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Background: Coronary embolism (CE) is an uncommon cause of non-atherosclerotic acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main cause of CE, evidence of clinical, biochemical, echocardiographic, angiographic findings and outcomes of AF CE is lacking., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 85 consecutive patients with CE that was diagnosed based on criteria encompassing clinical, angiographic and diagnostic imaging findings. We classified patients according to AF CE or non-AF CE., Results: Forty-five patients presented with AF CE (53%). Patients with AF CE were older (76 ± 12 vs. 63 ± 14 years; p < 0.001) and had more often chronic kidney disease (24% vs. 5%; p = 0.01). AF CE had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at admission (59 ± 18 vs. 77 ± 16 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ; p < 0.001) and higher brain natriuretic peptide levels (512 ± 417 vs. 210 ± 479 pg/ml; p = 0.02). Coronary arteriography revealed a higher incidence of coronary artery obstruction in the AF CE group (73% vs. 38%; p = 0.001) without differences in interventional management. The AF CE group showed higher left atrial volume index (LAVI) (42 ± 15 vs. 25 ± 12 ml/m 2 ; p < 0.001) and showed lower left atrium ejection fraction (LAEF) (32 ± 17 vs. 49 ± 17%; p = 0.001). In the multivariable analysis AF CE (OR 10 [95% CI 1.04-95; p = 0.046]) and LAEF (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.88-0.99; p = 0.02]) were associated with worse in-hospital outcomes. Moreover, in the multivariable analysis, prior stroke (OR 12.5 [95% CI 1.1-137; p = 0.04]) and LAVI (OR 1.1 [95% CI 1.03-1.14; p = 0.003]) were independently associated with worse long-term outcomes., Conclusion: AF CE has specific characteristics compared to non-AF-CE and it is associated with more in-hospital events. Furthermore, atrial cardiopathy is associated with worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes in this setting., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

It remains unclear whether non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more effective and safer than warfarin in low-weight patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we retrospectively compared the effectiveness and safety of NOACs with those of warfarin in low-weight patients with AF. We extracted the July 2011-September 2022 data of patients with AF treated with a NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) or warfarin at a tertiary hospital. The patients were divided into low-weight (body weight ≤ 60 kg) and non-low-weight (body weight = 60-100 kg) groups. The primary outcomes were hospitalization for ischemic stroke (IS) or systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding, whereas the secondary outcomes were any ischemic and bleeding events. We used the inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance the baseline characteristics between the groups. In total, 5,044 patients (mean age = 73.7 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score = 3.0, mean HAS-BLED score = 2.3) were enrolled and divided into low-weight and non-low-weight groups-containing 1,666 (1,406 NOAC users, 260 warfarin users) and 3,378 (2,978 NOAC users, 400 warfarin users) patients, respectively. NOACs were associated with a lower risk of any bleeding event in the low-weight group (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.51-0.73). The between-group differences in the risks of IS/SE, any ischemic event, major bleeding, and any bleeding event were nonsignificant. Thus, the use of NOACs (specifically dabigatran or edoxaban) is associated with a lower risk of any bleeding event than warfarin use in low-weight patients with AF., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This case report documents the management of a 66-year old man with atrial fibrillation with recent placement of a WATCHMAN ® Flex atrial appendage occlusion device. The patient presented with renal failure, abdominal pain, and difficulty walking 2 months after placement. The WATCHMAN ® Flex device was found to have embolized to his abdominal aorta at the level of the renal arteries with associated thrombus. Extensive workup revealed reduced left ventricular cardiac function and decreased renal function, both of which were felt to be potentially reversible with device removal. The patient then underwent retrieval of the device and all associated thrombus via an open retroperitoneal approach. This case demonstrates a potential consequence of implanting devices such as an atrial appendage occlusion device and describes a technique for removal., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation are frequently nonadherent to oral anticoagulants (OACs) prescribed for stroke and systemic embolism (SSE) prevention. We quantified the relationship between OAC adherence and atrial fibrillation clinical outcomes using methods not previously applied to this problem., Methods and Results: Retrospective observational cohort study of incident cases of atrial fibrillation from population-based administrative data over 23 years. The exposure of interest was proportion of days covered during 90 days before an event or end of follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate time to first SSE and the composite of SSE, transient ischemic attack, or death and several secondary outcomes. A total of 44 172 patients were included with median follow-up of 6.7 years. For direct OACs (DOACs), each 10% decrease in adherence was associated with a 14% increased hazard of SSE and 5% increased hazard of SSE, transient ischemic attack, or death. For vitamin K antagonist (VKA) the corresponding increase in SSE hazard was 3%. Receiving DOAC or VKA was associated with primary outcome hazard reduction across most the proportion of days covered spectrum. Differences between VKA and DOAC were statistically significant for all efficacy outcomes and at most adherence levels., Conclusions: Even small reductions in OAC adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation were associated with significant increases in risk of stroke, with greater magnitudes for DOAC than VKA. DOAC recipients may be more vulnerable than VKA recipients to increased risk of stroke and death even with small reductions in adherence. The worsening efficacy outcomes associated with decreasing adherence occurred without the benefit of major bleeding reduction.

