Commotio cordis in non-sports-related injury: A scoping review.

Commotio cordis is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by sudden cardiac arrest resulting from a blunt chest impact. While commotio cordis has traditionally been associated with sports-related activities, a significant proportion of cases occur in non-sport-related settings, such as assaults, motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), and daily activities. This critical review examines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of non-sports-related commotio cordis cases, highlighting the need for increased awareness and improved management in these contexts. The review analyzes existing literature, drawing attention to the demographics of non-sports-related cases, which predominantly affect adolescents and young adults, with males being the primary demographic. In contrast to sport-related cases, non-sports-related commotio cordis cases exhibit a wider age range and a higher proportion of female subjects. Mortality rates are significantly higher in non-sports-related commotio cordis cases, largely due to lower rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), limited access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and delayed initiation of resuscitative efforts compared to sport-related incidents. This underscores the critical importance of increasing awareness and preparedness in non-sport-related settings. To mitigate the risks associated with non-sports-related commotio cordis, efforts should focus on early recognition of the condition, timely administration of CPR, and the widespread availability and accessibility of AEDs in various environments. Enhanced awareness and education can potentially lead to a reduction in mortality and improved outcomes for individuals affected by commotio cordis outside of sports-related activities. In conclusion, commotio cordis is not exclusive to sports and presents a significant health risk in non-sport-related scenarios. This review emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, preparedness, and resuscitation measures in non-sports contexts to address the higher mortality associated with these cases.

Outcomes of primary leadless pacemaker implantation: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, leadless pacemakers (LPMs) have turned into a prevalent alternative to traditional transvenous (TV) pacemakers; however, there is no consolidated data on LPM implantation in emergencies. METHODS: Digital databases were searched for this review and four relevant studies, including 1276 patients were included in this review with procedure duration, fluoroscopic time, major complications, and mortality as primary outcomes and pacing threshold, impedance, sensing of LPM, and hospital stay as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Gonzales et al. and Marschall et al. showed the duration of the procedure to be 180 ± 45 versus 324.6 ± 92 and 39.9 ± 8.7 versus 54.9 ± 9.8, respectively. Zhang et al. demonstrated the duration of the procedure and fluoroscopy time to be 36 ± 13.4 and 11.1 ± 3.1, respectively. Similarly, Schiavone et al. exhibited intermediate times of implantation at 60 (45-80) versus 50 (40-65) and fluoroscopic times at 6.5 (5-9.7) versus 5.1 (3.1-9). Hospital stay was more with a temp-perm pacemaker as compared to LPM and pacing parameters were not significantly different in all the studies. CONCLUSION: For underlying arrhythmias, whenever appropriate, our review shows that LPMs may be a better option than temporary pacemakers, even as an urgent treatment.

Association of gut microbiome dysbiosis with the progression of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Many clinical and preclinical studies have implicated an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and its progression to imbalances in the gut microbiome composition. The gut microbiome is a diverse and complex ecosystem containing billions of microorganisms that produce biologically active metabolites influencing the host disease development. METHODS: For this review, a literature search was conducted using digital databases to systematically identify the studies reporting the association of gut microbiota with AF progression. RESULTS: In a total of 14 studies, 2479 patients were recruited for the final analysis. More than half (n = 8) of the studies reported alterations in alpha diversity in atrial fibrillation. As for the beta diversity, 10 studies showed significant alterations. Almost all studies that assessed gut microbiota alterations reported major taxa associated with atrial fibrillation. Most studies focused on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), whereas three studies evaluated TMAO levels in the blood, which is the breakdown product of dietary l-carnitine, choline, and lecithin. Moreover, an independent cohort study assessed the relationship between phenylacetylglutamine (PAGIn) and AF. CONCLUSION: Intestinal dysbiosis is a modifiable risk factor that might provide newer treatment strategies for AF prevention. Well-designed research and prospective randomized interventional studies are required to target the gut dysbiotic mechanisms and determine the gut dysbiotic-AF relationship.

Tachycardia Therapy Outcomes of Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy on Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

Objective: This investigation aimed to investigate differences between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) for tachycardia therapy-related outcomes as well as mortality during follow-up of at least 1 year. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with DCM (n = 42) and ICM (n = 36) with implantation or upgradation to CRT-D were included in this study and analyzed for incidence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), non-sustained ventricular fibrillation (NSVF), defibrillator therapies, anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), and mortality. Results: DCM was the underlying etiology in 42 (53.84%) and ICM in 36 (46.15%). Time to first therapy was numerically longer in DCM than in ICM (9.5 ± 2.4 vs. 7.1 ± 3.2; P-value = 0.088). DCM patients had significantly higher therapy-free survival and mortality compared with ICM patients (OR (95%CI): 0.238 (0.155-0.424); log-rank P = 0.017) and (OR (95% CI): 0.612 (0.254-0.924); log-rank P = 0.029). ICM (HR (95%CI): 0.529 (0.243-0.925); P-value = 0.014) CAD (HR (95%CI): 0.326 (0.122-0.691): P-value = 0.003), and NSVT (HR (95%CI): 0.703 (0.513-0.849): P-value = 0.005) were demonstrated as independent predictors of the primary endpoint of appropriate therapy in CRT-D and ICM (HR (95%CI): 0.421 (0.321-0.524); P-value = 0.037), chronic kidney disease (CKD; HR (95%CI): 0.289 (0.198-0.380); P-value = 0.013), and CAD (HR (95%CI): 0.786 (0.531-0.967); P-value = 0.003) were predictors of mortality. Conclusion: The clinical course of ICM and DCM cohorts who were treated with CRT-D differs significantly during follow-up, with increased tachycardia therapy and increased incidence of mortality in ICM patients.

Initial Experience in Ablation of Non-coronary Cusp PVCs by using High-density Mapping System (Rhythmia).

Idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) most often occur under or above the semi-lunar valves from the right ventricular outflow tract and less often from the left ventricular outflow tract. Radio-frequency ablation is mostly used for patients who develop left ventricular dysfunction or intolerable symptoms. Since most of the patients are in the young age group and ablation has a high success rate with recurrence being relatively low, it can be offered to those symptomatic patients who want a definitive cure. The use of 3-dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping systems helps locate the ablation site. We report a case of a young man with PVCs coming from a rare site of non-coronary cusp, which was ablated successfully by using a high-density mapping system. Key Words: Catheter ablation, Left ventricular outflow tract, Non-coronary aortic cusp, Premature ventricular contractions.

Comparison of cortisol levels in patients with vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the levels of cortisol in patients of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi and Electrophysiology Department at (AFIC). This study included 80 subjects, comprising of 35 patients in each group of vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome and 10 healthy subjects. Patients with complaint of syncope was evaluated for vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome using Head Up Tilt Test (HUTT. Blood samples of all the participants were taken and serum cortisol was analyzed using ELISA method. Results were analyzed on SPSS Statistics 21 using ANOVA with a p value of ≤0.05 regarded as significant. RESULTS: Hormonal analysis shows that cortisol levels in the vasovagal, postural tachycardia syndrome and in control group was 153±16.7pg/ml, 160.17±pg/ml, and 69.65± 5.8pg/ml respectively. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in both vasovagal and POTS groups as compared to controls with a p-value of 0.04 and 0.023 respectively. However, there was no significant difference between vasovagal and POTS patients with p value 0.570. CONCLUSION: It is concluded from the study that cortisol responses of VVS and POTS were positive.

Association of age and symptoms with frequency of Premature Ventricular Contractions on 24 hours Holter monitoring.

OBJECTIVES: This study was done with the objective to identify the determinants of mild, moderate and frequent burdens of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) which may guide the health care professionals to stratify the high risk patients on basis of their symptoms. METHODS: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) from 18th April 2016 to 20th March 2018. It comprised 60 diagnosed patients of PVCs, divided into three groups on the basis of their PVCs burden determined by Holter monitoring report. Each group of mild (Group-A), moderate (Group-B) and frequent burden (Group-C) constituted 20 patients having PVC burden<10%, 10-20% and >20% respectively. All patients were evaluated for their symptoms by a cardiologist. Statistical analysis was done to determine the association of patient's symptom and age with mild, moderate and frequent PVCs burden. RESULTS: PVCs were significantly associated with presence of symptoms as compared to asymptomatic patients. While no significant correlation of age or any specific symptom (palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath) was found with mild, moderate and frequent PVCs burden with p-value of 0.466. CONCLUSIONS: Mild, moderate or frequent PVCs burden are not associated with any specific symptom predominantly or old age. So, it is equally important for all the patients presenting with any symptom of palpitations, chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath to undergo the work up of PVCs, irrespective of their age.

A linear ablating system in the left and right atrium: feasibility, catheter performance and clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the use of a ablating system to compartmentalise and regionally isolate the atria in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: 40 patients were studied, 25 paroxysmal AF and 14 persistent AF. One patient enrolled was later found to be in left atrial flutter and was excluded. The Cardima Revelation® TX catheter system with Intellitemp® Radiofrequency (RF) energy control device and a Medtronic Atakar® RF generator were used to place wide area circumferential ablations to achieve conduction block into the left and right sided pulmonary veins. Roof lines and mitral isthmus lines were also performed. In patients with persistent AF and in repeat procedures, right atrial compartmentalisation was performed with an anterior superior vena cava (SVC) to inferior vena cava (IVC) line and a septal SVC to IVC line. RESULTS: At 6 months, 18 of the 39 patients were asymptomatic, 10 had improved symptoms and 22 were in sinus rhythm. In the paroxysmal group, 11 were asymptomatic, 7 had improved symptoms and 16 (64%) were in sinus rhythm. In the persistent group, 7 were asymptomatic, 3 had improved symptoms and 6 (43%) were in sinus rhythm. The total group AF burden was 37.8 ± 5.4 hrs pre-procedure and 23.1 ± 5.1 hrs at 6 months post procedure. Mean temperature, impedance and power recorded at each pole demonstrated effective power delivery at all poles. No catheter charring was observed, complication rates were comparable to standard AF ablation technique. CONCLUSION: Linear ablation in the left and right atria to mimic Cox's Maze is feasible and safe using this ablating system.

Hyperventilatory capacity--a predictor of altitude sickness.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to document link between hyperventilatory capacity and risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS). METHODS: This study was carried out at Karakorum Mountain ranges (Northern areas of Pakistan) from March till July 2004. 54 healthy male subjects were enrolled in this study. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the subjects was measured by the pulse oximeter at rest and after 1 minute of voluntary hyperventilation at an altitude of 2833 meters. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) were recorded on a questionnaire by using the Lake Louise consensus scoring system 24 hours after ascent to high altitude. RESULTS: Mean pre hyperventilation oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 94.07 + 0.26% whereas SpO2 after 01 minute of hyperventilation was 98.61 + 0.14% that was significantly increased (p<0.001). The mean increase in percent oxygen saturation of hemoglobin after one minute of hyperventilation (hyperventilatory capacity) for the study group was 4.61 +/- 0.24 % while the mean symptom score was 2.06 +/- 0.26. It was noted that 19 (35.2%) subjects did not develop AMS whereas 34(63.0%) subjects had mild AMS and only one subject developed moderate AMS. There was no case of severe AMS. The data reveals significant (P<0.01) association between hyperventilatory capacity and development of the symptoms of AMS (r = -0.664). It is evident that individuals with greater hyperventilatory capacity manifest less number of symptoms of mountain sickness. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that post hyperventilation increase in oxygen saturation at lower altitude may help to predict the susceptibility of subjects to develop high altitude sickness.