Presence Of Structural Heart Disease Research Articles

Impact of a predefined pacemapping protocol for ablation of infrequent premature ventricular complexes: a prospective, multicenter study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pacemapping (PM) is a useful maneuver for aiding PVC ablation procedures, but its stand-alone clinical value when activation mapping is precluded is still to be defined. Objectives To analyze the clinical efficacy of a predefined PM protocol to be applied during low-burden premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation procedures, regardless of their site of origin (SOO) and the presence of prior structural heart disease (SHD). Methods Prospective, non-randomized, multicenter study including 185 consecutive patients referred for a first PVC ablation. A predefined PM protocol was performed to guide ablation whenever a burden < 1 PVC/min was found after a 15-min waiting period, which precluded activation mapping. PM was performed using the PASO module of CARTO3 navigation system, obtaining a correlation grading, color-coded map. A minimum correlation of 94% was required for classifying an area as the PVC-SOO. After identifying the SOO, a high-density PM map with a fill threshold set to 6 was performed and ablation was delivered to the ‘target area’, defined as the area delimited by the 3 best matching points above the minimum correlation of 94%. Three RF applications were systematically applied in the target area with appropriate parameters: 40 W for the RVOT and aortic root, 50 W for the subvalvular LVOT, 20-30 W in the distal coronary sinus, at operator’s discretion in other locations. Clinical success was defined as a PVC-burden reduction of ≥ 80% in the 24-h Holter after 6 months. Results 105/185 patients (57%) could undergo activation mapping, while 60/185 (32%) had to be PM-guided. Only 20 patients (11%) had to be canceled due to complete absence of PVCs. Baseline QRS, PVC burden and an OT origin were independent predictors of the need to undergo a PM-guided ablation. The most frequent SOO locations were RVOT (44%), LV (23%), and LVOT (16%), with a significantly higher proportion of RVOT-SOO in the PM group (52% vs. 40%, p = 0.03). The mean target area was 0.6 ± 0.9 cm2, with a mean smallest PM correlation within that area of 95 ± 4%. The mean 10-ms isochronal area in LAT-guided procedures was significantly higher than the PM target area (1.7 ± 2.3 cm2; p < 0.001). The mean number of PM matching points acquired was 39 ± 21 (range 6 – 98). Mean mapping (29 ± 22 min) and RF (135 ± 124 sec) times were similar both for LAT and PM-guided procedures, with significantly shorter procedure times in the PM group (53 ± 24 vs. 61 ± 26 min; p = 0.04). Clinical success after a 6-month follow-up reached 87% for the PM approach, similar to that of LAT mapping-based ablation procedures (90%; p = 0.58). Conclusions When LAT mapping is precluded by a very low PVC burden in unselected patients referred for PVC ablation procedures, a first-line, stepwise PM and ablation protocol directed to a target area with > 94% matching correlation is a feasible alternative, reaching comparable clinical results regardless of the PVC-SOO and the presence of SHD. Abstract Figure. Example of a predefined PM protocol

A retrospective evaluation of the indications, complications, and outcomes associated with epicardial pacemakers in 20 cats from a single institution

IntroductionThe objective of this retrospective study was to describe the indications, complications, and long-term outcomes in a group of cats that received an epicardial pacing (EP) system. AnimalsTwenty client-owned cats. Materials and methodsMedical records were reviewed for signalment, presenting complaint, primary electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnosis, presence of structural heart disease, presence of congestive heart failure (CHF), presence of major or minor complications, and survival time. ResultsThe majority of cats were presented for syncope (n = 11), and the most common ECG diagnosis was advanced second-degree atrioventricular block (n = 9). Fifteen cats (15/20, 75%) had one or more major or minor complications. One cat died in the perioperative period as a result of a major complication. None of the variables evaluated were associated with a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of major or minor complications. The most common major complication was loss of ventricular capture (seven instances in six cats), which was successfully treated in all cases by increasing pacemaker output or replacing both the lead and the pulse generator. The most common minor complications were arrhythmias (n = 7) and sensing issues (n = 8). The overall median survival time (MST) was 948 days. No statistical difference in survival time was identified between cats that experienced a major complication and those that did not. ConclusionsAlthough complications were common in this feline population after EP, major and minor complications were successfully treated.

Results of catheter ablation with zero or near zero fluoroscopy in pediatric patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

Introduction and objectivesIonizing radiation exposure in catheter ablation procedures carries health risks, especially in pediatric patients. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation guided by a nonfluoroscopic intracardiac navigation system (NFINS) with those of an exclusively fluoroscopy-guided approach in pediatric patients. MethodsWe analyzed catheter ablation results in pediatric patients with high-risk accessory pathways or supraventricular tachycardia referred to our center during a 6-year period. We compared fluoroscopy-guided procedures (group A) with NFINS guided procedures (group B). ResultsWe analyzed 120 catheter ablation procedures in 110 pediatric patients (11±3.2 years, 70% male); there were 62 procedures in group A and 58 in group B. We found no significant differences between the 2 groups in procedure success (95% group A vs 93.5% group B; P=.53), complications (1.7% vs 1.6%; P=.23), or recurrences (7.3% vs 6.9%; P = .61). However, fluoroscopy time (median 1.1minutes vs 12minutes; P <.0005) and ablation time (median 96.5seconds vs 133.5seconds; P=.03) were lower in group B. The presence of structural heart disease was independently associated with recurrence (P=.03). ConclusionsThe use of NFINS to guide catheter ablation procedures in pediatric patients reduces radiation exposure time. Its widespread use in pediatric ablations could decrease the risk of ionizing radiation.

Predictors of myocardial recovery in arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: A multicenter study.

Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) is characterized by improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following arrhythmia treatment. Predictors of recovery in LVEF are not well understood. We evaluated predictors of AIC recovery in a large multicenter cohort. In total, 243 patients (age 65 ± 11, 73% male) with AIC caused by atrial fibrillation (49%), atrial tachycardia (20%), and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs; 31%) were treated and included. LVEF was assessed before and after treatment. Patients were stratified by arrhythmia duration (known [KN, n = 132] vs. unknown [UKN, n = 111]), arrhythmia type, LVEF, and presence of structural heart disease (SHD). Arrhythmia treatment was rhythm control in 95%. Median arrhythmia duration in the KN group was 47 months (25-75th percentile, 24-80 months). Post treatment LVEF was higher in KN group (55.9 ± 7 vs. 46.2 ± 12%; p < .0001) but the degree of LVEF improvement was similar (21.2 ± 9 vs. 19.4 ± 11; p = .16). Comparing highest quartile (longest arrhythmia duration) versus the rest of the KN group, the extent of LVEF improvement was similar (21.5 ± 8 vs. 21 ± 9%; p = .1). Patients in lowest index LVEF quartile (n = 74) had more PVC-induced AIC, greater EF improvement after treatment (24 ± 17 vs. 19 ± 7%; p < .0001) but lower post treatment EF (45 ± 14 vs. 54 ± 8%; p < .0001) versus other patients. Patients with SHD had lower index EF (28 ± 8 vs. 34 ± 8%; p < .0001) and lower final EF (47 ± 12 vs. 56 ± 7; p ≪ .0001). In multivariate regression, low index LVEF predicted myocardial recovery (odds ratio, 11.4; p < .005). In this AIC cohort, LVEF improved regardless of arrhythmia duration or type but those with PVCs had lower index LVEF and had less recovery. Low index LVEF predicted LVEF recovery following arrhythmia treatment.

Prevalence of heart disease in patients with mitochondrial abnormalities on skeletal muscle biopsy.

