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Objective To describe the efficacy, safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) treated with tofacitinib or biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) in real-life conditions. Methods A noninterventional study was performed between March 2017 and September 2019 at 13 sites in Colombia and Peru. Outcomes measured at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up were disease activity (RAPID3 [Routine Assessment of Patients Index Data] score), functional status (HAQ-DI [Health Assessment Questionnaire] score), and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L [EuroQol Questionnaire]). The Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28-ESR) and frequency of adverse events (AEs) were also reported. Unadjusted and adjusted differences from baseline were estimated and expressed as the least squares mean difference (LMDs). Results Data from 100 patients treated with tofacitinib and 70 patients with bDMARDs were collected. At baseline, the patients’ mean age was 53.53 years (SD 13.77), the mean disease duration was 6.31 years (SD 7.01). The change from baseline at month 6 was not statistically significant different in the adjusted LMD [SE] for tofacitinib vs. bDMARDs for RAPID3 score (-2.55[0.30] vs. -2.52[0.26]), HAQ-DI score (-0.56[0.07] vs. -0.50[0.08]), EQ-5D-3L score (0.39[0.04] vs. 0.37[0.04]) and DAS28-ESR (-2.37[0.22] vs. -2.77[0.20]). Patients from both groups presented similar proportions of nonserious and serious AEs. No deaths were reported. Conclusion Changes from baseline were not statistically significant different between tofacitinib and bDMARDs in terms of RAPID3 scores and the secondary outcomes. Patients from both groups presented similar proportions of nonserious and serious AEs. Clinical trial number: NCT03073109

Objectives Patients with univentricular hearts who require permanent pacing systems typically require placement of epicardial leads. It is frequently difficult to find a position with good thresholds due to epimyocardial fibrosis or fat. The goal of the study is to assess the progression of capture thresholds (CT), sensing parameters (P waves and R waves), and impedances (imp) of steroid eluting epicardial pacing leads in young adults who underwent Fontan conversion and a pacemaker implant. Methods All patients undergoing Fontan conversion in two institutions were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, congenital heart defects, pacing leads used, and pacing parameters were analyzed at implant, at 6 weeks and 12 months after implant. Results Twenty patients were identified (twelve males); mean age at conversion was 24.9 ± 5.4 years (range 18-35). Epicardial bipolar steroid eluting leads were used. The site of implant both in the atria and the ventricles varied depending on the parameters. At implant, mean atrial and ventricular impedances were 617 ± 171 Ω and 1061 ± 771 Ω, respectively, mean P wave amplitude was 2 ± 0.7 mV, and mean R wave amplitude was 12.5 ± 7.7 mV. Mean CT was 1.7 ± 0.8 V at 0.5 ms for the atrium and 2.2 ± 1.2 V at 0.5 ms for the ventricle. Ventricular CT and impedance showed an improvement within the first 12 months after implant, with four patients having a decrease in threshold of more than 2 V. Conclusion In patients undergoing Fontan conversion, implant ventricular CT and impedances are frequently higher than expected but typically improve during follow-up. Acceptance of higher initial threshold values may be a potential strategy in this patient population.

