Asymptomatic paroxysmal ventricular standstill in an elderly male following revascularization of multivessel coronary disease: A case report and literature review.

Ventricular standstill is a dangerous arrhythmia that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, especially in patients with structural heart disease. Clinicians should recognize ventricular standstill as a complication of cardiac revascularization and be cognizant of asymptomatic cases necessitating intervention. Early evaluation to facilitate pacemaker implantation portends good outcomes in this patient subgroup.

Prevalence of abnormal left ventricular global longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography and its prognostic value in patients with COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE: Although cardiac injury is a known complication of COVID-19 infection, there is no established tool to predict cardiac involvement and in-hospital mortality in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: To assess if left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) can detect cardiac involvement and be used as a risk-stratifying parameter for hospitalised patients with COVID-19. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: In-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant association between LV-GLS and in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.09; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.19, p=0.050). Furthermore, right ventricular fractional area change was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (aOR=1.04; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.08, p=0.043). Troponin level had no statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality (aOR=3.43; 95% CI 0.78 to 15.03, p=0.101). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: LV-GLS can be a useful parameter for cardiovascular risk assessment in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 infection.

Validity and reliability evidence support task-specific metrics for laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR) is a complex operation requiring advanced surgical training. Surgical simulation offers a potential solution for learning complex operations without the need for high surgical volume. Our goal is to develop a virtual reality (VR) simulator for LHHR; however, data supporting task-specific metrics for this procedure are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess validity and reliability evidence of task-specific metrics for the fundoplication phase of LHHR. METHODS: In phase I, structured interviews with expert foregut surgeons were conducted to develop task-specific metrics (TSM). In phase II, participants with varying levels of surgical expertise performed a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure on a porcine stomach explant. Video recordings were independently assessed by two blinded graders using global and TSM. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess interrater reliability (IRR). Performance scores were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the association between global and TSM. RESULTS: Phase I of the study consisted of 12 interviews with expert foregut surgeons. Phase II engaged 31 surgery residents, a fellow, and 6 attendings in the simulation. Phase II results showed high IRR for both global (ICC = 0.84, p < 0.001) and TSM (ICC = 0.75, p < 0.001). Significant between-group differences were detected for both global (χ2 = 24.01, p < 0.001) and TSM (χ2 = 18.4, p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in performance between the three groups for both metrics (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between the global and TSM (rs = 0.86, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We developed task-specific metrics for LHHR and using a fundoplication model, we documented significant reliability and validity evidence. We anticipate that these LHHR task-specific metrics will be useful in our planned VR simulator.

Rural/urban disparities in the trends and outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy in delivery hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: Rural-urban disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are not well known. We examined rural-urban differences in maternal, fetal, and cardiovascular outcomes in PPCM during delivery hospitalizations. METHODS: We used 2003-2020 data from the National Inpatient Sample for delivery hospitalizations in individuals with PPCM. The 9th and 10th editions of the International Classification of Diseases were used to identify PPCM and cardiovascular, maternal, and fetal outcomes. Rural and urban hospitalizations for PPCM were 1:1 propensity score-matched using relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables. Odds of in-hospital mortality were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 72,880 delivery hospitalizations with PPCM, 4,571 occurred in rural locations, while 68,309 occurred in urban locations. After propensity matching, there were a total of 4,571 rural-urban pairs. There was significantly higher in-hospital mortality in urban compared to rural hospitalizations (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10-1.89). Urban PPCM hospitalizations had significantly higher cardiogenic shock (2.9% vs. 1.3%), mechanical circulatory support (1.0% vs. 0.6%), cardiac arrest (2.3% vs. 0.9%), and VT/VF (4.5% vs. 2.1%, all p <.05). Additionally, urban PPCM hospitalizations had worse maternal and fetal outcomes as compared to rural hospitalizations, including higher preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and fetal death (all p<.05). Notably, significantly more rural individuals were transferred to a short-term hospital (including tertiary care centers) compared to urban individuals (13.5% vs. 3.2%, p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant rural-urban disparities in delivery hospitalizations with PPCM. Worse outcomes were associated with urban hospitalizations, while rural PPCM hospitalizations were associated with increased transfers, suggesting inadequate resources and advanced sickness.

