Diagnostic Accuracy of a Smartphone-Operated, Single-Lead Electrocardiography Device for Detection of Rhythm and Conduction Abnormalities in Primary Care.

PURPOSE: To validate a smartphone-operated, single-lead electrocardiography (1L-ECG) device (AliveCor KardiaMobile) with an integrated algorithm for atrial fibrillation (AF) against 12-lead ECG (12L-ECG) in a primary care population. METHODS: We recruited consecutive patients who underwent 12L-ECG for any nonacute indication. Patients held a smartphone with connected 1L-ECG while local personnel simultaneously performed 12L-ECG. All 1L-ECG recordings were assessed by blinded cardiologists as well as by the smartphone-integrated algorithm. The study cardiologists also assessed all 12L-recordings in random order as the reference standard. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the 1L-ECG in detecting AF or atrial flutter (AFL) as well as any rhythm abnormality and any conduction abnormality with the simultaneously performed 12L-ECG as the reference standard. RESULTS: We included 214 patients from 10 Dutch general practices. Mean ± SD age was 64.1 ± 14.7 years, and 53.7% of the patients were male. The 12L-ECG diagnosed AF/AFL, any rhythm abnormality, and any conduction abnormality in 23, 44, and 28 patients, respectively. The 1L-ECG as assessed by cardiologists had a sensitivity and specificity for AF/AFL of 100% (95% CI, 85.2%-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 98.1%-100%). The AF detection algorithm had a sensitivity and specificity of 87.0% (95% CI, 66.4%-97.2%) and 97.9% (95% CI, 94.7%-99.4%). The 1L-ECG as assessed by cardiologists had a sensitivity and specificity for any rhythm abnormality of 90.9% (95% CI, 78.3%-97.5%) and 93.5% (95% CI, 88.7%-96.7%) and for any conduction abnormality of 46.4% (95% CI, 27.5%-66.1%) and 100% (95% CI, 98.0%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: In a primary care population, a smartphone-operated, 1L-ECG device showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for AF/AFL and good diagnostic accuracy for other rhythm abnormalities. The 1L-ECG device was less sensitive for conduction abnormalities.

Why do we break one of the first rules of anatomy when describing the components of the heart?

A rule of human anatomy is that all structures within the body should be described relative to the so-called "anatomical position." Along with those describing structures such as the skull and liver, those accounting for the components of the heart consistently break this rule, describing the organ as if removed from the body and positioned on its apex, the so-called "Valentine position." Although potentially appropriate to some animal species, this approach produces problems when used in human anatomy, even if the right and left ventricles are only viewed in truly right-sided and left-sided positions when assessed in the Valentine fashion. The names of the ventricles, of course, are never going to change. This is not necessarily the case with other cardiac components. Consider the artery that extends between the ventricles on their diaphragmatic surface. Blockage produces inferior myocardial infarction, which is to be expected, since the vessel is located in inferior and interventricular position. It is incorrect to describe the artery as being posterior and descending. Such infelicities are now the more obvious with the advent of techniques that, in clinical cardiology, show the components of the heart as it lies within the chest. In this review, we have assessed the frequency of use of the Valentine approach in popular textbooks used by students of human anatomy. We show that, using the conduction tissues as a model, this system also being incorrectly described in the majority of the textbooks, the situation can be improved by use of attitudinally appropriate description. Clin. Anat. 32:585-596, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Risk of cardiac conduction disorders, and pacemaker implantations among individuals tested for serum Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies, a nationwide, matched, population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the short- and long-term risks of atrioventricular block and other cardiac conduction disorders associated with being tested for Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antibodies or Bb seropositivity as measures of confounding by indication and Bb infection, respectively. METHODS: We performed a nationwide population-based matched cohort study (Denmark, 1993-2021). We included 52 200 Bb-seropositive individuals (stratified as only Bb-IgM-seropositive [n = 26 103], only Bb-IgG-seropositive [n = 18 698], and Bb-IgM-and-IgG-seropositive [n = 7399]) and two age- and sex-matched comparison cohorts: 104 400 Bb-seronegative individuals and 261 000 population controls. We investigated the risk associated with being tested for serum Bb antibodies and being Bb seropositive. Outcomes were atrioventricular block and other conduction disorders. We calculated short-term odds ratios (aOR) (within 1 month), and long-term hazard ratios (aHR) (after 1 month) adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and kidney disease with 95% CI. RESULTS: Compared with population controls, individuals tested for Bb antibodies had increased short- and long-term risks of atrioventricular block (aOR 47.9, 95% CI: 30.0-76.7, aHR 1.3, 95% CI:1.2-1.3), and other conduction disorders (aOR 18.2, 95% CI: 10.1-32.8, aHR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4). Compared with Bb-seronegative individuals, only Bb-IgM-and-IgG-seropositive individuals had increased short-term risk of atrioventricular block (aOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1). DISCUSSION: The results suggest that Bb antibody testing is included in the diagnostic work-up of conduction disorders. Finally, that Bb seropositivity is not associated with other conduction disorders than atrioventricular block or with increased long-term risk of conduction disorders.

Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. METHODS: Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. RESULTS: Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. CONCLUSION: GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

Long COVID in Uganda: Electrographic findings among patients at risk.

Background: COVID-19 has a significant cardiovascular involvement. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities among people at a risk of Long COVID in Uganda was investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2022 at the post COVID - 19 clinic in Mulago National Specialized Hospital, Kampala. A standard resting ECG was performed on individuals at least 2 months following acute COVID-19, with a negative SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as vital signs were recorded for all study participants. Results: Of the 244 study participants, 117 (47.9%) were female. The median age of all the participants was 33.0 (interquartile range: 26.0 - 43.5) years. Twenty-five (10.2%) participants had a history of smoking while 117 (48%) had a history of alcohol intake. In total, 46 (18.9%) had abnormal ECG findings (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 14.39 - 24.29) and non-specific T-wave inversion (n = 16, 34%) was the most frequent ECG abnormality. The proportion of participants with ECG abnormalities was 48% lower among females (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28 - 0.96, p value < 0.05) and 2-fold greater for those with a history of smoking (aPR: 2.03, 95% CI:1.096 - 3.776, p value < 0.05). Conclusion: One in five Ugandans who were checked at the clinic at a risk of Long COVID showed ECG abnormalities. ECG screening is suggested to be integrated into the follow-up care of those at a risk of Long COVID.

Cusp-overlap technique during TAVI using the self-expanding Portico FlexNav system.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The cusp overlap technique (COT) has been proposed to reduce conduction disturbances (CD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with self-expanding supra-annular devices, but there are scarce data on COT with intra-annular valves. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of the COT during Portico implantation results in higher valve implantation and lower rates of CD. METHODS: We included 85 patients undergoing TAVI with the Portico FlexNav system: 43 retrospective patients using the standard 3-cusp view and 42 prospective patients with the COT. Primary endpoints were implantation depth and new-onset CD (composite outcome of new-onset left bundle branch block and new permanent pacemaker implantation). RESULTS: COT resulted in a higher implantation depth (noncoronary cusp: 4.9±3.9 vs 7.4±3.0; P=.005) and lower new-onset CD (31.0% vs 58.1%; P=.012), with a tendency toward a lower need for permanent pacemaker implantation (14.3% vs 30.2%, P=.078; 7.7% vs 31.0%; P=.011 in patients without pre-existing right bundle branch block). Transvalvular aortic gradients were slightly lower with COT (8.7±3.7 vs 11.0±6.1; P=.044). There were no differences in technical success or major procedure-related complications. On multivariate analysis, COT use was associated with a lower risk of new-onset CD. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the COT during Portico implantation is feasible and facilitates a higher valve implant, which in turn may help to reduce rates of new-onset CD.

