Arrhythmic risk profile in mitral valve prolapse: A systematic review and metanalysis of 1715 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common clinical condition in the general population. A subgroup of patients with MVP may experience ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death ("arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse" [AMVP]) but how to stratify arrhythmic risk is still unclear. Our meta-analysis aims to identify predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in patients with MVP. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Cochrane, Journals@Ovid, Scopus electronic databases for studies published up to December 28, 2022 and comparing AMVP and nonarrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (NAMVP) for what concerns history, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance features. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies enrolling 1715 patients were included. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR: 16.67; p = .005), T-wave inversion (TWI) (OR: 2.63; p < .0001), bileaflet MVP (OR: 1.92; p < .0001) and mitral anulus disjunction (MAD) (OR: 2.60; p < .0001) were more represented among patients with AMVP than in NAMVP. Patients with AMVP were shown to have longer anterior mitral leaflet (AML) (MD: 2.63 mm; p < .0001), posterior mitral leaflet (MD: 2.96 mm; p < .0001), thicker AML (MD: 0.49 mm; p < .0001), longer MAD length (MD: 1.24 mm; p < .0001) and higher amount of LGE (MD: 1.41%; p < .0001) than NAMVP. AMVP showed increased mechanical dispersion (MD: 8.04 ms; 95% confidence interval: 5.13-10.96; p < .0001) compared with NAMVP. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis proved that LGE, TWI, bileaflet MVP, and MAD are predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in MVP patients.

Catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and absence of structural heart disease: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Introduction: Rhythm control strategy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) can be performed with antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) or catheter ablation (CA). Nevertheless, a clear overview of the percentage of freedom from AF over time and complications is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CA versus AAD. Methods: We searched databases up to 5 May 2023 for RCTs focusing on CA versus AAD. The study endpoints were atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) recurrence, progression to persistent AF, overall complications, stroke/TIA, bleedings, heart failure (HF) hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Results: Twelve RCTs enrolling 2393 patients were included. CA showed a significantly lower AT recurrence rate at one year [27.4 % vs 56.3 %; RR: 0.45; p < 0.00001], at two years [39.9 % vs 62.7 %; RR: 0.56; p = 0.0004] and at three years [45.7 % vs 80.9 %; RR: 0.54; p < 0.0001] compared to AAD. Furthermore, CA significantly reduced the progression to persistent AF [1.6 % vs 12.9 %; RR: 0.14; p < 0.00001] with no differences in overall complications [5.9 % vs 4.5 %; RR: 1.27; p = 0.22], stroke/TIA [0.6 % vs 0.6 %; RR: 1.10; p = 0.86], bleedings [0.4 % vs 0.6 %; RR: 0.90; p = 0.84], HF hospitalization [0,3% vs 0,7%; RR: 0.56; p = 0.37] and all-cause mortality [0,4% vs 0.5 %; RR: 0.78; p = 0.67]. Subgroup analysis between radiofrequency and cryo-ablation or considering RCTs with CA as first-line treatment showed no significant differences. Conclusion: CA demonstrated lower rates of AT recurrence over the time, as well as a significant reduction in the progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF, with no difference in terms of energy source, complications, and clinical outcomes.

High power short duration versus low power long duration ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: High-power-short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a viable alternative to low-power-long-duration (LPLD) RF for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Nevertheless, trials showed conflicting results regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences and few data concerning complications. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing HPSD versus LPLD. METHODS: We systematically searched the electronic databases for studies published from inception to March 31, 2023 focusing on HPSD versus LPLD. The study endpoints were AF recurrence, procedural times and overall complications. RESULTS: Five studies enrolling 424 patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age 61.1 years; 54.3% paroxysmal AF; mean LVEF 58.2%). Compared to LPLD, HPSD showed a significantly lower AF recurrence rate [16.3% vs. 30,1%; RR: 0.54 (95% CI: 0.38-0.79); p = 0.001] at a mean 10.9 months follow-up. Moreover, HPSD led to a significant reduction in total procedural time [MD: -26.25 min (95%CI: -42.89 to -9.61); p = 0.002], PVI time [MD: -26.44 min (95%CI: -38.32 to -14.55); p < 0.0001], RF application time [MD: -8.69 min (95%CI: -11.37 to -6.01); p < 0.00001] and RF lesion number [MD: -7.60 (95%CI: -10.15 to -5.05); p < 0.00001]. No difference was found in either right [80.4% vs. 78.2%; RR: 1.04 (95% CI: 0.81-1.32); p = 0.77] or left [92.3% vs. 90.2%; RR: 1.02 (95% CI: 0.94-1.11); p = 0.58] first-pass isolation and overall complications [6% vs. 3.7%; RR: 1.45 (95%CI: 0.53-3.99); p = 0.47] between groups. CONCLUSION: In our metanalysis of randomized trials, HPSD ablation appeared to be associated to a significantly improved freedom from AF and shorter procedures, without increasing the risk of complications.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Including 354 Patients from 13 Studies of Intravascular Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Underexpanded Coronary Stents.

