Innervation and Neuronal Control of the Mammalian Sinoatrial Node a Comprehensive Atlas.

[Figure: see text].

Magnetic resonance imaging is safe in patients with left bundle branch pacing.

BACKGROUND: The use of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has dramatically increased since it was first described in 2016, but to date there are no published data on the safety of performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in these patients. METHODS: Patients with LBBP who underwent MRI between January 2016 and October 2022 were retrospectively studied in our clinical center, which has a special program for imaging patients with cardiac devices. All patients underwent close cardiac monitoring throughout the MRI scans. Occurrence of arrhythmias or other adverse effects during MRI were assessed. LBBP lead parameters immediately pre- and post-MRI and at an outpatient follow-up were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with LBBP underwent a total of 19 MRI sessions during the study period. Lead parameters did not significantly change after the MRI or on follow-up, which took place at a median of 91 days after the MRI. No patient developed arrhythmias during the MRI sessions, and no adverse effects such as lead dislodgement were reported. CONCLUSION: Although larger studies are necessary to verify our findings, MRI in patients with LBBP appears safe based on this initial case series.

Miniseries 2-Septal and paraseptal accessory pathways-Part I: The anatomic basis for the understanding of para-Hisian accessory atrioventricular pathways.

AIMS: Although the anatomy of the atrioventricular conduction axis was well described over a century ago, the precise arrangement in the regions surrounding its transition from the atrioventricular node to the so-called bundle of His remain uncertain. We aimed to clarify these relationships. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have used our various datasets to examine the development and anatomical arrangement of the atrioventricular conduction axis, paying particular attention to the regions surrounding the point of penetration of the bundle of His. It is the areas directly adjacent to the transition of the atrioventricular conduction axis from the atrioventricular node to the non-branching atrioventricular bundle that constitute the para-Hisian areas. The atrioventricular conduction axis itself traverses the membranous part of the ventricular septum as it extends from the node to become the bundle, but the para-Hisian areas themselves are paraseptal. This is because they incorporate the fibrofatty tissues of the inferior pyramidal space and the superior atrioventricular groove. In this initial overarching review, we summarize the developmental and anatomical features of these areas along with the location and landmarks of the atrioventricular conduction axis. We emphasize the relationships between the inferior pyramidal space and the infero-septal recess of the subaortic outflow tract. The details are then explored in greater detail in the additional reviews provided within our miniseries. CONCLUSION: Our anatomical findings, described here, provide the basis for our concomitant clinical review of the so-called para-Hisian arrhythmias. The findings also provide the basis for understanding the other variants of ventricular pre-excitation.

Miniseries 2-Septal and paraseptal accessory pathways-Part II: Para-Hisian accessory pathways-so-called anteroseptal pathways revisited.

Surgeons, when dividing bypass tracts adjacent to the His bundle, considered them to be 'anteroseptal'. The area was subsequently recognized to be superior and paraseptal, although this description is not entirely accurate anatomically, and conveys little about the potential risk during catheter interventions. We now describe the area as being para-Hisian, and it harbours two types of accessory pathways. The first variant crosses the membranous septum to insert into the muscular ventricular septum without exiting the heart, and hence being truly septal. The second variant inserts distally in the paraseptal components of the supraventricular crest, and consequently is crestal. The site of ventricular insertion determines the electrocardiographic expression of pre-excitation during sinus rhythm, with the two types producing distinct patterns. In both instances, the QRS and the delta wave are positive in leads I, II, and aVF. In crestal pathways, however, the QRS is ≥ 140 ms, and exhibits an rS configuration in V1-2. The delta wave in V1-2 precedes by 20-50 ms the apparent onset of the QRS in I, II, III, and aVF. In the true septal pathways, the QRS complex occupies ∼120 ms, presenting a QS, W-shaped, morphology in V1-2. The delta wave has a simultaneous onset in all leads. Our proposed terminology facilitates the understanding of the electrocardiographic manifestations of both types of para-Hisian pathways during pre-excitation and orthodromic tachycardia, and informs on the level of risk during catheter ablation.

