Transient ICD malfunctions during oncologic radiotherapy: a multi-centre, randomized, in-vitro study

Background

Direct exposure of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) during radiotherapy is still considered potentially harmful, or even unsafe, by manufacturers and current recommendations. The effects of photon beams on ICDs are unpredictable, depending on multiple factors, and malfunctions may present during exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate transient ICD malfunctions by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy during low-energy RT, forty-three contemporary wireless-enabled ICDs, with at least 4 months to elective replacement indicator (ERI) were evaluated in a real-time in-vitro session in three different centres.

Methods

All ICDs had baseline interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed to the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber devices were programmed to the DDD/40 mode. Rate response function and antitachycardia therapies were disabled, with the ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) detection windows still active. A centring computed tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and the ICDs were blinded randomized to receive either 2-, 5- or 10-Gy exposure by a low photon-energy linear accelerator (6MV) in a homemade water phantom (600 MU/min). The effective dose received by the ICDs was randomly assessed by an in-vivo dosimetry. During radiotherapy, the ICDs were observed in a real-time session using manufacturer specific programmer, and device function (pacing, sensing, programmed parameters, arrhythmia detections) was recorder by the video camera in the bunker throughout the entire photon exposure. All ICDs had an interrogation session immediately after exposure.

Results

During radiotherapy course, almost all ICDs (93%) recorded major or minor transient electromagnetic interferences. On detail, sixteen ICDs (37.2%) reported atrial and/or ventricular oversensing, with base-rate-pacing inhibition and VT/VF detection. Twenty-four ICDs (55.8%) recorded non clinically relevant noise, and no detections were observed. Only three ICDs (7%) reported neither transient malfunction nor minor noise, withstanding direct radiation exposure. At immediate post-exposure interrogation, the ICDs that recorded major real-time malfunctions had VT/VF detections stored in the device memory. In none of the ICDs spontaneous changes in parameter settings were reported. Malfunctions occurred regardless of either 2-, 5- or 10-Gy photon beam exposure.

Conclusions

Transient electromagnetic interferences were observed in most of the contemporary ICDs during radiotherapy course, regardless of photon dose. To avoid potentially life-threatening ICD malfunctions such as pacing inhibition or inappropriate shock delivery, magnet application on the pocket site or ICD reprogramming to the asynchronous mode are still suggested in ICD patients ongoing even low energy radiotherapy exposure.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Permanent CIED malfunctions after oncologic radiotherapy: a multi-centre, randomized, in vitro evaluation

Background

Direct photon exposure of pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) during oncologic radiotherapy may transiently or permanently affect normal device function. To evaluate potential malfunctions by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy in 6-MV oncologic radiotherapy, commonly considered unsafe or even not recommended, 145 PMs and 65 ICDs were observed in three different centres.

Methods

All devices had a baseline interrogation and reprogramming to VVI/40 or to DDD/40 mode, depending on type and model. Rate-adaptive function was disabled in all the devices, whereas in ICDs, even antitachycardia therapies were disabled with the ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) windows left enabled. To build the corresponding treatment plan, a centring computed tomography was performed with different Treatment Plan Systems among the centres. The devices were blinded randomized to receive either 2-, 5- or 10-Gy direct exposure by a 6-MV linear accelerator (different among the three centres) in a water phantom (600 MU/min). The effective dose received was assessed by a random in-vivo dosimetry. All devices had a telemetry interrogation immediately after exposure and once monthly during a six-month follow-up.

Results

Immediately after photon exposure, no changes in device parameters or software errors were observed in 209 devices (99.5%). A non-reprogrammable reset to emergency back-up mode (VVI/65) occurred in a PM (0.5% overall; 0.7% among PMs). Seven PMs reached the Elective Replacement Indicator immediately after exposure (3.3% overall; 4.8% among PMs). Sixteen ICDs (7.6% overall; 24.6% among ICDs) had multiple VT/VF detections stored in the device memory. Two PMs (1% overall; 1.4% among PMs) reported atrial fibrillation detections.

During a six-month follow-up, a non-reprogrammable software reset (back-up to VVI/65 mode) was reported in one PM three months after a single exposure of 2 Gy (0.5% overall; 0.7% among PMs). Abnormal battery drain was observed in thirteen PMs (6.2% overall; 9% among PMs), and in one ICD (0.5% overall; 1.5% among ICDs). All events presented regardless of exposure dose of either 2, 5, or 10 Gy.

Conclusions

Last-generation devices, both PMs and ICDs, withstood direct 6-MV photon exposure up to 10 Gy, commonly considered not recommended or even unsafe by manufacturer statements and clinical guidelines. The most common failures were referred to battery issues. Malfunctions occurred solely in less recent devices, regardless of photon dose.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P1011Cryptogenic stoke and asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in a real world population: a single centre, implantable loop recorder study

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients has been studied in carefully controlled clinical trials, but real-world data are limited.

