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The increasing number of patients with heart failure and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) has led to a growing of the emergency presentations for ICD internal shocks. Appropriate shocks are sometimes caused by acute events in the course of disease and could be one of the earliest symptoms contributing to the diagnosis and timely treatment of these acute conditions. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, ICD carrier, who presented to the emergency department for recurrent appropriate ICD shocks caused by episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Even if he did not have chest pain, he was referred to cath lab, where the coronary angiography has shown a severe stenosis at the origin of the left anterior descending artery and a moderate stenosis at the proximal left circumflex artery. The percutaneous revascularization of both lesions resulted in the eradication of the sustained ventricular arrhythmias and the improvement of the clinical status. The case argues for the need for coronary vascularization assessment in ICD carrier patients with ischemic heart failure and adequate recurrent shocks, also emphasizing the importance of remote monitoring in early diagnosis of acute conditions in these patients.

Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC) is frequent arrhythmias. Previously, regarded as a benign electrocardiographic finding, they are now linked to adverse outcomes such as, stroke and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, a high burden of PACs >1.500/24 hours has a predicted probability of atrial fibrillation occurrence. Herein, the authors presented a case of a 35-year-old male patient, with high burden PACs, originating in the posterior mitral annulus. Treatment with class IC (flecainide, propafenone) antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers (bisoprolol) was ineffective in controlling the tachycardia, therefore, catheter ablation was performed. The procedure was performed using the Three-Dimensional (3D) Biosense Webster Carto 3 electroanatomical mapping system. The area of the earliest atrial signal was located at the posterior mitral annulus. Successful elimination of the ectopy was obtained with Radiofrequency (RF) application on the posterior mitral ring. A single RF application of 30 W for 60 seconds abolished PACs, with no further recurrence. Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed, no PACs at one, six and 12 months follow-up. Catheter ablation remains an effective approach to cure the arrhythmia, when medical treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is ineffective or undesirable in patients with high burden PACs.

Objectives - Structural cardiac, mainly atrial remodeling in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) creates conditions for thromboembolic complications, despite the optimization of oral anticoagulant treatment over the past years. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of patients with NVAF, with and without atrial thrombotic masses, in an integrated approach using clinical, electrocardiographic, anatomohemodynamic cardiac findings assessed by echocardiography, as well as an evaluation of the inflammatory status based on the usual screening blood markers. Methods – The study was based on the anonymous analysis of the medical records of 50 patients with NVAF monitored in a center of cardiology in Cluj-Napoca between March 2019 – February 2020, who received optimal oral anticoagulant treatment, all undergoing transesophageal ultrasound prior to cardioversion or ablation therapy. The statistical data processing methods were based on the “chi square” test and overall model fit logistic regression. Results – Atrial thrombotic complications were found in 7 (14%) patients with NVAF. These had, compared to patients without thrombotic masses, a mean CHA2DS2-VASc scale of 3 versus 2.76 (p=0.05), more frequently other atrial tachyarrhythmias (p

Patients with cervical spinal cord injury have a high incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in the first 14 to 30 days after traumatic event (acute phase). Electrophysiological abnormalities described in the acute phase are most often bradycardia, which is spontaneous or triggered by various stimuli. In the chronic phase, varied arrhythmias are described, but ventricular arrhythmias as a result of autonomic dysregulation in chronic SCI are rare and isolated. We present the case of a patient with a C5-C6 incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA-B grade) in which symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia is described one year after the traumatic event.

This review shows that cardiac rehabilitation is not contraindicated in patients with arrhythmias; furthermore, it may be beneficial in reducing the number and severity of arrhythmia episodes. We will briefly describe the most common cardiac arrhythmias for which there is information in the medical literature related to inclusion in a rehabilitation program: inappropriate sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, premature atrial contractions, atrial flutter, premature ventricular beats, ventricular tachycardia. All these data support the use of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with arrhythmia even though this is underused and underappreciated by many clinicians.

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency is a quite common pathology in European countries. Serum vitamin D levels are closely linked to physical fitness and lesser response to cardiac rehabilitation in various categories of patients with heart disease. Vitamin D is also involved in the function of heart cells via a vitamin D receptors found in cardiomyocytes. We present the case of a patient with vitamin D deficiency and symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), in whom cardiac rehabilitation decreased PVC number, but association with vitamin D supplements led to a significant decrease in PVCs and complete disappearance of symptoms.

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is used in severe neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), but long-term data regarding its efficacy and safety are lacking. We identified NPSLE cases who received CYC from two centres during the period 1999–2013 and had regular follow-up. General and neuropsychiatric outcome at last follow-up visit were determined, and major complications were documented. CYC was administered in 50 neuropsychiatric events. Median age was 45.0 years and 46% of patients were positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Most frequent indications were psychosis (11 cases), polyneuropathy (six cases), and cerebrovascular disease, seizure disorder and cranial neuropathy (five cases). CYC was mainly administered as monthly pulses (median number: 8.0 (range 3–26), median cumulative dose: 7.2 g (range 2.4–33.8)). Cases were followed for a median of 46.5 months (range 5–408). At last follow-up, partial or complete response of NPSLE was observed in 84% of events; 10% had stable disease, whereas the remaining 6% failed to improve or worsened and were rescued with rituximab. In events that responded to CYC, maintenance therapy consisted of azathioprine in 31 events (65.9%), bimonthly or quarterly pulses of intravenous CYC in nine (19.1%), and mycophenolate mofetil in five (10.6%). Relapses were observed in six events (12%) at median eight months after initial response. No malignancies were observed, yet there were three cases of severe infections. Amenorrhea was recorded in three patients, who had not received gonadal protection. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide was efficacious and led to sustained response of severe NPSLE in a cohort with long follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Arrhythmias and conduction disorders are common among patients with scleroderma. Their early identification is important, since scleroderma patients with arrhythmias have a higher mortality risk compared with scleroderma patients without arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to characterize the cardiovascular profiles of scleroderma patients with different types of arrhythmias and conduction disorders. Methods: One hundred and ten consecutive patients with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis according to the ACR criteria were included in the study. Patients underwent a 12-lead ECG and a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring for arrhythmias and conduction disorders identification. Blood sample testing, echocardiography, spirometry, chest X-ray and, when considered appropriate, high resolution chest CT were also performed. A subgroup of 21 patients underwent NT-pro BNP le vel measurements. Patients' clinical and para-clinical cha - racteristics were compared according to the pre sence or absence of arrhythmias and conduction di sorders. Results: The prevalence of arrhythmia and conduction disturbances was 60.9%. Patients with such disorders were older (54.4 ± 13.3 vs. 49.7 ± 10.1 years, p=0.05), had a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (p=0.008), valve disease (p < 0.001), especially mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, chamber enlargement on echocardiography (left atrial and right ventricular, p = 0.012 and 0.005, respectively), as well as, higher NT-pro BNP levels: 265.5 ± 399.7 vs. 163 ± 264.3 pg/ml, p=0.04. Conclusion: Arrhythmias and conduction disorders are common in patients with scleroderma. Patients with such disorders are older, have a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, more severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, left atrial and right ventricular dilation on echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac rehabilitation remains an indispensable tool of the cardiologist’s arsenal for improving cardiovascular health in his patients. The range of applications of cardiac rehabilitation has increased over time. In recent years outstanding athletic performances of elderly people have been reported. In this article we present the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for elderly population and for elderly athletes. We also make an analysis of the elderly participation in WizzAir Cluj-Napoca Marathon: number of finishers, best running time, evolution of running time over years, male-tofemale ratio participation and results.

Disability as a stroke consequence is reported by 3% males and 2% females in general population. Motor deficits are common in stroke patients, but their complete recovery is seen only in a minority of cases. Assessment of motor deficits uses clinical methods, especially standardized scales, but also electrophysiological and imagistic methods. The motor recovery is a continuous process, maximal in the first month after stroke, decreasing gradually over the first 6 months. Most powerful predictors for motor recovery are clinical parameters: severity of motor deficit, onset of first voluntary movements after stroke in the first 48-72 hours, a continuous improvement in motor function during the first 8 weeks, a good postural control during the first month, young age, male sex, left hemispheric stroke and absence of other neurological impairments are strong positive predictors. Presence of motor-evoked potentials in paretic muscles and imagistic parameters as location, stroke volume and motor pathways integrity are paraclinical predictors for recovery. There are no specific biomarker which is efficient in predicting recovery. In patients with poor chances for recovery according to actual predictors, the development of more precise algorithms to assess functional outcome is needed, in order to support the choice of appropriate methods and intensity of rehabilitation treatment.

