Electrocardiographic imaging to guide ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and agreement between two different systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A recent study using an epicardial-only electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI), suggests that the agreement of ECGI activation mapping and that of the contact mapping for ventricular arrhythmias (VA) is poor. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of two endo-epicardial ECGI systems using different cardiac sources and the agreement between them. METHODS: We performed 69 ECGI procedures in 52 patients referred for ablation of VA at our center. One system based on the extracellular potentials was used in 26 patients, the other based on the equivalent double layer model in 9, and both in 17 patients. The first uses up to 224 leads and the second just the 12­lead ECG. The localization of the VA was done using a segmental model of the ventricles. A perfect match (PM) was defined as a predicted location within the same anatomic segment, whereas a near match (NM) as a predicted location within the same segment or a contiguous one. RESULTS: 44 patients underwent ablation, corresponding to 58 ECGI procedures (37 with the first and 21 with the second system). The percentage of PMs and NMs was not significantly different between the two systems, respectively 76% and 95%, p = 0.077, and 97% and 100%, p = 1.000. In 14 patients that underwent ablation and had the ECGI performed with both systems, raw agreement for PMs was 79%, p = 0.250 for disagreement. CONCLUSIONS: ECGI systems were useful to identify the origin of the VAs, and the results were reproducible regardless the cardiac source.

Validation of an electrocardiographic marker of low voltage areas in the right ventricular outflow tract in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the presence of subtle abnormalities in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in patients with apparently normal hearts and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from the RVOT, including the presence of low voltage areas (LVAs). This LVAs seem to be associated with the presence of ST-segment elevation in V1 or V2 leads at the level of the 2nd intercostal space (ICS). OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to validate an electrocardiographic marker of LVAs in the RVOT in patients with idiopathic outflow tract VAs. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were studied, 84 patients referred for ablation of idiopathic VAs with an inferior axis by the same operator, and a control group of 36 patients without VAs. Structural heart disease including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was ruled out in all patients. An electrocardiogram was performed with V1-V2 at the 2nd ICS, and ST-segment elevation ≥1 mm and T-wave inversion beyond V1 were assessed. Bipolar voltage map of the RVOT was performed in sinus rhythm (0.5-1.5 mV color display). Areas with electrograms <1.5 mV were considered LVAs, and their presence was assessed. We compared three groups, VAs from the RVOT (n = 66), VAs from the LVOT (n = 18) and Control group (n = 36). ST-elevation, T-wave inversion and left versus right side of the VAs were tested as predictors of LVAs, respective odds ratio (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) and p values, were calculated with univariate logist regression. Variables with a p < .005 were included in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: ST-segment elevation, T-wave inversion and LVAs were present in the RVOT group, LVOT group and Control group as follows: (62%, 17%, and 6%, p < .0001), (33%, 29%, and 0%, p = .001) and (62%, 25%, and 14%, p < .0001). The ST-segment elevation, T-wave inversion and right-sided VAs were all predictors of LVAs, respective unadjusted ORs (95% CI), p values were, 32.31 (11.33-92.13), p < .0001, 4.137 (1.615-10.60), p = .003 and 8.200 (3.309-20.32), p < .0001. After adjustment, the only independent predictor of LVAs was the ST-segment elevation, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 20.94 (6.787-64.61), p < .0001. CONCLUSION: LVAs were frequently present in patients with idiopathic VAs. ST-segment elevation was the only independent predictor of their presence.

A simplified approach to radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular outflow tract premature ventricular contractions.

