Project description:A mass in the right atrium (RA) is an unusual finding that warrants further investigation. We report the case of a 72-year-old male patient who underwent a Bentall operation with a biological composite graft and closure of patent foramen ovale 18 months prior to his presentation with an incidental new RA mass during follow-up echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography and thoracic CT angiography confirmed a right atrial mass attached to the Eustachian valve and additionally revealed a non-occlusive pulmonary embolism in the inferior lobar artery of the left lung. Despite 2 months of anticoagulation treatment, the size of the mass did not decrease. Further MRI imaging showed a central mass enhancement which raised concerns about a tumoral lesion. Following a discussion with the local Heart Team, management with surgical treatment was decided. The intraoperative findings revealed a 2.5 cm × 2.1 cm mass arising from the Eustachian valve and a non-diagnosed Chiari network in the RA. Both were resected and sent for a frozen section procedure which excluded a malignancy. The final histopathological analysis described fibrotic tissues compatible with an organized thrombus. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 without any complications. Although imaging studies are useful for the initial and differential diagnosis of RA masses, it is not always possible to get the final diagnosis without surgery. In case of a suspicion of a potentially malignant pathology, surgical exploration and resection are necessary.
Project description:BackgroundLeft ventricular aneurysms (LVAs) are a well-appreciated complication of acute myocardial infarction. Ventricular aneurysms involving the left ventricle (LV) typically evolve as a result of anterior myocardial infarction and are associated with greater morbidity, complication rates, and hospital resource utilization. Incidence of LVA is decreasing with advent of modern reperfusion therapies; however, in the setting of excess morbidity, clinicians must maintain an appreciation for their appearance to allow timely diagnosis and individualized care.Case summaryThis case report describes the clinical history, investigation, appearance, and management of a patient with calcified apical LVA with history of previous anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was initially admitted for elective coronary angiography in the setting of worsening exertional dyspnoea and subsequently underwent coronary artery bypass graft, aneurysm resection, and LV reconstruction.DiscussionLeft ventricular aneurysms are an uncommon complication experienced in the modern era of acute myocardial infarction and current reperfusion therapies, but remain an important cause of excess morbidity and complication. Evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, workup, and subsequent management of LVAs are lacking. The imaging findings presented in this case serve as an important reminder of the appearance of LVAs so that timely diagnosis and individualized care considerations can be made.
Project description:BackgroundNon-calcified aortic stenosis (AS) is rare and is associated with a high risk of transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM) because aortic valve complex calcification is important for stable anchoring of the prosthesis. Therefore, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for non-calcified AS is not preferred. However, a universally accepted strategy for TAVI in such patients is not yet established.Case summaryA 69-year-old woman with symptomatic severe AS and a high surgical risk was admitted to our institution for TAVI. Pre-procedural computed tomography (CT) revealed a non-calcified bicuspid aortic valve. Implantation of a 23 mm self-expandable valve (SEV) was planned according to the manufacturer's recommended optimal size based on CT measurements. Intraoperatively, the 23 mm SEV did not snugly fit at the aortic apparatus level. Thus, we deployed a 26 mm SEV with stable anchoring because of the stronger radial force. She was discharged without any complication. Echocardiography at 3 months follow-up showed a well-functioning transcatheter heart valve (THV) without migration or paravalvular leakage.DiscussionIn our patient with non-calcified bicuspid AS, an SEV that was one size larger than the optimal as measured on CT was successfully implanted without THV embolization. An upsized SEV may be considered when performing TAVI in patients with severe non-calcified AS.
Project description:Eustachian valve infective endocarditis is rare and mostly affects intravenous drug abusers and those with implanted medical devices or indwelling central venous catheters. The most commonly identified organism is Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics for approximately 6 weeks. We present a case of Staphylococcus aureus Eustachian valve endocarditis in an individual without traditional risk factors.
Project description:The eustachian valve is an embryological remnant of the inferior vena cava valve that is absent or inconspicuous in the adult. Even when prominent, it is considered to be a benign finding. The present report describes a patient with deep venous thrombosis who had recurrent pulmonary embolism despite thrombolysis and anticoagulation. He was found to have an adherent thrombus on the eustachian valve and his symptoms resolved completely following surgical thrombectomy. The present report highlights that the eustachian valve can, on rare occasions, harbour pathology and can adversely impact the outcomes of coexisting medical problems such as deep venous thrombosis. Infective endocarditis, pulmonary embolism and systemic embolism via a patent foramen ovale are the major complications of eustachian valve pathology. Transesophageal echocardiography appears to be superior to transthoracic echocardiography in identifying eustachian valve pathology and should be considered in all patients with thromboembolism without a known source.
Project description:The case is of an 88-year-old female patient with an accidental finding of a large, calcified aneurysm near the cardiac apex. Differential diagnoses can be made with false aneurysms and congenital diverticulums. Imaging modalities beneficial for diagnosing LVA are ultrasound, X-rays, CT, MRI, including PET/CT for oncology patients.
Project description:The Eustachian valve (EV) is an embryological remnant of the inferior vena cava that during fetal life helps divert oxygenated blood from the IVC toward the foramen ovale to escape the pulmonary circulation. This remnant usually regresses after birth and is considered a benign finding in the majority of cases. However, EV can lead to complications in the neonatal period or later in life. In this short case series, we present four newborn infants with prominent EV who were symptomatic after birth and required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Project description:A calcified thrombus is rare, but needs to be recognized and to be differentiated from calcified nodule.We report a case of acute coronary syndrome and a large intracoronary mobile mass, which was identified as a calcified thrombus by optical frequency domain imaging and intravascular ultrasound.Successful direct stenting indicated that mobile mass was a calcified thrombus, not a calcified nodule.Cardiologists should be aware that an intracoronary mobile mass could be a calcified thrombus. This diagnosis can be confirmed through the combined use of optical frequency domain imaging and intravascular ultrasound.