Prevalence and Risk for Bundle Branch Block, Atrioventricular Block and Pacemaker Implantation in Spondyloarthritis. A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Objective: To evaluate the evidence regarding the prevalence and risk of bundle branch block (BBB), atrioventricular block (AVB) and pacemaker implantation (PMI) in patients with spondyloarthritis compared to a control group without spondyloarthritis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using Pubmed (Medline), EMBASE (Elsevier) and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases until December 2021. The prevalence and risk for AVB, BBB and PMI were analyzed. Cohort, case control and cross-sectional studies in patients ≥18 years meeting the classification criteria for spondyloarthritis were included. The Odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), or Hazard ratio (HR) and prevalence difference were considered as outcomes. Data was synthesized in a previously defined extraction form which included a risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: In total, eight out of 374 studies were included. None of the studies provided results regarding the risk of low grade AVB and BBB in SpA patients. Only indirect results comparing prevalences from low to medium quality studies were found. According to population based registries, the sex and age adjusted HR of AVB was 2.3 (95% CI 1.6-3.3) in ankylosing spondylitis, 2.9 (95% CI 1.8-4.7) in undifferentiated spondyloarthritis and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 a 1.9) in psoriatic arthritis. The absolute risk for AVB was 0.4% (moderate to high; 95% CI 0.34%-0.69%) for AS, 0.33% (moderate to high; 95% CI 0.21%-0.53%) for uSpA and 0.34% (moderate to high; 95% CI 0.26%-0.45%) for PsA.The RR for PMI in AS patients was 1.3 (95% CI 1.16-1.46) for groups aged between 65 and 69 years, 1.33 (95% CI 1.22-1.44) for 70-75 years, 1.24 (95% CI 1.55-1.33) for 75-79 years and 1.11 (95% CI 1.06-1.17) for groups older than 80 years. The absolute risk for PMI in AS patients was 0.7% (moderate to high risk; 95% CI 0.6-0.8%) for groups aged between 65-69, 1.44% (high risk; 95% CI 1.33-1.6%) for 70-75 years, 2.09% (high risk; 95% CI 2.0-2.2%) for 75-79 years and 4.15% (high risk; 95% CI 4.0-4.3%) for groups older than 80 years. Conclusions: Very few cases of low grade AVB and BBB were observed in observational studies. No study evaluated association measures for low grade AVB and BBB but the differences of prevalence were similar in SpA and control groups even though studies lacked the power to detect statistical differences. According to population based registries there was an approximately two fold-increased risk of high grade AVB in SpA patients. RR for PMI was higher in younger age groups.

Syncope in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers.

INTRODUCTION: It is challenging to diagnose syncope in patients with pacemakers. Because these patients have increased morbidity and mortality risks, they require immediate attention to determine the causes in order to provide appropriate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the causes and predictive factors of syncope as well as the methods used to diagnose syncope in cardiac pacemaker patients. METHODS: Patients with pacemakers implanted owing to sinus node disease or atrioventricular block were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, endocavitary electrograms, and other tests based on the suspected causes of syncope. Mann- Whitney U tests were used to analyze continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was P<0.05. RESULTS: The study included 95 patients with pacemakers: 47 experienced syncope in the last 12 months and 48 did not. Of the 100 documented episodes of syncope, 48.9% were vasovagal syncopes, 17% had cardiac-related causes, 10.6% had unknown causes, and 8.5% had pacemaker failure. The multivariate analysis showed that a New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II was a significant factor for developing syncope (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: While the most common type of syncope in pacemaker patients was neurally mediated, it is important to perform detailed evaluations in this population as the causes of syncope can be life-threatening. The best diagnostic methods were stored electrogram analysis and the tilt table test. NYHA Functional Class II patients were found to have a higher risk for syncope.

Reflex Atrioventricular Block.

Reflex atrioventricular block is well-recorded although it is considered rare. Recent data suggests that it is less rare than has been supposed. It has been shown to occur in both vasovagal and carotid sinus reflexes. It has to be distinguished from paroxysmal atrioventricular block due to ventricular conduction tissue disease. Low chronic adenosine levels combined with adenosine release may mimic reflex atrioventricular block. Explanations of the mechanism of these phenomena have been lacking until the recent past. The relevance of reflex atrioventricular block to clinical decision-making is as a possible indication for pacing the heart with consideration given to the vasodepressor component of the reflex.

Pros and Cons of Left Bundle Branch Pacing: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has recently emerged as a promising alternative modality for conduction system pacing. However, limited real-world data exists on the advantages and complications associated with LBBP. We analyzed the Rush conduction system pacing registry on LBBP to assess the success rates and complications associated with LBBP. METHODS: All patients with an indication for permanent pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization therapy that underwent LBBP for various reasons from June 2018 to April 2020 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 57 of 59 patients underwent successful LBBP (success rate 97%). The average follow-up duration was 6.2±5 months. The implanted devices included 38 dual-chamber pacemakers, 17 cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, and 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy pacing systems. The most common reason for performing LBBP was a high His-Bundle pacing threshold (n=23) at implant. The mean LBBP capture threshold at implant was 0.62±0.21 V at 0.4 ms which remained stable during follow-up at 0.65±0.68 V at 0.4ms. In 21 patients with cardiomyopathy, there was a significant improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction from 30±11% to 42±15%. A total of 7 lead-related complications (12.3%) were noted in the follow-up period. Three patients (5.3%) required lead revision during the follow-up period. Interventricular septal perforation occurred (as late sequela) after 2 weeks in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: LBBP can be achieved with a high success rate and low capture thresholds. Left ventricular dysfunction improved significantly during follow-up. Lead-related complications were relatively common occurring in 12.3% of initially successful implants. Lead revision was required in 3 (5%) of patients.

Intradialytic Hypotension and Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: Results from the Monitoring in Dialysis Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) have a high incidence of cardiac events, including arrhythmia and sudden death. Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of HD and is associated with development of reduced myocardial perfusion, a potential risk factor for arrhythmia. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed data from the Monitoring in Dialysis study, which used implantable loop recorders to detect and continuously monitor electrocardiographic data from patients on maintenance HD (n=66 from the United States and India) over a 6-month period (n=4720 sessions). Negative binomial mixed effects regression was used to test the association of IDH20 (decline in systolic BP >20 mm Hg from predialysis systolic BP) and IDH0-20 (decline in systolic BP 0-20 mm Hg from predialysis systolic BP) with clinically significant arrhythmia (bradycardia≤40 bpm for ≥6 seconds, asystole≥3 seconds, ventricular tachycardia ≥130 bpm for ≥30 seconds, or patient-marked events) during HD. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 58 (25th-75th percentile, 49-66) years; 70% were male; and 65% were from the United States. IDH occurred in 2251 (48%) of the 4720 HD sessions analyzed, whereas IDH0-20 occurred during 1773 sessions (38%). The number of sessions complicated by least one intradialytic clinically significant arrhythmia was 27 (1.2%) where IDH20 occurred and 15 (0.8%) where IDH0-20 occurred. Participants who experienced IDH20 (versus not) had a nine-fold greater rate of developing an intradialytic clinically significant arrhythmia (incidence rate ratio, 9.4; 95% confidence interval, 3.0 to 29.4), whereas IDH0-20 was associated with a seven-fold higher rate (incidence rate ratio, 7.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 25.4). CONCLUSIONS: IDH is common in patients on maintenance HD and is associated with a greater risk of developing intradialytic clinically significant arrhythmia.

Impact of functional studies on exome sequence variant interpretation in early-onset cardiac conduction system diseases.

AIMS: The genetic cause of cardiac conduction system disease (CCSD) has not been fully elucidated. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) can detect various genetic variants; however, the identification of pathogenic variants remains a challenge. We aimed to identify pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in CCSD patients by using WES and 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and guidelines as well as evaluating the usefulness of functional studies for determining them. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed WES of 23 probands diagnosed with early-onset (<65 years) CCSD and analysed 117 genes linked to arrhythmogenic diseases or cardiomyopathies. We focused on rare variants (minor allele frequency < 0.1%) that were absent from population databases. Five probands had protein truncating variants in EMD and LMNA which were classified as 'pathogenic' by 2015 ACMG standards and guidelines. To evaluate the functional changes brought about by these variants, we generated a knock-out zebrafish with CRISPR-mediated insertions or deletions of the EMD or LMNA homologs in zebrafish. The mean heart rate and conduction velocities in the CRISPR/Cas9-injected embryos and F2 generation embryos with homozygous deletions were significantly decreased. Twenty-one variants of uncertain significance were identified in 11 probands. Cellular electrophysiological study and in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay showed that two variants in KCNH2 and SCN5A, four variants in SCN10A, and one variant in MYH6 damaged each gene, which resulted in the change of the clinical significance of them from 'Uncertain significance' to 'Likely pathogenic' in six probands. CONCLUSION: Of 23 CCSD probands, we successfully identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 11 probands (48%). Functional analyses of a cellular electrophysiological study and in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay might be useful for determining the pathogenicity of rare variants in patients with CCSD. SCN10A may be one of the major genes responsible for CCSD.

Prognostic Implication of Ventricular Conduction Disturbance Pattern in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Heart Failure Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conflicting data exist regarding the prognostic implication of ventricular conduction disturbance pattern in patients with heart failure (HF). This study investigated the prognostic impact of ventricular conduction pattern in hospitalized patients with acute HF. METHODS: Data from the Korean Acute Heart Failure registry were used. Patients were categorized into four groups: narrow QRS (<120 ms), right bundle branch block (RBBB), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD). The NICD was defined as prolonged QRS (≥120 ms) without typical features of LBBB or RBBB. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for HF aggravation within 1 year after discharge. RESULTS: This study included 5,157 patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 39.7% of study population. The LBBB group showed the highest incidence of primary endpoint followed by NICD, RBBB, and narrow QRS groups (52.5% vs. 49.7% vs. 44.4% vs. 37.5%, p<0.001). In a multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis, LBBB and NICD were associated with 39% and 28% increased risk for primary endpoint (LBBB hazard ratio [HR], 1.392; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152-1.681; NICD HR, 1.278; 95% CI, 1.074-1.520) compared with narrow QRS group. The HR of RBBB for the primary endpoint was 1.103 (95% CI, 0.915-1.329). CONCLUSIONS: LBBB and NICD were independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year adverse event in hospitalized patients with HF, whereas the prognostic impacts of RBBB were limited. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01389843.

Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. Methods: Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. Results: Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. Conclusion: GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

Rates of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities in Patients with CKD and Diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac arrhythmias increase mortality and morbidity in CKD. We evaluated the rates of subclinical arrhythmias in a population with type 2 diabetes and patients with moderate to severe CKD who were not on dialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS & MEASUREMENTS: This is a prospective observational study, using continuous ambulatory cardiac monitors to determine the rate of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as conduction abnormalities in this group. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients (34% women), with mean eGFR of 38±13 ml/min per 1.73 m2, underwent ambulatory cardiac monitoring for 11.2±3.9 days. The overall mean rate of any cardiac arrhythmia was 88.8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 27.1 to 184.6) episodes per person-year (PY). A history of cardiovascular disease was associated with a higher rate of detected arrhythmia (rate ratio, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.37 to 25.21; P<0.001). The most common arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation, which was observed in two participants with known atrial fibrillation and was a new diagnosis in four patients (11%), none of whom experienced symptoms. Overall, atrial fibrillation episodes occurred at a rate of 37.6 (95% CI, 2.4 to 112.3) per PY. Conduction abnormalities were found in eight patients (21%), a rate of 26.5 (95% CI, 4.2 to 65.5) per PY. Rates of ventricular arrhythmias were low (14.5 per PY; 95% CI, 4.3 to 32.0) and driven by premature ventricular contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rhythm abnormalities are common in patients with diabetes with moderate to severe CKD not requiring dialysis. Rates of atrial fibrillation are high and episodes are asymptomatic. Future studies are needed to determine the role of screening and upstream therapy of cardiac arrhythmias in this group.

Severe Bradycardia Prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Case Report.

