There remains great heterogeneity in the availability of data and approaches in managing hypertension in Asia-Pacific. A narrative review was performed to better understand the epidemiology of hypertension and challenges in hypertension care provision regionally. The data obtained were discussed under five domains: epidemiology; hospitalisation and financial impact; medication prescription; national guidelines, societies and measures; and barriers and challenges in managing hypertension. Sixteen countries were included, with the prevalence of hypertension ranging between 10.6% and 48.3%. Rates of undiagnosed, untreated and uncontrolled hypertension were alarming throughout the region, with various factors from the five major domains contributing to this, such as urbanisation, gender and socioeconomic status. Data on care provision were generally sparse. Although various measures and policies exist in individual countries to help combat hypertension, challenges have also been identified: some are systemic, while others appear more granular and culturally influenced. Collaboration between stakeholders between countries is crucial to effectively tackle these issues.
Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASD) are uncommon and often underdiagnosed as they are visualised poorly on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). A 59-year-old man was referred following worsening dyspnoea. A TTE demonstrated dilated right chambers, with torrential tricuspid regurgitation and a dilated coronary sinus. Agitated saline test raised the suspicion of both persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and an intracardiac shunt, despite interrogation of the interatrial septum not demonstrating any defects. CT imaging of the thorax was performed revealing a superior SVASD alongside a PLSVC, and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. SVASD are considerably uncommon, compared to other types of atrial septal defects (ASD). TTE has poor sensitivity in diagnosing SVASD, highlighting the importance of multimodality imaging in such cases. The purpose of this case report is to highlight unique features demonstrated on TTE, especially during the agitated saline study, which showcased the presence of a PLSVC alongside an intracardiac shunt that was undetected through conventional TTE alone.
Transcatheter structural heart intervention (TSHI) has gained popularity over the past decade as a means of cardiac intervention in patients with prohibitive surgical risks. Following the exponential rise in cases and devices developed over the period, there has been increased focus on developing the role of "structural imagers" amongst cardiologists. This review, as part of a growing initiative to develop the field of interventional echocardiography, aims to highlight the role of echocardiography in myriad TSHIs available within Asia. We first discuss the various echocardiography-based imaging modalities, including 3-dimensional echocardiography, fusion imaging, and intracardiac echocardiography. We then highlight a selected list of structural interventions available in the region-a combination of established interventions alongside novel approaches-describing key anatomic and pathologic characteristics related to the relevant structural heart diseases, before delving into various aspects of echocardiography imaging for each TSHI.
We present an unfortunate case of severe acute aortic regurgitation (AR) following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) linked to isolated aortic valve prolapse, with no evidence of aortic root disruption or other valvular pathology missed on initial presentation. A 55-year-old gentleman, with known hypertension, was brought into the emergency department following a MVA, where he sustained severe intra-thoracic injuries. A bedside transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a trileaflet aortic valve with evidence of mal-coaptation and severe AR. A computed tomography angiography of the thorax, however, failed to demonstrate evidence of dissection along the aortic root or ascending aorta. Following successful weaning off ventilatory support, the patient was discharged, but he presented back within a week with worsening dyspnoea and palpitations. Examination and investigation supported a diagnosis of acute heart failure with evident severe AR on repeat TTE. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed, revealing prolapsed right and non-coronary cusps which were not seen in previous studies but absent evidence of the aortic root, ascending and descending aorta dilatation or dissection. Valvular complications rarely occur following blunt chest wall trauma, often involving right-sided valves due to their proximity to the sternum. Although aortic valve disruption can occur following MVAs, it is often associated with trauma to the aorta. Based on our literature search, there have been only a handful of reported cases of severe acute AR due to isolated prolapse or ruptured aortic valves in the absence of aortic valve perforation, aortic root disruption or dissection and other valvular abnormalities following trauma.
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global healthcare burden associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis (ATH). The relationship between atherogenic lipoprotein and oxidative stress biomarkers with clinical risk factors of MetS have not been fully explored. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the correlation between small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL-c) and isoprostane (ISP) with MetS criteria and comparing these biomarkers between MetS and non-MetS. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 67 MetS and 43 non-MetS diagnosed by JIS criteria 2009. Demographic details and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were collected to analyse serum plasma glucose, direct LDL, calculated sdLDL-c and ISP. Results: Mean serum sdLDL-c and ISP levels were significantly higher among those with MetS compared to non-MetS (1.14+0.44 mmol/L vs 0.87±0.38 mmol/L respectively, p=0.005). Similarly, mean serum ISP concentration was higher among MetS compared to non-MetS (884.40+602.69 ng/L vs 657.89±616.42 ng/L respectively, p= 0.054). sdLDL-c was positively correlated with TG in the MetS (Pearson correlation 0.501, p<.001) whilst HDL-c was positively correlated with sdLDL-c among the non-MetS (Pearson Correlation 0.422, p<.005). Conclusion: This study highlights the correlation between sdLDL-c and TG in among MetS, emphasizing the need to closely monitor and manage TG among this cohort to reduce the risk of ATH. It was also noted that HDL-c showed positive correlation with sdLDL-c among non-MetS. This discordant finding suggests that HDL-c itself may not be causally associated with cardiovascular benefits and that perhaps HDL-c subfractions may be a better approach to determine cardioprotective effects of HDL-c.
Thrombolytic therapy remains widely used in majority of developing countries, where delivery of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge. Unfortunately, complications following such therapy remains prominent, predominantly bleeding-related problems. We present a rare case of massive renal subcapsular haemorrhage and hematoma following thrombolytic therapy. A 61-year old gentleman presented following an episode of chest pain due to acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Due to potential delays in obtaining PCI, the patient was counselled for thrombolysis using streptokinase which he had consented to. Unfortunately, within 36 hours of admission, he developed abdominal pain, haematuria, hypotension and altered mental status, associated with acute drops in haemoglobin levels. Following initial resuscitation efforts, a Computed Tomography scan of the abdomen was performed revealing a massive renal subcapsular hematoma, likely secondary to previous thrombolysis. Renal subcapsular hematoma can either be spontaneous or iatrogenic, the latter often due to coexisting renal-based neoplasm or vasculitidies. Iatrogenic causes include trauma, following renal biopsies or anticoagulation therapy amongst a few others. Iatrogenic renal subcapsular haemorrhage and hematoma formation are rare following thrombolysis. Our literature search revealed only one other similar case, although this was following administration of recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in a case of acute ischaemic cerebrovascular accident. This case highlights the complexity in management, following the findings in terms of need for cessation of dual antiplatelet therapy and timing for PCI and stent selection.
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