Factors associated with heart failure hospitalization in patients with high sodium excretion: subanalysis of the ESPRIT, evaluation of sodium intake for the prediction of cardiovascular events in Japanese high-risk patients, cohort study.

We have reported that high sodium excretion ≥ 4.0 g/day, assessed by repeated measurements of spot urine, is associated with composite cardiovascular (CV) events of heart failure (HF) hospitalization, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular events, and documented CV deaths in Japanese high-risk patients with either stable and compensated congestive HF, high brain natriuretic peptide, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or atrial fibrillation. A total of 520 patients were enrolled. During the median follow-up period of 5.2 years, 105 (20%) experienced composite CV events, which were predominantly driven by 60 (12%) HF hospitalizations. The aim of the present study was to elucidate which subgroups of patients with high sodium excretion were associated with HF hospitalization. We divided the enrolled patients into three groups according to the amount of sodium excretion (< 3.0 g/day, 3.0-3.99 g/day (reference), and ≥ 4.0 g/day) based on a median of 14 measurements during follow-up. We assessed the hazard ratio for HF hospitalization according to age, bodyweight, and gender, using the Cox hazard model. In the total population, high sodium excretion ≥ 4.0 g/day was associated with HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.83] after adjustment for gender, age, and bodyweight, but was not associated with other CV events. In older patients (≥ 75 years old), high sodium excretion ≥ 4.0 g/day was associated with HF hospitalization after adjustment for gender and bodyweight (HR 3.25, CI 1.55-6.55), which was not observed in younger (< 75 years old) patients. In patients with lower bodyweight (< 60 kg), high sodium excretion ≥ 4.0 g/day was associated with HF hospitalization after adjustment for age and gender (HR 3.05, CI 1.34-6.61), which was not observed in heavier (≥ 60 kg) patients. High sodium excretion is associated with HF hospitalization in patients with older age and lower bodyweight in Japanese high-risk patients.

Multiple papillary fibroelastomas attached to left ventricular side and aortic side of the aortic valve: A report of new case and literature review.

The aortic valve (AV) is the most commonly affected site in multiple papillary fibroelastomas, but the frequency of embolism caused by the attachment side of the AV has not been elucidated. According to the review of the previous literature, 16 cases have been found attached to the AV. Of these, 6 of these have been found to be attached on the aortic side and 4 on the left ventricular side, 1 was bilateral, and 5 cases were unknown. Of the cases found on the aortic side, embolism occurred in 3 of them, and of the left ventricular side cases, embolism occurred in 2 of them. The frequency of embolism is equivalent even if papillary fibroelastoma attached to either side of the AV.

Brugada syndrome behind complete right bundle-branch block.

BACKGROUND: The characteristic ECG of Brugada syndrome (BS) can be masked by complete right bundle-branch block (CRBBB) and exposed by resolution of the block or pharmacological or pacing maneuvers. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study consisted of 11 patients who had BS and CRBBB. BS was diagnosed before the development of CRBBB, on the resolution of CRBBB, or from new characteristic ST-segment changes that could be attributable to BS. Structural heart diseases were excluded, and coronary spasm was excluded on the basis of a provocation test at catheterization. In 7 patients, BS was diagnosed before the development of CRBBB. BS was diagnosed when CRBBB resolved spontaneously (n=1) or by right ventricular pacing (n=3). The precipitating cause for the spontaneous resolution of CRBBB, however, was not apparent. On repeated ECGs, new additional upward-convex ST-segment elevation was found in V2 or V3 in 3 patients. In 2 patients, new ST-segment elevation was induced by class IC drugs. The QRS duration was more prolonged in patients with BS and CRBBB compared with age- and sex-matched controls: 170±13 versus 145±15 milliseconds in V1 and 144±19 versus 128±7 milliseconds in V5 (both P<0.0001). The amplitude of R in V1 was smaller [corrected] in the BS patients than in the control subjects (P=0.0323), but that of R' was similar (P=0.0560). CONCLUSIONS: BS can coexist behind CRBBB, and CRBBB can completely mask BS. BS might be demonstrated by relief of CRBBB or by spontaneous or drug-induced ST-segment elevation. The prevalence, mechanism, and clinical significance of a combination of CRBBB and BS are yet to be determined.

J waves in accidental hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: The J wave is an ECG marker of ventricular fibrillation. However, the prevalence and clinical implications of J waves in hypothermic patients remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated the clinical characteristics and ECGs of patients who were admitted for accidental hypothermia (<35.0°C). J waves were defined as notches or slurs in the terminal part of the QRS complex with an amplitude ≥0.1mV. We analyzed the prevalence of J waves and the relationship between body temperature (BT) and J wave amplitude. We also examined the augmentation of J waves following variable R-R intervals in patients with atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, we assessed the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. A total of 60 hypothermic patients were recruited (mean age, 64±9 years; 97% male). The mean BT was 31.3°C (range, 29.4-33.5°C). J waves, which disappeared after rewarming, were observed in 30 patients (50%), with a higher frequency in patients with lower BT. Higher amplitude of J waves was associated with lower BT (P<0.001). Of the 8 patients with J waves and atrial fibrillation, 4 exhibited an augmentation of J waves following a short R-R interval. Only 1 patient with J waves developed ventricular tachycardia during rewarming. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of J waves and their amplitude increased with the severity of hypothermia. The temporal development of J waves might not be associated with fatal arrhythmic events.

