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J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2019 Mar 9. Epub 2019 Mar 9.

Cardiology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.

Background: Despite the important role of cardiac pacing in preventing syncope and sudden cardiac death in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), we lack clear guidelines as to the ideal timing and indications for permanent pacemaker implantation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ideal timing for pacemaker implantation in FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation.

Methods: Retrospective study of 258 FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation between 1992 and 2012. Read More

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2019 01;10(1):50-57

1 Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Medical Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Background: Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a common arrhythmia causing hemodynamic impairment following corrective cardiac surgery such as tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair.

Methods: We report our experience with postoperative JET following surgical repair of TOF. The retrospective study was done from 2003 to 2012 with a total of 105 patients who underwent TOF repair. Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Emergency Medicine Department, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.

Lev's Syndrome is a rare, progressive cardiac conduction defect (PCCD) due to myocardial fibrosis first described by Maurice Lev in 1964. This condition, proposed to start in the fourth decade of life, involves a sclerotic fibro-fatty degeneration of the Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers, which Lev proposed caused increasing AV delay with age. With the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) use in the emergency department (ED) for cardiac- and non-cardiac complaints, dysrhythmias can be incidentally found and confuse diagnosis and disposition. Read More

J Inherit Metab Dis 2019 Mar 22;42(2):276-285. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III; Sanfilippo disease) is primarily characterized by neurocognitive decline with limited somatic disease. Only few reports addressed cardiac disease (CD) in MPS III. We investigated the prevalence of CD in a relatively large cohort of patients. Read More

Health Sci Rep 2018 Jun 9;1(6):e39. Epub 2018 May 9.

Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC USA.

Background: The optimal way of pacing in patients with an indication for pacing and concomitant first-degree atrioventricular (AV)-block is not known, and consequently, firm guidelines on this topic are lacking. This study explored the current pacemaker programming pattern in patients with first-degree AV-block who have a dual chamber pacemaker without cardiac resynchronization.

Methods: The study was a retrospective chart review conducted at Duke University Hospital. Read More

Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2018 Dec 26. Epub 2018 Dec 26.

Henri Mondor hospital, 94101 Créteil, France.

Background: Long PR intervals may increase cardiovascular complications, including atrial fibrillation. In pacemakers, the SafeR™ mode monitors PR intervals, switching from AAI to DDD when criteria for atrioventricular block are met.

Aims: The PRECISE study evaluated the incidence and predictors of long PR intervals and their association with incident atrial fibrillation after 1 year in patients implanted for sinus node dysfunction and free from significant conduction disorders at baseline. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(52):e13807

Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China.

Rationale: Cisplatin monotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is rare, and the prevalence remains unknown. It's extremely important to stop cisplatin when cardiotoxicity is considered.

Patient Concerns: A 53-year-old woman developed cervical cancer. Read More

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2018 Nov;11(11):e006234

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan (Y.K., K. Fukuda, M.N., Y.H., K. Fukasawa, T.C., K.M., S.T., H.S.).

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of mechanoelectrical interaction in patients with surgically corrected tetralogy of Fallot. However, the significance of atrioventricular conduction disturbance, that is PR interval prolongation, on adverse cardiac events in those patients remains to be elucidated.

Methods: We examined electrocardiograms at baseline and their temporal change in a total of 176 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (49% men; median age, 17. Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Objective: Outcomes after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) have improved. With advancing age, the risk of development of dysrhythmias may increase. The aims of this study were to (1) examine development of sinus node dysfunction (SND), atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and (2) study progression of atrioventricular conduction abnormalities in young adult patients with repaired cAVSD. Read More

Turk Pediatri Ars 2018 Sep 1;53(3):197-199. Epub 2018 Sep 1.

Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Necip Fazıl City Hospital, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.

