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Background: Catheter ablation outcomes for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are described, but recurrence mechanisms remain largely unknown.Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the electrophysiological characteristics of atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence in ACHD.Methods: ACHD atrial tachycardia procedures over a 10-year period were explored for AT or atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence.Results: At 299 procedures in 250 ACHD (mean age 39 ± 15 years; 130 [52%] male), 464 ATs (360 intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia, 104 focal AT; median 2 [IQR 1-3] ATs per procedure) were targeted. Complete (n = 256 [86%]) or partial (n = 37 [12%]) success was achieved in 98% of procedures. Over a median of 3.0 (IQR 1.4-5.3) years of follow-up, 67 patients (27%) developed AT/AF recurrence after the index procedure. Repeat vs index tachycardias were more often focal AT (26/69 [38%] vs 73/378 [19%]; P < .001), demonstrated longer cycle length (325 ms vs 280 ms; P = .003), required isoproterenol (34/69 [50%] vs 121/378 [32%]; P = .03), and involved the pulmonary venous atrium (PVA)/septum (26/69 [38%] vs 67/378 [18%]; P < .001). AF history (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0; interquartile range [IQR] 1.2-3.4; P = .01), incomplete success (HR 3.6; IQR 2.1-6.4; P < .001), and PVA substrate (HR 2.1; IQR 1.2-3.5; P = .006) were independently associated with AT/AF recurrence. With complete index procedure success and no AF history, 5-year actuarial freedom from AT/AF and AT alone were 77% and 80%.Conclusion: After catheter ablation in ACHD, repeat ATs were more frequently focal, required isoproterenol administration, or involved intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia within the PVA or atrial septum. Negative factors were partial success, index PVA substrate, and remote history of AF. These data support aggressive pharmacological provocation to eliminate all inducible tachycardias and coexisting PVA substrates at index procedures for ACHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biatrial tachycardia (BiAT) is a rare form of macroreentry not previously characterized in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD).Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, mechanisms, and outcomes of catheter ablation for BiAT in ACHD.Methods: All ACHD undergoing catheter ablation for macroreentrant atrial tachycardia over a 10-year period were evaluated for evidence of BiAT. Patients were categorized as prior Senning, Fontan, or other biventricular operation. A novel biatrial global activation histogram (GAH) analysis was used to demonstrate the presence of interatrial connections (IACs).Results: Among 263 ACHD, BiAT was identified at 11 procedures in 10 patients (4.2%; median age 35 years; 30% male). The congenital category was Fontan in 6, Senning in 3, and biventricular in 2. Diagnosis of BiAT was associated with ablation era and mapping technology (P <.001) and could be confirmed with a novel GAH mapping approach for normally septated atrial connections. Catheter ablation targeted an IAC in 5 cases (Bjork Fontan and biventricular operations), a posterior isthmus in 3 (Senning operation), and the cavotricuspid isthmus or equivalent in 3 (lateral tunnel [LT] Fontan). Recurrence was isolated to ablation to sites at the expected location of the Bachmann bundle, and durable success could be achieved after repeat ablation.Conclusion: BiAT occurs in approximately 4% of ACHD but is likely underrecognized. BiAT could be targeted at an IAC for normally septated atria and at a conventional critical isthmus after Senning and LT Fontan operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Despite anticoagulation, usually with heparin, mortality for thromboembolic events in COVID-19 remains high. Clinical efficacy of heparin is due to its interaction with antithrombin (AT) that may be decreased in COVID-19. Therefore, we correlated AT levels with outcomes of COVID-19.Methods and Results: We recruited 49 consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19. AT levels were significantly lower in 16 non-survivors than in 33 survivors (72.2 ± 23.4 versus 94.6 ± 19.5%; p = 0.0010). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low AT (levels below 80%) was a predictor of mortality (HR:3.97; 95%CI:1.38 to 11.43; p = 0.0103). BMI was the only variable that showed a significant difference between patients with low and those with normal AT levels (32.9 ± 7.9 versus 27.5 ± 5.9%; p = 0.0104). AT levels were significantly lower in obese patients than in subjects with normal weight or overweight (77.9 ± 26.9 versus 91.4 ± 26.9 versus 91.4 ± 17.1%; p = 0.025). An inverse correlation between AT levels and BMI was documented (r:-0.33; p = 0.0179).Conclusions: Our data first suggest that AT is strongly associated with mortality in COVID-19. In addition, AT may be the link between obesity and a poorer prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Other studies should confirm whether AT may become a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although they are at lower risk, patients with previous extracardiac conduit (EC) Fontan still may require catheter ablation for supraventricular arrhythmia.