Clinically significant anticardiolipin antibodies associated with COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus strain known as SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread around the world creating distinct challenges to the healthcare workforce. Coagulopathy contributing to significant morbidity in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 has now been well documented. We discuss two cases selected from patients requiring critical care in April 2020 in New York City with a unique clinical course. Both cases reveal significant thrombotic events noted on imaging during their hospital course. Obtaining serial inflammatory markers in conjunction with anti-phospholipid antibody testing revealed clinically significant Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This case series reviews the details preceding APS observed in SARS-CoV-2 and aims to report findings that could potentially further our understanding of the disease.

Utilization of Ultrasound to Assess Volume Status in Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) represents a significant financial burden to the US health care system, affecting approximately 5.7 million Americans. By 2030, the prevalence of HF is expected to increase by 23%. Clinicians generally evaluate volume status in patients with HF by visualizing jugular venous distension to estimate right atrial pressure; a method with an estimated accuracy of only 50%. Currently, the only endorsed methods for acute HF diagnosis in the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines are brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), pre-discharge BNP or NT-proBNP, and myocardial fibrosis markers. However, serial testing of BNP to monitor therapy remains controversial. Moreover, an elevated BNP cannot be attributed solely to a cardiac cause. Given the limitations of the current methods, a robust tool is needed to reliably assess volume status in HF patients. It is now known that hemodynamic congestion from increases in intracardiac pressure occurs days to weeks prior to the onset of typical HF symptoms, such as weight gain and shortness of breath. It has been postulated that assessing the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter with a portable ultrasound, may be the simple, reliable, and cost-effective method of evaluating right atrial pressure, and thus, the severity of HF. Given this exciting new tool in assessing volume status in patients with HF, we pose the question of whether this imaging modality can be used to risk-stratify patients and guide management. The aim of this paper is to highlight the many benefits of portable ultrasound in assessing volume status in this population, and to discuss whether this imaging modality can help guide physicians in the management of their HF patients.

Large Left Atrial Appendage Causing Cryptogenic Stroke.

Cryptogenic stroke is a subtype of ischemic stroke for which no identifiable cause is found after routine diagnostic evaluation. It accounts for roughly 25% of ischemic strokes. Structural cardiac abnormalities such as patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect (ASD), and a large left atrial appendage (LAA) are commonly associated risk factors in patients with cryptogenic stroke. We report a case of a patient with a history of a surgically repaired ASD found to have a large LAA without identifiable thrombus on both transthoracic echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram after presenting with an acute cryptogenic stroke in the absence of any arrhythmias. We aim to emphasize the importance of the LAA, particularly if large, in the pathogenesis and development of cryptogenic strokes. Additionally, we discuss the necessity for clearly defined guidelines on whether to start anticoagulation in these patients.