Group A Streptococcus is a common cause of pharyngitis, scarlet fever, glomerulonephritis, and various skin infections. However, there have only been a few reports of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) associated with infective endocarditis. We present a case of a 31-year-old male who presented to the hospital with a few days of weakness and myalgias after recently receiving treatment with azithromycin for GAS pharyngitis as an outpatient. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit in septic shock from Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteremia and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. He was found to have new severe aortic insufficiency from infective endocarditis. He underwent urgent partial aortic valve annuloplasty reconstruction and incision and drainage of root abscess with intraoperative cultures growing gram positive cocci consistent with GAS. The majority of cases of infective endocarditis are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, virdians group Streptococci and Streptococcus gallolyticus, while Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes have the lowest prevalence of infective endocarditis. Penicillin remains the first line treatment for GAS pharyngitis. However, in cases of severe penicillin allergy, macrolides should be avoided given the increasing rate of macrolide resistance GAS strains. This case emphasizes the importance of using beta-lactams as first line therapy for GAS pharyngitis to avoid harmful complications and infection recurrence.

A patient with a history of Crohn's disease on infliximab presented to the hospital with sepsis and a new heart murmur. He was found to have native aortic valve infective endocarditis from a rare species of group D Streptococcusin his blood. The patient was also noted to be in an acute flare of Crohn's disease. The hospital course was complicated by florid heart failure from acute aortic insufficiency. He eventually improved after source control and appropriate antibiotic therapy. S. pasteuranis bacteremia and endocarditis are attributable to the patient's immunocompromised state as a result of infliximab treatment. While S. pasteuranis is infrequently grown in blood cultures, it is commonly found in normal gut flora. We hypothesize that it gained access to the bloodstream through the epithelium in the terminal ileum, which was inflamed due to an acute flare of Crohn's disease.

Aim      To determine predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) related with surgeries for correction of acquired valvular heart disease (HD) and to evaluate the incidence of in-hospital complications in patients with postoperative AKI.Material and methods  This study included 62 patients after surgery for correction of acquired valvular HD (mean age, 61±10.9 years) with a disease duration of 11±5.3 years. NYHA functional class (FC) 1 chronic heart failure (CHF) was observed in 1.6 % of patients, FC 2 in 64.5 %, and FC 3 in 33.9 %.17.7% of patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Coronary lesions of ≥50 % of vascular lumen were detected in 27.4 % of patients. Surgical correction of mitral valvular disease was performed in 32 cases, aortic valvular disease in 36 cases, tricuspid valvular disease in 8 cases, and combined operations for correction of valvular disease and coronary bypass in 8 cases. Creatinine concentrations were measured according to the Jaffe method; glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with the CKD-EPI equation. AKI was diagnosed based on KDIGO (2012) criteria.Results The AKI incidence related with surgeries for correction of valvular HD was 16.1 % (8.1 % of patients had stage 1 AKI, 3.2 % had stage 2 AKI, and 4.8 % had stage 3 AKI), and 3.2% required kidney replacement therapy. AKI was associated with the presence of CKD at baseline (р=0.044), development of hemopericardium requiring drainage (р=0.012), more pronounced coronary lesions (in the AKI group: stenoses from 50 to 70 % in 20% of patients, from 70 to 90 % in 30 % of patients, and ≥90 % in 0 %; without AKI: from 50 to 70 % in 13.4 % of patients, from 70 to 90 % in 3.8 %, and ≥90 % in 5.8 % of patients, respectively; р=0.032). Probability of postoperative AKI significantly increased with the development of hemopericardium requiring drainage. Patients with postoperative AKI compared to persons without AKI had higher mortality (20 % and 0 %; р=0.001), greater incidence of decompensated CHF (40 and 9.6 %; р=0.012) and hemopericardium requiring drainage (30 and 1.9 %; р=0.012).Conclusion      The development of postoperative AKI is associated with CKD at baseline, more pronounced coronary injury, and hemopericardium requiring drainage.

