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Summary Background The strategy for atrial fibrillation ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation remains controversial. A single-catheter approach was recently validated for pulmonary vein isolation. Aim To evaluate the feasibility of this approach to performing persistent atrial fibrillation ablation, including pulmonary vein isolation and atrial lines, if needed. Methods We prospectively included 159 consecutive patients referred to our centre for a first persistent atrial fibrillation ablation between January 2018 and December 2018. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation. If the patient was still in atrial fibrillation (spontaneously or inducible), we subsequently performed a stepwise approach, including roof line, anterior mitral line, posterior box lesion and cavotricuspid isthmus line. Finally, if patient remained in atrial fibrillation at the end of the procedure, a synchronized direct-current cardioversion was applied to restore sinus rhythm. Results At baseline, 54 patients were in sinus rhythm and underwent pulmonary vein isolation. For patients in atrial fibrillation, after pulmonary vein isolation and ablation of additional lines, if needed, 18 patients were converted to atrial tachycardia and one directly to sinus rhythm; 96 were still in atrial fibrillation and underwent direct-current cardioversion. After a mean follow-up of 17 ± 6 months, 57 patients (36%) experienced atrial arrhythmia recurrence. No deaths, tamponades or phrenic nerve injuries were observed following the procedure. The main mode of arrhythmia recurrence was atrial fibrillation in 75% of cases and atrial tachycardia in 25% of cases. Conclusion A single-catheter approach, including pulmonary vein isolation and atrial lines, is feasible and safe in patients undergoing persistent atrial fibrillation ablation, with an acceptable success rate of 64% at mid-term follow-up.

Short RP interval atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardias do not typically present as an incessant form. We present 2 cases of incessant atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardias leading to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy with severe heart failure presentation in middle-aged adults. Both underwent accessory pathway ablation and recovered normal left ventricle function before hospital discharge. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Graphical abstract

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation may be an attractive alternative therapeutic option for elderly patients with heart failure who are ineligible for heart transplantation.We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients (i.e. aged≥70 years) receiving an LVAD.This observational study was conducted in 19 centres between 2006 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups-younger (aged70 years) and elderly (aged≥70 years), based on age at time of LVAD implantation.A total of 652 patients were included in the final analysis, and 74 patients (11.3%) were aged≥70 years at the time of LVAD implantation (maximal age 77.6 years). The proportion of elderly patients receiving an LVAD each year was constant, with a median of 10.6% (interquartile range 8.0-15.4%) per year, and all were implanted as destination therapy. Elderly and younger patients had similar durations of hospitalization in intensive care units and total lengths of hospital stays. Both age groups experienced similar rates of LVAD-related complications (i.e. stroke, bleeding, driveline infection and LVAD exchange), and the occurrence of LVAD complications did not impact survival in the elderly group compared with the younger group. Lastly, when compared with younger patients implanted as destination therapy, the elderly group also exhibited similar mid-term survival.This work strongly suggests that selected elderly adults can be scheduled for LVAD implantation.

International audience; Background: Women with congenital heart disease at high risk for sudden cardiac death have been poorly studied thus far.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess sex-related differences in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).Methods: Data were analyzed from the DAI-T4F (French National Registry of Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) cohort study, which has prospectively enrolled all patients with TOF with ICDs in France since 2010. Clinical events were centrally adjudicated by a blinded committee.Results: A total of 165 patients (mean age 42.2 ± 13.3 years) were enrolled from 40 centers, including 49 women (29.7%). Among the 9,692 patients with TOF recorded in the national database, the proportion of women with ICDs was estimated to be 1.1% (95% CI: 0.8%-1.5%) vs 2.2% (95% CI: 1.8%-2.6%) in men (P < 0.001). The clinical profiles of patients at implantation, including the number of risk factors for ventricular arrhythmias, were similar between women and men. During a median follow-up period of 6.8 years (IQR: 2.5-11.4 years), 78 patients (47.3%) received at least 1 appropriate ICD therapy, without significant difference in annual incidences between women (12.1%) and men (9.9%) (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.76-1.97; P = 0.40). The risk for overall ICD-related complications was similar in women and men (HR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.81-2.19; P = 0.30), with 24 women (49.0%) experiencing at least 1 complication.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that women with TOF at high risk for sudden cardiac death have similar benefit/risk balance from ICD therapy compared with men. Whether ICD therapy is equally offered to at-risk women vs men warrants further evaluation in TOF as well as in other congenital heart disease populations. (French National Registry of Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator [DAI-T4F]; NCT03837574)

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, and sudden cardiac death represents an important mode of death in these patients. Data evaluating the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in this patient population remain scarce. Methods: A Nationwide French Registry including all patients with tetralogy of Fallot with an ICD was initiated in 2010 by the French Institute of Health and Medical Research. The primary time to event end point was the time from ICD implantation to first appropriate ICD therapy. Secondary outcomes included ICD-related complications, heart transplantation, and death. Clinical events were centrally adjudicated by a blinded committee. Results: A total of 165 patients (mean age, 42.2±13.3 years, 70.1% males) were included from 40 centers, including 104 (63.0%) in secondary prevention. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 6.8 (2.5–11.4) years, 78 (47.3%) patients received at least 1 appropriate ICD therapy. The annual incidence of the primary outcome was 10.5% (7.1% and 12.5% in primary and secondary prevention, respectively; P =0.03). Overall, 71 (43.0%) patients presented with at least 1 ICD complication, including inappropriate shocks in 42 (25.5%) patients and lead dysfunction in 36 (21.8%) patients. Among 61 (37.0%) patients in primary prevention, the annual rate of appropriate ICD therapies was 4.1%, 5.3%, 9.5%, and 13.3% in patients with, respectively, 0, 1, 2, or ≥3 guidelines-recommended risk factors. QRS fragmentation was the only independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapies (hazard ratio, 3.47 [95% CI, 1.19–10.11]), and its integration in a model with current criteria increased the 5-year time-dependent area under the curve from 0.68 to 0.81 ( P =0.006). Patients with congestive heart failure or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction had a higher risk of nonarrhythmic death or heart transplantation (hazard ratio, 11.01 [95% CI, 2.96–40.95]). Conclusions: Patients with tetralogy of Fallot and an ICD experience high rates of appropriate therapies, including those implanted in primary prevention. The considerable long-term burden of ICD-related complications, however, underlines the need for careful candidate selection. A combination of easy-to-use criteria including QRS fragmentation might improve risk stratification. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03837574.

