Fetal/neonatal atrial flutter at the onset of perinatal period: clinical analysis of 21 cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of fetal/neonatal atrial flutter (AFL) at the onset of the perinatal period to improve the management of this condition.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data, treatment, and follow-up results of fetal/neonatal AFL cases transferred to Shanghai Children's Medical Center from November 2013 to August 2021. Clinical characteristics, cardioversion procedures, and outcomes were summarized. Descriptive method was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 21 fetuses/neonates presenting with AFL in the perinatal period were involved in this study, including 17 males and four females. Ten of them were born at full term, and 11 were preterms. All of the patients were delivered by cesarean section at 32 to 41 gestational weeks [ (36.6±1.9) weeks] with a birth weight of 2 130 to 4 450g [ (3 059±528) g]. Increased fetal heart rate was all detected after 32 weeks of gestation, and three of them were diagnosed with AFL by fetal echocardiography before being born. The heart rate remained elevated in all cases after birth. All were diagnosed as AFL based on an electrocardiogram on the day of birth, which showed a 2 to 6 over one ratio of atrioventricular conduction. Among the six cases of cardiac insufficiency and low blood pressure complicated by dyspnea and cyanosis, the symptoms were relieved in four cases after mask oxygenation and two cases after ventilation. Among the 21 cases, one was converted spontaneously to normal sinus rhythm and the other 20 recovered after medication or electrical cardioversion. Seven cases were initially treated by drug conversion with a success rate of 5/7 and hospitalized for 23 d (13-25 d). There was one with cardiac insufficiency before treatment and three newly developed cardiac insufficiency during treatment among the seven cases. Thirteen cases were offered electrical cardioversion initially, and the success rate of cardioversion was 12/13. There were five cases of cardiac insufficiency before treatment, while no new cases of cardiac insufficiency was reported during treatment. The duration of hospitalization was 11 d (9-14 d). Apart from one case, the rest 20 infants were followed up from one month to eight years old, and no recurrence was reported.Conclusions:For fetal/neonatal AFL with the onset during the perinatal period, the symptoms mainly manifest in late pregnancy. Its diagnosis depends on fetal echocardiography before birth or electrocardiogram after birth, and electrical cardioversion is a fast and effective measure. While the prognosis of perinatal-onset AFL is generally good.

Efecto de la cardioversión eléctrica programada de fibrilación auricular sobre la función renal / Effect of programmed electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation on renal function

Resumen Introducción: Estudios previos han relacionado la presencia de fibrilación auricular (FA) con una tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) reducida. Objetivo: comparar la evolución de la TFGe en pacientes con FA persistente tras cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) programada en función de la existencia o no de recurrencias, así como la evolución de varios biomarcadores. Materiales y métodos: Cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con FA persistente remitidos a nuestro centro para CVE programada con seguimiento de un año. La TFGe se obtuvo mediante la fórmula CKD-EPI en el momento basal y a los 3 y 12 meses. Se midieron biomarcadores antes de la CVE y a los 12 meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron 92 pacientes con FA persistente, edad media de 64 ± 11 años. Al año de seguimiento y en el total de pacientes, la TFGe se redujo de 86,5 [74,6-97,6 a 84,5 [71,7-95,1 ml/min/1,73 m2 (p = 0,002) y la creatinina aumentó de 0,80 [0,72-0,94] mg/dl a 0,83 [0,74-0,97] mg/dl (p = 0,005). La TFGe se redujo al final del seguimiento, sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los pacientes que presentaron recurrencia a los 12 meses y los que no. Las cifras de BNP y corina mejoraron a los 12 meses, mientras que las de galectina-3 no cambiaron, sin relación con la TFGe. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con FA persistente tratados con CVE programada se observó un empeoramiento de la TFGe al año de seguimiento. Los niveles de BNP y corina mejoraron al año de seguimiento. No hubo diferencias en los niveles de galectina-3.

