-
ESC Heart Failure Aug 2023Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TCM) represents a partially reversible type of cardiomyopathy (CM) that is often underdiagnosed and cardiac chamber remodelling in...
AIMS
Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TCM) represents a partially reversible type of cardiomyopathy (CM) that is often underdiagnosed and cardiac chamber remodelling in TCM remains incompletely understood. We aim to explore differences in the dimensions of the left ventricle and functional recovery in patients with TCM compared with patients with other forms of CM.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We identified patients with reduced ejection fraction (≤50%) and/or atrial fibrillation or flutter with a left ventricular ejection fraction that improved from baseline (≥15% in left ventricular ejection fraction at follow-up or normalization of cardiac function with at least 10% improvement). Patients were then divided into two groups: (A) TCM patients and (B) patients with other forms of CM (controls). Two hundred thirty-eight patients were included (31% female, 70 years median age), 127 patients had TCM, and 111 had other forms of CM. Patients with TCM did not significantly improve indexed left ventricular volume (LVEDVI) after treatment (60 [45, 84] mL/m versus 56 [45, 70] mL/m , P = ns) compared with controls (67 [54, 81] mL/m versus 52 [42, 69] mL/m , P < 0.001). Patients with TCM patients had significantly worse fractional shortening at baseline than controls (15.5 [12, 23] vs. 20 [13, 30], P = 0.01) and higher indexed left atrial volume (LAVI) at baseline than controls (48 [37, 58] vs. 41 [33, 51], P = 0.01) that remained dilated at follow-up (follow-up LAVI 41 [33, 52] mL/m ). Good predictors of TCM were: normal LVEDVI (LVEDVI < 58 mL/m (M) and < 52 mL/m (F)) (odds ratio [OR] 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-13.3, P < 0.001), fractional shortening < 30% (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-9.2, P = 0.009), LAVI >40 mL/m (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6-7.3, P = 0.001) and normal wall thickness left ventricle (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4-7.8, P = 0.008). 54% of patients with TCM demonstrated diastolic dysfunction at follow-up, without differences from controls (54% vs. 43%, P = ns). 21% of patients with TCM showed persistent heart failure symptoms at follow-up compared with 4.5% of controls, P = 0.004.
CONCLUSIONS
TCM patients have a specific pattern of functional recovery with persistent remodelling of the left atria and left ventricle. Several echocardiographic parameters might help identify TCM before treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Ventricular Function, Left; Stroke Volume; Cardiomyopathies; Echocardiography; Tachycardia
PubMed: 37218391
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14365 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Feb 2017Heart failure patients are predisposed to develop arrhythmias. Supraventricular arrhythmias can exacerbate the heart failure symptoms by decreasing the effective cardiac... (Review)
Review
Heart failure patients are predisposed to develop arrhythmias. Supraventricular arrhythmias can exacerbate the heart failure symptoms by decreasing the effective cardiac output and their control require pharmacological, electrical, or catheter-based intervention. In the setting of atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation becomes paramount to prevent systemic or cerebral embolism. Patients with heart failure are also prone to develop ventricular arrhythmias that can present a challenge to the managing clinician. The management strategy depends on the type of arrhythmia, the underlying structural heart disease, the severity of heart failure, and the range from optimization of heart failure therapy to catheter ablation. Patients with heart failure, irrespective of ejection fraction are at high risk for developing sudden cardiac death, however risk stratification is a clinical challenge and requires a multiparametric evaluation for identification of patients who should undergo implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator. Finally, patients with heart failure can also develop symptomatic bradycardia, caused by sinus node dysfunction or atrio-ventricular block. The treatment of bradycardia in these patients with pacing is usually straightforward but needs some specific issue.
