Fulminant immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis bridged to recovery with a temporary left ventricular assist device: a case report.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective antineoplastic agents but can cause adverse effects in many organ systems. Cardiovascular toxicities include arrhythmias, myocarditis, heart failure, takotsubo syndrome, pericarditis, coronary artery disease, and vasculitis.

Case Summary: A 66-year-old woman with Stage 3C2 endometrial carcinoma presented for her second cycle of pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel.

The influence of patient sex on pulmonary embolism evaluation, treatment modality, and outcomes.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third-leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, accounting for 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. Although sex-based disparities have previously been described in this population, it is unclear if these differences have persisted with the expansion of PE evaluation and treatment approaches. The purpose of this study is to investigate sex-based differences in the evaluation, management, and outcomes of patients with acute PE.

Utilization of a Novel Scoring System in Predicting 30-day Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism, the CLOT-5 Pilot Study.

Objectives: To construct a new scoring system utilizing biomarkers, vitals, and imaging data to predict 30-day mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Background: Acute PE, a well-known manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease, is responsible for over 100,000 deaths worldwide yearly. Contemporary management algorithms rely on a multidisciplinary approach to care via PE response teams (PERT) in the identification of low, intermediate, and high-risk patients.

Ultrasound-Assisted Versus Standard Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Insights From National Inpatient Sample.

Background: Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Catheter-directed therapies have emerged as a promising treatment for managing intermediate- and high-risk patients; however, data comparing standard catheter-directed thrombolysis (SCDT) and ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) are limited. This study aimed to investigate trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality of both modalities from a nationally representative sample.

Decreased Thrombin Generation is Associated with Increased Thrombin Generation Biomarkers and Blood Cellular Indices in Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogenous condition with variable clinical presentations. Thrombin generation potential (TGP) and biomarkers, and blood cellular indices can reflect the underlying pathophysiology and risk stratification of PE. This case-control study analyzed TGP in 209 PE patients from Loyola University, Pulmonary Embolism Response Team program compared to normal human plasma (NHP) controls.

Medical Management of Isolated Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With Symptomatic Right Ventricular Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a rare congenital heart disease in which one or more pulmonary veins drain into the systemic venous circulation. The abnormal connection between the pulmonary vein and the right atrium can result in a right-sided volume overload due to a left-to-right shunt, followed by eventual right-sided pressure overload and right ventricular failure. PAPVC is usually associated with an atrial septal defect but can present as an isolated finding.

The prognostic value of blood cellular indices in pulmonary embolism.

Prognostication in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) requires reliable markers. While cellular indices such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) appear promising, their utility in PE prognostication needs further exploration. We utilized data from the RIETE registry and the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) to assess the prognostic value of NLR, PLR, and SII in acute PE, using logistic regression models.

Charlson and Elixhauser Comorbidity Indices for Prediction of Mortality and Hospital Readmission in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Several risk stratification systems aid clinicians in classifying pulmonary embolism (PE) severity and prognosis. We compared 2 clinical PE scoring systems, the PESI and sPESI scores, with 2 comorbidity indices, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the val Walraven Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), to determine the utility of each in predicting mortality and hospital readmission. Information was collected from 436 patients presenting with PE via retrospective chart review.

"Complete Venous Shutdown:" A Rare Case of Combined Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Occlusion.

Independently, superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion and inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion are usually seen in the setting of SVC syndrome and iliocaval venous obstruction (ICVO), respectively. Concomitant occlusion of the SVC and IVC is rare and most commonly seen in the setting of malignancy or other hypercoagulable states. Venous hypertension can lead to the formation of "downhill" varices in the esophagus and can be a rare source of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair After TAVR: A Nationwide Analysis.

Patients with persistent severe mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may benefit from mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). Using the Nationwide Readmission Database, we identified patients who had M-TEER within 6 months after TAVR and compared their outcomes with patients who had M-TEER without previous recent TAVR during the same calendar year between 2014 and 2020. Because Nationwide Readmission Database data do not cross years, analysis was restricted to the last half of each calendar year.

