Pulmonary vein anatomy addressed by computed tomography and relation to success of second-generation cryoballoon ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon isolation is considered a safe and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, recurrence of AF after first cryoballoon ablation occurs in ~30% of patients. Pre-procedurally identifying patients at risk of AF recurrence could be beneficial. HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to determine how pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy influences the recurrence of AF using the second-generation cryoballoon in patients with paroxysmal AF. METHODS: We included 88 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI procedure with a second-generation 28-mm cryoballoon. All patients were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months using a 12-lead ECG and 24-hour Holter monitoring. PV anatomy was assessed by creating three-dimensional models using computed tomography (CT) segmentations of the left atrium. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (61%) had left PVs with a shared carina, 35 patients (42%) had a shared right carina. Nine patients (11%) were classified having a right middle PV. In total 17 (20.2%) of patients had a left common PV. At 12 months, 14 patients (17%) had experienced AF recurrence. Neither PV ovality, variant anatomy, the presence of shared carina nor a common left PV was a predictor for AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: No specific characteristics of PV dimensions nor morphology were associated with AF recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Variceal Bleeds in Patients with Biliary Atresia.

INTRODUCTION: Portal hypertension often occurs in biliary atresia (BA). The subsequent development of esophageal varices and bleeding from these varices are a well-known complication. We aim to describe the incidence and severity of variceal bleeding in patients with BA. In addition, we describe the characteristics of patients who experienced variceal bleeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all infants treated for BA at our center between March 1987 and August 2015. Variceal bleeding was defined as hematemesis and/or melena with presence of varices at endoscopy. Findings at endoscopy and ultrasound, laboratory tests, clearance of jaundice, fibrosis-grade at Kasai portoenterostomy, and several varices prediction scores were documented. Routine endoscopies were not performed. RESULTS: In this study, 74 patients were included. During follow-up, 18 out of 74 patients (24%) developed variceal bleeding at an age of 9 months (range, 4-111). Twelve patients were listed for liver transplantation at the time of bleeding. Patients who did not clear their jaundice developed variceal bleeds more often and earlier in life. Bleeds were treated with sclerotherapy, banding, or octreotide. Four patients did not receive treatment. No bleeding-related mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: One-fourth of the children diagnosed with BA experience variceal bleeds during follow-up. Most of these children are younger than 1 year and often already listed for transplantation. Major complications did not occur after variceal bleeding.