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Eur Heart J Case Rep 2020 Jun 30;4(3):1-6. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Department of Cardiology, Congenital Heart Diseases and Electrotherapy, Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases, Skłodowskiej-Curie 9, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland.

Background: A leadless pacemaker is a new concept in which a miniaturized pacing device is self-contained within the heart. Recently published data show that leadless pacemakers are associated with a decreased risk of major complications when compared with transvenous cardiac pacemakers. This seems to be of particular importance in children and young adults in whom various complications may occur during their lifetime. Read More

Front Pediatr 2020 16;8:312. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a group of myocardial diseases defined by cardiac hypertrophy which cannot be explained by secondary causes with a non-dilated left ventricle and preserved or increased ejection fraction. Sometimes it can be combined with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Here we describe a very rare case of a 12-year-old girl with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy accompanied by restrictive phenotype, complete left bundle branch block and intermittent third-degree atrioventricular block, who presented with recurrent syncope. Read More

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2020 Jun 15;11(6):4147-4150. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Electrophysiology Section, Bryan Heart Institute, Lincoln, NE, USA.

We describe a case of a 44-year-old male with a history of Wolf-Hirschorn syndrome (WHS) with seizures and mental retardation who was evaluated for what was thought to be a seizure. He was found to be severely bradycardic with a heart rate of 24 bpm. The electrocardiogram revealed third-degree atrioventricular block and he subsequently underwent an uncomplicated single-chamber pacemaker implantation procedure. Read More

J Cardiothorac Surg 2020 Jun 18;15(1):146. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, The Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No. 1609 Xietu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.

Background: Redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, and its optimal timing remains controversial. Hence, here we reviewed the early and midterm results of simplified, minimally invasive, beating-heart technique for redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery in patients at high risk.

Methods: A total of 32 consecutive patients underwent a redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery using minimally invasive, beating-heart technique through a right lateral thoracotomy in our center between June 2016 and April 2020. Read More

J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020 Jun 11;145:74-83. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology and Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior MCMBB, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany. Electronic address:

Despite recent progress in the understanding of cardiac ion channel function and its role in inherited forms of ventricular arrhythmias, the molecular basis of cardiac conduction disorders often remains unresolved. We aimed to elucidate the genetic background of familial atrioventricular block (AVB) using a whole exome sequencing (WES) approach. In monozygotic twins with a third-degree AVB and in another, unrelated family with first-degree AVB, we identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation in the POPDC2 gene causing a premature stop at position 188 (POPDC2), deleting parts of its cAMP binding-domain. Read More

Heart Rhythm 2020 Jun 5. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology and Experimental Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.

Background: Recent studies suggest that atrioventricular (AV) conduction may recover after pacemaker (PM) implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but little is known about long-term follow-up of such patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term percentage of right ventricular pacing in patients who underwent TAVR and required PM implantation stratified based on the indication for permanent pacing.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent TAVR from February 2008 to August 2019 at 3 centers was performed. Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine-IKEM, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic.

A 19-year-old woman with no previous cardiac history was admitted to the hospital with third-degree atrioventricular block and left ventricular dysfunction. Her condition quickly deteriorated to severe biventricular failure and cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support. An endomyocardial biopsy revealed lymphocytic myocarditis with no PCR-detectable viral genomes, with CD8 T-cell predominance and pro-inflammatory macrophage expansion shown by myocardial flow cytometry. Read More

BMC Pediatr 2020 May 12;20(1):211. Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Cardiology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.

Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is common in children and significantly affects their quality of life. To our knowledge, this the first case report of SCN5A gene mutation associated with VVS and third-degree atrioventricular block (atrioventricular block, AVB), which could help pediatricians aware that VVS is not always a benign condition and help to identify VVS children at the risk of sudden death.

Case Presentation: A twelve-year-old male child was admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University for chest tightness for 9 days and syncope in July 2018. Read More

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2020 Jun 6;31(6):1539-1543. Epub 2020 May 6.

Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Permanent left bundle branch area pacing (LBBP) is a promising physiological pacing technique that has emerged in recent years. However, LBBP is almost exclusively clinically applied in adult patients. The feasibility and safety of the use of LBBP in children have not been well-assessed. Read More

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2020 Apr;48(3):304-308

Department of Cardiology, Health Sciences University, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.

