High-degree Atrioventricular Block Research Articles

Predictors of high-degree conduction disturbances and pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Prognostic role of the electrophysiological study.

Predictors of high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are recognized, but the electrophysiological study's (EPS) role is still a subject to debate. The objective of our study was to determine factors associated with PPM implantation including the potential role of EPS before and/or after TAVR. Seventy four consecutive patients (pts) were included and 21 pts (28.4%) received a PPM during the immediate postoperative follow-ups (until Day 5): HAVB in 15 pts (71.4%), prophylactic implantation due to a documented increased HV interval ≥ 95-100ms plus LBBB in 2 pts (9.5%), a high-degree HV block evidenced at the EPS plus LBBB in 3 pts (14.3%) and one additional patient was implanted for AV-block in presence of AFib (4.8%). In the multivariate model 1 including parameters before TAVR, both prosthesis diameter and PR lengtheningremained significantly associated with PPM as well RBBB. In the multivariate model 2 including parameters after TAVR, only HV remained significantly associated with the risk of PPM (OR=1.15 (1.05-1.26), p=.004). When all the significant variables in models 1 and 2 were analyzed together in model 3, only HV after TAVR remained significantly associated with an increased risk of PPM. In this prospective observational study, it was revealed that a Day 4-5 EPS is likely to more precisely stratify the risk of PPM implantation regarding its ability to discover asymptomatic severe infra-hisian conduction disturbances particularly in presence of LBBB. Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic value of HV alteration.

Electrophysiological Study-Guided Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Patients With Conduction Disturbances Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Conduction disturbances remain common following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Aside from high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB), their optimal management remains elusive. Invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS) may help stratify patients at low or high risk of HAVB allowing for an early discharge or permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation among patients with conduction disturbances. We evaluated the safety and diagnostic performances of an EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy among TAVI recipients with conduction disturbances not representing absolute indications for PPM. All patients who underwent TAVI at a single expert center from June 2017 to July 2020 who underwent an EPS during the index hospitalization were included in the present study. False negative outcomes were defined as patients discharged without PPM implantation who required PPM for HAVB within 6 months of the initial EPS. False positive outcomes were defined as patients discharged with a PPM with a ventricular pacing percentage <1% at follow-up. A total of 78 patients were included (median age 83.5, 39% female), among whom 35 patients (45%) received a PPM following EPS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy were 100%, 89.6%, 81.5%, and 100%, respectively. Six patients suffered a mechanical HAVB during EPS and received a PPM. These 6 patients showed PPM dependency at follow-up. In conclusion, an EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy for managing post-TAVI conduction disturbances appears effective to identify patients who can be safely discharged without PPM implantation.

Temporary pacing in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated with high degree atrioventricular block

Introduction and objectivesTemporary pacemaker (TP) is used in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to maintain cardiac output and prevent the onset of malignant arrhythmias. Our aim was to characterize the outcomes of patients with STEMI who require TP implantation in the primary angioplasty era. MethodsWe enrolled all consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty from 2004 to 2017 in a tertiary care referral center. Patients with STEMI and HAVB who required TP implantation were analyzed. Patients with anterior and inferior STEMI were compared and a multivariate analysis was performed to identify mortality risk factors. All patients completed 30-day and 1-year follow-up. ResultsOf the 3063 patients in the study cohort, 180 (5.9%) had HAVB at the time of cardiac catheterization, and 114 (3.7%) underwent TP implantation. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality were 25.6% and 31.5%, respectively. Low left ventricle ejection fraction and impaired renal function showed independent association with mortality in this patient population. Patients with anterior STEMI who required TP had a ∼4-fold higher 30-day mortality than those with inferior STEMI (71% vs 18%; P≤.001). Only in 7% of patients a definitive pacemaker was finally implanted. ConclusionsPatients with STEMI and HAVB who require TP implantation, particularly those with anterior STEMI, are at high risk of adverse outcome. Low left ventricle ejection fraction and impaired renal function are independently associated with mortality. A definitive pacemaker implant is finally required in a small proportion of this patient population.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Pacemaker Implantation After Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement: Results from the RADAR Registry.

Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement has been recently introduced in clinical practice. Different studies have reported a significant reduction in surgical times with excellent hemodynamic profiles and short-term results. However, an increase in permanent pacemaker requirements compared with conventional aortic valve replacement has been described. Nevertheless, risk factors for postoperative pacemaker implantation are not well known. The aim of this study is to report our early outcomes with rapid deployment aortic valve replacement within the RADAR Registry, especially focusing on risk factors for postoperative pacemaker implantation. Between April 2012 and January 2016, 164 patients undergoing isolated or combined aortic valve replacement with Edwards INTUITY Elite (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) were included in the RADAR Registry. Pre-, intra- and postoperative clinical data results and complications were recorded, especially focusing on risk factors for the development of postoperative complete or high-grade AV block requiring pacemaker implantation. Patients were followed up for up to 1year with evaluation of clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. A total of 164 consecutive patients were included in this study, where 128 patients (78.05%) had an isolated aortic valve replacement (group 1) and 36 (21.95%) a concomitant procedure (group 2). The surgical approach was ministernotomy in 61 patients (37.20%) and median sternotomy in 100 patients (60.98%). Complications with valve implantation were observed in three patients. Postoperative complete or high-degree AV block requiring a permanent pacemaker implantation developed in ten patients (6.9%). Seven patients died in-hospital (4.27%). No significant differences between groups were found in terms of stroke, postoperative infection, mortality, atrial fibrillation and postoperative atrioventricular block. Seven patients presented acute renal impairment (5.51%) in group 1 versus seven patients (20%) in group 2 (p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, low weight and preoperative arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, bifascicular block, left bundle branch block) emerged as risk factors for postoperative AV block requiring a pacer. In median follow-up of 1year, seven (4.27%) patients died, and no cases of structural valve deterioration or endocarditis were observed. Significant patient-prosthesis mismatch was found in seven (4.27%) patients. Initial experience with rapid deployment aortic valve replacement in the RADAR Registry demonstrates low rates of implantation complications and good perioperative and 1-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. Incidence of postoperative AV block requiring a pacer correlated with low weight and preoperative arrythmias (atrial fibrillation, bifascicular block and left bundle branch block). Avoidance of oversizing and careful consideration of implantation of this technology in patients with pre-existing arrythmias could minimize the risk for postoperative pacemaker implantation.

High-degree atrioventricular block. An unusual presentation of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report

BackgroundTakotsubo cardiomyopathy is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction with transient wall motion abnormalities without a culprit coronary stenosis or other concurrent diagnoses. Its coexistence with transient high-degree AV block is very infrequent.Case presentationA 61-year-old man presented with a new onset of high degree AV block without ST segment deviations developing an anterior and apical dyskinesia with a low left ventricular ejection fraction in the absence of coronary artery disease.ConclusionAtrioventricular block is an uncommon presentation of Takotsubo syndrome. The management of patients with relevant conduction disorders in this scenario is a challenge for the clinician. In case of persistence of advanced conduction disorders, it seems appropriate to implant a pacemaker.

High-risk atrioventricular block in Brugada syndrome patients with a history of syncope.

Determining the etiology of syncope is challenging in Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement is recommended in BrS patients who are presumed to have arrhythmic syncope. However, arrhythmic syncope in BrS patients can occur in the setting of atrioventricular block (AVB), which should be managed by cardiac pacing. The clinical characteristics of BrS patients with high-risk AVB remain unknown. This study included 223 BrS patients with a history of syncope from two centers. The clinical characteristics of patients with high-risk AVB (Mobitz type II second-degree AVB, high-degree AVB, or third-degree AVB) were investigated. During the 99 ± 78 months of follow-up, we identified six BrS patients (2.7%) with high-risk AVB. Three of the six patients (50%) with AVB presented with syncope associated with prodromes or specific triggers. Four patients (67%) were found to have paroxysmal third-degree AVB during the initial evaluation for BrS and syncope, while two patients developed third-degree AVB during the follow-up period. The incidence of first-degree AVB was significantly higher in AVB patients than in non-AVB patients (83% vs. 15%; p = .0005). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ventricular fibrillation between AVB and non-AVB patients (AVB [17%], non-AVB [12%]; p = .56). High-risk AVB can occur in BrS patients with various clinical presentations. Although rare, the incidence is worth considering, especially in BrS patients with first-degree AVB.

