Prognostic value of left atrial strain in patients with tetralogy of fallot.

To demonstrate prognostic utility of left atrial strain (LAS) in adult patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Adults patients with rTOF were prospectively enrolled in this study between years 2011 and 2015. Left atrium (LA) phasic functions were assessed using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Association of LA strain (LAS) with primary (any cardiovascular event) and secondary (death, heart failure or arrhythmia) composite endpoints was assessed using Cox regression analysis. Hundred-and-twelve rTOF patients, in whom LAS was feasible and were in sinus rhythm, were included in the final analysis (age 33 ± 10 years, 68[61%] male). Median duration of follow-up was 8.6 [4.2-9.7] years in the study group. Primary composite endpoint was reached in 48 patients (mean event-free survival time: 7.2 [6.6-7.9] years), and secondary composite endpoint was reached in 22 patients (mean event-free survival time: 8.7 [8.1-9.2] years). LA reservoir strain (LAS-r) was defined as tertile groups (1st tertile < 33%, 2nd tertile = 33-44%, 3rd tertile > 44%). Decreasing tertiles of LAS-r was associated with primary and secondary composite endpoints in Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively). In univariable Cox-regression, both decreasing LAS-r and LAS-r tertiles were associated with primary and secondary composite endpoints. Adjusted by initial repair age and NT-proBNP quartiles, increased LAS-r was associated with significantly decreased occurrence of experiencing any events (HR = 0.97, CI 0.93-0.99, p < 0.001). Decreasing LAS-r was still associated with primary endpoint when adjusted by left atrium volume index (LAVImax) (HR = 0.96, CI 0.92-0.99, p = 0.01), left ventricle global longitudinal strain (HR = 0.96, CI 0.93-0.99, p < 0.001) or right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain (HR = 0.96, CI 0.93-0.99, p = 0.03). Assessment of LA mechanics with the use of STE has incremental utility in determination of mortality and morbidity in rTOF, and may be implemented in clinical practice.

Transient left bundle branch block associated with favipiravir treatment for coronavirus infection.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to symptomatic by having targets on various tissues such as lung parenchyma and myocardium (Shahrbaf et al., Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets. 21(2):88-90, 2021). As an RNA-dependent RNApolymerase inhibitor, favipiravir has been proposed as a treatment in clinical studies done during the pandemic period (Furuta et al., Antiviral Res. 100(2):446-454, 2013). Although favipiravir is generally a safe medication, it may rarely cause cardiac adverse effects (Shahrbaf et al., Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets. 21(2):88-90, 2021). To the best of our knowledge, favipiravir has not been reported to cause left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes originating from the outflow tract improves heart failure-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of successful RFCA in patients with idiopathic outflow tract PVCs (OT-PVC) on left heart functions, neurohormonal activation, functional status, and heart failure-related quality of life (HFQoL), with an integrated approach. METHODS: Patients with frequent OT-PVCs, determined by 12-lead surface ECG who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) with an acute success, were prospectivelly enrolled. Left heart functions were evaluated with the use of transthoracic echocardiography, neurohormonal activation with N-terminal Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), functional class with New York Heart Association (NYHA) and 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and HFQoL with Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), at baseline and at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included in this study (43 ± 12 years old, 56% male). Majority of the OT-PVCs originated from aortic valve and right ventricle outflow tract (44% and 37%, respectively). Total RF time was 216 ± 87 s. Major complication rate was 0.9%. Left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction increased from 47 ± 8 to 53 ± 6% at 6 months (p < 0.001). Neurohormonal activation was suppressed significantly (104 ± 69 to 83 ± 42, p < 0.001). Functional class improved with %NYHA-I patients increasing from 54 to 89% (p < 0.001) and 6MWD from 293 ± 73 to 335 ± 59 m (p < 0.001). MLHFQ score improved from 32 ± 9 to 23 ± 5 p < 0.001. In multivariable analysis, LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and 6MWD were independent predictors of improvement in MLHFQ (for LVESD Uß: - 0.26, 95%CI [0.44-0.09], p < 0.004 and for 6MWD: 0.04, 95%CI [0.03-0.06], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RFCA of OT-PVCs is associated with improved well-being of patients, determined by left heart functions, neurohormonal activation, functional class, and HFQoL.