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Villablanca is a consultant for Edwards Lifesciences and Teleflex. Dr B.P. O’Neill is a consultant for and has received research support from Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Wang is a consultant for Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, and Boston Scientific. Dr Lee is a consultant for Edwards Lifesciences. Dr W. O’Neill has served as a consultant for Abiomed, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott Vascular, and St. Jude Medical; and serves on the Board of Directors of Neovasc Inc. Dr Frisoli is a proctor for Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

The management of embolic acute limb ischaemia commonly involves determining aetiology and performing emergency invasive procedures. This detailed study aimed to determine the impact of manipulation of anticoagulation in the aetiology of emboli in acute limb ischaemia and determine the efficacy of primary anticoagulation therapy vs. invasive interventions. Material and methods: Data collection was conducted at a single institution on a cohort of patients presenting consecutively with embolic acute limb ischaemia over one year. Two groups were compared, one receiving anticoagulation as primary therapy with those undergoing invasive treatment as the internal comparison group. Results: A likely haematological causation was identified in 22 of 38 presentations, related to interruption of anticoagulation in cardiac conditions, the majority atrial fibrillation (n=12), or hypercoagulable states (n=10). Limb salvage was pursued in 36 patients employing anticoagulation (n=19) or surgical embolectomy (n=17) as the primary therapy in upper and lower limbs (n=17 vs n=19 respectively). Despite delays often well beyond six hours and a range of ischaemic severity in both groups, 35 of 36 patients achieved full or substantive restoration of function with improved perfusion. Regarding anatomical distribution of arterial disease and therapy, three patients with multi-level disease proceeded to embolectomy following anticoagulation. Embolectomy was undertaken most often for proximal emboli and more profound paralysis. Conclusions: Anticoagulation and coagulopathy are commonly implicated in the aetiology of arterial emboli, with omission of effective anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation being associated in almost 1/3 of presentations. Whilst more profound limb paralysis and proximal or multi-level disease tended to be managed surgically, primary anticoagulation therapy alone or with a secondary embolectomy was effective across the spectrum of ischaemia severity and despite significant delays beyond guideline recommendations.

Competing Interests: None declared.

