Predictors of acute inefficacy and the radiofrequency energy time required for cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter ablation.

PURPOSE: Although cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (CTI-AFL) ablation is a highly efficacious treatment, a bidirectional CTI block cannot be achieved in some patients. In this study, we sought to determine the predictors of acute inefficacy of CTI-AFL ablation and the predictors of the radiofrequency (RF) energy time required to achieve a complete bidirectional CTI block. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent stand-alone CTI-AFL ablation in our institution, except patients with congenital heart disease, were included in this retrospective study. Clinical, echocardiographic, and ablation data were collected from the Arrhythmia Unit and Imaging Unit databases and medical charts. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-five patients, with a mean age 63 ± 12 years, were included. The ablation was acutely inefficacious in 30 patients (9%). Tricuspid regurgitation was the only independent predictor of acute inefficacy of CTI-AFL ablation (OR 3.161, 95% CI 1.084-9.220, p = 0.035) and was associated with a longer RF time required to achieve CTI bidirectional block (p = 0.031). Age was inversely correlated with the RF time required to achieve a bidirectional CTI block (r = -0.133, p = 0.025). A previous CTI RF ablation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of an irrigated catheter, and advanced age were the independent predictors for requiring less RF energy time to achieve a bidirectional CTI block. CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid regurgitation is associated with less acute efficacy in CTI-AFL ablation. Prior CTI ablation, COPD, use of an irrigated catheter, and advanced age are independent predictors for needing less RF energy time to achieve a complete bidirectional CTI block.

Syncope.

Syncope, which can be defined as a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient global cerebral hypoperfusion and characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery, is a common condition. This definition is useful for differentiating syncope from other clinical conditions that also involve real or apparent transient loss of consciousness, but in which the mechanism is not global cerebral hypoperfusion, such as epilepsy, falls, or psychiatric pseudosyncope. We reviewed the etiological classification of syncope and found that reflex syncope is the most common etiology in the general population, with a good prognosis, whereas cardiac syncope increases with age and has a worse prognosis. We also reviewed the role and limitations of different tests, specifically referring to the interpretation of the results of carotid sinus massage, the role of tilt-table testing, the diagnostic strategy in patients with syncope and bundle branch block, the adenosine test, and the emerging role of prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring. Furthermore, we reviewed the different therapeutic options available. The importance of establishing syncope units with the aim of improving the diagnostic process and optimizing resources is also emphasized.

Síncope / Syncope

El síncope, definido como una pérdida transitoria de conciencia que cursa con recuperación espontánea y sin secuelas que se debe a una hipoperfusión cerebral general y transitoria, es un cuadro clínico muy prevalente. Esta definición permite diferenciar el síncope de otras entidades que cursan con pérdida de conciencia transitoria, real o aparente, en las que el mecanismo no es una hipoperfusión cerebral, como la epilepsia, las caídas accidentales o el seudosíncope psiquiátrico. Se revisa la clasificación etiológica del síncope, con especial hincapié en que el síncope reflejo es el más frecuente y tiene buen pronóstico, mientras que el síncope cardiogénico aumenta con la edad y tiene peor pronóstico. Se hace una revisión crítica de las principales exploraciones, con especial énfasis en las dudas sobre la interpretación del masaje del seno carotídeo, las limitaciones de la prueba en tabla basculante, la estrategia a seguir en pacientes con síncope y bloqueo de rama, la administración de adenosina y el papel de la monitorización electrocardiográfica prolongada. Asimismo se revisa el estado actual del tratamiento y se destaca la importancia de establecer unidades de síncope con la finalidad de mejorar el proceso diagnóstico optimizando los recursos (AU)

Syncope, which can be defined as a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient global cerebral hypoperfusion and characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery, is a common condition. This definition is useful for differentiating syncope from other clinical conditions that also involve real or apparent transient loss of consciousness, but in which the mechanism is not global cerebral hypoperfusion, such as epilepsy, falls, or psychiatric pseudosyncope. We reviewed the etiological classification of syncope and found that reflex syncope is the most common etiology in the general population, with a good prognosis, whereas cardiac syncope increases with age and has a worse prognosis. We also reviewed the role and limitations of different tests, specifically referring to the interpretation of the results of carotid sinus massage, the role of tilt-table testing, the diagnostic strategy in patients with syncope and bundle branch block, the adenosine test, and the emerging role of prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring. Furthermore, we reviewed the different therapeutic options available. The importance of establishing syncope units with the aim of improving the diagnostic process and optimizing resources is also emphasized (AU)