A 40-year-old Malay woman presented with increasing lethargy, palpitation and shortness of breath, 17 years after a mitral and aortic valve replacement. A Starr-Edwards prosthetic valve replaced the mitral valve, and a Bjork-Shiley prosthetic valve replaced the aortic valve. Biochemical parameters demonstrated intravascular haemolysis, as evidenced by haemoglobin 7.8 g/dL, reticulocyte count 8.4%, lactate dehydrogenase 2,057 IU/L and low haptoglobulin levels (less than 6 mg/dL). Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a paravalvular leakage over the mitral valve. The haemoglobin levels remained persistently low despite frequent blood transfusions. She successfully underwent a second mitral valve replacement. Her anaemia resolved subsequently.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|
JACC Adv
February 2025
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
Rev Cardiovasc Med
January 2025
Cardiovascular Department IRCCS (Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a potentially lethal condition and represents a significant clinical challenge both for clinical and interventional cardiologists. Traditionally managed medically and surgically, transcatheter therapies are now an emerging option, especially in patients with prohibitive surgical risk due to age or comorbidities. Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is emerging as a potential solution for patients suffering from TR with positive clinical data supporting its use in a wide range of anatomies and clinical settings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRev Cardiovasc Med
January 2025
Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
With the aging of the general population and the rise in surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, there will be an increase in the prevalence of prosthetic aortic valves. Patients with prosthetic aortic valves can develop a wide range of unique pathologies compared to the general population. Accurate diagnosis is necessary in this population to generate a comprehensive treatment plan.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Internal Medicine, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, USA.
This case report presents a complex and challenging scenario of recurrent () bacteremia and tricuspid valve endocarditis in a 77-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities and indwelling medical devices. The patient's medical history was significant for T4 paraplegia, neurogenic bladder requiring a chronic indwelling suprapubic catheter, heart block status post-permanent pacemaker placement, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and chronic sacral wounds. The case highlights the difficulties in managing antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly in patients with implantable devices and chronic wounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Cardiovascular Surgery, IMS Katsushika Heart Center, Tokyo, JPN.
An 85-year-old woman with long-standing atrial fibrillation and severe tricuspid regurgitation presented with worsening symptoms and massive right atrial enlargement (RAE). The patient experienced shortness of breath even during minimal exertion, such as walking within her house, which significantly impacted her daily activities. Surgical intervention, including tricuspid valve replacement and right atrial plication (RAP), led to significant symptomatic relief and improved pulmonary function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!