Left atrial septal pouch thrombus: An unusual cause of an embolic stroke.

Left-atrial septal pouch (LASP) is a newly described anatomical variant caused by incomplete fusion of the septa primum and secundum. This case visualizes LASP as a potential nidus for blood stasis and cardiac embolism and highlights the need for consideration of TEE in the work up of cryptogenic stroke.

A rare case of sinus venosus atrial septal defect: Malpositioned right atrial pacemaker lead in the left atrium.

Incidental discovery of sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SV-ASD) in the elderly is rare. This defect allows for lead malpositioning during pacemaker placement and can lead to catastrophic cardioembolic events. Post-pacemaker implantation, chest radiography should be obtained to detect malpositioning early, and if detected, lead adjustment is recommended; if identified later, treatment with an anticoagulant is feasible.

Effects of medically generated electromagnetic interference from medical devices on cardiac implantable electronic devices: A review.

As cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) become more prevalent, it is important to acknowledge potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other sources, such as internal and external electronic devices and procedures and its effect on these devices. EMI from other sources can potentially inhibit pacing and trigger shocks in permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), respectively. This review analyzes potential EMI amongst CIED and left ventricular assist device, deep brain stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators, and throughout an array of procedures, such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and procedures involving electrocautery.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A comprehensive review.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as stress cardiomyopathy, occurs in the setting of catecholamine surge from an acute stressor. This cardiomyopathy mimics acute myocardial infarction in the absence of coronary disease. The classic feature of TCM is regional wall motion abnormalities with characteristic ballooning of the left ventricle.