Improved health-related quality of life after cardioneuroablation in patients with vasovagal syncope.

BACKGROUND: As the most common cause of syncope, vasovagal syncope (VVS) is mediated by parasympathetic overactivity and/or sympathetic withdrawal. Although catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi or cardioneuroablation has been used to treat VVS, its role in quality of life (QoL) has not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study was to demonstrate if this novel treatment results in improvement QoL of patients with VVS. METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (age: 34 ± 14 years, 51.8% male) with dominant cardioinhibitory type VVS were prospectively enrolled in the study. After confirmation of > 3 s asystole on head-up tilt testing (HUT), all patients underwent cardioneuroablation. ECGs were obtained prior to procedure and at 12-month follow-up visit. HUTs were repeated 1 month after cardioneuroablation procedures. QoL was assessed with the use of SF-36, EQ-5D, and EQ VAS questionnaires. RESULTS: ECG, HUT, and QoL data were available in all patients. At 12-month follow-up, heart rate on rest ECG significantly increased (from 74 ± 15 to 84 ± 14 bpm, p = 0.003). Repeated HUTs were negative in 23 (85.1%) patients. All of 27 patients remained free of syncope. QoL assessed by SF-36 score significantly improved in postprocedural follow-up (92 ± 9 and 96 ± 11, p = 0.016). Similarly, significant improvements in mobility, self-care, and usual activity domains of EQ-5D were observed (mean scores of 3.0 ± 1.5 and 2.1 ± 1.3, p < 0.001; 1.3 ± 0.9 and 1.2 ± 0.6, p = 0.041; 1.7 ± 1.0 and 1.4 ± 0.8 respectively). EQ-VAS score also improved significantly (39 ± 24 to 77 ± 18, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cardioneuroablation may be associated with intermediate term improvement in QoL in patients with VVS.

Prognostic value of left atrial strain in patients with congenital aortic stenosis.

Aim: To explore whether left atrial (LA) strain with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can contribute to prognostication in patients with congenital aortic stenosis (CAS). Methods and results: In this prospective study, consecutive outpatients with stable CAS and healthy adults were enrolled between 2011 and 2015. Left atrial function was analysed with STE using Tomtec software. Associations between LA strain (LAS) measurements and primary composite outcome (any adverse cardiovascular event, hospitalization, or re-intervention) and secondary outcome (re-interventions) were assessed with Cox regression analysis. In total, 98 patients with CAS (mean age: 35.0 ± 11.9 year, female: 59.2%) and 121 controls (age: 43.9 ± 13.8 year, female: 55.4%) were included. The majority of patients were in NYHA class I: 97 (99%) at baseline. At baseline, LA conduit strain (LAS-cd) and strain rate (LASR-cd) were significantly lower in patients than in controls when corrected for age and sex (-18.1 ± 8.7 vs. -23.5 ± 9.9%, P = 0.001 and -0.73 ± 0.31 vs. -1.02 ± 0.43/s, P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 6.4 years (5.7-7.1), the primary composite outcome occurred in 48 (39.6%) patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that decreased LAS-cd (<21%) was associated with a higher occurrence of the primary outcome (log-rank: P = 0.008). Depressed LAS-cd and LASR-cd were both associated with the primary composite outcome [univariable hazard ratio (HR) = 0.64(0.46-0.88), P = 0.005 and HR = 0.68(0.55-0.83), P < 0.001, respectively]; adjusted HR (for LAS-cd and LASR-cd, respectively): 0.31(0.09-1.04), P = 0.06 and 0.49(0.26-0.89), P = 0.02. Conclusion: Impairment in LA conduit function assessed with STE carries prognostic value in patients with CAS and can be implemented in clinical management.

The impact of the clinical diagnosis on the vagal response and heart rate after ganglionated plexus ablation.

