

Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast
CardioNerds
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 11, 2020 • 1h 12min
84. Case Report: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Superimposed Stress Cardiomyopathy – Brown University
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Brown University cardiology fellows (Greg Salber, Vrinda Trivedi, and Esseim Sharma) for a gorgeous coastal boat ride in Providence, RI. They discuss an educational case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with superimposed stress cardiomyopathy. Dr. Katharine French provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Raymond Russell provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Evelyn Song 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 man in his mid-70s with history of hypertension and diabetes presented with chest pain and ST elevation in V1-V3. Two weeks prior to his presentation he was diagnosed with HoCM after several months of progressive dyspnea. TTE at that time showed HCM with resting left ventricular outflow gradient of 35 mmHg and 83 mmHg with valsava and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve. Join the Brown University Cardionerds as they take us through the differential of chest pain in HCM, approach to wall motion abnormalities, and the fascinating management questions that arise.
Case Media
ABCDEClick to Enlarge
A. ECG 2 weeks prior to current presentation B. Current ECG C. CXRD. M mode though the mitral valve demonstrating systolic anterior motion of the mitral valveE. LVOT CW Doppler tracings with a peak velocity ~ 5 m/s
Coronary angiography - 1
Coronary angiography - 2
TTE - 1
TTE - 2
TTE - 3
TTE - 4
Cardiac MRI
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy InfographicClick to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
What's the differential for LVH and what findings are more suggestive of HCM?
Causes for LVH can be either pathological or physiological. Pathological causes include infiltrative diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Amyloidosis, or Fabry disease and inflammatory diseases like myocarditis.Physiological causes are due to remodeling from increased cardiac output or workload like in athletic heart or from a high afterload state such as in aortic stenosis and hypertension.In hypertension, AS, and athletic heart, LV hypertrophy is more commonly concentric and rarely exceeds 15mm. In HCM, LV hypertrophy is more commonly asymmetric (basal anteroseptum > posterior wall), often >15mm, and typically involves the basal ventricular septum.Differentiating pathologic versus physiologic causes of LVH can typically be done from a detailed history and exam (e.g., evidence of hypertrophy out of proportion to pressure overload,

Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 3min
83. Living with Adult Congenital Heart Disease: The Life & Legacy of Jeremy Keck
In Episode #82, we met Jeremy Keck as a patient born with L-TGA and DILV treated with Fontan procedure. Now, in this very special episode, we meet Jeremy Keck beyond his heart disease through the eyes of his loving wife Ana Keck. His legacy underscores the importance of seeing our patients as people beyond their illness, in the context of their lives, values, and loved ones. We learn to appreciate the full life one can live with complex adult congenital heart disease but also of the work that remains to be done. This powerful discussion is led by Dr. Evelyn Song (internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital), Dr. Pablo Sanchez (cardiology fellow at Stanford University), and Dr. Michael Landzberg (cardiovascular and palliative care faculty and former director of ACHD at Brigham and Women’s Hospital).
Jeremy's gofundme pageJeremy's case discussion - episode 82Jeremy's obituary page
CardioNerds Case Reports PageCardioNerds Episode PageSubscribe to our newsletter- The HeartbeatSupport our educational mission by becoming a Patron!
In Loving Memory of Jeremy Keck
Jeremy Keck was a giant within the construction industry and accomplished so much in his 37 years of life. However, his greatest point of pride was his family. He is survived by his wife Ana, two young daughters, Emilee and Kaylee, his parents, Jeff and Terri Keck, brother Kevinn (Deana) Keck, nephews Jeremy and Payne, and nieces Taylore and Payge. Jeremy also had a heart for philanthropy. He was an active supporter of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
In an interview with The Arizona Republic in 2015, Jeremy said he wouldn’t change his experience even if he had the chance. “I have a perspective on life that you can't teach anybody," he said. “You can't even explain it to people. The small things that happen that might not go your way seem pretty minor.” Jeremy had such a positive impact on those around him, inspiring everyone to live life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed.
Visit Jeremy's gofundme page for more information.
Music AcknowledgementsEternal Hope by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100238. Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Nov 6, 2020 • 1h 14min
82. Case Report: L-TGA with Double Inlet LV post-Fontan complicated by VF Arrest – Stanford University
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Stanford cardiology fellows (Pablo Sanchez, Natalie Tapaskar, Jimmy Tooley) for tacos while enjoying the sunshine on the Stanford Oval! They recount the story of a man with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD): L-TGA (levo-transposed great arteries) with double inlet LV post-Fontan complicated by VF arrest. Dr. Christiane Haeffele provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Joshua Knowles provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Evelyn Song with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai and Cleveland clinic cardiology fellow Josh Saef.
Jump to: Patient summary - Case media - Case teaching - References
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 man in his mid-30s with past medical history notable for L-TGA (levo-transposed great arteries) with double inlet LV s/p Fontan palliation was playing golf when he suddenly collapsed. EMS arrived after three minutes of bystander CPR. An AED indicated the patient had suffered a VF arrest. ROSC was achieved after 1 round of Epi and 1 shock delivered. He was intubated and started on targeted temperature management protocol. Home medications were notable for digoxin 0.25mg daily, sotalol 120mg BID, and warfarin 5mg daily. Initial labs were notable for Na 127, K 5.4, Cr 1.0 (unknown baseline), INR 4.5, Lactate 4.6, Troponin-I 0.532, VBG 7.06/61, and random Digoxin level 2.7. EKG showed AV sequential pacing at a rate of 70 bpm. QTc prolonged at 571ms. No ischemic ST changes. Device interrogation showed sustained VT for 5 minutes prior to external shock. No internal shock was delivered. He was initially stabilized and his acidosis and hyperkalemia were corrected. Course was complicated by hemoptysis due to alveolar hemorrhagic and he was given concentrated prothrombin complex to reverse his coagulopathy. He eventually stabilized, and a formal TTE was obtained which showed a hypoplastic RV, single dilated LV with an akinetic posterior wall and hypokinetic lateral wall, all similar to his prior TTE in 2019. No obstruction noted at the IVC/Fontan anastomotic site. Coronary angiogram performed after his kidney function improved also did not show any significant obstructions or coronary anomalies. After multidisciplinary discussion, his VF arrest was attributed to a combination of prior ventricular fibrosis/scar, suspected digoxin toxicity, sotalol, dehydration, and renal failure. He had a subcutaneous ICD lead placed and was ultimately discharged home.
Case Media
ABClick to Enlarge
A. CXRB. ECG
Episode Schematics & Teaching
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
What's Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)?

Nov 5, 2020 • 56min
81. Case Report: Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA) – Massachusetts General Hospital
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Karan Desai) join Massachusetts General Hospital cardiology fellows (Daniel Pipilas, Rachel Frank and Kemar Brown) on a luxurious sailboat for iced coffees and Modern Pastry delicacies! They discuss a rare case of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). Program director, Dr. Doreen DeFaria Yeh provides the E-CPR and a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Evelyn Song 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
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 women in her early 30s who's a Jehovah's witness presented with three days of intermittent chest pain. Past medical history included anxiety. Initial vitals and physical exam were unremarkable. Labs were notable for an elevated troponin T of 360 ng/L and a low TSH of 0.02 mIU/L with an elevated free T4 of 5.1 ng/dL. EKG demonstrated lateral and inferior ST depressions. TTE demonstrated a normal LVEF of 58% with a subtle anterolateral wall motion abnormality. Given her lack of conventional risk factors for CAD, resolution of her chest pain, and downtrending troponin, coronary CTA was obtained next which did not show any CAD but demonstrated an anomalous left main coronary artery (LMCA) arising from the main pulmonary artery with evidence of left to right shunting from the left main into the PA and extensive coronary and bronchial collateralization. The anterior wall hypokinesis was also seen on CT, consistent with ischemia due to myocardial steal phenomenon. Given the abnormal thyroid function tests, thyroid US was also obtained which showed patchy heterogeneity consistent with thyroiditis. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with ALCAPA and her chest pain was attributed to steal phenomenon due to hyperthyroidism and increased cardiac demand. She was treated with long-acting nitrates and beta-blocker with resolution of symptoms and was referred to cardiac surgery on discharge.
After a multidisciplinary discussion involving the cardiac surgery team, patient underwent ligation of LMCA with SVG bypass to LAD. One month after operation, she developed palpitations and chest pain during exertion and was taken to the hospital. Labs showed an elevated hs-troponin T of 711 ng/L and she was treated for type 1 NSTEMI with aspirin, heparin drip, and statin. Repeat TTE demonstrated normal LVEF and lack of WMA. LHC showed occlusion of SVG graft and possible thrombus in LAD near the site of graft anastomosis. RCA was large and patent, providing adequate collaterals to the left coronary system. Ultimately, PCI was deferred and medical management was pursued because she had adequate collaterals from right coronary system. She was treated with DAPT, beta-blocker, and atorvastatin and has been doing well since.
Case Media
ABCDEFClick to Enlarge
A. CXRB. ECG C. Follow up ECGD-F. Cardiac CT
TTE 1
TTE 2
Angiography 1
Angiography 2
Angiography 3
Angiography 4
Angiography 5
Episode Schematics & Teaching
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
How are the coronary arteries formed during embryology and how are anomalous coronary arteries formed? During embryology, according to one theory, the coronary ostia and artery formation begins with ingrowth of a capillary plexus into the aortic sinuses. This complex process heavily depends on the proliferation and migration of cells that originate outside the heart at the sinus venosus and then differentiate into endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts.

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.

7 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.


