Cardiac Monitoring Research Articles

Long-term QT interval analysis for real world patients with Insertable cardiac monitors taking antiarrhythmic drugs

Abstract Background The QT interval serves as a surrogate biomarker for ventricular repolarization. Variance in QT intervals can clinically lead to pro-arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. An insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) device capable of continuously monitoring the QT interval over a long period can provide diagnostic value for evaluating physiologic or drug induced variations in QT interval. Objective To analyze feasibility of continuous QTc interval monitoring in patients with ICM and evaluate the QTc interval changes in patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs. Methods Patients QT intervals detected from daily ICM ECG data from real-world patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs such as sotalol, amiodarone and dofetilide during hospitalization while implanted with ICM were analyzed from the de-identified Electronic Health Record (EHR) database linked with ICM device data warehouse. The ICM ECG was processed through the previously defined QT detection algorithm which calculates the QTc interval for every beat to generate continuous long term QTc trends. A patient contributed to the prescription group if they were prescribed antiarrhythmics drugs prior to hospitalization in the EHR database otherwise they contributed to the non-prescription group. Patients from the prescription group who were administered antiarrhythmic drugs via injection or IV during hospitalization were removed from the analysis. A 30-day median QTc interval from 30-60 days prior to hospitalization was used as baseline. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the paired difference from days 1-5, 1-10, 30-60, and 60-90 after hospitalization to their respective baseline. Results 441 patients (avg. age: 70±11, 50.5% female) were included with 220 prescription and 221 non-prescription. The baseline QTc intervals were 414 and 417.3 msec for non-prescription and prescription groups, respectively. There was a significant increase in QTc on days 1-5, 1-10, 30-60, and 60-90 after hospital admission compared to the baseline (all p < 0.001) for the non-prescription group. The prescription group showed increase in QTc only on days 30-60 after hospitalization when compared to baseline (p<0.05). A larger QTc increase was observed in non-prescription receiving anti-arrhythmic loading on days 1-5 after hospitalization compared to patients on prescription prior to hospitalization (P<0.05). Conclusion Utilizing a QT interval detection algorithm from an ICM can provide long term QT trends for patients with an ICM. Continuous monitoring of QT can help to detect sudden changes in QT due to antiarrhythmic drugs which may lead to increased risk of arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

HV interval cutoff should be different in women and men with syncope and bundle branch block

Abstract Background Determining the optimal HV interval cutoff for predicting the need for pacemaker (PM) implantation has been a recent focus of research. Current ESC guidelines recommend HV > 70 msec based on initial studies; however, new data suggest that a cutoff of >60 msec could appropriately identify patients at high risk for requiring PM implantation. While previous studies have indicated that women with bundle branch block (BBB) have a lower risk of AV block (AVB), gender differences in the optimal cutoff for considering a positive EPS have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods This cohort study included consecutive patients with unexplained syncope and BBB, enrolled from January 2010 to October 2021, with a median follow-up time of 3 years. Patients underwent a stepwise workup protocol involving an electrophysiological study (EPS) and long-term follow-up with an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). Results Of the 503 patients in the study, 185 (38%) were women. The median age was 78 years (IQR 71-83), the median LVEF was 58% (IQR 50-62), and 110 (22%) had ischemic heart disease. The ECG showed LBBB in 194 (39%) patients and RBBB in 287 (57%). Among these, 177 (35%) also had left anterior hemiblock. The median HV interval was 60 msec (IQR 52-73), and EPS was diagnostic in 252 (50%) patients, with the majority (221, 44%) for AVB. In 91 patients with initially negative EPS, a diagnosis was made during follow-up with an ICM, and in 35, AVB was documented. In patients with negative EPS, an HV interval >60 msec was associated with an increased risk of AVB during follow-up (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6-4). However, significant gender differences were found. The risk of AVB was 2.5 times higher in men (95% CI 1-6) (Figure 1). Furthermore, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for the cutoff of 60 msec were 47%/84%/51%/82% in men and 21%/78%/21%/78% in women. The AUC to predict AVB was 0.72 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) in men and 0.51 (95% CI 0.4-0.6) in women (Figure 2). Conclusions In patients with initially negative EPS, an HV interval >60 msec was associated with a higher risk of AVB during follow-up; however, significant gender differences were observed in diagnostic accuracy. In women, a cutoff of HV interval >60 msec presented poor diagnostic accuracy compared to men. Moreover, the HV interval did not adequately predict the development of AVB in women with a basal HV interval <70 msec, suggesting it may not be suitable for considering PM implantation in female patients.FIGURE 1FIGURE 2