Intraventricular conduction abnormalities following cardiac surgery have been thoroughly described, especially after valvular surgery. It is also widely known that several anesthetic factors can cause autonomic disturbances resulting in the unmasking of sinus node dysfunction, significant bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse during the intraoperative period. However, little is known about asymptomatic episodes, especially those occurring prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We report a rare occurrence of an intraventricular conduction defect that presented in an asymptomatic patient following non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction prior to urgent CABG. Our patient presented with sudden-onset chest pain, and following coronary angiography he was found to have triple-vessel coronary disease. During anesthetic induction for inpatient CABG surgery, he developed episodes of acute sinus tachy-brady episodes, requiring a stat dose of adrenaline to maintain the heart rate prior to the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. The arrhythmia persisted postoperatively, necessitating the insertion of a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker for complete heart block. The patient was later discharged without further complications, and upon follow-up 12 months later, he remains in good health.

Eficácia da estimulação hissiana e septal profunda comparada à estimulação cardíaca convencional: revisão de literatura / Efficacy of hissian and deep septal stimulation compared to conventional cardiac stimulation: literature review

Introdução: Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e doenças do sistema de condução necessitam de dispositivos para monitoramento dos batimentos cardíacos, como marcapassos permanentes, dispositivos de ressincronização cardíaca ou cardiodesfibriladores implantáveis. A estimulação ventricular direita (EVD) é tradicionalmente o tratamento de escolha. No entanto, estudos demonstraram evidências de dissincronia ventricular, redução da função cardíaca, recorrência de fibrilação atrial e aumento da mortalidade associadas a esta abordagem. O conhecimento dos efeitos adversos das técnicas convencionais justifica a realização de pesquisas para determinar se a estimulação hissiana (EH) é uma técnica que produz maior ativação fisiológica e ventricular mais sincronizada. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da estimulação hissiana comparada à EVD em relação aos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, ecocardiográficos e clínicos.Material e Métodos: Os critérios de elegibilidade seguiram a estratégia PICOS: P ­ pacientes com indicação de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis; I ­ estimulação hissiana; C ­ estimulação ventricular direita; O ­ duração do complexo QRS, fração de ejeção, diâmetro ventricular ou classe funcional da New York Heart Association (NYHA); S ­ ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados (ECR) e não randomizados. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases Medline via PubMed, Embase, LILACS e Cochrane Library, realizadas em março de 2023 por três revisores independentes. Resultados: Foram incluídos sete ensaios clínicos comparando as técnicas EH versus EVD quanto aos desfechos investigados. Para a duração do complexo QRS, três estudos encontraram resultado significativamente melhor no grupo intervenção. Para fração de ejeção e classe funcional da NYHA, dois estudos apresentaram resultados significativamente melhores no grupo EH. Quanto ao risco de viés, apenas dois apresentaram risco baixo e médio, quatro apresentaram risco alto em um, dois ou três dos itens avaliados. Conclusões: A técnica EH demonstrou superioridade à técnica convencional, entretanto são necessários ECR de maior qualidade metodológica e meta-análises para verificar a eficácia clínica da técnica, envolvendo maior número de pacientes e tempo de seguimento.

Introduction: Patients with heart failure and cardiac conditions require devices for monitoring the heartbeat, such as permanent pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization devices, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Right ventricular stimulation (RVP) has traditionally been the treatment of choice. However, studies have shown evidence of ventricular dyssynchrony, reduced cardiac function, recurrence of atrial fibrillation, and increased mortality associated with this approach. Recognizing the adverse effects of conventional techniques justifies conducting research to determine whether Hissian or His bundle pacing (HPB) stimulation can provide more physiologically synchronized ventricular activation. Objective: The aim is to assess the efficacy of Hissian stimulation compared to right ventricular pacing (RVP) in relation to electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and clinical parameters. Material and Methods: The eligibility criteria will follow the PICOS strategy: P ­ Patients with indication for implantable electronic cardiac devices; I ­ Hissan Stimulation; C ­ Right Ventricular Stimulation; O ­ QRS complex duration, ejection fraction, ventricular diameter and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class; S ­ Controlled Trials. Searches were conducted on the Medline via PubMed, Embase, Latin America and Caribbean Health Science Literature Database (LILACS) and Cochrane Library platforms. The searches were performed in March 2023 by three independent reviewers. Results: Seven clinical trials were included, comparing HPB versus RVP techniques regarding the investigated outcomes. For the QRS complex duration, three studies found a significantly better result in the intervention group. For ejection fraction and NYHA functional class, two studies had significantly better results in the HPB group too. Concerning the risk of bias, out of the seven studies included, only two presented low and medium risk, four presented high risk in one, two or three of the items evaluated. Conclusions: The HPB technique has demonstrated superiority to the conventional technique, however, RCT of higher methodological quality and meta-analysis are needed to verify the clinical effectiveness of the technique, involving more patients and longer follow-up time.

Dependência de Pacing a Longo-Prazo e Preditores de Implante de Pacemaker após Implante Percutâneo de Prótese Valvular Aórtica - 1 Ano de Seguimento / Long-Term Ventricular Pacing Dependency and Pacemaker Implantation Predictors after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - A 1-Year Follow-Up

Resumo Fundamento Os distúrbios de condução (DC) são a complicação mais frequente após a substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) e ainda não há consenso sobre seu tratamento. Objetivo Avaliar novos DC e implante de marca-passo definitivo (MPD) após a TAVR e avaliar a porcentagem de estimulação ventricular (EV) até 1 ano de acompanhamento. Métodos Pacientes submetidos a TAVR de outubro de 2014 a novembro de 2019 foram cadastrados; pacientes com MPD anterior foram excluídos. Dados clínicos, do procedimento, do ECG e do MPD foram coletados até 1 ano após o implante. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 0,05%. Resultados Um total de 340 indivíduos foram submetidos a TAVR. O DC mais comum foi bloqueio de ramo esquerdo novo (BRE; 32,2%), sendo que 56% destes foram resolvidos após 6 meses. O bloqueio do ramo direito (BRD) foi o maior fator de risco para bloqueio atrioventricular avançado (BAV) [RC=8,46; p<0,001] e implante de MPD [RC=5,18; p<0,001], seguido de BAV de baixo grau prévio [RC=2,25; p=0,016 para implante de MPD]. Em relação às características do procedimento, válvulas de gerações mais recentes e procedimentos de válvula-em-válvula foram associados a menos DC. No total, 18,5% dos pacientes tiveram MPD implantado após a TAVR. Na primeira avaliação do MPD, pacientes com BAV avançado tinham uma porcentagem mediana de EV de 80%, e, após um ano, de 83%. Em relação aos pacientes com BRE e BAV de baixo grau, a EV mediana foi mais baixa (6% na primeira avaliação, p=0,036; 2% após um ano, p = 0,065). Conclusão O BRE foi o DC mais frequente após a TAVR, com mais da metade dos casos se resolvendo nos primeiros 6 meses. O BRD foi o principal fator de risco para BAV avançado e implante de MPD. O BAV avançado foi associado a uma porcentagem mais alta de EV no acompanhamento de 1 ano.

Abstract Background Conduction disturbances (CD) are the most frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and there continues to be a lack of consensus on their management. Objective To assess new CD and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after TAVR and to evaluate the ventricular pacing percentage (VP) up to 1 year of follow-up. Methods Patients who underwent TAVR from October 2014 to November 2019 were enrolled; patients with previous PPM were excluded. Clinical, procedure, ECG, and PPM data were collected up to 1 year after implantation. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 0.05. Results A total of 340 patients underwent TAVR. The most frequent CD was the new left bundle branch block (LBBB; 32.2%), which 56% resolved after 6 months. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) was the biggest risk factor for advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) [OR=8.46; p<0.001] and PPM implantation [OR=5.18, p<0.001], followed by previous low-grade AVB [OR=2.25; p=0.016 for PPM implantation]. Regarding procedure characteristics, newer generation valves and valve-in-valve procedures were associated with fewer CDs. Overall, 18.5% of patients had a PPM implanted post-TAVR. At first PPM evaluation, patients with advanced AVB had a median percentage of VP of 80% and 83% at one year. Regarding patients with LBBB plus low-grade AVB, median VP was lower (6% at first assessment, p=0.036; 2% at one year, p = 0.065). Conclusion LBBB was the most frequent CD after TAVR, with more than half being resolved in the first six months. RBBB was the major risk factor for advanced AVB and PPM implantation. Advanced AVB was associated with a higher percentage of VP at 1 year of follow-up.

