Pulmonary vein stenosis:Etiology,diagnosis and management

Pulmonary vein stenosis(PVS) is rare condition characterized by a challenging diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis at advance stages. At present, injury from radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation has become the main cause of the disease. PVS is characterized by a progressive lumen size reduction of one or more pulmonary veins that, when hemodynamically significant, may raise lobar capillary pressure leading to signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and hemoptysis. Image techniques(transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and perfusion imaging) are essential to reach a final diagnosis and decide an appropriate therapy. In this regard, series from referral centers have shown that surgical and transcatheter interventions may improve prognosis. The purpose of this article is to review the etiology, assessment and management of PVS.

Safety and efficacy of balloon angioplasty compared to stent-basedstrategies with pulmonary vein stenosis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein stenosis(PVS)is an uncommon but known cause of morbidity and mortality in adults and children and can be managed with percutaneous revascularization strategies of pulmonary vein balloon angioplasty(PBA)or pulmonary vein stent implantation(PSI).AIM To study the safety and efficacy outcomes of PBA vs PSI in all patient categories with PVS.METHODS We performed a literature search of all studies comparing outcomes of patients evaluated by PBA vs PSI for PVS.We selected all published studies comparing PBA vs PSI for PVS with reported outcomes of restenosis and procedure-related complications in all patient categories.In adults,PVS following atrial fibrillation ablation and in children PVS related to congenital etiology or post-procedural PVS following total or partial anomalous pulmonary venous return repair were included.The patient-centered outcomes were risk of restenosis requiring re-intervention and procedural-related complications.The metaanalysis was performed by computing odds ratios(ORs)using the random effects model based on underlying statistical heterogeneity.RESULTS Eight observational studies treating 768 severe PVS in 487 patients met our inclusion criteria.The age range of patients was 6 months to 70 years and 67%were males.The primary outcome of the re-stenosis requiring re-intervention occurred in 196 of 325 veins in the PBA group and 111 of 443 veins in the PSI group.Compared to PSI,PBA was associated with a significantly increased risk of re-stenosis(OR 2.91,95%CI:1.15-7.37,P=0.025,I2=79.2%).Secondary outcomes of the procedurerelated complications occurred in 7 of 122 patients in the PBA group and 6 of 69 in the PSI group.There were no statistically significant differences in the safety outcomes between the two groups(OR:0.94,95%CI:0.23-3.76,P=0.929,I^(2)=0.0%).CONCLUSION Across all patient categories with PVS,PSI is associated with reduced risk of re-intervention and is as safe as PBA and should be considered first-line therapy for PVS.

Pulmonary Hypertension Crisis in Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot and Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Connection after the Primary Correction:A Rare Case Report

Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)with total anomalous pulmonary vein connections(TAPVC)is a rare type of complex congenital heart disease among all TOF cases.Co-presentation of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries(MAPCAs)compensates for the lack of central pulmonary bloodflow and decreases the severity of right-to-left shunting in TOF.We present a case of a 2-year-old child with complex diagnoses of TOF,TAPVC,a large secun-dum atrial septal defect(ASD),and intraoperatively identified MAPCAs.She underwent surgery to repair the TAPVC,valve-sparing reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract,interventricular defect closure,and the creation of patent foramen ovale(PFO).After the operation,hemodynamic instability happened along with sudden blood pressure drop,desaturation,and increased central venous pressure,which subsided after adminis-tering inhalational nitric oxide(NO).A postoperative pulmonary hypertension crisis was suggested when the patient experienced recurrent symptoms after the termination of NO.Echocardiographicfindings of a D-shaped left ventricle(LV),right-to-left PFO shunt and high tricuspid valve gradientfirmly established the diagnosis.It was subsequently managed with continuous NO inhalation and sildenafil,which rendered a satisfactory outcome.Repaired TOF and TAPVC could be at particular risk of developing pulmonary hypertension crisis,especially in the presence of MAPCAs due to possible remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature.Furthermore,a relatively non-compliant LV function and small left atrial size may exacerbate the risk of developing postcapillary pulmonary hypertension after TAPVC repair.A successful postoperative outcome calls for a meticulous preoperative analysis of the anatomical lesions,as well as careful monitoring.