INTRODUCTION: Frequently, low voltage areas (LVAs) and diastolic potentials (DPs) are present at ablation sites in sinus rhythm in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). OBJECTIVE: Validate these findings as substrates for PVCs and evaluate the feasibility of a simplified substrate approach based on LVAs and DPs for ablation of idiopathic outflow tract PVCs, in patients with a low PVC burden during the procedure. METHODS: Prospective single-arm clinical trial at two centers with comparison with a historical group, matched to age and gender. The study group consisted of consecutive patients referred for ablation of frequent idiopathic PVCs with inferior axis, that presented with less than two PVCs/min in first 5 min of the procedure. The ablation was based on fast mapping of the right ventricular outflow tract in sinus rhythm looking for LVAs and DPs, defined as isolated small amplitude potentials occurring after the T wave of the surface echocardiogram. The area with LVAs and DPs was tagged, and a simplified activation mapping of the PVCs was done in that area. The procedure time, success rate, and recurrence rate were compared with the historical group in whom ablation was performed based on activation and pace mapping only. A validation group without PVCs was also studied to assess the prevalence of LVAs and DPs in the general population. RESULTS: The study (n = 38), historical (n = 38), and validation (n = 38) groups did not differ in relation to age or gender. Prevalence of LVAs and DPs was significantly higher in the study group in comparison with the validation group, respectively, 71% versus 11%, p < 0.0001 and 87% versus 8%, p < 0.0001. Procedure time was significantly lower in the study group when comparing to the historical group, 130 (100-164) versus 183 (160-203) min, p < 0.0001 and the success rate was significantly higher, 90% versus 64%, p = 0.013. The recurrence rate in patients with a successful ablation was not significantly different between both groups, Log-rank = 0.125. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LVAs and DPs was significantly higher in the study group than in the validation group. The proposed approach proved to be feasible, faster, and more efficient than the historical approach.

Assessment of wave front activation duration and speed across the right ventricular outflow tract using electrocardiographic imaging as predictors of the origin of the premature ventricular contractions: A validation study.

AIMS: Evaluate right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) activation duration (AD) and speed, invasively and with the electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI), as predictors of the origin of the PVCs, validating the ECGI. METHODS: 18 consecutive patients, 8 males, median age 55 (35-63) years that underwent ablation of PVCs with inferior axis and had ECGI performed before ablation. Isochronal activation maps of the RVOT in PVC were obtained with the ECGI and invasively. Total RVOT AD was measured as the time between earliest and latest activated region, and propagation speed by measuring the area of the first 10 ms of activation. Cut-off values for AD, activation speed and number of 10 ms isochrones to predict the origin of the PVCs, were obtained with the ROC curve analysis. Agreement between methods was done with Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: PVCs originated from the RVOT in 11 (61%) patients. The stronger predictor of PVC origin was the AD. The median AD in PVCs from RVOT was significantly longer than from outside the RVOT, both with ECGI and invasively, respectively 62 (58-73) vs 37 (33-40) ms, p < 0.0001 and 68 (60-75) vs 35 (29-41) ms, p < 0.0001. Agreement between the two methods was good (r = 0.864, p < 0.0001). The cut-off value of 43 ms for AD measured with ECGI predicted the origin of the PVCs with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: We found good agreement between ECGI and invasive map. The AD measured with ECGI was the best predictor of the origin of the PVCs.

Prolonged Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Endocardial Activation Duration and Presence of Deceleration Zones in Patients With Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions. Association With Low Voltage Areas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The wavefront propagation velocity in the myocardium with fibrosis is characterized by the presence of deceleration zones and late activated zones, that are absent in the normal myocardium. Our aim was to study the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) endocardial activation duration in sinus rhythm, and assess the presence of deceleration zones, in patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and in controls. METHODS: We studied 29 patients with idiopathic PVCs from the outflow tract, subjected to catheter ablation that had an activation and voltage map of the RVOT in sinus rhythm. A control group of 15 patients without PVCs that underwent ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias was also studied. RVOT endocardial activation duration and number of 10 ms isochrones across the RVOT were assessed. Propagation speed was calculated at the zone with the higher number of isochrones per cm radius. Deceleration zones were defined as zones with >3 isochrones within 1 cm radius. Low voltage areas were defined as areas with local electrogram with amplitude <1.5 mV. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in relation to age, gender or number of points in the map. RVOT endocardial activation duration and number of 10 ms isochrones were higher in the PVC group; 56 (41-66) ms vs. 39 (35-41) ms, p = 0.001 and 5 (4-8) vs. 4 (4-5), p = 0.001. Presence of deceleration zones and low voltage areas were more frequent in the PVC group; 20 (69%) vs. 0 (0%), p < 0.0001 and 21 (72%) vs. 0 (0%), p < 0.0001. The wavefront propagation speed was significantly lower in patients with PVCs than in the control group, 0.35 (0.27-0.40) vs. 0.63 (0.56-0.66) m/s, p < 0.0001. Patients with low voltage areas had longer activation duration 60 (52-67) vs. 36 (32-40) ms, p < 0.0001, more deceleration zones, 20 (95%) vs. 0 (0%), p < 0.0001, and lower wavefront propagation speed, 0.30 (0.26-0.36) vs. 0.54 (0.36-0.66) m/s, p = 0.002, than patients without low voltage areas. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular outflow tract endocardial activation duration was longer, propagation speed was lower and deceleration zones were more frequent in patients with PVCs than in controls and were associated with the presence of low voltage areas.

