Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale
Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale A 52-year-old woman had a closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a 30-mm Helex septal occluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona)…
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome A 50-year-old woman with a history of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, a history of ST segment elevation (Q wave) myocardial infarction involving the left anterior descending artery, history…
Jugular Venous Distension, Tachycardia, and Borderline Hypotension
Jugular Venous Distension, Tachycardia, and Borderline Hypotension A 48-year-old man complains of shortness of breath and fatigue. He has jugular venous distension, tachycardia (heart rate of 108 to 124 beats…
Preparation for Kidney Donation
Preparation for Kidney Donation A 48-year-old healthy man is referred for a stress echocardiogram in preparation for kidney donation. A mass is noted in the right atrium moving between the…
Atrial Fibrillation, Dyspnea with Heavy Exertion
Atrial Fibrillation, Dyspnea with Heavy Exertion The patient is a 47-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation. Eleven months prior to the transthoracic echocardiogram, he underwent a prolonged atrial…
Transient Ischemic Attack
Transient Ischemic Attack A 44-year-old woman suffered from a transient ischemic attack 2 years ago. An echocardiogram revealed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in association with an atrial septal aneurysm….
Atrial Fibrillation and Shortness of Breath
Atrial Fibrillation and Shortness of Breath A 42-year-old woman had her first episode of atrial fibrillation 3 years ago. Over the last year, she developed symptoms of fatigue and shortness…
Worsening Dyspnea on Exertion and Reduced Exercise Capacity
Worsening Dyspnea on Exertion and Reduced Exercise Capacity A 44-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of worsening dyspnea on exertion. She has reduced exercise capacity and has to stop…
Marfan Syndrome with Sharp Chest Pain
Marfan Syndrome with Sharp Chest Pain The patient is a 43-year-old woman with a history of Marfan syndrome. She had a Bentall procedure 10 years ago with a composite Dacron…
Weight Loss and Low-Grade Fevers
Weight Loss and Low-Grade Fevers A 41-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a 1-month history of fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and low-grade fevers. On physical examination,…
