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The present case describes a dilated cardiomyopathy associated with both antidromic and orthodromic atrio-ventricular reentrant tachycardias supported by multiple right accessory pathways. Both right accessory pathways were successfully eliminated by catheter ablation and the patient progressively recovered during the follow up. The following etiologies might be involved: 1) primitive dilated cardiomyopathy (or post-inflammatory); 2) septal dyssinchrony due to ventricular pre-excitation; 3) tachycardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A better selection of patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) might increase the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the Strauss criteria, absence of S wave in V5-V6, the Selvester score and response to CRT.Methods and Results: The retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients having undergone implantation of biventricular defibrillators in primary prevention between 2018 and 2020. The final analysis included 236 patients (mean age 69.7 ± 9.9; 77.5% of males). The Strauss criteria were significantly associated with CRT response (p < 0.01) with a sensitivity of 71.3% and specificity of 64.1%. The Strauss criteria along with the absence of S wave in V5 and V6 showed a sensitivity of 56.7%, a specificity of 82.6% and a positive predictive value of 90.5%. The Selvester score was significantly and inversely associated with CRT response (OR 0.818, 95% CI 0.75-0.89; p < 0.001). The multivariable model showed that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and QRS duration (≥140 ms in males and ≥ 130 ms in females) were independently associated with CRT response (respectively OR 0.92, CI 95% 0.86-0.98, p = 0.01 and OR 3.70, CI 95% 1.12-12.21, p = 0.03).Conclusions: Strauss criteria, especially in association with absence of S wave in V5 and V6, were able to increase specificity and positive predictive value for predicting CRT response. The Selvester score was inversely associated with CRT response. Finally, LVEF and QRS duration were independently associated with echocardiographic response to CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, upgrade and revision procedures of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have become increasingly frequent. Patency of the access veins is critical for procedural success.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of venous obstruction at the time of system revision, to identify predictors of venous stenosis, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous techniques for overcoming stenosis.Methods: All patients admitted to our division from January 2004 to January 2017 for CIED revision with the intent to add 1 or more leads were included. Each patient underwent ipsilateral contrast venography. The degree of venous stenosis was determined with the support of quantitative coronary angiography and categorized as significant (75%-90%), subocclusive (90%-99%), or occlusive (100%).Results: Of 227 patients, 61 (27%) showed a stenosis >75%. Different techniques were performed to overcome stenosis: direct vein access, distal venous puncture central to the stenosis, and percutaneous venoplasty in 25 (41%), 26 (43%) and 9 (15%) cases. respectively. All procedures were successful, without major complications. At multivariate analysis, having 3 leads before revision (odds ratio 0.444; 95% confidence interval 0.212-0.920; P = .029) and a previous system revision with lead insertion (odds ratio 0.323; 95% confidence interval 0.124-0.841; P = .021) were independent predictors of venous stenosis.Conclusion: Chronic venous obstruction is a relatively frequent finding after CIED implantation. The number of implanted leads seems to be an independent predictor of venous obstruction. In case of stenosis, the preprocedural angiography-guided structured approach allowed preservation of both contralateral access and functioning leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]