Intravascular leiomyoma is an uncommon disease and depending of vascular involvement and anesthetic challenge. We review a case of a 53-year-old woman who underwent vena cava leiomyoma resection under cardiopulmonary bypass using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Invasive hemodynamic and neurologic monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography, and viscoelastic coagulation test were used during the procedure. Total surgical resection was accomplished with no complications and the patient was extubated 2 days after surgery without cardiac or neurologic deficit. Although uncommon, level IV intravascular leiomyoma surgery is a challenge because the total resection needs DHCA, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. These conditions expose the patient to the risk of coagulopathy, low cardiac output syndrome, and neurologic deficit.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of a His-Atrial-Ventricular (HAV) pattern, i.e. the atrial electrogram following the His bundle -HB- electrogram and preceding the ventricular one, on the catheter placed in the His position in pediatric patients during typical atrioventricular node reentry (AVNRT). Materials and methods The pediatric electrophysiology databases of two separate institutions were queried for patients with a diagnosis of AVNRT. Demographic, clinical data and the electrophysiology study (EPS) information were assessed. Results Thirty-nine consecutive patients were included. Twenty-five were female. The average age at the time of the EPS was 12 ± 3.7 years. Induction was achieved with atrial pacing in 23, with a single atrial extra stimulus in 8 and with dual atrial extra stimuli in 8. Isoproterenol was needed to induce tachycardia in 21. Tachycardia cycle length averaged 320 ± 50 ms. An HAV pattern was present in 35 (74%) of the patients, and in 100% of the patients younger than 8. Conclusions An HAV pattern on the catheter placed in the His position, is common in pediatric patients with AVNRT, occurring in up to 74% of the patients in this population, being more common in younger patients.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate long-term clinical outcomes of extended treatment with CT-P10, a rituximab biosimilar, compared with rituximab reference products sourced from the USA and the EU (US-RTX and EU-RTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to 48 weeks. Methods In this multinational, randomized, double-blind trial, adults with active RA received up to two courses of CT-P10, US-RTX, or EU-RTX alongside methotrexate. Efficacy endpoints included Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response rates. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and safety were also assessed. Results Of 372 patients randomized to the study drug, 330 (88.7%) completed the second treatment course. Mean change from baseline to week 48 in DAS28-C-reactive protein was comparable in the CT-P10 and combined rituximab (US-RTX and EU-RTX) groups (− 2.7 and − 2.6, respectively). ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates at week 48 indicated no differences between groups (80.6%, 55.4%, and 31.7% vs. 79.8%, 53.9%, and 33.7% in the CT-P10 and combined rituximab groups, respectively). Similar improvements in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and all medical outcomes in the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey, including physical and mental health, were seen in all groups. At week 48, antidrug antibodies were detected in 4.9%, 9.4%, and 8.6% of patients in the CT-P10, US-RTX, and EU-RTX groups, respectively. CT-P10 and rituximab displayed similar pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety profiles. Conclusion CT-P10 was similar to EU-RTX and US-RTX in terms of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and safety up to week 48. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02149121. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40259-018-00331-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Odanacatib, a cathepsin K inhibitor, reduces bone resorption while maintaining bone formation. Previous work has shown that odanacatib increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of odanacatib to reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: The Long-term Odanacatib Fracture Trial (LOFT) was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven study at 388 outpatient clinics in 40 countries. Eligible participants were women aged at least 65 years who were postmenopausal for 5 years or more, with a femoral neck or total hip bone mineral density T-score between −2·5 and −4·0 if no previous radiographic vertebral fracture, or between −1·5 and −4·0 with a previous vertebral fracture. Women with a previous hip fracture, more than one vertebral fracture, or a T-score of less than −4·0 at the total hip or femoral neck were not eligible unless they were unable or unwilling to use approved osteoporosis treatment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either oral odanacatib (50 mg once per week) or matching placebo. Randomisation was done using an interactive voice recognition system after stratification for previous radiographic vertebral fracture, and treatment was masked to study participants, investigators and their staff, and sponsor personnel. If the study completed before 5 years of double-blind treatment, consenting participants could enrol in a double-blind extension study (LOFT Extension), continuing their original treatment assignment for up to 5 years from randomisation. Primary endpoints were incidence of vertebral fractures as assessed using radiographs collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months, yearly, and at final study visit in participants for whom evaluable radiograph images were available at baseline and at least one other timepoint, and hip and non-vertebral fractures adjudicated as being a result of osteoporosis as assessed by clinical history and radiograph. Safety was assessed in participants who received at least one dose of study drug. The adjudicated cardiovascular safety endpoints were a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, and new-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter. Individual cardiovascular endpoints and death were also assessed. LOFT and LOFT Extension are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT00529373) and the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT number 2007-002693-66). Findings: Between Sept 14, 2007, and Nov 17, 2009, we randomly assigned 16 071 evaluable patients to treatment: 8043 to odanacatib and 8028 to placebo. After a median follow-up of 36·5 months (IQR 34·43–40·15) 4297 women assigned to odanacatib and 3960 assigned to placebo enrolled in LOFT Extension (total median follow-up 47·6 months, IQR 35·45–60·06). In LOFT, cumulative incidence of primary outcomes for odanacatib versus placebo were: radiographic vertebral fractures 3·7% (251/6770) versus 7·8% (542/6910), hazard ratio (HR) 0·46, 95% CI 0·40–0·53; hip fractures 0·8% (65/8043) versus 1·6% (125/8028), 0·53, 0·39–0·71; non-vertebral fractures 5·1% (412/8043) versus 6·7% (541/8028), 0·77, 0·68–0·87; all p

OBJECTIVES Fasciculo-ventricular (FV) accessory pathways (AP's) and right anteroseptal (RAS) AP's share similar anatomic locations and electrocardiographic characteristics. The objective of this article is to compare these features in children. METHODS All patients with manifest pre-excitation who underwent an electrophysiological study were included. Fasciculo-ventricular AP's were defined by the presence of an HV interval≤32ms and a prolongation of the AH without changes in the HV interval, or the level of pre-excitation during atrial pacing. Three independent and blind observers analysed the ECG's in both groups. RESULTS Out of 288 patients, 15 (5.2%) had FV AP's and 14 (4.9%) right AS AP's. The PR interval was longer in FV AP's than in RAS (113±21 vs 86±13ms respectively; P

This multinational, randomized, double-blind trial, (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02149121) was designed to demonstrate equivalence in pharmacokinetics and efficacy between CT-P10 and innovator rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults with active RA were treated with CT-P10, United States-sourced RTX (US-RTX; Rituxan®), or European Union-sourced RTX (EU-RTX; MabThera®) at weeks 0 and 2. The co-primary pharmacokinetic endpoints were area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to last measurable concentration (AUC

Background In phase 1 trials (NCT01534884 and NCT01873443), pharmacokinetic equivalence of CT-P10, biosimilar of rituximab, to innovator rituximab (RTX) was demonstrated. In the phase 3 study, equivalence of PK and efficacy up to week 24 were achieved between CT-P10 and RTX (US and EU sourced) 1,2 . Objectives To investigate the long-term efficacy, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety of CT-P10 up to week 48. Methods Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to CT-P10, US-RTX or EU-RTX, in combination with MTX. The patients received 2 treatment courses at Week 0 and 24, each consisting of 2 infusions of 1000mg study drug at 2-week interval. Results A total of 372 patients were randomised, and 330 patients completed the 2nd course treatment. DAS28 scores through Week 48 were comparable between CT-P10 and US/EU-RTX (Figure), as well as the proportion of ACR responses at Week 48 between the CT-P10 and combined rituximab groups; 81.3% and 79.8% for ACR 20, 55.4% and 53.9% for ACR50, and 31.7% and 33.7% for ACR 70, respectively. B-cell depletion was comparable from after the 1st infusion and up to Week 48. Number (%) of patients with positive anti-drug antibodies in the CT-P10, US-RTX, and EU-RTX was 7 (4.9), 13 (9.4), and 5 (8.6), respectively at Week 48. The safety profile was also similar across groups (Table). Conclusions This phase 3 randomised controlled trial demonstrated the comparability of CT-P10 with two rituximab in terms of efficacy, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety for 1 year. References Suh CH, et al. 2016 ACR Abstract No. 1634. Yoo DH, et al. 2016 ACR Abstract No. 1635. Disclosure of Interest C.-H. Suh Consultant for: Celltrion, Inc., E. Chalouhi El Khouri Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., P. Miranda Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., F. F Cons Molina Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., P. Shesternya Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., F. Medina-Rodriguez Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., P. Wiland Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., S. Jeka Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., J. Chavez-Corrales Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., T. Linde Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., P. Hrycaj Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., I. Hospodarskyy Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., M. Abello-Banfi Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., J. Jaworski Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., M. Piotrowski Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc., W. Park Consultant for: Celltrion, Inc., S. C. Shim Consultant for: Celltrion, Inc., S. J. Lee Employee of: Celltrion, Inc., S. Y. Lee Employee of: Celltrion, Inc., D. H. Yoo Consultant for: Celltrion, Inc.

ResumenLa respiración afecta el rendimiento cardiaco, ciclo a ciclo, a través de los cambios en la presión y el volumen intratorácicos sobre las determinantes de la función cardiovascular. De esta manera, las interacciones corazón-pulmón afectan el funcionamiento cardiovascular y la capacidad del corazón para adaptarse. La interacción corazón-pulmón es un área de la fisiología aplicada ampliamente estudiada, pero en Colombia es el primer estudio que se realiza con un monitor de biorreactancia torácica. Se midieron los perfiles hemodinámicos de 38 pacientes programados para cirugía de revascularización miocárdica en la Fundación Clínica Abood Shaio utilizando un monitor de biorreactancia torácico, con el cual se obtuvieron medidas de volúmenes ventriculares y gasto cardiaco. Se registraron los volúmenes y presiones ventilatorias con las que se hicieron correlaciones para interpretar los efectos de la ventilación mecánica.AbstractBreathing affects cardiac output on a cycle-by-cycle basis, through changes in pressure and intrathoracic volume of key components in cardiovascular function Hence, heart-lung inter-actions affect cardiovascular functioning and the heart's ability to adapt. The heart-lung interaction is an area of applied physiology broadly studied but in Colombia, this is the first trial ever done with a thoracic bioreactance monitor (NICOM). The hemodynamic profiles of 38 patients scheduled for myocardial revascularization were measured at the Fundación Clínica Abood Shaio using NICOM, which provided ventricular volume and cardiac output measurements. The ventilator volumes and pressures with which corrections were made to interpret the effects of mechanical ventilation were recorded.

