Mechanistic Insights into Roof-Dependent Macroreentrant Atrial Flutter with Endocardial Block of the Roof Line:A Case Report

Background:Epicardial roof-dependent atrial tachycardia is rare among macroreentrant tachycardias.The importance of epicardial structure or fiber involving septopulmonary bundle(SPB)has not been realized generally.Case presentation:A 74-year-old woman who underwent catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation previously accepted a second-time radiofrequency ablation due to atrial flutter.The mapping and entrainment results of the tachycardia tended to be an epicardial SPB-dependent macroreentrant atrial tachycardia and it was ablated to sinus rate at the first single targeting site,just located in the breakout site of SPB into the posterior wall(PW)of left atrial(LA).The twice-activation mapping of PW of LA also proved the presence of SPB.No recurrent arrhythmia was seen at follow-up at 3 months.Conclusion:In this case,an uncommon phenomenon was observed post-ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation,where the epicardial muscular structure of the LA-SPB was involved in atypical atrial flutter.This should be considered as a potential factor in such cases.Further similar cases may be required to improve diagnostic accuracy and to formulate effective ablation strategies for this type of tachycardia.

New-onset atrial fibrillation among COVID-19 patients: A narrative review

Over the last three years,research has focused on examining cardiac issues arising from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection,including the emergence of new-onset atrial fibrillation(NOAF).Still,no clinical study was conducted on the persistence of this arrhythmia after COVID-19 recovery.Our objective was to co-mpose a narrative review that investigates COVID-19-associated NOAF,emphasi-zing the evolving pathophysiological mechanisms akin to those suggested for sustaining AF.Given the distinct strategies involved in the persistence of atrial AF and the crucial burden of persistent AF,we aim to underscore the importance of extended follow-up for COVID-19-associated NOAF.A comprehensive search was conducted for articles published between December 2019 and February 11,2023,focusing on similarities in the pathophysiology of NOAF after COVID-19 and those persisting AF.Also,the latest data on incidence,morbidity-mortality,and management of NOAF in COVID-19 were investigated.Considerable overlaps between the mechanisms of emerging NOAF after COVID-19 infection and persistent AF were observed,mostly involving reactive oxygen pathways.With potential atrial remodeling associated with NOAF in COVID-19 patients,this group of patients might benefit from long-term follow-up and different management.Future cohort studies could help determine long-term outcomes of NOAF after COVID-19.

Identification of the dominant loop of a dual-loop macro-reentry left atrial flutter without prior intervention using high-density mapping technology:A case report

BACKGROUND Left atrial flutter without prior cardiac interventions is uncommon,especially dual-loop macro-reentry atrial flutter.The critical step to ablate dual-loop macroreentry atrial flutter is to identify the dominant loop and key isthmus.Although entrainment mapping could help identify the dominant loop and key isthmus,it may alter or terminate tachycardia.High-density mapping allows the generation of electroanatomic maps without altering or terminating tachycardia.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of symptomatic left atrial flutter without prior intervention.In this case,high-density mapping revealed a dual-loop macro-reentry around the mitral annulus and central scar of the anterior wall.The propagation result showed that the dominant loop was around the mitral annulus,and the key isthmus was between the central scar and mitral annulus.The atrial flutter terminated successfully after ablation was performed.CONCLUSION In this case,we demonstrate that high-density mapping technology may help identify the dominant loop of dual-loop atrial flutter without entrainment,which makes ablation easier.

RATE-DEPENDENT SLOW CONDUCTION VELOCITY IN THE CAVO-TRICUSPID ISTHMUS AND SEPTUM IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FLUTTER

Purpose. To evaluate and compare the effects of heart rate on conduction velocity in the cavotricus-pid isthmus (CTI) and septum in patients with and without typical atrial flutter (AF) using electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) of the right atrium (RA).Methods. Ten patients(age 53+10 yrs,7M/3F)with AF and 13 patients (age 51+11 yrs, 5M/8F) with atrio-ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) underwent conventional electrophysionogical study, electro -anatomic mapping and radiofrequency ablation. Using EAMs obtained during coronary sinus pacing at pacing cycle length (PCL) 600 ms, 400 ms, and 300 ms, we evaluated conduction velocities in the CTI and septum of RA in 10 patients with AF and compared EAMs to 13 patients with AVNRT to determine whether the conduction slowing required to maintain AFL was related to changes in volume alone or altered RA electrophysiology.Results. Conduction velocities in CTI and septum were significantly slower at all PCL when AF was compared to AVNRT(P<0.05). Additionally, in the AF group, septal conduction velocities were slower at PCL 600 ms and 400 ms, but not at 300 ms compared to CTI (P<0.05). In AF, during PCL 300. conduction in CTI slowed significantly compared to PCL 600 and 400 ms such that there was no difference between CTI and septum at PCL 300.Conclusions. There is slower conduction in the septum compared to the CTI in all patients. However, in patients with AF, there is significant slowing of conduction in the CTI and septum as well as decremen-tal rate-dependent slowing of conduction in the CTI. These findings indicate that in addition to RA enlargement, changes in atrial electrophysiology distinguish AF patients from patients with AVNRT.