Background: Worsening aortic insufficiency (AI) is a known sequela of prolonged continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support with a significant impact on patient outcomes. While medical treatment may relieve symptoms, it is unlikely to halt progression. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are among non-medical interventions available to address post-LVAD AI. Limited data are available on outcomes with either SAVR or TAVR for the management of post-LVAD AI. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample data collected for hospital admissions between the years 2015 and 2018 for patients with pre-existing continuous-flow LVAD undergoing TAVR or SAVR for AI were queried. The primary outcome of interest was a composite of in-hospital mortality, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, MI, pacemaker implantation, need for open aortic valve surgery, vascular complications and cardiac tamponade. Results: Patients undergoing TAVR were more likely to receive their procedure during an elective admission (57.1 versus 30%, p=0.002), and a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities, as assessed by the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, was observed in the SAVR group (29 versus 18; p=0.0001). We observed a significantly higher prevalence of the primary composite outcome in patients undergoing SAVR (30%) compared with TAVR (14.3%; p=0.001). Upon multivariable analysis adjusting for the type of admission and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, TAVR was associated with significantly lower odds of the composite outcome (odds ratio 0.243; 95% CI [0.06-0.97]; p=0.045). Conclusion: In this nationally representative cohort of LVAD patients with post-implant AI, it was observed that TAVR was associated with a lower risk of adverse short-term outcomes compared with SAVR.

Mitral annular calcium (MAC) may produce mitral stenosis (MS) if its quantity is massive. We define massive MAC as the presence of a huge quantity of calcium underlying the posterior mitral leaflet and extending across all or nearly all of the ventricular aspect of the anterior mitral leaflet. This report was prompted to emphasize the hazards of performing mitral valve replacement in patients with MS secondary to massive MAC. The clinical data and morphology of the operatively excised mitral valves from the 11 patients who had mitral valve replacement for MS secondary to massive MAC are described. Of the 11 patients, 6 died postoperatively, 5 of whom had 4+/4+ MAC. The high mortality in these patients suggests that the decision to perform mitral valve replacement needs to be carefully considered if the quantity of MAC is massive.

. A 83 year old woman with history of arterial hypertension, hypothyroidism, obesity, chronic renal insufficiency and incipient dementia was transferred to our hospital after complaints of chest pain. Investigation revealed a sacular ascending aortic aneurysm with the aneurysmal sac adjacent to the sternum. Due to her age, cognitive state and risk of sternal entry, she was refused for surgery. She was discharged after coronariography showed normal coronaries and other causes of chest pain were excluded. She is still alive and stable after 40 months, with no growth of aneurysm dimensions.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to die of cardiovascular diseases, including cerebrovascular disease, than to progress to end-stage kidney disease. Cerebrovascular dysfunction, characterized by reduced cerebrovascular reactivity, cerebral hypoperfusion, and increased pulsatile flow within the brain, precedes the onset of dementia and is linked to cognitive dysfunction. However, whether impaired cerebrovascular function is present in non-dialysis dependent CKD is largely unknown. Using transcranial Doppler, we compared middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood velocity response to hypercapnia (normalized for blood pressure and end-tidal CO2 ; a measure of cerebrovascular reactivity) and MCA pulsatility index (PI; a measure of cerebrovascular stiffness) in patients with stage 3-4 CKD vs. age-matched healthy controls. We also administered the NIH cognitive toolbox (cognitive function), measured carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV; aortic stiffness), and assessed ex vivo nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from human brain endothelial cells incubated with serum obtained from study participants. MCA PI was higher in patients with CKD vs. controls; however, normalized MCA blood velocity response to hypercapnia did not differ between groups. Similar results were observed in a validation cohort of midlife and older adults divided by the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). MCA PI was associated with greater large-elastic artery stiffness (carotid-femoral PWV), worse executive function (trails B time), lower eGFR, and higher ex vivo ROS production. These data suggest that impaired kidney function is associated with greater cerebrovascular stiffness, which may contribute to the known increased risk for cognitive impairment in patients with CKD.

Background We assessed the Ozaki procedure, aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium, with respect to its learning curve, hemodynamic performance, and durability compared with a stented bioprosthesis. Methods and Results From January 2007 to January 2016, 776 patients underwent an Ozaki procedure at Toho University Ohashi Medical Center. Learning curves, aortic regurgitation (AR), and peak gradient, assessed by serial echocardiograms, valve rereplacement, and survival were investigated. Valve performance and durability were compared with 627 1:1 propensity-matched patients receiving stented bovine pericardial valves implanted from 1982 to 2011 at Cleveland Clinic. Learning curves were observed for aortic clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, AR prevalence, and early mortality. Decreased aortic clamp time was observed over the first 300 cases. New surgeons performing parts of the procedure after case 400 resulted in a slight increase in aortic clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times. Among matched patients, the Ozaki cohort had more AR than the PERIMOUNT cohort (severe AR at 1 and 6 years, 0.58% and 3.6% versus 0.45% and 1.0%, respectively; P[trend]=0.006), although with a steep learning curve. Peak gradient showed the opposite trend: 14 and 17 mm Hg for Ozaki and 24 and 28 mm Hg for PERIMOUNT at these times (P[trend]<0.001). Freedom from rereplacement was similar (P=0.491). Survival of the Ozaki cohort was 85% at 6 years. Conclusions Patients undergoing the Ozaki procedure had lower gradients but more recurrent AR than those receiving PERIMOUNT bioprostheses. Although recurrent AR is concerning, results confirm low risk and good midterm performance of the Ozaki procedure, supporting its continued use.

