P850 Role of echocardiography in a patient with heart failure and multiple cerebral strokes

Abstract

A 78 years old male with a history of hypertension and heart failure from 10 years before presented to our hospital with dyspnea, transient loss of consciousness and fatigue. He also had a history of frequent transient ischemic attacks previously with the most recent one being one year before. He was on standard heart failure treatment without any echocardiography done during the past year. On physical examination, he had stable blood pressure and heart rate but increased respiratory rate and respiratory distress. He also had aphasia and rales in the base of his lungs. His oxygen saturation was 70% and was admitted in the intensive care unit. On baseline laboratory data he had a creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dl. After treatment with furosemide and oxygen (O2) therapy and stabilization, brain computed tomography (CT) was done for the patient which showed an old stroke in the territory of right posterior cerebral artery and a new stroke in the territory of the inferior division of the middle cerebral artery (shown in part A of the figure). Echocardiography was done for the patient which showed a large mobile apical left ventricle (LV) clot and moderate LV systolic dysfunction (Three chamber view is shown in part B of the figure) . He was put on anticoagulation and was a candidate for referral to a tertiary center for surgery but after consult due to his acute renal failure and taking in mind his own and family concerns and their refusal for surgery he stayed at our center for continuing his treatment. Unfortunately, after 2 days of treatment, his brain status deteriorated and he had more ischemic brain symptoms for which brain CT scan was done which showed a new infarct in the upper parietal lobes (shown in part C of the figure). Echocardiography was repeated (Three chamber view shown in part D of the figure) which showed a smaller LV clot which was possibly due to a partial detachment of the clot and embolization into the cerebral arteries. With heart failure treatment and proper hydration his creatinine level reduced to 1.1 mg/dl after 6 days of treatment but because of respiratory infection and distress he was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation (Lung CT scan is shown in part E of the figure). He was then put on antibiotic treatment and anticoagulation was done with heparin. His INR level increased and he had a high bleeding tendency which forced us to discontinue anticoagulation. Although his vital signs were stable all through treatment but unfortunately after 14 days of treatment he had bradycardia and asystole and did not respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusion: The case describes a patient with heart failure and multiple cerebral strokes because of an LV clot diagnosed by echocardiography. The case emphasizes the difficulties faced while treating a heart failure patient with co-morbid conditions and the role of echocardiography in diagnosis and guiding management. Abstract P850 Figure