CHANGES OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN AND ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE DURING THE ONSET AND AFTER TERMINATION OF PAROXYSMAL SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Radioimmunoassays were used to measure the concentration changes of plasma endothelin(ET) and atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) during the onset and after termination of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia(SVT). 30 cases were reviewed and compansons with 42 normal subjects were made. There are very significant differences(P<0.0001) in the concentration changes of both plasma ET and ANP during the onset and 30 minutes after the termination of SVT. During the onset period of SVT. the plasma ET and ANP were markedly elevated and 30 minutes after its termination they were lowered significantly, but their concentrations were still 2-fold higher than ihose of the control group. As the biological effects of ANP and ET are antagonistic to each other. their parallel elevation and lowering of plasma concentrations during and.after the termination of SVT reveal that these 2 hormones parucipate in the pathophysiological process of SVT. This phenomenon is possibly one of the homeostatic regulatory functions in the organism.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardias related to myocardial scar or incision

Objectives Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardias(IARTs)are common late after heart surgery.Conventional mapping and ablation is relatively difficult because of the complicated anatomy and multiple potential re-entry loops.In this study we aimed to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia(AT)induced by myocardial scar or incision.Methods In 6 patients(three male and three female,aged 33.3±11.8 years)who had AT related to myocardial scar or incision, electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)were performed.Earliest activation combined with entrain- ment mapping was adopted to determine a critical isthmus.Results Re-entry related to the lateral atriotomy scar was inducible in 5 of 6 patients.With entrainment mapping,the PPI(post-pacing interval)-TCL(tachycardia cycle length)difference was＜30 ms when pacing at the inferior margins of the right lateral atriotomy scar.Among them,3 patients had successful linear ablation between scar area to inferior vena cava,and 2 patients between scar area to tricuspid annulus.Re-entry involving an ASD patch was demonstrated in 1 of 6 patients.PPI-TCL differences＜30 ms were observed when entraining tachycardia at sites near the septal patch.But linear ablation failed in terminating AT.There was no complication during procedure.No recurrence of AT related to incision was observed during follow-up except for the failed patient.Conclusion Under conventional electrophysiological mapping,adopting linear ablation from scar area to anatomic barrier,successful ablation can be obtained in patients with IRATs related to myocardial scar or incision.

Lactic Acidosis and Atrial Tachycardia: Unusual Presentations of Disseminated Burkitt-Like Lymphoma

Lactic acidosis is a rare complication of malignancies and is seen more frequently in high grade lymphoma and leukemia. Although, its pathogenesis is not well understood, it remains a surrogate of poor prognosis. Herein, we present a case of Burkitt-like lymphoma presenting with metabolic abnormalities including lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia along with atrial tachycardia. We will discuss the different mechanisms involved in these metabolic disturbances and we will provide insight on novel therapeutic strategies based on our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.

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.

Radiofrequency ablation of atrial tachycardia in patients with repaired atrial septal defect

Objective:To evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) in patients with repaired atrial septal defects(ASD). Methods: In 76 consecutive patients with AT who underwent the electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). 4 patients (one male and three female aged 35. 5±11. 5 years) had AT-related myocardial scar or incision. Earliest activation combined with entrainment mapping was adopted to determine a critical isthmus. Results: Re-entry related to the lateral atriotomy scar was inducible in 3 of 4 patients. With en-trainment mapping, the PPI-TCL difference was <30 ms when pacing at the inferior margins of the right lateral atriotomy scar. Among them, 2 patients had successful linear ablation between scar area to inferior vena cava, and 1 patient between scar areas to tricuspid annulus. Re-entry involving an ASD patch was demonstrated in 1 of 4 patients. PPI-TCL differences <30 ms were found when entraining tachycardia at sites near the septal patch. But linear ablation failed in terminating AT. There was no complication during procedure. No recurrence of incision-related AT was found during follow-up except for the failed patient. Conclusion: Under conventional electrophysiological mapping, adopting linear ablation from scar area to anatomic barrier, successful ablation also can be obtained in patients with IRAT related to myocardial scar or incision.

Electrophysiological characteristics of atrial tachycardia originating from the coronary sinus

A 22-year-old girl was admitted to our cardiology institute with Permanent tachycardia in last 6 years for diagnostic assessment and therapy. Doppler echocardiography show structural of heart is normal, ECG revealed a varied resting rate from 120 to 140 bpm, 1:1 AV ratio and long RP interval. P wave morphology was negative on leads I, II, III, aVF, and V4 to V6, positive on lead V1, and diphasic 1 /2 on lead aVL. Electrophysiology (EP) study was performed, Although the exactly mapping was performed in left inferior pulmonary vein and mitral annulus, however, no target point was found ahead of CS1-2, the tried discharge was invalid. The ablation catheter was entered the coronary sinus to guide electrical isolation, curing the tachycardia. The ECG returned to normal sinus rhythm. Through three years follow up, no AT recurrence.