Continuing evaluation of atrial fibrillation detection after cryptogenic stroke: one-year findings from a multi-center study with confirm Rx ICM

Abstract Background The detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after a cryptogenic stroke (CS) carries crucial therapeutic implications. While clinical trials have meticulously explored the incidence of AF in CS patients, real-world data on this topic remain relatively sparse. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence of AF among patients with cryptogenic stroke, who underwent the implantation of an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). The abstract reports the interim results from the CS sub-study of the Smart Registry. Methods A prospective, single-arm, multi-center registry was conducted to identify AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke using the Confirm R ICM. Inclusion criteria comprised participants aged 40 years or older who had experienced cryptogenic strokes within a 90-day window. Prior to enrollment, comprehensive diagnostic assessments were performed to meticulously rule out all potential sources of embolism, in accordance with the minimal standards of the American and European Guidelines. At each follow-up visit, expert electrophysiologists reviewed and adjudicated ICM detected AF episodes. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of true device-detected AF (lasting more than 30 seconds) at 6 months. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to assess the cumulative incidence of true device-detected AF through 12 months. Results In our study, 117 patients were enrolled across 19 global sites from September 2021 to August 31, 2023. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a 21.3% probability (confidence interval (CI): 14.5%, 30.7%) of true AF episodes lasting more than 30 seconds at 6 months, increasing to 31.0% (CI: 22.0%, 42.5%) at 12 months. Similar results were observed in episodes lasting over 120 seconds at both 6 months (20.7%) and 12 months (30.5%). In average, 14.4 true AF episodes per patient were detected per year. The median time from implantation to AF detection (> 30 seconds) was 31.5 days (interquartile range, 7 to 191). Conclusion Our ongoing study illustrates the effectiveness of the Confirm Rx ICM in detecting atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke. These results confirm the diagnostics value of long-term continuous AF monitoring in cryptogenic stroke patients.

Impact of the timing of early recurrences during the blanking period in patients after cryoballoon ablation: insights from the COMPARE CRYO study using continuous rhythm monitoring

Abstract Background Early recurrences (ER) during the blanking period after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are common. While many of those correlate to late recurrences (LR) after the blanking period, some do not. The impact of the timing of ER is difficult to assess with non-invasive Holter monitoring due to under sampling. Purpose To evaluate the impact of the timing of ER after cryoballoon ablation using continuous rhythm monitoring by means of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). Methods This is a prespecified sub study of the COMPARE-CRYO study. The trial enrolled patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and compared PVI with the PolarX cryoballoon and the ArcticFront cryoballoon. All patients underwent ICM implantation at the end of the PVI. ER was defined as recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia > 30 seconds between days 0-90 after PVI. LR was defined as recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia > 30 seconds between days 91-365. Results ER occurred in 116 of 201 patients (58%). A total of 5330 episodes occurred, 4210 in patients with LR and 1120 in patients without LR (Figure 1A). Median time to the latest episode of ER in the blanking period was 18 days (IQR 8.5-36.5) in patients with no LR and 80 days (IQR 27-89) in patients with LR (p<0.001). The latest episode of ER occurred between days 0-30, 31-60 and 61-90 in 41%, 13% and 46% of patients respectively. Freedom from recurrence of atrial arrhythmias 1 year after the PVI was 81% in patients without ER and 37% in patients with ER (p<0.001, Figure 1B). When patients were classified according to their latest episode of ER occurring between days 0-30, 31-60 and 61-90, freedom from any atrial arrhythmia at 1 year was 60%, 53% and 11% (p<0.001, Figure 1C) respectively. ROC analyses revealed a strong correlation of LR with the timing of the latest episode of ER in the blanking period (AUC=0.81, p<0.001) with an optimal cutoff value at 61 days (SN 64%, SP 88%). Median AF burden in the blanking period was 0% (IQR 0-0) in patients with ER but no LR and 0.2% (IQR 0-2) in patients with ER and LR (p<0.001). This was similarly true for all individual months (0-30 days: 0% vs. 1.8%, p<0.001, 31-60 days: 0% vs. 0.1%, p<0.001, 61-90 days: 0% vs. 0.1%, p p<0.001). There were no differences in the duration of ER episodes or in clinical characteristics between patients with and without LR Conclusion ER after cryoballoon PVI is common. While ER during the first and second month after PVI disappear in the majority of patients, presence of ER in the third month after PVI are highly predictive for ablation failure.

