A Case of Complete Resolution of Repeated Syncope Attacks After a Right-Sided Carotid Endarterectomy.

Syncope is a common clinical entity with variable presentations and often an elusive causal mechanism, even after extensive evaluation. In any case, global cerebral hypoperfusion, resulting from the inability of the circulatory system to maintain blood pressure (BP) at the level necessary to supply blood to the brain efficiently, is the final pathway for syncope. Steno-occlusive carotid artery disease, even if bilateral, does not usually cause syncope. However, the patient presented here had repeated syncope attacks and underwent a thorough examination for suspected cardiac disease, but no abnormality was found. Since there was severe stenosis in the right unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), but no stenosis in the left ICA or vertebrobasilar artery (VBA), and transient left mild hemiparesis associated with syncope, carotid revascularization surgery for the right ICA was performed, and the repeated syncope attacks completely disappeared after the surgery. The patient's condition improved markedly, and no further episodes of syncope have been reported. We report the relationship between carotid artery stenosis and syncope and discuss its pathomechanism.

Cardioneural ablation-the first case series without the use of fluoroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Cardioneural ablation (CNA) and fluoroless ablation (FA) are emerging procedures and movements in contemporary in electrophysiology. Ablation of ganglionated plexus (GP) inputs in the atrium has been successfully targeted as a treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias due to increased parasympathetic tone. As most of these patients are young, avoidance of ionizing radiation is of critical importance to limit potential long term deleterious effects. With widespread use of 3D electroanatomic mapping systems and advanced intracardiac echo (ICE) imaging, fluoroless ablation has become more widely adopted. However, fluoroless CNA has not been widely performed. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that CNA can be done safely and effectively without fluoroscopy. METHODS: At a single-center, consecutive patients undergoing CNA with a fluoroless approach are described. GP mapping and ablation were performed in both atria. From the right atrium (RA), the right atrium-superior vena cava (RA-SVC GP), the posteromedial ganglionated plexus (PMLGP), which can be accessed from the right atrium-coronary sinus ostium, and the Vein of Marshall GP (VOM-GP) were evaluated. From the left atrium (LA), the superior left atrial ganglionated plexus (LSGP), the left inferior ganglionated plexus (LIGP), the right anterior ganglionated plexus (RAGP), and the right inferior ganglionated plexus (RIGP) were targeted. RESULTS: Over the study period, beginning on January 31, 2021, 30 consecutive subjects (15 females/15 males) aged 42.9 ± 13.6 years underwent GP ablation. The average subject had 9.5 (± 9.2) episodes of syncope prior to ablation. The average CHADS2-VA2SC score was zero. The average LVEF was 64.8% (± 4.9). Two of the subjects had concomitant ablations, six failed prior medical therapy, and one had a prior pacemaker placed. All of the procedures were done without fluoroscopy. The average follow-up was 604 (± 366) days. There were 8 patients that did not improve symptomatically postfirst ablation. Four of the eight underwent repeat ablation and have subsequently improved. 26/30 patients symptomatically improved after the 1st or 2nd ablation. There were no complications noted. CONCLUSION: In comparison to the traditional CNA with fluoroscopy, this proof of concept study reveals fluoroless GP ablation can be performed safely. In addition, the durability and success rate are comparable to other studies of CNA. Given the young age of the cohort and the longitudinal risks of ionizing radiation, fluoroless CNA is a feasible procedure for this patient population.

Utility of serial troponin testing for emergency department patients with syncope.

