Oral anticoagulation, stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and valve bioprosthesis. The Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project.

Vitamin K antagonists are currently recommended in patients with 'valvular' atrial fibrillation (AF), e. g. those having mitral stenosis or artificial heart valves.

Electrocardiographic correlates of mechanical dyssynchrony in recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices.

Background: The relationship between electrical and mechanical indices of cardiac dyssynchronization in systolic heart failure (HF) remains poorly understood.

Objectives: We examined retrospectively this relationship by using the daily practice tools in cardiology in recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) systems.

Methods: We studied 119 consecutive patients in sinus rhythm and QRS ≥ 120 ms (mean: 160 ± 17 ms) undergoing CRT device implantation.

Prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with 'non-valvular atrial fibrillation' and valvular heart disease: the Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project.

Aims: The CHA2DS2VASc score is a clinical risk stratification tool which estimates the risk of stroke and thromboembolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to establish the value of this score for risk evaluation in patients with non-valvular AF and valvular heart disease.

Methods And Results: Among 8053 patients with non-valvular AF (ESC guidelines definition), patients were categorized into Group 1 (no valve disease, n = 6851; 85%) and Group 2 (valve disease with neither rheumatic mitral stenosis nor valve prothesis, n = 1202; 15%).

Outcomes after ablation for typical atrial flutter (from the Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project).

Similar predisposing factors are found in most types of atrial arrhythmias. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with atrial flutter is high, suggesting similar outcomes in patients with those arrhythmias. We sought to investigate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with AF and/or atrial flutter with contemporary management using radiofrequency ablation.

Predictive factors of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty.

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) severely impacts patient morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty, whose renal function is often unknown at the time of contrast exposure.

Aim: We sought the incidence and factors predictive of CIN in patients treated by primary coronary angioplasty in our hospital; we also questioned the relevance of Mehran's risk score in this population.

Methods: We considered all patients admitted for primary coronary angioplasty between January 2010 and December 2011, and included 322 patients with complete data on renal function.

Combined score using clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters to predict left ventricular remodeling in patients having had cardiac resynchronization therapy six months earlier.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a scoring system integrating clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic measurements can predict left ventricular reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The derivation cohort consisted of 162 patients with heart failure implanted with a CRT device. Baseline clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics were entered into univariate and multivariate models to predict reverse remodeling as defined by a ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months (60%).

Prognosis in patients hospitalized with permanent and nonpermanent atrial fibrillation in heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist and are associated with an increased mortality. This study evaluated the prognosis of permanent and nonpermanent AF in patients with both AF and HF. All AF patients seen in our institution were identified and followed up.