Sudden-onset severe presyncope in a 67-year-old man

Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. heartjnl-2018-314118
Author(s):  
Katie Hannah Sanders ◽  
Claire A Martin ◽  
Munmohan Virdee

A 67-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe presyncope. He reported that he had a permanent pacemaker implanted in 2006 following atrioventricular node ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). After suffering increasing shortness of breath, he underwent upgrade to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) in 2016. He denied any recent falls, interventions or changes in medication. ECG monitoring showed AF with a broad ventricular escape rhythm at around 25 bpm with pauses of up to 3 s. Placement of a magnet over the device resulted in pacing (figure 1A). The implanted device (Medtronic Syncra C2TR01) was interrogated (figure 1B), and a chest radiograph was obtained (figure 2). Figure 1(A) Twelve-lead ECG demonstrating intrinsic rhythm and pacing after application of magnet. (B) Device interrogation with right ventricular threshold test.Figure 2(C) Anteroposterior chest radiograph demonstrating lead position on admission.QuestionWhat was the cause of this presentation?Noise oversensing on the right ventricular (RV) lead due to lead fracture.The RV septal lead has displaced into the right atrial (RA).RA and RV leads were switched in the can during the CRT upgrade.Increase in threshold of RV and left ventricular (LV) leads resulting in loss of capture.

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 680-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Buchner ◽  
Michael Eglseer ◽  
Kurt Debl ◽  
Andrea Hetzenecker ◽  
Andreas Luchner ◽  
...  

Structural and functional integrity of the right heart is important in the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) on structure and function of the right heart early after AMI.54 patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance 3–5 days and 12 weeks after AMI, and were stratified according to the presence of SDB, defined as an apnoea–hypopnoea index of ≥15 events·h−1.12 weeks after AMI, end-diastolic volume of the right ventricle had increased significantly in patients with SDB (n=27)versusthose without (n=25) (mean±sd14±23%versus0±17%, p=0.020). Multivariable linear regression analysis accounting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, left ventricular mass and left ventricular end-systolic volume showed that the apnoea–hypopnoea index was significantly associated with right ventricular end-diastolic volume (B-coefficient 0.315 (95% CI 0.013–0.617); p=0.041). From baseline to 12 weeks, right atrial diastolic area increased more in patients with SDB (2.9±3.7 cm2versus1.0±2.4 cm2, p=0.038; when adjusted for left ventricular end systolic volume, p=0.166).SDB diagnosed shortly after AMI predicts an increase of right ventricular end-diastolic volume and possibly right atrial area within the following 12 weeks. Thus, SDB may contribute to enlargement of the right heart after AMI.


1992 ◽  
Vol 263 (5) ◽  
pp. H1587-H1590 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Myhre ◽  
B. K. Slinker ◽  
M. M. LeWinter

During the left ventricular (LV) pump cycle, peak negative first derivative of pressure vs. time (dP/dt) occurs very close to the end of LV ejection, and there is a well-defined isovolumic relaxation period. Despite similarities between the right ventricular (RV) and LV pump cycles, recent studies indicate uncertainty as to whether peak negative RV dP/dt occurs simultaneously with RV end ejection and whether there is an isovolumic relaxation period during the RV pump cycle. To study these questions, we recorded relative timing of peak negative RV dP/dt, RV end ejection, and right atrial-RV pressure crossover in the open-chest anesthetized dog. The data demonstrate that peak negative RV dP/dt occurs an average of 60 ms before end ejection and that there is no RV isovolumic relaxation period. These findings have implications for the possible use of peak negative RV dP/dt as a marker of RV end ejection and for how time constants of pressure decay obtained during RV relaxation can be interpreted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Karuzas ◽  
K Sablauskas ◽  
R Zvirblyte ◽  
L Skrodenis ◽  
E Teleisyte ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. INTRODUCTION  Deep learning (DL) has been successfully applied in the automated assessment of some transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters such as left-ventricular ejection fraction. Nevertheless, automation of the right-sided heart assessment has not been widely studied, partially due to the relative difficulty involved in some of the right-sided heart measurement evaluation and time constraints in routine practice. Here we have explored the feasibility of a DL-based system capable of performing different tasks involved in the right-sided heart functional and geometric evaluation. PURPOSE  To develop a DL-based system assessing right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) functional and geometric parameters and compare its accuracy to board-certified cardiologists. METHODS A total of 2,014 frames from 349 patients (with various indications for TTE) were used to train and validate four convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to perform either segmentation or landmark detection across four different TTE views: apical four-chamber (A4Ch), parasternal long-axis (PLAX), M-mode of tricuspid annulus and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the right ventricular lateral wall. The CNNs were optimised to perform different right-sided heart measurements, namely, right atrial area in end-systole (RAA) and fractional area change (FAC) of RV in A4Ch view, proximal right ventricular outflow tract diameter (pRVOT) in PLAX view, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in M-mode and S’ in TDI. Model performance was compared with two board-certified cardiologists using their average measurements on 20 test set patients.  RESULTS CNN predicted pRVOT diameter with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.02 mm and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 3.08 mm. The intersection over union (IoU) for the segmentation of RV and RA was 0.89 and 0.87, respectively. We then used  RV and RA segmentation predictions to calculate additional parameters which resulted in RMSE of 8.34% for FAC and 4.93cm2 for RAA. In the M-mode and TDI, the model achieved RMSE of 4.48 mm and 0.84 cm/s for the detection of TAPSE and S’, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the feasibility of a DL-based system performing different measurements involved in right-sided heart evaluation. In a routine practice, where limited time resources might be available, such could assist in the thorough assessment of the right-sided heart geometry and function. Additional studies using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to establish more precise accuracy of such systems is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirak Shah ◽  
Thomas Murray ◽  
Jessica Schultz ◽  
Ranjit John ◽  
Cindy M. Martin ◽  
...  

