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J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2019 May 15;10(5):3652-3661. Epub 2019 May 15.

Section of Electrophysiology & Pacing, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Temple Memorial Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, TX, USA.

Temporary cardiac pacing is commonly used in patients with life-threatening bradycardia and serves as a bridge to implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM). For years, passive fixation leads have been used for this purpose, offering the advantage of that they can be placed at bedside. The downside, however, is that patients must remain on telemetry and bed rest until lead removal due to the risk of displacement and failure to capture. Read More

Int J Angiol 2020 Jun 28;29(2):113-122. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Department of Cardiology, Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the adult population, and its incidence and prevalence are still rising. Cardiac devices are widely used in clinical practice in the management of various rhythm disturbances and heart failure treatment. Many patients who receive a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or cardiac resynchronization therapy also experience atrial fibrillation in the course of their life. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 26;12(4):e7839. Epub 2020 Apr 26.

Internal Medicine, Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness, USA.

Pacemaker lead-associated cardiac perforation is a rare phenomenon. Lead perforations can be acute, subacute, or chronic following lead placement. Symptoms are typically nonspecific and depend on the location of the displaced lead. Read More

Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2020 Jun 17;28:100532. Epub 2020 May 17.

Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States.

Background: Current risk prediction models in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI are mathematically complex. This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of a modified CHADS-VASc score, comprised of easily accessible clinical factors in predicting adverse events.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for ACS patients who underwent PCI between 2010 and 2014. Read More

Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2020 Jul;29(4):367-377

Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital.

Purpose Of Review: The circadian rhythms have a systemic impact on all aspects of physiology. Kidney diseases are associated with extremely high-cardiovascular mortality, related to chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), involving bone, parathyroids and vascular calcification. Disruption of circadian rhythms may cause serious health problems, contributing to development of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer, organ fibrosis, osteopenia and aging. Read More

Ir J Med Sci 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after cardiac surgery in our institution and investigate risk factors for PPM dependency to provide patients with accurate incidence figures at the time of consent for surgery.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from a single tertiary institution from October 2018 to April 2019 inclusive of 403 patients. Incidence of PPM implantation after various cardiac operations was evaluated. Read More

Cardiol Young 2020 May 19:1-2. Epub 2020 May 19.

Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Berlin, 13353Berlin, Germany.

We present a rare case of incidentally diagnosed Twiddler's syndrome in a child 7 years after implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker system with epicardial leads. During revision, an insulation defect of the ventricular lead was evident, despite unremarkable prior pacemaker lead testing. The lead was repaired and a new generator was suture-fixated to prevent re-occurrence of generator manipulation. Read More

Int Heart J 2020 May 15;61(3):611-615. Epub 2020 May 15.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine.

Rate-responsive pacing is known to improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with sick sinus syndrome and chronotropic incompetence. However, the sensors for rate response include accelerometers, closed-loop stimulation (CLS), and minute ventilation sensors (MV sensors), each of which has a different mode of action. For this reason, it is important to select appropriate sensors that match the daily habits and behavioral patterns of the patient. Read More

PLoS One 2020 12;15(5):e0233129. Epub 2020 May 12.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Temporary pacemakers (TPMs) are usually inserted in an emergency situation. However, there are few reports available regarding which route of access is best or what the most preferred approach is currently in tertiary hospitals. This study aimed to compare procedure times, complication rates, and indications for temporary pacing between the transjugular and transfemoral approaches to TPM placement. Read More

Int J Hypertens 2020 26;2020:4259187. Epub 2020 Apr 26.

Department of Cardiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 8 Puusepa Street, Tartu 50406, Estonia.

Objective: Whether the inferior ability of atenolol to reduce central (aortic) compared to peripheral (brachial) blood pressure (BP) is related to its heart rate (HR)-dependent or -independent effects, or their combination, remains unclear. To provide further mechanistic insight into this topic, we studied the acute effects of atenolol versus nebivolol and ivabradine on systolic blood pressure amplification (SBPA; peripheral systolic BP minus central systolic BP) in a model of sick sinus syndrome patients with a permanent dual-chamber cardiac pacemaker in a nonrandomized single-blind single-group clinical trial.

Methods: We determined hemodynamic indices noninvasively (Sphygmocor XCEL) before and at least 3 h after administration of oral atenolol 50 or 100 mg, nebivolol 5 mg, or ivabradine 5 or 7. Read More

Front Cardiovasc Med 2020 22;7:44. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Newcastle University Institute of Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

Carotid sinus syndrome has been associated with transient loss of consciousness for millennia, and while steeped in cardiovascular lore, there is little in the way of solid evidence to guide its main treatment modality, permanent cardiac pacing. This article reviews the history of the condition in the context of its contemporary understanding before examining three key concepts in the consideration of what constitutes a manageable disease: first, is there a pathophysiologic rationale for the disease (in this case carotid sinus syndrome)? Second, is there a good diagnostic test that will identify it reliably? And finally, is there a convincingly evidence-based treatment for the disease? Relevant literature is reviewed, and recommendations made in how we view pacing in the context of this intriguingly opaque condition. Read More

Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2020 May 8. Epub 2020 May 8.

Abteilung für Elektrophysiologie, Herzzentrum Leipzig und Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland.

His bundle pacing (HBP) allows ventricular excitation through the entire cardiac conduction system, resulting in a better synchronicity and efficacy of contraction compared to myocardial pacing. Due to better, dedicated implantation tools and exact practical implantation recommendations, HBP has developed into a form of stimulation that can be successfully applied with reasonable time and effort in >90% of patients. The rate of lead dislodgement and threshold increase is similar to conventional pacemaker systems. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(19):e19992

Department of Cardiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences.

The high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in serum can increase due to an increase in left ventricular (LV) overload in individuals with hypertension. Since LV voltage on an electrocardiogram (ECG) reflects LV load, it is possible that LV voltage is closely associated with hs-cTnI in individuals without hypertension. This study investigated the association between LV voltage indices and serum hs-cTnI levels in normotensive Japanese individuals. Read More

J Endocrinol 2020 May 1. Epub 2020 May 1.

A Isidori, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy.

The circadian rhythm derives from the integration of many signals that shape the expression of clock-related genes in a 24-hour cycle. Biological tasks, including cell proliferation, differentiation, energy storage and immune regulation, are preferentially confined to specific periods. A gating system, supervised by the central and peripheral clocks, coordinates the endogenous and exogenous signals and prepares for transition to activities confined to periods of light or darkness. Read More

J Physiol 2020 May 5. Epub 2020 May 5.

Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.

Key Points: Spontaneous contractions are essential for normal lymph transport and these contractions are exquisitely sensitive to the K channel activator pinacidil. K channel Kir6.1 and SUR2B subunits are expressed in mouse lymphatic smooth muscle (LSM) and form functional K channels as verified by electrophysiological techniques. Read More

Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2020 May 5. Epub 2020 May 5.

Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.

A pediatric patient suffering from Marden-Walker syndrome, a rare genetic disease, was referred to the authors' hospital for syncope due to bradycardia. Since this disease is associated with severe joint contractures, a transcatheter leadless pacing system (TPS) was chosen. Despite the small body size and complex anatomy, TPS implantation was feasible, demonstrating that it is a safe alternative in difficult venous access compared to a conventional pacemaker with increased risk of lead complications in these patients. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2020 Apr 12;4(2):1-7. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital, 74370 Metz-Tessy, France.

Background: Pocket complications are common after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation. We report a rare case of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) complicating a permanent pacemaker implantation, and the first literature review of 10 published cases.

Case Summary: Five days after pacemaker implantation for heart failure and 2:1 atrioventricular block, a 93-year-old man had pain in the scar and bleeding on contact. Read More

Cureus 2020 Mar 29;12(3):e7458. Epub 2020 Mar 29.

Internal Medicine, Kettering Medical Center, Dayton, USA.

Implantable pacemakers have been the mainstay of therapy for patients with severely decreased left ventricular ejection fractions and recurrent arrhythmias, among other cardiac pathology. Twiddler's syndrome (TS) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of pacemaker therapy, defined as pacemaker malfunction in the setting of device lead dislodgment due to physical manipulation. Traditionally, there are three distinct TS variants (reeling, ratchet and coiling). Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2020 Apr 24. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

Research Department, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Minneapolis, MN.

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare autosomal-dominant connective tissue disorder that can lead to aortic aneurysm and dissection. There are 5 different types caused by mutations in TGFβR1 (transforming growth factor β receptor), TGFβR2, SMAD3, TGFβ2 (transforming growth factor β), and TGFβ3 respectively. The prevalence of LDS is estimated to be less than 1 in 100,000. Read More

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2020 Apr 24;42(4):228-232. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

Department of Obstetrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

The present report describes a case of complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) diagnosed at 25 weeks of gestation in a pregnant woman with Sjögren's syndrome and positive anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Fluorinated steroids (dexamethasone and betamethasone) and terbuline were used to increase the fetal heart rate, but the fetal heart block was not reversible, and the administration of drugs was discontinued due to maternal collateral effects. Follow-up fetal echocardiograms were performed, and the fetus evolved with pericardial effusion, presence of fibroelastosis in the right ventricle, and ventricular dysfunction. Read More

Cardiology 2020 Apr 22:1-8. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,

Introduction: There is limited data on the experience with insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) in patients with Brugada syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of ICM in symptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome who are at suspected low risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods: We conducted a prospective single-center cohort study including all symptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome who received an ICM (Reveal LINQ) between July 2014 and October 2019. Read More

G Ital Cardiol (Rome) 2020 05;21(5):336-340

ASUR Marche - Area Vasta 4 Fermo, Ospedale Civile Augusto Murri, Fermo.

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2020 Apr 18. Epub 2020 Apr 18.

Centre for Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.

Background: Pacemaker (PM) implantation may cause acute emotional distress leading to Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Frailty and cognitive impairment are known to influence outcomes after surgical procedures. It is unclear whether they may also predispose to TTS following PM implantation. Read More

Am J Ind Med 2020 Jul 16;63(7):644-648. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Occupational & Environmental Medicine of Long Island, Northwell Health and Occupational Medicine, New York, New York.

We present the case of a worker with occupational exposure to a pyrethroid insecticide who acutely developed nontransient third-degree heart block. In 2000, a 57-year-old male truck driver on his delivery route was accidentally exposed to pyrethroid insecticide being sprayed for West Nile virus containment. Both the driver and his vehicle were coated with the spray. Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020 Apr 15;145(8):536-542. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

The assessment of the QT interval has been an integral part of ECG interpretation since the first descriptions of long QT syndrome by Wolff in 1950 and by Jervell and Lange-Nielsen in 1957. The correct measurement of the QT interval as well as a correct interpretation of the causes and of the clinical consequences of a QT prolongation, however, may be difficult even for trained internists and cardiologists. In this review, we give an overview on physiological determinants of cardiac repolarization, its marker in the surface ECG - the QT interval -, methods to correctly assess QT interval duration, causes for pathologically prolonged QT intervals, and resulting clinical consequences. Read More

Cureus 2020 Mar 12;12(3):e7249. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Cardiology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA.

Pacemaker or defibrillator placement is a common procedure done in more and more patients due to increased longevity and the prominence of cardiac disease. With more indications for cardiac implantable electrode devices, the devices themselves have evolved into more complex structures with more leads. The mechanical stress, risk of infection, and decreased blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC) put patients at risk for SVC obstruction. Read More

Pharmacotherapy 2020 Apr 5. Epub 2020 Apr 5.

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Ivabradine lowers heart rate by inhibiting the hyperpolarization-activated current in pacemaker cells, and its use for the treatment of heart failure (HF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) is well described. Ivabradine may be an attractive treatment option for other conditions for which a reduction in heart rate is desirable but less is known about its role in these settings. The primary objective was to perform a scoping review summarizing the literature evaluating novel uses for ivabradine other than HF and IHD in adults. Read More

Diagnostics (Basel) 2020 Mar 30;10(4). Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.

We report the case of a 51-year-old patient who underwent the implantation of a bi-ventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) complicated by a sub-acute right ventricular minimal perforation with pericardial effusion and echocardiographic signs of tamponade. A new echocardiographic plane orientation allowed us to diagnose this condition in emergency and to make the right decision without delay, which consisting in unscrewing the active fixation screw under fluoroscopy guidance, while the pericardiocentesis was postponed. Thanks to the intervention focused on eliminating the cause of the postcardiac injury syndrome, the patient recovered rapidly and ultimately avoided the pericardiocentesis procedure. Read More

Cureus 2020 Feb 19;12(2):e7042. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cascais, Cascais, PRT.

Syncope is a common complaint among patients presenting to the emergency department. Its differential diagnosis is broad and its management varies significantly depending on the underlying etiology. This is especially complex in patients with head and neck cancer since it may appear as an initial manifestation of the disease, as a side effect of surgery or radiotherapy, or as an indicator of local recurrence. Read More

Br J Nurs 2020 Mar;29(6):353-357

Lecturer BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology), School of Medicine, University of Leeds.

Twiddler's syndrome is a rare cause of pacemaker failure, where patient manipulation of the pulse generator results in lead dislodgement or retraction. Variations in manifestation have been identified including reel syndrome, where rotation occurs around the transverse axis resulting in coiling of the leads, and ratchet syndrome where arm movement results in lead displacement. Device manipulation leading to device failure has been documented in up to 1. Read More

Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2020 May 16;8:100049. Epub 2020 Feb 16.

Biology Department, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, USA.

The Ts65Dn mouse is a well-studied model of trisomy 21, Down syndrome. This mouse strain has severe learning disability as measured by several rodent learning tests that depend on hippocampal spatial memory function. Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is deficient in these mice. Read More

HeartRhythm Case Rep 2020 Mar 11;6(3):124-125. Epub 2019 Dec 11.

Departments of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, ARNAS Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy.

J Am Heart Assoc 2020 Mar 15;9(6):e014554. Epub 2020 Mar 15.

Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL.

Background Patients with Eisenmenger syndrome are known to have a high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), yet the underlying causes are not well understood. We sought to define the predictors of SCD in this population. Methods and Results A retrospective analysis of all patients with Eisenmenger syndrome from 2 large tertiary referral centers was performed. Read More

FP Essent 2020 Mar;490:29-34

Womack Army Medical Center Cardiology, Bldg 4-2817 2817 Reilly Road, Fort Bragg, NC 28310.

Complications after acute myocardial infarction (MI) can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Coronary reperfusion therapy and revascularization can reduce the risk of these complications, but they still occur. Arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities are among the most common complications, and occur most often in hemodynamically unstable patients. Read More

Orv Hetil 2020 Mar;161(11):434-436

Kardiológiai Osztály, Budai Irgalmasrendi Kórház Budapest, Árpád fejedelem u. 7., 1027.

The aVR-sign can indicate left main or multivessel coronary disease, but the sign is not STEMI eqvivalent and is not a sensitive sign for coronary disese. The following case is an example of this. An 89-year-old woman was admitted with chest pain, atrial fibrillation and multiple lead ST-segment depression but ST-segment elevation in lead aVR. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2020 May 27;306:56-60. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is common in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) and is associated with worse outcomes in children. Read More

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2020 Mar 20;24(2):185-191. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

Kangwon National University Institute of Medical Science, Chuncheon 24289, Korea.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are known as the pacemaker cells of gastrointestinal tract, and it has been reported that acute gastroenteritis induces intestinal dysmotility through antibody to vinculin, a cytoskeletal protein in gut, resulting in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, so that anti-vinculin antibody can be used as a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to determine correlation between serum anti-vinculin antibody and ICC density in human stomach. Gastric specimens from 45 patients with gastric cancer who received gastric surgery at Kangwon National University Hospital from 2013 to 2017 were used. Read More

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2020 May 9;31(5):1187-1194. Epub 2020 Mar 9.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan.

Introduction: The effectiveness of rate-modulated pacing for the suppression of atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. Closed-loop stimulation (CLS) is a heart rate modulation technique based on the contractility of the right ventricle estimated by sensing myocardial impedance, and CLS can still adapt to the heart rate in conditions where there are no significant changes in acceleration or ventilation, such as emotional stress. We elucidated the association between CLS and atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) burden in patients with sinus node dysfunction and paroxysmal AF history before pacemaker implantation. Read More

Herz 2020 Mar 2. Epub 2020 Mar 2.

Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung& Blood Vessel Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Background: Our study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after valve replacement surgery (VR). The influence of long-term pacemaker dependency on cardiac structure and function at the 1‑year follow-up was also assessed.

Methods: The demographic and surgical data of all consecutive patients who underwent VR between 2013 and 2016 were collected. Read More

Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex 2020 ;77(1):34-37

Servicio de Cardiología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México.

Background: Epicardial pacemaker is the preferred method for newborns and children under 10 kg of weight. However, its placement presents a high rate of premature failure.

Case Report: The case of an infant requiring placement of pacemaker by congenital atrioventricular block with prenatal diagnosis is described. Read More

Herz 2020 Feb 27. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of newly detected atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients following dual-chamber pacemaker (PPM) implantation and to define the clinical predictors of new-onset AF in a Chinese cohort.

Methods: A total of 219 patients without documented AF that underwent dual-chamber PPM implantation for sick sinus syndrome (SSS) (n = 88) or atrioventricular block (AVB) (n = 131) were prospectively studied. All patients were invited to follow-up at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the pacemaker implantation procedure, and once every 6 months thereafter. Read More

Turk J Pediatr 2019 ;61(5):810-814

Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Rize Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Training and Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey.

Bağrul D. Syncope due to acute rheumatic fever with pacemakerlike syndrome. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 810-814. Read More

BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020 Feb 24;20(1):89. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Division of Nephrology, Osaka Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, 3-4-5 Kitamura, Taisho-ku, Osaka, 551-0032, Japan.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB) still has a poor mortality risk, even in the current percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era. However, early PCI for ACS with HAVB is associated with improved in-hospital survival and a 6-month survival similar to that of ACS without HAVB.

Case Presentation: A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for ACS with HAVB. Read More

J Arrhythm 2020 Feb 8;36(1):206-208. Epub 2020 Jan 8.

Marienkrankenhaus Lϋnen Germany.

This report describes a patient who underwent cardiac resynchronization complicated by a Twiddler syndrome. This caused triple atrial sensing and an inappropriate shock. Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020 Feb 18;145(4):249-251. Epub 2020 Feb 18.

Südstadtklinikum Rostock, Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Abteilung für Kardiologie.

History:  The 75 year old patient was hospitalized because of vertigo, exertional dyspnea and clamminess. Based on ischemic heart disease with sick sinus syndrome a pacemaker was implanted 5.5 years ago. Read More

G Ital Cardiol (Rome) 2020 Feb;21(2):157-169

Dipartimento di Medicina Ambientale e Salute Pubblica, Università degli Studi, Padova.

Background: The pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC) monitors the main epidemiological data in real-world practice. The survey for the 2018 activity collects information about demographics, clinical characteristics, main indications for PM/ICD therapy and device types from the Italian collaborating centers.

Methods: The Registry collects prospectively national PM and ICD implantation activity on the basis of European cards. Read More

Anatol J Cardiol 2020 Jan;23(2):111-113

Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University; Antalya-Turkey.

Clin Case Rep 2020 Jan 5;8(1):226-227. Epub 2019 Dec 5.

Cardiology Department Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London UK.

Pacemaker syndrome signs and symptoms are shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, pulsations in the neck or abdomen, and cannon waves in the neck. Patients with pacemakers experiencing new respiratory or cardiac symptoms should undergo a chest X-ray and a device interrogation in order to check lead integrity. Read More

Arch Cardiol Mex 2020 ;90(1):16-20

Centro del Corazón, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere, Finland.

Complete heart block (CHB) results from dysfunction of the cardiac conduction system, which results in complete electrical dissociation. The ventricular escape rhythm can have its origin anywhere from the atrioventricular node to the bundle branch-Purkinje system. CHB typically results in bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, hemodynamic instability, syncope, or even Stokes-Adams syndrome. Read More

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2020 Jan 29:e12744. Epub 2020 Jan 29.

Heart Research Follow-Up Program, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.

Background: Implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is spreading and has been shown to be safe and effective; however, it does not provide brady-pacing. Currently, data on the need for brady-pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation in patients with ICD indication are limited.

Methods: The Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial (MADIT)-II enrolled post-MI patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤ 35%), randomized to either an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or conventional medical therapy. Read More