
Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast
Welcome to CardioNerds, where we bring you in-depth discussions with leading experts, case reports, and updates on the latest advancements in the world of cardiology. Tune in to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and become a true CardioNerd!
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2020 • 1h 26min
80. Case Report: Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with Aortic Regurgitation – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Brigham and Women’s Hospital cardiology fellows (Mounica Yanamandala, Simin Lee and Maria Pabon Porras) for some fun times at the Charles River Esplanade! They discuss a complicated case of prosthetic valve endocarditis with aortic regurgitation. Dr. Dale Adler provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Donna Polk provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Bibin Varghese with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.
Jump to: Patient summary - Case media - Case teaching - References
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 male in his mid-40s with history of HIV on ART (undetectable VL, CD4 320) and idiopathic thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm (TAAA) with AR s/p bioprosthetic valve replacement 10 years prior presented with acute onset lightheadedness and pre-syncope. He was diagnosed with an idiopathic TAAA at age 30 after he was noted to have an incidental murmur. Over the next few years, his aortic root increased to over 7 cm with severe AR, LV dilation, and reduced LVEF of 45%. He underwent bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and root repair with a Medtronic freestyle porcine aortic root with subsequent recovery of his LVEF to 50% and improved LV dilation. Thereafter, he was doing well until he reported a flu like illness 3 weeks prior to presentation with reported fever up to 101.3 F and associated myalgias. He denied any sick contacts or recent travel and was adherent to his HIV regiment. On the day of presentation, he was walking his dogs when he developed acute onset lightheadedness with presyncope. On presentation, he had a low grade fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia. On exam, cardiac exam was notable for loud blowing diastolic murmur, non-distended JVP, decreased breath sounds, warm extremities with bounding pulses and without edema. There were no stigmata of endocarditis. Labs revealed elevated cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers. Blood cultures were initially NGTD. CXR corroborated the exam with bilateral interstitial and airspace opacification with effusions. TTE showed LVEF 35% with global hypokinesis, dilated LV with LVEDD 7.5 cm, mild RV systolic dysfunction, severe AR with holo-diastolic flow reversal in the abdominal aorta, no prosthetic stenosis, and aortic root 31 mm. TEE showed a well-seated AVR with leaflet thickening and several echodensities. CT surgery deemed patient to be high risk for the OR. After a few days, patient required intubation for increased work of breathing and acute decompensation requiring vasoactive infusions. After multidisciplinary discussions, the patient ultimately underwent ViV TAVR with successful placement of a 29 mm E...

6 snips
Nov 3, 2020 • 1h 9min
79. Case Report: Recurrent Troponin Elevation – University of Washington
CardioNerds podcast explores a puzzling case of recurrent troponin elevation in a patient with a complex medical history involving alcohol use disorder and IV drug use. The speakers discuss challenges in interpreting troponin levels, diagnostic dilemmas, and the importance of thorough evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management. They also share insights into choosing cardiology as a specialty and training at the University of Washington's fellowship program.

5 snips
Nov 1, 2020 • 1h 14min
78. Case Report: Severe Functional Mitral Regurgitation treated with MitraClip – University of Mississippi Medical Center
This podcast features University of Mississippi Medical Center cardiology fellows discussing a case of severe functional mitral regurgitation treated with MitraClip. They explore the challenges in managing advanced heart failure, patient selection for transcatheter mitral valve interventions, and the impactful patient care provided in Mississippi. The episode highlights the complexities of diagnosing and treating mitral regurgitation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in cardiology specialties.

Oct 28, 2020 • 45min
77. Case Report: Carcinoid Heart Disease with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation – Boston University Medical Center
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Boston University cardiology fellows (Yuliya Mints, Anshul Srivastava, and Michel Ibrahim) for some hotdogs at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. They discuss an educational case of carcinoid heart disease with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Program director, Dr. Omar Siddiqi provides the E-CPR and APD Dr. Katy Bockstall provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Bibin Varghese with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.
Jump to: Patient summary - Case media - Case teaching - References
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 mid 60s with history of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) presented to the cardio-oncology clinic with chronic progressive SOB and fatigue. She was diagnosed with NET after presenting with a small bowel obstruction (SBO) several years prior. At the time, she was found to have liver and pulmonary metastasis with MR enterography showing thickening of the terminal ileum. Ileocecetomy and biopsy of the liver lesions confirmed metastatic NET. Despite treatment with octreotide and everolimus, follow up CT showed progression of liver lesions and she was eventually started on telotristat and enrolled in a clinical trial. On presentation, she was not tachycardiac, hypotensive or requiring oxygen supplementation (KD: Correct?). On exam, she demonstrated elevated JVP with a positive hepato-jugular reflex and a 3/6 holosytolic murmur loudest at the LLSB that increased with inspiration. Lab work revealed urinary 5-HIAA was 212 (nl < 6mg/24 hours). TTE showed moderately dilated RV and severely dilated RA. Furthermore, there was a thickened, calcified and retracted TV with severe TR which was consistent with carcinoid heart disease. She was treated with diuretics and was continued on systemic therapies to help achieve control of her NET before surgical intervention for her valvular disease was considered.
Case Media
ABClick to Enlarge
A. ECGB. TTE: CW Doppler through tricuspid valve
Carcinoid - TTE 1
Carcinoid - TTE 2
Carcinoid - TTE 3
Carcinoid - TTE 4
Carcinoid - TTE 5
Carcinoid - TTE 6
Carcinoid - TTE 7
Carcinoid - TTE 8
Carcinoid - TTE 9
Episode Schematics & Teaching
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
The patient had an NET history and presented with shortness of breath. Under what circumstances do patients with NETs present with cardiac symptoms? Amongst patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), carcinoid tumors refer classically to gastrointestinal NETs. Around 30 to 40% of these patients will presents with features of carcinoid syndrome,

Oct 27, 2020 • 1h 7min
76. Case Report: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with Postpartum Papillary Muscle Rupture – Cleveland Clinic

Oct 23, 2020 • 1h 11min
75. Case Report: Coronary Vasospasm Presenting as STEMI – UCSF
Dr. Binh An Phan provides E-CPR and Dr. Atif Qasim shares a message for applicants. They discuss a case of STEMI due to coronary vasospasm, delving into the diagnostic process and treatment options. The episode highlights the physiology of vasospasm, risk factors, and management complexities. UCSF fellows share insights on clinical training experiences and complex cardiac cases, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care in challenging scenarios.

20 snips
Oct 22, 2020 • 1h 14min
74. Case Report: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – Summa Health
In this episode, cardiology fellows Jack Hornick, Phoo Pwint Nandar, and Sideris Facaros from Summa Health dive into a complex case of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). They explore a patient's unexpected palpitations and dizziness, unraveling diagnostics like EKG analysis and the nuances of ventricular tachycardia. Dr. Kenneth Varian adds expert insight on management strategies, including the necessity of multi-disciplinary approaches and the role of genetic testing in ARVC. Join them as they merge intriguing medical discussions with the beauty of nature!

Oct 20, 2020 • 56min
73. Case Report: Wet Beriberi & Stiff Left Atrial Syndrome – Scripps Clinic
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Scripps cardiology fellows (Christine Shen and Andrew Cheng) for some Cardiology and California Burritos in San Diego! They discuss an informative case of Wet Beriberi and Stiff Left Atrial Syndrome. Dr. Thomas Heywood provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Malhar Patel 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 media - Case teaching - References
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 mid-60s with history of rheumatic mitral stenosis s/p mechanical mitral valve replacement, HFpEF, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation s/p ablation presents with subacute worsening dyspnea despite escalating diuretic doses. TTE shows an EF of 62%, normal gradients across the mitral valve without mitral regurgitation, and a dilated IVC. She is admitted with a presumed diagnosis of decompensated heart failure, and started given IV furosemide. Her symptoms slightly improve though do not resolve, and her creatinine increases from 1.4 to 2.1.
In light of the unclear hemodynamic picture, a RHC is done, showing a RA pressure 9, RV pressure of 80/10, PAP 70/25 with mPAP 40, PCWP 30, SVR 872, CO 11 (by thermodilution), and CI 5.2. Notably, large V waves are noted on the RHC. Given concern for mitral regurgitation in the setting of large V waves, a TEE was pursued, which confirmed the lack of MR seen on TTE. Thus, her large V waves were felt to be due to stiff left atrial syndrome, and a cardiac CT showed a severely calcified "coconut left atrium". Labwork revealed a profoundly low thiamine level (21, with LLN of 70), raising concern for wet beri beri syndrome.
The patient's unifying diagnosis was indolent left atrial syndrome that was exacerbated by high outout heart failure due to Wet Beri Beri syndrome. The patient received thiamine supplementation, and was diuresed to euvolemia with dramatic improvement in symptoms. A repeat RHC after thiamine replacement showed a CO of 5.7 and CI of 2.74 by thermodilution, demonstrating resolution of her high output heart failure.
Case Media
ABCDEFClick to Enlarge
A. CXRB. ECGC. RHC: large V waves are noted on the RHCD. CO 11 and CI 5.2 by thermodilution pre-treatment E. Cardiac CT showed a severely calcified "coconut left atrium"F. Repeat CO of 5.7 and CI of 2.74 by thermodilution after thiamine replacement
TTE 1
TTE 2
TEE 1 - Mitral Valve
TEE 2 - Mitral Valve
Cardiac CT
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Click to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case

Oct 19, 2020 • 1h 3min
72. Case Report: Effusive Constrictive Pericarditis – University Hospitals Case Western
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Karan Desai) join University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center cardiology fellows (Tarek Chami, Jamal Hajjari, and Haytham Mously) for some amazing pizza and coffee in Cleveland, Ohio! They discuss an important case of effusive constrictive pericarditis. Dr. Brian Hoit provides the E-CPR and assistant program director Dr. Claire Sullivan provides a message for applicants. We are grateful to chief fellow Scott Janus for his leadership in planning this episode! Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Colin Blumenthal with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.
Jump to: Patient summary - Case media - Case teaching - References
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 mid-70s presented to clinic with subacute onset shortness of breath. Her past medical history includes metastatic breast cancer s/p mastectomy, chemo/radiation, and hormonal therapy. Exam notable for tachycardia without hypoxia, muffled heart sounds, JVD with Kussmaul's sign, and 1+ LE edema. The patient was sent to the ED for evaluation of possible pericardial effusion. CTA chest in ED did not demonstrate a PE, but did show bilateral pleural effusions, and a moderate pericardial effusion with evidence of metastatic disease extending into the mediastinum. TTE obtained showing normal LVEF, moderate pericardial effusion with thickened pericardium, and significant respirophasic tricuspid and mitral inflow variations. Pulsus paradoxus was manually checked and found to be 16 mmHg.
Due to concern for cardiac tamponade, she was taken to the cath lab for a RHC and pericardiocentesis. RHC prior to pericardiocentesis showed elevated left and ride sided filling pressures, blunted y decent in the RA, and equalization of diastolic pressures. Pericardiocentesis yielded 200 cc of bloody fluid with improvement, but continued elevation, in her L and R sided pressures. Blunted y decent did give way to a now rapid y descent concerning for constrictive pericarditis. She then underwent a cardiac MRI showing respirophasic septal motion suggestive of interventricular dependence and >1 cm thick pericardium with LGE c/w inflammation. Unfortunately, cytology of pericardial fluid was c/w a malignant effusion and despite treatment with a few months of anti-inflammatory therapy her symptoms did not improve. She then underwent a pericardial stripping with subsequent resolution of her symptoms. As her symptoms and hemodynamics were related to both the effusion and constriction, she was ultimately diagnosed with effusive constrictive pericarditis.
Case Media
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOClick to Enlarge
A. ECGB. CXRC-F. TTE (inflow velocities (mitral and tricuspid),

Oct 14, 2020 • 57min
71. Case Report: Post-MI Ventricular Septal Rupture – University of Michigan
Dr. Kim Eagle and Dr. Devraj Sukul discuss a challenging case of Ventricular Septal Rupture after acute MI. Topics include managing complications post-myocardial infarction, the impact of delayed medical care seeking during the pandemic, and the vital role of teamwork in cardiology.