Hemorrhagic strokes (ICH) affects mainly young active people, with increasing incidence in developing countries. Mortality is high in acute phase, and patients are prone to complications related to stroke itself and to coexisting medical conditions. Patients with ICH are at high risk in developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with secondary pulmonary embolism (PE). Prevention of venous thrombotic events in hemorrhagic stroke patients requires intermittent pneumatic compression and preventive doses of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in high-risk patients. If DVT and /or PE occurs, the therapeutic management should balance the risk of recurrent cerebral bleeding and the life-threatening risk of PE, making the decision to start anticoagulation challenging. We present a case of a young patient with a large hypertensive capsulolenticular hemorrhage, who was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism 21 days after stroke onset. The decision was for anticoagulant treatment initial with LWMH, and switch to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) after 10 days; strict control of vascular risk factors of the patients (hypertension, diabetes and obesity) was achieved. Rehabilitation treatment, delayed until day 21, was recommended with progressive intensity. Evolution of the patient was favorable, with complete hematoma resorbtion under DOAC treatment at 10 weeks follow-up and important motor recovery. Rehabilitation program was intensive during this interval, and strongly contributive to neurologic improvement.

Heart failure is currently a real public health problem due to the extremely high morbidity and mortality of this disease. In this context, cardiovascular prevention measures should be implemented as early as possible. In addition to classic prevention measures, a number of extremely important specific recommendations should be considered: informing patients about their underlying disease, identifying the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular factors that have led to cardiac decompensation, reducing daily salt consumption, monitoring body weight, forbidding smoking and recreational substances, conducting a regular exercise program under supervision, and increasing adherence to treatment.

Anemia is known to be recurrent in heart failure patients and its presence is an unfavorable prognostic factor (1,2). However, treatment with iron supplements or erythropoietin has proven to improve the health of this category of patients (1,3). Except in cases when hemoglobin value is below 8g %, anemia does not exclude patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and/or heart failure from rehabilitation programs, but patients with anemia have lower exercise capacity and significantly lower VO2 peak increase than patients without anemia (4,5). Anemia associated with sedentary lifestyle complicates the situation, since they both decrease exercise capacity, and makes the choice of rehabilitation programs and exercise intensity more difficult, chiefly in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which has a considerable impact on the beneficial effects of physical activity.

Background. Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are an important cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which leads to worsening of prognosis especially in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis. However, studies on the prevalence of PAH in SLE scarce; our aim is to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PAH in a series of SLE inpatients of a tertiary Romanian SLE Center. Methods. The study included 54 consecutive SLE patients with a regular follow-up at the Department of Rheumatology Cluj-Napoca. The patients underwent physical examination and transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), left ventricular performance, and the presence of valvular heart disease. Patient characteristic, cumulative organ damage and laboratory were retrieved by medical chart review. Results. Within the cohort (mean age 43.7 ± 12.4 years, 90.8% women, median duration of disease 7 years), 11 (20.3%) patients were diagnosed with PAH, the majority of which (63.6%) were categorized as mild. The mean sPAP value was 45.54 mmHg and was associated with a history thromboembolic events (p=0.0067), antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (p=0.039), and cumulative organ damage (p=0.001). No significant associations with disease duration, Raynaud’s phenomenon, pericardial effusion or SLE-associated autoantibodies were found. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) occurred more frequent in patients with PAH (p=0.008). Conclusion. Patients with SLE have an increased prevalence of PAH, which is generally asymptomatic and of low severity. PAH is associated with cumulative organ damage, LVDD, and antiphospholipid syndrome (likely reflecting secondary PAH to pulmonary embolism), but not with the disease duration and the Raynaud’s phenomenon or SLE specific autoantibodies.

Context. The prevalence of patients with concomitant heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is high. Objective. To analyze the role of NT-pro-BNP levels in the evaluation of diabetic patients with heart failure. Design. Retrospective comparative cohort study. Subjects and Methods. A total of 174 patients admitted to our Cardiology Department, previously diagnosed with HF, were enrolled. Among these patients, 47.7% had DM. HF was defined according to the 2016 ESC criteria. The NT-pro BNP levels above 126 pg/mL indicate a high probability of heart failure. Results. In diabetic patients there were significant correlations between NT-pro-BNP values and the following parameters: hemoglobin (rho=-0.28, p=0.01), hematocrit (rho= -0.27, p=0.014), total cholesterol (rho= -0.21, p=0.048), triglycerides (rho= -0.283, p=0.01), ejection fraction (rho= -0.465, p<0.0001), end-diastolic volume (rho= 0.253, p= 0.026), end-systolic volume (rho= 0.29 p=0.01). Only the following 3 parameters: ejection fraction (p= 0.0009), hemoglobin (p= 0.0092) and triglycerides (p= 0.0380) were independent predictive factors for elevated NT-pro-BNP values. Conclusion. In diabetic heart failure patients, the value of NT-pro-BNP holds a pivotal role in the evaluation of their overall status, facilitating the establishment of correct management and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are atrial tachyarrhythmias that are exclusively detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with an atrial lead. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictive factors for AHREs, and to evaluate the ability of inflammation biomarkers to predict the occurrence of AHREs. 102 patients undergoing CIED procedure who received a dual chamber pacemaker were included. CIED interrogation was performed 1 year after the implantation procedure. Patients were divided into groups according to the occurrence of AHREs, which was the primary endpoint of the study. The mean age of the patients was of 73 ± 8.6 years and 48% were male. The incidence of AHREs was 67% at 1 year follow-up. Patients with AHREs were older, had higher left atrial indexed volume (LAVi), higher baseline galectin-3 levels (1007.5 ± 447.3 vs. 790 ± 411.7 pg/mL) and received betablockers more often, along with amiodarone and anticoagulants. Interestingly, the CHADSVASC score did not differ significantly between the two groups. A cut-off value of galectin > 990 pg/mL predicted AHREs with moderate accuracy (AUC of 0.63, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.73, p = 0.04), and this association was confirmed in the univariate regression analysis (OR 1.0012, 95% CI 1.0001 to 1.0023, p = 0.0328). However, based on the multivariate regression analysis, galectin lost its prognostic significance under the effect of LAVi, which remained the only independent predictor of AHREs (OR 1.0883, 95% CI 1.0351 to 1.1441, p = 0.0009). AHREs are common in CIEDs patients. Galectin-3 may bring additional data in the prediction of AHREs.

Background and Objectives : Revascularization has been proven to be superior to medication for symptom improvement in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There are well known gender differences in therapeutic strategies for PAD. The influence of gender on post-angioplasty prognosis is not fully understood though. The present study aims to identify potential peculiarities between men and women undergoing peripheral angioplasty, as well as factors responsible for those differences. Material and methods : 104 consecutive subjects (50 women and 54 men) who underwent percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) between January and October 2019 for symptomatic PAD were included. Demographics, PAD history, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, the associated coronary or cerebrovascular diseases, biological parameters, drug-treatment and PTA type and technique were taken into account. The follow-up period was 2 years, during which major adverse limb events (MALE) were documented. Results : The mean age was 67 ± 10 years. Women were 4 years older than the men (69 ± 10 years vs. 65 ± 9.2 years- p = 0.04). Smoking was more prevalent in men ( p = 0.0004), while other cardiovascular risk factors did not differ significantly. The mean follow-up of the two groups was 21 ± 2.4 months. Women had infra-inguinal involvement more frequently (78%), while men exhibited mixed disease, with supra + infra-inguinal (37%) or solely supra-inguinal (20.3%) involvement ( p = 0.0012). Rates of MALE were similar in the two groups ( p = 0.914). Gender did not influence the incidence of PAD-related adverse events. The only parameter that proved to have a significant influence on the occurrence of MALE was the ankle-brachial index (ABI). A value below 0.5 was found to be an independent predictor for MALE ( p = 0.001). Conclusions : There was no significant difference in the incidence rates of MALE between the two genders over a 2-year follow-up period post-PTA. Regardless of sex, an ankle-brachial index value below 0.5 was the sole independent predictor for limb-related adverse events.

