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Over the last decade, hospitalizations for infective endocarditis (IE) have been steadily increasing, leading to a significant healthcare burden. Pericardial effusion (PCE) has been identified as a serious complication of IE, yet no significant association with mortality has been established. Our study aims to further analyze and understand the significance of PCE in patients with IE. We performed a retrospective analysis using the national inpatient sample database to identify all the hospital admissions with IE using ICD 10 codes and stratified them into 2 groups based on the presence of PCE. The outcomes of interest were inhospital mortality, inhospital complications, need for cardiac surgery, and length of stay. From 2015 Q4-2019, a total of 76,260 hospitalizations were included (weighted: 381,300), of which 2.7% included a PCE diagnosis. Hospitalizations with a PCE diagnosis included patients that were younger (51 vs 61, P < 0.001), as well as slightly more males (58.0% vs 55.2%, P = 0.011), and black patients (16.9% vs 12.9%, P < 0.001). PCE was associated with higher in-hospital death (12.7% vs 9.0%, P < 0.001), longer lengths of stay (12 days vs 7 days, P < 0.001), higher rates of cardiac surgery (22.4% vs 7.3%, P < 0.001). The rates of heart failure, heart block, renal failure, cardiogenic shock, and embolic stroke were higher on PCE group. We found that presence of PCE is associated with higher inhospital mortality, longer length of stay, and greater utilization of cardiac surgery, as well as presence of heart failure, heart block, cardiogenic shock, and embolic stroke., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate sex differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates among patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in the United States of America., Background: Women have higher rates of mortality and rehospitalization than men following many cardiac procedures. TMVR has grown as an alternative to mitral valve surgery for patients at high surgical risk. The rates of TMVR mortality and rehospitalization by sex are unknown., Methods: We analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2019 to identify hospitalizations for TMVR. Sex differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions were determined using logistic regression models., Results: Between 2016 and 2019, 4109 hospitalizations for TMVR were identified, comprised of 1758 (42.8%) men and 2351 (57.2%) women. The median age was 74 years for both men and women. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality during index hospitalization (6.51% vs. 6.69%; p = 0.852) and all-cause 90-day readmission (28.19% vs. 29.59%; p = 0.563) between men and women. Across the study period, trend analysis did not reveal a significant change in in-hospital mortality (men p = 0.087, women p = 0.194) or 90-day readmission rates (men p = 0.569, women p = 0.454)., Conclusions: In patients undergoing TMVR, in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions are similar between men and women. Between 2016 and 2019, TMVR in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates remained unchanged. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Since December 2019, the newly emerging coronavirus has become a global pandemic with >250 million people infected and >5 million deaths worldwide. Infection with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes a severe immune response and hypercoagulable state leading to tissue injury, organ damage, and thrombotic events. It is well known that COVID-19 infection predominately affects the lungs; however, the cardiovascular complications of the disease have been a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition, patients with cardiovascular disease are vulnerable to contract a severe form of the illness and increased mortality. A significant number of patients who survived the disease may experience post-COVID-19 syndrome with a variety of symptoms and physical limitations. Here, we review the cardiac complications of COVID-19 infection and the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and guidelines for exercise training after infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: While aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), the appropriate management of asymptomatic severe AS remains unclear. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of surgical AVR (SAVR) versus conservative treatment in patients with asymptomatic severe AS., Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar for studies comparing outcomes of SAVR versus conservative treatment in asymptomatic severe AS. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each individual study. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, 30-day operative mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), heart failure hospitalization (HFH), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke., Results: A total of 8 studies with 2685 patients were included. The mean age was above 60 years, and the median follow-up duration was 4 years. Compared to conservative treatment, SAVR was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.23-0.64) and HFH rates (RR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.71). There were no significant differences in cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.03-1.67), non-cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.23-1.03), 30-day operative mortality (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.10-2.32), SCD (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.05-2.89), MI (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.04-5.52), and stroke rates (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.35-4.11) between the two strategies., Conclusions: In patients with asymptomatic severe AS, SAVR is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality and HFH compared to conservative treatment. While SAVR is a promising option for asymptomatic severe AS, most studies were observational and nonrandomized; randomized trials are needed to establish a clear benefit., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

We describe the role of three-dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta. The manuscript is heavily illustrated with figures and movie clips., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Acquired thrombocytopenia (aTP) is associated with a high frequency of bleeding and ischemic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Herein, we report a meta-analysis evaluating the adverse effects of aTP on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality post-PCI., Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and, clinicaltrials.gov from the inception of these databases through October 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) No Thrombocytopenia (nTP) and 2) Acquired Thrombocytopenia (aTP) after PCI. Primary endpoints were in-hospital, 30-day and all-cause mortality rates at the longest follow-up. The main summary estimate was random effects Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)., Results: Seven studies involving 57,247 participants were included. There was significantly increased in-hospital all-cause mortality (HR 10.73 [6.82-16.88]), MACE (HR 2.96 [2.24-3.94]), major bleeding (HR 4.78 [3.54-6.47]), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (HR 7.53 [2.8-20.2]), in the aTP group compared to the nTP group. Similarly, aTP group had a statistically significant increased incidence of 30-day all-cause mortality (HR 6.08), MACE (HR 2.77), post-PCI MI (HR 1.98), TVR (HR 5.2), and major bleeding (HR 12.73). Outcomes at longest follow-up showed increased incidence of all-cause mortality (HR 3.98 [1.53-10.33]) and MACE (HR 1.24 [0.99-1.54]) in aTP group, while there was no significant difference for post-PCI MI (HR 0.94 [0.37-2.39]) and TVR (HR 0.96 [0.69-1.32]) between both groups., Conclusions: Acquired Thrombocytopenia after PCI is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, adverse bleeding events and the need for in-hospital and 30-day TVR., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) is commonly encountered in clinical practice, yet little is known about this challenging condition. Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an integral component in the care of patients with MI. However, specific recommendations for CR, information on the feasibility of participation, and outcome measures for patients with T2MI are lacking., Clinical Considerations: The frequency of T2MI is markedly variable and depends on the studied population, disease definition, adjudication process, cardiac troponin assays, and cutoff values used to make the diagnosis of T2MI. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish T2MI from type 1 MI or myocardial injury. Type 2 myocardial infarction occurs due to myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch without acute atherothrombotic plaque disruption and is associated with adverse short- and long-term prognoses. Currently, there are substantial gaps in knowledge regarding T2MI and there are no clear guidelines for the optimal management of these patients., Summary: In this article, we present important current concepts surrounding T2MI including the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and management. We also discuss referral patterns to CR and participation rates and provide our experience with a case series of 17 patients. Very few patients with T2MI are referred to and participate in CR. Our small case series indicated that patients with T2MI respond favorably to CR and that exercise training following standard guidelines appears safe and is well tolerated., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiac troponin (cTn) is mainly used to diagnose acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, cTn can also be elevated in critically ill patients secondary to demand ischemia or myocardial injury. The impact of cardiology consultation on the clinical outcomes of patients admitted to medical intensive care unit (ICU) with elevated cTn is unclear., Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical ICU patients with elevated cTn without evidence of ACS between January 2013 through December 2018. Patients were stratified based on documentation of cardiology consultation. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day mortality, the length of stay (LOS), further cardiac testing, 30-day readmission rate, new prescription of cardiac medications, and the predictors of a cardiology consultation., Results: Of 846 patients screened, 766 patients were included, of whom 63.2% had cardiology consultation. Cardiology consultation group had longer median LOS (7 vs. 5 days, P = 0.007), additional cardiac testing (90.3% vs. 67.7%, P < 0.001), and more new cardiac medications (52.1% vs. 16.3%, P < 0.001). No difference was noted in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4-1.1, P = .117), 30-day mortality (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI, 0.5-1.4, P = .425), 1- year mortality (aOR, 1.4, 95% CI, 0.9-2.2, P = .193), or cardiac-specific 30-day readmission rate (aOR, 7.0, 95% CI, 0.7-14.9, P = .137). History of coronary artery disease (CAD) was the most independent predictor for a cardiology consult (aOR, 2.2, 95% CI, 1.3-3.8, P < .001)., Conclusion: Cardiology consultation for elevated cTn in medical ICU patients was associated with increased cardiac testing and LOS, without significant impact on mortality., (Copyright © 2020 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although the standard treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) is antimicrobial therapy, surgical intervention is required in some cases. However, the optimal timing of surgery remains unclear. Hence, we conducted a population-based analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to assess the outcomes of early versus late surgery in patients with native valve IE., Methods: We queried the NIS database for all hospitalized patients between 2006 and 2016 with a primary diagnosis of IE who had cardiac surgery. We stratified surgery as early ≤7 or late >7 days of admission. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications. Length of stay (LOS) and total hospital cost (HC) were evaluated using multivariable log-normal regression models., Results: A total of 13 056 patients (57.6% in the early group and 42.4% in the late group) were included. The in-hospital mortality rate in the early group was 5.0% compared to 5.4% in the late intervention group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-1.81). Overall median LOS was reduced in the early group by 48.2% (95% CI, 46.5%-49.9%, 12.4 days in the early group and 25.9 days in late group), as well as HC which was reduced in the early group by 28.3% (95% CI, 26.0%-30.6%)., Conclusion: Among patients with native valve IE who needed cardiac surgery, the time of surgical intervention did not affect the in-hospital mortality. However, early surgery was associated with significantly shorter LOS and lower HC., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. However, the outcomes associated with AF in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis are unknown., Aim: To determine the outcomes of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and AF., Methods: In this study, we examined morbidity and mortality of patients with concomitant AF and liver cirrhosis from the National Inpatient Sample database, the largest publicly available inpatient healthcare database in the United States., Results: A total of 696937 patients with liver cirrhosis were included, 45745 of whom had concomitant AF (6.6%). Liver cirrhosis patients with AF had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (12.6% vs 10.3%, P < 0.001), clinical stroke (1.6% vs 1.1%, P < 0.001), and acute kidney injury (28.2% vs 25.1%, P < 0.001), and less gastrointestinal bleeding (4.4% vs 5.1%, P < 0.001) and blood transfusion (22.5% vs 23.8%, P < 0.001) compared with those who did not have the arrhythmia. In addition, they had a longer length of stay (8 ± 10 d vs 7 ± 8 d, P < 0.001) and higher hospitalization costs (20720 ± 33210 $ vs 16272 ± 24166 $, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: In subjects with liver cirrhosis, AF is associated with higher rates of inpatient mortality, stroke, and acute kidney injury compared to those who do not have the cardiac arrhythmia., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2020. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are frequently performed in patients presenting with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database, we assessed the trends in utilization of CAG, PCI, and coronary artery bypass grafting in 3,654,586 admissions with NSTEMI from 2001 to 2012. The rates of CAG were 54%, 36.1%, and 45.9%, respectively, in patients with normal renal function, patients with CKD not on renal replacement therapy (RRT), and patients with CKD requiring RRT. The in-hospital mortality for patients with NSTEMI was significantly higher in patients with CKD-3.9% in patients without CKD, 6.9% in CKD patients not on RRT, and 8.6% in CKD patients needing RRT. In a propensity-matched cohort of 126,740 NSTEMI admissions, CKD was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (7.9% vs 5.3%, p <0.001), acute kidney injury (34.3 % vs 10.6%, p <0.001), lower use of CAG (37.8% vs 46.4%, p <0.001), and PCI (16.2% vs 20.8, p <0.001), higher hospital costs ($17,333 vs $15,583, p <0.001), and a longer length of stay (6.8 days vs 5.5 days, p <0.001). PCI was associated with decreased mortality (odds ratio of 0.31 ± 0.01, p <0.001) in all the 3 groups. In conclusion, CKD is a marker of adverse outcomes in patients with NSTEMI. Although CAG and PCI were associated improved outcomes, they remain underutilized in these patients., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The role of catheter ablation (CA) is increasingly recognized