Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Vet Cardiol 2018 Dec 20. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

Cardiology Service, Hospital Veterinari Molins, Pol. Ind. Molí Dels Frares, B-27, 08620 Sant Vicens Dels Horts, Barcelona, Spain.

A 5-year-old short-haired dachshund was referred with a history of repeated syncope associated with a third-degree atrioventricular block. A permanent transvenous pacemaker with an active-fixation lead was implanted. In the following 3 weeks, the syncopal episodes reappeared owing to a loss of ventricular capture. Read More

Circ Res 2018 Nov;123(11):1208-1219

From the Department of Radiology, Center for Systems Biology (M.H., A.D.A., S.C., Y.I., K.R.K., F.K.S., R.W., M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Rationale: Cardiac pacing is a critical technology for the treatment of arrhythmia and heart failure. The impact of specific pacing strategies on myocardial function is an area of intense research and high clinical significance. Mouse models have proven extremely useful for probing mechanisms of heart disease, but there is currently no reliable technology for long-term pacing in the mouse. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(50):e13347

National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases.

Rationale: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a rare complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during thrombolytic therapy. We report a case of STEMI occurring 40 minutes after thrombolytic therapy for AIS and discuss the possible mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

Patient Concerns: A 87-year-old woman with a history of arterial hypertension was admitted for acute onset of right-sided limb weakness 2 hours before arrival at the emergency department. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018 Oct 23. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.

Objectives: We performed a prospective, single-arm clinical trial approved under a Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption to assess safety and efficacy of Perceval, a sutureless bovine pericardial aortic valve representing the initial US experience.

Methods: From June 2013 to January 2015, 300 patients (mean age 76.7 ± 7. Read More

J Med Vasc 2018 Dec 27;43(6):375-378. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Institut de cardiologie d'Abidjan, 01 BP V, 206 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Complete atrioventricular block is a rare complication of pulmonary embolism. We describe the case of a black African patient, aged 42 years, who presented to the emergency department of Abidjan Heart Institute for sudden onset dyspnea and hemoptysis. ECG revealed a third degree atrioventricular block. Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Background: Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing is related to adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling. This study assessed changes in global longitudinal strain (GLS) after permanent RVA pacing, and investigated whether GLS at one month can predict later LV ejection fraction (LVEF) decline.

Methods: The study enrolled 68 patients with normal LVEF (≥50%) who underwent dual chamber pacemaker implantation for third-degree atrioventricular block. Read More

Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2018 Nov 29;73:e371. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Structural Heart Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Province, China.

Objective: Explore the feasibility and safety of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using a wire-drifting technique (WT) in children.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 121 pediatric patients diagnosed with perimembranous ventricular septal defects who underwent interventional treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from Dec 2011 to Dec 2014. Based on the method used for arteriovenous loop establishment during the procedure, the patients were divided into a conventional technique (CT) group and a WT group. 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

J Nucl Cardiol 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5853, USA.

Objectives: We sought to determine the safety of regadenoson (REG) stress testing in patients who have undergone orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT).

Background: Routine screening for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is necessary after OHT. Adenosine stress is contraindicated after heart transplantation due to supersensitivity in denervated hearts. Read More

Fetal Diagn Ther 2018 Nov 14:1-6. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Department of Obstetrics, Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Introduction: Despite undoubtable benefits of open fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) repair, there are considerable maternal risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate and systematically categorize maternal complications after open fMMC repair.

Methods: We analyzed data of 40 fMMC repairs performed at the Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. Read More

Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019 Jan 9;302(1):83-92. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

The RHOA-ROCK signaling pathway is involved in numerous developmental processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. RHOA is expressed in the atrioventricular node (AVN) and altered expression of RHOA results in atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders in mice. The current study aims to detect functional AVN disorders after disturbing RHOA-ROCK signaling in chicken embryos. Read More

Pediatr Cardiol 2018 Oct 31. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, 2-North, New York, NY, USA.

Background: The clinical course of children with advanced heart block secondary to Lyme disease has not been well characterized.

Objective: To review the presentation, management, and time to resolution of heart block due to Lyme disease in previously healthy children.

