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Published on: August 16, 2021
Cardiogenic Shock in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Plus Apical Ballooning: Management With VA-ECMO and
Flavia Caniato1, Valentina Andrei1, Pasquale Bernardo1
1Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
Insights
Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment is complex due to worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and mitral regurgitation. Surgical myectomy provided a definitive solution for a patient in cardiogenic shock.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) can lead to severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO).
- Patients may develop complex hemodynamic instability involving mitral regurgitation and apical ballooning.
Observation:
- A patient with oHCM presented with worsening LVOTO, severe mitral regurgitation, and apical ballooning.
- This combination precipitated cardiogenic shock, posing a therapeutic challenge where interventions for one condition could exacerbate others.
Findings:
- Initial management with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), levosimendan, and noradrenaline provided transient hemodynamic and gas exchange support.
- Surgical septal myectomy was ultimately required for definitive treatment of the obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the intricate management of decompensated oHCM with multiple concurrent complications.
- Surgical myectomy remains a crucial option for severe, refractory cases unresponsive to medical or mechanical support.
Abstract:
A patient with known obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy developed worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, severe mitral regurgitation, and apical ballooning leading to cardiogenic shock, a combination in which treatment of each component could worsen the others. Emergency veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, levosimendan, and noradrenaline transiently restored adequate systemic perfusion and gas exchange. Surgical myectomy offered a more definitive solution. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
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