AbstractThe EUROMACS Right-Sided Heart Failure Risk Score was developed to predict right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. The predictive ability of the EUROMACS score has not been tested in other cohorts. We performed a single center analysis of a continuous-flow (CF) LVAD cohort (n = 254) where we calculated EUROMACS risk scores and assessed for right ventricular heart failure after LVAD implantation. Thirty-nine percent of patients (100/254) had post-operative RVF, of which 9% (23/254) required prolonged inotropic support and 5% (12/254) required RVAD placement. For patients who developed RVF after LVAD implantation, there was a 45% increase in the hazards of death on LVAD support (HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.98–2.2, p = 0.066). Two variables in the EUROMACS score (Hemoglobin and Right Atrial Pressure to Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure ratio) were not predictive of RVF in our cohort. Overall, the EUROMACS score had poor external discrimination in our cohort with area under the curve of 58% (95% CI 52–66%). Further work is necessary to enhance our ability to predict RVF after LVAD implantation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Popielarz-Grygalewicz ◽  
Jakub S. Gąsior ◽  
Aleksandra Konwicka ◽  
Paweł Grygalewicz ◽  
Maria Stelmachowska-Banaś ◽  
...  

To determine whether the echocardiographic presentation allows for diagnosis of acromegalic cardiomyopathy. 140 patients with acromegaly underwent echocardiography as part of routine diagnostics. The results were compared with the control group comprising of 52 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients with acromegaly presented with higher BMI, prevalence of arterial hypertension, and glucose metabolism disorders (i.e., diabetes and/or prediabetes). In patients with acromegaly, the following findings were detected: increased left atrial volume index, increased interventricular septum thickness, increased posterior wall thickness, and increased left ventricular mass index, accompanied by reduced diastolic function measured by the following parameters: E’med., E/E’, and E/A. Additionally, they presented with abnormal right ventricular systolic pressure. All patients had normal systolic function measured by ejection fraction. However, the values of global longitudinal strain were slightly lower in patients than in the control group; the difference was statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in the size of the right and left ventricle, thickness of the right ventricular free wall, and indexed diameter of the ascending aorta between patients with acromegaly and healthy volunteers. None of 140 patients presented systolic dysfunction, which is the last phase of the so-called acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Some abnormal echocardiographic parameters found in acromegalic patients may be caused by concomitant diseases and not elevated levels of GH or IGF-1 alone. The potential role of demographic parameters like age, sex, and/or BMI requires further research.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasja de Groot ◽  
Lisette vd Does ◽  
Ameeta Yaksh ◽  
Paul Knops ◽  
Pieter Woestijne ◽  
...  

Introduction: Transition of paroxysmal to longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LsPAF) is associated with progressive longitudinal dissociation in conduction and a higher incidence of focal fibrillation waves. The aim of this study was to provide direct evidence that the substrate of LsPAF consists of an electrical double-layer of dissociated waves, and that focal fibrillation waves are caused by endo-epicardial breakthrough. Hypothesis: LsPAF in humans is caused by electrical dissociation of the endo- and epicardial layer. Methods: Intra-operative mapping of the endo- and epicardial right atrial wall was performed in 9 patients with induced (N=4), paroxysmal (N=1), persistent (N=2) or longstanding-persistent AF (N=2). A clamp of two rectangular electrode-arrays (128 electrodes; inter-electrode distance 2mm) was introduced through an incision in the right atrial appendage. Series of 10 seconds of AF were analyzed and the incidence of endo-epicardial dissociation (≥15ms) was determined for all 128 endo-epicardial recording sites. Results: In patients with LsPAF the averaged degree of endo-epicardial dissociation was highest (24.9% vs. 5.9%). Using strict criteria for breakthrough (presence of an opposite wave within 4mm and <15ms before the origin of the focal wave), the far majority (77%) of all focal fibrillation waves could be attributed to endo-epicardial excitation. Conclusions: During LsPAF considerable differences in activation of the right endo- and epicardial wall exist. Endo-epicardial fibrillation waves that are out of phase, may conduct transmurally and create breakthrough waves in the opposite layer. This may explain the high persistence of AF and the low succes rate of ablative therapies in patients with LsPAF.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela De Carvalho Cid ◽  
Luciano Da Silva Alonso ◽  
Ana Paula De Castro Pires ◽  
Mariana Siqueira d'Avila Taïna Gonçalves ◽  
Taïna Gonçalves ◽  
...  

