Texas Heart Institute journal
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Thrombosis involving a permanent infusion catheter in the subclavian vein and superior vena cava is relatively common, especially in cancer patients. Edema of the arms and head is a well-known clinical consequence of this thrombosis, with an intrinsic risk of pulmonary embolism; however, systemic embolization into the cerebral circulation has not been reported as a sequela. ⋯ A clear mechanism for the embolism was provided by a network of collateral veins, which developed between the brachiocephalic vein and the left atrium due to the superior vena cava obstruction and resulted in a right-to-left shunt. We discuss diagnosis and treatment of the condition in our patient and in general terms.
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Varicella (chickenpox), a common childhood infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is self-limiting and usually benign. Although atypical manifestations of the virus are occasionally seen, it rarely presents with cardiovascular sequelae. Cardiovascular complications of varicella can include pericarditis, myocarditis, or endocarditis. ⋯ In 2 weeks, he was asymptomatic, and at 6 months, he was doing well and had normal electrocardiographic and echocardiographic results. To our knowledge, cardiac enzyme elevations to these levels have not been reported in cases of cardiovascular sequelae of varicella. We discuss the diagnostic challenges of this atypical case and suggest that clinicians be aware that varicella disease is most often, but not always, benign.
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Herein, we describe late complications after the transcatheter device closure of a patent foramen ovale in a patient with migraine headaches. The clinical presentation included acute neurologic symptoms and new-onset atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Despite complete surgical closure and the termination of atrial fibrillation, the patient continued to experience neurologic events. Although transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure is associated with low complication rates, a careful risk-benefit evaluation is warranted in view of the potentially severe complications and the current lack of robust pathophysiologic and clinical trial data to support this therapy in the treatment of migraine headaches.
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Pulmonary hypertension associated with pediatric congenital heart defects is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and death. Sildenafil has been combined with inhaled nitric oxide to treat pulmonary hypertension. We retrospectively studied the pre- and postoperative effects of oral sildenafil as monotherapy in children with pulmonary hypertension who underwent surgery to correct congenital cardiac defects. ⋯ No sildenafil-related hypertensive crises or sequelae occurred. As monotherapy, oral sildenafil in low doses appears to control pulmonary hypertension safely and effectively in children undergoing operations to correct congenital heart defects, particularly when it is given both preoperatively and postoperatively. Further study is warranted.
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Congenital clefts of the mitral valve without an associated atrioventricular canal defect are rare, and they may cause mitral insufficiency that requires surgical correction. Repair is typically by direct suture; however, if the cleft is especially wide, the use of this technique may distort the valve leaflet and cause poor coaptation with valvular insufficiency. ⋯ Echocardiographic examination 1 year postoperatively showed excellent competence of the mitral valve and good coaptation of the leaflets. To our knowledge, this is the 1st report that describes the use of artificial neochordae to support an autologous pericardial patch in the repair of a cleft in the anterior mitral valve leaflet.