The three main cardiac amyloidosis (CA) types have different progression and prognosis. Little is known about the mode of death (MOD) which is commonly attributed to cardiovascular causes in CA. Improving MOD’s knowledge could allow to adapt patient care. This retrospective study describes the MOD that occurred during long-term follow-up in CA patients in light-chain (AL), transthyretin hereditary (ATTRv) or wild-type (ATTRwt). Patients referred to and cared for, at the French referral centre for CA, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil between 2010 and 2016 were included. Clinical information surrounding patient deaths were investigated and centrally evaluated by two blinded clinical committees which classified MOD as cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular or unknown and sub-classified it depending on its subtype. From the 566 patients included, 187 had AL, 206 ATTRv and 173 ATTRwt. During the 864 patient-year follow-up, 160 (28%) deaths occurred, with median survival time of 17.3 months (interquartile range 5.1–35.4). The most frequent MOD was cardiovascular (64%) of which worsening heart failure occurred most frequently and for which, 69% were of AL subtype, 79% ATTRv and 76% ATTRwt. Sudden death also occurred more frequently in AL subtype accounting for 29% of AL deaths. Non-cardiovascular MOD occurred in 26% of patients overall. Among these, infection was the most common non-cardiovascular MOD in any type of CA (80%). Mortality is high during natural course of CA and differs between subtypes. The main MOD were worsening heart failure, sudden death and infection, opening room to optimise management.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation rates as well as the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes in patients with known active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding CIED procedures during active COVID-19, performed with personal protective equipment, based on an international survey. METHODS: Fifty-three centers from 13 countries across 4 continents provided information on 166 patients with known active COVID-19 who underwent a CIED procedure. RESULTS: The CIED procedure rate in 133,655 hospitalized COVID-19 patients ranged from 0 to 16.2 per 1000 patients (P

International audience; Objectives: Temporary circulatory support (TCS) as a bridge-to-left ventricular assist device (BTL) in cardiogenic shock patients has been increasing, but limited data exists on this BTL strategy. We aimed at analyzing the outcome of BTL patients in a population of cardiogenic shock patients compared with those without TCS at the time of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery and identify predictors of postoperative mortality in this specific population.Design: A multicenter retrospective observational study conducted in 19 centers from 2006 to 2016.Setting: Nineteen French centers.Patients: A total of 329 cardiogenic shock patients at the time of LVAD implantation were analyzed. Patients were divided in three groups: those under TCS at the time of LVAD implantation (n = 173), those with TCS removal before LVAD surgery (n = 24), and those who did not undergo a bridging strategy (n = 152). Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality.Interventions: None.Measurements and main results: Among the BTL group, 68 (39.3%), 18 (10.4%), and 15 (8.7%) patients were under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Impella, and IABP support alone, and 72 patients (20.6%) were under multiple TCS support. BTL patients presented similar 30 days survival compared with the TCS removal and non-BTL groups. However, BTL group had a significantly longer ICU duration stay, with two-fold duration of mechanical ventilation time, but the three groups experienced similar postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of mortality in the BTL group: combined surgery with LVAD, body mass index (BMI), and heart failure (HF) duration. BTL strategy was not an independent predictor of mortality in cardiogenic shock patients who underwent LVAD.Conclusions: BTL strategy is not associated with a lower survival among cardiogenic shock patients with LVAD implantation. Predictors of mortality are combined surgery with LVAD, higher BMI, and HF duration.

Background Cardiac light chain amyloidosis (AL-CA) patients often die within three months of starting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for non-immunoglobulin M gammopathy with AL-CA frequently includes bortezomib (Bor), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and dexamethasone (D). We previously reported that NT-ProBNP levels can double within 24h of dexamethasone administration, suggesting a deleterious impact on cardiac function. In this study, we evaluate the role of dexamethasone in early cardiovascular mortality during treatment. Methods and findings We retrospectively assessed 100 de novo cardiac AL patients (62% male, mean age 68 years) treated at our institute between 2009 and 2018 following three chemotherapy regimens: CyBorDComb (all initiated on day 1; 34 patients), DCyBorSeq (D, day 1; Cy, day 8; Bor, day 15; 17 patients), and CyBorDSeq (Cy, day 1; Bor, day 8; D, day 15; 49 patients). The primary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality and cardiac transplantation at days 22 and 455. At day 22, mortality was 20.6% with CyBorDComb, 23.5% with DCyBorSeq, and 0% with CyBorDSeq (p = 0.003). At day 455, mortality was not significantly different between regimens (p = 0.195). Acute toxicity of dexamethasone was evaluated on myocardial function using a rat model of isolated perfused heart. Administration of dexamethasone induced a decrease in left ventricular myocardium contractility and relaxation (p Conclusion Delaying dexamethasone during the first chemotherapy cycle reduces the number of early deaths without extending survival. It is clear that dexamethasone is beneficial in the long-term treatment of patients with AL-CA. However, the initial introduction of dexamethasone during treatment is critical, but may be associated with early cardiac deaths in severe CA. Thus, it is important to consider the dosage and timing of dexamethasone introduction on a patient-severity basis. The impact of dexamethasone in the treatment of AL-CA needs further investigation.

