Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Electrocardiographic Complete Right Bundle Branch Block in Young Individuals

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is limited information on the clinical significance of complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) in young individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of CRBBB in a large cohort of young individuals aged 14-35 years old.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2018, 104,369 consecutive individuals underwent a cardiovascular assessment with a health questionnaire, electrocardiogram, clinical consultation, and selective echocardiography. Follow-up was obtained via direct telephone consultations. Mean follow-up was 7.3 ± 2.7 years.

RESULTS

CRBBB was identified in 154 (0.1%) individuals and was more prevalent in males compared with females (0.20% vs. 0.06%; p<0.05) and in athletes compared with non-athletes (0.25% vs. 0.14%; p<0.05). CRBBB-related cardiac conditions were identified in 7 (5%) individuals (4 with atrial septal defect, 1 with Brugada syndrome, 1 with progressive cardiac conduction disease and 1 with atrial fibrillation). Pathology was more frequently identified in individuals with non-isolated CRBBB compared with individuals with isolated CRBBB (14% vs 1%; p < 0.05) and in individuals with a QRS duration of ≥130 milliseconds (ms) compared with individuals with a QRS of <130ms (10% vs 1%; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CRBBB in young individuals was 0.1% and was more prevalent in males and athletes. CRBBB-related conditions were identified in 5% of individuals and were more common in individuals with non-isolated CRBBB and more pronounced intraventricular conduction delay (QRS duration of ≥130ms). Secondary evaluation should be considered for young individuals with CRBBB with symptoms, concerning family history, additional electrocardiographic anomalies or significant QRS prolongation (≥130ms).

Coronary artery anomalies and the role of echocardiography in pre-participation screening of athletes: a practical guide

Transthoracic echocardiography is an essential and widely available diagnostic tool for assessing individuals reporting cardiovascular symptoms, monitoring those with established cardiac conditions and for preparticipation screening of athletes. While its use is well-defined in hospital and clinic settings, echocardiography is increasingly being utilised in the community, including in the rapidly expanding sub-speciality of sports cardiology. There is, however, a knowledge and practical gap in the challenging area of the assessment of coronary artery anomalies, which is an important cause of sudden cardiac death, often in asymptomatic athletic individuals. To address this, we present a step-by-step guide to facilitate the recognition and assessment of anomalous coronary arteries using transthoracic echocardiography at the bedside; whilst recognising the importance of performing dedicated cross-sectional imaging, specifically coronary computed tomography (CTCA) where clinically indicated on a case-by-case basis. This guide is intended to be useful for echocardiographers and physicians in their routine clinical practice whilst recognising that echocardiography remains a highly skill-dependent technique that relies on expertise at the bedside.

An Athlete With Bicuspid Aortic Valve Regurgitation and Left Ventricular Dilatation: A Clinical Conundrum

The physiologic cardiac adaptations caused by intensive exercise and the pathophysiologic changes caused by significant regurgitant valvular lesions can be challenging to differentiate. We describe the clinical course of an asymptomatic 31-year-old elite triathlete with a moderately regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve and severe left ventricular and aortic dilatation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes.

RESULTS

511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms.

The Role of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Sudden Cardiac Death - Findings at Cardiac Autopsy

BACKGROUND

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac defect in the adult population, with a prevalence of 0.5-2%. It is well recognised that aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortopathy may develop by the fifth or sixth decade of life. There is a paucity of autopsy studies evaluating the hearts of subjects with BAV. The aim of this study is to help to ascertain the role of the bicuspid valve in the cause of sudden cardiac deaths.

METHODS

A database of 6325 whole hearts referred to a specialist cardiac pathology centre between 2004 and 2021 was reviewed to identify a subgroup of 91 subjects with a BAV reported. All cases had a negative full body autopsy and toxicology before being referred and subsequently underwent detailed cardiac evaluation including histological analysis by expert cardiac pathologists.

RESULTS

The mean age of death was 37±16 years (84% male). Death was attributed to aortic valve or aortic disease in 57% (n=52) of cases; AS 30% (n= 27), endocarditis 11% (n=10), aortic dissection (AD) 9% (n=8) and AR 8% (n=7). In the remaining 43% of cases, BAV was an incidental finding.

CONCLUSION

The majority of deaths in young individuals with BAV were attributed to complications related to the aortic valve or aorta indicating that BAV is not a benign condition. When a BAV is identified, individuals should be appropriately follow-up with imaging to inform the optimal timing of intervention before a complication develops that may predispose the individual to a premature death.

