Radial left ventricular dyssynchrony by speckle tracking in apical versus non apical right ventricular pacing- evidence of dyssynchrony on medium term follow up.

INTRODUCTION: To study effects of various sites of right ventricular pacing lead implantation on left ventricular function by 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking for radial strain and LV dyssynchrony. METHODS: This was retrospective prospective study. Fifteen patients each with right ventricular (RV) apical (RV apex and apical septum) and non-apical (mid septal and low right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT]) were programmed to obtain 100% ventricular pacing for evaluation by echo. Location and orientation of lead tip was noted and archived by fluoroscopy. Electrocardiography (ECG) was archived and 2D echo radial dyssynchrony was calculated. RESULTS: The baseline data was similar between two groups. Intraventricular dyssynchrony was significantly more in apical location as compared to non-apical location (radial dyssynchrony: 108.2 ± 50.2 vs. 50.5 ± 24, P < 0.001; septal to posterior wall delay [SLWD] 63.5 ± 27.5 vs. 34 ± 10.7, P < 0.001, SPWD 112.5 ± 58.1 vs. 62.7 ± 12.1, P = 0.003). The left ventricular ejection fraction was decreased more in apical location than non apical location. Interventricular dyssynchrony was more in apical group but was not statistically significant. The QRS duration, QTc and lead thresholds were higher in apical group but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pacing in non apical location (RV mid septum or low RVOT) is associated with less dyssynchrony by specific measures like 2D radial strain and correlates with better ventricular function in long term.

Association of PPARα Intron 7 Polymorphism with Coronary Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The allelic variants of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) can influence the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) by virtue of its effect on lipid metabolism. However, the role of PPARα intronic polymorphism with CAD has received little attention. The association of allelic variants G/C at intron 7 of the PPAR-alpha gene with CAD was examined in a hospital-based Indian population. PPAR genotyping was performed in 110 male patients with CAD and 120 age and ethnically matched healthy males by PCR amplification of the gene followed by restriction digestion. Presence of C allele showed a positive association with CAD (OR = 2.9; 95% CI [1.65-4.145]; P = .009) and also with dyslipidaemia (OR = 2.95, 95% CI (1.5-4.39); P < .05). Impaired lipid metabolism in carriers of the PPARα Intron 7C allele is possibly responsible for the predilection to CAD.

An unusual thrombotic complication during percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect.

A case is described where intracardiac thrombus was observed at the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium during attempted closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) using a device similar in design to the Amplatzer septal occluder (Heart R atrial septal occluder). Thrombosis was likely related to the multiple attempts required when deploying the device and the attendant prolonged procedural time. The patient underwent subsequent urgent surgical closure of the ASD.

Native vessel angioplasty as treatment strategy for left internal mammary artery to pulmonary vasculature fistula producing coronary steal phenomenon.

Formation of fistulous connection between internal mammary graft and pulmonary vasculature after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a rare event, which can result in recurrence of symptoms ranging from stable angina to myocardial infarction related to coronary steal. We hereby report a case of a 56-year-old man who was detected to have such a fistulous communication leading to coronary steal as the cause of effort angina 3 years after CABG. Coronary angioplasty and stenting of left anterior descending artery resulted in resolution of symptoms. Native vessel percutaneous coronary intervention as a treatment strategy for internal mammary artery to pulmonary artery fistula has not been reported previously.