Premature Ventricular Contractions Research Articles

Bigeminy with Prolonged QT Interval as an Ominous Sign for Impending Torsades de Pointes: A Case Report

Introduction: Ventricular ectopic beats and corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation are both relatively common entities that are typically benign. It is difficult to predict subsequent dysrhythmias from either electrocardiogram (ECG) feature. The combination of both features may better predict the risk of torsades de pointes. We highlight a case of torsades preceded by a bizarre bigeminal rhythm with QTc prolongation likely caused by memantine use and hypokalemia. Case Report: An 84-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a fall. A syncope workup revealed an ECG demonstrating bigeminy with a prolonged QTc interval. Several minutes after obtaining the ECG, the patient went into torsades. She had multiple subsequent cardiac arrests during the rest of her hospital stay. This case report details the importance of recognizing ventricular bigeminy in the context of QTc prolongation as a harbinger of torsades. Conclusion: While premature ventricular contractions including bigeminy may be a benign finding, when accompanied by prolonged QTc intervals, they warrant immediate investigation and treatment of potential underlying pathology to prevent torsades and subsequent cardiac arrest.

Abstract 4145899: The Danger of Moderator Band Ectopy: A Case of Premature Ventricular Contraction induced Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation

Introduction: Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are often a benign arrhythmia. However, those originating from the Purkinje system can result in fatal arrhythmias. One example is PVCs originating from the moderator band (MB) within the right ventricle (RV) of the heart. We present a case of PVCs originating from the MB triggering idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) and electrical storm. Case: A previously healthy 49-year-old woman was admitted following a witnessed VF cardiac arrest. She had recurrent episodes of VF, initially treated with Amiodarone and Procainamide which failed to suppress the recurrent VF. She received 54 external defibrillations before a transvenous pacer (TVP) was placed to override the PVCs at a pacing rate of 110 bpm. Post-resuscitation ECGs revealed frequent PVCs originating from the RV free wall, potentially from the lateral part of MB (Figure 1). Quinidine was added to suppress the PVCs ultimately allowing removal of the TVP. Transthoracic Echocardiogram revealed normal cardiac function and a prominent MB. A cardiac MRI was performed showing no infiltrative disease or any other abnormalities. The patient underwent sympathectomy and defibrillator placement. Despite recurrent cardiac arrest, she had excellent neurologic recovery and was subsequently discharged on Quinidine. Discussion: MB extends from the septal wall to the base of the anterior papillary muscle in the RV, carrying Purkinje fibers(PF) from the right bundle branch as it exits the septum. Purkinje fibers have been shown to initiate arrhythmias by several mechanisms including enhanced automaticity, triggered activity and re-entry. In the genesis of PVCs, triggered activity is the likely mechanism. This can degenerate into VF in a structurally normal heart, hence the term “idiopathic VF”. Familiarity with this entity and ECG features of MB ectopy leads to timely management and may potentially prevent lethal arrhythmias in symptomatic patients with such PVCs. Further studies are required to fully understand the arrhythmogenic mechanisms and the optimal management approach for MB ectopy.

Abstract 4119658: Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Single Center Experience

Background: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) carries an elevated risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias (VA) but there remains limited evidence supporting the role of catheter ablation in this population. Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for VA in ATTR-CA. Methods: An electronic database was used to identify all patients suspected of having ATTR-CA who underwent catheter ablation for VA at our institution between January 2010 and December 2023. Patients who did not meet the diagnosis of ATTR-CA and had a negative workup who underwent catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were used to form a control group matched for age, sex and left ventricular ejection fraction at a ratio of 2:1. Results: 20 controls and 10 cases of ATTR-CA were identified. Examining the two groups at baseline (Table 1), the mean age at index ablation was 67.7±7.0 and 68.6±8.1 years (p=0.359), mean follow-up time was 4.1±3.1 and 4.2±2.6 years (p=0.494), and the proportion of males was 100% and 90% respectively. The ATTR-CA group had a significantly higher proportion of chronic kidney disease (90% vs. 50%, p=0.032) and prior stroke or thrombotic events compared to the control group (50% vs. 10%, p=0.026) with similar CHA 2 DS 2 VASc scores (4.2±1.6 vs. 3.8±1.3, p=0.233). Both groups had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (41.4%±14% vs. 46.9%±15.2%, p=0.173), VT/PVCs at presentation (40%/60% vs. 25%/75%, p=0.77), use of antiarrhythmics (70% vs. 60%, p=0.592), and high proportion of atrial fibrillation/flutter (70% vs. 90%, p=0.168). Procedural (261.2±101.2 vs. 265.7±125.6 mins, p=0.449) and total energy delivery time (1442.9±1509.1 vs. 1744.6±956.2 secs, p=0.296) was not significantly different in the two groups. Both groups had a significant decrease in PVC burden postablation with a reduction from 26.8% to 3.8% (p=0.024) and from 27.1% to 13.6% (p=0.028) in the ATTR-CA and control group respectively. A downward trend was seen in antitachycardia pacing events for VT postablation in the ATTR-CA (14.7±9.8 vs. 5.3±6.7, p =0.184) and control (193±387.6 vs. 0.67±1.2. p=0.139) groups. No major complications occurred after ablation (Table 2). Mean time to recurrence post-index ablation was similar between both groups (1620.4±483.8 vs. 1498.8±291.4 days, p=0.987, Figure 1). Conclusions: Catheter ablation appears to be safe and effective for VT and PVCs in patients with ATTR-CA.