Background Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with high thromboembolism risk, particularly with contraindications to OAC. The LAA itself could possess proarrhythmogenic properties. As patients undergoing LAA closure could be candidates for cardioversion or ablation, we aimed to evaluate AF disease progression following LAA closure and the outcome of patients undergoing a rhythm control strategy after the procedure. Methods The prospective multicenter French Nationwide Observational LAA Closure Registry (FLAAC) comprises 33 French interventional cardiology departments. Patients were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: history of non-valvular AF, successful LAA closure and long-term ECG follow-up. Results A total of 331 patients with successful LAA closure were enrolled in the study. Patients mean age was 75.4 ± 0.5 years. The study population was characterized by a high thromboembolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score: 4.5 ± 0.1) and frequent comorbidities. The median follow-up was 11.9 months. One hundred and nineteen (36.0%) patients were in sinus rhythm (SR) at baseline. Among SR patients, documented AF was observed in 16 (13.4%) patients whereas 15 (7.1%) patients in AF at baseline restored SR, at the end of follow up. Finally, only 13 patients (4%) underwent procedures to restore SR without complications during the follow-up. Conclusions The vast majority of patients undergoing LAA closure have the same AF status at baseline and one year after the index procedure. During the follow-up, a very small proportion (4%) of our population underwent procedures to restore SR without complications whatever the post-procedural antithrombotic strategy was.

International audience; BackgroundPremature atrial complexes from pulmonary veins are the main triggers for atrial fibrillation in the early stages. Thus, pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, the success rate remains perfectible.AimTo assess whether premature atrial complex characteristics before catheter ablation can predict pulmonary vein isolation success in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.MethodsWe investigated consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation from January 2013 to April 2017 in two French centres. Patients were included if they were treated with pulmonary vein isolation alone, and had 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram data before catheter ablation available and a follow-up of ≥ 6 months. Catheter ablation success was defined as freedom from any sustained atrial arrhythmia recurrence after a 3-month blanking period following catheter ablation.ResultsOne hundred and three patients were included; all had an acute successful pulmonary vein isolation procedure, and 34 (33%) had atrial arrhythmia recurrences during a mean follow-up of 30 ± 15 months (group 1). Patients in group 1 presented a longer history of atrial fibrillation (71.9 ± 65.8 vs. 42.9 ± 48.4 months; P = 0.008) compared with those who were “free from arrhythmia” (group 2). Importantly, the daily number of premature atrial complexes before catheter ablation was significantly lower in group 1 (498 ± 1413 vs. 1493 ± 3366 in group 2; P = 0.028). A daily premature atrial complex cut-off number of < 670 predicted recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation (41.1% vs. 13.3%; sensitivity 88.2%; specificity 37.7%; area under the curve 0.635; P = 0.017), and was the only independent predictive criterion in the multivariable analysis (4-fold increased risk).ConclusionPreprocedural premature atrial complex analysis on 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may improve patient selection for pulmonary vein isolation.; ContexteL’isolation des veines pulmonaires (IVP) est la pierre angulaire du traitement invasif de la fibrillation atriale paroxystique (FAP). Cependant, le taux de succès de cette procédure reste perfectible.ObjectifIdentifier si certaines caractéristiques des extrasystoles atriales (ESA) enregistrées sur le Holter électrocardiogramme de 24 heures précédant l’ablation constituent un facteur prédictif de succès de procédure.MéthodesTous les patients ayant eu une IVP seule pour une FAP ont été analysés entre janvier 2013 et avril 2017 au sein de deux centres français. Les critères d’inclusion étaient : les patients adressés pour une primo-ablation de FAP, disposant d’un Holter électrocardiogramme avant l’ablation, dont le suivi post-ablation était ≥ 6 mois. Le critère de jugement principal était la récidive d’une arythmie atriale après une période de blanking de 3 mois post-ablation.RésultatsCent trois patients ont été inclus, et 34 (33 %) ont récidivé après un suivi moyen de 30 ± 15 mois. Ces patients présentaient une histoire de FA plus ancienne (71,9 ± 65,8 mois vs 42,9 ± 48,4 mois; p = 0,008). Le nombre d’ESA total sur 24 heures pré-ablation était significativement plus important dans le groupe « non récidive » que dans le groupe « récidive » (1493 ± 3366 vs 498 ± 1413, respectivement; p = 0,028). Un seuil d’ESA < 670/24 heures prédisait la récidive post-IVP (sensibilité 88,2 %; spécificité 37,7 %; AUC 0,635; p = 0,017).ConclusionL’étude des ESA en pré-ablation peut potentiellement améliorer la sélection des patients pour l’ablation de FAP par IVP seule.

Background Sympathetic overactivity is implicated in the initiation and maintenance of electrical storm (ES). Deep sedation has empirically been considered as an efficient therapeutic option to blunt sympathetic tone and control ES. Purpose The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the efficacy of deep sedation in patients presenting intractable ES refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs. Methods Patients requiring deep sedation for refractory ES from January 1st 2007 to July 31st 2018 were retrospectively included in 13 centers. The primary endpoint was the rate of acute response to sedation, defined as ES termination within 15 minutes after deep sedation. Results Among the 116 patients, 55 (47.4%) had ES termination within 15 minutes and were considered “acute responders” to deep sedation. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure before deep sedation (OR=3.31, 95% CI:1.001–10.97, p=0.049) was the only independent predictor of non-acute response. Twenty-one non-acute responders (34.4%) had an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implanted. Non-acute responders had a significantly lower in-hospital survival (Log-rank, p=0.010). ECMO implantation did not influence survival in non-acute responders to sedation. Acute response to deep sedation was an independent protector of in-hospital mortality, decreasing by 73% the risk of death (OR 0.27; 95% CI:0.10–0.70, p=0.008). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this multicenter study is the first analysis of the efficacy of deep sedation in patients with intractable ES refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs, and demonstrating the positive impact of “acute response” on in-hospital survival. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

