Comparison between cryotherapy and radiofrequency energy sources for parahisian accessory pathway percutaneous ablation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of parahisian accessory pathways (PHAP) are challenging due to their proximity to the normal conduction system. Retrospective studies suggest that cryoablation has a better safety profile but a higher recurrence rate when compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFCA). The objective of this study was to compare the results of parahisian AP ablation performed by electrophysiologists with experience in both technologies. METHODS: Prospective single-center, non-blinded and 1:1 model was used. Patients included had parahisian AP confirmed by an electrophysiological study and referred for radiofrequency or cryotherapy ablation according to current guidelines, under fluoroscopic guidance. No electroanatomic mapping was used. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (mean age of 25±9.4 years; 90% male) were enrolled between Oct/2018 to Feb/2020. Acute success rate between RFCA and CRYO were similar (93% vs. 87%, p = 0.54). A nonsignificant reduction in short-term recurrence rate for RFCA (14% vs. 30%, p = 0.3) and mechanical trauma (6% vs. 20%; p = 0.28) was observed. Long-term recurrence rate and event-free survival time were similar in both groups after 1-year follow-up (p = 0.286). No persistent complete AV block or conduction disturbance was also observed. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitation of a small sample size and the lack of use of electroanatomic mapping for RFCA, the efficacy and safety profile of parahisian AP ablation with RFCA was not different from CRYO, when performed by experienced electrophysiologists. No cases of permanent complete AV block were reported with either energy modalities.

Enhancing Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Detection and Risk Stratification: Insights from Advanced Echocardiographic Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The echocardiographic diagnosis criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are highly specific but sensitivity is low, especially in the early stages of the disease. The role of echocardiographic strain in ARVC has not been fully elucidated, although prior studies suggest that it can improve the detection of subtle functional abnormalities. The purposes of the study were to determine whether these advanced measures of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on echocardiogram, including RV strain, increase diagnostic value for ARVC disease detection and to evaluate the association of echocardiographic parameters with arrhythmic outcomes. METHODS: The study included 28 patients from the Heart Institute of São Paulo ARVC cohort with a definite diagnosis of ARVC established according to the 2010 Task Force Criteria. All patients were submitted to ECHO's advanced techniques including RV strain, and the parameters were compared to prior conventional visual ECHO and CMR. RESULTS: In total, 28 patients were enrolled in order to perform ECHO's advanced techniques. A total of 2/28 (7%) patients died due to a cardiovascular cause, 2/28 (7%) underwent heart transplantation, and 14/28 (50%) patients developed sustained ventricular arrhythmic events. Among ECHO's parameters, RV dilatation, measured by RVDd (p = 0.018) and RVOT PSAX (p = 0.044), was significantly associated with arrhythmic outcomes. RV free wall longitudinal strain < 14.35% in absolute value was associated with arrhythmic outcomes (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ECHO's advanced techniques improve ARVC detection and that abnormal RV strain can be associated with arrhythmic risk stratification. Further studies are necessary to better demonstrate these findings and contribute to risk stratification in ARVC, in addition to other well-known risk markers.

Long-Term Outcome of Cardiac Denervation Procedures: The Anatomically Guided Septal Approach.

BACKGROUND: Functional bradycardia is a challenging condition that affects a healthy population. Ganglionated plexus ablation has emerged as a therapeutic alternative to avoid a pacemaker. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of anatomically guided cardiac denervation. METHODS: This is a prospective longitudinal study that included 36 patients with symptomatic functional bradycardia. Electroanatomic reconstruction of both atria was carried out, and the main septal ganglionated plexi were anatomically located and targeted. RESULTS: Ablation endpoints were: 1) heart rate increment; 2) Wenckebach cycle length shortening; and 3) atrio-Hisian (AH) interval shortening. A sinus node denervation was obtained in all patients with an increment of 21.6% in the mean heart rate. All patients presented a negative atropine test after ablation. Twenty-eight (77.7%) patients presented immediate sings of atrioventricular node denervation, with a shortening of 15.6% of mean Wenckebach cycle length and 15.9% of the mean AH interval. All heart rate variability parameters showed a significant reduction after 12 months, enduring after 18 months. Thirty (83.3%) patients remained free of events after a mean follow-up of 52.1 ± 35.2 months. One patient (2.77%) presented acute sinus node artery occlusion during ablation with persistent sinus dysfunction and had a pacemaker implantation; 3 (8.3%) other patients evolved with sinus tachycardia, and 4 (11.1%) patients presented syncope recurrence during follow-up, 3 (8.3%) of them requiring a pacemaker implantation. No other tachyarrhythmia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomically guided septal approach is an effective technique for syncope prevention, promoting long-lasting autonomic changes. No significant proarrhythmia effect has been observed during the long-term follow-up.

