Bloqueo fascicular anterior izquierdo seudobradicardia dependiente. Presentación de un caso / Pseudobradycardia-dependent left anterior fascicular block. A case report

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Síndrome coronario agudo en pacientes con arterias coronarias normales: estudio con tomografía de coherencia óptica / Acute coronary syndrome in patients with normal coronary arteries: an optical coherence tomography study

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Rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica / Diagnostic performance of surface electrocardiogram in early detection of chagasic cardiomyopathy

Introducción y objetivo: La resonancia magnética cardíaca con contraste (RMCC) permite la detección precoz de la afectación miocárdica por el Trypanosoma cruzi. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue valorar el rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie (ECG) en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica (MCC) comparándolo con la RMCC. Métodos: Se incluyeron 43 pacientes asintomáticos (30 mujeres, edad media [DE] de 42 [9,8] años) diagnosticados de enfermedad de Chagas. Dividimos la muestra en 2 grupos, según la presencia (n = 17) o ausencia (n = 26) de alteraciones electrocardiográficas. Se realizó RMC a todos los pacientes y se consideró la captación tardía anómala de contraste miocárdico (CTC) como marcador de afectación precoz. Resultados: Seis pacientes (14%) presentaron CTC, siendo significativamente mayor en el grupo que presentaban alteraciones electrocardiográficas (29 frente a 4%, p < 0,05). Tomando la RMCC como método de referencia, el ECG presentó una sensibilidad del 83% y un valor predictivo negativo del 96% en la detección de MCC. Conclusiones: El ECG demostró ser una herramienta útil, de bajo coste y globalmente disponible para el cribado de MCC precoz en pacientes asintomáticos pero con afectación demostrada en la RMCC (AU)

Barckground and objective: Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) allows early detection of myocardial involvement by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in the early detection of Chagas’ cardiomyopathy (CCM) compared with CMR. Methods: We included 43 asymptomatic patients (30 women, 42 ± 9.8 years), diagnosed of Chagas disease. The sample was divided into 2 groups according to the presence (n = 17) or absence (n = 26) of electrocardiographic abnormalities. All patients underwent CMR and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was used as a marker of early myocardial involvement. Results: Six (14%) patients had a LGE significantly higher in the group who had electrocardiographic abnormalities (29 vs. 4%, P < .05). With CMR as the method of reference, the ECG had a sensitivity of 83% and a negative predictive value of 96% to detect CCM. Conclusion: ECG is a useful, inexpensive and globally available tool for the screening of CCM in asymptomatic patients but with proven myocardial involvement in CMR (AU)

[Diagnostic performance of surface electrocardiogram in early detection of chagasic cardiomyopathy]. / Rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica.

BARCKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) allows early detection of myocardial involvement by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in the early detection of Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CCM) compared with CMR. METHODS: We included 43 asymptomatic patients (30 women, 42 ± 9.8 years), diagnosed of Chagas disease. The sample was divided into 2 groups according to the presence (n=17) or absence (n=26) of electrocardiographic abnormalities. All patients underwent CMR and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was used as a marker of early myocardial involvement. RESULTS: Six (14%) patients had a LGE significantly higher in the group who had electrocardiographic abnormalities (29 vs. 4%, P<.05). With CMR as the method of reference, the ECG had a sensitivity of 83% and a negative predictive value of 96% to detect CCM. CONCLUSION: ECG is a useful, inexpensive and globally available tool for the screening of CCM in asymptomatic patients but with proven myocardial involvement in CMR.

Evolución y repercusión científica de las becas de investigación de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Fundación Española del Corazón (2000-2006) / Evolution and scientific impact of research grants from the spanish Society of Cardiology and Spanish Heart Foundation (2000-2006)

Introducción y objetivos. La Sociedad Española de Cardiología convoca anualmente becas para financiar proyectos de investigación en el campo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Nuestro objetivo es identificar la repercusión de estas inversiones durante el periodo 2000-2006 a partir de los artículos derivados de las becas y publicados en revistas científicas. Métodos. Utilizando los datos de identificación de cada proyecto como términos de búsqueda, se recuperaron todos los artículos derivados de estas becas en las bases de datos del Índice Médico Español, el Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, el Science Citation Index-Expanded y Scopus. Los artículos se sometieron a un análisis estadístico descriptivo en relación con la tipología de las becas, la evolución anual de su número y de su importe, el sexo y las instituciones de los becados. Resultados. Se concedieron 207 becas con un importe total de 3.270.877 € y una dotación media anual de 467.268 €. De ellas, 123 (59,42%) aportaron publicaciones derivadas. El promedio de artículos publicados por beca concedida ha sido de 1,12, y de 1,9 si se tiene en cuenta únicamente las becas que dieron lugar a publicaciones. Conclusiones. Durante el periodo 2000-2006, la Sociedad Española de Cardiología/Fundación Española del Corazón destinó casi 500.000 € anuales a financiar becas de investigación y así contribuir a luchar contra las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Casi el 60% de las becas han aportado publicaciones derivadas, 231 artículos. El 73% de los artículos se publicaron en revistas extranjeras y el 91,34%, en revistas españolas o extranjeras con factor de impacto en el Journal Citation Report (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The Sociedad Española de Cardiología (Spanish Society of Cardiology) every year awards grants to finance research in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of these investments during the period 2000-2006 from the subsequently published articles in scientific journals. Methods. Using the identifying data of each project as search terms, all articles that resulted from these grants were located in the Spanish Índice Médico Español and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud databases, and in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Scopus. Descriptive statistical analysis of these articles included type of grant, number and amount awarded per year, and the recipient's sex and institutional affiliation. Results. The Sociedad Española de Cardiología awarded €3 270 877 to 207 recipients, an average annual total of €467 268, We identified 231 publications that resulted from 123 (59.42%) of these grants. The average number of articles per grant awarded was 1.12, and 1.9 when taking into account only the awards that led to publication. Conclusions. During the period 2000 to 2006, the Sociedad Española de Cardiología/ Fundación Española del Corazón (Spanish Heart Foundation) provided about €500 000 per year to fund research grants, thereby contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Almost 60% of grants have led to publications, 73% of which were published in international journals, and 91.34% in national or international journals with an impact factor in the Journal Citation Reports (AU)

[Evolution and scientific impact of research grants from the spanish society of cardiology and spanish heart foundation (2000-2006)]. / Evolución y repercusión científica de las becas de investigación de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Fundación Española del Corazón (2000-2006).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Sociedad Española de Cardiología (Spanish Society of Cardiology) every year awards grants to finance research in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of these investments during the period 2000-2006 from the subsequently published articles in scientific journals. METHODS: Using the identifying data of each project as search terms, all articles that resulted from these grants were located in the Spanish Índice Médico Español and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud databases, and in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Scopus. Descriptive statistical analysis of these articles included type of grant, number and amount awarded per year, and the recipient's sex and institutional affiliation. RESULTS: The Sociedad Española de Cardiología awarded €3,270,877 to 207 recipients, an average annual total of €467,268. We identified 231 publications that resulted from 123 (59.42%) of these grants. The average number of articles per grant awarded was 1.12, and 1.9 when taking into account only the awards that led to publication. CONCLUSIONS: During the period 2000 to 2006, the Sociedad Española de Cardiología/ Fundación Española del Corazón (Spanish Heart Foundation) provided about €500,000 per year to fund research grants, thereby contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Almost 60% of grants have led to publications, 73% of which were published in international journals, and 91.34% in national or international journals with an impact factor in the Journal Citation Reports.

Implantation of single-lead atrioventricular permanent pacemakers guided by electroanatomic navigation without the use of fluoroscopy.

AIMS: Fluoroscopy is the standard and almost unique tool used for cardiac imaging during permanent pacemaker implantation, and its use implies exposure of patients and operators to radiation. The usefulness for this purpose of electroanatomic systems not based on fluoroscopy is unknown. Our aim was to study the feasibility of implanting single-lead VDD pacemakers without the use of fluoroscopy. METHODS AND RESULTS: EnSite NavX, a catheter navigation tool based on the creation of a voltage gradient across the thorax of the patient, was used as an exclusive imaging tool during the implantation of single-lead atrioventricular (VDD) permanent pacemakers in 15 consecutive patients with atrioventricular block and normal sinus node function. A retrospective series of 15 consecutive patients in whom VDD pacemakers were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance was used as a control group. The pacemaker could be implanted in all patients. Time spent to obtain the right ventricle anatomy was 10.1 +/- 5.4 min and time to place the lead in an adequate position was 10.1 +/- 7.8 min. Total implant time was 59.3 +/- 15.6 min (51.5 +/- 12.3 min in the control group; P = 0.14). In one patient, a short pulse of radioscopy was needed for a correct catheterization of the subclavian vein. No complications were observed during the procedure. One lead dislodgement that required re-operation was detected 24 h after implantation. At 3 months follow-up, all pacemakers were functioning properly, with adequate pacing and sensing thresholds. CONCLUSION: Electroanatomic navigation systems such as NavX can be used for cardiac imaging during single-lead atrioventricular pacemaker implantation as a reliable and safe alternative to fluoroscopy.

Seguimiento del paciente con marcapasos. Disfunciones del sistema de estimulación. Efectos de indicación o programación incorrecta: síndrome de marcapasos / Following up patients with pacemakers. Pacemaker system dysfunction. Effect of incorrect indications or programming: pacemaker syndrome

El funcionamiento adecuado de un sistema de estimulación cardiaca depende de una indicación, modo de estimulación y seguimiento correctos. El seguimiento debe seguir un protocolo que incluya personal especializado, test de umbral de estimulación y detección, análisis de batería, electrodos y arritmias, con una periodicidad determinada, directamente con el paciente y/o por contactos telemétricos desde el domicilio del paciente. En segundo lugar, se analizan los problemas objetivados tanto en estimulación como en detección en cada una de las cámaras cardiacas. Por último, se lleva a cabo una actualización del síndrome de marcapasos (AU)

Proper functioning of a cardiac pacemaker system depends on the indication and the pacing mode being appropriate, and on close follow-up. Follow-up must be carried out in accordance with a protocol that involves specialist personnel, and the assessment of sensing and pacing thresholds, battery condition, electrode condition, and arrhythmias. Follow-up should be carried out at a specified time interval either with the patient present or at the patient’s home via telemetry. This article also describes the problems arising with both pacing and sensing in each of the heart chambers. Finally, there is an update on pacemaker syndrome (AU)

Syncopal monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with pleomorphism, sensitive to antitachycardia pacing in a patient with Brugada syndrome.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are the most common arrhythmias in Brugada syndrome, causing syncope or sudden death. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias are rare in this context. We report the case of a 41-year-old man with repetitive syncopal episodes and an ajmaline-induced characteristic Brugada ECG pattern, in whom episodes of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with pleomorphism and response to ventricular pacing were documented.

Significance of tilt table testing in patients with suspected arrhythmic syncope and negative electrophysiologic study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic significance of a tilt table test (TTT) in patients with a suspected arrhythmic etiology for syncope and negative electrophysiologic study (EPS) has not been previously assessed comparing the TTT results with the findings of prolonged monitoring using an implantable loop recorder (ILR). We sought to assess the diagnostic yielding of TTT in patients with suspected arrhythmic syncope and negative EPS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 81 patients with suspected arrhythmic etiology for syncope and negative EPS, TTT was performed and an ILR implanted regardless the results of TTT. TTT was positive in 38 patients. During follow-up, syncope or presyncope recurred in 32 patients (39.5%). No differences were found in recurrence rates in patients with positive and negative TTT (31.5% vs 46.5%, P = ns). According to rhythm registered during ILR activation, mechanisms of syncopal events were classified as: arrhythmic (atrioventricular [AV] block and ventricular tachycardia; n = 18), neurally mediated (sinus bradycardia and sinus pause; n = 9), and indeterminate (normal sinus rhythm; n = 5). There was no statistical association between the results of TTT and the mechanism of syncope. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a suspected arrhythmic etiology for syncope and a negative EPS, TTT is of little value to predict the mechanism of syncope and the ILR implantation seems to be a useful and safe diagnostic strategy.

Atrioventricular node ablation and permanent ventricular pacemaker implantation without fluoroscopy: use of an electroanatomic navigation system.

Non-fluoroscopy AV ablation and pacemaker implantation. Fluoroscopic guidance is the standard tool used for transvenous pacemaker implantations and for electrophysiological and ablation procedures. It implies X-ray exposure, occasionally with high dose of radiation for the patient and operator. We describe the case of a 47-year-old man with uncontrollable permanent atrial fibrillation to whom ablation of the AV conduction and a permanent ventricular pacemaker implantation were successfully performed under the guidance of an electroanatomic navigation EnSite NavX system and with no use of fluoroscopy. This case illustrates the stand-alone use of one of the new non-fluoroscopic navigation systems for a complete procedure such as AV ablation and pacemaker implantation.

Selective use of diagnostic tests inpatients with syncope of unknown cause.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to prospectively assess the diagnostic yielding of a protocol in which electrophysiologic studies (EPS), tilt-table tests (TTTs), and loop recorder implantation are selectively used. BACKGROUND: The optimal strategy in the diagnosis of patients with syncope of unknown cause has not been defined. METHODS: A total of 184 consecutive patients with syncope of unknown cause were classified into two groups. Group A consisted of 72 patients fulfilling any of the following criteria: 1) presence of structural heart disease or family history of sudden death; 2) abnormal electrocardiogram; 3) significant non-symptomatic arrhythmia on Holter monitoring; and 4) paroxysmal palpitations immediately before or after syncope. These patients initially underwent an EPS and, if this study was negative, TTT. In the remaining 112 patients (group B), TTT was performed. RESULTS: The EPS was positive in 32 patients (44%) in group A. The TTT was positive in 80 patients (71%) in group B. An additional patient had carotid sinus hypersensitivity. In patients of group A with a negative EPS, the TTT was positive in 23 (57%). A loop recorder was implanted in 15 patients from group A with negative conventional testing, and diagnostic activation was obtained in seven patients. Overall, a positive diagnosis was achieved in 143 patients (78%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with syncope of unknown cause, selective use of EPS or TTT leads to a positive diagnosis in >70% of the cases. An implantable loop recorder can be useful in non-diagnosed cases.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de un protocolo de estudio del síncope de causa no aparente / Diagnostic Accuracy of a Protocol in the Evaluation of Unexplained Syncope

Introducción y objetivos. Valorar la capacidad diagnóstica de un protocolo de estudio del síncope de causa indeterminada que utiliza, selectivamente, los estudios electrofisiológicos y las pruebas de tabla basculante. Pacientes y método. El estudio se realizó en 137 pacientes consecutivos (94 varones y 43 mujeres, con una edad media de 57,6 ñ 18,3 años), con síncope de causa indeterminada tras la evaluación clínica inicial, que fueron divididos en dos grupos. El grupo A estaba compuesto por 77 pacientes que cumplían alguno de los siguientes criterios: a) presencia de cardiopatía estructural; b) ECG anormal; c) presencia de arritmias significativas no sintomáticas en el Holter, y d) presencia de palpitaciones paroxísticas. Estos pacientes fueron sometidos inicialmente a estudio electrofisiológico. El grupo B estaba compuesto por 60 pacientes que no cumplían ninguno de los criterios anteriores y fueron sometidos en un principio a pruebas de tabla basculante. Resultados. En el grupo A el estudio electrofisiológico fue positivo en 43 pacientes (55 por ciento). En el grupo B el test de basculación fue positivo en 41 pacientes (68 por ciento). De los pacientes del grupo A con estudio negativo, 20 (59 por ciento) fueron sometidos a test de tabla basculante, con 7 positividades (35 por ciento). Cinco pacientes del grupo B con test de basculación negativo fueron sometidos a estudio electrofisiológico, que fue negativo en todos ellos. Globalmente se consiguió un diagnóstico positivo en 91 de 137 pacientes (66 por ciento). Conclusiones. En pacientes con síncope de causa inaparente en la evaluación inicial, la utilización dirigida de manera selectiva por criterios clínicos, bien de estudios electrofisiológicos bien de pruebas de tabla basculante, permite establecer un diagnóstico positivo en más del 60 por ciento de los casos. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el test de tabla basculante debería ser realizado en aquellos casos del grupo A con estudio electrofisiológico negativo (AU)