Preliminary implantation experience in Europe with a novel insertable cardiac monitor

Abstract Background The LUX-Dx is a new insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) available in the European market since October 2022. Purpose To describe the initial experience of LUX-Dx implantation in Europe and report feedbacks from operators and patients. Methods The system includes an incision tool and a single-piece insertion tool that is pre-loaded with the small (1.2 cm3) ICM. The implantation procedure is straightforward and comprises the incision, the creation of the device pocket, the insertion of the ICM, the verification of sensing and the incision closure. Following implantation, patients are provided with a mobile device preloaded with the App which connects to their ICM and transmits data daily, or as needed, to the management system. We analyzed data and feedbacks collected at 20 European centers at the time of implantation and before patient discharge. Results A total of 175 implantation procedures were performed in 20 European centers. The most frequent indications for ICM implantation were syncope (n = 119, 68%) and cryptogenic stroke (n=15, 9%). Most procedures (157, 90%) were performed in electrophysiology laboratories by expert operators. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia in 169 (97%) patients, and systemic or local antibiotics were used before the procedure in 96 (55%) cases. A surface ECG mapping was performed before 65 (37%) insertions. All ICMs were implanted in the left parasternal region, with an orientation of 45° in 159 (91%) patients. Device repositioning was required after verification of sensing in 6 (3%) patients. The ICM was successfully implanted in all patients and no procedural complications were reported; the median time from skin incision to suture was 4 min (25th-75th percentiles 2-7). The mean R-wave amplitude was 0.38±0.34 mV at implantation and 0.42±0.38 mV before patient discharge (on average after 1 day). The P-wave visibility, i.e., the ratio between the number of clearly identifiable P-waves and the number of heart cycles during 10 sec ECG with a regular 1:1 conduction, was 92±21% at implantation and 93±18% before discharge. Survey questions on the overall operator experience with the implantation procedure are reported in Figure 1 and those on the patient experience are reported in Figure 2. Conclusions Implantation of the LUX-Dx seems fast and uncomplicated; operator and patient feedbacks are positive. Post-implantation sensing values, i.e. R-wave sensing and P-wave visibility, are good.Figure 1Figure 2

Automated continuous rhythm monitoring with implantable cardiac monitor and real-time smartphone alerts during af episodes: SMART-ALERT study

Abstract Introduction The 'Pill-in-the-pocket' oral anticoagulation (OAC) strategy is based upon the concept of dynamic thromboembolic risk which increases during and shortly after an atrial fibrillation (AF) episode. Limiting OAC use in low-risk patients with infrequent AF may offer comparable stroke protection and reduce bleeding. However, this approach relies on precise continuous rhythm monitoring with real-time alerts to patients. LINQ II implantable cardiac monitor transmits regularly to Carelink via smartphone app, but lacks patient alerts. To address this limitation, we developed bespoke software that triages transmissions in Carelink and sends alerts via SMS to patients. Purpose This feasibility study evaluates the precision of the LINQ II in detecting AF and assesses the efficacy of bespoke software in delivering 'real-time' SMS alerts to participants' smartphones, and measures compliance with these alerts. Methods In this single-center feasibility study, individuals with frequent AF episodes underwent LINQII implantation. The bespoke software, operating in the cloud, systematically reviewed all Carelink transmissions at 5-min intervals. SMS alerts were triggered based on specific criteria: 1)AF >30 min; 2)only the initial AF episode >30 min within a 24h period was transmitted; and 3)AF episodes uploaded or detected after a 24h delay were disregarded. Participants confirmed receipt of the alert by responding to the SMS, and timestamps for these interactions were recorded in a database (Fig. 1). Results A total of 50 patients were prospectively enrolled, and LINQ II was implanted. The median age was 49 years, 62% male, 90% had paroxysmal AF. Over a 3-month mean follow-up, 4080 AF episodes >30 min occurred in 32 patients. Among these, 700 met the criteria for triggering an alert, with 72.14% sent to patients within 24 h. Alerts were not transmitted for 3 main reasons: smartphone failure to transmit to Carelink within a 24 h period, software issues connecting to Carelink (website maintenance), and updates in the webservers. The median time from an AF episode to the transmission of SMS alerts was 2.47 h, with 85.54% of alerts being sent within 12 hours. Once an SMS was sent, the median time for acknowledgment was 4.3 min. The median time from an AF episode to acknowledgment was 4.23 h (Fig. 2). Notably, 97.62% of episodes were acknowledged within 24 hours. Patients failed to acknowledge an SMS alert on only 3 occasions. Conclusions Safely delivering 'pill-in-the-pocket' OAC requires a closed-loop system where devices provide real-time alerts during during AF , thus minimising delays in initiating OAC. This feasibility study establishes that the integration of bespoke software with LINQ II exhibits promising efficacy with a high percentage of SMS alerts within 24 hours, exceptional patient compliance, and a median response time of only 4.3 min. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed for seamless integration with Carelink to enhance connectivity.