as a reasonable therapeutic option in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF)., Hypothesis: We aimed to compare CA to medical therapy in AF patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)., Methods: We searched the literature for randomized clinical trials comparing CA to medical therapy in this population., Results: Six trials with a total of 775 patients were included. AF was persistent in 95% of patients with a mean duration of 18.5 ± 23 months prior enrollment. The mean age was 62.2 ± 7.8 years, mostly males (83%) with mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 31.2 ± 6.7%. Compared to medical therapy, CA has significantly improved LVEF by 5.9% (Mean difference [MD] 5.93, confidence interval [CI] 3.59-8.27, P < 0.00001, I 2  = 87%), quality of life, (MD -9.01, CI -15.56, -2.45, P = 0.007, I 2 = 47%), and functional capacity (MD 25.82, CI 5.46-46.18, P = 0.01, I 2 = 90%). CA has less HF hospital readmissions (odds ratio [OR] 0.5, CI 0.32-0.78, P = 0.002, I 2 = 0%) and death from any cause (OR 0.46, CI 0.29-0.73, P = 0.0009, I 2 = 0%). Freedom from AF during follow-up was higher in patients who had CA (OR 24.2, CI 6.94-84.41, P < 0.00001, I 2 = 81%., Conclusion: CA was superior to medical therapy in patients with AF and HFrEF in terms of symptoms, hemodynamic response, and clinical outcomes by reducing AF burden. However, these findings are applicable to the very specific patients enrolled in these trials., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The optimal management of patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effect of PFO closure for secondary prevention of stroke on patients with CS. We searched the literature for randomized control trials assessing the recurrence of stroke after PFO closure compared with medical therapy (antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation). Five randomized control trials with a total of 3,440 patients were included. The mean age was 45.2 ± 9.7 years and follow-up duration ranged from 2.0 to 5.9 years. PFO closure significantly reduced the risk of stroke compared with the medical therapy (2.8% vs 5.8%; relative risk [RR] 0.48, confidence interval [CI] 0.27 to 0.87, p = 0.01, I 2  = 56%). The number needed to treat for stroke prevention was 10.5. PFO closure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy (4.2% vs 0.7%; RR 4.55, CI 2.16 to 9.6, p = 0.0001, I 2  = 25%). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR 1.33, CI 0.56 to 3.16, p = 0.52, I 2  = 0%), as well as no difference in bleeding risk between the 2 groups (RR 0.94, CI 0.49 to 1.83, p = 0.86, I 2  = 29%). In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that PFO closure is associated with significantly lower risk of recurrent stroke in patients with PFO and CS compared with medical therapy. However, atrial fibrillation was more common among closure patients., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has been demonstrated to improve functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, there are limited data on the effect of EBCR in patients with advanced HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effects of EBCR on functional capacity in patients with LVAD., Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized studies assessing the impact of EBCR in patients following LVAD implantation compared with standard therapy (ST). Using pre-defined criteria, appropriate studies were identified and selected. Data from selected studies were extracted in a standardized fashion and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with DerSimonian Liard weighting. Analysis employed weighted mean difference (WMD) as the effect size and intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed., Results: Six trials with a total of 183 patients (EBCR: 125; ST: 58) were identified. Mean age was 51 years and 83% were males. The initiation of EBCR varied from LVAD implantation during the index hospitalization to 10 mo post-LVAD implantation. The median rehabilitation period ranged from 6 to 10 wk. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with improved peak oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)O2) in all trials. Quantitative analysis was performed on 3 randomized studies involving 61 patients (EBCR = 39, ST = 22). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with significantly greater peak (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 (WMD: 3.00 mL/kg/min; 95% CI: 0.64-5.35, P = .001). Similarly, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) showed significantly greater improvement in the EBCR group than in the ST group (WMD: 60.06 m; 95% CI, 22.61-97.50, P = .002). Heterogeneity was low among the included trials. Exclusion sensitivity and per-protocol analysis demonstrated results consistent with ITT analysis. None of the included studies reported serious adverse events related to EBCR, which supports the safety of EBCR after LVAD implantation., Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that EBCR following LVAD implantation is associated with greater improvement in functional capacity compared with ST as reflected by improved peak (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 and 6MWD. However, given the small number of patients, further research into the clinical impact of EBCR in LVAD patients is necessary.