Methods: An IRB approved single-center retrospective study was conducted of all patients < 21 years old with confirmed Lyme disease and advanced second or third degree heart block between 2007 and 2017. Read More

Int Heart J 2018 Nov 25;59(6):1320-1326. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Department of Cardiology, The Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves heart function and prognosis in third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is still unclear how to screen for appropriate patients before implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the value of using QRS duration to predict CRT efficacy. Read More

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2018 Aug;11(8):e006145

Heart and Lung Center (H.-K.N., J.L., K.E., R.K., P.S., M.K.).

Background: Symptomatic high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) is the most common and often the only presenting manifestation (lone AVB) of cardiac sarcoidosis. Implantation of an intracardiac cardioverter defibrillator instead of a pacemaker is recommended, but the true risk of fatal arrhythmia, one incident to lone AVB in particular, remains poorly known.

Methods: We used Myocardial Inflammatory Diseases in Finland Study Group Registry to analyze the presentations, left ventricular (LV) function, pacemaker therapy, and ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac sarcoidosis. Read More

Med J Malaysia 2018 Oct;73(5):323-325

Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Acute Rheumatic fever (ARF) is commonly associated with ECG abnormalities particularly atrioventricular block. However, third degree atrioventricular block or complete heart block is a rare manifestation. Most cases occurred in children. Read More

Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018 Oct 13. Epub 2018 Oct 13.

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

Several indications for sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) have been a matter of debate. We evaluated our experience with Perceval-S (LivaNova group, Saluggia, Italy) SU-AVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) involving bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), even though presence of BAV is still considered to be a contraindication for sutureless valves. From January 2013 through March 2018, 13 patients with severe AS involving BAV underwent SU-AVR with the Perceval-S (LivaNova group, Saluggia, Italy) prosthesis in a single center. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2018 Oct 9. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

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

Background: This study compared the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative device closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) using the right-thoracic-minimal-incision-to-right-ventricle and lower-midline-sternotomy-to-right-ventricle approaches.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 46 patients who underwent intraoperative device closure of a pmVSD via the right-thoracic-minimal-incision-to-right-ventricle route (group I) and 52 patients who underwent intraoperative device closure of a pmVSD via a minimal incision in the lower sternum (group II) at our hospital from March 2016 to March 2017. In group I, a right thoracic minimal incision to the fourth intercostal space was used to establish a delivery system through the right ventricle to complete pmVSD closure. 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

Pediatr Cardiol 2018 Oct 8. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Fuwai Central Cardiovascular Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China.

This retrospective, single-center study evaluated short-term and mid-term results of minimally invasive surgery to occlude ventricular septal defects (VSDs) using a subaxillary approach. The procedure was performed on 429 children (224 boys, 205 girls; age 2.4 ± 2. 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

Int J Cardiol 2019 Jan 28;274:52-58. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS), potassium imbalance at admission has been associated with in-hospital arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and mortality. However, several important presentation characteristics and subtype of ACS have not been considered.

Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 32,955) admitted with suspected ACS between 2006 and 2011, registered in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) and the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project were included. Read More

Am J Med Case Rep 2018 23;6(8):157-160. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Divisions of Cardiovascular Disease and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A- 11203.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a rare autoimmune myopathy that includes polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis and autoimmune necrotizing myositis. Cardiac involvement was considered a rare occurrence in IIM however, recent reports suggests that cardiac involvement is a common feature and portends poor prognosis as it is usually encountered in advanced disease. IIM leads to myocarditis with subsequent development of myocardial fibrosis, cardiac conduction system disease and cardiomyopathy resulting in both systolic and diastolic 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

Swiss Med Wkly 2018 Aug 22;148:w14643. Epub 2018 Aug 22.

University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

Aim: Between October 2015 and December 2016, 11,088 patients from 42 countries having cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices implanted were included in the CRT II Survey. We compared the characteristics of Swiss CRT recipients with the overall European population.

Methods: Demographic and procedural data from seven Swiss centres recruiting all consecutive patients undergoing either de-novo CRT implantation or an upgrade to a CRT system were collected and compared with the European population. Read More

Rev Port Cardiol 2018 Nov 24;37(11):947.e1-947.e4. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

Cardiology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.

Sudden cardiac arrest survivors continue to be a challenge for cardiologists. An appropriate initial diagnostic approach is crucial for planning a successful therapeutic strategy. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Read More

Am J Cardiovasc Dis 2018 15;8(3):39-42. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

West Virginia University Heart and Vascular Institute Morgantown, WV, USA.