Background: This study was performed to summarize our experience in treating acute superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT)., Methods: Between January 2023 and October 2023, 18 patients presenting with acute mesenteric ischemia were admitted to our center, including 11 cases of SMAE, 3 cases of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis, and 4 cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients (4 males and 4 females; range, 51-79 years; mean, 62.50 ± 9.67 years) who underwent treatment of acute SMAE using the AcoStream system. The patients had no obvious evidence of intestinal necrosis as shown by peritoneal puncture or computed tomography. Thrombectomy was performed on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using an 8F AcoStream thrombus aspiration system (Acotec, China). The demographics, risk factors, therapeutic effect, complications, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed., Results: The technical success rate was 100%. After 1-3 passes (2.38 ± 0.92) and aspiration thrombectomy, complete thrombus removal was achieved in 7 (87.50%) patients. One patient received an adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis due to partial thrombus removal. Thrombolysis was conducted for 2 days, resulting in complete resolution of the thrombus. The other 7 patients did not receive adjunctive endovascular intervention due to complete thrombus removal and no residual stenosis. No distal embolization or device-related complications were noted during the procedure. After the procedure, sufficient clinical improvement was seen in 6 patients within 1-2 days. Two patients showed no significant improvement of their symptoms. Laparotomy was performed on day 1 and day 2 after thrombectomy in patients 3 and 7, respectively. Intestinal necrosis was diagnosed operatively and intestinal resection was performed. All patients were discharged 6-15 days (9.50 ± 3.07) after admission without perioperative complication or death. The mean follow-up period was 5.00 ± 3.30 months (range, 1-10 months), and the follow-up rate was 100%. During the follow-up, all patients remained symptom-free. Computed tomography angiography images showed good flow in the trunk and branches of the SMA in all patients., Conclusions: PMT using the AcoStream system is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique for acute SMAE. Early application of PMT can achieve immediate revascularization of the SMA and have the potential advantage of avoiding laparotomy or reducing the extension of enterectomy, as it could theoretically restore intestinal perfusion in less time than open revascularization. If the symptoms do not improve after PMT, exploratory laparotomy should be scheduled as soon as possible. Further studies are necessary on this field to confirm these findings., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Stroke remains one of the most serious complications in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and has been linked to disturbances of the autonomic nervous system., Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that impaired cardiac autonomic function might be associated with an enhanced stroke risk in AF patients., Methods: A total of 1922 AF patients who were in either sinus rhythm (SR group; n = 1121) or AF (AF group; n = 801) on a 5-minute resting electrocardiographic (ECG) recording were enrolled in the study. Heart rate variability triangular index (HRVI), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, root mean square root of successive differences of normal-to-normal intervals, mean heart rate, 5-minute total power, and power in the high-frequency, low-frequency, and very-low-frequency ranges were calculated. Cox regression models were constructed to examine the association of heart rate variability (HRV) parameters with the composite endpoint of stroke or systemic embolism., Results: Mean age was 71 ± 8 years in the SR group and 75 ± 8 years in the AF group. Thirty-seven patients in the SR group (3.4%) and 60 patients in the AF group (8.0%) experienced a stroke or systemic embolism during follow-up of 5 years. In patients with SR, HRVI <15 was the strongest HRV parameter to be associated with stroke or systemic embolism (hazard ratio 3.04; 95% confidence interval 1.3-7.0; P = .009) after adjustment for multiple confounders. In the AF group, no HRV parameter was found to be associated with the composite endpoint., Conclusion: HRVI measured during SR on a single 5-minute ECG recording is independently associated with stroke or systemic embolism in AF patients. HRV analysis in SR may help to improve risk stratification in AF patients., Competing Interests: Disclosures Dr Beer reports grants from the Swiss National Foundation of Science, The Swiss Heart Foundation, and Bayer; and lecture fees from Sanofi Aventis and Amgen, to the institution outside the submitted work. Dr Blum has received research grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Heart Foundation, all for work outside the submitted study. Dr Bonati has received an unrestricted research grant from AstraZeneca; consultancy or advisory board fees or speaker honoraria from Amgen, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Claret Medical; and travel grants from AstraZeneca and Bayer, outside the submitted work. Dr Conen received consultancy fees from Roche Diagnostics and Trimedics; and speaker fees from Servier and BMS/Pfizer, outside the submitted work. Dr Kühne received personal fees from Daiichi Sankyo and grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation, Foundation for CardioVascular Research Basel, Bayer, Pfizer, Boston Scientific, BMS, Biotronik, and Daiichi Sankyo, outside the submitted work. Dr Krisai has speaker fees from BMS/Pfizer, outside the submitted work. Dr Müller reports fellowship and training support from Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott/St. Jude Medical, and Biosense Webster; speaker honoraria from Biosense Webster, Medtronic, Abbott/St. Jude Medical, AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo, Biotronik, MicroPort, Novartis, Zoll, and Bristol Myers Squibb; consultant fees from Biosense Webster, Medtronic, Abbott/St. Jude Medical, and Biotronik, outside the submitted work. Dr Moschovitis has received advisory board and/or speaker fees from Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi Sankyo, Gebro Pharma, Novartis, and Vifor, outside the submitted work. Dr Osswald received research grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation and Swiss Heart Foundation, Foundation for CardioVascular Research Basel, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; and educational and speaker grants from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Bayer, Novartis, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo, and Pfizer, outside the submitted work. Dr Reichlin has recieved research grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Heart Foundation, and the sitem insel support funds; speaker/consulting honoraria or travel support from Abbott/SJM, Astra Zeneca, Brahms, Bayer, Biosense-Webster, Biotronik, Boston-Scientific, Daiichi Sankyo, Farapulse, Medtronic, Pfizer-,BMS and Roche; and support for his institution’s fellowship program from Abbott/SJM, Biosense Webster, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic for work, outside the submitted study. Dr Zuern has received funding from the “Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft Basel”; and personal fees from Cardiomatics, outside the submitted work. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Optimal strategies to manage embolization of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) devices are unclear; valve-in-valve (ViV) is often used. We aimed to describe through one-single center experience its rate, causes, consequences, and management as well as the rate and relevance of commissural alignment (CA) in this context., Methods: We identified across 1038 TAVI cases, those cases requiring ViV for the management of first device embolization. CA (absence or mild misalignment) after first and second device was assessed by CT or fluoroscopy., Results: A total of 23 cases (2.2%) were identified, 52.3% embolized towards the aorta and 47.7% towards the ventricle. Suboptimal implant height (38%) and embolization at the time of post-dilation (23%) were the most frequent mechanisms together with greater rate of bicuspid valve (p < 0.001) and a trend to greater annular eccentricity. Procedural and 1-year death occurred in 13% and 34%, respectively (vs. 1.1% and 7.8% in the global cohort, p < 0.001). CA was present in 76.9% of the prostheses initially implanted but was only spontaneously achieved in 30.8% of the second ViV device. Adequate CA of both prostheses was identified in only two cases (8.7%). There were no cases of coronary obstruction., Conclusions: TAVI device embolization mechanisms can often be predicted and prevented. Mortality following bail-out ViV is higher than in regular TAVI procedures but 2/3 of these patients survived beyond 1-year follow-up. In them, valve degeneration or coronary re-access might be particularly challenging since CA was rarely achieved with both devices suggesting that greater efforts should be made in this regard., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary benign tumors of the heart. The occlusion of peripheral arteries and complete obstruction of the abdominal aorta by a tumor embolus presents with distinct clinical manifestations. Herein, we present the case of a 38-year-old male with acute paresthesia, muscle weakness, erythematous, and violaceous changes in skin color localized to the dorsum of the left forefoot initially treated as cutaneous vasculitis. Further studies revealed the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus from a cardiac myxoma. A multidisciplinary team consisting of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons were involved in treating the patient, which resulted in full resolution of the case. This paper details the progression of acute bilateral limb ischemia to chronic limb threatening ischemia resulting from the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Vascular embolism is a severe complication following hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections, with hyaluronidase injection being the most effective treatment. The nasal region, including the nose and nasolabial fold, is the most common site of vascular embolism after facial HA injections. Currently, there is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the benefits of facial artery thrombolysis., Objectives: This article aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronidase injection via the facial artery as an emergency treatment for vascular embolism induced by facial aesthetic HA fillers., Methods: We reviewed 14 patients who experienced nasal vascular embolism following facial HA filler injections. All 14 patients underwent percutaneous facial artery thrombolysis with a combination of hyaluronidase and urokinase administered intravascularly. For patients with longer occlusion duration and severe necrosis, femoral artery interventional thrombolysis was performed, with local injection of platelet-rich plasma to promote recovery. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 1 year., Results: Following facial artery hyaluronidase injection, all cases showed improvement in nasal skin lesions. Twelve patients fully recovered, while 2 patients were left with minor superficial scars and defects in the nasal wings., Conclusions: Early thrombolysis postnasal embolism is crucial, and percutaneous facial artery puncture is an effective emergency treatment. Arterial intervention targeting the facial artery in the nasolabial fold may offer more precise thrombolysis. The combined use of hyaluronidase and urokinase is both safe and effective., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In this study in a tertiary care hospital, we examined the characteristics of the different microbial etiologies of infective endocarditis (IE) and the factors associated with embolic events., Materials and Methods: We included patients (aged ≥18 years) hospitalized for IE in Turku University Hospital in Finland between 2004-2017. Patient data were derived retrospectively from the mandatory database and patient record system., Results: Among 342 IE cases in 321 patients, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 33.9%, viridans group streptococci in 18.3% and enterococci in 8.8% of the cases. Patients with enterococcal IE had more often a prosthetic valve ( p  < 0.001), recent major healthcare procedure or hospital admission ( p  < 0.001) and heart failure during admission ( p  = 0.006) than the patients with other etiologies. Viridans group streptococci and enterococci vs. S. aureus were associated with a lower rate (OR 0.34, p  = 0.007 and OR 0.20, p  = 0.006, respectively) and IE of the multiple valves vs. aortic valve with a higher rate (OR 2.30, p  = 0.043) of all embolic events but not cerebral embolisms when analyzed separately. Both all embolic events and cerebral embolisms were strongly associated with the occurrence of an echocardiography-disclosed vegetation (OR 3.31, p  = 0.004 and OR 2.73, p  = 0.019, respectively)., Conclusions: Our study suggests that enterococcal IE is often associated with a previous healthcare procedure or hospital admission and heart failure. Staphylococcus aureus etiology and IE of the multiple valves are associated with a higher rate of all embolic events but not cerebral embolisms. Echocardiography-disclosed vegetation is associated with a higher occurrence of embolisms.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation and severe chronic kidney disease have higher risks of bleeding, thromboembolism, and mortality. However, optimal anticoagulant choice in these high-risk patients remains unclear., Methods and Results: Using deidentified electronic health records from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse, adults with atrial fibrillation and severe chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 ) initiating warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban between 2011 and 2021 were included. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting, adjusted risks of major bleeding, stroke/systemic embolism, and death were compared among agents. A total of 6794 patients were included (mean age, 78.5 years; mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, 24.7 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 ; 51% women). Apixaban versus warfarin was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding (incidence rate, 1.5 versus 2.9 per 100 person-years; subdistribution hazard ratio [sub-HR], 0.53 [95% CI, 0.39-0.70]), and similar risks for stroke/systemic embolism (incidence rate, 1.9 versus 2.4 per 100 person-years; sub-HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.59-1.09]) and death (incidence rate, 4.6 versus 4.5 per 100 person-years; HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.82-1.29]). Rivaroxaban versus warfarin was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (incidence rate, 4.9 versus 2.9 per 100 person-years; sub-HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.10-2.48]), with no difference in risks for stroke/systemic embolism and death. Apixaban versus rivaroxaban was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding (sub-HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.36-0.78])., Conclusions: These real-world findings are consistent with potential safety advantages of apixaban over warfarin and rivaroxaban for patients with atrial fibrillation and severe chronic kidney disease. Further randomized trials comparing individual oral anticoagulants are warranted.