Various rhythm and connection disorders can be seen in the acute phase of acute rheumatic fever. First degree atrioventricular block, one of the minor signs of acute rheumatic fever, is the most common connection disturbance in this disease. Complete atrioventricular block, which seriously affects the conduction pathways, is rare in the literature. Read More

J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019 Feb 8;48(2):121-127. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, APHP, University Paris Sud, Clamart, France. Electronic address:

Objectives: We propose an image scoring method to improve the quality and the reproducibility of measurement of the AV interval before establishing reference tables of the measurements and studies on the prevention and treatment of first-degree AV block especially if the first child has been diagnosed AV block.

Method: Prospective study from May 2015 to June 2016. Sonographers were asked to measure AV interval with pulsed Doppler in a five-chamber view in standard second-trimester screening before and after having received our image scoring method. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Nov;97(45):e13129

Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.

Rationale: Lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, with a therapeutic level between 0.6 and 1. Read More

J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019 Jan 16;32(1):145-156. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Accurate fetal arrhythmia (FA) diagnosis is key for effective management. Currently, FA assessment relies on standard echocardiography-based techniques (M mode and spectral Doppler), which require adequate fetal position and cursor alignment to define temporal relationships of mechanical events. Few data exist on the application of color Doppler tissue imaging (c-DTI) in FA assessment. Read More

Emerg Med J 2018 Nov;35(11):691

Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Clinical Introduction: A 69-year-old woman presented to the ED with a chief complaint of recurrent vomiting for 3 weeks. She was afebrile, blood pressure was 100/67 mm Hg, HR was 114/min, RR was 19/min and oxygen saturation was 98%. On physical examination, she had mild epigastric tenderness without guarding. Read More

J Am Coll Cardiol 2018 Oct;72(16):1940-1951

Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

Background: Fetal atrioventricular block (AVB) occurs in 2% to 4% of anti-Ro antibody-positive pregnancies and can develop in <24 h. Only rarely has standard fetal heart rate surveillance detected AVB in time for effective treatment.

Objectives: Outcome of anti-Ro pregnancies was surveilled with twice-daily home fetal heart rate and rhythm monitoring (FHRM) and surveillance echocardiography. Read More

Am J Med Case Rep 2018 21;6(7):146-148. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A- 11203.

Cocaine is a commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. The complex effects of cocaine on the conduction system of the human heart has not been completely understood. Cocaine acts as a sympathomimetic by inhibition of reuptake of neuronal catecholamines, leading mostly to tachyarrhythmias on presentation. Read More

Herz 2018 Nov;43(7):584-595

Klinik für Innere Medizin - Kardiologie, Diabetologie & Nephrologie, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Burgsteig 13, 33617, Bielefeld, Deutschland.

In pacemaker and ICD therapy, atrial leads are usually implanted in the right atrial appendage (RAA). This is easy but associated with a risk of negative hemodynamic and electrophysiological effects. Atrial depolarization, atrial contraction, and atrioventricular conduction can be delayed and desynchronized by RAA pacing leading to atrial fibrillation, pacing-induced long first-degree AV block, right ventricular pacing and the development of heart failure. Read More

Diabetes Metab 2018 12 5;44(6):473-481. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy. Electronic address:

Aim: We aimed to assess the association between decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or abnormal albuminuria and the risk of certain cardiac conduction defects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We examined a hospital-based sample of 923 patients with T2DM discharged from our Division of Endocrinology over the years 2007-2014. Standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed in all patients. Read More

J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2018 Aug 13;52(3):303-306. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: First-degree AV block has in the past generally been considered a benign condition. A few recent studies have shown that 1st-degree AV block is associated with an increased risk for heart failure, pacemaker (IPG) implantation, and death. We investigated the outcomes of patients who received an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) (Medtronic Reveal XT®) within the scope of the INSIGHT XT study and had 1st-degree AV block at baseline. Read More

Hosp Pharm 2018 Jul 2;53(4):263-265. Epub 2018 Jan 2.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy, PA, USA.

A case report of a patient who presented with an acute onset, fluctuating atrioventricular (AV) block and was diagnosed with Lyme carditis is presented. A 55-year-old man with progressively worsening generalized malaise, flu-like symptoms, dyspnea on exertion, and near syncope was admitted with bradycardia (heart rate was between 20 and 30 beats per minute upon admission). He endorsed having several tick bites after which he developed erythema migrans on his arm and abdomen. Read More

Cureus 2018 May 17;10(5):e2642. Epub 2018 May 17.

Cardiology Department, Charleston Area Medical Center/west Virginia University.

Orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is the second-most-common form of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and is inducible in approximately 55% of individuals with Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome. Antidromic AVRT, where the accessory atrioventricular connection is used as the antegrade limb and the atrioventricular node serves as the retrograde limb of the circuit, has been clinically documented in less than 5% of patients with WPW syndrome and may be induced in less than 10% of these WPW cases in the electrophysiology laboratory. Left lateral pathways are considered more frequent and septal locations are less common when associated with antidromic AVRT. Read More

Europace 2019 Feb;21(2):322-331

Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Via Giustiniani, 2 - Padova, Italy.

Aims: This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of clinical and electrocardiographic parameters in Brugada syndrome (BrS).

Methods And Results: The study population included 272 consecutive patients (82% males; mean age 43 ± 12 years), with either a spontaneous (n = 137, 50%) or drug-induced (n = 135, 50%) Type 1 Brugada electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern. The study combined endpoint included sudden cardiac death (SCD), cardiac arrest, and appropriate intervention of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018 06 13;12(6):e0006567. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Background: Chagas disease (CD) is a major public health concern in Latin America and a potentially serious emerging threat in non-endemic countries. Although the association between CD and cardiac abnormalities is widely reported, study design diversity, sample size and quality challenge the information, calling for its update and synthesis, which would be very useful and relevant for physicians in non-endemic countries where health care implications of CD are real and neglected. We performed to systematically review and meta-analyze population-based studies that compared prevalence of overall and specific ECG abnormalities between CD and non-CD participants in the general population. Read More

Am Heart J 2018 Aug 7;202:54-60. Epub 2018 May 7.

Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address:

Background: Although bradyarrhythmias have been observed with ticagrelor and its use with advanced atrioventricular block is not recommended, questions arise regarding its use in patients with mild conduction abnormalities. The objectives were to compare rates of clinically relevant arrhythmias in relation to any mild baseline conduction abnormality in patients with acute coronary syndrome randomized to ticagrelor versus clopidogrel.

Methods: We included all subjects in the electrocardiographic (ECG) substudy of the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes trial, excluding those with missing baseline ECG or with a pacemaker at baseline (N = 15,460). Read More

J Vet Cardiol 2018 Aug 30;20(4):285-293. Epub 2018 May 30.

Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

In humans, accessory pathways (APs) in an anteroseptal and midseptal position are often challenging to ablate because of their close proximity with the conduction pathways of the atrioventricular junction. The use of low-energy ablation techniques can be useful to reduce the risk of permanently damaging the atrioventricular node and the His bundle. This report describes the use of low-energy radiofrequency catheter ablation to successfully and permanently ablate anteroseptal APs in two dogs with orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. Read More

Am J Cardiovasc Dis 2018 5;8(2):19-23. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE, Department of Cardiology Brazil.

Background: Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disease with an autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by an insufficient activity of the acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme. The incidence varies from 1:40000 to 1:200000 live births and cardiac involvement in adults is rare. Chagas disease is an infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, in which one-third of the cases progress to the chronic form, and may lead to cardiac involvement, usually from the fifth decade of life onwards. Read More

HeartRhythm Case Rep 2018 Mar 26;4(3):98-101. Epub 2017 Dec 26.

