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Objectives This study sought to evaluate a decision algorithm for the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC). Background In a single center study, Abudiab et al evaluated echocardiographic parameters to estimate LVFP in patients with MAC against invasive hemodynamic measurements and developed a decision algorithm which demonstrated high predictive accuracy. Methods Retrospectively, 55 patients (mean age 68.5 ± 11.5) with MAC and a left heart catheterization within 24 hours of an echocardiogram were identified. The decision algorithm was applied using echo data to classify patients as having normal or elevated LVFP which was then compared with the invasively obtained LVFP. Results The algorithm performed poorly at predicting pre-A LVFP as normal or high (P = .182). Accuracy for the algorithm was 0.59 [0.46, 0.72] (mean [95% CI]), sensitivity was 0.45 [0.28, 0.62], specificity was 0.73 [0.54, 0.86], false positive rate was 0.27 [0.14, 0.46], and false negative rate was 0.55 [0.38, 0.72]. E/A ratio, IVRT, and E/e'ratio showed no significant relationship to actual patient LVFP. Conclusions The Abudiab et al algorithm failed to demonstrate comparable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in our sample. Additional study is necessary to refine this tool prior to more widespread use in clinical practice.

The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is the gold standard conduit used to revascularize the left anterior descending artery and has consistently been shown to be associated with better survival, graft patency, and freedom from cardiac events compared with other used conduits. Evaluation of LIMA flow and anatomy is not routinely done by the interventional cardiologist while performing the left heart catheterization. We present a case where the LIMA was found to be the major blood supply to the left leg, which might have led to leg ischemia if the LIMA had been used as graft.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly being recognized as a cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This increased recognition of SCAD has been noted in patients with and without traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and cigarette smoking. The increasing incidence is believed to be due to recent advances in diagnostic and coronary imaging modalities. The most common presenting feature is chest pain or discomfort. Normal troponin level does not rule out SCAD as the definitive diagnosis is made on coronary angiography. Percutaneous intervention (PCI) for SCAD has been associated with lower success rates compared to PCI for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Medical management is, therefore, the initial treatment of choice.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a condition that develops from reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery through the coronary arteries which leads to cardiac ischemia. In the case presented here, the patient’s ACS was precipitated by his underlying condition of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Several complications can arise in patients with CML, one of them being blast crisis. Blast crisis is defined by 20% or greater blasts in the peripheral blood, or extramedullary proliferation of blasts. There is a known phenomenon of blood hyperviscosity that can develop in such patients which can lead to complications of stroke-like symptoms, congestive heart failure, and acute respiratory failure. In such cases, leukostasis rarely leads to myocardial ischemia. We present a challenging case of a patient with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) precipitated by a blast crisis. This case highlights a potentially life-threatening cardiac complication of CML in patients with coronary artery disease and aimed to provide an optimal treatment strategy to improve outcomes.

Objective. We aimed to study the differences in perception of pain during cardiac catheterization with midazolam monotherapy compared to the current standard of midazolam plus fentanyl. Background. Procedural sedation is important to ensure comfort and safety in patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Despite the widespread use of midazolam and fentanyl for procedural sedation, the effectiveness of this dual agent approach to sedation has never been studied in comparison to midazolam monotherapy. Methods. A total of 129 patients undergoing sedation for outpatient elective cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to either midazolam monotherapy (n = 69) or combination of midazolam and fentanyl (n = 60). The primary outcome was assessment of pain perception prior to discharge by patient completion of a pain questionnaire. Participants were asked if they experienced any pain during their procedure (yes/no) and, if yes, asked to rate their overall pain level using a 10-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 (minimal pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Results. Most patients (n = 94, 73%) reported no pain during their procedure. Patients sedated with midazolam monotherapy reported similar average pain scores compared to patients sedated with the combination of midazolam and fentanyl (1.1 vs. 1.1, p = 0.95 ). Conclusions. Among patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization, no significant differences in pain scores were noted between sedation with midazolam alone compared to midazolam and fentanyl. Due to fentanyl’s unfavorable interaction with P2Y12 agents, increased costs, and addiction potential, it is imperative that cardiologists revisit the role of effective procedural sedation with a single agent and avoid the use of fentanyl.

Invasive hemodynamic assessment is a crucial component of the diagnostic evaluation of the complex patient with structural heart disease. In this chapter, we will review the indications for invasive assessment and interpretation of data obtained from a right and left heart catheterization in a patient with structural heart disease.