A Case Report of Radiofrequency Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter Combined with Atrial Tachycardia

A 63-year-old female patient with a history of pulmonary heart disease underwent radiofrequency ablation because of a persistent atrial fl utter.Endocardial mapping with the carto3 system confi rmed atrial fl utter counterclockwise reentry around the tricuspid annulus.Routine ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus line to bi-directional block was performed.However,tachycardia with the same cycle length was induced again.After remapping,the tachycardia was confi rmed to be focal atrial tachycardia located in the crista terminalis.After ablation,the tachycardia was terminated and could not be induced again.

Giant androgen-producing adrenocortical carcinoma with atrial flutter: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC),the second most aggressive malignant tumor,lacks epidemiological data worldwide;therefore,every new case can improve the understanding of the pathology and treatment of this malignancy.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 66-year-old Caucasian woman with a giant androgenproducing ACC(21 cm×17 cm×12 cm;2100 g),without metastases,which unusually presented with an acute onset of atrial flutter and congestive heart failure.The cardiac complications observed in our case support the hypothesis that androgen excess in women is a cardiovascular risk factor.Androgen excess in women can be a rare cause of reversible dilated cardiomyopathy,therefore a comprehensive approach to the patient is essential to improve the recognition of androgen-secreting ACC.The atrial flutter was remitted after initiation of drug treatment during admission.The severe heart failure was totally remitted at 6 mo after radical open surgery to remove the giant ACC.CONCLUSION Radical open surgery to remove a giant androgen-producing ACC was the firstline treatment to cure the excess of androgen,which determined the total remission of cardiac complications at 6 mo after surgery in the women of this case report.

Repeated atrial arrhythmia induced by cochineal red poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND Cochineal red is an organic compound widely used in food,cosmetics,pharmaceuticals,textiles,and other fields due to its excellent safety profile.Poisoning caused by eating foods containing cochineal red is rare,and repeated atrial arrhythmia due to cochineal red poisoning is even rarer.CASE SUMMARY An 88-year-old Asian female patient was admitted to hospital due to a disturbance of consciousness.Twelve hours prior to presentation,the patient consumed 12 eggs containing cochineal red over a period of 2 h.At presentation,the patient was in a coma and had a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale(E2+VT+M4).The patient’s skin and mucous membranes were pink.Electrocardiography(ECG)revealed rapid atrial fibrillation without any signs of ischemia.We prescribed cedilan and fluid replacement for arrhythmia correction.Shortly after admission,the atrial fibrillation corrected to a normal sinus rhythm.On the day 2 of admission,the patient had a sudden atrial flutter accompanied by hemodynamic instability and rapidly declining arterial oxygen saturation between 85%and 90%.The sinus rhythm returned to normal after two electrical cardioversions.Six days after admission,the skin color of the patient returned to normal,and the ECG results were normal.The patient was transferred out of the intensive care unit and eventually discharged after 12 d in hospital.At the 2-mo follow-up visit,the patient was in good health with no recurrence of arrhythmia.CONCLUSION Although cochineal red is a safe,natural food additive,excessive consumption or occupational exposure can induce cardiac arrhythmias.

普罗帕酮诱发Brugada样心电图改变一例

Brugada综合征主要在成年时期出现症状,且主要在休息或睡眠中发生猝死,儿童时期并不常见,尤其以心房扑动为首发表现的相关报道鲜见。本文报道一例以心房扑动为首发表现的13岁患儿,无基础心脏疾病,在接受普罗帕酮治疗的过程中诱发出Brugada样心电图改变,基因检测发现可疑变异基因SCN5A,变异位点为c.2834A>G(p.D945G)。希望通过本病例的诊断、治疗及相关文献回顾,提高临床医师对Brugada综合征的诱发因素以及其可合并多种心律失常的认识,加强在应用抗心律失常药物时的心电监测,并对此类高危人群进行指导和密切随访,从而避免不良事件的发生。