BACKGROUND: For emergency department (ED) patients with syncope, cardiac troponin can identify acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and prognosticate for 30-day serious adverse events. However, it is unclear if serial testing improves diagnostic yield and prognostication. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from two prospective studies conducted to develop the Canadian Syncope Risk Score. Adults (age ≥ 16 years) with syncope were enrolled, and patient characteristics, vital signs, physician diagnostic impression, electrocardiogram and troponin results, and adjudicated 30-day serious adverse event were collected. The primary outcome was the detection of a serious adverse event within 30 days of ED disposition. The secondary outcome was comparison of ED length of stay among patients with single versus serial troponin measurements. RESULTS: 4996 patients [mean age 64.5 (SD 18.8) years, 52.2% male] were included: 4397 (89.8%) with single troponin [232 (5.3%) with serious adverse event in the ED and 203 (4.6%) after ED disposition]; 499 (10.2%) patients with > 1 troponin measurement [39 (7.8%) with serious adverse event in ED and 60 (12.0%) after ED disposition]. Among those with serial measurements, 10 patients (2.0%) had a rise from below to above the 99th percentile threshold, of whom 4 patients (0.8%) suffered serious adverse event: two with arrhythmias diagnosed on electrocardiogram, one with ACS and one suffered respiratory failure. Nine patients (1.8%) had Canadian Syncope Risk Score risk reclassification based on serial measurement, and none suffered 30-day serious adverse event. Median ED length of stay was significantly longer for patients with serial testing (5.6 vs. 3.8 h, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The initial troponin measurement was sufficient for serious adverse event detection and in-ED risk stratification. Serial troponin testing does not improve the diagnostic yield or prognostication and should be reserved for patients with ongoing symptoms or electrocardiogram findings suggestive of cardiac ischemia.

ABSTRAIT: CONTEXTE: Pour les patients du service des urgences (DE) atteints de syncope, la troponine cardiaque peut identifier le syndrome coronarien aigu (SCA) et le pronostic pour les événements indésirables graves de 30 jours. Cependant, il n'est pas clair si les tests en série améliorent le rendement diagnostique et le pronostic. MéTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une analyse secondaire des données de deux études prospectives menées pour élaborer le Canadian Syncope Risk Score. Des adultes (âgés de 16 ans) atteints de syncope ont été recrutés, et les caractéristiques du patient, les signes vitaux, l'empreinte diagnostique du médecin, les résultats de l'électrocardiogramme et de la troponine, ainsi que les événements indésirables graves évalués à 30 jours ont été recueillis. Le critère de jugement principal était la détection d'un événement indésirable grave dans les 30 jours suivant la décision de l'urgence. Le critère de jugement secondaire était la comparaison de la durée de séjour à l'urgence chez les patients ayant une seule mesure de troponine par rapport à la mesure en série. RéSULTATS: 4 996 patients [âge moyen 64,5 (ET 18,8) ans, 52,2 % d'hommes] ont été inclus : 4 397 (89,8 %) avec une seule troponine [232 (5,3 %) avec un événement indésirable grave à l'urgence et 203 (4,6 %) après l'urgence]; 499 (10,2 %) patients avec > 1 mesure de la troponine [39 (7,8 %) avec événement indésirable grave à l'urgence et 60 (12,0 %) après la décision à l'urgence]. Parmi les patients ayant fait l'objet de mesures en série, 10 (2,0 %) présentaient une augmentation du seuil inférieur à supérieur au seuil du 99e percentile, dont 4 (0,8 %) ont subi un événement indésirable grave : deux avec arythmies diagnostiquées par électrocardiogramme, un avec SCA et un avec insuffisance respiratoire. Neuf patients (1,8 %) ont présenté une reclassification du risque selon le score canadien de risque de syncope en fonction de la mesure en série, et aucun n'a subi d'événement indésirable grave de 30 jours. La durée médiane de séjour aux urgences était significativement plus longue pour les patients ayant subi des tests en série (5,6 vs. 3,8 heures, p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: La mesure initiale de la troponine était suffisante pour la détection des effets indésirables graves et la stratification des risques aux urgences. Les tests de troponine en série n'améliorent pas le rendement diagnostique ou le pronostic et doivent être réservés aux patients présentant des symptômes continus ou des résultats d'électrocardiogramme suggérant une ischémie cardiaque.

Pulmonary Embolism With Syncope Treated With Inari FlowTriever®.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a devastating disease that can range in severity from asymptomatic to fatal. The severity and the intervention required depend on the degree of hemodynamic instability and evidence of right heart strain demonstrated on diagnostic testing. Interventions include solely anticoagulation, systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapies, or surgical embolectomy depending on the severity, patient's clinical picture, and clinician choice. Currently, there is a lack of evidence regarding which treatment is most suitable for submassive PE. This report demonstrates the benefits of aspiration thrombectomy, a catheter-directed therapy, utilizing the 24Fr Triever Aspiration Catheter (FlowTriever® system;Inari Medical, Irvine, California, United States) in a 57-year-old male patient with submassive PE. The FlowTriever retrieval/aspiration system is a single-use mechanical thrombectomy device indicated for use in the peripheral vasculature and pulmonary arteries. The patient presented with syncope and concern for head trauma ultimately requiring suction embolectomy utilizing the Inari FlowTriever system. We conclude that submassive PE can be effectively treated with aspiration thrombectomy in addition to long-term anticoagulation with excellent clinical outcomes.

The triggers of situational syncope do not influence the Head-up Tilt Test response and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the positivity rate, hemodynamic responses, and prognosis in terms of syncopal recurrence among patients with situational syncope (SS) stratified according to the underlying situational triggers. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients with SS who underwent nitroglycerin (NTG)-potentiated HUTT at Syncope Unit of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" - Monaldi Hospital from March 1st, 2017, to May 1st, 2023. All patients were followed for at least one year. The study population was divided according to the underlying triggers (micturition, swallow, defecation, cough/sneeze, post-exercise). RESULTS: 236 SS patients (mean age 50± 19.3 years; male 63.1%) were enrolled; among them, the situational trigger was micturition in 109 patients (46.2%); swallow in 32 (13.6%) patients; defecation in 35 (14.8%) patients; post-exercise in 41 (17.4%) patients and cough/sneeze in 17 (7.2%) patients. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics and HUTT responses between different situational triggers. The Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a statistically different rate of syncope recurrence across patients stratified by baseline situational triggers (log-rank p=0.21). CONCLUSIONS: SS appears to be a homogenous syndrome and different triggers do not impact the HUTT response or syncope recurrence at 1 year.

Evaluation of consequential risk in ED patients with non-cardiac syncope.

BACKGROUND: Following standard syncope care, after exclusion of cardiac syncope, further workup is generally only recommended in cases of severe syncope due to consequential risk such that syncope is associated with injury or negative impacts on quality of life. This study is aimed to identify incidence and risk factors of severe syncope due to consequential risk, in a cohort of ED patients with non-cardiac syncope. METHODS: In a sample of 356 cases, we we conducted a case-control study comparing personal data, drug regimen, comorbidities, characteristics of syncope and previous episodes in patients with vs. without a severe syncope. RESULTS: Patients with severe syncope (120, 31.7% of total) resulted more frequently treated with a polypharmacy and CNS agents and affected by comorbidities entailing risk of falling; they more frequently had syncope occurred in a risky context, unwitnessed (55.8%), not preceded by prodromes (56.6%) and with clinical characteristics different from reflex syncope (82.3%); in these patients, previous episodes more frequently were clustered in the last years and complicated by major injuries. Absence of witnesses and prodromes and ED diagnosis different from reflex syncope resulted to be independently associated with severe syncope due to consequential risk. CONCLUSIONS: Syncope has a negative impact on a patient's life, through injuries or other personal consequences, in roughly one third of cases; to identity these patients, needing further investigation, emergency physicians should focus on episodes not preceded by prodromes, unwitnessed and with characteristic other than reflex syncope. Nonetheless, specific tools are needed to evaluate the impact of syncope on quality of life, to avoid clogging the path after ED discharge.

The Impact of Self-Care Recommendations with and without Tilt-Training on Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Vasovagal Syncope: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Syncope is among the most common paroxysmal disorders in children and adolescents. Vasovagal syncope is the most common syncope in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of self-care recommendations with and without tilt training on the Quality of Life (QoL) of children and adolescents with syncope. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan, Iran, from April 2017 to June 2021 and included 120 patients with syncope. Eligible children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years) who met inclusion criteria were recruited by the simple sampling method and then assigned randomly into two groups. The intervention group (n = 60) received routine self-care recommendations such as dietary advice, behaviors to prevent syncope, and counter-pressure maneuvers along with tilt training, while the control group (n = 60) received self-care recommendations without tilt training. The education training included two face-to-face sessions, each of which lasted for 45-60 min. Then, both groups were followed up by telephone (once a month) for six months. A researcher-made self-care questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0) were completed for both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The Wilcoxon test results showed a significant difference in the mean scores of physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning, psychosocial functioning, understanding of health, and total QoL in the intervention and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the paired t-test results showed a significant difference in the mean scores of self-care domains and total self-care in the intervention and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Self-care recommendations with and without tilt training can improve QoL in children and adolescents with syncope.

Implantable loop recorder uncovered torsades de pointes in long-QT syndrome type 1 with multi cause of syncope.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is now widely used for differential diagnosis of unexplained syncope or recurrent syncope with unknown causes. In the inherited arrhythmia syndromes, ILR may be useful for management of the therapeutic strategies; however, there is no obvious evidence to uncover arrhythmic syncope by ILR in long-QT syndrome (LQTS) patients. Here we experienced a 19-year-old female patient with LQTS type 1 who had recurrent syncope even after beta-blocker therapy but no arrhythmias were documented, and some episodes might be due to non-cardiogenic causes. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy was also recommended; however, she could not accept ICD but was implanted with ILR for further continuous monitoring. Two years later, she suffered syncope during a brief run, and ILR recorded an electrocardiogram at that moment. Thus a marked QT interval prolongation as well as T-wave alternance resulting in development of torsades de pointes could be detected. Although ILR is just a diagnostic tool but does not prevent sudden cardiac death, most arrhythmic events in LQTS are transient and sometimes hard to be diagnosed as arrhythmic syncope. ILR may provide direct supportive evidence to select the optimal therapeutic strategy in cases where syncope is difficult to diagnose. Learning objective: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) patients often suffer recurrent syncope even after beta-blocker therapy, but torsades de pointes (TdP) is not always detected by standard 12­lead electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring, and some syncope might be non-cardiogenic. In this case, implantable loop recorder (ILR) documented the evidence of QT interval prolongation and beat-by-beat T-wave alternance subsequent TdP. Thus, ILR may provide useful evidence for the optimal treatment strategy in LQTS cases where syncope is difficult to diagnose.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neurally mediated syncope in children and adolescents (revised 2024).

BACKGROUND: Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric syncope since the publication of the "2018 Chinese Pediatric Cardiology Society (CPCS) guideline for diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents" ("2018 Edition Guidelines"). Therefore, we have revised and updated it to assist pediatricians in effectively managing children with syncope. DATA SOURCES: According to the "2018 Edition Guidelines", the expert groups collected clinical evidence, evaluated preliminary recommendations, and then organized open-ended discussions to form the recommendations. This guideline was developed by reviewing the literature and studies in databases including PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, China Biomedical Database, and Chinese Journal Full-text Database up to April 2024. Search terms included "syncope", "children", "adolescents", "diagnosis", and "treatment." RESULTS: The guidelines were based on the latest global research progress and were evidence-based. The classification of syncope etiology, diagnostic procedures, postural tests, such as the active standing test, head-up tilt test, and active sitting test, clinical diagnosis, and individualized treatment for neurally mediated syncope in pediatric population were included. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines were updated based on the latest literature. The concepts of sitting tachycardia syndrome and sitting hypertension were introduced and the comorbidities of neurally mediated syncope were emphasized. Some biomarkers used for individualized treatment were underlined. Specific suggestions were put forward for non-pharmacological therapies as well as the follow-up process. The new guidelines will provide comprehensive guidance and reference for the diagnosis and treatment of neurally mediated syncope in children and adolescents.

The wolf in sheep's clothing: vasovagal syncope in acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: The presentation of acute aortic dissection can pose a challenge for emergency physicians, as it may occur without pain. Atypical presentations can lead to significant delays in diagnosis and increased mortality rates. CASE DESCRIPTION: Our case illustrates that isolated painless syncope can be a rare presenting symptom of acute aortic dissection type A. What is unique about our case is the limited extension of the dissection tear and the availability of Holter monitoring during the syncopal episode. CONCLUSION: This constellation provides insight into the pathophysiological mechanism of the syncope in this patient. Mechanisms of syncope related to acute aortic dissection are diverse. We show that vasovagal activation not related to pain can be the underlying mechanism of syncope in acute aortic dissection type A. Although excessive vasovagal tone in the setting of aortic dissection has been hypothesized in the past, it has never been as clearly illustrated as in the present case. This also highlights the challenge in risk stratification of syncope in the emergency department.

Pulmonary embolism in patients with chronic coronary syndrome masquerading as acute coronary syndrome: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) exhibit clinical features similar to those of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including electrocardiographic abnormalities and elevated troponin levels, which frequently lead to misdiagnoses in emergency situations. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case of PE coinciding with chronic coronary syndrome in which the patient's condition was obscured by symptoms mimicking ACS. A 68-year-old female with syncope presented to the hospital. Upon admission, she was found to have elevated troponin levels and an electrocardiogram showing ST-segment changes across multiple leads, which initially led to a diagnosis of ACS. Emergency coronary arteriography revealed occlusion of the posterior branches of the left ventricle of the right coronary artery, but based on the complexity of the intervention, the occlusion was considered chronic rather than acute. On the 3rd day after admission, the patient experienced recurrent chest tightness and shortness of breath, which was confirmed as acute PE by emergency computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Following standardized anticoagulation treatment, the patient improved and was subsequently discharged. CONCLUSIONS: This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the nonspecific features of PE. Clinicians should be vigilant when identifying other clinical features that are difficult to explain accompanying the expected disease, and it is necessary to carefully identify the causes to prevent missed diagnoses or misdiagnoses.

The Plumber Versus Electrician Dilemma: To Bypass or to Defibrillate?

We present a unique case of an 80-year-old male who presented to our emergency department following cardiac defibrillation when he was found to be in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) after a syncopal event while at cardiac rehabilitation. He had known coronary artery disease and had a four-vessel coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) 20 years prior to presentation. He underwent left heart catheterization (LHC) two months prior to the syncopal event for worsening shortness of breath and the decision at that time was to proceed with medical management and intervene with redo-CABG if shortness of breath did not improve or progressively worsened. While admitted under our care after the polymorphic VT event, we faced the dilemma of whether to proceed with redo-CABG first since cardiac ischemia is a common cause of polymorphic VT or whether to insert an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) before proceeding with redo-CABG. We present the current literature that addresses ICD implantation for secondary prevention and our approach to this complicated case.

Neuromodulation for Vasovagal Syncope and Bradyarrhythmias.

Catheter-based neuromodulation of intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system is increasingly being used to improve outcomes in patients with vasovagal syncope and bradyarrhythmias caused by vagal overactivity. However, there is still no consensus for patient selection, technical steps, and procedural end points. This review takes the reader on a practical exploration of neuromodulation for bradyarrhythmias, concentrating on the critical aspects of proper patient selection, evidence-based insights, and anatomic intricacies within the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system. Also discussed are different mapping techniques and outcome measures. Future directions to optimize the utilization of this technique in clinical practice are highlighted.

Grading objective diagnostic components in paroxysmal events: One-year follow-up at a tertiary epilepsy center.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to develop a model and perform a preliminary internal validation study of the Scale for Objective Diagnostic Components of Paroxysmal Events (STAMP). METHODS: We developed STAMP, which builds on the International League Against Epilepsy task force scale for functional seizures with additional categories for epileptic seizures and syncope. We included 200 consecutive referrals to a Dutch tertiary epilepsy center to evaluate seizurelike events. We recorded demographic and clinical data and collected the clinical evaluation at referral and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. We ascertained the STAMP at each time point and evaluated factors predicting an improvement in STAMP grade during follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 200 referrals at baseline, 131 were classified as having epileptic seizures, 17 as functional seizures, and three as syncope, and 49 were unclassifiable. STAMP grade at baseline was 4 (absent) in 56 individuals, 3 (circumstantial) in 78, 2 (clinically established) in six, and 1 (documented) in 11. Over time, 62 cases STAMP grades improved, and 23 remained unclassifiable. A refinement of STAMP grade during follow-up was due to successful event recordings in 34 people (30 video-electroencephalographic [EEG] recordings, four tilt table testing), home videos or clinician-witnessed events in 13, and identification of interictal EEG or magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in seven. An improved STAMP grade after 12 months of follow-up was significantly more likely in those with higher event frequency, unclassifiable events, longer event duration, and a shorter time since the first event and less likely in those with a history suggestive of seizures. SIGNIFICANCE: This epilepsy service evaluation underscores the crucial role of event recording in improving diagnostic certainty. STAMP may be used to monitor diagnostic performance over time but requires further validation.

A More Targeted and Selective Use of Implantable Loop Recorders Improves the Effectiveness of Syncope Units: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Syncope remains a common medical problem. Recently, the role of dedicated syncope units and implantable loop recorders has emerged in the investigation of unexplained syncope. This study aims to investigate the possibilities for a more rational and targeted use of various diagnostic tools. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, 196 patients with unexplained syncope were included between March 2019 and February 2023. Various diagnostic tools were utilized during the investigation, according to clinical judgement. Patients were retrospectively allocated into Group A (including those who, among other tests, underwent loop recorder insertion) and Group B (including patients investigated without loop recorder implantation). Data were compared with Group C, including patients assessed prior to syncope unit establishment. RESULTS: There was no difference between Group A (n = 133) and Group B (n = 63) in the diagnostic yield (74% vs. 76%, p = 0.22). There were significant differences between Groups A and B regarding age (67.3 ± 16.9 years vs. 48.3 ± 19.1 years, p < 0.001) and cause of syncope (cardiogenic in 69% of Group A, reflex syncope in 77% of Group B, p < 0.001). Electrocardiography-based diagnosis occurred in 55% and 19% of Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). The time to diagnosis was 4.2 ± 2.7 months in Group A and 7.5 ± 5.6 months in Group B (p < 0.001). In Group C, the diagnostic yield was 57.9% and the electrocardiography-based diagnostic yield was 18.3%. CONCLUSIONS: A selective use of loop recorders according to clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics increases the effectiveness of the structured syncope unit approach and further preserves financial resources.

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Vasovagal Syncope.

The mechanism of vasovagal syncope (VVS) is multifaceted and involves a delicate balance within the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This review delves into the complex interplay between the ANS and VVS, elucidating the pivotal role that autonomic imbalance plays in the pathophysiology of this condition. Through a comprehensive exploration of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS, this review provides insights into the mechanisms that underlie VVS. In addition, this article discusses established and emerging research on the management of VVS.

Procedural and Intermediate-term Results of the Electroanatomical-guided Cardioneuroablation for the Treatment of Supra-Hisian Second- or Advanced-degree Atrioventricular Block: the PIRECNA multicentre registry.

AIMS: Prior case series showed promising results for cardioneuroablation in patients with vagally induced atrioventricular blocks (VAVBs). We aimed to examine the acute procedural characteristics and intermediate-term outcomes of electroanatomical-guided cardioneuroablation (EACNA) in patients with VAVB. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international multicentre retrospective registry included data collected from 20 centres. Patients presenting with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent VAVB were included in the study. All patients underwent EACNA. Procedural success was defined by the acute reversal of atrioventricular blocks (AVBs) and complete abolition of atropine response. The primary outcome was occurrence of syncope and daytime second- or advanced-degree AVB on serial prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring during follow-up. A total of 130 patients underwent EACNA. Acute procedural success was achieved in 96.2% of the cases. During a median follow-up of 300 days (150, 496), the primary outcome occurred in 17/125 (14%) cases with acute procedural success (recurrence of AVB in 9 and new syncope in 8 cases). Operator experience and use of extracardiac vagal stimulation were similar for patients with and without primary outcomes. A history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and coronary artery disease was associated with a higher primary outcome occurrence. Only four patients with primary outcome required pacemaker placement during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the largest multicentre study demonstrating the feasibility of EACNA with encouraging intermediate-term outcomes in selected patients with VAVB. Studies investigating the effect on burden of daytime symptoms caused by the AVB are required to confirm these findings.

EEG signature of near-death-like experiences during syncope-induced periods of unresponsiveness.

During fainting, disconnected consciousness may emerge in the form of dream-like experiences. Characterized by extra-ordinary and sometimes mystical features, these subjective experiences have been associated to near-death-like experiences (NDEs-like). We here aim to assess brain activity during syncope-induced disconnected consciousness by means of high-density EEG monitoring. Transient loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness were induced in 27 healthy volunteers through hyperventilation, orthostasis, and Valsalva maneuvers. Upon awakening, subjects were asked to report memories, if any. The Greyson NDE scale was used to evaluate the potential phenomenological content experienced during the syncope-induced periods of unresponsiveness. EEG source reconstruction assessed cortical activations during fainting, which were regressed out with subjective reports collected upon recovery of normal consciousness. We also conducted functional connectivity, graph-theoretic and complexity analyses. High quality high-density EEG data were obtained in 22 volunteers during syncope and unresponsiveness (lasting 22±8sec). NDE-like features (Greyson NDE scale total score ≥7/32) were apparent for eight volunteers and characterized by higher activity in delta, theta and beta2 bands in temporal and frontal regions. The richness of the NDE-like content was associated with delta, theta and beta2 bands cortical current densities, in temporal, parietal and frontal lobes, including insula, right temporoparietal junction, and cingulate cortex. Our analyses also revealed a higher complexity and that networks related to delta, theta, and beta2 bands were characterized by a higher overall connectivity paralleled by a higher segregation (i.e., local efficiency) and a higher integration (i.e., global efficiency) for the NDE-like group compared to the non-NDE-like group. Fainting-induced NDE-like episodes seem to be sustained by surges of neural activity representing promising markers of disconnected consciousness.

Cardioneuroablation in Patients with Vasovagal Syncope:An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a novel procedure that shows promising results in reducing syncope recurrence in patients with refractory vasovagal syncope (VVS). However, its effectiveness and safety remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: We conducted an updated meta-analysis evaluating CNA efficacy and safety in patients with refractory VVS. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for CNA studies in refractory VVS patients. Our primary efficacy endpoint was (1) syncope recurrence, and our safety endpoint was (2) periprocedural complications. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed for (1) ganglionated plexi(GP) targeting method and (2) GP location of ablation. RESULTS: We included 27 observational studies and one RCT encompassing 1153 patients with refractory VVS who underwent CNA. The median age was 39.6 years, and the follow-up was 21.4 months. The overall weighted rate of syncope recurrence after CNA was 5.94% (95% CI: 3.37 to 9.01; I2 = 64%), and the rate of periprocedural complications was 0.99% (95% CI: 0.14 to 2.33; I2: 0%). Our prespecified subgroup analysis among the GP targeting methods and GP ablation location showed a higher prevalence of syncope recurrence in the electroanatomic mapping subgroup (6.21%; 95% CI 2.93 to 10.28; I2 = 0%) and in the right atrium approach (15.78%; 95% CI 3.61 to 33.14; I2 = 65.2%). CONCLUSION: This study supports the efficacy and safety of CNA in preventing syncope recurrence in patients with VVS. Furthermore, the EAM method of GP targeting and the RA approach were associated with higher syncope recurrence rate than other methods.