Background: Left heart catheterization (LHC) and TTM are proven beneficial after OHCA. Detroit CARES data found a strong, though insignificant, trend for LHC rate and survival (p = 0.1). In 2018, the rate of patients with LHC and good CPC nearly doubled, despite an overall decrease in LHC rate. Therefore, we hypothesize LHC is performed later (after second day of hospitalization) nationwide and a good CPC is likely associated with selection of patients expected to survive. Methods: We analyzed the national CARES registry (2013 - 2018) to investigate whether delayed LHC after OHCA was occurring nationally. Included were patients 18 or older, non-skilled care facility patients and surviving to admission. The primary outcome was the CPC dichotomized into good (1 or 2) and poor (3 - 5). A propensity score was derived to predict early LHC that incorporated factors associated with LHC and outcome. A multi-level logistic regression analyses was fit using inverse weighted propensity scores. The primary predictor of interest was early LHC relative to no or late LHC. Also examined were TTM, year of cardiac arrest, and other predictors. Results reported are odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: 62,195 individual cases were identified; the median age was 61, (IQR-16), 62% male, 32% unwitnessed, 37% bystander CPR, and 35% initial shockable rhythm. 29% had good outcome and 22% received early LHC, 6% late LHC and 72% no LHC. 13% of patients receiving early LHC and 23% with no or late LHC had a good outcome. OR and 95% CI for good outcome were: 2.4 (2.2-2.7) for early LHC, 3.6 (3.3-3.8) for shockable rhythm, 1.9 (1.7-2.0) for public location and 2.0 (1.8-2.2) for witnessed arrest. Over the five-year period, no change in the total LHC occurred and a slight decrease in early LHC, (25%-23%), (Fig 1). Conclusion: Early LHC was associated with good outcome (CPC) at hospital discharge. The overall LHC rate is unchanged from 2013-18 with a slight decrease in early LHC.

Background: Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN), or contrast-induced acute kidney injury is considered a complication of intravascular administration of iodinated contrast material. However, more recent studies have challenged the reported incidence of contrast nephropathy. We compared the incidence of acute kidney injury and of nephropathy at 3 months in patients undergoing only right heart catheterization (RHC) to patients undergoing right and left heart catheterization (R&LHC) and coronary angiography. Methods and Results: We studied 1779 consecutive patients at a Veterans Administration Medical Center, of which 869 underwent only RHC, which does not involve the administration of iodinated contrast media, and 910 patients who underwent R&LHC and coronary angiography. Creatinine values at 72 hours after the respective procedure were available in 938 patients and creatinine values at 3 months were available in 1246 patients. The incidence of acute kidney injury (defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or 25% compared to baseline) at 3 days was 34 (7.5%) in the RHC group and 46 (9.5%) in the R&LHC group (P=0.31). The incidence of nephropathy at 3 months was 89 (15.6%) in the RHC group and 113 (12.2%) in the R&LHC group (P=0.15). On multivariable analysis including adjustment for a propensity score, CIN at 3 days was not significantly associated with R&LHC (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-1.05; P=0.56) and neither was nephropathy at 3 months (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.04; P=0.22). Patients undergoing R&LHC had a lower mortality at 12 months (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.77; P Conclusions: The incidence of acute kidney injury was not significantly different in patients undergoing RHC compared to patients undergoing R&LHC and coronary angiography, even though the former received no contrast dye. The incidence of nephropathy at 3 months was also not significantly different between the two groups while mortality was significantly lower in the group of patients undergoing R&LHC. This suggests that serum creatinine is a nonspecific diagnostic marker for contrast induced-kidney injury and that long-term outcomes are not associated with the administration of contrast in this population.

Different variants of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) have been described recently. In the present case, we report a post-menopausal woman who had been experiencing significant emotional distress, admitted with typical chest pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated troponin levels. She underwent left heart catheterization that demonstrated mild non-obstructive coronary disease and mid-ventricular focal wall motion abnormality, consistent with the mid-ventricular variant of TC. One month after her discharge, a repeated echocardiogram showed preserved ejection fraction and no wall motion abnormalities. In the mid-ventricular variant, we usually observe a unique end-systolic appearance that resembles a Greek vase. It is possible that atypical patterns of left ventricle (LV) dysfunction related to TC are being underrecognized. Therefore, this case study highlights the importance of recognizing less frequent variants of TC.

