The Clinical and Histological Intersection of Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Giant Cell Myocarditis.

The clinical and imaging features of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM) are occasionally indistinguishable. This is a case of heart block and ventricular tachycardia where cardiac MRI, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and biopsy revealed intermediate clinicohistologic phenotype between CS and GCM. This highlights gaps in the management of overlap conditions.

Platelet FcγRIIa expression in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Objectives: FcɣRIIa amplifies platelet activation and greater expression increases platelet reactivity. In patients with myocardial infarction (MI), high platelet FcɣRIIa identifies patients with an approximately 4-fold greater risk of MI, stroke, and death. We compared platelet FcɣRIIa in 2 groups: (1) patients who had not had an MI in the previous year and were undergoing cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) labeled as stable coronary artery disease (CAD), and (2) previously obtained results in patients with MI (n = 197).

Trends and Predictors of Short Length of Stay Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Minimalist approaches to Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have allowed for improved efficiency in care of patients. We hypothesized that improved efficiencies in care process may have led to increased adoption of a one night length of stay (LOS) in this patient group.

Objectives: The authors aimed to study temporal trends in short length of stay following TAVR.

Elevated risk of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.

Introduction: Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) reduces mortality and improves neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is considered a pro-thrombotic state. Endovascular cooling catheters may increase the risk of thrombosis.

Patient Attributes Associated With Better Long-Term Outcomes on Palliative Milrinone.

Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase three inhibitor used as an inotrope in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Its action is independent of β-receptor stimulation, which makes it preferable in patients who are on β blockers as part of a guideline-directed neurohormonal blockade. There have been numerous studies evaluating the risks, benefits, and mortality associated with milrinone in the management of chronic heart failure patients.

Cocaine-induced Thrombosis: Review of Predisposing Factors, Potential Mechanisms, and Clinical Consequences with a Striking Case Report.

Cocaine is associated with a wide array of complications through a number of different mechanisms. Although the majority of cocaine-related morbidity has been attributed to complications in arterial vasculature, the deleterious impact of venous complications appears to be largely unrepresented in current literature as well as clinical practice despite emerging evidence of the high prevalence and annual incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in illicit drug users. Our case report illustrates an uncharacteristic presentation of cocaine-related widespread thrombotic cascade involving both arterial and venous circulations causing significant morbidity.

Clinical Overlap Between Myopericarditis and Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

BACKGROUND Stress induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is characterized by non-obstructive coronary arteries and characteristic ventricular apical ballooning. The exact pathogenesis of SIC is not well recognized. We present an unusual case of SIC that mimicked acute myopericarditis and discuss the effect of this masquerading presentation of SIC in recognizing pathophysiological association between myopericarditis and SIC and limitations of current diagnostic criteria.

Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review.

Background: Niacin, a potent high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-raising drug, seems an attractive approach to reduce cardiac events in patients with or at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, previous evidence for niacin has been challenged recently by negative outcomes in 2 large, randomized, controlled trials comparing niacin to placebo with background statin therapy. We studied the currently available evidence for the role of niacin treatment for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in current practice.