Background: Congenital cardiac diseases are a common cause of death in puppies. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by thickening and displacement of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve, agenesis of the valves, and incomplete separation of valve components. Papillary muscles may fuse and display shortened or absent chordae tendineae that contribute to tricuspid regurgitation. Diagnostic features of tricuspid valve dysplasia include cardiomegaly with massive right atrium enlargement on thoracic radiography and tricuspid insufficiency on an ultrasound. We aimed to describe clinicopathological findings in a dog (Canis familiaris) with tricuspid dysplasia.Case: We aimed to describe tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog referred for necropsy at the Anatomical Pathology Sector of The Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a clinical history of abdominal swelling, dyspnea, cyanosis, ascites, and prostration. Echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound revealed right ventricular enlargement, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Examination of the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers, thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver was enlarged, with a nutmeg pattern, and foci of clotting and fibrin adhesions in the lateral right lobule.Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with tricuspid valve dysplasia. Although structural abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves are well known in fetuses and neonates, congenital and secondary tricuspid malformations are rare in dogs. The survival rate is associated with the severity of heart lesions. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is mostly observed in large-breed dogs (>20 kg), particularly in Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds. Regardless, most dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia are of a pure-breed, which differs from our findings because our dog was a mongrel. Our dog displayed signs of dyspnea, cyanosis, abdominal swelling, prostration, and enlarged liver and spleen on ultrasound examination. Tricuspid valve dysplasia led to heart enlargement and right congestive heart failure, with consequent ascites, abdominal swelling, weakness, lethargy, jugular venous distension, and hepatomegaly. Overall, the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers, thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver had a nutmeg pattern. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by malformation of the tricuspid valve leaflets, chord tendineae, or papillary muscles. Malformed tricuspid valves are known to result in variable degrees of regurgitation, leading to right atrial overflow and ventricular eccentric hypertrophy. Differential diagnosis includes myocarditis, tricuspid valve endocarditis, tricuspid endocardiosis, tricuspid valve prolapse and right ventricular dysplasia, right ventricular enlargement with tricuspidal regurgitation due to pulmonary insufficiency, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Signs of heart murmurs (irregular sounds of the heart) on clinical examination may indicate an irregular blood flow pattern, and imaging tests may be necessary for assessing the presence and severity of any lesions. The epidemiologic, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with those of tricuspid valve dysplasia. 


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
pp. 55-58
Author(s):  
ZAHID PARVEZ ◽  
FARID AHMAD CHAUDHARY ◽  
AJMAL HASAN NAZQVI ◽  
Muniza Saeed

Placement of epicardial wires on the right atrial and right ventricle surfaces is a routine practice in cardiac surgery. These pacingelectrodes are used for invasive pacing of the myocardium for a variety of emergent and elective conditions postoperatively. There is uncertaintyin actual practice about the optimum time for their removal, and practice varies widely between different institutions. Objectives: To determine thetime related efficacy of these pacing electrodes after cardiac surgery, to find out the optimum time of their removal. Period: July 2008 toOctober 2008. Patients & Methods: 47 patients those underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were prospectively enrolled and evaluatedwith standard 12 lead ECG and ventricle pacing threshold immediately after surgery and on the 5t h postoperative day. The patients were dividedinto two subgroups according to their left ventricle ejection fraction ( > 40% verses < 40%). Results: There was significant difference in theeffective pacing threshold in groupl and 2 on immediate post operative period and on day 5. (P = 0.002 and P = 0.02 respectively) The sensingthreshold immediately after operation and on 5t h post operative day also differed significantly (P = 0.009 in group 1 and 0.02 in group 2) Theeffective VVI* pacing was lost in 17 patients (40.5%) on the 5t h post operative day and comparison of effective pacing threshold in the twogroups showed no significant difference during the same period of time (P = NS). "Ventrculo-ventrical inhibition. Conclusions: The epicardialpacing wires have little usefulness after the fifth postoperative day and should be removed by this time. In addition postoperative pacingthreshold was not affected by the decreased left ventricular function.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document