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The Managed Care for Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors (MACAMIS) program introduced for patients after myocardial infarction (MI) consists of 4 modules including early cardiac rehabilitation (CR).We compared the impact of CR on survival of patients after MI included in the MACAMIS program.Patients in MACAMIS were divided into subgroups based on being qualified or not qual-ified for CR and on whether they completed or failed to complete CR. We evaluated one-, two-, and three-year mortality.Of 244 patients in MACAMIS, 174 patients were qualified for CR. They were younger, had less advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), higher ejection fraction (EF), and fewer comorbidities. Finally, 102 (58.6%) patients completed CR. These patients were younger and more likely to have STEMI; they were more often treated invasively, with no differences in comorbidity burden. The survival rates at one, two, and three years were 93.6%, 87.8%, and 65.0%, respectively. Patients who qualified for CR had a better prognosis. The mortality rates at one, two, and three years were 2.38% vs. 16.18% (P = 0.0003), 6.71% vs. 25.4% (P = 0.002), and 26.87% vs. 51.35% (P = 0.01), respectively. Patients who completed CR, again, had a significantly better prognosis. The mortality rate was 1% vs. 10.29% (P = 0.009), 4.17% vs. 17.56% (P = 0.002), and 23.33% vs. 40.54% (P = 0.09) in analyzed periods. The only independent factors related to survival were completion of CR and number of comorbidities.Patients with MI in the MACAMIS program had better prognosis when participating in CR. After completing the MACAMIS program, increased mortality was observed in the following years. Despite the flexibility of the CR program, the proportion of patients who qualified and completed CR remained low.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the smartphone-based electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings aimed at AF screening at Polish pharmacies. Methods: Prospective AF screening among patients aged ≥65 years was conducted at 10 pharmacies using Kardia Mobile with a dedicated application (Kardia app). Prior AF was a study exclusion criterion. CHA2DS2-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack, female sex, and vascular disease) has been collected from every patient. A single-lead ECG has been acquired by the placement of fingers from each hand on the pads. Kardia app diagnosis has been evaluated by the cardiologist. Results: A total of 525 ECGs were performed. Kardia app diagnosis was provided in 490 cases. In 437 (89.18%) cases, it was “normal” rhythm, in 17 (3.47%) recordings “possible AF,” in 23 (4.69%) ECGs “unreadable,” and in 13 (2.65%) “unclassified”. After the cardiologist reevaluation, the new AF was identified in 7 (1.33%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of Kardia app in detecting AF was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.5%-100%) and 98.7% (95% CI: 97.3%-99.5%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 64.7% (95% CI: 38.3%-85.7%) and the negative predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 99.2%-100%). CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.14 ± 0.69 for those with new AF and 3.33 ± 1.26 in the non-AF group. Conclusion: Kardia app is capable of fast screening and detecting AF with high sensitivity and specificity. The possible diagnosis of AF deserves additional cardiological evaluation. The results obtained in patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc score and “silent” AF confirm the importance of routine AF screening. Cardiovascular screening with the use of mobile health technology is feasible at pharmacies.

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that requires prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Importantly, dynamic advances in interventional cardiology reflected by the increasing percentage of more challenging PCIs performed in more complex lesions have resulted in significant changes in CAPs pattern. Herein, we describe a technique and present a case report of CAP that occurred during percutaneous recanalization of the occluded restenotic right coronary artery (RCA) successfully treated with transcatheter embolization using gelatin sponge particles prepared on-site. The patient underwent coronary angiography with a subsequent attempt to open chronically occluded RCA. During the procedure, a guidewire was inadvertently positioned outside the arterial bed resulting in type III CAP. After unsuccessful prolonged balloon inflations as well as an anticoagulation reversal, embolization of the RCA with gelatin sponge particles as an ultima ratio treatment was performed. Sponge particles were prepared on-site by the operator, by cutting gelatin sponge used for wound healing. The procedure resulted in a total occlusion of the RCA and significant clinical improvement. The patient did not require pericardiocentesis and was discharged from the hospital after 10 days of an uneventful postprocedural course. The described technique is an easy and effective method of guidewire-related CAPs treatment in whom stent grafts cannot be implanted. Noteworthy, the technique can be applied in most cath labs as it utilizes a widely available gelatin sponge and does not require any specific expertise.

Introduction: Little is known about reverse cardiac remodeling (CRR) under the low-dose S/V therapy. Methods: In 37 patients (mean age 64.5±17.5 years, five females) 24/26mg S/V BID was started. After one month of observation, the following CRR parameters improved: LVEDD (-∆2,9±2.6mm, p

Background. Successful defibrillation is commonly followed by a transient nonperfusing state. To provide perfusion in this stagnant phase, chest compressions are recommended irrespective of arrhythmia termination. Implantable cardioverters-defibrillators (ICD) used immediately after delivery of the shock are capable of pacing the heart, and this feature is commonly activated in these devices. Potential utility of external, transcutaneous postshock pacing in patients with SCA in shockable rhythms has not been determined. This study aimed at presenting an impact of a short-term external postshock pacing (ePSP) on a quality of chest compressions (CC) without compromising them. Methods. The study was designed as a high-fidelity simulation study. Twenty triple-paramedic teams were invited. Participants were asked to take part in a 10-minute adult cardiac arrest scenario with ventricular fibrillation. In the first simulation, paramedics had to resume compressions after each shock (control group). In the second, simultaneous with compressions, one of the rescuers started transcutaneous pacing (TCP) with a current output of 200 mA and a pacer rate of 80 ppm. TCP was finished after 30 seconds (experimental group). The primary outcomes were chest compression fraction (CCF), mean depth and rate of compressions, percent of fully recoiled compressions, and percent of compressions of correct depth and their rate. Results. In both experimental and control group, CCF, mean depth, and rate were similar (84.65 ± 3.67 vs. 85.45 ± 4.95, p = 0.54 ; 55.75 ± 3.40 vs. 55.25 ± 2.73, p = 0.63 ; 122.70 ± 4.92 vs. 120.80 ± 6.00, p = 0.25 , respectively). In turn, percent of CC performed in correct depth, rate, and recoil was unsatisfactory in both groups (51.00 ± 17.40 vs. 52.60 ± 18.72, p = 0.76 ; 122.70 ± 4.92 vs. 120.80 ± 6.00, p = 0.25 , respectively). Small differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, appropriate hand-positioning was observed more frequently in the control group, and this was the only significant difference (95.60 ± 5.32 vs. 99.30 ± 1.59, p = 0.006 ). Conclusion. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.01 ). Introducing an ePSP does not influence relevantly the quality of CC.

The left ventricular summit (LVS) is a triangular area located at the most superior portion of the left epicardial ventricular region, surrounded by the two branches of the left coronary artery: the left anterior interventricular artery and the left circumflex artery. The triangle is bounded by the apex, septal and mitral margins and base. This review aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive anatomical description and proper terminology in the LVS region that may facilitate exchanging information among anatomists and electrophysiologists, increasing knowledge of this cardiac region. We postulate that the most dominant septal perforator (not the first septal perforator) should characterize the LVS definition. Abundant epicardial adipose tissue overlying the LVS myocardium may affect arrhythmogenic processes and electrophysiological procedures within the LVS region. The LVS is divided into two clinically significant regions: accessible and inaccessible areas. Rich arterial and venous coronary vasculature and a relatively dense network of cardiac autonomic nerve fibers are present within the LVS boundaries. Although the approach to the LVS may be challenging, it can be executed indirectly using the surrounding structures. Delivery of the proper radiofrequency energy to the arrhythmia source, avoiding coronary artery damage at the same time, may be a challenge. Therefore, coronary angiography or cardiac computed tomography imaging is strongly recommended before any procedure within the LVS region. Further research on LVS morphology and physiology should increase the safety and effectiveness of invasive electrophysiological procedures performed within this region of the human heart.

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an inherent part of the transitional care after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Polish health care system has created a novel Coordinated Comprehensive Care Program after AMI, which ensures outpatient follow-ups, further invasive treatment and free-of-charge CR for all patients after acute MI. Purpose The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of CR on clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients who completed the recommended programme. Methods 118 participants were enrolled. They were divided into two groups, depending on the criterium of completion (rehabilitation group) or non-completion (no rehabilitation group) of the CR. The clinical and laboratory data at discharge and after 12 months were collected and analyzed in both groups. Results The majority of the patients (n=83, 70,3%) underwent CR. This group was younger in comparison to patients who did not participate in CR (63.0±8.6 vs. 69.8±8.7 years; p Conclusions Post-myocardial rehabilitation is more frequently prescribed to younger patients with shorter index hospitalisation. Clinical and laboratory parameters improve more in the group that underwent CR programme and this might warant more effort on increasing CR accessibility and patient enrollement. The phenomenon of weight gain in patients after acute myocardial infarction independently from undergoing rehabilitation program or not needs further research. Figure 1. 12-month laboratory follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is diagnosed by auscultation and echocardiography in about 2-3% of the general population and takes rather a benign course. However, in some patients, ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) occur, which is linked to mitral annular disjunction (MAD). MAD is defined as distinct separation of the mitral valve annulus-left atrial wall continuum and the basal region of the posterolateral left ventricular (LV) myocardium. MAD results in disturbed inferior-posterior LV wall and posteromedial papillary muscle stretch giving rise to local fibrosis presenting in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and posing a substrate for malignant arrhythmia. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in MAD patients is still rarely used.Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is diagnosed by auscultation and echocardiography in about 2-3% of the general population and takes rather a benign course. However, in some patients, ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) occur, which is linked to mitral annular disjunction (MAD). MAD is defined as distinct separation of the mitral valve annulus-left atrial wall continuum and the basal region of the posterolateral left ventricular (LV) myocardium. MAD results in disturbed inferior-posterior LV wall and posteromedial papillary muscle stretch giving rise to local fibrosis presenting in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and posing a substrate for malignant arrhythmia. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in MAD patients is still rarely used.

The left ventricular summit (LVS) is a triangular area located at the most superior portion of the left epicardial ventricular region, surrounded by the two branches of the left coronary artery: the left anterior interventricular artery and the left circumflex artery. The triangle is bounded by the apex, septal and mitral margins and base. This review aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive anatomical description and proper terminology in the LVS region that may facilitate exchanging information among anatomists and electrophysiologists, increasing knowledge of this cardiac region. We postulate that the most dominant septal perforator (not the first septal perforator) should characterize the LVS definition. Abundant epicardial adipose tissue overlying the LVS myocardium may affect arrhythmogenic processes and electrophysiological procedures within the LVS region. The LVS is divided into two clinically significant regions: accessible and inaccessible areas. Rich arterial and venous coronary vasculature and a relatively dense network of cardiac autonomic nerve fibers are present within the LVS boundaries. Although the approach to the LVS may be challenging, it can be executed indirectly using the surrounding structures. Delivery of the proper radiofrequency energy to the arrhythmia source, avoiding coronary artery damage at the same time, may be a challenge. Therefore, coronary angiography or cardiac computed tomography imaging is strongly recommended before any procedure within the LVS region. Further research on LVS morphology and physiology should increase the safety and effectiveness of invasive electrophysiological procedures performed within this region of the human heart. Published in Diagnostics: https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11081423

The prevalence of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is much higher than in the general population. Clinical and experimental observations confirm secondary to brain damage catecholamine-mediated cardiac injury resulting in reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, other triggers can also be involved in TTS development e.g. manipulations during surgical or endovascular treatment of a bleeding intracranial aneurysm, concomitant hyponatremia or infection, intubation, blood transfusion and pharmacologic treatment. Nimodipine is recommended in SAH to prevent cerebral arteries vasospasm but can cause hypotension, so vasopressors, e.g. norepinephrine (NE) are commonly used to reach target blood pressure.The authors present a case of a 72-year-old woman with SAH in whom the disease began with a headache, syncope, decreased level of consciousness and vomiting; there were no cardiac symptoms at admission. Endovascular coiling of internal carotid artery aneurysm was performed. On day 2, she developed TTS presenting in echocardiography as apical ballooning; immediately before TTS onset, NE was started to treat nimodipine-induced hypotension. Despite severe heart failure (HF), the patient's neurological status did not deteriorate. HF symptoms remitted after a few days and LV function returned to normal after a week. Negative T waves in ECG which appeared at TTS onset disappeared after 50 days. At that moment no neurological deficits were observed.The authors underline that in SAH patients nimodipine administration should be cautious to avoid an excessive blood pressure decrease especially in view of further catecholamines use.

Na Powszechnej Wystawie Krajowej w Poznaniu (16 maja – 30 września 1929), będącej podsumowaniem dorobku dziesięciu lat istnienia niepodległej Polski w dziedzinie gospodarczej, społecznej i kulturalnej, nie zabrakło zagadnień związanych z szeroko pojętym tematem książki. Była ona obecna i widoczna w wielu pawilonach wystawowych (np. instytucji kulturalno-oświatowych, wychowania fizycznego, pracy kobiet, oświaty rolniczej i kultury wsi, w dziale bibliotek w Pałacu Rządowym), ale w dwóch miejscach eksponowano ją w sposób szczególny. W dziale Piękna Książka mieszczącym się w Pałacu Sztuki położono nacisk na zewnętrzną szatę książki i pokazano prace artystów grafików, wydawców, drukarzy i introligatorów. W pawilonie Prasa i Książka, zaprojektowanym przez Rogera Sławskiego, obok stoisk redakcji różnych tytułów prasowych umieszczono stoiska 20 wydawców książek z całej Polski (takich jak Gebethner i Wolff, M. Arct, Zakład Narodowy im. Ossolińskich, „Książnica-Atlas”, Drukarnia i Księgarnia Św. Wojciecha). Poznań przez kilka dni był ponadto stolicą polskiej książki – do miasta zjechali również miłośnicy książki i ludzie zawodowo z nią związani. W dniach 29 maja – 2 czerwca 1929 roku odbyły się II Zjazd Bibliotekarzy Polskich i IV Zjazd Bibliofilów Polskich, połączone z jubileuszem stulecia istnienia Biblioteki Raczyńskich i stulecia pierwszego wydawnictwa Biblioteki Kórnickiej.