无水乙醇注射Marshall静脉消融二尖瓣峡部的效果观察

目的:评估无水乙醇注射Marshall静脉(vein of Marshall,VOM)在持续性心房扑动(简称房扑)、心房颤动(简称房颤)二尖瓣峡部线性消融中的有效性和安全性。方法:收集2019年9月—2020年5月上海市胸科医院采用射频消融+无水乙醇注射VOM治疗持续性房扑、房颤患者72例(VOM组)的临床资料,同时选择采用左房线性消融治疗持续性房扑、房颤患者72例作为对照(对照组)。入选患者均行二尖瓣峡部线性消融手术,术中验证二尖瓣峡部线阻断情况,术后随访房性心律失常和心包积液发生情况,均随访12个月以上。结果:VOM组术中验证二尖瓣峡部线阻断63例,其中需要联合心内和心外膜补点消融达到二尖瓣峡部线14例,未能阻断二尖瓣峡部线9例。对照组术中验证二尖瓣峡部线53例,未能阻断19例。随访12~20个月,VOM组房性心律失常复发20例,而对照组房性心律失常复发30例。结论:在持续性房扑、房颤消融治疗中,经VOM行无水乙醇注射能有效阻断二尖瓣峡部线性传导,有助于提高二尖瓣峡部线成功率,减少房颤消融术中二尖瓣峡部相关的房扑发生率,且不增加严重并发症的发生率。

基于孟德尔随机化研究房颤/房扑与失眠的因果关系

目的通过双样本孟德尔随机化(Mendelian randomization,MR)研究方法探究心房颤动(简称“房颤”)/心房扑动(简称“房扑”)与失眠潜在的双向因果关系。方法从IEU OpenGWAS project数据库中获取房颤/房扑和失眠的全基因组关联研究汇总数据,提取显著且独立的单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphism,SNPs)用于MR分析。采用逆方差加权法(inverse-variance weighted,IVW)、加权中位数、MREgger回归、简单众数法和加权众数法五种方法进行因果关系评估。Cochran's Q检验评估IVW的异质性,MR-Egger检测水平多效性,MR-PRESSO方法检测离群值以检验基因多效性,留一法(leave-one-out)进行敏感性分析。结果以房颤/房扑为暴露,失眠为结局,共筛选获得47个SNPs作为工具变量,IVW显示房颤/房扑与失眠间存在正向因果关系[OR=1.103,95%CI(1.008,1.208),P<0.05],加权中位数、MR-Egger回归及简单众数法和加权众数法的β值与IVW的β值方向均一致。敏感性检测方面,Cochran's Q检验P>0.05说明不存在异质性,MR-Egger检验P>0.05说明不存在水平多效性,同时MR-PRESSO方法未检测到离群值,表明没有基因多效性,留一法未检测到对结果影响大的SNP,表明结果稳固无偏倚。反向,以失眠为暴露,房颤/房扑为结局,筛选到12个SNPs作为工具变量,IVW显示失眠与房颤/房扑间不存在因果关系[OR=0.989,95%CI(0.951,1.029),P>0.05)]。结论房颤/房扑会增加失眠的发生风险,在失眠患者的健康管理中应积极预防和治疗房颤、房扑等常见心律失常疾病。

复杂先心矫正术后合并起搏器植入患者房扑射频消融1例

心房扑动(atrial flutter,Af)是儿童时期较为少见的一类快速性心律失常,可为原发性,也可为继发性。其中继发性Af常见于先天性心脏病、心脏手术后、心肌病等。依据体表心电图的不同,房扑可分为典型Af和非典型Af^([1])。Af的治疗目前主要包括控制心室率、转复窦性心律以及抗凝治疗^([2])。射频消融治疗Af安全性和有效性高,因此逐渐成为根治Af的首选治疗方法^([3])。然而,心脏起搏器的植入无疑增加了射频消融术的难度。现就1例射频消融治疗复杂先心起搏器植入术后Af病例予以报道。

