Publications by authors named "Biernacka E"
Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risk stratification in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) may be complicated by other potential causes of arrhythmia.
Objective: We aimed to characterize SCA survivors with isolated MVP (iMVP) and non-isolated MVP (non-iMVP) and to assess their long-term follow-up.
Methods: This ambispective study included 75 patients with MVP who experienced SCA and were treated in our center between 2009 and 2024.
Article Synopsis
- * AAs were the first symptom of IAS in 52% of patients, and nearly a quarter had multiple AAs documented.
- * The study found a moderate incidence of severe outcomes, including a yearly primary endpoint rate of 1.4%, with younger patients experiencing higher risks and other complications affecting some patients as well.
Post-infarction heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients often face persistent risks of sudden cardiac arrest leading to sudden cardiac death. While implanting a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can enhance prognosis, complications and costs limit its widespread use. Current patient qualification criteria, relying on imperfect parameters, require refinement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiomyopathies (CMs) are a very broad group of diseases, including genetically determined and acquired, and their classification is based on phenotypic characteristics. There is always a need to search for the etiology (often also to try to identify the genetic cause), which may determine the appropriate choice of clinical management. The geographical distribution of genetic variants varies as does the prevalence across populations, ethnic groups, regions, and countries.
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- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic condition leading to heart muscle deterioration, mainly in the right ventricle, which can cause serious heart problems and arrhythmias, making diagnosis complex due to varying symptoms.
- The study aimed to investigate the connection between the epsilon wave (EW) seen on ECG and late ventricular potentials (LPs) in ARVC patients, and how these relate to right ventricular (RV) changes.
- The findings revealed that EW was significantly more frequent in ARVC patients with positive LPs, indicating a strong link between the presence of these signals and physical changes in the heart, with specific measurements of RV size and function further correlating with LPs presence.
Article Synopsis
- Genetic testing (GT) is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases, as it helps predict outcomes, guide therapy, and prevent sudden cardiac death.
- The position statement highlights the lack of GT availability in Poland, discussing its relevance for patients and their families, and proposing specific recommendations for improving access and practices.
- The article emphasizes the need for legal reforms and better integration of cardiologists and clinical geneticists in GT processes to ensure patient rights and effective counseling.
Article Synopsis
- Genetic testing (GT) is vital in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases, helping predict outcomes and preventing sudden cardiac death.
- The document highlights the current lack of GT availability in Poland and aims to improve access and practice, while also addressing the genetic basis of various cardiovascular conditions.
- Recommendations are provided for GT implementation, taking into account patient rights, legal regulations, and the roles of cardiologists and geneticists in care and counseling.
Background: In a population under 45 years of age, the predominant causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are inherited cardiac diseases. Determining the underlying cause may help identify relatives at risk and prevent further events but is more difficult if an autopsy has not been performed.
Aims: We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of clinical and genetic screening in relatives of young non-autopsied sudden unexplained death (SUD) victims.
Background And Aims: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are critical for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study aims to identify cross-continental differences in utilization of primary prevention ICDs and survival free from sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in ARVC.
Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of ARVC patients without prior VA enrolled in clinical registries from 11 countries throughout Europe and North America.
Introduction: With advancing age, adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD).
Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of CAD, its risk factors, and use of guideline‑directed pharmacotherapy among older patients with ACHD. Patients and methods: We studied all ACHD patients aged 60 years or older hospitalized in our department between the years 2013 and 2020.
Background And Aims: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is indicated to treat right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Outcomes of TPVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve that are insufficiently documented were investigated in the EUROPULMS3 registry of SAPIEN 3-TPVI.
Methods: Patient-related, procedural, and follow-up outcome data were retrospectively assessed in this observational cohort from 35 centres in 15 countries.
Exercise-Induced Arrhythmia or Munchausen Syndrome in a Marathon Runner?
Diagnostics (Basel)
September 2023
Article Synopsis
- * Although initial tests like electrocardiograms and echo showed borderline results, doctors suspected Munchausen syndrome when standard tests did not elicit arrhythmia.
- * An exercise test replicating race conditions eventually triggered the tachyarrhythmia, highlighting the challenges in diagnosing exercise-induced arrhythmia and the value of sports heart rate monitors.
Introduction: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a progressive disease leading to ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. Determining optimal time for heart transplantation (HTx) is challenging; therefore, it is necessary to identify risk factors for disease progression.
Objectives: The study aimed to identify predictors of end‑stage heart failure and to evaluate the role of biomarkers in predicting adverse outcomes in ARVC.
Background: Transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement (TPVR) has become the standard therapy for postoperative pulmonary outflow tract dysfunction in patients with a prosthetic conduit/valve, but there is limited information about risk factors for death or reintervention after this procedure.
Objectives: This study sought to evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes after TPVR in a large multicenter cohort.
Methods: International registry focused on time-related outcomes after TPVR.
Background: It is unclear whether patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) should be considered as an increased risk population with poor outcomes when suffering from COVID-19.
Aims: This study aimed to collect clinical outcome data and to identify risk factors of a complicated course of COVID-19 among ACHD patients.
Methods: Among all outpatients who came to medical attention via telemedicine or direct physician contact at our institution between September 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we included all with a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Background: Endocarditis has emerged as one of the most impactful adverse events after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), but there is limited information about risk factors for and outcomes of this complication.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for and outcomes of endocarditis in a large multicenter cohort.
Methods: The authors established an international registry focused on characterizing endocarditis after TPVR, including the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is mainly caused by mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Variants in plakophilin-2 gene (PKP2) are the most common cause of the disease, associated with conventional ARVC phenotype. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of PKP2 variants and examine genotype-phenotype correlation in Polish ARVC cohort.
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