Abstract: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a relatively common congenital condition which has been implicated in cryptogenic stroke as a result of paradoxical thromboembolism by right-to-left shunting. Many studies have demonstrated that transcatheter PFO closure significantly reduced the incidence of recurrent strokes in a small group of high-risk patients with PFO and atrial septal aneurysm compared with antithrombotic drugs. Two-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) has become the election technique for guiding patent foramen ovale closure. Real-time Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) may be potentially superior to 2D TEE in the accurate assessment of the morphology and efficacy of transcatheter closure devices because of a better spacial orientation.
Abstract: Pulmonary artery dissection is a rare clinical entity, which has been related to pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is frequently presented as cardiogenic shock or sudden death, so diagnosis is often made at autopsy. The management with best results is surgery. We report a case of pulmonary artery dissection associated with previous aortic valve replacement with a favourable outcome, using conservative medical therapy.
Abstract: We describe a nonagenarian patient in whom a paclitaxel-eluting stent was lost during an attempt of direct stent implantation at the distal right coronary artery after removal of the guide-wire. The potential usefulness of intravascular ultrasound in the management of this complication is illustrated. The dislodged stent could not be located by fluoroscopy. However, intravascular ultrasound allowed to find the undeployed stent at the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. It showed that the guide-wire was placed outside the lost stent lumen and this undeployed stent was crushed against a previously implanted stent by another stent with optimal intravascular ultrasound-guided implantation.
Abstract: Recent-onset noncompaction of the myocardium is a rare but serious entity with uncertain prognosis. Cerebral infarction is among the forms of presentation, and pregnancy and hypercoagulability increase risk. We report the case of a pregnant woman brought to the emergency department with ischemic cerebral infarction. Investigation demonstrated the cause to be cardiac embolism, and noncompaction of the myocardium was diagnosed. She was stabilized and a few days later underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Surgery and postoperative recovery were uneventful, and she was transferred for rehabilitation. Myocardial injury and progression to cerebrovascular accident must be prevented in such cases; the patient must be stabilized and antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy initiated before surgery. Hemodynamic stability must be maintained throughout the perioperative period and neonatal depression avoided after delivery. Various approaches are available to be adapted to the patient's situation.