Appropriate duration of driving restrictions after inappropriate therapy from implantable cardiac shock devices-interim analysis of the Nippon Storm Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the appropriate duration for driving restrictions after inappropriate implantable cardiac shock device (ICSD) therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated the Nippon Storm Study data, and found that inappropriate ICSD therapy occurred in 114 (7.6%) patients during a median follow-up of 464 days. Among those patients, 25 experienced further inappropriate ICSD therapy during a subsequent median follow-up of 380 days. Time-dependent recurrence of inappropriate ICSD therapy occurred in 19 (76%) patients within 180 days. CONCLUSIONS: The interval for driving restrictions after inappropriate ICSD therapy can be reduced.

Chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with public-access defibrillation: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear which is more effective to increase survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in those with public-access defibrillation, bystander-initiated chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or conventional CPR with rescue breathing. METHODS AND RESULTS: A nationwide, prospective, population-based observational study covering the whole population of Japan and involving consecutive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with resuscitation attempts has been conducted since 2005. We enrolled all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of presumed cardiac origin that were witnessed and received shocks with public-access automated external defibrillation (AEDs) by bystanders from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2009. The main outcome measure was neurologically favorable 1-month survival. We compared outcomes by type of bystander-initiated CPR (chest compression-only CPR and conventional CPR with compressions and rescue breathing). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the type of CPR and a better neurological outcome. During the 5 years, 1376 bystander-witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of cardiac origin in individuals who received CPR and shocks with public-access AEDs by bystanders were registered. Among them, 506 (36.8%) received chest compression-only CPR and 870 (63.2%) received conventional CPR. The chest compression-only CPR group (40.7%, 206 of 506) had a significantly higher rate of 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcome than the conventional CPR group (32.9%, 286 of 870; adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.70). CONCLUSIONS: Compression-only CPR is more effective than conventional CPR for patients in whom out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is witnessed and shocked with public-access defibrillation. Compression-only CPR is the most likely scenario in which lay rescuers can witness a sudden collapse and use public-access AEDs.

[Pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of atrial fibrillation].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia among elderly people. The condition is frequently associated with structural heart disease, although a substantial number of patients have no underlying disease. Stretch in the pulmonary vein is considered to play the most important role in its pathogenesis, particularly in patients with hypertension and heart failure. The autonomic nervous system is known to contribute to its initiation. Based on its duration, AF can be classified into paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent, but its progression from the former to the latter is common over years. Palpitations are most frequently complained in paroxysmal AF, whereas absence of symptoms is not unusual in permanent AF. But regardless of types or symptoms of AF, AF is notorious for potentially causing stroke and heart failure, which increase morbidity and mortality.

Steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with atrial fibrillation of various clinical backgrounds.

B-type natriuretic peptide level is increased in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the present study was to present the distribution of steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels of various clinical backgrounds and to elucidate the usefulness of measuring them in patients with atrial fibrillation. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured in stable conditions in patients with atrial fibrillation (74 ± 10 y/o, n = 473). The average B-type natriuretic peptide level was 161 ± 202 (median 101) pg/ml. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, structural heart disease, chronic atrial fibrillation, and heart failure symptoms were independently associated with elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels. However, in chronic atrial fibrillation patients without structural heart disease, B-type natriuretic peptide levels did not differ between those with and without heart failure symptoms. Notably, B-type natriuretic peptide levels were high (≥ 150 pg/ml) in 41% of asymptomatic chronic atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease. Steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels of various clinical backgrounds were presented. Contributions of BNP elevation by clinical variables were somewhat different in different population. B-type natriuretic peptide was elevated in substantial percentage of asymptomatic chronic atrial fibrillation even without structural heart disease.

Implications of QRS Prolongation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (from a Multicenter Outpatient Registry).

