Use of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization to Treat Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Associated with Free-Floating Thrombus.

Background: Free-floating thrombus in the internal carotid artery (ICA) has traditionally been treated via an open surgical approach through a longitudinal incision and exposure similar to that for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In this case report, we present a novel use of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) for the treatment of recurrent carotid stenosis associated with free-floating ICA thrombus.

Case Description: We describe a 67-year-old female who presented with a diagnosis of right hemispheric stroke in evolution and prior history of right CEA and a mechanical mitral valve.

Atrial flutter versus atrial fibrillation in a general population: differences in comorbidities associated with their respective onset.

Objective: Determine and compare the prevalence of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease among unselected individuals presenting with their first ever episode of atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Study Design And Setting: We evaluated 11 pre-selected clinical variables including age, sex, smoking history and other potential cardiac risk factors. Using the resources of the Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area, a population-based database, all newly diagnosed cases of either AFL or AF in the region during a 4-year period were identified.

Left ventricular ejection time on echocardiography predicts long-term mortality in light chain amyloidosis.

Objective: Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is associated with high mortality. The aim was to identify echocardiographic parameters that predict AL long-term mortality.

Methods: Forty-two subjects with biopsy-proven AL (43% were female; aged 61 +/- 12 years) underwent echocardiography and were followed 29 +/- 16 months (median 29.

Use of an electronic medical record to characterize cases of intermediate statin-induced muscle toxicity.

Statin use can be accompanied by a variety of musculoskeletal complaints. The authors describe the clinical characteristics of case patients who experienced adverse statin-induced musculoskeletal symptoms within a large population-based cohort in Central Wisconsin. Case status was determined based on elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels and the presence of at least 1 physician note reflecting an increased index of suspicion for statin intolerance.

Patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt as a cause of hypoxia.

Patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt as a cause of hypoxia without Eisenmengers physiology or with only moderately pulmonary artery pressures is an uncommon presentation. Initial diagnosis via transesophageal echocardiography requires detection of a shunt with either color Doppler or agitated saline contrast with or without Valsalva maneuver. This rare but diagnosable case presented was simply corrected with placement of a CardioSEAL device.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale: a case series and literature review.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an anatomical variant of the interatrial septum with an overall prevalence of 27% in autopsy studies. PFOs have a potential role in causation of stroke, platypneaorthodeoxia, decompression sickness, right to left shunt and migraine headaches. Data regarding percutaneous closure of PFO in low volume tertiary care centers is lacking.