Predictors of high-degree conduction disturbances and pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Prognostic role of the electrophysiological study

Predictors of high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are recognised, but the electrophysiological study's (EPS) role is still a subject to debate. The objective of our study was to determine factors associated with PPM implantation including the potential role of EPS before and/or after TAVR. Seventy four consecutive patients (pts) were included and 21 pts (28.4%) received a PPM during the immediate postoperative follow-ups (until day 5): HAVB in 15 pts (71.4%), prophylactic implantation due to a documented increased HV interval ≥ 95–100 ms plus LBBB in 2 pts (9.5%), a high-degree HV block evidenced at the EPS plus LBBB in 3 pts (14.3%) and one additional patient was implanted for AV-block in presence of AFib (4.8%). In the multivariate model 1 including parameters before TAVR, both prosthesis diameter and PR lengthening remained significantly associated with PPM as well RBBB. In the multivariate model 2 including parameters after TAVR, only HV remained significantly associated with the risk of PPM [OR = 1.15 (1.05–1.26), P = 0.004]. When all the significant variables in models 1 and 2 were analysed together in model 3, only HV after TAVR remained significantly associated with an increased risk of PPM. In this prospective observational study, it was revealed that a day 4–5 EPS is likely to more precisely stratify the risk of PPM implantation regarding its ability to discover asymptomatic severe infra-Hisian conduction disturbances particularly in presence of LBBB. Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic value of HV alteration.

Bedside Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Insertion in the Emergency Department: A Single-Center Experience.

Objectives:Insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker (TTPM) is one of the life-saving interventions performed in the emergency department (ED). The aim of the study was to determine demographic, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes of patients who underwent TTPM insertion due to hemodynamically unstable bradyarrhythmia in the ED.Methods:In our study, 234 consecutive patients who underwent TTPM insertion at the bedside in the ED between January 2014 and October 2019 were included in the study. Etiological characteristics, electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, requirements for permanent pacemaker (PPM), and in-hospital mortality of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Extrinsic causes were the most common etiology of unstable bradyarrhythmia (57.6%). Most extrinsic causes were drug therapy-related factors (60.7%). Bradyarrhythmia persisted in 60% of patients after extrinsic causes were eliminated. The most common ECG finding was a high-degree atrioventricular block (62%). PPM was implanted in 44% of patients. In-hospital mortality rate was 19.7%. In the multivariate regression analysis, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured at admission (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) were determined to be independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.Conclusion:First diagnosis and intervention in the ED are of great importance for patients with unstable bradyarrhythmia. The fastest possible TTPM insertion in the ED can reduce mortality by reducing the exposure time to hypoperfusion of vital organs, especially in patients with reduced LVEF and low DBP. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that an underlying latent conduction system disease can also be present in bradyarrhythmias thought to occur potentially due to extrinsic factors.

Triple Pathway Longitudinal Dissociation in the His Bundle in a Patient with High-degree Atrio-ventricular Block

Triple Pathway Longitudinal Dissociation in the His Bundle in a Patient with High-degree Atrio-ventricular Block

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with High-degree Atrioventricular Block

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with High-degree Atrioventricular Block

MIS-C and Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has spread through the pediatric population during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our objective for the study was to report the prevalence of conduction anomalies in MIS-C and identify predictive factors for the conduction abnormalities. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients <21 years of age presenting with MIS-C over a 1-month period. We collected clinical outcomes, laboratory findings, and diagnostic studies, including serial electrocardiograms, in all patients with MIS-C to identify those with first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) during the acute phase and assess for predictive factors. Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Median age at admission was 9 years. Six of 32 patients (19%) were found to have first-degree AVB, with a median longest PR interval of 225 milliseconds (interquartile range 200-302), compared with 140 milliseconds (interquartile range 80-178) in patients without first-degree AVB. The onset of AVB occurred at a median of 8 days after the initial symptoms and returned to normal 3 days thereafter. No patients developed advanced AVB, although 1 patient developed a PR interval >300 milliseconds. Another patient developed new-onset right bundle branch block, which resolved during hospitalization. Cardiac enzymes, inflammatory markers, and cardiac function were not associated with AVB development. In our population, there is a 19% prevalence of first-degree AVB in patients with MIS-C. All patients with a prolonged PR interval recovered without progression to high-degree AVB. Patients admitted with MIS-C require close electrocardiogram monitoring during the acute phase.

