ABSTRACT
We report the case of a 40-year-old man, transferred from another hospital to our ICU because of acute coronary syndrome. Coronarography did not show coronary stenosis. Twenty-four hours monitoring EKG allowed diagnosis of Prinzmetal angina and appropriate therapy was administered. Six months after discharge due recurrence of symptoms, ranolazine was added to therapy. After one year the patient is symptoms free.
Subject(s)
Angina Pectoris, Variant/diagnosis , Coronary Vasospasm/physiopathology , Ranolazine/therapeutic use , Sodium Channel Blockers/therapeutic use , Adult , Aftercare , Angina Pectoris, Variant/drug therapy , Calcium Channel Blockers/administration & dosage , Calcium Channel Blockers/therapeutic use , Coronary Angiography/methods , Diltiazem/administration & dosage , Diltiazem/therapeutic use , Drug Therapy, Combination , Echocardiography/methods , Humans , Male , Ranolazine/administration & dosage , Recurrence , Sodium Channel Blockers/administration & dosage , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report our experience with subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. METHODS: At our hospital, 7 procedures of S-ICD implantation were performed; 4 of these with ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and 3 with usual local anesthesia followed by sedation. RESULTS: Surgical operations were not burdened with peri- and postprocedural complications, with only one event of limited hematoma of the thoracic wall. Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block was associated with better pain control during the procedure and the postoperative period. The disconnection between latissimus dorsi and serratus obtained by serratus anterior plane block contributed to make the creation of the pocket easier. The technique used is with two incisions. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, S-ICD implantation with the technique of the serratus anterior plane block is safe and effective, and significantly facilitated pain control during the procedure and postoperatively.
Subject(s)
Defibrillators, Implantable , Nerve Block/methods , Prosthesis Implantation/methods , Ultrasonography, Interventional/methods , Anesthesia, Local/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pain, Postoperative/prevention & controlABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) associated with premature cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Using the data from the START (STable Coronary Artery Diseases RegisTry) study, a nationwide, prospective survey on patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), we described prevalence and lipid lowering strategies commonly employed in these patients. The study population was divided into "definite/probable FH," defined as a Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) score ≥6, "possible FH" with DLCN 3-5, and "unlikely FH" in presence of a DLCN <3. RESULTS: Among the 4030 patients with the DLCN score available, 132 (3.3%) were classified as FH (2.3% with definite/probable and 1.0% with possible FH) and 3898 (96.7%) had unlikely FH. Patients with both definite/probable and possible FH were younger compared to patients not presenting FH. Mean on-treatment LDL-C levels were 107.8 ± 41.5, 84.4 ± 40.9, and 85.8 ± 32.3 (P < 0.0001) and a target of ≤70 mg/dL was reached in 10.9%, 30.0%, and 22.0% (P < 0.0001) of patents with definite/probable, possible FH, and unlikely FH, respectively. Statin therapy was prescribed in 85 (92.4%) patients with definite/probable FH, in 38 (95.0%) with possible FH, and in 3621 (92.9%) with unlikely FH (P = 0.86). The association of statin and ezetimibe, in absence of other lipid-lowering therapy, was more frequently used in patients with definite/probable FH compared to patients without FH (31.5% vs 17.5% vs 9.5%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of consecutive patients with stable CAD, FH was highly prevalent and generally undertreated with lipid lowering therapies.
