bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Was the atrioventricular block similar in anterior and inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction?
Authors: Santos H , Santos M , Almeida I , Miranda H , Sa C , Almeida S , Chin J , Sousa C , Almeida L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background
The presence of atrioventricular block (AVB) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is more frequently registered when is identified in the inferior leads. However, AVB maybe occurs in anterior STEMI, yet the AVB and STEMI localization maybe had different implications.

Objective
Evaluate the impact and prognosis of AVB according to the STEMI localization.

Methods
Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome between 1/10/2010-3/05/2020. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients with anterior STEMI, and B – patients with inferior STEMI. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data regarding AVB occurrence. Logistic regression was performed to assess AVB as a prognostic marker in STEMI patients.

Results
From 32157 patients, was identified 462 with AVB, 72 in group A (15.6%) and 390 in group B (84.4%). Both groups were similar regarding gender (p = 0.710), age (p = 0.068), body mass index (p = 0.535), admitly directly to cat lab (p = 0.635), initial symptons until first medical contact (p = 0.561), smoker status (p = 0.483), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.331), coronary artery disease (p = 0.053), previous stroke (p = 0.332), peripheral artery disease (p = 0.348), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.425), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.057), multivessel diasease (p = 0.235), new-onset of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.582), cardiac arrest (p = 0.062) and stroke complication (p = 0.685). Group B had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt;50% (16.9 vs 60.7%, p &lt; 0.001). On the other hand, group A had more arterial hypertension (79.7 vs 66.2%, p = 0.027), dislipidaemia (58.2 vs 54.4%, p = 0.038), heart rate at admission (81 ± 20 vs 59 ± 23, p &lt; 0.001), Killip-Kimball class &gt; I (45.7 vs 29.6%, p = 0.008), sinus rhythm at admission (84.5 vs 72.6%, p = 0.035), heart failure complication (65.3 vs 37.1%, p &lt; 0.001), cardiogenic shock complication (42.3 vs 24.7%, p &lt; 0.001), ACS mechanical complication (8.3 vs 3.1%, p = 0.047), sustained ventricular tachycardia during ACS hospitalization (19.4 vs 8.5%, p = 0.005) and hospitalization death (52.9 vs 44.7%, p &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that AVB in inferior STEMI was a predictor of new-onset of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio (OR) 3.817, p = 0.038, confidence interval (CI) 1.123-12.975), with a R2 Nagelkerke 24.4. Also, revealed that AVB in anterior STEMI was a predictor of death (OR 0.111, p &lt; 0.001, CI 0.034-0.366), with a R2 Nagelkerke 55.2.

Conclusions
AVB in inferior STEMI was a predictor of new-onset of atrial fibrillation and AVB in anterior STEMI was a predictor of death.
A novel variant in the SLC4A3 gene with high penetrance in a family with short QT Syndrome
Authors: Kovacs B , Graf U , Magyar I , Baehr L , Maspoli A , Duru F , Berger W , Saguner AM 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disease causing sudden cardiac death (SCD). Current guidelines recommend genetic testing. Associated variants in KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNJ2 and SLC4A3 genes have been reported.

Purpose
We report a family with a variant in the SLC4A3 gene with several presentations of SCD and high clinical penetrance of SQTS.

Methods
We performed a post-mortem genetic testing in the index patient in whom prior ECG was available. Subsequently, clinical and electrophysiological work-up and cascade screening (CS) of the detected suspected variant was carried out in available relatives.

Results
The index patient had suffered a SCD at the age of 17 (figure, upper panel, arrow). A previously registered ECG showed a shortened QTc of 340ms (figure, lower panel). Autopsy revealed no structural heart disease. Post-mortem genetic testing revealed variants in the LDB3, MYH7 and a novel heterozygous missense variant, p.(Ser1039Arg) also in the SLC4A3 gene. Although predictive bioinformatic algorithms (AlignGVGD, SIFT, MutationTaster, Polyphen2) showed conflicting classifications, family history was notable for SCD without post-mortem genetic work-up in three second degree relatives (figure, upper panel, patients 207, 208 and 305, age of death 33, 25 and 33 years respectively). CS was performed in first and second degree relatives of the index patient and was highly suggestive for disease association of the variant in the SLC4A3 gene with co-segregation in all clinically affected family members. Only one patient with the variant had a normal QTc (figure, upper panel, patient 202) of 407ms, however this patient was on regular QT-prolonging medication (risperidone and loperamide).

Conclusion
Genetic testing revealed a novel in the SLC4A3 gene, which was recently implicated in the pathogenesis of the SQTS. Although predictive bioinformatic algorithms yielded conflicting results, CS of family members suggests a likely pathogenicity (class IV) of the variant. Further CS or functional tests are necessary to establish causality. Abstract Figure. ECG of index patient and family tree
Sustained ventricular tachycardia as a predictor of major adverse cardiac events in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Santos H , Almeida I , Miranda H , Santos M , Sa C , Chin J , Almeida S , Sousa C , Almeida L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background
Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a frequent rhythm disturbance during an ischemic event like acute coronary syndrome (ACS). VT was frequently associated with worse prognosis, then is expected, that its presence is related to a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Objective
Evaluate if sustained VT was a predictor of MACE in ACS hospitalized patients.

Methods
Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients without VT, and B – patients that presented VT on the hospitalization. VT was defined as a register or more of the VT with at least 30 seconds. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data. MACE was defined as re-infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, completed atrioventricular block, sustained ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, stroke and hospitalization death. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess if VT in ACS patients was a predictor of MACE.

Results
A total of 29851 patients was analyze and 25725 had information regarding VT. From the group of patients that presented VT, 177 (1.1%) had re-infarction, 2415 (14.1%) had congestive heart failure, 816 (5.0%) had atrial fibrillation, 108 (0.7%) had a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, 442 (2.7%) had completed atrioventricular block, 458 (2.8%) had cardiac arrest, 101 (0.6%) had stroke and 535 (3.3%) died. VT did not predict re-infarction (p = 0.071), mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (p = 0.979) and stroke (p = 0.500) in ACS hospitalized patients. Logistic regression revealed that VT in ACS patients was a predictor of congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 2.304, p &lt; 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.742-3.047), atrial fibrillation (OR 2.078, p &lt; 0.001, CI 1.453-2.973), completed atrioventricular block (OR 1.831, p = 0.012, CI 1.145-2.928), cardiac arrest (OR 15.434, p &lt; 0.001, CI 11.429-20.843) and hospitalization death (OR 6.472, p &lt; 0.001, CI 4.484-9.342).

Conclusions
VT in ACS patients predict MACE, namely congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, completed atrioventricular block, cardiac rest and hospitalization death.
A Left sided site of origin is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with LV dysfunction undergoing PVC ablation
Authors: Penela D , Fernandez-Armentas J , Acosta J , Bisbal F , Jauregui B , Soto D , Aguinaga L , Acena M , Biagi A , De Sensi F , Ordonez A , Chauca A , Carreno J , Berruezo A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Epidemiological studies suggested that premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are associated with cardiac mortality. But data are still inconclusive.

Aim
This study sought to analyze predictors of adverse outcomes in a population of patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction who underwent PVC ablation.

Methods
135 consecutive patients [100 (74%) men, 59 +12 y.o.] with LV systolic dysfunction [LV ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt;50%] and frequent PVCs who underwent PVC ablation were included in a multicenter prospective international register. Patients were followed-up at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. The last evaluation performed was considered the long-term follow-up (LTFUP) evaluation. Cardiac mortality and/or cardiac transplantation and/or admission for heart failure was considered the primary endpoint.

Results
82 (61%) patients had a left-sided PVC’s site of origin (LS-SOO), 51 (38%) had a right-sided SOO (RS-SOO) whereas SOO could not be determined in 2 (1%) patients. LS-SOO patients were older (61 ± 11 vs 52 ± 10, p &lt; 0.001) more frequently men [71 (87%) vs 27 (53%), p &lt; 0.001] with previous history of atrial fibrillation (AF) [14 (15%) vs 0, p = 0.001] and with a previously diagnosed structural heart disease (SHD) [43 (52%) vs 6 (11%), p &lt; 0.001].
After a mean follow-up of 39 ± 21 months (range 24-94 months) there was a significant reduction in the PVC burden from 24 ± 13% at baseline to 4 ± 6% at LTFUP, p &lt; 0.001; LVEF improved from 33 ± 8% at baseline to 41 ± 13% at LTFUP (p &lt; 0.001) and NYHA class from 2.1 ± 0.6% to 1.4 ± 0.6% (p &lt; 0.001); BNP levels decreased from 237 ± 231 pg/mL to 137 ± 185 pg/mL (p = 0.001). The primary end-point was reached in 10% patients (7 cardiac deaths, 1 cardiac transplantation and 5 heart failure admisions), 14,8% in LS-SOO and 1,9% in RS-SOO patients, log rank = 0.05 (Figure 1).

Conclusions
Among patients with LV dysfunction who underwent PVC ablation, those with LS-SOO were older and more frequently had AF and SHD. LS-SOO was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. These findings suggest that PVCs with LS and RS-SOO should be considered as two different clinicals entities, with different prognostic values. Abstract Figure 1
Outcome of a modified sympathicotomy for cardiac neuromodulation of untreatable ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cauti FM , Rossi P , Vannucci J , Polselli M , Rossi C , Iaia L , Mantovani S , Bruno K , Pugliese F , Quaglione R , Venuta F , Bianchi S , Anile M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the results of a modified sympathicotomy (uniportal VATs with stellate ganglion sparing) for cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) in the setting of untreatable ventricular tachycardia.
BACKGROUND. CSD, in patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT), is comprehensively recognized as an important treatment option for patients with structural heart disease as well as congenital inherited arrhythmia syndrome. A recent case series demostrated the feasibility of the modified technique.
METHODS We consecutively enrolled 8 patients with refractory VT. Baseline demographic, medical, and surgical data as well as arrhythmia outcomes and procedural complications were evaluated.
RESULTS A total of 8 patients ( 7 pts NIDCM, 1 pt IDCM with mean age:68+-8 years) were enrolled for the treatment of refractory VT with a modified CSD technique. Mean sympathicotomy length were 7.3 (SD 3) min per side. 3/8 patients underwent monolateral (LCSD) sympathicotomy due to strong adesion in the right pleural cavity. Mean follow up was 13 months (SD 6). No complication occurred during the sympathicotomy. An overall reduction in VT burden and VT number was observed after the CSD despite an in-hospital early recurrence in 3 patients.
CONCLUSIONS A modified CSD (sympathicotomy T2–T5) with stellate ganglion sparing and the use of unipolar radiofrequency is feasible, effective, and safe in the setting of untreatable VT. Abstract Figure. VT trend
Prospective evaluation of a hybrid clinical and electrocardiographic algorithm to predict the origin of outflow tract PVCs. A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Carreno Lineros JM , Penela D , Jauregui B , Soto-Iglesias D , Fernandez-Armenta J , Acosta J , Bisbal F , Ordonez A , Chauca A , Scherer C , Berruezo A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Beca de la Asociación del Ritmo Cardiaco para Formación en Investigación Post-Residencia en centros españoles.

Background
To predict the premature ventricular complex (PVC) site of origin (SOO) before the ablation procedure has important implications. 12 lead ECG information as well clinical characteristics are related with the PVC-SOO, but there is no prospective data validation.

Purpose
This prospective multicenter study sought to analyze the applicability and accuracy of a simple hybrid algorithm that includes electrocardiographic and clinical information in a consecutive patient population with outflow tract (OT) PVCs undergoing catheter ablation.

Methods
Consecutive patients with frequent OT-PVCs and indication for catheter ablation were prospectively included in 4 centers. The vascular access (femoral vein vs femoral artery) and the first outflow tract to be mapped were decided based on a two-steps hybrid algorithm (see Figure 1) including ECG information [R/S PVC precordial transition (PT): early PT if it occurs before V3; late PT if beyond V3) and clinical information [the following variables compute 1 point in a clinical score: age (&gt;59 y.o); presence of hypertension; and gender (man)].

Results
115 consecutive patients [42 (37%) man, 52 + 15 y.o] were included. Mean PVC burden at baseline was 20 ± 13% and mean LVEF was 59 ± 8%. Mean procedure time was 55 ± 26 min. Complete acute abolition of the PVC was achieved in 110 (96%) patients. 84 (73%) patients had the PVC’s SOO in the right ventricle OT (RVOT) whereas 31 (27%) in the left ventricular OT (LVOT). Compared with patients with a RVOT-SOO, those with a LVOT-SOO were more frequently man [18 (58%) vs 24 (29%), p = 0.004], more frequently suffered from hypertension [18 (58%) vs 15 (18%), p &lt; 0.001) and had an early R/S PVC transition [17 (55%) early PT, 3 (10%) late PT) in the case of LVOT-SOO vs 4 (5%) early PT, 55 (65%) late PT in the case of RVOT-SOO, p &lt; 0.001]. The hybrid algorithm accurately anticipated the PVC’s SOO in 101 (88%) patients. A reduction of at least 80% of PVC burden was achieved by 90% of patients at 6 months.