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal approach to pulmonary venous atrium (PVA) access after EC Fontan operation.Methods: All electrophysiological procedures requiring PVA over a 10-year period at the UCLA Medical Center were reviewed. PVA was grouped by transcaval cardiac puncture (TCP) or direct conduit puncture. Procedural characteristics and outcomes were compared.Results: Between June 2009 and November 2019, 23 electrophysiological procedures requiring PVA access were performed in 17 EC Fontan patients (53% male; median age 25 years; interquartile range 11-34). Cavoatrial overlap was identified in 14 patients by preprocedural imaging (10 cardiac computed tomography, 4 cardiac magnetic resonance). PVA access was obtained via TCP in 11, direct conduit puncture in 6, pre-existing fenestration in 5, and pulmonary artery puncture in 1. Time to PVA was significantly shorter for TCP vs direct conduit puncture (0.2 vs 1.1 hours, respectively; P = .03). The only predictor of successful TCP was the length of cavoatrial overlap by preprocedural imaging (14 vs 3 mm; P = .02). No procedural complications occurred. No change in oxygen saturation was noted, and no evidence of residual shunting was detected by follow-up echocardiography.Conclusion: TCP is feasible in most patients after EC Fontan surgery and can be predicted by preprocedural advanced imaging. TCP is associated with shorter time to PVA and was uncomplicated in this single-center study. Preoperative assessment of cavoatrial overlap should be considered before catheter ablation for EC Fontan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is associated with spontaneous AV block and pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. His bundle pacing (HBP) is a potential alternative to conventional CRT.Objectives: To determine the outcomes of HBP for CCTGA.Methods: Retrospective data were collected from 10 international centers.Results: HBP or left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) was attempted for 15 CCTGA patients (median 23 yrs, 87% male). Prior surgery had been performed in 5 and chronic ventricular pacing in 6. Conduction system pacing (HBP=11, LBBP=2; non-selective in 10, selective in 3) was acutely successful in 13 (86%) without complication. In 9 cases, electro-anatomical mapping was available and identified the distal His bundle and proximal LBBs within the morphologic LV below the pulmonary valve separate from the mitral annulus. The median implant HV interval was 42 ms (IQR 35 - 48), R wave 6 mV (IQR 5 - 18) and threshold 0.5V (IQR 0.5 - 1.2) at median 0.5 ms. The QRSd was unchanged as compared to junctional escape rhythm (124 vs 110 ms, p=0.17) and decreased significantly compared to baseline ventricular pacing (112 vs 164 ms, p<0.01). At a median of 8 months, all patients were alive without significant change in pacing threshold or lead dysfunction. NYHA class improved in 5 patients.Conclusions: Permanent conduction system pacing is feasible in CCTGA by either HBP or proximal LBBP. Narrow paced QRS and stable lead thresholds were observed at intermediate follow-up. Unique anatomical characteristics may favor this approach over conventional CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tricuspid valve (TV) surgery is often required for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), but may hinder catheter ablation when an artificial material or imbricated tissue covers the tricuspid annulus.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of catheter ablation after TV surgery in a large ACHD cohort.Methods: An international retrospective study involving 7 centers was conducted. Patients who did and did not undergo TV surgery were matched for age, lesion classification, and postsurgical duration. TV operations were classified as valve ring/replacement vs repair.Results: One hundred thirty-six patients (42 ring/replacement, 39 repair, and 55 no TV surgery; median 32 years [IQR 20 - 46]) underwent 180 procedures targeting 239 tachycardias (cavotricuspid-isthmus dependent intraatrial reentrant tachycardia 36%, other intraatrial reentrant tachycardia 29%, focal atrial tachycardia 18%, and other supraventricular tachyarrhythmia 17%). Post-TV surgery, procedures were longer (4.3 hours vs 3.3 hours; P = .003) and required longer fluoroscopy time (31 minutes vs 18 minutes; P = .001). At least partial acute success was achieved in 81% of procedures in the TV ring/replacement group vs 94% in both TV repair and no TV surgery groups (P = .03). The difference was driven mainly by ablation of annular substrates, with acute success in 73% of TV ring/replacement, 92% of TV repair, and 94% of no TV surgery groups (P = .01). Over a median of 3.0 years, tachycardia recurred after 26% of procedures. TV ring/replacement predicted recurrence in the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval 1.2-5.2; P = .009).Conclusion: After surgery for ACHD, catheter ablation success was lower and tachycardia recurrence was higher after TV valve ring/replacement surgery. The findings of this retrospective report support future larger multicenter series and prospective evaluation to determine the role of empirical annular substrate ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an 80-year-old man with long-term dysphagia, an upper endoscopy was performed and biopsy samples collected for microbiological and pathological tests, showing fungal structures. Kazachstania slooffiae was isolated in microbiological cultures that were later confirmed with DNA sequencing. Susceptibility tests were performed, and antifungal treatment was initiated with a clinical, pathological, and microbiological response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Senning and Mustard operations for dextro-transposition of the great arteries are associated with an increased risk for supraventricular tachycardia. Catheter ablation has been shown to be acutely successful for achieving rhythm control in this population, but the mechanisms of recurrence are ill-defined.Objective: We hypothesized that the type and degree of recurrence would vary by the surgical technique used.Methods: All consecutive catheter ablation procedures for dextro-transposition of the great arteries after the Mustard or Senning operation between 2004 and 2016 at a single center were reviewed. Tachycardia mechanisms were determined by complete 3-dimensional mapping in addition to a standard electrophysiological technique for all cases.Results: Twenty-eight patients underwent 38 procedures during the study period. The most common mechanism at the index procedure was intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia using the cavotricuspid isthmus. Over a median follow-up period of 1.6 years, 9 patients experienced recurrent tachycardia (32%), all of whom underwent repeat catheter ablation. Tachycardia recurrence was more common after the Senning vs the Mustard operation (6 of 10 [60%] vs 3 of 18 [17%]; P = .034). In addition, substrates for recurrence were different from those encountered at the index procedure in 10 of 13 tachycardias (77%), with the single most common location being the posterior anastomosis after the Senning operation. Complete control was ultimately achieved in 27 patients (96%) when considering all procedures.Conclusion: Recurrent tachycardia after catheter ablation appears to be more common after the Senning operation and to involve substrates unique to this repair. The posterior anastomosis is commonly implicated and should not be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New hybrid approaches for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, combining surgical and percutaneous procedures, are emerging to enhance the long-term success rate of these 2 procedures severally considered. Recent guidelines underline the need for long-term follow-up to really assess the efficacy of AF ablation. Methods: From 2000 to 2002, 33 patients with long-standing persistent AF and valvular heart disease underwent valve surgery and cryoablation (pulmonary veins isolation and mitral isthmus and roof line lesions). The surgically created ablation scheme was validated with electroanatomic mapping and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed in case of lesion incompleteness. Results: In 19 of 33 patients (58%) the electroanatomic mapping showed a complete lesion scheme, which increased to 79% (26 of 33) with the addition of radiofrequency ablation. At the mean follow-up of 10.7 ± 3.1 years, 73% (24 of 33) of patients were in sinus rhythm (SR), whereas 27% had permanent AF. At the end of follow-up 81% of patients with a complete lesion scheme were in SR, while 43% with an incomplete one maintained SR (p = 0.048). Conclusions: In patients with long-standing persistent AF and valvular heart disease, the hybrid approach with surgical cryoablation consisting of pulmonary veins isolation and left atrial linear lesions combined with transcatheter radiofrequency ablation was highly effective in maintaining SR for a very long-term follow-up. Electrophysiological evaluation, to validate the transmurality of the surgical lesions and to complete the lesion scheme applying radiofrequency energy, improved the long-term efficacy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography is a new method for non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis. Aim: To evaluate the impact of elevated alanine aminotransferase levels on liver stiffness assessment by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography. Methods: A multicentre retrospective study including 1242 patients with chronic liver disease, who underwent liver biopsy and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse. Transient Elastography was also performed in 512 patients. Results: The best Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse cut-off for predicting significant fibrosis was 1.29m/s in cases with normal alanine aminotransferase levels and 1.44m/s in patients with alanine aminotransferase levels>5× the upper limit of normal. The best cut-off for predicting liver cirrhosis were 1.59 and 1.75m/s, respectively. Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse cut-off for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were relatively similar in patients with normal alanine aminotransferase and in those with alanine aminotransferase levels between 1.1 and 5× the upper limit of normal: 1.29m/s vs. 1.36m/s and 1.59m/s vs. 1.57m/s, respectively. For predicting cirrhosis, the Transient Elastography cut-offs were significantly higher in patients with alanine aminotransferase levels between 1.1 and 5× the upper limit of normal compared to those with normal alanine aminotransferase: 12.3kPa vs. 9.1kPa. Conclusion: Liver stiffness values assessed by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse and Transient Elastography are influenced by high aminotransferase levels. Transient Elastography was also influenced by moderately elevated aminotransferase levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This study evaluates the midterm clinical results of valve-preserving aortic root reconstruction by means of a modified conduit incorporating sinuses of Valsalva. Methods: During a 5-year period, 151 patients with aneurysm of the aortic root underwent a reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure using the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis that incorporates sinuses of Valsalva. There were 121 males (80.1%), and the mean age was 56.4 ± 14.4 years (range, 14 to 83). Fourteen percent of the patients had Marfan syndrome and 8.6% had bicuspid aortic valve. Seven patients (4.6%) suffered from acute aortic dissection. Aortic replacement was extended to the arch in 14 patients (9.3%). Sixteen patients (10.6%) had associated cusp repair. Results: In-hospital mortality was 3.3%, and it was significantly higher among patients operated on for acute dissection (p = 0.001) and in symptomatic patients (III–IV New York Heart Association class; p = 0.021). Follow-up (mean, 18 months; range, 1 to 60) was 100% complete. There were 2 late deaths. Ten patients (6.8%) had 3 to 4+ aortic regurgitation, and 8 of these required late aortic valve replacement. Cusp repair was associated with a high incidence of late aortic valve replacement (p = 0.005). At 5 years, freedom from aortic valve replacement and freedom from grade 3 to 4 aortic insufficiency was 90.8% ± 3.3% and 88.7% ± 3.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The reimplantation valve-sparing procedure with the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis provides satisfactory results for patients with aortic root aneurysm. Aortic cusp repair may lead to late aortic insufficiency. Proper leaflet evaluation is of paramount importance in preventing residual valve regurgitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Detrimental lifestyle habits have been indicated as potential causes of reduced fertility. Recently studies have suggested an association between healthy diets and increased live birth rates after assisted reproduction techniques. However, the issue remains under debate, and evidence is still accumulating.Objective: The objective of the study was to study the relationship between a Mediterranean diet and outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques in subfertile couples in an Italian population.Study Design: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in an Italian fertility clinic. Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization were interviewed on the day of oocyte retrieval to obtain information on personal and health history, lifestyle habits, and diet. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was evaluated using a Mediterranean diet score. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy, and live birth were calculated. Potential confounders were included in the equation model.Results: Among 474 women (mean age, 36.6 years, range, 27-45), 414 (87.3%) performed embryo transfer, 150 (31.6%) had clinical pregnancies, and 117 (24.7%) had live births. In a model including the potential confounders (age, leisure physical activity, body mass index, smoking, daily calorie intake, and previous failed in vitro fertilization cycles), findings showed that the Mediterranean diet score was not significantly associated with in vitro fertilization outcomes. Adjusted analyses were performed in strata of age, previous assisted reproduction technique cycles, and reasons for infertility, with consistent findings. The only exception was observed in women >35 years old with an intermediate Mediterranean diet score, who showed a lower risk of not achieving clinical pregnancy (adjusted relative risk, 0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.00, P = .049).Conclusion: No clear association was observed between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and successful in vitro fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of left main coronary arterial lesion in a 62-year-old man who had undergone mitral valve replacement and microwave epicardial ablation. On postoperative day 90, the patient had an anterior myocardial infarction. The coronary angiography displayed the diagnosis of the left main trunk lesion. A myocardial revascularization was urgently performed, the postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was in sinus rhythm. The left atrial epicardial ablation represents the ultimate step in the surgical treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation; nevertheless, the left main trunk lesion may occur as an extremely severe complication. The incorrect placement of the microwave probe may be responsible for the development of critical coronary artery stenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The Valsalva graft is a specifically designed Dacron graft that, on implantation and pressurization, generates pseudosinuses of Valsalva. We reviewed a multicenter experience of the reimplantation procedure with the Valsalva graft in patients with aneurysms involving the aortic root. Methods: A total of 278 patients underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the Valsalva graft at 4 different Italian cardiac surgery centers and were studied by clinical assessment and echocardiography. Of the 278 patients, 220 were men (79%), with a mean age of 56 ± 15 years. Of the patients, 42 (15%) had Marfan syndrome, 31 (11%) had a bicuspid aortic valve, 13 (5%) had acute aortic dissection, and 136 (49%) had grade 3 or 4+ aortic insufficiency. Concomitant cardiac procedures were performed in 78 patients (28%). Additional aortic leaflet repair was necessary in 25 patients (9%). The mean crossclamp time was 120 ± 27 minutes. Results: There were 5 (1.8%) operative and 5 (1.8%) late deaths. The mean follow-up was 52 ± 28 months (range, 2–112 months) and was 100% complete. The cumulative actuarial survival was 95.2% (268 patients). A total of 32 patients (11%) had grade 3 to 4+ aortic insufficiency, and 17 of these required late aortic valve replacement (range, 3–78 months). At 10 years of follow-up, the freedom from aortic valve reoperation rate was 91%, and the rate of freedom from residual aortic insufficiency not needing reoperation was 88%. Conclusions: The reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure can be facilitated by the use of the Valsalva graft and can be performed with satisfactory perioperative and midterm results. How an optimal root reconstruction will affect the second decade of follow-up has yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Introduced by DePaulis in 2000, the Gelweave Valsalva graft (Sulzer Vascutek, Refrewshire, Scotland) is a modified Dacron conduit (DuPont, Wilmington, DE), with prefashioned sinuses of Valsalva. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of the reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis in Marfan syndrome patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 35 patients with Marfan syndrome in four centers who underwent the reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis. Results: The patients were predominantly men, with a mean age of 36.5 ± 12.6 years (range, 14 to 62 years). Two patients presented with acute type A dissections and underwent emergent operations. Elective hemiarch reconstruction using hypothermic circulatory arrest was required in 11 patients. Aortic valve cusp repair was performed in 2 patients. There were no operative or hospital deaths, and no patients died during follow-up. The mean follow-up was 19 months (range, 1 to 60 months). Significant (>2+) aortic insufficiency (AI), requiring aortic valve replacement, developed in 3 patients during follow-up that requiring aortic valve replacement. The 5-year freedom from reoperation owing to structural valve deterioration was 88.9% ± 8.1%. There were no episodes of clinically significant thromboembolism. Conclusions: Reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement with the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis in Marfan patients provides satisfactory mid-term results, thus encouraging further use of this type of repair. However, long-term results are needed in order to define the durability of this technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]