International audience

International audience; We aimed at characterizing the impact of low and high body mass index (BMI) on outcomes after left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery and define the predictors of mortality in patients with abnormal BMI (low/high). This study was conducted in 19 centers from 2006 to 2016. Patients were divided based on their baseline BMI into 3 groups of BMI: low (BMI ≤18.5 kg/m²); normal (BMI = 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m²) and high (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) (including overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.99 kg/m²), and obesity (BMI ≥30 Kg/m²)). Among 652 patients, 29 (4.4%), 279 (42.8%) and 344 (52.8%) had a low-, normal-, and high BMI, respectively. Patients with high BMI were significantly more likely men, with more co-morbidities and more history of ventricular/supra-ventricular arrhythmias before LVAD implantation. Patients with abnormal BMI had significantly lower survival than those with normal BMI. Notably, those with low BMI experienced the worst survival whereas overweight or obese patients had similar survival. Four predictors of mortality for LVAD candidates with abnormal BMI were defined: total bilirubin ≥16 µmol/L before LVAD, hypertension, destination therapy, and cardiac surgery with LVAD. Depending on the number of predictor per patients, those with abnormal BMI may be divided in 3 groups of 1-year mortality risk, i.e., low (0 to 1 predictor: 29% and 31%), intermediate (2 to 3 predictors, 51% and 52%, respectively), and high (4 predictors: 83%). In conclusion, LVAD recipients with abnormal BMI experience lower survival, especially underweight patients. Four predictors of mortality have been identified for LVAD population with abnormal BMI, differentiating those a low-, intermediate-, and high risks of death.

Background Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead dysfunction has been reported after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in limited single-center studies. We aimed at describing and characterizing the incidence of ICD lead parameters dysfunction after LVAD implantation. Methods Among the 652 patients enrolled in the ASSIST-ICD study, only patients with an ICD prior to LVAD were included (n = 401). ICD lead parameters dysfunction following LVAD implantation is defined as follows: (a) >50% decrease in sensing threshold, (b) pacing lead impedance increase/decrease by >100Ω, and (c) >50% increase in pacing threshold. Results One hundred twenty-two patients with an ICD prior to LVAD had available ICD interrogation reports prior and after LVAD. A total of 67 (55%) patients exhibited at least one significant lead dysfunction: 17 (15%) exhibited >50% decrease in right ventricular (RV) sensing, 51 (42%) had >100 Ω increase/decrease in RV pacing impedance, and 24 (20%) experienced >50% increase in RV pacing threshold. A total of 52 patients experienced ventricular arrhythmia during follow-up and all were successfully detected and treated by the device. All lead dysfunction could be managed conservatively. Conclusion More than 50% of LVAD-recipients may experience >1 significant change in lead parameters but none had severe clinical consequences.

International audience; The impact of uncommon etiology cardiomyopathies on Left-ventricular assist device (LVAD)-recipient outcomes is not very well known. This study aimed to characterize patients with uncommon cardiomyopathy etiologies and examine the outcomes between uncommon and ischemic/idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. This observational study was conducted in 19 centers between 2006 and 2016. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with uncommon etiology were compared to patients with idiopathic dilated/ischemic cardiomyopathies. Among 652 LVAD-recipients included, a total of 590 (90.5%) patients were classified as ischemic/idiopathic and 62 (9.5%) patients were classified in the "uncommon etiologies" group. Main uncommon etiologies were: hypertrophic (n = 12(19%)); cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) (n = 12(19%)); myocarditis (n = 11(18%)); valvulopathy (n = 9(15%)) and others (n = 18(29%)). Patients with uncommon etiologies were significantly younger with more female and presented less co-morbidities. Additionally, patients with uncommon cardiomyopathies were less implanted as destination therapy compared with ischemic/idiopathic group (29% vs 38.8%). During a follow-up period of 9.1 months, both groups experienced similar survival. However, subgroup of hypertrophic/valvular cardiomyopathies and CTRCD had significantly higher mortality compared to the ischemic/idiopathic or myocarditis/others cardiomyopathies. Conversely, patients with myocarditis/others etiologies experienced a better survival. Indeed, the 12-months survival in the myocarditis/others; ischemic/idiopathic and hypertrophic/CTRCD/valvulopathy group were 77%; 65%, and 46% respectively. In conclusion, LVAD-recipients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease and CTRCD experienced the higher mortality rate.

Introducción. La publicación científica se debe incentivar desde el pregrado, sobre todo en carreras de ciencias de la salud.Objetivo. Determinar las características y los factores asociados a la publicación científica entre los miembros de la Asociación Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de Colombia (ASCEMCOL).Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico que se basó en una encuesta presencial aplicada a los miembros de la ASCEMCOL. Se definió como publicación la realizada en una revista científica indexada; la información recolectada se cruzó con variables para obtener estadísticos de asociación.Resultados. Al realizar el análisis multivariado, se asoció a mayor participación en investigaciones científicas el encontrarse en un semestre académico superior (RPa: 1.25; IC95%: 1.01-1.56; p=0.043) y tener más cantidad de investigaciones extracurriculares (RPa: 1.26; IC95%: 1.15-1.38; p0.001); así mismo, la menor frecuencia de publicación se asoció a la percepción de pobre apoyo por parte de la universidad (RPa: 0.28; IC95%: 0.22-0.34; p0.001), ajustado por la cantidad de trabajos presentados a congresos y la universidad de procedencia.Conclusión. La frecuencia de publicación fue baja en esta población. Se encontraron factores de gran importancia, como estar en un mayor semestre y tener mayor número de investigaciones realizadas y publicaciones. Introduction: The scientific publication should be encouraged from the undergraduates, especially in science health careers.Objective: To determine the features and factors associated with scientific publication among members of the Scientific Association of Medical Students of Colombia (ASCEMCOL).Materials and methods: An analytic cross-sectional study, which was based on a face survey applied to the members of the ASCEMCOL. A publication was defined as a publication made in an indexed scientific journal; and the information collected was crossed with variables to obtain a statistical association.Results: When performing multivariate analysis, it was associated with increased participation in scientific research the fact of being in a superior academic semester (RPA: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.56; p value: 0.043), more of extracurricular investigations (RPA: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.15-1.38; p value 0.001). Likewise, the lower frequency of publications associated with the perception of poor support from the university (RPA: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.22-0.34; p value 0.001), adjusted to the number of papers presented in congresses and the university of origin.Conclusion: The publication frequency was low in this population; we find important factors like being in a superior academic semester, such as having a greater number of investigations and publications.