New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2018 Apr 19:e12553. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Heart Center, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is indicated in severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, when there is intermediate-high surgical risk, or a condition considered inoperable, as in the case of "porcelain aorta" that could turn clamping or cannulation of the ascending aorta hazardous in open-heart surgery. Among the complications of this less invasive procedure, intraventricular conduction disorders subsequent to the procedure stand out. TAVI causes worsening of intraventricular dromotropic disorders in more than 75% of the cases, with the presence of preexisting right bundle branch block and first-degree atrioventricular block, deep prosthesis implant, male gender, size of the aortic annulus smaller than the prosthesis, and porcelain aorta being predictive of requirement for permanent pacemaker implant. Read More

Lupus 2018 Aug 17;27(9):1415-1423. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

1 Centre for Prognosis Studies in Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Lupus Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

Background Severe brady-arrhythmias, requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM), have been sparsely reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of such arrhythmias in a defined lupus cohort. Patients and methods The database of the Toronto Lupus Clinic ( n = 1366) was searched for patients who received a PPM. Read More

J Vet Cardiol 2018 Jun 20;20(3):204-212. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 930 Campus Road, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA. Electronic address:

This report describes transient trifascicular block in three cats presented with lethargy and inappetence, and elevated cardiac troponin I concentrations. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of cat 1 showed a sinus rhythm with pronounced first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, right bundle branch block, and left anterior fascicular block. The ECG of cat 2 showed truncular left bundle branch block alternating with left anterior fascicular block coupled with prolonged PR intervals, second-degree heart block, and paroxysmal third-degree AV block. Read More

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2018 Jul 18;97(7):787-794. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of maternal fluorinated steroid therapy on fetuses affected by second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block.

Material And Methods: Studies reporting the outcome of fetuses with second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound and treated with fluorinated steroids compared with those not treated were included. The primary outcome was the overall progression of congenital atrioventricular block to either continuous or intermittent third-degree congenital atrioventricular block at birth. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018 Dec;52(6):801-802

Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.

Pediatr Cardiol 2018 Mar 12;39(3):637-639. Epub 2018 Feb 12.

Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.

We describe a 17-year-old female who presented with 3 weeks of abdominal pain, exercise intolerance, and an episode of altered mental status found to have marked first-degree atrioventricular block. Exercise stress test and cardiac catheterization demonstrated pseudo-pacemaker syndrome, and a permanent pacemaker was placed. Following placement, she has resolution of symptoms and markedly improved exercise tolerance. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2017 09 28;87(3):838. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Federico II University School of Medicine.

Pregabalin, widely used in the treatment of several pain disorders, is usually well tolerated. Uncommonly, the drug may induce cardiac side effects, rarely prolongation of the PR interval. The latter has never been described in patients with healthy heart or normal renal function. Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2018 04 5;5(2):306-310. Epub 2018 Feb 5.

Department of Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

A 52-year-old male visited our hospital with abnormal electrocardiogram and exertional fatigue. The electrocardiogram showed first-degree atrioventricular block, complete right bundle branch block, and inverted T waves in Leads II, III, aVF, V3, and V4. Echocardiography showed biventricular wall thickening involving granular sparkling of the interventricular septum. Read More

JAMA Neurol 2018 May;75(5):573-581

Cardiology Department, Cochin Hospital, Filière Neuromusculaire, Paris-Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.

Importance: Life expectancy is greatly shortened in patients presenting with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common neuromuscular disease. A reliable prediction of survival in patients with DM1 is critically important to plan personalized health supervision.

Objective: To develop and validate a prognostic score to predict 10-year survival in patients with DM1. Read More

Ann Emerg Med 2018 04 21;71(4):452-461.e3. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR.

Study Objective: Cardiac arrhythmia is a life-threatening condition in older adults who present to the emergency department (ED) with syncope. Previous work suggests the initial ED ECG can predict arrhythmia risk; however, specific ECG predictors have been variably specified. Our objective is to identify specific ECG abnormalities predictive of 30-day serious cardiac arrhythmias in older adults presenting to the ED with syncope. Read More

Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2018 May 21;111(5):380-388. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

Service de cardiologie, institut Lorrain du cœur et des vaisseaux Louis-Mathieu, centre hospitalier universitaire de Nancy, 4, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.

