Nonfatal cardiac perforation after central venous catheter insertion

Cardiac tamponade caused by perforation of the cardiac wall is a rare complication related to central venous catheter (CVC) placement. A 71-year-old female with a previous history of moderate aortic stenosis and kidney transplantation was admitted to hospital due to global heart failure and worsening of allograft function. Intensified hemodialysis was commenced through a CVC placed in the right subclavian vein. Chest radiography revealed catheter tip in the right atrium and no signs of pneumothorax. Thorough diagnostics outruled immediate life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. However, not previously seen, 2 cm thick pericardial effusion without repercussion on the blood flow was visualized during echocardiography, predominantly reclining the free surface of the right atrium, with fibrin scar tissue covering the epicardium – it was the spot of spontaneously recovered cardiac wall perforation. Follow-up echocardiogram performed before the discharge showed regression of the previously found pericardial effusion

Global and regional myocardial function and outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction.

AIM: To investigate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on early recovery of global and segmental myocardial function in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to determine if parameters of deformation correlate with outcomes. METHODS: The echocardiographic (strain analysis) and outcome (hospitalizations because of heart failure and mortality) data of 62 consecutive patients with preserved LVEF (64.54 ± 7.97%) who underwent CoreValve prosthesis implantation were examined. RESULTS: Early after TAVI (5 ± 3.9 days), no significant changes in LVEF or diastolic function were found, while a significant drop of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) occurred (42.3 ± 14.9 vs. 38.1 ± 13.9 mmHg, P = 0.028). After TAVI global longitudinal strain (GLS) did not change significantly, whereas significant improvement in global mid-level left ventricular (LV) radial strain (GRS) was found (-16.71 ± 2.42 vs. -17.32 ± 3.25%; P = 0.33; 16.57 ± 6.6 vs. 19.48 ± 5.97%, P = 0.018, respectively). Early significant recovery of longitudinal strain was found in basal lateral and anteroseptal segments (P = 0.038 and 0.048). Regional radial strain at the level of papillary muscles [P = 0.038 mid-lateral, P < 0.001 mid-anteroseptum (RSAS)] also improved. There was a significant LV mass index reduction in the late follow-up (152.42 ± 53.21 vs. 136.24 ± 56.67 g/m, P = 0.04). Mean follow-up period was 3.5 ± 1.9 years. Parameters associated with worse outcomes in univariable analysis were RSAS pre-TAVI, LV end-diastolic diameter after TAVI, relative wall thickness, and mitral E and E/A after TAVI. CONCLUSION: Global and regional indices of myocardial function improved early after TAVI, suggesting the potential of myocardium to recover with a reduced risk for clinical deterioration