Background Dormant conduction unmasked by adenosine predicts clinical recurrences of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter following catheter ablation. Conventional practice involves a waiting period of 20 to 30 minutes after achievement of a bidirectional line of block (BDB) to monitor for recovery of conduction. Objective Assess whether abolition of dormant conduction with adenosine immediately after CTI ablation and BDB can predict the lack of CTI conduction recovery during the following 30 minutes. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for CTI-dependent atrial flutter were studied. Following the completion of CTI ablation and documentation of BDB, adenosine (≥12 mg IV) was administered immediately. In cases of dormant conduction, the CTI was ablated again until its abolition. After the achievement of BDB without dormant conduction, spontaneous CTI reconnection during the following 30 minutes and dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes were evaluated. Results A CTI block was achieved in 171 patients. Nine patients (5.3%) had dormant conduction across the CTI immediately after ablation and BDB, and required further ablation. Two patients (1.2%) had subsequent spontaneous time-dependent reconnection within 30 minutes. Two other patients (1.2%) developed late dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes. All 4 patients underwent further ablation. Conclusion A negative adenosine challenge immediately after CTI ablation with bidirectional block, or after abolition of dormant conduction with further ablation, strongly predicted the absence of subsequent spontaneous reconnection within 30 minutes. Based on these results, the conventional waiting period is unnecessary in 97.6% patients without dormant conduction after CTI-dependent flutter ablation.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality. The Cox-Maze procedure is the most effective approach to ablate persistent AF but presents a significant morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the classical endocardial ablation approach has limited efficacy to treat long lasting persistent AF. We described a new, minimally invasive hybrid approach, combining an endocardial and epicardial ablation named convergent procedure to treat long lasting persistent AF patients. Methods We studied 55 consecutive patients with long lasting persistent AF who underwent the convergent procedure in 2 French centers between 2010 and 2015. All patients had at least one previous failed endocardial ablation and were highly symptomatic. Patients with a history of thoracic surgery were excluded. A 24 hour-Holter ECG was performed systematically at 3, 6 and 12 months after the convergent procedure. All patients reached 1-year follow-up. Results No death, stroke, phrenic nerve palsy or tamponade occurred immediately after the procedure. Post-surgery average length of stay was 8±4 days. Later, 3 patients (5%) developed diaphragmatic hernia resulting in a modified surgery technique. At 12 months, 76% of patients were in sinus rhythm after an average of 1.43 ablation procedure. Finally, 91% of patients were maintained on antiarrhythmic drugs. Conclusions Thoracoscopic hybrid epicardial-endocardial ablation technique proved to be effective and safe to treat long lasting persistent AF patients with previous failed endocardial AF ablation.

International audience; Objectives - This study aimed to evaluate incidence, clinical significance, and predictors of early ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Background - LVAD implantation is increasingly used in patients with end-stage heart failure. Early VAs may occur during the 30-day post-operative period, but many questions remain unanswered regarding their incidence and clinical impact. Methods - This observational study was conducted in 19 centers between 2006 and 2016. Early VAs were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation occurring

International audience; Background - Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) can occur after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as a single arrhythmic event or as electrical storm (ES) with multiple repetitive VA episodes. Objective - We aimed at analyzing the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of ES in LVAD recipients. Methods - Patients analyzed were those included in the multicenter ASSIST-ICD observational study. ES was consensually defined as occurrence of ≥3 separate episodes of sustained VAs within a 24-hour interval. Results - Of 652 patients with an LVAD, 61 (9%) presented ES during a median follow-up period of 9.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5-22.1) months. The first ES occurred after 17 (IQR 4.0-56.2) days post LVAD implantation, most of them during the first month after the device implantation (63%). The incidence then tended to decrease during the initial years of follow-up and increased again after the third year post LVAD implantation. History of VAs before LVAD implantation and heart failure duration > 84 months were independent predictors of ES. The occurrence of ES was associated with an increased early mortality since 20 patients (33%) died within the first 2 weeks of ES. Twenty-two patients (36.1%) presented at least 1 recurrence of ES, occurring 43.0 (IQR 8.0-69.0) days after the initial ES. Patients experiencing ES had a significantly lower 1-year survival rate than did those free from ES (log-rank, P = .039). Conclusion - There is a significant incidence of ES in patients with an LVAD. The short-term mortality after ES is high, and one-third of patients will die within 15 days. Whether radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmias improves outcomes would require further studies.

Percutaneous procedures through femoral access in patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter may be at risk of complications. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure through femoral access in patients previously implanted with IVC filter.From November 2011 to March 2018, a total of 5 patients with history of IVC filter implantation were referred to our center for percutaneous LAA closure, representing 3.6% of the 137 procedures performed during the study period. The IVC filter devices were placed from 2 to 26 months before the index procedure.LAA closure was successfully implanted in all cases using an Amulet device in 3 patients and a Watchman device in 2 patients. A femoral approach was performed in all patients using 12 or 14 Fr sheaths. Before crossing IVC filters, venographies did not detect any thrombus. All steps of IVC filter crossing were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. No immediate or late complications related to the procedure occurred after 10.1 ± 3.9 months of follow-up.LAA closure in patients with previously implanted IVC filter is safe as long as careful x-ray monitoring is observed.

