United States

Background:
The spectrum of vascular access-site complications following cardiac catheterization can vary widely in severity ranging from simple to complex that can contribute to significant morbidity with a high economic burden and healthcare costs.

Aim:
The aim of the case presentation was to describe post-discharge delayed complication (acute limb ischemia) of cardiac catheterization due to noncalcified plaque.

Case Presentation:
A 58-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia underwent cardiac catheterization status-post angioplasty to the right coronary artery via right-femoral artery access. The patient was discharged home post-procedure, however, 8 hours later, he developed a sudden-onset cold foot, and worsening numbness, and tingling sensation in his right extremity that prompted him to present to the ER. Physical examination was notable for cold skin in his right leg with diminished dorsalis pedis and popliteal pulses, and a mild loss of “touch sensation” below the level of the knee. The patient was staged “IIa” on the Rutherford Acute Limb Ischemia score. Vitals and labs were within normal limits. CT Angiogram revealed focal high-grade stenosis in the right common femoral artery at the site of a recent arterial puncture from cardiac catheterization. This was likely secondary to nonocclusive, noncalcified plaque that has been disrupted from recent instrumentation. A Heparin drip was initiated and the patient underwent emergent revascularization with a diagnostic angiogram and balloon angioplasty of the right common femoral artery with the placement of a 27mm stent. A completion angiogram showed the resolution of the high-grade stenosis with good flow through the profound and superficial femoral artery. 

Discussion:
The risk of access-site complications following cardiac catheterization, although quite low, is increased with the femoral artery with an incidence estimated to be as high as 17%. Bleeding and hematoma are often reported, however, thrombosis is infrequent with mechanisms involving atherosclerotic plaque rupture or subintimal dissection of the plaque with secondary thrombosis. When the severity of limb ischemia is threatening, immediate anticoagulation followed by surgical revascularization is the most appropriate intervention. Thrombosis at the access site of cardiac catheterization can cause critical limb ischemia, particularly with the femoral artery, thus highlighting the need for careful post-operative follow-up. 


AMA Research Challenge 2023

Acute limb ischemia due to iatrogenic plaque rupture in the common femoral artery at the site of cardiac catheterization - A Case Report

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An anterior mediastinal teratoma in a child has never previously been reported presenting as a persistent dry cough. In this case, 5-year-old female with an initial history of respiratory syncytial viral infection, presented with a persistent cough for over 2 months. Asthma seemed the likely diagnosis initially. However, chest x-ray showed significant cardiomegaly. Echocardiogram was normal. CT scan of chest showed a large anterior mediastinal mass, likely teratoma. The mass was surgically resected, and diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. In the future, it is critical physicians perform radiographical imaging to further investigate a persistent cough in pediatric patients.

Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma Presenting as a Persistent Cough in a Child​

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva (RSV) is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. We report a case of a 74-year-old male with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension who presented with NSTEMI (Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction). On Coronary angiogram patient was found to have LMCA originating from RSV (Image attached) and a 90% stenosis of left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Patient subsequently underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) to assess the course of the LMCA which was found to be intramyocardial with no compression. Echocardiogram reported reduced ejection fraction (EF) of 40% and wall motion abnormalities in anterior wall. Patient had a successful staged PCI. Patient on follow-up reported no symptoms and EF improved to 50%. Anomalous origin of the LMCA from the RSV is a rare but potentially life-threatening congenital anomaly Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment for this anomaly and to improve the long-term outcomes of affected individuals.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery: A Case Report

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a predisposition to spread via lymphatic route to extrahepatic sites. One common site is the heart. About 17–37% of HCV-infected individuals experience cardiac problems like cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, CVA's (stroke and ischemic heart disease), and coronary and peripheral artery disease. There are various mechanisms through which HCV can cause cardiomyopathies, however, in rare instances, the resultant dilated cardiomyopathy follows a transient course. Patients with early initiation of antiviral treatment and achievement of sustained virologic response(SVR) are seen to have reduced risk and better prognosis for HCV-related cardiovascular abnormalities. We report a case of a 65-year-old male with a history of congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and a chronic HCV infection who presented to the hospital with worsening shortness of breath, lower leg swelling, and a six-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. Initial echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dysfunction with an EF of 25%. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of cardiomyopathy but did not reveal any evidence of myocardial infarction or ischemia. After managing the patients with appropriate antiviral therapy (sofosbuvir and ledipasvir) and adequate treatment for heart failure, we noticed a significant clinical improvement in the patient's heart failure symptoms and a 20% rise in his ejection fraction. Then we review the present literature about transient dilated cardiomyopathy in patients with chronic HCV infection, as well as describe our experience in diagnosis and management of this unusual complication.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a lymphotropic nature, leading to its spread to extrahepatic sites, including the heart. Cardiac problems, such as cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and coronary/peripheral artery disease, occur in approximately 17-37% of HCV-infected individuals. HCV can contribute to cardiomyopathies through various mechanisms. However, in rare cases, resulting dilated cardiomyopathy may follow a transient course. Early initiation of antiviral treatment and achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) has been associated with reduced risk and improved prognosis for HCV-related cardiovascular abnormalities.