Patient-triggered events poorly predict presence of atrial tachyarrhythmia on ambulatory electrocardiogram monitors in patients with heart failure.

Patient-triggered events poorly predict presence of atrial tachyarrhythmia on ambulatory electrocardiogram monitors in patients with heart failure.

Thermally Conductive and UV-EMI Shielding Electronic Textiles for Unrestricted and Multifaceted Health Monitoring

HighlightsAg nanoparticles are evenly plated on BN-embedded fibers as a thermally conductive sheath, bridging the insulating interface between fibers to construct a 3D heat transfer network.The LM-printed e-textile shows outstanding capability for the monitoring of human ECG, sEMG, and EEG signals even under intense EM interference, when commercial electrodes cannot work properly.The e-textile simultaneously manifests excellent EMI shielding (SET > 65, X-band) and UV protection (UPF = 143.1) performance, thus protecting the device and skin from harmful radiation.

The Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors in Real-World Clinical Practice: Potential Cautionary Use in Elderly Patients with Type2 Diabetes (T2D).

Sodium-glucose co-transporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown safe and therapeutic efficacy in randomized controlled trials (RCT) to reduce adverse cardiorenal events in high-risk patients with type2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 intervention in patients with T2D in a real-world clinical practice to confirm the validity of the RCT results. As a retrospective study, we evaluated medical records from 596 patients with T2D treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) in addition to their prior drug regimen to improve glucose control between 2015 and 2019 in the Endocrinology Department at Chungbuk National University Hospital. No control arm was evaluated to compare the effects of adding SGLT inhibitors to the pre-existing regimen. The primary objective was the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from each individual patient over a 36-month period at 6-month intervals. The secondary parameters were the measurement of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight (Bwt) changes, as well as the monitoring of adverse events (AEs) and determining the reasons for drug discontinuation. HbA1c levels were reduced at each of the time points throughout the 36-month period and were significantly reduced by 12.5% (P < 0.01) from time0 (8.8 ± 1.3%) to 36months (7.7 ± 1.0%). FPG levels [from basal (180 ± 60mg/dL) to 36months (138 ± 38mg/dL)] and Bwt [from basal (74 ± 15kg) to 36months (72 ± 15kg)] were also significantly reduced (P < 0.01) for both measurements in the SGLT2 inhibitor add-on group. Similar to HbA1c profile, the FPG and Bwt were measured at a consistently lower level at 6months until the end of the study. The most common AEs were hypoglycemia (n = 57), genitourinary infection (GUI) (n = 31), and polyuria (n = 28). In the elderly population (≥ 75years old), AEs (31%) were generally more prevalent (P < 0.001) than those (21%) in the adult (< 75years old) patients. Over the study period, 211 (35%) patients either dropped or completely discontinued the use of the SGLT2 inhibitor, and the elderly patients tended to have a higher discontinuation rate (52%; P = 0.005) than the adults (33%). In this study, we demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors are an effective and durable hypoglycemic agent to control blood glucose levels with reduced maintenance of Bwt, but their use in the elderly (≥ 75years old) patients with T2D may warrant some additional caution due to increased probability of AEs and discontinuation of drug use.

Human-Induced Range Expansions Result in a Recent Hybrid Zone between Sister Species of Ducks.

Landscapes are consistently under pressure from human-induced ecological change, often resulting in shifting species distributions. For some species, changing the geographical breadth of their niche space results in matching range shifts to regions other than those in which they are formally found. In this study, we employ a population genomics approach to assess potential conservation issues arising from purported range expansions into the south Texas Brush Country of two sister species of ducks: mottled (Anas fulvigula) and Mexican (Anas diazi) ducks. Specifically, despite being non-migratory, both species are increasingly being recorded outside their formal ranges, with the northeastward and westward expansions of Mexican and mottled ducks, respectively, perhaps resulting in secondary contact today. We assessed genetic ancestry using thousands of autosomal loci across the ranges of both species, as well as sampled Mexican- and mottled-like ducks from across overlapping regions of south Texas. First, we confirm that both species are indeed expanding their ranges, with genetically pure Western Gulf Coast mottled ducks confirmed as far west as La Salle county, Texas, while Mexican ducks recorded across Texas counties near the USA-Mexico border. Importantly, the first confirmed Mexican × mottled duck hybrids were found in between these regions, which likely represents a recently established contact zone that is, on average, ~100 km wide. We posit that climate- and land use-associated changes, including coastal habitat degradation coupled with increases in artificial habitats in the interior regions of Texas, are facilitating these range expansions. Consequently, continued monitoring of this recent contact event can serve to understand species' responses in the Anthropocene, but it can also be used to revise operational survey areas for mottled ducks.

Secondary Prevention of Multifocal Atherosclerosis Combined with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The problem of secondary prevention of multifocal atherosclerosis (MAS) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, the search for drugs capable of affecting the destructive mechanisms underlying both MAS and COPD is an extremely urgent problem today. Objective — to reduce the risks of destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques by reducing the levels of metallomatrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in patients on MAS combined with COPD. Materials and methods. The study included 62 men (68.1 ± 4.2) years old with MAS. All patients with MAS had clinical and functional signs of injury in coronary, cerebral and femoral vascular territories, 30 of these patients (group MAS-2) additionally had clinical and functional signs of COPD (GOLD-2). The control group (CG) consisted of 18 practically healthy men, aged (65.4 ± 3.7) years. Examination of the patients included echocardiography, dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and arteries of the lower extremities, determination of walking distance and ankle-brachial index, Holter ECG monitoring, spirography and determination of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in blood. Patients of both groups were prescribed cilostazol (50 mg twice a day) and GABA aminalon (250 mg twice a day) on the background of basic treatment. The course of treatment lasted 16 weeks. Results and discussion. During the initial examination of patients, MAS-2 group showed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) lower volumetric blood flow in the studied arteries, and significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as compared to CG, as well as with patients of the MAS-1 group. After 16 weeks of treatment, with the addition of cilostazol and aminalon, the level of MMP in the blood significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in both groups, in particular, in the MAS-2 group, in patients with the combined pathology of MAS and COPD, a significant decrease was found MMP-2 by 23.6 % (p &lt; 0.01), and MMP-9 by 12.1 % (p &lt; 0.05). Volumetric blood flow indicators increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in all studied vascular territories, which led to improvement in clinical manifestations of the disease — a decrease in the number of painful and painless episodes of myocardial ischemia, and an increase in walking distance. Conclusions. The use of a complex therapy of statins, cilostazol and GABA in patients with MAS combined with COPD allows to reduce significantly the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which ensures the stability of atheromatous plaques and significantly improves blood supply in vascular territories with atherosclerotic lesions.

An extremely wide QRS complex tachycardia induced by anamorelin.

Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, is used for cancer-related cachexia but can induce life-threatening arrhythmias. A case study illustrates an extremely wide QRS tachycardia, posing diagnostic challenges. Anamorelin cessation led to normalization, highlighting the importance of ECG monitoring, particularly in liver-compromised patients, and hemodynamic support are crucial during suspected toxicity.

Monitoring of Adverse Events and Safety in Autoinflammatory Diseases: Real-Life Data from the Eurofever Registry.

The study is aimed to evaluate the impact of safety events in the Eurofever registry for Autoinflammatory diseases. This was a retrospective and longitudinal observational multicentre study. Data were retrieved from the international registry Eurofever, starting patients' enrolment since 2009. All moderate, severe, or very severe AEs reported by treating physician in Eurofever were analyzed regardless of a possible suspected causal relationship to any therapies and according to the latest release of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Complete information on safety were available in 2464 patients enrolled in the registry. In 1499 of them retrospective data encompassing the period from disease onset to enrolment were available, whereas 965 consecutive patients entered in the longitudinal part of the study. A total of 479 AEs have been reported in 275 patients. Eighty-two AEs were reported as serious and 99 were drug-related according to the physicians. Infections or infestations (94; 19.6%), gastrointestinal disorders (66; 13.8%), nervous system disorders (41; 8.6%) and systemic disorders or administration site reactions (35; 7.3%) were the most frequent reported events. The highest absolute number of drug-related AEs were related to biologic DMARDs (40/99 reports, 40,4%) and colchicine (31/99 reports, 31.3%). Present study shows the importance of a longitudinal and homogeneous registration of the AEs in rare conditions, with a particular focus on the safety profile of the treatments used in these conditions.