Pressure overload in patients with aortic valve stenosis and volume overload in mitral valve regurgitation trigger specific forms of cardiac remodeling; however, little is known about similarities and differences in myocardial proteome regulation. We performed proteome profiling of 75 human left ventricular myocardial biopsies (aortic stenosis = 41, mitral regurgitation = 17, and controls = 17) using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry next to clinical and hemodynamic parameter acquisition. In patients of both disease groups, proteins related to ECM and cytoskeleton were more abundant, whereas those related to energy metabolism and proteostasis were less abundant compared with controls. In addition, disease group-specific and sex-specific differences have been observed. Male patients with aortic stenosis showed more proteins related to fibrosis and less to energy metabolism, whereas female patients showed strong reduction in proteostasis-related proteins. Clinical imaging was in line with proteomic findings, showing elevation of fibrosis in both patient groups and sex differences. Disease- and sex-specific proteomic profiles provide insight into cardiac remodeling in patients with heart valve disease and might help improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the development of individualized treatment strategies.

We present the case of a 69-year-old man with an aortic biological prosthetic valve. In May 2019, the patient experienced increasing dyspnea and fatigue: A diagnosis of prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction was made, leading to severe valvular insufficiency. The dysfunction of the prosthetic valve seemed to be linked to a previous infective endocarditis: after ruling out active endocarditis, the patient was treated with an off-label valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

This clinical image vignette describes the inadvertent placement of a balloon pump in the vena cava during a "code blue" scenario, and the lessons to be learned from that experience. The hemodynamic benefits of intra-aortic balloon pump during experimental cardiac arrest include shorter circulation time and increases in end-tidal CO2 and coronary perfusion pressure. However, the hemodynamic effects of venous diastolic augmentation during experimental cardiogenic shock vary, being detrimental in cases of low preload, and possibly beneficial in a high preload state. When performed emergently at the bedside, inadvertent intra-caval placement of a balloon pump can occur due to elevated venous pressures, in the presence of severe tricuspid regurgitation, or through an arteriovenous fistula. A similar radiographic appearance can also be seen in the presence of a right-sided aortic arch. Clues to improper position include an abnormal pressure waveform and the absence of hemodynamic changes or blood pressure augmentation.

It is now accepted that the mitral valve functions on the basis of a complex made up of the annulus, the leaflets, the tendinous cords and the papillary muscles. So as to work properly, these components must combine together in harmonious fashion. Despite the features of the arrangement of each component having been the focus of anatomical investigation for centuries, controversies still exist in their inter-relations and how best to describe them. To a large extent, the ongoing problems reflect the fact that, again for centuries, morphologists when describing the heart have ignored the rule that its components should be described as seen in the body during life. Failure to use attitudinally appropriate descriptions underscores a particular current issue, namely the influence of the so-called disjunction within the atrioventricular junction as a potential substrate for leaflet prolapse or malignant arrhythmias. With these difficulties in mind, we have reviewed how the components of the valvar complex can best be described when comparing direct images with those obtained using three-dimensional techniques now used for clinical imaging. We submit that these show that the skirt of leaflet tissue is best described as having aortic and mural components. When the hinge of the mural leaflet is assessed within the overall atrioventricular junction, the so-called disjunction is ubiquitous, but not always in the same place. We further suggest that its significance will best be determined when clinicians describe its presence using attitudinally appropriate terms.