Background: The prognostic importance of right bundle branch block (RBBB) has been debated. It has been described as a benign variant, especially when compared to left bundle branch block (LBBB). We studied the presence of bundle branch blocks in a high-risk U.S. Veteran cohort. Methods: Retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis for presence of RBBB or LBBB was conducted in 1,535 consecutive patients presenting for left heart catheterization. Evaluated risk factors were gender, age, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking history, chronic kidney disease, reduced ejection fraction and history of previous revascularization. Mean follow up time was 112 ± 66 months. Results: Analysis of 1,535 ECGs revealed 113 patients with RBBB and 65 patients with LBBB. Risk factor burden between the two groups appeared similar with exception of higher incidence of reduced ejection fraction and previous revascularization in the LBBB group. Mortality of RBBB group was 92.0% compared to 96.9% of LBBB group. Mean time to death for RBBB group was 74.1 months compared to 61.0 months for LBBB group. Hazard ratio (HR) for RBBB with Cox regression controlling for aforementioned risk factors was 1.41, 95% CI = 1.14-1.74; p =.002. HR for LBBB controlling for the same risk factors was 1.84, 95% CI = 1.42-2.40; p = Conclusion: In a high-risk cohort of US Veterans, both LBBB and RBBB are independent risk factors for mortality. While LBBB is a known adverse risk factor, presence of RBBB portends a poor prognosis and warrants further research.

Objective This single-center, retrospective analysis investigated the clinical outcomes of a novel vascular closure device (VASCADE, Cardiva Medical, Santa Clara, CA) for closure of 7F femoral venotomies. Background The VASCADE closure device has been widely used to close arteriotomy sites following femoral procedures; however, little data have been published regarding the device's utility in closure of venotomy sites after procedures such as right-heart catheterization. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of outcomes in 102 consecutive patients who underwent venous closure using the VASCADE device following diagnostic right and left-heart catheterization between April 2016 to May 2018. Patients' age, gender, valvular disease status, comorbidities, and periprocedural use of antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy were analyzed. Results Closure was successful in 99% (101/102) of patients with respect to achieving the primary outcome of rapid hemostasis in ≤3 min. There was one device failure requiring manual compression, with no further complications. There were no other related adverse events or complications through 30 days of follow-up. Conclusions The VASCADE device achieved venous hemostasis in nearly all our patients. We believe devices for venous closure can aid in improving patient experience, safety, and efficiency during these procedures.

Purpose Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is common in patients who have undergone orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive methods for identifying CAV are an appealing alternative to standard clinical practice of routine invasive angiography. We explored the association of CAV with incidental coronary artery calcium (CAC) from non-ECG gated, clinically indicated chest CT scans. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study of OHT patients >1 year from transplant who underwent left heart catheterization between 2015 and 2019 and had a clinically indicated, non-ECG gated chest CT obtained for a variety of indications within 6 months of the catheterization. CAC was graded by a blinded reviewer in a semi-quantitative manner based on extent and distribution across the coronary tree. Angiographically significant CAV was obtained from left heart catheterizations results obtained per standard institutional protocol. Results 73 patients were included, 56 (77%) were male, mean age was 60±12 years and median time from heart transplant was 4 years [IQR 2, 8]. 34 patients (47%) were found to have CAC, of which 7 (21%) were found to have moderate or severe CAC. 38 patients (52%) were found to have CAV on angiography. In the CAC group, 25 were found to have CAV (74%). Of those with moderate to severe CAC, 7 (100%) were found to have CAV. In the no CAC group, 13 (33%) were found to have CAV. The presence of CAC had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 66%, 74%, 73%, and 67% respectively for the diagnosis of CAV. Conclusion The absence of CAC on non-ECG gated CT demonstrated a moderate ability to rule out CAV, while moderate to severe CAC was strongly associated with CAV. As chest CT scans are common in this population, informing clinical decision making with this “free” information is potentially beneficial.