A Challenging Case of Stent Dislodgement During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complicated by Peripheral Embolization.

We report a challenging case of stent dislodgement for a 49-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease and insulin-dependent diabetes undergoing an elective coronary angiogram for cardiac risk stratification before kidney transplant surgery. A diagnostic transradial coronary angiogram was performed showing two severe type A lesions to the proximal and distal left circumflex artery (LCx). While attempting to stent the proximal LCx, the stent dislodged to the left main coronary artery (LMCA).

A rare case of miliary tuberculosis presenting with saddle pulmonary embolism.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by an airborne pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis and typically presents with classic symptoms of fever, chills, night sweats, cough, and weight loss. TB has been shown to be an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism by inducing an inflammatory state. We present a rare case of miliary TB that was initially diagnosed with a sub-massive pulmonary embolism.

A goal-oriented hemodynamic approach to acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock-A single center experience.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) is the most common cause of mortality following AMI, and treatment algorithms vary widely. We report the results of an analysis using time-sensitive, hemodynamic goals in the treatment of AMI-CS in a single center study.

Methods: Consecutive patients with AMI-CS from November 2016 through December 2021 were included in our retrospective analysis.

Pulmonary Cement Embolism After Vertebroplasty.

Pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) is a known complication that can occur in the setting of vertebroplasty. The majority of these cases are asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging. There are no current management recommendations regarding PCE.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis or Catheter-Based Thrombectomy in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Horses for Courses.

Venous thromboembolism is a common disorder encompassing both pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In the United States, up to 2 million people are diagnosed with DVT and 600,000 with PE annually. The purpose of this review is to discuss the indications and evidence for catheter-directed thrombolysis versus catheter-based thrombectomy.

Glycemic Control and Plasma Levels of Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Thrombotic Biomarkers in Diabetic Patients Presenting with Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Type I and type II diabetes are closely associated with a pro-inflammatory state and to a pro-thrombotic state. The role of glycemic control in pulmonary embolism (PE) is poorly understood and requires additional investigation. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between glycemic control and thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in a PE patient cohort compared to normal samples.

Interrelationship Between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Collagen Remodeling Proteins in Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. Inflammation and structural remodeling of the left atrium are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of AF. This study explores collagen remodeling and inflammatory biomarkers in AF patients compared to healthy controls to discern their role in AF.

Fibrinolytic Status and Risk of Death After Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogeneous disease process with variable presentation and outcomes. The endogenous fibrinolytic system is a complex framework of regulatory pathways that maintains homeostasis by dissolving overabundant thrombi. We sought to investigate phenotypic profiles of the endogenous fibrinolytic system among patients presenting with acute PE and their impact on mortality.

Improving efficiency and operator proficiency during percutaneous coronary interventions utilizing a standardized optical coherence tomography workflow.

Objectives: This study was designed to compare efficiency and quality metrics between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures using optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided by a variable workflow versus a standardized workflow in a real-world population.

Background: The LightLab (LL) Initiative was designed to evaluate the impact of a standardized OCT workflow during PCI to address barriers to adoption.

Methods: The LL Initiative was a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

A Meta-analysis of Standard Versus Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in the Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: Standard catheter-directed thrombolysis (SCDT) harnesses the therapeutic benefit of systemic thrombolytics while minimizing bleeding complications in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism (PE). Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) theoretically improves upon SCDT by disrupting fibrin and increasing the surface area exposed to thrombolytic agent. However, it is unclear if this translates into improved outcomes.

Collagen Remodeling and Fatty Acid Regulation Biomarkers in Understanding the Molecular Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrythmia in the world. Structural remodeling and fatty acid metabolism dysregulation are believed to play a role in the development of AF. This study explored different biomarkers in the blood of AF patients and a control population to determine if there was a significant difference between the two groups.