Gender and tachycardia： independent modulation of platelet reactivity in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Female patients with atrial fibrillation （AF） experience increased risk of thromboembolism compared to males, an observation that is reflected by its inclusion in the CHA2DS2VASc score. New onset AF （often associated with tachycardia） also confers upon patients increased thromboembolic risk. The mechanisms underlying this risk are uncertain, but new onset AF is associated with profound impairment of platelet nitric oxide （NO） signalling. Given that cardiovascular responses to catecholamines are gender-dependent, and that the presence of tachycardia in new onset AF may represent a response to catecholaminergic stimulation, we explored the potential impact of gender and tachycardia on platelet aggregation and NO signalling. Methods Interactions were sought in 87 AF patients between the extent of adenosine diphosphate （ADP）-induced platelet aggregation, the anti-aggregatory effects of the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, gender, and admission heart rate. The potential impact of platelet expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein （Txnip） was also evaluated. Results Analysis ofcovariance confLrmed the presence of physiological antagonism between platelet ADP and NO responses [F （1, 74） = 12.212, P 〈 0.01 ], while female sex correlated with impaired NO responses independent of platelet aggregability [F （2, 74） = 8.313, P 〈 0.01]. Admission heart rate correlated directly with platelet aggregation （r = 0.235, P 〈 0.05）, and inversely with NO response （r = -0.331, P 〈 0.01）. Txnip expression varied neither with gender nor with heart rate. Conclusions These results indicate, that gender and heart rate are independent determinants of platelet fimction. Prospective studies of the putative benefit of reversal of tachycardia on restoration of normal platelet function are therefore a priority.

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.

Effect of cyclosporine-A on electrophysiological properties of atria in tachycardia-induced atrial fibrillation

Objective To investigate the effects of ciyelosporine-A(CsA).a calcinenrin(CAN)inhibitor,on electrophysiological propertiesof atria in canine tachycardia-induced model of AF.Methods Eighteen healthy adult mongrel canines weighing 17.0 to 23.2 kg(rangedfrom 2 to 4 years old)were randomized to 3 groups,Sham group(no pacemaker was implanted),atrial tachypacing group(ATP group)each group at baseline and after 8 weeks' tachypacing.Measurements included atrial effective refractory period(AERP),conductionvelocity(CV),wave length(WE),atrial fibrillation load and rate-adaptability. Results After 8 weeks' atrial tachypacing,ATP andCsA groups showed significant longer duration of the P wave,shorter AERP,decreased adaptation of AERE slower CV,shorter Wland longer AF duration compared to the shamg roup (all P＜0.05).AERP of the CsA group was longer than that of ATP group (P＜0.05),but there were no differences in rate-adaptability,CV,incidence of induced AF and AF duration between CsA group and ATP group.Conclusions Our results suggest that calcineurin pathway intervention by CsA have a positive effect on tachycardia-inducedelectrical remodeling of atria,but can not prevent or reverse AF.

Unexplained fetal tachycardia:A case report

BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the possible etiology and treatment of severe fetal tachycardia in the absence of organic disease and provide a reference for clinical management of severe fetal tachycardia.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old pregnant woman,with a gravidity 1 parity 0,presented with a fetal heart rate(FHR)of 243 beats per minute during a routine antenatal examination at 31+2 wk of gestation.Before termination of pregnancy at 38 wk of gestation,the FHR repeatedly showed serious abnormalities,lasting more than 30 min.However,the pregnant woman and the fetus had no clinical symptoms,and repeated examination revealed no organic lesions.The mother and the baby were regularly followed up.CONCLUSION This was a case of severe fetal tachycardia with no organic lesions and management based on clinical experience.

Relationship of inflammatory indices with left atrial appendage thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND Inflammatory indices derived from complete blood tests have been reported to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).The data about the relationship between inflammatory indices and left atrial appendage thrombus(LAAT)or dense spontaneous echo contrast(SEC)are limited.AIM To explore the value of inflammatory indices for predicting the presence of LAAT or dense SEC in nonvalvular AF patients.METHODS A total of 406 patients with nonvalvular AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography were included and divided into two groups based on the presence(study group)or absence(control group)of LAAT or dense SEC.Inflammatory indices,including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet–tolymphocyte ratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),were calculated from complete blood analysis.The associations of inflammatory indices RESULTS LAAT and dense SEC were detected in 11(2.7%)and 42(10.3%)patients,respectively.The PLR only showed an association with LAAT/dense SEC in the univariate model.Elevated NLR(odds ratio[OR]=1.48,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.11-1.98,P=0.007)and reduced LMR(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.41-0.83,P=0.003)were found to be independent risk factors for the presence of LAAT/dense SEC.The areas under the NLR and LMR curves for predicting LAAT/dense SEC were 0.73(95%CI:0.66-0.80,P<0.001)and 0.73(95%CI:0.65-0.81,P<0.001),respectively,while the cutoff values were 2.8(sensitivity:69.8%;specificity:64.0%)and 2.4(sensitivity:71.7%;specificity:60.6%),respectively.CONCLUSION Increased NLR and decreased LMR may predict LAAT/dense SEC in patients with nonvalvular AF.