Syncope in patients with cardiac pacemakers

Abstract Introduction: It is challenging to diagnose syncope in patients with pacemakers. Because these patients have increased morbidity and mortality risks, they require immediate attention to determine the causes in order to provide appropriate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the causes and predictive factors of syncope as well as the methods used to diagnose syncope in cardiac pacemaker patients. Methods: Patients with pacemakers implanted owing to sinus node disease or atrioventricular block were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, endocavitary electrograms, and other tests based on the suspected causes of syncope. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was P<0.05. Results: The study included 95 patients with pacemakers: 47 experienced syncope in the last 12 months and 48 did not. Of the 100 documented episodes of syncope, 48.9% were vasovagal syncopes, 17% had cardiac-related causes, 10.6% had unknown causes, and 8.5% had pacemaker failure. The multivariate analysis showed that a New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II was a significant factor for developing syncope (P<0.01). Conclusion: While the most common type of syncope in pacemaker patients was neurally mediated, it is important to perform detailed evaluations in this population as the causes of syncope can be life-threatening. The best diagnostic methods were stored electrogram analysis and the tilt table test. NYHA Functional Class II patients were found to have a higher risk for syncope.

Asociación entre interleuquinas inflamatorias y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción en pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas y función ventricular conservada / Association between inflammatory interleukins and intraventricular conduction disturbances in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved ventricular function

RESUMEN Introducción: Los trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción constituyen una manifestación habitual en los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas con función ventricular izquierda conservada. Se desconoce si su presencia puede estar asociada a una mayor actividad inflamatoria. Objetivos: Determinar si existe una correlación entre los niveles de interleuquinas y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción en pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas y fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda conservada. Material y métodos: Se evaluó a 22 pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 21 y 80 años, seropositivos para enfermedad de Chagas, de más de 20 años de evolución y fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda mayor del 50%. Se analizó, además, un grupo control de 14 individuos sanos. Se determinaron las concentraciones en plasma de IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1 a/CCL3, TNF-a e IL-2. Se consideró trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción a la presencia de bloqueo de rama derecha, hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo o bloqueo de rama izquierda. Resultados: De los 22 pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas, 10 presentaron trastornos de la intraventriculares de la conducción (45,4%). En el grupo con trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción, se observaron niveles elevados de interleuquinas de alto efecto inflamatorio como INF-γ, IL-15, IL-2 (p70), IL-12, MP1-a, en comparación al grupo control, además de presentar altos valores de IL-10 como mecanismo modulador de una respuesta inmunitaria excesiva. Conclusiones: La asociación entre niveles elevados de interleuquinas y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción plantea un posible proceso inflamatorio crónico para su desarrollo en pacientes chagásicos con fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda conservada.

ABSTRACT Background: Intraventricular conduction disturbances are common in patients with Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, but their association with higher inflammatory activity is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of an association between interleukin levels and intraventricular conduction disturbances in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular function. Methods: Twenty-two patients between 22 and 80 years of age with positive serology test for Chagas disease with more than 20 years progression and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were included in the study and compared with a control group of 14 healthy individuals. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1 a/CCL3, TNF-a and IL-2 were measured in patients and controls. Right bundle branch block, left anterior hemiblock or left bundle branch block were considered intraventricular conduction disturbances. Results: Among the 22 patients with positive serology for Chagas disease, 10 presented intraventricular conduction disturbances (45.4%). This group had elevated levels of interleukins with high inflammatory effect such as INF-γ, IL-15, IL-2, IL-12, MIP-1 a, compared with the control group, and high levels of IL-10 as a regulatory mechanism of an excessive immune response. Conclusions: The association between elevated levels of inflammatory interleukins and intraventricular conduction disturbances suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in the development of these abnormalities in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular ejection function.