Anatomic guided ablation of the atrial right ganglionated plexi is enough for cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with significant bradyarrhythmias.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac autonomic system modulation by endocardial ablation targeting atrial ganglionated plexi (GP) is an alternative strategy in selected patients with severe functional bradyarrhythmias, although no consensus exists on the best ablation strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a simplified approach by a purely anatomical guided ablation of just the atrial right GP is enough for the treatment of these patients. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with significant functional bradyarrhythmias and performed endocardial ablation purely guided by 3D electroanatomic mapping directed at the atrial right GP and accessed parameters of parasympathetic modulation and recurrence of bradyarrhythmias. RESULTS: Thirteen patients enrolled (76.9% male, median age 51, 42-63 years). After ablation, a median RR interval shortening of 28.3 (25.6-40.3)% occurred (1111, 937.5-1395.4 ms to 722.9, 652.2-882.4 ms, p = 0.0002). The AH interval also shortened (19, 10.5-35.7%) significantly after the procedure (115, 105-122 ms to 85, 71-105 ms, p = 0.0023) as well as Wenckebach cycle length (11.1, 5.9-17.8% shortening) from 450, 440-510 ms to 430, 400-460 ms, p = 0.0127. On 24-h Holter monitoring there was significant increase in heart rates (HR) of patients after ablation (minimal HR increased from 34 (26-43)bpm to 49 (43-56)bpm, p = 0,0102 and mean HR from 65 (47-72)bpm to 78 (67-87)bpm, p = 0.0004). No patients had recurrence of symptoms or significant bradyarrhythmias during a median follow-up of 8.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: A purely anatomic guided procedure directed only at the atrial right ganglionated plexi seems to be enough as a therapeutic approach for cardioneuroablation in selected patients with significant functional bradyarrhythmias.

Frequent premature ventricular contractions. Association of burden and complexity with prognosis according to the presence of structural heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) have been associated with mortality and heart failure (HF) regardless the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). The aim of this study was assessing the impact of burden and complexity of PVCs on prognosis, according to presence of SHD. METHODS: 312 patients were retrospectively evaluated out of 1967 consecutive patients referred for 24-hr Holter at a single hospital, with a PVC count >1% of total beats. Two groups with and without SHD. PVC burden (PVC%), presence of complex forms, incidence of all-cause death, combined outcomes of all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations, HF death and HF hospitalizations and, sudden death (SD) or hospitalizations due to ventricular arrhythmias (VA)were assessed. RESULTS: Premature ventricular contraction burden was 2.7 (IQR: 1.6-6.7). SHD patients had more polymorphic PVCs, 77% versus 65%, p = .022, triplets and episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT): 44% versus 27%, p = .002; 30% versus 12%, p < .0001. In idiopathic patients, a PVC% in the third quartile was independently associated with all-cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) 2.288 (1.042-5.026) p = .039, but not in SHD. The complexity of the PVCs was not independently associated with outcomes in both groups. In SHD group, NSVT was associated with lower survival free from SD and VA hospitalizations, p = .028; after multivariable, there was a trend for a higher arrhythmic outcome with NSVT, HR 3.896 (0.903-16.81) p = .068. CONCLUSION: Premature ventricular contractions in SHD showed more complex patterns. In idiopathic patients, a higher PVC count was associated with higher mortality but not is SHD patients. Complexity was not independently associated with worse prognosis.

Implementación de la Informatización del Servicio de Préstamo de Literatura Docente / Implementation of computerization in the textbook lending service

RESUMEN Introducción: el servicio de préstamos de libros del almacén de literatura docente constituye uno de los servicios más importantes dentro de las universidades de las Ciencias Médicas. En estos centros, no existe una aplicación que gestione los procesos de esta área. El préstamo se hace mediante tarjetas individuales por usuarios, su procesamiento enlentece el proceso en los tiempos de mayor flujo de usuarios. La presente investigación, implementación, es continuación de la Informatización del Servicio de Préstamo de Literatura Docente en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río. Objetivo: implementar la informatización del Servicio de Préstamo de Literatura Docente en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río. Métodos: se utilizaron métodos teóricos como: el histórico-lógico y análisis de los documentos relacionados con el proceso de gestión de la literatura docente. Resultados: se implementó y probó una Aplicación, previamente diseñada, que brinda las funcionalidades necesarias para gestionar el préstamo y control de la literatura docente en el almacén. Su uso mejora la calidad del servicio de préstamos, permite tener un control riguroso la literatura existente y brindar respuestas rápidas y precisas a todas las informaciones solicitadas por el nivel superior. Conclusiones: se obtuvo un producto novedoso ya que no existen antecedentes en la universidad de Ciencias Médicas. Con su realización se logró informatizar el proceso de préstamo de literatura docente en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río y su aplicación mejora la calidad del servicio que reciben estudiantes y profesores.

ABSTRACT Introduction: lending service from the textbook store constitutes one of the most important processes within the University of Medical Sciences. In these centers, no applications have been designed to manage the processes of book-lending. It is made through individual cards by users; this slows down the process in the times of greater flow of users. The present research establishes the implementation of computerization, and the continuance of Informatization in the textbook- lending service at Pinar del Rio University of Medical Sciences. Objective: to implement the computerization in the textbook-lending service at Pinar del Rio University of Medical Sciences. Methods: theoretical methods: historical-logical and analysis of documents related to the process of management of the textbooks. Results: a previously designed application was implemented and tested, which provides the necessary functions to manage and control the textbooks in the book store. Its implementation improves the quality of the lending service and allows having an accurate control of all the textbooks, providing at the same time faster and accurate responses to all the information requested by the higher level. Conclusions: a novel product was obtained since there is no background in the University of Medical Sciences. With its implementation the process of management of the textbooks at Pinar del Río University of Medical Sciences was computerized, and its application improves the quality of the service for both students and professors.

Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions From the Outflow Tract Display an Underlying Substrate That Can Be Unmasked by a Type 2 Brugada Electrocardiographic Pattern at High Right Precordial Leads.

Background: Patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and apparently normal hearts, can have ST elevation similar to type 2 or type 3 Brugada pattern in the electrocardiographic (ECG) performed at a higher position. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), has shown conflicting data regarding existence of structural abnormalities in patients with idiopathic PVCs from the RVOT. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of low voltage areas (LVAs) in the RVOT of patients with PVCS from the outflow tract, and in a control group. Secondly, assess for the presence of a non-invasive ECG marker. Methods: A 56 consecutive patients, 45 with frequent PVCs (>10000/24 h) LBBB, vertical axis, negative in aVL and 11 subjects without PVCs. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was ruled out in all patients. An ECG was performed with V1-V2 at the level of the second intercostal space and the presence of ST-segment elevation with a Type 2 or 3 Brugada pattern (Type 2 BrP) was assessed. Bipolar voltage map of the RVOT was performed in sinus rhythm (0.5-1.5 mV color display). Areas with electrograms <1.5 mV represented the LVA. The area adjacent to the pulmonary valve usually displays voltage between 0.5 and 1.5 mV and is classified as transitional-voltage zone. Presence of LVAs outside this transitional-voltage zone were estimated. We compared two groups with and without ST-segment elevation and tested for the association between ECG pattern and LVAs. Results: None of the patients in the control group had ST-segment elevation or LVAs. In the PVC group, no patient had type 1 Brugada pattern, 29 patients (64%) had type 2 or 3 ST-segment elevation (Type 2 BrP), and 28 (62%) had LVAs outside the transitional-voltage zone. LVAs were more frequent in patients with Type 2 BrP; 93% versus 4%, p < 0.0001. The ECG pattern was associated with the presence of LVAs, OR (95% CI): 202.50 (16.92-2423), p < 0.0001. Conclusion: Low voltage areas were frequently present in the RVOT of patients with idiopathic PVCs. They were absent in controls and can be unmasked by the presence of Type 2 BrP in high right precordial leads.

Excessive Atrial Ectopic Activity Worsens Prognosis and Predicts the Type of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of premature atrial contractions (PACs) burden, and the presence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on prognosis and type of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 285 consecutive patients with frequent PVCs defined as PVC count equal or higher than 1% of total beats assessed with 24-h Holter recording. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were excluded. We evaluated the impact of PAC burden and the presence of NSVT on the primary end points of all-cause mortality, stroke and new-onset AF, and secondary end points; arrhythmic end point (arrhythmic death or hospitalizations for ventricular arrhythmias) or heart failure (HF)-related end point (death or hospitalizations due to HF). RESULTS: The PAC number showed an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI), P value) of 1.077 (1.014 - 1.145, P = 0.017) for all-cause mortality, 1.250 (1.080 - 1.447, P = 0.003) for stroke, 1.090 (1.006 - 1.181, P = 0.036) for new-onset AF and 1.376 (1.128 - 1.679, P = 0.002) for the HF end point. The presence of NSVT showed an adjusted HR (95% CI) of 3.644 (1.147 - 11.57, P = 0.028) for the arrhythmic end point. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with frequent PVCs a high PAC count was independently associated with increased mortality, higher rate of AF, stroke and HF adverse events, but not with arrhythmic adverse events. The presence of NSVT was independently associated with increased arrhythmic adverse events, but not with overall mortality, AF, stroke or HF events.

An inappropriate shock after reprogramming tachycardia zones.

A patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (Abbott®) had episodes of slow monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and his ICD was programmed with three tachycardia zones. During the follow-up, he received an inappropriate shock. Upon interrogation (of the device), trigeminal pattern binned as ventricular sensing (VS)-VS-ventricular fibrillation (VF) was detected. VF was assumed according to binning system. When VF is present, discrimination algorithms are not available and five consecutive sinus beats are necessary to reset binning system. Catheter ablation was performed to treat VT in order to reprogram tachycardia zones.

Atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia: Remote magnetic navigation ablation versus manual ablation - impact on operator fluoroscopy time.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Remote magnetic navigation systems have demonstrated benefits in the ablation of difficult substrates. Their role in the ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), however, has only been studied in small patient series. The aim of this study was to compare the results of AVNRT ablation using magnetic navigation, in a center where every procedure is performed with this system, with manual ablation. METHODS: We selected 139 consecutive patients undergoing AVNRT ablation with magnetic navigation by a single operator between January 2009 and June 2016 and compared them to a group of 101 consecutive patients undergoing manual ablation in the same period by the same operator in another hospital. The methodology was the same in both groups. Success rates, complications, procedure time, radiofrequency time, total and operator fluoroscopy time, and recurrence rates were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in success and complication rates. Procedure and total fluoroscopy times were not significantly different, but operator fluoroscopy time was significantly shorter with the magnetic navigation system (2.4±1.5 min vs. 7.2±4 min; p<0.001). The recurrence rate was higher in the manual group, although without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The ablation of AVNRT with magnetic navigation is feasible using the same methodology as for manual ablation. Success and complication rates were similar. Operator fluoroscopy time was significantly less with the magnetic navigation system.

Isolated diastolic potentials as predictors of success in ablation of right ventricular outflow tract idiopathic premature ventricular contractions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Discrete potentials, low voltage and fragmented electrograms, have been previously reported at ablation site, in patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The aim of this study was to review the electrograms at ablation site and assess the presence of diastolic potentials and their association with success. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electrograms obtained at the radiofrequency (RF) delivery sites of 48 patients subjected to ablation of RVOT frequent PVCs. We assessed the duration and amplitude of local electrogram, local activation time, and presence of diastolic potentials and fragmented electrograms. RESULTS: We reviewed 134 electrograms, median 2 (1-4) per patient. Success was achieved in 40 patients (83%). At successful sites the local activation time was earlier- 54 (-35 to -77) ms vs -26 (-12 to -35) ms, p<0.0001; the local electrogram had lower amplitude 1 (0.45-1.15) vs 1.5 (0.5-2.1) mV, p = 0.006, and longer duration 106 (80-154) vs 74 (60-90) ms, p<0.0001. Diastolic potentials and fragmented electrograms were more frequently present, respectively 76% vs 9%, p <0.0001 and 54% vs 11%, p<0.0001. In univariable analysis these variables were all associated with success. In multivariable analysis only the presence of diastolic potentials [OR 15.5 (95% CI: 3.92-61.2; p<0.0001)], and the value of local activation time [OR 1.11 (95% CI: 1.049-1.172 p<0.0001)], were significantly associated with success. CONCLUSION: In this group of patients the presence of diastolic potentials at the ablation site was associated with success.