Ballistic embolism represents an unusual complication of vascular by a flying object injury. Because embolus is remote from injury site, the occurrence of missile embolus may be overlooked and lead to delay in diagnosis of significant ischemia or embolism. We herein report a successful surgical removal of a rare missile embolus from the upper arm in the right ventricle. A 44-year-old man visited our hospital because of pulsatile bleeding from the left upper arm due to injury by a flying metal fragment of a hammerhead. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography (CT) scan 9 days after the injury demonstrated a missile embolus in the right ventricle, which was thought to be ballistic embolism of the metal fragment. We underwent surgical removal of the retained object under cardiopulmonary bypass uneventfully, and discharged home ten days later.

Introduction and Objectives: Embolic phenomena frequently occur during hip joint replacement surgery, and may lead to haemodynamic instability in frail patients. Transoesophageal ultrasound monitoring is rarely available in non-cardiac operating theatres, and cannot be performed in awake patients under spinal anaesthesia. The main objectives of this prospective exploratory study were to determine the feasibility of using an alternative ultrasound approach to monitor the inferior vena cava during hip replacement surgery, and to determine the intra and interobserver reliability of the ultrasound findings., Method: We conducted a prospective exploratory study in 20 patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty in the supine position under spinal anaesthesia and sedation. The inferior vena cava was assessed through a subcostal window at 10 intraoperative time points, and the findings were rated on a qualitative embolism severity scale. The ultrasound images were evaluated by 2 independent observers., Results: An adequate subcostal window was obtained in 90% of cases. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was high (kappa index >0.80, p < 0.001). Nearly all (95%) patients presented some degree of embolism, which was severe in 50% of cases., Conclusions: Our study suggests that ultrasound assessment of embolic phenomena in the inferior vena cava through a subcostal window is feasible in 90% of cases. The qualitative embolic severity rating scale is highly reproducible and has high intra- and inter-observer reliability., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to describe a bailout technical strategy to prevent below-the-knee (BTK) distal embolization during procedures with increased inherent risk using universally-available "off-the-shelf" devices., Technique: A conventional retrograde access is obtained of the BTK target vessel where embolization protection is sought. Before starting any potential proximal maneuver with an associated significant risk of distal embolization (eg, atherectomy and mechanical thrombectomy), a low-profile balloon is inserted and inflated through the distal retrograde access, so that any debris resulting from the recanalization procedure is blocked by the stagnant column of blood generated by the inflated balloon. Once the revascularization procedure has been completed, a 4F curved catheter is antegradely advanced down to the distally-inflated balloon, and in case of distal embolization the debris is aspirated in a standard fashion way., Conclusion: A retrograde balloon-assisted "off-the-shelf" embolic protection approach may be considered for BTK revascularization procedures where there is an inherent increased risk of distal trash, especially in the presence of distal single-vessel runoff., Clinical Impact: Distal embolization following endovascular procedures can have devastating consequences and there is a general recommendation for selective use of EPDs in high-risk-scenarios. The increased cost and low availability of the current EPD devices for BTK/BTA arteries have prohibited their widespread use. The retrograde balloon-assisted "off-the-shelf" EPD prevents distal embolization during procedures with increased risk of distal trash using inexpensive, nonspecific equipment available in any basic endovascular suite., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Apixaban, rivaroxaban, and warfarin have shown benefit for preventing major ischemic events, albeit with increased bleeding risk, among patients in the general population with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data are scarce in patients with cirrhosis and AF., Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of apixaban versus rivaroxaban and versus warfarin in patients with cirrhosis and AF., Design: Population-based cohort study., Setting: Two U.S. claims data sets (Medicare and Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database [2013 to 2022])., Participants: 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matched patients with cirrhosis and nonvalvular AF initiating use of apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin., Measurements: Primary outcomes included ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and major hemorrhage (intracranial hemorrhage or major gastrointestinal bleeding). Database-specific and pooled PS-matched rate differences (RDs) per 1000 person-years (PY) and Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated, controlling for 104 preexposure covariates., Results: Rivaroxaban initiators had significantly higher rates of major hemorrhagic events than apixaban initiators (RD, 33.1 per 1000 PY [95% CI, 12.9 to 53.2 per 1000 PY]; HR, 1.47 [CI, 1.11 to 1.94]) but no significant differences in rates of ischemic events or death. Consistently higher rates of major hemorrhage were found with rivaroxaban across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Warfarin initiators also had significantly higher rates of major hemorrhage than apixaban initiators (RD, 26.1 per 1000 PY [CI, 6.8 to 45.3 per 1000 PY]; HR, 1.38 [CI, 1.03 to 1.84]), particularly hemorrhagic stroke (RD, 9.7 per 1000 PY [CI, 2.2 to 17.2 per 1000 PY]; HR, 2.85 [CI, 1.24 to 6.59])., Limitation: Nonrandomized treatment selection., Conclusion: Among patients with cirrhosis and nonvalvular AF, initiators of rivaroxaban versus apixaban had significantly higher rates of major hemorrhage and similar rates of ischemic events and death. Initiation of warfarin versus apixaban also contributed to significantly higher rates of major hemorrhagic events, including hemorrhagic stroke., Primary Funding Source: National Institutes of Health., Competing Interests: Disclosures: Disclosures can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterestForms.do?msNum=M23-3067.

