Search Results (108)

The electrical ventricular storm (VES) is defined as multiple sustained ventricular arrhythmias arising in a short time, often refractory to standard antiarrhythmic treatment. The three pillars of the physiopathogenesis of the VES are autonomic dysfunction, triggers, and an altered ventricular substrate. Incessant or highly recurrent ventricular arrhythmia impacts the hemodynamic status by worsening heart failure and increasing mortality. A stepwise, team-based, and tailored therapeutic approach is required to stop ventricular arrhythmia and regain the hemodynamic and electric stability of the patient. The authors focused on describing all currently available therapeutic approaches for VES, intending to establish the best VES therapeutic approaches. This process involves considering the patient’s specific condition, responses to previous treatments, and the potential risks and benefits of each approach. The options range from adjusting antiarrhythmic therapy to reprogramming of the ICD, sedation, epidural anaesthesia, stellate ganglia anaesthetic block, and the use of ECMO or left ventricular assist devices and radiofrequency catheter ablation. Particular attention is paid to the detailed management of genetic primary arrhythmia syndromes like long-QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, Brugada syndrome and Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, early repolarisation syndrome, right ventricular arrhythmogenic dysplasia, and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. After overcoming the acute events of VES and obtaining hemodynamic stability, the treatment should shift toward an optimal balance of heart failure therapy, controlling the substrate by revascularisation procedures and resolving other pathology-generating ventricular arrhythmias. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ESV’s current management options using the most efficient strategies known to date. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of right and left atrial strain reservoir (RASr and LASr) in predicting the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (AAs) following cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (CTIA) for typical atrial flutter (AFL). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with AFL who had undergone CTIA. Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted within one month before the procedure, and atrial two-dimensional speckle tracking analysis was performed offline. Results: Sixty-two subjects were evaluated (mean age 64.8 ± 13.2 years, 29% females). At a median follow-up of 12.1 months, AA recurrence occurred in 21 subjects (33.8%). The study endpoint occurred mainly among females (p = 0.021) and patients with lower RASr and LASr values (both p < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, RASr and LASr remained independent predictors of AA recurrence (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). In ROC curve analysis, RASr and LASr showed a similar and satisfactory ability to predict AA recurrence with optimal cut-off values of 16.8% and 17.7%, respectively. In survival analysis, RASr > 16.8% and LASr > 17.7% were associated with significantly higher freedom from AAs during follow-up (log rank p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that pre-CTIA atrial speckle tracking analysis may aid in identifying AFL patients at an increased risk of AA recurrence, allowing for more frequent follow-up visits and extended antiarrhythmic therapy. Full article

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients is often complicated by arrhythmias, potentially affecting outcomes. This study aimed to develop predictive models for arrhythmias in AKI patients and assess the impact of antiarrhythmic drugs on in-hospital mortality. Methods: We conducted a multi-database retrospective cohort study using MIMIC-IV and eICU databases. XGBoost and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) models were employed to identify key predictors of arrhythmias. Weighted log-rank and Cox analysis evaluated the effect of amiodarone and metoprolol on in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 14,035 critically ill AKI patients, 5614 individuals (40%) developed arrhythmias. Both XGBoost and BIC showed predictive power for arrhythmias. The XGBoost model identified HR_max, HR_min, and heart failure as the most important features, while the BIC model highlighted heart failure had the highest odds ratio (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.16–1.20) as a significant predictor. Patients experiencing arrhythmia is associated with in-hospital mortality (arrhythmia group: 636 (11.3%) vs. non-arrhythmia group: 587 (7.0%), p < 0.01). Antiarrhythmic medications showed a statistically significant effect on in-hospital mortality (amiodarone: HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19–0.41, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our predictive models demonstrated a robust discriminatory ability for identifying arrhythmia occurrence in critically ill AKI patients, with identified risk factors showing strong clinical relevance. The significant association between arrhythmia occurrence and increased in-hospital mortality underscores the clinical importance of early identification and management. Furthermore, amiodarone therapy effectively reduced the risk of in-hospital mortality in these patients, even after accounting for time-dependent biases. The findings highlight the necessity of precise arrhythmia definition, careful consideration of time-dependent covariates, and comprehensive model validation for clinically actionable insights. Full article