Background: Development of atrial fibrillation after certain cardiac procedures is a common medical problem. The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation (PCP-AF). Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been used in several studies to reduce the risk of PCP-AF. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the efficacy of colchicine in prevention of PC-PAF., Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for RCTs, using terms "Atrial fibrillation, atrial, or fibrillation and colchicine". The primary end-point was the occurrence of AF post cardiac procedure, which includes cardiac surgery or pulmonary vein isolation. The safety end point was the occurrence of any side effects. Estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated., Results: A total of six RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 1257 patients. Colchicine significantly reduced the odds of PCP-AF (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.68, P<0.001, I 2 =0%). However, occurrence of side effects was significantly higher with colchicine when compared to placebo (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.34-3.30, P<0.001, I 2 =0%). The number needed to treat is 7 and the number needed to harm is 11.2. The proportion of patients discontinuing treatment was 16%., Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that colchicine is an effective drug for prevention of PCP-AF. Colchicine could be considered as a prophylaxis to reduce PCP-AF, with some risk of treatment discontinuation due to the poor gastrointestinal tolerance (diarrhea)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there are limited data on the long-term benefit of ICD therapy in patients whose LVEF subsequently improves. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of LVEF improvement on ICD therapy during follow-up. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects modeling. Sixteen studies with 3,959 patients were included in our analysis. Study arms were defined by LVEF improvement at follow-up (improved LVEF [>35%]: 1,622; low LVEF [≤35%] 2,337). Mean age (64.8 vs 64.9 years, p = 0.97) was similar, whereas men were overrepresented in the persistent low LVEF group (79% vs 72%, p <0.001). Appropriate ICD therapy rate was 9.7% (improved LVEF) versus 21.8% (low LVEF) over a median follow-up period of 2.9 years. In the meta-analysis, improved LVEF group had significantly lower (3.3% vs 7.2% per year IRR 0.52; CI 0.38 to 0.70; p <0.001) appropriate ICD therapies which was uniformly seen across all subgroups (ICD-only studies: IRR 0.59; p = 0.004) (cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator-only studies: IRR 0.31; p = 0.002) (super-responder studies [mean LVEF > 45%]: IRR 0.53; p = 0.002). Inappropriate ICD therapy rates were, however, similar in both groups (3.01% vs 2.56% per year IRR 0.76; CI 0.43 to 1.36; p = 0.35). All-cause mortality rates in our meta-analysis favored (3.63% vs 8.23% per year IRR 0.49; CI 0.35 to 0.69; p <0.001) the improved LVEF group. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that an improvement in LVEF is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ventricular arrhythmia and mortality. However, inappropriate ICD therapy rates remain similar., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Clinical Introduction: A 50-year-old white male with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented for transoesophageal echocardiogram prior to atrial fibrillation ablation. However, an echo lucent mass was noted (figure 1A). Colour Doppler and contrast administration showed no flow across the mass or the interatrial septum (see online supplementary videos 1 and 2). CT of the chest demonstrated a thin-walled, well-demarcated mass in the inferior border of the fossa ovalis protruding into the left atrium (figure 1B)., Question: Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? Atrial myxomaBronchogenic cystCardiac angiosarcomaHydatid cyst., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

Purpose: To provide an overview of prescription and dietary supplement omega-3 fatty acid (OM3-FA) products and considerations for clinical use., Design: Narrative review., Methodology: The PubMed database was searched for cardiovascular-related investigations focused on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (limit: English-only articles). Additional regulatory information on prescription and dietary supplements was obtained from United States Food and Drug Administration online sources., Results: Prescription QM3-FA products are supported by robust clinical development and safety monitoring programs, whereas dietary supplements are not required to demonstrate safety or efficacy prior to marketing. There are no over-the-counter OM3-FA products available in the United States. Investigations of OM3-FA dietary supplements show that quantities of EPA and DHA are highly variable within and between brands. Dietary supplements also may contain potentially harmful components, including oxidized OM3-FA, other lipids, cholesterol, and toxins. Prescription OM3-FA products may contain DHA and EPA or EPA alone. All prescription OM3-FA products have demonstrated statistically significant triglyceride reduction as monotherapy or in combination with statins in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Differential effects between products containing EPA and DHA compared with a high-purity EPA product (icosapent ethyl) have clinical implications: Increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol associated with DHA have the potential to confound strategies for managing patients with dyslipidemia. Cardiovascular outcomes studies of prescription CM3-FA products are ongoing., Conclusions: OM3-FA dietary supplements should not be substituted for prescription products, and prescription OM3-FA products that contain DHA are not equivalent to or interchangeable with high-purity EPA (icosapent ethyl) and should not be substituted for it.

