Pterygoid Muscle Necrosis Caused by Radiation and Intra-Arterial Cisplatin Infusion Chemotherapy (RADPLAT): A Case Report.

Introduction: Radiation and intra-arterial cisplatin infusion chemotherapy (RADPLAT) for advanced maxillary sinus cancer has accumulated evidence as a treatment with fewer complications and better 5-year survival rates. In this study, we report a case in which pterygoid muscle necrosis occurred 6 months following RADPLAT treatment for maxillary sinus cancer. Case Presentation: The 45-year-old woman had a long history of taking immunosuppressants against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prior to treatment. Although achieving complete response (CR) to RADPLAT, the patient developed trismus (1 fingerbreadth or less) 6 months following treatment. Abscess formation and recurrence were suspected from the imaging findings; however, the biopsy with endoscopy indicated necrotic tissue. Currently, 18 months have passed without cancer recurrence. Although trismus temporarily improved with rehabilitation, the width of the mouth opening is currently a few millimeters, so the patient can only take liquid food. Conclusion: Pterygoid muscle necrosis should be recognized as a new major complication.

Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With a Single Bolus Administration of High-Concentrate Sodium Bicarbonate　- Rationale and Design of a Single-Arm Study Compared With Historical Controls.

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is clinically important because of its poor prognosis. The incidence of CIN is higher in emergency than elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because there is no established method to prevent CIN. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether bolus administration of a concentrated solution of sodium bicarbonate can prevent CIN in patients undergoing emergency PCI. Methods and Results: This multicenter prospective single-arm trial with historical controls will include patients who are aged ≥20 years and will undergo cardiac catheterization for suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients will receive an intravenous bolus administration of concentrated sodium bicarbonate solution (7% or 8.4%, 20 mEq) and will be observed for 72±12 h. Data for the control group, comprising all patients who underwent PCI for AMI between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 across participating hospitals, will be extracted. The primary endpoint is the incidence of CIN, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of >0.5 mg/dL or >25% from baseline within 48±12 h. We will evaluate the endpoints in the prospective group and compare them with those in the historical control group. Conclusions: This study will evaluate whether a single bolus administration of concentrated sodium bicarbonate can prevent CIN after emergency PCI.

Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Cardiovascular Catheterization and Intervention With High-Dose Strong Statin Therapy in Japan　- The PREVENT CINC-J Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that high-dose strong statin therapy reduces the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in statin naïve patients; however, the efficacy of high-dose strong statins for preventing CIN in real-world clinical practice remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of strong statin therapy in addition to fluid hydration for preventing CIN after cardiovascular catheterization.Methods and Results: This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial included 420 patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent cardiovascular catheterization. They were assigned to receive high-dose pitavastatin (4 mg/day × 4 days) on the day before and of the procedure and 2 days after the procedure (Statin group, n=213) or no pitavastatin (Control group, n=207). Isotonic saline hydration combined with a single bolus of sodium bicarbonate (20 mEq) was scheduled for administration to all patients. In the control group, statin therapy was continued at the same dose as that before randomization. CIN was defined as a ≥0.5 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine or ≥25% above baseline at 48 h after contrast exposure. Before randomization, 83% of study participants were receiving statin treatment. The statin group had a higher incidence of CIN than the control group (3.0% vs. 0%, P=0.01). The 12-month rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose pitavastatin increases the incidence of CIN in this study population.

Progressive Small-Vessel Strokes Following Antiretroviral Therapy in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

We report a case of a 59-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who developed multiple small-vessel strokes during the immune reconstitution phase. The patient had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with a low CD4 count and high viral load and started combinational antiretroviral therapy (cART) with raltegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate seven months before the admission. He was admitted to our hospital with complaints of mild dysarthria and left-sided hemiparesis, but lacking consciousness/cognitive disturbances. Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) revealed multiple areas of hyperintensity in the anterior circulation system of the brain. Because we identified decreased activity of protein S through extensive examinations, we treated him initially with intravenous infusion of heparin sodium and aspirin; however, DWI detected multiple progressive small-vessel strokes after that. We considered that the immune reconstitution accounted for the small-vessel vasculopathy/vasculitis, leading to ischemic stroke. Therefore, we initiated oral administration of prednisolone, which successfully prevented stroke recurrence. This report describes a case of multiple small-vessel strokes following cART for AIDS during the immune reconstitution phase, effectively treated with steroids, which may often go undiagnosed due to their relatively mild symptoms.

Cardiac Arrest in a 33-year-old Marathon Runner with Anomalous Right Coronary Artery Originating from the Pulmonary Artery.

A 33-year-old marathon runner presented with anomalous right coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery after being admitted for cardiac arrest. Surgical re-implantation of the right coronary artery to the aortic root to re-establish right coronary ostial circulation was successful. The patient resumed exercise and required no further medical therapy.

[A case of spontaneous middle cranial fossa cerebrospinal fluid leak presenting as recurrent bacterial meningitis].

A 19-year-old man with a history of Chiari type I malformation was admitted to our hospital two times within a 2-month period because of bacterial meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed neutrophilic pleocytosis and hypoglycorrhachia. During the second admission, we became aware of hearing loss on the right since age 15 years. High-resolution temporal bone CT showed soft tissue opacification of the right epitympanum and external auditory canal. Tissue biopsy resulted in CSF otorrhea and pneumocephalus. CT cisternography revealed a temporal bone CSF leak. Brain MRI showed a dural defect localized to the anterior petrous apex. Using a combined middle cranial fossa-transmastoid approach, the dural defect and associated arachnoid granulations were located along the superior side of the greater petrosal nerve and repaired. A CSF leak without underlying pathology, such as trauma, surgery, or congenital abnormality, is defined as spontaneous. Spontaneous CSF leak should be considered as a cause of recurrent bacterial meningitis even when CSF otorrhea and fluid behind the tympanic membrane are clinically absent.

Actual state of "triple therapy" for heart failure patients in eight regions of Japan: An analysis of a nationwide medical claims database.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to collect data on "triple therapy" for heart failure (HF) with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (or receptor blockers), ß-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in all eight regions of Japan and clarify the reason for the selection of this therapeutic approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used data from April 2017 to March 2018 from the Medical Data Vision database (380 facilities) to analyze factors impacting triple therapy for HF. Among patients who were hospitalized for HF during the study period, 51,933 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent further analyses. A reference value of 20.45% from Kanto was used to compare the eight Japanese regions. From the patient cohort, 10,006 (19.27%) patients receiving triple therapy were identified. The highest and lowest rates of triple therapy were in Chugoku (21.90%) and Shikoku (14.27%), respectively, suggesting regional differences in the use of triple therapy at discharge for patients with HF (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a decrease in the administration of triple therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.48]; P < 0.001), those aged 75 years and older (OR, 0.46, 95% CI: 0.44-0.49; P < 0.001), those from Shikoku (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60-0.80; P < 0.001), those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68-0.84; P < 0.001), those with anemia (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.98; P = 0.034), and those from Tohoku (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75-0.92; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Future efforts to rectify the regional variance in drug therapy conforming to the guidelines for the treatment of acute and chronic HF will help to extend the healthy lifespans of patients with HF. Further clarification is required to determine instances where triple therapy should be avoided based on patient factors, and appropriate countermeasures should be identified.

Predictors of Recurrence after Catheter Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Different Follow-Up Periods.

Background and objectives: Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is a major reason for recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, the timing of the recurrence varies between patients, and recurrence >1 year after ablation is not uncommon. We sought to elucidate the characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF) that recurred in different follow-up periods. Materials and Methods: Study subjects comprised 151 consecutive patients undergoing initial catheter ablation of PAF. Left atrial volume index (LAVi) and atrial/brain natriuretic peptide (ANP/BNP) levels were systematically measured annually over 3 years until AF recurred. Results: Study subjects were classified into four groups: non-recurrence group (n = 84), and short-term- (within 1 year) (n = 30), mid-term- (1-3 years) (n = 26), and long-term-recurrence group (>3 years) (n = 11). The short-term-recurrence group was characterized by a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio 2.639 (95% confidence interval, 1.174-5.932), p = 0.019 by the Cox method), frequent AF episodes (≥1/week) before ablation (4.038 (1.545-10.557), p = 0.004), and higher BNP level at baseline (per 10 pg/mL) (1.054 (1.029-1.081), p < 0.0001). The mid-term-recurrence group was associated with higher BNP level (1.163 (1.070-1.265), p = 0.0004), larger LAVi (mL/m2) (1.033 (1.007-1.060), p = 0.013), and longer AF cycle length at baseline (per 10 ms) (1.194 (1.058-1.348), p = 0.004). In the long-term-recurrence group, the ANP and BNP levels were low throughout follow-up, as with those in the non-recurrence group, and AF cycle length was shorter (0.694 (0.522-0.924), p = 0.012) than those in the other recurrence groups. Conclusions: Distinct characteristics of AF were found according to the time to first recurrence after PAF ablation. The presence of secondary factors beyond PV reconnections could be considered as mechanisms for the recurrence of PAF in each follow-up period.

Association Between Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease and Return of Spontaneous Circulation Interval in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the major cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The relationship between the findings from the study of coronary images and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) interval is still unknown. Hence, we investigated this relationship in ACS patients with OHCA.A cohort of 2779 patients was admitted to our emergency center due to cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) between April 2011 and March 2015. We included ACS patients who had CPA with ventricular fibrillation (VF) as an initial rhythm, were successfully resuscitated, underwent coronary angiography (CAG), had a culprit lesion, and were diagnosed with ACS (n = 58; age, 63.7 ± 12.0 years; 93.1% male).We divided the 58 patients into two groups, an early ROSC group (ROSC ≤ 20 minutes: E-ROSC) and a late ROSC group (ROSC > 20 minutes: L-ROSC), and then analyzed their characteristics.The finding of a collateral artery for the culprit lesion location, Rentrop II-III, and TIMI III flow on CAG on arrival presented no significant differences between the two groups (Rentrop II-III: 25.0% versus 23.5%, P = 0.90; TIMI III: 33.3% versus 35.3%, P = 0.88). The incidence of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) was lower in the E-ROSC group than in the L-ROSC group (16.7% versus 58.8%, P = 0.001).Collateral and TIMI flow were not associated with ease of resuscitation, but MVD may have a negative impact on resuscitation, especially in VF patients.

Clinical impact of the gap-angle ratio in patients with ostial lesions of the right coronary artery undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of binary restenosis and its predictors in patients with ostial lesions of the right coronary artery (RCAos) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). RCAos are associated with a high incidence of restenosis, and the implantations of drug-eluting stents for RCAos have not been fully elucidated. The study participants included 75 patients (72.3 ± 9.5 years, 72% men) who underwent PCI for RCAos at our institution between November 2001 and May 2017. The angle between the greater curvature of the aortic wall and the right coronary artery take-off in the diastolic and systolic phases in the left anterior oblique position view was investigated. Clinical outcome was defined as binary restenosis at follow-up coronary angiography. We also evaluated target lesion failure (TLF) defined as a composite of cardiac mortality, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The incidence of binary restenosis was 48.0% (n = 36) of the entire cohort. The incidence of TLF was 49.3% (n = 37) of the entire cohort, which was mainly driven by TLR (36.0%, n = 27). The area under the curve of the gap-angle ratio [(difference between the maximum and minimum angles)/(minimum angle); GAR] for binary restenosis was 0.73, and the cutoff value was 0.306 (sensitivity 67%, specificity 82%). The patients were divided into two groups: a low-GAR (< 0.306; n = 30) and high-GAR group (> 0.306; n = 45). Binary restenosis was more frequent in the high-GAR group than in the low-GAR group (76.7% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.007). The cumulative rate of TLF was significantly higher in the high-GAR group when compared with the low-GAR group (53.3% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.01), which was mainly driven by TLR (56.7% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.01). High-GAR (> 0.306) [OR 2.66 (1.34-5.31), p = 0.005] and stent under expansion [OR 2.37 (1.10-5.11), p = 0.03] were found to be independent predictors of binary restenosis after adjustment for multiple confounders. Multivariable analysis also revealed that high-GAR (> 0.306) [OR 2.06 (1.02-4.14), p = 0.03] and stent under expansion [OR 2.82 (1.28-6.19), p = 0.01] were independent predictors of TLF. We suggest that GAR (> 0.306) predicts binary restenosis and TLF in patients undergoing PCI for RCAos.

Neodymium ß-diketonate showing slow magnetic relaxation and acting as a ratiometric thermometer based on near-infrared emission.

Self-assembly of ß-diketonate (Htta = thenoyl(trifluoro)acetone) and 4,4'-azopyridine (Azo-py) with neodymium(iii) ions in the presence of methanol resulted in the formation of mononuclear complex [NdIII(TTA)3(MeOH)2]·0.5Azo-py (A) in which two asymmetric units are linked by Azo-py through hydrogen bonding via methanol. A reveals near-infrared emission (NIR) centred at about 895 and 1056 nm, in the 10-370 K temperature range, originating from the two emissive transitions on Nd(iii) from 4F3/2 to 4I9/2 and 4I11/2 levels, respectively. Furthermore, the NIR luminescence intensity of A at room temperature augments two times upon thermal elimination of one coordinated methanol molecule. The thermally activated A exhibits single centre ratiometric thermometer behaviour in a wide temperature range from 10 to 300 K. Moreover, fluorescence properties of A were compared to another mononuclear complex [NdIII(TTA)3(4-OHpy)(H2O)] (B). Assembly A also exhibits field-induced slow magnetic relaxation properties with an energy barrier of ΔE/k B = 19.7(7) K and an attempt time of relaxation, τ 0 = 3.7(8) × 10-7 s for fresh sample A, and ΔE/k B = 27.3 K and τ 0 = 8.5(0) × 10-8 for assembly A after thermal treatment at 370 K.

Exercise-related resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to presumed myocardial ischemia: Result from coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound.

AIM: Possible causes of exercise-related out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) include atherosclerotic plaque rupture (PR) and intra-coronary thrombosis, exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia and other triggers. We investigated whether there are differences in the incidence of PR and/or intra-coronary thrombus and in clinical outcome between 'exercise-related' and 'non-exercise-related' OHCA. METHODS: 219 consecutive resuscitated patients with CAD diagnosed by emergency coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. They were divided into the exercise group (≥6 METs; n = 35) and non-exercise group (<6 METs; n = 184), according to estimated METs immediately before OHCA using 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities. We investigated whether culprit lesions had PR and/or thrombus using CAG and intravascular ultrasound. The clinical outcome was 30-day survival with minimal neurologic impairment. RESULTS: Acute PR and/or thrombus occurred in fewer of the exercise group than the non-exercise group (11% vs. 90%; P < 0.001). The exercise group had a higher incidence of favorable neurological outcome (94% vs. 47%; P < 0.001) than the non-exercise group. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models revealed that exercise immediately before OHCA was one of the predictors of a good neurological outcome (HR, 0.19; P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The incidence of PR and/or thrombosis was lower in the group taking higher levels of exercise, than in the group taking less or no exercise. "Exercise-related" OHCA with CAD has better clinical outcomes than "non-exercise-related" with a greater proportion of witnessed arrests and early return of spontaneous circulation.

Association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and competition results of competitive swimmers.

Recent studies have shown the contribution of genetic determinants to athletes' physical ability. However, despite the fact that cognitive abilities like self-control and stress-tolerance influence athletes' competitive performance, few studies to date have investigated the association between genetic polymorphism, which is linked to cognitive ability and athletic performance. The present study investigated the link between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are known to exert influences on dopaminergic neural function and competitive performance of swimmers. The results have revealed superior competitive performance in competitive swimmers with Met allele of catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism than those with Val/Val genotype. The investigated SNPs of DRD2 and DRD3 were not associated with swimmer's competitive performance. This finding indicates that genetic polymorphism linked to cognitive ability influences the athletes' performance.

Inverted V-shaped high tibial osteotomy for severe tibia vara associated with Turner syndrome: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Severe cases of genu varum represent a major challenge in obtaining normal configuration of the proximal tibia and overall limb alignment. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We performed inverted V-shaped high tibial osteotomy (HTO) by using a locking plate for recurrent severe bilateral tibia vara in a 15-year-old female patient with Turner syndrome. Preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and standing femorotibial angle (FTA) of the right/left legs were 67°/69° and 197°/203°, respectively. In order to obtain overall neutral alignment, the correction angle in the right/left knees was required to be 23°/32°. Preoperative planning demonstrated that inverted V-shaped HTO could provide sufficient correction angle with large bone stock and wide bony contact. A postoperative full-standing radiograph showed that the mechanical axes passed through the center of right/left knees with 87°/88° of MPTA. DISCUSSION: Inverted V-shaped HTO has advantages, as it requires a smaller amount of bone resection and smaller opening gap compared to the closing-wedge and opening-wedge osteotomies. CONCLUSION: Inverted V-shaped HTO can be a useful surgical method to treat severe tibia vara in order to obtain adequate configuration of the proximal tibia and overall limb alignment.

Clinical value of ST-segment change after return of spontaneous cardiac arrest and emergent coronary angiography in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Diagnostic and therapeutic importance of vasospastic angina.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between initial ST-segment change after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the incidence of acute coronary lesions in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), and clinical outcomes of patients with OHCA caused by vasospastic angina pectoris (VSA). METHODS: Among 2779 OHCA patients in our institution, all patients with ROSC underwent emergent coronary angiography (CAG) except for those with an obvious extra-cardiac cause of OHCA. Initial ST-segment changes after ROSC were reviewed, and 30-day survival and neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 155 patients, 52 (34%) had ST-segment elevation (STE) and 103 (66%) had non-STE. Significant coronary culprit lesions were present in 81% of patients with STE and in 33% of patients with non-STE ( P<.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successful in 60 patients (93.8%) and failed in 4 patients (6.2%). Among 155 patients, 74 patients (47.7%) had favorable neurological prognosis, and 104 patients (67.1%) were alive at 30 days. ST-segment analysis showed good positive predictive value (81%) but low negative predictive value (68%) in diagnosing the presence of acute coronary lesions. VSA was found in 5 patients (9.6%) in the STE group and in 12 patients (11.7%) in the non-STE group. Of these 17 patients, 9 (52.9%) had favorable neurological outcome and 14 (82.4%) were alive at 30 days. CONCLUSION: An acute culprit lesion may be the cause of OHCA even in the absence of STE. In survivors of OHCA with normal coronary arteries, spasm provocation testing should be performed to detect VSA as a cause of the arrest.

Underrecognized entity of the transient rise in the atrial capture threshold early after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-eluting pacemaker leads suppress acute rises in pacing threshold by preventing inflammatory processes. However, we occasionally encounter not persistent but transient rise in the atrial capture threshold (TRACT) early after pacemaker implantation. We believe that this phenomenon is underrecognized in clinical practice and may potentially lead to unnecessary reintervention. We aimed to clarify the prevalence, predictors, and possible mechanisms of TRACT. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed clinical records from 239 consecutive patients who underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for sick sinus syndrome (SSS) (N = 102) or atrioventricular block (AVB) (N = 137). Atrial capture threshold was measured at implantation and 7 days, 2 months, and 8 months postimplantation. TRACT was defined as a rise in the threshold at day 7 to ≥twice that at implantation, with an absolute value ≥1.0 V/0.4 ms, and full recovery by 8 months into follow-up. TRACT was observed in 15 patients (6%), of whom13 (87%) suffered from SSS but not AVB. Patients with TRACT had greater body mass index (BMI) (25 ± 5 kg/m2 vs 23 ± 4 kg/m2 , P = 0.01), larger left atrium (42 ± 5 mm vs 38 ± 7 mm, P = 0.03), and were more likely to suffer from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (60% vs 31%, P = 0.02) than those without TRACT. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, BMI and SSS were the independent predictors of TRACT (odds ratio [OR], 1.172; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019-1.349; P = 0.03 and OR, 11.53; 95% CI, 2.010-66.21; P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The distinct phenomenon of TRACT was not rare in clinical practice early after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation, and its occurrence was strongly associated with SSS.

A Brazilian case of Bernard-Soulier syndrome with two distinct founder mutations.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare bleeding disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by macrothrombocytopenia. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with BSS who is a fourth-generation Brazilian of Japanese descent and has a compound heterozygote mutation as the responsible gene. The compound heterozygosity would have occurred from the global and long-term racial migration that brought about an accidental encounter of two rare mutant alleles of different origins.

Electrophysiological relation between the superior vena cava and right superior pulmonary vein in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: The superior vena cava (SVC) is a main source of nonpulmonary vein (PV) ectopies initiating atrial fibrillation (AF). Empiric SVC isolation may improve rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation of AF. Because the SVC passes immediately adjacent to the right superior PV (RSPV), an electrophysiological relation could be present between the two structures. The present study aimed to estimate the interrelation between the SVC and RSPV by evaluating arrhythmogenic activities observed during catheter ablation of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Study subjects comprised 121 consecutive patients referred for catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF. Isoproterenol infusion was used to induce ectopies and AF. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of arrhythmogenic SVC: arrhythmogenic-SVC (A-SVC) and nonarrhythmogenic SVC (Non-A-SVC) groups. The prevalence of females was higher and body surface area was smaller in the A-SVC group (N = 22) than Non-A-SVC group (N = 99). Arrhythmogenic activities were observed in 60 (49%) RSPVs, 24 (20%) right inferior PVs, 72 (59%) left superior PVs, and 31 (25%) left inferior PVs. Arrhythmogenic RSPVs were more prevalent in the A-SVC group than Non-A-SVC group (86% vs. 41%, P = 0.0001), whereas these prevalences in the other three PVs were not different between groups (P >0.3). In multivariable analysis, arrhythmogenic RSPV was the only independent predictor of arrhythmogenicity of the SVC (OR, 8.53; 95% CI 2.31-31.46; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An electrophysiological interrelation may be present between the SVC and RSPV in patients with paroxysmal AF. Semiempiric SVC isolation limited to patients with an arrhythmogenic RSPV may be a more efficient treatment strategy.