Electrocardiographic patterns and long-term training-induced time changes in 2484 elite football players.

BACKGROUND: High-level physical training induces cardiac structural and functional changes, including 12-lead electrocardiogram modifications. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this cross-sectional longitudinal study was to establish a quantitative electrocardiographic profile in highly trained football players. Initial and serial annual electrocardiogram monitoring over subsequent years allowed us to investigate the long-term effects of exercise on cardiac conduction and electrophysiological remodelling. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, serial evaluations, including 12-lead electrocardiograms, were performed in 2484 elite male football players from the French Professional Football League. A total of 6247 electrocardiograms were performed (mean 2.5±1.8 electrocardiograms/player). Heart rate (beats/min), atrioventricular delay (PR, ms), intraventricular conduction delay (QRS, ms), corrected QT delay (QTc) and electrical left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (Sokolow-Lyon index, mm) were measured, and the fixed effect of time was evaluated using panel data analysis (ß [95% confidence interval] change between two visits). RESULTS: According to European Society of Cardiology and Seattle criteria, 15% of the electrocardiogram intervals were considered abnormal. We observed 17% sinus bradycardia<50 beats/min (mean heart rate 60±11 beats/min), 8% first-degree atrioventricular block>200ms (mean PR 170±27ms), 1.5% QRS>120ms (mean QRS 87±19ms) and 3% prolonged QT interval (mean QTc using Bazett's formula [QTcB] 395±42ms). Electrical LVH (mean Sokolow-Lyon index 34±10mm) was noted in 37% of players. Over time, electrocardiogram changes were noted, with a significant remodelling trend in terms of decreased heart rate (-0.41 [-0.55 to -0.26] beats/min), QRS duration (-2.4 [-2.7 to -2.1] ms) and QTcB delay (-1.2 [-1.9 to -0.5] ms) (all P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes usual electrocardiographic training-induced changes in a large series of football players over the follow-up timeframe. The most frequent outliers were electrical LVH and sinus bradycardia. These results have important implications for optimizing electrocardiogram interval measurements in initial screening and during follow-up of football players, with potential cost-effective implications.

Interactions between mitral valve and left ventricle analysed by 2D speckle tracking in patients with mitral valve prolapse: one more piece to the puzzle.

AIMS: Two-dimensional echocardiography often reveals abnormal left ventricle (LV) lateral wall kinetics in patients presenting with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). However, relations between MVP and LV deformation are not clearly established. The aim of this study was to assess and quantify mitral valve chordae, leaflets, and LV myocardial interactions using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using STE-derived longitudinal strain curves, LV peak longitudinal strain (PLS, %), post-systolic index (PSI), and pre-stretch index (PST) were analysed in 100 patients with MVP and normal LV ejection fraction. Global, regional, and segmental values were compared according to mitral regurgitation severity and MVP location. Twenty healthy subjects served as control patients. There was no significant difference among control and MVP group for global and regional PLS (-23.7 ± 3.2 vs. -23.1 ± 2.2). In contrast, patients with MVP had significantly higher values of global PST (3.2 ± 4.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2; P = 0.01) and global PSI (3.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.05) compared with controls, located mainly in the lateral wall and basal segments. Both anterior and posterior MVPs were responsible for PSI in basal inferior segments and PST in anterior ones. Mid-wall segmental deformation pattern changes were mainly observed at the level of the segments adjacent to the papillary muscle. CONCLUSION: This study supports the hypothesis that pathological early-systolic shortening and late systolic, post-systolic deformation are attributed to an increased interaction between wall deformation and mitral valve events in patients with MVP. STE is a useful tool in the assessment of interplays between MV leaflets and myocardium and helps to demonstrate changes in temporal pattern of myocardial deformation.

Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: Prognostic value and predictive factors.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important predictor of impaired prognosis in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. AIMS: To determine the prognostic role of RV dysfunction, independent of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 136 consecutive patients (73% men; mean age 59.0±13.2 years) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (LV ejection fraction ≤ 45%) were enrolled retrospectively. Thirty-four patients (25%, group 1) presented with RV dysfunction, defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) ≤ 15 mm; 102 patients (group 2) had preserved RV function. RESULTS: Mean LV ejection fraction was 27.5±8.7%. Mean TAPSE was 18.6±5.4 mm (15-21.8 mm). Multivariable predictors of RV dysfunction were LV outflow tract time-velocity integral (odds ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-0.9; P=0.003) and E-wave deceleration time ≤ 145 ms (odds ratio 4.1, 95% CI 1.3-12.8; P=0.017). Major adverse cardiac event-free survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 64% and 55%, respectively, in group 1 and 87% and 79%, respectively, in group 2 (P=0.002). Both by multivariable analysis and after stratification using a propensity score, RV dysfunction emerged as an independent predictor for major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.6; P=0.009), along with right atrium area and age. CONCLUSION: In idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, RV dysfunction with TAPSE ≤ 15 mm offers additional prognostic information, independent of the extent of LV dysfunction.

Impact of Global and Segmental Hypertrophy on Two-Dimensional Strain Derived from Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Comparison with Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) present unusual myocardial mechanics. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hypertrophy on global and regional two-dimensional (2D) strain derived from both tomographic images (2D/2D) and volumetric image acquisition (2D/three-dimensional [3D]) in patients with HCM compared with control subjects. METHODS: Comprehensive resting 2D and 3D echocardiography was performed in 40 patients with HCM and in 53 control subjects, with comparable distributions of age, gender, and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. LV global and segmental measurements of all 2D/2D and 2D/3D peak strain components (global and segmental longitudinal strain, global and segmental circumferential strain, global and segmental radial strain, and global and segmental area strain) and 3D indexed LV end-diastolic myocardial mass were obtained from all patients. LV wall thickness was assessed in short-axis views and classified in four quartiles (<10.5, 10.5-13.0, 13.0-16.5, and >16.5 mm). RESULTS: The reproducibility of 2D/3D strain was similar or greater and more consistent for all components compared with 2D/2D strain analysis. There was a significant correlation between 3D LV end-diastolic mass and all 2D/3D strain components (P < .05). Two-dimensional/3D global circumferential strain had the strongest association with 3D LV ejection fraction (r = 0.50, P = .001). For segmental deformation, patients with HCM had lower longitudinal deformation whatever the LV wall thickness, whereas circumferential function was increased in nonhypertrophied and poorly hypertrophied segments compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional/3D strain is a reliable technique to assess myocardial deformation. Myocardial mass is related to 2D/3D strain components in patients with HCM. Circumferential deformation, compared with longitudinal deformation, seems to be the main component of the maintenance of systolic function in HCM.

SAfety of Fondaparinux in transoesophageal echocardiography-guided Electric cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation (SAFE-AF) study: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin plus an oral anticoagulant for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients undergoing electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Selective factor Xa inhibitors, such as fondaparinux, which has a favourable benefit-risk profile in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and the management of acute coronary syndromes, have not been systematically evaluated in this setting. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux versus standard treatment in patients undergoing echocardiographically-guided cardioversion of AF. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomized, open-label, controlled, two-parallel-group, phase II pilot study, patients with AF undergoing electric cardioversion following transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were randomized to fondaparinux or standard therapy (UFH plus vitamin K antagonist [VKA]). Patients showing an atrial thrombus in the first TEE (clot-positive) were randomized to treatment with fondaparinux or standard care for 4 weeks before cardioversion. RESULTS: The primary endpoint (combined rate of cerebral neurological events, systemic thromboembolism, all-cause death and major bleeding events) occurred in 3 of 174 (1.7%) patients on fondaparinux and 2 of 170 (1.2%) patients on UFH+VKA. The rate of thrombus disappearance among clot-positive patients was higher in the fondaparinux arm (11 of 14; 78.6%) than in the UFH+VKA arm (7 of 14; 50.0%). Incidences of adverse events were similar (45.4% with fondaparinux and 46.5% with UFH+VKA). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study in patients with TEE-guided cardioversion, the use of fondaparinux appeared to be well tolerated, with similar efficacy to UFH+VKA. Furthermore, a trend to greater thrombus resolution was observed.

Efficacy and safety of dronedarone in patients previously treated with other antiarrhythmic agents.