ObjectiveMitochondrial DNA mutations are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Whether an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease is present in patients presenting with mitochondrial abnormalities on skeletal muscle biopsy remains unknown. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of cardiac conduction disease and structural heart disease in patients presenting with mitochondrial abnormalities on skeletal muscle biopsy.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 103 patients with mitochondrial abnormalities on skeletal muscle biopsy who were referred for evaluation of muscle weakness at a single tertiary care referral center from 2012 to 2018. Of these patients, 59 (57.3%) had an electrocardiogram available and were evaluated for the presence of conduction disease. An echocardiogram was available in 43 patients (42%) who were evaluated for the presence of structural heart disease. The prevalence of cardiac disease was compared to control cohort populations (Framingham and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, ARIC cohorts).ResultsMitochondrial abnormalities associated with cardiac conduction disease (defined as QRS duration ≥ 120 msec) were present in 8.9%, versus 2.0% (p < 0.001) in the Framingham population and 2.6% (p = 0.003) in the ARIC cohort. LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 50%) was present in 11.6%, versus 3.6% (p < 0.01) in the Framingham and 3% (p < 0.01) in the ARIC populations. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 28.6%, versus 13.6% (p < 0.02) in the Framingham and 10.4% (p < 0.001) in the ARIC populations.InterpretationGiven the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, patients with mitochondrial abnormalities on skeletal muscle biopsy should undergo routine cardiac screening with physical exam, electrocardiography, and cardiac imaging.

Resultados de la ablación con catéter con mínimo o nulo empleo de fluoroscopia en pacientes pediátricos con taquiarritmias supraventriculares

Introduction and objectivesIonizing radiation exposure in catheter ablation procedures carries health risks, especially in pediatric patients. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation guided by a nonfluoroscopic intracardiac navigation system (NFINS) with those of an exclusively fluoroscopy-guided approach in pediatric patients. MethodsWe analyzed catheter ablation results in pediatric patients with high-risk accessory pathways or supraventricular tachycardia referred to our center during a 6-year period. We compared fluoroscopy-guided procedures (group A) with NFINS guided procedures (group B). ResultsWe analyzed 120 catheter ablation procedures in 110 pediatric patients (11±3.2 years, 70% male); there were 62 procedures in group A and 58 in group B. We found no significant differences between the 2 groups in procedure success (95% group A vs 93.5% group B; P=.53), complications (1.7% vs 1.6%; P=.23), or recurrences (7.3% vs 6.9%; P = .61). However, fluoroscopy time (median 1.1minutes vs 12minutes; P <.0005) and ablation time (median 96.5seconds vs 133.5seconds; P=.03) were lower in group B. The presence of structural heart disease was independently associated with recurrence (P=.03). ConclusionsThe use of NFINS to guide catheter ablation procedures in pediatric patients reduces radiation exposure time. Its widespread use in pediatric ablations could decrease the risk of ionizing radiation.

Preserved ejection fraction and structural heart disease in 446848 patients investigated with echocardiography.

BackgroundSex‐specific differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and responses to neurohormonal modulating therapies are relevant to clinical trials of treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).AimsThis study aimed to identify the proportion and characteristics of patients presenting with possible or confirmed HFpEF within the National Echo Database of Australia.ResultsA total of 237 046 women (48.1%) and 256 019 men (aged 61.0 ± 18.3 vs. 60.6 ± 17.1 years, respectively) had sex‐specific distributions of LVEF: 94.3% of women had LVEF ≥ 45% (mean LVEF 66.0 ± 8.6%), compared with 87.2% of men (mean LVEF 63.4 ± 8.7%). The presence of structural heart disease (SHD) according to the PARAGON‐HF criteria could be calculated in 93.8% of women and 93.4% of men with an LVEF ≥ 45%. Of these, 64 502 (30.8%) women and 104 344 (50.0%) of men had left ventricular hypertrophy, and 78 948 (35.3%) and 95 846 (42.9%), respectively, had left atrial enlargement. As a result, the proportion of women vs. men fulfilling echocardiographic criteria for HFpEF was very different: 111 497 (53.2%) vs. 146 359 (70.1%). SHD markedly increased with age, associated with a greater increase in women than men. The same signal was observed in those referred for suspected or previously confirmed HFpEF.ConclusionsDouble the number of men than women had LVEF < 45%, and the distribution of SHD had was highly sex specific. Left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement were more common in men and becoming more frequent in women with advancing age. The echocardiographic SHD distribution was similar in those referred with suspected or confirmed HFpEF. The findings are relevant to sex‐specific recruitment criteria for future clinical trials.

Noninvasive Radioablation of Ventricular Tachycardia.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurs most commonly in the presence of structural heart disease or myocardial scarring from prior infarction. It is associated with increased mortality, especially when it results in cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. When not due to reversible causes (such as acute ischemia/infarction), placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for prevention of future sudden death is indicated. The current standard of care for recurrent VT is medical management with antiarrhythmic agents followed by invasive catheter ablation for VT that persists despite appropriate medical therapy. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel, noninvasive method of treating VT that has been shown to reduce VT burden for patients who are refractory to medical therapy and/or catheter ablation, or who are unable to tolerate catheter ablation. STAR is the term applied to the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue and requires collaboration between an electrophysiologist and a radiation oncologist. The process involves identification of VT substrate through a combination of electroanatomic mapping and diagnostic imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) followed by carefully guided radiation therapy. In this article, we review currently available literature describing the utilization, efficacy, safety profile, and potential future applications of STAR for the management of VT.

Frequent premature ventricular contractions. Association of burden and complexity with prognosis according to the presence of structural heart disease.

IntroductionPremature ventricular contractions (PVC) have been associated with mortality and heart failure (HF) regardless the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). The aim of this study was assessing the impact of burden and complexity of PVCs on prognosis, according to presence of SHD.Methods312 patients were retrospectively evaluated out of 1967 consecutive patients referred for 24‐hr Holter at a single hospital, with a PVC count >1% of total beats. Two groups with and without SHD. PVC burden (PVC%), presence of complex forms, incidence of all‐cause death, combined outcomes of all‐cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations, HF death and HF hospitalizations and, sudden death (SD) or hospitalizations due to ventricular arrhythmias (VA)were assessed.ResultsPremature ventricular contraction burden was 2.7 (IQR: 1.6–6.7). SHD patients had more polymorphic PVCs, 77% versus 65%, p = .022, triplets and episodes of non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT): 44% versus 27%, p = .002; 30% versus 12%, p < .0001. In idiopathic patients, a PVC% in the third quartile was independently associated with all‐cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) 2.288 (1.042–5.026) p = .039, but not in SHD. The complexity of the PVCs was not independently associated with outcomes in both groups. In SHD group, NSVT was associated with lower survival free from SD and VA hospitalizations, p = .028; after multivariable, there was a trend for a higher arrhythmic outcome with NSVT, HR 3.896 (0.903–16.81) p = .068.ConclusionPremature ventricular contractions in SHD showed more complex patterns. In idiopathic patients, a higher PVC count was associated with higher mortality but not is SHD patients. Complexity was not independently associated with worse prognosis.

Premature ventricular complexes: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in clinical practice : A state-of-the-art review by the American College of Cardiology Electrophysiology Council.

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common arrhythmias in the clinical setting. PVCs in the structurally normal heart are usually benign, but in the presence of structural heart disease (SHD), they may indicate increased risk of sudden death. High PVC burden may induce cardiomyopathy and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or worsen underlying cardiomyopathy. Sometimes PVCs may be a marker of underlying pathophysiologic process such as myocarditis. Identification of PVC burden is important, since cardiomyopathy and LV dysfunction can reverse after catheter ablation or pharmacological suppression. This state-of-the-art review discusses pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, how to differentiate benign and malignant PVCs, PVCs in the structurally normal heart, underlying SHD, diagnostic procedures (physical examination, electrocardiogram, ambulatory monitoring, exercise testing, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, coronary angiography, electrophysiology study), and treatment (lifestyle modification, electrolyte imbalance, medical, and catheter ablation).

Twelve-lead electrocardiographic localization of idiopathic premature ventricular contraction origins.

The major sites of origins of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias have been elucidated. Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias most often present as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) with a focal mechanism, and commonly occur without structural heart disease. Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias usually originate from specific anatomical structures, commonly endocardial but sometimes epicardial and exhibit characteristic electrocardiograms (ECGs) based on their anatomical background. There are general and specific ECG characteristics that can localize the site of idiopathic PVC origins. The general ECG characteristics include the bundle branch block pattern, axis, QRS polarity in lead V6, QRS duration, precordial transition, maximal deflection index, and so forth. They can roughly localize the site of idiopathic PVC origins. Several major sites of idiopathic PVC origins are located close to each other, and specific ECG characteristics are helpful for localizing the site of origins more accurately in those PVCs. Twelve-lead surface ECG algorithms usually can localize the site of idiopathic PVC origins with a high accuracy, but their accuracy can be limited by the patients' physique, heart rotation, specific conduction properties, presence of structural heart disease, and so forth. This review describes an overview of the approaches to the 12-lead surface ECG localization of idiopathic PVCs, and also discusses their caveats and limitations.

WHEN ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN MEAN LIFE - IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR AND ITS EFFECT: A CASE REPORT

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains a major cause of mortality in the Western world. The majority of VF and cardiac arrest occur outside the hospital. Implantation of an ICD is strongly supported by evidence from many randomized trials for the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Current ICDs have multiple features to enhance diagnostics, minimize unnecessary pacing, conserve energy use, and deliver pain-free therapy such as anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). The most important of abovementioned features remains the ability of pacemaker to recognize a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia and terminate it with shock. The benefit and significance of an ICD shock are dependent on the type of heart disease, and the presence of structural heart disease. These concepts are illustrated in a brief overview of ICD trials in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease. We present a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who had an ICD implanted 1 year ago, as a primary prevention of SCD. The patient was admitted to the Clinic for cardiovascular diseases after a brief loss of consciousness. The electrical control of the device showed that a VF suddenly occurred and was successfully interrupted by a shock as a type of ICD-based therapy.

Premature Ventricular Complex-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can cause an often reversible form of cardiomyopathy. The mechanism for the development of premature ventricular complex-induced cardiomyopathy (PIC) continues to be investigated, and animal models as well as human clinical trials suggest ventricular dyssynchrony to be an important component. In addition to a high PVC burden, this review will detail other risk factors associated with the development of PIC. PVCs can be a marker for the presence of other underlying disease and a thorough work-up, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with delayed contrast enhancement, needs to be considered to rule out the presence of structural heart disease. Management of PIC can involve catheter ablation or pharmacotherapy. Multicenter studies have shown a high success rate paired with a low complication rate with catheter ablation, and hence catheter ablation has emerged as the preferred therapeutic option for most patients with PIC. Advances in ablation strategy and technology have enhanced our ability to address certain challenging PVC locations. Important challenges that remain include understanding the coexistence of PIC with other forms of cardiomyopathy, whether there is an associated risk of sudden cardiac death, and the long-term effects on cardiac substrate of exposure to frequent PVCs.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Premature Ventricular Beats among Egyptians: Predictors of Success and Recurrence

Background: Premature ventricular beats (PVBs) are early depolarization of the myocardium originating in the ventricle, the prognosis in patients with frequent PVBs and no obvious organic heart disease is usually very good. However, many patients are severely symptomatic with impaired quality of life. Aim of the study: We aimed at our study to assess the success of radiofrequency catheter ablation of monomorphic PVB and its impact on improvement of left ventricular (LV) systolic functions. Patients and Methods: The current study was conducted on 40 patients with frequent symptomatic monomorphic PVBs, candidate for PVB radiofrequency catheter ablation in cardiology department, Ain Shams University, between 2013 and 2015. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking, complete general and local examination, conventional 2D echocardiography and pre-procedural Holter ECG monitoring. Patients were divided to two groups (20 patients in each group) according to the presence or absence of structural heart disease. Electrophysiological mapping and ablation was done for all patients, and their clinical, electrophysiological and procedural aspects were analyzed. Follow up echocardiography and Holter ECG monitoring was done 3-6 months later to assess recurrence and impact on LV internal dimensions and systolic functions. Results: Acute success was achieved in 35 patients (87.5%), and long term success was achieved in 30 patients (75%), with elimination of PVBs and distressing symptoms among group of patients with procedural success. Presence of structural heart disease was not related statistically to procedural failure or long term recurrence. Magnitude of reduction of PVB burden had significant correlation with improvement of systolic functions (P=0.04). Significant improvement of echocardiographic parameters was witnessed among group with baseline LV systolic dysfunction. Conclusions: Radiofrequency catheter ablation is an effective and safe therapeutic tool for frequent monomorphic PVBs and should be addressed as 1st line option for reversal of PVB induced LV systolic dysfunction.

Prolonged P-wave duration in sinus rhythm pre-ablation is associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A prolonged P-wave duration (PWD) in sinus rhythm pre-ablation has been hypothesized to be a non-invasive ECG marker associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess the latest evidence on the association of prolonged PWD pre-ablation with AF recurrence after PVI. Prolonged PWD pre-ablation is associated with AF recurrence after PVI. The inclusion criteria for this study are all cohort studies that assess prolonged PWD on ECG during sinus rhythm pre-ablation and its association with AF recurrence in post-PVI patients. There were 1,482 patients with AF post-PVI from twelve cohort studies. The cut-offpoints for prolonged PWD ranges from >120ms to >150ms. Meta-analysis on six studies showed a pooled mean difference of PWD in subjects with recurrent AF and non-recurring AF was 12.54ms [8.76-16.31], p<0.001; I2 78%. Pooled odds ratio was 4.17 [2.10-8.31], p<0.001; I2 72% and pooled hazard ratio was 1.93 [1.10-3.39], p=0.02; I2 80%.Upon subgroup analysis, the association between prolonged PWD and AF recurrence was significant in signal-averaged ECG, 12-lead ECG, paroxysmal AF, >120-130 ms, and >140-150 ms PWD cut-off point subgroups. These findings suggest that prolonged PWD with a cutoff of >120ms to >150ms in sinus rhythm before ablation may be associated with AF recurrence after PVI regardless of age, gender, left atrial size, and the presence of structural heart disease. We also encouraged further studies that investigate predicting models to include prolonged PWD as one of their parameters.

Comparison of Complications of Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Adults With Versus Without Structural Heart Disease

Catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment for ventricular arrhythmias (VA), with a potential for complications. The presence of structural heart disease (SHD) is associated with a higher complication rate although there is no data comparing CA of VA between patients with SHD and those without. We aimed to compare trends, morbidity, and mortality associated with real world practice of CA for VA (ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular contraction) based on the presence of SHD. Using weighted sampling in the National Inpatient Sample database, we collected and compared characteristics and outcomes of patients with or without SHD that underwent CA of VA. Among 34,907 patients that underwent CA for VA (1999-2013), 18,014 (51.6%) had SHD. Major and all complications occurred among 1,135/18,014 (6.3%) and 2139/18,014 (11.9%) patients with SHD respectively compared with 355/16,893 (2.1%) and 739/16,893 (4.4%) for patients without SHD, p < 0.001 for both comparisons. Furthermore, 452/18,014 (2.51%) with SHD died versus 20/16,893 (0.12%) without SHD, p < 0.001. Heart failure was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.09 for major complications (95%CI: 1.53-6.27, p = 0.002) for patients with SHD while coronary artery disease OR for major complications was 2.47 (95%CI: 1.44-4.23, p = 0.001) for patients without SHD. There was a significant increase in major complications over the 15-year study period in patients with SHD, p < 0.001. In conclusion, the presence of SHD during CA for VA increased the complication rate of major and any complications by approximately threefold for both and the hospital mortality by >20-fold compared with patients without SHD.

Increased cardiac stiffness is associated with autonomic dysfunction in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Autonomic dysfunction is linked to sudden death regardless of the presence of structural heart disease. The pathway from autonomic dysfunction to sudden death is not fully understood, but myocardial sympathetic stimulation leading to arrhythmia and/or cardiac fibrosis might play a role. Our goal was to evaluate cardiac stiffness by echocardiography and its association with clinical, structural, and autonomic variables in people with epilepsy (PWE) compared to healthy controls. A 12-lead electrocardiogram, treadmill testing, and transthoracic echocardiography from 30 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) without any known cardiovascular disorders were compared to 30 individuals without epilepsy matched by sex, age, and body mass index. Distribution of cardiovascular risk factors was similar in both groups. PWE had a higher left ventricle stiffness, left ventricle filling pressure, and greater left atrial volume as well as markers of autonomic dysfunction such as impaired chronotropic index and percentage achieved of predicted peak heart rate at effort. In multiple regressions, autonomic dysfunction explained 52% of stiffness and carbamazepine treatment and polytherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) explained, additionally, 6% each. Stiffness is increased in young patients with TLE and is related to autonomic dysfunction and to a lesser extent, carbamazepine use and polytherapy with AEDs.

Clinical Profile of the Patients with Newly Detected Left Bundle Branch Block in the Outpatient Department

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac features associated with newly detected left bundle branch block (LBBB) in the outpatient department. Methods: A total of 57 patients with LBBB pattern were evaluated using electrocardiography (ECG). Patients were assessed based on their sex, age, detailed history, and cardiovascular symptoms. Cardiac investigations including ECG and echocardiography were performed. Results:The study included 30 (52.6%) males and 27 (47.5%) females, aged between 35 and 80 years. Dyspnoea (35.1%) and chest pain (22.8%) were the most common symptoms. 54.4% were hypertensive and 17.5% were diabetics. 28% had Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and 24.5% had aortic valve disease. Left ventricular hypertrophy without any other structural heart disease was present in 28% of the patients. Only 24.5% patients presented with LBBB had a structurally normal heart in echocardiography. Myocardial performance index in echocardiography was abnormal in LBBB irrespective of the presence of structural heart disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBBB was found to increase with age and had slight male preponderance. Dyspnoea on effort was the most common presenting complaint, followed by chest pain and incidental detection of ECG abnormality. Most of the patients were hypertensive. Only 24.5% patients with LBBB had a structurally normal heart. MPI was abnormally high in the presence of LBBB despite having a normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Reversal of premature ventricular complexes induced cardiomyopathy. Influence of concomitant structural heart disease

BackgroundWe examined the effect of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) on left ventricle (LV) function recovery in patients with LV dysfunction, regardless the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). MethodsSeventy seven patients with impaired LV ejection fraction (EF) (37.1±9.4), suspected to have PVCs cardiomyopathy (PVC-CM) (>10% PVCs burden), referred for RF ablation were enrolled, and divided into 2 groups according to the presence of SHD. SHD was ruled out by echocardiography, coronary angiography or MRI. CARTO 3 mapping system was used employing activation mapping in the majority of cases. Initial success was defined as complete elimination or residual PVCs≤10 beats/30min. Long term success was defined as reduction in PVCs burden >80% on follow-up holter. Echocardiography was done after 6 months. Improvement of EF >5% was considered significant. ResultsForty two (55.8%) cases had SHD. PVCs burden was 28.4±9.8%. EF improved to 48.6±10.3. Initial success, overall success, post procedural PVCs burden and EF were comparable in both groups. EF improved in 47(75%) of successful cases with no significant differences between both groups. Post-MI Patients were the least category to improve. PVCs burden before and after ablation were the independent predictors of LVEF recovery by multivariate analysis. Cutoff values of >18%, <8% had 100% sensitivity and 85%, 87% specificity, respectively. ConclusionsPVCs elimination by RF ablation results in significant improvement even restoration of LV function regardless of PVC origin, or the presence of concomitant SHD. PVCs burden before and after ablation are the main predictors of LVEF recovery.

Fibrilación auricular y flúter auricular

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation is the most frequent sustained arrhythmia, with a prevalence of 3% in the general population, although with a higher prevalence in the elderly, hypertensive, obese and patients with structural heart disease. DiagnosisThe electrocardiographic diagnosis is based on the identification of the irregularly irregular pattern R-R characteristic. As part of the study, it is convenient to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram, which allows us to diagnose the presence of structural heart disease and to assess the atrial size, which is important for an ablation procedure, and a complete analysis with a thyroid profile, in order to rule out Other triggers, such as anemia, infection, or hyperthyroidism. ManagementThe management of this pathology is based on three pillars: antithrombotic therapy for the prevention of systemic embolism and cerebrovascular accidents, current in recent years thanks to the appearance of oral alternatives to classical anticoagulant therapy with vitamin antagonists K; Heart rate control with braking agents, especially beta-adrenergic blockers, but also calcium-antagonists and digoxin; And rhythm control strategies, both pharmacological and percutaneous, the latter increasingly widespread due to its greater effectiveness and low incidence of complications.