Background: High-level physical training induces cardiac structural and functional changes, including 12-lead electrocardiogram modifications.

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional longitudinal study was to establish a quantitative electrocardiographic profile in highly trained football players. Initial and serial annual electrocardiogram monitoring over subsequent years allowed us to investigate the long-term effects of exercise on cardiac conduction and electrophysiological remodelling. Read More

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2017 Dec;45(8):752-754

Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.

An unconscious, 25-year-old, male patient was brought to the emergency department. The patient's electrocardiography demonstrated a wide QRS interval and first-degree atrioventricular block. He was being treated with propafenone twice daily (450 mg) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Read More

Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2017 Nov-Dec;11(5):79-80

Department of Cardiology, Homerton University Hospital Homerton Row, London E9 6SR, UK.

A 22-year-old woman collapsed at home and was brought to the accident and emergency department. History revealed that she was fit and taken T5 capsule the night before the collapse. There was no history of similar collapses or seizure. Read More

J Emerg Med 2017 Dec 6;53(6):e133-e135. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey.

Background: Disseminated Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, as it begins with nonspecific signs and symptoms, which, if not treated correctly, can lead to atrioventricular conduction blocks and meningitis. In addition, the diagnosis can be further complicated by potentially false-positive test results.

Case Report: We report a case of early-disseminated Lyme disease presenting with Borrelia meningitis and concomitant Lyme carditis, which was misdiagnosed as mononucleosis. Read More

J Electrocardiol 2018 Jan - Feb;51(1):153-155. Epub 2017 Sep 10.

Division of Cardiology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.

Exercise induced complete atrioventricular block (EIAVB) is a relatively uncommon condition. This phenomenon is clinically important because it can mimic symptoms of other cardiovascular conditions and may be associated with exercise intolerance and subsequent syncope. A 76year old man with long-standing hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with recurrent episodes of lightheadedness and syncope with physical activity. Read More

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2018 Mar 15;23(2):e12506. Epub 2017 Oct 15.

The Cardiovascular Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China.

The diagnosis of myocardial infarction with left bundle branch block is difficult. We report a case of 56-year-old man with old extensive anterior myocardial infarction and left bundle branch block (masked each other). The recurrent myocardial infarction indicated right bundle branch block and first-degree atrioventricular block, making a clear diagnosis of complicated and interesting ECG. Read More

Am J Ther 2018 Sep/Oct;25(5):e575-e577

Department of Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College, New York, NY.

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017 Oct 20;201:26-34. Epub 2017 Sep 20.

Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil.

Metal pollutants have been considered one of the main factors underlying the depletion of biodiversity in natural populations unbalancing aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to inorganic Hg on myocardial contractility and the electrocardiogram (ECG) of two ecologically distinct Neotropical fish species, namely: matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) and trahira (Hoplias malabaricus). Matrinxãs were exposed to a sublethal concentration of 0. Read More

Am Heart J 2017 Oct 19;192:57-63. Epub 2017 Jul 19.

Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. Electronic address:

Background: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is of high clinical relevance, but PPMI rates differ widely between valve types. Although the Lotus valve can be repositioned, reported rates for PPMI are high. The predictors of PPMI after Lotus valve implantation have not been defined yet. Read More

EuroIntervention 2017 Dec;13(11):1273-1280

Heart Center Lucerne, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether minimising trauma to the aortic annulus and left ventricular outflow tract reduces the occurrence of new conduction disorders and the need for permanent pacemakers.

Methods And Results: A total of 175 patients (58% female, mean age 83±6 years) underwent transfemoral TAVI with the Boston Scientific ACURATE neo at three centres in Europe. Prosthesis size selection was based on perimeter-derived annular diameter. Read More