Baroreflex failure is a rare cause of syncope and labile blood pressures. Here, we present a case of baroreflex failure in a patient with history of nasopharyngeal cancer, status-post neck radiation. A 76-year-old male presented from an outside facility for possible pacemaker placement as he was found to have symptomatic third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Read More

Cardiovasc Toxicol 2018 Dec;18(6):579-582

Geriatrics Department, Leopold Bellan Hospital, 185 C Rue Raymond Losserand, Paris, France.

Lacosamide, one of the last antiepileptic drugs marketed, can cause extension of PR interval. Precautions are recommended when used in elderly and with other drugs extending PR interval. Cases of severe third-degree atrioventricular block have been reported only in post-marketing case reports when used at high-doses and remain rare. Read More

Cardiol Res 2018 Jun 6;9(3):176-179. Epub 2018 Jun 6.

Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ 07901, USA.

A case of a 73-year-old woman with a history of von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis type 1) who presented initially with a gradual onset of shortness of breath and lightheadedness with no associated fever, chills, angina, palpitations, cough, weight loss, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. She was found to be severely bradycardic and in third degree atrioventricular block by her primary care physician. She was admitted in the hospital because of intermittent bouts of lightheadedness and progression of the shortness of breath. Read More

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2018 09 11;41(9):1266-1267. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an established treatment option for aortic valve stenosis in patients with a high risk for conventional surgical valve replacement. A well-known complication is the development of conduction abnormalities. In the case of a new third-degree atrioventricular block, the complication can be life-threatening and permanent pacing is needed. Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2018 Aug 19;36(8):1523.e5-1523.e6. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico; Echocadiography Laboratory, Cardiology Service, Hospital Universitario, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Temporary transcutaneous pacing devices are used to treat symptomatic bradyarrhythmias that are unresponsive to medical therapy until it resolves or a more stable pacing device is established. Pain is the most common complication. Skin burns as a complication are uncommon. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 04 2;15(4). Epub 2018 Apr 2.

Clinical Laboratory, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.

The biological behaviour and clinical significance of mercury toxicity vary according to its chemical structure. Mercury differs in its degree of toxicity and in its effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems as well as on organs such as the lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes and heart. Human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of elemental mercury vapours during industrial and artisanal processes such as artisanal and small-scale gold mining. 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

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi 2018 Mar;46(3):198-202

Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) through transcarotid approach for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. The clinical data of 9 symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis patients who had high or prohibitive risk for surgery and not suitable for TAVR through femoral artery access,and thus received TAVR through transcarotid approach in our hospital from November 2015 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were followed up to observe the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018 Jun 21;155(6):2414-2422. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

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

Objectives: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) is an alternative technique to standard aortic valve replacement. We evaluated our experience with the Perceval SU-AVR with concomitant mitral valve surgery, with or without tricuspid valve surgery, and aimed to discuss the technical considerations.

Methods: From January 2013 through June 2016, 30 patients with concomitant severe mitral valve disease, with or without tricuspid valve disease, underwent SU-AVR with the Perceval prosthesis in a single center. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Mar 14;2018. Epub 2018 Mar 14.

Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.

The authors report a case of a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed with an irreversible second-degree atrioventricular (AV) Mobitz II 2:1 block temporally associated with profound hyponatraemia. The cause of the hyponatraemia was beer potomania. The co-occurrence of reversible first, second and third-degree heart blocks and hyponatraemia has been described in a few published case reports. Read More

G Ital Cardiol (Rome) 2018 Feb;19(2):119-131

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 2016 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

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

BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2018 02 21;18(1):37. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.

Background: In patients with triple valve replacement developing third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), the most appropriate approach for permanent pacemaker implantation remains questionable.

Case Presentation: In this case presentation, we first described the approach of implantation of the cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) via one bipolar pacing lead in middle cardiac vein (MCV) and one quadripolar pacing lead in anterior interventricular vein (AIV) in a patient developing complete AVB, who had been previously diagnosed with rheumatic valvular heart disease with triple valve replaced. After the CRT-P implantation, the two pacing leads in coronary sinus (CS) provided a dual-site ventricular pacing from the anterior septum and posterior septum, which resulted in a narrow QRS complex and an increased ventricular synchrony. Read More

Acta Clin Belg 2018 Dec 21;73(6):439-443. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

a Faculty of Medicine , University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad , Serbia.

