Introduction: While T-wave inversions (TWI) are associated with various pathologies, they are rarely associated with cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon. Case: A 76-year-old man with sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker presented with chest tightness and new onset TWI in his precordial leads. On admission, he tested positive for COVID-19, but remained stable and only required minimal supplemental oxygen. His troponin was only slightly elevated, and EKG showed TWI throughout his precordial leads. A previous EKG had shown normal sinus rhythm without a paced rhythm or ST wave abnormalities. Interrogation of his pacemaker revealed an AV-paced rhythm. Given his chest tightness without dynamic changes in his troponin or EKG, the symptoms were considered more likely related to his COVID-19 infection, and he was discharged home. Discussion: Aberrancies in normal cardiac conduction can result in altered electrical activation, especially for those with AV pacemakers, leading some patients to develop cardiac memory, manifesting as TWI. Conclusion: AV-paced rhythm and narrow QRS complexes with TWI localized to precordial leads without evidence of active cardiac ischaemia may suggest cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon, requiring no invasive interventions.
Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurring in the presence of a bleeding diathesis can make clinical decision-making difficult. We present a case of a non-ST elevation MI in the presence of an acquired factor VIII deficiency with an inhibitor present. Case: A 66-year-old male with a medical history significant for coronary artery disease and COPD presented with a 4-day history of persistent, profuse bleeding after attaining a laceration on his arm. Shortly after admission, he reported pressure-like chest pain relieved by sublingual nitroglycerin. His 5th generation troponin level was 61 ng/L on presentation and peaked at 600 ng/L 36 hours later. The EKG revealed ST depressions in leads V3 and V4 and T-wave flattening in leads V5 and V6. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed preserved ejection fraction but could not exclude wall motion abnormalities due to poor windows. Hematology was consulted due to uncontrolled bleeding, and the patient was diagnosed with acquired factor VIII deficiency with an inhibitor present. Low-dose heparin infusion was initiated. He was taken for a diagnostic left heart catheterization, which revealed left main with moderate obstruction, left anterior descending (LAD) with 70% proximal stenosis, and a small diagonal branch with 90% stenosis. The patient had been previously offered evaluation for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) surgery but declined. CABG work up was ultimately deferred in favor of percutaneous coronary intervention based on literature review extrapolated from hemophiliac patients. The patient’s hematologic care is ongoing with recombinant antihemophilic factor, porcine sequence, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab administration. Discussion: Choosing the type of coronary revascularization in coagulopathic patients poses a significant challenge. To avoid complications, a multidisciplinary approach to short- and long-term anticoagulation management is necessary. In this case we decided to use existing data that is based on hemophilia patients in the past with myocardial infarction where dual antiplatelet therapy is limited to 1 month with factor 8 activity maintained above 30%. Then transition to aspirin alone for maintenance with factor 8 levels maintained above 10%.
Introduction: Methamphetamine use is not a traditional risk factor for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). There have been several case reports suggesting an association between methamphetamine use and SCAD. Case: We present a case of a 50-year-old female with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke, and active tobacco use who presented with substernal chest pain radiating to the back and abdomen with associated dyspnea and diaphoresis. The patient was also taking warfarin for a prior history of deep venous thrombosis. Her serum 5 th generation troponin level was elevated to a peak of 1135 ng/L, and a 12-lead EKG showed ST-elevations not meeting STEMI criteria (1mm in V3, 2mm in V4, and 0.5mm in V5). Coronary angiography showed a short section of SCAD type 1 involving the mid portion of the LAD with TIMI 3 flow. There was no significant atherosclerotic disease throughout any of the vessels. The patient was managed conservatively with medical therapy and had resolution of her pain. CT-angiography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was performed to rule out dissection involving the aorta and its branches and was unrevealing. Urine toxicology screening returned positive for methamphetamine. Given a lack of other traditional risk factors aside from gender, the patient was diagnosed with SCAD secondary to methamphetamine use. Discussion: Traditional risk factors for SCAD include female sex, fibromuscular dysplasia, connective tissue disease, multiparity (our patient was parity 1), and exogenous hormone use. Methamphetamine use as well as prescription amphetamines have been associated with SCAD in several case reports. SCAD tends to occur in women with an absence of risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, even in patients with multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis and an absence of risk factors for SCAD, SCAD should not be excluded in the differential when a history of amphetamine use is elicited.
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