Multimodality Evaluation of Turner Syndrome With Right Ventricular Dilation and Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return.

Turner syndrome is a rare chromosomal abnormality in women that is caused by a partial or complete loss of one X chromosome and is often associated with a spectrum of congenital cardiac abnormalities, including cardiac shunts.  A 27-year-old woman with Turner syndrome was also found to have right ventricular dilation, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, and possible atrial septal defect. She was scheduled for elective surgical repair.

Sleeping prone with a left ventricular assist device: Dream or reality?

Background: Among many other factors, restrictions on sleeping positions decrease quality of life after durable left ventricular assist device implantation. Specifically, device manufacturers and clinicians typically advise against sleeping in the prone position owing to concerns for driveline disruption, exit site infection, and hemodynamic compromise. Yet, no data exist to inform these recommendations and to the best of our knowledge no studies have examined sleep position in people with left ventricular assist devices.

Head injury and neuropsychiatric sequelae in asylum seekers.

Objective: Asylum seekers experience a high burden of physical and psychological trauma, yet there is a scarcity of literature regarding the epidemiology and sequelae of head injury (HI) in asylum seekers. We examined HI prevalence and association with neuropsychiatric comorbidities in asylum seekers.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed through review of 139 medical affidavits from an affidavit database.

Self-Perceived Hearing Status Creates an Unrealized Barrier to Hearing Healthcare Utilization.

Objective: To examine sociodemographic and audiometric factors associated with hearing aid (HA) uptake in adults with hearing loss (HL), and to investigate the role of self-perceived hearing status on pursuit of hearing treatment. The relationship between self-perceived hearing status and HA adoption has not been reported in a nationally representative sample of United States (US) adults.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of nationwide household health survey.

Effect of Prior Sternotomy on Outcomes in Transvenous Lead Extraction.

Background: A history of open-heart surgery has been a heavily debated topic in transvenous lead extraction. This study evaluates the impact of prior sternotomy on transvenous lead extraction outcomes.

Methods: Data for all patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction at a tertiary referral center were prospectively gathered from 2004 to 2017.

Symptomatic Aortic Valve Mass - Cardiac Work-Up Challenges and Role of Computed Tomography Angiography: A Case Report.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma are rare, benign cardiac tumors that may lead to lethal complications from embolization or valvular dysfunction if left untreated. When working up symptomatic tumors with concomitant angina, traditional diagnostic studies such as cardiac catheterization may predispose the patient to embolic complications if the mass is located in the path of the catheter. Newer, non-invasive diagnostic testing, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or dynamic computed tomography angiography, may be considered in lieu of invasive approaches to avoid potentially devastating complications.

Endovascular Occlusion Balloon for Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Tears During Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Multiyear Analysis and an Update to Best Practice Protocol.

Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) tears are one of the most lethal complications in transvenous lead extraction. An endovascular balloon can occlude the SVC in the event of a laceration, preventing blood loss and offering a more controlled surgical field for repair. An early study demonstrated that proper use of this device is associated with reduced mortality.

Evaluation of positive patch test reactions using optical coherence tomography: A pilot study.

Introduction: Patch testing is the gold standard for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), yet current interpretation methods are limited by their subjectivity and possible variability between observers. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging enables noninvasive in vivo skin visualization and holds promise as an objective method of patch test interpretation.

Objective: To evaluate the micromorphological changes of patch test reactions and identify objective, quantitative OCT markers that correlate with clinically graded patch test reactions.

Transvenous Lead Extractions: Current Approaches and Future Trends.

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has continued to rise along with indications for their removal. When confronted with challenging clinical scenarios such as device infection, malfunction or vessel occlusion, patients often require the prompt removal of CIED hardware, including associated leads. Recent advancements in percutaneous methods have enabled physicians to face a myriad of complex lead extractions with efficiency and safety.

Long-term outcomes of prophylactic placement of an endovascular balloon in the vena cava for high-risk transvenous lead extractions.

Background: Many clinicians use the strategy of prophylactically placing an endovascular balloon before transvenous lead extraction, yet there are no data regarding this practice.

Objective: This study assesses long-term outcomes of prophylactic placement of an endovascular balloon in the venae cavae of patients during transvenous lead extraction.

Methods: From April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 data were prospectively collected at 2 international cardiovascular centers on patients who had the balloon prophylactically placed in the venae cavae.

Compliant endovascular balloon reduces the lethality of superior vena cava tears during transvenous lead extractions.

Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) lacerations have been identified as the most lethal complication encountered during cardiac implantable electronic device lead extraction. The case fatality rate of these events approximates 50% due to rapid exsanguination. A novel, compliant balloon specifically designed for use in the SVC may provide hemostasis in the event of endovascular perforation.