Infective endocarditis, embolic stroke and splenic abscess: a case report.

We present the case of a patient presenting with embolic stroke secondary to aortic valve endocarditis, additionally complicated by splenic abscess, successfully treated by emergent valve replacement followed by delayed, robotic splenectomy.

Mitochondrial fusion proteins in revascularized hibernating hearts.

Background: Hibernating myocardium is characterized by viable yet dysfunctional myocardium secondary to chronic ischemia, with studies demonstrating incomplete early recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). We tested whether mitochondrial fusion proteins, an indicator of mitochondrial biogenesis, are increased in hibernating myocardium post-CABG.

Methods: A constrictor was placed on the left anterior descending (LAD) artery of nine pigs.

Recovery of hibernating myocardium: what is the role of surgical revascularization?

Myocardial responses to chronic ischemia represent a continuum of adaptations resulting, over time, in a stress-resistant phenotype. One such adaptation, hibernating myocardium (HM), has increased antioxidant capacity that protects against ischemia-induced oxidative stress. Studies have suggested that revascularization alone may not fully restore cardiac function, highlighting the need for targeted therapies to serve as adjuncts to the innate healing process following revascularization.

Expression of uncoupling protein-2 remains increased within hibernating myocardium despite successful coronary artery bypass grafting at 4 wk post-revascularization.

Background: We have previously shown that mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) is increased in a swine model of hibernating myocardium (HM). Although UCP-2 reduces oxidant stress, it can promote inefficiency of the electron transport chain. In this study, we tested whether UCP-2 remains increased in revascularized HM (RHM) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).