Electrophysiological Phenotype-Genotype Study of Sustained Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Inherited, High Arrhythmic Risk, Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Among inherited cardiomyopathies involving the left ventricle, whether dilated or not, certain genotypes carry a well-established arrhythmic risk, notably manifested as sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT). Nonetheless, the precise localization and electrophysiological profile of this substrate remain undisclosed across different genotypes.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and left ventricle involvement due to high-risk genetic variants and SMVT treated by electrophysiological study were recruited from 18 European/US centers.

The VR leadless pacemaker: Results of an expert panel using the RAND/UCLA method.

Background: Leadless pacemakers were developed to reduce complications associated with transvenous pacemaker implantation and long-term follow-up. Existing international guidelines lack detailed instructions on patients suitable for leadless pacemaker implantation. Our aim was to develop a consensus document that provides medical guidance for all health professionals involved in the indication and implantation of Transcatheter Pacing System single-chamber device (VR leadless) pacemakers for patients with atrial fibrillation or in sinus rhythm.

Antithrombotic therapy and clinical outcomes at 1 year in the Spanish cohort of the EORP-AF Long-term General Registry.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of thromboembolism. We investigate the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and explored the number needed to treat for net effect (NNTnet) of OAC in the Spanish cohort of the EURObservational Research Programme-AF (EORP-AF) Long-term General Registry.

Methods: The EORP-AF General Registry is a prospective, multicentre registry conducted in ESC countries, including consecutive AF patients.

Heterozygous Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy- Mutation Carriers Exhibit a Subclinical Cutaneous Phenotype with Cell Membrane Disruption and Lack of Intercellular Adhesion.

Genetic variants that result in truncation in () are a known cause of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC). In homozygous carriers, the combined involvement of skin and heart muscle is well defined, however, this is not the case in heterozygous carriers. The aim of this work is to describe cutaneous findings and analyze the molecular and ultrastructural cutaneous changes in this group of patients.

Results of catheter ablation with zero or near zero fluoroscopy in pediatric patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Introduction And Objectives: Ionizing radiation exposure in catheter ablation procedures carries health risks, especially in pediatric patients. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation guided by a nonfluoroscopic intracardiac navigation system (NFINS) with those of an exclusively fluoroscopy-guided approach in pediatric patients.

Methods: We analyzed catheter ablation results in pediatric patients with high-risk accessory pathways or supraventricular tachycardia referred to our center during a 6-year period.

Electroanatomic Mapping and Intracardiac Echocardiography-Guided Approach for Left-Bundle Branch Area Pacing With Zero Fluoroscopy.

An 81-year-old man with second-degree atrioventricular block was admitted to our centre for pacemaker implantation. Electroanatomic mapping and intracardiac echocardiography-guided left-bundle branch area pacing was performed, entirely without fluoroscopy. It is the first report to describe intracardiac echocardiography for guiding sheath movements into the heart.

Utility and feasibility of the CartoUnivu™ system for atrial flutter ablation in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves.

Ablation of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves represents a challenge for electrophysiologists, because of the complexity of the procedure and the potential complications. Moreover, the need for fluoroscopy in this type of procedure is greater, due to the risk of interference between the prosthetic valve and the ablation or mapping catheter. We present two cases of patients with mechanical prosthetic valves and atrial flutter who underwent successful ablation with no complications using the CartoUnivu™ tool, which integrates the electroanatomical map and the fluoroscopy image.

Prognostic impact of misdiagnosis of cardiac channelopathies as epilepsy.

Introduction: Cardiac channelopathies are a frequent cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and often manifest with convulsive syncope, leading to a misdiagnosis of epilepsy. We aim to evaluate the clinical impact of epilepsy misdiagnosis in a cohort of patients with cardiac channelopathies.

Methods: Fifty probands/families with a cardiac channelopathy were included.

The Gut Microbiota and Its Implication in the Development of Atherosclerosis and Related Cardiovascular Diseases.

The importance of gut microbiota in health and disease is being highlighted by numerous research groups worldwide. Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, is responsible for about 50% of all cardiovascular deaths. Recently, gut dysbiosis has been identified as a remarkable factor to be considered in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Effect of pulmonary vein catheter ablation on kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation. A prospective cohort study.

Introduction And Objectives: Several studies have linked the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Our objective was to compare changes in eGFR in patients with AF after pulmonary vein (PV) ablation depending on the success of the technique, as well as to examine the relationship between eGFR and several biomarkers.

Methods: Prospective cohort of patients with AF referred to our center for PV ablation with a 1-year follow-up.

Functional characterization of a novel frameshift mutation in the C-terminus of the Nav1.5 channel underlying a Brugada syndrome with variable expression in a Spanish family.

Introduction: We functionally analyzed a frameshift mutation in the SCN5A gene encoding cardiac Na(+) channels (Nav1.5) found in a proband with repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation who presented bradycardia and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Seven relatives also carry the mutation and showed a Brugada syndrome with an incomplete and variable expression.

Genetic testing of patients with long QT syndrome.

Congenital long QT syndrome is mainly caused by mutations in the KCNQ1, KCNH2 and SCN5A genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mutations in these three genes in patients with long QT syndrome or idiopathic ventricular fibrillation seen at our center. The study included nine patients with long QT syndrome and four with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.

[Arrhythmias and cardiac electrophysiology].

This article contains a review of some of the most significant advances in cardiac arrhythmias that have taken place in the last year, particularly those concerning the most common clinical conditions associated with the risk of arrhythmia, such as sudden cardiac death, atrial fibrillation and syncope, and genetically determined and hereditary heart disease, as well as advances concerning the principal nonpharmacologic treatments, such as catheter ablation, and the use of implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy.