bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C27 SHOCKWAVE DEFERRED USE IN A CASE OF INFERIOR STEMI
Authors: Priolo L , Ferrarello S , Buccheri D , Lombardo R , Vinci D 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A 62–years–old female patient, smoker, hypertension, dyslipidemia and TIA in history, was admitted for inferior STEMI; urgent coronary angiography from radial access was done, revealing diffuse calcific coronary artery disease with thrombotic occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery. Primary PCI was done with a direct implantation of a 3,0/24 mm drug–eluting stent. The stent expansion was not optimal in the mid–portion, due to severe calcification, requiring then post–dilatations. Nevertheless, the use of several non–compliant balloons (3,0/12 mm, 3,0/8 mm, 3,0/6 mm, 3,25/12 mm) was not effective to fully expand the stent, even dilating at very high pressure (rupturing one of the balloon). A ventricular fibrillation episode complicated the procedure, promptly resolved. After the stenting, even if not fully expanded, TIMI 3 flow was gained, with ST segment elevation resolution, in a quite asymptomatic patient; no more devices were available, so the procedure was stopped and the patient transferred in the coronary care unite. A second procedure was scheduled with the support of the intravascular lithotripsy device (Shockwave). Through the radial access the second PCI was done, using at first the Shockwave balloon 2,5/12 mm, with its total 8 treatments; then the Shockwave balloon 3,0/12 mm was used, effective at the seventh treatment in the final rupture of the calcific lesion, obtaining the full expansion of the stent. A good final angiographic result was documented, the patient tolerated very well the procedure.
C44 VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA IN PATIENT WITH PSEUDOISCHEMIC VENTRICULAR SCAR
Authors: Agostini N , Giraldi M , Orsida D , Caico S 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We describe a case of 76 years old men. He was referred to emergency room for chest pain and short of breath. The medical history escluded pre–existent miocardial infarction, no history of fever and chest pain has been declared,.The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a 200 pbm tachycardia with right bundle branch and right axial deviation. The transition was in V4 (Fig. 1). The tachycardia was not tolerated and after ineffective administration of amiodarone, the tachycardia was terminated by DC shock (200 J synchronized). We performed an echocardiogram with evidence of minimal ventricular dilatation, the inferior–posterior–lateral akinesia, inferior–posterior scar and severe reduction of ejection fraction (about 30%). For better characterization of the scar, we performed cardio magnetic resonanc imaging with evidence of significative thinning of the left ventricle free wall and trasmural LGE of the of left ventricle free wall suggest ischemic myocardial injury (Fig. 2 a,b,c,d,e). The coronary arteriography was performed without evidence of critical coronary stenosis.We decide to implant a single lead ICD. After one month, because of recurrence of tachycardia, we performed the electrophysiological study. We induced clinical ventricular tachycardia and the electroanatomical mapping highlighted an area of anomalous potentials extended in the infero–posterior and lower–basal region more at the epicardial level. In these areas, at the epicardial level, late potentials were highlighted and the ablation performed making the tachycardia no longer inducible. Despite of evidence of pseudo–ischemic scar localized at the basal portion of ventricle at the cardiac MRI, no critical coronary stenosis has been demonstrated and the arrhythmogenic substrate was exclusively epicardic. The preliminary hypothesis was a MINOCA, not of recent onset considering the negativity of myocardial enzymes at the admission and the absence of acute ischemic changes on post cardioversion ECG.We have therefore also considered forms of previous extensive myocarditis however with the limited longitudinal extension. From what has been described in the literature, the MRI images could also be attributable to a form of left ventricle arrhythmogenic dysplasia even in the absence of involvement of the apical portions. Forms of infiltrative cardiomyopathies such as sarcoidosis should be excluded due to the lack of involvement of the interventricular septum.
C87 THE SHORT–TERM PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF BASELINE TROPONIN LEVELS IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR COVID–19
Authors: Di Maio F , Baldin G , Todde N , Volpi N , Basan L , Vannucci V , Ruzittu G , Pisanu A , Seddone S , Santoru M , Delogu G , Favuzzi A , Porcu M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Troponin (TN) is the biomarker of choice for the detection of cardiomyocite injury. Elevation of TN has been noted in COVID–19 patients (pts), implicating myocardial injury as a possible pathogenic mechanism contributing to disease severity.

Aim
To assess the in–hospital prognostic significance of baseline TN levels in COVID–19 pts. Methods. The data of 192 consecutive COVID–19 individuals (mean age 70±15 yrs, 54.6% males) hospitalized in a single institution were retrospectively analysed. According to the baseline TN–I levels (normal value up to 34 pg/ml), the whole population was divided into normal (Group A) and elevated (Group B) TN–I. Demographic parameters, clinical history, pharmacological treatments and laboratory data at the admission were evaluated. The length–of–stay, rate of orotracheal intubation, non–invasive ventilation and in–hospital mortality were considered as prognostic parameters.

Results
One–hundred–fifty–seven pts belonged to Group A, while thirty–five pts to Group B. Group A pts were significantly younger (67±14 vs 79 ±12 yrs, p &lt; 0.001). As expected, a better renal profile was observed in pts with normal TN–I levels (eGFR 82±25 ml/m’ in Group A vs 48±30 ml/m’ in Group B, p &lt; 0.001). No differences were noted between the two groups in the prevalence of diabetes, previous CAD, hypertension, ACE/ARBs treatment. The length–of–stay was similar (21±11days in Group A vs 19±17 days in Group B, respectively, p=ns). Also, the need for orotracheal intubation (11.4% vs 11.5% p=ns) and non–invasive ventilation (26.8% vs 28.6%, p=ns), were not significantly different between Group A and Group B. However, the in–hospital mortality was considerably lower in pts with normal baseline TN–I, as compared to those with a definite level of cardiomyocyte damage (20/157 Group A pts, 12.7%, vs 15/35 Group B pts, 42.9%, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate that high TN–I baseline level upon admission should be considered as a strong prognostic parameter in pts hospitalized for COVID–19. In our population, this observation seems not to be related to the different comorbidities, except for the renal function profile.
P11 QUICK PREVENTION OF THE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ON A ICD PATIENT THANKS TO THE REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE DEVICE
Authors: Fais L , Floris R , Angei A , Farris F , Frau B , Giau G , Racis M , Delogu G 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Clinical Case
We report the case of a 84–year–old female patient suffering from post–infarct heart disease with severe systolic dysfunction, wearing a dual–chamber defibrillator in secondary prevention because she had previously presented an episode of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. After the implant, the patient was enrolled in the remote monitoring service of the device and constantly followed by our team. After a few months, at the remote control we found repeated episodes of very short duration of an alarm recognized by the device as ventricular arrhythmia in the VF window. Contrary to the arrhythmic interpretation of the device, the analysis of the EGM by the medical and nursing staff highlighted an electromagnetic interference defined by the type of signal, the presence of the same in all channels and by the lack of correlation with the underlying heart rhythm. The sensing of the ventricular lead was 5–6 mV, at the lower limits but stable over time, the other parameters were optimal. The patient was promptly contacted and questioned about the circumstances and symptoms: she was asymptomatic and we found that the interference came in conjunction with the use of a cordless telephone. The alarm was related to the electromagnetic field generated by the phone and the woman was asked to stop using the device with subsequent absence of device alarms. Electromagnetic interference in defibrillators can be a cause of potentially serious inappropriate therapies (ATP, pacing and shock), the analysis and correct interpretation of the EGM by the clinician is essential for the prevention of the same. Thanks to the efficiency of the remote monitoring service, the risk of serious consequences for our patient was avoided. Subsequently the lead was repositioned due to a worsening of the sensing, but even before the re–intervention there was no longer any false alarm thanks to the absence of the environmental source of interference. The remote monitoring service applied to implantable defibrillation systems is a valuable tool for identifying lead problems or, as in this case, environmental problems, and toprevent, thanks to rapid intervention, further potentially serious complications.
P13 COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK IN A 52–YEAR–OLD MAN ASSOCIATED WITH LYMPHATIC CANCER WITH CARDIAC INVOLVEMENT
Authors: Massacesi C , Di Saverio M , Iadanza Lanzaro B , Rolando M , Befacchia G , Core A , Di Eusanio M , Di Francesco G , De Berardis L , Gregori G , Napoletano C 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A 52–year–old man arrived at the local emergency room for worsening dyspnea and asthenia, present for about a month, but significantly worsening during the night of the access. The ECG (Figure 1) revealed complete AtrioVentricular Block (ABV) with a narrow–QRS junctional escape rhythm, with a heart rate of about 30 beats per minute (bpm). The other vital parameters were within the normal limits and no anomalies were detected on the physical examination. Medium–dose intravenous isoprenaline infusion was immediately started, with an increase in the junctional escape rate up to 50 bpm. The patient also underwent chest x–ray, which showed interstitial thickening in the pulmonary hilus, which was judged to be nonspecific. The blood chemistry was normal and the echocardiogram (Figure 2) did not show any abnormalities. Since there were no apparent reversible causes of the complete AV block, on the next day, a bicameral pacemaker was implanted via the left cephalic vein. The procedure was uneventful and the patient was discharged home two days later, in good general condition. Eight days after the discharge, surgical wound control and pacemaker control were performed, with completely normal parameters. About 15 days after the discharge the patient went back to the local emergency room for dyspnea and fever. Chest Computed Tomography (CT) without contrast medium was performed, which revealed the presence of widespread pathological mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Therefore, the patient was admitted to the internal medicine ward. An in–depth diagnostic was performed first with thoraco–abdominal angio–CT, then with Positron Emission Tomography (PET)–CT (see Figure 3), which revealed the presence of diffuse areas of fixation of the radio–drug (18F–Fluorodeoxyglucose –FDG–), at the ilo–mediastinal, hepatic, pulmonary, retrocrural, retrocaval, iliac, supra and subclavicular, and also cardiac area (activation of interatrial brown fat and between aortic root and the superior vena cava). The patient was therefore transferred to another hospital for diagnostic investigations and lymphoma therapy. In the light of the picture that emerged, the arrhythmological disease was considered to be referred to the cardiac involvement of the oncological disease; to date there are few similar cases described in the literature. Legend of the figures: Figure 1: ECG at the admission Figura 2: Echocardiogram at the admission Figura 3: PET / CT with myocardial areas of 18F–FDG fixation.
P27 MONOMORPHIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA INDUCED BY BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA IN A YOUNG MAN WITHOUT STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Casula M , De Toni C , Mameli S , Schintu B , Setzu A , Scalone A , Pasqualucci D , Tola G , Corda M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Life–threatening ventricular arrhythmias secondary to chest trauma without structural cardiac damage (i.e. commotio cordis [CC]) are a rare but dramatic cause of sudden cardiac death. We present a case of fast ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced by blunt chest trauma in a healthy man during sports activity.

Case Presentation
A 22–year–old man, competitive soccer player, was admitted to our hospital for VT. A few hours before admission, after a heavy ball impact in the chest during a soccer match, he suddenly reported fast and regular palpitation with lightheadedness and dyspnea, without loss of consciousness. The emergency medical service was activated, and the evaluation revealed a hemodynamically tolerated monomorphic VT with a rate of almost 285 bpm (Fig.A). Amiodaron infusion was ineffective and sinus rhythm (SR) was restored by electrical cardioversion. At the time of admission, he was asymptomatic. Familiar history, past medical history and physical examination were unremarkable. ECG revealed regular SR, with minimal right bundle branch conduction delay (Fig.B). Blood samples showed normal blood cells count, electrolyte concentrations and liver, kidney, and thyroid function; seriate high sensitivity troponin I determinations were negative. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance showed normal findings. Computed tomography angiography excluded coronary anomalies. Exercise test revealed no signs of cardiac ischemia and no effort–induced arrhythmias. The fluoroscopy–free unipolar and bipolar voltage maps showed normal electrograms throughout the right ventricle (Fig.C). No sustained arrhythmias were induced by programmed ventricular stimulation. The patient was then discharged with the indication to cardiology follow–up and the advice to avoid contact sports activities.

Discussion
VT is a rare presentation of CC. It has been proposed that CC occurs when a chest strike timed at the upstroke of the T–wave causes both ventricular depolarization trigger and altered dispersion of repolarization, mainly via activation of KATP channels. In the absence of structural heart disease (SHD), the usual presenting rhythm is ventricular fibrillation and there are no accepted mechanisms to explain monomorphic VT in this context. Some authors reported monomorphic VT after chest trauma as the first manifestation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, a careful follow–up will be needed to exclude future development of SHD in this patient.
P30 CARDIAC ARRESTS IN SPORTS: WHAT IS DIFFERENT COMPARED TO OTHER PUBLIC PLACES?
Authors: Compagnoni S , Gentile F , Baldi E , Mare C , Primi R , Bendotti S , Currao A , Contri E , Reali F , Bussi D , Facchin F , Centineo P , Savastano S 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Cardiac arrests in sports can involve professional athletes, amateurs, but also spectators of sports competitions. Sports facilities are the only ones for which the current law provides for the presence of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and trained personnel, unlike other public places (schools, work, street, station, general public buildings) where it is only recommended.

Objective
To compare patient characteristics, presentation rhythm, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED use before emergency medical services (EMS) arrival, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) longer than 30 seconds in the Utstein category of out–of–hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in sports compared to events in other public places.

Materials and Methods
We considered all the OHCAs occurred from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2020 in the provinces of Pavia, Lodi, Cremona, Mantua and Varese (2400000 inhabitants), excluding the OHCAs occurred at home, in long–term care facilities and witnessed by the EMS.

Results
During the study period, 22 OHCAs occurred in sports and 552 in other public places (school, work, street, station, public buildings). The age is similar in the two groups [sport 59 years (IQR 53.5–66.7) vs other 63 years (IQR 51–75), p = 0.2]. In sports, there is a trend in favor of shockable rhythms (13/22=59% vs 185/552=33%, p = 0.1). The percentage of CPR performed by bystanders in sports is significantly higher than in other public places (20/22=91% vs 299/552=54%, p = 0.003), as the bystander AED use (11/22=50% vs 64/552=12%, p &lt; 0.001) and bystander AED shock (7/22=31% vs 27/552=5%, p &lt; 0.001) before EMS arrival. A ROSC greater than 30 seconds was obtained in 59% of OHCAs in sports, with a statistically significant difference compared to events in other public places (13/22=59% vs 166/552=30%, p = 0.015).

Conclusions
During sports competitions there is a greater ability to intervene in case of cardiac arrest, which determines a higher probability of obtaining ROSC, although in terms of age or presentation rhythm the patients are comparable to OHCA victims in other places public. These results suggest the need for an AED and trained personnel in other public places as well.
P32 SELF–LEARN IMPLEMENTATION OF ULTRASOUND FOR THE STUDY AND ULTRASOUND–GUIDED PUNCTURE OF VASCULAR ACCESSES IN THE IMPLANTATION OF PACEMAKERS AND IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATORS
Authors: Lilli A , Solarino G , Della Tommasina V , Del Meglio J , Comella A , Poddighe R , Canale M , Bertini L , De Caro F , Christou A , Ferrali E , Tognarelli A , Coviello K , Baratto M , Casolo G 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
The vascular access represents a crucial phase in the management of complications related to the implantation of devices. After the use of the axillary vein, which allows the elimination of intrathoracic complications as well as the subclavian crush of the catheters, the ultrasound–guided approach could represent the next step for the reduction of vascular complications.

Experience
All implants performed (n = 86) by an independent operator who implemented ultrasound to minimize complications related to central access were reviewed. During the first phase, the ultrasound–guided approach involved the study of vascular accesses before the start of the implant. The assessment took place before the preparation of the sterile field, for the localization of the axillary approach and for the study of the anatomical variants. It was immediately followed by the use of skin marks. The use of markers made it possible to attempt surgical isolation of the cephalic vein as a first approach. In case of failure, or the need for multiple accesses, the transition to central access could be facilitated by the presence of skin markers. This approach have not significantly modified the probability of successful axillary vein puncture without the use of venography (75% vs 71%, p NS). In the last phase all implants were performed with ultrasound–guided puncture with sterile technique before skin incision (n = 26). The procedures involved dual chamber (61%), single chamber (19%), CRTD (11%), dual chamber ICD. Ultrasound showed all cases of hypoplastic cephalic vein (15%). In the first three months of implementation, the success rate was 71.4% with 1 self–healing case of apical pneumothorax. In the following months the success rate rapidly increased to 94.1% (p &lt; 0.05) with no pneumo or hemothorax. The median time to effective puncture was 28 seconds (8–450sec) in the second phase. It was possible to isolate the cephalic vein in 40% of cases for two or three chamber implants.

Conclusions
The ultrasound study of the accesses performed before the incision allows to identify the anatomy and to define the course of the axillary vascular system and its relationships. When performed with a sterile approach, it allows direct ultrasound–guided puncture before the surgical incision, with a high success rate from the early stages of implementation.
P35 A RARE CASE OF VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA STORM AND COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK IN A PATIENT WITH BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Zannoni J , Del Torto A , Tundo F , Assanelli E 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A 68 year–old male presented to the Emergency Department of our Institute with palpitations for the last 20 minutes. The patient suffered from Becker’s muscular dystrophy (BMD) with hypotonic tetraparesis and dilated cardiomyopathy with moderate left ventricular dysfunction. The patient had also arterial hypertension and a previous ischemic stroke treated with thrombolysis and subsequently with warfarin. On the admission, the patient was alert, blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg and heart rate 180 bpm. An ECG (Fig. 1) showed regular, wide–complex tachycardia (QRS duration of 240 msec) with right branch block morphology with left axial deviation. A bolus of amiodarone 200 mg ev was administered without efficacy followed by a bolus of lidocaine 50 mg. The patient developed symptomatic hypotension, so external electrical cardioversion was performed with a single DC shock at 200J, effective in restoring sinus rhythm. Amiodarone and beta blocker therapy was started. On laboratory tests, the main values were normal, including the ultrasensitive troponin hs–cTnI. Echocardiography showed a mildly dilated left ventricle with diffuse hypokinesia conditioning severe reduction of systolic function (FE 35%) (Fig. 2). On subsequent telemetric ECG monitoring, no recurrences of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were recorded, but it was observed an episode of complete atrioventricular (AV) block conditioning a symptomatic 9.5–second asystole, treated with atropine. Then the patient underwent CRT–D implantation in secondary prevention. The day after the procedure, an arrhythmic storm occurred and was effectively treated with multiple attempts of antitachycardia pacing and device shock. In the following days, the patient continued to present with episodes of VT despite antiarrhythmic drugs. Hence, an endo–epicardial ablation of the arrhythmic substrate was evaluated in Heart team. In view of an intubation and the high anesthesiological risk, it was indicated to continue the optimized medical therapy. Mexiletine 200 mg tid was added to metoprolol 100 mg bid and amiodarone 200 mg od. In the following days, no arrhythmic recurrences were recorded on continuous ECG monitoring. The patient was discharged from the hospital asymptomatic and with no sign of heart failure. At 2 years of follow–up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with no arrhythmic events recorded by the device and in the absence of any adverse effects caused by mexiletine.