Usefulness of Genetic Study by Next-generation Sequencing in High-risk Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Introduction And Objectives: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of predominantly right ventricular myocardium. This cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of pathological or likely pathological desmosomal mutations in patients with high-risk definite ARVC.

Comparison of the new risk prediction model (HCM Risk-SCD) and classic risk factors for sudden death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and defibrillator.

Aims: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of sudden death in young people. Recent clinical practice guidelines include a risk prediction model for sudden death (HCM Risk-SCD), which facilitates the decision of whether to implant a defibrillator. The aim of our study was to ascertain the percentage of events in our series of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and whether HCM Risk-SCD predicts the onset of arrhythmic events.

Factors predicting and having an impact on the need for a permanent pacemaker after CoreValve prosthesis implantation using the new Accutrak delivery catheter system.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for a permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) using the new Accutrak delivery system (Medtronic, Inc.).

Changes in atrioventricular conduction and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve®. Aortic valve prosthesis.

Introduction And Objectives: Although changes in atrioventricular conduction frequently occur after percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis, little is known about the mechanisms involved or how these changes progress. We investigated ECG abnormalities and predictors of pacemaker need after percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve® aortic valve prosthesis.

Methods: Between April 2008 and October 2009, 65 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis received a CoreValve® prosthesis.

Persistence of secondary mitral regurgitation and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Aims: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves survival and quality of life in advanced heart failure (HF). Although mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction has been reported, its presence has been associated with non-response to CRT. This study was undertaken to assess the potential role of significant mitral regurgitation (SMR) persistence after CRT on clinical outcome, major arrhythmic events, and echocardiographic response in the mid-long term.

Combined resynchronization therapy and automatic defibrillator in advanced non-ischaemic heart failure: the importance of QRS width.

Aims: The combined use of an automatic defibrillator in resynchronization therapy for primary prevention in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is controversial.

Methods And Results: We assessed a series of 46 patients (61 +/- 10 years, 64% male) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator in primary prevention and the potential relationship between baseline characteristics and the onset of ventricular arrhythmic events. Of the 46 patients included, eight (17%) presented episodes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation during follow-up (19 +/- 12 months).

[Benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation].

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left ventricular function and reverse remodeling in patients in sinus rhythm with the effects in patients with atrial fibrillation who have not undergone atrioventricular node ablation. Echocardiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy in 55 patients: 15 had atrial fibrillation and 40 were in sinus rhythm. Device programming was similar in the 2 groups, as were the reductions in QRS interval and echocardiographic measures of asynchrony observed after implantation.

Repercussion of functional mitral regurgitation on reverse remodelling in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Aims: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces the degree of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). However, FMR has also been associated with a lack of clinical response to CRT. We undertook this study to determine whether the presence of FMR influences the reverse remodelling induced by CRT.

[Long-term prognosis value of anemia in a non-selected population with heart failure].

Background And Objective: Prevalence of anemia in heart failure is variable. Many studies have established a relation between anemia and prognosis in selected patients with heart failure. We have poor information anout the long-term prognosis in non- selected populations.

[Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction induced by exercise].

Introduction And Objectives: Dynamic left intraventricular outflow tract obstruction occurs occasionally in patients without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that dynamic intraventricular obstruction might occur during effort in patients with angina or dyspnea without evident disease. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate: a) whether it appears with effort; b) its incidence, magnitude and determining factors, and c) its clinical course.