HEPATITIS C VIRUS AND CARDIAC HEALTH: IDENTIFYING DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY, TREATMENT AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

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**Abstract:**



Heartbreak Hill: A Case Of Multivessel Disease Unmasked After A Bike Marathon

A Case of Dual Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Supply with a Myocardial Bridge

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Deglutition-induced tachyarrhythmias are rare, composing only 0.6% of the cases. These arrythmias occur during swallowing due to esophageal stimulation, likely involving vasovagal and adrenergic reflexes. Diagnosis relies on a documented history, Holter monitoring and echocardiograms. Lifestyle changes, medications including beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics, and radiofrequency catheter ablation are have shown to be viable treatment options. 

Case Presentation
A 58-year-old Caucasian woman presented at the emergency department with frequent palpitations. Her medical history included esophageal strictures with recent esophageal dilation, chronic immunosuppression post-kidney transplant, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism.

Prior to symptoms, patient underwent an esophageal dilation at an outside hospital. Following the procedure, she experienced short-lived, episodes of palpitations upon swallowing. At presentation, patient had an unremarkable physical examination. Labs showed a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level, mild hyperbilirubinemia, and mild leukocytosis. The electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm with minimal ST segment abnormalities and normal QTc. A Holter monitor was placed to further investigate the palpitations, The results showed sinus rhythm and mild sinus bradycardia with episodes suggestive of atypical atrial fibrillation. It was consistently noted these episodes were triggered by swallowing, leading to a diagnosis of deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation. The patient was prescribed metoprolol 25mg twice daily. The rate-controlling agent was switched from metoprolol to propafenone 225mg twice daily due to failure to eliminate the palpitations. Ultimately due to side effects of dizziness from the propafenone, the regiment was changed to flecainide 75mg twice daily. In subsequent follow-ups, the patient noted complete resolution of her symptoms.

Discussion
Swallowing-induced supraventricular tachycardias, like deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation, are exceptionally rare, representing less than 1% of reported atrial fibrillation cases with under 100 documented instances. The mechanisms underlying these tachycardias remain uncertain, with leading hypotheses suggesting mechanical left atrial stimulation after esophageal distention or activation of the vagus nerve due to increased intra-esophageal pressure. While first line treatment options involve beta-blockers, they have shown limited effectiveness, resolving symptoms in only about 18% of cases. Propafenone has shown promise, terminating supraventricular tachyarrhythmias in approximately 83% of cases, including deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation. Other antiarrhythmic medications like digoxin, flecainide, and procainamide have shown success in some cases. Radiofrequency ablation is a permanent therapeutic option with nearly 100% success rate for cases where pharmacological treatments are insufficient. Due to the rarity of deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation, extensive research is necessary to understand its mechanisms fully and optimize treatment strategies.

An Exceedingly Rare Case of Deglutition-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction:

Mycotic aneurysms are a rare complication of Infective Endocarditis (IE). They can be the result of septic emboli from the heart occluding the vasa vasorum of the vessel or the vessel lumen leading to vascular wall infection. Though mycotic aneurysms can develop anywhere, they are most commonly seen in the intracranial arteries, followed by visceral, then upper and lower extremities arteries at the arterial bifurcations. In a review of 922 of definite IE, symptomatic mycotic aneurysms were observed in 2 percent of cases. Of these, 66% were intracranial (especially involving MCA), as in our patient. CT Angiogram (CTA) is the most useful imaging to diagnose infected aneurysms.

Case Presentation:

We present the case of a 45-year-old African American male who presented with encephalopathy and left hemiparesis and was found to have a right inferior MCA infarct, along with evidence of lucency in the right posterior insula, posterior frontal lobe, and anterior parietal lobe. On Transthoracic Echo (TTE), was found to have friable vegetation on the Mitral, Aortic, and Tricuspid Valves; also, was found to have an infection of the aorto-mitral curtain. On CTA chest and CTA head/neck, was also found to have Aortic root abscess, Aortic to Right Ventricle fistula, diffuse pulmonary opacities, and 2 mycotic saccular aneurysms on right M2 MCA measuring 6 x 5 mm and 4 x 4 mm. Given that the patient grew Enterococcus Faecalis in his blood cultures, management was treatment with Rocephin and Ampicillin for which E-faecalis was susceptible to. Neurology and Cardiothoracic (CT) surgery were also consulted. Hospitalization was further complicated by ruptured mycotic aneurysms resulting in Subarachnoid and Subdural Hematomas. Given the friability of the valves and brain bleed, he was deemed not a surgical candidate and ultimately decided on palliative measures given his poor prognosis.

Discussion:

This case presents a rare complication of disseminated infective endocarditis such as mycotic aneurysms. There is no true consensus in management, however, the current standard of treatment is antibiotic therapy with consideration of surgical debridement with or without revascularization. In one study of 26 patients studied retrospectively, 60% of them had ruptured aneurysms, though only 5 patients required clipping of aneurysm and 8 patients had intraparenchymal hemorrhage (1). In another case series of 25 patients with mycotic aneurysm, 10 patients had these due to IE, and 5 patients had early surgery but no case of emergent surgical procedure for decompression or aneurysmal repair were required in these patients (3). Therefore, a review of literature revealed rupture rate can vary from <2% to 72% (4).

Conclusion:

Our case demonstrates the importance of screening for vascular complications in the post-stroke workup for any patient who presents with a stroke in the setting of IE. Additionally given the wide variation of aneurysmal rupture, early antibiotic treatment remains the mainstay of management, though early surgical evaluation and debridement should be considered.

Severe case of disseminated infective endocarditis

Introduction
Colon cancer is one of the top five leading causes of cancer in both males and females. There is a well-known association between colon cancer and microbial infections. The presence of certain bacterial infections in the appropriate clinical context should prompt further investigation of colon cancer.

Case Presentation
A 41-year-old male with history of alcohol use disorder and bipolar disorder who presented for acute encephalopathy after cardiac arrest with return of spontaneous circulation within 2 minutes in the field.
In the emergency department he was found to be hypotensive and hypoxic; labs revealed leukocytosis (50.9 K/ul) with bandemia (15%), anemia (5.9g/dl), and LFTs consistent with acute liver failure. CT abdomen/pelvis showed hepatosplenomegaly, pelvic ascites, colonic wall thickening and luminal narrowing in mid-sigmoid colon.
He was admitted to the ICU for twelve days for septic shock intermittently requiring vasopressors, acute liver failure, and respiratory failure. A diagnostic paracentesis revealed a transudative effusion; blood cultures were positive for Clostridium septicum and Enterococcus avium.
A subsequent colonoscopy demonstrated a sigmoid colonic mass whose pathology was consistent with adenocarcinoma. Due to his acute decompensated liver failure secondary to alcohol use; he was not a candidate for surgery. The family placed the patient in hospice care and he eventually expired.

Discussion
Colon malignancy has been associated to certain bacterial strains, with the most common being Streptococcus bovis/gallolyticus, and less frequently Clostridium septicum, Enterococci species, Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and other Streptococci species. In fact, of the approximately 106,180 new cases of colon cancer reported yearly, 10-25% are associated with infections caused by Streptococcus bovis and Clostridium septicum.
Clostridium septicum is an opportunistic, gram-positive anaerobe that has several virulence factors, including alpha toxin. It can survive in acidic environments due to its ability to produce spores and has the capability to perforate the colonic epithelial lining, releasing spores into the blood and leading to bacteremia. The risk factors for C. septicum infection include immunosuppressed states, hematological malignancies, neutropenia, and diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, C. septicum infection has a high mortality rate of 60%, which can only be diagnosed through positive cultures.
Treatment for C. Septicum infection varies depending on the presentation, as it can cause aortitis, myonecrosis, gangrene, cellulitis, septic shock, fasciitis, hemolysis, and abscess. However, early antibiotics and possible surgical intervention are recommended for effective management. Piperacillin/tazobactam or penicillin G are the first-line treatments for C. septicum infection. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and manage this infection as early as possible to prevent the high mortality rate associated with it.
Conclusion
Clostridium septicum infection and colonic malignancy is a well-known association therefore clinicians should have a high suspicion for colon cancer in patients who present with this infection.

A Potentially Lethal Harbinger: Clostridium Septicum Bacteremia in a Patient Found to have Adenocarcinoma of the Colon

Background: 
Monkeypox, caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPV), is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus. While confirmed cases of Mpox disease have been reported in since the 1970s, the recent global outbreak has escalated Monkeypox to a public health emergency. Although Monkeypox is typically considered a self-limiting disease, the recent outbreak has demonstrated an increase in disease morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with immunocompromised status. For those with HIV infection, co-infection with Monkeypox can lead to atypical disease presentation. This poster highlights an example of a highly atypical dermatological presentation in a patient with HIV and Monkeypox co-infection. 

Discussion: A 28-year-old male with a history of untreated HIV/AIDS presented with diffuse bilateral eschars with well-extended surrounding erythema for two days. The lesions were expansive and located diffusely across the bilateral upper extremities. The patient reported the lesions were slowly enlarging and mildly pruritic. Additionally, bilateral tender inguinal lymphadenopathy and a single painful shallow ulcer on the right-side penile shaft was present. While Monkeypox typically presents with small well-localized eschars surrounded by slight erythema, this patient demonstrated well-extended erythema and diffuse eschars on the bilateral upper extremities. This case illustrates that HIV and Monkeypox co-infection may lead to exacerbation of the typical symptoms of each disease– resulting in atypical dermatologic presentations, unique disease manifestations, and more difficult management. 


Rare presentation of Monkeypox in a Patient with Coexisting HIV

Background
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by thickening of the skin and other connective tissues in the body. Nodular scleroderma (NS) is a rare cutaneous form of scleroderma that can occur primarily with systemic sclerosis. Due to the rarity of NS, it is important to recognize these lesions, if presenting early in disease progression, as a sign of underlying scleroderma before internal organ damage becomes apparent. 

Case Presentation
A 42-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented with an enlarging left supraclavicular nodule. Upon physical exam, a 1.1cm erythematous nodule was found. The patient had clinical findings consistent with systemic sclerosis, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sclerodactyly, dyspnea on exertion, and skin tightening. The patient had been treated with CellCept 1500mg twice daily and responded very well to therapy. Pertinent laboratory data included speckled antinuclear antibodies (1:320 titer) and positive anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies (>80 units). 

The lesion was initially excised to rule out diagnosis of a cyst. However, histopathological analysis demonstrated a nodular proliferation of dense fibrotic collagen with scattered bland fibroblasts. A sparse perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis was present with notable eccrine coil trapping. A CD34 stain showed markedly diminished dermal dendritic cells within the fibrotic nodule. Considering the patient’s known history of anti-RNA polymerase III-positive systemic sclerosis and histopathological findings, the focal lesion was consistent with nodular scleroderma. No subsequent treatments were performed.

Discussion
Nodular scleroderma is an atypical cutaneous presentation of systemic sclerosis and patients who are well-controlled on immunosuppressive therapy with few to no signs of internal organ disease are still susceptible to developing these lesions. Thus, diagnosis and treatment of NS remains a challenge. NS usually presents as 2 mm - 3 cm firm nodules or plaques resembling keloid or morphea, usually distributed on the trunk, neck, proximal extremities, and face. The pathogenesis of NS is also not well understood. Previous reports have shown that there may be a role for increased expression of connective tissue growth factor, tenascin, epidermal growth factor, or transforming growth factor beta in the formation of NS. 

Furthermore, treatment of NS is difficult as these lesions are resistant to many non-surgical interventions and remain stable over time. As in our case, surgical excision of NS has been the only treatment reported so far that results in full removal of NS, but not necessarily prevention of NS recurrence.


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Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma Presenting as a Persistent Cough in a Child

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Next from AMA Research Challenge 2023

Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma Presenting as a Persistent Cough in a Child​

Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma Presenting as a Persistent Cough in a Child