Introduction: There is a paucity of real-world studies examining the risks of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding (MB) among non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients switching from warfarin to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). This retrospective study was conducted to compare the stroke/SE and MB risks between patients switched from warfarin to apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban in real-world clinical practice., Materials and Methods: This study used data from four United States commercial claims databases from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2019. The study population included NVAF patients initially treated with warfarin and switched to apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban within 90 days of their warfarin prescription ending. Patients were matched 1:1 between the DOACs in each database using propensity scores and then pooled for the final analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the risk of stroke/SE and MB., Results and Conclusions: The final population consisted of 2,611 apixaban-dabigatran, 12,165 apixaban-rivaroxaban, and 2,672 dabigatran-rivaroxaban pairs. Apixaban vs. dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-0.96) and MB (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50-0.91). Apixaban vs. rivaroxaban was associated with a similar risk of stroke/SE (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.73-1.07) and a lower risk of MB (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.52-0.68). There was no significant difference in either risk between dabigatran and rivaroxaban. These results provide important insights into how the risks of stroke/SE and MB for NVAF patients vary when switching from warfarin to different DOACs., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a dangerous and lethal illness with high mortality rates. One of the main indications for surgery according to the guidelines is prevention of embolic events. However, uncertainty remains concerning the timing of surgery and the effect of early surgery in combination with antibiotic therapy versus antibiotic therapy alone in IE patients with a vegetation size > 10 mm., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review by searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMbase databases. Titles and abstracts were screened, and studies of interest were selected for full-text assessment. Studies were selected for review if they met the criteria of comparing surgical treatment + antibiotic therapy to antibiotic therapy alone in patients with vegetations > 10 mm., Results: We found 1,503 studies through our database search; nine of these were eligible for review, with a total number of 3,565 patients. Median age was 66 years (range: 17-80) and the median percentage of male patients was 65.6% (range: 61.8 - 71.4%). There was one randomised controlled trial, one prospective study, and seven retrospective studies. Seven studies found surgery + antibiotic therapy to be associated with better outcomes in patients with IE and vegetations > 10 mm, one of them being the randomised trial [hazard ratio = 0.10; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.82]. Two studies found surgery + antibiotic therapy was associated with poorer outcomes compared with antibiotic therapy alone., Conclusion: Overall, data vary in quality due to low numbers and selection bias. Evidence is conflicting, yet suggest that surgery + antibiotic therapy is associated with better outcomes in patients with IE and vegetations > 10 mm for prevention of emboli. Properly powered randomised trials are warranted., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

