Background Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma is a rare complication of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with high mortality rates. Studies and research of this occurrence are limited largely to isolated case reports or case series. Case summary We report a case of late presenting MI, where on initial echocardiogram had what was thought to be an intraventricular clot. However, upon further evaluation, the patient actually had an intramyocardial haematoma, with the supporting echocardiographic features to distinguish it from typical left ventricular (LV) clot. While this prevented the patient from receiving otherwise unnecessary anticoagulation, this diagnosis also put him at a much higher risk of mortality. Despite exhaustive medical and supportive management, death as consequence of pump failure occurred after 2 weeks. Discussion This report highlights the features seen on echocardiography which support the diagnosis of an intramyocardial haematoma rather than an LV clot, notably the various acoustic densities, a well visualized myocardial dissecting tear leading into a neocavity filled with blood, and an independent endocardial layer seen above the haematoma. Based on this report, we wish to highlight the importance of differentiating intramyocardial haematomas from intraventricular clots in patients with recent MI.

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Background  Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SoVA) is a rare anomaly and can be divided into acquired and congenital forms, the latter being commonly associated with ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Rupture is a catastrophic complication with high mortality without urgent surgical intervention. We would like to highlight the use of echocardiography in an emergency setting for diagnosis and surgical intervention in a critically ill patient. Case summary  We report a 27-year-old female with history of conservatively managed VSD known since childhood. She presented with acute decompensated cardiac failure requiring intubation and inotropic support. Bedside echocardiography performed in the emergency department suggested a ruptured SoVA at the right coronary cusp with underlying supracristal VSD. Despite the patient being critically ill with multi-organ failure, surgery was performed as it was the patient’s best chance for survival. Intraoperative findings tallied with the early echocardiographic results. She recovered gradually and was eventually discharged despite a stormy post-operative period. Discussion  This case report highlights the importance of prompt recognition of SoVA rupture by using bedside echocardiography. Surgical intervention needs to be early despite ongoing sepsis in view of acute mechanical failure. This case was unique as it illustrates a successful management of an acutely ill patient with multi-organ failure through early diagnosis, intensive perioperative stabilization, and surgical intervention.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), an established intravascular imaging technique, enables rapid acquisition of high-resolution images during invasive coronary procedures to assist physician decision-making. OCT has utility in identifying plaque/lesion morphology (e.g., thrombus, degree of calcification, and presence of lipid) and vessel geometry (lesion length and vessel diameter) and in guiding stent optimisation through identification of malapposition and underexpansion. The use of OCT guidance during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has demonstrated improved procedural and clinical outcomes in longitudinal registries, although randomised controlled trial data remain pending. Despite growing data and guideline endorsement to support OCT guidance during PCI, its use in different countries is not well established. This article is based on an advisory panel meeting that included experts from Southeast Asia (SEA) and is aimed at understanding the current clinical utility of intracoronary imaging and OCT, assessing the barriers and enablers of imaging and OCT adoption, and mapping a path for the future of intravascular imaging in SEA. This is the first Southeast Asian consensus that provides insights into the use of OCT from a clinician's point of view.

Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is the rst line treatment for rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). We sought to evaluate 1) changes in 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic and strain values and 2) differences in these values for patients in atrial brillation (AF) and sinus rhythm (SR) pre, immediately and 6 months post PTMC. MethodsRetrospective study of 136 patients who underwent PTMC between 2011 and 2021. We analyzed their 2D echocardiogram, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Left Atrial Reservoir Strain (LAr-S) and Right Ventricle Free Wall Strain (RVFW-S) pre, immediately and 6 months post PTMC. ResultsAt 6 months, mitral valve area increases from 0.94 ± 0.23cm 2 to 1.50 ± 0.42cm 2 . Ejection fraction (EF) did not change post PTMC (pre; 55.56 ± 6.62%, immediate; 56.68 ± 7.83%, 6 months; 56.28 ± 7.00%, p=0.218). Even though EF is preserved, GLS is lower pre-procedure; -11.52 ± 3.74% with signi cant improvement at 6 months; -15.16 ± 4.28% (p<0.001). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) improved at 6 months from 1.95 ± 0.43 to 2.11 ±0.49 (p=0.004). RVFW-S increases at 6 months from -17.37 ± 6.03% to -19.75 ± 7.19% (p<0.001). LAr-S improved from 11.23 ± 6.83% pre PTMC to 16.80 ± 8.82% at 6 months (p<0.001) post PTMC. Pre-procedure patients with AF have lower strain values (More LV, RV and LA dysfunction) with statistically signi cant difference for LAr-S (p < 0.001), GLS (p <0.001) and RVFW-S (p <0.001) than patients in SR. ConclusionPatients with severe rheumatic MS have subclinical left and right ventricle dysfunction despite preserved EF and relatively normal TAPSE with signi cant improvement seen at 6 months post PTMC. AF patients have lower baseline strain values than SR patients.