Brugada Phenocopy due to Hyponatremia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Brugada phenocopy (BrP) is the electrocardiographic appearance of a Brugada pattern due to various reversible causes that is completely resolved after the correction of the underlying abnormalities. In this short communication, we describe a 56-year-old man who had a transient BrP induced by hyponatremia due to thiazide diuretic therapy. A detailed review of the literature revealed that hyponatremia represents an uncommon cause of BrP while, in many of the published cases, concomitant electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia were present.

The impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation in the setting of acute coronary syndrome.

Approximately 10 % of patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Coronary artery disease implicating atrial branches has been associated with AF. The following variables have been associated with new-onset AF in the setting of acute coronary syndrome: older age, history of hypertension, history of angina, history of stroke, chronic renal failure, body mass index, no statin use, worse nutritional status, worse Killip class, admission heart rate ≥ 85 bpm, complete atrioventricular block, Glasgow prognostic score, Syntax score, CHEST score > 3, PRECISE-DAPT score ≥ 25, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40 %, increased left atrial diameter, E/E' ratio > 12, epicardial fat tissue thickness, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow < 3.

A novel focal lattice-tip catheter toggling between pulsed field energy and radiofrequency for atrial arrhythmia ablation: Results from a real-world, multicenter registry.

Background: A novel focal lattice-tip catheter allowing the delivery of either pulsed field (PF) or radiofrequency (RF) energy has recently received regulatory approval. The technology features a proprietary 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system.

Objective: We describe the first real-world and multicenter experience.

Investigating the role of electroanatomical mapping in single-shot pulsed field catheter ablation.

Introduction: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a form of nonthermal energy that has been recently introduced for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). A multi-electrode pentaspline catheter for delivery of PFA guided by fluoroscopy has become widely available for clinical use.

Methods And Results: In this study, we aimed to assess whether the addition of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) for confirmation of PVI in the acute phase can increase the efficacy of the procedure in terms of arrhythmia recurrences.

Vascular complications in TAVI procedures: assessment, management, and outcomes-a retrospective study.

Objective: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic modality for aortic stenosis, predominantly in the elderly population. Despite its clinical success, the incidence and implications of vascular complications during TAVI remain a subject of critical concern.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 140 patients who experienced vascular complications during TAVI procedures from a total cohort of 1343 cases.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure based on Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block.

Aims: The left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a strong predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, a significant number of patients do not respond to the treatment. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the stricter Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block (St-LBBB) on CRT response, hospitalizations, ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events and mortality.

Successful management of pulmonary hemorrhage from lung carcinoid, in a patient on VenoArterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Introduction: A young man was referred to our Center for refractory cardiogenic shock, accompanied with uncontrolled atrial flutter of unknown duration. The patient was supported with VenoArterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO) and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) as a bridge to decision.

Case Report: His course was complicated by pulmonary hemorrhage due to an unknown endobronchial mass.

The Combination of Hyperuricemia and Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Increased the Risk of Cardiac Conduction Block.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of a combination of hyperuricemia (HUA) and excessive high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on the likelihood of developing cardiac conduction block (CCB). Additionally, it sought to assess whether the influence of uric acid (UA) on CCB is mediated by hs-CRP.

Methods: A prospective study was executed utilizing data from the Kailuan cohort, including 81,896 individuals initially free from CCB.

Association of beat-to-beat P-wave analysis index to the extent of left atrial low-voltage areas in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: Left atrial (LA) fibrosis has been shown to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. Beat-to-beat (B2B) index is a non-invasive classifier, based on B2B P-wave morphological and wavelet analysis, shown to be associated with AF incidence and recurrence. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the B2B index is associated with the extent of LA low-voltage areas (LVAs) on electroanatomical mapping.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the latest 4th-generation cryoballoon catheters in pulmonary vein isolation using high-resolution mapping.

Background: Long-term data showed that up to 27% of pulmonary veins are reconnected using cryoballoon ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the latest 4th-generation cryoballoon catheters using ultra high-resolution mapping.

Methods: In patients with atrial fibrillation, a standard pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with the latest 4th-generation cryoballoon catheter (Arctic Front Advance PRO, Medtronic Minneapolis, USA) and the spiral mapping catheter (Achieve Advance, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) was performed.

Efficacy and safety of colchicine for atrial fibrillation prevention: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, is closely related to inflammation. Colchicine has the potent anti-inflammatory effects. Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have evaluated the efficacy and safety of colchicine in the prevention of AF but the results are inconsistent.

Atrial fibrillation in the setting of cardiac amyloidosis - A review of the literature.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is related to the aggregation of insoluble fibrous deposits of misfolded proteins within the myocardium. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis are the main forms of CA. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in CA patients, especially in those with ATTR amyloidosis.

Cryoablation versus hybrid radiofrequency with high- and very-high-power short-duration catheter ablation for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: High-power short-duration (HPSD) and very-high-power short-duration (vHPSD-90 W/4 s) radiofrequency (RF) technology has reduced the procedure time of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using RF without compromising the efficacy of the technique. The current study compares the novel technology of HPSD/vHPSD with cryoablation (CRYO) in terms of efficacy, safety, and procedure time in a cohort of symptomatic patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF).

Methods: This is a prospective, non-randomized trial.

Cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure - A review of the literature.

Experimental in vivo and in vitro studies showed that electric currents applied during the absolute refractory period can modulate cardiac contractility. In preclinical studies, cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) was found to improve calcium handling, reverse the foetal myocyte gene programming associated with heart failure (HF), and facilitate reverse remodeling. Randomized control trials and observational studies have provided evidence about the safety and efficacy of CCM in patients with HF.

An inappropriately-appropriate ICD therapy: What is the mechanism and what interventions can be done?

Key Clinical Message: R-wave double counting is a rare cause of ventricular oversensing that can lead to inappropriate shocks. Optimizing device programming is essential for the avoidance of subsequent inappropriate therapies.

Abstract: R-wave double counting is a rare cause of ventricular oversensing that can lead to inappropriate shocks.

Association of Late Potentials With Fatal Arrhythmic Events in Patients With Brugada Syndrome-A Meta-analysis.

Risk stratification of patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) remains challenging. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) is a noninvasive tool that can be used to identify the electrophysiologic substrate potentially underlying fatal ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize the existing evidence about the role of late potentials (LP) as a predictor for arrhythmic events in patients with BrS.

Cardioneuroablation for neurally-mediated syncope: Initial experience.

Cardioneuroablation is an emerging alternative therapeutic modality for young patients with severe neurally-mediated syncope. We present two images of cardioneuroablation performed in young patients who suffered from recurrent neurally-mediated syncope with asystole and functional atrioventricular block. The patients remain syncope-free during follow-ups.