Calcified coronary plaque (CCP) represents a challenging scenario for interventional cardiologists. Stent underexpansion (SU), often associated with CCP, can predispose to stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. To date, SU with heavily CCP can be addressed using very high-/high-pressure noncompliant balloons, off-label rotational atherectomy/orbital atherectomy, excimer laser atherectomy, and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). In this meta-analysis, we investigated the success rate of IVL for the treatment of SU because of CCP. Studies and case-based experiences reporting on the use of IVL strategy for treatment of SU were included. The primary end point was IVL strategy success, defined as the adequate expansion of the underexpanded stent. A metanalysis was performed for the main focuses to calculate the proportions of procedural success rates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random-effects models weighted by inverse variance were used because of clinical heterogeneity. This meta-analysis included 13 studies with 354 patients. The mean age was 71.3 years (95% CI 64.9 to 73.1), and 77% (95% CI 71.2% to 82.4%) were male. The mean follow-up time was 2.6 months (95% CI 1 to 15.3). Strategy success was seen in 88.7% (95% CI 82.3 to 95.1) of patients. The mean minimal stent area was reported in 6 studies, the pre-IVL value was 3.4 mm2 (95% CI 3 to 3.8), and the post-IVL value was 6.9 mm2 (95% CI 6.5 to 7.4). The mean diameter stenosis (percentage) was reported in 7 studies, the pre-IVL value was 69.4% (95% CI 60.7 to 78.2), and the post-IVL value was 14.6% (95% CI 11.1 to 18). The rate of intraprocedural complications was 1.6% (95% CI 0.3 to 2.9). In conclusion, the "stent-through" IVL plaque modification technique is a safe tool to treat SU caused by CCP, with a high success rate and a very low incidence of complications.

Success and complication rates of conduction system pacing: a meta-analytical observational comparison of left bundle branch area pacing and His bundle pacing.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and His bundle pacing (HBP) are the main strategies to achieve conduction system pacing (CSP), but only observational studies with few patients have compared the two pacing strategies, sometimes with unclear results given the different definitions of the feasibility and safety outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aiming to compare the success and complications of LBBAP versus HBP. METHODS: We systematically searched the electronic databases for studies published from inception to March 22, 2023, and focusing on LBBAP versus HBP. The study endpoints were CSP success rate, device-related complications, CSP lead-related complications and non-CSP lead-related complications. RESULTS: Fifteen observational studies enrolling 2491 patients met the inclusion criteria. LBBAP led to a significant increase in procedural success [91.1% vs 80.9%; RR: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08-1.22); p < 0.00001] with a significantly lower complication rate [1.8% vs 5.2%; RR: 0.48 (95% CI: 0.29-0.78); p = 0.003], lead-related complications [1.1% vs 4.3%; RR: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.21-0.72); p = 0.003] and lead failure/deactivation [0.2% vs 3.9%; RR: 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07-0.35); p < 0.00001] than HBP. No significant differences were found between CSP lead dislodgement and non-CSP lead-related complications. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of observational studies showed a higher success rate of LBBAP compared to HBP with a lower incidence of complications.

"Function follows form": Role of cardiac magnetic resonance for ventricular arrhythmia risk stratification in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac involvement is common and may become clinically relevant in approximately 5%-10% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis. Although reduced left ventricular ejection fraction is a recognized predictor of mortality, recent studies have suggested an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and evidence of late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR), irrespective of the underlying left ventricular systolic function. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the correlation between VAs/SCD and presence of LGE-CMR in CS patients. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases up to January 2, 2023, for studies enrolling patients with suspected or confirmed CS undergoing LGE-CMR. Clinical outcomes of interest included clinically relevant VAs, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, SCD, or aborted SCD during follow-up. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 14 studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the final analysis. Among 1273 patients, LGE was detected in 465 (36.5%; Group LGE+). Males accounted for 45.2% (95% CI: 40.5%-55.7%) of the total population and the average age was 56.8 (95% CI: 52.7%-60.9) years. A total of 104 (22.3%) of 465 LGE+ patients experienced a clinically relevant VA, compared to 6 (0.7%) of 808 LGE- ones. LGE+ was associated with a ninefold increased risk in life-threatening VAs (22.3% vs. 0.7%; RR = 9.52; 95% CI [5.18-17.49]; p < .0001) compared to patients without LGE (heterogeneity I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: In our meta-analysis, LGE+ in patients with CS was associated with a ninefold increased risk in life-threatening VAs compared to patients without LGE.

Endocardial versus epicardial pacing in pacemaker-dependent patients after device extraction: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pacemaker-dependent (PM) patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection require implantation of a temporary-pacemaker (TP) and delayed endocardial reimplantation or implantation of an epicardial-pacing-system (EPI) before device extraction. Our aim was to compare the TP and EPI-strategy after CIED extraction through a meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched electronic databases up to 25 March 2022, for observational studies that reported clinical outcomes of PM-dependent patients implanted with TP or EPI-strategy after device extraction. RESULTS: 3 studies were included enrolling 339 patients (TP: 156 patients; EPI: 183 patients). TP compared to EPI showed reduction in the composite outcome of relevant complications (all-cause death, infections, need for revision or upgrading of the reimplanted CIED) (12.1% vs 28.9%; RR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.25-0.81; p = 0.008) and a trend in reduction of all-cause death (8.9% vs 14.2%; RR: 0.58; 95%CI: 0.33-1.05; p = 0.07). Furthermore, TP-strategy proved to reduce need of upgrading (0% vs 12%; RR: 0.07; 95%CI: 0.01-0.52; p = 0.009), reintervention on reimplanted CIED (1.9% vs 14.7%; RR: 0.15; 95%CI: 0.05-0.48; p = 0.001) and significant increase in pacing threshold (0% vs 5.4%; RR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.03-0.92; p = 0.04), with a longer discharge time (MD: 9.60 days; 95%CI: 1.98-17.22; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: TP-strategy led to a reduction of the composite outcome of all-cause death and complications, upgrading, reintervention on reimplanted CIED, and risk of increase in pacing threshold compared to EPI-strategy, with longer discharge time.

Axillary vein puncture versus cephalic vein cutdown for cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) and axillary vein puncture (AVP) are both recommended for transvenous implantation of leads for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Nonetheless, it is still debated which of the two techniques has a better safety and efficacy profile. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases up to September 5, 2022, for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of AVP and CVC reporting at least one clinical outcome of interest. The primary endpoints were acute procedural success and overall complications. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Overall, seven studies were included, which enrolled 1771 and 3067 transvenous leads (65.6% [n = 1162] males, average age 73.4 ± 14.3 years). Compared to CVC, AVP showed a significant increase in the primary endpoint (95.7 % vs. 76.1 %; RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09-1.40; p = .001) (Figure 1). Total procedural time (mean difference [MD]: -8.25 min; 95% CI: -10.23 to -6.27; p < .0001; I2  = 0%) and venous access time (MD: -6.24 min; 95% CI: -7.01 to -5.47; p < .0001; I2  = 0%) were significantly shorter with AVP compared to CVC. No differences were found between AVP and CVC for incidence overall complications (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.28-1.10; p = .09), pneumothorax (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.13-4.0; p = .71), lead failure (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23-1.48; p = .26), pocket hematoma/bleeding (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.15-2.23; p = .43), device infection (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.14-6.60; p = .96) and fluoroscopy time (MD: -0.24 min; 95% CI: -0.75 to 0.28; p = .36). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that AVP may improve procedural success and reduce total procedural time and venous access time compared to CVC.

Left bundle branch pacing versus biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces heart failure (HF) hospitalization and all-cause mortality in HF patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Biventricular pacing (BVP) is the gold standard for achieving CRT, but about 30%-40% of patients do not respond to BVP-CRT. Recent studies showed that left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) provided remarkable results in CRT. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aiming to compare LBBP-CRT versus BVP-CRT in HF patients. METHODS: We systematically searched the electronic databases for studies published from inception to December 29, 2022 and focusing on LBBP-CRT versus BVP-CRT in HF patients. The primary endpoint was HF hospitalization. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as Risk Ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD). RESULTS: Ten studies enrolling 1063 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to BVP-CRT, LBBP-CRT led to significant reduction in HF hospitalization [7.9% vs.14.5%; RR: 0.60 (95%CI: 0.39-0.93); p = .02], QRSd [MD: 30.26 ms (95%CI: 26.68-33.84); p < .00001] and pacing threshold [MD: -0.60 (95%CI: -0.71 to -0.48); p < .00001] at follow up. Furthermore, LBBP-CRT improved LVEF [MD: 5.78% (95%CI: 4.78-6.77); p < .00001], the rate of responder [88.5% vs.72.5%; RR: 1.19 (95%CI: 1.07-1.32); p = .002] and super-responder [60.8% vs. 36.5%; RR: 1.56 (95%CI: 1.27-1.91); p < .0001] patients and the NYHA class [MD: -0.42 (95%CI: -0.71 to -0.14); p < .00001] compared to BVP-CRT. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, LBBP-CRT was superior to BVP-CRT in reducing HF hospitalization. Further significant benefits occurred within the LBBP-CRT group in terms of QRSd, LVEF, pacing thresholds, NYHA class and the rate of responder and super-responder patients.

The r'-Wave Algorithm: A New Diagnostic Tool to Predict the Diagnosis of Brugada Syndrome after a Sodium Channel Blocker Provocation Test.

A diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS) is based on the presence of a type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern, either spontaneously or after a Sodium Channel Blocker Provocation Test (SCBPT). Several ECG criteria have been evaluated as predictors of a positive SCBPT, such as the ß-angle, the α-angle, the duration of the base of the triangle at 5 mm from the r'-wave (DBT- 5 mm), the duration of the base of the triangle at the isoelectric line (DBT- iso), and the triangle base/height ratio. The aim of our study was to test all previously proposed ECG criteria in a large cohort study and to evaluate an r'-wave algorithm for predicting a BrS diagnosis after an SCBPT. We enrolled all patients who consecutively underwent SCBPT using flecainide from January 2010 to December 2015 in the test cohort and from January 2016 to December 2021 in the validation cohort. We included the ECG criteria with the best diagnostic accuracy in relation to the test cohort in the development of the r'-wave algorithm (ß-angle, α-angle, DBT- 5 mm, and DBT- iso.) Of the total of 395 patients enrolled, 72.4% were male and the average age was 44.7 ± 13.5 years. Following the SCBPTs, 24.1% of patients (n = 95) were positive and 75.9% (n = 300) were negative. ROC analysis of the validation cohort showed that the AUC of the r'-wave algorithm (AUC: 0.92; CI 0.85-0.99) was significantly better than the AUC of the ß-angle (AUC: 0.82; 95% CI 0.71-0.92), the α-angle (AUC: 0.77; 95% CI 0.66-0.90), the DBT- 5 mm (AUC: 0.75; 95% CI 0.64-0.87), the DBT- iso (AUC: 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.91), and the triangle base/height (AUC: 0.61; 95% CI 0.48-0.75) (p < 0.001), making it the best predictor of a BrS diagnosis after an SCBPT. The r'-wave algorithm with a cut-off value of ≥2 showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 83%. In our study, the r'-wave algorithm was proved to have the best diagnostic accuracy, compared with single electrocardiographic criteria, in predicting the diagnosis of BrS after provocative testing with flecainide.

Which is the best Myocardial Work index for the prediction of coronary artery disease? A data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) plays a key role to prevent adverse cardiac events such as myocardial infarction and Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Myocardial Work (MW) indices derived from echocardiographic speckle tracking data in combination with non-invasive blood pressure recordings seems promising to predict CAD even in the absence of impairments of standard echocardiographic parameters. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MW indices to predict CAD and to assess intra- and inter-observer variability of MW through a meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for observational studies evaluating the MW indices diagnostic accuracy for predicting CAD and intra- and inter-observer variability of MW indices. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curves were assessed. RESULTS: Five studies enrolling 501 patients met inclusion criteria. Global Constructive Work (GCW) had the best pooled sensitivity (89%) followed by GLS (84%), Global Work Index (GWI) (82%), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (80%), and Global Wasted Work (GWW) (75%). GWE had the best pooled specificity (78%) followed by GWI (75%), GCW (70%), GLS (68%), and GWW (61%). GCW had the best accuracy according to SROC curves, with an area under the curve of 0.86 compared to 0.84 for GWI, 0.83 for GWE, 0.79 for GLS, and 0.74 for GWW. All MW indices had an excellent intra- and inter-observer variability. CONCLUSIONS: GCW is the best MW index proving best diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of CAD with an excellent reproducibility.

Catheter Ablation versus Medical Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist and synergistically contribute to an increased risk of hospitalization, stroke, and mortality. Objective: To compare the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) versus medical therapy (MT) in HF patients with AF. Methods: Electronic databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CA versus MT of AF in patients with HF. Risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured using the Mantel−Haenszel method. Results: A total of nine RCTs enrolling 2155 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to MT, CA led to a significant reduction in the composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization (24.6% vs. 37.1%; RR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53−0.80); p < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (8.8% vs. 13.6%; RR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.51−0.82); p = 0.0005), HF hospitalization (15.4% vs. 22.4%; (RR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.54−0.82); p = 0.0001), AF recurrence (31.8% vs. 77.0%; RR: 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24−0.54); p < 0.0001), and cardiovascular (CV) death (4.9% vs. 8.4%; RR: 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39−0.86); p = 0.007). CA improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (MD:4.76% (95% CI: 2.35−7.18); p = 0.0001), 6 min walk test (MD: 20.48 m (95% CI: 10.83−30.14); p < 0.0001), peak oxygen consumption (MD: 3.1 2mL/kg/min (95% CI: 1.01−5.22); p = 0.004), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score (MD: −6.98 (95% CI: −12−03, −1.93); p = 0.007), and brain natriuretic peptide levels (MD:−133.94 pg/mL (95% CI: −197.33, −70.55); p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In HF patients, AF catheter ablation was superior to MT in reducing CV and all-cause mortality. Further significant benefits occurred within the ablation group in terms of HF hospitalizations, AF recurrences, the systolic function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

Subcutaneous versus transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators in children and young adults: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been demonstrated to successfully prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in children and young adults. A wide range of device-related complications/malfunctions have been described, which depend on the intrinsic design of the defibrillation system (transvenous-implantable cardioverter defibrillator [TV-ICD] vs. subcutaneous-implantable cardioverter defibrillator [S-ICD]). OBJECTIVE: To compare the device-related complications and inappropriate shocks with TV-ICD versus S-ICD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases were queried for studies focusing on the prevention of SCD in children and young adults with TV-ICD or S-ICD. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as odds ratio (OR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary endpoint was a composite of any device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. We identified a total of five studies including 236 patients (Group S-ICD: 76 patients; Group TV-ICD: 160 patients) with a mean follow-up time of 54.2 ± 24.9 months. S-ICD implantation contributed to a significant reduction in the risk of the primary endpoint of any device-related complications and inappropriate shocks (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.73; p = .02). S-ICD was also associated with a significantly lower incidence of inappropriate shocks (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.11-0.74; p = .01) and lead-related complications (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.66; p = .01). A trend toward a higher risk of pocket complications (OR: 5.91; 95% CI: 0.98-35.63; p = .05) was recorded in patients with S-ICD. CONCLUSION: Children and young adults undergoing S-ICD implantation may have a lower risk of a composite of device-related complications and inappropriate shocks, compared to TV-ICD patients.

Non-conducted premature atrial complexes: A new independent predictor of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main cardiac cause of stroke, but it frequently remains undetected. In patients with cryptogenic stroke an Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for AF is recommended. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic role of Non-Conducted Premature Atrial Complexes (ncPACs) recorded on Holter ECG. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients admitted to the Stroke Unit of our hospital with a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke between December 2018 and January 2020; all patients underwent 24-h Holter ECG monitoring during hospitalization. Two follow-up visits were scheduled, including a 24-h Holter ECG at 3 and 6 months to detect AF. RESULTS: Among 112 patients, 58% were male with an average age of 72.2 ± 12.2 years. At follow-up, AF was diagnosed in 21.4% of the population. The baseline 24-h Holter ECG burden of ncPACs and Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs) was higher in patients with AF detected on follow-up (13.5 vs 2, p = 0.001; 221.5 vs 52; p = 0.01). ROC analysis showed that ncPACs had the best diagnostic accuracy in predicting AF (AUC:0.80; 95% CI 0.68-0.92). Cut-off value of ≥7 for ncPACs burden showed the highest accuracy with sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity 97.7% to predict AF onset at follow-up. Moreover, at multivariate Cox-proportional hazard analysis ncPACs burden ≥7 was a powerful independent predictor of AF onset (HR 12.4; 95% CI 4.8-32.8; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: NcPACs burden ≥7 represents a new predictor of AF that could guide the screening of this arrhythmia in cryptogenic stroke patients.

Non-specific intraventricular conduction delay and ventricular pre-excitation: "Pseudo-P wave", warning for it!

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults with substantial morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of AF is established by electrocardiogram showing heart rhythm without clear P waves with irregular RR intervals. The electrocardiographic diagnosis of AF is not always easy and can still hide pitfalls even for the most experienced cardiologist. We present the case of an 86 years old patient admitted to our hospital for Covid-19 infection affected by dilated cardiomyopathy with an electrocardiogram showing a non-specific intraventricular conduction delay mimicking sinus rhythm in the presence of AF.

Tolerance of Sustained Ventricular Fibrillation During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support With IMPELLA CP®.

A 64-year-old man was admitted with subacute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with implantation of four drug-eluting stents in proximal left anterior descending artery. Despite successful percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient developed a significant worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction because of late diagnosis. A percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device (Impella CP; Abiomed) was then required in order to preserve adequate systemic perfusion. Twelve hours later, the patient developed rapid ventricular tachycardia degenerated in ventricular fibrillation, without loss of consciousness. During the arrhythmia, lasting for 10 min, the patient was alert, with preserved mental status. After adequate sedation, a single unsynchronized 200 J DC shock converted the patient to sinus rhythm.

Impaired immunogenicity to COVID-19 vaccines in autoimmune systemic diseases. High prevalence of non-response in different patients' subgroups.

Autoimmune systemic diseases (ASD) may show impaired immunogenicity to COVID-19 vaccines. Our prospective observational multicenter study aimed to evaluate the seroconversion after the vaccination cycle and at 6-12-month follow-up, as well the safety and efficacy of vaccines in preventing COVID-19. The study included 478 unselected ASD patients (mean age 59 ± 15 years), namely 101 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 38 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 265 systemic sclerosis (SSc), 61 cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV), and a miscellanea of 13 systemic vasculitis. The control group included 502 individuals from the general population (mean age 59 ± 14SD years). The immunogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) was evaluated by measuring serum IgG-neutralizing antibody (NAb) (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant antibody test kit; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL) on samples obtained within 3 weeks after vaccination cycle. The short-term results of our prospective study revealed significantly lower NAb levels in ASD series compared to controls [286 (53-1203) vs 825 (451-1542) BAU/mL, p < 0.0001], as well as between single ASD subgroups and controls. More interestingly, higher percentage of non-responders to vaccine was recorded in ASD patients compared to controls [13.2% (63/478), vs 2.8% (14/502); p < 0.0001]. Increased prevalence of non-response to vaccine was also observed in different ASD subgroups, in patients with ASD-related interstitial lung disease (p = 0.009), and in those treated with glucocorticoids (p = 0.002), mycophenolate-mofetil (p < 0.0001), or rituximab (p < 0.0001). Comparable percentages of vaccine-related adverse effects were recorded among responder and non-responder ASD patients. Patients with weak/absent seroconversion, believed to be immune to SARS-CoV-2 infection, are at high risk to develop COVID-19. Early determination of serum NAb after vaccination cycle may allow to identify three main groups of ASD patients: responders, subjects with suboptimal response, non-responders. Patients with suboptimal response should be prioritized for a booster-dose of vaccine, while a different type of vaccine could be administered to non-responder individuals.