Right Sub-Axillary Incision for Right Pulmonary Vein Atresia in a Child:A Case Report and Literature Review

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia(UPVA)in children is a rare disease that is characterized by a recurrent pulmonary infection and hemoptysis in childhood.This paper is a report of a case of pulmonary venous atresia treated by a right sub-axillary incision.Hopefully,more literature can be produced to improve the awareness and treatment level of pulmonary vein atresia.

Reversal of pulmonary vein remodeling after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background Pulmonary veins （PV） and the atria undergo electrical and structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation （AF）. This study aimed to determine PV and left atrial （LA） reverse remodeling after catheter ablation for AF assessed by chest computed tomography （CT）. Methods PV electrophysiologic studies and catheter ablation were performed in 63 patients （68% male; mean ± SD age： 56 ± 10 years） with symptomatic AF （49% paroxysmal, 51% persistent）. Chest CT was performed before and 3 months after catheter ablation. Results At baseline, patients with persistent AF had a greater LA volume （91 ±29 cm3 vs. 66 ± 27 cm3; P = 0.003） and mean PV ostial area （241 ＋ 43 mm2 vs. 212 ± 47 mm2; P = 0.03） than patients with paroxysmal AF. There was no significant correlation between the effective refractory period and the area of the left superior PV ostium. At 3 months of follow-up after ablation, 48 patients （76%） were AF free on or off antiarrhythmic drugs. There was a significant reduction in LA volume （77 ±31 cm3 to 70 ± 28 cm3; P 〈 0.001） and mean PV ostial area （224 ± 48 mm2 to 182 ± 43 mm2; P 〈 0.001）. Patients with persistent AF had more reduction in LA volume （11.8 ± 12.8 cm3 vs. 4.0 ± 11.2 cm3; P = 0.04） and PV ostial area （62 mm2 vs. 34 mm2; P = 0.04） than those who have paroxysmal AF. The reduction of the averaged PV ostial area was significantly correlated with the reduction of LA volume （r = 0.38, P = 0.03）. Conclusions Catheter ablation of AF improves structural remodeling ofPV ostia and left atrium. This finding is more apparent in patients with persistent AF treated by catheter ablation.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation:Achieving permanent pulmonary vein isolation by point-by-point radiofrequency lesions

Pulmonary vein isolation by point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation constitutes the cornerstone of catheter ablation strategies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. However, despite advances in pulmonary vein isolation ablation strategies, long-term success rates after ablation remain suboptimal, which highlights the need to develop techniques to achieve more durable lesions. Strategies proposed to improve the durability of pulmonary vein isolation can be divided into two groups: Those addressed to improving the quality of the lesion and those that optimize the detection of acute PV reconnection during the ablation procedure. This manuscript reviews the role and potential benefits of these techniques according to current clinical evidence.

Segmental radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using multi-slice spiral computed tomography guidance

Objective： To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of segmental radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein （PV） ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （AF） under multi-slice spiral computed tomography （MSCT） guidance before the procedure. Methods： A series of 58 consecutive patients with refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled to undergo segmental radiofrequency ablation ofPV ostia. The 36 male and 22 female patients with mean age of （57.4±9.5） （32-79） years and no obvious organic heart disease. Before ablation, patients received MSCT to generate 3-dimentional image of the left atrium （LA） and proximal PVs. Patients then underwent segmental radiofrequency ablation ofPV ostia using PV circular mapping catheter manipulated several times to ensure complete isolation between PVs and LA. Results： No complications occurred during the procedure. One patient developed delayed cardiac tamponade, which was drained percutaneously. The mean follow-up time was （17.1±9.3） months. Forty-one patients （95%） experienced improved quality of life one month after the procedure. Thirty-six patients （83%） showed stable sinus rhythm, while 10 patients （23%） required additional anti-arrhythmic drugs. AF returned≥1 time in 6 （14%） patients who underwent anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, but the number of episodes was less than that before the procedure. However, one patient experienced recurrent episodes of atrial flutter. Conclusion： It is safe and effective to perform segmental radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal AF using MSCT guidance mappening.

