Prolonged QTc interval and torsades de pointes induced by citalopram.

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with a favorable cardiac-safety profile. Corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias have not been previously reported in association with citalopram use except in the presence of overdose, abnormal electrolyte values, or renal or liver failure. Herein, we report the case of a 40-year-old woman with mental depression who presented with a prolonged QTc interval and torsades de pointes after the initiation of citalopram at therapeutic doses.

Mycobacterium phlei, a previously unreported cause of pacemaker infection: thinking outside the box in cardiac device infections.

The increased use of cardiac rhythm management devices has led to an increase in cardiac device-related infections (CDI). Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis account for the vast majority of CDI. CDI due to rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria is very rare, with only about ten cases having been reported.

Atrial flutter ablation in inducible patients during pulmonary vein atrum isolation: a randomized comparison.

Background: The incidence of atrial flutter (AFL) post pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is reported to be between 8% and 20%. The need for right or left AFL ablation during the initial PVAI procedure remains controversial. We prospectively compared mapping and ablation versus no ablative treatment of inducible AFL during PVAI.

New magnetic resonance imaging-based method for defining the extent of left atrial wall injury after the ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: We describe a noninvasive method of detecting and quantifying left atrial (LA) wall injury after pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Using a 3-dimensional (3D) delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence and novel processing methods, LA wall scarring is visualized at high resolution after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Background: Radiofrequency ablation to achieve PVAI is a promising approach to curing AF.