Left Atrial Stiffness: A Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / Rigidez do Átrio Esquerdo: Preditor de Recorrência de Fibrilação Atrial após Ablação por Cateter de Radiofrequência - Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise

Abstract Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a standard procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not responsive to previous treatments, that has been increasingly considered as a first-line therapy. In this context, perioperative screening for risk factors has become important. A previous study showed that a high left atrial (LA) pressure is associated with AF recurrence after ablation, which may be secondary to a stiff left atrium. Objective: To investigate, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, if LA stiffness could be a predictor of AF recurrence after RFCA, and to discuss its clinical use. Methods: The meta-analysis followed the MOOSE recommendations. The search was performed in MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, until March 2018. Two authors performed screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the studies. Results: All studies were graded with good quality. A funnel plot was constructed, which did not show any publication bias. Four prospective observational studies were included in the systematic review and 3 of them in the meta-analysis. Statistical significance was defined at p value < 0.05. LA stiffness was a strong independent predictor of AF recurrence after RFCA (HR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.75-4.73, p = 0.0002). Conclusion: A non-invasive assessment of LA stiffness prior to ablation can be used as a potential screening factor to select or to closely follow patients with higher risks of AF recurrence and development of the stiff LA syndrome.

Resumo Fundamento: A ablação por cateter de radiofrequência (ACRF) é um procedimento padrão para pacientes com fibrilação atrial (FA) não responsivos a tratamentos prévios, que tem sido cada vez mais considerada como terapia de primeira linha. Nesse contexto, o screening para fatores de risco perioperatório tornou-se importante. Um estudo prévio mostrou que uma pressão do átrio esquerdo (AE) elevada está associada a recorrência de FA após a ablação, podendo ser secundária a um AE rígido. Objetivo: Investigar, por meio de revisão sistemática e metanálise, se a rigidez do AE é um preditor de recorrência de FA após ACRF, e discutir seu uso na prática clínica. Métodos: A metanálise foi realizada seguindo-se as recomendações do MOOSE. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, até março de 2018. Dois autores realizaram triagem, extração de dados e avaliação da qualidade dos estudos. Resultados: Todos os estudos obtiveram boa qualidade. Um gráfico de funil foi construído, não identificando viés de publicação. Quatro estudos prospectivos observacionais foram incluídos na revisão sistemática e 3 deles na metanálise. Foi adotado o nível de significância estatística de p < 0,05. Rigidez do AE foi um forte preditor independente da recorrência de FA após ACRF (HR = 3,55, IC 95% 1,75-4,73, p = 0,0002). Conclusão: A avaliação não invasiva da rigidez do AE antes da ablação pode ser utilizada como um potencial fator de rastreamento para a seleção ou acompanhamento de pacientes com maiores riscos de recorrência de FA e desenvolvimento da síndrome do AE rígido.

Application of cryoablation in treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia / 心血管康复医学杂志

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is one of the frequent cardiovascular diseases.In recent years, cryoablation has become a research hot spot for PSVT treatment.Theoretically, its operability and safety are both better than those of radiofrequency ablation.Cryoablation can significantly reduce risk of ablation complications, but how to reduce recurrent rate after cryoablation is still a problem in the future.The present article made a review on main therapeutic methods of PSVT, especially application of cryoablation.

Spontaneous Transition of Double Tachycardias with Atrial Fusion in a Patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Among patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) can coexist in a single patient. Direct transition of both tachycardias is rare; however, it can occur after premature atrial or ventricular activity if the cycle lengths of the two tachycardias are similar. Furthermore, persistent atrial activation by an accessory pathway (AP) located outside of the AV node during ongoing AVNRT is also rare. This article describes a case of uncommon atrial activation by an AP during AVNRT and gradual transition of the two supraventricular tachycardias without any preceding atrial or ventricular activity in a patient with preexcitation syndrome.

Myocardial Ischemia Caused by Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in a Patient with Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery Arising from Left Sinus of Valsalva

Anomalous origin of a coronary artery is rare and does not generally lead to myocardial infarction and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). We report an uncommon case of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the left sinus of Valsalva with PSVT and myocardial ischemia. A 58-year-old man presented with PSVT. After arrhythmia subsided, electrocardiogram showed ST and T wave abnormalities, and transient cardiac enzymes were found to be elevated. Coronary CT angiography confirmed that there was anomalous origin of the RCA originating from the left sinus of Valsalva and no intracoronary stenotic lesion. He was managed with conservative treatment, having no symptoms on clinical follow-up for 4 years.

Myocardial Ischemia Caused by Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in a Patient with Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery Arising from Left Sinus of Valsalva

Anomalous origin of a coronary artery is rare and does not generally lead to myocardial infarction and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). We report an uncommon case of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the left sinus of Valsalva with PSVT and myocardial ischemia. A 58-year-old man presented with PSVT. After arrhythmia subsided, electrocardiogram showed ST and T wave abnormalities, and transient cardiac enzymes were found to be elevated. Coronary CT angiography confirmed that there was anomalous origin of the RCA originating from the left sinus of Valsalva and no intracoronary stenotic lesion. He was managed with conservative treatment, having no symptoms on clinical follow-up for 4 years.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: current concepts regarding its probable mechanism and report of a case with attacks of supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia

1. The most accepted and, apparently, the most logical explanation for the W-P-W syndrome is the anomalous A-V conduction theory. But, while there is general agreement on the fundamental concept of an accessory pathway, there is much disagreement regarding the details of the mechanism. Among the questions still unsettled are: the nature, number and location of this anomalous bundle; whether the A-V conducting system is functioning or not; and what the course and fate of the short-circuited impulse is after reaching the ventricles2. In view of the conflicting and apparently irreconcilable differences among the various workers, we venture the conclusion that these differences probably need not be reconciled because the pathology present may not be exactly the same in the different patients studied. The anomalous bundle being an anomalous structure, by its very nature, should be variable. Hence, it may be single or multiple, unilateral or bilateral, it may end near or at a distance from the septum and A-V conducting system, and it may, therefore, either supplement the latter or replace it altogether3. A rare case of W-P-W syndrome in a Filipino is presented. This patient came with presenting signs and symptoms of paroxysmal tachycardia of auricular origin4. The anomalous pathway in this patient was localized electrocardiographically at the left posterior position, conducting impulses in an epicardial-to-endocardial direction5. Electrocardiographically, the paroxysmal tachycardia closely simulated paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. The differentiation between supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia is discussed. The probable mechanism causing the attacks of tachycardia are evaluated6. The predisposition of W-P-W patients to attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia should be borne in mind, for it can serve as an aid both in the prognostication of the arrhythmia, as well as in the diagnosis of W-P-W syndrome. The possibility of W-P-W syndrome should be entertained in patients with histories of repeated attacks of tachycardia. (Summary and Conclusions)