This study sought to identify Doppler parameters useful for the assessment of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC) and to develop and validate a decision algorithm for assessing LVFP in such patients.Predicting LVFP in the presence of MAC is problematic.Prospectively, 50 patients with MAC (mean 72 ± 11 years of age) underwent a complete Doppler echocardiographic study and right or left heart catheterization. Standard and nonstandard parameters of ventricular filling and relaxation were correlated with LVFP. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to develop a decision tree for prediction of LVFP. Validation was performed prospectively using an additional cohort with MAC and invasive hemodynamics (n = 21).In the initial study group, 26 patients had mild MAC, and 24 had moderate or severe MAC. Mean LVFP was 17.0 ± 8.1 mm Hg (range 4 to 50 mm Hg). Of the variables tested, the best predictor of LVFP was the ratio of early-to-late diastolic filling velocity (mitral E/A) (r = 0.66; p 0.001). This finding was observed in subjects with mild as well as moderate-to-severe MAC. Importantly, the ratio of early diastolic filling velocity-to-mitral annulus velocity (E/e') demonstrated weak correlation (r = 0.42; p = 0.003). A clinical algorithm using mitral E/A and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was associated with good specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%), and moderate sensitivity (81%) and negative predictive value (67%) for high LVFP. Validation of the clinical algorithm in a separate prospective cohort yielded a diagnostic accuracy of 94%.The E/e' ratio should not be used to estimate LVFP in subjects with significant MAC. However, mitral E/A ratio and IVRT are useful predictors of LVFP in this patient population. The proposed decision algorithm combining these Doppler parameters is accurate in estimating LVFP in patients with MAC.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Ziel Diagnostische Linksherzkatheteruntersuchungen sollen durchgefuhrt werden, wenn vorab eine Bypass-Operation oder eine perkutan-transluminale Gefasintervention an Herz und Koronargefasen (PTCA) als therapeutische Konsequenzen in Betracht gezogen wird. Es wird analysiert, wie stark die Raten an Linksherzkatheteruntersuchungen (LKU) und deren invasive therapeutische Konsequenz zwischen den Landkreisen und Krankenhausern des Bundeslandes Sachsen-Anhalt variieren und welche Patientenmerkmale die Interventionsquoten beeinflussen. Zudem wird der Zusammenhang zwischen LKU-Raten und nachfolgenden Interventionsraten sowie den Entlassungsraten wegen Herzinfarkt untersucht. Methodik 10.906 pseudonymisierte Krankenhausfalle von 9.791 Versicherten der AOK Sachsen-Anhalt, bei denen 2011 eine LKU dokumentiert wurde, wurden hinsichtlich ihrer darauf folgenden invasiven Konsequenzen Bypass oder PTCA bis zum 31.12.2012 nachverfolgt. Es werden Vergleiche der LKU-Inzidenz auf Landkreisebene (standardisiert fur Alter und Geschlecht, Wohnortprinzip) und Krankenhausvergleiche durchgefuhrt. Eine logistische Regressionsanalyse quantifiziert, welche Faktoren das Risiko einer folgenlosen LKU beeinflussen. Ergebnisse Der Anteil der Patienten mit LKU, aber ohne invasive Folgemasnahmen im mindestens zwolfmonatigen Nachbeobachtungszeitraum betragt 54,2 %. Im Landkreisvergleich besteht ein fast linearer Zusammenhang zwischen der Zahl der erbrachten LKU-Falle pro 10.000 Versichertenjahre und der Zahl der LKU-Falle, die nach mindestens 12 Monaten ohne PTCA oder Bypass bleiben. Die regionalen Haufigkeiten der LKU und der Krankenhausfalle wegen akutem Herzinfarkt stehen in keinem statistisch signifikanten Zusammenhang. Zwischen den Krankenhausern variiert der Anteil folgenloser LKU an allen LKU zwischen 37 und 85 %. Frauen und jungere Patienten haben ein groseres Risiko, eine folgenlose LKU zu erhalten. Diskussion Die Versorgungsheterogenitat gibt Hinweise, dass in bestimmten Regionen Sachsen-Anhalts und bei bestimmten Diagnosen LKU zuruckhaltender angewandt werden konnten. Detailliertere Evaluationen sollten die identifizierten Optimierungspotentiale in der Versorgung uberprufen.

Post-operative pulmonary complications in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery are mostly reversible. We report a patient who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) post-CABG and did not have pulmonary hypertension prior to surgery. PAH Group 1 was diagnosed after right and left heart catheterization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only reported case of a patient developing PAH post-CABG surgery. This could be explained by immunological and/or haemostatic changes triggered by cardiopulmonary bypass. We hope that as more knowledge is gained regarding the pathophysiology of PAH, cases like these could be better understood.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after femoral arterial access is a rare complication of left heart catheterization (LHC). The reasons for paradoxical venous clot formation after arterial access are identifiable in some cases but less clear in others. Here, we present one case of provoked DVT after femoral access followed by a second case in which clot formation appears to be spontaneous. Additionally, though each of the patients presented here demonstrated thrombus resolution, only one received anticoagulation. These cases highlight the complex pathophysiology of DVT following femoral arterial access and the challenges of management strategy selection.