Previous research established age-related normal limits for children's heart rates (HRs). However, children of the same age can have significantly different HRs, depending on whether they are overweight or underweight, tall or short. Studies on children HR have failed to find a clear correlation between HR and body size. The goal of our study was to create Z scores for HR based on weight (W), height (H), body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) and compare them to normal age-related HR limits. Electrocardiograms were recorded from a total of 22,460 healthy children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old using BTL machines. A comparison was made between different age groups, in function of W, H, BMI, and BSA, based on the HR that was automatically detected by using the digitally stored electrocardiogram. Z scores were computed for each of the categories that were mentioned. Incremental Z score values between -2.5 and 2.5 were calculated to establish upper and lower limits of HR. The BSA's estimation of HR is the most accurate of the available methods and can be utilized with accuracy in clinical practice. Z scores for HR in children differ in function of the age, W, H, BMI and BSA. The best estimation is based on BSA. The novelty of our study is that we developed Z scores for HR in relation to body size, age and sex, producing a standardized, consistent, and reproducible result without requiring practitioners to learn and remember cutoff values for a wide range of variables across age groups and sexes. Z scores minimize observer and institutional bias, hence generating uniform and reproducible standards., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Low atrial rhythm (LAR) is an ectopic rhythm originating in the lower part of the right or left atrium. Prior observational studies attempted to quantify the prevalence of low atrial rhythm in the pediatric population, but the observed prevalence was highly variable with relatively small sample sizes. We aimed to characterize low atrial rhythm and determine its prevalence in a large population of 24,316 asymptomatic children from northwestern Transylvania. We found a prevalence of 0.6% (145 children) for low atrial rhythm. Children with LAR had a significantly lower heart rate (mean 78.6 ± 8.3 bpm), than the control sinus rhythm group (85.02 ± 4.5 bpm). Furthermore, a shorter PR interval was seen in children with LAR (132.7 ± 12.7 ms) than in the children from the control group (141.7 ± 5.4; p = 0.0001).There was no significant association between gender and the presence of left LAR (LLAR) or right LAR (RLAR) ( p = 0.5876). The heart rate of children with LLAR was significantly higher (81.7 ± 11.6 bpm) than that of the children with LRAR (77.6 ± 11.1 bpm) ( p = 0.037). Pediatric cardiologists should recognize low atrial rhythm and be aware that asymptomatic, healthy children can exhibit this pattern, which does not require therapeutic intervention.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most frequent hereditary cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Advancements in CMR imaging have allowed for earlier identification and more accurate prognosis of HCM. Interventions aimed at slowing or stopping the disease's natural course may be developed in the future. CMR has been validated as a technique with high sensitivity and specificity, very few contraindications, a low risk of side effects, and is overall a good tool to be employed in the management of HCM patients. The goal of this review is to evaluate the magnetic resonance features of HCM, starting with distinct phenotypic variants of the disease and progressing to differential diagnoses of athlete's heart, hypertension, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. HCM in children has its own section in this review, with possible risk factors that are distinct from those in adults; delayed enhancement in children may play a role in risk stratification in HCM. Finally, a number of teaching points for general cardiologists who recommend CMR for patients with HCM will be presented.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smoking remains the most important risk factor, but occupational exposures may play an essential role as well. Firefighters are among occupations regularly exposed to a variety of irritative inhalational products, and they may be expected to develop respiratory health problems because of such an occupational exposure. To better understand and characterize this relationship, we performed an extensive search of the scientific literature, and we identified two major research areas: firefighters exposed to wildland fire smoke and firefighters involved in the World Trade Centre disaster-related operations. Most of the studies did not report a significant increase in COPD diagnosis in firefighters. An accelerated rate of decline in lung function was seen, a short time after major exposure events. This is the reason for an increased rate of exacerbations observed in individuals already diagnosed with obstructive respiratory disorders. A limited number of studies not covering these specific circumstances of exposure were found. They reported long-term morbidity and mortality data, and the results are controversial. Major confounding factors for most of the studies were the "healthy worker effect" and the lack of useful data regarding smoking habits. Efforts should be made in the future to better characterize specific biomarkers for the progression of COPD; to establish exposure limits; and to implement preventive strategies like rotation of workers, smoking cessation programs, and long-term monitoring programs for respiratory disorders.

Background and Aim: Bradyarrhythmias cause a low cerebral blood flow with secondary neuronal ischemia and cognitive dysfunction. This study aims to assess the effect of cardiac pacemaker implantation (PI) on the cognitive function and inflammatory markers (TNF alpha, IL1β)., Material and Method: We conducted a prospective observational study on a number of 31 patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. We performed the cognitive function assessment by two tests (Mini-Mental State Examination and Trail Making Test A), cardiac output assessment (echocardiographic), and determination of IL 1β and TNF alpha serum concentrations before pacemaker implantation and after an average period of 42 days from pacemaker implantation., Results: After pacemaker implantation we observed an increase in the cardiac index by 0.71 L/min/m 2 ( p < 0.001) and a better scoring in cognitive performance; the mean MMSE score increased by two points ( p < 0.001), and Trail Making Test A had an improvement of 16 s ( p < 0.001). Regarding the inflammatory markers, a significant decrease in IL-1β with 8.6 pg/mL ( p = 0.049) after pacemaker implantation was observed. Additionally, we found statistically significant correlations between IL1β and TNF alpha (positive correlation, p = 0.005), between the MMSE and cardiac index ( p < 0.001), between the Trail Making Test and cardiac index ( p = 0.001), and between the MMSE and Trail Making Test ( p = 0.003)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cardiac pacemaker implantation was associated with improved cognitive function-possibly related to an increased cardiac output and with adecreased serum IL1β concentration in subjects with symptomatic bradycardia.

Abstract: In patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, an enlarged left atrium (LA) is a predictor of procedural failure as well as AF recurrence on long term. The most used method to assess LA size is echocardiography-measured diameter, but the most accurate remains computed tomography (CT).The aim of our study was to determine whether there is an association between left atrial diameters measured in echocardiography and the left atrial volume determined by CT in patients who underwent AF ablation.The study included 93 patients, of whom 60 (64.5%) were men and 64 (68.8%) had paroxysmal AF, who underwent AF catheter ablation between January 2018 and June 2019. Left atrial diameters in echocardiography were measured from the long axis parasternal view and the LA volume in CT was measured on reconstructed three-dimensional images.The LA in echocardiography had an antero-posterior (AP) diameter of 45.0 ± 6 mm (median 45; Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 41-49, range 25-73 mm), longitudinal diameter of 67.5 ± 9.4 (median 66; IQR 56-88, range 52-100 mm), and transversal diameter of 42 ± 8.9 mm (IQR 30-59, range 23-64.5 mm). The volume in CT was 123 ± 29.4 mL (median 118; IQR 103-160; range 86-194 mL). We found a significant correlation (r = 0.702; P < .05) between the AP diameter and the LA volume. The formula according to which the AP diameter of the LA can predict the volume was: LA volume = AP diam3 + 45 mL.There is a clear association between the left atrial AP diameter measured on echocardiography and the volume measured on CT. The AP diameter might be sufficient to determine the increase in the volume of the atrium and predict cardiovascular outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Cardiac electronic implantable devices (CIEDs) have the ability to monitor, store and interpret complex arrhythmias, which has generated a new arrhythmic entity: atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE). AHRE are atrial tachyarrhythmias, detected only by CIEDs. They are widely considered a precursor to atrial fibrillation (AF) but can also be represented by other kinds of supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia. CIED-detected AHRE are associated with an increased risk of stroke, but the risk is significantly lower than the stroke risk of clinical AF. Moreover, there seems to be no temporal correlation between AHRE and thromboembolic events. Because of the current gaps in evidence, the appropriate management of this arrythmia can be challenging. In this review we take into account the epidemiology behind AHRE, predictive factors, clinical impact and management of this arrhythmia.

Aims: Reference values of the P-wave on 12 lead electrocardiograms are lacking for children and adolescents in Eastern Europe. Hence, the present study is aimed at determining the standard values of the P-wave in children and adolescents based on ECG data from the CARDIOPED project, a large-scale general population of children who participated in a screening program in Transylvania, Romania., Methods and Results: A total of 22,411 ECGs of participants aged 6 to 18 years old from a school-based ECG screening were obtained between February 2015 and December 2015 in Transylvania, Romania. Three pediatric cardiologists manually reviewed each ECG. P-wave duration, voltage, axis, and correlation with gender and age were analyzed. The mean P-wave duration was 88 ± 10.7 ms, with a maximum duration of 128 ms. P-wave showed a positive correlation with age but did not differ between sexes. There was a positive correlation between the P-wave duration and the heart rate, but not with the body max index. The mean P-wave axis was 40.4 ± 31.1, and the mean P-wave amplitude was 0.12 ± 0.03 mV., Conclusion: In this study on many pediatric subjects, we have provided normal limits for the P-wave in Romanian children aged 6-18 years. Our findings are useful for creating interpretation guidelines for pediatric ECG., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Gabriel Cismaru et al.)

Aim: To determine the relationship between myocardial work (MW) indices derived from non-invasive pressure-strain loops (PSL) and established parameters of left ventricular (LV) performance in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF) with preserved or mid-range ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF)., Material and Methods: Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) was used to determine MW indices and global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the first 24-48 hours after admission in patients with AMI, HF symptoms, NT-proBNP >300 pg/mL and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%. MW was calculated by using PSL, which combine strain and non-invasive blood pressure measurement. Global MW index (GWI) was defined as the work inside the area of the PSL., Results: Forty-nine patients (mean age 68±13 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Both GWI (1057±338 mmHg%) and GLS (-10.4±3.3%) were reduced in the majority of the patients. However, a proportion of patients with abnormal GLS showed normal GWI. There was a strong inverse relationship between GWI and GLS (r=-0.81). GWI demonstrated a strong relationship with LVEF (r=0.69) and a moderate correlation to NT-proBNP (n=-0.29). NT-proBNP showed a tendency to higher values in patients with more reduced GWI (820 [590-2550] vs 707 [460-1335], p=0.17). Out of the diastolic dysfunction parameters, GWI showed moderate correlations to LA volume index (r-0.29), E/A (r=-0.23) and E/e' (r=-0.39), which were also significantly more impaired in patients with more reduced GWI., Conclusion: Non-invasive PSL might bring further information to LVEF and GLS in patients AMI at the early stages of HFpEF/HFmrEF, since LV performance depends on both contractile properties and variations in load in the ischemic segments.

Rationale: In absence of conduction over the accessory pathway (AP) during the electrophysiological study, mapping and ablation is impossible. Various techniques can be used to activate absent conduction. In this presentation we describe the first case of latent AP ablation performed under continuous infusion of adenosine., Patient Concerns: A 65-year-old man, presented to emergency department with atrial fibrillation and antegrade conduction through a left lateral AP. He had palpitations and lightheadedness that occurred every 2 to 3 weeks., Diagnosis: The electrophysiological study confirmed a latent left-side AP., Interventions: Catheter ablation could not be performed because of absent conduction through AP. Therefore, a continuous infusion of adenosine was used to activate AP. Ablation was performed at the left lateral mitral ring., Outcomes: After catheter ablation and a new adenosine bolus there was no conduction through AP., Lessons: In case of a latent AP when ablation is difficult to perform because of absent conduction at the time of electrophysiological study, adenosine can be used in doses of 1.5 mg/kg over 5 minutes continuous infusion.

Rationale: Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) is a major tool for the diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). However 2D echo can skip regional localized anomalies of the right ventricular wall. We aimed to determine whether transesophageal and intracardiac ultrasound can provide additional information, on the right ventricular abnormalities compared to 2D echo., Patient Concerns: Case 1 is a 30-year-old patient that presented in the Emergency Department with multiple episodes of fast monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) manifested by palpitations and diziness. Case 2 is a 65-year-old patient that also presented with episodes of ventircular tachycardia associated with low blood pressure., Diagnosis: Both patients had a clear diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging., Intervention: In both patients transesophageal and intracardiac ultrasound was performed, which brought more information on the diagnosis of ARVD/C compared to transthoracic echocardiograpy., Outcomes: The first patient was implanted with an internal cardiac defibrillator and treated with Sotalol for VT recurrences. He presented episodes of VT during follow-up, treated with antitachycardia pacing. The second patient was implanted with an internal cardiac defibrillator and treated with Sotalol without any VT recurrence at 18 month-follow-up., Lessons: Transesophageal echocardiography and intracardiac echocardiography can provide additional information on small, focal structural abnormalities in patients with ARVD/C: bulges, saculations, aneurysms with or without associated thrombus, partial or complete loss of trabeculations and hypertrophy of the moderator band. These changes are particularly important in cases with "concealed" form of the disease in which no morphological abnormalities are evident in transthoracic echocardiograpy.

