A Randomized Trial of Lenient Versus Strict Arm Instruction Post Cardiac Device Surgery (LENIENT).

BACKGROUND: Arm restriction after cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement is common practice despite minimal supporting evidence. Patients receive a range of restriction recommendations of variable durations with the goal of reducing complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, lead dislodgement, or hematoma formation. These movement limitations can lead to emotional stress and anxiety, complications such as frozen shoulder, and upper extremity venous thrombosis due to immobilization. There are no published clinical trials assessing the benefits and risks of arm restrictions post-CIED implant. OBJECTIVES: The randomized trial of lenient vs strict arm and activity instruction post-CIED surgery (LENIENT trial; NCT04915261) is a single center nonblinded randomized prospective study designed to evaluate lenient compared to restrictive post-CIED care instructions. We hypothesize that there will be no significant difference in complications between the arms. METHODS/DESIGN: All patients receiving a de novo CIED or those with upgrades and revisions requiring a new lead implant will be enrolled. Subjects are enrolled in a nonblinded randomized prospective trial with 6 randomly assigned 8-month periods, during which either a lenient or restrictive postoperative activity instructions will be given to all patients. Postoperative instructions are given at the time of discharge and further reinforced by recurrent interactive voice recognition (IVR) phone calls, text messages and emails. The requirement for individual consent has been waived. The primary end point is a composite of (1) lead dislodgement, (2) frozen shoulder, (3) upper extremity venous thrombosis, (4) clinically significant hematoma, and (5) infection occurring within 52 weeks of index surgery. The study is a noninferiority trial with a sample size of 1,250 per group. DISCUSSION: This is the first large randomized clinical trial designed to establish an evidence-based postoperative standard of care for patients undergoing CIED implantation. This will improve the quality of care provided to patients and help guide implanting physicians providing postoperative care instructions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04915261.

The morphologic and functional features of LAD myocardial bridging at multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography: correlation with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the morphologic and functional features of myocardial bridging (MB) and to investigate the impact of morphologic features on presence of atherosclerosis with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 191 consecutive patients. Besides coronary lesions, morphologic features of the MB (depth, length and the distance of the tunneled artery from the left coronary ostium) were analyzed. RESULTS: MDCT detected MB on left anterior descending artery in 41 patients (21.5%). The prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques proximal to the MB of LAD was 49% (20/41). There was a statistically significant correlation between percentage of systolic compression and depth of the tunneled segment (r=0.538, p<0.01). There was no relation between distance of the tunneled segment from the ostium and degree of systolic compression. No significant correlation was found between percentage of systolic compression and length of the tunneled segment (r=0.058, p=0.721). Morphologic features of MB were not related to the presence of CAD in proximal segments. CONCLUSION: MDCT coronary angiography depicts the morphologic and functional features of the MB in detail. The depth of MB segment was correlated with systolic compression of MB. There was no relationship between distance of the tunneled segment from the ostium and systolic compression.

Adherent skin barrier drape use is associated with a reduced risk of cardiac implantable device infection: Results from a prospective study of 14,225 procedures.

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a costly and highly morbid complication. Perioperative interventions, including the use of antibiotic pouches and intensified perioperative antibiotic regimens, have demonstrated marginal efficacy at reducing CIED infection. Additional research is needed to identify additional interventions to reduce infection risk. Objective: We sought to evaluate whether adherent skin barrier drape use is associated with a reduction in CIED infection. Methods: A prospective registry of all CIED implantation procedures was established at our institution in January 2007. The registry was established in collaboration with our hospital infection prevention team with a specific focus on prospectively identifying all potential CIED infections. All potential CIED infections were independently adjudicated by 2 physicians blinded to the use of an adherent skin barrier drape. Results: Over a 13-year period, 14,225 procedures were completed (mean age 72 ± 14 years; female 4,918 (35%); new implants 10,005 (70%); pulse generator changes 2585 (18%); upgrades 1635 (11%). Of those, 2469 procedures (17.4%) were performed using an adherent skin barrier drape. There were 103 adjudicated device infections (0.73%). The infection rate in patients in the barrier use groups was 8 of 2469 (0.32%) as compared with 95 of 11,756 (0.8%) in the nonuse group (P = .0084). In multivariable analysis, the use of an adherent skin barrier drape was independently associated with a reduction in infection (odds ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval 0.154-0.665; P = .002). Conclusion: The use of an adherent skin barrier drape at the time of cardiac device surgery is associated with a lower risk of subsequent infection.

