Ventricular tachycardia from intracardiac hematoma in the setting of blunt thoracic trauma.

In the victims of motor vehicle accidents, unrecognized myocardial injuries may pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Herein, we present a case of a 17-year-old man who developed multiple ventricular premature complexes and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in the setting of blunt chest trauma from a motor vehicle accident. We discuss significance of the electrocardiographic abnormalities in making an accurate diagnosis of cardiac hematoma and its management.

Outcome of pulmonary vein isolation ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: predictive role of left atrial mechanical dyssynchrony by speckle tracking echocardiography.

Introduction: Although few clinical variables have been associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) the role of left atrial (LA) mechanical function in the outcome of catheter ablation of AF is not adequately defined. The aim of our study was to determine whether LA mechanical dyssynchrony as evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography can predict outcome of PVI ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods: Twenty-five patients (age 58 ± 11 years, [mean ± standard deviation], 17 males) with paroxysmal AF who met specific enrollment criteria pertaining to clinical presentation and follow-up, assessment of LA mechanical dyssynchrony, and strategy of catheter ablation procedure were enrolled.

Speech-induced atrial tachycardia: an unusual presentation of supraventricular tachycardia.

A 63-year-old male radio announcer was admitted with a narrow complex, long RP tachycardia. While in the awake state, the patient spoke in his radio voice, initiating and maintaining the tachycardia. Three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping during electrophysiology study localized the tachycardia to the ostium of the right superior pulmonary vein.

Ventricular arrhythmias and acute left ventricular dysfunction as a primary and life-threatening manifestation of a mitochondrial crisis: A novel management strategy.

Mitochondrial disorders are genetic diseases that result in a deficiency of energy metabolism (ATP production). A "mitochondrial crisis" can occur in the setting of infection, dehydration, or physiologic stress. The hallmark of a mitochondrial crisis is failure of multiple individual organ systems.