Abstract 4115542: Female patients with Andersen-Tawil Syndrome are more prone to develop cardiac arrest.

Background: Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a triad of dysmorphic features, periodic muscular weakness, and ventricular arrhythmias. We presented a meta-analysis of cardiologic-affected ATS patients. Objective: This study sought to compare the characteristic features of ATS according to their gender with a special focus on the cardiologic anomalies. Methods: To enable a meta-analysis, we searched literature reviews of reported cases or cohort studies with ATS between 1994 and 2024. Cases were selected if they presented a cardiologic affection alone or combined with morphologic features, periodic paralysis, or both. A gender comparison was made using the available information. Each variable was calculated using the validated percentage. Numerical variables are expressed as mean or median and SD. Categorical variables are expressed as percentages. Student’s t-test was used for numerical variables. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square. The results were expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The studied population consisted of 243 cardiologic-affected patients with ATS, 163 females, and 80 Males. Compared to males, females are less likely to present periodic paralysis (p = 0.03, OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30-0.98). Analyzing cardiologic features, females had more syncope episodes than males (73% (n=52) vs. 22.4% (n=15). Only 45% of cases had a prolonged QTc. A longer QTc measure was reported in females (453 ± 52) compared to males (427 ± 55) (p = 0.004). Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were the most commonly reported arrhythmia, and bigeminy was the most common type of presentation. Polymorphic PVCs were more prevalent in females than males (p = 0.009, OR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.24-4.99). Females reported more Ventricular tachycardias (VT) episodes than males, especially Bidirectional (p = 0.01, OR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.17-3.78). Thirty-five patients had an episode of cardiac arrest, either non-fatal, fatal or in some cases non-fatal, followed by SCD after years. Females were more prone to develop cardiac arrest compared to males (n=29 vs. n=6, respectively; p = 0.03, OR = 2.66, 95%CI = 1.06-6.72). Conclusion: ATS females with cardiologic affection may require a closer follow-up due to the higher risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias and cardiac arrest than males.

Abstract 4120434: A Rare Case Of Localized Ventricular Tachycardia Due To Mitral Annular Disjunction And a Subvalvular Aneurysm

Introduction: Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is an abnormality of the mitral valve where a portion of the mitral annulus and valve leaflets insert into the left atrium away from the fibrous annulus. Since its identification in 1981 its diagnosis has increased due to the advancements in cardiac imaging. It’s association with ventricular arrythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) underscores the importance of its identification. We present a case of ventricular tachycardia (VT) that is attributed to MAD with associated sub-mitral valve left ventricular aneurysm (SMA) formation. Case: A 51-year-old African American male with history of posterior papillary muscle premature ventricular contractions (PVC), PVC induced cardiomyopathy, and family history of sudden cardiac death in his mother who presented to the emergency department due to palpitations. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sustained monomorphic VT at a rate of 160 bpm. This converted to normal sinus rhythm with intravenous amiodarone and metoprolol. Further work up included cardiac magnetic resonance which identified a 4 x 1.8 x 1.4 cm SMA on the basal inferior and inferolateral walls. There was near transmural late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the aneurysm and an associated 7 mm of MAD with posterior mitral valve prolapse (MVP). He underwent left heart catheterization which was normal. ECG showed a superior right axis with associated right bundle branch block which correlated to a basal inferolateral exit and to the location of the SMA. Ultimately the patient underwent implantation of secondary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and initiation of sotalol. Discussion: The prevalence of MAD is approximately 30% in those with MVP and 8% in the general population. Those patients with MAD and MVP appear to be at higher risk for VA and SCD. The most likely mechanism for this association is the fibrotic changes that occur in the basal inferolateral left ventricle because of mechanical stretch on the papillary muscles by the prolapsing leaflets. The scar and aneurysm that develop can serve as substrate for reentrant VA. Treatment for this involves surgical repair of the mitral valve annulus and correction of the MAD distance which has been shown to improve arrythmia. Conclusion: This case illustrates an important but poorly understood arrhythmogenic entity that will increase in incidence as cardiac imaging advances. Its implications in VA and SCD warrant further research.

Abstract 4145896: Terminal Rhythm of the Worldwide First Genetically Modified Porcine-to-Human Xenotransplantation

Background: The worldwide first genetically modified porcine-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation was successfully performed in January 2022 at the University of Maryland with the recipient surviving 60 days. Aim: Assess the ECG parameters and cardiac rhythm during the death of the worldwide first porcine-to-human xenotransplant. Methods: Continuous 6-lead ECG telemetry was used to analyze ECG parameters and cardiac rhythm during the final 9 minutes after withdrawal of life support. Results: At the time of withdrawal (W), the patient was in sinus rhythm (70bpm, PR interval 280ms, right bundle branch block (RBBB) with QRS 140ms, QT 400ms; Figure). PR prolongation up to 360ms with loss of P wave was noted at W+2:55min. Irregular junctional rhythm with blocked PACs and bradycardia (23 bpm) occurred around W+3:25min. At that time, widening of RBBB to 160ms with non-specific repolarization abnormalities and QT prolongation were observed. At W+4:30min, increasing pauses of up to 8.5s with mild QRS axis shift occurred. At W+6min, asystole (up to 20s) with rare PVCs from the left anterolateral LV base were seen. Final rhythm at W+6min consisted of ventricular escape beats from the infero-basal LV before electrical activity ceased at W+6:45min. No other atrial or ventricular arrhythmias were noted. Conclusion: The porcine-to-human cardiac xenotransplant showed a terminal rhythm of bradycardia, sinus arrest, and junctional and ventricular escape beats. This is consistent with ischemia-related failure of impulse generation, slowing intra-atrial/AV-conduction delay, and failure of impulse propagation. Notably, no tachyarrhythmias were seen despite ectopic atrial and ventricular beats with prolongation of depolarization and repolarization. This is similar to traditional terminal rhythms observed in humans and does not suggest unexpected arrhythmic proclivities between pig myocardium and the human environment (“pig heart in human body”).

Holter Monitoring Analysis of Women Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical features of women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using Holter monitoring. Thirty-five female patients infected with HIV using a Holter monitor at the Ditan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. In terms of basic rhythms, there were 30 cases of sinus rhythm, 27 cases of ventricular premature beat, 26 cases of supraventricular premature beat, 12 cases of mild reduction of HRV, 9 cases of normal heart rate variability (HRV), 8 cases of supraventricular tachycardia, 5 cases of abnormal ST-segment changes and 2 cases of sinus bradycardia 2 cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation 2 cases of junctional escape rhythm. There was only one case in each of the following ECG changes: persistent atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, couplet supraventricular premature beats, accelerated idioventricular rhythm, sinoatrial block, second-degree Mobitz type I atrioventricular block, second-degree Mobitz type II atrioventricular block, complete right bundle branch block, T-wave abnormality, and significant reduction of HRV. The Holter monitor can show more changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of HIV-- positive patients, particularly significant ECG abnormalities, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and can direct early clinical treatment to serious adverse results.

Abstract 4137267: A novel reproducible low-cost model of acute myocardial infarction in swine

Background: Traditional open- and closed-chest methods for inducing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pigs typically require extensive and expensive instrumentation, including ventilators and inhalation anesthesia. This study aims to evaluate a reproducible and low-cost model for AMI in pigs using lower hemisternotomy. Methods: Twenty Yorkshire swine (15-20 kg, 45-50 days of age) underwent permanent ligation of the roots of the first and second diagonal branches of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The procedure was performed under intramuscular anesthesia (1ml 0.5mg/kg Zoletil™ and 2ml 10mg/kg xylazine hydrochloride) with spontaneous respiration. Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography and cardiac PET/MRI scans at 1 and 4 weeks post-MI. Heart tissue was collected for pathological analysis to evaluate the establishment of the AMI model. Results: All animals exhibited ECG changes, including premature ventricular complexes and ST-segment elevation immediately after ligation. No ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation was observed during the operation. No animals (0%) died during infarct creation. The "Skin-to-Skin" procedure time was 18±3.3 minutes. this procedure produced an infarction that occupies ~10% of the left ventricular mass accompanied with the decrease of LV heart function and LV anterior wall thickness 4 weeks post-MI. Conclusions: This novel low-cost technique provides reproducible acute coronary artery occlusion at a selected location with subsequent AMI. It avoids ventilation, inhalation anesthesia, major surgery and does not require expensive instrumentation for intracoronary intervention.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a case of Triadin knockout syndrome due to variant of TRDN gene and a literature review

To explore the genetic etiology and clinical phenotype of a child with Triadin knockout syndrome (TKOS), and to review the relevant literature of TKOS patients due to variants of TRDN gene. A child who was admitted to the Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University on March 19, 2023 due to sudden cardiac arrest 3 days earlier was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples (2 to 3 mL) were collected from the child and her parents for the extraction of genomic DNA and whole exome sequencing (WES). Pathogenic variants were searched from databases such as the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and were assessed based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Sanger sequencing was carried out for family validation of the pathogenic variants. Using keywords such as "arrhythmias" "TRDN" and "Triadin" both in Chinese and English, relevant literature on TKOS patients due to variants of the TRDN gene was retrieved from the CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases, and the time of literature retrieval was set from January 1, 2012 to December 1, 2023. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (No. 20230097), and informed consent was obtained from the parents of the child. The child had experienced syncope and cardiac arrest after exercise. Electrocardiographic examination revealed QTc interval prolongation, T-wave inversion in precordial leads V1-V3, polymorphic ventricular premature beat (VPB), and ventricular tachycardia (VT) along with increased heart rate. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that the child has harbored a homozygous c.463del(p.E155Kfs*20) variant of the TRDN gene, for which both of the parents were heterozygous. Based on the guidelines from the ACMG, the variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2+PM3). The child was ultimately diagnosed with TKOS. In total 12 publications on TOKS cases caused by TRDN gene variants were retrieved, which involved 30 patients and 28 carriers of single heterozygous variant of the TRDN gene. Among the 30 TKOS patients, 20 had carried homozygous variants of the TRDN gene, and 10 had carried compound heterozygous variants, and all had exhibited significant clinical phenotype of arrhythmia, with most cases had experienced malignant arrhythmia induced by exercise and/or excitement during infancy or early childhood, leading to recurrent syncope and cardiac arrest. Of note, none of the 28 carriers of single heterozygous variant had abnormal clinical phenotype. The homozygous c.463del(p.E155Kfs20) variant of the TRDN gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of cardiac arrest in this child. Above discovery has enriched the mutational spectrum of the TRDN gene.

Are Exercise-Induced Premature Ventricular Contractions Associated with Significant Coronary Artery Disease?

Objectives: Exercise-induced premature ventricular contractions (EIPVC) have been associated with higher mortality, but the association with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been precisely established. Our objective was to assess in a group of subjects with EIPVC and cardiovascular risk factors the association with underlying significant coronary artery disease (CAD), in comparison with a control group of patients with cardiovascular risk factors and exercise test (ET) showing ischaemia. Methods: All the patients (above 35 years old) referred for ET at our institution were prospectively included. Patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and without known CAD were divided into 2 groups: group A if EIPVC were present (either during exercise or during recovery), at least more than 10% over 30 s of recording; group B if ET was showing ischaemia. The presence of CAD was then confirmed in both groups by coronary arteriography, and/or thallium scintigraphy, and/or cardiac MRI and/or coronary CT angiography performed within 2 months after ET realization. Results: From November 2020 to December 2022, 4098 ETs were performed. After exclusion (normal ETs = 2194; known CAD = 1109; age < 35 years old = 487; congenital heart disease = 59; mitral valve prolapse = 4), 46 patients with EIPVC were finally identified (male 65%, mean age 61.5 ± 11 years), and 71 in group B. CAD was confirmed using additional tests in 5/46 (11%) patients in group A versus 38/71 (54%) in group B (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Amongst patients without known CAD, the presence of EIPVC was less frequently associated with an underlying CAD, compared to the presence of exercise-induced “electrical” ischaemia.

Cardiac Ablation in the Pediatric Population at a Tertiary Care Center in a Developing Country.

The aim of this study was to describe our experience and outcome of ablation therapy for arrhythmias in pediatrics at a tertiary care center. Data was collected retrospectively from the hospital medical records. All pediatrics presenting to AUBMC between 2000 and 2020 who underwent cardiac ablation were included. The data collected included type of arrhythmia, ablation technique, age and weight at ablation, procedure complications, medications used, and outcome assessment. We had 67 patients who underwent cardiac ablation. Of those, 60% were males with a mean age of 15 years. Structural heart disease was present in 6% of patients. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) was most prevalent at 31%, followed by atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) at 24%, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) at 16%, ventricular tachycardia (VT) at 10%, atrial fibrillation (AF) at 3%, and atrial tachycardia (AT) at 1%. The remaining 15% of patients presented with less common types of arrhythmias, including other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), retrograde dual atrioventricular nodal reentry, and premature ventricular contractions (PVC). Antiarrhythmic medications were started before the procedure in 59% of our population. Medication regimens postablation included beta-blockers (68%), type 1c antiarrhythmics (25%), calcium channel blockers (3%), ivabradine (2%), and amiodarone (2%). The completed procedures showed a success rate of 93%. Ablation of arrhythmias in pediatrics is an effective procedure in the treatment of childhood arrhythmias. More studies are needed on cardiac ablation in this age group and those with structural heart disease in the Middle East region.

Anatomical versus Electrophysiological Approach for Ablation of Premature Ventricular Contractions Originating from the Left Ventricular Summit (ISESHIMA-SUMMIT Study).

Catheter ablation (CA) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from the epicardial left ventricular summit is challenging. The endocardial approach targets two sites: the endocardial closest site (ECS) to the epicardial earliest activation site (epi-EAS) and the endocardial EAS (endo-EAS). We aimed to differentiate between cases where CA at the ECS was effective and where CA at the endocardial EAS yielded success. Fifty-eight patients (47 men, 60±13 years) were analyzed with VAs in which the EAS was observed in the coronary venous system (CVS). Overall, VAs were successfully eliminated in 42 (72%) patients; 8 in the CVS, 8 where the ECS matched with the endo-EAS, 11 at the ECS, and 15 at the endo-EAS. Successful ECS ablation was associated with a shorter epi-EAS-ECS distance (10.2±4.7 vs. 18.8±5.3 mm; P<0.001) and shorter epi-EAS-left main coronary trunk (LMT) ostial distance (20.3±7.6 vs. 30.3±8.4 mm; P=0.005), with optimal cut-off values of ≤12.6 mm and ≤24.0 mm, respectively. Successful endo-EAS ablation was associated with an earlier electrogram at the endo-EAS (23 [18, 36] vs. 15 [0, 19] ms preceding the QRS; P<0.001) and shorter epi-EAS-endo-EAS interval (6 [1, 8] vs. 22 [12, 25] ms; P<0.001), with optimal cut-off values of ≥18 ms and ≤9 ms, respectively. Shorter anatomical distances between the epi-EAS and ECS, and between the epi-EAS and LMT ostium, predict a successful ECS ablation. The prematurity of the endo-EAS electrogram and a shorter interval between the epi-EAS and endo-EAS predicted a successful endo-EAS ablation.

The Prognosis of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Beats in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognosis of idiopathic premature ventricular beats (PVBs) in children. We retrospectively evaluated 73 children (<18 years old) with idiopathic PVBs and structurally normal hearts. All patients were evaluated by 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography at the first admission and followed with a mean of 27 ± 7.6 months after diagnosis. Baseline Holter ECG and echocardiographic findings were compared to the last visit. The mean age of the patients was 11.1 ± 4.8 years, and half were symptomatic at initial examination. Baseline Holter showed complex beats in 35 cases, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in 7 cases, and frequent PVBs in 19 cases. Complete recovery (CR) of PVBs was observed in 37 cases (50.7%) at a median of 15 (minimum: 5, maximum: 33) months after diagnosis. There were no significant differences in CR rates between patient groups with left bundle branch block (LBBB) vs. right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology of PVBs, simple vs. complex PVBs, and daytime vs. nighttime dominance of PVBs (P > .05 for all parameters). The CR rate of PVBs was different among patients with infrequent, moderate, and frequent PVBs (62.8%, 36.4%, and 31.6%, respectively). Premature ventricular beats disappeared more often during follow-up in patients with infrequent PVBs (P = .045). However, the absolute decrease and disappearance rates of PVBs were similar across all groups (72.1%, 81.8%, and 89.5%, respectively; P = .319). The resolution rates of PVBs were not statistically different between the patient group who received pharmacological treatment and the group who followed up without treatment (P = .070). No myocardial dysfunction was observed in any patient during follow-up. No cases experienced major cardiac events. Idiopathic PVBs usually regress in childhood regardless of frequency and complexity or receiving antiarrhythmic medication. The risk of ventricular dysfunction is low during childhood; however, they require careful evaluation and follow-up.

Clinical and electrocardiographic predictors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions

Objectives: Tachycardiomyopathy is a well-known phenomenon with reduction in left ventricular (LV) systolic function. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on LV diastolic function in patients with idiopathic PVCs. Methods: We included 63 patients who are candidates to undergo radiofrequency ablation due to idiopathic PVCs (27 male, 36 female; mean age 47.9 ±16.6 years). Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction. The percentage of PVC burden was calculated by dividing the daily PVC burden by the total heart beat per day. Coupling interval ratio was calculated with the formula of Coupling interval ratio = (Coupling interval/sinus cycle length)x100. Results: Age, presence of q wave in D2-D3, daily PVC burden, percentage of PVC burden, left atrial volume index, intervenricular septum thickness, and mitral E/e’ ratio were significantly higher; male gender, peak E-wave velocity, lateral and septal annular e' velocity were significantly lower in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction. Daily PVC burden and percentage of PVC burden were positively correlated with mitral E/e’ ratio and negatively correlated with lateral annular e' velocity. The coupling interval ratio was positively correlated with mitral E/e’ ratio. Age, daily PVC burden, and percentage of PVC burden were independent predictors of increased mitral E/e’ ratio. The cutoff value of the percentage of PVC burden was 15.59% for prediction of LV diastolic dysfunction (sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity: 66.7%). Conclusions: Daily PVC burden, percentage of PVC burden, and coupling interval ratio are correlated with echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function.

Ferric carboxymaltose reduces the burden of arrhythmic events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the role of the non-invasive arrhythmic biomarkers

BackgroundTreating iron deficiency (ID) with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) enhances morbidity, quality of life (QoL), and exercise capacity. MethodsThis single center, prospective follow-up study aims to assess FCM's impact on arrhythmic events and non-invasive markers in HFrEF patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and ID. Symptomatic HFrEF patients with ID and CIEDs scheduled for IV FCM were followed for 12-months. Arrhythmic activity was evaluated from CIEDs and non-invasive markers from Holter recordings pre- and post-FCM. Ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) episodes, non-sustained VT (nsVT), late potentials (LPs), Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA), heart rate variability, turbulence (HRT) QTc, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs, number and Lown and Wolf classification) were assessed. Left ventricular EF (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), QoL (KCCQ, EQ-5D-5L), six-minute walking distance (6MWD), peak oxygen consumption, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were also recorded. ResultsNinety-six patients in optimal medical treatment participated (median age 71.9 [12.3] years, 83% male). Post-FCM treatment, VT/VF (P=0.043) and nsVT (P<0.001) frequency decreased significantly. The Lown and Wolf classification improved (P=0.002) and predicted VT/VF episodes better than other markers (AUC 0.737, P=.001). MTWA, LPs and HRT improved statistically significantly post-FCM. Hospitalization rates and NT-proBNP levels decreased, while LVEF, LV GLS, 6MWD, QoL and peak VO2 improved statistically significantly (P<0.001). ConclusionsOur study provides real-world evidence that IV FCM led to statistically significant reduction in ventricular arrhythmic episodes, as well as an improvement in non-invasive arrhythmic markers.

УРОВЕНЬ Р-СЕЛЕКТИНА, ИНТЕГРИНА-Β3 В ПЛАЗМЕ КРОВИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ИШЕМИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ СЕРДЦА ПОСЛЕ ЧРЕСКОЖНОГО КОРОНАРНОГО ВМЕШАТЕЛЬСТВА

Background. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Modern treatment methods, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), have significantly improved patients’ outcomes. However, the risk of stent restenosis remains a significant problem. Objective. To determine the levels of biochemical markers (P-selectin and integrin-β3) in the plasma of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to evaluate the effectiveness of various models for predicting in-stent restenosis. Material and methods. The study included 209 CAD patients divided into four groups: healthy individuals, patients with chronic CAD without indications for invasive coronary angiography, patients with CAD who underwent elective PCI, and patients with in-stent restenosis. Plasma levels of P-selectin and integrin-β3 were measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. In-stent restenosis occurred in 12 patients (8.05%) after elective PCI. Analysis showed that P-selectin and integrin-β3 levels did not have statistically significant differences between patient groups. The predictive model including BMI, ventricular extrasystole, number of stents, diabetes mellitus, and multifocal atherosclerotic coronary artery disease showed the best key metrics efficiency. Conclusion. P-selectin and integrin-β3 levels did not show significant differences in patients with in-stent restenosis. The model including BMI, VE, number of stents, DM, and MFCAD is the most effective for predicting restenosis recurrence.

Hypertension-induced heart failure disrupts cardiac sympathetic innervation.

About 26 million people worldwide live with heart failure (HF), and hypertension is the primary cause in 25% of these cases. Autonomic dysfunction and sympathetic hyperactivity accompany cardiovascular diseases, including HF. However, changes in cardiac sympathetic innervation in HF are not well understood. We hypothesized that cardiac sympathetic innervation is disrupted in hypertension-induced HF. Male and female C57BL6/J mice were infused with Angiotensin II (AngII) for 4 weeks to generate hypertension leading to HF; controls were infused with saline. AngII-treated mice displayed HF phenotype including reduced cardiac function, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. AngII-treated mice also had significantly reduced sympathetic nerve density in the left ventricle, intraventricular septum, and right ventricle. In the left ventricle, the subepicardium remained normally innervated, while the subendocardium was almost devoid of sympathetic nerves. Loss of sympathetic fibers led to loss of norepinephrine content in the left ventricle. Several potential triggers for axon degeneration were tested and ruled out. AngII-treated mice had increased premature ventricular contractions after isoproterenol and caffeine injection. Although HF can induce a cholinergic phenotype and neuronal hypertrophy in stellate ganglia, AngII treatment did not induce a cholinergic phenotype or activation of trophic factors in this study. Cardiac neurons in the left stellate ganglion were significantly smaller in AngII-treated mice, while neurons in the right stellate were unchanged. Our findings show that AngII-induced HF disrupts sympathetic innervation, particularly in the left ventricle. Further investigations are imperative to unveil the mechanisms of denervation in HF and to develop neuromodulatory therapies for patients with autonomic imbalance.

Outcome of Repeat Ablation for Premature Ventricular Contractions in Patients with Prior Ablation Failure: Impact of Advanced Techniques

Outcome of Repeat Ablation for Premature Ventricular Contractions in Patients with Prior Ablation Failure: Impact of Advanced Techniques

Ablation of Premature Ventricular Complexes originating from Papillary Muscle using Pulsed Field Energy: The First in USA Experience

Ablation of Premature Ventricular Complexes originating from Papillary Muscle using Pulsed Field Energy: The First in USA Experience

The Association of High Burden Premature Ventricular Contractions with Esophageal/Upper GI Diseases

Six patients in our clinical program who were diagnosed with high burden (&gt;10%) premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and concomitant significant upper GI disease with no other significant cardiac history demonstrated a significant reduction in the burden of PVCs following surgical or procedural interventions of the upper GI tract (68.34% reduction, p = 0.024). Furthermore, in all cases, the origin of the PVCs was from the base of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This is the first report in the literature that we are aware of that makes the unique association that we propose a dual mechanism of action of the upper GI and vagally mediated PVCs and through direct, anatomical extrinsic triggering of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) of the heart. These are very preliminary findings that warrant larger clinical and mechanistic studies that if confirmed, may define a new physiologic subset of PVCs for which we propose a new term, “E-PVCs”.