Long-Term Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of patients with tetralogy of Fallot develop left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure, in addition to right ventricular dysfunction. Although cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment option, the effect of CRT in this population is still not well defined. This study aimed to investigate the early and late efficacy, survival, and safety of CRT in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: Data were analyzed from an observational, retrospective, multicenter cohort, initiated jointly by the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society and the International Society of Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Twelve centers contributed baseline and longitudinal data, including vital status, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), QRS duration, and NYHA functional class. Outcomes were analyzed at early (3 months), intermediate (1 year), and late follow-up (≥2 years) after CRT implantation. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (40.3±19.2 years) with tetralogy of Fallot and CRT were enrolled. Twenty-nine (65.9%) patients had right ventricular pacing before CRT upgrade. The left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 32% [24%-44%] at baseline to 42% [32%-50%] at early follow-up (P<0.001) and remained improved from baseline thereafter (P≤0.002). The QRS duration decreased from 180 [160-205] ms at baseline to 152 [133-182] ms at early follow-up (P<0.001) and remained decreased at intermediate and late follow-up (P≤0.001). Patients with upgraded CRT had consistent improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and QRS duration at each time point (P≤0.004). Patients had a significantly improved New York Heart Association functional class after CRT implantation at each time point compared with baseline (P≤0.002). The transplant-free survival rates at 3, 5, and 8 years after CRT implantation were 85%, 79%, and 73%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with tetralogy of Fallot treated with CRT consistent improvement in QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, and reasonable long-term survival were observed. The findings from this multicenter study support the consideration of CRT in this unique population.

Interaction between cardioverter defibrillator and enhanced external counterpulsation device.

BACKGROUND: Potential interference between implanted cardiac devices and other medical instruments is an important concern. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possible device interaction between implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and external enhanced counterpulsation (EECP) treatment. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with an implanted ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) were enrolled into the study. EECP had applied as two sessions of 5 minutes. Data from device interrogations before and after the first EECP session and during second EECP session were recorded and analyzed for signs of possible device interaction. RESULTS: There was no sign of inappropriate sensing or noise during EECP session. There was no difference regarding electrode impedance, pacing, and sensing values before and after EECP. There was a statistically significant difference regarding heart rates during EECP therapy between rate response off and on modes (68.69 ± 5.92 beats/min and 90.32 ± 11.05 beats/min, respectively P = 0,001). In four patients with CRT-D and unipolar left ventricular pacing, counterpulsation could not be done because of QRS sensing problems. CONCLUSIONS: EECP seems to be a safe treatment modality in patients with implanted ICD and CRT-D devices. It should be kept in mind that in those patients with CRT-D, rate responsive mode is on; inappropriate sinus tachycardia can be seen during EECP therapy. Also in patients with CRT-D using a unipolar sensing mode, problems of QRS complex sensing by the EECP may occur and, therefore, this effects synchronization and success of EECP therapy.

Do barrier dressings reduce cardiac implantable device infection: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial (BARRIER-PROTECT).