Long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of catheter vs thoracoscopic surgical ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation using continuous cardiac monitoring: CASA-AF randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLong-term clinical outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) compared to thoracoscopic surgical ablation (SA) to treat patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) are not known. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the long-term (36-month) clinical efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of SA and CA in LSPAF. MethodsParticipants were followed up for 3 years using implantable loop recorders and questionnaires to assess the change in quality of life. Intention-to-treat analyses were used to report the findings. ResultsOf the 115 patients with LSPAF treated, 104 (90.4%) completed 36-month follow-up [CA: n = 57 (95%); SA: n = 47 (85%)]. After a single procedure without antiarrhythmic drugs, 7 patients (12%) in the CA arm and 5 (11%) in the SA arm [hazard ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.83; P = .41] were free from atrial fibrillation/tachycardia (AF/AT) ≥30 seconds at 36 months. Thirty-three patients (58%) in the CA arm and 26 (55%) in the SA arm (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% CI 0.57–1.88; P = .91) had their AF/AT burden reduced by ≥75%. The overall impact on health-related quality of life was similar, with mean quality-adjusted life year estimates of 2.45 (95% CI 2.31–2.59) for CA and 2.32 (95% CI 2.13–2.52) for SA. Estimated costs were higher for SA (mean £24,682; 95% CI £21,746–£27,618) than for CA (mean £18,002; 95% CI £15,422–£20,581). ConclusionIn symptomatic LSPAF, CA and SA were equally effective at achieving arrhythmia outcomes (freedom from AF/AT ≥30 seconds and ≥75% burden reduction) after a single procedure without antiarrhythmic drugs. However, SA is significantly more costly than CA.

THE APEX TALKS…CARDIAC METASTASIS MIMICKING ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract A 78–year–old man with a recent diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma was referred to our cardiology department for marked ECG abnormalities (ST segment elevation in V2–V4 and T waves inversion in the antero–lateral leads, Fig.1) in the absence of ischemic symptoms and for the detection of an intramyocardial mass at the apical segments on the CT scan. He had no significant previous cardiovascular history. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed and showed an isoechoic mass at the LV apical segments measuring 3 x 4 cm apparently incorporating the myocardial wall without a clear cleavage plane (Fig.2a). The EF was normal. No pericardial effusion present. The contrast echocardiography with Sonovue revealed a late uptake of the contrast (Fig.2b). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed an ovular image in the para–apical area of 40 x 23 cm consistent with a secondary lesion (Fig.3). Unfortunately, the exam was interrupted early due to a patient’s claustrophobic crisis, without having acquired the post–contrast images. Due to infiltrative appearance of the mass and the oncology history, this formation was highly suspicious for metastasis. No complicated ventricular arrhythmias were detected on ECG monitoring. No symptoms of heart failure were reported. Due to the marked EKG repolarization abnormalities the patient underwent coronary angiography which excluded significant stenosis. FDG PET/CT showed areas of increased metabolism also at liver and adrenal left gland. Finally, the patient was transferred to the oncology department for specific management. Cardiac metastases are more common than primary cardiac malignancy and are more frequently related to primary lung cancer, followed by breast cancer and hematologic malignancies. Typical presentation includes arrhythmias or conduction disturbances. The imaging findings of cardiac metastases are non–specific but mostly infiltrative, heterogeneous, and multiple masses may be present. Echocardiography is the initial imaging test for the detection of cardiac metastasis, although CMR, CT and PET/CT may be helpful. Herein we described a case of cardiac metastasis with EKG mimicking acute coronary syndrome. This finding is not uncommon among these patients. EKG findings of myocardial ischemia or injury, particularly localized and prolonged ST elevation, in the absence of ischemic symptoms have been reported in previous studies as high specificity for cardiac metastasis in patients with malignancy.