Performing a head-up tilt test can be of great value for the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope. The European Society of Cardiology recommends a drug challenge phase duration of 15 to 20 minutes, with either Isoprenaline or Nitroglycerin administration.We sought to investigate the outcome of a ten-minute active phase with Nitroglycerin in patients suspected of vasovagal syncope and determine the percentage of loss in the positivity rate, using this short duration approach.We consecutively enrolled patients presenting with syncope undergoing the head-up tilt test (HUTT), with a clinical suspicion of vasovagal syncope between the years 2009 to 2019. The HUTT consisted of 2 successive phases: passive and active. During the passive phase, the patients were tilted at 70° for 20 minutes. If negative, the test was continued after administration of 0.4 mg sublingual Nitroglycerin. Applying the (VASIS) Vasovagal Syncope International Study classification of the vasovagal syncope international study and comparing for age and gender, positive responses were categorized into 3 types.A number of 306 patients (age = 43.5 +/-20.3; male = 140 [45.7%]) with suspected vasovagal syncope, undergoing HUTT, were enrolled in the years of 2009 to 2019. Of those, 245 (80.2%) presented a positive test, with 200 patients (82.0%) during the being positive during the active phase of the test. The results were as follows: 116 subjects (47.2%) presented with a mixed response (VASIS I), 52 (21.3%) showed a cardio inhibitory response (VASIS II), and 77 (31.5%) displayed a vasodepressor response (VASIS III). We found no relationship between the type of syncope with neither gender, nor age of the patient. Three minutes represented the median time to positivity, after Nitroglycerine administration. The time distribution showed a peak incidence appearing between minutes 3 and 5, ranging from 1 to 20 minutes. Only 3 patients tested positive after minute 10.Shortening the active phase to 10 minutes would result in a positivity rate loss of 1.5%.

Rationale: Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is defined as systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle resulting from prolonged elevated heart rates, completely reversible upon control of the arrhythmia. Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is one of the most frequent causes of TIC. In its incessant form, it is unlikely to be controlled by pharmacological treatment, catheter ablation being the principal therapeutic option. The coexistence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with AVRT may cause difficulties in the early diagnosis and management of tachycardia because of the wide complex morphology, making it harder to localize the accessory pathway (AP)., Patient Concerns: A 60-year-old woman, presented incessant episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath due to a LBBB tachycardia leading to hemodynamic instability., Diagnosis: The patient had a wide QRS tachycardia, with LBBB morphology and a heart rate of 160/minute. Echocardiography showed global hypokinesia with 25% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Considering the patient's clinical picture, TIC was suspected., Interventions: The electrophysiological study revealed a left lateral accessory pathway. Catheter ablation was successfully performed at the level of the lateral mitral ring., Outcomes: One week after the ablation the patient had no signs of heart failure and the LVEF normalized to 55%. During 6-months follow-up the patient presented no more episodes of tachycardia or heart failure and the LVEF remained normal., Lessons: AVRT is rarely associated with intrinsic LBBB, being a potential cause of TIC. In these patients, it is unlikely to control the arrhythmia pharmacologically, catheter ablation being the best therapeutic option. The variation of QRS complex duration between LBBB pattern in SR and AVRT could be useful for early diagnosis of an ipsilateral AP on surface ECG.

The key to a successful catheterization of the left heart chambers is the safe transseptal puncture. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an attractive tool used in cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs to provide detailed images thatcan facilitate transseptal puncture. ICE permits a direct visualization of the endocardium and precisely locates the needle and the sheath against the interatrial septum. Two different ICE catheters are available: a phased array and a mechanical transducer, both being currently used in clinical practice. This paper describes the technique used for guiding transseptal puncture with ICE. Due to its advantages, ICE has currently become an important tool used to maximize the safety of the transseptal puncture and increase efficacy of interventional cardiology procedures.

The field of cardiac electrophysiology has greatly developed during the past decades. Consequently, the use of electrophysiological studies (EPSs) in clinical practice has also significantly augmented, with a progressively increasing number of certified electrophysiology centers and specialists. Since Zipes et al published the Guidelines for Clinical Intracardiac Electrophysiology and Catheter Ablation Procedures in 1995, no official document summarizing current EPS indications has been published. The current paper focuses on summarizing all relevant data of the role of EPS in patients with different types of cardiac pathologies and provides up-to-date recommendations on this topic. For this purpose, the PubMed database was screened for relevant articles in English up to December 2018 and ESC and ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guidelines, and EHRA/HRS/APHRS position statements related to the current topic were analyzed. Current recommendations for the use of EPS in clinical practice are discussed and presented in 17 distinct cardiac pathologies. A short rationale, evidence, and indications are provided for each cardiac disease/group of diseases. In conclusion, because of its capability to establish a diagnosis in patients with a variety of cardiac pathologies, the EPS remains a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disorders and is capable of establishing indications for cardiac device implantation and guide catheter ablation procedures., (Copyright © 2018 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)