We describe the case of a male heavy machinery operator who presented from work with a rapidly evolving spinal cord syndrome. Spinal MRI revealed thoracic vertebral body and cord infarction and evolving mild disc prolapse attributed to fibrocartilaginous disc embolism (FCDE). FCDE should be considered as one of the aetiological mechanisms of acute spinal cord infarction in pile-driver/heavy machinery operators, especially in association with adjacent vertebral body infarction and intervertebral disc prolapse. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes may evolve, warranting early follow-up MRI in appropriate cases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial support: Dominick McCabe reports that grant support for his Vascular Neurology Research Programme was provided by The Meath Foundation, Ireland; The Adelaide Health Foundation, Ireland; The Vascular Neurology Research Foundation, Ireland; and the Enterprise Ireland-Innovation Partnership Programme. Dominick McCabe reports that unrestricted educational grant funding for his Vascular Neurology Research Programme was provided by Werfen, Barcelona, Spain; Sysmex Ireland-UK and Siemens, Germany; SINNOWA, China; and by Acquis BI Technology, Ireland. None of the above charities or funding bodies had any influence on the design or content of this manuscript, or had any influence on the decision to submit the final manuscript for publication. The other authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Hydrophilic polymer embolism from vascular medical devices is an underrecognized clinical entity that can cause deleterious end-organ ischemia and culminate in mortality. This is concerning as we are in the era where minimally invasive procedures are commonplace. Diagnosis is often made retrospectively after obtaining histopathological tissue samples showing endoluminal, cerebriform, amorphous, anucleate, basophilic, nonrefractile, nonpolarizable foreign body material. We detail 2 more cases of cutaneous hydrophilic polymer embolism to underscore its salient clinicopathological features and increase awareness of this important iatrogenic entity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder embolization is an infrequent but serious complication., Objectives: We aim to describe timing, management and clinical outcomes of device embolization in a multi-center registry., Methods: Patient characteristics, imaging findings and procedure and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Device embolizations were categorized according to 1) timing 2) management and 3) clinical outcomes., Results: Sixty-seven centers contributed data. Device embolization occurred in 108 patients. In 70.4 % of cases, it happened within the first 24 h of the procedure. The device was purposefully left in the LA and the aorta in two (1.9 %) patients, an initial percutaneous retrieval was attempted in 81 (75.0 %) and surgery without prior percutaneous retrieval attempt was performed in 23 (21.3 %) patients. Two patients died before a retrieval attempt could be made. In 28/81 (34.6 %) patients with an initial percutaneous retrieval attempt a second, additional attempt was performed, which was associated with a high mortality (death in patients with one attempt: 2.9 % vs. second attempt: 21.4 %, p < 0.001). The primary outcome (bailout surgery, cardiogenic shock, stroke, TIA, and/or death) occurred in 47 (43.5 %) patients. Other major complications related to device embolization occurred in 21 (19.4 %) patients., Conclusions: The majority of device embolizations after LAA closure occurs early. A percutaneous approach is often the preferred method for a first rescue attempt. Major adverse event rates, including death, are high particularly if the first retrieval attempt was unsuccessful., Condensed Abstract: This dedicated multicenter registry examined timing, management, and clinical outcome of device embolization. Early embolization (70.4 %) was most frequent. As a first rescue attempt, percutaneous retrieval was preferred in 75.0 %, followed by surgical removal (21.3 %). In patients with a second retrieval attempt a higher mortality (death first attempt: 2.9 % vs. death second attempt: 24.1 %, p < 0.001) was observed. Mortality (10.2 %) and the major complication rate after device embolization were high., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest A. Aminian is a consultant and proctor for Boston Scientific and Abbott. I. Akin received lecture and proctoring fees from Boston Scientific for the Watchman Okkluder. J. Lund discloses a clinical advisor (proctor) role in LAAC (Abbott) and lecture fees (Abbott, Boston scientific). E. Guerios serves as proctor for LAA closure for Abbott and Lifetech Scientific. N. Amabile has received proctoring and consulting fees from Abbott Vascular and Boston Scientific. C. Skurk has received proctor honoraria from Boston Scientific and speaker fees from Boston Scientific and Lifetech Scientific. J. Harvey is proctor for Abiomed, Boston Scientific and Medtronic and part of the Speaker's bureau for Abiomed, Boston Scientific and Medtronic. He also is part of the advisory board for Avail, Boston Scientific and Medtronic. H. Sievert has received study honoraria to institution, travel expenses and consulting fees from 4tech Cardio, Abbott, Ablative Solutions, Adona Medical, Akura Medical, Ancora Heart, Append Medical, Axon, Bavaria Medizin Technologie GmbH, Bioventrix, Boston Scientific, Cardiac Dimensions, Cardiac Success, Cardimed, Cardionovum, Celonova, Contego, Coramaze, Croivalve, CSL Behring LLC, CVRx, Dinova, Edwards, Endobar, Endologix, Endomatic, Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., Hangzhou Nuomao Medtech, Holistick Medical, Intershunt, Intervene, K2, Laminar, Lifetech, Magenta, Maquet Getinge Group, Metavention, Mitralix, Mokita, Neurotronic, NXT Biomedical, Occlutech, Recor, Renal Guard, Shifamed, Terumo, Trisol, Vascular Dynamics, Vectorious Medtech, Venus, Venock, Vivasure Medical, Vvital Biomed and Whiteswell. M. Kühne received personal fees from Bayer, Böhringer Ingelheim, Pfizer BMS, Daiichi Sankyo, Medtronic, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., as well as grants from Bayer, Pfizer, Boston Scientific, BMS, Biotronik, and Daiichi Sankyo. S. Sabir is part of the Boston Scientific WATCHMAN advisory board. J. Kim has received proctoring fees from Abbott Vascular. M. Montorfano received consultant fees from Abbott, Boston Scientific, Kardia. M. Ancona received consultant fees from Abbott. Relevant research funding went to Vanderbilt University Medical Center from Boston Scientific, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Medtronic and Atricure, where C. Ellis is practicing. He also reseves a consultant and advisor fee from Abbott Medical, Atricure, Boston Scientific, Medtronic. L. Nombela-Franco is proctor for Abbott Vascular and has received lectures fees from Boston Scientific. A. Natale has received speaker honoraria from Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster, St. Jude Medical, Biotronik, and Medtronic. He also is a consultant for Biosense Webster, St. Jude Medical, and Janssen. All other authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Coexistence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and arterial thrombosis in a single patient is rare. Management of such cases is challenging because there is no unified standard on how to treat this type of disease. We herein report a case involving a 73-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital because of a 2-day history of chest tightness. Pulmonary computed tomography angiography revealed a filling defect of the main pulmonary artery and bilateral branches as well as a left subclavian artery embolism. AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) was used to treat the PE, and this was combined with left brachial artery incision and thrombectomy for treatment of the left subclavian artery embolism. The patient recovered well after the operation. The prognosis was good after 9 months of regular follow-up. AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy combined with left brachial artery incision thrombectomy may be a feasible treatment option for cases of PE combined with left subclavian artery embolism., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

The use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have gained prominence as an alternative to long-term anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and high risk of bleeding. While these devices have shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk, there have been reported cases of embolization of the Watchman device. There are very few cases of successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized Watchman devices from the left ventricle (LV), as many of these cases require open heart surgery for safe removal. We are presenting a case of an 80-year-old male whose Watchman device embolized to the LV and was entrapped on the LV papillary muscle that was then successfully retrieved via percutaneous methods, which shows the percutaneous options remain a viable strategy to retrieve LAAO devices from the LV., (© 2024 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

BACKGROUND Stenting of the iliac vein remains one of the therapeutic options for the treatment of May-Thurner syndrome. Embolization of peripheral venous stents due to improper technique is a feared complication with an estimated incidence of 1% to 3%. Here we describe an interesting case of an embolized iliac vein stent in the right heart that was successfully extracted via a surgical approach. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and iliac vein stent (16×60 mm Zilver Vena) placement for May-Thurner syndrome presented for evaluation of shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. A chest X-ray was performed, revealing a large stent in the cardiac silhouette. An echocardiogram showed a dense material across the tricuspid valve extending from the right atrium into the right ventricle. A percutaneous endovascular attempt to retrieve the stent was unsuccessful and led only to partial stent retrieval. An open sternotomy approach by a cardiac surgeon revealed the embolized stent across the tricuspid valve covered by endothelial tissue. The stent was successfully extracted without any need for tricuspid valve repair or replacement, followed by an uneventful postoperative recovery. CONCLUSIONS The percutaneous approach is the preferred initial option for the extraction of embolized iliac vein stents into the heart. However, when such an approach fails, the surgical approach remains a feasible option. As reported in this case, the surgical retrieval of a stent can be done without any need for either tricuspid valve repair or replacement.

