Aortic Dissection With Cardiac Tamponade in Pregnancy: A Challenging Clinical Scenario.

Aortic dissection is the acute aortic syndrome with the highest mortality, and pregnancy and arterial hypertension are known risk factors. Its association with the perinatal period is a particularly unique and potentially devastating clinical catastrophe which is why the approach to a pregnant woman in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) should be multidisciplinary and early, with extraction of the fetus ideally within five minutes after the arrest. We present the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman, who presented with a cardiorespiratory arrest in the context of an aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade and the need for an urgent perimortem cesarean section. Increasing knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals has the potential to aid in the early detection and effective treatment of this challenging medical issue.

A good excuse for skipping the test: electrical storm in a teenager.

We describe the case of a teenager with a structurally normal heart that presented with torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest. He had a history of epilepsy in childhood, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive visual dysfunction. The baseline electrocardiogram had prominent J waves and a marked early repolarization pattern in all the leads, with normal QT interval. We discuss the differential diagnosis for this interesting case, as well as the patient's management.

Efficacy And Safety Of Implantable Loop Recorder: Experience Of A Center.

Introduction: Symptoms like syncope or palpitations frequently present a diagnostic challenge. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is an important aid in the management of these patients. Methods: A retrospective study of patients that underwent ILR implantation from November 2007 to 2014. For each patient the indication for implantation, baseline characteristics, previous study, complications, recorded tracing and interventions were evaluated. Results: A total of 62 patients were included, 50% men, with a mean age of 62.5±18.8 years old. Previously to ILR implantation 88.7% of patients had performed Holter, 17.7% external events recorder, 33.9% Tilt test and 29% an electrophysiological study. The implantation indications were recurrent syncope in 90.3%, palpitations 8.1% and ischemic stroke in one patient. Mean follow-up time was 17.1±16.3 months. Symptoms were reported in 66.1% of the patients, 46.8% of those yielding a diagnostic finding. In all cases of palpitation complaints with diagnosis we found atrial fibrillation (AF). In patients with syncope atrioventricular conduction disturbance was demonstrated in 19.6%, sinus node dysfunction in 16.1%, paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia 7.1% and AF in 1.8%. These finding resulted in 19 pacemaker and one CRT-D implantation, introduction of anticoagulation in five patients and one ablation of accessory pathway. There were no major complications. Conclusion: ILR proved to be safe and efficient. It has enabled the identification or exclusion of serious rhythm disturbances in more than half of patients and provided a targeted therapeutic intervention.

Permanent pacemaker implantation using a femoral approach.

We describe two cases in which a permanent pacemaker was implanted via the femoral vein, because the cephalic and subclavian veins were not patent. The technique and its indications, advantages and potential complications are reviewed.

Dilated cardiomyopathy and sinoatrial dysfunction in an Estrela mountain dog.

A 1 yr old male Estrela mountain dog was evaluated as a part of a screening program for dilated cardiomyopathy. The dog came from a family with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy but was asymptomatic. Occult dilated cardiomyopathy and sino-atrial dysfunction were diagnosed based on echocardiography and electrocardiography. These two disorders may be associated given that related dogs have been diagnosed with the same disorders. The dog has remained asymptomatic for 4 years following initial evaluation.

Coronary sinus pacing in a patient with a tricuspid prosthesis.

We present images of a permanent pacing lead implanted in the coronary sinus of a patient with a tricuspid prosthesis.