A WELL KNOWN CARDIOMYOPATHY BEHIND A FAMILY DRAMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract We report a case of a 55–year–old woman who came to our regional reference center for cardiomyopathies. Her cardiovascular risk factors were systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of sudden cardiac death. Her first son –20 years old– had died of sudden cardiac death during a football match, at the peak of the exertion, one year before. The autopsy had showed biventricular, diffuse fibro–fatty replacement areas diagnostic for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. DNA extraction in tissue was evaluated for genetic testing. According to 2022 ESC Guidelines, familial evaluation of descendents of patients died of sudden cardiac death should include: genetic testing, gathering of medical history and performing physical examination, standard and high precordial leads ECG, echocardiography and exercise testing, CMR and ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring. All of these were normal, except for cardio RM which revealed: aneurysmatic bulging of the right ventricular wall, most prominent at the apex and free wall with normal contractility. Absence of both left and right ventricular dilatation. Left ventricular and right ventricular ejection fraction measured 58% and 55% respectively. According to Padua’s criteria the woman had borderline arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Instead, her 18 years old little son used to practice sports and used anabolics. His cardio–RMN demonstrated: reduced function of the right ventricle with mild dilation and biventricular bulging areas. The patient met the criteria for definite Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy since he had two major criteria. In the meantime of the results of genetic testing, suspension of the smoking habit and reduction of strenuous physical activity were advised. Conclusions Arrhythmogenic displasia of right ventricle is characterized histopathologically by the extensive replacement of right ventricular myocardium with fibro–fatty tissue (dysplasia triangle). Involvement of the left ventricle has been documented on a lesser frequency and has a higher mortality. Different from other conditions, in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sports practice not only conveys arrhythmic risk to that specific moment (as it happens to the little patient) but also accelerates disease progression.

Contemporary Advances in Cardiac Remote Monitoring: A Comprehensive, Updated Mini-Review

Over the past decade, remote monitoring (RM) has become an increasingly popular way to improve healthcare and health outcomes. Modern cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are capable of recording an increasing amount of data related to CIED function, arrhythmias, physiological status and hemodynamic parameters, providing in-depth and updated information on patient cardiovascular function. The extensive use of RM for patients with CIED allows for early diagnosis and rapid assessment of relevant issues, both clinical and technical, as well as replacing outpatient follow-up improving overall management without compromise safety. This approach is recommended by current guidelines for all eligible patients affected by different chronic cardiac conditions including either brady- and tachy-arrhythmias and heart failure. Beyond to clinical advantages, RM has demonstrated cost-effectiveness and is associated with elevated levels of patient satisfaction. Future perspectives include improving security, interoperability and diagnostic power as well as to engage patients with digital health technology. This review aims to update existing data concerning clinical outcomes in patients managed with RM in the wide spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias and Hear Failure (HF), disclosing also about safety, effectiveness, patient satisfaction and cost-saving.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS: WHEN RED FLAGS MATTER

Abstract Case Report A 78–year–old man came to our attention for worsening dyspnea, asthenia and frequent lipothymic episodes in the last few weeks. Nothing remarkable was reported in anamnesis except for periodic cardiological check–ups ascribed to hypertensive heart disease and moderate aortic stenosis. Other cardiovascular risk factors were obesity, previous smoking habits and dyslipidemia. A recent 24–hours ECG monitoring revealed slow permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) with 3–seconds pauses, frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and some PVCs couplets. On arrival, NT–proBNP was elevated (2952 pg/mL), while ECG showed AF with a heart rate of 50/m and low voltages in peripheral leads. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a biatrial dilatation, a severe left ventricular (LV) concentric hypertrophy with a preserved LV ejection fraction (EF) and a moderate aortic stenosis. In addition, a restrictive LV filling pattern, a decreased longitudinal myocardial contraction and an apical sparing of longitudinal strain were reported. Invasive coronary angiography was performed with evidence of normal coronary arteries. Given the echocardiographic suspicion of amyloidosis, a 99mTc–Hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) scintigraphy was performed, showing a moderate cardiac uptake and an attenuated bone uptake (Perugini Score 2). Serum and urine immunofixation resulted negative. Genetic testing did not find any mutations in Transthyretin (TTR) gene. Therefore, the diagnosis of TTR wild–type amyloidosis was made. Before discharge, putting it all together, we opted to implant a leadless pacemaker in order to protect the patient from life–threatening bradyarrhythmias. Discussion Although it is currently considered rare, there is growing evidence that cardiac amyloidosis may be more common than once thought. First of all, it should be investigated in HFpEF–patients (heart failure with preserved EF) with LV hypertrophy. Despite several red flags (low QRS voltages, conduction disorders, elevated NT–proBNP, severe LV hypertrophy and aortic stenosis) and various medical consultations, our patient had to wait 4 years or more to be diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis. Inevitably, a diagnostic delay means loss of time in treatment initiation. Earlier diagnosis would enable us to improve our patients’ survival and heart failure hospitalization. Awareness alone is not enough, we must be right on target too.