BACKGROUND: Currently available antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) suffer from incomplete efficacy and poor tolerability. HYPOTHESIS: Dronedarone could represent an effective and safe option in patients previously treated with AADs, especially class Ic AADs and sotalol. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2 double-blind, parallel-group trials (EURIDIS [European Trial in Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Patients Receiving Dronedarone for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm] and ADONIS [American-Australian-African Trial With Dronedarone in Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Patients for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm]) comparing the efficacy and safety of dronedarone with placebo over 12 months. The primary end point was AF/AFL recurrence in patients previously treated with another AAD that was discontinued for whatever reason prior to randomization. RESULTS: In patients previously treated with any AADs, dronedarone decreased the risk of AF recurrence by 30.4% vs placebo (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.82; P < 0.001). In patients previously treated with a class Ic agent, dronedarone decreased the risk of recurrence by 31.4% (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53-0.89; P = 0.004), whereas in patients previously treated with sotalol, dronedarone showed a trend toward a decrease of risk of recurrence (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.67-1.11; P = 0.244). Dronedarone was equally effective irrespective of whether class Ic or sotalol were stopped for lack of efficacy or adverse events (AEs). Discontinuation rates were similar in the 2 groups (55.9% vs 43.1%), as were incidence of AEs and serious AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Dronedarone seems to be effective in preventing AF recurrences in patients without permanent AF previously treated with other AADs, even if those were discontinued for lack of efficacy. Dronedarone appears to be well tolerated even in patients who already had tolerability issues with AADs.

Prospective European survey on atrial fibrillation ablation: clinical characteristics of patients and ablation strategies used in different countries.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is widely adopted. Our aim was to conduct a prospective multicenter survey to verify patients' characteristics, approaches, and technologies adopted across Europe. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 35 centers in 12 countries actively participated in the study and 940 patients (median age 60 years) were enrolled. AF was paroxysmal, persistent, and long-lasting persistent in 52.4%, 36%, and 11.6% of patients, respectively; 95.5% of patients were symptomatic and 91.4% were refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. Redo procedures were performed in 20.9%. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) emerged as the cornerstone of ablative therapy and has been performed in 98.7% of procedures, with confirmation of PVI in 92.9% of cases. The ablation of nonparoxysmal AF was not generally limited to isolating the PVs and several adjunctive approaches are adopted, particularly in the case of long-lasting persistent AF. Linear lesions or elimination of complex fractionated atrial electrograms were more frequently added. Circular mapping catheters and imaging techniques were seen to be used in about two-thirds of cases. Radiofrequency energy was delivered through open irrigated catheters in 68% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: European centers are largely following the recommendations of the guidelines and the expert consensus documents for AF ablation. AF ablation is mainly performed in relatively young patients with symptomatic drug refractory AF and no or minimal heart disease. Patients with paroxysmal AF are the most frequently treated with a quite uniform ablative approach across Europe. A less standardized approach was observed in nonparoxysmal AF patients.

[Novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation, how to avoid accidents?]. / Nouveaux anticoagulants oraux chez les patients atteints de fibrillation atriale, comment éviter les accidents ?

Know the indications of these new drugs, and respect them. Do not confuse easiness of administration and absence of precautions. Renal function: a key parameter before and during treatment. Know when to use a low-dose drug regimen. Cardioversion: lack of safety evidence for some drugs. Drug interactions: beware of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450.

Costs of remote monitoring vs. ambulatory follow-ups of implanted cardioverter defibrillators in the randomized ECOST study.

AIMS: The Effectiveness and Cost of ICD follow-up Schedule with Telecardiology (ECOST) trial evaluated prospectively the economic impact of long-term remote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). METHODS AND RESULTS: The analysis included 310 patients randomly assigned to RM (active group) vs. ambulatory follow-ups (control group). Patients in the active group were seen once a year unless the system reported an event mandating an ambulatory visit, while patients in the control group were seen in the ambulatory department every 6 months. The costs of each follow-up strategy were compared, using the actual billing documents issued by the French health insurance system, including costs of (i) (a) ICD-related ambulatory visits and transportation, (b) other ambulatory visits, (c) cardiovascular treatments and procedures, and (ii) hospitalizations for the management of cardiovascular events. The ICD and RM system costs were calculated on the basis of the device remaining longevity at the end of the study. The characteristics of the study groups were similar. Over a follow-up of 27 months, the mean non-hospital costs per patient-year were €1695 ± 1131 in the active, vs. €1952 ± 1023 in the control group (P = 0.04), a €257 difference mainly due to device management. The hospitalization costs per patient-year were €2829 ± 6382 and €3549 ± 9714 in the active and control groups, respectively (P = 0.46). Adding the ICD to the non-hospital costs, the savings were €494 (P = 0.005) or, when the monitoring system was included, €315 (P = 0.05) per patient-year. CONCLUSION: From the French health insurance perspective, the remote management of ICD patients is cost saving. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT00989417, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Localizing the critical isthmus of postinfarct ventricular tachycardia: the value of pace-mapping during sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Most postinfarct ventricular tachycardias (VTs) are sustained by a reentrant mechanism. The "protected isthmus" of the reentrant circuit is critical for the maintenance of VTs and the target for catheter ablation. Various techniques based on conventional electrophysiology and/or detailed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the VT circuit are used to unmask this isthmus. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess pace-maps (PMs) to identify postinfarct VT isthmuses. We hypothesized that an abrupt change in paced QRS morphology may be used to identify a VT isthmus and be targeted for successful ablation. METHODS: High-density 3D PMs were matched to the subsequent 3D endocardial reentrant VT activation mapping in 10 patients (8 men; age 70.7 ± 10.8 years) who underwent successful postinfarct VT ablation. At each pacing site in a given patient, the 12-lead ECG recorded during pacing was compared to that of VT, with the resulting matching percentage (up to 100% for perfect matches) allocated to this point to generate color-coded PMs. RESULTS: With respect to VT isthmuses, the best percentages of matching were found in the exit zones and isthmus exit part (89% ± 8% and 84% ± 7%, respectively) and the poorest adjacent to scar border in the outer entrance zones (23% ± 28%), in the entrance zones (39% ± 34%), and in the entrance part of the isthmus (32% ± 26%). The color-coded sequence (from the best to the poorest matching sites) on the PMs revealed figure-of-eight pictures matching the VT activation time maps and identifying VT isthmuses. CONCLUSION: Pace-mapping is useful for unmasking VT isthmuses in patients with well-tolerated postinfarct endocardial reentrant VTs.

Quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation: how to assess it and how to improve it.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac rhythm disorder and presents a considerable public health burden that is likely to increase in the next decades due to the ageing population. Current management strategies focus on the heart rate and rhythm control, thromboembolism prevention, and treatment of underlying diseases. The concept of quality of life (QoL) has gained significant importance in recent years as an outcome measure in AF studies evaluating therapeutic interventions and as a relevant component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Quality of life is impaired in the majority of patients with AF, and both rate and rhythm control strategies show significant improvement in QoL measures in highly symptomatic patients. This article reviews generic and specialized instruments for measuring QoL in the context of AF, discusses their applications and limitations to integration in clinical practice, and addresses the potential of early therapy for improving QoL outcomes. The development and validation of new QoL assessment tools will have a central role in the advancement of therapies and treatment guidelines for AF.

Myocardial deformation pattern in left ventricular non-compaction: Comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is the most frequent initial presentation of patient with LV noncompaction (NC). Our objectives were to evaluate myocardial contraction properties in patients with LVNC and the relationship of non-compacted segments with the degree of global and regional systolic deformation. METHODS: We included 50 LVNC with an echocardiography and speckle imaging calculation of peak longitudinal strain (PLS). Each of the 16 LV myocardial segments was defined as NC (ratio NC/compacted layer > 2), borderline (NC/C 0-2) and compacted (NC/C = 0). Basal, median and apical strain values were calculated as the average of segmental strain values. For comparison a group of 50 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) underwent the same measurements. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for any conventional LV systolic parameters. A characteristic deformation pattern was observed in LVNC with higher strain values in the LV apical segments (- 12.8 ± 5.9 vs - 10.7 ± 5.7) and an apical-basal ratio (1.52 ± 0.73 vs 1.12 ± 0.42; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between LV function and the degree of NC. Among 726 segments, compacta thickness was thinner in NC vs C segments (6.4 ± 1.4 vs 7.7 ± 1.8 mm; p < 0.05). There was no difference in WMS but regional strain values were significantly higher in NC compared to C segments (- 13.1 ± 6.1 vs - 10.2 ± 6.3; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to DCM, LVNC presented with relatively preserved apical deformation as compared to basal segments. Lower regional deformation values in compacted segments confirm the concept that LVNC is a phenotypic marker of an underlying diffuse cardiomyopathy involving both C and NC myocardium.