Breathing affects cardiac output on a cycle-by-cycle basis, through changes in pressure and intrathoracic volume of key components in cardiovascular function Hence, heart–lung interactions affect cardiovascular functioning and the heart's ability to adapt. The heart–lung interaction is an area of applied physiology broadly studied but in Colombia, this is the first trial ever done with a thoracic bioreactance monitor. The hemodynamic profiles of 38 patients scheduled for myocardial revascularization were measured at the Fundacion Clinica Abood Shaio using thoracic bioreactance monitor, which provided ventricular volume and cardiac output measurements. The ventilator volumes and pressures with which corrections were made to interpret the effects of mechanical ventilation were recorded.

Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of innovator infliximab (INX) and CT-P13, an INX biosimilar, in active rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) treatment. Methods Phase III randomised, double-blind, multicentre, multinational, parallel-group study. Patients with active disease despite MTX (12.5–25 mg/week) were randomised to receive 3 mg/kg of CT-P13 (n=302) or INX (n=304) with MTX and folic acid. The primary endpoint was the American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response at week 30. Therapeutic equivalence of clinical response according to ACR20 criteria was concluded if the 95% CI for the treatment difference was within ±15%. Secondary endpoints included ACR response criteria, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria, change in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Simplified Disease Activity Index, Clinical Disease Activity Index, as well as pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters, safety and immunogenicity. Results At week 30, ACR20 responses were 60.9% for CT-P13 and 58.6% for INX (95% CI −6% to 10%) in the intention-to-treat population. The proportions in CT-P13 and INX groups achieving good or moderate EULAR responses (C reactive protein (CRP)) at week 30 were 85.8% and 87.1%, respectively. Low disease activity or remission according to DAS28–CRP, ACR–EULAR remission rates, ACR50/ACR70 responses and all other PK and PD endpoints were highly similar at week 30. Incidence of drug-related adverse events (35.2% vs 35.9%) and detection of antidrug antibodies (48.4% vs 48.2%) were highly similar for CT-P13 and INX, respectively. Conclusions CT-P13 demonstrated equivalent efficacy to INX at week 30, with a comparable PK profile and immunogenicity. CT-P13 was well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable with that of INX. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01217086

Objective Abnormalities observed in the electrocardiogram (ECG) after acute central nervous system (CNS) events have been reported. Our objective was to assess the incidence of heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after brain surgery. Methods Admission standard 12-lead ECGs were analyzed blinded to patient data. The QT interval was measured and Bazzett's formula was used to obtain QTc. Prolonged QTc was defined as ≧450 ms. Results We included 114 patients in the study. The mean age was 49±17 years. Brain neoplasm was the surgical indication in 90% of the patients. The mean QTc was 470±42 ms. Prolonged QTc was found in 71% patients. The heart rate-corrected QT interval was between 450 ms and 500 ms in 52% and >500 ms in 19% of the patients. The heart rate and concentration of serum glucose were higher in the prolonged QTc group. Only 7·5% of all patients had hypokalemia (≤3 mEq/l). In the prolonged QTc group 9·2% had hypokalemia compared to 3·2% in normal QTc patients (P = 0·406). There were no significant associations between categories of QTc and the serum levels of creatinine, magnesium, calcium, sodium, or pH. Phenytoin and metoclopramide were not frequently used in patients with prolonged QTc. Discussion This study supports our hypothesis that prolonged QTc is frequently observed after a brain surgery. Hypokalemia, hypocalcaemia, and drugs such as metoclopramide or phenytoin could not explain the high incidence of prolonged QTc. Brain injury during a surgical procedure may be one of the primary causes of QTc prolongation after neurosurgery.

La forma congénita de la taquicardia ectópica de la unión (TEU) es una arritmia poco frecuente que suele presentar dificultades en su manejo farmacológico, con altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue informar la experiencia en el seguimiento y el tratamiento de esta forma de taquicardia supraventricular en pacientes menores de un año. Se identificaron siete pacientes con TEU congénita en 28 meses de seguimiento entre 2008 y 2010. El diagnóstico fue realizado en el primer día de vida en cuatro pacientes y dentro de los 150 días de vida en los 3 restantes. Sólo dos presentaron miocardiopatía dilatada. Ninguno presentó cardiopatía estructural. Se utilizó amiodarona en todos los pacientes, en un caso como única droga, asociándose a propanolol en cuatro. En un paciente se asoció flecainida a estos dos fármacos y en otro se la combinó con amiodarona. En un tiempo de seguimiento con un rango de 1-28 meses (media 12.2 meses, mediana 9.75 meses) en tres de los pacientes se consiguió obtener ritmo sinusal alternante con taquicardia nodal lenta; ninguno presentó efectos adversos secundarios a la medicación, ni deterioro de la función ventricular. Hubo sólo una muerte en el grupo estudiado. En conclusión, la combinación de fármacos antiarrítmicos (amiodarona más propranolol y eventualmente flecainida) constituye una alternativa válida para un adecuado control de la TEU congénita en pacientes menores de un año de edad.

Introduccion y objetivos Nuestro proposito es caracterizar el modo de aparicion de la taquicardia ventricular monomorfica espontanea y sostenida en pacientes con miocardiopatia chagasica. Metodos Estudiamos 222 electrogramas procedentes de 14 pacientes con miocardiopatia chagasica y taquicardia ventricular monomorfica espontanea tratada con un desfibrilador cardioversor. Los complejos ventriculares prematuros previos a la taquicardia ventricular se clasificaron segun su morfologia y su numero. La aparicion se considero «subita» si no fue precedida de complejos ventriculares prematuros y «extrasistolica» si una extrasistole ventricular precedia al inicio de la taquicardia. La prematuridad se evaluo mediante el intervalo de acoplamiento y un cociente calculado de prematuridad (RR’/RR). Resultados Los complejos ventriculares prematuros de acoplamiento tardio (cociente de prematuridad > 0,5) iniciaron 209 (94%) episodios. El intervalo de acoplamiento medio del latido inicial fue de 565 ± 117 ms, con un cociente de prematuridad medio de 0,72 ± 0,15. La aparicion subita fue el patron de inicio de la taquicardia ventricular mas frecuente (129 episodios, el 58%). Entre aquellas de aparicion extrasistolica (93 episodios, el 42%), 48 se debieron a salvas de complejos ventriculares prematuros y en 88 la morfologia del complejo QRS (electrograma) de las extrasistoles ventriculares era diferente de las registradas durante la taquicardia ventricular posterior. En 95/222 episodios (43%), la arritmia fue precedida de una secuencia corto-largo-corto. Conclusiones En los portadores de desfibriladores automaticos implantables con miocardiopatia chagasica, los episodios de taquicardia ventricular monomorfica espontanea se inician de manera caracteristica por complejos ventriculares prematuros de acoplamiento tardio, que a menudo muestran una secuencia corto-largo-corto.

Background:Catheterization of the coronary sinus (CS) plays a preponderant role in device implantation and electrophysiology. Nevertheless, catheterization of this structure can be time-consuming and is related to operator experience. An inferior radiolucent area of the cardiac right anterior oblique (RAO) view has been suggested as a landmark to guide CS catheterization. However, the true relationship of this area with the CS ostium (CSO) has not been studied. Methods:Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent right coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled in the study. Fluoroscopic images of the heart in the right anterior oblique, both immediately before and during the venous phase of right coronary angiography, were recorded and digitally stored. Postprocedure measurements of the inferior radiolucent area within the cardiac silhouette and, subsequently, the distance of this area to the CSO, were performed by two independent observers. Results:A radiolucent area of 9.5 ± 3.0 × 11.0 ± 3.4 mm was identified in the inferior annulus by the two evaluators in all patients. No significant differences in the dimensions of this area were found between the two observers. The CSO was 9.6 ± 7.2 mm superior and 0.1 ± 9.0 mm posterior to the radiolucent area and no statistically significant differences were found between the two observers. Conclusion:An inferior radiolucent area can be identified within the cardiac silhouette in most patients in the RAO view. This area is slightly anterior and inferior to the CSO and can be used for catheterization guidance of this latter structure.

Las taquicardias ventriculares monomorficas sostenidas (TVMS) en pacientes con infarto de miocardio (IM) previo presentan, habitualmente, un complejo QRS ancho. Sin embargo, en ocasiones se han descrito TVMS de complejos QRS «estrechos» (TVMS-E). Se analizo retrospectivamente la incidencia de TVMS-E (QRS

Typically, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) in patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by a wide QRS complex. However, occasionally patients present with SMVT and a narrow QRS complex (N-SMVT). We studied retrospectively the incidence of N-SMVT (i.e., QRS interval

Introduction. The ablation of ventricular tachycardia is limited by a number of factors that reduce the effectiveness of this intervention in patients with structural heart disease compared to other types of arrhythmia. Recent years have seen the development of several nonfluoroscopic navigation techniques that facilitate the mapping of complex arrhythmogenic substrates. One such technique, the LocaLisa system, has not previously been tested for the ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Patients and method. A total of 32 patients with structural heart disease were treated at our center with ablation for sustained ventricular tachycardia. In 10 patients the LocaLisa system was used to visualize the catheters during the procedure. We compared the results in the LocaLisa group with those in a control group of 22 patients treated with conventional fluoroscopy-guided ablation. Results. The success rate of ablation was 75% (9/12 procedures) in the LocaLisa group and 68% (17/25 procedures) in the control group (P=NS). In the LocaLisa group, mean total duration of the procedure (243 ± 84), duration of ablation (86 ± 56) and fluoroscopy time (46 ± 19) did not differ significantly from those in the control group (244 ± 72 min, 79 ± 58 min, and 43 ± 27 min, respectively). In the LocaLisa group the trend toward greater hemodynamic intolerance in ventricular tachycardia approached significance (42% in the LocaLisa group vs 24% in the control group, P=.05) and the number of mapping procedures performed during sinus rhythm was significantly higher in the former (33% in the LocaLisa group vs 4% in the control group, P=.03). With the LocaLisa system it was possible to locate and

Introduccion La ablacion de taquicardias ventriculares (TV) en pacientes con cardiopatia estructural presenta diversas limitaciones que condicionan una menor eficacia que en otros sustratos arritmicos. En los ultimos anos, se han desarrollado diversas tecnicas de navegacion no fluoroscopica que facilitan la cartografia de sustratos arritmogenicos complejos; una de ellas es el sistema LocaLisa. Sin embargo, aun no se ha descrito su utilizacion en la ablacion de TV. Pacientes y metodo Se incluyo a 32 pacientes con cardiopatia estructural que fueron sometidos a ablacion de TV sostenidas en nuestro centro. En 10 se utilizo el sistema LocaLisa como medio de visualizacion de los cateteres durante el procedimiento. Se compararon los resultados del procedimiento del grupo LocaLisa con los de un grupo control de 22 pacientes en quienes se empleo solo fluoroscopia durante la ablacion. Resultados Se consiguio una ablacion eficaz en 9 (75%) de 12 y 17 (68%) de 25 procedimientos, en el grupo LocaLisa y en el control, respectivamente (p = NS). En el grupo LocaLisa, la duracion media total del procedimiento, de la ablacion y de la radioscopia fue de 243 ± 84, 86 ± 56 y 46 ± 19 min, respectivamente; los tiempos medios en el grupo control fueron de 244 ± 72, 79 ± 58 y 43 ± 27 min, y no se alcanzo la significacion estadistica. En el grupo LocaLisa se observo una tendencia a una mayor intolerancia hemodinamica de las TV (grupo LocaLisa: 42%, grupo control 24%; p = 0,05), asi como un mayor numero de procedimientos de mapeo en ritmo sinusal (grupo LocaLisa: 33%, grupo control 4%; p = 0,03). El sistema LocaLisa permitio localizar y volver precisamente a los puntos endocardicos de interes, comprobado por el registro de los mismos electrogramas y una similar posicion fluoroscopica. Conclusiones El sistema LocaLisa ayuda a delinear el circuito de reentrada y la reubicacion precisa del cateter de ablacion en puntos de interes.

ResumenLa forma clásica de evaluación de la corrección de la tetralogía de Fallot (TDF) consiste en el cálculo de la relación entre las presiones sistólica ventricular derecha y sistémica. Sin embargo, el advenimiento del ecocardiograma transesofágico ha desarrollado nuevos enfoques al respecto.Presentaremos el caso de un paciente de 15 años con TDF el cual fue llevado a corrección, y cuyo manejo se basó en el ecocardiograma intraoperatorio.También discutiremos el papel de los parámetros ecocardiográficos en la evaluación de la corrección de la TDF.AbstractThe classical approach to evaluate the correction of the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) consists in calculating the ratio between the right systolic and systemic pressure; however, with the advent of transesophageal echocardiography, new approaches have been developed.We shall present a case of a 15 year-old patient with TOF who underwent correction and the management was based on the intraoperative echocardiography.We will also address the role of the echocardiographic parameters in the evaluation of the correction of the TOF.

Chronic Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CCM) causes ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, and constitutes the most frequent cause of death in many endemic areas1,2. The circadian variation in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death differs according to the substrate (e.g., morning and evening peaks in ischemic heart disease and non-Chagasic dilated cardiomyopathy). Third generation implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have the ability to store the time and date of each ventricular tachycardia (VT) episode, enabling the patterns of ventricular tachyarrhythmia occurrence to be analyzed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the circadian variation of spontaneous VT in recipients of an ICD with CCM.

Un paciente de 28 años con diagnóstico de d-transposición de las grandes arterias (d-TGA)y corrección fisiológica con técnica de Senning fue sometido a estudio electrofisiológico porsíncopes repetidos. En el estudio se indujo un aleteo auricular con conducción AV alternante.Se cartografió el circuito del aleteo y se demostró la participación de la totalidad del istmocavo-tricuspídeo en el mecanismo de la taquicardia, es decir, tanto de su porción anterior(canal venoso pulmonar) como de su porción posterior (canal auricular sistémico). La característicaparticular de este procedimiento es que para la resolución requirió la ablación enlas dos cámaras auriculares sometidas a cirugía de Senning.

This study aims to determine whether fragmented QRS (fQRS) in the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) at implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant can predict arrhythmic events using appropriate therapy delivered by the ICD as a surrogate. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a genetic disorder associated with life-threatening arrhythmias frequently requiring an ICD. Seeking a noninvasive method of risk stratification remains a challenge. This paper is a retrospective, multicenter study of patients with HOCM and ICD. Surface 12-lead ECGs were analyzed. Appropriate therapy was validated by a blinded Core Lab. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A p value of

La forma clásica de evaluación de la corrección de la tetralogía de Fallot (TDF) consiste en el cálculo de la relación entre las presiones sistólica ventricular derecha y sistémica. Sin embargo, el advenimiento del ecocardiograma transesofágico ha desarrollado nuevos enfoques al respecto. Presentaremos el caso de un paciente de 15 años con TDF el cual fue llevado a corrección, y cuyo manejo se basó en el ecocardiograma intraoperatorio. También discutiremos el papel de los parámetros ecocardiográficos en la evaluación de la corrección de la TDF. The classical approach to evaluate the correction of the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) consists in calculating the ratio between the right systolic and systemic pressure; however, with the advent of transesophageal echocardiography, new approaches have been developed. We shall present a case of a 15 year-old patient with TOF who underwent correction and the management was based on the intraoperative echocardiography. We will also address the role of the echocardiographic parameters in the evaluation of the correction of the TOF.

Congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a rare arrhythmia that can be refractory to medical therapy with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to report our experience with pharmacologic management of congenital JET in infants. Seven patients with congenital JET were identified between 2008 and 2010. Only two of them presented dilated cardiomyopathy. There were no congenital structural defects. Amiodarone was given to all the patients, as single therapy in one, and in combination with propranolol in four. In one patient flecainide was administered together with amiodarone and propranolol, and in another patient was used combined with amiodarone. During follow- up with an average time of 12.2 months (median 9.75 months, range 1-28 months), sinus rhythm alternating with slow junctional tachycardia was successfully achieved in 3 patients; no side effects were detected. There was only one death in our study group. The combination of different antiarrhythmics (amiodarone plus propranolol, and eventually flecainide) is a valid option for rhythm control and management of JET in infants.

Introduction and objectives We sought to demonstrate the mode of spontaneous onset of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy. Methods We studied 222 stored electrograms in 14 patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy and spontaneous monomorphic ventricular tachycardia treated with a cardioverter defibrillator. Premature ventricular complexes before ventricular tachycardia were classified by morphology and number. The onset was considered “sudden” if no previous premature ventricular complexes were present, and “extrasystolic” if a ventricular extrasystole precedeed SMVT initiation. Prematurity was evaluated by the coupling interval and a calculated prematurity ratio (RR′/RR). Results Two-hundred and nine episodes (94%) were initiated by late-coupled premature ventricular complexes (prematurity ratio >0.5). The mean coupling interval of the initiating beat was 565 (117) ms with a mean prematurity ratio of 0.72 (0.15). A sudden onset was the most frequent pattern of ventricular tachycardia initiation (129 episodes, 58%). Among the extrasystolic onset (93 episodes, 42%), 48 were due to multiple premature ventricular complexes and 88 had a different QRS complex (electrogram) morphology of the ventricular extrasystoles than that recorded during the subsequent ventricular tachycardia. The arrhythmia was preceded by a short-long-short sequence in 95/222 episodes (43%). Conclusions In implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients with Chagas cardiomyopathy, spontaneous monomorphic ventricular tachycardia episodes are typically initiated by late-coupled premature ventricular complexes, which often show a short-long-short sequence.

Chronic Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CCM) causes ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, and constitutes the most frequent cause of death in many endemic areas. The circadian variation in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death differs according to the substrate (e.g., morning and evening peaks in ischemic heart disease and non-Chagasic dilated cardiomyopathy). Third generation implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have the ability to store the time and date of each ventricular tachycardia (VT) episode, enabling the patterns of ventricular tachyarrhythmia occurrence to be analyzed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the circadian variation of spontaneous VT in recipients of an ICD with CCM.

Aims We sought to determine the incidence, mechanisms, and time to syncope recurrence in patients with spontaneous syncopal monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SyMVT) treated with an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Methods and results Incidence and causes of syncope following ICD implantation in consecutive patients ( n =26) with spontaneous SyMVT were compared with those found in consecutive patients ( n =50) with spontaneous non-syncopal monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (NSyMVT). Patients with SyMVT had a higher incidence of syncope (46% patients) than those with NSyMVT (2% patients) at 31±21 and 34±23 months follow-up, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.42; P =0.0001). Among the former, four patients (15%) had non-arrhythmic syncope and eight patients had arrhythmic syncope (31%), which was associated with either ICD proarrhythmia (seven episodes of VT acceleration or VF degeneration by ATP or low/high-energy shocks in three patients) or spontaneous VT and VF (five episodes in five patients). Median time to the first arrhythmic syncope was 376 days. Arrhythmic syncope presented after a first non-syncopal VT recurrence in six patients (75%). Conclusion Syncope following ICD implantation is common in patients with SyMVT in contrast to patients with NSyMVT. Late syncope presentation supports reassessment of driving restrictions in this setting.

Superior Vena Cava Flutter. Introduction: Reentry within a major thoracic vein has been suggested as a cause of atrial arrhythmias. However, little is known about these potential reentrant circuits. Methods and Results: Atypical atrial flutter was induced and mapped in 67 out of 225 atrial flutter ablation procedures. Reentry around the superior vena cava (SVC) was suspected in three patients. The suspected SVC flutter was induced and terminated by pacing in all patients. Fusion was demonstrated during flutter entrainment by subeustachian isthmus pacing in all of them. The postpacing interval following entrainment by pacing from different sites of the right atrium (RA) or coronary sinus was longer than the flutter cycle length. Macroreentry within the SVC was demonstrated both by sequential activation and a postpacing interval matching the flutter cycle length when pacing from different sites around the SVC in all patients. Atrial-venous-atrial electrogram sequence was demonstrated following flutter entrainment by atrial pacing. Flutter was terminated by an electrical stimulus delivered to the SVC, which was not propagated to the trabeculated RA, in one patient, and linear radiofrequency application from the distal SVC to the posterior wall of the RA, or to the superoseptal portion of the crista terminalis, in the other two. Conclusion: Macroreentry within the SVC is a distinctive mechanism responsible for rapid atrial activation, which is different from other reported flutter mechanisms, such as upper loop reentry. SVC longitudinal radiofrequency application can eliminate the arrhythmia without the need for complete electrical disconnection of the vein.

The ablation of ventricular tachycardia is limited by a number of factors that reduce the effectiveness of this intervention in patients with structural heart disease compared to other types of arrhythmia. Recent years have seen the development of several nonfluoroscopic navigation techniques that facilitate the mapping of complex arrhythmogenic substrates. One such technique, the LocaLisa system, has not previously been tested for the ablation of ventricular tachycardia.A total of 32 patients with structural heart disease were treated at our center with ablation for sustained ventricular tachycardia. In 10 patients the LocaLisa system was used to visualize the catheters during the procedure. We compared the results in the LocaLisa group with those in a control group of 22 patients treated with conventional fluoroscopy-guided ablation.The success rate of ablation was 75% (9/12 procedures) in the LocaLisa group and 68% (17/25 procedures) in the control group (P=NS). In the LocaLisa group, mean total duration of the procedure (243 +/- 84), duration of ablation (86 +/- 56) and fluoroscopy time (46 +/- 19) did not differ significantly from those in the control group (244 +/- 72 min, 79 +/- 58 min, and 43 +/- 27 min, respectively). In the LocaLisa group the trend toward greater hemodynamic intolerance in ventricular tachycardia approached significance (42% in the LocaLisa group vs 24% in the control group, P=.05) and the number of mapping procedures performed during sinus rhythm was significantly higher in the former (33% in the LocaLisa group vs 4% in the control group, P=.03). With the LocaLisa system it was possible to locate and reposition the ablation catheter accurately at the target endocardial sites, as confirmed by electrographic recordings and fluoroscopic verification.The LocaLisa system helps to delineate the reentry circuit and facilitates accurate catheter repositioning in patients with structural heart disease and ventricular tachycardia.

This report describes a 28-year-old pregnant woman with mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death due to a ventricular fibrillation who underwent an ICD implantation guided by tranesophageal echocardiography.

Class I antiarrhythmic drug infusion has been established as the standard test to unmask Brugada syndrome. This report presents two patients with Brugada syndrome with positive flecainide response which was not reproducible in a subsequent test.