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of novel 12-lead ECG patterns following COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players

Background

Identification of athletes with cardiac inflammation following COVID-19 can prevent exercise fatalities. The efficacy of pre and post COVID-19 infection electrocardiograms (ECGs) for detecting athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and diagnostic significance of novel 12-lead ECG patterns following COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre study over a 2-year period involving 5 centres and 34 clubs and compared pre COVID and post COVID ECG changes in 455 consecutive athletes. ECGs were reported in accordance with the International recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes. The following patterns were considered abnormal if they were not detected on the pre COVID-19 infection ECG: (a) biphasic T-waves; (b) reduction in T-wave amplitude by 50% in contiguous leads; (c) ST-segment depression; (d) J-point and ST-segment elevation &gt;0.2 mV in the precordial leads and &gt;0.1 mV in the limb leads; (e) tall T-waves ≥1.0 mV (f) low QRS-amplitude in &gt;3 limb leads and (g) complete right bundle branch block. Athletes exhibiting novel ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all 28 (6%) athletes, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or ECG changes.

Results

Athletes were aged 22±5 years (89% male and 57% white). 65 (14%) athletes reported cardiac symptoms. The mean duration of illness was 3±4 days. The post COVID ECG was performed 14±16 days following a positive PCR. 440 (97%) athletes had an unchanged post COVID-19 ECG. Of these, 3 (0.6%) had cardiac symptoms and CMRs resulted in a diagnosis of pericarditis. 15 (3%) athletes demonstrated novel ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. Among athletes who demonstrated novel ECG changes, 10 (67%) reported cardiac symptoms. 13 (87%) athletes with novel ECG changes were diagnosed with inflammatory cardiac sequelae; pericarditis (n=6), healed myocarditis (n=3), definitive myocarditis (n=2), and possible/probable myocarditis (n=2). The overall prevalence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae based on novel ECG changes was 2.8%. None of the 28 (6%) athletes, who underwent a CMR, in the absence of cardiac symptoms or novel ECG changes revealed any abnormalities. Athletes revealing novel ECG changes, had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (67% v 12% p&lt;0.0001) and longer symptom duration (8±8 days v 2±4 days; p&lt;0.0001) compared with athletes without novel ECG changes. Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of novel ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20% (n=3).

Conclusions

3% of elite soccer players demonstrated novel ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which almost 90% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation during subsequent investigation. Most athletes with novel ECG changes exhibited cardiac symptoms. Novel ECGs changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prevalence and outcomes of WPW pattern in the young: a report from a nationwide cardiac screening programme

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Individuals with accessory pathways, also referred as the Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern (WPWp), are usually asymptomatic and fatal arrhythmias may be the first presentation. Risk stratification is recommended, with electrophysiological study (EPS) being the gold standard. Catheter ablation offers a widely available, curative option, and provides incentive for screening, particularly in high-risk populations such as athletes.

Purpose

We sought to assess the prevalence, real-world clinical practice and outcomes of WPWp in young individuals identified through a nationwide cardiac screening programme.

Method

Between 2008 and 2018, 113,209 consecutive individuals (14 to 35 years old, 38% female) underwent cardiac screening with a health questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiology consultation. Individuals with suspected cardiac disease were referred for further investigations as necessary. Clinical outcomes were obtained via an online questionnaire and matched de-identified records from the Office of National Statistics database. Individuals were classified as elite athletes, non-elite athletes and non-athletes.

Results

A total of 214 (0.2%) individuals were referred for secondary evaluation with a suspected WPWp (Figure 1). Clinical outcomes were unavailable for 30 (14%) individuals. Follow-up confirmed an additional 13 individuals with a WPWp who were deemed to have normal investigations at screening, of which 8 (61%) had reported cardiovascular symptoms on their HQ and, in retrospect, 4 (30%) demonstrated subtle WPWp on their ECG. A WPWp was confirmed in 187 individuals (0.2%), of which 149 (80%) individuals were considered non-athletes, 114 (61%) reported cardiovascular symptoms, 116 (62%) underwent risk stratification with an EPS and 95 (43%) underwent catheter ablation. Report of palpitation was significantly greater in non-athletes than athletes (p=0.034). In asymptomatic individuals, those engaging in sports at elite level were more likely to be referred for an EPS (p=0.04). Four adverse cardiac events were reported over a follow up period of 7.4 years (IQR 4.9 to 9.2), including 3 individuals (16 years, 20 years, 40 years) with life-threatening arrhythmic events (LAE) requiring cardioversion, and 1 individual (20 years) with sudden cardiac death. Of these 4 individuals, only 1 with a LAE had undergone risk stratification with EPS.

Conclusions

The incidence of SCD in this young screened population was 0.72 per 1000 person-years. Clinical practice was variable and EPS was not offered to a significant proportion of patients, despite inadequate non-invasive risk stratification. The indication to EPS was driven by the athletic status in the asymptomatic individuals. The WPW syndrome may manifest with subtle ECG changes, posing a diagnostic challenge to interpreting physicians.