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often associated with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, which affects a substantial proportion of patients. This obstruction results from a range of anatomical abnormalities involving both the valvular and subvalvular structures. Pharmacological therapies play a pivotal role in the management of LVOT obstruction, with a range of drug classes exhibiting distinct mechanisms of action. Beta-blockers, including atenolol and nadolol, are considered the first-line treatment due to their ability to reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility and enhance diastolic filling. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil and diltiazem, are utilized as second-line agents when beta-blockers are ineffective or contraindicated. Disopyramid, a Class 1A antiarrhythmic agent, is employed for patients who do not respond to initial therapeutic interventions and can reduce LVOT gradients. Recent advancements in cardiac myosin modulators, such as Mavacamten and Aficamten, offer targeted therapies by modulating myosin–actin interactions to reduce LVOT gradients and improve symptoms, with promising results from clinical trials. Although gene therapy is still in its nascent stages, it has the potential to address the genetic basis of HCM by employing techniques such as genome editing, gene replacement, and the modulation of signaling pathways. For patients exhibiting severe symptoms or demonstrating unresponsiveness to medical treatment, invasive therapies, such as septal reduction therapy and alcohol septal ablation, are considered. Ultimately, the treatment and prevention of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death are two key points of HCM management in both obstructive and non-obstructive forms. This review aims to provide an overview of current pharmacological and invasive strategies, as well as emerging therapies, in the management of HCM. Full article

Dronedarone (DRO) is an antiarrhythmic drug that should be used under close supervision, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may be one of the tools supporting pharmacotherapy. The aim of our study was to develop an economical HPLC method for determining DRO and its active metabolite debutyldronedarone (DBD) in human plasma. An HPLC isocratic system with a manual injector was applied. The separation was performed on a Supelcosil LC-CN column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at an ambient temperature. The mobile phase was a mixture of CH₃OH:CH₃CN:H₂O:0.5 M KH₂PO₄ (170:85:237.2:7.8 (v/v)) + 0.1 mL 85% H₃PO₄ pumped at a flow rate of 1.8 mL/min. The UV detection was set at λ = 290 nm. A methyl tert-butyl ether was used for the extraction from a 0.4 mL alkalized plasma sample. The analytes were eluted at retention times of 4.0 min, 5.2 min and 6.0 min for DBD, internal standard bepridil and DRO, respectively. The method was calibrated in the range of 10–1000 ng/mL for both DRO and DBD. The adequate specificity, accuracy and precision were demonstrated in accordance with EMA guidelines, i.e., ≤15% (≤20% for the LLOQ), which ensures the reliability of the measurements. This method can be recommended for laboratories with basic HPLC equipment for TDM, adherence assessments and even in PK studies during chronic DRO therapy. Full article

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia associated with stroke, heart failure, and increased mortality. Due to its efficacy and safety, cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is widely accepted for rhythm control; however, long-term AF recurrence remains a challenge. Continuous monitoring with implantable loop recorders (ILRs) enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic episodes, potentially optimizing patient management. This analysis assessed the long-term effectiveness of CBA in maintaining sinus rhythm and investigated the role of ILR-guided monitoring in enhancing therapeutic decisions. Methods: Data from 91 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation at four Italian centers between April 2022 and April 2024 were analyzed. All patients received an insertable loop recorder (ILR) before or during hospitalization for ablation, allowing for the continuous remote monitoring of arrhythmias. Baseline demographics, procedural details, AF occurrence, AF burden (calculated as the total duration of all AF episodes occurring within a day and categorized by episode duration), therapeutic adjustments, and the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on data processing were evaluated. Results: The cohort’s average age was 62.4 years, with 24.2% of participants being female. Physician-confirmed AF recurrence was noted in 26.7% of patients at 12 months and 49.5% at 24 months. The device data indicated a daily AF burden of ≥6 min in 47.2% at 12 months, with 25.9% surpassing 1 h. AI algorithms decreased false-positive alerts by 21%, resulting in an estimated saving of 19 clinician hours. In patients with pre-ablation ILR data, the median AF burden significantly decreased from 7% to 0.2% (p = 0.017). ILR-guided monitoring affected treatment adjustments, leading to the discontinuation of antiarrhythmic therapy in 36 patients and redo ablations in 8. Conclusions: Continuous ILR monitoring, combined with AI-driven analysis, enables the detection of AF recurrences and burden, thereby facilitating timely therapeutic adjustments. Full article

Catheter ablation (CA) was found to outperform antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AAD), and it is a key treatment for rhythm control for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, the procedure’s effectiveness is limited by recurrence rates. Identifying determinants of effective ablation is critical for optimizing patient selection, operative results, and long-term rhythm management strategies. In this state-of-the-art review, we have comprehensively discussed the various factors that can determine the recurrence of AF after a successful CA. Full article

