The antioxidants as polyphenols, especially flavanols present in cocoa, exert a favorable effect on endothelium vasodilation, modulate inflammatory markers, and decrease platelet aggregation, lipid oxidation and insulin resistance. Recent nutritional intervention trials and molecular studies demonstrate that consumption of cocoa, particularly rich in flavanols, is beneficial to promote cardiovascular health. This review describes the cardiovascular effects of chocolate.
Left atrial wall dissection is uncommon. We present this rarity with transesophageal echocardiography in a 71‐year‐old female diagnosed with infective endocarditis three months following mitral valve repair, which along with the surgical intervention, may have contributed to the dissection.
A quadricuspid aortic valve is an uncommon valve lesion. Its physical manifestations vary, and it may be associated with other cardiac lesions. Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice, with computerized tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging being utilized as adjunctive imaging modalities in certain cases. Herein, we present a case series of three patients with this valvular lesion treated at our institution, as well as a contemporary review of the literature.
An asymptomatic 30-year-old male was referred for a transthoracic echocardiogram because of a systolic murmur that was noted on a pre-employment physical exam. Transthoracic imaging demonstrated a single papillary muscle from which the chordae of both mitral valve leaflets were attached. The mitral valve was seen to have a parachute-like configuration. Given the benign nature of the presentation, the patient did not seek further investigation.
A 70-year-old female with severe aortic stenosis presented for aortic valve replacement and underwent routine preoperative Swan-Ganz catheter placement. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a dilated coronary sinus with a catheter present. A high suspicion of venous anomaly prompted an agitated saline study. Flow through the coronary sinus into the right atrium was observed, confirming the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava. Although the persistent left superior vena cava has a low prevalence in the general population, it is one of the most common thoracic venous anomalies. During central venous cannulation, the presence of venous anomalies increases procedural complication rates. Fortunately, our patient remained asymptomatic both before and after catheter insertion. Awareness of this anomaly could help clinicians avoid complications.
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