Jan Adamek, Otakar Jiravsky, Ivan Ranic, Jan Chovancik, Josef Kautzner
{"title":"Management of recurrent idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: a case report from diagnosis to successful ablation.","authors":"Jan Adamek, Otakar Jiravsky, Ivan Ranic, Jan Chovancik, Josef Kautzner","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf247","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac death and is a diagnosis of exclusion. With the availability of genetic testing, this condition is becoming increasingly rare. Nevertheless, in some cases, no identifiable cause is found. Management of recurrent IVF episodes poses a significant clinical challenge, often requiring advanced interventional approaches.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>We present a 43-year-old male with a history of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to VF in 2015. Despite extensive examinations, including normal coronary angiography, cardiac MRI, and genetic testing, no underlying aetiology was identified. The patient received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. After an 8-year arrhythmia-free period, he experienced recurrent ICD shocks in 2023. Repeated diagnostics, including MRI and genetic testing, yielded inconclusive results. An electrophysiological study revealed abnormalities in the Purkinje fibre network, including a focal source within the conduction system and a localized scar in the lower mid-left ventricular septum. Radiofrequency ablation targeting these areas successfully terminated the electrical storm.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case highlights the complexities in diagnosing and managing IVF, demonstrating a strong association between the Purkinje fibre network abnormalities in arrhythmogenesis. It underscores the importance of electrophysiological studies and catheter ablation in refractory cases, even when advanced imaging and genetic testing fail to reveal a clear aetiology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In patients with recurrent IVF refractory to conventional management, targeted ablation of Purkinje-related triggers not only terminates the storm, but provides durable rhythm control, as illustrated by our 8-month follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 6","pages":"ytaf247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimodality imaging of ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease in a patient with coronary artery ectasia: a case report.","authors":"Masatoki Nakaza, Yukihiro Watanabe, Keishi Suzuki, Akira Shibata, Masashi Ogawa, Tetsuro Sekine","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf246","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf246","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 6","pages":"ytaf246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138190/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144233588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tess Calcagno, Jibran Ikram, Felix Berglund, Allan Klein
{"title":"Running into trouble: exercise-exacerbated recurrent pericarditis-a case report.","authors":"Tess Calcagno, Jibran Ikram, Felix Berglund, Allan Klein","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf243","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recurrent pericarditis is an inflammatory condition characterized by symptom recurrence after an initial episode. Exercise-induced flares are underrecognized.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>A 53-year-old male presented with recurrent pericarditis, initially diagnosed in June 2020 and inadequately treated with a three-month colchicine course. He experienced four exercise-induced flares coinciding with triathlon training, each resolving spontaneously. In August 2024, the patient presented with severe right shoulder pain and tachycardia. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a moderate pericardial effusion, prompting a pericardial window. Despite colchicine and NSAIDs, symptoms recurred, and MRI confirmed active pericarditis with late gadolinium enhancement of the pericardium. Given the refractory nature of his disease, biologic therapy with rilonacept was initiated.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case highlights the association between high-intensity exercise and recurrent pericarditis, underscoring the need for individualized treatment strategies, including biologics. It contributes to the understanding of refractory cases and exercise-induced inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12117366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for complex mitral regurgitation: a case report of prolapse with leaflet perforation.","authors":"Yumi Yamamoto, Yasuhide Mochizuki, Ryota Kosaki, Hiroto Fukuoka, Toshiro Shinke","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf242","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is an established treatment for high-risk surgical candidates with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, its application in cases with leaflet perforation is rarely reported.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>An 86-year-old woman presented with worsening dyspnoea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe primary MR with P2 prolapse. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) demonstrated chordae tendineae rupture and a 2.8 mm wide perforation at P2, suggestive of healed infective endocarditis. The distance from the tip of P2 in front of the perforation and the far end was measured to be ∼5.0 and 7.0 mm, measured using 3D multi-planar reconstruction. Given the patient's high surgical risk, TEER was planned after careful heart team discussion. The procedure successfully achieved intended grasping on the first attempt using one MitraClip® (XTW), reducing MR to mild without leaflet injury. One-week follow-up echocardiography showed no leaflet injuries or single leaflet device attachment. The patient's heart failure symptoms improved, with no recurrence or infection for a year.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although TEER is not primarily recommended for MR with a perforation even in a patient at high surgical risk, this case demonstrates that TEER can be a viable option for high surgical risk patients with mitral valve prolapse and perforation when guided by detailed pre-operative TOE evaluation and careful heart team decision-making. The proximity of perforation to leaflet edge and use of appropriate clip size were crucial for successful repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12100618/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144141663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimodality cardiac imaging for pre-operative evaluation in a paediatric criss-cross heart patient: a case report.","authors":"Kwannapas Saengsin, Surin Woragidpoonpol, Tanop Srisuwan, Rekwan Sittiwangkul, Krit Makonkawkeyoon","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf223","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Criss-cross heart (CCH) is considered as one of the most complex, challenging, and exceptionally rare congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Criss-cross heart is defined by the twisted atrioventricular connection and the crossing of inflow streams to both ventricles, caused by the rotation of the ventricular mass along its longitudinal axis. The treatment depends on the anatomical complexity. Diagnosis of CCH is difficult, and interpretation of imaging results may be challenging.