Toxic myocarditis (TM) is rare, and no systematic evidence is available regarding its treatment or prognosis. Hydrocarbons even more rarely cause TM, and they are associated with severe extracardiac toxicity. Moreover, a pathogenic interaction between viral and toxic agents in TM has not been studied. We present the first case of biopsy-proven parvovirus B19 (B19V) viral fulminant myocarditis diagnosed after hydrocarbon exposure, along with a systematic literature review of hydrocarbon-TM cases. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching hydrocarbon-TM cases. Clinical and prognostic data were recorded. After screening of 937 records, 7 were included. All cases were male, with a median age of 24 years (IQR 23–25). Chest pain and dyspnea were the main symptoms, but arrhythmic presentation was also reported; endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed in only one case. Overall, treatment was based on supportive measures, such as antiarrhythmic and/or vasoactive therapy. Our example (male, 47 years old) is the first reported fulminant biopsy-proven case diagnosed after a massive exposure to hydrocarbons, in which EMB molecular analysis unexpectedly revealed B19V with a high viral load. Hemodynamic and arrhythmic instability required percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade and temporary wearable defibrillator use. Left ventricular function spontaneously normalized at 3 months. In conclusion, we report the first fulminant B19V myocarditis case temporally associated with aromatic hydrocarbon exposure due to a coexistence of viral and toxic causes. Our case and the systematic review show that promptly performing EMB can provide a definitive diagnosis and guide treatment, especially in severe cases in which infectious agents may contribute to myocardial damage. Full article

Background and Objective: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial in treating ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) and preventing sudden cardiac death. However, ICD shocks are linked to higher mortality and a lower quality of life. Many patients suffer from recurrent VTs despite concomitant antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy with amiodarone, and it is unclear if changing the AAD while on chronic amiodarone therapy is beneficial. Hence, we investigated the impact of changing the AAD on the incidence of appropriate ICD shocks in patients on chronic amiodarone, impaired LV function, and at least one previous VT ablation. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed 131 ICD patients (LVEF < 40%) from a single-center registry. All were on chronic amiodarone and had undergone VT ablation. The mean age was 66.0 ± 12.8 years; 82.4% were male; and the follow-up period averaged 5.8 ± 0.6 years. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was present in 52.7% of patients. AAD therapy was changed in 49 patients (37.4%), primarily due to inefficacy (40.8%), intolerance (16.3%), or other reasons (42.9%). Of those, 8 received flecainide (≥200 mg) and 41 sotalol (≥240 mg); 82 (62.6%) continued amiodarone. VT re-ablation was performed in 23.7%. During follow-up, 11 patients (8.4%) died and 18 (13.7%) received appropriate ICD shocks—17 with changed AAD vs. 1 with continued amiodarone (p ≤ 0.01). A multivariate regression showed that switching from amiodarone to flecainide or sotalol was significantly associated with increased ICD shock risk (OR 34.9; 95% CI 4.3–283.8; p < 0.01). Conclusions: In patients on chronic amiodarone with severely impaired LV function and at least one previous VT ablation, changing AAD therapy to flecainide or sotalol is associated with an increased incidence of appropriate ICD shocks. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: In recent years, the catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias has significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac deaths and the need for chronic antiarrhythmic therapy. Endocardial ablation of ventricular arrhythmias is less common than atrial ablation and is technically more challenging. There are few documented extracardiac complications for ventricular ablation, and there is no report of diaphragmatic laceration. Case Presentation: We report a case of acute diaphragmatic laceration following endovascular ventricular ablation resulting in the strangulation of the gastric fundus in a patient who experienced previous transcutaneous ventricular ablation two years before. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy, revealing a diaphragmatic laceration with incarceration of the gastric fundus. Resection of the gastric fundus, showing acute ischemic damage, and closure of the diaphragmatic defect near the right ventricle with sutures were required. No complications were observed in the postoperative course. Conclusions: Although diaphragmatic injury is extremely rare, it should be considered among the complications associated with ventricular ablation. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, often involving a strong genetic background. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) combine the cumulative effects of multiple genetic variants to quantify an individual’s susceptibility to CVD. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can further personalize treatment by tailoring medication choices to an individual’s genetic profile. Even with these potential benefits, the extent to which PRS can be integrated into the PGx of CVD remains unclear. Our review provides an overview of current evidence on the application of PRS in the PGx of CVD, examining clinical utility and limitations and providing directions for future research. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews protocol, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science. Studies investigating the relationship between PRS in predicting the efficacy, adverse effects, or cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular medications were selected. Of the 1894 articles identified, 32 met the inclusion criteria. These studies predominantly examined lipid-lowering therapies, antihypertensives, and antiplatelets, although other medication classes (e.g., rate-control drugs, ibuprofen/acetaminophen, diuretics, and antiarrhythmics) were also included. Our findings showed that PRS is most robustly validated in lipid-lowering therapies, especially statins, where studies reported that individuals with higher PRSs derived the greatest reduction in lipids while on statins. Studies analyzing antihypertensives, antiplatelets, and antiarrhythmic medications demonstrated more variable outcomes, though certain PRSs did identify subgroups with significantly improved response rates or a higher risk of adverse events. Though PRS was a strong tool in many cases, we found some key limitations in its applicability in research, such as the under-representation of non-European-ancestry cohorts in the examined studies and a lack of standardized outcome reporting. In conclusion, though PRS offers promise in improving the efficacy of PGx of CVD by enhancing the personalization of medication on an individual level, several obstacles, such as the need for including a broader ancestral diversity and more robust cost-effectiveness data remain. Future research must (i) prioritize validating PRS in ethnically diverse populations, (ii) refine PRS derivation methods to tailor them for drug response phenotypes, and (iii) establish clear and attainable guidelines for standardizing the reporting of outcomes. Full article