Diversity and determinants of the sigmoid septum and its impact on morphology of the outflow tract as revealed using cardiac computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The sigmoid septum has been generally evaluated subjectively and qualitatively, without detailed examination of its diversity, impact on the morphology of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and anatomical background. METHODS: We enrolled 100 patients without any background cardiac diseases (67.5 ± 12.8 years old; 43% women) who underwent cardiac computed tomography. Basal septal morphology was evaluated using antero-superior and medial bulging angles (bidirectional angulation of the basal septum relative to the LVOT). The eccentricity index of the LVOT, area narrowing ratio (LVOT/virtual basal ring area), aortic-to-left ventricular axial angle (angulation of the aortic root relative to the left ventricle), and wedged height (non-coronary aortic sinus to inferior epicardium distance) were also quantified. RESULTS: The antero-superior bulging, medial bulging, aortic-to-left ventricular axial angles, LVOT eccentricity index, area narrowing ratio, and wedged height were 76° ± 17°, 166° ± 27°, 127° ± 9°, 1.8 ± 0.5, 1.0 ± 0.2, and 41.2 ± 9.1 mm, respectively. Both bulging angles were correlated with each other and contributed to the narrowing and deformation of the LVOT. Angulated aortic root was not correlated with either bidirectional septal bulge or LVOT narrowing. Clockwise rotation of the aortic root rotation was an independent predictor of prominent antero-superior septal bulge. Deeper aortic wedging was a common independent predictor of bidirectional septal bulge. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of septal bulge varies in normal hearts. Along with deep aortic wedging, the bidirectional bulge of the basal septum deforms and narrows the LVOT without affecting the virtual basal ring morphology.

Three-dimensional visualization of the bovine cardiac conduction system and surrounding structures compared to the arrangements in the human heart.

In the human heart, the atrioventricular node is located toward the apex of the triangle of Koch, which is also at the apex of the inferior pyramidal space. It is adjacent to the atrioventricular portion of the membranous septum, through which it penetrates to become the atrioventricular bundle. Subsequent to its penetration, the conduction axis is located on the crest of the ventricular septum, sandwiched between the muscular septum and ventricular component of the membranous septum, where it gives rise to the ramifications of the left bundle branch. In contrast, the bovine conduction axis has a long non-branching component, which penetrates into a thick muscular atrioventricular septum having skirted the main cardiac bone and the rightward half of the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root. It commonly gives rise to both right and left bundle branches within the muscular ventricular septum. Unlike the situation in man, the left bundle branch is long and thin before it branches into its fascicles. These differences from the human heart, however, have yet to be shown in three-dimensions relative to the surrounding structures. We have now achieved this goal by injecting contrast material into the insulating sheaths that surround the conduction network, evaluating the results by subsequent computed tomography. The fibrous atrioventricular membranous septum of the human heart is replaced in the ox by the main cardiac bone and the muscular atrioventricular septum. The apex of the inferior pyramidal space, which in the bovine, as in the human, is related to the atrioventricular node, is placed inferiorly relative to the left ventricular outflow tract. The bovine atrioventricular conduction axis, therefore, originates from a node itself located inferiorly compared to the human arrangement. The axis must then skirt the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root prior to penetrating the thicker muscular ventricular septum, thus accounting for its long non-branching course. We envisage that our findings will further enhance comparative anatomical research.

Normative Aortic Valvar Measurements in Adults Using Cardiac Computed Tomography　- A Potential Guide to Further Sophisticate Aortic Valve-Sparing Surgery.

BACKGROUND: A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the aortic valve is necessary for aortic valve-sparing surgery. Normal valvar dimensions and their relationships in the living heart, however, have yet to be fully investigated in a 3-dimensional fashion.Methods and Results:In total, 123 consecutive patients (66±12 years, Men 63%) who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography were enrolled. Mid-diastolic morphology of the aortic roots, including height of the interleaflet triangles, geometric height, free margin length of each leaflet, effective height, and coaptation length were measured using multiplanar reconstruction images. Average height of the interleaflet triangle, geometric height, free margin length, effective height, and the coaptation length were 17.3±1.8, 14.7±1.3, 32.6±3.6, 8.6±1.4, and 3.2±0.8 mm, respectively. The right coronary aortic leaflet displayed the longest free margin length and shortest geometric height. Geometric height, free margin length, and effective height showed positive correlations with aortic root dimensions. Coaptation length, however, remained constant regardless of aortic root dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Diversities, as well as characteristic relationships among each value involving the aortic root, were identified using living-heart datasets. The aortic leaflets demonstrated compensatory elongation along with aortic root dilatation to maintain constant coaptation length. These measurements will serve as the standard value for revealing the underlying mechanism of aortic regurgitation to plan optimal aortic valve-sparing surgery.

