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European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jan 2024Deviations from usual coronary artery anatomy are well documented. The left circumflex artery (LCx) arising from the pulmonary artery is an example of one such deviation...
BACKGROUND
Deviations from usual coronary artery anatomy are well documented. The left circumflex artery (LCx) arising from the pulmonary artery is an example of one such deviation which is rarely seen. We present the case of a 26-year-old male with this coronary artery distribution presenting with an episode of ventricular flutter with late gadolinium enhancement and pluri-morphological ventricular arrhythmias.
CASE SUMMARY
A 26-year-old male with a history of cardiac surgery presented to his local hospital with an episode of symptomatic broad-complex tachycardia (BCT). It failed to revert to sinus rhythm following intravenous beta-blockers and amiodarone and required external cardioversion. Subsequently, the patient developed a aspiration pneumonia requiring ICU admission, after which he was transferred to our institute for ongoing cardiac management. Cardiac computed tomography CTA and coronary angiography revealed that the LCx was found to originate from the pulmonary artery. He underwent insertion of a subcutaneous pacemaker and was subsequently discharged. Despite the potential for steal syndrome of viable coronary territories. Multidisciplinary team discussion determined him to be fit for conservative management and not for surgical correction of his anomalous coronary artery anatomy.
DISCUSSION
Aberrant coronary artery anatomy can lead to diverse outcomes for patients in terms of both morbidity and mortality. The need for surgery in these situations varies on a case-by-case basis and little research exists to guide decision-making for healthcare professionals. As such there is a need for further study both to guide treatment and to ensure high-quality outcomes for patients with this condition.
PubMed: 38249112
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad641 -
Clinics and Practice Jan 2024Cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias are medical conditions that increase with age and are associated with significant morbidities and mortality. The aim of the...
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias are medical conditions that increase with age and are associated with significant morbidities and mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of arrhythmias and clinical associations in the collective of older adults receiving comprehensive geriatric care (CGC).
METHODS
Holter ECG monitoring (HECG) of older patients hospitalized for CGC was analyzed. The prevalence of arrhythmias and the associations between the presence of arrhythmias, patients' characteristics and the functional status regarding basic activities of daily living (assessed by the Barthel index (BI)), walking ability (assessed by the timed up and go test (TUG)), and balance and gait (assessed by the Tinetti balance and gait test (TBGT)) were examined.
RESULTS
In the presented study, 626 patients were included (mean age: 83.9 ± 6.6 years, 67.7% were female). The most common arrhythmias detected in HECG were premature ventricular contractions (87.2%), premature atrial contractions (71.7%), and atrial fibrillation (22.7%). Atrial flutter was found in 1.0%, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in 5.8%, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in 12.5%, first-degree AV block in 0.8%, second-degree AV block type Mobitz I in 0.8%, second-degree AV block type Mobitz II in 0.3%, pause > 2.5 s any cause in 3.5%, and pause > 3 s any cause in 1.6% of the cases. Premature atrial contractions were associated with the female sex (74.8% vs. 65.3%, = 0.018), whereas in male patients, the following arrhythmias were more common: premature ventricular contractions (91.6% vs. 85.1%, = 0.029), ventricular bigeminus (8.4% vs. 3.8%, = 0.021), and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (17.3% vs. 10.1%, = 0.014). Atrial fibrillation detected in HECG was more frequent in patients at high risk of falls, indicated by their TBGT score ≤ 18 (24.7% vs. 12.0%, = 0.006), and premature ventricular contractions were more common in patients unable to walk (TUG score 5) compared to those with largely independent mobility (TUG score 1 or 2) (88.0% vs. 75.0%, = 0.023). In a logistic regression analysis, atrial fibrillation detected in HECG was identified as a risk factor for a high risk of falls (odds ratio (OR): 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-4.46).
CONCLUSION
In our study, investigation of HECG of older adults hospitalized for CGC revealed that premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions, and atrial fibrillation were the most common arrhythmias. Premature atrial contractions were found to be more frequent in female patients, while male patients were more prone to premature ventricular contractions. In the investigated population, atrial fibrillation emerged as a risk factor associated with a high risk of falls.
PubMed: 38248435
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14010011 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... Mar 2024Patients with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for requiring cardiac pacing during their lifetime.
Different leadless pacemakers working in harmony (Aveir in the atrium/Micra AV2 in the ventricle) in a patient with dextrocardia and double outlet right ventricle after high-risk infected device extraction.
INTRODUCTION
Patients with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for requiring cardiac pacing during their lifetime.
METHODS
We present the first described case of using two leadless pacing systems manufactured by separate companies implanted within the same patient to provide atrial and ventricular pacing due to complex congenital anatomy.
