A Closer Look at the HEART Score.

The history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin (HEART) score is currently a widely used tool for acute chest pain risk stratification. Relatively soon after its inception in 2008, a number of validation studies on the HEART score showed it to be superior to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores and at least as accurate to other existing scores for predicting short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, partly due to its focus on simplicity, the HEART score has some limitations. In this article we review how the HEART score has evolved and taken on various modifications to circumvent some of its limitations. We also highlight the strength of the HEART score in comparison with other risk stratification tools and the current guidelines.

A case of ventricular standstill in a patient with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Ventricular stand still is an electrophysiologic phenomenon characterized by the absence of ventricular activity or contraction. It is the result of the lack of impulse formation in ventricles (absence of idioventricular automaticity) or the failure of impulse transmission to ventricles (conduction disturbance) [1]. It is an uncommon condition that can affect a wide range of age groups with life threatening consequences. There are no set guidelines on the treatment of ventricular standstill - swift and sound clinical judgment is required. The condition should be treated as a cardiac arrest, with resolution of precipitating factors. Here we present a case of a 59-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, who presented with massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage and recurrent episodes of ventricular standstill during hospitalization, with his immediate treatment and stabilization.

An Interesting Case and Literature Review of a Coronary Stent Fracture in a Current Generation Platinum Chromium Everolimus-Eluting Stent.

Coronary interventions are the mainstay of treatment for stenotic coronary vascular lesions. New stent designs are constantly being evaluated to improve stent performances and clinical outcomes. Coronary stent fracture is uncommon; however, it is associated with potential major consequences including acute coronary syndrome and the need for repeated target vessel revascularization due to in-stent restenosis or stent thrombosis. We report a case of a 66-year-old man with an extensive cardiac disease history, who presented with intractable angina and was found to have a fracture of a current generation, platinum chromium everolimus-eluting stent (Synergy, Boston Scientific Inc.).

A Rare Case of Carotid Web Presenting with Ischemic Stroke in a Young Woman and a Brief Review of the Literature.

Carotid web is a radiological description of a shelf-like intraluminal filling defect in the carotid bulb. It is histologically defined as atypical fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), with abnormal fibrosis and smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in the tunica intima. The spur-like intraluminal protrusion can serve as a nidus for thrombus formation, which could cause systemic embolism and ischemic strokes. We report a case of a 20-year-old female patient presenting with acute ischemic stroke in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. We also discuss the incidence, the prevalence, the pathophysiology, the treatment, and the recurrence of carotid web based on the currently available literature.

Atypical Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Importance of Wellens' Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common and potentially life-threatening condition encountered in emergency departments. Despite its dreaded nature, nearly one-third of ACS present without chest pain and may mislead clinicians. Additionally, Wellens' syndrome is a pre-infarction stage of significant proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis, which can lead to extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction without timely intervention.  CASE REPORT We report the case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with isolated throat pain and Wellens' pattern in the initial EKG, which prompted the proper workup and management. Subsequently, coronary angiogram revealed more than 90% occlusion of the proximal LAD artery, and a drug-eluting stent was deployed. The patient did well after the procedure and the follow-up at 2 weeks after discharge was uneventful.   CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of awareness of atypical presentation of ACS and importance of Wellens' syndrome. We also discuss the incidence of craniofacial symptoms of ACS, and the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management, and prognosis of Wellens' syndrome.

A Case of Right-Sided Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula: A Diagnostic Challenge.

BACKGROUND Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are rare potentially sight-threatening abnormal connections between carotid artery and cavernous sinus. CASE REPORT We report a case of CCF in an 83-year-old female, who presented with swollen and painful right eye. The patient was initially treated with empiric antibiotics for suspected peri-orbital cellulitis, as noted clinically and in computed tomography (CT) orbits. However, lack of clinical improvement, physical finding of orbital bruit/thrill, and enlarged superior ophthalmic vein in magnetic resonance (MR) orbits suggest alternate diagnoses. Eventually, CT angiogram (CTA) and carotid-arteriography confirmed the diagnosis of right-sided direct CCF, which was subsequently treated with endovascular embolization. Not only does this case highlight the importance of CCF, which could be a differential diagnosis of swollen red eye, it also addresses the vital importance of physical examination in modern medicine despite the seemingly promising technologies. CONCLUSIONS Internists should have a low threshold of clinical suspicion for CCF in a patient with swollen red eyes in order to provide timely and proper management.

A Case of Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor Presenting with Concomitant ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Occipital Stroke and a Brief Review of the Literature.

Cardiac calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is an extremely rare benign intracavitary tumor of the heart. It may mimic other cardiac tumors and can present with signs or symptoms of systemic embolization. There are limited data regarding CAT in the literature. We report a case of a 68-year-old woman with a cardiac CAT and mitral annular calcification (MAC), who presented with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and occipital stroke. After extensive review of the literature, we believe that this case is possibly the first description of a cardiac CAT presenting with STEMI. The CAT was surgically removed, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histology. The patient tolerated the surgery and reported no events at 6-month follow-up.