SCARY ECG IN TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient ventricular wall motion abnormality and shares common features with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with a wide spectrum of triggers, such as both emotional or physical, activating common toxic catecholamines–mediated pathways. TTC might be associated with severe clinical complications. We report a case of a 74–year female patient with circulatory shock with mixed phenotype, distributive due to sepsis and cardiogenic due to TTC. The patient presented to the emergency department with severe hypotension, pathological qSOFA score and clinical and laboratory findings consistent with severe sepsis. ECG showed diffuse lambda ST–segment elevation, also called “shark fin”(fig.1). According to hemodynamically unstable scenario and ECG pattern, emergency coronary angiography was performed, showing absence of coronary artery disease(fig. 2). Echocardiography revealed severe LV systolic disfunction (EF 20–25%) with apical ballooning and severe systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet eliciting dynamic LVOTO with peak gradient greater than 90 mmHg; fig. 3) and severe MR. Patient was treated with cautious fluid administration, hemotrasfusion and empiric large spectrum antibiotic therapy. According to TTC working diagnosis, even if septic state was thought to contribute to cardiogenic shock, norepinephrine was not administered due to concerns for LVOTO and SAM. After overcoming of dramatic first phase and after hemodynamic steadiness was achieved, beta blockade and ACEi were progressively administered. Seriate transthoracic echocardiogram revealed progressive improvement of LV systolic function, regression of apical ballooning, SAM and LVOTO. ECG monitoring showed regression of ischemic ST elevation. ST elevation has been described in about 56% of TTC cases, however with amplitude tipically lower than in STEMI. Lambda–wave ST elevation has been rarely reported. Vasospasm, local intermittent microvascular constriction, catecholamine–induced metabolic toxicity, transmural systolic wall tension and its the mechano–electric feedback can explain scaring ECG–pattern. Despite its rare prevalence in TTC “shark fin” pattern appears to relate to adverse outcome and it should be used as an early marker of potential further clinical deterioration, suggesting more intensive monitoring to avoid delays in possible therapy escalation.

REMOTE MONITORING IN CRYPTOGENIC STROKE

Abstract Introduction In the neurological field, one of the pathologies that receives the most attention due to its etiopathogenetic complexity is cryptogenic stroke. In the literature, a significant percentage of cryptogenic stroke is associated with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (FAP). With this study we wanted to compare our data with those of the literature and evaluate the incidence of remote control in promoting patient adherence to anticoagulant therapy, also analyzing the incidence of possible stroke recurrences in the monitored patients. Methodology All patients admitted to the Stroke Unit with cryptogenic stroke were evaluated with the ESUS SCORE. Patients who tested positive following the administration of the score underwent Loop Recorder (ILR) implantation for prolonged cardiac monitoring. Patients who showed episodes of FAP during monitoring were subsequently referred to the Stroke Unit to start anticoagulant therapy. A close telephone follow-up was subsequently carried out (every 15 days) to evaluate adherence to therapy and any stroke recurrences. Results 43 patients with cryptogenic stroke coming from the Stroke Unit and implanted by our center with Loop Recorder were evaluated. Among these 43 patients, 16 (37%) presented at least one episode of FAP, while 27 (63%) have not yet had any FAP event since the date of device implantation. In 60% of patients with FAP the duration of the event is greater than 5 hours. The time period between the stroke and the first FAP event in 6 out of 16 patients is approximately 1 month. Two patients presented the first episode within 7 days, while 8 patients within 10 months. In the telephone follow-up performed, 100% adherence to anticoagulant therapy was recorded, resulting in a recurrence of stroke in 0% of patients. Conclusions From the results obtained it was possible to conclude that the use of remote monitoring associated with close telephone follow-up allows the diagnosis of FAP and guarantees better patient adherence to anticoagulant therapy, significantly reducing stroke recurrences.