A COVID-19 specific multiparametric and ECG-based score for the prediction of in-hospital mortality: ELCOVID score

We aimed to develop and validate a COVID-19 specific scoring system, also including some ECG features, to predict all-cause in-hospital mortality at admission. Patients were retrieved from the ELCOVID study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04367129), a prospective, multicenter Italian study enrolling COVID-19 patients between May to September 2020. For the model validation, we randomly selected two-thirds of participants to create a derivation dataset and we used the remaining one-third of participants as the validation set. Over the study period, 1014 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (mean age 74 years, 61% males) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. During a median follow-up of 12 (IQR 7-22) days, 359 (35%) patients died. Age (HR 2.25 [95%CI 1.72-2.94], p < 0.001), delirium (HR 2.03 [2.14-3.61], p = 0.012), platelets (HR 0.91 [0.83-0.98], p = 0.018), D-dimer level (HR 1.18 [1.01-1.31], p = 0.002), signs of right ventricular strain (RVS) (HR 1.47 [1.02-2.13], p = 0.039) and ECG signs of previous myocardial necrosis (HR 2.28 [1.23-4.21], p = 0.009) were independently associated to in-hospital all-cause mortality. The derived risk-scoring system, namely EL COVID score, showed a moderate discriminatory capacity and good calibration. A cut-off score of ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 78.4% and 65.2% specificity in predicting all-cause in-hospital mortality. ELCOVID score represents a valid, reliable, sensitive, and inexpensive scoring system that can be used for the prognostication of COVID-19 patients at admission and may allow the earlier identification of patients having a higher mortality risk who may be benefit from more aggressive treatments and closer monitoring.

Cardiac conduction disorders in young adults: Clinical characteristics and genetic background of an underestimated population

BACKGROUND

Cardiac conduction disorder (CCD) in patients <50 years old is a rare and mostly unknown condition.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess clinical characteristics and genetic background of patients <50 years old with CCD of unknown origin.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients with a diagnosis of CCD before the age of 50 years referred to our center between January 2019 and December 2021. Patients underwent complete clinical examination and genetic evaluation.

RESULTS

We enrolled 39 patients with a median age of 40 years (28-47 years) at the onset of symptoms. A cardiac implantable electronic device was implanted in 69% of the patients. In 15 of 39 CCD index patients (38%), we found a total of 13 different gene variations (3 pathogenic, 6 likely pathogenic, and 4 variants of uncertain significance), mostly in 3 genes (SCN5A, TRPM4, and LMNA). In our cohort, genetic testing led to the decision to implant an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in 2 patients for the increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

CONCLUSION

Patients with the occurrence of CCD before the age of 50 years present with a high rate of pathologic gene variations, mostly in 3 genes (SCN5A, TRPM4, and LMNA). The presence of pathogenic variations may add information about the prognosis and lead to an individualized therapeutic approach.

A modified approach to percutaneous ultrasound-guided left stellate ganglion block for drug-refractory electrical storm: a case report

Background

The use of percutaneous stellate ganglion block (SGB) in the management of drug-refractory electrical storm (ES) has been increasingly reported in the last years. Few data are available on the safety, duration, and dosage of local anaesthetic used.

Case summary

A 66-year-old male patient with a history of ischaemic cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) presented to the emergency room complaining several ventricular arrhythmias and ICD shocks received in the last 24 h. He was treated with many lines of anti-arrhythmic drugs but his condition deteriorated with cardiovascular instability and respiratory distress, so he was intubated. The ES still worsened (82 episodes of ventricular arrhythmias), so we performed an ultrasound-guided left SGB, using a modified technique, with success in suppressing the ventricular arrhythmias. The patient was then treated with electrophysiological study and catheter ablation.

Discussion

The ultrasound approach to SGB is feasible in emergency setting, and it is safe and effective also using a modified and easier technique in patient with difficult sonographic visualization of the neck structures. Moreover, it is possible and safe to use a combination of short-acting rapid-onset local anaesthetic with a long-lasting one with a good outcome.

Comparative Study of Lesions Obtained through Radiofrequency between the Irrigated Ablation Catheter with a Flexible Tip and the Non-Irrigated Catheter in Ex Vivo Porcine Hearts

BACKGROUND

At the same conditions of delivered power and contact force, open-irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheters are believed to create deeper lesions, while non-irrigated ones produce shallower lesions. This ex vivo study aims to directly compare the lesion dimensions and characteristics of an irrigated ablation catheter with a flexible tip and a non-irrigated solid-tip catheter.

METHODS

Radiofrequency lesions were induced on porcine myocardial slabs using both open-tip irrigated and non-irrigated standard 4 mm catheters at three power settings (20 W, 30 W, and 40 W), maintaining a fixed contact force of 10 gr. A lesion assessment was conducted including the lesion depth, depth at the maximum diameter, and lesion surface diameters, with the subsequent calculation of the lesion volume and area being undertaken.

RESULTS

Irrigated catheters produced lesions with significantly higher superficial widths at all power levels (3.8 vs. 4.4 mm at 20 W; 3.9 mm vs. 4.4 mm at 30 W; 3.8 mm vs. 4.5 mm at 40 W; p = 0.001, p = 0.019, p = 0.003, respectively). Non-irrigated catheters resulted in significantly higher superficial areas at all power levels (23 mm2 vs. 18 mm2 at 20 W; 25 mm2 vs. 19 mm2 at 30 W; 26 mm2 vs. 19 mm2 at 40 W; p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively). Irrigated catheters showed significantly higher values of lesion maximum depth at 40 W (4.6 mm vs. 5.5 mm; p = 0.007), while non-irrigated catheters had a significantly higher calculated volume at 20 W (202 µL vs. 134 µL; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiofrequency ablation using an irrigated catheter with a flexible tip has the potential to generate smaller superficial lesion areas compared with those obtained using a non-irrigated catheter.

Interventricular Septal Hematoma Complicating Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing: A Case Report-The Devil Is Not So Black as He Is Painted

BACKGROUND

This case report outlines the presentation of an emerging complication arising from left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP).

CASE SUMMARY

A 43-year-old male with no history of cardiac problems experienced recurrent episodes of syncope with no prodromal symptoms. During monitoring in the emergency department, the patient underwent an episode of asystole, leading to LBBAP implantation. The procedure encountered technical challenges, resulting in an interventricular septal hematoma and subsequent ventricular arrhythmias. Despite initial concerns, conservative management led to resolution, demonstrated through echocardiographic follow-ups.

DISCUSSION

This report underscores the significance of ventricular arrhythmias as indicators of interventricular septal hematoma, providing insights into its diagnosis, management, and implications for LBBAP procedures.

Trends in atrial fibrillation-related mortality in Europe, 2008-2019

AIMS

Update data regarding the atrial fibrillation (AF)-related mortality trend in Europe remains scant. We assess the age- and sex- specific trends in AF-related mortality in the European states between the years 2008 and 2019.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data on cause-specific deaths and population numbers by sex for European countries were retrieved through the publicly available World Health Organization (WHO) mortality dataset for the years 2008 to 2019. AF-related deaths were ascertained when the ICD-10 code I48 was listed as the underlying cause of death in the medical death certificate. To calculate annual trends, we assessed the average (AAPC) annual % change with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Joinpoint regression. During the study period, 773 750 AF-related deaths (202 552 males and 571 198 females) occurred in Europe. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) linearly increased from 12.3 (95% CI: 11.2 to 12.9) per 100 000 population in 2008 to 15.3 (95% CI: 14.7 to 15.7) per 100 000 population in 2019 [AAPC: +2.0% (95% CI: 1.6 to 3.5), p < 0.001] with a more pronounced increased among men [AAPC: +2.7% (95% CI: 1.9 to 3.5), p < 0.001] compared to women [AAPC: +1.7% (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3), p < 0.001] (p for parallelism 0.01). The higher AAMR increased was observed in some eastern European countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Poland while the lower were mainly clustered in the central Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the last decade, the age-adjusted AF-related mortality has increased in Europe especially among males. Disparities still exist between western and eastern European countries.

Ultrasound-Guided Venous Axillary Access Versus Standard Fluoroscopic Technique for Cardiac Lead Implantation: ZEROFLUOROAXI Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Axillary vein puncture (AVP) and cephalic vein surgical cutdown are recommended in international guidelines because of their low risk of pneumothorax and chronic lead complications. Directly visualizing and puncturing the axillary vein under ultrasound guidance reduces radiation exposure, provides direct needle visualization, and lowers periprocedural complications. Our hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided axillary access is safer and more feasible than the standard fluoroscopic technique.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided axillary venous access during cardiac lead implantation for pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantations.

METHODS

Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either axillary venous access under fluoroscopic guidance or ultrasound-guided axillary venous access. The composite outcome, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, inadvertent arterial puncture, pocket hematoma, pocket infection, lead dislodgement, and death, was evaluated 30 days after implantation.

RESULTS

We randomized 270 patients into 2 groups: the standard group for fluoroguided AVP (n = 134) and the experimental group for ultrasound-guided AVP (n = 136). No disparities in baseline characteristics were observed between the groups. The median age of the patients was 81 years, with women comprising 41% of the population. The majority of patients received single- and dual-chamber PMs (87% vs 88%; P = 1.00), and slightly over 10% in both groups received ICDs (13% vs 12%; P = 0.85). In total, we placed 357 leads in PMs and 48 leads in ICDs. Among these, 295 leads were inserted via axillary vein access and 110 via cephalic vein access. Notably, the subclavian vein was never used as a vascular access. The composite outcome was lower in the ultrasound group according to intention-to-treat analysis (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.99; P = 0.034). The main difference within the composite outcome was the lower incidence of inadvertent axillary arterial puncture in the experimental group (17% vs 6%; P = 0.004). The ultrasound group also exhibited lower total procedural x-ray exposure (10,344 μGy × cm2 vs 7,119 μGy × cm2; P = 0.002) while achieving the same rate of success at the first attempt (61% vs 69%; P = 0.375).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided AVP is safer than the fluoroscopy-guided approach because it achieves the same rate of acute success while maintaining low total procedural radiation exposure. Ultrasound AVP should be considered the optimal venous access method for cardiac lead implantation. (Ultrasound Guided Axillary Access vs Standard Fluoroscopic Technique for Cardiac Lead Implantation [ZEROFLUOROAXI]; NCT05101720).

Zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation has become an established treatment option for premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The use of fluoroscopy exposes patients and medical staff to potentially harmful stochastic and deterministic effects of ionizing radiations. We sought to analyze procedural outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy using a "zero fluoroscopy" approach for catheter ablation of PVCs.

METHODS

The present retrospective, multicenter, observational study included 131 patients having undergone catheter ablation of PVCs using "zero fluoroscopy" between 2019 and 2020 in four centers compared with another group who underwent the procedure with fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

Median age was 51.0 ± 15.9 years old; males were 77 (58.8%). Among the study population, 26 (19.8%) had a cardiomyopathy. The most frequent PVC origin was right ventricular outflow tract (55%) followed by the left ventricle (16%), LVOT and cusps (13.7%), and aortomitral continuity (5.3%). Acute suppression of PVC was achieved in 127 patients (96.9%). At 12 months, a complete success was documented in 109 patients (83.2%), a reduction in PVC burden in 18 patients (13.7%), and a failure was recorded in four patients (3.1%). Only two minor complications occurred (femoral hematoma and arteriovenous fistula conservatively treated).

CONCLUSIONS

The PVC ablation with a "zero" fluoroscopy approach appears to be a safe procedure with no major complications and good rates of success and recurrence in our multicenter experience.

A Comparative Assessment of Myocardial Work Performance during Spontaneous Rhythm, His Bundle Pacing, and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing: Insights from the EMPATHY Study

BACKGROUND

Physiological pacing has gained significant interest due to its potential to achieve optimal hemodynamic response. This study aimed to assess left ventricular performance in terms of electrical parameters, specifically QRS duration and mechanical performance, evaluated as myocardial work. We compared His Bundle Pacing (HBP) and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) to evaluate their effects.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with class I or IIa indications for pacing were enrolled in this study, with twelve patients undergoing HBP implantation and another twelve undergoing LBBAP implantation. A comprehensive analysis of myocardial work was conducted.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that there were no major differences in terms of spontaneous and HBP activation in myocardial work, except for global wasted work (217 mmHg% vs. 283 mmHg%; p 0.016) and global work efficiency (87 mmHg% vs. 82 mmHg%; p 0.049). No significant differences were observed in myocardial work between spontaneous activation and LBBAP. Similarly, no significant differences in myocardial work were found between HBP and LBBAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Both pacing modalities provide physiological ventricular activation without significant differences when compared to each other. Moreover, there were no significant differences in QRS duration between HBP and LBBAP. However, LBBAP demonstrated advantages in terms of feasibility, as it achieved better lead electrical parameters compared to HBP (threshold@0.4 ms 0.6 V vs. 1 V; p = 0.045-sensing 9.4 mV vs. 2.4 mV; p < 0.001). Additionally, LBBAP required less fluoroscopy time (6 min vs. 13 min; p = 0.010) and procedural time (81 min vs. 125 min; p = 0.004) compared to HBP.

Trends in age- and sex-specific atrial fibrillation/flutter mortality in Italy between 2003 and 2017

AIMS

We sought to assess the atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) mortality rates and relative trends among the Italian population between 2003 and 2017.

METHODS

Data regarding the cause-specific mortality and population size by sex in 5-year age groups were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) global mortality database. Decedents reporting the codes I48 were extracted accordingly to the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) coding system. The age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs), also stratified by sex, were determined using the direct method. Joinpoint regression analyses were used to identify periods with statistically distinct log linear trends in AF/AFL-related death rates. To calculate nationwide annual trends in AF/AFL-related mortality, we assessed the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and relative 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 90 623 (57 109 females) AF-related deaths were recorded. The AF/AFL AAMR increased from 8.1 (95% CI: 7.8-8.2) deaths per 100 000 to 18.7 (16.9-20.0) deaths per 100 000 population. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a linear increase in age-standardized AF/AFL-related mortality [AAPC: +3.6 (95% CI: 3.0-4.3, P  < 0.0001)] in the entire Italian population. Moreover, the mortality rate increased with age, showing a seemingly exponential distribution with a similar trend between males and females. Although the increase was more pronounced among women [AAPC: +3.7 (95% CI: 3.1-4.3, P  < 0.0001)] compared with men [AAPC: +3.4 (95% CI: 2.8-4.0, P  < 0.0001)], the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P  = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS

In Italy, the AF/AFL-related mortality rates linearly increased from 2003 to 2017.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with β-Thalassemia

Background. Patients with β-thalassemia have a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other supraventricular arrhythmias. The use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients with β-thalassemia has not been systematically evaluated. Methods. We enrolled patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, who were on treatment with NOACs for thromboembolic prophylaxis of supraventricular arrhythmias. Data on thromboembolic and bleeding events were collected. Results. Eighteen patients were enrolled. The patients had a history of AF (sixteen), typical atrial flutter (five), and atypical atrial flutter (four). The patients were treated with dabigatran (seven), apixaban (five), rivaroxaban (four) or edoxaban (two). The mean follow-up duration was 22 ± 15 months. No thromboembolic events were reported. No major bleedings were observed. Three patients had non-major bleeding events. Two patients reported dyspepsia during treatment with dabigatran and were shifted to a different NOAC. Conclusions. Our study suggests the efficacy and safety of NOACs in patients affected by transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia.

756 ZERO OR NEAR ZERO FLUOROSCOPY CATHETER ABLATION OF PREMATURE VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS: A MULTICENTRE EXPERIENCE

Background

Catheter ablation has become an established treatment option for premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). It is well known that the use of fluoroscopy exposes patients and medical staff to potentially harmful stochastic and deterministic effects of ionising radiations.

We sought to analyse procedural outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy using a “zero” or “near zero” X rays approach for treatment of PVCs.

Methods

The present retrospective, multicentre, observational study included 131 patients having undergone catheter ablation of PVCs using zero or “near zero” (less than 2 minutes) fluoroscopy between 2016 and 2020 in 4 high-volume centres. Baseline characteristics of the population, acute success and complications derived from the procedure were evaluated, as well as recurrence rate during follow-up.

Results

Median age was 51.0 years old [38-63], males were 77 (58.8%). Most often cause of ablation were palpitations (90.0%), followed by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (4.6%) and pre-syncope (14.5%). Among the study population, 26 (19.8%) had a cardiopathy. The median PVC burden before ablation was 15.1% [6%-22.4%]. The most frequent PVC origin was right ventricular outflow tract (n=72; 55.0%) followed by the left ventricle (n=21; 16.0%), LVOT and cusps (n=18; 13.7%),aortomitral continuity (n=7; 5.3%).

A 3D electro-anatomical mapping system was used in all cases as well as a contact force catheter for mapping and ablation. The mean maximum radiofrequency power applied was 32.9 ± 4.1 W (median time: 370 sec). Median number of applications was 4.5 and mean total procedural time was 117.3 ± 47.5 minutes. Median best prematurity was 31.5 msec. We used isoprenaline in order to induce PVCs in 42% of cases and suppression of PVC was achieved in 127 patients (96.9%). There was only 2 complication (femoral hematoma and arteriovenous fistula conservatively treated). At 12 months, a complete success was documented in 109 patients (83.2%), a reduction in PVC burden was achieved in other 18 patients (13.7%) and a failure was recorded in 4 patients (3.1%).

Conclusion

The PVC ablation with “zero” or “near-zero” fluoroscopy is a safe procedure with no major complications and good rates of success and recurrence in our multicentre experience.

[Heavy metal! A case of severe iron overload and supraventricular arrhythmias in a thalassemia major patient]

Cardiovascular complications are among the main causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with thalassemia major. Iron-chelation therapy is essential to prevent the chronic iron overload linked to the need for transfusions and the consequent cardiac hemosiderosis. Despite the wide use of iron-chelation drugs, today it is still possible to find cases of severe iron accumulation. Furthermore, even regardless of iron overload and cardiac dysfunction, the thalassemic patient has a high arrhythmic burden, especially for supraventricular arrhythmias. There are still many doubts and open questions about the management of such patients, especially regarding the correct use of anticoagulant therapy and the best utilization of therapeutic strategies available for rhythm control. The case presented shows how the interventional approach with catheter ablation can be useful also in the acute phase when antiarrhythmic drugs are ineffective and it is not possible to wait for the iron-chelation therapy to take effect.

P18 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN BETA–THALASSAEMIA: PHYSIOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Beta–thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder with worldwide distribution characterized by a defective synthesis of haemoglobin. Transfusions and iron–chelation therapy have radically improved the prognosis of beta–thalassaemic patients, while also allowing the development of new chronic complications, cardiac and non–cardiac (diabetes, dystyroidism, autonomic disorders and many others), among which atrial fibrillation (AF) stands out. Prevalence of AF in patients with beta–thalassemia is dramatically higher than in general population, ranging from 2 to 33%. Studies on this topic are lacking and the scarse available evidence comes from a few observational studies. The underlying pathophysiology of AF in thalassaemic is not yet well understood; responsible mechanisms are many (Figure 1) and different from those recognized in general population. Atrial iron overload appears to be the main “risk factor”, although this arrhythmia may develop even before cardiac siderosis. Clinical presentation is early and mainly paroxysmal, and patients are highly symptomatic. Furthermore, the numerous treatments available for AF (pharmacological and interventional), extensively studied in the general population, are largely unexplored in beta–thalassemia. A specific management is required for these patients (Figure 2); in particular, rhythm control should be preferred over rate control, and the most important antiarrhythmic therapy resides in iron–chelating drugs. Thromboembolic risk is also higher than in the general population and the choice of anticoagulant therapy should be considered early (well pondering the serious consequences of a haemorrhage in this setting), but the risk scores available for patients with AF are not validated in the beta–thalassemia.

P1 ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA IN PATIENT WITH TRANSFUSION–DEPENDENT BETA THALASSEMIA AND SEVERE HEMOCHROMATOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Background

Beta thalassemia is the most common inherited disease and it’s characterized by the reduced synthesis of the beta–globin chains of the hemoglobin. Patients usually need long life transfusions since the disease leads to chronic hemolytic anemia. Iron chelation therapy is essential to prevent the chronic iron overload, which is responsible for heart failure, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias up to sudden cardiac death.

Case Report

A 31 year old female patient suffering from transfusion–dependent beta thalassemia has rarely taken iron chelation therapy during the years. Because of that, she developed a severe iron overload and heart failure. Furthermore, she started suffering from several episodes of supraventricular tachycardia and she was referred to our cardiological institution for medical help. She was initially treated with a pharmacological rhythm control strategy, which was ineffective. Then, even if the cardiac iron overload wasn’t completely resolved, we decided to perform an electrophysiological study and catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia. After the ablation, the patient had no more relapses during the follow up and she started to be more adherent with the iron chelation therapy.

Discussion

Cardiovascular complications are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from beta thalassemia. Despite the wide use of iron–chelation therapy, today it’s still possible to find patients with severe iron overload. Furthermore, thalassemic patients have a high arrhythmic burden, especially for supraventricular arrhythmias. The best rhythm control treatment is represented by iron chelation therapy but there are still many doubts and open questions about the optimal pharmacological and interventional strategy. This clinical case shows how the interventional approach with catheter ablation can be an useful tool for rhythm control during the acute phase, even when the cardiac iron overload is still present.

Atrial Fibrillation in β-Thalassemia: Overview of Mechanism, Significance and Clinical Management

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder with worldwide distribution. Transfusion and chelation therapy have radically improved the prognosis of β-thalassemic patients in the developed world, but this has led to the development of new chronic cardiac complications like atrial fibrillation (AF). Prevalence of AF in patients with β-thalassemia is higher than in the general population, ranging from 2 to 33%. Studies are lacking, and the little evidence available comes from a small number of observational studies. The pathophysiology is not well understood but, while iron overload seems to be the principal mechanism, AF could develop even in the absence of iron deposition. Furthermore, the clinical presentation is mainly paroxysmal, and patients are highly symptomatic. The underlying disease, the pathophysiology, and the clinical presentation require a different management of AF in β-thalassemia than in the general population. Rhythm control should be preferred over rate control, and the most important antiarrhythmic therapy is represented by chelation drugs. Thromboembolic risk is high, but the available risk scores are not validated in β-thalassemia, and the choice of anticoagulation therapy should be considered early. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the actual knowledge about AF in β-thalassemia, with a specific focus on the clinical management of these complex patients.

Incidence and Predictors of Infections and All-Cause Death in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: The Italian Nationwide RI-AIAC Registry

Background: The incidence of infections associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and patient outcomes are not fully known. Aim: To provide a contemporary assessment of the risk of CIEDs infection and associated clinical outcomes. Methods: In Italy, 18 centres enrolled all consecutive patients undergoing a CIED procedure and entered a 12-months follow-up. CIED infections, as well as a composite clinical event of infection or all-cause death were recorded. Results: A total of 2675 patients (64.3% male, age 78 (70–84)) were enrolled. During follow up 28 (1.1%) CIED infections and 132 (5%) deaths, with 152 (5.7%) composite clinical events were observed. At a multivariate analysis, the type of procedure (revision/upgrading/reimplantation) (OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.38–12.08) and diabetes (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.02–4.84) were found as main clinical factors associated to CIED infection. Both the PADIT score and the RI-AIAC Infection score were significantly associated with CIED infections, with the RI-AIAC infection score showing the strongest association (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.60–3.55 for each point), with a c-index = 0.64 (0.52–0.75), p = 0.015. Regarding the occurrence of composite clinical events, the Kolek score, the Shariff score and the RI-AIAC Event score all predicted the outcome, with an AUC for the RI-AIAC Event score equal to 0.67 (0.63−0.71) p < 0.001. Conclusions: In this Italian nationwide cohort of patients, while the incidence of CIED infections was substantially low, the rate of the composite clinical outcome of infection or all-cause death was quite high and associated with several clinical factors depicting a more impaired clinical status.

Zero-Fluoroscopy Cardiac Ablation: Technology Is Moving Forward in Complex Procedures—A Novel Workflow for Atrial Fibrillation

Simple Summary

Electrophysiological procedures are mainly performed using fluoroscopy, exposing both healthcare staff and patients to a non-negligible dose of radiation. To date, simple ablation procedures have often been approached with zero fluoroscopy. In complex ablation procedures, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, zero fluoroscopy is still challenging mainly because of transseptal puncture. We report a workflow to perform a complete zero-fluoroscopy AF ablation using a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system, intracardiac echocardiography and a novel steerable guiding sheath visible on the mapping system. We describe two cases, one with paroxysmal AF and the other with persistent AF during which this novel workflow was successfully applied with complete zero-fluoroscopy exposure and achieving pulmonary vein isolation.

Abstract

Background and Rationale. A fluoroscopy-based approach to an electrophysiological procedure is widely validated and has been recognized as the gold standard for a long time. The use of fluoroscopy exposes both the healthcare staff and the patient to a non-negligible dose of radiation. To minimize the risks associated with the use of fluoroscopy, it would be reasonable to perform ablation procedures with zero fluoroscopy. This approach is widely used in simple ablation procedures, but not in complex procedures. In atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures, fluoroscopy remains the main technology used, in particular to guide the transseptal puncture. Main results and Implications. We present a workflow to perform a complete zero-fluoroscopy ablation for AF ablation procedures using a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system, intracardiac echocardiography and a novel steerable guiding sheath that can be visualized on the mapping system. We present two cases, one with paroxysmal AF and the other one with persistent AF during which we applied this novel workflow achieving a successful pulmonary vein isolation without complications and complete zero-fluoroscopy exposure.

Antibiotic prophylaxis based on individual infective risk stratification in cardiac implantable electronic device: the PRACTICE study

Aims

In patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) intervention, routine pre-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. A more powerful antibiotic protocol has been suggested in patients at high risk of infection. Stratification of individual infective risk could guide the prophylaxis before CIED procedure.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing CIED surgery were stratified according to the Shariff score in low and high infective risk. Patients in the ‘low-risk’ group were treated with only two antibiotic administrations while patients in the ‘high-risk’ group were treated with a prolonged 9-day protocol, according to renal function and allergies. We followed-up patients for 250 days with clinical outpatient visit and electronic control of the CIED. As primary endpoint, we evaluated CIED-related infections. A total of 937 consecutive patients were enrolled, of whom 735 were stratified in the ‘low-risk’ group and 202 in the ‘high-risk’ group. Despite different risk profiles, CIED-related infection rate at 250 days was similar in the two groups (8/735 in ‘low risk’ vs. 4/202 in ‘high risk’, P = 0.32). At multivariate analysis, active neoplasia, haematoma, and reintervention were independently associated with CIED-related infection (HR 5.54, 10.77, and 12.15, respectively).

Conclusion

In a large cohort of patients undergoing CIED procedure, an antibiotic prophylaxis based on individual stratification of infective risk resulted in similar rate of infection between groups at high and low risk of CIED-related infection.

Atrial Flutter in Patient With Critical COVID-19: Beneficial Effects of Rhythm Control on Respiratory Distress

We report the case of a patient critically ill with coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID-19) in which atrial flutter with high ventricular response rate occurred, contributing to worsening of the respiratory distress. After failure of noninvasive rate and rhythm control strategies, successful transcatheter ablation was performed and the respiratory distress of the patient improved. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Electrocardiographic features of 431 consecutive, critically ill COVID-19 patients: an insight into the mechanisms of cardiac involvement

AIMS

Our aim was to describe the electrocardiographic features of critical COVID-19 patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We carried out a multicentric, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 431 consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 10 March and 14 April 2020 who died or were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This project is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04367129). Standard ECG was recorded at hospital admission. ECG was abnormal in 93% of the patients. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected in 22% of the patients. ECG signs suggesting acute right ventricular pressure overload (RVPO) were detected in 30% of the patients. In particular, 43 (10%) patients had the S1Q3T3 pattern, 38 (9%) had incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB), and 49 (11%) had complete RBBB. ECG signs of acute RVPO were not statistically different between patients with (n = 104) or without (n=327) invasive mechanical ventilation during ECG recording (36% vs. 28%, P = 0.10). Non-specific repolarization abnormalities and low QRS voltage in peripheral leads were present in 176 (41%) and 23 (5%), respectively. In four patients showing ST-segment elevation, acute myocardial infarction was confirmed with coronary angiography. No ST-T abnormalities suggestive of acute myocarditis were detected. In the subgroup of 110 patients where high-sensitivity troponin I was available, ECG features were not statistically different when stratified for above or below the 5 times upper reference limit value.

CONCLUSIONS

The ECG is abnormal in almost all critically ill COVID-19 patients and shows a large spectrum of abnormalities, with signs of acute RVPO in 30% of the patients. Rapid and simple identification of these cases with ECG at hospital admission can facilitate classification of the patients and provide pathophysiological insights.

Predictors of infection after "de novo" cardiac electronic device implantation

BACKGROUND

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a major complication that increases morbidity and mortality after the procedure. Several infection risk scores have been suggested to identify patients at higher pre-procedural risk of infection OBJECTIVE: this study sought to evaluate rates of infection, potential risk factors and the role of a modified "Shariff" score as predictor of infection in high-risk patients undergoing de novo CIED implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed 1391 patients underwent a de novo CIED procedure during the study period. At the median follow-up of 48 months, 20 patients of 1391 (1.4%) developed a CIED-related infective event. In our population, we studied a modified version of the "Shariff" score for only first-time implant patients. At multivariate regression analysis, three factors were independent predictors of infection: previous pocket hematoma [RR 27.2 (8.30-54.02), p = 10^-10], a Shariff Score ≥ 4 [RR 3.20 (1.29-12.59), p= 0.029]. and reintervention for catheter malfunction or dislocation [RR 3.57 (1.2-37.4), p= 0.048].

CONCLUSIONS

a "Shariff" score > 4 is suggested as a predictor of higher risk of infection in patients after de novo device implantation. The use of an infection risk score may help to improve tailored pre-operatory strategies to prevent infection.

Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia by means of flexible-tip irrigated catheters

PURPOSE

Irrigated-tip ablation catheters increase safety and efficacy of ablation procedures, but their use in atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter FlexAbility™ and a 3D electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system.

METHODS

This is a single-center and single-operator study on 80 patients referred for AVNRT catheter ablation. Outcome included acute and long-term procedural success as well as complications reported over a median follow-up of 19 months (interquartile range 6-24 months).

RESULTS

Acute success was achieved in all 80 patients. One procedure-related major complication, involving the vascular access, occurred. Mean fluoroscopy time was 106 ± 71 s. One patient (1.2%) suffered long-term AVNRT recurrence. Five patients (6.2%) underwent ablation for AVNRT combined with ablation for other clinical arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrigated RF ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter associated to 3D EAM system is effective and safe. Success rates are comparable to those of other techniques. Complication rate is very low.

Current role of echocardiography in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Patients are usually assessed by echocardiography, which provides a number of anatomical and functional information used for cardiac dyssynchrony assessment, prognostic stratification, identification of the optimal site of pacing in the left ventricle, optimization of the CRT device, and patient follow-up. Compared to other cardiac imaging techniques, echocardiography has the advantage to be non-invasive, repeatable, and safe, without exposure to ionizing radiation or nefrotoxic contrast. In this article, we review current evidence about the role of echocardiography before, during, and after the implantation of a CRT device.

Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony: Does it still matter?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. For many years, cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony assessed by echocardiography has been considered as a key evaluation to characterize CRT candidates and predict CRT response. In current guidelines, however, CRT implant indications rely only on electrical dyssynchrony. The aim of this article was to clarify whether and how the evaluation of cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony should be performed today by echocardiography.

[Latest news and perspectives in cardiogenetics]

In recent years, cardiogenetics is emerging as a major discipline for the study of many pathologies, with immediate clinical effects for patients who were previously managed by the cardiologist alone. Recent acquisitions have allowed significant improvements in terms of diagnostic characterization, prognostic stratification and guidance for treatment for both patients with genetic disease and their family members. At present, cardiogenetics has an important role for the clinical management of patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. We present an updated review of the literature and a proposal of organizational model.

Current views on anthracycline cardiotoxicity

Anthracyclines are well established and effective anticancer agents used to treat a variety of adult and pediatric cancers. Unfortunately, these drugs are also among the commonest chemotherapeutic agents that have been recognized to cause cardiotoxicity. In the last years, several experimental and clinical investigations provided new information and perspectives on anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. In particular, molecular mechanisms of cardiotoxicity have been better elucidated, early diagnosis has improved through the use of advanced noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques, and emerging data indicate a genetic predisposition to develop anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. In this article, we review established and new knowledge about anthracycline cardiotoxicity, with special focus on recent advances in cardiotoxicity diagnosis and genetic profiling.

A Clinical Case of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: The Clinical Suspicious and the Need of Genetics

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a very rare genetic cardiac channelopathy, which has not been sufficiently studied yet. The first clinical manifestation has been described during the first decade of life, linked to strenuous exercise or acute emotion. The absence of structural heart disease and a family history of possible arrhythmogenic disorder generally guide the diagnosis towards a potential channelopathy. The opportunity to perform an extensive genetic analysis allows physicians to make the correct diagnosis and to optimize clinical management. The identification of more CPVT cases could affirm what we already know and primarily implement the current knowledge.

Relation of QRS Duration to Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony (LVdys) is a necessary condition for successful cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Despite left bundle branch block (LBBB) representing a reliable surrogate of LVdys, not all LBBB patients will respond to CRT. Our aim was to investigate the relation between QRS duration and LVdys in patients with LBBB who underwent CRT. We retrospectively studied 165 patients with LBBB who underwent CRT implantation according to the current guidelines. A 6-month reduction of LV end-systolic volume ≥15% identified responders to CRT. Baseline LVdys was defined as the delay between peak systolic velocities of the interventricular septum and lateral wall assessed by color-coded tissue Doppler imaging. Baseline characteristics of responders (61%) and nonresponders (39%) were comparable except for larger QRS complex (172 ± 24 vs 160 ± 16 ms, p <0.001) and lower degree of LVdys (46 ± 42 vs 72 ± 31 ms, p <0.001) in nonresponders. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that an optimal cut-off value of 3 for the ratio of QRS duration and LVdys (QRS/LVdys) yielded a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 80% to predict nonresponsiveness to CRT; QRS/LVdys >3 remained an independent predictor at multivariate analysis. In patients with nonischemic origin of cardiomyopathy, the linear regression analysis documented a significant inverse relation between QRS duration and LVdys, as dyssynchrony progressively decreased as QRS widening increased (p = 0.006). This was not evident in patients with ischemic origin. In conclusion, in LBBB patients with nonischemic origin and marked QRS widening, the absence of LVdys may account for a lower response to CRT compared with patients with intermediate QRS widening.

Mutation Load of Multiple Ion Channel Gene Mutations in Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome is a primary arrhythmic syndrome that accounts for 20% of all sudden cardiac death cases in individuals with a structurally normal heart. Pathogenic variants associated with Brugada syndrome have been identified in over 19 genes, with SCN5A as a pivotal gene accounting for nearly 30% of cases. In contrast to other arrhythmogenic channelopathies (such as long QT syndrome), digenic inheritance has never been reported in Brugada syndrome. Exploring 66 cardiac genes using a new custom next-generation sequencing panel, we identified a double heterozygosity for pathogenic mutations in SCN5A and TRPM4 in a Brugada syndrome patient. The parents were heterozygous for each variation. This novel finding highlights the role of mutation load in Brugada syndrome and strongly suggests the adoption of a gene panel to obtain an accurate genetic diagnosis, which is mandatory for risk stratification, prevention, and therapy.

Frequency of "Pocket" Hematoma in Patients Receiving Vitamin K Antagonist and Antiplatelet Therapy at the Time of Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation (from the POCKET Study)

In patients undergoing cardiac device implantation, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy are associated with an increased risk of pocket hematoma. In case of vitamin K antagonist therapy, a strategy of continued warfarin with no heparin bridge showed a reduction of pocket hematoma. Evidence regarding antiplatelet therapy management is limited. This is a single-center observational study which reflects our systematic approach to the problem. In 2012, we proposed an improved management protocol for anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy (no-bridge protocol) based on individual thromboembolic risk stratification, noninterruption of oral anticoagulation, no bridge with heparin and elastic adherence compression bandage. The primary end point was the incidence of clinically significant pocket hematoma in the first 30 days after implantation. A total of 1,035 patients were enrolled, of whom 522 received the standard management and 513 the new protocol. The primary end point occurred in 34 patients of the standard management group and 8 patients of the no-bridge protocol group (6.5% vs 1.6%, p <0.001). Patients in the standard management group had a higher incidence of pocket infections (2.3% vs 0.6%, p = 0.02), lead dislodgements (4.8% vs 2.1%, p = 0.02), and thromboembolic events (1.3% vs 0.0%, p <0.01). On a multivariate analysis, heparin and coronary artery disease were independent predictors of pocket hematoma (relative risk [RR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55 to 7.83 and RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.76, respectively), whereas the no-bridge protocol was associated with a reduction of pocket hematoma (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.76). New anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy management protocol was associated with a reduced incidence of clinically significant pocket hematomas, thromboembolic events, pocket infections, and lead dislodgements.

Reperfusion Damage - A Story of Success, Failure, and Hope

Tissue salvage of severely ischemic myocardium requires timely reperfusion by thrombolysis, angioplasty, or bypass. However, recovery of left ventricular function is rare. It may be absent or, even worse, reperfusion can induce further damage. Laboratory studies have shown convincingly that reperfusion can increase injury over and above that attributable to the pre-existing ischemia, precipitating arrhythmias, suppressing the recovery of contractile function ("stunning") and possibly even causing cell death in potentially salvable ischemic tissue. The mechanisms of reperfusion injury have been widely studied and, in the laboratory, it can be attenuated or prevented. Disappointingly, this is not the case in the clinic, particularly after thrombolysis or primary angioplasty. In contrast, excellent results have been achieved by surgeons by means of cardioplegia and hypothermia. For the interventionist, the issue is more complex as, contrary to cardiac surgery where the cardioplegia can be applied before ischemia and the heart can be stopped, during an angioplasty the heart still has to beat to support the circulation. We analyze in detail all these issues.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator management: an update

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. In 35 years of technologic improvement and clinical trials, there has been a continuous increase in implantation rate. Purpose of this review is to point out and discuss every aspect related to actual ICD management, investigating implantation procedure and predischarge care, office and remote monitoring follow-up, diagnostic evaluations, management of patients with suspected therapies or malfunctions, heart failure, surgery, radiotherapy and endoscopic procedures. Also, ICD backface such as infections and other complications will be discussed. Finally, we will focus on interesting future perspectives for this setting of patients.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy guided by multimodality cardiac imaging

AIMS

Up to 30-45% of implanted patients are non-responders to CRT. We evaluated the role of a 'CRT team' using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and longitudinal myocardial strain to identify the target area defined as the most delayed and viable region for LV pacing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 100 heart failure patients candidates for CRT divided into two groups were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of 50 consecutive patients scheduled for CRT and prospectively included. Group 2 (control) consisted of 50 patients with a CRT device implanted according to standard clinical practice and matched for age, sex, and LVEF with group 1. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. In group 1, patients underwent two-dimensional speckle-tracking assessment of longitudinal myocardial strain and CMR imaging to identify the target area for LV lead pacing. A positive response to CRT was defined as a reduction of ≥15% of the LV end-systolic volume at 6-month follow-up. A total of 39 (78%) patients of group 1 were classified as responders to CRT whilst in group 2, only 28 (56%) were responders (P = 0.019). The 'CRT team' identified as target for LV pacing the lateral area in 30 (60%) patients, and the anterolateral or posterolateral areas in 12 (24%) patients. In 8 (16%) patients, the target was far from the lateral area, in the anterior or posterior areas. The patients with concordant position exhibited the highest positive response (93.1%) to CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality cardiac imaging as a guide for CRT implantation is useful to increase response rate.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease comorbidity: overview of mechanisms and clinical management

In the last few years, many studies focused their attention on the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), showing that these diseases are mutually influenced. Many different biological processes such as hypoxia, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, heightened platelet reactivity, arterial stiffness and right ventricle modification interact in the development of the COPD-IHD comorbidity, which therefore deserves special attention in early diagnosis and treatment. Patients with COPD-IHD comorbidity have a worst outcome, when compared to patients with only COPD or only IHD. These patients showed a significant increase on risk of adverse events and of hospital readmissions for recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary revascularization, and acute exacerbation of COPD. Taken together, these complications determine a significant increase in mortality. In most cases death occurs for cardiovascular cause, soon after an acute exacerbation of COPD or a cardiovascular adverse event. Recent data regarding incidence, mechanisms and prognosis of this comorbidity, along with the development of new drugs and interventional approaches may improve the management and long-term outcome of COPD-IHD patients. The aim of this review is to describe the current knowledge on COPD-IHD comorbidity. Particularly, we focused our attention on underlying pathological mechanisms and on all treatment and strategies that may improve and optimize the clinical management of COPD-IHD patients.

Uric acid and coronary artery disease: An elusive link deserving further attention

Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism. Classically it is recognized as the cause of gouty arthritis and kidney stones. Western civilization has increased serum levels of uric acid which is no longer considered a benign plasma solute. It has been postulated and recently demonstrated that it can penetrate cell membrane and exerts damaging intracellular actions such as oxidation and inflammation. These observations have stimulated several epidemiological researches suggesting that hyperuricemia is linked or even provokes hypertension and coronary artery disease. In this review we summarize the current evidences regarding uric acid which contribute in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease.

[Is echocardiography still helpful in cardiac resynchronization therapy?]

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an established approach for the treatment of patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In most centers, these patients are usually evaluated by echocardiography, which allows collecting a number of cardiac anatomical and functional parameters in a non-invasive, repeatable way and without exposure to ionizing radiation. However, over the years, clinical studies have sometimes emphasized and sometimes reduced the role of this method in the setting of cardiac resynchronization therapy for cardiac dyssynchrony evaluation, prognostic stratification of patients, optimization of pacing, and follow-up. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to review the current role of echocardiography before, during and after the implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device.