Rotational Position of the Aortic Root is Associated with Increased Aortic Dimensions in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.

Progressive aortic dilation is common in Marfan syndrome (MFS) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). Risk factors for progression are poorly understood. Normal variation in the aortic root (AoR) rotational position relative to the left ventricular base may impact this risk. We aimed to assess the relationship between the rotational position of the AoR and aortic dimensions in this population. Patients with a genetic diagnosis of MFS or LDS were included. AoR and ascending aorta (AAo) dimensions were measured from the first and most recent transthoracic echocardiogram. The AoR rotational angle was measured in the parasternal short-axis plane in diastole. Linear regression was used to study the correlation between AoR rotation angle and aortic dimensions. 53 MFS and 14 LDS patients were included (age 11.5 ± 5.8 years at first TTE and 21.2 ± 7.2 years at most recent, 68% male). The mean indexed AoR and AAo values were 2.26 ± 0.58 cm/m2 and 1.64 ± 0.35 cm/m2 at the first TTE and 1.98 ± 0.39 cm/m2 and 1.45 ± 0.25 cm/m2 at the most recent TTE, respectively. The mean AoR rotational angle was 8 ± 14°. AoR rotational angle was central (- 9 to + 14°) in 42, clockwise (≥ + 15°) in 19, and counterclockwise (≤ -10°) in 6. The six outliers with counterclockwise position were excluded. There was a positive association between the AoR rotation angle and most recent TTE indexed AoR (r2 = 0.08, p = 0.02) and AAo sizes (r2 = 0.08, p = 0.02). There was no association between AoR rotational angle and rate of change in indexed AoR size (p = 0.8). There was a positive association between AoR rotation angle and rate of change in indexed AAo size (r2 = 0.10, p = 0.01). There is an association between clockwise rotational position of the AoR and increased AoR and AAo dimensions in children and young adults with MFS and LDS patients. The rotational position of the AoR may guide follow-up in these patient populations. However, this potential risk factor for dilation warrants further investigation.

Real three-dimensional cardiac imaging using leading-edge holographic display.

Understanding three-dimensional cardiac anatomy is fundamental for the practice of clinical cardiology. However, if three-dimensional images are displayed on two-dimensional monitors, they fail to provide depth perception. Currently, novel technologies, including the three-dimensional printing, three-dimensional monitors/projectors, and virtual reality applications can provide real three-dimensionality with depth perception. However, their relatively high cost and limited user-friendliness prevent their wide application. We introduce novel and commercially available holographic display, which allows multiple observers to see the full-color holographic images simultaneously without any specific glasses and headgear. This leading-edge technology is immediately applicable in both educational and clinical settings.

Three-dimensional volumetric measurement of the aortic root compared to standard two-dimensional measurements using cardiac computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Two-dimensional measurements are self-evidently limited when seeking accurately to represent the three-dimensional complexity of the aortic root. Volumetric measurement, therefore, seems an ideal alternative for a more accurate assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 123 individuals undergoing cardiac computed tomography. We measured the dimensions of the sinuses of Valsalva using routine multiplanar short axis imaging. Three conventional two-dimensional methods were applied to measure the dimensions of the sinuses. These involved bisecting center of sinus-to-center of interleaflet triangle measures, along with center of sinus-to-center of sinus, and largest sinus-to-sinus measurements. We then quantified the volumes of the root using the volume-rendering method. RESULTS: The mean dimensions of the sinuses were significantly greater when measured using the largest sinus-to-sinus method as opposed to center of sinus-to-center of interleaflet triangle and center of sinus-to-center of sinus methods (33.6 ± 3.6 mm vs. 31.1 ± 3.1 mm and 30.9 ± 3.3 mm, p < .0001). The mean root volume of 13.6 ± 4.2 ml showed the strongest correlation with the mean dimensions of the sinuses of Valsalva measured using the bisecting method (R2 = .8401, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: By using two- and three-dimensional measurements, we have provided average data for the structurally normal aortic root. The differences and correlations encountered should be noted when evaluating and following changes in the diseased root.

