Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis in patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction: a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze the current evidence on low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. This analysis aimed to differentiate between subgroups of patients with reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: After conducting a systematic literature review, 35 observational studies were included. Out of these, 28 were prospective and 7 retrospective. The studies that included a mortality risk stratification of low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LF- LG AS) with both preserved and reduced LVEF were reviewed. RESULTS: The importance of considering multiple clinical and echocardiographic variables in diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic decision-making was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: LF- LG AS, in any of its subgroups, is a common and challenging valve lesion. A careful assessment of severity and, in specific scenarios, a thorough reclassification is important. More high-quality studies are required to more precisely define the classification and prognosis of this entity.

Myxoma Mimic in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Cardiac masses are rare conditions that, depending on their size and location, can cause several cardiac and systemic symptoms. We describe a case of a 21-year-old male with a history of syphilis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in whom a transthoracic echocardiogram assessment was solicited before the initiation of induction chemotherapy. The study revealed a pedunculated, highly mobile mass in the right atrium that protruded to the right ventricle. Surgical resection was performed. During surgery, tricuspid valve perforation was noted and was associated with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Histopathological analysis of the resected mass determined that the lesion was a cardiac thrombus.

Taquicardia ventricular asociada a mutación en el gen de ankirina B / Ventricular tachycardia associated to a mutation in the ankyrin B gen

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 14 años, con taquicardiomiopatía secundaria a taquicardia ventricular. Se evidenció la presencia de una variante de significado incierto en el gen ANK2, por lo que se consideró un posible síndrome de ankirina B. La paciente fue tratada con éxito a través de ablación con radiofrecuencia. Tras dicho procedimiento, tuvo recuperación completa de su función ventricular izquierda y resolución de los complejos ventriculares prematuros y los episodios de taquicardia ventricular.

Abstract We report a case of a 14-year-old with tachycardiomyopathy due to ventricular tachycardia. A variant of uncertain significance of the ANK2 gene was identified, which is suggestive of a possible ankyrin-B syndrome. The patient underwent a successful radiofrequency ablation. After the procedure, the patient completely recovered her left ventricular function and there was resolution of the premature ventricular complexes and ventricular tachycardia.

Sarcopenic Dysphagia Is Associated With Mortality in Institutionalized Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate mortality associated with sarcopenic dysphagia. DESIGN: A 3-year follow-up cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-five nursing home residents were evaluated to determine the baseline presence or absence of oropharyngeal dysphagia and followed up for 3 years. METHODS: The primary outcome was the risk of death. Dysphagia was assessed using a volume-viscosity swallow test. We used an algorithm to determine sarcopenic dysphagia based on grip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, and exclusion of neurologic or structural causes of dysphagia. We constructed 3 subgroups: without dysphagia, nonsarcopenic dysphagia, and sarcopenic dysphagia. Cox proportional regression analyses were used to predict the risk of death. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of participants had no dysphagia, 20% nonsarcopenic dysphagia, and 45% sarcopenic dysphagia. Sarcopenic dysphagia was independently associated with a higher risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 2.44, 95% CI 1.02-5.80, P = .043] than without dysphagia. In addition, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.75, P = .040). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that sarcopenic dysphagia was associated with increased mortality among institutionalized older adults. These deaths could be potentially preventable.

Hipertensión arterial esencial: ¿cuál agente antihipertensivo elegir? / Essential hypertension: which antihypertensive agent to choose?