Purpose

Aim of this study was to investigated the incidence of AF in clinical practice among CS patients with an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) recommended (IIA) for AF detection.

Methods

Patients with CS admitted to our Stroke Unit were included in the study. Patiens received an ICM and were monitored for up to 2 years for AF detection (in-hospital clinic and remote monitoring). All detected AF episodes (≥30 sec) were considered.

Results

From March 2016 to March 2019, 58 patients (mean age 68 ±12 years, 67% male) received an ICM to detect AF after a CS.  No patients were lost during follow-up.

AF was detected in 23 patients (40% overall; AF group mean age 72 ± 11 years; 65% male) after a mean time of 6 months from ICM implantation (ranging from 2 days up to 2 years) and 8 months after CS (ranging from 1 month up to 2 years). In these AF patients anticoagulant treatment was prescribed, and no further stroke was reported.

Conclusions

AF episodes were detected via continuous monitoring with ICMs in 40% of implanted CS patients. AF after CS was asymptomatic and thus unlikely to be detected by strategies based on intermittent short-term recordings. Therefore, ICMs should be considered as part of daily practice in the evaluation of CS patients.

Abstract Figure 1. Detection rate over time

P1134Cardiac pacemakers and transient electromagnetic interferences during radiotherapy courses: a multicentre, real-time, in-vitro evaluation

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

The effects of high dose oncologic radiotherapy (RT) on cardiac pacemakers (PMs), at even less than 6 MV power, are unpredictable, depending on multiple factors. Normal PM function may be impaired during direct exposure, due to electromagnetic interferences (EMIs). Potentially life-threatening malfunctions may occur, expecially in PM-dependent patients, and both manufacturers and guidelines discourage direct exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate transient EMI-related PM malfunctions during direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy during radiotherapy course, 17 wireless-telemetry-enabled PMs with sufficient residual battery charge for the purpose of the study (at least 4 months to elective replacement indicator, E.R.I.) were evaluated in three different centres.

Methods

All PMs underwent baseline interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in the VVI/40 mode while dual or triple chamber devices were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. To avoid the "run-away" phenomenon during exposure rate-adaptive function was disabled. A centering computed tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and the PMs were blinded randomized to receive either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure by a 6 MV linear accelerator in a homemade water phantom (600 Um/min). The effective dose received by the PMs was randomly assessed by an in-vivo dosimetry. During RT course, the devices were observed in a real-time session using manufacturer specific equipment, and PM function (pacing and sensing, programmed parameters) was recorder by a video camera in the bunker throughout the entire radiation exposure.

Results

During RT course, 13 PMs (76.5%) recorded not clinically relevant minor transient  EMIs, and no atrial and/or ventricular oversensing nor base-rate-pacing inhibition were observed. Only 4 PMs (23.5%) reported neither transient malfunction nor minor EMIs, withstanding direct radiation exposure. Transient EMI-related malfunctions were observed regardless of either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure.

Conclusions

Minor, not clinically relevant EMI-related interferences were observed in most of the PMs during direct exposure. Nevertheless, to avoid potentially life-threatening PM malfunctions, magnet application on the PM pocket site or reprogramming are still suggested in PM-dependent (high risk) patients ongoing even low energy RT exposure.

910Noise-related malfunctions in modern ICDs during oncologic radiotherapy: a multicentre, real-time, in-vitro observation

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

Direct photon exposure of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) during radiotherapy is still considered not recommended, or even unsafe, by manufacturers and guidelines. The effects of photon beams on ICDs are unpredictable, depending on multiple factors, and electromagnetic interferences (EMIs) may present during exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate transient ICD malfunctions by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy during low-energy radiotherapy, 36 contemporary wireless-enabled ICDs, with at least 4 months to elective replacement indicator (E.R.I.) were evaluated in a realtime in-vitro session.

Methods

All ICDs had baseline interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber devices were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. Rate response function and antitachycardia therapies were disabled, with the ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) detection windows still working. A centering computed tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and the ICDs were blinded randomized to receive either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure by a low photon-energy linear accelerator (6MV) in a homemade water phantom (600 MU/min). The effective dose received by the ICDs was randomly assessed by an in-vivo dosimetry. During radiotherapy course, the devices were observed in a real-time session using manufacturer specific programmer, and ICD function (pacing, sensing, programmed parameters, detection) was recorder by the video camera in the bunker throughout the entire photon exposure. All ICDs had an interrogation session immediately after exposure.