Although most research has concentrated on the link between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also associated with ventricular arrhythmias. These cardiac arrhythmias can be triggered by repeated episodes of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, acidosis, intrathoracic pressure fluctuations, reoxygenation, and other mechanisms that occur during apnea and hypopnea. Studies show that OSA reduces the effectiveness of arrhythmia treatments, such as antiarrhythmic medications and radiofrequency current ablation. Several non-randomized studies indicate that treating sleep apnea syndrome with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help maintain sinus rhythm following electrical cardioversion and increase the success rates of catheter ablation. This review aims to thoroughly examine the role of OSA in the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Screening for OSA and arrhythmias in patients with OSA provides vital information on the need for additional interventions, such as CPAP therapy, anticoagulation, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, catheter ablation for specific arrhythmias, or device therapy. New therapies for OSA treatment have the potential to significantly influence arrhythmia development in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. However, further research is required to validate these findings and formulate comprehensive treatment protocols. Full article

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia with a significant impact on quality of life in terms of symptoms and reduction of functional status. Also, it is associated with an increased risk of mortality, stroke, and peripheral embolism. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has become a well-established treatment, improving arrhythmia outcomes without increasing the risk of serious adverse events compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The field has undergone significant advancements in recent years, yet pulmonary vein isolation continues to be the cornerstone of any atrial fibrillation ablation procedure. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current techniques, emerging technologies, and future directions. Full article

Multifocal ectopic Purkinje-related premature contractions (MEPPC) syndrome is a recently recognized rare form of arrhythmia involving the entire His–Purkinje system and often coinciding with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Certain variants in the SCN5A gene may be linked to MEPPC syndrome. We present a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian female who exhibited a high burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and non-sustained episodes of ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) with an alternating QRS pattern, and who was resistant to traditional medical therapy and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), necessitating implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A positive family history (father’s death at the age of 40 years) and the rapid deterioration of left ventricular function parameters echocardiographically during recurrent arrhythmic episodes raised concern about a potentially complex disease scenario. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous variant of the SCN5A gene, c.2440C>T, p.(Arg814Trp), confirming the diagnosis of MEPPC syndrome. Treatment with a combination of class I antiarrhythmic drugs, flecainide and mexiletine, concomitant with beta blockers, led to symptomatic improvement, a reduction of PVCs (from 66 491 (44%) to 858 (1%)), and the restoration of left ventricular function (LV EF from 44% to 53%). A lack of defined diagnostic criteria hampers timely diagnosis, leading to ineffective interventions and delayed initiation of treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs. MEPPC patients remain at significant risk for severe heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Our clinical case report underscores the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis, which allows effective treatment with a combination of antiarrhythmic drugs and mitigates the risk associated with MEPPC syndrome. Full article

Background and objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia, poses a significant public health challenge due to its links with stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Hypertension, a primary modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, is a well-established risk factor for AF that facilitates structural and electrical changes in the atria, including dilation, fibrosis, and pressure overload. Material and Methods: we conducted a literature search regarding the shared mechanisms, risks and treatments of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Results: The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays a pivotal role in this remodelling and inflammation, increasing AF susceptibility. Uncontrolled hypertension complicates AF management, diminishing the effectiveness of mainstay treatments, including antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and cardioversion. Effective blood pressure management, particularly with therapies targeting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), can lower the risk of new-onset AF and reduce the incidence of recurrent AF, enhancing the success of rhythm control strategies. These antihypertensive therapies mitigate myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis and attenuate both atrial pressure strain and the inflammatory response, mitigating the substrates for AF. Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies that combine BP control, AF screening, and lifestyle modifications to minimise the burden of AF and its complications. Future research should investigate the specific mechanisms of cellular-level interactions associated with a hypertensive predisposition to AF, including systematic inflammation and the role of genetics, the impact of blood pressure variations on AF risk, and individualised treatment strategies specifically targeting the shared mechanisms, simultaneously propagating hypertension and AF. Full article