INTRODUCTION Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can lead to symptoms, such as cardiomyopathy and increased mortality. Beta-blockers are recommended as first-line therapy to reduce PVC burden; however, the response is unpredictable. The objective of this study is to determine whether PVC diurnal-variability patterns are associated with different clinical profiles and predict drug response. METHODS Consecutive patients with frequent PVCs (burden ≥ 1%), referred for Holter monitoring between 2014 and 2016, were included. Follow-up Holters, when available, were assessed after beta-blocker initiation to assess response (≥50% reduction). Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of relationship between hourly PVC count and mean HR during each of the 24 Holter hours: (1) fast-HR-dependent-PVC (F-HR-PVC) for positive correlation (Pearson, P < 0.05), (2) slow-HR-dependent-PVC (S-HR-PVC) for a negative, and (3) independent-HR-PVC (I-HR-PVC) when no correlation was found. RESULTS Of the 416 patients included, 50.2% had F-HR-PVC, 35.6% I-HR-PVC, and 14.2% S-HR-PVC with distinct clinical profiles. Beta-blocker therapy was successful in 34.0% patients overall: patients with F-HR-PVC had a decrease in PVC burden (18.8 ± 10.4% to 9.3 ± 6.6%, P < 0.0001; 62% success), I-HR-PVC had no change (18.4 ± 17.9% to 20.6 ± 17.9%, P = 0.175; 0% success), whereas S-HR-PVC had an increase in burden (14.6 ± 15.3% to 20.8 ± 13.8%, P = 0.016; 0% success). The correlation coefficient was the only predictor of beta-blocker success (AUC = 0.84, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 67.7%; r ≥ 0.4). CONCLUSIONS A simple analysis of Holter PVC diurnal variability may provide incremental value to guide clinical PVC management. Only patients displaying a F-HR-PVC profile benefited from beta-blockers. An alternative strategy should be considered for others, as beta-blockers may have no effect or can even be harmful.

International audience; Background - Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-associated infections may be life-threatening and impact patients' outcome. We aimed to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of LVAD-associated infections. Methods - Patients included in the ASSIST-ICD study (19 centers) were enrolled. The main outcome was the occurrence of LVAD-associated infection (driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection) during follow-up. Results - Of the 652 patients enrolled, 201 (30.1%) presented a total of 248 LVAD infections diagnosed 6.5 months after implantation, including 171 (26.2%), 51 (7.8%), and 26 (4.0%) percutaneous driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection, respectively. Patients with infections were aged 58.7 years, and most received HeartMate II (82.1%) or HeartWare (13.4%). Most patients (62%) had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) before LVAD, and 104 (16.0%) had ICD implantation, extraction, or replacement after the LVAD surgery. Main pathogens found among the 248 infections were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 113' 45.4%), Enterobacteriaceae (n = 61; 24.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 34; 13.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 13; 5.2%), and Candida species (n = 13; 5.2%). In multivariable analysis, HeartMate II (subhazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.36; P = .031) and ICD-related procedures post-LVAD (subhazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03-1.98; P = .031) were significantly associated with LVAD infections. Infections had no detrimental impact on survival. Conclusions - Left ventricular assist device-associated infections affect one-third of LVAD recipients, mostly related to skin pathogens and gram-negative bacilli, with increased risk with HeartMate II as compared with HeartWare, and in patients who required ICD-related procedures post-LVAD. This is a plea to better select patients needing ICD implantation/replacement after LVAD implantation.

Diagnosis of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) is challenging because sensitivity of Duke Criteria is low, ranging from 52% to 70% [(1)][1]. Therefore, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was included in the modified Duke Criteria to improve

Predict the Impact of PVC on Myocardial FunctionIntroduction Reversible premature ventricular complexes-induced cardiomyopathy (PVC-CMP) is a well-described, multi-factorial entity. Single predictors, such as PVC burden or QRS duration, may not apply equally to all patients in contemporary unselected populations including patients with structural heart disease (SHD) or with particular origin such as epicardial (EPI) PVC. We sought to evaluate clinical criteria associated with PVC-CMP notably focusing on the EPI origin impact and ECG recognition and the value of a new composite predictor of PVC-CMP, the PVC-CMP-Index. Methods and Results We studied 107 consecutive patients (69 men; mean age = 56 ± 16 years) with frequent PVC (23.1 ± 11.5%) referred for PVC ablation. Thirty-six patients (33.6%) had an underlying SHD and 25 patients (23.4%) an EPI PVC origin. After a mean follow-up of 22.7 ± 15.3 months, 72.9% achieved a long-term successful ablation and 54.2% had PVC-CMP. PVC-CMP prevalence was significantly higher in patients with an EPI compared to endocardial PVC focus (84.0% vs. 45.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). EPI PVC origin (OR = 68.7 IC95% [3.5–1363], P = 0.005), as well as SHD (OR = 12.3 IC95% [1.6–92.6], P = 0.015), was independent predictor of PVC-CMP. While PVC burden (AUC = 0.78) or PVC-QRS width (AUC = 0.68) independently predicted PVC-CMP, the PVC-CMP-Index (values ≥39) defined as: PVC burden (0–1) × PVC-QRS width (milliseconds) × a constant C (1.28 for SHD or 2 for ECG suggesting EPI origin based on our ECG 3-step algorithm), highly correlated with PVC-CMP (AUC = 0.91, sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 80%). Conclusion We developed a new index, which incorporates PVC burden, QRS width, and presence of SHD or suspected EPI origin that best predicted PVC-CMP.

International audience; Objectives - This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical impact, and predictors of late ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients aiming to clarify implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indications. Background - The arrhythmic risk and need for ICD in patients implanted with an LVAD are not very well known. Methods - This observational study was conducted in 19 centers between 2006 and 2016. Late VAs were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation occurring >30 days post-LVAD implantation, without acute reversible cause and requiring appropriate ICD therapy, external electrical shock, or medical therapy. Results - Among 659 LVAD recipients, 494 (median 58.9 years of age; mean left ventricular ejection fraction 20.7 ± 7.4%; 73.1% HeartMate II, 18.6% HeartWare, 8.3% Jarvik 2000) were discharged alive from hospital and included in the final analysis. Late VAs occurred in 133 (26.9%) patients. Multivariable analysis identified 6 independent predictors of late VAs: VAs before LVAD implantation, atrial fibrillation before LVAD implantation, idiopathic etiology of the cardiomyopathy, heart failure duration >12 months, early VAs (

The tight link between the cardiac autonomic nervous system and arrhythmogenesis is well established [(1)][1]. After cardiac injury, remodeling occurs at various nexus points in the cardiac neural hierarchy [(2–5)][2]. The degree of remodeling at these centers demonstrated in animal models and in

Infrequent intraprocedural premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may impede radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) outcome, and pharmacologic induction is unpredictable.The purpose of this study was to determine whether PVC circadian variation could help predict drug response.Consecutive patients referred for RFA with detailed Holter monitoring and frequent monomorphic PVCs were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on hourly PVC count relationship to corresponding mean heart rate (HR) during each of the 24 hours on Holter: fast-HR-dependent PVC (F-HR-PVC) type for a positive correlation (Pearson, P.05), slow-HR-dependent PVC (S-HR-PVC) type for a negative correlation, and independent-HR-PVC (I-HR-PVC) when no correlation was found.Fifty-one of the 101 patients (50.5%) had F-HR-PVC, 39.6% I-HR-PVC, and 9.9% S-HR-PVC; 30.7% had infrequent intraprocedural PVC requiring drug infusion. The best predictor of infrequent PVC was number of hours with PVC count120/h on Holter (area under the curve 0.80, sensitivity 83.9%, specificity 74.3%, for ≥2 h). Only F-HR-PVC patients responded to isoproterenol. Isoproterenol washout or phenylephrine infusion was successful for the 3 S-HR-PVC patients, and no drug could increase PVC frequency in the 12 I-HR-PVC patients. Long-term RFA success rate in patients with frequent PVCs at baseline (82.9%) was similar to those with infrequent PVC who responded to a drug (77.8%; P = .732) but significantly higher than for those who did not respond to any drug (15.4%; P.0001).A simple analysis of Holter PVC circadian variability provides incremental value to guide pharmacologic induction of PVCs during RFA and predict outcome. Patients with infrequent I-HR-PVC had the least successful outcomes from RF ablation.

Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de la importancia, apoyo y realización de investigación en los miembros de las asociaciones locales y del Consejo Directivo de la Asociación de Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Medicina de Colombia (ASCEMCOL). Metodología: Estudio analítico transversal, mediante una encuesta auto-aplicada a directivos, delegados y subdelegados de las sociedades científicas locales de la ASCEMCOL. Se realizó preguntas de características y percepciones de la investigación estudiantil en sus universidades, siendo asociadas según el tipo de encuestado (directivo o presidente).Resultados: De los 54 estudiantes encuestados sobre el apoyo y realización de investigación, las respuestas de ambos grupos de directivos fueron similares, según el apoyo de la universidad para la investigación (p:0,190), el tener publicaciones (p:0,322) y haber presentado trabajos a congresos científicos (p:0,215).Conclusiones: Es necesario incentivar la cultura de investigación en las universidades para lograr que más estudiantes se interesen en investigar.Palabras clave: Estudiantes de Medicina, Sociedades científicas, Investigación, Publicaciones, Universidades.(DeCS)

Background— Variability in premature ventricular contraction (PVC) coupling interval (CI) increases the risk of cardiomyopathy and sudden death. The autonomic nervous system regulates cardiac electrical and mechanical indices, and its dysregulation plays an important role in cardiac disease pathogenesis. The impact of PVCs on the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, a neural network on the heart, remains unknown. The objective was to determine the effect of PVCs and CI on intrinsic cardiac nervous system function in generating cardiac neuronal and electric instability using a novel cardioneural mapping approach. Methods and Results— In a porcine model (n=8), neuronal activity was recorded from a ventricular ganglion using a microelectrode array, and cardiac electrophysiological mapping was performed. Neurons were functionally classified based on their response to afferent and efferent cardiovascular stimuli, with neurons that responded to both defined as convergent (local reflex processors). Dynamic changes in neuronal activity were then evaluated in response to right ventricular outflow tract PVCs with fixed short, fixed long, and variable CI. PVC delivery elicited a greater neuronal response than all other stimuli ( P P P P P Conclusions— Variable CI PVCs affect critical populations of intrinsic cardiac nervous system neurons and alter cardiac repolarization. These changes may be critical for arrhythmogenesis and remodeling, leading to cardiomyopathy.

Dormant conduction unmasked by adenosine predicts clinical recurrences of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter following catheter ablation. Conventional practice involves a waiting period of 20 to 30 minutes after achievement of a bidirectional line of block (BDB) to monitor for recovery of conduction.Assess whether abolition of dormant conduction with adenosine immediately after CTI ablation and BDB can predict the lack of CTI conduction recovery during the following 30 minutes.Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for CTI-dependent atrial flutter were studied. Following the completion of CTI ablation and documentation of BDB, adenosine (≥12 mg IV) was administered immediately. In cases of dormant conduction, the CTI was ablated again until its abolition. After the achievement of BDB without dormant conduction, spontaneous CTI reconnection during the following 30 minutes and dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes were evaluated.A CTI block was achieved in 171 patients. Nine patients (5.3%) had dormant conduction across the CTI immediately after ablation and BDB, and required further ablation. Two patients (1.2%) had subsequent spontaneous time-dependent reconnection within 30 minutes. Two other patients (1.2%) developed late dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes. All 4 patients underwent further ablation.A negative adenosine challenge immediately after CTI ablation with bidirectional block, or after abolition of dormant conduction with further ablation, strongly predicted the absence of subsequent spontaneous reconnection within 30 minutes. Based on these results, the conventional waiting period is unnecessary in 97.6% patients without dormant conduction after CTI-dependent flutter ablation.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is reported to reduce the burden of ventricular tachyarrhythmias [ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF)] in cardiomyopathy patients, but the mechanisms behind this benefit are unknown. In addition, the relative contribution to cardiac innervation of the middle cervical ganglion (MCG), which may contain cardiac neurons and is not removed during this procedure, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare sympathetic innervation of the heart via the MCG vs. stellate ganglia, assess effects of bilateral CSD on cardiac function and VT/VF, and determine changes in cardiac sympathetic innervation after CSD to elucidate mechanisms of benefit in 6 normal and 18 infarcted pigs. Electrophysiological and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at baseline, during bilateral stellate stimulation, and during bilateral MCG stimulation in 6 normal and 12 infarcted animals. Bilateral CSD (removal of bilateral stellates and T2 ganglia) was then performed and MCG stimulation repeated. In addition, in 18 infarcted animals VT/VF inducibility was assessed before and after CSD. In infarcted hearts, MCG stimulation resulted in greater chronotropic and inotropic response than stellate ganglion stimulation. Bilateral CSD acutely reduced VT/VF inducibility by 50% in infarcted hearts and prolonged global activation recovery interval. CSD mitigated effects of MCG stimulation on dispersion of repolarization and T-peak to T-end interval in infarcted hearts, without causing hemodynamic compromise. These data demonstrate that the MCG provides significant cardiac sympathetic innervation before CSD and adequate sympathetic innervation after CSD, maintaining hemodynamic stability. Bilateral CSD reduces VT/VF inducibility by improving electrical stability in infarcted hearts in the setting of sympathetic activation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sympathetic activation in myocardial infarction leads to arrhythmias and worsens heart failure. Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation reduces ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation inducibility and mitigates effects of sympathetic activation on dispersion of repolarization and T-peak to T-end interval in infarcted hearts. Hemodynamic stability is maintained, as innervation via the middle cervical ganglion is not interrupted. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/anti-arrhythmic-mechanism-of-bilateral-stellectomy/ .

