Commotio cordis (conmoción cardíaca) en un niño. Reporte de un caso / Commotio cordis (cardiac concussion) in a child. A case report

Commotio cordis o conmoción cardíaca es un síndrome arritmogénico mecano-eléctrico raro y mortal. Es la segunda causa de muerte súbita en atletas jóvenes. Se asocia con una lesión que se produce durante la práctica deportiva, en la que un proyectil impacta a alta velocidad en el precordio y provoca una arritmia que conduce a la muerte inmediata del individuo sin una reanimación cardíaca. En las autopsias, los corazones son estructuralmente sanos. Con el conocimiento de este síndrome y las capacitaciones de reanimación cardiorrespiratoria a la comunidad, las tasas de supervivencia han mejorado. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir un paciente que llegó a nuestro hospital con conmotio cordis y su evolución, enfatizando la importancia de medidas de prevención y capacitación de la población en técnicas de reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso del desfibrilador externo automático para la supervivencia de los pacientes que sufren esta entidad.

Commotio cordis or cardiac concussion is a rare and fatal mechano-electric arrhythmogenic syndrome. It is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. It is most commonly associated with a sports-related injury, wherein, there is a high-velocity impact between a projectile and the precordium, causing arrhythmia that leads to the immediate death of the individual without cardiac resuscitation. On autopsy, the heart is structurally normal. With increasing awareness of this condition and community training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, survival rates have been improving. The objective of this study is to describe the case of a patient who arrived at our hospital with commotio cordis and his course, emphasizing the importance of prevention and training of the population in cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and the use of the automated external defibrillator for the survival of patients suffering from commotio cordis.

Recomendaciones conjuntas sobre la evaluación cardiovascular para la realización de ejercicio y deporte en personas menores de 35 años / Joint recommendations on cardiovascular assessment regarding exercise and sports in people under 35 / Recomendações conjuntas sobre avaliação cardiovascular para exercícios e esportes em pessoas com menos de 35 anos de idade

Se presentan, en un trabajo conjunto, las recomendaciones para la evaluación cardiovascular de personas menores de 35 años que realizan ejercicio y deportes. Se establecen pautas en cuanto a la valoración y la habilitación que tendrá dicha evaluación, quiénes estarán a cargo de su realización y cuáles son los componentes fundamentales de una correcta valoración cardiovascular. Se toman en cuenta los antecedentes familiares y personales, el examen físico exhaustivo y se considera conveniente la realización del ECG como parte integrante obligatorio. Se hacen referencia a otros estudios funcionales como opcionales, así como la posible derivación a los especialistas cuando se considere necesario.

We hereby present joint recommendations for cardiovascular assessment of people under 35 years of age who do exercise and sports. We set the guidelines regarding evaluation and score of such assessment, the agents in charge of implementing it and the main components of a correct cardiovascular assessment. We take into account the family and personal history and perform a comprehensive physical examination as well as an ECG as a mandatory part of this comprehensive approach. We mention other optional functional studies as well as reference to specialists whenever necessary.

Apresentamos através dum paper conjunto recomendações para a avaliação cardiovascular de pessoas de 35 anos de idade que praticam exercício e esportes. Estabelecem-se as diretrizes quanto à qualificação dessa avaliação, quem a realizará e quais são os componentes fundamentais de uma correta avaliação cardiovascular. Consideramos obrigatório incluir a história familiar e pessoal, o exame físico exaustivo e o ECG opcional. Referimo-nos a outros estudos funcionais opcionais, assim como ao possível encaminhamento para especialistas quando for necessário.

Prediction of sudden cardiac death for chagasic patients / Predição de morte súbita cardíaca em pacientes chagásicos / Predicción de muerte súbita cardíaca en pacientes chagásicos federados

Objective: Identify the risk of patients with Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) to prevent them from having Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Methods: We developed an SCD prediction system using a heterogeneous dataset of chagasic patients evaluated in 9 state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to select the most critical clinical variables and predict SCD in chagasic patients even when the interval between the most recent exams and the SCD event is months or years. Results: 310 patients were analyzed, being 81 (14,7%) suffering from SCD. In the study, Balanced Random Forest showed the best performance, with AUC:80.03 and F1:75.12. Due to their high weights in the machine learning classifiers, we suggest Holter - Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia, Total Ventricular Extrasystoles, Left Ventricular Systolic Diameter, Syncope, and Left Ventricular Diastolic Diameter as essential features to identify SCD. Conclusion: The high-risk pattern of SCD in patients with CCC can be identified and prevented based on clinical and laboratory variables.

Objetivo: Identificar o risco de pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Chagásica Crônica (CCC) para prevenir a Morte Súbita Cardíaca (MSC). Métodos: Desenvolvemos um sistema de MSC usando um conjunto de dados heterogêneo de pacientes chagásicos avaliados em 9 algoritmos de aprendizado de máquina de última geração para selecionar as variáveis clínicas mais críticas e prever MSC em pacientes chagásicos mesmo quando o intervalo mais recente entre os mais recentes exames e o evento MSC é meses ou anos. Resultados: Foram analisados 310 pacientes, sendo 81 (14,7%) portadores de CCC. No estudo, o algoritmo Balanced Random Forest apresentou o melhor desempenho, com AUC:80,03 e F1:75,12. Devido ao seu alto peso nos classificadores de aprendizado de máquina, sugerimos Holter - Taquicardia Ventricular Não Sustentada, Extrassístoles Ventriculares Totais, Diâmetro Sistólico do Ventrículo Esquerdo, Síncope e Diâmetro Diastólico do Ventrículo Esquerdo como características essenciais para identificar a CCC. Conclusão: O padrão de alto risco de MSC em pacientes com CCC pode ser identificado e prevenido com base em variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais.

Objetivo: Identificar el riesgo de los pacientes con Miocardiopatía Chagásica Crónica (MCC) para evitar que presenten Muerte Cardíaca Súbita (MCS). Métodos: Desarrollamos un sistema MCS utilizando un conjunto de datos heterogéneo de pacientes chagásicos evaluados en 9 algoritmos de aprendizaje automático de última generación para seleccionar las variables clínicas más críticas y predecir MCS en pacientes chagásicos incluso cuando el intervalo más reciente entre los más recientes exámenes y el evento MCS es meses o años. Resultados: Se analizaron 310 pacientes, siendo 81 (14,7%) con MSC. En el estudio, Balanced Random Forest mostró el mejor desempeño, con AUC:80.03 y F1:75.12. Debido a su alto peso en los clasificadores de aprendizaje automático, sugerimos Holter - Taquicardia ventricular no sostenida, Extrasístoles ventriculares totales, Diámetro sistólico del ventrículo izquierdo, Síncope y Diámetro diastólico del ventrículo izquierdo como características esenciales para identificar la MSC. Conclusión: El patrón de alto riesgo de MSC en pacientes con MCC se puede identificar y prevenir con base en variables clínicas y de laboratorio.

Research Progress on Sport-Related Sudden Cardiac Death / 法医学杂志

Physical exercise can reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease, prolong lifespan and improve the quality of life, but some studies have shown that there is a certain correlation between vigorous physical exercise and sudden cardiac death. A number of retrospective or prospective studies on sports-related sudden cardiac death (SrSCD) have been conducted at home and abroad. This article reviews the related studies on the definition, epidemiological characteristics, common causes of SrSCD and effects of excercise on cardiovascular function, pre-exercise screening and evaluation of SrSCD, in order to understand the latest research progress on SrSCD and provide clues and references for SrSCD research.

Epidemiology of Sports-Related Sudden Death in Guangdong Province / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#By retrospective study of the epidemiological characteristics of sports-related sudden death (SrSD), the risk factors associated with SrSD were analyzed and explored to provide a scientific basis for comprehensive prevention and treatment of SrSD.@*METHODS@#The personal information (sex, age, occupation, etc.), case information (time, place, type of sports, relative time between SrSD occurrence and exercise, etc.), death related information (sign or prodrome, medical history and surgical history, etc.), rescue situation (witnesses, on-site assistance, the availability of paramedics, etc.) of 374 SrSD cases in Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2021 were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted aiming at the key factors.@*RESULTS@#In the 374 cases, there were significantly more males than females (19.78:1); the number of people aged between >39 and 59 was the largest (151, 40.37%); non-manual workers (68.98%) were more than manual workers; the top three sports with the highest number cases were basketball (34.49%), running (19.52%) and badminton (12.03%); from 3 pm to 9 pm (63.10%) was the time period with the highest incidence of events; sudden death mainly occurred during exercise (75.27%) and within 1 h after exercise (20.05%); the on-site rescue rate was very low (6.15%); the rate of autopsies was extremely low (1.07%); sudden cardiac death was the most common cause (67.11%).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SrSD is most common in males aged >39 to 59 years old, mostly in non-manual workers, and usually occurs in basketball and running. Sudden death is more likely to occur during exercise and within 1 h after exercise. Therefore, the above potential risk factors should be focused on and studied in daily comprehensive prevention and treatment to provide scientific basis for accurate prevention and first aid of such sudden death.

Submammary placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a Singapore plastic surgeon experience

The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in young women has been increasing in recent years owing to greater awareness about inherited cardiac conditions that increase the risk of sudden death. Traditional placement of ICDs in the infraclavicular region among young women often leads to visible scars, a constant prominence that causes irritation from purse or bra straps and can result in body image concerns and device-related emotional distress. In this case series, two women with long QT syndrome required placement of ICDs for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Submammary placement of ICDs was performed in collaboration with electrophysiologists. We describe our local experience and technique in submammary placement of ICDs as well as the challenges faced.

Application Prospects and Prospect of Metabolomics in the Identification of Sudden Cardiac Death / 法医学杂志

In cases of sudden death, the prevention of sudden cardiac death and the analysis of the cause of death after sudden cardiac death have always been a difficult problem. Therefore, clinical research and forensic pathological identification of sudden cardiac death are of great significance. In recent years, metabolomics has gradually developed into a popular field of life science research. The detection of "metabolic fingerprints" of biological fluids can provide an important basis for early diagnosis of diseases and the discovery of potential biomarkers. This article reviews the current research status of sudden cardiac death and the research on metabolomics of cardiovascular diseases that is closely related to sudden cardiac death and analyzes the application prospects of metabolomics in the identification of the cause of sudden cardiac death.

Recomendaciones conjuntas sobre la evaluación cardiovascular para la realización de ejercicio y deporte en personas menores de 35 años / Recommendations for cardiovascular evaluation of people under 35 years of age who perform exercise and sports are presented in a joint work / As recomendações para a avaliação cardiovascular de menores de 35 anos que praticam exercícios e esportes são apresentadas num trabalho conjunto

Se presentan, en un trabajo conjunto, las recomendaciones para la evaluación cardiovascular de personas menores de 35 años que realizan ejercicio y deportes. Se establecen pautas en cuanto a la valoración y la habilitación que tendrá dicha evaluación, quiénes estarán a cargo de su realización y cuáles son los componentes fundamentales de una correcta valoración cardiovascular. Se toman en cuenta los antecedentes familiares y personales, el examen físico exhaustivo y se considera conveniente la realización del electrocardiograma como parte integrante obligatorio. Se hacen referencia a otros estudios funcionales como opcionales, así como la posible derivación a los especialistas cuando se considere necesario.

Guidelines are established regarding the assessment and qualification that said evaluation will have, who will be in charge of carrying it out and what are the fundamental components of a correct cardiovascular evaluation. The family and personal history and an exhaustive physical examination are taken into account and the performance of the electrocardiogram is considered advisable as a mandatory integral part. Reference is made to other functional studies as optional as well as possible referral to specialists when deemed necessary.

Estabelecem-se as diretrizes quanto à avaliação e qualificação que terá essa avaliação, quem se encarregará de realizá-la e quais são os componentes fundamentais de uma correta avaliação cardiovascular. A história familiar e pessoal, o exame físico exaustivo são levados em consideração e a realização do electrocardiograma é considerada aconselhável como parte integrante obrigatória. É feita referência a outros estudos funcionais como opcional, bem como possível encaminhamento para especialistas quando considerado necessário.

Perfil de riesgo en fallecidos por infarto agudo de miocardio en atención pre- hospitalaria: 2017-2019 / Risk profile of deaths from acute myocardial infarction in pre-hospital care: 2017-2019

Antecedente: El infarto miocárdico es un problema de salud global. El conocimiento del perfil de riesgo podría con- tribuir a planificar intervenciones sobre todo en la atención prima- ria. Objetivo: Describir el perfil de riesgo en fallecidos por infarto miocárdico en la atención pre-hospitalaria en Florida, Cuba entre 2017 y 2019. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retros- pectivo de los 53 fallecidos por infarto miocárdico en la atención pre-hospitalaria en el municipio Florida. Los datos se obtuvieron del registro de fallecidos, historias clínicas, y de la autopsia verbal realizada a familiares. Resultados: Predominaron los hombres con 67.9% (36), el color de piel blanca 35.8% (19) y el grupo de edad entre 60 a 69 años 30.2% (16). El edema agudo del pulmón representado por 37.8% y la insuficiencia cardiaca 24.3%, fueron las complicaciones más frecuentes. La mayoría de los pacientes fallecieron en domicilio 35.9% (19) y el 22.6% (12) fallecieron en traslado no sanitario hacia hospitales. Procedían de áreas urba- nas 56.6%. La hipertensión arterial 73.6%, el tabaquismo 66.0%, y obesidad 52.8% fueron los factores de riesgo modificables más identificados. Tener más de 3 factores de riesgo y mayor demora en ser admitido influyó negativamente en la sobrevida. La morta- lidad fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con elevación del segmento ST en 74.2%. Discusión: Existió un comportamien- to similar al revisado en la literatura en cuanto a riesgos y tiempo en llegar al hospital. La atención pre-hospitalaria al IAM es el punto más crítico en el abordaje de esta entidad...(AU)

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator prevents sudden death in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Chagas disease (CD), with approximately 10,000 deaths annually, has become a worldwide health problem. Approximately 35% of cases may show cardiac manifestations such as arrhythmias and/or conduction disorders, heart failure, thromboembolic accidents, and sudden death. The Amazon region has long been considered a non-endemic area for CD; however, in the last decades, with an increase in the number of acute and chronic cases, disease evolution has received greater attention. Here, we report the successful implementation of a cardioverter-defibrillator for the prevention of sudden death in a patient with autochthonous Chagas cardiomyopathy in the Brazilian Amazon.

Discordância entre Diretrizes Internacionais sobre Critérios de Prevenção Primária de Morte Súbita na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica / Discrepancy between International Guidelines on the Criteria for Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Resumo Fundamento A estratificação de risco para morte súbita (MS) na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) baseia-se em algoritmos distintos propostos pela diretriz norte-americana, ACCF/AHA 2011 e europeia, ESC 2014. Objetivo Analisar o modelo ESC 2014 na determinação do risco de MS e indicação de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) em prevenção primária na CMH por meio de confrontação com a normativa norte-americana. Métodos Foi avaliada uma coorte de pacientes com CMH, calculado o escore ESC HCM-Risk-SCD e analisada a concordância dos critérios de indicação de CDI entre as duas diretrizes pelo coeficiente de Kappa. O nível de significância adotado nas análises estatísticas foi de 5%. Resultados Em 90 pacientes consecutivos, seguidos por 6±3 anos, o escore calculado foi de 3,2±2,5%. Os preditores que mais contribuíram para o cálculo nas faixas de baixo (1,88% [1,42-2,67]), médio (5,17% [4,89-5,70]) e alto risco (7,82% [7,06-9,19]) foram espessura parietal máxima do ventrículo esquerdo (1,60% [1,25-2,02] ; 3,20% [3,18-3,36] ; 4,46% [4,07-5,09]), diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (0,97% [0,83-1,21]; 1,86% [1,67-2,40]; 2,48% [2,21-3,51]) e idade (-0,91% [0,8-1,13]; -1,90% [1,12-2,03]; -2,34% [1,49-2,73]). O modelo europeu reduziu as recomendações de CDI em 32 (36%) pacientes. Entre os 43 (48%) em classe IIa pela ACCF/AHA , 8 (18%) migraram para IIb e 24 (56%) para III. Baixa concordância foi identificada entre as duas sistematizações, Kappa = 0,355, p = 0,0001. Dos 8 (9%) pacientes com MS ou choque apropriado, 4 (50%) atingiram indicação IIa pela ACCF/AHA , mas nenhum pela ESC . Conclusão Baixa concordância foi identificada entre as diretrizes analisadas. O novo modelo reduziu as indicações de CDI, notadamente em classe IIa, mas deixou desprotegida a totalidade de pacientes com MS ou choque apropriado. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):197-204)

Abstract Background Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is based on different algorithms proposed by the 2011 ACCF/AHA and 2014 ESC guidelines. Objective To analyze the 2014 ESC model for SCD risk stratification and primary prevention ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) in HCM in comparison to the North American guideline. Methods An HCM cohort was evaluated and the ESC HCM-Risk SCD score was calculated. Agreement of ICD recommendations criteria between the two guidelines was analyzed with Kappa coefficient. P<0.05 was adopted for the statistical analysis. Results In 90 consecutive patients followed for 6±3 years, the mean calculated ESC risk score was 3.2±2.5%. The risk predictors that have mainly contributed to the score calculation in the low (1.88% [1.42-2.67]), intermediate (5.17% [4.89-5.70]) and high-risk (7.82% [7.06-9.19]) categories were: maximal left ventricular wall thickness (1.60% [1.25-2.02]; 3.20% [3.18-3.36]; 4.46% [4.07-5.09]), left atrial diameter (0.97% [0.83-1.21]; 1.86% [1.67-2.40]; 2.48% [2.21-3.51]) and age (-0.91% [0.8-1.13]; -1.90% [1.12-2.03]; -2.34% [1.49-2.73]). The European model decreased the ICD recommendations in 32 (36%) patients. Among the 43 (48%) individuals with class IIa recommendation under the 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline, 8 (18%) were downgraded to class IIb and 24 (56%) to class III. Low agreement was found between the two systems: Kappa=0.355 and p=0.0001. In 8 (9%) patients with SCD or appropriate shock, 4 (50%) met class IIa indication with the 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline, but none achieved this class of recommendation with the 2014 ESC model. Conclusion Low agreement was found between the two strategies. The novel ESC model decreased the ICD recommendations, especially in those with class IIa recommendation, but left unprotected all patients with SCD or appropriate shock. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):197-204)

Cardio protected areas in Mexico / Áreas cardioprotegidas en México

Abstract Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

Resumen La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Cost-utility analysis of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator for the treatment of patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure in Colombia / Análisis de costo-utilidad del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable para el tratamiento de pacientes colombianos con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association

Abstract Introduction: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reduces the probability of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure. Objective: To determine the cost-utility relationship of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator compared to optimal pharmacological therapy for patients with ischemic or nonischemic New York Heart Association class II or III (NYHA II-III) heart failure in Colombia. Materials and methods: We developed a Markov model including costs, effectiveness, and quality of life from the perspective of the Colombian health system. For the baseline case, we adopted a time horizon of 10 years and discount rates of 3% for costs and 3.5% for benefits. The transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. The outcome used was the quality-adjusted life years. We calculated the costs by consulting with the manufacturers of the device offered in the Colombian market and using national-level pricing manuals. We conducted probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. Results: In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was USD$ 13,187 per quality-adjusted life year gained. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the gross domestic product per capita as a reference (USD$ 19,139 in 2017), the device would be a cost-effective strategy for the Colombian health system. However, the result may change according to the time horizon, the probability of death, and the price of the device. Conclusions: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure would be a cost-effective strategy for Colombia. The results should be examined considering the uncertainty

Resumen Introducción. El uso del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable reduce la probabilidad de muerte súbita en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo. Determinar la relación de costo-utilidad de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable comparado con la terapia farmacológica óptima para pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association (NYHA II-III) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un modelo de Markov que incluyó los costos, la efectividad y la calidad de vida desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano. Para el caso de base, se adoptó un horizonte temporal de 10 años y una tasa de descuento de 3 % para los costos y de una 3,5 % para los beneficios. Las probabilidades de transición se obtuvieron de una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Los años de vida ajustados por calidad se usaron como resultado de salud. Para estimar los costos unitarios se usaron manuales tarifarios nacionales y, para los costos del dispositivo, se consultó a los fabricantes que lo comercializan en el mercado colombiano. Se hicieron análisis de sensibilidad probabilísticos y determinísticos. Resultados. En el caso base el costo adicional por año de vida ajustado por calidad ganado con el desfibrilador cardioversor implantable fue de USD$ 13,187. Usando un umbral de tres veces el producto interno bruto per cápita como referencia (USD$ 19.139 en 2017), el dispositivo sería costo-efectivo para el sistema de salud colombiano. Sin embargo, este resultado depende del horizonte temporal, de la probabilidad de muerte y del precio del dispositivo. Conclusiones. El uso de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable sería una estrategia costo-efectiva para Colombia, aunque los resultados deben examinarse teniendo en cuenta la incertidumbre.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Sports: Why Its Prevalence is So Different by Gender?

Sports competition can be a trigger to fatal arrhythmias in predisposed individuals, leading to sudden cardiac death. Athletes have 2.8 fold more risk of sudden cardiac death than non-athletes. However, female athletes seem to have some cardiac protection, dying suddenly much less than men during sports. Although the mechanisms for this protection have not been well established until now, hormonal, genetic and molecular factors may play a role in it. The so-called "fair sex" might harbour the key for sudden cardiac death prevention

Update on Sports Participation for Athletes with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Prior statements have recommended restriction from competitive sports participation for all athletes with ICDs. Recent data, however, suggests that many athletes can participate in sports without adverse events. In the ICD Sports Registry, 440 athletes, aged 8-60 years, 77 of which were high-level interscholastic athletes, who had continued to practice sports, were prospectively followed for 4 years, with no deaths or failures to defibrillate during practice, and no injuries related to arrhythmia or shock during sports. Shocks did occur, for ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. While more athletes received shocks during physical activity than at rest, there were no differences between competition or practice, versus other physical activity. Programming with higher rate cut-offs and longer durations was associated with fewer inappropriate shocks, with no increase in syncope. Based on this study, current recommendations now state that returning to competition may be considered for an athlete with an ICD. In considering this decision, the underlying disease and type of sport should be discussed, and shared decision-making between doctor, patient, and often family, is critical

Basic and clinical insights in catecholaminergic (familial) polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Abstract Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a potentially lethal disease, whose characteristic ventricular tachycardias are adrenergic-dependent. Although rare, CPVT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young individuals with exercise-induced syncope. Mutations in five different genes (RYR2, CASQ2, CALM1, TRDN, and TECRL) are associated with the CPVT phenotype, although RYR2 missense mutations are implicated in up to 60 % of all CPVT cases. Genetic testing has an essential role in the diagnosis, management, pre-symptomatic diagnosis, counseling, and treatment of the proband; furthermore, genetic information can be useful for offspring and relatives. By expert consensus, CPVT gene testing is a Class I recommendation for patients with suspected CPVT. Beta-adrenergic and calcium-channel blockers are the cornerstones of treatment due to the catecholaminergic dependence of the arrhythmias. Unresponsive patients are treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. In the present article, a brief review of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of this intriguing disease is provided.