Impact of Pulmonary Vein Anatomy on Long-term Outcome of Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Variant pulmonary vein anatomy （PVA） has been reported to influence the recurrence of atrial fibrillation （AF） after radiofrequency ablation. However, the effects of PVA on AF in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation （CBA） remain unknown. The present study aimed to examine the impact of PVA on the long-term outcome of CBA for AF. A total of 78 patients （mean age 60.7±10.9 years, 64.1% males） with symptomatic and drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled in the study. Left atrium （LA） and PVA acquired at computed tomography angiography （CTA） were reconstructed with CARTO 3 SYSTEM. Patients were routinely evaluated by 24-hour Holter monitoring following CBA. Cox regression was used to detect the predictors of AF recurrence after CBA. The results showed abnormal PVA in 30 patients （38.5%） and 18 patients （23.1%） had left common PV （LCPV）. Electrical pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients. After a mean follow-up of 689.5±103.8 days, it was found that patients with abnormal PVA had similar AF recurrence rate to those with normal PVA （26.7% vs. 25.0%, P=0.54）, and there was no significant difference in AF recurrence rate between LCPV patients and non-LCPV patients （33.7% vs. 23.3%, P=0.29）. Cox regression analysis showed that AF duration （72.9±9.0 vs. 42.3±43.2 months, HR 1.001; 95%CI 1.003- 1.014; P〈0.001） and cryo-applications of right-side PVs （3.0±1.6 vs. 4.7±1.7, HR 0.661; 95% CI 0.473-0.925; P=0.016） were independent predictors of freedom from AF, but PVA was not identified as a predictor of long-term success. In conclusion, the variant PVA cannot significantly influence the long-term outcome of AF patients undergoing CBA; longer AF duration and less cryo-applications of right-side PVs are associated with higher AF recurrent rate.

Pulmonary vein isolation implemented by second-generation cryoballoon for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation:a case-control study

Background Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a generally acknowledged turning-point of the natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM);however,data from the cryoballoon ablation(CBA)for AF in HCM patients are relatively scarce.The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CBA in HCM patients with AF.Methods We retrospectively analyzed HCM patients among 1253 patients with symptomatic AF who underwent CBA for pulmonary vein isolation in a single center.The study analyzed the AF recurrence and assessed the CBA indexes,including nadir temperature,time-to-isolation,CBA failure,pulmonary vein potentials(PVPs),and redo procedure.Results A total of 108 patients were included(mean age:59.0±6.9 years),27 patients(25%)had HCM,with the median follow-up duration of 25.5 months.The one-year AF-free rates were 79.0%vs.63.0%(non-HCM vs.HCM),while the two-year AF-free rates were 77.8%vs.55.1%[hazard ratio(HR)=2.758,log-rank P=0.024].Patients with persistent AF had poor AF-free rates compared to those with paroxysmal AF(P<0.001).The CBA failure was the most common in the right inferior pulmonary veins,which had the lowest PVPs.Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that HCM and persistent AF were risk factors for AF recurrence(HR=2.74,95%CI:1.29–5.79,P=0.008;and HR=3.97,95%CI:1.85–8.54,P<0.001,respectively).Conclusions The CBA can be effectively and safely used to treat HCM patients with symptomatic AF.The freedom from AF for HCM patients after CBA is relatively low compared to that for non-HCM patients.

Hemoptysis secondary to pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: A case report and literature review

Objectives: Pulmonary vein stenosis(PVS) is a known complication after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation(RAAF) and is often misdiagnosed owing to lack of awareness regarding PVS among noncardiologists.Misdiagnosis results in unnecessary treatment;therefore, greater understanding of PVS can improve the management of these patients.Methods: We report the case of a 38-year-old man with a history of RAAF who presented with massive hemoptysis.His symptoms persisted despite undergoing transcatheter bronchial artery embolization on two occasions.Results: Pulmonary computed tomography angiography revealed a completely occluded left superior pulmonary vein. Considering the patient’s history of RAAF, we diagnosed him with RAAF-induced PVS and performed left superior lobectomy after which hemoptysis did not recur.Conclusions: Unexplained massive hemoptysis should alert clinicians regarding the possibility of RAAF-induced PVS. Balloon angioplasty and stent placement are used to treat PVS;however, their efficacy is controversial considering the high recurrence rates associated with these interventions.