Resumen Introducción: La hipertensión arterial sistémica (HTA) constituye el principal factor de riesgo para morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular a nivel global, afecta a todas las edades, sin distinción de género y etnicidad. Su tratamiento continúa constituyendo un reto, dada la persistencia del pobre control, especialmente en países como Colombia. Objetivo: Mostrar la evidencia disponible respecto al tratamiento actualizado de la HTA y la elección certera de los agentes antihipertensivos acorde con la individualidad de cada paciente. Asimismo, consolidar y comparar el efecto hipotensor de cada agente antihipertensivo más usado. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda avanzada con los términos DeCS y MeSH: hipertensión, agentes antihipertensivos, hipertensión esencial y terapia combinada, en los motores de búsqueda PubMed, Clinical Key, Lilacs, Scielo. Un total de 109 artículos se seleccionaron para elaborar en la presente revisión de la literatura. Conclusiones: La individualización del manejo de la HTA lleva al reconocimiento de los distintos fenotipos, la presencia de complicaciones, el examen físico, el género y la raza como puntos fundamentales para elegir el agente antihipertensivo más adecuado que permita alcanzar las metas de control y propenda por la reducción y prevención de las complicaciones derivadas de un control no óptimo.

Abstract Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension (HT) constitutes the main risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at a global level, affecting all ages regardless of gender and ethnicity. Its treatment continues to be a challenge, given the persistence of poor control, especially in countries like Colombia. Objective: To show the available evidence regarding the updated treatments of HT and the correct choice of antihypertensive agents according to the individual needs of each patient. Likewise, to consolidate and compare the hypotensive effect of the most used antihypertensive agents. Methodology: An advanced search was carried out with the terms DeCS and MeSH: Hypertension, antihypertensive agents, Essential Hypertension and Combination Therapy through the search engines PubMed, Clinical Key, Lilacs, Scielo. A total of 109 articles were selected to prepare the present literature review. Conclusions: An individualized hypertension treatment plan leads to the recognition of the different phenotypes, the presence of complications, the gender, and race, which are fundamental aspects to consider when choosing the appropriate antihypertensive agents. These findings allow for the achievement of the desired blood pressure target and leads to reduction and prevention of complications derived from suboptimal control.

Angioplastia con balón de venas pulmonares por estenosis tras ablación percutánea de fibrilación auricular / Balloon angioplasty of pulmonary vein stenosis after percutaneous ablation of atrial fibrillation

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 31 años, con historia de fibrilación auricular paroxística, a quien se realizó exitosamente una ablación por radiofrecuencia de venas pulmonares guiada por un sistema de mapeo tridimensional EnSite™. Tres meses después del procedimiento presentó hemoptisis y dolor torácico de características pleuríticas, motivo por el cual se le realizó una angiotomografía computarizada coronaria que evidenció una estenosis grave de la vena pulmonar superior izquierda y una estenosis moderada de la vena inferior izquierda. El paciente fue sometido a angioplastia con balón, con la cual se normalizó la perfusión pulmonar.

Abstract We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, who underwent a successful radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablation using EnSite™ three-dimensional mapping system. Three months after the procedure, patient presented with hemoptysis and pleuritic chest pain. A coronary computed tomography angiography was performed, which showed a severe left superior pulmonary vein stenosis and a moderate left inferior pulmonary vein stenosis. A balloon angioplasty was performed with subsequent restoration of pulmonary perfusion.

Diaphragmatic Paraganglioma in an Adolescent Male.

Paragangliomas are an infrequent type of neuroendocrine tumor that commonly produces catecholamines. We describe a case of a 14-year-old male with a history of uncontrolled hypertension who presented to the emergency department with a headache, palpitations, and profuse sweating. Symptoms were explained by the presence of a catecholamine-producing paraganglioma located at the right diaphragm. One year after radical surgical resection, the patient remains normotensive and does not require hypertensive medications.

Mycobacterium avium complex infection in a patient with systemic sclerosis- associated interstitial lung disease: A case report.

We describe a case of a 65-year-old male with recently diagnosed diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis associated with usual interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension. Patient presented to the emergency department complaining of low-grade fever, increased sputum production, progressive dyspnea and weight loss. High-resolution computed tomography scan showed multifocal bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture was positive for Mycobacterium intracellulare. Antimicrobial treatment was started which improved respiratory symptoms. One month after the initiation of antibiotics, cyclophosphamide therapy was started with adequate tolerance.