Specific microRNAs expressions may accurately characterize different stages of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease. This preliminary pilot study aimed to (1) describe the clinical and echocardiographic parameters of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease at different American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stages (B1, B2 and C) and healthy control group (ACVIM A), comparing the parameters collected during the first examination (T0) and the end of the follow-up (T1); (2) assess the association between the values of echocardiographic parameters at T1 and the expression profile of miR-30b-5p at T0. Thirty-five Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (median age 4.29 years and median weight 9 Kg) in different ACVIM stages were included (7 A, 19 B1, 6 B2 and 3 C). Inverse probability weighting analysis was performed to estimate the association of the exposure variable (miR-30b-5p) with the outcome variables (clinical and echocardiographic variables). Time was included as variable. The results pointed out that high levels of plasma miR-30b-5p corresponded to lower values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized for body weight, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes indexed for body weight, and left atrium-to aortic root ratio. Hence, higher miR-30b-5p expressions were associated with milder forms of mitral valve disease in our study population. In contrast, the results obtained for the intensity of heart murmur, the mitral regurgitation severity, and the Mitral INsufficiency Echocardiographic score) were not statistically significant. A relationship between high abundance of miR-30b-5p and myxomatous mitral valve disease that appear echocardiographically more stable over time has been demonstrated. In conclusion, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease that at the first cardiologic evaluation showed an upregulation of miR-30b-5p are expected to experience lesser variations on their echocardiographic examination between T0 and T1.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to temporarily support patients in severe circulatory and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography is a core component of successful ECMO deployment. Herein, we review the role of echocardiography at different phases on extracorporeal support including candidate identification, cannulation, maintenance, complication vigilance, and decannulation.

Background The Ross operation appears to restore normal survival in young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease. However, there are limited data comparing it with conventional aortic valve replacement. Herein, we compared outcomes of the Ross procedure with mechanical and bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (M-AVR and B-AVR, respectively). Methods and Results MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through March 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies that investigated outcomes of patients aged ≥16 years undergoing the Ross procedure, M-AVR, or B-AVR. The systematic literature search identified 2 randomized controlled trials and 8 propensity score-matched studies involving a total of 4812 patients (Ross: n=1991; M-AVR: n=2019; and B-AVR: n=802). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the Ross procedure group compared with M-AVR (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.58 [0.35-0.97]; P=0.035) and B-AVR (HR [95% CI], 0.32 [0.18-0.59]; P<0.001) groups. The reintervention rate was lower after the Ross procedure and M-AVR compared with B-AVR, whereas it was higher after the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR. Major bleeding rate was lower after the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR. Long-term stroke rate was lower following the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR and B-AVR. The rate of endocarditis was also lower after the Ross procedure compared with B-AVR. Conclusions Improved long-term outcomes of the Ross procedure are demonstrated compared with conventional M-AVR and B-AVR options. These results highlight a need to enhance the recognition of the Ross procedure and revisit current guidelines on the optimal valve substitute for young and middle-aged patients.

Postpartum infective endocarditis is a rare disease, especially in people with no risk factors (ie, intravenous drug use), that can be followed by severe morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a case of postpartum infective endocarditis with an unusual acute coronary syndrome-like presentation in a patient with minimal risk factors. In addition to lesions on the aortic valve causing severe aortic insufficiency, the patient's case was also complicated by left main coronary artery embolization, which was subsequently aspirated during surgery. Repeat angiography demonstrated complete removal, with no evidence of downstream embolization.

Lipomembranous fat necrosis (LFN) is an uncommon but distinct form of fat necrosis, which is characterized by eosinophilic, crenulated and/or serpiginous membranes. LFN exhibits macrocystic, microcystic and/or crushed features. LFN is routinely detectable on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections, and is present both in the acute phase and in the later or fibrous stage of necrotic fatty lesions. Smaller crushed LFN embedded within fibrous tissues may be difficult to recognize on H&E-stained sections, but can be highlighted by some staining techniques, including Masson trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, orcein, long Ziehl-Neelsen stain, silver impregnation, phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin and luxol fast blue staining. LFN was initially considered a specific feature of Nasu-Hakola disease, but has since been identified in various subcutaneous or intraabdominal lesions related to ischemic conditions or venous insufficiency. In addition, LFN is detectable in intra-articular loose bodies and aortic valves with or without dysfunction, suggesting that LFN is also associated with ischemia-like hypoxic conditions or malnutrition. LFN is considered to be a histological hallmark of hidden ischemic or hypoxic/malnourished conditions in various diseases; however, the exact mechanisms of LFN remain poorly understood. The present review described the clinicopathological features of this interesting, but poorly characterized, condition.