Stiff Left Atrial Syndrome; Prospects and Possibilities. Retrospective Analysis and Review of the Literature

Coconut Atrium Causing Restrictive Physiology in the Right Ventricle

We herein report a 61-year-old woman with a history of mitral valve replacement for rheumatic fever who presented with crural edema and ascites. Computed tomography showed massive left atrial (LA) calcification involving the interatrial septum, termed "coconut atrium." Catheterization revealed not only pulmonary artery hypertension but also a large V-wave in the pulmonary artery wedge pressure waveform and a dip-and-plateau pattern of right ventricular pressure. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the early attainment of peak LA volume and a decreased LA expansion index. Stiff LA syndrome due to coconut LA results in the development of restrictive right ventricular physiology.

Management of the Patient with Heart Failure and an Implantable Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamic Sensor

Purpose of Review

Heart failure (HF) management guided by hemodynamics obtained from an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) sensor (CardioMEMS) improves symptoms and reduces HF hospitalizations (HFH). This paper reviews the theoretical basis of pulmonary vascular physiology, summarizes recently published data about CardioMEMS, and provides practical guidelines for patient selection and management.

Recent Findings

Compared to patients managed by standard care, HF patients randomized to PAP-guided treatment have a higher frequency of medication adjustments, resulting in lower PAP and fewer HFH. Real-world analyses further support associations between implant of the CardioMEMS sensor with reductions in PAP, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Summary

Implantable, wireless hemodynamic sensor technology is a promising remote monitoring platform for chronic HF. A phased approach using a treatment algorithm may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of pressure-guided therapy.