Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Overview Definition Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the cardiac muscle: Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Symptoms may develop and progress slowly over time, or develop abruptly. Symptoms are similar to those seen with HF. Symptoms Physical exam findings Diagnosis Diagnosis is primarily through history and physical examination, laboratory examination, ECG, and imaging (confirmatory […]
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology More common in the elderly Most common reason for placement of an artificial pacemaker Etiology Degenerative changes and fibrosis of the sinoatrial (SA) node and surrounding myocardium: Age-related tissue change Tissue damage from acquired heart disease (e.g., myocardial infarction) Cardiac deposition disease: Sarcoidosis Amyloidosis Hemochromatosis Hereditary sick sinus syndrome (SSS) can […]
Coarctation of the Aorta
Overview Definition Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta caused by the thickening of the medial layer at a localized point, most commonly near the insertion of the ductus arteriosus. Types Epidemiology Etiology and Pathophysiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Neonates Children Adults Diagnosis Diagnostic test of choice: echocardiogram Findings: Supportive noninvasive workup […]
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Overview Definition The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a fetal blood vessel connecting the left pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the pulmonary circulation. Failure of the vessel to close and involute within 72 hours of birth results in a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Epidemiology Embryology and Pathophysiology Embryology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation The severity […]
Aortic Dissection
Overview Epidemiology Etiology Classification Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Symptoms Physical exam Diagnosis Initial imaging Laboratory workup Definitive diagnosis Management Acute management Type A dissections Type A dissections require emergent surgical intervention for replacement of the involved ascending aorta or the entire ascending aorta with Dacron graft. Type B dissections Long-term management Differential Diagnosis References
Cardiac Arrest
Overview Definition Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the abrupt cessation of cardiac activity. Epidemiology Risk factors Etiology and Clinical Presentation Cardiac causes of cardiac arrest Non-cardiac causes of cardiac arrest Mnemonics The 5 Hs and 5 Ts of the common reversible causes of SCA: Clinical presentation Cardiac Rhythms Four major cardiac rhythms are associated with […]
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Overview Definition Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a communication between the right atrium (RA) and the left atrium (LA) secondary to a defect in the development of the atrial septum during embryogenesis. Atrial septal defect is usually a benign condition and is classified as an acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). Classification Atrial septal defects are […]
Cardiac Myxoma
Overview Definition Cardiac myxoma is a benign primary tumor of the heart. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Anatomy and histology Pathophysiologic mechanisms Clinical Presentation Left-side myxomas (approximately 85%) Right-side myxomas (approximately 15%) Constitutional symptoms Diagnosis and Management Physical examination Imaging Transvenous biopsy Management Differential Diagnosis Benign primary cardiac tumors or tumor-like masses Malignant tumors of the heart […]
Atrioventricular block (AV block)
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology More common in the elderly 3rd-degree block is the rarest. 1st-degree and Mobitz type 1 2nd-degree atrioventricular (AV) block can be seen in healthy patients. Etiology Pathologic: Idiopathic fibrosis and sclerosis of the conduction system (approximately 50% of cases) Myocardial infarction (approximately 40% of cases) Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy Sarcoidosis Amyloidosis […]
Mitral Regurgitation
Overview Definition Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the backflow of blood to the left atrium (LA) through the mitral valve (MV) during ventricular contraction. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Acute MR Patients will often present with signs and symptoms of acute heart failure or cardiogenic shock: Audio: This audio clip is an example of an acute […]