Initial experience on cardiac magnetic resonance-aided VT ablation in South America.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allowed to precisely identify the substrate in scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT). New software has been developed to define the 3D scar and corridors to help VT ablation by integrating the scar and electroanatomical mapping (EAM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of VT ablation aided by the integration of EAM and CMR software processed scar. METHODS: We selected patients that underwent VT ablation with the integration of EAM and CMR processed using ADAS software and imported to the CARTO system using VTK file format. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2021, eight patients (mean age 63 ± 4.4, 62.5% male; EF 47 ± 12%) underwent CMR-aided VT ablation. Mean procedural time was 281 ± 77 min. There was of 9 ± 4.4 epicardial and 7.9 ± 4.3 endocardial bulls eye segments with at least 2 g of border zone or core scar. In a median follow-up time of 532 days (Q1: 284, Q3: 688), three patients (37.5%) presented VT recurrence, all three underwent a second procedure, with no VT recurrence on the follow-up. No patient died in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: CMR aided is ablation is feasible and effective in patients with scar related VT.

Clinical Features, Genetic Findings, and Risk Stratification in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Data From a Brazilian Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare inherited disease, causes ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure (HF). We investigated ARVC clinical features, genetic findings, natural history, and the occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmic events (LTAEs), HF death, or heart transplantation (HF-death/HTx) to identify risk factors. METHODS: The clinical course of 111 consecutive patients with definite ARVC, predictors of LTAE, HF-death/HTx, and combined events were analyzed in the entire cohort and in a subgroup of 40 patients without sustained ventricular arrhythmia before diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative probability of LTAE was 30% and HF-death/HTx was 10%. Predictors of HF-death/HTx were reduced right ventricle ejection fraction (HR: 0.93; P=0.010), HF symptoms (HR: 4.37; P=0.010), epsilon wave (HR: 4.99; P=0.015), and number of leads with low QRS voltage (HR: 1.28; P=0.001). Each additional lead with low QRS voltage increased the risk of HF-death/HTx by 28%. Predictors of LTAE were prior syncope (HR: 1.81; P=0.040), number of leads with T wave inversion (HR: 1.17; P=0.039), low QRS voltage (HR: 1.12; P=0.021), younger age (HR: 0.97; P=0.006), and prior ventricular arrhythmia/ventricular fibrillation (HR: 2.45; P=0.012). Each additional lead with low QRS voltage increased the risk of LTAE by 17%. In patients without ventricular arrhythmia before clinical diagnosis of ARVC, the number of leads with low QRS voltage (HR: 1.68; P=0.023) was independently associated with HF-death/HTx. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the characteristics of a specific cohort with a high prevalence of arrhythmic burden at presentation, male predominance, younger age and HF severe outcomes. Our main results suggest that the presence and extension of low QRS voltage can be a risk predictor for HF-death/HTx in ARVC patients, regardless of the arrhythmic risk. This study can contribute to the global ARVC risk stratification, adding new insights to the international current scientific knowledge.

Sinus Node Artery Occlusion During Cardiac Denervation Procedures.

Cardioneural ablation is a novel treatment for functional bradycardia. However, the risk of acute complications is still unknown. The aim of this case report is to describe acute occlusion of the sinus node artery after cardiac denervation procedures in 2 patients and to encourage measures to prevent it, such as evaluating the aortic angulation in older patients before the procedure and by monitoring signs of sinus failure during ablation in patients with electroanatomical maps showing a constricted aspect of the right atrium. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Effect of Occurrence of Lamin A/C (LMNA) Genetic Variants in a Cohort of 101 Consecutive Apparent "Lone AF" Patients: Results and Insights.