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies have linked the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) with a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Objective: to compare the evolution of eGFR in patients with persistent AF after elective electrical cardioversion (ECV) based on the existence or not of recurrences, as well as the evolution of various biomarkers. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort of patients with persistent AF referred to our center for elective EVC with a 1-year follow-up. The eGFR was obtained using the CKD-EPI formula at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. Biomarkers were measured before ECV and at 12 months. Results: 92 patients with persistent AF were included, mean age 64 ± 11 years. At one year of follow-up and in all patients, the eGFR decreased from 86.5 [74.6-97.6 to 84.5 [71.7-95.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.002) and creatinine increased from 0.80 [0.72-0.94] mg/dl to 0.83 [0.74-0.97] mg/dl (p = 0.005). The eGFR was reduced at the end of the follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between the patients who had recurrence at 12 months and those who did not. BNP and corin levels improved at 12 months, while galectin-3 did not change, unrelated to eGFR. Conclusions: In patients with persistent AF treated with elective ECV, a worsening of eGFR was observed at one year of follow-up. BNP and corin levels improve at one year of follow-up, there were no differences in galectin-3 levels.

Qualidade de vida de indivíduos portadores de dispositivo cardíaco eletrônico implantável / Quality of life of individuals with implantable electronic cardiac device / Calidad de vida de las personas con dispositivo cardiaco electrónico implantable

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida de indivíduos portadores de dispositivo cardíaco eletrônico implantável. Método: estudo descritivo e transversal realizado com 50 indivíduos em 2018. Utilizou-se o SF-36 e AQUAREL. Resultados: a comorbidade mais frequente foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica ­ 39 (78%), a cardiopatia de base a bradicardia ­ 18 (36%) e queixas de palpitação e pré-síncope. Predominaram indivíduos com tempo do dispositivo cardíaco eletrônico de até 5 anos ­ 24 (48%), sem troca de gerador ­ 31 (62%). A maioria negou o consumo de bebida alcóolica ­ 47 (94%), de cigarros ­ 44 (88%) e não realiza atividade física regular ­ 34 (68%). No SF-36, o menor escore foi no domínio aspectos físicos (15) e o maior em dor (88,8). No AQUAREL o menor escore foi no domínio dispneia (78,98) e o maior em desconforto (86,54). Conclusão: constatou-se sintomatologia reduzida. Houve associação significativa entre sexo masculino e atividade física. Os indivíduos apresentam melhora da qualidade de vida após a implantação do dispositivo cardíaco.

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of individuals with implantable electronic cardiac devices. Method: descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 50 individuals in 2018. SF-36 and AQUAREL were used. Results: the most frequent comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension ­ 39 (78%), baseline heart disease bradycardia ­ 18 (36%) and complaints of palpitation and pre-syncope. Individuals with electronic cardiac device time of up to 5 years 24 (48%) predominated, without changing the generator ­ 31 (62%). The majority denied alcohol consumption ­ 47 (94%), cigarettes ­ 44 (88%) and regular physical activity ­ 34 (68%). In the SF-36 the lowest score was in the physical aspects domain (15) and the highest in pain (88.8). In AQUAREL the lowest score was in the domain dyspnea (78.98) and the highest in discomfort (86.54). Conclusion: reduced symptomatology was observed. There was a significant association between males and physical activity. Individuals have improved quality of life after implantation of the cardiac device.

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas con dispositivos cardíacos electrónicos implantables. Método: estudio descriptivo y transversal realizado con 50 individuos, en 2018. SF-36 y AQUAREL se utilizaron. Resultados: la comorbilidad más frecuente fue la hipertensión arterial sistémica ­ 39 (78%), las cardiopatías subyacentes, bradicardia ­ 18 (36%) y quejas de palpitación y presíncope. Predominan los individuos con tiempo de dispositivo cardíaco electrónico de hasta 5 años ­ 24 (48%) sin cambiar el generador ­ 31 (62%). La mayoría negó el consumo de alcohol ­ 47 (94%), cigarrillos ­ 44 (88%) y actividad física regular 34 (68%). En el SF-36, la puntuación más baja estaba en el dominio de aspectos físicos (15) y la más alta en dolor (88.8). En AQUAREL, la puntuación más baja estaba en el dominio disnea (78,98) y la más alta en malestar (86,54). Conclusión: se observó una sintomatología reducida. Hubo una asociación significativa entre los varones y la actividad física. Los individuos han mejorado la calidad de vida después de la implantación del dispositivo cardíaco.

Tratamiento de la embarazada con fibrilación auricular y compromiso hemodinámico / Treatment of pregnant women with atrial fibrillation and hemodynamic disorders

Las arritmias cardiacas son complicaciones frecuentes en el embarazo, son más frecuentes las supraventriculares, con gran importancia la fibrilación auricular con compromiso hemodinámico, que pone en peligro al binomio madre hijo, asociado al efecto dañino de los medicamentos antiarrítmicos. El autor se propone analizar los elementos del consenso científico al tratar la fibrilación auricular de forma más adecuada para el binomio madre hijo, así como la protocolización del tratamiento. A partir de la experiencia del tratamiento de dos embarazadas con fibrilación auricular, con formas y desenlaces totalmente diferentes, en discusión del colectivo multidisciplinario, se busca y analiza una protocolización actualizada, en la conducta a seguir con madre hijo, en caso de arritmia. Las arritmias en la embarazada representan un riesgo para eventos fetales adversos, además de los riesgos potenciales de los medicamentos usados para el tratamiento. La cardioversión eléctrica, sincronizada, parece ser claramente idónea en el tratamiento(AU)

Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent complications in pregnancy, supra ventricular diseases are more frequent, with great importance atrial fibrillation with hemodynamic disorders, which puts the child mother binomial in danger, associated with the harmful effect of antiarrhythmic drugs. The author proposes to analyze the elements of the scientific consensus when treating atrial fibrillation in a more adequate way for the child mother binomial, as well as the protocolization of the treatment. From the experience of the treatment of two pregnant women with atrial fibrillation, with completely different forms and outcomes, in discussion of the multidisciplinary group, an updated protocol is searched and analyzed, in the behavior to be followed with the mother, in case of arrhythmia. Arrhythmias in the pregnant woman represent a risk for adverse fetal events, in addition to the potential risks of the medications used for the treatment. The synchronized electrical cardioversion seems to be clearly suitable in the treatment(AU)

Cardioversión eléctrica de taquicardia ventricular en el embarazo: reporte de un caso / Electrical cardioversion of ventricular tachycardia in pregnancy: case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Las arritmias cardiacas son complicaciones frecuentes durante el embarazo, la mayor parte son benignas y no requieren tratamiento complejo. Las taquicardias ventriculares idiopáticas suelen ser hemodinámicamente estables y se asocian con buen pronóstico. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 22 años, con embarazo de 23 semanas, que inició con mareo y palpitaciones, por lo que acudió al servicio de Urgencias. El electrocardiograma de 12 derivaciones mostró una taquicardia de QRS amplio, con latidos de fusión y disociación auriculoventricular; el ecocardiograma no reportó alteraciones. El diagnóstico definitivo fue taquicardia ventricular fascicular posterior idiopática. El tratamiento inicial consistió en verapamil y amiodarona por 48 horas; sin embargo, persistió la taquicardia, por lo que se decidió realizar una cardioversión eléctrica con 200 Joules, con lo que se obtuvo una reacción satisfactoria. La paciente permaneció asintomática hasta la semana 31 del embarazo, cuando inició nuevamente con palpitaciones; se documentó la misma taquicardia, por lo que se decidió realizar un nuevo procedimiento de cardioversión eléctrica con 200 Joules, que resultó efectiva y sin complicaciones adicionales para la paciente. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia de taquicardia ventricular idiopática durante el embarazo es relativamente baja. La cardioversión eléctrica es una opción efectiva en pacientes embarazadas con resistencia al tratamiento farmacológico o inestabilidad hemodinámica.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent complications in pregnancy, the most of them are benign and don't need specific treatment. Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia usually is hemodynamically stable and associate with a good prognosis. CLINICAL CASE: A 22-year-old woman with a current pregnancy of 23.4 weeks of gestation that began with dizziness and palpitations, she went to the emergency department, a 12-lead electrocardiogram showed a wide QRS tachycardia with fusion beats and atrioventricular dissociation, the echocardiogram was reported normal. Posterior fascicular ventricular idiopathic tachycardia was concluded. Initially, Verapamil and Amiodarone were administered for 48 hours, with tachycardia persisting, so it was decided to perform electrical cardioversion with 200 Joules that was effective. She remained asymptomatic until the 31st week of gestation where she started again with palpitations, the same tachycardia was documented and it was decided to perform again electrical cardioversion with 200 joules, being effective and without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia occurs with low frequency in pregnancy. When pharmacological therapy is not effective or there is hemodynamic instability, electrical cardioversion is a viable option in the pregnant patient.

Emergency department procedural sedation for primary electrical cardioversion — a comparison with procedural sedations for other reasons / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia treated in the emergency department (ED), with primary electrical cardioversion (PEC) the preferred method of rhythm control. Anecdotally, patients undergoing ED procedural sedation (EDPS) for PEC differ from those requiring EDPS for other procedures:they are at higher risk of adverse events, and require fewer drugs and lower doses. We attempt to verify this using an EDPS registry at a Canadian, tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS:This is a retrospective review of patients that underwent EDPS for the period of June 2006 to September 2014. We compared demographics, medication use and intra-procedural adverse events between those receiving EDPS for PEC for AF compared to that for other indications. We report the asssociation between AEs and predictors using logistic regression. RESULTS:A total of 4867 patients were included, 714 for PEC for AF and 4153 for other indications. PEC patients were more likely male (58.5％vs. 47.1％), older (59.5 years vs. 48.1 years), and less likely to be ASA I (46.6％ vs. 69.0％). PEC patients received smaller doses of propofol and less likely to receive adjuvant analgesic therapy (11.5％ vs. 78.2％). PEC patients were more likely to experience hypotension (27.6％vs. 16.5％) but respiratory AEs (apnea, hypoxia and airway intervention) were not different. CONCLUSION:EDPS for PEC differs from that conducted for other purposes:patients tend to be less healthy, receive smaller doses of medication and more likely to suffer hypotension without an increase in respiratory AEs. These factors should be considered when performing EDPS.

Cardiomiopatía inducida por taquicardia una mujer con flutter atrial / Cardiomyopathy induced by tachycardia in a woman with atrial flutter

Resumen La cardiomiopatía inducida por taquicardia (cit) es una causa infrecuente y potencialmente reversible de falla cardiaca, sus manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas y el tratamiento debe estar dirigido a las estrategias que pretenden controlar el ritmo cardiaco como la cardioversión, la ablación, el tratamiento con antiarrítmicos para lograr disminuir los síntomas y mejorar la función ventricular izquierda. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 24 años con cardiopatía dilatada severa secundaria a flutter auricular en la cual se demostró recuperación completa de la fracción de expulsión luego de realizar cardioversión eléctrica y posteriormente aislamiento del istmo cavotricuspídeo. Conclusión: el flutter atrial es una causa común de taquicardia que puede llevar a colapso hemodinámico, formación de trombos atriales y a manifestaciones infrecuentes como la cardiomiopatía, por lo cual se debe procurar en un reconocimiento temprano e instaurar estrategias de manejo a corto y largo plazo que garanticen una frecuencia cardiaca normal. (Acta Med Colomb 2013; 38: 173-176).

Abstract Cardiomyopathy induced by tachycardia (TIC) is a rare and potentially reversible cause of heart failure. Its clinical manifestations are nonspecific and treatment should be directed to strategies that seek to control heart rhythm such as cardioversion, ablation, treatment with antiarrhythmic to achieve reduce symptoms and improve left ventricular function. We report the case of a 24 year old woman with severe dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to atrial flutter. After electrical cardioversion and subsequent isolation of the cavotricuspid isthmus, she had a complete recovery of the ejection fraction. Conclusion: atrial flutter is a common cause of tachycardia that can lead to hemodynamic collapse, atrial thrombus formation and uncommon manifestations such as cardiomyopathy; for this reason, efforts should be made to do early recognition and establish management strategies for the short and long term to guarantee a normal heart rate. (Acta Med Colomb 2013; 38: 173-176).

Abordagem da fibrilação atrial na emergência: controle do ritmo ou da frequência / Approach of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department: rate or rhythm control

A fibrilação atrial caracteriza-se por desorganização da atividade elétrica e da contração atrial. Clinicamente, está relacionada com aumento de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) e da mortalidade cardiovascular. Frequentemente é responsável por levar à emergência pacientes cujo manejo baseia-se no controle direto da arritmia e na prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos. Entretanto, existe controvérsia na escolha entre o controle do ritmo ou da frequência cardíaca para o tratamento desta modalidade de arritmia no serviço de emergência.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by disorganized atrial electrical activity and contraction. Clinically, it is related to increased stroke and cardiovascular mortality. It is often responsible for taking to the emergency department patients whose management is based on the direct control of arrhythmia and the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there is controversy in the choice of rhythm control or heart rate control for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department.

La cardioversión eléctrica en fibrilación auricular / Electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation

La cardioversión eléctrica para el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular (FA) se introdujo en la década de los 60 y se mantiene actualmente como el tratamiento más efectivo y seguro para la conversión a ritmo sinusal. El método óptimo para la cardioversión eléctrica de la FA incluye tanto la selección del paciente adecuado como una técnica de cardioversión eléctrica apropiada. Los factores que han sido implicados en el éxito de la cardioversión eléctrica transtorácica incluyen aquéllos relacionados con: 1) la presencia de cardiopatía; 2) el habitus corporal del paciente; 3) la energía proporcionada; 4) la forma de onda eléctrica proporcionada, y 5) misceláneas. En vista de las consecuencias hemodinámicas y tromboembólicas, la conversión a ritmo sinusal puede esperarse que reduzca o suprima los síntomas y morbimortalidad asociadas con la FA. El éxito de la cardioversión eléctrica es alto de acuerdo al paciente seleccionado y la frecuencia de recurrencia inmediata o tardía postcardioversión puede ser alta y se requiere el uso de antiarrítmicos especialmente en presencia de comorbilidad como insuficiencia cardiaca o hipertensión descontrolada. El objetivo del tratamiento antiarrítmico concomitante es aumentar la posibilidad de éxito y prevenir las recurrencias, el cual debe considerarse de manera individual tomando en cuenta sobre todo el tiempo de evolución de la FA y la presencia y severidad de la cardiopatía. La posibilidad de cardioversión eléctrica exitosa en más probable en FA de corta duración y ausencia de cardiopatía.

Electrical cardioversion for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) was introduced in the early 1960s and remains today as the most effective and safe treatment for conversion to sinus rhythm. The optimal method for electrical cardioversion of AF includes appropriate patient selection as well as an appropriate electrical cardioversion technique. Factors that have been implicated in the success of transthoracic electrical cardioversion include those associated with: 1) the presence of heart disease; 2) the patient body habitus; 3) the energy applied; 4) the electrical waveform supplied and 5) miscellaneous. In view of the hemodynamic and thromboembolic consequences, conversion to sinus rhythm can be expected to reduce or abolish symptoms and morbidity associated with AF. The success of electrical cardioversion is high according to selected patient and the frequency of immediate or delayed recurrence post-cardioversion may be high and require the use of antiarrhythmics, especially in the presence of co-morbidities like heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension. The objective of concomitant antiarrhythmic therapy is to increase the likelihood of success and prevent recurrences, which must be considered individually taking into account especially the duration of AF and the presence and severity of heart disease. The possibility of successful electrical cardioversion is more likely in AF of short duration and absence of heart disease.

Flutter auricular: Hallazgo inusual en neonatos

Objetivo general: Describir y analizar la presentación neonata de un flutter auricular. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido que desde su primeras horas de visa cursa con taquicardia sostenida. Durante su segundo día de vida, luego de múltiples intentos fallidos de reversión con maniobras pagables o medicamentos, se hace diagnostico de flutter auricular; por lo que se le realiza cardioversión eléctrica con excelente evolución. El flutter auricular es una taquicardia supraventricular de QRS estrecho irregular, cuyo tratamientos la cardioversión eléctrica; con excelente pronóstico en la ausencia de arritmias asociadas o malformaciones cardíacas.

Objetive: Describe and analyze the neonatal presentation of an atrial flutter. This is the case of a newborn, who develops tachycardia i this first hours of life. During his second day, after many unsuccessful attempts with vagal maneuvers and drugs, diagnosis of atrial flutter was done. We performed electric cardio version with excellent results. Atrial flutter is a supraventricular tachycardia with an irregular, narrow QRS; the treatment is electrical cardio version; with excellent prognosis in the absence of arrhythmia or structural cardiac malformations.

Atrial Fibrillation in a Patient with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy after Induction of General Anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Atrial fibrillation is the common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include hypertension, diabetes, valvular and other types of structural heart disease. Echocardiographic variables including left atrial enlargement, increased left ventricular wall thickness, and reduced left ventricular fractional shortening are predictive of risk for atrial fibrillation. We experienced a case of newly developed hemodynamically unstable atrial fibrillation after induction of general anesthesia. The patient had hypertension, diabetes, increased left ventricular wall thickness, and reduced left ventricular fractional shortening. Atrial fibrillation was treated with electrical cardioversion. Atrial fibrillation disappeared and hemodynamic parameters became stable.

Doble choque eléctrico secuencial transtorácico para la fibrilación auricular refractaria / Double sequential electrical transthoracic shocks for refractory atrial fibrillation

Antecedentes: Estudios clínicos han mostrado que el éxito de la cardioversión transtorácica en fibrilación auricular depende de alcanzar un flujo de corriente adecuado al corazón y que es dependiente de la impedancia transtorácica. Cuando múltiples cardioversiones convencionales fallan para restaurar el ritmo sinusal en pacientes con fibrilación auricular el doble choque secuencial transtorácico puede ser una alternativa. Métodos y resultados: 21 pacientes consecutivos con fibrilación auricular paroxística o persistente refractaria al menos a dos choques monofásicos con energía inicial alta 360 J ó 200-300 y 360 J recibieron choques secuenciales con 720 J mediante dos desfibriladores. Edad media 64 ± 11 años y peso medio 97 ± 19 kg (intervalos, 49 a 112). La evolución de la fibrilación auricular fue < 3 meses en el 76%. La hipertensión presente en 38% y ausencia de cardiopatía en 33%. El tamaño medio de la aurícula izquierda fue 4.5 ± 0.7 cm (intervalos, 3.5 a 6.0). El ritmo sinusal se alcanzó en 19 (90.4%), incluyendo 2 casos refractarios a choques bifásicos con una mediana de 1,050 J (intervalos, 660 a 1,440 J) sin complicaciones mayores. El análisis multivariable identificó a la duración de la fibrilación auricular, > 90 días (RR 0.98, IC 0.95-0.98 p = 0.02) y al peso corporal, 101 ± 11 kg (RR 0.64, IC 0.46-0.90 p = 0.01) como variables independientes asociadas con el fracaso de la cardioversión. El peso corporal, p = 0.002 fue el predictor univariable de cardioversión no exitosa. La cardioversión de alta energía no causa daño miocárdico evidenciado por estimación con troponina T. Conclusión: Para la fibrilación auricular refractaria a la cardioversión eléctrica convencional el doble choque secuencial transtorásico representa una alternativa segura y altamente eficaz y puede tener una aplicabilidad general.

Background: Clinical studies have shown that transthoracic cardioversión of atrial fibrillation is dependent on achieving adequate current flow to the heart, which is dependent on transthoracic impedance. When multiple standard cardioversión fails to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation the double sequential transthoracic shock may be an alternative. Methods and results: Twenty one consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to at least two initial high energy 360 J or 200-300 and 360 J monophasic shocks underwent double sequential shocks with 720 J by means two defibrillators. Mean age was 64 ± 11 years and mean weight 97 ± 19 kg (range, 49 to 112). Duration of atrial fibrillation was present < 3 months in 76%. Arterial hypertension was present in 38% and lone atrial fibrillation in 33%. Mean left atrial size was 4.5 ± 0.7 cm (range, 3.5 to 6.0). Sinus rhythm was achieved in 19 (90.4%). Two refractory to biphasic shocks with a median 1,050 J (range, 660 to 1,440 J) without major complications. Multivariate analysis identified duration of atrial fibrillation, > 90 days (RR 0.96, Cl 0.95-0.98 p = 0.02) and body weight, 101 ± 11 kg (RR 0.64, Cl 0.46-0.90 p = 0.01) variables independently associated with cardioversión unsuccessful. Patient weight, p = 0.002 was the univariate predictor of unsuccessful cardioversión. High energy cardioversión does not cause cardiac damage evidenced from cardiac troponin T estimation. Conclusion: For refractory atrial fibrillation to conventional cardioversión double sequential transthoracic shocks represents a safe and highly efficacious alternative and may have a general applicability.

Relationship between brain natriuretic peptide and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion:a meta analysis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective:To examine the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) by a meta analysis approach.Methods:Based on PubMed,Medline and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases,related literatures,published from 1980-2008,were searched; a manual search was also performed.The included trials were analyzed by RevMan4.2 software for meta analysis.Results:Totally seven studies were finally included.The analysis revealed that the baseline BNP level were greater in patients with AF recurrence than those without AF recurrence,with the standardized mean difference in the BNP levels being 0.82 units (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 1.52).The test for overall effect Z-score was 2.30,with a P value of 0.02; there was significant difference.Conclusion:It is suggested that the higher BNP level after successful electrical cardioversion is associated with greater risk of AF recurrence.The level of BNP may serve as an indicator for AF recurrence after successful EC.

Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation after Successful Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Objectives: There was no previous report about the electrical cardioversion for the patients with atrial fibrillation after successful percutaneous ballon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). We performed electrical cardioversion after PBMV to evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure in the view of conversion to and maintenance of the sinus rhythm. METHODS: 28 patients who had persistent atrial fibrillation after successful PBMV were included in this study. All patients were anticoagulated with warfarin. Amiodarone was loaded and maintained before cardioversion. The PBMV procedures were guided by transesophageal echocardiography in all patients. Transthoracic echocardiography was done before and after PBMV and cardioversion, and was followed. RESULTS: The number of patients were 28 (male 9 and female 19) within the mean age of 50.3+/-12.0 years (24-66). Initially 24 patients (86%) succeeded in electrical cardioversion. The energy required for successful conversion was 230+/-75J, on average. There were no complications except for the transient sinus bradycardia in 2 cases. The mean follow-up duration was 357+/-144 days and when followed-up, the sinus rhythm was maintained in 15 patients out of 24 with initial success (63%). No factor was significantly related to the success of cardioversion, but left atrial dimension after 1 month of PBMV was significantly related to the maintenance of the sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation after successful PBMV is favorable and recommendable treatment modality of chronic valvular atrial fibrillation with high conversion rate (88%) and good maintenance rate (63%).

