Successful Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient with Double Aortic Arch: An Interesting Imaging Case.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a mainstay of treatment in the management of severe aortic stenosis. It is a challenging procedure that requires expertise in obtaining proper access, delivery of catheters to and beyond the aortic valve, and finally accurate deployment of the aortic bioprosthesis. Patients with aortic anomalies portend an added challenge in performing TAVR procedures.

Physician Variability in Diastology Reporting in Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Single Center Experience.

To help standardize the assessment of diastolic dysfunction in the United States, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) released criteria for the assessment of diastology in patients with normal and abnormal ejection fraction. As heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients, it is imperative to assess diastology appropriately. Echocardiography is the mainstay in the assessment of diastolic function; with the new ASE guidelines, diagnosis is simplified especially in patients that have preserved baseline ejection fraction.

The Chicken or the Egg? An Interesting Case Presentation of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Versus Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

This is an interesting cardiovascular imaging and coronary angiography case of a 67-year-old female patient who presented with chest pain, abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG), and heart failure who was subsequently found to have spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) on imaging studies. The case presentation highlights the importance of imaging studies and prompt diagnosis in these patients. This study may also highlight the need for early medical intervention in patients with suspected systolic dysfunction due to either of these pathophysiologic processes.

Angina Leading to Metal in the Heart: An Interesting Case of Saphenous Vein Graft Coiling.

This is an interesting coronary angiography and interventional cardiology case of a 75-year-old Caucasian male with a prior history of coronary artery bypass surgery who presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) thought to be secondary to distal embolization from thrombus in large right coronary artery (RCA) vein graft aneurysms. This subsequently resulted in percutaneous intervention with coiling of the aneurysmal vein graft segments.

A Unique Case of Mitral Valve Dehiscence Post-mitral Valve Repair Diagnosed Using 3D Transesophageal Imaging.

This is an interesting cardiovascular imaging case of a 70-year-old male who presented with heart failure symptoms after recent mitral valve repair with Carpentier-Edwards ring. Ring dehiscence was noted on transesophageal echocardiographic imaging which aided in guiding clinical and surgical courses.

Prevalence and predictors of inappropriate anticoagulation in patients with a CHADS-VASc score of 0 and atrial fibrillation.

Background: Previous studies have shown underutilization of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHADS-VASc score ≥2; however there exists little data regarding the inappropriate use of anticoagulation in patients with a CHADS-VASc score of 0. We aimed to determine the true prevalence and predictors of inappropriate anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHADS-VASc score of 0.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 in our institution from January 2009 to January 2016.

Singleton Merten Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Early Onset Aortic Stenosis.

Singleton Merten syndrome (SMS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder with variable expression. Its characteristic features include abnormal aortic calcification, abnormal ossification of extremities, and dental anomalies. We present a young man with dyspnea who was noted to have aortic stenosis in the background of glaucoma, psoriasis, dental anomalies, hand and foot deformities, Achilles tendinitis, osteopenia, and nephrolithiasis.

Association of clinical signs and symptoms of Ebola viral disease with case fatality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a public health emergency of international concern. There is limited laboratory and clinical data available on patients with EVD. This is a meta-analysis to assess the utility of clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory data in predicting mortality in EVD.