Marshall韧带介导心外膜相关二尖瓣峡部依赖心房扑动的电生理特点及消融策略

目的阐述Marshall韧带介导心外膜相关二尖瓣峡部依赖心房扑动的电生理特点及消融策略。方法回顾性连续纳入2022年1月至2023年6月于首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院心律失常中心行心房颤动消融后心房扑动射频消融,且术中经高密度标测明确诊断为Marshall韧带介导心外膜相关二尖瓣峡部依赖心房扑动的38例患者,分析术中标测结果特征、消融方法及随访结果。结果本研究38例患者包括围绕二尖瓣逆时针方向折返30例、顺时针方向折返5例及双房折返3例,激动标测均可见“假局灶样”激动模式,激动突破点往往位于左肺静脉与左心耳之间的嵴部或既往二尖瓣峡部心内膜面消融线后方。20例(52.6%)患者通过Marshall静脉无水酒精消融终止心房扑动。在(18±9)个月的随访期内,4例患者(10.5%)出现了空白期后心房颤动/房性心动过速复发。结论Marshall韧带介导心外膜心房扑动多呈逆时针方向折返,具有特征性激动模式,Marshall静脉无水酒精消融可有效终止该类心房扑动,且远期复发率低。

慢性心力衰竭合并缺血性脑卒中患者的临床特点及危险因素研究

目的 探讨慢性心力衰竭(chronic heart failure, CHF)合并缺血性脑卒中患者的临床特点及相关危险因素。方法 回顾性选取2021年1月至2023年1月江苏省苏北人民医院住院未合并心房颤动/心房扑动的老年CHF患者153例,根据诊断分为CHF组84例,缺血性脑卒中组69例(CHF+缺血性脑卒中)。收集所有患者一般资料、既往病史、辅助检查指标等临床数据。随访6个月,采用多因素logistic回归分析及ROC曲线分析缺血性脑卒中相关的危险因素。结果 2组年龄、高血压、糖尿病、部分凝血活酶时间、左心房内径、左心室射血分数、右心室内径、左心室收缩末期内径、左心室舒张末期内径、CHF分型、CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc评分、HAS-BLED评分、抗血小板药物比例比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc评分(OR=2.471,95%CI:1.356~4.502,P=0.003)、HAS-BLED评分(OR=6.626,95%CI:2.049~21.432,P=0.002)是发生缺血性脑卒中的独立危险因素。ROC曲线分析显示,CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc评分预测无心房颤动/心房扑动的老年CHF患者发生缺血性脑卒中的曲线下面积为0.936(95%CI:0.898~0.975,P<0.01);HAS-BLED评分预测无心房颤动/心房扑动的老年CHF患者发生缺血性脑卒中的曲线下面积为0.922(95%CI:0.880~0.964,P<0.01)。结论 CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc评分和HAS-BLED评分高是无心房颤动/心房扑动的老年CHF患者发生缺血性脑卒中的独立危险因素。

1例先天性心脏病术后房扑伴房颤合并前置胎盘出血及血小板减少先兆流产患者的药学监护

目的为先天性心脏病术后心房扑动伴心房颤动(以下简称“房扑伴房颤”)合并前置胎盘出血及血小板减少先兆流产患者的安全用药提供参考。方法临床药师参与1例先天性心脏病术后房扑伴房颤合并前置胎盘出血及血小板减少先兆流产患者的诊治过程,针对其使用依诺肝素钠后出现的血小板下降,建议停用依诺肝素钠,复查血常规后改为磺达肝癸钠;针对患者心率快、血压低,建议选择美托洛尔并根据心率调整剂量,同时将呋塞米改为氢氯噻嗪;针对医师拟于剖宫产术前停用美托洛尔,改为索他洛尔,建议继续使用美托洛尔;针对患者可能出现的药物相互作用,建议密切监测血钾等指标,并进行用药教育。结果医师采纳临床药师建议。患者出血得到控制,住院期间各项指标均维持稳定,孕周延长,并顺利行剖宫产术。结论临床药师通过参与先天性心脏病术后房扑伴房颤合并前置胎盘出血及血小板减少先兆流产患者的治疗过程,以药物不良反应、药物相互作用及患者用药教育为切入点,为患者制定个体化用药方案,确保了用药的安全性和有效性。

Catheter Ablation of Mitral Isthmus Flutter Post Mitral Valve Repair and Surgical Maze: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hereby we describe a case of LAF developed after a surgical Maze procedure that demonstrates the importance of a systematic approach to mapping and ablating atypical atrial flutter to prevent a recurrence of symptomatic arrhythmia. In patients with previous cardiac surgery procedures, and in particular after a surgical maze, there are many different potential LA reentry circuits that involve various pathways. Both activation mapping and entrainment mapping were performed in order to identify the critical isthmus of the circuit and to effectively terminate the arrhythmia.