Results

During radiotherapy course, almost all ICDs (90.9%) recorded major or minor transient EMIs. On detail, 16 ICDs (44.4%) reported EMI-related atrial and/or ventricular oversensing, with base-rate-pacing inhibition and VT/VF detection. 16 ICDs (44.4%) recorded not clinically relevant minor EMIs, and no detections were observed. Only 4 ICDs (11.2%) reported neither transient malfunction nor minor EMIs, withstanding direct radiation exposure. At immediate post-exposure interrogation, the ICDs that recorded major real-time malfunctions had VT/VF detections stored in the device memory. In none of the ICDs spontaneous changes in parameter settings were reported. EMI-related malfunctions occurred regardless of either 2, 5 or 10 Gy photon beam exposure.

Conclusions

Transient EMIs were observed in most of the contemporary ICDs. To avoid potentially life-threatening ICD malfunctions such as pacing inhibition or inappropriate shock delivery, magnet application on the pocket site or reprogramming in the asynchronous mode are still suggested in ICD patients ongoing even low energy radiotherapy exposure.

P551Permanent cardiac implantable device damage during direct photon exposure for oncologic radiotherapy: a multicentre, in-vitro observation

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Backgroung. Direct photon exposure of cardiac implantable devices (CIEDs), both pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), during oncologic radiotherapy (RT) courses may transiently or permanently affect normal device function.

Purpose

To evaluate CIED damage by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy in oncologic RT, commonly considered unsafe or even potentially harmful, 206 CIEDs (143 PMs and 63 ICDs) from three different centres, with at least 4 months to Elective Replacement Indicator (E.R.I.) were observed.

Methods. All CIEDs had a baseline telemetry interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber ones were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. Rate adaptive function was disabled. In ICDs, antitachycardia therapies were disabled with the ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation window left enabled. A centering Computed Tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and CIEDs were blinded randomized to receive either 2, 5 or 10 Gy (direct exposure) by a 6 MV linear accelerator in a home-made water phantom. An in-vivo dosimetry randomly assessed the effective dose received by the CIEDs. All CIEDs were interrogated immediately after exposure and monthly during a three-month follow-up.

Results. Immediately after photon exposure, no changes in device setting or software errors were observed in 205 CIEDs (99·5%). Reset to emergency back-up mode was observed in a PM (0·49% overall; 0·7% among PMs). Seven PMs reached the E.R.I immediately after exposure (3·4% overall; 4·9% among PMs). Sixteen ICDs (7·8% overall; 25·4% among ICDs) reported multiple ventricular  tachycardia/fibrillation detections stored in the device memory. During follow-up, a non-reprogrammable software reset (emergency backup VVI/65 mode) was observed in one PM after a single dose of 2 Gy (0·49% overall; 0.7% among PMs), whereas an abnormal battery drain was observed in 6 PMs (2.9% overall; 4.2% among PMs). No battery issues were observed in ICDs. All reported events occurred regardless of either 2, 5, or 10 Gy direct exposure. Malfunctions were observed in only older CIEDs.

Conclusions. Recent CIEDs have shown to be safe during oncologic RT, withstanding direct exposure up to 10 Gy, commonly considered not recommended or even unsafe by manufacturers statements and clinical guidelines. Malfunctions occurred solely in older devices.

P1583 Usefulness of remote intrathoracic impedance alerts for echo-guided CRT optimization

Background

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a strong recommendation in heart failure (HF) patients having sinus rhythm, left bundle branch block, QRS duration ≥ 120 ms and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35%, despite optimized medication. Echocardiographic parameters still have a controversial role in the selection of patients ongoing CRT, and no single parameter is recommended to identify a positive CRT response. Even their role in the management after implantation remains still troubleshooting. Atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delay reprogramming could be a variable that may influence CRT outcome and, although a systematic AV and VV optimization is not required, it could be useful in selected patients. Remote monitoring networks allow HF patients having a CRT device to be constantly monitored, and notifications of some intrathoracic impedance indexes, may be helpful in the management of HF patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of intrathoracic impedance notifications in the selection of HF patients to have echo-guided AV and/or VV delays optimization, the following study was undertaken.

Methods

27 CRT patients having an intrathoracic impedance enabled remote monitoring, with at least one impedance notification during the first six months from implantation, were considered for study. The primary endpoint was a composite of improvement in NYHA functional class and EF, reduction of LV end-systolic volume and rehospitalization for decompensated HF. Secondary endpoint was the effectiveness of echo-guided dealys optimization based on intrathoracic impedance alerts. The AV delay optimization was mainly driven by mitral inflow pattern, whereas VV delay optimization was guided by the assessment of LV synchrony using color Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). Patients were weekle evaluated through remote monitoring network over a six-month follow-up. LVEF and LV end-systolic volume were determind at baseline and after six months.

Results

After the six-month follow-up, an improvement of at least 1 NYHA functional class was obtained in 23 patients (85%), while 2 patients (7.4%) experienced an improvement of two NYHA classes. In 21 Patients (77.7%) LVEF increased at least 5%. Optimization was associated with an average 11.9 ± 6.4% increas in EF, from a mean baseline of 28.2 ± 3.2% to 37.8 ±6.2%. End-systolic volume decreased from 161.56 ± 9.87 ml to 143.22 ± 15.83 ml. Among the 27 patients with impedance alerts at baseline, only 6 (22.2%) reported new notifications during follow-up, with a significant reduction (p < 0.03) after optimization.

Conclusions

Intrathoracic impedance monitoring improved the selection of non responders feasible to have echo-guided AV and/or VV delays optimization. Functional status and LVEF increased. Although time-consuming, this multidisciplinary network may increase close cooperation between electrophysiologist and HF physicians to better manage HF patients having a CRT system implanted.

2410Oncologic radiotherapy-induced implantable cardioverter-defibrillator malfunctions: a real-time, in-vitro evaluation

Background

Direct exposure of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) during radiotherapy is still considered not recommended, or even unsafe, by manufacturers and guidelines. The effects of photon beams on ICDs are unpredictable, depending on multiple factors, and malfunctions may occur during exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate transient ICD malfunctions by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy during low-energy radiotherapy, 33 contemporary wireless-enabled ICDs, with at least 4 months to elective replacement indicator (E.R.I.) were evaluated in a realtime in-vitro session.

Methods

All ICDs had baseline interrogation. Single chamber ICDs were programmed in the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber ICDs were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. Rate response function and antitachycardia therapies were disabled, with the ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) detection windows still active. A centering computed tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and the ICDs were blinded randomized to receive either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure by a low photon-energy linear accelerator (6MV) in a homemade water phantom (600 MU/min). The effective dose received by the ICDs was assessed by an in-vivo dosimetry. During radiotherapy, the devices were observed in a real-time session using manufacturer specific programmer, and ICD function (pacing, sensing, programmed parameters, detection) was recorder by the video camera in the bunker throughout the entire photon exposure. All ICDs had an interrogation session immediately after exposure.

Results

During radiotherapy course, almost all ICDs (90.9%) recorded major or minor transient electromagnetic interferences. On detail, 13 ICDs (39.4%) reported atrial and/or ventricular oversensing, with base-rate-pacing inhibition and VT/VF detection. 16 ICDs (48.5%) recorded non clinically relevant noise, and no detections were observed. Only 4 ICDs (12.1%) reported neither transient malfunction nor minor noise, withstanding direct radiation exposure. At immediate post-exposure interrogation, the ICDs that recorded major real-time malfunctions had VT/VF detections stored in the device memory. In none of the ICDs spontaneous changes in parameter settings were reported. Malfunctions occurred regardless of either 2, 5 or 10 Gy photon beam exposure.

Conclusions

Transient electromagnetic interferences were observed in most of the contemporary ICDs during radiotherapy course, regardeless of photon dose. To avoid potentially life-threatening ICD malfunctions such as pacing inhibition or inappropriate shock delivery, magnet application on the pocket site or reprogramming devices in the asynchronous mode are still suggested in ICD patients ongoing even low energy radiotherapy exposure.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P6553Contemporary pacemakers and oncologic radiotherapy courses: a real-time, wireless-enabled observation

Background

The effects of high dose oncologic radiotherapy on cardiac pacemakers (PMs), at even less than 6MV power, are unpredictable, depending on multiple factors. Normal PM function may be impaired during photon exposure, with potentially life-threatening consequences in PM-dependent patients, and, unlike in magnetic resonance imaging setting, both manufacturer statements and guidelines discourage direct exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate transient PM malfunctions by direct exposure to doses up to 10 Gy during radiotherapy course, actually not recommended or considered even unsafe, 17 wireless-telemetry-enabled PMs obtained after upgrade or extraction of the system, with sufficient residual battery charge for the purpose of the study (at least 1 year to elective replacement indicator, E.R.I.) were evaluated in a real-time in-vitro session.

Methods

All PMs underwent baseline interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in VVI/40 mode while dual or triple chamber devices were programmed in DDD/40 mode. Rate adaptive function was disabled to avoid the “run-away” phenomenon during exposure. A centering computed tomography was performed to build the corresponding treatment plan and the PMs were blinded randomized to receive either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure by a low photon-energy linear accelerator (6MV) in a homemade water phantom (600 MU/min). The effective dose received by the PMs was assessed by an in-vivo dosimetry. During radiotherapy course, the devices were observed in a real-time session using manufacturer specific equipment, and PM function (pacing and sensing, programmed parameters) was recorder by a videocamera in the bunker before (5 minutes), throughout, and after (5 minutes) the entire radiation exposure.

Results

During radiotherapy course, non of the PMs reported spontaneous changes in parameter settings. 13 PMs (76.5%) recorded non clinically relevant minor transient electromagnetic sensing interferences. No atrial and/or ventricular oversensing nor base-rate-pacing inhibition were observed. Only 4 PMs (23.5%) reported neither transient malfunction nor minor noise, withstanding direct radiation exposure. Transient oversensing-related malfunctions were observed regardless of either 2, 5 or 10 Gy exposure.

Conclusions

Minor, non clinically relevant electromagnetic sensing interferences were observed in most of the PMs during direct exposure. Nevertheless, to avoid potentially life-threatening PM malfunctions, magnet application on the PM pocket site or reprogramming in the asynchronous mode are still suggested in PM-dependent patients ongoing even low energy radiotherapy exposure.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P2858Cardiac implantable device malfunctions during radiotherapy courses up to 10 Gy: a double-center, prospective, randomized, in-vitro evaluation

Background

Exposure to radiotherapy in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), both pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), seems to be still troubleshooting. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, high dose photon radiation at even less than 6MV power, notoriously a non-neutron-producing setting, may transiently or permanently affect normal device function. Malfunctions may be harmfull and life-threatening in high risk patients, such as PM-dependent or ICD ones.

Purpose

To evaluate CIED malfunctions by direct exposure to doses more than 2Gy in oncologic radiotherapy, 162 CIEDs (116 PMs and 46 ICDs) from two different centers, with at least 4 months to Elective Replacement Indicator (E.R.I.) were evaluated.

Methods

All CIEDs had a baseline telemetry interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber devices were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. Rate adaptive function was disabled. In ICDs, antitachycardia therapies were disabled with the ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation monitor still enabled. To build the corresponding treatment plan a centering Computed Tomography was performed and CIEDs were blinded randomized (4:4:4) to either 2, 5 or 10 Gy direct exposure by a low photon-energy LINAC (6MV) in a water phantom. An in-vivo dosimetry assessed the effective dose received by the CIEDs. All CIEDs had a telemetry-interrogation, using manufacturer specific equipment, immediately after exposure and monthly for a four-month follow-up.

Results

Immediately after exposure, 1 reset to emergency mode was observed in a PM (0.6% overall; 0.9% among PMs)), while 7 PMs reached the E.R.I immediately after exposure (4.3% overall; 6% among PMs). 10 ICDs (6.2% overall; 21.8% among ICDs) reporded multiple ventricular fibrillation detection stored in the device memory. During follow-up, 3 PMs (1.9% overall; 2.6% among PMs) and 1 ICD (0.6% overall; 2.2% among ICDs) reached the E.R.I. and 1 PM (0.6% overall; 0.9% among PMs) switched to emergency mode. All reported events occurred regardless of either 2, 5, or 10 Gy direct exposure. Malfunctions were observed in only older CIEDs.

Conclusions

Our data suggest recent CIEDs withstanding direct oncologic radiotherapy exposure up to 10 Gy, commonly considered not recommended or even unsafe by manufacturer statements and clinical guidelines. Malfunctions occurred in only older devices.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Infliximab in the treatment of extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is frequently associated with extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) and infliximab has been recently proposed for the treatment of CD with EIMs. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of infliximab in this treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty CD patients were treated with infliximab. Fifteen patients (50%) showed EIMs before starting therapy. Ten patients presented an arthritis (five sacroiliitis, five spondylitis), with six also reporting peripheral arthralgias. Four patients presented cutaneous EIMs while three patients had an ocular EIM.

RESULTS

At week 10, all patients reported an improvement in EIMs. Regarding arthritis, ASAS20 and ASAS40 improvement was observed in 80% and 60% of patients, respectively. In the four patients with cutaneous EIMs and in the three with ocular EIMs, complete healing was observed. Recurrence was observed in 10 out of 15 patients (66%) and a second course of treatment with infliximab was required. This proved to be effective in all cases except for one patient who stopped treatment because of a severe adverse reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab is an effective drug in the short-term treatment of EIMs complicating CD. Although relapse of EIMs occurs frequently, retreatment ensures effective control of the symptoms.

Small bowel Crohn's disease: comparison of enteroclysis, bowel sonography and Tc-99m-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) frequently involves the small bowel. Actually, the diagnosis of CD is made by ileocolonoscopy (IC) and small bowel enteroclysis (SBE), while trans-abdominal bowel sonography (BS) and Tc-99m-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) are only partially used in spite of their minimal invasiveness.

AIM

to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these procedures for the diagnosis of small bowel CD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

in about two years a series of consecutive subjects underwent IC, SBE, BS and LS for either suspected or known small bowel CD.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for CD diagnosis of the studied procedures were respectively: 98%, 97%, 98% and 97% for SBE; 92%, 97%, 98%, and 88% for BS; 90%, 93%, 96% and 85% for LS. In addition, the parallel combined use of BS and LS led to overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 100%, 93%, 96%, 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SBE, BS and LS are accurate procedures for the diagnosis of small bowel Crohn's disease. The use of BS and LS, particularly in combination, can be proposed as early diagnostic approach to subjects with a suspicion of disease.

Antibiotic treatment of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is common in Crohn's disease but its treatment is not clearly defined. Metronidazole and ciprofloxacin are effective antibiotics in active Crohn's disease.

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth in patients with Crohn's disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed the lactulose breath test in 145 consecutive patients affected by Crohn's disease. Patients positive to the lactulose breath test underwent a glucose breath test to confirm the overgrowth. These patients were randomized in two treatment groups: metronidazole 250 mg t.d.s. (Group A) and ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.d. (Group B), both orally for 10 days. The glucose breath test was repeated at the end of treatment. The clinical outcome after therapy was also recorded.

RESULTS

Bacterial overgrowth was present in 29 patients (20%). Breath test normalization occurred in 13 out of 15 patients treated by metronidazole and in all 14 patients treated by ciprofloxacin (P = ns). In both groups antibiotic treatment induced an improvement of intestinal symptoms: bloating (Group A 85% and Group B 83%), stool softness (44% and 50%), and abdominal pain (50% and 43%).

CONCLUSIONS

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a frequent condition in Crohn's disease which can be effectively treated by metronidazole or ciprofloxacin.

The vasovagal Syncope and pacing (Synpace) trial: rationale and study design

BACKGROUND

Though vasovagal syncope probably does not directly cause death, it is often associated with severe trauma and, when recurrent, significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. While drug therapy for vasovagal syncope is still controversial, recently two randomized studies revealed the efficacy of dual-chamber pacemaker implantation in decreasing recurrences in very symptomatic patients. However, since both studies were not placebo-controlled, the benefits observed might have been due to the placebo effect of the pacemaker.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the vasovagal Syncope and pacing (Synpace) trial, a multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, is to ascertain whether, in patients suffering from recurrent vasovagal syncope, the implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker with rate drop response algorithm programmed to ON, will reduce syncope relapses compared with the implantation of a pacemaker programmed to OFF. Moreover, in order to evaluate the role of the haemodynamic response during tilt-induced syncope in identifying those patients who will benefit most from pacemaker implantation, enrolled patients will be divided into two groups on the basis of their haemodynamic behaviour during tilt-induced syncope: group 1, asystolic response (development of asystole >3 s), and group 2, mixed response (development of bradycardia <60 bpm, without asystole >3 s). The head-up tilt testing protocol will consist of 20 min at 60 degrees without drug potentiation, followed by 15 min at the same inclination after 400 microg of sublingual nitroglycerin. Results from the two groups will be analysed both separately and globally. The primary clinical endpoint of the study will be syncope.

INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

To be enrolled, patients will have to meet the following criteria: at least six syncopal episodes in the patient's lifetime; positive head-up tilt testing with asystolic or mixed response; at least one syncope recurrence following a positive head-up tilt test. The following constitute exclusion criteria: non-vasovagal syncope; other indications for pacing.

SAMPLE SIZE

We hypothesize a risk of syncope recurrence of 70% after one year, and we estimate that--owing to the placebo effect alone--pacemaker will produce a 20% decrease in risk, which corresponds to a 50% risk of recurrence after one year, in those patients randomized to 'pacemaker OFF'. We calculate conservatively a risk decrease of 60% in patients with 'pacemaker ON'. This implies a 10% incidence of syncope recurrence after one year, vs 50% in patients with 'pacemaker OFF'. Fifty patients will need to be enrolled in the study: 25 patients for each group.

Hepatitis related to cytomegalovirus infection in two patients with Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine

Azathioprine-related side-effects occur in about 15% of treated patients. Liver toxicity is a rare complication of this drug, but is considered, in most cases, a contraindication to the continuation of treatment. However, abnormal liver tests may occur in patients under azathioprine treatment also due to infections. The distinction between toxic and infective causes of abnormal liver tests is important in order to identify patients that can be rechallenged with the drug. Cytomegalovirus infection is common in immunosuppressed transplant recipients, while the incidence is lower in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with immunosuppressive drugs. To our knowledge, only 2 cases of cytomegalovirus hepatitis occurring during azathioprine treatment for Crohn's disease had been reported so far. Here, we describe two patients who experienced mild hepatitis associated with the onset of cytomegalovirus infection during azathioprine treatment. The infection was documented by the appearance of IgM anti cytomegalovirus. Both cases were self-limiting. In one of the 2 patients, azathioprine was given again after resolution of the hepatitis with good control of Crohn's disease and without other complications. We also retrospectively evaluated the incidence of liver abnormalities assessed by blood tests in 58 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine at our institution. Abnormal results were obtained in 8 out of these 58 patients, requiring discontinuation of the drug in 3 patients, two of whom were the cytomegalovirus cases described above.

