ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES AND VASCULAR THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH THE MOST SEVERE FORMS OF COVID-19

BackgroundThe presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been observed in patients with COVID-19 (1,2), suggesting that they may be associated with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke in severe cases (3). Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder and the most common form of acquired thrombophilia globally. At least one clinical criterion, vascular thrombosis (arterial, venous or microthrombosis) or pregnancy morbidity and at least one laboratory criterion- positive aPL two times at least 12 weeks apart: lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GPI) antibody, have to be met for international APS classification criteria(4). Several reports also associate anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) with APS.ObjectivesTo combine clinical data on arterial/venous thrombosis and pregnancy complications before and during hospitalisation with aPL laboratory findings at 4 time points (hospital admission, worsening of COVID-19, hospital discharge, and follow-up) in patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19 infection.MethodsPatients with COVID-19 pneumonia were consequetively enrolled, as they were admitted to the General hospital Pancevo. Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease and diagnosis of APS. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records. Laboratory results, including LA, aCL, anti-β2GPI, and aPS/PT antibodies were taken at hospital admission, worsening (defined as cytokine storm, connection of the patient to the respirator, use of the anti-IL-6 drug- Tocilizumab), at hospital discharge and at 3-months follow-up and sent to University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia for analysis. Statistics was performed by using SPSS 21.Results111 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited;7 patients died during hospitalisation (none were aPL-positive on admission and at the time of worsening), 3 due to pulmonary artery embolism. All patients were treated according to a predefined protocol which included antibiotics, corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy and specific comorbidity drugs;patients with hypoxia were supported with oxygen. During hospitalisation, pulmonary artery thrombosis occurred in 5 patients, one was aPL-positive at all time points (was diagnosed with APS), others were negative. In addition, 9/101 patients had a history of thrombosis (5 arterial thrombosis (coronary and cerebral arteries), none of whom was aPL-positive on admission and at follow-up, and 4 venous thrombosis, one of which was aPL-positive at all time points and received an APS diagnosis). Among 9/101 patients with a history of thrombosis, 55.6% were transiently positive at the time of discharge, compared to patients without prior thrombosis, in whom 26.1% were transiently positive at the hospital release (p=0.074). Two patients had a history of pregnancy complications (both had miscarriage after 10th week of gestation), but did not have aPL positivity at any time point.ConclusionAlthough aPL was expected to be associated with vascular disease in the most severe forms of COVID-19, all patients that have died in our cohort were aPL negative. At hospital discharge, 56% of patients with a history of arterial or venous thrombosis had positive aPL that became negative at the 3-months follow-up (were transienlty positive), which should be considered when prescribing therapy after hospitalisation.References[1]Trahtemberg U, Rottapel R, Dos Santos CC, et al. Anticardiolipin and other antiphospholipid antibodies in critically ill COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2021;80:1236-1240.[2]Stelzer M, Henes J, Saur S. The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(9):72-4.[3]Xie Y, Wang X, Yang P, Zhang S. COVID-19 complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging 2020: 2: e200067.[4]Miyakis S, Lockshin MD, Atsumi T, Branch DW, Brey RL, et al. J.Thromb.Haemost. 2006;4: 295-306.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of nterestsNone Declared.

Efficacy of Sildenafil in Patients with Severe COVID-19 and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is common in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and worsens the prognosis. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, is approved for PAH treatment but little is known about its efficacy in cases of severe COVID-19 with PAH. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of sildenafil in patients with severe COVID-19 and PAH. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients were randomly assigned to receive sildenafil or a placebo, with 75 participants in each group. Sildenafil was administered orally at 0.25 mg/kg t.i.d. for one week in a placebo-controlled, double-blind manner as an add-on therapy alongside the patient's routine treatment. The primary endpoint was one-week mortality, and the secondary endpoints were the one-week intubation rate and duration of ICU stay. The mortality rate was 4% vs. 13.3% (p = 0.078), the intubation rate was 8% and 18.7% (p = 0.09), and the length of ICU stay was 15 vs. 19 days (p < 0.001) for the sildenafil and placebo groups, respectively. If adjusted for PAH, sildenafil treatment significantly reduced mortality and intubation risks: OR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.05-0.89) and OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.08-0.86), respectively. Sildenafil demonstrated some clinical efficacy in patients with severe COVID-19 and PAH and should be considered as an add-on therapy in these patients.

Anti-Xa guided twice daily enhanced anticoagulation for severe COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit setting: outcomes, incidence of pulmonary embolism and complications

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and morbidity [1]. Optimal venous thromboembolism preventive strategy in COVID-19 patients remains a controversial issue. Therapeutic anticoagulation in the context of severe COVID-19 without a formal indication does not appear to offer a survival advantage and was associated with increased risk of major bleeding episodes. Locally, we adopted an enhanced anticoagulation (enoxaparin twice a day) pathway guided by anti-Xa levels. Method(s): This is a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study between March 2020 and March 2021. All patients admitted to the intensive care unit at University Hospital Southampton with diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed via a reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) test were included in this study. Result(s): There were 292 admissions included in the study with a mean age of 60 (+/- 15). 67.1% received enhanced anticoagulation titrated according to anti-Xa levels. The median day 7 trough and peak anti-Xa levels were 0.33 (IQR 0.18-0.41) and 0.54 (IQR 0.33-0.68) respectively. 62 patients had CTPA for clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism and 11 were positive. The overall incidence of PE was 3.8%. The distribution of PE was mostly bilateral segmental or unilateral segmental. There were no lobar or main pulmonary artery pulmonary embolism. There were 9 major bleeding episodes in those received enhanced anticoagulation. Conclusion(s): For critically ill COVID-19 patients, anti-Xa guided enhanced anticoagulation protocol proved to be associated with lower than anticipated incidence of PE with minimal clot burden. Randomised controlled trials are required to explore this concept further.

Increased shunt and dead space in recovered COVID-19 pneumonitis patients

Introduction/Aim: We previously reported impaired pulmonary gas exchange in acute COVID-19 patients resulting from both increased intrapulmonary shunt (SH) and increased alveolar dead space (AD) 1 . The present study quantifies gas exchange in recovered patients. Method(s): Unvaccinated patients diagnosed with acute COVID-19 infection (March-December 2020) were studied 15 to 403 days post first SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR test. Demographic, anthropometric, acute disease severity and comorbidity data were collected. Breathing room air, steady-state exhaled gas concentrations were measured simultaneously with arterial blood gases. Alveolar CO 2 and O 2 (P A CO 2 and P A O 2 ;mid-exhaled volume) determined;AaPO2, aAPCO2, SH% and AD% calculated. 2 Results: We studied 59 patients (33 males, Age: 52[38-61] years, BMI: 28.8[25.3-33.6] kg/m 2 ;median[IQR]). Co-morbibities included asthma (n = 2), cardiovascular disease (n = 3), hypertension (n = 12), and diabetes (n = 9);14 subjects smoked;44 had experienced mild-moderate COVID-19 (NIH category 1-2), 15 severe-critical disease (NIH category 3-5). PaCO 2 was 39.4[35.6-41.1] mmHg, PaO 2 92.1[87.1-98.2] mmHg;P A CO 2 32.8[28.6-35.3] mmHg, P A O 2 112.9[109.4-117.0] mmHg, AaPO 2 18.8[12.6-26.8] mmHg, aAPCO 2 5.9[4.3-8.0] mmHg, SH 4.3 [2.1-5.9]% and AD 16.6 [12.6-24.4]%. 14% of patients had normal SH (<5%) and AD (<10%);1% abnormal SH and normal AD;36% both abnormal SH and AD;49% normal shunt and abnormal AD. Previous severe-critical disease was a strong independent predictor for increased SH (OR 14.8[2.28-96], [95% CI], p < 0.01), increasing age weakly predicted increased AD (OR 1.18[1.01, 1.37], p < 0.04). Time since infection, BMI and comorbidities were not significant predictors (all p > 0.11). Conclusion(s): Prior COVID-19 was associated with increased intrapulmonary shunt and/or increased alveolar dead space in 86% of this cohort up to ~13 months post infection, with those with more severe acute disease, and older patients, at greater risk. Increased intrapulmonary shunt suggests persistent alveolar damage, while increased alveolar dead space may indicate persistent pulmonary vascular occlusion.

Normative reference values of major thoracic arterial vasculature in Turkiye.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine normative reference values for major thoracic arterial vasculature in Turkiye and to evaluate differences according to age and gender. METHODS: Low-dose unenhanced chest computerized tomography images acquired with pre-diagnosis of COVID-19 between March and June 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with known chronic lung parenchymal disease, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and chronic heart diseases (coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, valve replacement, and arrhythmia) were excluded from the study. The ascending aorta diameter (AAD), descending aorta diameter (DAD), aortic arch diameter (ARCAD), main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD), right pulmonary artery diameter (RPAD), and the left pulmonary artery diameter (LPAD) were measured in the same sections by standardized methods. The variability of parameters according to age (<40 years; ≥40 years) and gender (male to female) was evaluated by statistical methods. The Student's t test was used to compare the normal distribution according to the given quantitative age and gender, while the data that did not fit the normal distribution were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. The conformity of the data to the normal distribution was tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk test, and graphical examinations. RESULTS: Totally 777 cases between the ages of 18-96 (43.80±15.98) were included in the study. Among these, 52.8% (n=410) were male and 47.2% (n=367) were female. Mean diameters were 28.52±5.13 mm (12-48 mm in range) for AAD, 30.83±5.25 mm (12-52 mm in range) for ARCAD, DAD 21.27±3.57 mm (11-38 mm in range) for DAD; 23.27±4.03 mm (14-40 mm in range) for MPAD, 17.27±3.19 mm (10-30 mm in range) for RPAD, and 17.62±3.06 mm (10-37 mm in range) for LPAD. Statistically significantly higher values were obtained in all diameters for cases over 40 years of age. Similarly, higher values were obtained in all diameters for males compared to females. CONCLUSION: The diameters of all thoracic main vascular structures are larger in men than in women and increase with age.

COVID-19 disease is no longer alone: A case of severe COVID-19 pneumonia with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis

Almost eight million people were affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak until now. The understanding of the disease has not fully emerged, but recent studies showed that thromboembolic events are frequently seen in this unique patient group as a contributor to mortality. A 65-year-old female was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath and fever for three days. Physical examination was notable with tachypnea and right lower extremity edema. The bedside ultrasound evaluation showed right-sided non-compressible common femoral vein with thrombus, and her laboratory was remarkable with a high D-dimer value (39.4 mug/dl). Finally, the patient was sent to the radiology unit for pulmonary computed tomography angiography, revealing filling defects at the pulmonary arteries and parenchymal findings that are consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism (PE). Here, we presented a case of venous thromboembolism without any risk factor but COVID-19 pneumonia. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first cases reported in the literature diagnosed as COVID-19 pneumonia simultaneously with PE and deep vein thrombosis in the ED. Eventually, physicians should be vigilant about the occult pathologies associated with the novel coronavirus infection.Copyright © 2023, Kuwait Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Right heart catherisation - a virtual reality

Introduction: Right heart catheterisation (RHC) is the gold standard for assessing patients with pulmonary hypertension. Doctors require training in this procedure in a safe and friendly environment with minimal risk to patients. Due to the Covid pandemic, formal RHC teaching workshops were cancelled in our country, so we sought to develop a Virtual Reality Right Heart Catheterisation (VRRHC) training program to fulfil this area of need without the need for face to face contact. The aim was to improve training, competency and confidence in this technique with improved diagnostic skills and reduction of procedural errors. Method(s): We approached a health technology company to design a VRRHC training module based on our current RHC simulation workshops. Phase 1 required virtual insertion of RHC via the right internal jugular vein using micro-puncture, double Seldinger technique under ultrasound guidance, followed by insertion of the RHC to the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary artery with pulmonary artery occlusion using real time pressure tracings and fluoroscopy. Thermodilution cardiac outputs and chamber saturations were also performed. The proprietary platform technology was delivered via a laptop and VR headset. Clinicians perform the VRRHC with imaging, monitoring and haptic feedback with the collection of real time performance tracking allowing user data (e.g. failed steps and proficiency scores) to be captured and subsequently visualised in the learning management system. We collected analytics and data on user engagement, experience and retention, targeted learning outcomes and learning curve, reduction in operating costs, reduction in procedure times due to higher proficiency, early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, reduced complications, improved interpretation and diagnosis. Result(s): The program was launched in October 2021. Preliminary data shows a learning curve is associated with both using VR (10-15 minutes) and the RHC procedure itself. Initial time to completion of the RHC was 30-40 mins, reducing to 20-30 minutes with experience and 15 minutes in experts. Completion rates increase with experience from 40-50% to 100% and error rates reduce with frequency of completion. Conclusion(s): A Virtual Reality Right Heart Catheter training program is safe, feasible and non-invasive. Increased experience results in increased completion rates, reduced procedure time and reduced errors. Using this program will potentially have beneficial effects on doctor training, outcomes, patient safety and health economics with no risk to a real patient. VRRHC images VRRHC hardware and utilisation.

Clinical case analysis of novel coronavirus pneumonia complicated with pulmonary hypertension.

Objective: To report the clinical features of pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by echocardiography in 5 patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in order to understand the special clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and explore the possible mechanism. Method(s): The echocardiographic data and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients complicated with pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by echocardiography in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University were analyzed descriptively from February 5 to March 31, 2020. Result(s): A total of 15 patients with severe and critical COVID-19 patients underwent echocardiography. Of them, 7 patients were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, 5 of which were confirmed as complications of COVID-19. Among the 5 patients, 4 were female and 1 was male, aged 62-78 years;4 were with hypertension, 3 were with diabetes, and 1 was with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. All 5 critically ill patients with COVID-19 were given ventilator-assisted breathing, 2 of which were given extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the same time. According to echocardiography, the systolic pressure of pulmonary artery in 5 patients was 43-65 mmHg, with an average of 54 mmHg. The severity of pulmonary hypertension was graded as mild in 1 patient and moderate in 4 patients. During the follow-up, pulmonary artery systolic pressure gradually decreased to normal in 4 patients, and then ventilator and ECMO were withdrawn;1 patient died due to respiratory failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion(s): Patients with COVID-19 may be complicated by pulmonary hypertension, which is often found in the critical patients. Echocardiography is an important imagingdiagnostic method for pulmonary hypertension in patients with COVID-19.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Pulmonary artery resection and reconstruction in locally advanced lung cancer with moderate hemoptysis

Lobectomy with pulmonary artery (PA) angioplasty in locally advanced lung cancer is an alternative to pneumonectomy. It is feasible, oncologically effective and the procedure of choice in patients with recurrent hemoptysis and limited pulmonary reserves. We present a case of a successful left upper lobectomy with PA resection and reconstruction by an autologous pericardial patch.Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

HLA DRB1*15/DRB1*16 might not be protective alleles in COVID-19- induced large vessel giant cell arteritis

Case report Background: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated vasculitis affecting large arteries. It has been hypothesized that pathogens including viruses may trigger inflammation within the vessel walls. Human leukocyte antigens' (HLA) genetic studies have previously reported HLA-DR4 (HLA-DRB1* 04 and HLA-DRB1* 01) as susceptibility, and HLA-DR2 (HLA-DRB1* 15 and HLA-DRB1* 16) as protective alleles for GCA. Here we report two cases of large vessel (LV) GCA diagnosed in patients previously suffered from mild coronavirus disese 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2). Case presentation: First case, a 69-year- old male, had a mild COVD-19 three months before the appearance of headache, malaise, and a febrile state associated with extremely increased inflammatory parameters (CRP 2847 mg/dl and IL-6 802.3 pg/ml). Computed tomography examination of the aorta (CTA) and the branches, performed in two occasions six months apart, showed an interesting picture of a migratory arteritis. HLA typing showed: HLA-A* 2,-A* 24;-B* 51,-B* 57;-DRB1* 15,-DRB1* 16;-DQB1* 05,-DQB1* 06;Second case, a 64-year- old female, was evaluated for LV-GCA two months after a mild COVID-19, when she presented with elevated CRP (183mg/dl) and systemic symptoms. Thickening of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch was seen on CTA. Typing of HLA revealed: HLA-A* 2,-A* 11;-B* 27,-B* 35;-DRB1* 14,-DRB1* 15;-DQB1* 05,-DQB1* 06;A whole-body 18F-FDG- PET/ CT performed in both cases revealed inflammation of the ascending, aortic arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta. The first patient had appearance of the inflammatory involvement of the iliac and femoral arteries, while the second patient had an additional pulmonary trunk inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment was introduced in both cases. Due to a progressive inflammatory course of LV-GCA in the first case, the IL-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab) was initiated, leading to a clinical and laboratory improvement. In conclusion, LV-GCA may be considered as an autoimmune disease triggered by SARS-CoV- 2, as one of the broad spectrum of manifestation within the post acute COVID-19. None of the previously known HLA susceptibility alleles for GCA were detected in our patients. In contrast, both patients had DRB1*15 allele, and one of them was DRB1*15/DRB1*16 carrier, suggesting a possibility of losing their protective effect in LV-GCA induced by COVID-19.

Primary isolated extraluminal hydatid cyst of left pulmonary artery.

Introduction and importance: Hydatid cyst of the pulmonary artery is scarce. There were few reports of intramural involvement of pulmonary artery secondary to cardiac or lung hydatic cyst in the literature. To our knowledge, there was no report of a primary isolated extraluminal hydatid cyst of the left pulmonary artery. Case presentation: A twenty-eight-year-old female presented to the hospital with a complaint of progressive dyspnea. The patients had no common COVID-19 infection symptoms. Clinical discussion: The RT-PCR for COVID-19 RNA was negative. A spiral chest CT scan demonstrated a cystic mass sized 83 × 34 in the middle mediastinum. Intraoperatively, the intrapericardial mass arises from the left pulmonary artery and extends to the hilum of the left atrium. The mass was resected, and the pathology report noted a hydatid cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with the administration of albendazole for three months. Conclusion: Although hydatid cyst primary isolated extraluminal hydatid cyst of the pulmonary artery is extremely rare, in cases with pulmonary artery stenos or hypertension manifestation, a probable differential diagnosis should be considered.

Left Ventricular Recruitment Utilizing Serial Upsizing of Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt to Achieve Successful Biventricular Repair

Background Surgical strategies to achieve biventricular (BiV) repair in children with borderline left ventricle (LV) continue to evolve. We report our innovative strategy of LV recruitment utilizing systemic to pulmonary artery shunt upsizing along with fenestrated atrial septation (FAS). Case The case is a 22mo old with hypoplastic left heart variant with type A aortic arch interruption and bilateral SVC. The LV, aortic and mitral valve were hypoplastic not meeting criteria for BiV repair. He underwent stage 1 palliation (Norwood with 4mm BTT shunt). Frequent COVID infections and over-circulation led to BiV dysfunction and cardiogenic shock requiring ECMO support for 4 days. At 5 months of age cardiac catheterization (CC) revealed good hemodynamic parameters for a stage 2 Glenn. An MRI also revealed growth of the left ventricle. Decision-making A decision was made to engage in a staged LV recruitment process to achieve BiV repair. We elected to avoid a volume offloading procedure in the form of a Glenn. To optimize continued volume loading on the LV, Stage 2 palliation consisted of upsizing to a 5mm BTT shunt with 4mm FAS. MRI at 22 months showed an LV volume of 60ml/m2 associated with CC hemodynamics showing LA pressure of 13mmHg, and LV end-diastolic pressure of 12mmHg. He underwent BiV repair with takedown of DKS, with primary anastomosis of the aorta and the pulmonary artery to their respective circulations. The postoperative echocardiogram illustrated a gradient of 5mmHg and 3mmHg through the mitral and aortic valve respectively. The pt was placed on a beta blocker and discharged on day 5 following BiV conversion. This strategy provides increased pulmonary blood flow with increased bloodflow across the mitral valve and inflow into the LV. In so doing may enhance the rate of LV growth. Furthermore, this strategy avoids the bidirectional Glenn (BDG), a volume offloading operation. Conclusion Shunt upsizing with FAS is well tolerated. It has the potential advantage for fewer operations to achieve BiV circulation due to rapid LV growth in comparison to other staged LV recruitment strategies involving the BDG.Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation

Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysms Post-COVID-19 Pneumonitis

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) are uncommon entities consisting of contained rupture of the pulmonary artery and are a potentially fatal cause of hemoptysis. We describe two index cases of left lower lobe PAPs and arterial ectasia post-COVID-19 pneumonitis and their endovascular treatment with Amplatzer vascular plug, coils, and glue.Copyright © 2022. Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. All rights reserved.

Influence of Lung Impairment on Onset of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with COVID-19-Associated Pneumonia

Introduction: The presence of dyspnea in patients (pts) with COVID- pneumonia is currently known. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of this symptom remain poorly understood. According to the literature one of the reasons may be pulmonary hypertension. Aim(s): To investigate the role of pulmonary hypertension in the development of dyspnea in patients after COVIDpneumonia. Material(s) and Method(s): investigated 29 pts (men-29 (65.5%), age-58.3(52.2;65.8) years) after 47.4 +/-7 days from onset of COVID-19, with complains on shortness of breath. Was performed clinical examination, computer tomography (CT), echocardiography. Data were processed by non-parametrical statistic. Result(s): It was found that 10(34.5%) pts had pulmonary hypertension (systolic pressure pulmonary artery (SPPA) 39.3(35.4;42.9) mm Hg). The correlation analysis showed that the higher percentage of lung impairment (according to CT) in the acute period of COVID-19 was detected as higher was SPPA in the postCOVID period (fig.1). Conclusion(s): 1) For the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in pts in the postCOVID, it is necessary to determine the level of SPPA;2) Pts with severe lung damage in the acute period of COVID-19 are more likely to develop pulmonary hypertension;3) Pts with pulmonary hypertension in the postCOVID period need an individual approach to the development of rehabilitation program in view of such disorders.

Right ventricular myocardial dysfunction in patients (pts) after severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Aim: To study the systolic function (SF) and diastolic function (DF) of the heart and to assess subclinical myocardial right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in pts after severe COVID-19. We examined 23 males aged 46-70 years (mean age - 58.8 +/- 12.6 yrs) discharged after COVID-19 (50-75% of the parenchymal damage) with exertional dyspnea. We performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with assessment of RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Result(s): The SF of the RV assessed by the excursion of the tricuspid valve ring (TAPSE) was preserved (2.1 +/- 0.6 cm) in all pts under study after severe COVID-19. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was also preserved (62.1 +/- 4.7%) in all pts. TTE revealed normal ventricular and atrial dimensions: LV end-diastolic volume index (62.5 +/- 8.4 ml/m2) and RV end-diastolic diameter (2.7 +/- 0.6 cm), left atrial (LA) volume index (26.7 +/- 3.1 ml/m2) and right atrial (RA) volume index (20.2 +/- 4.5 ml/m2). LV DD was also detected: Grade I in 17 (74%) pts, and Grade II in 6 (16%) pts. Moderate pulmonary hypertension (PH) was present in all pts (time of acceleration of systolic flow in the pulmonary artery (AcT - 85.0 +/- 7.9 msec) as a consequence of significant pulmonary parenchymal involvement. We found reduced RV-GLS (-17.4 +/- 2.7%) and free wall RVLS (-18.9 +/- 3.1%) in 23 (100%) pts. Conclusion(s): Preserved LV and RV SF with Grade 1 and Grade 2 LV DD and moderate PH were established in pts after severe COVID-19. RV wall motion abnormalities with reduced RV-GLS and free wall RVLS were found, indicating the presence of subclinical RV myocardial dysfunction.

Short term impact of COVID19 pneumonia on cardiovascular profile

Introduction: COVID19 pneumonias have significantly contributed to short and long-term patient morbidity. Their impact on patients' cardiovascular profile following hospital discharge remains unclear. Aim(s): To investigate the short-term impact of COVID19 pneumonias on patients' atheromatic index (AI), Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (PASP) and lipid profile at 4 weeks following hospital discharge. Material(s) and Method(s): We prospectively reviewed patients in our postCOVID19 outpatient clinic at 4 weeks following hospital discharge. All patients were previously admitted due to COVID19 pneumonia. Thoroughly review of all medical records and the local registry followed. Result(s): 237 patients attended their first outpatient appointment at 4 weeks post discharge (11.2020-12.2021) (103 males, 134 females, mean age 54 years). We reviewed 3 cardiovascular parameters: AI (chol/HDL), PASP and lipid profile. Increased PASP (30> mmHg) was reported in 7.17% (17/237) who were previously PASP naive and increased AI (>3.5) was reported in 37.7% (61/237 patients) who were also previously AI naive. Only 62% patients were compliant in undergoing a lipid profile investigation and 64% of them presented with increased levels of cholesterol (>200mg/dl), triglycerides (>150mg/dl), LDL (>150mg/dl). Conclusion(s): COVID19 pneumonia leaves a cardiovascular footprint at 4 weeks post hospital discharge in cardiovascular naive patients. Overall, these patients seem to be at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases that increases with age. Our study is prospectively continued to investigate the impact at 3 and 6 months post hospital discharge.

The features of thrombogenesis in COVID-19-associated pneumonia compared to bacterial pneumonia: the key role of fibrinolysis

The aim was to estimate the autopsy features of COVID-19 comparing with bacterial pneumonia. Material(s) and Method(s): 15 patients died from COVID-19 pneumonia and 13 patients with CABP. On autopsy of COVID-19 patients macroscopically - enlarged, plethoric lungs, exudate with hemorrhagic components, areas of thrombosis, developing fibrosis (Figure 1A). Figure 1B - microscopical changes in COVID-19: artery of medium caliber, branching of the pulmonary artery, vascular endothelial integrity violation, the arrow indicates a pale pink non-nuclear mass in the form of threads - fibrin clot. On autopsy of CABP patients macroscopically - compressed, dense, infiltrated lungs, filled with purulent exudate (Figure 1C). Figure 1D demonstrates an example of microscopical changes in CABP: mixed thrombi in the lumen of the arteries, more often in average caliber were found. This thrombus had a head (the structure of a white thrombus), a body (actually a mixed thrombus) and a tail (the structure of a red thrombus). The head was attached to the endothelial lining of the vessel, which distinguishes a thrombus from a posthumous blood clot or from an embolus. Conclusion(s): 1) problems in fibrinolysis system, which is the main difference between CABP;in died patients with COVID-19 pneumonia the level of PAI-1 is associated with the disease severity and could be the crucial marker for patients' distribution. (Figure Presented).

Acute Massive Thrombus Following Fontan Procedure

Background Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergo a Fontan procedure as part of single ventricle surgical palliation. Post-Fontan, sluggish blood flow and an imbalance in coagulant factor proteins may predispose to thrombus formation. Other risk factors may include chylothorax as well as acute and chronic inflammation. Currently, there is no standardized surveillance strategy to detect thrombus in Fontan patients. Case A 34-month old male with HLHS underwent an extracardiac non-fenestrated Fontan complicated by chylothorax treated with 5 days of IV steroids and diuretics. He was on therapeutic aspirin. After progressive worsening of right pleural effusion, a chest tube was placed three weeks post-Fontan with continued chylous output. Stool alpha 1 antitrypsin was negative. Decision-making Given persistent chylothorax, a repeat echocardiogram was performed revealing a large mass in the Fontan circuit less than one month post-op. Cardiac CT showed occlusive thrombus filling the entirety of the Fontan conduit extending into hepatic veins and bilateral pulmonary arteries. He underwent extensive surgical thrombectomy and Fontan conduit revision. Hypercoagulable work-up revealed elevated factor 8 and von Willebrand factor activity which persisted more than one month post-op. Patient's history was also significant for COVID-19 infection 6 months prior. He was initially anticoagulated with bivalirudin with tirofiban initiated for antiplatelet therapy. He was ultimately transitioned to rivaroxaban, pentoxifylline and aspirin with chylothorax resolution over one month without thrombus recurrence. Conclusion Development of risk stratification tools to identify patients at higher risk for thrombi formation post-Fontan may facilitate patient selection for more aggressive anticoagulation. Consideration of elevated factor 8 as well as persistent or recurrent chylothorax may be beneficial, as increased thrombosis risk has been reported for both conditions in Fontan patients.Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation

Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary to the Right Ventriclea Rare Cause of Acute Heart Failure

Background Large autopsy studies have shown intracardiac metastases in 15% of patients with disseminated cancer. We present a rare case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the heart with unknown primary. Case 55-year-old female with DVT, COVID-19 infection and stage IV metastatic SCC of uncertain origin presented with progressive fatigue and dyspnea. She had occlusion of left interlobar pulmonary artery and new large right ventricle (RV) mass consistent with tumor and thrombus invasion. Systemic anticoagulation was initiated. Decision-making Echocardiography showed a large mass in RV measuring 5 cm x 2.5 cm and occupying most of the RV cavity. Though her RV systolic function was reduced, she was unlikely to benefit from surgical resection due to disseminated disease. Piecemeal removal of RV mass alleviated the obstructed RV outflow tract. Histopathology featured squamous cell carcinoma. She had symptom resolution within a week following procedure. The patient was discharged home with oral anticoagulant. On follow up, she had not experienced any worsening of symptoms and changes in RV mass size despite compliance with chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) and anticoagulation. Conclusion Metastatic SCC with unknown primary is a rare cause of acute heart failure that highlights the interplay between clinical findings and multimodal cardiac diagnostic imaging. An individualized approach is required for patients, balancing both risks of surgical and percutaneous intervention. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation

A Case of Massive Pulmonary Embolus Extending into a Patent Foramen Ovale: An Impending Catastrophe

Background Massive pulmonary embolus (PE) is a life-threatening condition, however thrombus in transit in the setting of patent foramen ovale (PFO) poses catastrophic risk including systemic thromboembolism. Case An 88 year-old with history of COVID-related PE in 2020 previously on anticoagulation (AC) presented with chest pain & dyspnea. She was found to have lower extremity DVTs & extensive PE in the main pulmonary arteries & its branches. Transthoracic echo (TTE) revealed severe right ventricular dysfunction & right atrial (RA) thrombus in transit that extended into a PFO with right to left shunt. She was hemodynamically stable, but hypoxic on 4L/min of oxygen with a ProBNP 7712 pg/L, Troponin T 104 ng/dl, & pulmonary embolism severity (PESI) score of 104 (10% risk of 30 day mortality). Decision-making Due to the high PESI score & thrombus burden with risk of systemic thromboembolism, a multidisciplinary PE Response Team reached a consensus to pursue urgent mechanical thrombectomy. Inari FlowTriever system was successfully used for thrombectomy & retrieval of the RA clot in transit, with rapid improvement in right sided pressures. Repeat TTE showed no residual clot or shunting. Patient was placed on AC with plan for future PFO closure. Conclusion A multidisciplinary team approach was pivotal in managing this complex case with potential for hemodynamic compromise & systemic thromboembolism. We also demonstrate that mechanical thrombectomy is a feasible strategy for retrieving RA clot in transit. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation