Orthodromic Atrioventricular Tachycardia in Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome with Two Accessory Pathways Participation during the Same AVT

Case report of a 49-year-old patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, very symptomatic, with apparent parahisian pathway who, during an electrophysiological study, presented orthodromic atrioventricular tachycardia, featuring two accessory pathways, retrogradely, the parahisian pathway and a hidden left posterolateral pathway, during the same tachycardia, alternating the retrograde pathway of tachycardia without interruption.

Anomalía de Ebstein y aneurisma del seno coronario / Ebstein’s anomaly and coronary sinus aneurysm

Resumen La anomalía de Ebstein es una cardiopatía congénita poco común que se asocia a la presencia de vías de conducción anómalas y episodios de taquicardia supraventricular frecuentes, algunos inestables. La asociación con alteraciones anatómicas del seno coronario es rara y no ha sido reportada. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 58 años con enfermedad coronaria, anomalía de Ebstein, episodios de taquicardia ortodrómica y aneurisma del seno coronario, a quien se realizó ablación.

Abstract Ebstein’s disease is a congenital cardiomyopathy, with a low prevalence in the general population. This abnormality has been associated with abnormal cardiac conduction problems, one of the most important being the accessory pathways. In the presence of an accessory pathway, frequent supraventricular tachycardias may occur, some of which are poorly tolerated. The association with the anomalies of the coronary sinus is not currently reported. The case of a 58-year-old woman with Ebstein’s disease, episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, and coronary sinus aneurysm undergoing ablation therapy is presented.

Duración de la onda P en las 12 derivaciones del electrocardiograma y su relación con el tiempo de conducción interauricular en pacientes con taquicardias paroxísticas supraventriculares / P wave duration in the 12 leads of the electrocardiogram and its relationship with interatrial conduction time in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias

RESUMEN Introducción: Existen algunos estudios que relacionan parámetros de la onda P con diferentes tiempos de conducción auricular, pero no se han realizado teniendo en cuenta a cada derivación del electrocardiograma. Objetivo: Determinar la duración de la onda P (Pdur) en las 12 derivaciones y relacionarlas con el tiempo de conducción interauricular. Método: Estudio de corte transversal en 153 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico confirmado de taquicardia por reentrada intranodal (TRIN) o vías accesorias mediante estudio electrofisiológico invasivo. Resultados: Al comparar la Pdur entre sustratos arrítmicos por cada derivación, no existieron diferencias significativas, excepto en V6. En las derivaciones DII, DIII, aVR, aVF, V1 y de V3-V6 la Pdur se correlacionó con el tiempo de conducción interauricular en ambos sustratos arrítmicos. En el análisis multivariado, la Pdur constituyó un predictor independiente de tiempos de conducción interauricular ≥ 95 percentil, en las derivaciones de cara inferior y en V3, V5 y V6. Se observaron altos valores del área bajo la curva de la Característica Operativa del Receptor en las derivaciones DII (0,950; p<0,001), DIII (0,850; p<0,001) y V5 (0,891; p<0,001). Conclusiones: No existen diferencias por derivación en la Pdur al comparar casos con TRIN y vías accesorias, excepto en V6. La mayoría de las derivaciones se correlacionaron con el tiempo de conducción interauricular. La Pdur fue un predictor independiente de tiempos de conducción interauricular ≥ 95 percentil. La derivación DII presenta la mayor capacidad discriminativa para encontrar valores prolongados del tiempo de conducción interauricular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although some studies relate P wave parameters to different atrial conduction times, they do not consider each electrocardiogram lead separately. Objective: To determine the duration of P wave (Pdur) in the 12 leads of the electrocardiogram and relate it to the interatrial conduction time. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 153 adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) or accessory pathways by invasive electrophysiological study. Results: When comparing the Pdur between arrhythmic substrates by each lead, no significant differences were found, except for V6. In leads II, III, aVR, aVF, V1 and V3-V6, Pdur was correlated with the interatrial conduction time in both arrhythmic substrates. In our multivariate analysis, the Pdur was an independent predictor of interatrial conduction times ≥ 95 percentile in inferior wall leads and in V3, V5 and V6. High values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were observed in II (0.950; p<0.001), III (0.850; p<0.001) and V5 (0.891; p<0.001) leads. Conclusions: The Pdur showed no difference by leads when comparing cases with AVNRT and accessory pathways, except for V6. Most of the leads were correlated with the interatrial conduction time; Pdur was an independent predictor of interatrial conduction times ≥ 95 percentile. Lead II has the greatest discriminatory ability to find prolonged values of interatrial conduction time.

Características electrocardiográficas de vías fascículo-ventriculares en pediatría: estudio comparativo con las vías accesorias anteroseptalesderechas / Electrocardiographic characteristics of fasciculo-ventricular accessory pathways in children: A comparative study with right anteroseptal accessory pathways

Resumen Objetivos: Las vías accesorias (VAc) fascículo-ventriculares (FV) tienen una localización anatómica similar a las VAcanteroseptales derechas (ASD) y comparten características electrocardiográficas. El objetivo es comparar características electrocardiográficas de las VAC FV con las de las ASD en pediatría. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con preexcitación manifiesta sometidos a estudio electrofisiológico. Las VAc FV se definieron por un intervalo HV ≤ 32ms y un alargamiento del AH sin modificación del HV, del grado o patrón de preexcitación ventricular durante la estimulación auricular. Tres observadores independientes y ciegos analizaron los ECG en cada grupo. Resultados: De 288 pacientes, 15 (5.2%) presentaban VAC FV y 14 VAC ASD (4.9%). El intervalo PR fue más largo en las VAc FV que en las ASD (113 ± 21 vs. 86 ± 13 ms respectivamente; p = < 0.001) y la duración del QRS fue menor (95 ± 12 vs. 137 ± 24 ms respectivamente; p = < 0.001). El ECG de las VAc FV presentó una deflexión rápida de baja amplitud previa al inicio del QRS en 13 de 15 pacientes (87%) y en 2 con VAc AV ASD (14%); (p = 0.003). Conclusiones: El intervalo PR fue más largo y el complejo QRS más angosto en la VAC FV respecto de las ASD. La presencia de una deflexión rápida de baja amplitud previa al inicio del QRS permitiría diferenciarlas de las aurículo-ventriculares ASD de manera no invasiva.

Abstract Objectives: Fasciculo-ventricular (FV) accessory pathways (AP's) and right anteroseptal (RAS) AP's share similar anatomic locations and electrocardiographic characteristics. The objective of this article is to compare these features in children. Methods: All patients with manifest pre-excitation who underwent an electrophysiological study were included. Fasciculo-ventricular AP's were defined by the presence of an HV inter- val ≤ 32 ms and a prolongation of the AH without changes in the HV interval, or the level of pre-excitation during atrial pacing. Three independent and blind observers analysed the ECG's in both groups. Results: Out of 288 patients, 15 (5.2%) had FV AP's and 14 (4.9%) right AS AP's. The PR interval was longer in FV AP's than in RAS (113 ± 21 vs 86 ± 13 ms respectively; P < .001) and the QRS was narrower (95 ± 12 vs 137 ± 24 ms respectively; P < .001). The ECG in patients with FV AP's showed a rapid low amplitude deflection at the begining of the QRS in 13 out of 15 patients (87%) and in 2 (14%) the RAS AP group (P = .003). Conclusions: The PR interval was longer and the QRS complex was narrower in patients with FV AP's. The presence of a rapid low amplitude deflection at the beginning of the QRS complex would allow to differentiate them from RAS AP's non-invasively.

Where We Can Find Bypass Tract in Ebstein's Anomaly?; a Case of Successful Ablation of Bypass Tract in Ebstein's Anomaly

In patients with Ebstein's anomaly, the localization of accessory pathways may be impeded by abnormal local electrograms recorded along the atrialized right ventricle and by the presence of multiple accessory pathways. We report a case of 50-year-old man diagnosed with Ebstein's anomaly with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who presented with recurrent palpitations. He was referred to our institution for radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the tricuspid valve displaced into the right ventricle, consistent with Ebstein's anomaly. The electrophysiology study showed a right posterolateral accessory pathway. The optimal ablation site was located not in the atrioventricular line of the atrialized ventricular portion, but in the original atrioventricular line.

Accuracy of the Electrocardiogram in Localizing the Accessory Pathway in Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern / Acurácia do Eletrocardiograma na Localização da Via Acessória em Pacientes com Padrão de Wolff-Parkinson-White

Abstract Background: There are currently several electrocardiographic algorithms to locate the accessory pathway (AP) in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Objective: To compare the ability of electrocardiographic algorithms in identifying the location of the AP in patients with WPW pattern referred for ablation. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study with 111 patients with WPW syndrome referred for AP ablation. The electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained prior to the ablation was analyzed by an experienced observer who consecutively applied seven algorithms to identify non-invasively the AP. We then compared the location estimated with this assessment with that obtained in the electrophysiological study and calculated the agreement rates. Results: Among the APs, 59 (53.15%) were distributed around the mitral annulus and the remaining 52 (46.85%) were located around the tricuspid annulus. The overall absolute accuracy of the algorithms evaluated varied between 27% and 47%, increasing to between 40% and 76% when we included adjacent locations. The absolute agreement rate by AP location was 2.00-52.20% for septal APs (n = 51), increasing to 5.90-90.20% when considering adjacent locations; 7.70-69.20% for right APs (n = 13), increasing to 42.90-100% when considering adjacent locations; and 21.70-54.50% for left APs (n = 47), increasing to 50-87% when considering adjacent locations. Conclusion: The agreement rates observed for the analyzed scores indicated a low discriminative ability of the ECG in locating the AP in patients with WPW.

Resumo Fundamento: Existem atualmente vários algoritmos eletrocardiográficos para localizar a via acessória (VA) em pacientes com síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW). Objetivo: Comparar a capacidade discriminativa dos algoritmos eletrocardiográficos na localização da VA no padrão de WPW em pacientes encaminhados para ablação. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, incluindo 111 pacientes com síndrome de WPW encaminhados para ablação da VA. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) prévio à ablação foi analisado por um observador experiente que aplicou consecutivamente sete algoritmos para identificar a VA de forma não invasiva. A localização estimada com esta avaliação foi comparada à obtida no estudo eletrofisiológico e as taxas de acerto foram calculadas. Resultados: Entre as VAs, 59 (53,15%) estavam distribuídas ao redor do anel mitral e as restantes 52 (46,85%) em torno do anel tricúspide. O acerto global absoluto dos algoritmos em estudo variou entre 27% e 47%, aumentando para 40% a 76% quando incluímos localizações adjacentes. O acerto absoluto em função da localização da VA foi o seguinte: para as VAs septais (n = 51) variou entre 2% e 52,20% (5,90% e 90,20% incluindo localizações adjacentes), para as VAs direitas (n = 13) variou entre 7,70% e 69,20% (42,90% e 100%, incluindo localizações adjacentes), para as VAs esquerdas (n = 47) variou entre 21,70% e 54,50% (50% a 87%, incluindo as localizações adjacentes). Conclusões: Os índices de acerto observados para os escores analisados indicaram uma reduzida capacidade discriminativa do ECG na localização da VA em pacientes com WPW.

Intermittent, subtle change of ST segment in narrow QRS regular tachycardia

No abstract available.

Radiofreqeuncy Catheter Ablation for Tachyarrhythmia / 대한내과학회지

Radiofrequency (RF) refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic waves can be generated by feeding an alternating current to an antenna. RF energy is electrically conducted, not radiated, during catheter ablation, and RF rarely induces rapid polymorphic arrhythmias. When using RF to measure lesion size in a steady state, the lesion size is proportional to the temperature measured at the tissue-electrode interface and the RF power amplitude. Focal ablation using RF is the treatment of choice for all supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, including AV nodal reentry, tachycardias with concealed accessory pathways, incessant automatic atrial tachycardia, isthmus dependent atrial flutter, and other macroreentrant atrial tachycardias. The isolation of pulmonary veins by RF energy has been successful for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Noninvasive localization of accessory pathways in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: a strain imaging study

Noninvasive techniques for the localization of the accessory pathways [APs] might help guide mapping procedures and ablation techniques. We sought to examine the diagnostic accuracy of strain imaging for the localization of the APs in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. We prospectively studied 25 patients [mean age = 32 +/- 17 years, 58.3% men] with evidence of pre-excitation on electrocardiography [ECG]. Electromechanical interval was defined as the time difference between the onset of delta wave and the onset of regional myocardial contraction. Time differences between the onset of delta wave [delta] and the onset of regional myocardial contraction [delta-So], peak systolic motion [delta-Sm], regional strain [delta-epsilon], peak strain [delta-epsilonp], and peak strain rate [delta-SRp] were measured. There was a significant difference between time to onset of delta wave to onset of peak systolic motion [mean +/- SD] in the AP location [A] and normal segments [B] versus that in the normal volunteers [C] [A: [57.08 +/- 23.88 msec] vs. B: [75.20 +/- 14.75] vs. C: [72.9 0 +/- 11.16]; p value [A vs. B] = 0.004 and p value [A vs. C] = 0.18] and [A: [49.17 +/- 35.79] vs. B: [67.60 +/- 14.51] vs. C: [67.40 +/- 6.06 msec]; p value [A vs. B] < 0.001 and p value [A vs. C] = 0.12, respectively]. Our study showed that strain imaging parameters [[delta-So] and [delta-Strain]] are superior to the ECG in the localization of the APs [84% vs. 76%]

Pulmonary vein antrum isolation of pre-excited atrial fibrillation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) of pre-excited atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. This study aimed to observe the therapeutic effects of PVAI on pre-excited AF.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-nine patients with pre-excited AF were prospectively divided into a PVAI group (group I, 19 cases) and a control group (group II, 10 cases). To each case in group I, PVAI was performed, and then electroanatomical mapping of accessory pathways (AP) and ablation were constructed on a three-dimensional (3D) map of the valve annulus. Only AP ablation was performed in each case of group II.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 29 cases, three were found to have dual APs, two had intermittent APs, and the remaining 24 had single APs. All APs were successfully ablated after the procedure. There were no significant statistical differences in the AP procedure duration ((77.4 ± 21.3) minutes vs. (85.3 ± 13.1) minutes), the AP ablation time ((204 ± 34) seconds vs. (223 ± 62) seconds) and the AP X-ray exposure time ((18.6 ± 4.4) minutes vs. (19.1 ± 4.5) minutes) respectively between groups I and II. As compared with the control group (5 of 10 cases, 50%), the PVAI group had a significantly lower AF recurrence rate (2 of 19 cases, 11%; P < 0.05) during follow-up of (20.5 ± 10.0) months. All seven patients who recurred were successfully abolished by a second ablation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In patients with pre-excited AF, PVAI is an effective therapeutic approach with a low AF recurrence rate. 3D electroanatomical maps of AP contributed to the high success rate of ablation without significantly prolonging of operational duration and X-ray exposure time.</p>

Successful Ablation of Resistant Left Lateral Accessory Pathway and Coexisting Atypical Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia

A 41-year-old male was presented with drug-resistant supraventricular tachycardia. Electrophysiological study confirmed that the supraventricular tachycardia was caused by dual atrioventricular nodal pathways and a left lateral accessory pathway (AP). The left lateral AP was resistant to traditional endocardial ablation, but was successfully eliminated by radiofrequency ablation via the intracoronary sinus approach.

Transseptal approach for ablation of left sided pathways

To highlight our experience of transseptal approach for arrhythmias for the left side pathways. Electrophysiology [EP] studies and ablation conducted in electrophysiology laboratory Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from September 2006 to May 2009. The study was conducted on Bard EP Lab, Bloom stimulator and Cordes EP shuttle. After explaining the procedure to the patient, beta- blockers were stopped 5 days and patients were fasted for six hours before the procedure. Five standard wires passed two from left femoral that is for coronary sinus and His and three from right femoral side that is for high right atrium, right ventricle and ablation. Pigtail catheter was placed in aortic root from left femoral artery. Septal puncture was done in the left lateral projection. Ablation catheter was passed in the sheath after withdrawing the needle, pathway was identified and ablated. Total 295 consecutive patients underwent electrophysiological studies and ablation. Out of which pathways were 131 [124 patients were having Wolff-Parkinson-White [WPW] and orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia 7].Among pathways Left sided pathways were 70. In all cases successful septal puncture and ablation was done. Overall success rate for atrial septal puncture and ablation was 100%. No complication was seen during and after the procedure. Average time for procedure of ablating left sided pathways was 25 minutes. Trans-septal approach is safe and is well approachable for far lateral pathways ablation

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a Jamaican perspective / La hemorragia digestiva alta: una perspectiva Jamaicana

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains one of the most common clinical lifethreatening emergencies which is associated with a high morbidity, mortality and medical care costs. OBJECTIVES: This study reviews the clinical features, management and outcomes ofpatients with UGIB seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica, between January 2006 and December 2008. METHODS: Patients with UGIB admitted to the medical wards of the UHWI, Jamaica, between January 2006 and December 2008 were reviewed. Consecutive patients admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of UGIB were selected for analysis. Data collected included age, gender, presenting complaints, risk factors, clinical features and management. Endoscopic findings, treatment and outcomes were also reviewed. RESULTS: There were 104 patients, with a mean age of 55 years, admitted with UGIB. There were significantly more men than women (73 vs 31). Retching and vomiting were the most common presenting complaints followed by melaena and haemetemesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was present in 28% of patients. Overall, 80% of patients had upper GI endoscopy (EGD) and 40% were done within 24 hours of admission. The median time for performing EGD was 24 hours (mean 46 hours). The leading causes of UGIB were duodenal ulcer (28%), erosive gastritis (20%) and gastric ulcer (13%). Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were given to 95 (91%) patients intravenously. Blood transfusion was given to 40% ofpatients. The mortality was 5.7%, rebleeding occured in 4.8% of patients and 5% underwent surgery. The average duration ofhospital stay was 6.6 days. CONCLUSION: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was more common in men ofmiddle age in this study. Proton pump inhibitors were used in most patients. The overall mortality of5.7% is similar to other series. Early EGD and use ofendoscopic therapy may lead to a decrease in mortality in high risk patients.

ANTECEDENTES: La hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA), o sangrado gastrointestinal alto (SGA) sigue siendo una de las emergencias clínicas serias más comunes, constituye un riesgo para la vida, y se halla asociada con alta morbosidad y mortalidad, así como altos costos de cuidado médico. OBJETIVOS: Este estudio examina las características clínicas, el tratamiento, y los resultados de pacientes con HDA vistos en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica, de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2008. MÉTODOS: Los pacientes con HDA ingresados en las salas de UHWI, Jamaica, de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2008fueron sometidos a examen. Pacientes consecutivos ingresados con un diagnóstico confirmado de HDA, fueron seleccionados para análisis. Los datos recopilados incluyeron edad, género, dolencias, factores de riesgo, rasgos clínicos y tratamiento. Se examinaron los hallazgos endoscópicos, el tratamiento y los resultados. RESULTADOS: Hubo 104 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 55 años, ingresados con HDA. Había significativamente más hombres que mujeres (73 contra 31). Arcadas y vómitos fueron las dolencias más comunes, seguidas por melena y hematemesis. El uso de medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroidales estuvo presente en 28% de los pacientes. En general, al 80% de los pacientes les fue practicada endoscopia GI alta (EGD), el 40% de las cuales fueron realizadas dentro de las 24 horas tras del ingreso. El tiempo promedio de la realización del EGD fue 24 horas (46 horas promedio). Las causas principales de HDA fueron la úlcera duodenal (28%), la gastritis erosiva (20%) y la úlcera gástrica (13%). A 95 (91%) pacientes se les administró inhibidores de la bomba de protón (IBP) de forma intravenosa. Al 40% de los pacientes se les hizo una transfusión de sangre. La mortalidad fue de 5.7%. Se produjo resangrado en 4.8% de los pacientes y al 5% se les practicó cirugía. La duración promedio de estadía hospitalaria fue de 6.6 días. CONCLUSIÓN: La hemorragia digestiva alta fue más común en los hombres de mediana edad en este estudio. Se usaron inhibidores de bomba de protón en la mayoría de los pacientes. La mortalidad general de 5.7% es similar a otras series. La EGD temprana y el uso de la terapia endoscópica pueden llevar a una disminución de la mortalidad entre los pacientes de alto riesgo.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in young people, from childhood to young adulthood: relationships between age and clinical and electrophysiological findings / 소아과

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of electrophysiologic studies (EPS) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) performed in subjects aged less than 30 years with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, particularly pediatric patients under 18 years of age, based on our experience. METHODS: Two hundred and one consecutive patients with WPW syndrome were recruited and divided to 3 groups according to age: group 1, 6 to 17 years; group 2, 18 to 29 years; and group 3, 30 to 60 years. The clinical, electrophysiological, and therapeutic data for these patients were evaluated by a retrospective medical record review. RESULTS: A total of 73 (36%) of these patients were <30 years of age. Although there were more males than females in group 2 (male:female, 31:11), there was no sex difference in group 1 (male:female, 16:15). Left accessory pathway was detected less frequently in group 1 (32%, 10/31) than in group 2 (57%, 24/42) and group 3 (63%, 81/128) (P=0.023 and P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study describes several different electrophysiological characteristics in children and adolescents with WPW syndrome. Therefore, when EPS and RFA are performed in children and adolescence with WPW syndrome, we recommend that these characteristics be considered.

Síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White / Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

El Síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White es una entidad de origen genético que se caracteriza por la presencia de una vía atrio-ventricular accesoria además de la vía fisiológica, compuesta por el Nodo AV y el sistema His-Purkinje. Cuando el paciente se encuentra en ritmo sinusal, se diagnostica la enfermedad al electrocardiograma por la presencia de las llamadas ondas Delta en los complejos QRS además de un intervalo P-R acortado. Es una patología benigna en su naturaleza, pero que sin embargo puede predisponer a arritmias paroxísticas que pueden llegar a ser mortales.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is a disease with a genetic origin which is characterized by the presence of an accessory atrioventricular pathway, resides the regular one consistingon the AV Node and the His-Purkinje System. At the Electrocardiogram, the entity can be diagnosed by the presence of the so-called Delta Waves in the QRS complexes, and a shortened P-R intervalo This syndrome is benign in this nature, although it can predisposethe patient to supraventricular arrhythrnias that may end up being lethal.