BACKGROUND: Ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation may be associated with improved syncope or arrhythmia-free survival arrhythmia patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) and atrial fibrillation (AF), respectively. We aimed to compare the characteristics of vagal response (VR) and clarify the effect on heart rate after GP ablation based on clinical diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 83 consecutive patients undergoing GP ablation were divided following two groups: (1) GP ablation for VVS (VVS group, n = 43) and (2) GP ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (AF group, n = 40). We examined VR characteristics during RF ablation and high frequency stimulation, respectively, in the VVS and AF groups. To evaluate immediate and long-term heart rate response, a standard 12-lead ECG was obtained at baseline at 24 h after ablation and at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: In the VVS group, the superior and inferior left atrial GPs were the most common GP sites at which a VR was observed. No VR was seen during radiofrequency application in the superior and inferior right atrial GPs in the VVS group. On the contrary, VR was more prevalent in the right-sided GPs during high-frequency stimulation in the AF group. VR was observed during ablation in only one patient with AF. Although the heart rate increased significantly after ablation in both groups, the effect was more prominent and durable in the VVS group. CONCLUSIONS: The autonomic response during GP ablation is different in VVS compared to AF, suggesting that VVS and AF may represent distinct forms of autonomic hyperactivity.

Evaluation of intraventricular flow by multimodality imaging: a review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate current inter-modality agreement of noninvasive clinical intraventricular flow (IVF) assessment with 3 emerging imaging modalities: echocardiographic particle image velocimetry (EPIV), vector flow mapping (VFM), and 4-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow CMR). METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review in the databases EMBASE, Medline OVID and Cochrane Central for identification of studies evaluating left ventricular (LV) flow patterns using one of these flow visualization modalities. Of the 2224 initially retrieved records, 10 EPIV, 23 VFM, and 25 4D flow CMR studies were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Vortex parameters were more extensively studied with EPIV, while LV energetics and LV transport mechanics were mainly studied with 4D flow CMR, and LV energy loss and vortex circulation were implemented by VFM studies. Pooled normative values are provided for these parameters. The meta- analysis for the values of two vortex morphology parameters, vortex length and vortex depth, failed to reveal a significant change between heart failure patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Agreement between the different modalities studying intraventricular flow is low and different methods of measurement and reporting were used among studies. A multimodality framework with a standardized set of flow parameters is necessary for implementation of noninvasive flow visualization in daily clinical practice. The full potential of noninvasive flow visualization in addition to diagnostics could also include guiding medical or interventional treatment.

Optimization of Microbubble Concentration and Acoustic Pressure for Left Ventricular High-Frame-Rate EchoPIV in Patients.

High-frame-rate (HFR) echo-particle image velocimetry (echoPIV) is a promising tool for measuring intracardiac blood flow dynamics. In this study, we investigate the optimal ultrasound contrast agent (UCA: SonoVue) infusion rate and acoustic output to use for HFR echoPIV (PRF = 4900 Hz) in the left ventricle (LV) of patients. Three infusion rates (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 ml/min) and five acoustic output amplitudes (by varying transmit voltage: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 V-corresponding to mechanical indices of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.06 at 60-mm depth) were tested in 20 patients admitted for symptoms of heart failure. We assess the accuracy of HFR echoPIV against pulsed-wave Doppler acquisitions obtained for mitral inflow and aortic outflow. In terms of image quality, the 1.2-ml/min infusion rate provided the highest contrast-to-background ratio (CBR) (3-dB improvement over 0.3 ml/min). The highest acoustic output tested resulted in the lowest CBR. Increased acoustic output also resulted in increased microbubble disruption. For the echoPIV results, the 1.2-ml/min infusion rate provided the best vector quality and accuracy; mid-range acoustic outputs (corresponding to 15-20-V transmit voltages) provided the best agreement with the pulsed-wave Doppler. Overall, the highest infusion rate (1.2 ml/min) and mid-range acoustic output amplitudes provided the best image quality and echoPIV results.

