Simultaneous pulmonary vein cryoablation and cavotricuspid isthmus radiofrequency ablation in patients with combined atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon (CB) technique and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation using radiofrequency (RF) are established interventions for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) and typical atrial flutter (AFL). Twelve patients with a mean age of 62 ± 12 years underwent simultaneous delivery of RF energy at the CTI during CB applications at the PV ostia. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all PVs and sustained bidirectional CTI conduction block obtained in all patients. The reported ablation protocol of combined paroxysmal AF and typical AFL did not result in prolongation of the procedure duration or in prolonged radiation exposure when compared to CB-PVI alone. No interferences between both ablation energy systems were observed. These preliminary results suggest that combined paroxysmal AF and typical AFL can be successfully and safely ablated using hybrid energy sources with simultaneous CTI ablation using RF during CB applications at the PV ostia.

Cardiac multidetector computed tomography in infective endocarditis: a pictorial essay.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of this pictorial essay are: (1) to set out a multislice computed tomography (MSCT) imaging protocol to assess infective endocarditis (IE); (2) to give an MSCT overview of valvular and peri-valvular involvement during IE; (3) to give a CT overview of septic embolism and infectious pseudoaneurysms during IE. METHODS: MSCT acquisition protocols to assess IE are performed in two different phases: the first acquisition, under electrocardiography (ECG) gating, covers the cardiac structures during first-pass iodine injection; the second acquisition covers the thorax, abdomen, pelvic and cerebral regions. RESULTS: Valvular and peri-valvular lesions during IE are: vegetation-a hypodense, homogeneous, irregular mass on a valve or endocardial structure; perforation-a defect in the leaflet; valvular aneurysm-loss of the homogenous curvature of the leaflet; valvular thickening; peri-valvular abscess; pseudoaneurysm; fistula and disinsertion of a prosthetic valve. Extra-cardiac location could involve all organs. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT can be considered as a useful complement in visualising the cardiac lesions of IE if echocardiography is inconclusive. MSCT is the only imaging modality that provides assessment of valvular and peri-valvular involvement, extra-cardiac lesions, and non-invasive evaluation of the coronary artery anatomy, simultaneously. MAIN MESSAGES: • MSCT provides assessment of coronary anatomy, cardiac and extra-cardiac lesions. • MSCT represents an alternative to echocardiography during IE. • Surgical valve replacement is usually required if vegetation is >10 mm. • Peri-valvular extension (abscesses, pseudoaneurysm and fistulae) required surgical treatment.

Valvular heart disease associated with benfluorex therapy: high prevalence in patients with unexplained restrictive valvular heart disease.

AIMS: Restrictive valvular disease (RVD) has recently been reported in patients after benfluorex exposure. However, little is known about its prevalence and echocardiographic features. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of benfluorex exposure in patients with RVD and to describe their echocardiographic characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a single centre study, patients with a final diagnosis of unexplained RVD were studied. Patients were interrogated for their previous use of benfluorex or other appetite-suppressant drugs (ASDs). Forty seven consecutive patients, aged 59 ± 9.6 years, with RVD were found [42 (91%) women]. Among them, 35 (74%) had previous treatment with ASD, including benfluorex in 34 patients. Among the latter, 14 (40%) have been exposed to benfluorex alone, 20 (60%) in combination with another ASD. Echocardiographic features included isolated mitral or aortic restricted valve motion in 19 patients (40%), and combined mitral and aortic involvement in 28 (60%).Twenty-seven (96%) of the latter had been exposed to benfluorex. As compared with the 'no ASD' group (n= 12), patients in the benfluorex group (n= 34) were more frequently female, had more frequent arterial hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia, and presented more frequently with combined mitral and aortic disease (79 vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Valve stenosis and tricuspid involvement were rare in the benfluorex group. CONCLUSION: The frequency of benfluorex exposure is high in patients with unexplained RVD. Combined aortic and mitral restrictive valve regurgitation is highly suggestive of valvular disease associated with benfluorex or other ASD therapy and may alert clinician about the possibility of this diagnosis.