Automated segmentation of phases, steps, and tasks in laparoscopic cholecystectomy using deep learning.

BACKGROUND: Video-based review is paramount for operative performance assessment but can be laborious when performed manually. Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) is a well-known method that divides any procedure into phases, steps, and tasks. HTA requires large datasets of videos with consistent definitions at each level. Our aim was to develop an AI model for automated segmentation of phases, steps, and tasks for laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos using a standardized HTA. METHODS: A total of 160 laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos were collected from a publicly available dataset known as cholec80 and from our own institution. All videos were annotated for the beginning and ending of a predefined set of phases, steps, and tasks. Deep learning models were then separately developed and trained for the three levels using a 3D Convolutional Neural Network architecture. RESULTS: Four phases, eight steps, and nineteen tasks were defined through expert consensus. The training set for our deep learning models contained 100 videos with an additional 20 videos for hyperparameter optimization and tuning. The remaining 40 videos were used for testing the performance. The overall accuracy for phases, steps, and tasks were 0.90, 0.81, and 0.65 with the average F1 score of 0.86, 0.76 and 0.48 respectively. Control of bleeding and bile spillage tasks were most variable in definition, operative management, and clinical relevance. CONCLUSION: The use of hierarchical task analysis for surgical video analysis has numerous applications in AI-based automated systems. Our results show that our tiered method of task analysis can successfully be used to train a DL model.

Implementation of a novel thoracostomy tube trainer with real-time feedback.

Objectives: Simulation-based training leads to improved clinical performance but may be influenced by quality and frequency of training. Within simulation training, chest tube insertion remains a challenge as one of the main pitfalls of insertion is a controlled pleural entry. This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel training model with real-time pressure monitoring, the average force to pleural entry in a model and the utility of audio and visual feedback. Methods: This proprietary training model comprised a modified Kelly clamp device with three force sensors at the index finger (sensor 1) and two finger loops (sensors 2 and 3), and a manikin with a replaceable chest wall pad. Standard force values (Newtons (N)) were obtained by experts; expert data revealed that 3-5 s was an acceptable time range to complete the chest tube insertion. Participant level ranged from Post-graduate Year (PGY)-1 to PGY-6 with 13 total participants. Each individual was provided an introduction to the procedure and chest tube trainer. Force (N) and time (ms) measurements were obtained from entry through dermis to pleural space puncture. A significant pressure drop suggested puncturing through the chest wall (completion of the procedure). Results: Force data were captured during each phase of the procedure-linear, plateau, and drop. Linear phase (~3000 ms) was from start of procedure to point of maximum force (<30 N). Plateau phase was from maximum force to just before a drop in pressure. Drop phase was a drop in pressure by 5+ N in a span of 150 ms signaling completion of procedure. All participants were able to complete the task successfully. Force for pleural entry ranged from 17 N to 30 N; time to pleural entry ranged from 7500 to 15 000 ms. There was variability in use of all three sensors. All participants used the index sensor, however there was variability in the use of the loop sensors depending on the handedness of the participant. Left-handed users relied more on sensors 1 and 3 while right-handed users relied more on sensors 1 and 2. Given this variability, only force measurements from sensor 1 were used for assessment. Conclusions: This novel force-sensing chest tube trainer with continuous pressuring monitoring has a wide range of applications in simulation-based training of emergency surgical tasks. Next steps include evaluating its impact on accuracy and efficiency. Applications of real-time feedback measuring force are broad, including vascular access, trocar placement and other common procedures. Level of evidence: Level IV, prospective study.

Characterizing a Silver Nanoparticle-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Shiga Toxin Detection.