[Effectiveness of paroxetine in the treatment of refractory vasovagal syncope in young patients]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess whether the well-tolerated serotonin re-uptake inhibitor paroxetine hydrochloride could prevent vasovagal syncope in young patients resistant to or intolerant of previous traditional therapies.

BACKGROUND

Serotonergic mechanisms may play a major role in the pathophysiology of neurocardiogenic syncope, and serotonin re-uptake inhibitors have been recently reported to be effective in preventing episodes.

METHODS

Forty-one consecutive young patients (13 male and 28 female), aged less than thirty years with recurrent syncope and positive head-up tilt test, and in whom standard therapies with beta-blocking, vagolytic, negative inotropic or mineral corticoid agents were ineffectual, poorly tolerated or contraindicated, randomly received either paroxetine at 20 mg once a day or a placebo. A head-up tilt test was then re-performed after one month of treatment, and the clinical effect was noted over a mean follow-up of 27.1 +/- 6.6 months.

RESULTS

The response rates (negative tilt test) after one month of treatment were 57.1 versus 33.3% (p < 0.001) in the paroxetine and placebo groups, respectively. During follow-up, spontaneous syncope was observed in 4 patients (19%) in the paroxetine group and in 12 patients (60%) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Only one patient (4.8%) asked to be discontinued from the drug for severe recurrent headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Paroxetine significantly improved symptoms of young patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope unresponsive to or intolerant of traditional medications and was well tolerated by patients.

Usefulness of a tilt training program for the prevention of refractory neurocardiogenic syncope in adolescents: A controlled study

BACKGROUND

Recurrent syncope represents a debilitating disorder and quality of life deteriorates as a function of recurrence of symptoms. Although the administration of beta-blockers, vasoconstrictors, fludrocortisone, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be helpful in preventing episodes, many patients are intolerant of or respond poorly to these agents. Orthostatic training has been reported to be effective in preventing refractory syncope. Thus, to determine whether a tilt training program could prevent symptoms in adolescents, the following controlled study was undertaken.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-seven consecutive adolescents (18 male and 29 female, mean age 16.0+/-2.2 years) with recurrent syncope and positive head-up tilt test refractory to previous traditional therapies were distributed between 2 groups, depending on their consent (24 patients) or refusal (controls, 23 patients) to enter the program. Orthostatic training was started, in the presence of a family member, with a series of 5 in-hospital sessions. The 24 patients and their relatives were then instructed to perform the tilt training at home by standing against a wall twice a day for a planned duration of up to 40 minutes, depending on the in-hospital orthostatic tolerance. Head-up tilt response was reevaluated after 1 month, and the clinical effect was noted over a mean follow-up of 18. 2+/-5.3 months (range 15 to 23); 26.1% of patients in the control group and 95.8% of patients in the training group became tilt-negative (P<0.0001). Spontaneous syncope was observed in 56.5% versus 0% in the control and training group, respectively (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthostatic training was found to significantly improve symptoms of adolescents with neurocardiogenic syncope unresponsive to or intolerant of traditional medications. Twice-a-day training sessions of 40 minutes were well accepted by patients.

Effects of paroxetine hydrochloride, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on refractory vasovagal syncope: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the well tolerated serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine hydrochloride could prevent vasovagal syncope in patients resistant to or intolerant of previous traditional therapies.

BACKGROUND

Serotonergic mechanisms play a major role in the processes leading to neurocardiogenic vasovagal syncope, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been reported to be effective in preventing refractory syncope.

METHODS

Sixty-eight consecutive patients (26 men and 42 women, mean age 44.7+/-16.5 years) with recurrent syncope and positive head-up tilt test and in whom standard therapies with beta-adrenergic blocking agents, vagolytic, negative inotropic or mineral corticoid agents were ineffectual or poorly tolerated were referred for study. Patients randomly received either paroxetine at 20 mg once a day or a placebo. A head-up tilt test was then reperformed after one month of treatment, and the clinical effect was noted over a mean follow-up of 25.4+/-7.9 months.

RESULTS

The response rates (negative tilt test) after one month of treatment were 61.8% versus 38.2% (p < 0.001) in the paroxetine and placebo groups, respectively. During follow-up spontaneous syncope was reported in six patients (17.6%) in the paroxetine group as compared to 18 patients (52.9%) in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Only one patient (2.9%) asked to be discontinued from the drug for severe side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Paroxetine was found to significantly improve the symptoms of patients with vasovagal syncope unresponsive to or intolerant of traditional medications and was well tolerated by patients.

