Atrial fibrillation in the elderly.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and its prevalence is increasing with age. With aging of the population treatment of atrial fibrillation especially in elderly population is a growing task for all medical staff working with elderly patients. Treatment of atrial fibrillation especially in elderly patients has to focus on prevention of thromboembolism as well as symptom relief with rate or rhythm control. This review article will focus on medical and non-pharmacological treatment options for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients.

Electromagnetic versus fluoroscopic mapping of the inferior isthmus for ablation of typical atrial flutter: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation within the tricuspid annulus-inferior caval vein isthmus can cure typical atrial flutter. The target for ablation, nonetheless, is relatively wide, and standard ablation procedures may require significant exposure to radiation. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (mean age, 58+/-11 years) with typical atrial flutter were prospectively randomized to receive isthmus ablation using conventional fluoroscopy for catheter navigation (group I, n=24) or electromagnetic mapping (group II, n=26). Complete bidirectional isthmus block was verified with double potential mapping. If complete isthmus block could not be achieved after 20 radiofrequency pulses or 25 minutes of fluoroscopy, the patients were switched to the other group. Eight patients from group I (33%) but only 1 patient from group II (4%) were switched. Overall, complete isthmus block was achieved in 47 of 50 patients (94%). The overall fluoroscopy time, including the placement of the diagnostic catheters, was 22.0+/-6.3 minutes in group I and 3.9+/-1.5 minutes in group II (P:<0.0001). The fluoroscopy time needed for isthmus mapping was 17.7+/-6.5 minutes in group I and 0.2+/-0.3 minutes in group II (P:<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic mapping during the induction of linear lesions for the ablation of atrial flutter permitted a highly significant reduction in exposure to fluoroscopy while maintaining high efficacy, and it allowed the time required for fluoroscopy to be reduced to levels anticipated for diagnostic electrophysiological studies.

[Analysis of intracardial electrograms in pacemakers and ICD systems by Biotronik]. / Analyse intrakardialer Elektrogramme in Schrittmachern und ICDs der Firma Biotronik.

Detailed analysis of stored electrograms is essential for the interpretation of arrhythmias, programming changes, and optimization of the medical therapy in patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. The physician who cares for patients with implantable electrical devices has to be able to understand the detection and treatment algorithms of those devices. Biotronik pacemakers of newer generations are capable of storing intracardiac electrograms. Earlier devices store up to 12 electrograms of 10 s duration after certain trigger events, like atrial tachycardia or high ventricular rates. Cardiac resynchronization systems can store electrograms after patient activation with magnets in addition to the above mentioned trigger-activated electrograms. Defibrillators store intracardiac electrograms during tachycardia episodes with near-field and far-field electrograms of the right ventricular lead in addition to the markers in single and dual chamber defibrillators (in addition to an atrial electrogram) and near field electrograms of the atrial, the right, and the left ventricular electrode in addition to the markers in resynchronization systems. Each channel has a maximum storing capacity of 32 min. If there are more episodes than storing capacity, electrograms of older episodes will be overwritten, but if the newer episodes are all classified as supraventricular, the last two ventricular episodes (VT or VF) will remain in the episode memory. This article describes stored electrograms, detection, and treatment algorithms of implantable cardiac devices manufactured by Biotronik.

[Unusual course of a Guillain-Barré syndrome in connection with an RS-Virus infection in a 10 months old infant]. / Ungewöhnlicher Verlauf eines Guillain-Barré-Syndroms im Zusammenhang mit einer RS-Virusinfektion bei einem 10 Monate alten Säugling.

Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS; Synonyma: Polyneuritis, Polyradikulitis) is an acute, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the peripheral nerve system. Clinical hallmarks are symmetric muscle paralysis, areflexia and pronounced autonomic disturbances. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular instability are the main reasons for intensive care support in patients with GBS. We present the process of illness of an 10 month old baby with GBS. The report discusses RSV as possible triggers. For children with ARDS, a nitric oxide ventilation could represent a lifesaving option.

[Tracheal aplasia--an especially rare and dramatic anomaly]. / Trachealaplasie--eine besonders seltene und dramatische Fehlbildung.

Tracheal agenesis (TA), aplasia or total atresia of the trachea are congenital anomalies which are still incompatible with life. Despite the many attempts of different interventions, there are yet no promising, long-term methods of treatment. Only with sufficient proportion of the proximal or distal trachea available, it is possible to place a tracheostomy, which also opens up new vistas of life for the affected child. In most cases the seldom deformation, trachealagenesis, does not get recognised before the child is born. It may therefore be the immediate diagnosis postnatal that is decisive over the final prognosis of the child. The prepartal suspicion of a duodenal stenosis, an aphonic newborn as well as the frustrane attempts of intubation are possible guidelines of TA. In independence of peripartal and anamnestical factors, individual disciplinary decisions are necessary for further treatments. After the cancellation of intensive care the premature infant of the case report died as consequence of postnatal diagnosed tracheal aplasia. Under circumstances, medical treatments such as the ex utero intrapartum procedure (Exit), the temporary method of extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or the use of cartilage tissue for the plastic trachea reconstruction can provide advanced medical opportunities.

Expression of connexins 40 and 43 in human left atrium in atrial fibrillation of different aetiologies.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with changes in the expression of connexins 40 and 43 in the left atrium with more pronounced changes in mitral valve disease than in lone AF. METHODS: Protein concentrations of connexin 40 and connexin 43 were analysed in left atrial tissue of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. One group of patients had lone AF (n = 41), one group had AF and mitral valve repair (n = 36), and one group in sinus rhythm served as controls (n = 15). RESULTS: Western blot analysis of connexin 40 and connexin 43 expression showed an increase of both gap junctional proteins (connexin 43 > connexin 40) in patients with AF of all forms compared with patients in sinus rhythm (p = 0.01 and p = 0.011, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed increased concentrations of connexin 40 in lone AF and AF with mitral valve disease compared with sinus rhythm (p = 0.06 and p = 0.029, respectively), whereas the same analysis for connexin 43 reached significance only in the mitral valve disease group (p = 0.031). No differences in connexin 40 and connexin 43 expression were detectable between lone AF and AF with mitral valve disease. Within the groups connexin 40 and connexin 43 expression did not differ between patients with paroxysmal AF and patients with chronic AF. CONCLUSION: The present study shows for the first time that AF can induce changes in the left atrium with increased connexin expression. Furthermore, no systematic differences between patients with paroxysmal and chronic AF were detected.

Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways. Contemporary success rates and complications in 323 patients.

INTRODUCTION: 17 years ago the first radiofrequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway (AP) was performed. The aim of this study was to describe the contemporary success rates and procedure related complication rates of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of accessory pathways (APs). In addition, the present study describes the anatomical distribution of APs according to the new nomenclature introduced by NASPE and ESC in 1999. METHODS: The analysis included all patients, who underwent RF ablation of an AP in the Heart Center Leipzig between January 2000 and December 2003. RESULTS: Over a 4 year period 336 APs were ablated in 323 patients. 201 APs (60%) presented with antegrade and retrograde conduction and showed preexcitation on ECG. For the remaining 135 APs (40%), only retrograde conduction over the AP was documented. According to the new nomenclature APs were classified as left-sided, right sided, septal and paraseptal APs. 188 APs (56%) were located on the left, 41 (12%) on the right, 64 (19%) in the paraseptal space and 31 APs (9%) presented with a septal or parahisian localization, respectively. Because of atypical course and/or characteristics 12 APs (4%) could not be classified. Ablation of all pathways were successful in 315 patients (98%). In 289 patients (89%) success was achieved within a single ablation session. The left-sided pathways had a re-intervention rate of 5%, which was significantly lower compared to the remaining localizations. The highest re-intervention rate was observed in the septal APs (23%). Complications were observed in less than 2% of all treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: 17 years after the first RF catheter ablation of an AP this therapy is established as a highly effective procedure. The success rate has improved to 98% and the complication rate has been minimized to less than 2%. The most frequent localization of APs is left posterior. Left sided APs also presented with the lowest re-intervention rate. The introduction of the new nomenclature in 1999 by NASPE and ESC has simplified the description of the exact anatomical localization of an AP.

A stepwise mapping approach for localization and ablation of ectopic right, left, and septal atrial foci using electroanatomic mapping.

AIMS: We describe a new strategic stepwise mapping approach for fast and accurate identification and ablation of ectopic atrial foci using an electroanatomic mapping system. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mapping procedures started with the acquisition of four points at the superior/septal part of the tricuspid annulus. According to this activation sequence, maps were continued towards the right atrial free wall if relatively early activation was shown at the superior part of the initial map or towards the triangle of Koch and, if necessary, to the left atrium, in cases of relatively early activation at the septum. High density mapping and detailed electrogram analysis only of the target area allowed identification and ablation of 34 foci in 30 of the 32 studied consecutive patients. A small number of mapping points were sufficient within a procedure time of 90 +/- 41 min for right 148 +/- 68 min and for left sided foci and a total fluoroscopy time of 9.6 +/- 7.2 min and 24.8 +/- 16.4 min respectively. Sixteen foci were located at the right free wall, eight at the left free wall, and 10 at the right or left side of the septum. CONCLUSION: Strategic electroanatomic mapping with fast identification of the area of tachycardia origin and high density mapping only of this target area allowed fast and successful localization and ablation of right and left free wall and septal ectopic atrial foci.

Expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain B in cardiac vessels of normotensive and hypertensive rats.

We investigated expression of the 5'-spliced isoform of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC-B) in smooth muscle cells of cardiac vessels of the left ventricle of normotensive (Wistar-Kyoto) and spontaneously hypertensive rats of the stroke-prone strain by immunofluorescence microscopy. In parallel, liver and bladder were studied for characterization of the nature of vessels expressing SM-MHC-B and for semiquantitative evaluation of its abundance. Smooth muscle cells were detected by staining with a monoclonal antibody specific for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Abundance of the SM-MHC-B isoform in these cells was evaluated by using an antibody raised against the seven-amino acid insert at the 25K/50K junction of the myosin head (a25K/50K) that specifically recognized SM-MHC-B. In the ventricle, a25K/50K immunoreactivity was observed in smooth muscle cells of precapillary arterioles but not in larger vessels or aorta. The a25K/50K immunoresponse of those vessels with the highest expression level of SM-MHC-B closely resembled the signal observed in the smooth muscle layer of urinary bladder known to preferentially express SM-MHC-B. Interestingly, in left ventricles of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, there was a significantly reduced fraction of a25K/50K-positive precapillary arterioles compared with normotensive control rats.

[Transvenous-subcutaneous implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator after bioprosthetic replacement of a tricuspid valve]. / Transvenös-subkutane Implantation eines Kardioverter-Defibrillators nach biologischem Trikuspidalklappenersatz.

The implantation of transvenous devices in patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement represents problems, especially if an epicardial position is not available. The implantation of a "pace-sense" lead via the coronary sinus is a safe and feasible procedure. For experienced surgeons in implantation of biventricular devices, the implantation of leads via the coronary sinus is a routine procedure. Bipolar leads are essential for the correct sensing and pacing of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). In patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement who have the indication of an ICD implantation postoperatively, the combination of a shock electrode placed in the superior vena cava, a subcutaneous array positioned on the left posterior close to the spine and an active can, placed subpectorally in the left infraclavicular region, is an alternative solution.

Fibrosis in left atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation with and without underlying mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are expressed differently in the left atrial tissue of patients in sinus rhythm (SR), lone atrial fibrillation (AF), and AF with underlying mitral valve disease (MVD). DESIGN: Case-control study. PATIENTS: 118 patients with lone AF, MVD+AF, and SR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin protein expression measured by quantitative western blotting techniques and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Protein concentrations increased in patients with AF (all forms) compared with those in SR (all forms): collagen I (1.15 (0.11) v 0.45 (0.28), respectively; p = 0.002), collagen III (0.74 (0.05) v 0.46 (0.11); p = 0.002, and fibronectin (0.88 (0.06) v 0.62 (0.13); p = 0.08). Especially, collagen I was similarly enhanced in both lone AF (1.49 (0.15) and MVD+AF (1.53 (0.16) compared with SR (0.56 (0.28); both p = 0.01). Collagen III was not significantly increased in lone AF but was significantly increased in AF combined with MVD (0.84 (0.07) both compared with SR (0.46 (0.11); p = 0.01). The concentration of fibronectin was not significantly increased in lone AF and MVD+AF (both compared with SR). Furthermore, there was a similar degree of enhanced collagen expression in paroxysmal AF and chronic AF. CONCLUSIONS: AF is associated with fibrosis. Forms of AF differ from each other in collagen III expression. However, there was no systematic difference in ECM expression between paroxysmal AF and chronic AF. Enhanced concentrations of ECM proteins may have a role in structural remodelling and the pathogenesis of AF as a result of separation of the cells by fibrotic depositions.

[Late diagnosis of Curschmann-Steinert myotonic dystrophy in a female patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and in her son]. / Späte Diagnose einer myotonen Dystrophie Curschmann-Steinert bei einer Patientin mit Dilatativer Kardiomyopathie und ihrem Sohn.

A 41 year old woman presented with dyspnoea at rest and swollen legs in the emergency room of our centre. She reported a history of slowly progressing dyspnoea and oedema in the legs. Physical examination showed signs of biventricular congestive heart failure and dysmorphia of the face. Routine laboratory examination revealed elevated CK levels without significant elevations of the CK-MB isoform. ECG showed complete left bundle branch block and first degree atrioventricular block. Echocardiography and angiography showed markedly reduced left ventricular systolic function, the ejection fraction was 25%. Coronary angiography excluded CAD and there was no evidence for congenital or valvular heart disease. The patient also reported a history of a serious complication during emergency general anaesthesia and cataracts of both eyes. Because of the clinical and chemical findings, the history of cataracts and complications during general anaesthesia, a systemic congenital disease of the muscular tissue was suspected. Molecular studies revealed a trinucleotide amplification at the myotonic dystrophy locus 19q 13.3, so the diagnosis myotonic dystrophy Curschmann-Steinert was established. The sixteen year old son of the patient suffered from an at this time unknown disease with retardation, muscular weakness and myotonia of the face. The diagnosis myotonic dystrophy was evident because of the clinical signs and the family history.