Pseudo 2:1 AV Block From Acquired Long QT Syndrome From Eating Clay.

Age-related degeneration of the cardiac conduction system is an important cause of heart block and a leading indication for permanent pacemaker implantations. However, variations in the myocardial refractory periods from QT interval prolongation or concealed atrioventricular node penetration from premature ventricular complexes can lead to unusual forms of conduction block not requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. ().

Diagnoses, management patterns, and outcomes of cardiac sarcoidosis in South Africa.

Background: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multiorgan disease characterized by tissue infiltration by noncaseating granulomas. Clinical cardiac involvement is reported in approximately 5% of patients. However, the frequency of cardiac involvement is found to be higher on autopsy and in advanced imaging studies such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Feasibility and safety of interventional electrophysiology and catheter ablation in the South African public sector: Challenges and opportunities for comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology in South Africa.

Aims: The spectrum and outcomes of catheter ablation procedures performed in South Africa are unknown, and therefore, the feasibility of interventional electrophysiology in the South African public sector is undetermined.

Methods And Results: This study was a retrospective review of all patients that underwent invasive electrophysiology procedures and catheter ablation at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and the University of Cape Town Private Academic Hospital (UCTPAH) between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2020.One thousand one hundred eighty-six invasive electrophysiology procedures were performed during the study period.

Clinical profile and outcomes of young patients treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators at a South African tertiary hospital: a review of two decades of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and follow up.

Aim: In young patients without atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, the aetiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been described in Europe and North America. However, there are important regional variations and there are limited data on the aetiology and outcome of SCD in South Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the profile and outcomes of young patients treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) at a South African tertiary hospital.

Two decades of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and follow-up at a South African referral centre: trends, indications and long-term outcomes in a resource-limited setting.

Background: More than two-thirds of cardiovascular deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) from ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of cardiovascular deaths. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are an important therapeutic strategy for detecting and terminating ventricular arrhythmias in patients at risk of SCD.

Causes of Heart Block in Young and Middle-Aged South Africans.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding the aetiology of atrioventricular heart block (AVB) in young and middle-aged patients, particularly from low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To determine the aetiology of AVB in patients ≤ 55 years treated with transvenous pacemakers in a low- or middle-income country.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who received a transvenous pacemaker for newly diagnosed AVB from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2020 at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

The spectrum, prevalence and in-hospital outcomes of cardiovascular diseases in a South African district hospital: a retrospective study.

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in South African rural communities is well reported. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) leading to hospital admission and related in-hospital mortality in rural and semi-rural hospitals is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of hospital records for patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine at Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elisabeth, South Africa between 1 April and 31 October 2016.

Experience of cardiac implantable electronic device lead removal from a South African tertiary referral centre.

Background: The rate of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation in low- and middle-income countries is increasing. Patients recieving these devices are frequently older and with multiple co-morbidities, which may later lead to complications requiring CIED removal. CIED removals are associated with life-threatening complications.

Intracranial pressure management in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-constrained setting.

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CCM) is the leading cause of meningitis in people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The mortality and morbidity associated with CCM remain high. Combination of antifungal therapy, diligent management of intracranial pressure (IP) and the correct timing of the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) minimise the risk of mortality and morbidity.

Cardiac arrhythmias in low- and middle-income countries.

Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are undergoing an epidemiological transition. With an improvement in socioeconomic conditions and an aging population, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), like cardiac arrhythmias, are expected to increase in these countries. However, there are limited studies on the epidemiology and management of cardiac arrhythmias in LMICs.