Aortic Sinus Of Valsalva Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of ultra-long intermediate-power ablation for outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia arising from the left ventricular summit

Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been effective in managing premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Despite improvement in ablation techniques, recurrence remains high for LV summit PVCs. Epicardial ablation here is often precluded due to fat and proximity to coronaries, thus, aggressive but safe endocardial options are needed. Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultra-long ablation (>240 seconds) duration for refractory LV summit PVCs. Methods Patients with deep intramural LV summit PVCs were identified by lack of PVC elimination or late (>60 s suppression) and recurrence post-lesion under the left aortic sinus of Valsalva. We included patients who received the longest RFA of at least 240 seconds (maximum 15 minutes). RFA power was titrated slowly from 20 to 35W, carefully ensuring that the impedance drop did not exceed 12 ohms. Acute procedure success was defined as clinical PVC suppression for ≥60 minutes after the last lesion. Short-term success was defined as symptom improvement, ejection fraction (EF) recovery, and drop in PVC burden at 3 months. Results Twenty patients (59.5 ± 16.4 years, 55% male) were included. Baseline features are shown in Table 1. All RFA were delivered endocardially. No steam pops were noted. PVC burden was significantly lower at 3-month follow-up (P< 0.01), Figure 1A. Most patients had a normal ejection fraction (EF) at baseline; thus, no significant difference change in EF was observed (Figure 1B). One complication was recorded, which was tamponade likely caused by coronary sinus dissection requiring pericardiocentesis. Acute success was achieved in 95.0% of the cases, and all cases followed at 3 months (18/18) achieved short-term success. Conclusion Ultra-long duration RFA with lesions ≥ 240 seconds at 35W per lesion for LV summit PVCs appeared to be safe and effective in achieving acute and short-term success. The lack of acute suppression should not discourage operators, as there seems to be delayed suppression in some cases. Careful monitoring of biophysics is paramount when attempting this technique.

Aneurysms of Aortic Sinus of Valsalva Dissecting through the Interventricular Septum With Rupture into the Left Ventricle: Case Series and Literature Review.

Aneurysm of Aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASOV) dissecting into the interventricular septum (IVS) and rupturing into the left ventricle (LV) is a rare clinical diagnosis. Systemic inflammatory diseases like tuberculosis can aggravate this condition. We describe three cases of ASOV dissecting into the IVS and rupturing into the LV. All three patients underwent surgical intervention; two had a successful outcome. A literature review was conducted and19 previously reported cases were studied. The extent and direction of septal dissection determined the associated cardiac valvular and rhythm problems. Patch closure of the mouth of the aneurysm is the surgical method of choice. In the presence of multiple sinus tracts or if there is recurrence after surgical closure, aortic sinus or root replacement techniques have better outcomes.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of high-risk anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery

Objective: To analyze the diagnosis and surgical treatment of high-risk anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA). Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. From January 2016 to July 2023, 24 cases of high-risk AAOCA underwent surgical treatment in Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. There were 18 males and 6 females, operatively aged (M (IQR)) 13 (26) years (range: 0.3 to 57.0 years). They were confirmed by cardiac ultrasound and cardiac CT, all of which had anomalous coronary running between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. There were 15 cases of the right coronary artery from the left aortic sinus of Valsalva, 6 cases of left coronary artery from the right aortic sinus of Valsalva, 3 cases of the sigle coronary artery. Only 3 patients had no obvious related symptoms (2 cases were complicated with a positive exercise stress test and 1 case with other intracardiac malformations), 21 cases had a history of chest tightness, chest pain, or syncope after exercise. Three patients suffered syncope after exercise and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2 cases were treated with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenerator (ECMO)). The gap from the first symptom to the diagnosis was 4.0 (11.5) months (range: 0.2 to 84.0 months). The detection rate of coronary artery abnormalities suggested by the first cardiac ultrasound was only 37.5% (9/24). Seven patients were complicated with other cardiac diseases (4 cases with congenital heart defects, 2 cases with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, 1 case with mitral valve disease). Results: All 24 patients underwent surgical treatment (23 cases underwent abnormal coronary artery unroofing, 1 case underwent coronary artery bypass grafting), and 5 patients underwent other intracardiac malformation correction at the same time. There were no death or surgery related complications in the hospital for 30 days after the operation. A patient with preoperative extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was continuously assisted by ECMO after emergency AAOCA correction and had complications such as limb ischemia necrosis and renal dysfunction after the operation. During the follow-up of 2.2 (3.3) years (range: 1 month to 7.2 years), one patient who previously underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with a stent implant experienced significant postoperative symptomatic relief, and the other discharged patients had no related symptoms. Conclusions: The accurate rate of initial diagnosis for high-risk AAOCA is still low, but the risk of cardiovascular accidents is high. For sports-related chest pain and other symptoms, more attention should be paid to the detection of AAOCA, especially for adolescents. Exercise stress testing can be helpful in evaluating the cardiovascular risk of asymptomatic AAOCA. Instant surgical treatment can achieve satisfactory curative effects.

Percutaneous management of an aberrant left circumflex artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva, presenting as acute coronary syndrome

Abstract This case report describes a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted with central chest pain at rest. Coronary angiography revealed an aberrant left circumflex coronary artery originating from the right aortic sinus of Valsalva, with 2 critical stenoses proximally and distally. Anomalous origin of the circumflex artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva is the commonest coronary anomaly. The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting of both lesions, with two PTCA guide wires placed in the right coronary and circumflex arteries respectively for stability during the procedure.

Complicated catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions from the left sinus of Valsalva in a young female. Case presentation.

Idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are usually benign and are often treated conservatively. Data regarding radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of PVCs from the aortic sinus of Valsalva are spare. Furthermore, there are limited data regarding complications and their solutions during RFA of PVCs from the aortic sinus of Valsalva. Here we describe a clinical case of symptomatic PVCs in a 27yrold young woman with reduced exercise tolerance and dyspnea. The patient had taken anti-arrhythmic group Ic, II, and III drugs with no significant effect. Successful catheter ablation of PVCs from the left sinus of Valsalva was complicated by acute occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LCA) followed by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Cardioversion and intravenous antiarrhythmic administration restored the sinus rhythm. The LCA was stented with a bioresorbable Magmaris stent with the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation that was required due to severe hypotension and ineffectiveness of vasopressors. After the procedure, a favorable angiographic effect was noted. The result of stenting was monitored with IVUS intravascular navigation. The patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition on the 10th day after the procedure. Special attention should be applied to prevent complications and to careful patient selection for RFA in the left sinus of Valsalva, and care must be taken to avoid injury to the LCA. Timely and correct procedures can result in patient survival even after acute LCA injury and occlusion.

Non-endocardial radiofrequency ablation of premature ventricular complexes (NERA-PVC): safety, efficacy and outcome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is a well-established treatment for of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) It is not uncommon to perform radiofrequency ablation of PVCs arising from epicardial/intramural localization, in particular those arising from the LV summit and aortic sinuses of Valsalva. Purpose The aim is to investigate safety, efficacy, and outcome of PVCs radiofrequency ablation through a non-endocardial approach including high power and long duration RF applications. Methods We defined Non-Endocardial Radiofrequency Ablation (NERA) a procedure in which at least one RF site has been identified into the coronary venous system, aortic sinuses of Valsalva, inter-leaflet triangle or pulmonary cusps. We selected the study population from a series of consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of PVCs from January 2017-May 2022, in whom at least one RF application has been realized according to the definition. Results During the study period, 399 patients underwent PVCs RF and 46 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (age: 59±13 years; 33, 72% males; mean LVEF:46±12%, mean PVC burden 26±10 %). The total number of NERA sites was 55: 15(27%) coronary venous system, 9(16%) right coronary cusp, 10(18%) left coronary cusp, 18 (33%) interleaflet triangle between right and left coronary cusp and 3 (5%) left pulmonary cusp. In 18 (39%) patients a multisite ablation was performed. Mean power during RF was 37±9 W (15-50) with median of 40W. Mean duration of single RF was 88±72 seconds (30-304) (median: 58 seconds). In 63% of the patients high power (40W or more) and in 55% long duration (>60 seconds) application was delivered in at least one of the ablation spots. Procedural success was achieved in 37 patients (80%). No complications related with RF site were observed. Multisite RF was significantly associated with procedural failure (OR 8,27; CI 1,48– 46,31; p=0,01). During follow up, mean PVCs burden was 7,3±9%, with a mean and median burden reduction (Δ) of 69±41% and 96%. The rate of event-free survival was 69%. Multisite RF and coronary venous system RF were predictors of recurrence (HR 3,81; 95% CI 1,14–12,66; p=0,02 and HR 3,88; 95% CI 1,23 – 12,27; p=0,01), while procedural success was protective (HR 0.1; CI 0.03 - 0.33, p < 0.001). After multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, coronary venous system RF was associated with higher VA recurrences during follow up (HR 2.71, CI 0.83 - 8.85, p= 0,09), while procedural success confirmed his protective role (HR 0.13, CI 0.04-0.42, p < 0,001). Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation from non-endocardial sites is a safe and effective procedure, even using high power and/or long duration RF. Nevertheless long term outcomes are still characterized by a recurrence rate higher than in purely endocardial PVC ablation.

PO-05-146 AN UNUSUAL ATRIOVENTRICULAR REENTRY TACHYCARDIA: SUCCESSFUL ABLATION OF NOVEL SLOW PATHWAY AT SUPERIOR SEPTAL PERIMITRAL LEFT ATRIUM

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a common supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), treated with catheter ablation of slow pathway. The right and left inferior slow pathway (SP) extensions of the AV node are widely recognized, but other SPs are very rare. We present a case of atypical AVNRT that was successfully ablated at the superior septal perimitral left atrium. N/A A 75-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass grafting and recurrent episodes of symptomatic SVT despite diltiazem and metoprolol presented for catheter ablation. Mid RP SVT (cycle length, CL 350 ms) with concentric atrial activation was inducible with atrial and ventricular extrastimulation. Synchronized premature ventricular complexes and ventricular entrainment excluded AV reentry. Very late coupled premature atrial complex from coronary sinus (CS) delivered synchronous to septal A activation delayed next A and reset SVT indicating AVNRT and excluding ectopic junctional (JT) or atrial tachycardia (AT). Further, AH interval during SVT was much longer than AH with atrial pacing at same CL excluding AT. We concluded mechanism to be atypical AVNRT. On activation mapping of right atrium, earliest A was recorded in the fast pathway region, earlier than locations of right and left slow pathways in the triangle of Koch and CS respectively. Radiofrequency ablation lesions anatomically targeting both slow pathways were delivered at base of triangle of Koch and inside CS without affecting SVT. High density activation maps of both right and left atria were created during SVT using Orion basket catheter and Rhythmia (Boston Scientific) mapping system. Earliest A was recorded in the superior septal perimitral left atrium, superior to the location of His bundle electrogram, and anatomically adjacent to aortic sinuses of Valsalva (not mapped). We concluded this to be an unusual left superior extension of the AV node. Radiofrequency ablation lesion using IntellaNav MiFi catheter at this site promptly terminated SVT. Consolidation lesions were delivered and anchored to the mitral annulus. The tachycardia was no longer inducible on programmed electrical stimulation despite isoproterenol. The patient has remained symptom free for 6 months since ablation. With activation mapping we identified the retrograde slow pathway participating in an unusual atypical AVNRT at superior septal perimitral left atrium.

Pacing maneuvers from the aortic cusps: A useful technique during ablation of focal arrhythmias arising from the aortic root.

The ablation of arrhythmias arising near the His-bundle region in the non-coronary aortic cusp (NCAC) is challenging. Among the aortic sinuses of Valsalva, the NCAC is located between the right atrium and the left atrium. For this reason, pacing from the NCAC should result in atrial capture while pacing from the right and left coronary cusps (LCC) may result in ventricular capture. The objective of this study is to prove that atrial capture during pacing from the sinuses of Valsalva may be used to confirm a correct position in the non-coronary cusp. A total of 30 patients with structurally normal heart undergoing left sided ablation procedures, underwent electrophysiological study of the aortic cusps. Each of the aortic valve cusps was paced with increasing outputs and analyzed offline to determine their unique electrocardiographic characteristics. In the NCAC, we obtained an atrial capture in 29 out of 30 patients (96.6%). The atrial capture was highly specific for a position in the NCAC (p<.001). The median output required to capture from the cusp was 10mA (range 5-25mA) at a pulse width of 2ms. In the right coronary cusp (RCC) and LCC, we obtained ventricular capture in all patients (100%). The median output required to capture from the cusp was 10mA (range 10-25mA) in RCC and 25mA (range 10-25mA) in LCC at a pulse width of 2ms. Atrial capture during a pacemapping from the aortic cusps can be considered proof of a correct position in NCAC.

Ablation of Focal Intramural Outflow Tract Ventricular Arrhythmias.

Most idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originate from the outflow tract (OT) region and can be targeted with ablation either from the endocardial aspect of the right and left ventricular outflow tracts or from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva. It is important to exclude scar in patients with OT VAs. In some patients, the site of origin may be intramural. Ablation of intramural OT VAs can be challenging to map and ablate due to deep intramural sites of origin. The coronary venous branches may permit mapping and ablation of intramural OT VAs.

Usefulness of the over-the-wire microelectrodes catheter in treatment of ventricular arrhythmia arising from the left ventricular summit.

This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of the over-the-wire (OTW) microelectrodes catheter in coronary venous system (CVS) mapping and treatment of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA) arising from the vicinity of the left ventricular summit (LVS). Consecutive 62 patients with idiopathic OTVA in whom the OTW microelectrodes catheter was routinely used for CVS mapping were analyzed. CVS mapping was performed for both main trunk (from great cardiac vein to anterior interventricular vein) and branches including the annular branch or septal branch. The earliest activation site (EAS) was within the CVS in 21 patients. Among them, the EAS was within the main trunk of the CVS in seven (33%) and within the branch of the CVS in 14 (67%) patients. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was started at an anatomically adjacent site to the EAS, which eliminated OTVA in 16 (76%) patients (the endocardial LVOT in 10 and the aortic sinus of Valsalva in six patients). For the remaining five patients with unsuccessful catheter ablation at an anatomically adjacent site, targeted OTVA was eliminated by catheter ablation at the EAS within the CVS in two patients and by chemical ablation with ethanol injection in one patient, resulting in the overall success rate of 90% (19/21). The OTW microelectrodes-guided ablation of OTVA from the vicinity of the LVS was effective. In maximizing the efficacy of ablation, CVS branch mapping is important since the earliest activation was commonly recorded not in the main trunk but within the branch of the CVS.

PC-577-01 FASCICULAR ECTOPY FROM THE RIGHT CORONARY SINUS OF VALSALVA

Fascicular ectopic complexes (FEC) can cause symptoms and pseudo atrio-ventricular block (AVB). Ablation is a viable option but carries a risk of AVB. Successful far-field ablation of left anterior fascicular beats from right aortic sinus of Valsalva (RASoV) has been reported. We present a case of FEC with earliest HPS signal and successful ablation from the RASoV. N/A A 60-year-old woman had palpitations and blocked P waves. ECG revealed frequent FEC and occasional blocked P waves (fig. 1a). We postulated this to be due to concealed FEC (pseudo AVB). She failed flecainide and presented for ablation. A decapolar catheter was placed across the right His-Purkinje system (HPS). She had frequent FECs with early activation of the HPS. We observed FECs with complete antegrade block within the HPS but retrograde penetration into the atrium proving this as the mechanism for pseudo AVB (fig. 1b). Activation mapping of the right and left (retroaortic) HPS was performed with the earliest HPS potential on the decapolar catheter as the fiducial reference. Activation progressed retrograde to the proximal His and antegrade to the RBB, both being later than the distal His. Similarly, the left bundle branch and both fascicles were late. Mapping in the RASoV identified a His-like signal in sinus rhythm that was the earliest site in FEC, 7 ms ahead of reference (fig 1c & d). Focal radiofrequency ablation immediately abolished FECs. Monitoring overnight revealed no further FECs or blocked P waves, and patient reported relief of symptoms. Mapping of FEC should include the RASoV. The anatomic basis for such fascicular potential in the RASoV may be the dead-end tract of the conduction axis reported by Kurosawa and Becker.

Ventricular tachycardia targeted in the aortic sinuses of Valsalva in patients with prior myocardial infarction.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structurally normal hearts or nonischemic cardiomyopathy can originate from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (SoV). It is unknown whether VT can originate from the SoVs in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI). To evaluate the prevalence, arrhythmogenic substrate, and ablation outcomes of postinfarction VT originating from the SoVs. Among 217 consecutive patients with postinfarction VT undergoing ablation, we identified 13 (6%) patients who had ≥1 VT mapped in a SoV. Control groups of 13 patients with idiopathic SoV VT and 13 postinfarction patients without SoV VT were included. In the study group, 17 VTs were mapped in a SoV (right n = 5, left-right commissure n = 6, left n = 6). SoV VT target sites had low bipolar voltage during sinus rhythm [median 0.42 (IQR: 0.16-0.53) mV] which was significantly lower than target sites in patients with idiopathic SoV VTs [median 1.02 (IQR: 0.89-1.52) mV; p < .001]. An area of endocardial low voltage was found below the aortic valve in all patients with postinfarction SoV VTs compared to 9 (69%) of the patients in the postinfarction control group without SoV VT (p = .02). Morphology characteristics of postinfarction SoV VTs differed from idiopathic SoV VTs. None of the postinfarction SoV VTs were inducible after ablation and none recurred after a median follow-up of 14 months. In patients with prior MI, VT can be targeted in an aortic SoV. The SoVs should be routinely investigated in postinfarction patients with inferior axis VT and an area of low voltage below the aortic valve.

Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias Ablated in Different Subregions of the Aortic Sinuses of Valsalva: Anatomical Distribution, Precordial Electrocardiographic Notch Patterns, and Bipolar Electrographic Characteristics

Background: Little is known about the differences among ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) ablated in different subregions of the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (ASVs). We aim to investigate the distribution, precordial electrocardiographic patterns, and bipolar electrogram characteristics of VAs ablated in different subregions of the ASVs.Methods: We divided the right ASV and the left ASV into a total of 6 subregions and studied 51 idiopathic VAs ablated first time successfully in the ASVs.Results: These 51 VAs were inhomogeneously distributed among the 6 subregions, which comprised the right-lateral ASV (1/51), the right-anterior ASV (11/51), the regions along the right (13/51) and left (9/51) sides of the ASV junction, the left-anterior ASV (5/51), and the left-lateral ASV (12/51). Fractionated potentials were dominant (39/51, 76%) among the 3 types of target electrograms. From the right-lateral ASV to the left-lateral ASV, the percentage of fractionated potentials gradually decreased from 100 to 59%. A precordial rebound notch in V3-V4 or V4-V5 had sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 85.0%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.1% to predict VAs ablated in the right-anterior ASV. A precordial rebound notch in V2-V3 had sensitivity of 50.0%, specificity of 94.9%, and NPV of 86.0% to predict VAs ablated in the left-lateral ASV.Conclusion: VA targets were mainly distributed in the anterior and the left-lateral ASVs. Fractionated potentials were common among target electrograms, especially in theright-anterolateral ASV. Precordial electrocardiographic rebound notch has high predictive accuracy in identifying different subregions of the ASVs as target ablation sites.

Predictors and Long-Term Outcome of Ablation of Discrete Pre-potentials in Patients With Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias Originating From the Aortic Sinuses of Valsalva.

Background: The predictability and long-term outcome of the discrete pre-potential (DPP) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (ASV) have not been fully identified.Methods: Of 687 consecutive patients undergoing ablation of outflow tract VAs, there were 105 (15.3%) patients with VAs originating from the ASV region who were included. Detailed mapping was performed within the ASV in all patients. Electrocardiographic, electrophysiological parameters, and long-term success rate were compared between patients with and without the DPPs.Results: A DPP was recorded in 67 of 105 (63.8%) patients, including 38 left sinus of Valsalva (LSV)-VAs (38/105, 36.2%) and 29 right sinus of Valsalva (RSV)-VAs (29/105, 27.6%). The patients with DPPs had wider QRS duration (152 ± 17 vs. 145 ± 14 ms, p < 0.001). The average of earliest activation time was significantly earlier in patients with DPPs (−38.6 ± 8.5 vs. −27.7 ± 5.7 ms, p < 0.001). Mean time from the first lesion to elimination of VAs was shorter in patients with DPPs (2.3 ± 2.1 s vs. 4.9 ± 1.0 s, p < 0.001). A stepwise logistic multivariable analysis identified only younger age as a significant predictor of DPP (age ≤ 35.5 years predicted DPP with 92.9% positive predictive value). During a follow-up duration of 42.5 ± 22.3 months, 63 (94.0%) patients with DPPs and 30 (78.9%) patients without DPPs remained free of recurrent VAs (p = 0.027).Conclusion: Discrete pre-potentials were observed in 63.8% of patients with VAs arising from the ASV. Ablation in patients with DPPs was associated with higher long-term success. DPPs were seen more commonly in younger (age ≤ 35.5 years) patients.

A rare unclassified coronary anomaly: Right coronary artery with dual ostia origin from the right aortic sinus of Valsalva

The dual ostia of coronary artery is extremely rare entity. We present a case of old woman with right coronary artery with dual ostia origin from the right aortic sinus of Valsalva. A 52-year-old woman presented with discontinuous chest tightness and palpitation. she was referred to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The CCTA suggested an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) origin from the right sinus of Valsalva (RSV) with dual ostia. The dual ostia of coronary anomaly is extremely rare entity. Though catheter angiography may be performed for preoperative identification of coronary anomalies, it is limited in the description of the relationship of the coronary arteries to the cardiac structures and great vessels. CCTA can help in noninvasive characterization of coronary anomalies with respect to their origin, course, and spatial relations. Interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons should be aware of the new coronary anomaly for appropriate procedural planning and intra-procedural management. The important imaging valueof CCTA can help in noninvasive characterization of coronary anomalies with respect to their origin, course, and spatial relations.

Reappraisal of electrocardiographic criteria for localization of idiopathic outflow region ventricular arrhythmias.

Electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria have been proposed to localize the site of origin of outflow region ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Many factors influence the QRS morphology of VAs and may limit the accuracy of these criteria. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of ECG criteria that differentiate right from left outflow region VAs and localize VAs within the aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV). One hundred one patients (mean age 52 ± 16 years; 55 [54%] women) undergoing catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or ASV VAs with a left bundle branch block, inferior axis morphology were studied. ECG measurements including V2 transition ratio, transition zone index, R-wave duration index, R/S amplitude index, V2S/V3R index, V1-3 QRS morphology, R-wave amplitude in the inferior leads were tabulated for all VAs. Comparisons were made between the predicted site of origin using these criteria and the successful ablation site. Patients had successful ablation of 71 RVOT and 38 ASV VAs. For the differentiation of RVOT from ASV VAs, the positive predictive values and negative predictive values for all tested ECG criteria ranged from 42% to 75% and from 71% to 82%, respectively, with the V2S/V3R index having the largest area under the curve of 0.852. Morphological QRS criteria in leads V1 through V3 did not localize ASV VAs. The maximum R-wave amplitude in the inferior leads was the sole criterion demonstrating a significant difference between right ASV, right-left ASV commissure, and left ASV sites. ECG criteria for differentiating right from left ventricular outflow region VAs and for localizing ASV VAs have a limited accuracy.

Left ventricular chord masquerading as an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma

Abstract Background Characterization of cardiac masses and anomalies is challenging and usually requires multimodality imaging. Herein, we present the case of a left ventricular chord masquerading as an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma. Case summary In this case, a 62-year-old woman presented with acute right foot weakness. Brain imaging showed multiple areas of acute infarction concerning for a cardioembolic stroke. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a mass, which was thought to be a papillary fibroelastoma, attached to the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass which turned out to be a left ventricular chord crossing the aortic valve and attaching to the left aortic sinus of Valsalva. Conclusion This case underlines the importance of close examination of the aortic subvalvular apparatus when assessing aortic valve masses.

Congenital Coronary Artery Anomalies and Sudden Cardiac Death.

