No abstract

Our novel noninvasive approach appears to be able to describe the LA mechanical behaviour during AF and how this ameliorates after 1 month of SR, together with an improved endocrine profile. LA mechanical data pre-CV can predict AF recurrence 1-year post CV.

The acute management of recent-onset (<48 h) atrial fibrillation (AF) is still debated. Aim of our study was to compare efficacy and safety of intravenously administered class IC antidysrhythmic agents vs amiodarone in a propensity score matched series of patients acutely treated for AF in the emergency department. During a 3-year period, we retrospectively evaluated all episodes of recent-onset (<48 h) AF pharmacologically treated for sinus rhythm restoration in the emergency department. By means of a propensity score matching considering the main statistically different covariates, we selected two accurately matched treatment groups. We analysed the differences between amiodarone and class IC group in terms of efficacy and safety that is conversion to sinus rhythm rates within 12 and 48 h after starting treatment, time to conversion, and adverse drug effects. An overall number of 817 episodes of recent-onset AF were collected (amiodarone group = 406, class IC group = 411). After matching, we obtained 358 episodes equally divided (amiodarone group = 179 and class IC group = 179). Conversion rates within 12 h were 139 (53.1 %) in amiodarone group and 95 (72.6 %) in class IC group (p < 0.05). Median time for cardioversion was 420 min (331.6-508.3 CI 95 %) in amiodarone and 55 min (44.9-65.1 CI 95 %) in class IC group (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events in both groups was very low and equally distributed (p = ns). Intravenously administration of class IC agents, when compared with amiodarone, proved to be more rapid and effective, and equally safe in the acute management of recent-onset AF.

Selective coronary angiography was originally performed through open brachial arteriotomy. Thereafter, the percutaneous Seldinger technique and the use of preformed Judkins-type catheters popularized the femoral approach. More recently, after the first report of successful coronary angiography by the transradial approach in 1989, the radial artery has been increasingly used as an alternative access site. The main advantage offered by the transradial approach is represented by the very low (< 1%) incidence of relevant vascular access site complications, which on the contrary occur in about 3% to 7% of patients undergoing procedures through the femoral route. The main disadvantage is a higher incidence of procedural failure that leads to a crossover to the femoral route. In this review, we examine the available evidence on transradial and transfemoral approach advantages, disadvantages, and complications in coronary angiography and intervention. Their use in the acute myocardial infarction setting and other situations is described. Vascular closure device usefulness is also considered.

Unlike inotropic reserve, residual myocardial blood volume in the dysfunctioning muscle, as assessed by predischarge quantitative intravenous MCE, has the potential to modulate remodelling in patients who suffered an anterior MI.