Acute myocarditis presenting with ventricular arrhythmias: the role of CMR in the differential diagnosis of ARVD.

We herein present the findings of the case of a 23-year-old man who was hospitalized for ventricular tachycardia (VT) with no previous history of cardiac disease or any family history of sudden death. Based on the clinical features as well as the echographic and MRI results, the patient was diagnosed with both acute viral myocarditis and arythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). The patient underwent implantation of an automatic cardioverter defibrillator. There was no recurrent VT during the 24 month follow-up. This case demonstrates the link between ARVD and myocarditis, and highlights the importance of conducting an RV assessment through a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study in the context of arrhythmia and myocarditis.

Personalized management of atrial fibrillation: Proceedings from the fourth Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association consensus conference.

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) has seen marked changes in past years, with the introduction of new oral anticoagulants, new antiarrhythmic drugs, and the emergence of catheter ablation as a common intervention for rhythm control. Furthermore, new technologies enhance our ability to detect AF. Most clinical management decisions in AF patients can be based on validated parameters that encompass type of presentation, clinical factors, electrocardiogram analysis, and cardiac imaging. Despite these advances, patients with AF are still at increased risk for death, stroke, heart failure, and hospitalizations. During the fourth Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association (AFNET/EHRA) consensus conference, we identified the following opportunities to personalize management of AF in a better manner with a view to improve outcomes by integrating atrial morphology and damage, brain imaging, information on genetic predisposition, systemic or local inflammation, and markers for cardiac strain. Each of these promising avenues requires validation in the context of existing risk factors in patients. More importantly, a new taxonomy of AF may be needed based on the pathophysiological type of AF to allow personalized management of AF to come to full fruition. Continued translational research efforts are needed to personalize management of this prevalent disease in a better manner. All the efforts are expected to improve the management of patients with AF based on personalized therapy.

Ischemic stroke associated with left cardiac catheterization: the importance of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke associated with left cardiac catheterization is a devastating complication, and its incidence has not changed over the decades. We investigated the incidence, in-hospital outcomes and the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for periprocedural ischemic stroke. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort study included all patients experiencing periprocedural ischemic stroke among the 24,500 patients who underwent left cardiac catheterization between January 2003 and October 2010. The case group was compared with a group of control patients randomly selected among those who underwent the procedure during this period. RESULTS: Ischemic cerebrovascular events attested by brain imaging occurred in 37 patients (0.15% of procedures), transient ischemic attack occurred in 9 cases, and persistent neurological deficit occurred in 28 cases. Patients who developed strokes were more likely to be older and were more often female with a greater prevalence of comorbidities. Emergency and longer procedures were more frequent in patients in the case group who had more coronary complications. A multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.2; 95% CI 1.8-9.9; P < .001), chronic renal dysfunction (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.4; P < .001), known cerebrovascular disease (OR 5.1; 95% CI 2.3-11.5; P < .001), emergency procedure (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-9.2; P < .01) and recent congestive heart failure (OR 6.1; 95% CI 2.9-13; P < .001) as independent predictors for stroke. The independent modifiable predictive factors were represented by left ventricular angiography (OR 7.5; 95% CI 2.7-21; P < .001), and low operator volume (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.3-7.4; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Limiting the performance of left cardiac catheterization to high volume operators and avoiding unnecessary left ventricular angiography may reduce periprocedural ischemic stroke.

[Atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation: general practitioner, cardiologist and patient's points of view]. / Fibrillation atriale et traitement anticoagulant: point de vue du médecin généraliste, du cardiologue et du patient.

AIMS: This French study was set up to collect perceptions of general practitioners (GPs), cardiologists and patients on anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in the management of thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). METHOD: This is a prospective survey conducted in France, between July 1 and August 7 2011, on a sample defined to obtain a sufficient number of patient files of 133 physicians, divided into 65 cardiologists and 68 GPs. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-four patients on VKA and 130 patients not receiving VKA were included in this study. For more than one in three patients, AF was diagnosed incidentally in a medical consultation for another reason. In addition, 15% and 23% of diagnoses of FA were performed after hospitalization for stroke or TIA by cardiologists and GPs, respectively. According to the patient, the doctor contacted first is a GP (52% for the GP vs. 35.5% for the cardiologist), but they state that the diagnosis was made mainly by a cardiologist (63% for the cardiologist vs. 27% for the GP). In 78% of cases, cardiologists are initial prescribers. A CHADS2 score of 0 was found in 23% of patients not receiving VKA and in 11% of patients on VKA. A CHADS2 score superior or equal to 2 is significantly more frequently found in patients with paroxysmal AF. Concerning the monitoring of the patient, GPs ensure mainly monitoring of INR. In terms of compliance, according to doctors, their patients systematically take their treatment in 91% of cases. However, by interviewing patients, 60% of non-compliant patients are considered compliant by their physician. CONCLUSION: This study has achieved an overview of anticoagulation treatment in AF, in France. The initiation is mainly ensured by the cardiologist and the monitoring by the GP. Assessments between cardiologists and GPs are relatively similar, however, it appears that anticoagulation treatment is under-prescribed for the patients at risk.

A stepwise approach to the management of postinfarct ventricular tachycardia using catheter ablation as the first-line treatment: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after myocardial infarction is associated with poorer prognosis. In such patients, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are recommended. Catheter ablation of VT is currently recommended only as an adjunctive therapy. Whether a successful VT ablation alone might be a viable strategy in some of these patients, however, remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate this strategy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2011, 189 patients with cardiomyopathy underwent 259 VT ablations in our center. Forty-five patients (mean age, 65.2±9.6 years; 91% men) with a history of myocardial infarction and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 39.7±9.7% matched the study criteria and were included in this analysis. Acute success was obtained in 40 of 45 patients (88.9%). During a follow-up, on the basis of our stepwise algorithm (using acute success, repeat electrophysiological study, and recurrence of VT), 19 of 45 patients (42.2%) underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillators implantation. During a median follow-up of 4.5 (interquartile range, 2.1-7.0) years, all-cause mortality occurred in 14 of 45 patients (31.1%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.22; P=0.007) was the only independent predictor of mortality, whereas implantable cardioverter-defibrillators implantation was not (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.64; P=0.28) CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a stepwise approach to the management of VT with ablation as a first-line treatment in postinfarct patients presenting with VT might be a reasonable option. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Bilateral internal mammary artery bypass grafting: long-term clinical benefits in a series of 1000 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) remain widely underused in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this study, we aim to investigate the early and long-term outcomes of BIMA grafts in isolated CABGs. DESIGN: Single-centre retrospective observational study. SETTING: University Hospital, Nancy. PATIENTS: 1000 consecutive patients undergoing elective, isolated, primary, multiple CABGs using BIMA grafts and supplemental venous grafts for multi-vessel coronary disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital mortality and major morbidity, and long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Mean age of the overall population was 60 ± 15 years. A left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% was found in 28% of the patients and 27.1% of the patients were diabetics. Comorbidities were represented by chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and peripheral artery disease in 11, 11.7 and 27.3% of the cases, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8%. Early postoperative morbidity included myocardial infarction (2.2%), stroke (0.9%), mesenteric ischaemia (0.7%) and mediastinitis (2.2%). The Kaplan-Meier 8-year survival rates for patients less than 65 and between 65 and 74 years of age were 88% and 66%, respectively (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that patients' age 65 years or greater at baseline (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 4, p < 0.001), acute coronary syndrome (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.4, p = 0.02), chronic renal failure (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 5.2, p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.8 to 5.5, p < 0.001) and LVEF ≤ 45% (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of long-term cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our longitudinal analysis presents encouraging data concerning operative risk of BIMA grafting and provides excellent long-term survival in appropriately selected patients.