Coronary sinus reentrant tachycardia after atrial fibrillation ablation: From bad to worse

Herein we present a case of atrial tachycardia as a sequel of AF ablations. A 42-year-old man was admitted to our department because of a very symptomatic tachycardia. The patient, because of paroxysmal AF and typical atrial flutter, had been already submitted (three times) to ablation procedures in both left (pulmonary vein insulation) and right atria (cavo-tricuspidal isthmus). During the electrophysiological study, a huge and very fast atrial tachycardia was induced: 230 ms cycle length, 1/1 atrio-ventricular conduction with the ventricular rate of 260 bpm, complete left bundle branch block, and clinically recognized by the patient. Four minutes later, a 2/1 AV conduction without branch block permitted mapping and ablation. A high-density mapping around isthmus and coronary sinus (CS) was performed. The analysis of the chronological activation clearly showed a circuit propagation around the CS ostium with a very slow conduction in the anterior zone enlightened by the tight color progression, and counterclockwise activation of the right atrium lateral wall. In anterior zone of CS ostium diastolic fragmented electrograms were detected. After preventing his position localization, radiofrequency delivering (35 W) was effective to interrupt the arrhythmia in 3 seconds. Energy delivering was continued to anchor the lesion to the inferior vena cava. Confirmation of successful ablation was determined by unsuccessful attempts at reinduction of the arrhythmia, in basal state and during infusion of isoproterenol.

Novel therapies for treating atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major risk factor for stroke, heart failure, and death. Current treatments focus on anti-coagulation as well as rate-control and rhythm-control strategies. Frequent INR checks associated with warfarin along with several adverse side effects of anti-arrhythmics have propelled investigations into novel treatments for atrial fibrillation. Research is focused not only on pioneering new pharmacological antico- agulation and anti-arrhythmic agents but also on improving surgical techniques in hopes of treating the arrhythmia. Here, we first briefly discuss the current treatment options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, for atrial fibrillation. We then present a focused review of recent animal and human investigations that examine the use of novel an-ticoagulation agents, mechanisms of new anti-arrhythmics, analyze potential triggers of atrial fibrillation, and highlight the role of genetics in atrial fibrillation.

RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION FOR TREATMENT OF ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIAS

In this paper,electrophysiologic study and RFCA were attempted in 3 patientswho had clinical episodes of atrial arrhythmias with multiple ECG recordings.Diagnoses were automatic atrial tachycardia in one,reentrant atrialtachycardia in one,and typical atrial flutter in one.Site for atrial flutterablation was based on anatomic barriers in the floor of the right atrinm.Forautomatic atrial tachycardia,the site of earliest activation before the pwave was sought and for reentrant atrial tachycardia,our goal was to identifya site of early activation in a zone of slow conduction.At target sites,20 to40w of radiofrequency energy were delivered during tachycardia.Procedureend point was inability to reinduce tachycardia by atrial pacing and infusionof isoproterenol,Acute success was achieved in all of three patients.Fortachycardia involves reentry(reentrant atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter),successful ablation required severing an isthmus of slow conduction.Foratrial flutter,this was between the tricuspid annulus and the coronary sinus osor between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid annulus.Abla-tioo ofautomatic and reentrant atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter had a highsuccess rate and caused no complications.Repeat procedures may be requiredfor long-term success,especially in patient with atrial flutter.

高龄急性心房扑动患者行开腹探查术的麻醉管理(附1例报告)

心房扑动是心房内折返回路引起的快速型心律失常,心室率甚至可超过150次/分,严重时会出现低血压、晕厥甚至休克。高龄患者发生急性心房扑动较为少见,可诱发心功能不全,甚至可导致死亡,麻醉管理困难且风险较大。本文报道1例80岁高龄急性心房扑动患者,行开腹探查术,并在术中成功电复律。患者术后心电监测显示窦性心律,转入ICU继续治疗13 d后,患者复查生化全项、血常规、血凝等指标未见明显异常,准予出院。

左心房心房扑动射频消融治疗进展

心房扑动(房扑)是一种大折返性心律失常,与心房颤动关系密切,二者经常共存。导管消融术已成为房扑的一线治疗措施,但随访发现患者消融术后新发房性心律失常比例仍然较高。左心房房扑与典型右心房房扑相比机制更为复杂,常与各种原因导致的左心房纤维化有关,且左心房周围毗邻结构也较复杂,对安全有效地消融造成一定困难。随着高精密度标测系统和消融能量的发展,左心房房扑机制越来越清晰,这为左心房房扑实施有效透壁消融终止房扑提供了依据。