Premature ventricular contractions of the right ventricular outflow tract: Upward displacement of the ECG unmasks ST elevation in V1 associated with the presence of low voltage areas.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) are usually considered a benign entity and the ECG is typically normal. The aim of this study was to assess whether upward displacement of the ECG to the second intercostal space (ICS) would reveal any abnormal pattern. METHODS: A total of 18 consecutive patients with apparently normal hearts were studied, mean age 44±16 years, 12 women, who underwent catheter ablation of the RVOT due to frequent PVCs. A 12-lead ECG was performed in the standard position and repeated in a higher position, at the level of the second ICS. Three-dimensional bipolar electroanatomical voltage mapping (EVM) was performed in all patients and low voltage areas (LVAs) were defined as areas with amplitude <1.5 mV. RESULTS: The ECG in the second ICS was normal in eleven patients but in seven (39%) it revealed a pattern of ST-segment elevation in V1. EVM revealed the presence of LVAs in six patients (33%) which included the earliest activation site (EAS) in five. The ST elevation was associated with the presence of LVAs (p<0.0001) and with the LVAs at the EAS (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: In this group of patients with apparently normal hearts and with frequent PVCs of the RVOT, upward displacement of the ECG revealed the presence of ST elevation in more than one third of patients, and the ST elevation was associated with the presence of LVAs in the RVOT.

Clinical Impact of Oral Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial High-rate Episodes.

BACKGROUND: Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are common in pacemaker patients. Our aims were to compare patients with AHREs to those without them and to assess if, in those with AHREs, the initiation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) has any clinical impact on the occurrence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events. METHODS: From 2014-2017 we selected patients with pacemaker in whom AHREs were detected. AHREs were defined as episodes lasting more than 6 minutes if the electrogram was available or more than 6 hours if not. We used an age- and gender-matched population with pacemaker but no AHRE as a control group (observational study). Those with AHRE were referred to their assistant physician to decide OAC initiation, based on individual circumstances (interventional study). In interventional study, the primary outcome was a composite of systemic thromboembolism or major bleeding. Secondary outcomes were clinical relevant nonmajor bleeding, major and nonmajor bleeding, CV death, and death from all causes. RESULTS: AHREs were detected in 86 patients: 69 patients initiated OAC and the remaining 17 patients did not. When comparing patients with and without AHRE, baseline characteristics were not different between the groups, except for indexed left atrium volume-40 mL (IQR: 34-50) in AHRE group versus 35 mL (IQR: 34-40) in control group (P = .014). AHREs were associated with future development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the risk was higher if AHRE duration was superior to 6 hours. Death and cardiovascular (CV) death were not significantly different between the groups with and without AHRE. Primary outcome occurred in 4.9 per 100 person-year in OAC group versus 3.4 per 100 person-year in non-OAC group (HR 1.4, 95% CI .2-11.3, P = .78). Secondary outcomes were not significantly different in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with pacemakers, the presence of AHREs was useful for predicting the future development of AF and the risk of AF was higher in those with a longer duration of AHRE. In the AHRE group, OAC therapy was not associated with a significant difference in the risk of thromboembolism or major bleeding.

Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition thought to increase in the future. Being mostly undiagnosed, the most serious complications are cardiovascular diseases, among which are arrhythmias. Controversy remains as to whether OSA is a primary etiologic factor for ventricular arrhythmias, because of the high incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities in OSA patients. However, there is mostly a strong evidence of a relation between OSA and ventricular arrhythmias. A few mechanisms have been proposed to be responsible for this association and some electrocardiographic changes have also been demonstrated to be more frequent in OSA patients. Treatment of OSA with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has the potential to reduce arrhythmias and confer a mortality benefit.