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.

Management of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and atrial fibrillation:We are still far from precision medicine

The use of anticoagulation therapy could prove to be controversial when trying to balance ischemic stroke and intracranial bleeding risks in patients with concurrent cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA)and atrial fibrillation(AF).In fact,CAA is an age-related cerebral vasculopathy that predisposes patients to intracerebral hemorrhage.Nevertheless,many AF patients require oral systemic dose-adjusted warfarin,direct oral anticoagulants(such as factor Xa inhibitors)or direct thrombin inhibitors to control often associated with cardioembolic stroke risk.The prevalence of both CAA and AF is expected to rise,due to the aging of the population.This clinical dilemma is becoming increasingly common.In patients with coexisting AF and CAA,the risks/benefits profile of anticoagulant therapy must be assessed for each patient individually due to the lack of a clear-cut consensus with regard to its risks in scientific literature.This review aims to provide an overview of the management of patients with concomitant AF and CAA and proposes the implementation of a risk-based decision-making algorithm.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Ventricular Tachycardia during Labor: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease that typically affects young, healthy women. Because PPCM is associated with significant mortality, timely diagnosis and management are essential. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major complication and contributor to sudden death. Available data on VT in patients with PPCM are limited. Aim: This case report demonstrates the clinical presentation, antenatal care, and management of labor and delivery in a patient with PPCM complicated by VT. Case report: 36-year old patient G4P3 presents at 27 weeks gestation to the emergency department complaining of chest tightness, palpitations, and profuse sweating. Peripartum cardiomyopathy was diagnosed after her last pregnancy a few years prior. Ventricular tachycardia was diagnosed at this visit and treated successfully. The remainder of the pregnancy was uneventful until she had another episode of ventricular tachycardia during labor. Treatment using antiarrhythmics (diltiazem, amiodarone, adenosine) highlights the importance of prompt intervention and the need for a range of therapeutic options. Results: This case demonstrated successful VT management during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, influencing maternal and fetal outcomes positively, providing insights into optimal care strategies. Conclusion: Peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated by ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening combination. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and management with combined care between cardiologists, maternal fetal medicine specialists and anesthesiologists to prevent morbidities and sudden maternal death.

Massive inferior wall aneurysm presenting with ventricular tachycardia and refractory cardiomyopathy requiring multiple interventions:A case report

BACKGROUND Inferior wall left ventricular aneurysms are rare,they develop after transmural myocardial infarction(MI)and may be associated with poorer prognosis.We present a unique case of a large aneurysm of the inferior wall complicated by ventricular tachycardia(VT)and requiring surgical resection and mitral valve replacement.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old male was admitted for VT one month after he had a delayed presentation for an inferior ST-segment elevation MI and was discovered to have a large true inferior wall aneurysm on echocardiography and confirmed on coronary computed tomography(CT)angiography.Due to the sustained VT,concern for aneurysm expansion,and persistent heart failure symptoms,the patient was referred for surgical resection of the aneurysm with patch repair,mitral valve replacement,and automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion with significant improvement in functional and clinical status.CONCLUSION Inferior wall aneurysms are rare and require close monitoring to identify electrical or contractile sequelae.Coronary CT angiography can outline anatomic details and guide surgical intervention to ameliorate life-threatening complications and improve performance status.

Comparing Short-Term Outcomes of Right Mini-Thoracotomy and Median Sternotomy for Isolated Left Atrial Myxoma Excision

Background: Left atrial myxoma (LAM) is the most common heart tumor in adults, requiring prompt surgical removal to prevent complications like valvular obstruction or embolization. Objectives: This study aimed to compare early postoperative outcomes between two surgical approaches—right mini-thoracotomy and median sternotomy—for the removal of isolated left atrial myxoma. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHFH&RI), Mirpur, Dhaka, from March 2017 to August 2019. Twenty-eight patients undergoing surgery for isolated left atrial myxoma were included. The surgical approach was determined by the operating surgeon. We analyzed outcomes like intubation time, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale score), and overall hospital stay using SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p Results: Patients in the right mini-thoracotomy group had longer mean intubation times (11.43 vs. 5.93 hours, p Conclusion: Despite longer intubation and ICU times, the right mini-thoracotomy approach offers a minimally invasive alternative for isolated left atrial myxoma excision, with favorable outcomes overall.

