Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right heart failure. Elevated right atrial (RA) pressure reflects right ventricular (RV) pressure overload and is an established risk factor for mortality in PH. We hypothesized that PH patients with an increased ratio of RA to LA volume index (RAVI/LAVI), would have increased mortality. Methods We evaluated the association of RAVI/LAVI with mortality in 124 patients seen at a single academic center's PH clinic after adjusting for the REVEAL risk score, an established risk score in PH. LA and RA volume indices were measured in the four‐and two‐chamber views by two independent researchers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the independent association of RAVI/LAVI with survival. Results Among 124 patients (mean age 62 ± 12.7 years, 68.6% female), each unit increase in RAVI/LAVI was associated with a nearly twofold increase in mortality (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.20–3.04). In a multivariable logistic regression, each unit increase in RAVI/LAVI was associated with a nearly twofold increase in mortality (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.003–2.998). Furthermore, RAVI/LAVI in the highest quartile (>1.42) was significantly associated with elevated right atrial pressure (RAP) to pulmonary artery wedge pressure ratio (RAP/PAWP) (0.76 ± 0.41, P = 0.02) compared with the lowest quartile (<0.77), suggesting an interaction between invasive hemodynamic data, atrial structural changes, and mortality in PH. Conclusions Increased RAVI/LAVI in PH is associated with decreased survival and accounts for atrial structural remodeling related to invasive hemodynamics. These findings support further study of this index in predicting outcomes in PH.
Background-Right ventricular failure (RVF) portends poor outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Although numerous RVF predictive models have been developed, there are few independent comparative analyses of these risk models. Methods and Results-Patients implanted with LVADs from 2011 to 2016 at the University of Virginia were retrospectively reviewed. RVF was defined as use of inotropes for >14 days, inhaled pulmonary vasodilators for >48 hours or unplanned right ventricular mechanical support postoperatively during the index hospitalization. Risk models were evaluated for the primary outcome of RVF using logistic regression and receiver operating curves. Among 93 LVAD patients with complete data, the Michigan RVF score (c-statistic 0.7374) compared favorably with newer RVF risk scores (Utah, Pitt, Euromacs) and was also superior to individual hemodynamic/ echocardiographic metrics including pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), pre-operative right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), right atrial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance. The Michigan RVF score was also the best predictor of in-hospital mortality (c-statistic 0.6729) and long-term survival (Kaplan-Meier log-rank 0.0135). Conclusions-While several new models and metrics provide predictive value, the more established Michigan RVF score-which emphasizes pre-operative hemodynamic instability and target end-organ dysfunction-remains a superior predictor of postoperative RVF as well as shortterm and long-term mortality.
Introduction Thyroid storm is a life-threatening endocrinological emergency. It creates a hypermetabolic state caused by excessive release of thyroid hormones, causing adrenergic hyperactivity following a precipitant(s). An uncommon precipitant of thyroid storm is a thyroid abscess. Clinical Case A 48-year-old man with a PMHx of COPD on home oxygen, OSA, HTN, left thyroid lobe nodule and recent treatment for community-acquired pneumonia the prior week presented to the ED with complaints of right neck pain and swelling of 5 days duration. Patient had associated diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and palpitations. VS: Temp 101.9 F, BP 164/120, RR 20 and HR 160. Physical examination revealed a right non-mobile tender neck mass, rales on the lower lobe of the left lung, and drenching sweats. CT of the neck showed a prominent soft tissue mass on the right side of the neck with irregular margins abutting the right thyroid lobe, suggesting possible abscess. A subsequent thyroid US revealed a large heterogeneous nonvascular right thyroid mass measuring approximately 12×7×7 cm. Initial labs: TSH < 0. 005 mU/L (normal range 0.45-5. 0 mU/L), FT4 2.54 mU/L (normal range 0.9 to 2.3 mU/L); TSHrAB, TSI and TPO were negative. Thyroid storm was diagnosed using the Burch Wartofsky score (45 points). He was treated with propythiouracil, hydrocortisone, propranolol and antibiotics. FT4 normalized after 2 days on admission at which time he was taken for surgical drainage of his right thyroid abscess. 80 cc of pus was aspirated and cultured with isolation of Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Blood cultures also revealed K. Pneumoniae. Repeat Thyroid US showed resolution of abscess. Patient remained in hospital for ongoing treatment of his pneumonia. Clinical Lesson: Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare, life-threatening infection of the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland is rich in iodine, blood supply and lymphatics with a thick capsule which is relatively resistant to infection from neighboring sites. AST is more common in women and affects the left lobe of thyroid. Our patient is a man and his thyroid abscess was on the right lobe. The most common route of infection in AST is a congenital pyriform sinus fistula which was ruled out in our patient with direct laryngoscopy. Common presenting symptoms include fever, neck pain, and dysphagia. Pathogens commonly found to cause AST include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Our patient presents as an interesting case of AST from K. Pneumoniae with hematogenous spread that precipitated a thyroid storm. Thyroid storm incidence is noted to be <10%; however, to our knowledge AST is a rare cause of thyroid storm resulting from a thyroid abscess. For patients presenting with thyroid storm and a neck abscess, AST should be kept in mind as a possible etiology. Reference: https://www.ncbi. nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5667251, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6587896/ Presentation: No date and time listed
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