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>A one-year-old girl presented with cyanosis and abnormal heart sounds. We report a patient with complex congenital CCH who underwent successful biventricular repair using multimodality cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac computerized tomography, 3D printing, and 4D flow-CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Criss-cross heart is one of the most complex and rare CHD. Multimodality cardiac imaging is essential for finding the answers and providing better care for complex CHD patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12082813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144092359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of AngioVac device in debulking endocarditis vegetations before lead extractions.","authors":"Mobeen Zaka Haider, Muhammad Hasib Khalil, Osama Alsara, Sanjay Mehta, Naveed Adoni, Anuj Garg","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf239","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Systemic infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) usually manifests as endocarditis, with vegetations involving the lead and cardiac valves. Cardiac implantable electronic device systemic infections involve the transvenous or epicardial portion of the lead in addition to adjacent endocardium. History, blood cultures, and imaging are the cornerstone of diagnosis. The treatment of CIED infections involves intravenous antibiotics, complete removal of the CIED, and reimplantation after clearance of bacteraemia. AngioVac is used for the removal of right atrial masses, right atrial thrombi, and right-sided endocarditis vegetations. It can provide a mechanism for debulking of lead vegetations prior to their removal.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>We describe a case series of five patients who underwent debulking of lead vegetations with AngioVac prior to cardiac implantable electronic device removal. Four of our patients had defibrillators implanted for ventricular tachycardia. Three patients had involvement of the right atrial lead. <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> was the most common organism involved. All patients had successful debulking of lead vegetations without any intraprocedural complications or 30-day mortality.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Traditionally, large vegetations (>2 cm) involving the CIED apparatus required open surgery before device removal but more recently, AngioVac device has been used for the removal of vegetations from intracardiac leads before their removal, offering an alternative to the traditional surgical approach for high or prohibitive risk patients. Our case series adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of AngioVac in debulking leads prior to their removal.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 6","pages":"ytaf239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12127795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Edgar Francisco Carrizales-Sepúlveda, Carlos E Guzmán, Timothy C Tan
{"title":"When beats are hard to crack: electrical storm in a patient with severe myocardial calcification.","authors":"Edgar Francisco Carrizales-Sepúlveda, Carlos E Guzmán, Timothy C Tan","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf197","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12076199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lei Liu, Miaoxin Peng, Aijuan Fang, Hui Chen, Jing Yao
{"title":"From diagnosis to disappearance: a case report on managing atrial septal thrombus with anticoagulation.","authors":"Lei Liu, Miaoxin Peng, Aijuan Fang, Hui Chen, Jing Yao","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf240","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The occurrence of atrial septal impending paradoxical embolism in a patent foramen ovale is a rare clinical phenomenon. In a patient with pulmonary artery embolism, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a <i>trans</i>-atrial septal impending paradoxical embolism. This prompted us to consider: What is the nature of this cardiac lesion, and why is it embedded in the patent foramen ovale?</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>A 37-year-old man presented with chest tightness and shortness of breath for 1 week, acutely worsening in the last day before admission. Enhanced computed tomography of the pulmonary artery indicated extensive pulmonary embolism, while TTE showed a large earthworm-shaped mass (∼4.2 cm × 1.4 cm) in the atrial septal fossa ovalis, oscillating slightly with the cardiac cycle. Initially, it was unclear whether the mass was a thrombus or a myxoma. However, after 12 days of anticoagulation, the mass disappeared, suggesting it was a thrombus. The patient underwent percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy of both arteries, resulting in symptom improvement and stabilized vital signs. Given the patient's young age, such a massive embolic event was unusual. Genetic testing for thrombophilia revealed a <i>PROC</i> gene mutation, clarifying the aetiology.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Pulmonary embolism-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension increased right-to-left shunting through the atrial septal patent foramen ovale, contributing to impending paradoxical embolism development at this site. Thrombophilia might be a key risk factor for this venous thrombotic event.</p>","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12117369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Hii, Gareth Crouch, Kaylene Gluyas, Majo X Joseph
{"title":"Moped vs. truck: case of traumatic tricuspid valve rupture and successful repair.","authors":"Michael Hii, Gareth Crouch, Kaylene Gluyas, Majo X Joseph","doi":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf234","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf234","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11910,"journal":{"name":"European Heart Journal: Case Reports","volume":"9 5","pages":"ytaf234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12104136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}