Physical activity and exercise recommendations for patients with valvular heart disease

There is a paucity of studies looking at the natural history of valvular heart disease (VHD) in exercising individuals, and exercise recommendations are largely based on expert consensus. All individuals with VHD should be encouraged to avoid sedentary behaviour by engaging in at least 150 min of physical activity every week, including strength training. There are generally no exercise restrictions to individuals with mild VHD. Regurgitant lesions are better tolerated compared with stenotic lesions and as such the recommendations are more permissive for moderate-to-severe regurgitant VHD. Individuals with severe aortic regurgitation can still partake in moderate-intensity exercise provided the left ventricle (LV) and aorta are not significantly dilated and the ejection fraction (EF) remains >50%. Similarly, individuals with severe mitral regurgitation can partake in moderate-intensity exercise if the LV end-diastolic diameter <60 mm, the EF ≥60%, resting pulmonary artery pressure <50 mm Hg and there is an absence of arrhythmias on exercise testing. Conversely, individuals with severe aortic or mitral stenosis are advised to partake in low-intensity exercise. For individuals with bicuspid aortic valve, in the absence of aortopathy, the guidance for tricuspid aortic valve dysfunction applies. Mitral valve prolapse has several clinical, ECG and cardiac imaging markers of increased arrhythmic risk; and if any are present, individuals should refrain from high-intensity exercise.

Quantifying long-term improvements in exercise capacity after cardiac transplantation

Introduction

Cardiac transplantation (CT) is known to improve exercise capacity in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). However, it is unclear whether continued improvements occur after the initial post-operative recovery and whether baseline demographic and disease-related factors influence this improvement.

Purpose

We aimed to quantify the degree of improvement in exercise capacity over time in CT recipients and establish whether baseline characteristics influenced this improvement.

Methods

Retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent CT at a single centre was performed. Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPEX) testing is routinely offered pre-CT and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post-CT, unless there are contraindications. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics pre-CT were also collected.

Results

A total of 199 patients underwent CT, of which 138 (69%) were male. The mean age was 44 (SD 14.0) years and mean pre-CT body mass index (BMI) was 25.3 (SD 4.2). In 125 (63%) patients, the underlying aetiology of HF was dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 32 (16%) patients had a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to CT.

Pre-transplant CPEX was undertaken in 131 (66%) patients, with a mean peak VO2 of 15.5 (SD 6.2) ml/kg/min. Peak VO2 was higher in males (16.6; SD 6.7 vs 13.1; SD 4.0, p=0.002) and those under 50 years old (16.8; 7.2 vs 13.8; 3.9, p=0.005) but was not affected by the underlying aetiology (DCM vs others: 16.3, 6.6 vs 14.1, 5.1, p=0.051), the presence of an LVAD (17.3, 5.0 vs 15.1, 6.3, p=0.119) or pre-transplant obesity (14.5, 3.2 vs 15.7, 6.5, p=0.437).

Peak VO2 increased within the first year post-CT (Figure 1 and 2). Ongoing improvements were also observed beyond the 1-year time-point, although only the 3-year vs 1-year comparison remained significantly when corrected for multiple comparisons. When analysed with mixed models, time post-CT was a significant predictor of peak VO2 (p=0.001). Additionally, there was a significant interaction between peak VO2 over time with gender (p=0.038), but not with age under 50 years (p=0.244), underlying aetiology being DCM (p=0.05), a previous LVAD (p=0.664) and pre-transplant obesity (p=0.301). Post-hoc analysis showed that males had a greater mean improvement than females in peak VO2 at 1-year compared to pre-CT (7.7, SD 5.5 vs 4.8, SD 4.0 ml/kg/min).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that exercise capacity improves up to and beyond the first year post-CT. The degree of improvement may be greater in males, although it is not influenced by age, BMI, underlying disease aetiology or the presence of an LVAD pre-CT.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The effect of concomitant COVID-19 infection on outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure

AIMS

Patients with cardiovascular disease appear particularly susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease, but the impact of COVID-19 infection on patients with heart failure (HF) is not known. This study aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 infection on mortality in hospitalized patients known to have HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We undertook a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted with a pre-existing diagnosis of HF between 1 March and 6 May 2020 to our unit. We assessed the impact of concomitant COVID-19 infection on in-hospital mortality, incidence of acute kidney injury, and myocardial injury. One hundred and thirty-four HF patients were hospitalized, 40 (29.9%) with concomitant COVID-19 infection. Those with COVID-19 infection had a significantly increased in-hospital mortality {50.0% vs. 10.6%; relative risk [RR] 4.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42-9.12], P < 0.001} and were more likely to develop acute kidney injury [45% vs. 24.5%; RR 1.84 (95% CI 1.12-3.01), P = 0.02], have evidence of myocardial injury [57.5% vs. 31.9%; RR 1.81 (95% CI 1.21-2.68), P < 0.01], and be treated for a superadded bacterial infection [55% vs. 32.5%; RR 1.67 (95% CI 1.12-2.49), P = 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HF admitted to hospital with concomitant COVID-19 infection have a very poor prognosis. This study highlights the need to regard patients with HF as a high-risk group to be shielded to reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection.