

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

Oct 2, 2020 • 1h 17min
64. Case Report: RV Infarction Treated with RVAD Support – Houston Methodist
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Houston Methodist cardiology fellows (Isaac Tea, Stephanie Fuentes, Peter Rothstein) for a trip to Hermann Park! They discuss a challenging case of right ventricular (RV) infarction leading to acute RV failure treated with right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support. Dr. Mahwash Kassi provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Stephen Little 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 man in his early 70s with ASCVD risk factors and known CAD (PCI to proximal LAD 4 years prior) presented with typical angina refractory to maximal medical therapy. A nuclear stress test showed a reversible perfusion defect in the RCA territory, and he was referred for PCI. Coronary angiogram showed severe stenosis of the proximal RCA and a DES was successfully deployed with TIMI 3 flow, though several large acute marginal branches were jailed.
The night following PCI, the patient developed bradycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea. Physical exam showed newly elevated JVP, lower extremity edema, and bibasilar crackles without a new cardiac murmur. ECG showed ST elevation in V1-V4, and bedside echocardiogram showed a severely dilated RV with decreased systolic function. With concern for acute RV failure, the patient was fluid resuscitated, started on dopamine for chronotropy, and was admitted to the CCU. A Swan-Ganz catheter was placed, showing a CVP 12, RV 41/15, PA 36/20 (25), PCWP 18, CI 1.6 (by Fick method). The calculated PAPi was 0.84.
The patient was transitioned to dobutamine to improve RV inotropy, epinephrine in the setting of hypotension, and inhaled nitric oxide in an attempt to decrease RV afterload. Despite these interventions, the patient had worsening shock, anuric renal failure requiring CVVH, and respiratory failure requiring intubation. A centrifugal RA to PA pump was placed (Protek Duo) for right-sided mechanical circulatory support, with improvement in RV hemodynamics and cardiogenic shock. Notably, a repeat angiogram was done, which showed a patent left coronary circulation as well as a right coronary artery without flow in the acute marginal branches. After 6 days of mechanical circulatory support, the patient was ultimately able to be weaned from vasoactive agents, and the Protek Duo was removed. He continued to have junctional bradycardia, and a permanent pacemaker was placed. After a nearly month-long admission, the patient was discharged to rehab; at 4 months follow-up,

Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 29min
63. Case Report: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) & Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome – University of Florida
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join University of Florida cardiology fellows (Ashley Mohadjer, Hussain Khalid, and Morgan Randall) for an authentic Gainesville-style tailgate! They discuss a fascinating case of severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome. Dr. Khanjan Shah provides the E-CPR and a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Richard Ferraro 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 60s with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism presented to the University of Florida with a chief complaint of "Someone told me my neck artery was blocked." Someone call 227-346-6373. What does that spell? CardioNerd!
She noted exertional pain in both legs with limited exertion. Has a family history of CAD and MI in her father in his 20s. Her only medications were baby aspirin, atorvastatin 80mg, and thyroid replacement. Her blood pressures were noted to be dropping and so her regimen was being titrated off as a result. Physical exam was notable only for poorly palpable pulses in all extremities. To further work this up, a myocardial perfusion scan, CTA head/neck/abdomen, and ABIs were ordered. ABI on the right was 0.86 and on the left was 0.76 with monophasic doppler waveforms throughout. CT abdomen exhibited an occlusion of the abdominal aorta from just below the renal arteries extending to the common iliac arteries with distal reconstitution. CT head/neck showed occlusion of the right carotid artery, complete occlusion of the right innominate artery, near complete occlusion of the right vertebral artery, and delayed flow in the right posterior cerebral artery. On the left side, she had high-grade subclavian stenosis. Myocardial perfusion imaging exhibited no defects.
On subsequent visits her exercise tolerance improved with an exercise regimen, but blood pressures were more and more difficult to obtain. As a result, revascularization was pursued with stenting of the left subclavian artery. She was discharged, but returned a few hours later with severe left sided pulsatile headache and nausea/vomiting. She was admitted for monitoring, but fortunately improved and discharged with close outpatient follow-up. She continued to improve in the outpatient setting. After MRI brain and extensive work-up, she was deemed to have cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome following revascularization. She had no further complications and was monitored thereafter. Final diagnosis: severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebral hyperperfusion sy...

Sep 27, 2020 • 1h 17min
62. Case Report: RV Failure & Shock After placement of an AV graft – The Johns Hopkins Hospital
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Johns Hopkins Hospital cardiology fellows (Rick Vakil, Pranoti Hiremath, and Vasanth Sathiyakumar) for some gelato by the bay in Baltimore, Maryland! They discuss a challenging case of RV failure & shock after placement of an AV graft. Dr. Monica Mukherjee provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Steven Schulman provides a message for applicants. 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 man in his early 40s, with a history of type 1 diabetes and prior failed renal and pancreatic transplants currently on iHD, was referred to Johns Hopkins Hospital for dialysis access. A left groin AV loop graft was pursued due to multiple access point failures in the past secondary to severe peripheral artery disease. Pre-op evaluation included risk stratification with RHC which was consistent with WHO Group 2 pulmonary HTN and diffuse atherosclerosis in the RCA on LHC. Intra-op, patient had an episode of significant hypotension after administration of protamine that required phenylephrine and ephedrine. In the PACU, his BPs continued to be low (70s/40s mmHg), requiring admission to the SICU where cardiology was consulted.
In the SICU, patient had ongoing hypotension despite pressors and fluids. Exam demonstrated a systolic murmur consistent with TR and elevated JVP. Labs were notable for a mild elevation in liver enzymes, elevated troponin, high NT-proBNP and elevated lactate. TTE demonstrated a moderately dilated and hypokinetic RV, elevated RVSP and evidence of pressure/volume overload. CTA abdomen/pelvis demonstrated extensive mesenteric atherosclerosis and signs of gastric ischemia. Patient was treated for RV failure with norepinephrine, inhaled epoprostenol, and CVVHD for volume removal. He became febrile and was treated empirically with broad spectrum antibiotics. Due to concern for the new loop graft causing high output heart failure vs RV failure, it was temporarily occluded for testing and then permanently ligated by vascular surgery with significant improvement in his BPs and RV function on repeat TTE.
Case Media
ABCDEClick to Enlarge
A. Plato's allegory of the cave by Jan Saenredam, according to Cornelis van Haarlem, 1604, Albertina, ViennaB-C. Anesthesia flow sheets D. CXR: Pulmonary vascular congestion, bibasilar atelectasisE. ECG: Sinus tachycardia to 110, RAD, RBBB, similar to prior
TTE: LVEF 60-65%, mild to moderate concentric hypertrophy, trace effusion
TTE: Flattened septum in systole and diastole c/f RV pressur...

Sep 25, 2020 • 56min
61. Case Report: Cardiac Arrest due to Peripartum Cardiomyopathy – Medical College of Wisconsin
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Medical College of Wisconsin cardiology fellows (Katie Cohen, Div Mohananey, and Dave Lewandowski) for some cold brews by Lake Michigan in Cream City aka Milwaukee, WI! They discuss a case of a pregnant woman presenting cardiac arrest due to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Dr. Sarah Thordsen provides the E-CPR and program director, Dr. Nunzio Gaglianello, provides a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident, Eunice Dugan, 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 G2P1 woman in her early 30s with a history palpitations presented after a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest while at work. She received 6 rounds of CPR and 2 shocks before ROSC was achieved. She was intubated and given fluids but continued to remain hypoxic and hypotensive. Exam demonstrated sinus tachycardia, no murmurs, gravid abdomen and cool extremities. Initial labs demonstrated leukocytosis to 14k, lactic acid at 4.3 mmol/L, troponin-I peak at 0.07 ng/dL and elevated NT-proBNP. CXR demonstrated bilateral effusions and pulmonary congestion, and post-arrest EKG showed a wide complex tachycardia, leading to suspicion of VT arrest. In sinus, there were no ST segment elevations and TTE showed LVEF 10-20%, global hypokinesis and no valvular disease. Given the severity of her shock, she was placed on central VA-ECMO with Impella support as an LV vent. During ECMO cannulation, she underwent emergent cesarean section due to fetal distress. Coronary angiography showed non-obstructive coronaries, but with sluggish flow in the setting of her cardiogenic shock and possible coronary spasm in setting of multiple vasoactive medications. Endomyocardial biopsy was negative for giant cell myocarditis. Within 4-5 days, she was weaned off all vasoactive agents and ECMO was decannulated; repeat echocardiogram showed LV functional recovery. GDMT was slowly titrated and a subcutaneous ICD was eventually placed before discharge. She and her child have done well over the course of a year!
Case Media
ABClick to Enlarge
A: ECG: Initially in sustained wide complex irregular tachycardiaB: CXR: Extensive consolidative changes throughout the lungs
TTE: Parasternal Long Axis
TTE: Apical 4 Chamber
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Click to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
1. What is the differential for cardiac arrest in pregnant patients?
When thinking about a cardiac etiology of arrest, the differential should include pregnancy-induced hypertension,

Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 8min
60. Case Report: Massive Pulmonary Embolus Presenting as STEMI – Cedars-Sinai
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Cedars-Sinai cardiology fellows (Natasha Cuk, Ronit Zadikany, Neal Yuan) for some drinks at the local pub 3rd Stop after a walk down Hollywood boulevard! They discuss a fascinating case of a massive pulmonary embolus presenting as STEMI. Dr. Babak Azarbal provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Joshua Goldhaber 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 figures & media - Case teaching - 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 man in his mid-40s with no known past medical history presented to the ER in PEA arrest with ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Prior to his arrest, his coworkers reported that he was complaining of lightheadedness, dizziness and that he was found slumped over at his desk. His EKG in the ambulance showed STE in aVR and V1 - V4 with TWI in III and aVF initially concerning for an anterior STEMI. He was cannulated with VA-ECMO for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) and was taken to the catheterization lab emergently. In the catheterization lab, his coronary angiogram did not show obstructive coronary disease. The interventionalists decided to perform a pulmonary artery (PA) angiogram which revealed a large amount of thrombus bilaterally in the proximal PAs. He underwent surgical embolectomy with removal of almost all his clot burden. The patient was thereafter cooled for neurological protection. Unfortunately, the patient had a very poor neurological exam with lack of brainstem reflexes upon rewarming. There was loss of gray-white differentiation on CT, and EEG and evoked potential testing were consistent with severe anoxic brain injury. After discussions with the patient's family, the patient was transitioned to comfort care and subsequently passed away peacefully.
Case Media
Click to Enlarge
Right Coronary Artery
Left Coronary System - 1
Left Coronary System - 2
Left Pulmonary Artery
Right Pulmonary Artery
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Click to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
The patient presented initially with STE in aVR as well as the septal and anterior leads. What is the differential for an ST elevation in lead aVR? STE in aVR with diffuse ST depression can be a potential finding of LM or LAD stenosis. However, there have been several studies that have shown that the combination of STE and multi-lead STD was not associated with complete occlusion of a culprit vessel. Thus,

Sep 21, 2020 • 51min
59. Case Report: Constrictive Pericarditis & Severe Mitral Regurgitation – Mayo Clinic
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join join Mayo Clinic cardiology fellows (Mays Ali, Charlie Jain, Korosh Sharain) for a scenic walk through gorgeous Rochester, Minnesota! They discuss a fascinating case of constrictive pericarditis and severe mitral regurgitation. Dr. Rick Nishimura provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Frank Brozovich 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 figures & media - Case teaching - 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
Constrictive Pericarditis & Severe Mitral Regurgitation - Patient Summary
A woman in her late 40s with a history of lupus and hypertension presented with worsening dyspnea on exertion and orthopnea over a year. She reported intermittent pleuritic chest discomfort that had persisted since an episode of acute pericarditis years prior. A TTE suggested severe mitral regurgitation, and she was referred to the Mayo Clinic for mitral valve intervention.
The official TTE report from the OSH suggested non-dilated LV, EF 55-60%, normal RV function, severe MR with thickened leaflets and sub-valvular apparatus, moderate to severe TR and a dilated IVC. Furthermore, the CXR showed pericardial calcifications. Upon evaluation by the Mayo Clinic fellows, the JVP was elevated to about 10-12 cm with rapid x and y descents, a positive Kussmaul’s sign, and the murmurs of MR and TR. Her lungs were clear to auscultation and extremities did not demonstrate edema. Re-review of the TTE images revealed posterior pericardial thickening, no septal shift on respiration, but suggestion of annulus reversus where medial mitral annulus tissue doppler (9 cm/s) was greater than lateral (8 cm/s). Further, there was evidence of expiratory hepatic vein diastolic flow reversal.
For the team, there was discordance between the apparent severity of her MR reported by echocardiogram and her clinical symptoms. In addition, the echocardiogram was suggestive of specific signs of constrictive pericarditis. Thus, simultaneous RHC/LHC was obtained. There was equalization of RV/LV pressures during diastole, demonstration of a “square root sign” and importantly discordance between LV and RV pressures with respiration. Thus, discordant clinical findings led to a suspicion for constrictive pericarditis and was corroborated by discordance on invasive hemodynamics! Further, the V-waves were not prominent on wedge pressure tracing and to investigate the mitral regurgitation further, an LV ventriculogram was done. This demonstrated 3+ to 4+ MR. Based on all the findings,

Sep 18, 2020 • 51min
58. Case Report: Constrictive Pericarditis – University of Tennessee
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join join University of Tennessee cardiology fellows (Rachel Goodwin, Emmanuel Isang, and William Black) for some chocolate cake and hikes in the Smoky Mountains! They discuss a fascinating case of constrictive pericarditis. Dr. Tjuan Overly 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 figures & media - Case teaching - 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 man in his late 40s with a history of renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy and now status post a kidney transplant 10-15 years ago was referred by hepatology for evaluation of recurrent ascites and LE edema. He appeared grossly volume overloaded on exam with JVP elevated past the mandible, RV heave, and 2+ pitting edema. TTE demonstrated LVEF of 55-60%, RVSP 40mmHg, abnormal septal motion with respiration, and respirophasic variation in mitral inflow across the mitral valve raising the suspicion for constrictive pericarditis. RHC pressures demonstrated a mean RA pressure of 20mmHg, RV 40/25mmHg, PA 38/30mmHg (mean 32 mmHg) and PCWP mean of 26 with V-waves at 28 mmHg. Simultaneous LV and RV pressure tracings showed ventricular discordance with respirophasic variation, consistent with constrictive physiology. Patient underwent pericardiectomy with markedly improved heart failure symptoms. Repeat TTE showed no evidence of constriction.
Case Media
ABCClick to Enlarge!
A. ECGB. Pulsed-wave Doppler spectrum of tricuspid inflow velocities demonstrates a marked respiratory variation (In irregular rhythms, such as the atrial fibrillation seen here, respirophasic changes may still be seen but are confounded by the varying R-R interval)C. Simultaneous LV and RV pressure tracings showing discordance with respirophasic variation
Apical 4-chamber view demonstrating abnormal septal motion due to interventricular dependence – dissociation of thoracic and cardiac chamber pressures leads to increased RV filling during inspiration
Short axis view of the LV demonstrating a D-shaped interventricular septum during inspiration. Note the presence of a pericardial effusion as well.
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Click to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
The initial presentation clinically seemed to be right greater than left heart failure. What are the signs and common causes of right heart failure?
The signs and symptoms of RHF are often similar to left-sided CHF, but may describe more severe dyspnea on exertion,

Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 6min
57. Case Report: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with Cardiogenic Shock – University of Pennsylvania
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join Penn cardiology fellows (Brian McCauley, Norrisa Haynes, and Mahesh Vidula) for a rooftop picnic in sunny Philadelphia! They discuss an informative case of peripartum cardiomyopathy with cardiogenic shock. Program director Dr. Frank Silvestry provides the E-CPR segment and a message to applicants. Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Colin Blumenthal with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.
Jump to: Patient summary - Case figures & media - Case teaching - 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
Two weeks postpartum, a woman in her mid 20s, G1P1, with no past medical history presented following a tonic-clonic seizure. Prior to this, she had been experiencing 1 week of worsening dyspnea and lower extremity edema. Initial work-up revealed a left MCA stroke and she underwent thrombectomy. Limited TTE found LVEF <20% and a LV apical thrombus; she was started on milrinone due to concern for cardiogenic shock and transferred to the University of Pennsylvania.
Upon arrival, she was found to be hypotensive and tachycardic. Exam was notable for elevated JVP, +S3, LE edema and R sided hemiparesis. Labs showed multiorgan injury, elevated NT-proBNP and elevated lactate. EKG demonstrated sinus tachycardia with no ST-T changes. Formal TTE showed severely dilated LV with EF 10%, diffuse LV hypokinesis, and confirmed a large LV apical thrombus. A pulmonary artery catheter was placed for tailored therapy and found elevated L-sided > R-side filling pressures with low cardiac index despite inotropes. Cardiac power output (CPO) was severely decreased with borderline pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI), corroborating left > right heart failure. Patient ultimately required a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Over the course of 9 months her guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) was titrated and her intrinsic cardiac function and symptoms improved. Her EF improved to 35-40% and she tolerated an LVAD weaning protocol, so her LVAD was ultimately explanted! She is currently doing well on GDMT alone!
Case Media
CXR: Mild interstitial edema, +ET tubeST (131), LAD, nonspec T wave flattening, nl intervalsClick to Enlarge
TTE 1
TTE 2
Episode Schematics & Teaching
Click to enlarge!
The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case
1. How do we define Peripartum Cardiomyopathy?
Diagnosis is made by the development of heart failure towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery (~5 months postpartum), no other identifiable cause of HF, and demonstration of LV systolic dysfunction with LVEF typically less...

Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 5min
56. Case Report: Arrhythmogenic Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy – Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Lisa Wilsbacher and Benjamin Freed join Cardionerds to discuss a fascinating case of arrhythmogenic desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. They cover topics such as the psychological impact of ICD shocks, genetic cardiomyopathy workup, diagnostic challenges in cardiac sarcoidosis, and the importance of genetic testing for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. An engaging and educational podcast with expert perspectives.

Sep 11, 2020 • 1h 3min
55. Case Report: Suicide LV post-TAVR – The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School
CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join UT-Austin cardiology fellows (Priya Kothapali, Sergio Montano, Travis Benzing, and Michael Grzeskowiak) for a speedboat adventure on Lake Travis! They discuss a fascinating case of Suicide LV post-TAVR. Dr. Mark Pirwitz provides the E-CPR and program director Dr. Clay Cauthen 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 figures & media - Case teaching - 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.
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Patient Summary
A woman in her early 70s, with a history of CAD s/p PCI to LAD & RCA with DES six months prior, to presentation, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation s/p ablation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior TIA, and severe symptomatic AS was admitted for elective TAVR. She underwent successful implantation of a 29mm Medtronic Evolut Pro valve via left common femoral artery access. Post-valve deployment and following protamine administration for heparin reversal, course was complicated by hypotension with PEA arrest requiring CPR for 4 minutes. Intra-op TEE and angiogram showed a well-seated prosthetic valve with trace paravalvular leak and no evidence of acute aortic regurgitation, significant paravalvular leak, pericardial effusion, coronary obstruction, aortic dissection, or access site complications. She was treated for suspected Protamine reaction with high dose steroids & epinephrine. However, she remained hypotensive with MAP in the 50s on high dose Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Vasopressin. Hemodynamics by pulmonary artery catheter demonstrated CVP 7, mPA 26, PCWP 18 mmHg and CO/CI 2.8 L/min and 1.3 L/min/m2. Her lactate was elevated at 5.92 mmol/L and EKG demonstrated normal sinus rhythm. Bedside TTE in the ICU showed hyperdynamic LV function with LVEF 70% and near-complete mid to distal cavity obliteration with significant intracavitary gradient. She was diagnosed with post-TAVR suicide LV and managed with aggressive volume resuscitation and rapid wean of Epinephrine/Norepinephrine with improvement in her hemodynamics. She was eventually extubated and discharged on beta-blocker therapy.
Case Media
A. ECGB. CXRClick to Enlarge
A. ECG: Normal sinus rhythm, no evidence of AV block, no ST segment elevation or depression.B. CXR: Pulmonary vascular congestion, no pneumothorax, ETT at level of carina, PAC in appropriate position
Pre-Aortogram
Implantation
Post-Dilation
Post-Aortogram
TEE: Mid-Esophageal Three-Chamber View
TEE: Mid-Esophageal Short Axis View
Abdominal aortography showed no evidence of vascular access si...