Critical hand ischemia is an extremely rare and serious complication of transradial coronary angiography. It is almost always associated with radial artery occlusion. Early recognition and involvement of vascular surgery is imperative for optimal management. Up to our knowledge, there have been only 5 cases reported in the medical literature. Herein, we describe a case of an 81-year-old male who had undergone transradial coronary intervention complicated by critical hand ischemia requiring amputation of the right 4th finger., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Premature ventricular contractions are of common occurrence in routine clinical practice. Though generally perceived as of benign consequence in healthy people in the absence of heart disease, their presence can be a harbinger of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia in individuals with structural heart disease. With some of the latest insights into the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, especially with the advent of catheter ablation, there has been renewed interest in premature ventricular contractions, not only as a predictor of arrhythmia, but also for their potential etiological association with cardiomyopathy., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Sudden cardiac arrest has been reported to occur in patients with congenital anomalous coronary artery disease. About 80% of the anomalies are benign and incidental findings at the time of catheterization. We present a case of sudden cardiac arrest caused by anomalous left anterior descending artery. 61-year-old African American female was brought to the emergency department after sudden cardiac arrest. Initial EKG showed sinus rhythm with RBBB and LAFB with nonspecific ST-T wave changes. Coronary angiogram revealed no atherosclerotic disease. The left coronary artery was found to originate from the right coronary cusp. Cardiac CAT scan revealed similar findings with interarterial and intramural course. Patient received one-vessel arterial bypass graft to her anomalous coronary vessel along with a defibrillator for secondary prevention. Sudden cardiac arrest secondary to congenital anomalous coronary artery disease is characterized by insufficient coronary flow by the anomalous left coronary artery to meet elevated left ventricular (LV) myocardial demand. High risk defects include those involved with the proximal coronary artery or coursing of the anomalous artery between the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Per guidelines, our patient received one vessel bypass graft to her anomalous vessel. It is important for clinicians to recognize such presentations of anomalous coronary artery.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is a rare clinical entity. Clinical manifestations can vary from an incidental finding on an imaging study to a life-threatening emergency. We report a case of a 51-year-old female with a large symptomatic left SOVA. Echocardiogram and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest revealed marked dilatation of the left sinus of Valsalva, measuring 7.5 cm. This resulted in superior displacement of the left main coronary artery. Surgical repair of the aneurysm with reimplantation of the right and left coronary arteries was performed in addition to aortic valve replacement (Bentall procedure). The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and remains asymptomatic at the three-month follow-up visit.

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. A review of literature indicates that almost one third of patients are asymptomatic at detection and a history of operative complications and need for re-exploration after the initial surgery may serve as useful predictors for the development of this rare complication., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Amiodarone is reported to cause a wide continuum of serious clinical effects. It is often challenging to detect Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT). Typically, the diagnosis is made based on the clinical settings and may be supported by histopathology results, if available. We describe a 57-year-old patient who developed severe rapidly progressive respiratory failure secondary to AIPT with acute bilateral infiltrates and nodular opacities on chest imaging. Interestingly, Amiodarone was discontinued 3 weeks prior to his presentation. He had normal cardiac filling pressures confirmed by echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated acute lung injury induced by Amiodarone, three weeks after therapy cessation, with adequate clinical improvement after supportive management and high dose steroid therapy.

Approximately 300,000 persons have Chagas disease in the United States, although almost all persons acquired the disease in Latin America. We examined awareness of Chagas disease among Latin American immigrants living in Los Angeles, California. We surveyed 2,677 persons (age range = 18-60 years) in Los Angeles who resided in Latin America for at least six months. A total of 62% of the participants recalled seeing triatomines in Latin America, and 27% of the participants reported triatomine bites at least once per year while living abroad. A total of 86% of the participants had never heard of Chagas disease. Of persons who had heard of Chagas disease, 81% believed that it was not serious. More than 95% of those who had heard of Chagas disease would want to be tested and treated. Most Latin American immigrants living in Los Angeles recalled exposure to vectors of Chagas disease. However, they have little knowledge of this disease. Increasing awareness of Chagas disease is needed in this high-risk population., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

A 76-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of intermittent fevers and dyspnoea on exertion after a dental bridge placement 2 months ago. The patient's medical history was significant for mild to moderate mitral valve prolapse. Initial evaluation was notable for a 3/6 systolic apical murmur. Laboratory investigations revealed leucocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein and cardiac biomarkers. Patient was treated initially for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. A 2-dimensional echocardiography was concerning for a new mitral regurgitation and a questionable vegetation adjacent to the mitral valve annulus. Transoesophageal echocardiography study confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequent microbial identification was notable for Peptostreptococci and he was started on intravenous penicillin therapy. The unexplained illness with underlying valve disease prompted consideration of infective endocarditis. This case describes a rare occurrence of anaerobic endocarditis imitating an acute coronary event., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)