A 57-year-old male was admitted to the emergency room with chest pain that has been present for 3 hours. His blood pressure was 70/50 mmHg and heart rate was 48 bpm. 12-lead surface electrocardiography revealed inferior myocardial infarction and third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2020 Apr 8:1-9. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA.

Cannabis use results in elevation of heart rate and blood pressure immediately after use, primarily due to sympathetic nervous system stimulation and parasympathetic nervous system inhibition. These effects may precipitate cardiac dysrhythmia. The objective of our study was to analyze systematically the pertinent medical literature regarding the putative association between cannabis use and cardiac dysrhythmia. Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2020 Feb 19. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Cebeci Hospitals, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address:

Background: Following developments in the area of minimally invasive surgery and good, recently published surgical results, the areas in which minimally invasive surgery can be used are beginning to expand. This study aimed to describe experience and show the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multiple valve implantation with right anterior minithoracotomy (RAT) and compare the outcomes with cases that underwent multiple valve surgery via a standard median sternotomy.

Methods: The study cohort comprised 52 patients with combined valvular disease who underwent aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement or repair, and/or tricuspid valve ring annuloplasty through median sternotomy (control group n=32) or minimally invasive surgery through a RAT (study group n=20) between January 2012 and December 2018 at the current centre. Read More

J Investig Med 2020 Jun 25;68(5):1011-1014. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

There is no definite reperfusion time for inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients presenting later than 12 hours after symptom onset and complicated by newly-developed atrioventricular block (AVB). It is not clear whether the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could facilitate the recovery of AVB in this patient group. We conducted a retrospective study including 52 consecutive inferior STEMI patients with presenting time >12 hours and new onset second or third-degree AVB on admission. Read More

Heart Rhythm 2020 Mar 20. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Failure of drugs and catheter ablation procedures for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias is still extremely relevant. Recently, stereotactic body radiotherapy has been introduced to treat therapy refractory patients. In this systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42019133212), we aimed to summarize electrophysiological and histopathological effects of radioablation in animals, patients, and extracted and perfused hearts. Read More

Curr Cardiol Rev 2020 Mar 11. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Queen's University, Department of Cardiology, 76 Stuart St. Canada.

Lyme carditis (LC) is an early-disseminated manifestation of Lyme disease, most commonly presenting as high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). The degree of AVB can fluctuate rapidly within minutes, and progression to third-degree AVB is potentially fatal if not recognized and managed promptly. However, the AVB in LC is often transient, and usually resolves with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Read More

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2020 Mar;48(2):103-108

Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objective: A permanent pacemaker (PPM) is necessary for patients with a symptomatic third-degree or advanced second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. An AV block due to medication use can often be reversed; however, subsequent relapse can occur and necessitate subsequent PPM implantation. The aim of this study was to explore the course and prognosis of patients with an AV block. Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2020 Feb;58(2):107-112

Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.

To explore the safety and effectiveness of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in children. Clinical data, pacing electrocardiogram and parameters of 6 patients (5 females and 1 male) who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation and LBBAP from January to June 2019 in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology of Anzhen Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The weight of the 6 patients aged between 9 and 14 years ranged from 26 to 48 kg. 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

Rev Med Interne 2020 Apr 23;41(4):284-288. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Hôpital Rangueil-Larrey, Toulouse, France; Université Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.

Introduction: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) therapy is now a standard of care in numerous cancers with very promising results. Nevertheless, adverse events, and especially immune-related adverse events (irAEs) not reported during clinical trials, are emerging and can be life-threatening.

Observation: We report here a teachable case of a 80 year-old man, of third-degree atrioventricular block consecutive to myocarditis associated with the administration of nivolumab (anti-PD1) monotherapy. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2020 Jan 23. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Heart Center Lucerne, Cardiology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) facilitated by predilatation with the nonocclusive TrueFlow balloon catheter.

Background: Now that TAVR is moving forward, physicians have attempted to simplify and streamline the procedure and the so-called minimalist approach has become more popular.

Methods: We enrolled 142 patients (mean age: 82 ± 5 years, 61% female) in a prospective registry. Read More

Arch Cardiol Mex 2019 ;89(3):212-220

Family and Community Medical Care Teaching Unit (UDMAFYC), Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain.

Background: Nowadays, 49% of patients with pacemakers are older than 80 years old. Nevertheless, mortality and change in functional status after pacemaker implantation are not well documented in elderly patients.

