Incidence and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients on Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support with Impella-CP for Cardiogenic Shock.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating cardiogenic shock is associated with increased mortality. We hypothesize that renal replacement therapy (RRT) improves survival in cardiogenic shock supported by Impella-CP (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) complicated by AKI. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 34 patients on Impella-CP for cardiogenic shock between January 2015 and December 2017. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline. Three groups were analyzed: AKI plus RRT, AKI minus RRT, and no AKI. Pre-existing dialysis patients were excluded. The only indication for RRT was AKI not responding to diuretics. Thirty-day mortality was analyzed. RESULTS: There were 13 patients with no AKI, 9 with AKI plus RRT groups, and 12 with AKI minus RRT. Thirty-day mortality was similar between no AKI and AKI plus RRT groups [30.8% (4/13) vs.22.2% (2/9), p=0.48; relative risk [RR] 2.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-22.1)]. Thirty-day mortality was higher in AKI minus RRT group compared to the no AKI group [75.0% (9/12) vs. 30.8% (4/13); p=0.03; RR 6.75 (95% CI 1.16-39.2)]. CONCLUSION: In cardiogenic shock patients on Impella-CP, AKI minus RRT is associated with a higher 30-day mortality compared to patients without AKI and/or patients with AKI plus RRT. Short-term mortality may improve in cardiogenic shock patients with AKI who are treated with RRT.

Cryptococcal meningitis initially presenting with ST elevations and elevated cardiac biomarkers.

Acute neurological events are a common cause of ECG abnormalities and transient elevations in cardiac biomarkers. This case describes an uncommon presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in a non-immunosuppressed patient, presenting with altered sensorium and derangements in cardiac profile. Delay in diagnosing meningitis was avoided by paying close attention to the patient's presenting symptoms and by pursuing non-cardiac causes of ECG changes and elevations in cardiac troponin. Expeditious treatment and involvement of the infectious disease consultant resulted in excellent clinical response without permanent neurological sequelae.

Systemic sarcoidosis presenting as complete heart block in a patient with normal chest radiography.

A previously healthy 44-year-old Caucasian man presented with recurrent syncope and was found to have a complete heart block with a ventricular rate of 24 bpm. No biochemical abnormalities were identified. Tick borne illnesses were ruled out. Paced echocardiogram revealed left ventricular systolic dysfunction with septal hypokinesis. Chest radiography and subsequent CT scan did not reveal adenopathy. However, a positron emission tomography scan demonstrated increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the spleen, a right retro-clavicular lymph node, right ventricle and the interventricular septum of the heart. Excision biopsy of the retro-clavicular lymph node revealed non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Complete heart block persisted despite steroid treatment. A pacemaker/biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator was placed for complete heart block and primary prevention of ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death.