Geske, Jeffrey B

Abstract Background Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is an important determinant of the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). With a nationwide shortage of amyl nitrite in 2019, we implemented a ‘repetitive squat-to-stand’ manoeuvre to provoke LVOT obstruction during echocardiography. Case summary A 64-year-old female was referred with symptomatic HCM refractory to pharmacologic therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography showed minor LVOT obstruction with conventional imaging at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre, but severe obstruction was confirmed with the repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre. Alcohol septal ablation via the first septal perforator was performed with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Discussion Due to the dynamic nature of LVOT obstruction, a series of provocative manoeuvres including Valsalva manoeuvre, inhalation of amyl nitrite, and exercise are often necessary to maximally augment ventricular obstruction. The recent unavailability of amyl nitrite during a nationwide shortage prompted the implementation of a protocol of repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre in our echocardiography laboratory. Rising from the squatting position decreases preload and afterload, both of which augment dynamic LVOT obstruction. Repetition of squatting and standing appears to enhance the sensitivity of the manoeuvre, particularly when exertional symptoms are reproduced. In this case, repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre led to the identification of severe LVOT obstruction which may not have been diagnosed otherwise, alteration of treatment to septal reduction therapy, and subsequent resolution of symptoms.

AbstractBackgroundA subset of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Practice guidelines endorse use of a risk calculator, which requires entry of left atrial (LA) diameter. However, American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines recommend the use of LA volume index (LAVI) for routine quantification of LA size. The aims of this study were to (a) develop a model to estimate LA diameter from LAVI and (b) evaluate whether substitution of measured LA diameter by estimated LA diameter derived from LAVI reclassifies HCM‐SCD risk.MethodsThe study cohort was comprised of 500 randomly selected HCM patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). LA diameter and LAVI were measured offline using digital clips from TTE. Linear regression models were developed to estimate LA diameter from LAVI. A European Society of Cardiology endorsed equation estimated SCD risk, which was measured using LA diameter and estimated LA diameter derived from LAVI.ResultsThe mean LAVI was 48.5 ± 18.8 mL/m2. The derived LA diameter was 45.1 mm (SD: 5.5 mm), similar to the measured LA diameter (45.1 mm, SD: 7.1 mm). Median SCD risk at 5 years estimated by measured LA diameter was 2.22% (interquartile range (IQR): 1.39, 3.56), while median risk calculated by estimated LA diameter was 2.18% (IQR: 1.44, 3.52). 476/500 (95%) patients maintained the same risk classification regardless of whether the measured or estimated LA diameter was used.ConclusionsSubstitution of measured LA diameter by estimated LA diameter in the HCM‐SCD calculator did not reclassify risk.

Background: The temporal occurrence of arrhythmic complications after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is unclear. As a result, the appropriate time to monitor patients after ASA is controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the temporal occurrence of complete heart block (CHB) and ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) after ASA to better understand when patients can be safely discharged. Methods: Consecutive patients treated with ASA for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 2003 to 2019 at a tertiary referral center were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence and timing of CHB or sustained VT within 30 days post-ASA were assessed. Results: A total of 243 patients were included in this study. Mean maximal septal thickness was 19.0±3.9 mm, and total volume of ethanol injected was 1.7±0.6 mL. CHB occurred in 59 (24.3%) patients, including transient CHB in 33 (13.6%) and permanent in 26 (10.7%). The initial episode of CHB occurred within 24 hours post-ASA in 51 (21.0%) patients, between 24 and 48 hours in 3 (1.2%), between 48 and 72 hours in 3 (1.2%), and after 72 hours in 2 (0.8%). New permanent pacemaker was placed in 46 (18.3%). Presence of baseline bundle branch block and age ≥70 were significantly associated with CHB but not CHB presenting after 24 hours. VT occurred in 3 (1.2%) patients, including 1 (0.4%) within 24 hours, 1 (0.4%) between 24 and 48 hours, and 1 (0.4%) after 72 hours. VT required cardioversion in 2 patients and new implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement in 2. Conclusions: The incidence of CHB or VT presenting after 72 hours post-ASA was low. These findings suggest that timely discharge of patients without evidence of early conduction disturbances after ASA can be considered as a potentially safe management strategy, especially in patients without preexisting conduction abnormalities.

Abstract Background Histoplasma capsulatum is an extremely rare cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and can present with non-specific symptoms leading to a delay in diagnosis with unfavourable outcomes. Case summary A 65-year-old male patient with a history of a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and non-obstructive coronary artery disease was admitted for altered mentation, failure to thrive, and a 20-pound unintentional weight loss over the past 4 months. Upon examination, he was lethargic but afebrile and haemodynamically stable. A late peaking ejection murmur was heard on exam. Skin exam was significant for embolic phenomenon involving the extremities. Inflammatory markers and serum calcium were elevated. A bedside echocardiogram showed severe obstruction across the aortic valve prosthesis. Two years prior, he had an echocardiogram with a normal functioning prosthesis. Routine blood cultures were negative and serologic screening was unrevealing. Urine Histoplasma antigen screen was positive on hospital day 3 and on hospital day 10, fungal blood cultures were positive for H. capsulatum. Unfortunately, the patient died shortly afterwards as a result of multiorgan failure from embolic manifestations of the infection. Discussion Based on our patient's findings and those of previously reported cases in the literature, H. capsulatum PVE should be strongly considered in patients from endemic areas with non-specific symptoms and negative routine blood cultures.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), or an increase in cardiac mass, usually reflects pathologic adaptation to chronic pressure or volume loads. Physiologic adaptation in athletes as well as genetic, metabolic, and infiltrative disorders may also result in increased cardiac mass. Given vast differences in prognosis and therapeutic options associated with different underlying conditions, the evaluation of patients with LVH necessitates a modern, comprehensive evaluation incorporating multimodality imaging. Herein we present a systematic approach to patients with incidental LVH.