A 61-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft presented with chest pain. A left heart catheterization showed a new kink in the body of his left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery graft. The kink improved with inspiration, which suggests re-assessment of similar cases should be done during deep inspiration. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Graphical abstract, A 61-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft presented with chest pain. A left heart catheterization…

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an uncommon pathology, which is sometimes incidentally found on left heart catheterization (LHC). CAE is occasionally treated with systemic anticoagulation to prevent thrombosis or progression of the clot in the coronary arteries. We present a 63-year-old male with known CAE on warfarin who presented to the hospital with myocardial infarction after a routine colonoscopy for which anticoagulation was held. His myocardial infarction was attributed to a likely coronary thromboembolic event. This case highlights the need for consideration of bridging anticoagulation therapy before and after procedures in patients with CAE to prevent adverse coronary events.

Background Left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic assessment has been sparsely performed in patients supported on continuous‐flow LV assist devices (cf LVADs ). Insight into dynamic changes of left heart parameters during ramp studies may improve LV assist device optimization and evaluate pathology. Methods and Results To complement right heart catheterization, a novel technique for left heart catheterization in patients with a cf LVAD was developed. Patients implanted with cf LVAD s underwent hemodynamic ramp left heart catheterization and right heart catheterization with transthoracic echocardiography. Continuous aortic and LV pressures were measured along with right atrial, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. A novel index, the transaortic gradient ( TAG ) was established. Thirty eight patients with cf LVADs were evaluated at a median of 446 days (interquartile range, 183–742) after device implant. During left heart catheterization performed for hemodynamic optimization, drop‐in LV end‐diastolic pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were associated with a rise in TAG . A range was identified for TAG (20–40 mm Hg) as providing the most optimal level of hemodynamic offloading. Pathologic states deviated from normal responses to ramp. LV assist device thrombosis was associated with an inability to increase in TAG during speed ramp. Significant aortic insufficiency was associated with a marked increase in LV end‐diastolic pressure despite a concomitant decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with increasing LV assist device speeds. Conclusions Inclusion of left heart catheterization to a typical right heart catheterization LV assist device ramp protocol imparted unique insights to optimize cf LVAD speeds in different clinical scenarios. A novel index, the TAG was defined and provided additional resolution to optimized offloading.

O acesso transradial para cateterismo cardíaco esquerdo e o acesso venoso antecubital com punção guiada por ecografia para cateterismo cardíaco direito, são estratégias que podem reduzir riscos, especialmente em pacientes anticoagulados. Nosso estudo tem como objetivo comparar a taxa de sucesso e a incidência de complicações vasculares imediatas do cateterismo cardíaco direito isolado (CCDI) ou combinado com cateterismo cardíaco esquerdo (CCEC) em pacientes anticoagulados e não anticoagulados, usando um protocolo específico de abordagem vascular em ambos os grupos. Foram incluídos prospectivamente 93 pacientes submetidos à CCDI ou CCEC através de punção venosa antecubital guiada por ultrassom e punção arterial transradial. Os desfechos principais foram taxa de sucesso e incidência de complicações vasculares imediatas. Do total, 44 pacientes eram anticoagulados e 49 não anticoagulados. Pacientes anticoagulados tinham mais fibrilação atrial e doença renal crônica. O principal motivo para anticoagulação foi TVP/TEP(50%) e 84% dos pacientes anticoagulados estavam em uso de warfarina. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 100% em pacientes anticoagulados e 96% em pacientes não anticoagulados (p = 0,1). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de complicações entre pacientes anticoagulados e não anticoagulados. Nossa experiência sugere que o cateterismo cardíaco direito realizado pela via antecubital, com ou sem acesso transradial associado, apresenta taxas de sucesso e complicações semelhantes em pacientes anticoagulados quando comparado aos não anticoagulados. Transradial access for left heart catheterization and antecubital venous access with ultrasound-guided puncture for right heart catheterization are strategies that may reduce risks, especially in anticoagulated patients. We sought to compare the success rate and incidence of immediate vascular complications of either isolated right heart catheterization (IRHC) or combined left and right heart catheterization (CLRHC) in anticoagulated versus non-anticoagulated patients, using a specific protocol for vascular approach in both groups. Nine-three patients who underwent IRHC or CLRHC with ultrasound-guided antecubital venous access and transradial arterial access were prospectively enrolled. Primary outcomes were success rate and incidence of immediate vascular complications. Patients were followed up to hospital discharge. Of total, 44 patients were anticoagulated and 49 were not anticoagulated. Anticoagulated patients had more atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease in comparison to non-anticoagulated patients. The main reason for anticoagulation was DVT/PTE (50%) and the majority of the anticoagulated patients were on Warfarin (84%). Success rate was 100% in anticoagulated and 96% in non-anticoagulated patients (p = 0.1). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of immediate vascular complications between anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated patients (0% vs 4%, p = 0.3). Antecubital venous access for right cardiac catheterization, with or without associated transradial left heart catheterization, had similar rates of success and immediate vascular complications in anticoagulated patients when compared to non-anticoagulated patients.