Abstract 17267: Outcomes of Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and High Degree Atrioventricular Block Treated With Early vs Delayed Invasive Strategy

Introduction: High degree atrioventricular block (HDAVB) is an uncommon complication of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), frequently necessitating pacemaker implantation. Hypothesis: This contemporary analysis compares the need for pacemaker implantation based on the timing of intervention in acute NSTEMI complicated by HDAVB. Methods: We used 2016-2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify all admissions with NSTEMI. Those without HDAVB were excluded from the study. Time to coronary intervention from initial admission was used to segregate the admissions into two groups: early invasive strategy (EIS) (&lt;24 hours) and delayed invasive strategy (DIS)(&gt;24 hours). A multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was performed to compare in-hospital outcomes among both groups. Results: Out of 949,984 NSTEMI related admissions, coexistent HDAVB was present in 0.7% (n=6725) patients which were subsequently included in the study. Amongst those, 55.61% (n=3740) hospitalization included invasive intervention (EIS=1320, DIS=2420) (Figure1). Patients treated with EIS were younger (69.95 vs 72.38, p= &lt;0.05) and had a concomitant cardiogenic shock. Contrarily the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure (HF), and pulmonary hypertension was higher in DIS group. EIS was associated with lower length of stay and total hospitalization cost. Although statistical significance was not achieved, a trend towards higher in-hospital mortality and lower pacemaker implantation rates were seen in hospitalizations involving EIS (Table1). Conclusions: HDAVB is a rare complication of NSTEMI and it is associated with significant mortality. The timing of revascularization does not appear to influence the rate of pacemaker placement in NSTEMI complicated by HDAVB. Further studies are needed to assess if all patients presenting with HDAVB should be treated with an early invasive strategy.

Early discharge after TAVI: should we still be afraid of conduction disturbances?

Abstract Introduction Conduction disturbances (CD) after TAVI remains the most frequent complication of the procedure, frequently increasing the length of hospital stay. A lack of consensus exists regarding in-hospital management of CD post-TAVI. Purpose To evaluate if an early discharge (ED) protocol could be safely implemented in patients (pts) with CD post-TAVI. Methods Retrospective study of all pts submitted to TAVI between 2016 and 2018. Pts with prior permanent pacemaker (PP) and non-transfemoral approach were excluded. ECG data before, immediately after the procedure and at day 3 post-TAVI were collected, and continuous telemetry monitoring was recorded. We applied a recently proposed ED algorithm (adapted from Management of Conduction Disturbances Associated With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - JACC Scientific Expert Panel; JACC 2019; 74(8):1086–106) to identify which pts could have been candidates for ED. ED was defined as discharge in the first 72 hours (h) after the procedure. We evaluated if an ED strategy would have been safe at 1-year follow-up (FUP), as defined by the absence of need for PP, syncope and mortality. Results 242 pts were included, 44,8% males, mean age 80,4 years, mean Euroscore II 5,4 and the majority implanted a self-expandable prosthesis (64,1%). Mean hospital stay after TAVI was 7,7 days. The most frequent CD after TAVI were: new onset left bundle brunch block (36%) and high degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) (16,3%). During hospital stay 21,6% needed PP, mainly because of HAVB (mainly implanted in the first 72h). According to the proposed algorithm, 70,7% of our pts were ED-candidates. ED-candidates had lower prevalence of predilation (18,5% vs 36,8%, p=0,008) with no significant differences between type of prosthesis or baseline ECG. ED-candidates had smaller PR interval post-TAVI (184,5 vs 202,5 ms, p=0,044) and smaller PR and QRS at 72h (p&amp;lt;0,001 in both). At 1-year FUP, only 2,3% of ED-candidates needed a PP (vs 37,7% non-ED, p&amp;lt;0,001). It is noteworthy that in those ED-candidates who needed a PP during FUP, the percentage of ventricular pacing was less than 2% at 6 months. In the FUP period, 3,2% of ED candidates presented at the ER because of syncope, with no significant differences to non-ED pts. No differences between groups were found in 30-days and 1-year ER presentation because of syncope or all-cause mortality. Conclusions According to the proposed algorithm for ED in pts with CD post-TAVI, pts with specific ECG characteristics and without rhythm events during continuous telemetry monitoring can be early discharged with long-term safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in older adults: findings from the subclinical atrial fibrillation and risk of ischemic stroke (SAFARIS) study

Abstract Background Prolonged monitoring of cardiac rhythm has been used in patients with symptomatic arrhythmias and to assess for atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke, but not in the general population and especially in older adults. Purpose To evaluate the frequency of arrhythmias in a community-based cohort of older adults through 14-days continuous cardiac monitoring using a patch-based device. Methods Cardiac rhythm was analyzed in 533 participants free of AF and congestive heart failure (CHF) from the tri-ethnic (white, black, Hispanic) Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (SAFARIS) study. AF, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, defined as 4 beats or more), premature atrial (PACs) and ventricular (PVCs) contractions, ventricular tachycardia (VT, defined as 4 beats or more), sinus pauses (SP) and atrio-ventricular blocks (AVB) were analyzed. Gender, age and race-ethnic differences were examined. Results Mean age was 77.2±6.8 years (198 men, 335 women). Recording duration was over 10 days in 91%, and over 13 days in 84%. AF was present in 10 participants (1.9%), atrial flutter in 1 (0.2%). Other arrhythmias are reported in the Table. SP (1.9%) and high-degree AVB (Mobitz II: 0.6%; 3rd degree: 0.9%) were rare. No significant race-ethnic differences were observed. Conclusion In older adults without history of stroke or CHF, prolonged rhythm monitoring revealed moderate frequency of AF, but higher than expected frequencies of AF-predisposing conditions such as SVT and frequent PACs. VT episodes were relatively frequent, whereas SP and AVB were less frequent than commonly believed. Most arrhythmias were more frequent in the oldest; ventricular arrhythmias were more common in men than in women. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NINDS R01 NS083874

Transcarotid trancatheter aortic valve implantation under local anesthesia in real life, a retrospective observational comparison with femoral access

Abstract Background Trans-femoral approach is the most commonly used access for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, in case of unsuitability, several alterative access routes have been described, namely trans-axillary, trans-aortic and trans-apical. The trans-carotid approach, rarely used, can be of particular help. Purpose To compare trans-carotid with trans-femoral access for TAVI, regarding epidemiological, clinical, procedural features and in hospital prognosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1272 patients treated with TAVI between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups and compared according to the vascular approach: trans-carotid group (n=84) and trans-femoral group (n=1188). Results The trans-carotid group, representing 6.6% of all patients undergoing TAVI, had significantly more hypertension (89.9% vs 75.8%; p=0.002), history of coronary artery disease (78.6% vs 50.5%; p&amp;lt;0.001), peripheral arteriopathy (58.7% vs 9.3%; p&amp;lt;0.0001), ischemic stroke (24% vs 10.5%; p=0.03), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30.8% vs 18.4%; p=0.004), surgical aortic valve replacement (12% vs 4.3%; p=0.008) and contralateral carotid endarterectomy (4% vs 0.4%; p=0.012). Average scores of LOGISTIC EUROSCORE and EUROSCORE II were significantly higher in this group (respectively 22.4 vs 15.2 and 8.3 vs 5.56; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and patients were more frequently considered by the Heart Team as at high surgical risk (91.3% vs 68.2%; p&amp;lt;0.0001). When performing TAVI, balloon predilatation and postdilatation were significantly less frequent in the trans-carotid group (respectively 13.3% vs 26.4%; p=0.03 and 21.7% vs 37.6%; p=0.006). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups concerning neither the implantation of self-expanding/balloon-expandable valves nor in the fluoroscopy time and dose-area product averages. On post-procedural echocardiographic findings, transaortic mean gradient average and the incidence of significant paravalvular leak were similar. During intra-hospital follow-up, patients in the trans-carotid group had significantly less vascular complications (9.3% vs 23%; p=0.02) and less urgent need of endovascular repair (0% vs 15.8%; p=0.013) without any impact on the need for transfusion. However, the incidence of atrial fibrillation was significantly higher (17.4% vs 9.4%; p=0.036). There was no significant difference between the two groups for the incidence of haemodynamic and neurological complications, high-degree atrioventricular block and in-hospital mortality. Conclusion According to our study, trans-carotid TAVI under local anesthesia can be feasible and safe, especially in more friable patients at higher risk. It was associated with lower incidence of vascular complications but a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, without impact on in-hospital mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish a firm conclusion about this novel approach. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Computed tomography derived predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established alternative to surgery for the treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at high and intermediate surgical risk. Unfortunately, the occurrence of electrical conduction disturbances remains one of the most frequent complications of the procedure. While the impact of electrocardiographic and procedural predictors on PPI is well examined, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding anatomical predictors screened by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Purpose We performed a meta-analysis to summarize available studies that reported the incidence of PPI after TAVI with new-generation devices and provided raw data for preprocedural MSCT. Methods The authors conducted a literature search in PubMed database until December 31, 2019 to identify studies that investigated preprocedural MSCT data and rate of PPI following TAVI with new-generation devices. Twelve observational studies (n=3133) met inclusion criteria for final analysis. Results PPI was performed in 509 patients (16.2%) after TAVI, mostly due to high degree atrioventricular (AV) block (80.8%). The rate of PPI varied widely from 7.9% to 35.8% in individual studies. Regarding secondary endpoints' analysis of relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) electrocardiographic PPI-predictors after TAVI appeared to be pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF) (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.05–1.40; p=0.008), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (RR 4.22; 95% CI 3.30–5.41; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and AV block grade I (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.16–2.29; p=0.005). Patients requiring PPI had larger annulus perimeter (MD 1.66 mm; 95% CI 0.67–2.66 mm; p=0.001) and shorter membranous septum length (MD −0.86 mm; 95% CI −1.74–0.02 mm; p=0.05) assessed by preprocedural MSCT. Concerning calcium load of device landing zone, pacemaker dependent patients showed increased calcification of the non-coronary cusp (MD 39.76 mm3; 95% CI 18.60–60.93 mm3; p=0.0002), the left-coronary cusp (LCC) (MD 47.60 mm3; 95% CI 19.40–75.81 mm3; p=0.0009) and the total left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) (MD 19.17 mm3; 95% CI 6.68–31.66 mm3; p=0.003). Lower implantation depth (MD 0.83 mm from NCC; 95% CI 0.20–1.47 mm; p=0.01) and oversizing by annulus diameter/area (MD 1.76%; 95% CI 0.68–2.84%; p=0.001) were procedural predictors of PPI following TAVI. Conclusion This structured meta-analysis proved PPI rate in 16.2% of patients following TAVI. Beside well-known electrocardiographic (AF, RBBB, AV block grade I) and procedural predictors (implantation depth, oversizing) this meta-analysis showed for the first time that MSCT derived anatomical values (annulus perimeter, membranous septum length) and distribution of device landing zone's calcification (NCC, LCC, LVOT) are associated with increased risk of PPI following TAVI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The incidence and impact of cardiac conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has developed into an established therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) across the spectrum of surgical risk. Despite improvements in transcatheter heart valve (THV) technologies and procedural techniques, cardiac conduction disturbances, including high degree atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB), remain frequent complications. TAVR-related conduction disturbances occur due to injury to the conduction system from interactions with interventional equipment and the transcatheter valve stent frame. Risk factors for post-TAVR conduction disturbances have been identified and include clinical characteristics, baseline electrocardiogram findings (right bundle branch block), anatomic factors, and potentially modifiable procedural factors (type of transcatheter valve, depth of implantation, over-sizing). New-onset LBBB and PPM implantation after TAVR have been shown to be associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes, including mortality and heart failure hospitalization. These clinical consequences are likely to be of increasing importance as TAVR is utilized in younger and lower risk population. This review provides an updated overview of the literature regarding the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of TAVR-related conduction disturbances, as well as proposed strategies for the management of this frequent clinical challenge.

Feasibility and safety of oversizing self-expandable valves for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, according to aortic annulus maximal diameter

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can lead to paravalvular leak (PVL) in 15% to 20% of cases, which remains an important prognostic factor and an independent predictor of mortality in short and long-term follow-up. Objectives To evaluate feasibility and safety of oversizing Medtronic Self-Expandable Valve (Dvalve), calculated according to the aortic annulus maximal diameter (Dmax), on the incidence of PVL and in-hospital mortality after TAVI. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 610 patients treated with TAVI between January 2016 and December 2018. A group of 45 patients of the oversized group (October 2017 to December 2018) accordingly to the Dmax, when (Dvalve − Dmax) | &amp;lt;2 mm in the absence of contraindication was compared to a control group of 213 patients whose prosthesis size had been chosen according to the aortic annulus perimeter (January 2016 to September 2017). Results In the “oversized” group, no patient had a significant PVL after TAVI compared with the control group (0% vs. 7.51%; p=0.041). Balloon post-dilatation was significantly less frequent in the “oversized” group (0% vs. 10.3%; p=0.012). Per-procedural irradiation and the average length of in-hospital stay were significantly lower (PDS = 2,296.05±1,667.94 cGy·mm2 vs. 4,568±1,352.84 cGy·mm2; p&amp;lt;0.001; and 5.23±1.74 days vs. 6.33±3.23 days; p=0.029, respectively). No case of annulus rupture occurred in the “oversized” group. The incidences of high-degree atrioventricular block with definitive pacing and in-hospital mortality were similar between the two groups. Conclusion Oversizing the self-expandable valve, according to the aortic annulus maximal diameter, significantly reduced PVL after TAVI, balloon post-dilatation, per-procedural irradiation, and the length of hospital stay, without increasing the risk of mechanical, rhythmic, conductive and coronary occlusion complications. It does not increase the in-hospital mortality rate either. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish a firm conclusion about its feasibility and safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A Rare Case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Caused by Warm-reacting IgM-class Antibodies Associated with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection

Abstract Introduction/Objective Warm autoantibodies are usually IgG-class and/or IgA-class immunoglobulins. may be classified as agglutinins or hemolysins, which may be incomplete or complete, depending on in vitro serology; they almost always bind complement. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with only warm IgM autoantibodies is extremely rare. Methods A 91-year-old Caucasian male with hypertension presented with non-productive cough for two weeks, associated with shortness of breath and fatigue. He has a paste history of medical history of high degree AV block with sick sinus syndrome and bradycardia. Results He had blood pressure of 111/53 and heart rate of 50. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytes count of 7, Hemoglobin level of 5.6 g/dl, hematocrit level of 15.5%, platelets count of 267, total bilirubin of 5.6 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 0.7 mg/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 372 U/L and IgM titer for Mycoplasma pneumoniae was 1493 units/mL (Ref &amp;lt; 770). He was transfused four units of packed red blood cells as emergency release due to a positive antibody screen. His hemoglobin level increased from 5.6 g/dL to 7.2 g/dL then it decreased from 8.2 g/dL to 5.6 g/dL the next two days. Direct antiglobulin test was 3+ positive for C3d and Negative for IgG. He finished a 7-day course of antibiotic treatment. The results the Cold-agglutinin titer and thermal amplitude test were suggestive of an IgM warm autoantibody and a cold agglutinin of a moderate titer. The results exclude a diagnosis of cold agglutinin syndrome. Conclusion Mycoplasma pneumonia is mainly associated with cold agglutinin syndrome but it is very rare to be associated with WAIHA. WAIHA with a DAT positive for C3 only is relatively rare with an incidence ranging between 6% and 13% and can have a clinical picture ranging from mild to severe anemia. Severe symptomatic hemolysis can be treated with Rituximab, cytotoxic agents or plasmapheresis.

Co-Occurrence of High Degree Atrioventricular Block and Facial Pain in Lateral Medullary Stroke

Wallenberg syndrome is the most frequent clinical manifestation of brainstem ischemia, and it is due to lateral...