe arrythmia.

From Other Journals: A Review of Recent Articles in Pediatric Cardiology.

In this review, we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. Our aim is to provide a summary of the latest articles published recently in other journals in our field. The articles address (1) cardiac resynchronization in children with symptomatic ventricular dysfunction and dyssynchrony which seems to result in higher transplant-free survival, (2) outcomes of aortic leaflet reconstruction including Ozaki procedure to repair aortic valve disease in adolescents, (3) meta-analysis for risk factors of ventricular tachycardia and death after repaired tetralogy of Fallot which reiterates the known risk factors and showed that the severity of pulmonary regurgitation is not in itself associated with outcomes although the ventricular response to regurgitation (dilation and dysfunction) is, (4) preschool promotion of healthy life style did not associate with sustained effect when evaluated later in childhood although repeated intervention seems to have a dose-related effect to promote healthy life style, (5) the lack of beneficial effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the interstage period, and (6) a new phenomenon of acute heart failure and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic.