Heart Rhythm O2最新文献

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is associated with an increased incidence of arrhythmias. We hypothesized that 2-week noninvasive ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring of patients with ATTR-CA would detect high rates of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT).

Objective

The study sought to characterize arrhythmia in patients with ATTR-CA on 2-week, noninvasive cardiac rhythm monitors.

Methods

A total of 38 patients with ATTR-CA who underwent 2-week remote external patch monitoring were included in this single-center retrospective study. An age-matched control group included 38 patients who underwent the same cardiac rhythm monitoring as part of neurological workup.

Results

Of the ATTR-CA cohort, 26.3% had AF/AFL and 81.6% had NSVT. ATTR-CA was associated with higher rates of AF/AFL and NSVT compared with the control group. At a median follow-up of 45 weeks, there was no association between the presence of AF/AFL or NSVT on remote monitor in the ATTR-CA group and a composite of adverse clinical outcome.

Conclusion

ATTR-CA was associated with an elevated rate of AF/AFL and an even higher rate of NSVT on noninvasive ambulatory monitors. While evidence regarding the management of arrhythmias, particularly NSVT/ventricular tachycardia, in ATTR-CA remains limited, 2-week noninvasive cardiac monitoring can be considered to aid in risk stratification for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are cardiac disorders that often coexist.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how time to ablation could influence the outcomes of AF patients with pre-existing HF.

Methods

Using the 2013 to 2022 Optum Clinformatics database, AF patients with pre-existing HF were classified into 2 groups: early ablation (ablation within 6 months of AF diagnosis) and late ablation (ablation in the 6- to 24-month period after AF diagnosis). Outcomes including AF-related hospitalization, electrical cardioversion, repeat ablation, antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use, and AF recurrence (a composite outcome of the aforementioned events) were assessed in the postblanking 24-month period. Inverse probability of treatment weighted Poisson regression estimated risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome.

Results

Overall, 601 patients were identified (early ablation: 347; late ablation: 254). In 24 months, the weighted data suggested that patients in the early ablation cohort had significantly lower rate of composite outcome (49.32% vs 61.39%, P = .01), repeat ablation (8.56% vs 17.35%, P < .01), and AAD use (35.95% vs 47.92%, P = .01). Early ablation was associated with a 20%, 51%, and 25% lower risk of composite outcome (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.94), repeat ablation (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.79), and AAD use (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.92), respectively. No significant difference in AF-related hospitalization and electrical cardioversion were observed.

Conclusion

AF patients with pre-existing HF undergoing ablation within 6 months of AF diagnosis have a lower risk of AF recurrence than those undergoing late ablation, which was evidenced by a lower rate of repeat ablation and AAD use.

Background

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of cardiac implantable electronic devices was once deemed highly risky by high-volume centers. However, advancements in technology have significantly reduced the risk, making TLE a safer procedure in electrophysiology.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of mechanical TLEs in a low-volume center with a single operator.

Methods

This study retrospectively accessed electronic medical records from the Tulane University School of Medicine system in New Orleans, Louisiana, and included patients who received mechanical TLE from 2016 to 2023. We analyzed the indications for TLE, patient characteristics, lead characteristics, success rate, and complications.

Results

We included 149 consecutive mechanical TLEs with an average implant duration of 105 months. A total of 53.7% (80) of TLEs were indicated for infectious reasons, and 37.6% (56) were high-voltage leads. Clinical success and complete procedural success rates were both 94.6% with no procedure-related mortality or major complications. The periprocedural mortality rate was 1.25% (1). Minor complications included a left chest pocket hematoma, a left groin hematoma, and urinary retention.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of mechanical TLEs performed in a low-volume center are comparable with those in high-volume centers.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening heart rhythm and has long posed a complex challenge in the field of cardiology. Recent developments in advanced imaging modalities have aimed to improve comprehension of underlying arrhythmic substrate for VT. To this extent, high-resolution cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) have emerged as tools for accurately visualizing and characterizing scar tissue, fibrosis, and other critical structural abnormalities within the heart, providing novel insights into VT triggers and substrate. However, clinical implementation of knowledge derived from these advanced imaging techniques in improving VT treatment and guiding invasive therapeutic strategies continues to pose significant challenges. A pivotal concern lies in the absence of standardized imaging protocols and analysis methodologies, resulting in a large variance in data quality and consistency. Furthermore, the clinical significance and outcomes associated with VT substrate characterization through CMR and CCT remain dynamic and subject to ongoing evolution. This highlights the need for refinement of these techniques before their reliable integration into routine patient care can be realized. The primary objectives of this study are twofold: firstly, to provide a comprehensive overview of the studies conducted over the last 15 years, summarizing the current available literature on imaging-based assessment of VT substrate. Secondly, to critically analyze and evaluate the selected studies, with the aim of providing valuable insights that can inform current clinical practice and future research.

Background

Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. We sought to investigate the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with electrophysiologically confirmed/ablated AVNRT and its association with transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke as well as mortality during long-term follow-up.

Methods

From the Karolinska Ablation Registry, 2855 consecutive patients with a first-time ablation for AVNRT between 2005 and 2018 were analyzed.

Results

Patients were 52.1 ± 15.9 years old and 59.3% were women. During follow-up of up to 10 years (median 6.0 years; interquartile range 3.3 to 9.2 years), new onset or recurrence of atrial fibrillation occurred in 317 (11.1%) patients (incidence rate 19 cases per 1000 person-years). Excluding those with history of atrial fibrillation, new onset of atrial fibrillation occurred in 153 (6.1%) patients. In multivariable analysis, history of atrial fibrillation, arterial hypertension, history of TIA/stroke, and heart failure remained independently associated with new onset or recurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Death of any cause and TIA/stroke occurred in 141 (4.9%) patients and 107 (3.7%) patients, respectively. In multivariable analysis, occurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up remained independently associated with both outcomes. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation according to age at the end of follow-up was high among young patients (<60 years of age: 12.7%; 60–69 years of age: 10.6%).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of patients with diagnosed AVNRT, the incidence of atrial fibrillation was high (11.1%) during long-term follow-up. Occurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up remained independently associated with death for any cause as well as with TIA/stroke. Therefore, a closer monitoring for atrial fibrillation in patients with AVNRT including those at young age is advisable.

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare cardiac disorder characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. This review summarizes current knowledge of LQTS pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth understanding of LQTS genetic and molecular mechanisms, discuss clinical presentation and diagnosis, evaluate treatment options, and highlight future research directions.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to April 2024.

Results

LQTS involves mutations in ion channel–related genes encoding cardiac ion channels, regulatory proteins, and other associated factors, leading to altered cellular electrophysiology. Acquired causes can also contribute. Diagnosis relies on clinical history, electrocardiographic findings, and genetic testing. Treatment strategies include lifestyle modifications, β-blockers, potassium channel openers, device therapy, and surgical interventions.

Conclusion

Advances in understanding LQTS have improved diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches. Challenges remain in risk stratification and management of certain patient subgroups. Future research should focus on developing novel pharmacological agents, refining device technologies, and conducting large-scale clinical trials. Increased awareness and education are crucial for early detection and appropriate management of LQTS.

Background

Different energy sources of balloon-based ablation for pulmonary vein isolation cause different kinds of endothelial damage and coagulation responses associated with thromboembolic risk.

Objectives

The study sought to compare the impact of different balloon-based ablation, cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and laser balloon ablation (LBA), on coagulation/fibrinolysis biomarkers and silent cerebral events (SCEs) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using either CBA (n = 52) or LBA (n = 53) without radiofrequency touch-up ablation were eligible. Time course (day 0 [before ablation], day 1, day 2, and day 28) of myocardial enzymes and inflammatory and coagulation/fibrinolysis biomarkers was evaluated during the perioperative period. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 2 days after the procedure to evaluate SCEs.

Results

There was no difference in patient characteristics between CBA and LBA.CBA had greater myocardial injury (troponin I and creatine kinase-MB) and lower inflammatory reaction (white blood cell count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) than LBA. The coagulation biomarkers maximally increased by day 2 and then decreased in both groups. In day 28, the serum prothrombin fragment 1+2 and D-dimer levels in LBA were significantly higher than the values in CBA. The fibrinolysis biomarker (plasmin-α2 plasmin inhibitor complex) did not increase after the procedure in either group. The incidence of SCEs was comparable between CBA and LBA (11% vs 15%; P = .591). No thromboembolic event was observed.

Conclusion

CBA and LBA had different effects on myocardial injury, inflammatory reaction, and coagulation activity but did not affect the incidence of thromboembolic events. LBA had significantly higher coagulation activity in day 28 and may require more careful postprocedural anticoagulation than CBA.