PubMed: 29367535
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd4010003 -
Cardiac Failure Review Mar 2021Diagnosis of AF-induced cardiomyopathy can be challenging and relies on ruling out other causes of cardiomyopathy and, after restoration of sinus rhythm, recovery of... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of AF-induced cardiomyopathy can be challenging and relies on ruling out other causes of cardiomyopathy and, after restoration of sinus rhythm, recovery of left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and echocardiographic predictors for developing cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia. This retrospective study was conducted in a large tertiary care centre and compared patients who experienced deterioration of LV ejection fraction (EF) during paroxysmal AF, demonstrated by precardioversion transoesophageal echocardiography with patients with preserved LV function during AF. All patients had documented preserved LVEF at baseline (EF >50%) while in sinus rhythm. Of 482 patients included in the final analysis, 80 (17%) had reduced and 402 (83%) had preserved LV function during the precardioversion transoesophageal echocardiography. Patients with reduced LVEF were more likely to be men and to have a more rapid ventricular response during AF or atrial flutter (AFL). A history of prosthetic valves was also identified as a risk factor for reduced LVEF. Patients with reduced LVEF also had higher incidence of tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction. In 'real-world' experience, male patients with rapid ventricular response during paroxysmal AF or AFL are more prone to LVEF reduction. Patients with prosthetic valves are also at risk for LVEF reduction during AF/AFL. Finally, tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction may indicate relatively long-standing AF with an associated reduction in LVEF.
PubMed: 34950506
DOI: 10.15420/cfr.2021.17 -
Cureus Dec 2021Lacosamide (LCM) is a new antiepileptic drug used as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures with and without secondary generalization. One of the modes of action... (Review)
Review
Lacosamide (LCM) is a new antiepileptic drug used as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures with and without secondary generalization. One of the modes of action is the enhancement of slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that LCM acts upon both neurons and the heart and may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. A systematic review was conducted to investigate characteristics of arrhythmias related to the use of LCM for the treatment of seizures. The search terms "lacosamide", "arrhythmias", "AV block", "atrial fibrillations/flutter", "cardiac conductions defects", "ventricular tachycardia", "ventricular fibrillation were used. Case reports and retrospective studies were gathered by searching Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Web of Science databases. Seventeen articles were selected for review. Ventricular tachycardia was the most reported LCM related arrhythmia (29.4%), followed by new-onset atrial fibrillation (17.6%), complete heart block (17.6%), Mobitz type 1 Atrio-ventricular block (11.8%), sinus pauses (11.8%), pulseless electrical activity (5.9%) and widening QRS complex (5.9%). Further research and clinical trials are needed to explore the etiopathogenesis and causative relationship between the use of LCM and arrhythmias.
PubMed: 35111429
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20736 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Oct 2017
Topics: Atrial Flutter; Catheter Ablation; Electrodes; Humans; Radiofrequency Ablation; Saline Solution
PubMed: 29759493
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.06.002 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Feb 2022The possibilities of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for myocardial tissue characterization and catheter ablation guidance are accompanied by some... (Review)
Review
The possibilities of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for myocardial tissue characterization and catheter ablation guidance are accompanied by some fictional concepts. In this review, we present the available facts about CMR-guided catheter ablation procedures as well as promising, however unproven, theoretical concepts. CMR promises to visualize the respective arrhythmogenic substrate and may thereby make it more localizable for electrophysiology (EP)-based ablation. Robust CMR imaging is challenged by motion of the heart resulting from cardiac and respiratory cycles. In contrast to conventional "passive" tracking of the catheter tip by real-time CMR, novel approaches based on "active" tracking are performed by integrating microcoils into the catheter tip that send a receiver signal. Several experimental and clinical studies were already performed based on real-time CMR for catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Importantly, successful ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus was already performed in patients with typical atrial flutter. However, a complete EP procedure with real-time CMR-guided transseptal puncture and subsequent pulmonary vein isolation has not been shown so far in patients with atrial fibrillation. Moreover, real-time CMR-guided EP for ventricular tachycardia ablation was only performed in animal models using a transseptal, retrograde, or epicardial access-but not in humans. Essential improvements within the next few years regarding basic technical requirements, such as higher spatial and temporal resolution of real-time CMR imaging as well as clinically approved cardiac magnetic resonance-conditional defibrillators, are ultimately required-but can also be expected-and will move this field forward.
Topics: Animals; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Radiofrequency Ablation
PubMed: 35210090
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.11.017 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2017Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac dysrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are two approaches to the management of atrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac dysrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are two approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation: controlling the ventricular rate or converting to sinus rhythm in the expectation that this would abolish its adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in adults on the annual risk of stroke, peripheral embolism, and mortality.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 3, 2002), MEDLINE (2000 to 2002), EMBASE (1998 to 2002), CINAHL (1982 to 2002), Web of Science (1981 to 2002). We hand searched the following journals: Circulation (1997 to 2002), Heart (1997 to 2002), European Heart Journal (1997-2002), Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1997-2002) and selected abstracts published on the web site of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (2001, 2002).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials of pharmacological cardioversion versus rate control in adults (>18 years) with acute, paroxysmal or sustained atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, of any duration and of any aetiology.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
One reviewer applied the inclusion criteria and extracted the data. Trial quality was assessed and the data were entered into RevMan.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified two completed studies AFFIRM (n=4060) and PIAF (n=252). We found no difference in mortality between rhythm control and rate control relative risk 1.14 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.31).Both studies show significantly higher rates of hospitalisation and adverse events in the rhythm control group and no difference in quality of life between the two treatment groups.In AFFIRM there was a similar incidence of ischaemic stroke, bleeding and systemic embolism in the two groups. Certain malignant dysrhythmias were significantly more likely to occur in the rhythm control group. There were similar scores of cognitive assessment.In PIAF, cardioverted patients enjoyed an improved exercise tolerance but there was no overall benefit in terms of symptom control or quality of life.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence that pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm is superior to rate control. Rhythm control is associated with more adverse effects and increased hospitalisation. It does not reduce the risk of stroke. The conclusions cannot be generalised to all people with atrial fibrillation. Most of the patients included in these studies were relatively older (>60 years) with significant cardiovascular risk factors.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Heart Rate; Humans; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29140557
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003713.pub3 -
La Tunisie MedicaleEbstein's disease (ED) is a rare and heterogeneous congenital heart disease affecting the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle. Few studies have analyzed the...
INTRODUCTION
Ebstein's disease (ED) is a rare and heterogeneous congenital heart disease affecting the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle. Few studies have analyzed the electrocardiographic features of this disease.
AIM
To describe the electrocardiographic features observed in Ebstein's disease.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective descriptive study that enrolled 26 patients followed for ED.
RESULTS
The mean age of discovery of the ME was 103.5±99 months [0-31 years]. The diagnosis of ME is most often made between 5 and 10 years. We noted right atrial hypertrophy in 11 patients (42%), right ventricular hypertrophy in half of the patients. Right axial deviation was noted in 11 patients (42%). Eight patients (30%) had wide QRS≥ 120 ms. Seven of these 8 patients (27%) had a fragmented QRS appearance. A right bandle block was noted in 22 patients (84%), it was a complete block in 7 cases (27%). A preexcitation was found in 6 patients (23%). The localization of accessory pathway was right postero-septal in all cases. Rhythmic disorders were noted in 9 patients (34%). It was a junctional tachycardia in 3 patients (11%), atrial flutter in 4 patients (15%) and atrial fibrillation in 2 patients (7%). A second degree atriventricular block was observed in one patient, it was Mobitz I type. Two cases of postoperative rhythm disturbances were recorded: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and junctional tachycardia related to Wolf Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Surface ECG in the ED is often pathological with prevalence of rhythm disturbances related to WPW syndrome.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Ebstein Anomaly; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Tricuspid Valve; Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
PubMed: 35244913
DOI: No ID Found