Objectives This study sought to prospectively evaluate the value of a dedicated electrocardiographic posterior lead to create an anteroposterior ratio to localize premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) between the right ventricular outflow tract and left ventricular outflow tract for catheter ablation. Background The anteroposterior relationship between the right and left outflow tract has not been explored for electrocardiographic localization of ventricular arrhythmia. Methods Standard V5 and V6 leads were placed posteriorly and ablation was performed with activation mapping. The site of successful ablation was correlated with the ratio of the R-wave in V4 to the R-wave in V8. Normalization of the V4/V8 ratio to a V4/V8 index was achieved by dividing the V4/V8 ratio by sinus V4/V8. After determination of optimal cutoffs, comparison with V2 transition ratio and V2S/V3R was subsequently performed using receiver operating characteristic curves in a prospective validation cohort. Results A total of 134 patients underwent ablation of PVCs with 2 modified posterior leads. PVCs successfully ablated from the left side had a statistically significantly higher V4/V8 ratio compared with right-sided PVCs (11.7 ± 10.6 vs. 2.3 ± 2.4, p 3, the V4/V8 ratio had a sensitivity of 88% with a specificity of 77% for left-sided locations. At a cutoff of >2.28, the V4/V8 index had a sensitivity of 67% with a specificity of 98%. In the prospective validation cohort (n = 40), the V4/V8 ratio exhibited the highest sensitivity of 75% with a negative predictive value of 89% compared with the V4/V8 index, V2 transition ratio, and V2S/V3R. The V4/V8 index had the highest specificity of 96% with positive predictive value of 89% compared to the other predictive ratios. When analyzing cases with a V3 transition, the V4/V8 index demonstrated 100% specificity and positive predictive value. Conclusions A simple modification of V5 to V8 posteriorly may provide incremental diagnostic value for localizing PVCs arising from the outflow tracts. Normalizing PVC localization criteria to the sinus rhythm results in the highest specificity when compared with other validated criteria.

Background Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is associated with a poor prognosis with the proposed mechanism of sudden cardiac death in the majority of patients being pulseless electrical activity. However, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indications in CA patients are unclear. We performed a detailed evaluation of our CA population undergoing ICD implantation and assessed appropriate ICD therapy and survival predictors. Methods We included consecutive patients from June 2008 to November 2014 in five centers. ICDs were systematically interrogated and clinical data recorded during follow-up. Results Forty-five patients (35 males, mean age 66±12years) with CA who underwent ICD implantation (84.4% primary prevention) were included. CA types were hereditary transthyretin in 27 patients (60%), light chain (AL) in 12 (27%) and senile in 6 (13%). After a mean follow-up of 17±14months, 12 patients (27%) had at least 1 appropriate ICD therapy occurring after 4.7±6.6months. Patients with or without ICD therapy had no significant differences in baseline characteristics, amyloidosis type, LVEF, and type of prevention although there was a trend towards a better 2D global longitudinal strain in patients with ICD therapy ( P =0.08). Over the follow-up, 12 patients died (27%) and 6 underwent cardiac transplantation (13%). From multivariate analysis a worse prognosis was associated with higher NT-proBNP level (>6800pg/mL, HR=5.5[1.7–17.8]) and AL type (HR=4.9[1.5–16.3]). Conclusions Appropriate ICD therapies are common (27%) in CA patients. No specific strong VA predictor could be identified. However, patients with advanced heart disease, especially with AL-CA, display a poorer outcome.

Suppression of frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) does not systematically lead to an expected reversal of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy and determinants of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery (reverse remodeling) after ablation remain largely unknown.Ninety-six consecutive patients with a suspicion of PVC induced-cardiomyopathy were retrospectively included. Parameters potentially related to reverse remodeling (10% increase in LVEF) were analyzed in patients w/wo long-term success (decrease in PVC burden80%).Over a mean follow-up of 24±21months, long-term ablation success was obtained in 76 patients (79%). In these, reverse remodeling was observed in 63 (83%) (LVEF 39±8 to 56±8%, p0.0001). In multivariate analysis, only an older age (and marginally a lower PVC QRS amplitude) was independently associated with the lack of reverse remodeling. Only 10 of the 35 patients who initially should have received an ICD for primary prevention remained candidates for implantation after ablation. Lack of reverse remodeling was significantly linked to a higher mortality.Reverse remodeling was observed in 83% of patients with frequent PVC and unexplained cardiomyopathy undergoing long-term successful ablation of the PVC. A younger age was independently correlated with the occurrence of reverse remodeling.