Objective: Mutations in the Lamin A/C (LMNA) gene are commonly associated with cardiac manifestations, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and conduction system disease. However, the overall spectrum and penetrance of rare LMNA variants are unknown. The present study described the presence of LMNA variants in patients with "lone atrial fibrillation (AF)" as their sole clinical presentation. Methods: One-hundred and one consecutive patients with "lone AF" criteria were initially screened by genetic testing. Genetic variants were classified according to the American College of Genetic and Genomic criteria. All subjects were evaluated through clinical and familial history, ECG, 24-h Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, treatment response, and the present relatives of LMNA carriers. In addition, whole-exome data from 49,960 UK Biobank (UKB) participants were analyzed to describe the overall penetrance of rare LMNA missense and loss of function (LOF) variants. Results: Three missense variants in LMNA were identified in probands with AF as their first and unique clinical manifestation. Other five first-degree relatives, after the screening, also presented LMNA gene variants. Among 49,960 analyzed UKB participants, 331 carried rare LMNA missense or LOF variant. Participants who carried a rare LMNA variant were significantly associated with higher odds of arrhythmic events and of an abnormal ECG in the per-protocol ECG exam (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Although a rare occurrence, our findings emphasize the possibility of an initial presentation of apparently "lone AF" in LMNA gene variant carriers.

Left Atrial Thrombus and Dense Spontaneous Contrast in Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Reference Center. / Trombo Atrial Esquerdo e Contraste Espontâneo Denso no Uso de Anticoagulante Oral de Ação Direta em Fibrilação Atrial: Visão de Centro Referenciado.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequently sustained arrhythmia, with catheter ablation (CA) or electrical cardioversion (ECV), the periprocedural period is one of the most critical phases. Currently, the use of new direct action oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is increasingly frequent; however, in the real world, there are still few data on studies on the thrombus incidence in the left atrium (TrLA) or dense spontaneous contrast (DSC) on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of events and association with risk factors in patients using DOACs. Primary objective: to analyze the prevalence of thrombus in the LA by TEE in patients using DOAC undergoing ECV/CA. Second, evaluate the association of comorbidities with the presence of thrombi and DSC. METHODS: Retrospective cohort, single-center study with patients followed at the Arrhythmia Outpatient Unit (InCor-HCFMUSP). Patients indicated for procedures and using DOACs were selected, and their clinical/echocardiographic data were analyzed. A significance level of 5% was considered. RESULTS: 354 patients were included, a total of 400 procedures, from March 2012-March 2018. Thrombus in the LA was found in 11 patients (2.8%), associated with advanced age (p=0.007) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc (p<0.001) score. DSC in the LA before TEE was found in 29 patients (7.3%), with lower LVEF (p<0.038) and greater LA dimension (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of LA thrombus and DSC in patients using DOC in the context of AF ECV/CA, although small, is not negligible. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, especially older and with larger LA diameter, are more prone to these echocardiographic findings.

FUNDAMENTO: No tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA), a arritmia sustentada mais frequente, com ablação por cateter (ABL) ou cardioversão elétrica (CVE), o período periprocedimento é uma das fases mais críticas. Atualmente, o uso de novos anticoagulantes orais de ação direta (DOAC) é cada vez mais frequente, no entanto, no mundo real, ainda existem poucos dados de estudos sobre a incidência de trombo no átrio esquerdo (TrAE) ou contraste espontâneo denso (CE) no ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência de TrAE, por ETE, em pacientes em uso de DOAC submetidos à CVE/ABL. Secundariamente: avaliar a associação de comorbidades com a presença de trombos e CE. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, unicêntrico, com pacientes do Ambulatório de Arritmia (InCor-HCFMUSP). Foram selecionados e analisados dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos no prontuário da instituição de pacientes com indicação de procedimentos e em uso de DOACs. Considerado um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 354 pacientes, no total de 400 procedimentos, de março de 2012-março de 2018. TrAE foi encontrado em 11 pacientes (2,8%), associado com idade avançada (p=0,007) e CHA2DS2-VASc maior (p<0,001). Foi encontrado CE no AE no procedimento antes da ETE em 29 pacientes (7,3%), com menor FEVE (p <0,038) e maior dimensão do AE (p <0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de TrAE e CE em pacientes em uso de DOAC no contexto de CVE/ABL de FA, embora pequena, não é desprezível. Pacientes com escore CHA2DS2-VASc maior, principalmente mais idosos e com diâmetro do AE maior, são mais propensos a esses achados ecocardiográficos.

Peculiar Aspects of Patients with Inherited Arrhythmias during the COVID-19 Pandemic. / Peculiaridade dos Pacientes com Arritmias Hereditárias na Pandemia pela COVID-19.

Since December 2019 we have observed the rapid advance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the clinical course of a respiratory infection is little known in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, due to the low prevalence of these diseases. Patients who present with infectious conditions may exacerbate hidden or well-controlled primary arrhythmias, due to several factors, such as fever, electrolyte disturbances, drug interactions, adrenergic stress and, eventually, the septic patient's own myocardial damage. The aim of this review is to highlight the main challenges we may encounter during the Covid 19 pandemic, specifically in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, with emphasis on the congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (SBr), ventricular tachycardia polymorphic catecholaminergic (CPVT) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Desde dezembro de 2019, observamos o rápido avanço da síndrome respiratória aguda grave causada pelo coronavírus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da evolução clínica de uma infecção respiratória é pouco conhecido em pacientes portadores de arritmias hereditárias, devido à baixa prevalência dessas doenças. Os pacientes que apresentam quadros infecciosos podem exacerbar arritmias primárias ocultas ou bem controladas, por diversos fatores, tais como febre, distúrbios eletrolíticos, interações medicamentosas, estresse adrenérgico e, eventualmente, o próprio dano miocárdico do paciente séptico. O objetivo desta revisão é destacar os principais desafios que podemos encontrar durante a pandemia pela Covid 19, especificamente nos pacientes com arritmias hereditárias, com destaque para a síndrome do QT longo congênito (SQTL), a síndrome de Brugada (SBr), a taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica (TVPC) e a cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito.

Catheter Ablation of Focal Atrial Tachycardia with Early Activation Close to the His-Bundle from the Non Coronary Aortic Cusp. / Ablação por Cateter de Taquicardia Atrial Focal com Ativação Precoce Próxima ao Feixe de His, a Partir da Cúspide Aórtica não Coronária.

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachycardia (AT) ablation with earliest activation site close to the His-Bundle is a challenge due to the risk of complete AV block by its proximity to His-Purkinje system (HPS). An alternative to minimize this risk is to position the catheter on the non-coronary cusp (NCC), which is anatomically contiguous to the para-Hisian region. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a literature review and evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics, safety, and success rate of catheter-based radiofrequency (RF) delivery in the NCC for the treatment of para-Hisian AT in a case series. METHODS: This study performed a retrospective evaluation of ten patients (Age: 36±10 y-o) who had been referred for SVT ablation and presented a diagnosis of para-Hisian focal AT confirmed by classical electrophysiological maneuvers. For statistical analysis, a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The earliest atrial activation at the His position was 28±12ms from the P wave and at the NCC was 3±2ms earlier than His position, without evidence of His potential in all patients. RF was applied on the NCC (4-mm-tip catheter; 30W, 55ºC), and the tachycardia was interrupted in 5±3s with no increase in the PR interval or evidence of junctional rhythm. Electrophysiological tests did not reinduce tachycardia in 9/10 of patients. There were no complications in all procedures. During the 30 ± 12 months follow-up, no patient presented tachycardia recurrence. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous treatment of para-Hisian AT through the NCC is an effective and safe strategy, which represents an interesting option for the treatment of this complex arrhythmia. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):119-126).

FUNDAMENTO: A ablação da taquicardia atrial (TA) com local de ativação mais precoce próxima ao feixe de His é um desafio, devido ao risco de bloqueio de AV completo por sua proximidade ao sistema de His-Purkinje (SHP). Uma alternativa para minimizar esse risco é posicionar o cateter na cúspide não coronária (CNC), que é anatomicamente contígua à região para-Hissiana. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi fazer uma revisão de literatura e avaliar as características eletrofisiológicas, a segurança e o índice de sucesso de aplicação de radiofrequência (RF) por cateter na CNC para o tratamento de TA para-Hissiana em uma série de casos. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos retrospectivamente dez pacientes (Idade: 36±10 anos) que foram encaminhados para ablação de taquicardia paroxística supraventricular (TPSV) e haviam sido diagnosticados com TA focal para-Hissiana confirmada por manobras eletrofisiológicas clássicas. Para a análise estatística, um P valor d <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: A ativação atrial mais precoce na posição His foi de 28±12ms da onda P, e a CNC foi 3±2ms antes da posição His, sem evidência de potencial His em todos os pacientes. Foi aplicada RF à CNC (cateter de ponta de 4-mm; 30W, 55°C) e a taquicardia foi interrompida em 5±3s sem aumento no intervalo PR ou evidência de um ritmo juncional. Os testes eletrofisiológicos não induziram novamente a taquicardia em 9/10 pacientes. Não houve complicações em nenhum procedimento. Durante o período de acompanhamento de 30 ± 12 meses, nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência de taquicardia. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento percutâneo de TA para-Hissiana por meio de CNC é uma estratégia segura e eficiente, tornando-se uma opção interessante para o tratamento de arritmia complexa. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):119-126).

Efficacy and safety of combined endocardial/epicardial catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia in Chagas disease: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial mapping and ablation are frequently necessary to eliminate ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with Chagas disease. Nonetheless, there are no randomized controlled trials demonstrating the role of this strategy. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined epicardial ablation in patients with Chagas disease. METHODS: We randomized patients with Chagas disease and VT in a 1:1 fashion to either the endocardial (endo) mapping and ablation group or the combined endocardial/epicardial (endo/epi) mapping and ablation group. The efficacy end points were measured by VT inducibility and all-ventricular arrhythmia recurrence. Safety was assessed by the rate of periprocedural complications. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled, and most were male. The median age was 67 (Q1: 58; Q3: 70) years in the endo group and 58 (Q1: 43; Q3: 66) years in the endo/epi group. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 33.0% ± 9.5% and 35.2% ± 11.5%, respectively P = .13. Acute success (non-reinducibility of clinical VT) was obtained in 13 patients (86%) in the endo/epi group and in 6 patients (40%) in the endo-only group (P = .021). There were 12 patients with VT recurrence (80%) in the endo-only group and 6 patients (40%) in the endo/epi group (P = .02) (by intention-to-treat analysis). Epicardial ablation was ultimately performed in 9 patients (60%) in the endo-only group because of an absence of endocardial scar or maintenance of VT inducibility. There was no difference in complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: Combining endo/epi VT catheter ablation in patients with Chagas disease significantly increases short- and long-term freedom from all-ventricular arrhythmias. Epicardial access did not increase periprocedural complication rates.

Is It Safe for Patients With Cardiac Channelopathies to Undergo Routine Dental Care? Experience From a Single-Center Study.

Background Brugada syndrome and long-QT syndrome may account for at least one third of unexplained sudden cardiac deaths. Dental care in patients with cardiac channelopathies is challenging because of the potential risk of life-threatening events. We hypothesized that the use of local dental anesthesia with lidocaine with and without epinephrine is safe and does not result in life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with channelopathies. Methods and Results We performed a randomized, double-blind pilot trial comparing the use of 2% lidocaine without a vasoconstrictor and with 1:100 000 epinephrine in 2 sessions of restorative dental treatment with a washout period of 7 days (crossover trial). Twenty-eight-hour Holter monitoring was performed, and 12-lead electrocardiography, digital sphygmomanometry, and anxiety scale assessments were also conducted at 3 time points. Fifty-six dental procedures were performed in 28 patients (18 women, 10 men) with cardiac channelopathies: 16 (57.1%) had long-QT syndrome, and 12 (42.9%) had Brugada syndrome; 11 (39.3%) of patients had an implantable defibrillator. The mean age was 45.9±15.9 years. The maximum heart rate increased after the use of epinephrine during the anesthesia period from 82.1 to 85.8 beats per minute (P=0.008). In patients with long-QT syndrome, the median corrected QT was higher, from 450.1 to 465.4 ms (P=0.009) at the end of anesthesia in patients in whom epinephrine was used. The other measurements showed no statistically significant differences. No life-threatening arrhythmias occurred during dental treatment. Conclusions The use of local dental anesthesia with lidocaine, regardless of the use of a vasoconstrictor, did not result in life-threatening arrhythmias and appears to be safe in stable patients with cardiac channelopathies. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03182777.

Carotid Sinus Massage in Syncope Evaluation: A Nonspecific and Dubious Diagnostic Method.

BACKGROUND: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is a frequent finding in the evaluation of syncope. However, its significance in the clinical setting is still dubious. A new criterion was proposed by Solari et al. with a symptomatic systolic blood pressure (SBP) cut-off value of ≤ 85 mmHg to refine the vasodepressor (VD) response diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the response to carotid sinus massage (CSM) in patients with and without syncope according to standard and proposed criteria. METHODS: CSM was performed in 99 patients with and 66 patients without syncope. CSH was defined as cardioinhibitory (CI) for asystole ≥ 3 seconds, or as VD for SBP decrease ≥ 50 mmHg. RESULTS: No differences in the hemodynamic responses were observed during CSM between the groups, with 24.2% and 25.8% CI, and 8.1% and 13.6% VD in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively (p = 0.466). A p value < 0.050 was considered statistically significant. During the maneuvers, 45 (45.45%) and 34 (51.5%) patients in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups achieved SBP below ≤ 85 mmHg. Symptoms were reported especially in those patients in whom CSM caused a SBP decrease to below 90 mmHg and/or asystole > 2.5 seconds, regardless of the pattern of response or the presence of previous syncope. CONCLUSION: The response to CSM in patients with and without syncope was similar; therefore, CSH may be an unspecific condition. Clinical correlation and other methods of evaluation, such as long-lasting ECG monitoring, may be necessary to confirm CSH as the cause of syncope.

Effects of anthracycline, cyclophosphamide and taxane chemotherapy on QTc measurements in patients with breast cancer.

AIM: Acute and subacute cardiotoxicity are characterized by prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) and other measures derived from the QTc interval, such as QTc dispersion (QTdc) and transmural dispersion of repolarization (DTpTe). Although anthracyclines prolong the QTc interval, it is unclear whether breast cancer patients who undergo the ACT chemotherapy regimen of anthracycline (doxorubicin: A), cyclophosphamide (C) and taxane (T) may present with QTc, QTdc and DTpTe prolongation. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with breast cancer were followed prospectively during ACT chemotherapy and were analyzed according to their QT measurements. QTc, QTdc and DTpTe measurements were determined by a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) prior to chemotherapy (baseline), immediately after the first phase of anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) treatment, and immediately after T treatment. Serum troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also measured. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, the QTc interval was significantly prolonged after the AC phase (439.7 ± 33.2 ms vs. 472.5 ± 36.3 ms, p = 0.001) and after T treatment (439.7 ± 33.2 ms vs. 467.9 ± 42.6 ms, p < 0.001). Troponin levels were elevated after the AC phase (23.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-85.0] vs. 6.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-22.0], p < 0.001) and after T treatment (25.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-80.0] vs. 6.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-22.0], p < 0.001) compared to baseline values. CONCLUSION: In this prospective study of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer who underwent ACT chemotherapy, significant QTc prolongation and an elevation in serum troponin levels were observed.

Favorable Safety Experience of Local Dental Anesthesia in ICD Recipients with Cardiac Channelopathies

Abstract Background Dental anesthetic management in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients with cardiac channelopathies (CCh) can be challenging due to the potential risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and appropriate ICD therapies during procedural time. Objectives The present study assessed the hypothesis that the use of local dental anesthesia with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or without a vasoconstrictor can be safe in selected ICD and CCh patients, not resulting in life-threatening events (LTE). Methods Restorative dental treatment under local dental anesthesia was made in two sessions, with a wash-out period of 7 days (cross-over trial), conducting with a 28h - Holter monitoring, and 12-lead electrocardiography, digital sphygmomanometry, and anxiety scale assessments in 3 time periods. Statistical analysis carried out the paired Student's t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In all cases, a significance level of 5% was adopted. All patients were in stable condition with no recent events before dental care. Results Twenty-four consecutive procedures were performed in 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with CCh and ICD: 7 (58.3%) had long QT syndrome (LQTS), 4 (33.3%) Brugada syndrome (BrS), and 1 (8.3%) Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Holter analysis showed no increased heart rate (HR) or sustained arrhythmias. Blood pressure (BP), electrocardiographic changes and anxiety measurement showed no statistically significant differences. No LTE occurred during dental treatment, regardless of the type of anesthesia. Conclusion Lidocaine administration, with or without epinephrine, can be safely used in selected CCh-ICD patients without LTE. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger population with ICD and CCh.

Trombo Atrial Esquerdo e Contraste Espontâneo Denso no Uso de Anticoagulante Oral de Ação Direta em Fibrilação Atrial: Visão de Centro Referenciado / Left Atrial Thrombus and Dense Spontaneous Contrast in Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Reference Center

Resumo Fundamento No tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA), a arritmia sustentada mais frequente, com ablação por cateter (ABL) ou cardioversão elétrica (CVE), o período periprocedimento é uma das fases mais críticas. Atualmente, o uso de novos anticoagulantes orais de ação direta (DOAC) é cada vez mais frequente, no entanto, no mundo real, ainda existem poucos dados de estudos sobre a incidência de trombo no átrio esquerdo (TrAE) ou contraste espontâneo denso (CE) no ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). Objetivo Analisar a prevalência de TrAE, por ETE, em pacientes em uso de DOAC submetidos à CVE/ABL. Secundariamente: avaliar a associação de comorbidades com a presença de trombos e CE. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, unicêntrico, com pacientes do Ambulatório de Arritmia (InCor-HCFMUSP). Foram selecionados e analisados dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos no prontuário da instituição de pacientes com indicação de procedimentos e em uso de DOACs. Considerado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 354 pacientes, no total de 400 procedimentos, de março de 2012-março de 2018. TrAE foi encontrado em 11 pacientes (2,8%), associado com idade avançada (p=0,007) e CHA2DS2-VASc maior (p<0,001). Foi encontrado CE no AE no procedimento antes da ETE em 29 pacientes (7,3%), com menor FEVE (p <0,038) e maior dimensão do AE (p <0,0001). Conclusão A incidência de TrAE e CE em pacientes em uso de DOAC no contexto de CVE/ABL de FA, embora pequena, não é desprezível. Pacientes com escore CHA2DS2-VASc maior, principalmente mais idosos e com diâmetro do AE maior, são mais propensos a esses achados ecocardiográficos.

Abstract Background In the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequently sustained arrhythmia, with catheter ablation (CA) or electrical cardioversion (ECV), the periprocedural period is one of the most critical phases. Currently, the use of new direct action oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is increasingly frequent; however, in the real world, there are still few data on studies on the thrombus incidence in the left atrium (TrLA) or dense spontaneous contrast (DSC) on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Objective To evaluate the prevalence of events and association with risk factors in patients using DOACs. Primary objective: to analyze the prevalence of thrombus in the LA by TEE in patients using DOAC undergoing ECV/CA. Second, evaluate the association of comorbidities with the presence of thrombi and DSC. Methods Retrospective cohort, single-center study with patients followed at the Arrhythmia Outpatient Unit (InCor-HCFMUSP). Patients indicated for procedures and using DOACs were selected, and their clinical/echocardiographic data were analyzed. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results 354 patients were included, a total of 400 procedures, from March 2012-March 2018. Thrombus in the LA was found in 11 patients (2.8%), associated with advanced age (p=0.007) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc (p<0.001) score. DSC in the LA before TEE was found in 29 patients (7.3%), with lower LVEF (p<0.038) and greater LA dimension (p<0.0001). Conclusion The incidence of LA thrombus and DSC in patients using DOC in the context of AF ECV/CA, although small, is not negligible. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, especially older and with larger LA diameter, are more prone to these echocardiographic findings.

Peculiaridade dos pacientes com arritmias hereditárias na pandemia pela COVID-19 / Peculiar aspects of patients with Inherited arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Desde dezembro de 2019, observamos o rápido avanço da síndrome respiratória aguda grave causada pelo coronavírus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da evolução clínica de uma infecção respiratória é pouco conhecido em pacientes portadores de arritmias hereditárias, devido à baixa prevalência dessas doenças. Os pacientes que apresentam quadros infecciosos podem exacerbar arritmias primárias ocultas ou bem controladas, por diversos fatores, tais como febre, distúrbios eletrolíticos, interações medicamentosas, estresse adrenérgico e, eventualmente, o próprio dano miocárdico do paciente séptico. O objetivo desta revisão é destacar os principais desafios que podemos encontrar durante a pandemia pela Covid 19, especificamente nos pacientes com arritmias hereditárias, com destaque para a síndrome do QT longo congênito (SQTL), a síndrome de Brugada (SBr), a taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica (TVPC) e a cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito.

Abstract Since December 2019 we have observed the rapid advance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the clinical course of a respiratory infection is little known in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, due to the low prevalence of these diseases. Patients who present with infectious conditions may exacerbate hidden or well-controlled primary arrhythmias, due to several factors, such as fever, electrolyte disturbances, drug interactions, adrenergic stress and, eventually, the septic patient's own myocardial damage. The aim of this review is to highlight the main challenges we may encounter during the Covid 19 pandemic, specifically in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, with emphasis on the congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (SBr), ventricular tachycardia polymorphic catecholaminergic (CPVT) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.