The accuracy of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular contractility has not been validated in children. The objective of this study was to compare echocardiographic measures of contractility with those derived from pressure-volume loop (PVL) analysis in children.Patients with relatively normal loading conditions undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. PVLs were obtained via conductance catheters. The gold-standard measure of contractility, end-systolic elastance (Ees), was obtained via balloon occlusion of one or both vena cavae. Echocardiograms were performed immediately after PVL analysis under the same anesthetic conditions. Single-beat estimations of echocardiographic Ees were calculated using four different methods. These estimates were calculated using a combination of noninvasive blood pressure readings, ventricular volumes derived from three-dimensional echocardiography, and Doppler time intervals.Of 24 patients, 18 patients were heart transplant recipients, and six patients had small patent ductus arteriosus or small coronary fistulae. The mean age was 9.1 ± 5.6 years. The average invasive Ees was 3.04 ± 1.65 mm Hg/mL. Invasive Ees correlated best with echocardiographic Ees by the method of Tanoue (r = 0.85, P .01), with a mean difference of -0.07 mm Hg/mL (95% limits of agreement, -2.0 to 1.4 mm Hg/mL).Echocardiographic estimates of Ees correlate well with gold-standard measures obtained via conductance catheters in children with relatively normal loading conditions. The use of these noninvasive measures in accurately assessing left ventricular contractility appears promising and merits further study in children.

With an expanding and aging heart transplant population, the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is expected to increase. Our study aims to report current trends in in-hospital management and outcomes in heart transplant recipients presenting with ACS. We conducted an analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (2007 to 2014) to study the trends in hospitalization, in-hospital management, and outcomes in heart transplant recipients with a primary diagnosis of ACS. We included patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and those with unstable angina pectoris (UAP). A total of 1,621 ACS (NSTEMI/UAP-76% vs STEMI-24%) hospitalizations were identified. Despite 1,327 (81%) of patients who underwent left heart catheterization, coronary revascularization was performed in only 576 patients (36%). Mortality was significantly higher in patients presenting with STEMI versus NSTEMI/UAP (28% vs 11%, respectively; p0.05) and those who did not undergo revascularization (19% vs 7%; p0.05). Cardiogenic shock (CS) was diagnosed in 14.5% patients. Mechanical circulatory support utilization was higher in CS group compared with non-CS group (69% vs 2.8%; p0.05), as was in-hospital mortality (39% vs 10%; p0.05). Repeat transplantation during the index hospitalization was done in 4.5% of ACS patients. In conclusion, in heart transplant recipients, ACS is associated with a high incidence of CS and in-hospital mortality. Aggressive treatment strategy that includes revascularization, mechanical circulatory support use (in those developing CS), and urgent retransplantation in suitable candidates seems to lead to better results than a more conservative strategy.

Although rare, usually asymptomatic, and without concurrent disease, dual left anterior descending arteries (LAD) poses great challenges. We describe a 55-year-old male with no history of coronary disease, who presented with worsening substernal chest pain with exertion, and was ruled out for myocardial infarction. On left heart catheterization and subsequent computed tomography angiogram, he was determined to have a dual LAD with a long LAD emerging from the right coronary artery. Moreover, this long LAD gave collaterals to a native long diagonal that ran parallel to this vessel from the left system and was chronically occluded. The long LAD, consistent with type IV classification, traveled in the anterior intraventricular groove to supply left ventricular myocardium; the chronically occluded long left native diagonal supplying lateral walls and apex is a unique variant. It is important to be aware of these anomalies to establish correct diagnoses and determine treatment options.

The anomalous origin of coronaries is rare. The purpose of this case report is to show a rare anomalous origin of coronaries. A 64-year-old female presented with chest pain that was typical in nature. The patient had left heart catheterization that showed an anomalous origin of coronaries, where all the coronaries were arising from the right coronary cusp. The patient had a significant disease in the distal left anterior descending artery, but it was a small vessel. Medical management was chosen. This is a rare presentation of the coronary anatomy.