RESULTS
A 27-year-old male with dextrocardia with double outlet right ventricle, subaortic ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis status-post pulmonary valve replacement complicated by ventricular pacing dependence and subsequent atrial pacing dependence after atriotomy-based atypical flutter ablation developed recurrent mediastinitis and pocket infection with erosion despite prolonged antibiotic treatment. Due to atrial and ventricular pacing dependence, a comprehensive congenital care team concluded the need for lead extraction and replacement of pacemaker via leadless peacemaking device. Laser-lead extraction and temporary atrial pacemaker placement was performed. Afterward, a transesophageal echocardiogram guided implantation of both a Micra AV 2 (Medtronic) leadless pacemaker in the interventricular septum within the right ventricle and an Aveir (Abbott) leadless pacemaker in the superior base of the right atrial appendage was performed with successful pacing. Although there is no communication between these devices, atrial-mechanical ventricular pacing was reliable with good implant thresholds, impedances and sensing from both devices.
CONCLUSION
Our case demonstrates the feasibility of using dual leadless pacing modalities to simultaneously pace someone at complex, prohibitive risk for temporary permanent or permanent pacemaker devices.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Heart Ventricles; Double Outlet Right Ventricle; Treatment Outcome; Pacemaker, Artificial; Dextrocardia; Equipment Design
PubMed: 38213071
DOI: 10.1111/jce.16173 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Mar 2024
Topics: Humans; Atrial Flutter; Atrioventricular Block; Verapamil; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 38206262
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.11.011 -
JACC. CardioOncology Dec 2023Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with various cardiovascular (CV) complications.
BACKGROUND
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with various cardiovascular (CV) complications.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to characterize the incidence and risk factors for short-term and long-term CV events in a contemporary cohort of adult HSCT recipients.
METHODS
We conducted a multicenter observational study of adult patients who underwent autologous or allogeneic HSCT between 2008 and 2019. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, conditioning regimen, and CV outcomes were collected through chart review. CV outcomes were a composite of CV death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, stroke, and sustained ventricular tachycardia and were classified as short-term (≤100 days post-HSCT) or long-term (>100 days post-HSCT).
RESULTS
In 3,354 patients (mean age 55 years; 40.9% female; 30.1% Black) followed for a median time of 2.3 years (Q1-Q3: 1.0-5.4 years), the 100-day and 5-year cumulative incidences of CV events were 4.1% and 13.9%, respectively. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was the most common short- and long-term CV event, with a 100-day incidence of 2.6% and a 5-year incidence of 6.8% followed by heart failure (1.1% at 100 days and 5.4% at 5 years). Allogeneic recipients had a higher incidence of long-term CV events compared to autologous recipients (5-year incidence 16.4% vs 12.1%; 0.002). Baseline CV comorbidities were associated with a higher risk of long-term CV events.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of short-term CV events in HSCT recipients is relatively low. Long-term events were more common among allogeneic recipients and those with pre-existing CV comorbidities.
PubMed: 38205002
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2023.07.007 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2023Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare, inherited heart rhythm disorder that is caused by variants in genes responsible for cardiac...
BACKGROUND
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare, inherited heart rhythm disorder that is caused by variants in genes responsible for cardiac calcium homeostasis. The aim of this study was to analyze different genotype-specific clinical manifestations of this disease.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We analyzed five CPVT cases from our institution in the context of specific patient characteristics and genotype-phenotype correlations. In this cohort, three of the index patients were male. The median age at diagnosis was 11 (11-30) years, and median age at disease onset was 12 (12-33) years. Four index patients suffered from syncope, while one female index patient suffered from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Two index patients experienced concomitant atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Three patients received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and one patient received an event recorder. All index patients had causative genetic variants in the -gene.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents various phenotypic presentations of patients with CPVT harboring different pathogenic variants in the gene, some of which have not previously been described in published studies. Syncope was the most prevalent symptom on admission. Adjustment of beta-blocker therapy may be necessary due to side effects. Moreover, our work further highlights the common occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias in these patients.
PubMed: 38202054
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010047 -
European Heart Journal Feb 2024A rising number of countries allow physicians to treat chronic pain with medical cannabis. However, recreational cannabis use has been linked with cardiovascular side...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
A rising number of countries allow physicians to treat chronic pain with medical cannabis. However, recreational cannabis use has been linked with cardiovascular side effects, necessitating investigations concerning the safety of prescribed medical cannabis.
METHODS
Using nationwide Danish registers, patients with chronic pain initiating first-time treatment with medical cannabis during 2018-21 were identified and matched 1:5 to corresponding control patients on age, sex, chronic pain diagnosis, and concomitant use of other pain medication. The absolute risks of first-time arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation/flutter, conduction disorders, paroxysmal tachycardias, and ventricular arrhythmias) and acute coronary syndrome were reported comparing medical cannabis use with no use.
RESULTS
Among 1.88 million patients with chronic pain (46% musculoskeletal, 11% cancer, 13% neurological, and 30% unspecified pain), 5391 patients claimed a prescription of medical cannabis [63.2% women, median age: 59 (inter-quartile range 48-70) years] and were compared with 26 941 control patients of equal sex- and age composition. Arrhythmia was observed in 42 and 107 individuals, respectively, within 180 days. Medical cannabis use was associated with an elevated risk of new-onset arrhythmia {180-day absolute risk: 0.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6%-1.1%]} compared with no use [180-day absolute risk: 0.4% (95% CI 0.3%-0.5%)]: a risk ratio of 2.07 (95% CI 1.34-2.80) and a 1-year risk ratio of 1.36 (95% CI 1.00-1.73). No significant association was found for acute coronary syndrome [180-day risk ratio: 1.20 (95% CI 0.35-2.04)].
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with chronic pain, the use of prescribed medical cannabis was associated with an elevated risk of new-onset arrhythmia compared with no use-most pronounced in the 180 days following the initiation of treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Cannabis; Medical Marijuana; Chronic Pain; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Atrial Fibrillation; Denmark
PubMed: 38200679
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad834 -
Cureus Dec 2023The prevalence of atrial flutter (AFL) is increasing among the elderly population, and managing this condition presents specific challenges within this demographic. As...
The prevalence of atrial flutter (AFL) is increasing among the elderly population, and managing this condition presents specific challenges within this demographic. As patients age, they often exhibit reduced responsiveness to conservative treatment, necessitating a more invasive approach. We present a case of a 93-year-old female who presented to the hospital with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and AFL. A year prior, she was diagnosed with arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Despite recovering her ejection fraction (EF) through guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), her EF deteriorated again. The patient declined invasive management for her arrhythmia on multiple occasions. Managing such patients is challenging since the approach with pharmacotherapy alone often fails to maintain sinus rhythm or adequately control the ventricular rate. Growing evidence shows that invasive management, especially ablation, may be a safe and effective procedure for this patient population. Furthermore, the studies suggest that ablation may yield particular benefits for patients with simultaneous heart failure and atrial fibrillation/AFL (AF/AFL). Unfortunately, limited data exist regarding the invasive management of AFL in the elderly. Therefore, this case report aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of ablation as a therapeutic option for AFL in elderly patients, with a particular focus on how patients with concomitant heart failure may benefit from ablation.
PubMed: 38186540
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50096 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jan 2024The aetiological spectrum of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is various. Tachycardiomyopathy is recognized as one of the cause, usually made...
BACKGROUND
The aetiological spectrum of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is various. Tachycardiomyopathy is recognized as one of the cause, usually made retrospectively. In this clinical context, rhythm control with restoration of sinus rhythm is considered crucial to minimize ventricular function damage and allow contractility recovery. However, the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage is a limiting factor, typically requiring anticoagulation until the thrombus resolves, at least 3 weeks, thus delaying the therapy.
CASE SUMMARY
We present a case of 65-year-old man with diagnosis of new-onset acute symptomatic heart failure with severe reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction 15%), in the context of a typical tachycardic atrial flutter and concomitant thrombus in the left atrial appendage confirmed by transoesophageal echocardiography. We successfully performed a thrombus entrapment procedure by means of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure, which allowed immediate restoration of sinus rhythm through cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. After the institution of the heart failure therapy, titrated up to the maximum tolerated dose, we observed a complete restoration of left ventricular function after 6 months.
DISCUSSION
Thrombus entrapment by means of left atrial appendage closure is a valid strategy that enables early cardioversion with arrhythmia ablation and rapid restoration of normal cardiac rhythm in severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, even in acute situations and typical atrial flutter.
PubMed: 38173782
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad618 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jan 2024Evidence guiding the pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) cardiovascular evaluation is limited. We sought to derive and validate a pre-HSCT score for the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Evidence guiding the pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) cardiovascular evaluation is limited. We sought to derive and validate a pre-HSCT score for the cardiovascular risk stratification of HSCT candidates.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We leveraged the CARE-BMT (Cardiovascular Registry in Bone Marrow Transplantation) study, a contemporary multicenter observational study of adult patients who underwent autologous or allogeneic HSCT between 2008 and 2019 (N=2435; mean age at transplant of 55 years; 4.9% Black). We identified the subset of variables most predictive of post-HSCT cardiovascular events, defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation or flutter, and sustained ventricular tachycardia. We then developed a point-based risk score using the hazard ratios obtained from Cox proportional hazards modeling. The score was externally validated in a separate cohort of 919 HSCT recipients (mean age at transplant 54 years; 20.4% Black). The risk score included age, transplant type, race, coronary artery disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, creatinine, triglycerides, and prior anthracycline dose. Risk scores were grouped as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk, with the 5-year cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events being 4.0%, 10.3%, and 22.4%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating curves for predicting cardiovascular events at 100 days, 5 and 10 years post-HSCT were 0.65 (95% CI, 0.59-0.70), 0.73 (95% CI, 0.69-0.76), and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.69-0.81), respectively. The model performed equally well in autologous and allogeneic recipients, as well as in the validation cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
The CARE-BMT risk score is easy to calculate and could help guide referrals of high-risk HSCT recipients to cardiovascular specialists before transplant and guide long-term monitoring.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Risk Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Heart Failure; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38158222
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033599