[Evaluation of the effects of diverse therapeutic treatments versus no treatment of patients with neurocardiogenic syncope]

Head-up tilt test was introduced in clinical practice to assess vasovagal syncope and its use has further been extended to evaluate the efficacy of drug administration in these patients. Nevertheless, the effects of tilt test on vasovagal syncope have never been compared with those obtained by ethylephrine or propranolol administration. One hundred and sixty-nine consecutive patients with vasovagal syncope and positive baseline or nitrate-potentiated tilt test (60 degrees upright position for 45 min, or until syncope occurred; 5 mg sublingual isosorbide dinitrate administration if no symptoms occurred) were randomly distributed among three groups: Group A (57 control patients discharged without medical therapy); Group B (56 patients discharged with 75 mg/die ethylephrine); Group C (56 patients discharged with 80 mg/die propranolol). Tilt test was repeated after 1 month, while clinical outcome was evaluated monthly for a mean follow-up of 37.1 +/- 15.6 months. No significant differences in acute tilt-induced syncope recurrence rates were obtained among groups at test repetition since 70.2% of Group A, 69.6% of Group B and 62.5% of Group C experienced syncope. At 3-year follow-up 82.4% of Group A, 83.9% of Group B and 87.5% of Group C (NS among groups) remained symptom free, the most important clinical result being obtained in untreated patients. These data suggest that tilt test execution may prevent syncope recurrence as ethylephrine or propranolol administration. Irrespective of the therapeutical choice, the "controlled reproduction" of symptoms and some psychophysical training of patients to avoid precipitating circumstances, to recognize early symptoms promptly to be reverted by Trendelemburg position, may produce the same clinical improvement as (empiric) ethylephrine or propranolol therapy.

[Role of interstitial myocardium in ischemia-reperfusion injury: experimental data and clinical implications]

Myocardial interstitium plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac function compared with myocytes and it is actively involved in ischemia-reperfusion damage and in the acute and chronic remodelling during ischemic heart diseases. Myocardial post-ischemic oedema seems to interfere in this process. Myocardial oedema is able to induce structural alterations, to reduce myocardial function and to activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Angiotensin II and aldosterone seem to be the cause of myocardial fibrosis that is detected during ischemic heart disease. Post-ischemic vascular permeability alterations have a similar role. In clinical conditions, ACE-inhibitors have important effects on cardioreparation and are able to improve cardiac function and reduce early and late mortality. The effects of myocardial oedema reduction (i.e. hypertonic reperfusion) on ischemia-reperfusion damage and myocardial fibrosis are still to clarify. A reduction in myocardial fibrosis may improve cardioreparation and prevent congestive heart failure, following ischemic heart disease.

[Anatomical and functional characteristics of the myocardial interstitial space]

The extracellular matrix plays an important role in biological processes, for example cellular adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Many of the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions are mediated by extracellular matrix components and by their respective membrane receptors. Important pathophysiological processes occur through these interactions of which ontogenesis tissue differentiation and reconstruction, many inflammatory and immunological events and metastatic processes and invasion. The myocardium is made of muscular, vascular and connective components that exist in a state of equilibrium based on their relative proportions, integral structures, and on their physical and chemical characteristics. The Authors have described molecular events that lead to the organization of the cardiac tissue in physiological conditions and to its reorganization in pathological situation. Furthermore they have evaluated the role of fibronectin, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix in the initial phase of cardiac ischemia.

[The myocardial protective effects of cardiac tissue ACE inhibition in experimental ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts]

The protective effects of captopril were evaluated in vitro on isolated perfused rat hearts after a global ischemia of 20 min. The hearts were randomly allocated in 2 groups. In the first one (n = 6) captopril was added at a concentration of 270 microM. The second one was utilized as control (n = 6). Aortic flow and minute work respectively decreased on reperfusion by 35% and 49% in captopril group and by 65% and 71% in controls (p < 0.001). No changes occurred in heart rate. Aortic systolic pressure and coronary flow decreased in the 2 groups, but not significantly. Myocardial enzyme release during reperfusion showed significant lower levels of CPK and LDH in the captopril group as compared to controls (p < 0.001 after 41 min). The occurrence of serious ventricular arrhythmias was considerably higher in controls with respect to the captopril group. Irreversible ventricular fibrillation occurred only in control hearts (50%). These data indicate that captopril exerts a protective effect during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion by preventing serious ventricular arrhythmias, reducing enzymatic release and a lower decrease in cardiac performance, without an increase in heart rate.