Active paradoxical and pulmonary emboli in a first trimester pregnancy.

Capturing a paradoxical embolism in real-time has been a challenge in recent literature. We present the unique case of a 33-year-old, G3P2 female at 8 weeks gestation presenting with dyspnea. An active thrombus through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale was found requiring emergent surgical intervention with a positive outcome. The presence of a deep vein thrombosis, inferior vena caval thrombus, patent foramen ovale, and pulmonary artery thrombi was contemporarily documented. To our knowledge, there is minimal literature with this presentation.

Left ventricular chordae tendinae myxoma causing stroke: A rare finding.

A 52-year-old woman presented with dysarthria and right-sided weakness in her upper and lower extremities prompting thrombolytic therapy with mild resolution of symptoms. Further work-up revealed (the source) a left ventricular myxoma on the chordae tendinae of the posterior medial papillary muscle, confirmed with transesophageal echocardiography and pathology. Herein, we present a rare case of embolic stroke from a myxoma originating on the chordae tendinae. To the best of our knowledge, the literature on the location and presentation of this tumor as seen in our patient is sparse in contemporary findings.

Thrombus in transit across a patent foramen ovale in a patient with cerebrovascular accidents, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.

The diagnosis of paradoxical emboli remains elusive in many cases. The causal association between the thrombotic source, the intracardiac shunt, and the final emboli location is seldom demonstrated. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman admitted to the hospital with a third stroke. The presence of a thrombus in transit through a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bilateral pulmonary emboli, and an acute cerebral infarct were concurrently documented.

Parachute mitral valve.

An asymptomatic 30-year-old male was referred for a transthoracic echocardiogram because of a systolic murmur that was noted on a pre-employment physical exam. Transthoracic imaging demonstrated a single papillary muscle from which the chordae of both mitral valve leaflets were attached. The mitral valve was seen to have a parachute-like configuration. Given the benign nature of the presentation, the patient did not seek further investigation.

Incidentally found guidewire during bacterial endocarditis workup.

A 67-year-old female with recent hospitalization for pneumonia was transferred to our facility for high fevers and positive blood cultures for staph aureus. During her treatment for pneumonia, central venous catheter was placed. A systolic murmur was found in conjunction with fever and notable premature ventricular contractions on telemetry monitoring. Chest x-ray and transesophageal echocardiography were then performed, and a free guidewire was identified which was later successfully removed under interventional radiology.

Biventricular apical thrombi in a patient presenting with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy.

The diagnosis of an apical left ventricular thrombus in the setting of a dilated cardiomyopathy is not uncommon. However, biventricular apical thrombi in this setting is unusual. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who was admitted with new onset heart failure with biventricular apical thrombus formation in the absence of a hypercoagulable state.

Left ventricular pacemaker wire through patent foramen ovale.

A 53-year-old male status post pacemaker placement three months prior for sinus bradycardia presented with worsening dyspnea, holosystolic murmur, and a ventricular-paced right bundle branch block on electrocardiogram. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a pacer wire in the right atrium coursing into the left atrium and ventricle through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale. The patient underwent surgical repair and repositioning of the pacemaker lead without complication. Although rare, it should be suspected after recent lead placement.

Unicuspid aortic valve: Case series and review.

A unicuspid aortic valve is a very rare valvular lesion. Its physical manifestations vary and are associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities such as aortic stenosis/insufficiency and aortopathy. Echocardiography remains the modality of choice, with computerized tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance used as adjunctive imaging. Herein, we present a case series of three patients with unicuspid aortic valves treated at our institution, with a focus on 2D and 3D echocardiographic imaging.

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to a leiomyosarcoma.

A 65-year-old female presenting with worsening dyspnea and notable weight loss were found to have a systolic murmur on physical examination. On workup with computed tomography (CT) angiogram, a solid mass was found extending from the inferior vena cava into the right ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated this mass extension causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. After surgical removal, the pathology of the mass was endometrial leiomyosarcoma.

Superior Vena Cava Stent Migration Into the Right Atrium.

Possible stent migration was suspected in this case and confirmed on transesophageal echocardiography. The patient underwent successful stent removal with snaring, as well as subsequent placement of another stent in the superior vena cava without further complications.

Uncorrected Univentricular Heart in an Adult.

An 18-year-old male with an unknown medical history presented with palpitations and paroxysmal episodes of shortness of breath over a 7-year period. Transthoracic echocardiography displayed a univentricle with an ejection fraction of 45%. The patient refused treatment and was lost to follow-up.

Left Atrial "Pinball" Thrombus Causing Recurrent Syncope.

A 75-year-old female was admitted due to a syncopal episode. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated severe mitral stenosis with a 5 cm, free-floating, left atrial thrombus intermittently obstructing the mitral valve orifice; she underwent thrombus removal and mitral valve replacement.

Improving labour progression among women with epidural anesthesia following use of a birthing ball: a review of recent literature.

Epidural anaesthesia is an effective form of pain relief during vaginal deliveries. However, neuraxial anaesthesia may slow the progression of labour. The assumption that epidurals lead to increased caesarean sections is also a topic of current debate. A holistic approach with the use of a birthing ball has been advocated as a potential modality to decrease labouring times and, therefore, reduce progression to caesarean section. Birthing balls aim to increase pelvic outlet opening, which facilitates labouring. Our aim is to review recent literature pertaining to birthing balls and their role in improving quality and outcomes of vaginal deliveries in patients with epidurals.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on the subject? Epidural anaesthesia may slow the progression of labour. It has been hypothesised that slowing progression of labour is associated with increased rates of vacuum and forceps delivery. Most common clinical indication for caesarean section is failure to progress during labour. Birthing Balls have been shown to quicken the progression of labour, theoretically reducing caesarean sections with those with epidurals.What do the results of the study add? Several studies have demonstrated a reduced duration of first and second stage of labour among women with epidural anaesthesia, but the existing literature is limited, and interpretation of results may be restricted by generalizability and inherent study biases. The objective of this article is to review existing literature and highlight the potential clinical utility of birthing balls in current obstetric practice.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Use of birthing balls has been advocated to decrease labouring time and therefore reduce progression to caesarean section. Larger studies or meta-analysis would be required to confirm potential benefits of birthing ball use.

Left atrial dissection: A rare entity.

Left atrial wall dissection is uncommon. We present this rarity with transesophageal echocardiography in a 71-year-old female diagnosed with infective endocarditis three months following mitral valve repair, which along with the surgical intervention, may have contributed to the dissection.

Persistent left superior vena cava identified by transesophageal echocardiography.

A 70-year-old female with severe aortic stenosis presented for aortic valve replacement and underwent routine preoperative Swan-Ganz catheter placement. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a dilated coronary sinus with a catheter present. A high suspicion of venous anomaly prompted an agitated saline study. Flow through the coronary sinus into the right atrium was observed, confirming the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava. Although the persistent left superior vena cava has a low prevalence in the general population, it is one of the most common thoracic venous anomalies. During central venous cannulation, the presence of venous anomalies increases procedural complication rates. Fortunately, our patient remained asymptomatic both before and after catheter insertion. Awareness of this anomaly could help clinicians avoid complications.

Inferior vena cava filter removal - Hope for the best and prepare for the worst: An anesthesiology perspective.

A patient presented to our institution for an elective removal of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter under local anesthesia. Once removed, it was noticed that the filter had a missing secondary leg. The patient had a chest CT done which showed a hyper-attenuating structure in the region of the tricuspid valve highly suspicious for the fractured strut of the filter. Upon these findings, the patient was taken once again to the surgical suite for an endovascular retrieval of the strut. For fear of a possible cardiac injury and a potential need for a sternotomy, the patient received general anesthesia and was placed with appropriate IV access and full cardiac monitors. The strut was removed successfully without any complications. Despite the relative benign nature of this endovascular procedure, one should always be prepared for an appropriate resuscitation in case of an occurrence of a surgical complication.

Right Atrial, Right Ventricular, Superior Vena Cava Dissection Caused by Swan-Ganz Catheter Placement.

This case involves Swan-Ganz catheter placement in a patient who developed cardiogenic shock, possibly due to the catheter dissecting the intimal lining of the superior vena cava and endocardium.

Quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic insufficiency contributors.

A 51-year-old male presented with a wound in his right hand that was suspicious for possible septic emboli of cardiac origin. With transesophageal echocardiography, the patient was found to have a rare quadricuspid aortic valve. This quadricuspid valve can present with variable symptoms and physical exam findings. Due to embryological defects, this pathology is associated with several other anatomical defects that are important to recognize prior to surgical intervention. Transesophaegeal echocardiography remains the gold standard in detection of quadricuspid aortic valve and identification of other possible cardiac lesions.

Quadricuspid aortic valve: Case series and review of literature.

A quadricuspid aortic valve is an uncommon valve lesion. Its physical manifestations vary, and it may be associated with other cardiac lesions. Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice, with computerized tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging being utilized as adjunctive imaging modalities in certain cases. Herein, we present a case series of three patients with this valvular lesion treated at our institution, as well as a contemporary review of the literature.