Mechanical circulatory support technology is continually improving. However, adverse complications do occur with devastating consequences, for example, pump thrombosis that may develop in several parts of the pump system. The aim of this study was to design an experimental clot/thrombosis model to register and analyze acoustic signals from the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) HeartMate II (HMII) (Thoratec Corporation, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA) and detect changes in sound signals correlating to clots in the inflow, outflow, and pump housing. Using modern telecom techniques, it was possible to register and analyze the HMII pump-specific acoustic fingerprint in an experimental model of LVAD support using a mock loop. Increase in pump speed significantly (P < 0.005) changed the acoustic fingerprint at certain frequency (0–23 000 Hz) intervals (regions: R1–3 and peaks: P1,3–4). When the ball valves connected to the tubing were narrowed sequentially by ∼50% of the inner diameter (to mimic clot in the out- and inflow tubing), the frequency spectrum changed significantly (P < 0.005) in P1 and P2 and R1 when the outflow tubing was narrowed. This change was not seen to the same extent when the lumen of the ball valve connected to the inflow tube was narrowed by ∼50%. More significant (P < 0.005) acoustic changes were detected in P1 and P2 and R1 and R3, with the largest dB figs. in the lower frequency ranges in R1 and P2, when artificial clots and blood clots passed through the pump system. At higher frequencies, a significant change in dB figs. in R3 and P4 was detected when clots passed through the pump system. Acoustic monitoring of pump sounds may become a valuable tool in LVAD surveillance.

Myocarditis is mostly caused by viral infections and rarely caused by bacterial pathogens, especially in immunocompetent individuals. Bacterial myocarditis due to Salmonella is rare, especially in countries with improved sanitation that minimize contamination of Salmonella typhi serotypes. We here present a case of a previous healthy 22-year-old male that came to the emergency room with chest pain. His symptoms occurred after a period of profuse diarrhea, fever and hematochezia. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of myocarditis. Stool culture was positive for Salmonella enteritidis. Myocarditis due to Salmonella is rare but may still occur in western countries. The inter-individual response to the pathogens and its virulence mechanisms and male gender is factors for developing myocarditis. We here add to the numbers of cases with myocarditis due to S. enteritidis. A higher suspicion and more frequent ECG and troponin testing might result in an increase of patients with subclinical myocarditis.

Introduction: The use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has grown rapidly. Adverse events do continue to occur. In recent years, analysis of LVAD sound recordings emerged as a means to monitor pump function and detect pump thrombosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the sounds from HeartMate II and to evaluate the use of handheld iOS devices for sound recordings. Method: Signal analysis of LVAD sound recordings, with dedicated recording equipment and iOS devices, was performed. Two LVADs running in mock loop circuits were compared to an implanted LVAD. Spectral analysis and parametric signal models were explored to quantify the sound and potentially detect changes in it. Results: The sound recordings of two LVADs in individual mock loop circuits and a third one implanted in a patient appeared to be similar. Qualitatively, sound characteristics were preserved following changes in pump speed. Recordings using dedicated equipment showed that HeartMate II sound comprises low-frequency components corresponding to pump impeller rotation, as well as high-frequency components due to a pulse width modulation of the electric power to the pump. These different signal components interact and result in a complicated frequency spectrum. The iPhone and iPod recordings could not reproduce the sounds as well as the dedicated equipment. In particular, lower frequencies were affected by outside disturbances. Discussion: This article outlines a systematic approach to LVAD sound analysis using signal processing methods to quantify and potentially detect changes, and describes some of the challenges, for example, with the use of inexpensive recording devices.

For solid organ transplant recipients the risk of skin cancer is markedly increased due to immunosuppression. Many studies propose an annual, or more frequent, skin screening program by a dermatologist. As the number of transplant recipients increases and survival times improve, the need for screening and rapid response (as required) access is increasing. Design In a quality control study we retrospectively examined the medical records of patients participating in an annual screening program between 1997 and 2012. A total of 69 medical records were studied and we here describe the program and present the findings. Results We found malignant melanoma in 3 cases. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma occurred in 16 patients and basal cell carcinoma in 12 patients. The most frequent skin lesions were actinic keratoses, reported in 20 patients. Conclusions Incidence rates for all diagnoses were elevated compared to the general population. Awareness of the increased risk for skin malignancies is of importance to those involved in the care of solid organ transplant recipients. Routines for early discovery of skin tumors are needed both in the form of screening, which can also establish risk group status and give preventive education, and as rapid response access for skin lesion diagnosis and treatment.