51. Case Report: Embolic Acute Coronary Syndrome from PFO & Pulmonary Hypertension – Lankenau Medical Center

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Dan Ambinder) join Lankenau Medical Center cardiology fellows (Gwen McNeill and Shaung Ooi) for some Philly cheesesteaks! They discuss a fascinating case of Embolic Acute Coronary Syndrome from PFO and Pulmonary Hypertension. Dr. John Clark provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Jeanine Romanelli provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Tommy Das with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.  Jump to: Patient summary - Case figures & media - Case teaching - Educational video - References - Production team Episode graphic by Dr. Carine Hamo The CardioNerds Cardiology Case Reports series shines light on the hidden curriculum of medical storytelling. We learn together while discussing fascinating cases in this fun, engaging, and educational format. Each episode ends with an “Expert CardioNerd Perspectives & Review” (E-CPR) for a nuanced teaching from a content expert. We truly believe that hearing about a patient is the singular theme that unifies everyone at every level, from the student to the professor emeritus. We are teaming up with the ACC FIT Section to use the #CNCR episodes to showcase CV education across the country in the era of virtual recruitment. As part of the recruitment series, each episode features fellows from a given program discussing and teaching about an interesting case as well as sharing what makes their hearts flutter about their fellowship training. The case discussion is followed by both an E-CPR segment and a message from the program director. CardioNerds Case Reports PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademySubscribe to our newsletter- The HeartbeatSupport our educational mission by becoming a Patron!Cardiology Programs Twitter Group created by Dr. Nosheen Reza Patient Summary A woman in her early 40s with history of tobacco and prior methamphetamine use presented with acute onset chest pain. She was found to have an elevated troponin, anterior T wave inversions, and apical akinesis on TTE. Coronary angiography showed a coronary embolism in the mid-distal LAD. Attempts to wire the lesion led to distal embolization of the clot, and IVUS showed no underlying arteriosclerosis.   To investigate the etiology of the coronary embolus, a repeat TTE with agitated saline was done that suggested a PFO with right to left flow, as well as decreased RV function with an estimated RVSP of 70 mmHg. The clinical picture was that of a paradoxical coronary embolus, arising from the right (venous) side traveling to the left (arterial) side via a PFO. PFO closure was discussed but not performed given severe pulmonary hypertension with Right to Left shunt. In this circumstance, the PFO functions as a "pop-off valve" for the overloaded RV; closing it risks precipitating acute RV overload and failure. A RHC showed a PA pressure of 70/24 mmHg with mPAP of 40 mmHg, PCWP 5 mmHg, and PVR of 11 woods units. Given concern for idiopathic PH, a vasodilator challenge was done which did not show reactivity, and she was started on ambrisentan and sildenafil. Ultimately, the etiology of her pulmonary hypertension was felt to be due to PAH from prior methamphetamine use vs. idiopathic PAH. On follow-up, her PA pressures and RV function had greatly approved, allowing for safe and successful PFO closure in an attempt to prevent future emboli.  Final diagnosis: Embolic Acute Coronary Syndrome from PFO & Pulmonary Hypertension. Case Media Before treatment: short axisBefore treatment: apical 4Before treatment: RVSPAfter treatment: Short axisAfter treatment: Apical 4After treatment: RVSPClick to enlarge ??? https://youtu.be/XpnJKZuNVrM 1. Coronary angio of embolism2. PFO on TEE with R to L shunt by Doppler3. TTE bubble after PFO closure Episode Schematics & Teaching Click to enlarge ??? The CardioNerds 5!