Background Right ventricular (RV) pacing-induced dyssynchrony can lead to progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Although a decline in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) after pacemaker implantation is common, the transition to symptomatic heart failure (HF) requiring hospitalization (HF admission; HFA) represents a more clinically meaningful progression to Stages C/D. Objective To determine whether paced QRS duration (pQRS) and RV pacing burden (RVp) independently or jointly predict HFA in pacemaker recipients followed with remote monitoring. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 200 pacemaker recipients actively followed with remote monitoring. pQRS at implantation and RVp during follow-up were evaluated as markers of baseline electrical dyssynchrony and cumulative pacing exposure. The primary endpoint was HFA, and the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 27 patients (13.5%) developed HFA. Patients with HFA had longer pQRS (171±18 vs. 156±20 ms, p<0.001) and higher RVp (median 99% vs. 38%, p=0.002). In a multivariable Cox model, both pQRS ≥168 ms (HR 2.98, p=0.011) and RVp ≥20% (HR 7.16, p =0.009) and age independently predicted HFA. Neither pQRS nor RVp predicted all-cause mortality, which was associated only with age. Conclusion PQRS and RVp jointly identify patients at high risk of progression from clinical to symptomatic HF (Stages C/D). While mortality in this population is primarily age-driven, HFA reflects a modifiable consequence of pacing-related dyssynchrony. Combined assessment of pQRS and RVp may facilitate early identification of high-risk patients who could benefit from closer monitoring or alternative pacing strategies.

Background:Mapping uncommon atrial flutter (AFL) remains challenging when tachycardia cannot be sustained during the procedure. We developed a novel pace-mapping methodology for identifying critical isthmuses in non-sustained uncommon AFL circuits during sinus rhythm. Case summary:A 70-year-old male presented with persistent AFL (cycle length 370 ms) following mitral valve repair with concomitant surgical pulmonary vein isolation. During electrophysiological study, the tachycardia terminated spontaneously, precluding conventional mapping. We implemented the Isthmus Identification in Non-Sustained Uncommon Atrial Flutter PACing Technique (INPACT), combining Intracardiac Pattern-match ScOring (iPASO) technology with systematic pace-mapping during sinus rhythm. A novel isthmus ratio (IR) metric differentiated potential isthmus sites among those with high morphological correlation (iPASO ≥90%). The critical isthmus was identified within a low-voltage area adjacent to the atrial septotomy line. Radiofrequency ablation targeting the site with the highest IR value eliminated the tachycardia with no recurrence at 6-month follow-up. Discussion:The INPACT enables identification of critical isthmuses without requiring sustained tachycardia, offering a solution for challenging cases where conventional mapping is limited by non-sustained arrhythmia. This approach may improve procedural efficiency and outcomes in complex uncommon AFL.

Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for musculoskeletal pain, their use in patients with heart failure (HF) is discouraged because of risks of fluid retention and worsening disease. Nevertheless, in older patients, NSAIDs are still prescribed by non-cardiologists. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥ 65 years who were hospitalized for acute decompensated HF at Yamaguchi Prefectural General Medical Center between January 2016 and January 2022. Patients were classified as NSAIDs-related HF if NSAIDs use for ≥ 1 week before admission was identified through pharmacist review. As part of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation, all patients received self-management guidance on medications, including NSAIDs avoidance. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess associations with clinical outcomes. Among 801 patients, 64 (8.0

Background:Despite the positive impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) on prognosis, their implantation is often withheld especially in Japanese heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) for uncertain reasons. Recent advancements in heart failure (HF) medications have significantly improved the prognosis for HFrEF. Given this context, a critical reassessment of the treatment and prognosis of ICDs and WCDs is essential, as it has the potential to reshape awareness and treatment strategies for these patients. Methods:We are initiating a prospective multicenter observational study for HFrEF patients eligible for ICD in primary and secondary prevention, and WCD, regardless of device use, including all consenting patients. Study subjects are to be enrolled from 31 participant hospitals located throughout Japan from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, and each will be followed up for 1 year or more. The planned sample size is 651 cases. The primary endpoint is the rate of cardiac implantable electronic device implementation. Other endpoints include the incidence of VT/VF and sudden death, all-cause mortality, and HF hospitalization, other events. We will collect clinical background information plus each patient's symptoms, Clinical Frailty Scale score, laboratory test results, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters, and serial changes will also be secondary endpoints. Results:Not applicable. Conclusion:This study offers invaluable insights into understanding the role of ICD/WCD in Japanese HF patients in the new era of HF medication.

Background Strategies that accurately predict outcomes in elderly heart failure (HF) patients have not been sufficiently established. In previous reports, nutritional status, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), and lower limb muscle strength are known prognostic factors associated with cardiac rehabilitation (CR). In the present study, we investigated which CR factors can accurately predict one-year outcomes in elderly patients with HF among the above factors. Methods Hospitalized patients with HF over 65 years of age from January 2016 to January 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in the Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical (YPGM) Center. They were consequently recruited to this single-center retrospective cohort study. Nutritional status, ADL, and lower limb muscle strength were assessed by geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), Barthel index (BI), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) at discharge, respectively. One year after discharge, the primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated by all-cause death or HF readmission and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), respectively. Results Overall, 1,078 HF patients were admitted to YPGM Center. Of those, 839 (median age 84.0, 52% female) met the study criteria. During the follow-up of 228.0 days, 72 patients reached all-cause death (8%), 215 experienced HF readmission (23%), and 267 reached MACCE (30%: 25 HF death, six cardiac death, and 13 strokes). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the GNRI predicted the primary outcome (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.957; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.934–0.980; p < 0.001) and the secondary outcome (HR: 0.963; 95%CI: 0.940–0.986; p = 0.002). Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression model using the GNRI most accurately predicted the primary and secondary outcomes compared to those with the SPPB or BI models. Conclusion A nutrition status model using GNRI provided a better predictive value than ADL ability or lower limb muscle strength. It should be recognized that HF patients with a low GNRI at discharge may have a poor prognosis at one year.

Case report: Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is an inherited disease characterized by abnormally short QTc intervals, which can lead to ventricular fibrillation(VF). However, the number of patients with SQTS are relatively low, and the optimal treatment for SQTS remains unclear. We experienced a family with SQTS inducing frequent sudden death of three sons. We identified KCNH2-H70Y in mother and three sons with QTc intervals 344, 300, 326, 322msec, respectively. Second son suffered cardiac arrest when he was 25-year-old. VF was recorded in the hospital, and the patient was successfully resuscitated. While recommended to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), oldest and third son suffered sudden death during nighttime sleep at their age 36 and 34. Functional analysis showed that cells expressing H70Y had significantly larger I Kr densities than WT. Also we identified SLC4A3 mutation in this family. Conclusions: Asymptomatic SQTS patients with family history may be recommended ICD implantation more strongly than class 2b. Registry studies of SQTS should be performed and solid guidelines should be established due to patients with poor prognosis of SQTS.

D EAR E DITOR , IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflam-matory disease characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and organ enlargement [1]. Following the initial report of IgG4-RD, the disease has been recognized by clinicians world-wide [2]. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying IgG4-RD remain unclear

Background: Atrial dysfunction occurs after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF), and some reports suggest that electrical conduction delay (ECD) via the Bachmann bundle could be a contributing factor. However, the relationship between ECD in the atria and LA function after PVI remains unclear. The LA reservoir strain (LARS) by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is used to assess LA booster function, with a decrease indicating increased LA stiffness. Purpose: We aim to investigate ECD, LA electromechanical delay (LAEMD), and LA function in patients after PVI for AF. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 74 patients (Mean age at 70.4 ± 9.1 years, 44 males, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 62.9 ± 6.8 %, LA volume index: LAVI 39.0 ± 10.8 ml/m 2 ) who were in sinus rhythm at the echocardiographic examination. ECD on the ECG was defined as the presence of biphasic P waves, which were classified into those not observed (group A; n=42), those observed only in III lead (group B; n=23), and those observed in all lower wall leads (II, III, aVF) (group C; n=9). LAEMD was defined as the time interval between the top of the R wave on the ECG and the start of the late diastolic wave (a') on the tissue doppler imaging, and the lateral (a' lateral) and septum (a' septum) time differences (a’ sep-lat time) were calculated. To evaluate the LA function, two-dimensional STE was analyzed. Results: Mean observation period was 19.2 months after PVI. Groups B and C showed significant differences in a' sep-lat time compared to group A. LARS was markedly reduced in all groups (average: 19.0 ± 6.3). LARS and LAVI showed a significant difference between groups A and C. Multivariate analysis of factors leading to LARS showed correlations with a', E/e'. Conclusion: These results suggest that in relatively elderly post-PVI AF patients with preserved LVEF, the ECD and LAEMD as well as LAVI may affect LA function long after PVI and contribute to increased LA stiffness.

Background Catheter ablation can improve long‐term prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation with systolic impairment. However, atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence increases during long‐term follow‐up. We aimed to investigate the impact of ATA recurrence on the development of long‐term adverse clinical events following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and to identify predictors for the development of adverse clinical events. Methods and Results This single‐center observational study included 75 patients with systolic impairment (left ventricular ejection fraction <50%) who underwent the first catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation at our institution (median follow‐up period: 3.5 [range: 2.4–4.7] years). We compared the cumulative incidence of adverse clinical events (all‐cause death, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, or acute myocardial infarction) between the groups with and without ATA recurrence following the first and last procedures. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors for developing adverse clinical events. Twenty‐one patients (28%) developed adverse clinical events at a median of 2.2 (range: 0.64–2.8) years following the first procedure. The proportion of freedom from adverse clinical events following the first procedure was significantly lower in the ATA recurrence group than in the nonrecurrence group (41% [n=40] versus 95% [n=35], P<0.0005); the proportion following the last procedure also showed a similar tendency (35% [n=26] versus 57% [n=49], P<0.0001). ATA recurrence emerged as an independent predictor for adverse clinical events following both procedures after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions ATA recurrence following catheter ablation procedure could predict adverse clinical events in patients with atrial fibrillation with systolic impairment.

Long-duration atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) monitored using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can predict long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). This study aimed to compare the impact of long-duration AHRE on MACE development between patients with and without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF). This single-center observational study included 132 CIED-implanted patients with AHREs detected via remote monitoring. The population was dichotomized into groups: with (n = 69) and without (n = 63) AF. In each group, cumulative incidences of MACEs comprising all-cause deaths, heart failure hospitalizations, strokes, and acute coronary syndromes were compared between patients with AHRE durations of ≥24 h and <24 h. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of MACEs among patients without AF. MACE incidence was significantly higher in patients with AHRE ≥24 h than in those with <24 h in the group without AF (92% vs. 30%, p = 0.005). MACE incidence did not significantly differ between AHRE ≥24 h and <24 h in the group with AF (54% vs. 26%, p = 0.44). After a multivariate adjustment, AHRE duration of ≥24 h emerged as the only independent predictor of MACEs among patients without AF (p = 0.03). In conclusion, a long-duration AHRE was prognostic in patients without a history of AF but not in patients with a history of AHREs.

AbstractAimsData regarding prognostic events following catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are scarce. We conducted this study to compare the incidence of major adverse clinical events (MACE) following CA for AF between patients with HFpEF and those with systolic heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsThis single‐centre observational study included 142 patients with HF who underwent CA for AF (median follow‐up: 4.0 [2.6, 6.3] years). The patients were grouped based on the presence of HFpEF (n = 84) and systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, n = 58). We compared the cumulative incidence and incidence rate of MACE, comprising all‐cause death, unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization (CVH), and HF hospitalization (HFH) between both groups and the number of HFH before and after CA in each group. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the predictors of MACE in patients with HFpEF. The incidence of MACE was comparable between the groups (following the first procedure: HFpEF: 23%, 4.7/100 person‐years, vs. systolic HF: 28%, 6.6/100 person‐years, P = 0.18; last procedure: 20%, 4.8/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 6.9/100 person‐years, P = 0.21). Although the incidence of HFH was lower in patients with HFpEF than in those with systolic HF (first procedure: 14%, 2.9/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 5.7/100 person‐years, P = 0.07; last procedure: 11%, 2.5/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 6.9/100 person‐years, P = 0.01), the incidence of CVH was higher (first procedure: 8%, 1.7/100 person‐years, vs. 5%, 1.2/100 person‐years, P = 0.74; last procedure: 6%, 1.4/100 person‐years, vs. 2%, 0.5/100 person‐years, P = 0.4). The number of HFH significantly decreased in both groups after CA (HFpEF: 1 hospitalization [the first and third quartiles: 0, 1] in pre‐CA, vs. 0 hospitalizations [0, 0] in post‐CA, P < 0.0001; systolic HF: 1 hospitalization [0, 1], vs. 0 hospitalizations [0, 0], P < 0.005). The proportion of HFH among total clinical events was significantly smaller in patients with HFpEF than in those with systolic HF (following the first procedure: 56% vs. 88%, P < 0.005; last procedure: 52% vs. 92%, P < 0.005).ConclusionsCA for AF could be beneficial for patients with HFpEF, similar to those with systolic HF. However, clinical events other than HFH should be considered cautiously in such patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.764528.].