Left atrial appendage occluder detachment treated with transthoracic ultrasound combined with digital subtraction angiography guided catcher:A case report

BACKGROUND There are very few cases of cardiac occluder detachment,and it is rare to completely remove the occluder using interventional methods without undergoing thoracotomy surgery after detachment.This case innovatively used ultrasound guidance combined with digital subtraction angiography(DSA)to completely remove the occluder,accumulating some experience.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent left atrial appendage occlusion surgery in our hospital due to atrial fibrillation.After the surgery,the occluder fell off and became free in the left ventricle,which is very dangerous.We innovatively used ultrasound guidance,combined with DSA,and interventional surgery to successfully capture the free occluder using a catcher,completely remove it,and then re implant a new left atrial appendage occluder.After the surgery,the patient recovered very well.CONCLUSION The size selection of the occluder is slightly conservative,and the shape of the left atrial appendage opening is irregular.

Mechanisms of organized atrial tachycardia during catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation by stepwise approach

Background Extensive atrial fibrillation （AF） ablation is associated with an increased success rate of catheter ablation in chronic AF patients and an increased rate of atrial tachycardia （AT） during the procedure. The mechanism of these Ats varies in previous studies. Our study aimed to report the mechanism of organized AT occurring during the stepwise ablation procedure of chronic AF.Methods A prospective cohort of 86 consecutive patients who underwent an ablation procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation （CAF） was investigated. The stepwise procedure was performed in the following order： circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, complex fractionated atrial electrograms ablation, mapping and ablation of AT. The endpoint was noninducibility of AF/AT after sinus rhythm （SR） was restored or the procedure time was beyond 6 hours.Results Sixty-nine （80%） of patients converted to SR via AT. A total of 179 sustained ATs were observed in 69 patients during the procedure. There were 81% （n=145） macroreentrant ATs which included 65 perimitral circuits, 48 peritricuspid tachycardia and 32 roof dependent circuits, 12% （n=21） localized reentrant and 7% （n=13） focal ATs. Thirty （15%） patients experienced significant left atrium （LA） and LA appendage （LAA） conduction delay or dissociation in the procedure or during the follow-up period.Conclusions Most CAF patients converted to SR via ablation of organized AT occurring during the stepwise procedure. The mechanism of most of these ATs was macro-reentry.

Wide QRS complex tachycardia in a patient with wide QRS complex sinus rhythm due to left bundle branch block pattern

A 58-year-old man with hypertension and half a year ago documented left bundle branch block(LBBB)in his past history presented with progressive dyspnea.A pre-admission echocardiography showed severely depressed systolic left ventricular function[ejection fraction(EF)=27%],diffuse hypokinesis and dilated heart chambers consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).

Prediabetes: An overlooked risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients

BACKGROUND Prediabetes is a well-established risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCE).However,the relationship between prediabetes and MACCE in atrial fibrillation(AF)patients has not been extensively studied.Therefore,this study aimed to establish a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.AIM To investigate a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.METHODS We used the National Inpatient Sample(2019)and relevant ICD-10 CM codes to identify hospitalizations with AF and categorized them into groups with and without prediabetes,excluding diabetics.The primary outcome was MACCE(all-cause inpatient mortality,cardiac arrest including ventricular fibrillation,and stroke)in AF-related hospitalizations.RESULTS Of the 2965875 AF-related hospitalizations for MACCE,47505(1.6%)were among patients with prediabetes.The prediabetes cohort was relatively younger(median 75 vs 78 years),and often consisted of males(56.3%vs 51.4%),blacks(9.8%vs 7.9%),Hispanics(7.3%vs 4.3%),and Asians(4.7%vs 1.6%)than the non-prediabetic cohort(P<0.001).The prediabetes group had significantly higher rates of hypertension,hyperlipidemia,smoking,obesity,drug abuse,prior myocardial infarction,peripheral vascular disease,and hyperthyroidism(all P<0.05).The prediabetes cohort was often discharged routinely(51.1%vs 41.1%),but more frequently required home health care(23.6%vs 21.0%)and had higher costs.After adjusting for baseline characteristics or comorbidities,the prediabetes cohort with AF admissions showed a higher rate and significantly higher odds of MACCE compared to the non-prediabetic cohort[18.6%vs 14.7%,odds ratio(OR)1.34,95%confidence interval 1.26-1.42,P<0.001].On subgroup analyses,males had a stronger association(aOR 1.43)compared to females(aOR 1.22),whereas on the race-wise comparison,Hispanics(aOR 1.43)and Asians(aOR 1.36)had a stronger association with MACCE with prediabetes vs whites(aOR 1.33)and blacks(aOR 1.21).CONCLUSION This population-based study found a significant association between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.Therefore,there is a need for further research to actively screen and manage prediabetes in AF to prevent MACCE.