Shiga toxins (1, 2) regularly cause outbreaks and food recalls and pose a significant health risk to the infected population. Therefore, new reliable tools are needed to rapidly detect Shiga toxin cost-effectively in food, water, and wastewater before human consumption. Enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction approaches are the gold standard detection methods for the Shiga toxin. However, these methods require expensive instruments along with expensive reagents, which makes them hard to convert into point-of-use and low-cost systems. This study introduces an electrochemical biosensing method that utilizes silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as electrochemical tags and commercially available low-cost screen-printed carbon electrodes for detection. This study introduces the modification of reference electrodes on commercially available screen-printed carbon electrodes to detect AgNPs dissolved in nitric acid. This biosensor achieved a 2 ng/mL lowest measured concentration for Shiga toxin-1 in less than 3 h. These biosensor results also showed that the AgNP-based sensor has better linearity (for graph between peak current vs concentration) and lower standard deviation compared to gold nanoparticles (AuNP)-based electrochemical biosensors.

Reverse McConnell's: A Sign of Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Regional right ventricular dysfunction with akinesia of the mid-free wall with normal apical motion known as McConnell's sign is an under-reported echocardiographic finding in the setting of pulmonary embolism. We conducted a literature review and systematic analysis, while describing 2 cases of pulmonary embolism with findings of reverse McConnell's sign.

Safety outcomes of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) have emerged as standard therapy for heart failure. We aim to assess the safety of SGLT2-Is in patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Areas covered: An electronic database search was conducted for randomized control trials comparing SGLT2-Is to placebo in patients with a high risk of cardiac disease or heart failure. Data were pooled for outcomes using random-effect models. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare eight safety outcomes between the two groups. The analysis included ten studies with 71 553 participants, among whom 39 053 received SGLT2-Is; 28 809 were male and 15 655 were female (mean age, 65.2 years). The mean follow-up period was 2.3 years with the range being 0.8-4.2 years. The SGLT2-Is group had a significant reduction in AKI (OR = 0.8;95% CI 0.74-0.90) and serious adverse effects (OR = 0.9; 95% CI 0.83-0.96) as compared to placebo. No difference was found in fracture (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 0.91-1.24), amputation (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.00-1.29), hypoglycemia (OR 0.98;95% CI 0.83-1.15), and UTI (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.00-1.22). In contrast, DKA (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.65-3.60) and volume depletion (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 1.07-1.41) were higher in SGLT2-Is group. Expert opinion/commentary: The benefits of SLGT2-Is outweigh the risk of adverse events. They may reduce the risk of AKI but are associated with an increased risk of DKA and volume depletion. Further studies are warranted to monitor a wider range of safety outcomes of SGLT2-Is.

Unilateral K-F ring in Wilson's disease.

Wilson's disease, also called hepatolenticular degeneration, has varied clinical manifestations and poses diagnostic challenges. Kayser-Fleischer ring, when present, is considered pathognomic of Wilson's disease. Although its presence is most commonly seen with the neuro-psychiatric form of the disease, it can also be present in hepatic form and asymptomatic patients. We report a case of unilateral Kayser-Fleischer ring in the normal, functional eye of a patient which subsequently led to the diagnosis of Wilson's disease in the patient. This case also highlights the examination of the normal appearing eye in all the patients presenting with complaints in only one eye.

Overcoming Health Literacy Barriers by Developing Standardized Surgical Discharge Instructions.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately one-third of surgical patients exhibit low health literacy, and 39% of our patients are primary Spanish speakers. We first evaluated the current content of our arteriovenous fistula/graft discharge instruction (DCI) templates. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle quality improvement methodology, we then aimed to optimize the readability and formally translate new DCI and evaluate usage and inappropriate bouncebacks following implementation. METHODS: Current arteriovenous fistula/graft template content was reviewed by the literacy department for readability and vascular faculty for completeness and accuracy. The literacy department edits were categorized by word choice, added/removed content, format change, and grammatical errors. Two vascular surgeons rated completeness and accuracy on a Likert scale (1-5). Retrospective chart review was performed for telephone calls and emergency department bouncebacks for 3 mo flanking new DCI implementation. RESULTS: Of the 10 templates, all were in English and word count ranged from 192 to 990 words. Despite each template including all necessary subcategories, the median number of edits per 100 words was 9.2 [7.0-9.5]. Approximately half of the edits (5.4 [5.1-5.5]) were word choice edits. Overall, experts rated completeness at 3.9 [3.2-4.2] and accuracy at 4.0 [3.7-4.1]. Highest template utilization occurred during post-implementation months 1 (90%) and 3 (100%) with orientation sessions. There was a significant increase in concordant Spanish DCI use (P < 0.01) and no inappropriate bouncebacks after implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated notable variability in the content and readability of our vascular access instruction templates. New DCI had strong usage and language concordance; continued use may decrease bouncebacks.

Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Other Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-analysis.

Importance: The cardiovascular outcome in selected populations when sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) are emerging as standard therapy is not clearly understood. It is important to learn the magnitude of cardiovascular benefit using SGLT2-Is across the select subgroups that include both sexes and multiple age and racial and ethnic groups. Objectives: To evaluate the association between use of SGLT2-Is and cardiovascular benefits in a prespecified group in a larger sample size using data obtained from randomized clinical trials. Data Sources: Search of electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane from inception to January 10, 2021, with additional studies identified through conference papers and meeting presentations, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of published studies. Study Selection: Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials in which participants had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or risk factors for ASCVD, diabetes, or heart failure and which reported the primary outcome were included in this study. Multicenter observational and nonobservational studies and those with different outcomes of interest were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Medical Subject Heading search terms included SGLT2-I and multiple cardiovascular outcomes in different combinations. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. The analysis of all outcomes was performed using a Mantel-Haenszel equation and the random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: Six efficacy outcomes of SGLT2-I use (cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure [HHF] as the primary outcome and major adverse cardiovascular event, HHF, cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality as secondary outcomes), were evaluated. Subgroup analysis was performed for the primary outcome of cardiovascular death or HHF. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used to compare 2 interventions. Results: Ten studies with 71 553 participants were included, among whom 39 053 received SGLT2-Is; among studies that reported these data, 28 809 were men and 15 655 were women (mean age, 65.2 [range, 61.9-70.0] years). Race and ethnicity were defined in the original trials and were categorized as Asian, Black, or other (6900 participants) and White (26 646 participants) for the purposes of this analysis (the category "other" was not specified consistently). In terms of age, 16 793 were younger than 65 years and 17 087 were 65 years or older. At a mean follow-up 2.3 (range, 0.8-4.2) years, the SGLT2-I group favored reduction in primary outcome (3165 of 39 053 [8.10%] vs 3756 of 32 500 [11.56%]; OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.55-0.80]; P < .001). No difference was noted in the rate of acute myocardial infarction compared with the placebo group (1256 of 26 931 [4.66%] vs 958 of 20 373 [4.70%]; OR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.87-1.03]; P = .22). Subgroup analysis favored SGLT2-I use for the primary outcome in both sexes, age groups, and racial and ethnic groups. Conclusions and Relevance: This meta-analysis supports that SGLT2-Is have emerged as an effective class of drugs for improving cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in selected patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors were not associated with reduced risk of acute myocardial infarction. Future long-term prospective studies are warranted to understand the long-term cardiovascular benefits.

Silent embolism of a large thrombus in transit through the patent foramen ovale: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Detection of a thrombus in transit through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is extremely rare due to the transient nature of the process. We report an unusual case of a large, paradoxical embolus in transit seen on echocardiography through a PFO that was not found upon atriotomy. CASE SUMMARY: An 80-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath and right leg pain. She was haemodynamically stable on presentation, and her physical exam was unremarkable. An ultrasound of her right leg revealed a deep vein thrombus in the posterior tibial vein, and chest computed tomography angiography showed saddle pulmonary emboli. Transthoracic echocardiogram identified a large thrombus in transit through a PFO, which was confirmed with a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). She underwent an emergency embolectomy. The thrombus in transit was confirmed by TOE prior to bypass initiation; however, no thrombi were found in any chambers of the heart following atriotomy. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful. She had no focal neurological deficits or any apparent signs of large vessel embolization. DISCUSSION: Cases of silent embolism have been reported in the literature, although they are rare. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a large thrombus in transit through a PFO in an elderly female that was confirmed by an intra-operative TOE but could not be found following atriotomy, with no obvious clinical signs of embolization.