Objective And Importance: Endless loop tachycardia or pacemaker-mediated tachycardia, and atrioventricular desynchronization arrhythmia or repetitive non-reentrant ventriculoatrial synchrony (RNRVAS) are two forms of reverse impulse conduction - ventriculoatrial (VA) synchrony. Although VA synchrony can theoretically cause aggravation of heart failure, clinical cases describing severe consequential heart failure are lacking.

Clinical Presentation And Intervention: We describe a case of a 60-year-old patient who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and mitral valve surgery. Read More

JA Clin Rep 2017 10;3(1):27. Epub 2017 May 10.

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505 Japan.

Background: The major perioperative concern in patients with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block is the progression to complete AV block. Therefore, the prophylactic implantation of a temporary pacemaker prior to surgery is recommended, especially in symptomatic patients. However, as no quantitative preoperative risk assessment from progression to complete AV block is available, there is currently no established indication for preoperative prophylactic pacemaker implantation. Read More

Pediatr Neurol 2018 Mar 28;80:90-91. Epub 2017 Nov 28.

Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Cardiol J 2018 Feb 5. Epub 2018 Feb 5.

Department of Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany, Germany.

Background: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are a valuable tool for the investigation of unexplained syncopal episodes. The aim of this retrospective single center study was to identify predictive factors for pacemaker implantation in patients with unexplained syncope who underwent ILR insertion.

Methods: 106 patients were retrospectively analyzed (mean age 59. Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2018 Mar 1;36(3):467-469. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Duke University School of Medicine, United States. Electronic address:

A patient presented with symptomatic third degree atrioventricular block requiring emergency transvenous pacemaker placement. During the procedure, wireless digital radiographs tracked the position of the pacemaker electrode, which repeatedly missed the target right ventricle. The patient was then rolled to left lateral decubitus position and the electrode was advanced into the right ventricle, achieving electrical capture, hemodynamic stability, and symptom resolution. Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2018 04 12;5(2):249-261. Epub 2017 Dec 12.

Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Aims: Cardiac affection constitutes a major limiting condition in systemic sarcoidosis. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the persistence rate of cardiac sarcoid involvement by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Moreover, we examined the additional insights into myocardial damage's characteristics gained by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Read More

Acta Clin Belg 2018 Dec 5;73(6):403-407. Epub 2017 Dec 5.

c Department of Cardiology , Sint-Andriesziekenhuis , Tielt , Belgium.

Introduction Swallow syncope is a neurally mediated syncope. Multiple causes have been described in literature. A rare cause is arrhythmias. Read More

Am J Cardiol 2018 Feb 31;121(3):356-363. Epub 2017 Oct 31.

Cardiovascular Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Native heart endomyocardial biopsy (NH-EMB) is an infrequently performed procedure. The objective of this study is to describe utilization trends, indications, and complications associated with NH-EMB in the United States and compare them with transplanted heart endomyocardial biopsy (TH-EMB). Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database, we identified 71,105 adult patients undergoing EMB in the inpatient setting in participating hospitals from 2002 to 2014. Read More

Acta Cardiol 2018 Oct 30;73(5):459-468. Epub 2017 Nov 30.

a Department of Cardiovascular Sciences , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.

Aim: Leadless cardiac pacemaker has been developed to reduce complications related to cardiac pacing and is considered as an alternative to conventional pacemaker although safety and efficacy data in clinical practice are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy profile of Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) used in daily clinical activity with a focus on challenging cases for conventional pacing.

Methods: A total of 66 patients (46 men, 79. Read More

Minerva Cardioangiol 2018 Apr 10;66(2):170-179. Epub 2017 Nov 10.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Klinikum Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany.

Background: Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have the potential to augment the adoption of alternative incision approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Still, we lack the evidence on which surgical approach is best associated with sutureless AVR.

Methods: Data on 483 patients undergoing sutureless small incision AVR between 2010-2014 in two European institutions (207 with ministernotomy [MS] and 276 via right anterior minithoracotomy [RAMT]) have been retrospectively analyzed. Read More