Revisiting the prevalence and diversity of localized thinning of the left ventricular apex.

BACKGROUND: The left ventricular apex commonly has a paper-thin structure. However, available data about its structure are limited to variable samples, methodologies, and results. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural anatomy of the left ventricular apex using living heart datasets with the latest computed tomography scanner. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one consecutive patients (median age, 73 years; 58% men) who underwent cardiac computed tomography were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with severe aortic stenosis were analyzed separately. Thickness and diameters of the thinnest part of the left ventricular apex during mid-diastole were measured using orthogonal multiplanar reconstruction images. The area of thinning was estimated using the formula for the ellipse. RESULTS: In 88 patients without severe aortic stenosis, the median thickness of the thinnest area of the left ventricular apex was only 0.9 mm. Among them, 74%, 99%, and 100% of cases displayed a left ventricular apex thinner than 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mm, respectively. The median area of the thinnest region was 5.6 mm2 . In 43 patients with severe aortic stenosis, the median thickness of the thinnest area of the left ventricular apex was 1.2 mm. Among them, 51%, 93%, and 100% of cases displayed a left ventricular apex thinner than 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mm, respectively. The median area of the thinnest region was 3.9 mm2 . CONCLUSIONS: Localized thinning of the left ventricular apex is unexceptional, regardless of aortic stenosis with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, thus highlighting the need for a reappreciation of this feature to avoid inadvertent catastrophic complications.

Lesion characteristics between cryoballoon ablation and radiofrequency ablation with a contact force-sensing catheter: Late-gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging assessment.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) lesions after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) are characterized as a wider and more continuous than that after conventional radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) without the contact force (CF)-sensing technology. However, the impact on the lesion characteristics of ablation with a CF-sensing catheter has not been well discussed. We sought to assess the lesions using late-gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI) and to compare the differences between the two groups (CB group vs. RF group). METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive patients who underwent PVI were enrolled (CB group, 18; RF group, 12). The RF applications were delivered with a target lesion size index (LSI) of 5. The PVI lesions were assessed by LGE-MRI 3 months after the PVI. The region around the PV was divided into eight segments: roof, anterior-superior, anterior carina, anterior inferior, bottom, posterior inferior, posterior carina, and posterior superior segment. The lesion width and visual gap of each segment were compared between the two groups. The visual gaps were defined as no-enhancement site of >4 mm. RESULTS: The mean LSI was 4.7 ± 0.7. The lesion width was significantly wider but the visual gaps were more frequently documented at the bottom segment of right PV in the CBA group (lesion width: 8.1 ± 2.2 vs. 6.3 ± 2.2 mm; p = .032; visual gap at the bottom segment or right PV: 39% vs. 0%; p = .016). CONCLUSIONS: The PVI lesion was wider after CBA, while the visual gaps were fewer after RFCA with a CF-sensing catheter.

Re-evaluation of the structure of the atrioventricular node and its connections with the atrium.

AIMS: The anatomic substrates for atrioventricular nodal re-entry remain enigmatic, but require knowledge of the normal arrangement of the inputs and exist from the atrioventricular node. This knowledge is crucial to understand the phenomenon of atrioventricular nodal re-entry. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 20 human hearts with serial sections covering the entirety of the triangle of Koch and the cavotricuspid isthmus. We determined the location of the atrioventricular conduction axis and the connections between the specialized cardiomyocytes of the conduction axis and the adjacent working atrial myocardium. The atrioventricular node was found at the apex of the triangle of Koch, with entry of the conduction axis to the central fibrous body providing the criterion for distinction of the bundle of His. We found marked variation in the inferior extensions of the node, the shape of the node, the presence or absence of a connecting bridge within the myocardium of the cavotricuspid isthmus, the connections between the compact node and the myocardium of the atrial septum, the presence of transitional cardiomyocytes, and the 'last' connection between the working atrial myocardium and the conduction axis before it became the bundle of His. CONCLUSION: The observed variations of the inferior extensions, combined with the arrangement of the 'last' connections between the atrial myocardium and the conduction axis prior to its insulation as the bundle of His, provide compelling evidence to support the concept for atrioventricular nodal re-entry as advanced by Katritsis and Becker.

Ascending aortic elongation and correlative change in overall configuration of the proximal aorta in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Configurational changes in the proximal aorta are relevant to the procedural difficulty of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Among several morphological changes involving the ascending aorta, elongation is characteristics of elderly patients with aortic stenosis and can compromise the success and safety of TAVI. However, the effect of ascending aortic elongation on the overall morphology of the proximal aorta has not been established. AIMS: Our primary purpose was to investigate the effect of ascending aortic elongation on structural changes in the proximal aorta in TAVI candidates. MATERIALS & METHODS: In total, 121 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (mean age, 84.5 ± 5.3 years; 69% women) who had undergone preprocedural computed tomography before TAVI were enrolled. We examined the structural anatomy of the proximal aorta in detail, focusing on its elongation, dilatation, tilting, rotation, and wedging. RESULTS: The mean length of the ascending aorta was 68.0 ± 9.2 mm, and the length was significantly correlated with dilatation (R = .278, p = .002), rightward tilting (R = .437, p < .001), clockwise rotation (R = .228, p = .018), and deep wedging (R = -.366, p < .001) of the proximal aorta. Elongation of the ascending aorta was correlated with dilatation, rightward tilting, clockwise rotation, and deep wedging of the proximal aorta in an elderly population with severe aortic stenosis. DISCUSSION: Appreciation of the clinical anatomy around the proximal aorta is required for clinicians involved in TAVI to estimate the procedural difficulty. CONCLUSION: Elongation of the ascending aorta was associated with dilatation, rightward tilting, clockwise rotation, and deep wedging of the proximal aorta.

Unusual variants of pre-excitation: From anatomy to ablation: Part I-Understanding the anatomy of the variants of ventricular pre-excitation.

The famous quotation of Winston Churchill, made in his radio broadcast of 1939 regarding Russia's next move, specifically "A riddle wrapped up in a mystery, inside an enigma," perfectly fits the current understanding of unusual accessory atrioventricular pathways, including the variants producing ventricular pre-excitation. It was many decades after their original descriptions that we came better to begin to understand most of their structure-function relationships. Their mysterious pathophysiology was sometimes unveiled after invasive treatments, such as surgical ablation of the atrioventricular conduction axis instead of the accessory pathway itself. Speculations made on this basis have largely been validated by subsequent clinical experience. Most of the names suggested for description of the pathways have stood well the test of time. For some of them, however, this is not the case, with the initial names becoming confusing. In a series of reviews, we re-visit those accessory pathways producing ventricular pre-excitation other than classical Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. To set the scene, in this initial review, we describe the development and anatomy of the normal atrioventricular conduction axis, along with the insulating tissues of the atrioventricular junctions. We have sought to illustrate our explanations by using virtual dissection of computerized tomographic datasets, since they retain the intact heart within the setting of the body. These images illustrate well the value of attitudinally appropriate terminology. Thereafter, we discuss the electrophysiological manifestations of the abnormal anatomical pathways which provide the potential for both accessory atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction.

Unusual variants of pre-excitation: From anatomy to ablation: Part III-Clinical presentation, electrophysiologic characteristics, when and how to ablate nodoventricular, nodofascicular, fasciculoventricular pathways, along with considerations of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia.

The recognition of the presence, location, and properties of unusual accessory pathways for atrioventricular conduction is an exciting, but frequently a difficult, challenge for the clinical cardiac arrhythmologist. In this third part of our series of reviews, we discuss the different steps required to come to the correct diagnosis and management decision in patients with nodofascicular, nodoventricular, and fasciculo-ventricular pathways. We also discuss the concealed accessory atrioventricular pathways with the properties of decremental retrograde conduction that are associated with the so-called permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia. Careful analysis of the 12-lead electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm and tachycardias should always precede the investigation in the catheterization room. When using programmed electrical stimulation of the heart from different intracardiac locations, combined with activation mapping, it should be possible to localize both the proximal and distal ends of the accessory connections. This, in turn, should then permit the determination of their electrophysiologic properties, providing the answer to the question "are they incorporated in a tachycardia circuit?". It is this information that is essential for decision-making with regard to the need for catheter ablation, and if necessary, its appropriate site.

Part II-Clinical presentation, electrophysiologic characteristics, and when and how to ablate atriofascicular pathways and long and short decrementally conducting accessory pathways.

Recognition of the presence, location, and properties of unusual accessory pathways for atrioventricular conduction is an exciting, frequently difficult, challenge for the clinical cardiac arrhythmologist. In this second part of our series of reviews relative to this topic, we discuss the steps required to achieve the correct diagnosis and appropriate management in patients with the so-called "Mahaim" variants of pre-excitation. We indicate that, nowadays, it is recognized that these abnormal rhythms are manifest because of the presence of atriofascicular pathways. These anatomical substrates, however, need to be distinguished from the other long and short accessory pathways which produce decremental atrioventricular conduction. The atriofascicular pathways, along with the long decrementally conducting pathways, have their atrial components located within the vestibule of the tricuspid valve. The short decremental pathways, in contrast, can originate in the vestibules of either the mitral or tricuspid valves. As a starting point, careful analysis of the 12-lead electrocardiogram, taken during both sinus rhythm and tachycardias, should precede any investigation in the catheterization room. When assessing the patient in the electrophysiological laboratory, the use of programmed electrical stimulation from different intracardiac locations, combined with entrainment technique and activation mapping, should permit the establishment of the properties of the accessory pathways, and localization of its proximal and distal ends. This should provide the answer to the question "is the pathway incorporated into the circuit underlying the clinical tachycardia". That information is essential for decision-making with regard to need, and localization of the proper site, for catheter ablation.

Lesion distribution after cryoballoon ablation and hotballoon ablation: Late-gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) lesions after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) are wide and continuous, however, the distribution can depend on the pulmonary vein (PV) size. We sought to assess the relationship between the lesion distribution and PV size after CBA and hotballoon ablation (HBA). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 80 consecutive patients who underwent PVI were enrolled (40 with CBA). The lesions were visualized by late-gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion width, lesion gaps, and distance from the PV ostium (PVos) to distal lesion edge (DLE) were assessed. If the DLE extended inside the PV, the value was expressed as a negative value. Although the lesion width was significantly wider in the CB group (7.8 ± 2.0 vs 4.9 ± 1.0 mm, P < .001), the number of lesion gaps was significantly less in the HB group (2.9 ± 2.4 vs 1.3 ± 1.4 gaps, P = .001). The distance from the PVos to DLE was a negative value in both groups, but the impact was significantly greater (-1.5 ± 1.8 vs -0.2 ± 1.2 mm, P < .001) and negatively correlated with PV size in the CB group, but not in HB group (r = -0.27, P = .007). The AF recurrence 12 months after the procedure did not differ (5 [12.5%] of 40 in the CB group vs 4 [10%] of 40 in the HB group, P = .695). CONCLUSIONS: The PVI lesions after HBA were characterized by (a) narrower, but (b) more continuous, (c) smaller lesion inside the PV, and (d) irrespective of PV size as compared to that after CBA.

Three-Dimensional Understanding of Complexity of the Aortic Root Anatomy as the Basis of Routine Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Measurements.

BACKGROUND: Because the aortic root anatomy is too complicated to evaluate only with 2D methodology, precise appreciation of its 3D anatomy is a prerequisite for all cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.Methods and Results:We provide comprehensive image panels reconstructed from CT datasets to understand the complexity of the aortic root by focusing on the representative longitudinal sections cut through the central zone of coaptation. CONCLUSIONS: The provided images will accelerate profound understanding of the 2D long-axis image of the aortic root commonly interrogated with 2D echocardiography, as well as correlated clinical measured values, including the geometric height, effective height, and coaptation length.

Localized basal left ventricular dyssynchrony induced by manifest accessory pathway: Successful differentiation from cardiac involvement of sarcoidosis with administration of flecainide acetate.

We present a patient with non-cardiac sarcoidosis complicated with manifest ventricular preexcitation. Initially, cardiac involvement of sarcoidosis was suspected from the echocardiographic findings showing localized hypokinesia at the left ventricular basal inferior wall. We, however, considered that the hypokinesia was a preexcitation-induced mechanical dyssynchrony rather than cardiac sarcoidosis, because polarities of the delta-waves indicated a left ventricular inferior accessory pathway. Temporal administration of oral flecainide acetate eliminated the basal left ventricular motion abnormality. Accordingly, we could successfully differentiate the mechanism of hypokinesia. In this context, we could rule out cardiac sarcoidosis, and initiation of glucocorticoid therapy was reasonably withheld.