[Right ventricular function after a first episode of pulmonary embolism: Contribution of longitudinal 2D strain]. / Fonction ventriculaire droite après un premier épisode d'embolie pulmonaire : apport du strain 2D.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of right ventricular (RV) function during the acute phase of pulmonary embolism (PE) was widely reported in the literature. However, few studies analysed its function long term after the acute phase. Our aim was to evaluate the RV function long term after a first episode of PE. METHODS: In this study, we compared echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function in 25 patients with a first episode of non-severe PE for more than six months with 25 healthy controls subject. RESULTS: In the study of RV function, we noted that the mean values of the standard parameters were significantly lower in the EP group compared to the control group but their values remained within the normal range. The global RV longitudinal strain had a mean value lower than the control group statistically significant (-21±4,8% vs. -25±2,4%; P=0,28). The longitudinal strain of the free wall of the RV was altered in the EP group, however, there was no significant difference between the EP group and the control group (-19,4±16% vs. -24±17%; P=0,28). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that there is a systolic dysfunction late after a first episode of PE and this despite the absence of the symptoms and pulmonary hypertension.

[Acute myocarditis complicating Mediterranean spotted fever. A case report]. / Une myocardite aiguë compliquant une fièvre boutonneuse méditerranéenne. À propos d'un cas.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) due to Rickettsia conorii is the most important tick-borne disease occurring in North Africa. The first description of MSF was made by Conor and Brush in 1910 in Tunisia. Clinical diagnosis relies on the association of fever, rash and inoculation's scar during summertime. Prognosis in MSF is usually good, however malignant forms were described. These forms occur in patients with comorbidities. G6PD deficiency is a classic ground for severe forms of MSF. Myocarditis is an uncommon complication in MSF; only few cases were reported in the literature. We report a new case of myocarditis complicating MSF in a 15-year-old patient with G6PD deficiency. The patient presented with fever and rash, evocative of MSF; he reported chest pain and the electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevation in anterior leads. Troponin level was elevated. Echocardiogram showed left ventricular dysfunction with 40% ejection fraction. Serologic tests confirmed R. conorii recent infection. Antibiotic treatment with vibramycine and rifadine was started. Patient also received classic treatment of myocarditis with left ventricular dysfunction associating CEI, ß-bloquers and diuretics. Evolution was favourable with complete recovery of left ventricular function. Myocarditis is an uncommon but severe complication of MSF. Early diagnosis and treatment allow favorable evolution.

Influence of blood glucose on heart rate and cardiac autonomic function. The DESIR study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in a general population, the relationships between dysglycaemia, insulin resistance and metabolic variables, and heart rate, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability. METHODS: Four hundred and forty-seven participants in the Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance syndrome (DESIR) study were classified according to glycaemic status over the preceding 9 years. All were free of self-reported cardiac antecedents and were not taking drugs which alter heart rate. During five consecutive periods: rest, deep breathing, recovery, rest and lying to standing, heart rate and heart rate varability were evaluated and compared by ANCOVA and trend tests across glycaemic classes. Spearman correlation coefficients quantified the relations between cardio-metabolic risk factors, heart rate and heart rate varability. RESULTS: Heart rate differed between glycaemic groups, except during deep breathing. Between rest and deep-breathing periods, patients with diabetes had a lower increase in heart rate than others (P(trend) < 0.01); between deep breathing and recovery, the heart rate of patients with diabetes continued to increase, for others, heart rate decreased (P(trend) < 0.009). Heart rate was correlated with capillary glucose and triglycerides during the five test periods. Heart rate variability differed according to glycaemic status, especially during the recovery period. After age, sex and BMI adjustment, heart rate variability was correlated with triglycerides at two test periods. Change in heart rate between recovery and deep breathing was negatively correlated with heart rate variability at rest, (r=-0.113, P < 0.05): lower resting heart rate variability was associated with heart rate acceleration. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate, but not heart rate variability, was associated with glycaemic status and capillary glucose. After deep breathing, heart rate recovery was altered in patients with known diabetes and was associated with reduced heart rate variability. Being overweight was a major correlate of heart rate variability.

[Costovertebral echinococcosis: a case report and review of the literature]. / Le kyste hydatique costovertébral primitif: une observation et revue de la littérature.

The bone involvement is uncommon in hydatid disease and represents less than 2 % of cases. Vertebral hydatidosis is the most common bone localization (44 %). The severity of vertebral echinococcosis is related to the neurological complications and therapeutic problems especially in advanced stages. The treatment relies on the actual surgical removal of hydatidosis. In endemic countries, prevention and health education are the best measures. We report a 17-year-old male who presented with an incomplete paraplegia with thoracic deformation, revealing a costovertebral hydatidosis.

[Recommendations for sports participation in patients with arrhythmia]. / Recommandations sur la pratique de l'activité sportive en cas de pathologie rythmique.

Nowadays, sports are a wonderful mean for social success, and the high-level athlete is the symbol of a perfect hygiene of life. Despite this, the occurrence of unexplained sudden death (SD) is not exceptional, especially during training and competition. In this context, it is important to intensify medical controls for these athletes, especially in a very early phase, in order to detect subjects at risk. In case of detection of a cardiac disease prone to cardiovascular or arrhythmic event, the practice of any high-level sportive activity or even any sustained sportive activity must be forbidden without hesitation, with the aim of protecting these subjects. Even though a total interdiction of sports practice can be a tough decision to be accepted, it should prevail on the dramatic consequences of sudden death. Physicians' responsibility issues in the screening and management of competition or leisure-time sportsmen are of high importance since in case of sudden death, the physician and the medical community liabilities can be considered. As a consequence, the medical community set up recommendations on the screening, treatment and even interdiction of sportive activity for athletes, which should also be applied to leisure-time sportsmen. In the first part of this article, the different causes (especially the arrhythmia-related) of sudden death occurring in sportsmen are reviewed. In the second part, the recommendations on practice of high-level sports in case of arrhythmia or genetic arrhythmic cardiac disease are summarized.

[Which place for VDD mode single electrode pacemaker?]. / Quelle place de la stimulation cardiaque en mode VDD a sonde unique?

VDD mode single electrode pacemaker is a technique of cardiac stimulation which preserves auriculo-ventricular synchronism using a single electrode. Its importance has decreased because of the numerous satisfactions previous by the DDD mode. We describe our experience with this mode and we discuss the advantages, limits and indications of this mode of cardiac stimulation.

[Comparison between three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping and conventional mapping in the ablation of atrial tachycardias]. / Comparaison entre la cartographie electro-anatomique tridimensionnelle et la cartographie conventionnelle dans l'ablation des tachycardies atriales.

In atrial tachycardias, catheter ablation using conventional mapping system is associated with high immediate success and low recurrence. Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system combined to catheter ablation of atrial tachycardias has reached, in small uncontroled series, success rates of 100%. However, limited data are available about rates of recurrence or complication using this approach. In order to compare both mapping systems, we have conducted a study of 65 consecutive patients (36 women and 29 men) that underwent both electrophysiologic study and catheter ablation for suspected atrial tachycardias. Pre-existing heart disease was noted in 43%, hypertension in 32% and a history of atrial fibrillation of flutter in 52%. Catheter ablation guided by conventional mapping was undertaken in 44 patients and by three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping in 21. Successful ablation was performed in 68% of patients with conventional mapping and in 90% with three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping. No complication and recurrence were observed with the latter approach, while 5 patients had a recurrence and 2 had immediate complication with conventional mapping. Catheter ablation of atrial tachycardias combined with three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping appeared to be effective and safe, however, conventional mapping system still remains a reliable approach that must be considered as the first choice for atrial tachycardias ablation.

[Value and limitations of programmed ventricular stimulation]. / Intérêts et limites de la stimulation ventriculaire programmée.

The electrocardiogramme and methods of prolonged ECG recording are sufficient for diagnosing most cardiac arrhythmias. They also provide some prognostic information and allow evaluation and follow-up of treatment. However, in some situations, endocavitary electrophysiological investigations are required when the diagnosis is uncertain, that more prognostic information is required or interventional techniques (endocavitary ablation) are envisaged. The aim of this report is to summarise the value and limitations of programmed ventricular stimulation. Many of its indications have been abandoned in terms of rhythm stratification in the face of more robust parameters, in particular the left ventricular ejection fraction. However, it retains a potential utility in terms of prognosis in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, the Brugada syndrome and operated Tetralogy of Fallot. In any event, it is important to remember that studies resulting in diagnostic or therapeutic recommendations were performed with strict protocols of stimulation in selected patients and that these recommendations can only be applied when the evaluation protocols are respected. The indications of programmed ventricular stimulation will increase in the therapeutic field with the development of new techniques of 3D mapping, new systems of catheter guiding which should extend the indications of endocavitary ablation.

[Primary anomalies of ventricular repolarisation]. / Anomalies primaires de la repolarisation ventriculaire. Conséquences electrophysiologiques.

The duration of repolarisation is the main determinant of the refractory period and therefore plays a major electrophysiological role. Ventricular repolarisation can be influenced or modified by very many extrinsic factors responsible for so-called secondary changes or anomalies. On the contrary, primary anomalies of ventricular repolarisation correspond to intrinsic anomalies of ionic conduction which in turn affect repolarisation. Primary anomalies of ventricular repolarisation are the consequences of vascular disease, which is the origin of both electrocardiographic anomalies and rhythm disorders, and which can result in sudden death from ventricular fibrillation. Three clinical syndromes correspond with these definitions: long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, and Brugada syndrome. Much of the experimental work seems to show that arrhythmogenic action results mostly from an increase in the heterogeneity of the refractory periods, whether this involves a prolonged, short or even normal repolarisation time. The various experimental models also give a better understanding of the repolarisation changes observed on the electrocardiogram. Knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for arrhythmias due to primary anomalies of ventricular repolarisation could provide a model for secondary anomalies.

[Ventricular extrasystoles]. / Extrasystoles ventriculaires.

Ventricular extrasystoles result from premature excitation of the heart from a site beyond the bifurcation of the bundle of His, at the level of the conductive tissue or myocardial cells. In practice they represent a daily problem for cardiologists due to their frequent occurrence. They can be detected in symptomatic patients and also in asymptomatic subjects, for example during routine health checks. It is therefore important to distinguish benign ventricular extrasystoles from those which are potentially serious, so that a useless or even dangerous treatment is not undertaken and severe anxiety is not caused in patients who have become 'medicalised'. The decision about treatment is only made following electrocardiographic and echographic clinical investigation, with the presence of cardiopathy being one of the major deciding factors.