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) and an arrhythmogenic superior vena cava (SVC) and the impact on the efficacy of an empiric SVC isolation (SVCI) along with a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non-PAF) with or without LVAs. We retrospectively enrolled 153 consecutive patients with non-PAF who underwent a PVI alone (n = 51) or empiric PVI plus an SVCI (n = 102). Left atrial voltage maps were constructed during sinus rhythm to identify the LVAs (<0.5 mV). An arrhythmogenic SVC was defined as firing from the SVC and an SVC associated with the maintenance of AF-like rapid SVC activity. An arrhythmogenic SVC and LVAs were identified in 28% and 65% of patients with a PVI alone and 36% and 73% of patients with a PVI plus SVCI, respectively ( P  = .275 and P  = .353). In the multivariate analysis a female gender, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs), and arrhythmogenic SVC were associated with the presence of LVAs. In the PVI plus SVCI strategy, there was no significant difference in the atrial tachyarrhythmia/AF-free survival between the patients with and without LVAs after initial and multiple sessions (50% vs. 61%; P  = .386, 73% vs. 79%; P  = .530), however, differences were observed in the PVI alone group (27% vs. 61%; P  = .018, 49% vs. 78%; P  = .046). The presence of LVAs was associated with an arrhythmogenic SVC. An SVCI may have the potential to compensate for an impaired outcome after a PVI in non-PAF patients with LVAs.

Background: Hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) frequently exhibit aggravating mitral regurgitation (MR). Those patients do not always undergo surgical mitral valve repair, but particularly in the elderly, they are often treated by conservative medical therapy. This study was aimed to investigate factors affecting 6-month outcomes in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) harboring surgically untreated MR.Methods: We screened the presence of MR in hospitalized patients with HF between September 2017 and May 2020 in the Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical (YPGM) center. At the time of discharge of these patients, individuals with surgically unoperated MR, including primary and secondary origin, were consequently recruited to this single-center prospective cohort study. The patients with severe MR who undergo surgical mitral valve treatment were not included in this study. The primary endpoint was all-cause readmission or all-cause death and the secondary endpoint was HF-related endpoint at 6 months after discharge. The Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were employed to assess the predictors for the composite endpoint.Results: Overall, 489 patients with ADHF were admitted to the YPGM center. Of those, 146 patients (30% of total patients with HF) (median age 83.5 years, 69 men) were identified as harboring grade II MR or greater. Consequently, all the recruited patients were diagnosed as functional MR. During a median follow-up of 186.0 days, a total of 55 patients (38%) reached the primary or secondary endpoints (HF death and readmission in 31 patients, other in 24 patients). As a result of multivariate analysis, geriatric nutritional risk index [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.932; 95% CI = 0.887-0.979, p = 0.005], age (HR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.006-1.112, p = 0.027), and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR = 0.971; 95% CI = 0.945-0.997, p = 0.030) were independent predictors of all-cause death or all-cause admission. Body mass index (HR = 0.793; 95% CI = 0.614-0.890, p = 0.001) and ischemic heart disease etiology (HR = 2.732; 95% CI = 1.056-7.067, p = 0.038) were also independent predictors of the HF-related endpoints.Conclusion: Malnutrition and underweight were substantial predictors of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with HF harboring surgically untreated moderate-to-severe functional MR.