Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Used to Determine a Rare Etiology of a Layered Left Ventricular Apical Thrombus.

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare disease, often associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Historically, the diagnostic gold standard was endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). We present a unique case of a 58-year-old female who presents after a syncopal episode and was found to have a layered left ventricular (LV) thrombus.

Assessing the Impact of Intensified Hypertension (HTN) Treatment Guidelines: A Single Center Experience.

Introduction:  Hypertension (HTN) is an independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death. In 2017 there was a shift in the definition of HTN by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), as well as the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), resulting in lower blood pressure (BP) readings meeting criteria for diagnosis. Our study aimed to explore the impact the change had on a single cardiology practice's management of patients with HTN.

The safety and efficacy of electroanatomical mapping (EAM)-guided device implantation.

Background: The conventional method of device implantation requires fluoroscopic guidance. With the guidance of three-dimensional (3-D) navigation systems, devices can be implanted with minimal use of fluoroscopy. To date, this technique has been reported in several case reports in young, pregnant patients.

CardioMems® device implantation reduces repeat hospitalizations in heart failure patients: A single center experience.

Introduction: Hospital readmission for congestive heart failure remains one of the most important economic burdens on healthcare cost. The implantation of a wireless pressure monitoring device (CardioMEMS®) had led to nearly 40% reduction in readmission rates in the landmark CHAMPION trial. We aim to study the effectiveness of this wireless device in reducing heart failure admissions in a real-world setting.

Streptococcus constellatus Causing Septic Thrombophlebitis of the Right Ovarian Vein with Extension into the Inferior Vena Cava.

Introduction. Streptococcus constellatus collectively with Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus intermedius constitute the Streptococcus anginosus (formerly Streptococcus milleri) group. Though they are commonly associated with abscesses, bacteremia with subsequent septic thrombophlebitis is extremely rare, and resulting mortality is infrequent.

Characterization of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated from swine in three Michigan counties.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci are a major cause of nosocomial infections but are rarely found in humans in the community and have not been identified in food animals in the United States. We evaluated a total of 360 fecal specimens from humans and their animals being raised for exhibit at three county fairs in Michigan. Fecal samples from 158 humans, 55 swine, 50 cattle, 25 horses, 57 sheep, 14 goats, and 1 llama were obtained and plated onto Enterococcosel agar containing 16 μg/ml of vancomycin.