Conclusions
The hybrid algorithm, prospectively evaluated in an international multicenter study, has proved to permit to accurately anticipate the PVC’s SOO (right vs left) in a consultive population of patients with OT PVCs. Abstract Figure 1
Predictors of adequate intraprocedural premature ventricular complex (pvc) frequency during idiopathic pvc ablation
Authors: Demir S , Gulsen K , Kepez A , Uslu A , Kup A , Kanar BG , Kayan F , Yildirim C , Akgun T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The aim of the present study was to determine the predictors of adequate intraprocedural premature ventricular complex (PVC) frequency for successful mapping and ablation of idiopathic PVCs.

Methods
A total of 101 consecutive patients (45 men; age: 47.9 ± 14.2 years) who had undergone idiopathic PVC ablation between 01 November 2018 and 24 June 2020 constituted our study population. Clinical and demographic data, procedural details and 24 h rhythm recordings that had been recorded before the procedure were retrospectively evaluated. Total PVC burden and diurnal variability assessed by the ratio of night time (22:00–06:00) over day time (06:00–22:00) PVC burden was calculated. Patients were classified into three groups based on the relationship between hourly PVC number and HR. If there was a significant positive correlation between hourly PVC number and corresponding hourly HR, patients were classified into the fast HR-PVC group. If there was a significant negative correlation between hourly PVC number and corresponding hourly HR, patients were classified into the slow HR-PVC group. Patients were classified into the independent HR-PVC group if there was no significant correlation between hourly PVC number and corresponding hourly HR. Clinical characteristics and Holter parameters were compared between groups with and without adequate intraprocedural frequency of PVCs that permitted activation mapping.

Results
In all, 74 patients had frequent intraprocedural PVC that permitted activation mapping (Group 1) and 27 patients (26.7%) had infrequent intraprocedural PVCs which necessitated isoproterenol infusion or cancellation of ablation procedure (Group 2). PVC burden was significantly higher in the group with frequent intraprocedural PVCs (26.1 ± 9.4% vs 21.2 ± 10.3%; p: 0.026). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the relationship between hourly PVC number and heart rate (Fast HR-PVC 42 (56.8%) vs 18 (66.6%); slow HR-PVC 4(5.4%) vs 3 (11.1%); independent HR PVC 28 (37.8%) vs 6 (22.2%) in the respective order for group 1 and group 2; p: 0.26) or the ratio of night/day PVC burden (median 0.99 (IQR 0.4) vs median 0.83 (IQR 0.54) in the respective for group 1 and group 2 ; p: 0.53). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed the 24 h Holter PVC burden as the sole parameter that is significant predictor of frequent intraprocedural PVCs permitting activation mapping. A Holter PVC burden ≥ 19.43% had 72% sensitivity and 60% specificity for the prediction of sufficient intraprocedural PVCs that permitted activation mapping and ablation (area under the curve: 0.65; p: 0.02)

Conclusion
The 24 h PVC burden was the only predictor of adequate intraprocedural PVC frequency permitting activation mapping during idiopathic PVC ablation.
Noninvasive risk factors for the prediction of inducibility on programmed ventricular stimulation in post-MI patients with ejection fraction over 40% at SCD risk, insights from the PRESERVE EF study
Authors: Trachanas K , Arsenos P , Xenogiannis I , Tsimos K , Triantafyllou K , Vlachos K , Antoniou CK , Dilaveris P , Korantzopoulos P , Kanoupakis E , Tsiachris D , Sideris S , Gatzoulis K , Tousoulis D , Tsioufis K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in post myocardial infarction (post-MI) patients with a relatively preserved left ventricular systolic function (LVEF≥40%) has an annual incidence of 1%, in the absence of adequate risk stratification methods and guideline recommendations for primary prevention. In the PRESERVE-EF study we used a two-step SCA risk stratification approach to detect patients at risk for major arrhythmic events. Seven noninvasive risk factors (NIRFs) were extracted from ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG). Patients with at least one NIRF present were referred for invasive programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS). Inducible patients received an ICD.

Purpose
To assess the performance of NIRFs extracted from 24hr AECG, based on the PRESERVE EF criteria, in predicting inducibility.