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are a heterogeneous group of rare congenital diseases whose features and pathophysiological mechanisms are extremely variable, ranging from silent anomalies to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the most severe cases. Although rare, congenital CAAs confer a high risk of myocardial ischemia and SCD, especially in young, previously "healthy" athletes during or immediately after vigorous exertion. Although some high-risk features that may lead to SCD have been identified, specific pathophysiological mechanisms related to SCD still remain poorly understood. When a CAA is incidentally diagnosed, optimal SCD risk stratification remains challenging, particularly in cases of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery arising from the opposite aortic sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS). In recent times, invasive imaging with intravascular ultrasound has gained a role in further identifying high-risk anatomic features; it has been integrated with traditional, non-invasive anatomic imaging evaluations, typically high-quality echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Multidisciplinary programs and specific SCD risk scores should be developed in an endeavor to choose the right therapeutic approach, either clinical or interventional/surgical. Intravascular ultrasound is an extremely useful tool to evaluate vessel stenosis, even if prospective studies are still required to further validate this diagnostic strategy. In the present review, we aimed to analyze the pathophysiology and the clinical impact of ACAOS. We also summarized the predominant mechanisms for interference with normal coronary artery function, which might contribute to the onset of life-threatening arrhythmiasand SCD.

Utility of high resolution mapping to guide ablation of ventricular arrhythmias from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva.

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) arrhythmias are commonly targeted from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (SOV). Both presystolic potentials during ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and late diastolic potentials during sinus rhythm have been recognized as markers of successful ablation sites. The study aimed to evaluate the utility of high resolution mapping (HRM) with small and closely spaced electrodes for guiding ablation of VA from the SOV. Seventeen patients with LVOT VA underwent HRM in the SOV with either PentaRay (13) or Orion (4) catheters. Ablation was guided by low amplitude high frequency potentials that were identified with HRM and tagged on the electroanatomic map. High frequency low amplitude potentials during sinus rhythm (late) or VA (early) were demonstrated with HRM in all 17 consecutive patients; while these potentials were either absent or usually had a far-field appearance in the recordings obtained at the same sites with a 3.5-mm standard ablation catheter. On intracardiac echocardiogram, sites with these potentials corresponded to the bases of the sinuses adjacent to the LV ostium. Ablation was acutely successful in 16 out of 17 patients. Significant reduction in VA burden (≥ 90%) was noted in 15 patients. High frequency low amplitude potentials during sinus rhythm (late) and VA (early) are consistently recorded using HRM in the SOV in patients with VA arising from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva. Standard ablation catheters have limited resolution for detecting these potentials. HRM may potentially improve outcomes of ablation of VA originating from the aortic SOV.

Anomalous origin of coronary artery from the opposite aortic sinus of Valsalva-a single center experience with a therapeutic conundrum

Background: Coronary artery anomalies are rare congenital abnormalities, most often found incidentally on conventional coronary angiography and CT angiography (CTA). CTA better delineates the origin and course of anomalous coronaries. Anomalous origin of coronary artery from the opposite aortic sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) has a prevalence of 1% with a very few having an interarterial (malignant) course. There is limited literature, especially in the Indian population, dealing with this topic.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, angiographic data of 8500 consecutive patients from June 2011 to December 2019 at a large tertiary care hospital in western India was analyzed. Patients diagnosed with ACAOS underwent CTA for delineation of the exact anatomy. Those with a non-malignant course with evidence of ischemia clinically or on stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), underwent PCI. Others with a non-malignant course were medically managed. Patients with malignant (interarterial) course were revascularized by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in case of LCA involvement or positive MPI test. Asymptomatic patients with negative MPI were managed medically. Clinical follow-up over 12 months of patients undergoing PCI and those with a malignant course showed no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).Results: Of the 8500 patients studied, 74 (0.87%) had ACAOS. Of these, 51 (68.9%) patients had anomalous origin of right coronary artery (RCA) from the left aortic sinus, 21 (28.4%) had anomalous origin of the circumflex artery (Cx) from the right aortic sinus and two patients (2.7%) had an anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LCA) from the right aortic sinus. Interarterial course was found in five (6.7%) patients. Of these, four patients underwent CABG-one asymptomatic patient with LCA from right aortic sinus and three with positive MPI in anomalous RCA. All five patients with malignant course and ten patients who underwent PCI were free of MACE over 12 months’ clinical follow up.Conclusions: ACAOS is a rare anomaly and if interarterial course is excluded, then PCI is feasible in selected cases with significant stenosis. Patients with malignant course with inducible ischemia or LCA involvement should undergo surgical revascularisation.