Transesophageal Echocardiography during and Three Months after Electrical Cardioversion of Chronic Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serial changes in left atrial function we performed electrical cardioversion of chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation under the monitoring of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) and followed the success cases with TEE. METHODS: All patients were anticoagulated from three weeks prior to and till four weeks after cardioversion. After exclusion of thrombi, direct-current cardioversion was done with the probe in situ. Immediately after comersion, TEE repeated. Follow-up TEE was done in cases whose rhythm were sinus over three months. Spontaneous echo rontrast(SEC): appendage emptying velocity, filling velocity, diameter, area, emptying fraction ', pulmonary vein systolic(S) velocity, diastolic(D) velocity, atrial reversal(AR) velocity, systolic time-velocity-integral(S - TVI), diastolic- TVI(D-TVI), S/D ratio, S-TVI/D-TVI ratio, AR duration : transmitral E velocity, A velocity, E- TVI, A- TVI, E/A ratio, A- TVI/E TVI ratio and deceleration time(DT) were measured. RESULTS: The number of patients was thirty-one(18 males) with the mean age of 58 years (range :39-69). Mean duration of AF was 56 months(range : 5-360). Mean follow-up duration was 8 months(range: 3-13). Hypertension(10), dilated cardiomyopathy(8), ischemic heart disease(2) and chronic lung disease(1) were associated. There were no complications, The SEC increased immediately after conversion and decreased at follow-up. The appendage emptpng velocity decreased after conversion and increased at follow-up significantly. The appendage emptpng fraction showed increasing tendency, but that was not statistically significant. The pulmonary vein S/D ratio and S - TVI/D - TVI ratio were increasing gradually after conversion and follow-up. The AR duration increased at follow-up. The transmitral E velocity was gradually decreasing after conversion and at follow-up. The E/A ratio decreased, the E-TVI decreased and the A-TVI/E-TVI ratio increased. The DT increased after conversion, but not changed significantly at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The immediate changes after conversion suggested "atrial stunning" or "electromechanical dissociation". The follow-up TEE suggested that left atrial function was recovering with maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Electrical Cardioversion of Chrome Nonvalvelar Atrial Fibrillation under Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance

BACKGROUND: We performed electrical cardioversion for the patients with chormic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation under the transesophageal echocardiographic guidance after anticoagulation to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the effects of electrical cardioversion on the atrial function. METHODS: After anticoagulation therapy with coumadine for three weeks, we tried chemical cardioversion with amiodarone first. Failed cases were included in this study. Pre-cardioversion transesophageal echocardiographic parameters were measured after exclusion of thrombi. After sedation with intravenous midazolam, direct-current cardioversion was done with the transesophageal echocardiographic probe in situ. Immediately after sinus conversion, we measured echocardiographic parameters again. Spontaneous echo contrast(SEC), left atrial appendage flow velocity, pulmonary vein flow velocity and time-velocity-integral(TVI), transmitral flow velocity, TVI and deceleration time were measured. All patients were anticoagulated for at least 4 weeks after cardiovesion. RESULTS: The total number of patients was forty one(24 males, 17 females) with the mean age of 58 years(range : 39-70). Mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 65 months(range : 1-360). Hypertension(12), dilated cardiomyopathy(10), cerebrovascular accidents(6), ischemic heart disease(2) and chronic lung disease(1) were associated. There were no complications. SEC increased or newly appeared in 18(43.9%) patients after sinus conversion. The left atrial appendage emptying velocity decreased(32.8+/-17.4 vs. 22.1+/-11.4cm/sec, p=0.020) and systolic TVI of both upper pulmonic vein increased significantly after sinus conversion. In two cases, early systolic forward flow(S1) of pulmonic vein appeared after sinus conversion. Transmitral E velocity decreased(86.9+/-28.8 vs. 76.3+/-30.6cm/sec, p=0.006) and the deceleration time increased(164+/-49 vs. 206+/-53msec, p=0.000) after sinus conversion. Transmitral A velocity was still low(34.9+/-19.5cm/sec) and E/A ratio was high(2.6+/-1.4) immediately after sinus conversion. CONCLUSION: After appropriate anticoagulation therapy and exclusion of left atrium and left atrial appindage thrombi with TEE we could perform electrical cardioversion safety without complications. The changes in transesophageal echocardiographic parameters after sinus conversion revealed the appearance of atrial mechanical activity in concordance with electrical activity. But these findings suggested atrial stunning or electromechanical dissociation which necessitates extended anticoagulation therapy until the full recovery of atrial mechanical function.