Background: The prevalence and impact of coronary emboli (CE) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been specifically studied. The objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with AF and CE in a large series of patients with STEMI., Methods and Results: We investigated 2292 consecutive patients with STEMI and among them 225 patients with AF: 46 patients with a STEMI related to CE (group A) and 179 patients with a STEMI related to an atherosclerotic cause (group B). Compared with the 2067 patients without AF and CE (group C), patients with AF and CE were older (73 versus 59 years, P <0.05), more likely to be female (43% versus 22%, P <0.05), and presented more frequently with cardiogenic shock at admission (26% versus 9%, P <0.05). The baseline characteristics of patients with AF (group A versus B) did not differ significantly according to STEMI pathogenesis. In the unadjusted analysis, the 45-day mortality was higher in patients with CE and AF (group A versus group C: 20% versus 4%; P <0.05 and group A versus group B: 20% versus 8%, P =not significant); this trend persisted at 2-year follow-up (group A versus group C: 24% versus 6%; P <0.05 and group A versus group B: 24% versus 17%, P =not significant). After stabilized inverse exposure probability weighting adjustment, a higher 45-day mortality rate was confirmed in patients with CE and AF (group A versus group C: 18% versus 5%, P <0.05)., Conclusions: In patients presenting with STEMI and AF, CE was associated with excess early mortality., Registration: URL: clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05679843.

Objectives: To study the risk factors for embolism in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) and to construct a nomogram model for prediction of embolism., Methods: This retrospective study included 175 children diagnosed with RMPP at Children's Hospital Affiliated toZhengzhou University from January 2019 to October 2023. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of embolism: the embolism group ( n =62) and the non-embolism group ( n =113). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors of embolism in children with RMPP, and the R software was applied to construct the nomogram model for prediction of embolism., Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lung necrosis, and pleural effusion were risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP ( P <0.05). The area under the curve of the nomogram model for prediction of embolism constructed based on the aforementioned risk factors was 0.912 (95% CI : 0.871-0.952, P <0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model had a good fit with the actual situation ( P <0.05). Calibration and decision curve analysis indicated that the model had high predictive efficacy and clinical applicability., Conclusions: Higher levels of D-dimer, IL-6 and NLR, lung necrosis, and pleural effusion are risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP. The nomogram model based on these risk factors has high clinical value for predicting embolism in children with RMPP.

A 63-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for nausea, vomiting, and right flank pain. He was found to have septic emboli in multiple organs secondary to aortic valve endocarditis. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent valve replacement. Blood cultures from admission were negative, but a blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for fastidious difficult-to-culture pathogens showed a positive result for Tropheryma whipplei. Valve histopathological evaluation confirmed Tropheryma whipplei endocarditis. He was treated with intravenous penicillin followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. A high index of suspicion for causes of culture-negative endocarditis needs to be maintained when blood cultures are negative despite clear evidence of endocarditis especially with large vegetation sizes and other complications such as septic emboli. Multiple imaging modalities are available to assist with diagnosis including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram as well as cardiac computed tomography. A blood PCR test can identify the implicated pathogen in a more expeditious manner compared to valve histopathological evaluation. Treatment is complex and usually requires surgical intervention and prolonged antimicrobial therapy., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society of General Internal Medicine.)

Background: For patients with atrial fibrillation and a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the risk-benefit of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to alternative treatment approaches has not been firmly established. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate efficacy and safety of DOACs vs warfarin and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA., Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2023, to find RCTs. Risk ratio (RR) with 95 % CI measured the association of DOACs vs warfarin, and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo, with clinical outcomes. Primary efficacy outcome was stroke or systemic embolism and primary safety outcome was ICH., Results: We identified 7 RCTs with 19,111 patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA, of which 5 trials compared DOACs with warfarin and 2 trials compared DOACs vs aspirin or placebo. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.75-0.97) and ICH (RR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.41-0.68). Compared with aspirin or placebo, DOACs were associated with a reduced risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.33; 95 % CI, 0.19-0.58) and risk of ICH did not differ between apixaban and aspirin., Conclusion: This contemporary evaluation of the literature indicates that DOACs, rather than other antithrombotic agents or no treatment, should be used in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies have rarely investigated the role of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and warfarin in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). In this study, we compared the effectiveness and safety of NOAC and warfarin for secondary prevention in Korean ischemic stroke patients with NVAF. Based on the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database, this study included 21,064 oral anticoagulants-naïve acute ischemic stroke patients with NVAF between July 2015 and June 2019. The main study outcomes included ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, and death. During the observational periods, NOAC users had a significantly decreased risk of ischemic stroke + systemic embolism (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-0.95), ischemic stroke (aHR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.99), major bleeding (aHR 0.78; 95% CI 0.68-0.89), and all-cause death (aHR 0.87; 95% CI 0.81-0.93). Standard-dose NOAC users had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding events than warfarin users. In contrast, low-dose NOAC users did not differ in risk from warfarin users for all outcomes. In conclusion, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of secondary thromboembolic events and bleeding complications in Korean ischemic stroke patients with NVAF than warfarin., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is generally regarded as a safe and effective procedure, indicated in patients with a prior PFO-associated stroke. While it is highly safe, rarely, it could be accompanied by a migration of the device, mainly caused by the interplay of a specific PFO morphology and inappropriate device sizing. Herein, we outline a seldom-observed complication of an unintentional detachment of the PFO closure device during implantation, leading to its migration into the abdominal aorta, and a unique management approach. Due to the inability to recapture the occluder with a snare, which is considered to be a mainstay of endovascular retrieval methods, two coronary guidewires were maneuvered through the mesh of the occluder and then captured with a snare proximally to the occluder. This innovative dual-wire-snare system was carefully pulled to the common femoral artery, a position deemed suitable for surgical extraction via arteriotomy, which was achieved successfully.