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at the highest risk of progression to heart failure (HF) need to be identified. We investigated whether QRS duration can stratify patients with AF at risk for poor clinical outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). We analyzed data from a multicenter registry-based cohort study of patients with AF. Patients were grouped according to the QRS duration (narrow: <120 ms; wide: ≥120 ms) at registration (baseline). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalizations during a 2-year follow-up. In addition, the AF effect on the quality-of-life overall summary score was compared between the groups. In 3,269 patients, 302 (9.2%) had a wide QRS; these patients were more likely to be older, male, and have higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores than those with a narrow QRS. The incidence of the composite outcome was higher in patients with a wide QRS than those with a narrow QRS (13.1% vs 4.9%, p <0.001). After adjustment, a wide QRS was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.29, p = 0.016), and the results persisted after the exclusion of patients with bundle branch block or cardiac implantable electronic devices. Regarding HR-QoL outcomes, patients with a wide QRS were less likely to improve AF effect on quality-of-life overall summary scores at 1 year than those with a narrow QRS (adjusted difference -2.31, 95% confidence interval -4.06 to -0.57, p = 0.009). QRS prolongation, even for a nonspecific conduction disturbance, was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes and worse HR-QoL in patients with AF.

Randomized trial of angiotensin II-receptor blocker vs. dihydropiridine calcium channel blocker in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with hypertension (J-RHYTHM II study).

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia frequently associated with hypertension. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that lowering blood pressure by angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARB) has more beneficial effects than by conventional calcium channel blockers (CCB) on the frequency of paroxysmal AF with hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Japanese Rhythm Management Trial II for Atrial Fibrillation (J-RHYTHM II study) is an open-label randomized comparison between an ARB (candesartan) and a CCB (amlodipine) in the treatment of paroxysmal AF associated with hypertension. Using daily transtelephonic monitoring, we examined asymptomatic and symptomatic paroxysmal AF episodes during a maximum 1 year treatment. The primary endpoint was the difference in AF frequency between the pre-treatment period and the final month of the follow-up. The secondary endpoints included cardiovascular events, development of persistent AF, left atrial dimension, and quality-of-life (QOL). The study enrolled 318 patients (66 years, male/female 219/99, 158 in the ARB group and 160 in the CCB group) treated at 48 sites throughout Japan. At baseline, the frequency of AF episodes (days/month) was 3.8 ± 5.0 in the ARB group vs. 4.8 ± 6.3 in the CCB group (not significant). During the follow-up, blood pressure was significantly lower in the CCB group than in the ARB group (P < 0.001). The AF frequency decreased similarly in both groups, and there was no significant difference in the primary endpoint between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the development of persistent AF, changes in left atrial dimension, occurrence of cardiovascular events, or changes in QOL. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with paroxysmal AF and hypertension, treatment of hypertension by candesartan did not have an advantage over amlodipine in the reduction in the frequency of paroxysmal AF (umin CTR C000000427).

Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: evaluation and positioning of new oral anticoagulant agents.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and a major risk factor for stroke. For more than 60 years, warfarin has been the only approved anticoagulant for prevention of stroke in patients with AF. Although highly effective, it has many limitations that make its use difficult. Therefore, several novel anticoagulants are under development to overcome the limitations of warfarin, and some of these have entered phase III clinical trials. Dabigatran is an oral, reversible direct thrombin inhibitor approved in Europe and in several other countries for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after elective knee and hip replacement surgery. It has also been approved in the United States and Japan for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF. In this review, the mechanism of action and pharmacological properties of new anticoagulants are described in detail, and the correct use of dabigatran in clinical practice is discussed.

Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level as a marker of subsequent thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The aim of the present study was to assess whether elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, as an objective marker of heart failure, is a predictor of subsequent thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during oral anticoagulant therapy. This was a post hoc analysis of a single-center, prospective, observational study. Consecutive patients with AF (261 patients, 74 ± 9 years old, 153 paroxysmal AF) treated with warfarin were included for the analysis. BNP level at baseline examination was measured to assess the relationship of this parameter with subsequent thromboembolic events. BNP levels at the time of entry were 161 ± 188 (5-1,500, median 105) pg/ml. During an average follow-up time of 762 ± 220 (median 742) days, nine (1.8%/year) thromboembolic events occurred. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that an optimal cut-off value for BNP to predict thromboembolic events was 218 pg/ml. There were six thromboembolic events observed among patients with a baseline BNP levels ≥200 pg/ml (n = 73) as compared to three such events in those with baseline BNP levels <200 pg/ml (n = 188). Kaplan-Meier curves for BNP level showed that elevated BNP level (≥200 pg/ml) was significantly associated with thromboembolic events (p < 0.01). Cox-proportional hazard analysis also revealed that a high BNP level (≥200 pg/ml) was a significant predictor of subsequent thromboembolic events (hazard ratio 5.32, p = 0.018). Elevated BNP levels (≥200 pg/ml) could be a useful marker of subsequent thromboembolic events in patients with AF during oral anticoagulant therapy. However, the number of patients and events in this study was small and drawing a definite conclusion was not possible with this small sample size. Therefore, further larger-scale, multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Very delayed sinus arrest during complete remission of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma invading right atrium.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-associated arrhythmias may be due to cardiac involvement or may be chemotherapy-induced. There have been no reports of significant arrhythmias with normal cardiac function occurring during the complete remission of DLBCL. A 57-year-old female, who had had no history of abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) in annual medical checkups, was admitted to our hospital because of low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. On admission, ECG revealed a variable rhythm consisting of sinus beats and occasional escape beats. Computed tomography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) revealed two masses in the right atrium (RA) and the uterus. Total hysterectomy was performed, and pathological findings were consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Chemotherapy (R-CHOP) was initiated. After two chemotherapy cycles, RA tumors disappeared, and bradyarrhythmia simultaneously converted to sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Six months after completion of chemotherapy, FDG-PET/CT revealed negative uptake in the RA and the uterus. The patient attained complete remission of DLBCL, but ECG showed bradycardia because of sinus arrest. Our case suggests that DLBCL-induced arrhythmia can occur even after its remission and should be monitored.

Prognosis of Japanese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Who Underwent Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation　- The JID-CAD Study.

Background: There has been no large multicenter clinical trial on the prognosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) in Japanese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to compare differences in the prognoses of Japanese patients with CAD between primary and secondary prevention, and to identify potential predictors of prognosis. Methods and Results: We investigated 392 CAD patients (median age 69 years, 90% male) treated with ICD/CRT-D enrolled in the Japan Implantable Devices in CAD (JID-CAD) Registry. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, and the secondary endpoint was appropriate ICD therapies. Endpoints were assessed by dividing patients into primary prevention (n=165) and secondary prevention (n=227) groups. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 2.1±0.9 years. The primary endpoint was similar in the 2 groups (P=0.350). Conclusions: The mortality rate in Japanese patients with CAD who underwent ICD/CRT-D implantation as primary prevention was not lower than that of patients who underwent ICD/CRT-D implantation as secondary prevention, despite the lower cardiac function in the patients undergoing ICD/CRT-D implantation as primary prevention.

Impact of drug alteration to maintain rhythm control in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. - Subanalysis from J-RHYTHM study -.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Rhythm Management Trial for Atrial Fibrillation (J-RHYTHM) study showed rhythm control was associated with fewer changes in the assigned treatment strategy compared to rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim was to describe how antiarrhythmics (AAs) were altered in the rhythm control arm and whether altering AAs would impact long-term outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 390 enrolled patients, 23.5% altered their AAs (drug alteration [DA] group). The hard endpoint (HE) was defined as a composite of death, stroke, embolism, major bleeding or heart failure hospitalization; soft endpoint (SE) was defined physical/psychological disability requiring alteration of treatment strategy. The patients were followed for 1.7 years. No significant difference was noted in the occurrence of HE (4.0% vs 6.5%, P=0.31), but DA-group patients had higher rates of SE (9.3% vs 18.4%, P=0.017) compared to single AA patients. The DA group was also associated with the occurrence of SE after adjustment (HR 1.90, P=0.042). When the DA group was subdivided according to the use of class III drugs or change of drugs between classes, there were no differences in outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The need to change AA was associated with physical/psychological disabilities that seemed not to be relieved simply by changing AAs, and this should be considered as a marker for refractory paroxysmal AF requiring other strategies.

Comparison of antiarrhythmics used in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: subanalysis of J-RHYTHM Study.

BACKGROUND: The J-RHYTHM (Japanese Rhythm Management Trial for Atrial Fibrillation) study demonstrated the benefit of rhythm-control compared with rate-control in Japanese patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), according to AF-specific quality of life scores. However, detailed information on prescribed antiarrhythmic agents remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data for 419 patients enrolled in the rhythm-control arm of J-RHYTHM were analyzed. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of total mortality, cerebral infarction, embolism, bleeding, heart failure, and physical/psychological disability. The secondary endpoint was recurrence of AF. The clinical outcome according to choice of initial antiarrhythmic agent (AA) was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and further adjusted by Cox-regression hazard model. The primary endpoint occurred in 16.9%, 6.7%, 15.8% and 23.3% of patients assigned to class Ia, Ib, Ic and III agents (P=0.359). The rate of AF recurrence was significantly higher in patients taking a class III drug (Ia, Ib, Ic, III=20.3, 23.3, 29.1, 50.0%; P=0.002). However, after adjustment for other clinical variables, the choice of AA was not associated with recurrence of AF (class I vs III, P=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of each endpoint did not differ according to the choice of AA. The class III drugs seemed to lower the sinus rhythm maintenance rate, which might be confounded by other comorbid conditions. (Circ J 2010; 74: 71 - 76).

Unusual Permanent Form of Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia Associated With an Accessory Pathway With Bidirectional Conduction.

We describe an unusual case of permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia in a patient with manifest Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The electrophysiological study revealed an accessory pathway responsible for the tachycardia, revealing fast and nondecremental anterograde conduction and slow and decremental retrograde conduction that was successfully ablated from the middle cardiac vein. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).