Increased ostial pulmonary vein diameter in congestive heart failure:a multi-slice computed tomography angiography evaluation

Background and Objectives The relationship between left atrial(LA)size and congestive heart failure(CHF)is well recognized;however,there is little information on the association of pulmonary vein(PV)diameter and CHF.The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of PV and LA sizes in CHF patients by multislice computed tomography(MSCT)angiography using a new 64-slice scanner.Methods and Results We assessed diameters of PVs ostium and LA by 64-slice MSCT with three-dimensional reconstruction in 25 CHF patients and in 26 age-and sex-matched non-CHF controls.Compared with controls,CHF patients showed significant greater diameters of left superior pulmonary vein(LSPV)and right inferior pulmonary vein(RIPV)in both anteriorposterior(AP)and superior-inferior(SI)directions(P<0.01),significant dilation of right superior pulmonary vein(RSPV)in AP direction(P<0.05),as well as significant increase of LA transverse,AP,and SI diameters(P<0.01).Conclusion Significant dilation of PVs with simultaneous LA enlargement was demonstrated in CHF patients.This anatomic and geometric changes may participate in the perpetuation of AF.

Pulmonary vein thrombosis in a patient with polycythemia vera

Pulmonary vein thrombosis(PVT) is a rarely encountered disease entity with varied clinical presentations. It is usually associated with lung carcinoma, lung surgeries and as a complication of the radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. Its clinical manifestations can vary from mild hemoptysis to lung infarction with hemodynamic compromise. A 76-year-old male presented with a 2-d history of pleuritic left sided chest pain. His past medical history included polycythemia vera, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension. Chest radiograph was normal, troponins were normal and the 12-lead electrocardiogram did not show any ischemic changes. A computerized tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed a filling defect in the left lower lobe pulmonary vein. He was treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin and his symptoms improved. This case highlights a rare etiology of chest pain and the first reported case of the association of polycythemia vera and pulmonary vein thrombosis. A high index of suspicion is required for appropriate diagnostic work up. PVT can mimic pulmonary embolism. The diagnostic work up and treatment strategies depend on acuity of presentation.

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage occlusion prior to atrial septal defect closure: A case report

BACKGROUND In patients who suffer from both atrial fibrillation(AF)and atrial septal defect(ASD),cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation(PVI),sequential left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion and ASD closure could be a strategy for effective prevention of stroke and right heart failure.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath for 2 years,which had been worsening over the last 48 h.He had a history of AF,ASD,coronary heart disease with stent implantation and diabetes.Physical and laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities.The score of CHA2DS2VASc was 3,and HAS-BLED was 1.Echocardiography revealed a 25-mm secundum ASD.Pulmonary vein(PV)and LAA anatomy were assessed by cardiac computed tomography.PV mapping with 10-pole Lasso catheter was performed following ablation of all four PVs with complete PVI.Following the cryoballoon PVI,the patient underwent LAA occlusion under transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring.Lastly,a 34-mm JIYI ASD occlude device was implanted.A follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 mo showed proper position of both devices and neither thrombi nor leakage was found.CONCLUSION Sequential cryoballoon PVI and LAA occlusion prior to ASD closure can be performed safely in AF patients with ASD.

Feasibility of Transabdominal Real-time CDFI and HDFI Techniques for Fetal Pulmonary Vein Display in the First Trimester

Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility and usefulness of transabdominal color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI)technology and the high-definition flow imaging(HDFI)technique in detecting fetal pulmonary veins(PVs)in the first trimester(11–13^(+6)weeks).Methods From December 2018 to October 2019,328 pregnant women with 328 normal singleton fetuses(crown-rump length:45–84 mm)who had undergone CDFI and HDFI scans for fetal heart and vessel examination were enrolled in this study.The cases were divided into three groups according to the gestational age:group A,11^(+0)−11^(+6)weeks;group B,12^(+0)−12^(+6)weeks;and group C,13^(+0)−13^(+6)weeks.Baseline sonograms and CDFI and HDFI images were analyzed by two senior radiologists independently and blindly.The abilities of CDFI and HDFI to display PVs were compared.Results Successful PV display rates via CDFI and HDFI were 2.3%and 68.2%(P<0.01),22.4%and 82.4%(P<0.01),41.5%and 91.2%(P<0.01)for group A,group B,and group C,respectively.The total successful display rates for the two methods were 28.9%(CDFI)and 84.8%(HDFI)(P<0.01).Conclusions The HDFI technique is more valuable than CDFI for detecting PVs in early pregnancy(11–13^(+6)weeks).HDFI can detect at least one PV in all cases and may be used to detect pulmonary venous anomalies early.

Impact of pulmonary vein isolation on atrial vagal activity and atrial electrical remodeling

Objective Mechanisms of pulmonary vein isolation(PVI)for atrial fibrillation remain controversy.This study aimed to investigate the impact of PVI on vagal modulation to atria.Methods Eighteen adult mongrel dogs under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups.Bilateral cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized and sympathetic effects was blocked by metoprolol administration.Atrial electrical remodeling(AER)was established by rapid right atrial pacing at the rate of 600 bpm for 30 minutes.PVI was performed in group A.Atrial effective refractory period(ERP),vulnerability window(VW)of atrial fibrillation,and sinus rhythm cycle length(SCL)were measured at baseline and during vagal stimulation before and after atrial rapid pacing with and without PVI at fight atrial appendage(RAA),left atrial appendage(LAA),distal coronary sinus(CSd)and proximal coronary sinus(CSp).Results(1)Effects of PVI on vagal modulation:Shortening of SCL during vagal stimulation decreased significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI in group A(P<0.001).Shortening of ERP during vagal stimulation decreaseed significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI(P<0.05).VW of atrial fibrillation during vagal stimulation decreased significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI(P<0.05).(2)Effects of PVI on AER:shortening of ERP before and after atrial rapid pacing increased significantly at baseline and vagal stimulation in group B compared with that in group A(P<0.05).VW during vagal stimulation increased significantly after atrial rapid pacing in group B(P<0.05).Conclusion PVI attenuates the vagal modulation to the atria,thereby decreases the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation mediated by vagal activity.PVI releases AER,which maybe contributes to the vagal denervation.Our study indicates that PVI not only can eradicate triggered foci but also modify substrates for AF.

Radiofrequency Ablation Mapping with Circumferential Catheter for Paroxys- mal Atrial Fibrillation Originating From the Pulmonary Veins

Objectives To assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of electrophysiological mapping of pulmonary veins with a circumferential 10 - electrode catheter and radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Background Standard mapping and ablation of focal sources of atrial fibrillation are associated with very long procedure times and low efficacy. Mapping and ablation pulmonary veins guide with a circular catheter could overcome these limitations. Methods 16 patients [male 11, female 5, mean age (51 ±14. 5) years] with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs were included in this group. A circumferential 10 - electrode catheter was used to pulmonary vein mapping during sinus rhythm or CSd pacing to determine the origin of atrial premature contractions. When the ablative target pulmonary vein was found, the pulmonary vein potentials' distribution and activation were assessment pulmonary veins' ostial ablation was performed at the segments showing earliest activation of pulmonary vein potentials. The end point was designed: 1) elimination of pulmonary vein potential; 2) pulmonary vein potential dissociation from atrial waves; 3) atrial ectopic beats disappear. Results A total of 36 pulmonary veins were ablated, including 16 left superior, 12 right superior, 7 left inferior and 1 right inferior. 1 pulmonary vein in 2 patients was ablated, 2 pulmonary veins in 8 patients were ablated, 3 pulmonary veins were ablated in 5 patients and 4 pulmonary veins were ablated in 1 pa- tient. Procedure duration and fluoroscopy time respectively were 186. 7±63. 8 min and 51. 5±15. 0 min. During the follow-up 1-12 months, 11 patients (68. 7 % ) were free of AF without any antiarrhythmic drugs, 2 of them were reablation, effective in 3/16 (18. 7 % ) and unsuccessful in 2/16 (12. 6 % ) . 2 cases recurred with atrial premature, 1 was treated with amiodarone and the other was repeat electrophysiologi-cal mapping and ablation, 5 cases with paroxysmal a-trial fibrillation recurred, 3 of them were treated with amiodarone (2 cases) or sotalol (1 case) , one was implantled with DDDR pacemaker (having programmer of anti - atrial fibrillation), one was repeat ablation. PV's diameter in 2 of them reduced more than 50 % , but they were asymptomatic during the follow - up period. 1 case had pneumothorax complication and disappeared after 7 days. Conclusions This study suggests that careful mapping and elimination of these ectopic foci under the guide of circular catheter may have higher success rate and splendid future.

Standardized Management of Acute Pulmonary Hemorrhage after Percutaneous Pulmonary Vein Intervention

Introduction:Pulmonary hemorrhage(PHm)is a life-threatening complication that can occur after catheter-based interventions in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis(PVS).Inhaled racemic epinephrine(iRE)and tra-nexamic acid(iTXA)have been used in other conditions,but a standardized approach in PVS has not been described.We aimed to describe the current management of PHm after PVS catheter-based interventions.Methods:We present a retrospective review of episodes of PHm from July 2022 to February 2024.PHm was defined as frank blood suctioned from the endotracheal tube including blood-tinged secretions and>3%decrease in saturations and/or ventilatory changes with or without acute chest X-ray changes.Each individual episode of PHm was considered a separate event.Incidence was calculated based on the total number of PVS interventions during the study period.Results:Eleven episodes of PHm were identified out of 108 PVS interventions,resulting in an incidence of 10.2%.Five(45.5%)had primary PVS,and seven(63.6%)had bilateral PVS.The median age at PHm was 23 months(3-91 months).Four episodes were treated with iRE,five with both iRE and iTXA,and two with only iTXA due to a history of suprasystemic right ventricular pressures.Median time on mechanical ventila-tion after PHm was 24 h(15-72 h)and a median ICU stay of 2 days(1-8 days).Hemostasis was achieved in all events.There were no adverse events after iTXA,however,transient hypertension was observed after iRE which was dose-related.Conclusions:The implementation of a standardized protocol for the treatment of PHm in PVS has the potential to improve procedural planning,has a wider availability of medications,and greater awareness by the providers involved,possibly leading to earlier detection of PHm and appropriate treatment.

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis:A Review

Pulmonary vein stenosis(PVS)is an extremely rare and lethal disease caused by multiple etiologies.PVS has a bimodal distribution in the population,affecting children and adults.Congenital PVS is the usual PVS type in children,which sometimes develops after cardiothoracic surgery.Acquired PVS,in turn,is the most common PVS type in adults.A review of the relevant literature has shown that PVS after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation is the most common,as well as that caused by compression of proliferative fibrous tissues or tumor in the mediastinum(eg,PVS caused by fibrosing mediastinitis,lung tumors,metastases,etc).This article provides a comprehensive review of PVS in terms of embryology and anatomy,etiology and triggers,classification,clinical symptoms and signs,treatment,and prognosis,intending to promote the understanding and treatment of this disease.

Successful Stenting for Pulmonary Vein Thrombosis Complicating Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation:A Case Report

Pulmonary vein thrombosis is a rare disease and is usually represented as a complication of pulmonary tumors,lung lobectomy,and atrial fibrillation ablation.Although it is a potentially life-threatening condition,it is easily misdiagnosed because of non-specific symptoms and its characteristics on imaging modalities.Here,we report a case of thrombotic occlusion at the ostium of the left superior pulmonary vein resulting from pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.This report extends the available approach with anticoagulant therapy and interventional angioplasty to pulmonary vein thrombosis secondary to pulmonary vein stenosis.

Effect of anxiety and depression on the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation

Background The effects of anxiety and depression on the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation （AF） after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation （CPVA） are not clear. Whether CPVA can alleviate the anxiety and depression symptoms of persistent AF patients is unknown. Methods One hundred and sixty-four patients with persistent AF, of which 43 treated with CPVA （CPVA group） and 103 treated with anti-arrhythmics drugs （medicine group）, were enrolled. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale （SAS）, and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale （SDS） were assessed before and 12 months after treatment in all patients. Results The scores of SAS （40.33±7.90 vs. 49.76±9.52, P 〈0.01） and SDS （42.33±8.73 vs. 48.17±8.77, P 〈0.01） decreased 12 months after CPVA. Over 12 months follow-up, AF relapsed in 17 patients in CPVA group. Compared with the data in the recurrent group （17 patients）, the scores of SAS and SDS were significantly lower in the non-recurrent group （26 patients） at baseline. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed normal scores of SAS and SDS were the independent risk factors of AF recurrence after CPVA. Conclusions Anxiety and depression increase the recurrence risk of persistent AF after CPVA. CPVA can ameliorate the anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with persistent AF.