Massive Pulmonary Embolism Complicating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia are hypercoagulable and are at risk for acute pulmonary embolism. Timely diagnosis is imperative for their prognosis and recovery. This case describes an otherwise healthy 55-year-old man with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilatory support secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia. Massive acute pulmonary embolism with right heart failure complicated his course. CASE: A healthy 55-year-old man presented to our emergency department (ED) with a sore throat, cough, and myalgia. A nasopharyngeal swab was obtained, and he was discharged for home quarantine. His swab turned positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) on day 2 of his ED visit. A week later, he represented with worsening shortness of breath, requiring intubation for hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Initially, he was easy to oxygenate, had no hemodynamic compromise, and was afebrile. On day 3, he became febrile and developed significant hemodynamic instability requiring maximum vasopressor support and oxygenation difficulty. His ECG revealed sinus tachycardia with S1Q3T3 pattern. On bedside TTE, there was evidence of right heart strain and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 45 mmHg. All data was indicative of a massive APE as the etiology for his hemodynamic collapse. A decision was made to forgo computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), given his clinical instability, and systemic thrombolytic therapy was administered. Within the next 12-24 hours, his hemodynamic status significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of considering massive APE in COVID-19 patients as a cause of the sudden and rapid hemodynamic decline. Furthermore, timely diagnosis can be made to aid in appropriate management with the help of bedside TTE and ECG in cases where CTPA is not feasible secondary to the patient's hemodynamic instability.

Characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19 complicated by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: case series with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac involvement with COVID-19 is increasingly being recognised. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 complicated by secondary Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is poorly understood. METHODS: This retrospective case series was conducted between March and April 2020 at four hospitals of Steward Health Care Network of Massachusetts, USA. Seven patients out of 169 who had echocardiogram were identified to have features of TC. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, management and outcome were gathered from their electronic medical records. We also reviewed all the published cases of COVID-19 and TC in the literature to recognise their common clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes. RESULTS: In our series of seven patients, three typical, two inverted, one biventricular and one global TC were recognised. Three were females and four were males. The mean age was 71±11 years. In-hospital death was observed in 57% of patients. Patients who belonged to the high-risk group and had high-risk echocardiographic features in our series had a 100% mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 complicated by TC has a high mortality rate. Early identification of patients with COVID-19 who are at higher risk for developing secondary TC is important for the prevention of complications, and thus improved outcomes.

Severe stenosis of bioprosthetic valve due to late valve thrombosis.

The typical cause of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction over years is calcification of leaflets, pannus formation, or tears due to structural degeneration. Thrombosis is rare as the valves get endothelialized early on, and, hence, anticoagulation is not recommended beyond 6 months after valve replacement. While bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is unusual (0.03% to 0.34%/year), it can be associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Here, we present a case of a middle-aged man with history of bioprosthetic mitral valve who presented with syncopal episode and was referred to us for mitral valve replacement for tentative bioprosthetic valve degeneration and stenosis. However, preoperative work up revealed prosthetic valve thrombosis which was successfully treated with anticoagulation.

Native valve Neisseria meningitidis endocarditis with embolic infarcts.

Infective endocarditis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (NM) is a very rare manifestation of invasive meningococcal disease with only a few cases described in the literature. We report a case of a native mitral valve endocarditis caused by NM in a 61-year-old female without meningitis. Our case highlights the importance of considering NM as one of the causative organisms of infective endocarditis, even in the absence of meningitis. Even though the cases of NM endocarditis have drastically decreased with the advent of antibacterials, NM should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in certain high-risk groups, like diabetics, polysubstance abusers, and elderly individuals. The prognosis is good with early appropriate antibiotic treatment with or without surgery.