The article presents a case study of a 33-year-old female with recurrent episodes of wide‐QRS tachycardia. Topics include responsive to intravenous adenosine referred to the arrhythmia center for undergoing an electrophysiological study (EPS); and constant P‐QRS intervals during WQR not supporting the hypothesis of isorhythmic competition with an accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR).

Despite numerous ECG algorithms being developed to localize the site of manifest accessory pathways (AP), they often require stepwise multiple‐lead analysis with variable accuracy, limitations, and reproducibility. The study aimed to develop a single‐lead ECG algorithm incorporating the P‐Delta interval (PDI) as an adjunct criterion to discriminate between right and left manifest AP.

Methods

Consecutive WPW patients undergoing electrophysiological study (EPS) were retrospectively recruited and split into a derivation and validation group (1:1 ratio). Sinus rhythm ECG analysis in lead V1 was performed by three independent investigators blinded to the EPS results. Conventional ECG parameters and PDI were assessed through the global cohort.

Results

A total of 140 WPW patients were included (70 for each group). A score‐based, single‐lead ECG algorithm was developed through derivation …

This study aimed to collect and analyze the literature data regarding Chiari network (CN) and other right atrium (RA) remnants comprising the Eustachian and Thebesian valves (EV, ThV) as a potential entrapment site during different percutaneous cardiac procedures (PCP).

Methods and results

A systematic search was conducted using Pubmed and Embase databases following the PRISMA guidelines to obtain available data concerning PCP associated with entrapment of inserted materials within CN-EV-ThV. The final analysis included 41 patients who underwent PCP with reported material entrapment within these RA remnants. The PCP was atrial septal defect (ASD)/patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, catheter ablation, and pacemaker/defibrillator implantation in 44%, 22%, and 17% of patients, respectively. The entrapped materials were ASD/PFO devices, multipolar electrophysiology catheters …

The right bundle branch (RBB), due to its endocardial course, is susceptible to traumatic block caused by “bumping” during right‐heart catheterization. In the era of cardiac electrophysiology, catheter‐induced RBB block (CI‐RBBB) has become a common phenomenon observed during electrophysiological studies and catheter ablation procedures. While typically transient, it may persist for the entire procedure time. Compared to pre‐existing RBBB, the transient nature of CI‐RBBB allows for comparative analysis relative to the baseline rhythm. Furthermore, unlike functional RBBB, it occurs at similar heart rates, making the comparison of conduction intervals more reliable. While CI‐RBBB can provide valuable diagnostic information in various conditions, it is often overlooked by cardiac electrophysiologists. Though it is usually a benign and self‐limiting conduction defect, it may occasionally lead to diagnostic …

Despite the progressive course of atrial fibrillation (AF), the optimal timing of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) during disease course is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of early RFCA within a year after AF diagnosis on procedural outcomes.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on symptomatic AF patients (n = 130) referred for RFCA with a 16-month median follow-up. Patients were stratified based on the diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) into early (≤1 year) and late (>1 year) RFCA groups. Atrial arrhythmia recurrence after single RFCA was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular hospitalizations, AF progression, and antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use.

Results

Within a year of AF diagnosis, 33 patients (25.4%) underwent RFCA. In the early-RFCA group, 84.4% of patients did not have recurrent atrial arrhythmia, in contrast to 60.8% in the late-RFCA group (p = 0.039). Late RFCA (HR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.062–7.052, p = 0.037) and AF recurrence during the blanking period (HR = 4.57, 95% CI = 2.38–8.57, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of atrial arrhythmia recurrence on multivariate analysis. Compared to the late-RFCA group, the early-RFCA group had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations (18% vs. 42%, p = 0.023), AF progression (0.0% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.044), and AAD use (45.4% vs. 81.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Early RFCA within a year of AF diagnosis is associated with less atrial arrhythmia recurrence, fewer cardiovascular hospitalizations, less AF progression, and less AAD use. DAT of more than one year and AF recurrence …

Background: Radiodermatitis is a common side effect of breast cancer radiotherapy; however, there is no current consensus regarding an effective standard therapy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of topical ectoin versus dexpanthenol in the management of acute radiodermatitis after breast cancer radiotherapy. Methods: Fifty patients randomly used dexpanthenol 5% cream (25 patients), or ectoin 7% cream (25 patients), applied twice daily to the irradiated area during and for 2 weeks after radiotherapy. The study was stratified by the radiotherapy schedule and was double-blind. Radiodermatitis grade, radiation-associated symptoms, and adverse events were assessed weekly during radiotherapy and 2 weeks thereafter. Skin-related quality of life (QOL) scores were measured using the Skindex-16 questionnaire. Results: Both agents were effective in preventing severe radiodermatitis (≥G3). Ectoin had a lower radiodermatitis grade level than dexpanthenol, with a significant difference at week 2 (P = 0.008). Radiation-associated pain (P = 0.003) and itching (P = 0.001) were lower with ectoin than dexpanthenol. Side effects were not significantly different between the 2 treatments (P = 0.107). Ectoin showed less QOL impairment than dexpanthenol. The radiation schedule was an independent predictor for radiodermatitis persistence. Conclusion: Ectoin showed some clinical benefit over dexpanthenol in improving radiation dermatitis and the radiation schedule is a predictor of radiodermatitis persistence.