Renal embolisms due to cardiac myxomas are extremely rare; the clinical course, treatment, and prognosis of this disease are not established. A 69-year-old Japanese woman who underwent a nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma 3 years earlier was hospitalized with a right occipital lobe cerebral infarction. Her renal function suddenly worsened 3 days post-admission: her serum creatinine rose from 1.46 mg/dL to 6.57 mg/dL and then to 8.03 mg/dL the next day, and hemodialysis therapy was started. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans showed patchy non-contrasted low-density areas in the right kidney, and chest CT scans and transesophageal ultrasonography revealed a left atrial tumor. We diagnosed renal infarction due to a left atrial myxoma. Hemodialysis and anticoagulant therapy (heparin) were continued, followed by the cardiac myxoma's resection. The patient's renal function gradually improved post-surgery, and the hemodialysis was discontinued. Considering our patient and 19 other case reports of renal infarction associated with cardiac myxoma, the treatment for such a renal infarction and the outcomes differ depending on the embolus site. The poor outcome of abdominal aortic embolism requires a prompt embolectomy, whereas a branch renal artery embolism requires anticoagulation therapy to prevent thrombosis formation around the myxoma.

The presence of symptoms plays an important role in determining whether to focus on rhythm control or rate control when treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous comparative studies on the clinical outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic AF have yielded inconsistent results, and a link between AF symptoms and left atrial (LA) remodeling is not established. Patients selected from the COmparison study of Drugs for symptom control and complication prEvention of AF (CODE-AF) registry, which is a prospective, multicenter study consisting of patients with non-valvular AF, were grouped into 2 groups: symptomatic and asymptomatic. The primary outcome was a composite of the following cardiovascular outcomes: all-cause death, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, and heart failure hospitalization. Of 10,210 patients with AF, 4,327 (42%) had symptomatic AF. The asymptomatic group had an older mean age, more men, and more patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus than the symptomatic group. The asymptomatic group had a larger left atrium (LA) diameter (43.6 vs 42.2 mm, p <0.001) than the symptomatic group. During a median follow-up of 32.9 (29.5 to 36.4) months, the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups showed similar incidences of the primary outcome (1.44 vs 1.45 per 100 person-years; log-rank, p = 0.8). In conclusion, the absence of AF symptoms is associated with increased LA. However, symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with AF have a similar risk of cardiovascular outcomes. This suggests that beneficial treatment for AF may be considered regardless of whether patients have symptomatic or asymptomatic AF., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Dr. Joung has served as a speaker for Bayer, BMS/Pfizer, Medtronic, and Daiichi-Sankyo and has received research funds from Medtronic and Abbott. No fees were received, either directly or personally. The remaining authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vascular occlusion induced by hyaluronic acid injections is rare, but can lead to severe adverse events, including necrosis, blindness, and cerebral infarction., Objective: This study aims to explore methods of reducing the risk of complications such as embolism induced by hyaluronic acid injection, and to study the impact of comprehensive systematic treatment on the prognosis of patients with hyaluronic acid embolism., Methods: The clinical data of three female patients with vascular occlusion due to hyaluronic acid injection was analyzed. Their median age was 26 years, with symptoms presenting 1-6 h postinjection. Hospital stays averaged 6 days. Two patients had ptosis, diplopia, and severe pain after injection of eyebrows. The other, who had a nose enhancement, experienced facial skin color changes and intense pain., Results: Two patients received comprehensive, systematic treatment based on injectable hyaluronidase. One patient self-discharged after receiving injectable hyaluronidase, antispasmodic, and vasodilator treatment on the night of embolism and returned to the hospital 3 days later with worsening embolism symptoms and received symptomatic treatment again. Two patients who received comprehensive, systematic treatment based on injectable hyaluronidase showed significant improvement, while the patient who did not undergo systematic treatment left scars on the face., Conclusion: Vascular occlusion caused by hyaluronic acid facial filling is a severe adverse event, and timely, comprehensive, systematic treatment can effectively improve irreversible damage caused by thrombosis, and even cure it., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Real-world data on coronary events (CE) in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are lacking in the direct oral anticoagulant era. This prespecified sub-analysis of the ANAFIE Registry, a prospective observational study in > 30,000 Japanese patients aged ≥ 75 years with non-valvular AF (NVAF), investigated CE incidence and risk factors. The incidence and risk factors for new-onset CE (a composite of myocardial infarction [MI] and cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI), MI, and cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI during the 2-year follow-up were assessed. Bleeding events in CE patients were also examined. Among 32,275 patients, the incidence rate per 100 patient-years was 0.48 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.53) for CE during the 2-year follow-up, 0.20 (0.16-0.23) for MI, and 0.29 (0.25-0.33) for cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI; that of stroke/systemic embolism was 1.62 (1.52-1.73). Patients with CE (n = 287) likely had lower creatinine clearance (CrCL) and higher CHADS 2 and HAS-BLED scores than patients without CE (n = 31,988). Significant risk factors associated with new-onset CE were male sex, systolic blood pressure of ≥ 130 mmHg, diabetes mellitus (glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.0%), CE history, antiplatelet agent use, and CrCL < 50 mL/min. Major bleeding incidence was significantly higher in patients with new-onset CE vs without CE (odds ratio [95% CI], 3.35 [2.06-5.43]). In elderly patients with NVAF, CE incidence was lower than stroke/systemic embolism incidence. New-onset CE (vs no CE) was associated with a higher incidence of major bleeding.Trial registration: UMIN000024006., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Coronary artery embolism is an uncommon cause of myocardial infarction (MI). Among several etiologies of coronary embolism, we mention a very rare cause which is the paradoxical embolism via patent foramen ovale (PFO). It interests generally youngest people without cardiac risk factors. We report three cases who presented ST-elevation MI (STEMI) due to paradoxical embolism with high risk PFO that can justify embolic infarction. The aim of this article is to define the high risk PFO, to establish causal link between PFO and embolic events and to guide therapeutic management., Competing Interests: Déclaration de liens d'intérêts Les auteurs déclarent ne pas avoir de liens d'intérêts., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)