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Rev Med Suisse 2020 Jun;16(696):1153-1158

Service de cardiologie, HUG, 1211 Genève 14.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, among young patient with little/no traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Historically SCAD was considered as a rare pathology, associated primarily with pregnancy and the peripartum period. In recent years, SCAD diagnosis improved thanks to data derived from large registries, thanks to the increased use of diagnostic coronary angiography and the availability of intracoronary imaging. Read More

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2020 Jun 4. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.

Aims: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for up to 25% of deaths in the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population. Current guidelines for defibrillator implantation are either extrapolated from acquired cardiac disease or are based upon single lesion studies, predominantly Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Defibrillator-related morbidity appears to be substantially higher in ACHD patients. Read More

Cardiol Res 2020 Jun 3;11(3):185-191. Epub 2020 May 3.

Cardiology and Vascular Medicine Department, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.

Background: Many studies have shown that T-peak to T-end (TPTE) interval was associated with sudden cardiac events. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) causes reversible left ventricle systolic dysfunction which may deteriorate into sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to evaluate beta-blocker as an antiarrhythmic agent to improve TPTE interval as a prognostic value of sudden cardiac death. Read More

Forensic Sci Res 2020 31;5(1):47-54. Epub 2017 May 31.

Department of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Studies regarding sport-related sudden cardiac death (SCD) mainly focus on competitive athletes; similar data are rare in the general population, especially in China. We conducted a retrospective study (from September 1998 to August 2013) to investigate the aetiological distribution and epidemiological features of sport-related SCD in Southern China. Selections of cases are based on details, and two subgroups were established: one was the sport-related SCD group, and the other was the disease-free accident victims group which was matched with the sport-related SCD group in gender, age and year of death. Read More

Circ Genom Precis Med 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (Division of Heart Rhythm Services), Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (Division of Pediatric Cardiology), and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

- Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an oligogenic arrhythmic disease with increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Several BrS or ECG traits-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified through previous genome-wide association studies in Caucasian patients. We aimed to validate these SNPs in BrS patients in the Taiwanese population, assessing the cumulative effect of risk alleles and the BrS polygenic risk score (BrS-PRS) in predicting cardiac events. Read More

Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2020 Jun 26;28:100543. Epub 2020 May 26.

Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Background: Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death, often undergo implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation at younger ages, and are at greater risk of experiencing inappropriate shocks. We investigated occurrences of ICD shocks in TOF patients to identify prevalence, characteristics associated with inappropriate shocks, and therapeutic interventions after inappropriate shocks.

Methods: Records of patients with repaired TOF and ICD implantation who were followed at Columbia University Irving Medical Center between 1/1/2000 and 5/1/2019 were analyzed. Read More

Glob Heart 2020 Feb 6;15(1). Epub 2020 Feb 6.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR.

Background: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was proven to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of assessing hs-CRP among individuals with different cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: This nested case-control study was obtained from the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS). Read More

J Intensive Care Soc 2020 May 11;21(2):148-157. Epub 2019 Jun 11.

University of Liverpool and The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool Healthcare Partners, Liverpool, UK.

Variation in the time interval between consecutive R wave peaks of the QRS complex has long been recognised. Measurement of this RR interval is used to derive heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is thought to reflect modulation of automaticity of the sinus node by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system. Read More

Heart Fail Rev 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 156124, Pisa, Italy.

The use of cocaine constitutes a major health problem. Cocaine use is associated with acute and chronic complications that might involve any system, the most common being the cardiovascular system. The precise incidence of cocaine-induced cardiomyopathy remains mysterious and probably underreported. Read More

Clin J Sport Med 2020 Jun 1. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Department of Athletic Medicine, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey.

Objectives: To: (1) analyze the results of 5 years of preparticipation cardiac screening including 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes; and (2) assess the rates of ECG screening abnormalities and false-positive rates among 3 ECG screening criteria.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I University. Read More

J Clin Invest 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Dep, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, United States of America.

Mutation in the LMNA gene, encoding Lamin A/C, cause a diverse group of diseases called laminopathies. Cardiac involvement is the major cause of death and manifests as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death. There is no specific therapy for LMNA-associated cardiomyopathy. Read More

Curr Radiopharm 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa. Italy.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, pathologically characterized by non-caseating granulomas involving several organs and tissues. This pathological process can eventually affect the heart during his course leading to fibrosis associated with systolic dysfunction, conduction disturbance, and even sudden cardiac death. Due to this prognostic impact, diagnosis is crucial to optimize clinical management. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 May 28;9(6). Epub 2020 May 28.

Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy.

The role of genetic testing over the clinical and functional variables, including data from the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), in the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) risk stratification remains unclear. A retrospective genotype-phenotype correlation was performed to analyze possible differences between patients with and without likely pathogenic/pathogenic (LP/P) variants. A total of 371 HCM patients were screened at least for the main sarcomeric genes (myosin binding protein C), (β-myosin heavy chain), (cardiac troponin I) and (cardiac troponin T): 203 patients had at least an LP/P variant, 23 patients had a unique variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and 145 did not show any LP/P variant or VUS. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(21):e20099

Department of Cardiology.

Introduction: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), highly prevalent among patients with a mental disorder (anxiety or depression), is closely related to adverse cardiac events, including hospitalization, sudden cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills (STDP), a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts endothelial protective function by anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and promoting blood circulation. STDP protects against CMVD in previous fundamental studies. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2018 Sep 15;9(9):3297-3302. Epub 2018 Sep 15.

Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Inherited ion channelopathies have come to the forefront as a significant cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in pediatric patients with structurally normal hearts. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement can be a life-saving primary preventative therapy, but because of actors inherent in the pediatric population, careful thought must be given to the specific indications for placement in each patient. The most common inherited ion channelopathies are long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2018 May 15;9(5):3151-3162. Epub 2018 May 15.

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.

Wearable cardioverter-defibrillators (WCDs) protect patients from sudden cardiac death (SCD) by detecting and treating life-threatening ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). Recently, two large studies evaluating WCDs were published. However, the results of older and newer studies have yet to be systematically summarized. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2018 Feb 15;9(2):3035-3049. Epub 2018 Feb 15.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes and an overall improvement in outcomes, mortality after myocardial infarction (MI) remains high. Sudden death, which is most frequently due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, is the cause of death in 25% to 50% of patients with prior MI, and therefore represents an important public health problem. Use of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which is the primary method of reducing the chance of arrhythmic sudden death after MI, is costly to the medical system and is associated with procedural and long-term risks. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2017 Feb 15;8(2):2613-2622. Epub 2017 Feb 15.

Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited arrhythmia disorder associated with sudden cardiac death secondary to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Since its first mention approximately 25 years ago, major strides have been made towards unraveling the condition's genetic and mechanistic underpinnings. Despite considerable progress, however, gaps in the understanding of BrS continue to persist, and clinical management of affected individuals remains challenging. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2019 Apr 15;10(4):3623-3632. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.

Since the widespread implementation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), their effectiveness in various situations has become well-established. However, despite many advances in both the technology and its utilization, inappropriate therapy remains a risk. Here, we review ICD shocks, their effect on outcomes, and current methods to reduce inappropriate therapy, finding overall that inappropriate ICD shocks are common and associated with adverse outcomes. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2019 Jan 15;10(1):3495-3502. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Piedmont Heart Institute, Piedmont Hospital System, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that frequently involves the myocardium. Unfortunately, the sentinel manifestations of cardiac sarcoidosis are often potentially fatal bradyarrhythmia and tachyarrhythmia. Advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance have allowed for increased diagnosis of cardiac involvement. Read More

Circulation 2020 Jun 1;141(22):1775-1777. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Department of Emergency Medicine (L.A.H., G.N.).

Front Pharmacol 2020 13;11:684. Epub 2020 May 13.

Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Background: Men normally have shorter heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) than women, at least in part due to accelerating effects of testosterone on ventricular repolarization. Accumulating data suggest that androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) used for the treatment of prostatic cancer, may increase Torsades de Pointes (TdP) risk by prolonging QTc. However, the evidence for such an association is currently limited to few case reports, in most cases deriving from the analysis of uncontrolled sources such as pharmacovigilance databases. Read More

Int J Angiol 2020 Jun 29;29(2):123-130. Epub 2020 Mar 29.

Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia which may cause symptoms that significantly impact quality of life and is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and sudden death. Over the past three decades many surgical techniques as well as catheter-bases procedures have been developed to treat atrial fibrillation. In this review we describe the indications, treatments, outcomes, surgical techniques, and technical advances reported in the literature. Read More

J Am Heart Assoc 2020 May 30:e012405. Epub 2020 May 30.

Duke Clinical Research Institute Duke University School of Medicine Durham NC.

Background There are conflicting data regarding the benefit of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with diabetes mellitus and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. We aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of ICD placement in patients with diabetes mellitus and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Methods and Results Data were obtained from the Get With the Guidelines-Health Failure registry, linked with claims from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read More

Cardiol Ther 2020 May 31. Epub 2020 May 31.

Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, and Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Introduction: Patient-related factors determining implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiomyopathy have not been well explored. To assess race and sex differences regarding ICD preferences in this patient population, we sought to analyze a diverse cohort of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews of 28 adults with severe HF and either (1) an ICD or (2) no ICD. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2020 May 28. Epub 2020 May 28.

CHU Lille, Institut Coeur-Poumon, F-59000 Lille, France.

Background: We aimed to assess long-term outcomes in S-ICD recipients with structural heart disease, especially focusing on shock incidence, predictors and associated prognoses.

Methods: In this multicenter registry-based study, we retrospectively included all patients who underwent S-ICD implantation in 3 tertiary centers. The prognostic impact of S-ICD shock was assessed with a composite outcome that included all-cause death and hospitalization for heart failure. Read More

Lancet Public Health 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche Cardiovasculaire de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France; Paris-Sudden Death Expertise Center, Paris, France; European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Cardiology Department, Paris, France.

Background: Although mortality due to COVID-19 is, for the most part, robustly tracked, its indirect effect at the population level through lockdown, lifestyle changes, and reorganisation of health-care systems has not been evaluated. We aimed to assess the incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in an urban region during the pandemic, compared with non-pandemic periods.

Methods: We did a population-based, observational study using data for non-traumatic OHCA (N=30 768), systematically collected since May 15, 2011, in Paris and its suburbs, France, using the Paris Fire Brigade database, together with in-hospital data. Read More

J Affect Disord 2020 May 23;274:210-217. Epub 2020 May 23.

Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Objective: Data on the incidence and risk factors of sudden cardiac death in patients with bipolar disorder are lacking in the literature.

Methods: By using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and Department of Health Death Certification System between 2000 and 2016, we conducted a prospective national cohort study to determine the incidence and risk factors of sudden cardiac death in bipolar disorder patients. The study cohort included 46,490 patients with bipolar disorder, 467 of whom experienced sudden cardiac death. Read More

J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020 May 26;7(2). Epub 2020 May 26.

Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology and Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited disorder characterized by structural and electrical cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial fibro-fatty replacement. Its pathological ventricular substrate predisposes subjects to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). ACM is a notorious cause of SCD in young athletes, and exercise has been documented to accelerate its progression. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2020 Mar 23. Epub 2020 Mar 23.

Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.

Background: Knowledge about causes of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SrSCA) may influence national strategies to prevent such events. Therefore, we established a prospective registry on SrSCA to estimate the incidence and in particular describe the etiologies of SrSCA in the general population in Germany.

Methods: The registration of SrSCA based upon 4 pillars: a web-based platform to record SrSCA cases in competitive and recreational athletes, media-monitoring, cooperation with the German Resuscitation Registry, and 15 institutes of forensic medicine. Read More

Epilepsia 2020 May 28. Epub 2020 May 28.

Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is often used for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Although this intervention may improve seizure control and mood, a number of factors must be considered when patients with VNS near end of life. We reviewed relevant literature to create a proposed guideline for management of patients with VNS in palliative care and after death. Read More

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

University Hospital Leipzig Department for Internal Medicine Neurology and Dermatology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany.

Exclusion of cardiac abnormalities should be performed at the beginning of the athlete's career. Myocarditis, right ventricular remodeling and coronary anomalies are well-known causes of life-threatening events of athletes, major cardiovascular events and sudden cardiac death. The feasibility of an extended comprehensive echocardiographic protocol for the detection of structural cardiac abnormalities in athletes should be tested. Read More

HeartRhythm Case Rep 2020 May 12;6(5):283-286. Epub 2020 Feb 12.

University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

HeartRhythm Case Rep 2020 May 28;6(5):268-271. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

Cardiology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Cureus 2020 Apr 22;12(4):e7777. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Interventional Cardiology, Ascension St John Hospital and Medical Centre, Dretroit, USA.

Congenital anomalies involving the origin of coronary arteries are rare and the most common anomaly is left circumflex (LCX) arising from the right sinus of Valsalva (RSV). Other anomalies include a single coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva, both coronary arteries from RSV and left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) from RSV. Anomalous origin of left main from RSV carries a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 21;12(4):e7766. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Cardiac Electrophysiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome have been associated with sudden cardiac death. A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is an effective device used to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in these patients. The most common cause of inappropriate shocks with S-ICD is T-wave oversensing. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2020 May 15;11(5):4100-4105. Epub 2020 May 15.

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is the latest option among devices clinically available for the prevention of sudden cardiac death, with experience from previous trials and postmarketing studies supporting the feasibility and safety of this kind of system. The extracardiac positioning of the S-ICD obviates the need for transvenous leads, which translates into lower incidence rates of lead-related complications and systemic infections. This review will highlight the results of pertinent studies related to the perioperative management of S-ICDs and review potential approaches to minimizing the risk of complications such as hematoma at the pulse generator location, unsuccessful defibrillation due to suboptimal S-ICD lead and generator positioning, and postoperative pain. Read More

Intern Med 2020 May 26. Epub 2020 May 26.

Department of Cardiology, Yawatahama City General Hospital, Japan.

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, Torino, Italy.

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is an alternative to transvenous ICD in patients who do not need cardiac pacing. We report the case of a young isometric athlete who received S-ICD for primary prevention of sudden death. Lead dislodgement and myopotential noise oversensing during isometric training led to inappropriate shock, and a surgical revision was performed. Read More

Lung Cancer 2020 May 13;146:1-5. Epub 2020 May 13.

Leeds Cancer Centre, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK. Electronic address:

Background: Lung cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. Radical radiotherapy is an essential treatment in the management of early and locally advanced lung cancer. Cardiac events are known to occur following radical radiotherapy for lung cancer. Read More

J Electrocardiol 2020 May 14;61:1-9. Epub 2020 May 14.

Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and University Hospital of Oulu, Finland.

Background: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with scarred myocardium and adverse outcome. However, the data on gender differences in terms of its prevalence and prognostic value is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether gender differences in fQRS exist among subjects drawn from populations with different risk profiles. Read More

JAMA Cardiol 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Aurora Cardiovascular and Thoracic Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St Luke's Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Milwaukee.

Importance: Malignant arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) phenotype poses a substantial risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), and an estimated 26 000 individuals in the United States are at risk of SCD per year. Thus, identifying risk-stratification strategies for SCD is imperative.

Observations: Patients with MVP have a heterogenous clinical spectrum, ranging from a benign course to a devastating complication such as SCD. Read More

Arch Cardiol Mex 2020 ;90(2):207-215

Departamento de Medicina y Nutrición. Universidad de Guanajuato, León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Read More

Arch Cardiol Mex 2020 ;90(2):200-206

Departamento de Investigación, Sociedad Cardiovascular y Arritmias (SOCAyA), Aguascalientes, México.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden death (SD) continues to be a global public health problem, although the true incidence is unknown, it is estimated that they are responsible for 30% of cardiac origin mortality and may represent 20% of total mortality in adults. Unfortunately, the majority of cases occur in the general population, at the out-of-hospital level, in homes and in people who were not known to have heart disease. Although the majority of SCD victims are considered to be of cardiac origin and more frequent ischemic, it is not possible to rule out other causes only with the clinical diagnosis. Read More

Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care 2020 May 27:2048872620915655. Epub 2020 May 27.

Service d'anesthésie-réanimation chirurgicale, réanimation chirurgicale polyvalente, DMU CARE, DHU A-TVB, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, France.

Background: Acute mesenteric ischaemia is a severe complication in critically ill patients, but has never been evaluated in patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). This study was designed to determine the prevalence of mesenteric ischaemia in patients supported by V-A ECMO and to evaluate its risk factors, as well as to appreciate therapeutic modalities and outcome.

Methods: In a retrospective single centre study (January 2013 to January 2017), all consecutive adult patients who underwent V-A ECMO were included, with exclusion of those dying in the first 24 hours. Read More

Heart Vessels 2020 May 26. Epub 2020 May 26.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.

The sudden increase in blood pressure by vascular dysfunction is associated with the development of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) categorized in clinical scenario (CS) 1. However, the relationship between vascular function and prognosis in ADHF patients with CS1 is unclear. 3239 consecutive ADHF patients between January 2012 and June 2018 were enrolled. Read More

Res Theory Nurs Pract 2020 May;34(2):129-143

Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University, New York, New York

Background And Purpose: This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of family members who have been referred to a cardiogenetics clinic following the loss of a family member to sudden cardiac death (SCD). These family members were evaluated in a Cardiogenetics Clinic in a Children's Hospital in the New York region, which utilizes an interprofessional approach to care.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experience of family members that were referred following the SCD of a family member. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 21;12(4):e7761. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Pediatrics, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, USA.

Lamin A/C (LMNA) cardiomyopathy is an adult-onset, autosomal dominant, rapidly progressive cardiomyopathy which belongs to a spectrum of familial idiopathic cardiomyopathies. It is the most common type of familial dilated cardiomyopathy that is associated with conduction defects. A 76-year-old African American female with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block presented for evaluation of persistent fatigue. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 21;12(4):e7757. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Cardiology, Electrophysiology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are used in patients without a reversible cause for long QT syndrome (LQTS) and secondary prevention in patients with LQTS-associated sudden cardiac arrest. We present a female patient with multiple reversible factors for QT prolongation, including the use of antidepressants, antidiarrheals, antiemetics, and antihistamines; chronic malabsorption from bariatric surgery; probable Gitelman syndrome and urinary losses of electrolytes, causing QT prolongation which leads to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and a successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest. Our patient also had history suggestive of probable congenital LQTS with multiple childhood syncopal episodes and a history of seizures in first-degree relatives, further justifying the placement of an ICD. Read More