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures can be associated with serious complications, including infection with significant mortality and morbidity, necessitating removal of the device and prolonged hospitalization. One potential pathophysiological mechanism is pocket contamination at the time of device implantation. Therefore, steps taken to prevent contamination at this stage can potentially reduce CIED infections.The barrier dressing, an adhesive material applied to the skin, has the potential to reduce the colonization of the surgical site with host flora that can predispose to infection. There are a limited number of randomized prospective studies on barrier dressing use during various surgeries, but it has never been systematically studied in CIED implantation. Objectives: Do Barrier Dressings Reduce Cardiac Implantable Device Infection? (BARRIER-PROTECT trial; NCT04591366) is a single-centre, prospective, double-armed, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the use of an intra-operative adhesive barrier dressing to reduce the risk of end-of-procedure pocket swab positivity. We hypothesize that adhesive draping during implant procedures will reduce the risk of contamination from the skin flora. Also, we aim to investigate if the end-of-procedure pocket swab culture positivity can be used as a potential surrogate marker of CIED infection. Methods and Design: Patients undergoing a second or later procedure on the same device pocket (pulse generator change, lead/pocket revision or upgrade) will be enrolled. Eligible and consenting patients will be equally randomized to the use of barrier dressing or not using an automated web-based system. Patients, but not the operator, will be blinded to the arm. The person performing the pocket swabs will also be blinded. The primary endpoint is the end-of-procedure pocket swab culture positivity. The main secondary endpoint is the CIED infection rate. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of using a barrier adhesive draping on reducing the end-of-procedure pocket swab culture positivity. In this study, we are exploring a low-cost intervention that may significantly reduce CIED infection. Also, having a valid surrogate marker for CIED infection at the time of implant will facilitate design of future clinical trials.

Conduction System Pacing Versus Conventional Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Dyssynchrony-associated left ventricular systolic dysfunction is a major contributor to heart failure in congenital heart disease (CHD). Although conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has shown benefit, the comparative efficacy of cardiac conduction system pacing (CSP) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was compare the clinical outcomes of CSP vs conventional CRT in CHD with biventricular, systemic left ventricular anatomy. METHODS: Retrospective CSP data from 7 centers were compared with propensity score-matched conventional CRT control subjects. Outcomes were lead performance, change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and QRS duration at 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 65 CSP cases were identified (mean age 37 ± 21 years, 46% men). The most common CHDs were tetralogy of Fallot (n = 12 [19%]) and ventricular septal defect (n = 12 [19%]). CSP was achieved after a mean of 2.5 ± 1.6 attempts per procedure (38 patients with left bundle branch pacing, 17 with HBP, 10 with left ventricular septal myocardial). Left bundle branch area pacing [LBBAP] vs HBP was associated with a smaller increase in pacing threshold (Δ pacing threshold 0.2 V vs 0.8 V; P = 0.05) and similar sensing parameters at follow-up. For 25 CSP cases and control subjects with baseline left ventricular systolic dysfunction, improvement in LVEF was non-inferior (Δ LVEF 9.0% vs 6.0%; P = 0.30; 95% confidence limits: -2.9% to 10.0%) and narrowing of QRS duration was more pronounced for CSP (Δ QRS duration 35 ms vs 14 ms; P = 0.04). Complications were similar (3 [12%] CSP, 4 [16%] conventional CRT; P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: CSP can be reliably achieved in biventricular, systemic left ventricular CHD patients with similar improvement in LVEF and greater QRS narrowing for CSP vs conventional CRT at 1 year. Among CSP patients, pacing electrical parameters were superior for LBBAP vs HBP.

Should they stay, or should they go: Do we need to remove the old cardiac implantable electronic device if a new system is required on the contralateral side?

Background: Ipsilateral approach in patients requiring cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) revision or upgrade may not be feasible, primarily due to vascular occlusion. If a new CIED is implanted on the contralateral side, a common practice is to explant the old CIED to avoid device interaction. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess a conservative approach of abandoning the old CIED after implanting a new contralateral device. Methods: We used an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze postimplant chest radiographs to identify those with multiple CIEDs. Outcomes of interest included device interaction, abandoned CIED elective replacement indicator (ERI) behavior, subsequent programming changes, and explant of abandoned CIED. Theoretical risk of infection with removal of abandoned CIED was estimated using a validated scoring system. Results: Among 12,045 patients, we identified 40 patients with multiple CIEDs. Occluded veins were the most common indication for contralateral implantation (n = 27 [67.5%]). Fifteen abandoned CIEDs reached ERI, with 4 reverting to VVI 65. One patient underwent explant due to device interaction, and 2 required device reprogramming. Of 32 patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, 8 (25%) had treated ventricular arrhythmia. There were no failed or inappropriate therapies due to interaction. Eighteen patients (45%) had hypothetical >1% annual risk of hospitalization for device infection if the abandoned CIED had been explanted. Conclusion: In patients requiring new CIED implant on the contralateral side, abandoning the old device is feasible. This approach may reduce the risk of infection and concerns regarding abandoned leads and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Knowledge of ERI behavior is essential to avoid device interactions.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Adult Patients With a Failing Systemic Right Ventricle: A Multicenter Study.

Background The objective of this international multicenter study was to investigate both early and late outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with a systemic right ventricle (SRV) and to identify predictors for congestive heart failure readmissions and mortality. Methods and Results This retrospective international multicenter study included 13 centers. The study population comprised 80 adult patients with SRV (48.9% women) with a mean age of 45±14 (range, 18-77) years at initiation of CRT. Median follow-up time was 4.1 (25th-75th percentile, 1.3-8.3) years. Underlying congenital heart disease consisted of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and dextro-transposition of the great arteries in 63 (78.8%) and 17 (21.3%) patients, respectively. CRT resulted in significant improvement in functional class (before CRT: III, 25th-75th percentile, II-III; after CRT: II, 25th-75th percentile, II-III; P=0.005) and QRS duration (before CRT: 176±27; after CRT: 150±24 milliseconds; P=0.003) in patients with pre-CRT ventricular pacing who underwent an upgrade to a CRT device (n=49). These improvements persisted during long-term follow-up with a marginal but significant increase in SRV function (before CRT; 30%, 25th-75th percentile, 25-35; after CRT: 31%, 25th-75th percentile, 21-38; P=0.049). In contrast, no beneficial change in the above-mentioned variables was observed in patients who underwent de novo CRT (n=31). A quarter of all patients were readmitted for heart failure during follow-up, and mortality at latest follow-up was 21.3%. Conclusions This international experience with CRT in patients with an SRV demonstrated that CRT in selected patients with SRV dysfunction and pacing-induced dyssynchrony yielded consistent improvement in QRS duration and New York Heart Association functional status, with a marginal increase in SRV function.

Non-invasive evaluation of the coronary venous system in patients with chronic systolic heart failure by 64-detector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Imaging coronary venous systems to guide transcatheter cardiac interventions are becoming increasingly important, particularly in heart failure patients who are selected for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Failure of left ventricular (LV) lead placement during the procedure has been attributed to the inability to insert catheters into the coronary sinus and the lack of suitable side branches. PURPOSE: To comparatively assess the value of a 64-detector MDCT examination in visualizing the cardiac veins and evaluating the morphological characteristics of the coronary venous system in patients with and without chronic systolic heart failure (SHF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 64-detector MDCT examination of the heart was performed in 26 consecutive patients (five women, 21 men; mean age 57.80 ± 12.05 years; range 27-81 years) with chronic SHF. The morphological characteristics of the coronary venous system, such as the diameter, the distances between the venous tributaries, the angle and the tortuosity, were evaluated. The group was compared with a subgroup of 52 subjects without SHF (LV ejection fraction >40%) matched for age, sex, and the risk factors for coronary artery disease. RESULTS: The coronary sinus (CS), great cardiac vein (GCV), anterior interventricular vein (AIV), and posterior interventricular vein (PIV) were visualized in all 78 individuals. The posterior vein of the left ventricle (PVLV) (63/78), left marginal vein (LMV) (72/78), and the small cardiac vein (SCV) (50/78) were visualized in SHF and control patients (p = NS). The lengths between venous tributaries were higher (p > 0.05) and more dilated (P < 0.001 for CS, GCV, AIV, PVLV, LMV; p = 0.001 for PIV) in the cases with SHF compared with the control population. The angle between the CS-GCV axis and the venous branches was wider (p = 0.02 for LMV and PIV, p = 0.001 for PVLV) and did not have any correlation with the LV diameter in cases with SHF. There was no difference between the SHF and control groups in terms of the tortuosity of PVLV and LMV (p = NS). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated an increase in the diameters, lengths, and angulations with the CS-GCV axis of the coronary veins in cases with SHF. A 64-detector MDCT is a feasible tool for non-invasive evaluation of the coronary venous system and may provide considerable information regarding numbers and morphology of coronary veins before percutaneous transcatheter cardiac therapy.

Sudden death in a patient with Noonan syndrome.

We report here the case of a 27-year-old woman with Noonan syndrome presenting with ventricular fibrillation. After successful defibrillation, echocardiography revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Normal echocardiographic cardiac structure and function were reported 11 years ago. This case emphasises the importance of regular follow-up in patients with congenital disorders in which cardiac manifestations might develop in early adulthood or later.

Ondansetron administration before transoesophageal echocardiography reduces the need for sedation and improves patient comfort during the procedure.

AIMS: Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an uncomfortable procedure for the majority of patients. In the current double-blind randomized prospective study, we sought to assess whether ondansetron would improve patient comfort, reduce the need for sedation, and increase tolerance during TEE, and we compared ondansetron, metoclopramide, and placebo. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients who underwent TEE were randomized into three groups receiving ondansetron HCl, metoclopramide, or placebo. Data concerning additional doses of midazolam, procedural time, recovery time in the outpatient ward, blood pressure values, percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation values, side effects of the medications used, and patient discomfort via a visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected and analysed. The ondansetron group received less additional midazolam than the metoclopramide and placebo groups (ondansetron group: 0.6 ± 0.7 mg; metoclopramide group: 1.9 ± 0.9 mg; and placebo group: 2.1 ± 0.8 mg; P < 0,001). VAS was significantly lower in the ondansetron group than in the metoclopramide and placebo groups (4.0 ± 1.6, 6.1 ± 1.8, and 6.6 ± 1.6, respectively; P < 0.001). Recovery time in the outpatient ward was shorter in the ondansetron group than in the metoclopramide and placebo groups (22.5 ± 4.8, 30.9 ± 6.6, and 30.4 ± 5.0 min, respectively; P < 0.001). No adverse reaction to ondansetron was observed, whereas one patient developed mild spontaneously resolving dystonia due to metoclopramide. CONCLUSION: Ondansetron administration reduces the need for sedation during TEE and improves patient comfort.

Unintentional Staining of the Anterior Vitreous with Trypan Blue During Cataract Surgery.

During phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation surgery, the trypan blue dye used to stain the anterior capsule passed into vitreous cavity and stained the anterior capsule and anterior vitreous in 6 patients. There was history of trauma in 2 patients, uveitis in 1 patient, mature cataract in 1 patient, and no risk factors in the other patients. IOL was implanted in-the-bag without problem in 5 patients. In the patient with iris and zonular defects due to trauma, a sutured IOL was implanted in the same session. The migration of trypan blue into the vitreous cavity through damaged or intact lens zonules is a rare but important complication that makes subsequent surgical steps substantially more difficult.

Safety of radial coronary angiography with uninterrupted direct-acting oral anticoagulant treatment.

OBJECTIVE: It is not known whether direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban increase the risk of bleeding complications during or after coronary catheterization. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of uninterrupted DOAC treatment during diagnostic radial coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: This study included 160 patients who underwent diagnostic radial cardiac catheterization. The 60 patients in the group who were using a DOAC (apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran) were enrolled in a Group A. Post-procedure results from patients in Group A were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched control group (Group B) that included 100 patients who underwent radial CAG who did not use a DOAC. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the procedure and compression times, creatinine level, or presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, vascular disease, or congestive heart failure between the 2 groups. During the 1 -month follow-up period, only 1 radial occlusion was registered in the control group (Group B). There was no case of a large hematoma (>5 cm or extending to the forearm), dissection, fistula, perforation, or compartment syndrome. Hematomas smaller than 5 cm were seen in 2 patients (1 in each group). No thrombotic events were observed during follow-up examinations. CONCLUSION: Performing radial CAG with uninterrupted DOAC treatment appears to carry no risk of increased early or short-term complications. The simple, uninterrupted DOAC strategy is comfortable, easy, and safe.

A Strategy of Lead Abandonment in a Large Cohort of Patients With Sprint Fidelis Leads.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine outcomes of our approach to managing a large cohort of patients with Sprint Fidelis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) leads. BACKGROUND: The optimal management approach for patients with leads under advisory is unknown. Concerns regarding the risk of device infection and complications associated with delaying lead extraction have recently been suggested to argue against abandoning leads under advisory. METHODS: All patients with a Sprint Fidelis lead implanted at our institute were included. Lead management options were discussed with patients who presented for device surgery at the time of device upgrade, lead fracture, or elective replacement indicator. Implantation of a new lead with abandonment of the Sprint Fidelis lead was the recommended strategy. Patients were subsequently followed at the device clinic at 6-month intervals and were enrolled prospectively in a longitudinal registry. RESULTS: A total of 520 patients had Sprint Fidelis leads implanted between December 2003 and October 2007 at the study center; 217 patients underwent lead replacement (213 underwent a lead abandonment strategy and 4 underwent a lead extraction strategy). Mean follow-up after lead replacement was 55 ± 33 months. In patients undergoing lead abandonment, 10 of 213 (4.7%) had a procedural complication and 3 of 213 (1.4%) developed subsequent device infection requiring system extraction. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a Sprint Fidelis lead, implanting a new lead without prophylactic extraction may be a feasible and safe strategy but requires longer follow-up.

Long-term combined therapy with losartan and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor improves functional capacity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure (HF) is well documented. However, ACE inhibitors may provide incomplete blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system due to the alternative pathways for the production of angiotensin II (Ang II). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy of an ACE inhibitor and the Ang II receptor blocker losartan in patients with HF by using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventeen patients (ejection fraction < or = 40%) were included in the study group. At the start of the study, all participants were on chronic ACE inhibitors therapy. Fifty mg losartan was added to the treatment and CPET was performed before and 6-8 months after starting losartan therapy. Sixteen patients with HF were included in the control group. CPET was performed once at the beginning and repeated 6-8 months later without any change in the treatment protocol. The change in CPET values (walk-time (WT), peakVO2, anaerobic threshold (AT), minute ventilation (VE), VE/VO2, peak heart rate (HR),VO2/HR) was investigated. In the losartan-treated group a significant increase was noted in WT (393 +/- 157 vs. 507 +/- 155 sec, p < 0.01); peak VO2 (1205 +/- 240 vs. 1330 +/- 253 ml/min, p < 0.05); and AT (794 +/- 131 vs. 895 +/- 177 ml/min, p < 0.05). In the control group exercise parameters did not change significantly. The change from baseline to follow-up between the two groups is statistically significant for WT and peak VO2 (114 +/- 94 vs. -58 +/- 134 sec, p < 0.0 1 and 125 +/-183 vs. -116 +/- 221 ml/min, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of losartan to the ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with HF improves functional capacity in the long run.

Adrenal adenoma presenting with ventricular fibrillation.

We report the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with ventricular fibrillation. The serum potassium level was 1.8 mEq/L after successful cardioversion. Coronary angiography showed a normal heart with no structural defects, but 12-lead electrocardiography showed indications of left ventricular hypertrophy, which was confirmed by echocardiography. Laboratory examinations showed a suppressed renin level and an elevated serum aldosterone level. Computed tomography then revealed a right adrenal mass. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the adenoma. This case emphasizes the importance of meticulous search for secondary causes of hypertension, before the occurrence of serious complications.