Methods
The PRESERVE EF study enrolled 575 patients. Two hundred and four of them had at least one NIRF and an indication for PVS, but 52 of them declined. Finally, 41 out of 152 patients who underwent PVS were inducible. For the present analysis data from these 152 patients (mean age 60 ± 10years, LVEF 49 ± 6%, 89% males) were analyzed. Chi-square test, univariate logistic regression and areas under ROC curves were calculated for the PVS inducibility endpoint.

Results
Age, male gender and LVEF for the PVS inducible patients group (n = 41) and the noninducible patients group (n = 111) were, respectively: 61 ± 9years vs 59 ± 10years (p = 0.310), 98% vs 86% (p = 0.048), 45 ± 4% vs 51 ± 7% (p &lt; 0.001). Among NIRFs examined, LVEF ≤ 50%, nsVT≥1/24hour and presence of LPs on SAECG presented high and significant Odds Ratios (ORs) for a positive PVS study end point. A simple risk score based on cutoff points of LVEF ≤ 50%, NSVTepisode≥1/24hour and presence of LPs missed only 1 out of the 41 inducible patients and yielded: OR 14.146 (p = 0.01) with a high sensitivity 98% but low specificity 26% for a positive PVS (AUC = 0.65).

Conclusion
Cut off points of LVEF ≤ 50%, nsVTepisode≥1/24hour and presence of LPs were important predictors of inducibility. A simple risk score based on these predictors achieves high sensitivity but low specificity. The final decision for an ICD implantation should be based on a positive PVS, which is irreplaceable in risk stratification.
Left bundle branch pacing: efficacy and safety compared to right ventricular outflow tract pacing
Authors: Riano Ondiviela A , Cabrera Ramos M , Ruiz Arroyo JR , Ramos Maqueda J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and atrioventricular block (AVB) who are anticipated for high-burden of right ventricular (RV) pacing possess a risk to develop pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and adverse clinical outcomes. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has recently emerged as a mode of conduction system pacing in the quest for physiological pacing.

Purpose
The aim of our study was to assess LBBP feasibility and safety compared to right ventricular outflow tract pacing (RVOTP).

Methods
Single centre randomized clinical trial to investigate acute success, feasibility and safety of LBBP versus RVOTP. May to October 2020. Patients with pacemaker indication and preserved LVEF were randomized 1:1 and followed up 3 months. Success was defined in LBBP group as a paced ECG &lt; 120ms or with a 20% length reduction from the basal ECG.

Results
120 patients were randomized, 60 in each group, 61% males. The mean age was 77,9 ± 9 years and third-degree AVB was the main pacing indication. The procedure was successful in 95% of the cases in both groups (p = 1). The paced QRS interval was narrower in the LBBP group compared to the RVOT group (99 ± 2 ms vs 113,6 ± 11,7 ms, p &lt; 0,001). Lower fluoroscopy times were achieved in LBBP group (3.1 ± 2.1 min vs 4.3 ± 3.4, p = 0,035) and also longer procedure times in LBBP group (68,9 ± 36,9 min vs 44,3 ± 18,7 min, p &lt; 0,001). No complications were achieved and no difference in ventricular lead dislocation was found between both groups (1.6% vs 1.6%)(p = 1).

Conclusions
LBBP is feasible, safe and provides a narrower paced QRS compared to RVOTP. LBBP required lower fluoroscopy times but longer procedure times compared to RVOTP. LBBP (n = 60) RVOTP (n = 60) p Age (mean ± SD) 76,7 ± 9 79,7 ± 8 0,067 Male gender 62 (37) 60 (36) 1 Successful procedure 95 (57) 95 (57) 1 Basal left bundle branch block 15 (9) 13 (8) Basal QRS duration (mean ± SD) 112,6 ± 29,6 109,9 ± 25,8 0,59 Pacing QRS duration (min)(mean ± SD) 99 ± 2 139,6 ± 11,7 &lt; 0,001 Procedure time (min) (mean ± SD) 68,9 ± 36,9 44,3 ± 18,7 &lt; 0,001 Fuoroscopy time (min)(mean ± SD) 3.1 ± 2.1 4.3 ± 3.4 0,035 R wave (mV)(mean ± SD) 9,9 ± 5,7 9,9 ± 5 0,98 Right ventricle pacing threshold (V)(mean ± SD) 0,67 ± 0,3 0,58 ± 0,24 0,08 Ventricular lead dislocation 1.6 (1) 1.6 (1) 1