The relationship between hemoglobin A1c levels and thrombus load in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and coronary thrombus load in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety diabetic patients with NSTEMI were recruited for the study. They were separated into two groups according to HbA1c levels. Forty-seven patients having HbA1c ≤6.5% formed Group-I (35 male, mean age 58 ± 10.5 years) and the remaining 43 patients with HbA1c >6.5% formed Group-II (23 male, mean age 58 ± 11.1 years). Both the groups were evaluated in terms of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus score and Syntax score. RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were comparable in both the groups. TIMI thrombus score and Syntax score were higher in Group II than in Group I (3.2 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 and 20.2 ± 3.4 vs. 26.3 ± 3.0 respectively, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other parameters. In stepwise linear regression analysis, prepercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and post-PCI TIMI frame number and HbA1c were significantly related to the coronary thrombus scale. However, no significant relationship has been found between thrombus formation and hypertension, previous PCI history, pre-PCI heart rate, pre-PCI cholesterol status, and high-sensitive troponin T. CONCLUSION: In NSTEMI with T2DM, increased HbA1c (HbA1c >6.5%) is related with coronary thrombus in the target vessel. In those patient population, strict anticoagulation should be considered to prevent potential adverse events.

Left ventricular strain values using 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy adults aged 20 to 72 years.

Three dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) is a novel modality for the assessment of left ventricular strain (LVS). The aim of our study is to provide single vendor normative strain values measured with 3D-STE in healthy adult caucasians. One hundred fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20 to 72 years (≥ 28 subjects per decile) were prospectively included and examined with 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography. In 105 both 3D and 2D-STE were feasible (71%, mean age 44 ± 14 years, 51% female). Mean 3D tangential strain (3D-TS) was - 32 ± 2.9%. 3D global longitudinal strain (3D-GLS) demonstrated a significant but not very strong correlation with 2D-GLS values (- 19.7 ± 1.8% vs - 20.4 ± 2.2%, r = 0.462, p < 0.001). No gender difference was observed in 3D strain parameters. 3D-GLS decreased with increasing age stratum (p = 0.024). LVEF was associated with 3D-TS and 3D-GLS (r = - 0.819, p ≤ 0.001 for 3D-TS, p = - 0.477, r < 0.001, p = 0.001 for 3D-GLS). In this single vendor study age and gender-specific normative LV 3D-TS values were reported for healthy adult caucasians. In a significant proportion of the subjects 3D-STE was not feasible, but when feasible, 3D-STE shows excellent association with LVEF, and is therefore a promising novel modality for the assessment of the myocardial function, provided that issues of limited feasibility and temporal resolution are addressed.

Efeitos da Heroína nos Parâmetros Eletrocardiográficos / Effect of Heroin on Electrocardiographic Parameters

Resumo Fundamento Atualmente, o vício em heroína é um problema de saúde preocupante, e as informações sobre os efeitos eletrocardiográficos da heroína são limitadas. Objetivos O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar os efeitos da dependência de heroína em parâmetros eletrocardiográficos. Métodos Um total de 136 indivíduos, incluindo 66 indivíduos que fumam heroína como grupo de estudo e 70 indivíduos saudáveis sem dependência de drogas como grupo de controle, foram incluídos no estudo. Indivíduos que injetam heroína foram excluídos. A avaliação eletrocardiográfica (ECG) dos usuários de heroína foi realizada e comparada com as do grupo controle. Além disso, os ECGs pré e pós-tratamento do grupo usuário de heroína foram comparados. Um valor de p<0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A frequência cardíaca (77,2±12,8 versus 71,4±11,2; p=0,02) foi maior no grupo usuário de heroína em comparação com o grupo controle. Os intervalos QT (341,50±25,80 versus 379,11±45,23; p=0,01), QTc (385,12±29,11 versus 411,3±51,70; p<0,01) e o intervalo do pico ao fim da onda T (Tpe) (65,41±10,82 versus 73,3±10,13; p<0,01) foram significativamente menores no grupo usuário de heroína. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os grupos com respeito às razões Tpe/QT e Tpe/QTc. Na análise de subgrupo do grupo usuário de heroína, os intervalos QT (356,81±37,49 versus 381,18±40,03; p<0,01) e QTc (382,06±26,41 versus 396,06±29,80; p<0,01) foram significativamente mais curtos no período pré-tratamento. Conclusão O vício em heroína afeta significativamente os intervalos de tempo QT, QTc e Tpe. Os efeitos de arritmia desses parâmetros já são conhecidos. Os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos desses indivíduos merecem mais atenção. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1135-1141)

Abstract Background Heroin addiction is currently a significant health problem, and information on the electrocardiographic effects of heroin is limited. Objetivo The aim of the present study is to investigate effects of heroin addiction on electrocardiographic parameters. Methods A total of 136 individuals, including 66 individuals who smoke heroin as the study group and 70 healthy individuals with no drug addiction as the control group, were included in the study. Individuals who inject heroin were excluded. Electrocardiographic (ECG) evaluation of those using heroin was performed and compared with those of the control group. In addition, pre-treatment and post-treatment ECG of the heroin group were compared. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Heart rate (77.2±12.8 versus 71.4±11.2; p=0.02) were found to be higher in the heroin group compared to the control group. QT (341.50±25.80 versus 379.11±45.23; p=0.01), QTc intervals (385.12±29.11 versus 411.3±51.70; p<0.01), and T peak to end time (Tpe) (65.41±10.82 versus 73.3±10.13; p<0.01) were significantly shorter in the heroin group. No difference was observed between the groups with regard to Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios. In the subgroup analysis of the heroin group, QT (356.81±37.49 versus 381.18±40.03; p<0.01) and QTc (382.06±26.41 versus 396.06±29.80; p<0.01) intervals were significantly shorter in the pre-treatment period. Conclusion Heroin addiction significantly affects the QT, QTc, and Tpe time intervals. The arrhythmia effects of these parameters are well known. More attention to the electrocardiographic parameters of these individuals should be given. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1135-1141)

Pacemaker lead-induced tricuspid stenosis treated with percutaneous valvotomy.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid stenosis is an uncommon complication of ventricular pacemaker electrode implantation, with few cases reported in the literature. CASE: We present an 18-year-old male who developed severe tricuspid stenosis 15 years after endocardial VVI pacemaker implantation for complete AV block following a surgically repaired ventricular septal defect. CONCLUSION: In this case we have shown that percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty was performed and successful in treating this complication.

Effect of heroin on right ventricular cardiac performance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heroin addiction, which is an important social and health problem, on right cardiac function. METHODS: A total of 85 individuals were included in the study. The study group comprised 45 patients smoking heroin and the control group was 40 healthy individuals with no drug addiction. Patients injecting heroin were excluded. Echocardiographic evaluation of patients using heroin was performed and compared with those in the control group. RESULTS: The right ventricle and pulmonary artery diameters in the heroin group were found to be higher compared to the control group. The myocardial performance index (MPI) was higher and more abnormal in the heroin group (0.48 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.11, p < 0.05) whereas isovolumic acceleration (IVA) of the right ventricle was significantly lower in the heroin group (2.92 ± 0.69 vs 3.4 ± 0.68 m/s2, p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (59.6 ± 2.5 vs 60.6 ± 2.3%, p = 0.08), tricuspid annular plain systolic excursion (TAPSE) (24.1 ± 4.2 vs 24.5 ± 2.4 mm, p = 0.7), tissue Doppler imaging S wave (TDI-S) (13.7 ± 2.1 vs 13.8 ± 2.1 cm/s, p = 0.86) and right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) (42.7 ± 8.3 vs 43.9 ± 3.5%, p = 0.4). Multivariate and univariate regression analyses revealed independent correlation between the pulmonary artery diameter and RVIVA, and heroin addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Heroin addiction negatively affected right ventricular function and more attention should be paid to the cardiac function of these patients.

Effect of Heroin on Electrocardiographic Parameters. / Efeitos da Heroína nos Parâmetros Eletrocardiográficos.

BACKGROUND: Heroin addiction is currently a significant health problem, and information on the electrocardiographic effects of heroin is limited. OBJETIVO: The aim of the present study is to investigate effects of heroin addiction on electrocardiographic parameters. METHODS: A total of 136 individuals, including 66 individuals who smoke heroin as the study group and 70 healthy individuals with no drug addiction as the control group, were included in the study. Individuals who inject heroin were excluded. Electrocardiographic (ECG) evaluation of those using heroin was performed and compared with those of the control group. In addition, pre-treatment and post-treatment ECG of the heroin group were compared. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Heart rate (77.2±12.8 versus 71.4±11.2; p=0.02) were found to be higher in the heroin group compared to the control group. QT (341.50±25.80 versus 379.11±45.23; p=0.01), QTc intervals (385.12±29.11 versus 411.3±51.70; p<0.01), and T peak to end time (Tpe) (65.41±10.82 versus 73.3±10.13; p<0.01) were significantly shorter in the heroin group. No difference was observed between the groups with regard to Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios. In the subgroup analysis of the heroin group, QT (356.81±37.49 versus 381.18±40.03; p<0.01) and QTc (382.06±26.41 versus 396.06±29.80; p<0.01) intervals were significantly shorter in the pre-treatment period. CONCLUSION: Heroin addiction significantly affects the QT, QTc, and Tpe time intervals. The arrhythmia effects of these parameters are well known. More attention to the electrocardiographic parameters of these individuals should be given. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1135-1141).

FUNDAMENTO: Atualmente, o vício em heroína é um problema de saúde preocupante, e as informações sobre os efeitos eletrocardiográficos da heroína são limitadas. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar os efeitos da dependência de heroína em parâmetros eletrocardiográficos. MÉTODOS: Um total de 136 indivíduos, incluindo 66 indivíduos que fumam heroína como grupo de estudo e 70 indivíduos saudáveis sem dependência de drogas como grupo de controle, foram incluídos no estudo. Indivíduos que injetam heroína foram excluídos. A avaliação eletrocardiográfica (ECG) dos usuários de heroína foi realizada e comparada com as do grupo controle. Além disso, os ECGs pré e pós-tratamento do grupo usuário de heroína foram comparados. Um valor de p<0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: A frequência cardíaca (77,2±12,8 versus 71,4±11,2; p=0,02) foi maior no grupo usuário de heroína em comparação com o grupo controle. Os intervalos QT (341,50±25,80 versus 379,11±45,23; p=0,01), QTc (385,12±29,11 versus 411,3±51,70; p<0,01) e o intervalo do pico ao fim da onda T (Tpe) (65,41±10,82 versus 73,3±10,13; p<0,01) foram significativamente menores no grupo usuário de heroína. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os grupos com respeito às razões Tpe/QT e Tpe/QTc. Na análise de subgrupo do grupo usuário de heroína, os intervalos QT (356,81±37,49 versus 381,18±40,03; p<0,01) e QTc (382,06±26,41 versus 396,06±29,80; p<0,01) foram significativamente mais curtos no período pré-tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: O vício em heroína afeta significativamente os intervalos de tempo QT, QTc e Tpe. Os efeitos de arritmia desses parâmetros já são conhecidos. Os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos desses indivíduos merecem mais atenção. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1135-1141).

Effect of Echocardiographic Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness on Success Rates of Premature Ventricular Contraction Ablation

Background: Idiopathic premature ventricular contractions are frequently detected ventricular arrhythmias, and radiofrequency ablation is an effectively treatment for improving symptoms and eliminating premature ventricular contractions. Studies have reported a relationship between an elevated epicardial adipose tissue thickness and myocardial structural pathologies. However, the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and success rates of premature ventricular contraction ablation has not yet been investigated. Aims: To assess the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and success rates of premature ventricular contraction ablation. Study Design: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: This study enrolled a total of 106 consecutive patients who have had a high premature ventricular contraction burden of >10,000/24-h assessed using ambulatory Holter monitorization and underwent catheter ablation. A frequency of premature ventricular contractions of more than 10,000/day was defined as frequent premature ventricular contraction. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was measured using 2D transthoracic echocardiography. A successful ablation was defined as >80% decrease in pre-procedural premature ventricular contraction attacks with the same morphology during 24-h Holter monitorization after a 1-month follow-up visit from an ablation procedure. Results: Successful premature ventricular contraction ablation was achieved in 87 (82.1%) patients. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly higher in patients with unsuccessful ablation (p<0.001). Procedure time, total fluoroscopy time, and radiofrequency ablation time were statistically higher in the unsuccessful group (p<0.001). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that epicardial adipose tissue thickness and pseudo-delta wave time were independently associated with procedural success (both p values <0.001). In the receiver-operating curve analysis, epicardial adipose tissue thickness was found to be an important predictor for procedural success (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve= 0.85, p=0.001), with a cutoff value of 7.7 mm, a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 68%. Conclusion: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is higher in patients with premature ventricular contraction ablation failure, which may be indicative of procedural success.