Search

Objectives: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients the focus is on major conventional risk factors - CRF [diabetes, hypertension, elevated low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and smoking] whereas others - specific metabolic risk factors - MRF [high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), body-mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and triglycerides, and HbA1c get less attention. Methods: This is a prospective case–control observational study from 15 tertiary care hospitals in India. CRF and MRF in patients presenting with first incidence of ACS (n = 2153) were compared with matched controls (n = 1210). Results: Propensity score matching (PSM) yielded 1193 cases and matched 1210 controls. Risk factor prevalence in cases vs. controls were CRF: hypertension - 39.4% vs 16.4% (p

Objective: This is a prospective study of patients with LVEF ≤40%, with the objective of correlating CV events to LGE detected and quantified by CMRI. Methods: Heart Failure (HF) patients with LVEF 30% the corresponding figures were 9 (22.5%) vs 1 (2.8%) and 15 vs 1 respectively (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Demonstration of significant LGE by CMRI indicates high risk occurrence of CV events (CV hospitalization, appropriate shocks and total mortality) in NIDCM & ICM patients with LVEF

Electrical storm (ES) is a life threatening clinical situation. Though a few clinical pointers exist, the occurrence of ES in a patient with remote myocardial infarction (MI) is generally unpredictable. Genetic markers for this entity have not been studied. In the present study, we carried out genetic screening in patients with remote myocardial infarction presenting with ES by next generation sequencing and identified 25 rare variants in 19 genes predominantly in RYR2, SCN5A, KCNJ11, KCNE1 and KCNH2, CACNA1B, CACNA1C, CACNA1D and desmosomal genes - DSP and DSG2 that could potentially be implicated in electrical storm. These genes have been previously reported to be associated with inherited syndromes of Sudden Cardiac Death. The present study suggests that the genetic architecture in patients with remote MI and ES of unstable ventricular tachycardia may be similar to that of Ion channelopathies. Identification of these variants may identify post MI patients who are predisposed to develop electrical storm and help in risk stratification.

Objective: This is a case series of consecutive patients with past myocardial infarction presenting with Electrical Storm (ES) of unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) treated by a protocol directed algorithm. Methods: Management protocol involved treatment of reversible causes, ventilatory & hemodynamic support, administration of antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) & maximally tolerated doses of beta-blockers, stellate ganglionectomy and Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) guided by Electro Anatomic Mapping (EAM). Patients were followed up periodically with review of device data logs. Results: There were 12 patients (mean age = 61.38 ± 6.48 years & mean LVEF = 31.92 ± 4.23%). Presentation was recurrent ICD shocks (n = 5) or VT (n = 7). All were mechanically ventilated. Reversible causes were identified in 4 patients and appropriately addressed. Totally 8 patients underwent endocardial substrate modification by EAM & RFA. Endocardial LV Voltage mapping demonstrated a mean scar area of 70.04 ± 17.63 sq.cm (27.04 ± 6.20% of mapped area). The electrograms targeted for ablation included late potentials, fractionated electrograms, double potentials and channels within the scar. Two patients had stellate ganglionectomy in addition. Ten patients (83.3%) survived to discharge, all of whom are alive at a follow up of 30.12 ± 19 months free of ES. VT free survival at end of follow up was 80%. No patient had hospitalization related to VT. Single episode of VT recurrence was seen in 2 patients at 7 months and 1 year of follow up respectively. Conclusion: In post myocardial infarction patients presenting with ES and unstable VT, a protocol driven approach involving substrate modification targeting abnormal electrograms improves outcomes. Keywords: Catheter ablation, Electro anatomic mapping, Electrical storm, Substrate modification, Ventricular tachycardia

Introduction: There is high incidence of SCD in the early period following STEMI. We compared the temporal patterns and predictors of SCD amongst patients with LVEF ≤35% and LVEF >35%. Methods: Data from STEMI patients was prospectively collected. SCD cases formed the study cohort and were categorized into 2 groups based on their LV function. Results: There were 929 patients (mean age 55 ± 17 years) with a follow up of 41 ± 16 months. 154 pts (16.6%) had LVEF ≤35% (Group A, LVEF-29.9% ± 6%) and 775 pts had LVEF >35% (Group B, LVEF – 49% ± 14%). The two groups were similar with respect to sex distribution, age, prevalence of hypertension, and mean period of presentation. They differed in incidence of anterior wall MI (77.2% vs 55%), reperfusion (69% vs. 75%), prevalence of diabetes (50.6% vs 42%), and medication non-compliance (34% vs. 13%). The total SCD was 78 [Gp A, 25 (16.2%); Gp B, 53 (6.8%); p

Introduction: Intracoronary (IC) papaverine which is one of the commonly used agents for Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) estimation has been reported to cause transient ST elevation in some patients. This phenomenon has not been systematically studied. Material and methods: This is a prospective, observational study. Consecutive patients, who underwent FFR at our institute using IC papaverine from May 2012 to April 2013, were included. FFR was done when clinically indicated. The procedure involved administration of 20 mg papaverine (Paparin® – Troikaa, Ahmedabad) as a fast bolus by intracoronary route followed by a 10 cc contrast flush, following which pressure measurements were made. Continuous ECG recording by Philips Hemodynamic Laboratory was obtained for all patients throughout the procedure. Post procedure, they were observed for any delayed effects and eventual outcome was documented. Fischer's mid-p test was used for statistical analysis. Result: Twenty-five patients (18 males, 7 females, mean age 57.9 ± 20 years) underwent FFR using Papaverine. The mean LVEF was (51 ± 15%). Fourteen patients (56%) developed transient ST elevation ≥0.5 mm in one or more leads which resolved spontaneously in all cases without any sequelae. The presence of a significant lesion either in the coronary artery being evaluated or in a remote coronary artery did not predict the ST elevation. 70.5% of diabetics (p = 0.02), 75% of hypertensives (p = 0.008) and 75% of patients with LVH (p = 0.008) had ST elevation. None of the 5 patients without any one of these comorbidities showed ST elevation. Conclusion: Transient ST elevation occurs in a significant proportion of cases receiving IC papaverine which is not associated with any adverse clinical outcomes. Micro vascular dysfunction is the most likely mechanism of this phenomenon.

Intra-cardiac extension of tumour thrombus of follicular carcinoma of thyroid is uncommon. We report a case of advanced thyroid carcinoma where tumour thrombus was well profiled with CT scan and transesophageal echo images and extension was noted from SVC into right atrium, with clinical features of superior vena cava syndrome. The clinical significance of the “ring sign” is discussed.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurring late after myocardial infarction is often due to reentry circuit in the peri-infarct zone. The circuit is usually located in the sub-endocardium, though subepicardial substrates are known. Activation mapping during VT to identify target regions for ablation can be difficult if VT is non inducible or poorly tolerated. In the latter, a substrate based approach of mapping during sinus rhythm in conjunction with pace mapping helps to define the reentry circuit and select target sites for ablation in majority of patients with hemodynamically unstable VT. Percutaneous epicardial catheter ablation has been attempted as an approach where ablation by a conventional endocardial access has been unsuccessful. We report a case of post myocardial infarction scar VT which could be successfully ablated with a substrate based approach from the epicardial aspect.

Drug refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurring as a storm after acute myocardial infarction has grave prognosis. We report a case of a middle-aged lady who presented with drug refractory VT that lead to persistent electrical storm two weeks after an anterior wall myocardial infarction. She underwent a successful catheter ablation of VT followed a few days later by implantation of an AICD. Catheter ablation of the VT could control the persistent electrical storm and the patient was free from a recurrence of VT at three month follow up.

Sudden Cardiac death (SCD) is a major clinical event causing adverse impact on global economy. This review summarizes the available epidemiological data on SCD from different parts of the world. It contrasts the Indian and global perception on the issues influencing data collection, burden of SCD and sudden deaths occurring following Myocardial Infarction. The differences in data from India and rest of the world are highlighted.