Objective: We designed a prospective study to analyze the cardiovascular mortality and change in functional status of elderly patients, medium-long term after pacemaker implantation. Read More

Gastroenterol Res Pract 2019 18;2019:9190367. Epub 2019 Dec 18.

Digestive Department, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.

Objective: To assess the treatment of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) in Chinese patients on antithrombotic therapy.

Methods: The clinical data of patients with ANVUGIB who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy 24 h after bleeding at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2016 to 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into antithrombotic therapy and control groups and into high-risk (Forrest Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb) and low-risk (Forrest IIc and III) bleeding groups according to the results of endoscopy. Read More

Clin Case Rep 2019 Dec 30;7(12):2295-2299. Epub 2019 Sep 30.

Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Department, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo University of Milan Milan Italy.

Transient loss of consciousness initially diagnosed as epileptic seizures and then documented as paroxysmal atrioventricular block. Cardiac resynchronization and defibrillator therapy guided by a multimodality approach. Read More

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2019 Sep;44(18):3869-3875

Guang'anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100053,China.

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction recorded in Treatise on Febrile Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty have been widely used in treating Yang deficiency and exogenous wind-cold syndrome by traditional Chinese medicine physicians for thousands of years. The indications of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction include bradyarrhythmia,sinus bradycardia,sick sinus node syndrome,senile exogenous,asthmatic cold,rhinitis,bronchial asthma,optic neuritis,optic atrophy,sudden blindness,sudden onset of cough,laryngeal obstruction,migraine,joint pain,low back pain,insomnia,shock,heart failure,renal failure,accompanied by fever or nosocomial infection,and hyperpyrexia after tracheotomy; dark complexion,chills,cold limbs,listlessness,fatigue,insomnia,lack of thirst,liking hot drinks,slightly swollen limbs or whole body,pale fat tongue,greasy fur,and deep pulse. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction is a potential drug for Shaoyin disease complicated with fever and pain. Read More

Circ Cardiovasc Interv 2019 12 13;12(12):e007635. Epub 2019 Dec 13.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (Y.T., D.P., P.Z., P.X., G.S.S., R.G., V.T.N., C.S.R., L.E.P., C.S., P.A.F., Y.-M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Background: Mechanical injury in the conduction system requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure is a common complication. The objective of this study was to use ambulatory monitor BodyGuardian to assess late occurrence of atrioventricular block (AVB) after TAVR.

Methods: This prospective study evaluated 365 patients who underwent TAVR at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota between June 2016 and August 2017. Read More

Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis 2019 26;4:e243-e247. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

Kartal Koşuyolu Heart and Vascular Disease Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: The non-O phenotype of the ABO genotype has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB) is defined as retardation or cessation in the route of an electrical impulse passing from the atria to the ventricles because of an anatomical or functional disruption in the conduction system. We aimed to interpret the association between blood group status and high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB). Read More

Front Pediatr 2019 20;7:465. Epub 2019 Nov 20.

School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

To describe the clinical characteristics of maternal autoantibody-mediated arrhythmia and/or cardiomyopathy, and to explore the therapeutic role of glucocorticoids in these diseases. This was a retrospective observational study of 2 fetuses and 14 children who presented with autoantibody-mediated arrhythmia and/or cardiomyopathy in our hospital from September 2010 to December 2018. In total, 16 patients were identified, including 2 fetuses, and 14 children. Read More

BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2019 12 2;20(1):73. Epub 2019 Dec 2.

Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orelans, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.

Background: Timolol Maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker that is commonly used to treat open-angle glaucoma. Despite its topical administration, ophthalmic timolol enters systemic circulation and produces a systemic beta-adrenergic blockade. We report a case of long-term timolol use that uncovered and worsened an underlying cardiac conduction defect demonstrated as a third degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2020 05 22;306:15-19. Epub 2019 Nov 22.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, PR China.

Objective: To compare transthoracic device closure via a minimal lower-sternal incision or minimal right thoracic incision and surgical repair via midsternal incision for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 147 patients with isolated perimembranous VSD who were treated in our hospital from June 2017 to December 2017. According to the therapeutic approaches, the patients were divided into group A(transthoracic device closure via a minimal lower-sternal incision), group B((transthoracic device closure via a minimal right thoracic incision) and group C(surgical repair via midsternal incision). Read More

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2019 Dec;29(12):S77-S79

Department of Cardiology, Tahir Heart Institute, Chenab Nagar, District Chiniot, Pakistan.

Pre-excitation syndrome (PES) is a congenital abnormality in which there is conduction through accessory pathway in addition to atrioventricular (AV) node between the atria and the ventricles. Conduction through accessory pathway is without any delay and; hence, results in early excitation of ventricles. This dual connection provides substrate for atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), a type of supra-ventricular tachycardia. Read More

J Card Surg 2020 Feb 25;35(2):335-340. Epub 2019 Nov 25.

Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

Objective: To summarize the surgical results of secondary tunnel-like subaortic stenosis (STSS) after congenital heart disease (CHD) operations, the pathogenesis of STSS is analyzed and its operative effect and prognosis are evaluated.

Methods: We analyzed clinical data from 25 patients who underwent surgical repair for STSS in Fuwai Hospital from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015. There were 17 males and 8 females. Read More

BMC Neurol 2019 Nov 15;19(1):287. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

State of the Heart Cardiology, Plaza 1, Medical Pkwy. N Suite 103, Dallas, TX, 75234, USA.

Background: Fingolimod (Gilenya®) is approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in the USA. Owing to transient heart-rate effects when initiating fingolimod, eligible patients undergo precautionary baseline assessment and first-dose observation (FDO) for ≥6 h. Prior to 2014, FDO was undertaken only in clinics. Read More

Tunis Med 2019 Apr;97(4):599-603

Complete atrioventricular block (AV block) associated with an accessory pathway is a rare phenomenon. We report the case of a third degree AV block paired with a Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome in a 91-year-old patient. The electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission showed a Mobitz type II AV block alternating with a third degree block on a wide-QRS ventricular rhythm beating at 35 cycles per minute. Read More

Cureus 2019 Sep 2;11(9):e5554. Epub 2019 Sep 2.

Family Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, USA.

Lyme carditis is a rare cardiac manifestation of Lyme disease that occurs when bacterial spirochetes infect the pericardium or myocardium triggering an inflammatory response. The most common electrocardiogram (EKG) findings in these patients include atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities (first, second, and third degree heart block). A 56-year-old male with a history of hypothyroidism, from the Northeastern region of the United States, presented to the emergency department with lightheadedness and chest pain. Read More

Epilepsia 2019 11 21;60(11):2215-2223. Epub 2019 Oct 21.

Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands.

Objective: To determine the incidence of clinically relevant arrhythmias in refractory focal epilepsy and to assess the potential of postictal arrhythmias as risk markers for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods: We recruited people with refractory focal epilepsy without signs of ictal asystole and who had at least one focal seizure per month and implanted a loop recorder with 2-year follow-up. The devices automatically record arrhythmias. Read More

Case Rep Emerg Med 2019 16;2019:5037356. Epub 2019 Sep 16.

Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.

Background: Cannabis (marijuana) is the most widely consumed illicit drug in Europe. However, many are unaware of its potential cardiovascular side effects.

Case Report: A 19-year-old man presented to the emergency department with palpitations and presyncope after smoking cannabis. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2020 01 16;13(2):184-192. Epub 2019 Oct 16.

Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London and St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical use of patient-specific computer simulation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology.

Background: Patient-specific computer simulation of TAVR in BAV may predict important clinical outcomes, such as paravalvular regurgitation and conduction disturbance.

Methods: Between May 2018 and April 2019, all patients who were referred for TAVR who had BAV identified on work-up cardiac multidetector computed tomographic imaging prospectively underwent patient-specific computer simulation with a self-expanding transcatheter heart valve (THV) using TAVIguide technology. Read More

Br J Anaesth 2019 12 14;123(6):839-852. Epub 2019 Oct 14.

Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is increasingly used intraoperatively in infants undergoing cardiac surgery. This phase 1 multicentre study sought to: (i) determine the safety of DEX for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass; (ii) determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) of DEX; (iii) create a PK model and dosing for steady-state DEX plasma levels; and (iv) validate the PK model and dosing.

Methods: We included 122 neonates and infants (0-180 days) with D-transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, or tetralogy of Fallot. Read More

Lupus 2019 Nov 15;28(13):1589-1593. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

Rheumatology Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Conduction abnormalities are uncommon in adult patients with lupus. We present a young woman with recurrent syncope caused by third-degree atrio-ventricular block as the initial manifestation of lupus and review 31 additional cases of systemic lupus erythematosus patients that have been described previously with complete heart block. Heart blocks occurred almost exclusively in females. Read More

Coron Artery Dis 2019 Nov;30(7):499-504

Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Umraniye Education and Research Hospital.

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of the PRECISE-DAPT score for the development of arrhythmias in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Method: A total of 706 patients with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled to the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the PRECISE-DAPT score (PRECISE-DAPT score ≥25 and PRECISE-DAPT score <25). Read More

Am J Kidney Dis 2020 02 18;75(2):214-224. Epub 2019 Sep 18.

Department of Nephrology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.

Rationale & Objective: Patients with kidney failure treated with maintenance dialysis experience a high rate of mortality, in part due to sudden cardiac death caused by arrhythmias. The prevalence of arrhythmias, including the subset that are clinically significant, is not well known. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of arrhythmias, characterize the pattern of arrhythmic events in relation to dialysis treatments, and identify associated clinical characteristics. Read More

G Ital Cardiol (Rome) 2019 Sep;20(9):523-528

S.O.D. Cardiochirurgia Adulti, Ospedali Riuniti "Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi"', Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona.

Background: Over the years, with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques and technologies aimed at reducing surgical trauma, aortic valve surgery has considerably developed and improved. Our approach includes: reduced incisions (upper "J" ministernomy or anterior right minithoracotomy), "ultra fast-track" anesthesia protocols, sutureless and rapid deployment valve prostheses and miniaturized circuits of extracorporeal circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with this multidisciplinary approach. Read More

Lancet Neurol 2019 11 3;18(11):1021-1033. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

Background: Ozanimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, which selectively binds to sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor subtypes 1 and 5 with high affinity. In the RADIANCE phase 2 study in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis, ozanimod was associated with better efficacy than placebo on MRI measures and was well tolerated. The RADIANCE phase 3 study aimed to confirm the safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus interferon beta-1a in individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Read More

Lancet Neurol 2019 11 3;18(11):1009-1020. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Background: Ozanimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, selectively binds to receptor subtypes 1 and 5 with high affinity. The RADIANCE phase 2 study showed that ozanimod had better efficacy than placebo on MRI measures, with a favourable safety profile, in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis. The SUNBEAM study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus intramuscular interferon beta-1a in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Read More

Cardiol J 2019 Sep 6. Epub 2019 Sep 6.

Department of Cardiology, University Marburg, Baldinger Straße, 35033 Marburg, Germany.

Background: Data on the prevalence and predictors for the development of pacing-dependency in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are sparse.

Methods: Pacing-dependency defined as an absence of intrinsic rhythm of ≥ 30 bpm was determined in 802 consecutive patients with CIEDs who visited the documented pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator outpatient clinic for routine follow-up.

Results: A total of 131 (16%) patients were found to be pacing-dependent 67 ± 70 months after CIED implant. Read More

Ann Intern Med 2019 10 3;171(7):458-463. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy (C.D., S.C.P., L.G., A.A., M.F., P.D.B., S.B., S.S.).

Background: Mutations in the LMNA (lamin A/C) gene have been associated with neuromuscular and cardiac manifestations, but the clinical implications of these signs are not well understood.

Objective: To learn more about the natural history of LMNA-related disease.

Design: Observational study. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2019 31;33:74. Epub 2019 May 31.

Service de Cardiologie B, Université Mohamed V Souissi, Rabat, Maroc.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. Inferior MI accounts for 30-50% of infarctions but it is associated with a favorable prognosis compared to anterior infarct. This study aimed to study the epidemiological, clinical, electrical, echocardiographic, angiographic features of inferior MI, as well as its complications and its therapeutic approaches. Read More

Cureus 2019 Jun 10;11(6):e4869. Epub 2019 Jun 10.

Internal Medicine, Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, USA.

In the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors, pulmonary and critical care physicians frequently encounter patients taking these medications, usually after being admitted to the intensive care unit with life-threatening complications. These complications are rare, present with nonspecific and vague symptoms, which may delay the treatment and have high mortality. We report a very rare complication, with only two previously reported cases of a severe and potentially fatal side effect associated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy with nivolumab. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2019 Sep;3(3)

Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Background: Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block can result in sudden cardiac death if no reliable escape rhythm is present. Here, we report a case of an 86-year-old female patient who developed a third-degree AV block leading to cardiac arrest. Surprisingly, sinus rhythm returned after 4 min of asystole, and she showed complete neurological recovery. Read More