Maximum P Wave Duration and P Wave Dispersion in Adult Patients with Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: The Impact of Surgical Repair

Background: Patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) have an increased risk for atrial fibrillation (AF). Previously it was shown that maximum P wave duration and P wave dispersion in 12‐lead surface electrocardiograms are significantly increased in individuals with a history of paroxysmal AF. We studied P maximum and P dispersion in adult patients with ASD during normal sinus rhythm. In addition, the impact of surgical closure of ASD on these variables within 1 year after surgery was evaluated. Methods: Thirty‐four patients (21 women, 13 men; mean age: 35 ± 11 years) operated on for ostium secundum type ASD and 24 age‐matched healthy subjects (13 women, 11 men; mean age: 37 ± 10 years) were investigated. P maximum, P minimum, and P dispersion (maximum – minimum P wave duration) were measured from the 12‐lead surface electrocardiography. Results: P maximum was found to be significantly longer in patients with ASD as compared to controls (115.2 ± 9 vs 99.3 ± 14 ms; P < 0.0001). In addition, P dispersion of the patients was significantly higher than controls (37 ± 9 vs 29.8 ± 10 ms; P = 0.003). P minimum was not different between the two groups (P = 0.074). After surgical repair of ASD, 10 patients (29%) experienced one or more episodes of paroxysmal AF. Patients with postoperative AF were older (45 ± 6 vs 30 ± 10 years; P = 0.001), and had a higher preoperative pulmonary artery peak systolic pressure as compared to those without postoperative AF (51 ± 11 vs 31 ± 9 mmHg; P < 0.0001). No significant difference in the pulmonary‐to‐systemic flow ratio was observed preoperatively between the two groups (P = 0.56). P maximum and P dispersion were significantly higher in patients with postoperative paroxysmal AF at baseline and at postoperative first month, sixth month, and first year as compared to those without it (for P maximum P = 0.027, P = 0.014, P = 0.001, P < 0.0001, respectively; for P dispersion P = 0.037, P = 0.026, P = 0.001, P < 0.0001, respectively). In addition, in patients with postoperative AF, no significant changes were detected in both of these P wave indices during postoperative follow‐up. However, in the other group, P maximum and P dispersion were found to be significantly decreased at postoperative 6 months and 1 year as compared to baseline. P minimum was similar throughout the postoperative follow‐up as compared to baseline in both groups. Conclusions: Mechanical and electrical changes in atrial myocardium may cause greater P maximum and P dispersion in patients with ASD. Surgical closure of the ASD can regress these pathological changes of atrial myocardium with a result in decreased P maximum and P dispersion. However, higher P maximum and P dispersion at baseline, which have not decreased after surgery, may be associated with postoperative paroxysmal AF, especially for older patients.     

Visualization of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Using Transthoracic Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Children

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of quantitative measurements of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with dynamic transthoracic three-dimensional (3–D) echocardiography. Methods: Twenty-six patients (age, 13 months to 14 years; mean age, 37 months) with secundum ASDs underwent 3-D echocardiographic imaging generated from transthoracic echocardiographic interrogation before surgery. Four specific cut planes were defined: four-chamber view, transverse view, en face view from right and left atrial side. The images obtained from 16 patients clearly demonstrated all four defined cut planes for the quantitative measurement. Results: The defect sizing determined by the 3-D images correlated well with surgical findings. These images may be interactively manipulated to optimize visualization of the defect to allow the cardiologist to perform transcatheter occlusion. A significant correlation was demonstrated to the limbic band tissue assessment by four-chamber and transverse views. Unusual atrial structures such as muscle bands and the fore-shortening of the en face view might induce biased measurements. Conclusions: The transthoracic approach was successful in capturing sufficient data to create 3-D images, which can provide an accurate assessment of secundum ASD. The possibility of underestimation should always be taken into account with the en face view. Multiple cut planes were essential to ensure correct sizing for adequate selection of the occluder.     

基因突变在先天性房间隔缺损和室间隔缺损发育形成中的作用研究

对于先天性房间隔缺损、室间隔缺损通过外科和介入手术治疗可大大提高患者生存率,但对其发育畸形的根本原因仍属于探索阶段。目前现有的研究表明,先天性心脏病是由于控制人体心脏发育的基因在时间(发育阶段)和空间(组织特异性)上的表达调控失误而引起的。现即从现有的基因水平研究对基因突变在先天性房间隔缺损和室间隔缺损发育形成中的作用研究作一综述,为从基因方面早期筛检、诊断、治疗先天性房间隔缺损、室间隔缺损提供参考。     

特殊类型房间隔缺损的介入治疗进展

房间隔缺损为常见的先天性心脏病，介入治疗已成为房间隔缺损主要的治疗方法，现就特殊类型房间隔缺损介入治疗现状和进展做一综述。     

P波离散度预测阵发性心房颤动的研究

目的观察阵发性心房颤动（PAF）病人的体表心电图P波离散度（Pd）、最大P波时限（Pmax）的变化.研究Pd与Pmax对PAF的预测价值.方法观察和测量80例PAF病人（观察组）的Pd和Pmax.并与70名健康者（对照组）对照分析.结果 PAF组与对照组比较,Pd与Pmax均有统计学意义（P＜0.001）.结论 Pd是一种新的预测PAF的体表心电图指标.     

P Wave Dispersion and P Wave Duration on SAECG in Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with reported incidence of 7% to 18%. The incidence of congestive heart failure, in‐hospital mortality, and long‐term mortality is higher in AMI patients with AF than in AMI patients without AF. P wave duration on signal‐averaged ECG (PWD) and P wave dispersion on standard ECG (Pd) are noninvasive markers of intra‐atrial conduction disturbances, which are believed to be the main electrophysiological cause of AF. Methods: In the present study we investigated prospectively whether P wave duration on SAECG and P wave dispersion on standard ECG can predict development of AF in a group of patients with AMI. One hundred and thirty patients (100 men and 30 women, aged 56.9 ± 12) with AMI were investigated. PWD, Pd, their clinical and hemodynamic characteristics were collected. Results: During the observation up to 14 days, 22 patients (16.9%) developed AF. Univariate analysis variables associated with development of AF: age > 65 years, Killip class III‐IV, PWD > 125 ms, and Pd > 25 ms. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that age > 65 years, PWD > 125 ms, and Pd > 25 ms were independently associated with AF. Conclusions: PWD and Pd both measured in a very early period of AMI are useful in predicting AF. A.N.E. 2002;7(4):363–368     

Percutaneous Catheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect and an Atrial Septal Aneurysm: One Case Report

We describe a 56-yr-old female presented with palpitation and shortness of breath on exertion and intracardiac echocardiography showed atrial septal defect and an atrial septal aneurysm. She was underwent successfully percutaneous catheter closure with Amplatzer occluder devices.     

继发孔房间隔缺损3种治疗技术的对比研究

目的:对外科微创封堵、导管介入封堵与体外循环直视修补术3种治疗继发孔房间隔缺损(ASD)的技术进行回顾性对比研究。方法:2006年1月至12月,116例继发孔ASD患者分别接受了外科微创封堵术(A组)、导管介入封堵术(B组)与体外循环直视修补术(C组)的治疗。结果:3组患者均无围术期死亡病例。C组在手术时间,总出血量和术后住院天数等方面均要明显大于A组和B组,后2组间则无明显差异。术后带气管插管时间,C组明显大于A组。住院费用方面,B组要明显高于A组和C组,而后2组间则无明显差异。结论:3种技术均是治疗继发孔ASD的有效方法。外科微创封堵术适应症广、无X线辐射、术后恢复快、住院时间短、费用低及疗效可靠;而且操作简单并利于推广。在很大程度上要优于体外循环直视修补术和导管介入封堵术。     

Evaluation of the Relationship between Atrial Septal Aneurysm and Cardiac Arrhythmias via P‐Wave Dispersion and Signal‐Averaged P‐Wave Duration

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between atrial septal aneurysms (ASAs) and cardiac arrhythmias via signal‐averaged P‐wave duration (SAPWD) and P‐wave dispersion (Pd). Methods: Sixty‐six patients with ASA served as the study group (group 1; 28 men and 38 women; mean age, 34 ± 10 years) and 62 healthy volunteers served as the control group (group 2; 29 men and 33 women; mean age, 31 ± 8 years) in the current study. ASAs were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography based on the criteria of a minimal aneurysmal base of ≥15 mm; and an excursion of ≥10 mm. All subjects were evaluated by 24‐hour Holter monitoring, 12 lead body surface electrocardiogram for P‐wave analysis, and signal‐averaged electrocardiogram for P‐wave duration (PWD). Results: There was no significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of age, gender, left atrium diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) were detected in 29 patients with ASA (43.9%) and 5 controls (8.1%; P < 0.001). The mean Pd in patients with ASA was significantly longer compared to the control group (14.1 ± 8 ms vs 7.0 ± 2.9 ms; P < 0.001). Similarly, the mean SAPWD in group 1 was significantly longer compared to group 2 (127.4 ± 17.6 ms vs 99.8 ± 12.3 ms; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Prolonged SAPWD and Pd were determined to indicate electrical disturbances in the atrial myocardium, and predict the increase in the prevalence of SVA in patients with ASA. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):157–164     

房间隔缺损封堵术的时间选择

房间隔缺损封堵术后早期即出现心脏正向重构,且这些变化的程度和时间不受患者接受封堵时的年龄影响。因此,在合适的无症状的缺损小的患者适当推迟经皮房间隔缺损封堵时间,可当其生长发育进一步完善至青少年期再行房间隔缺损封堵术可能是一个明智的选择。     

Multiplane Transesophageal Echocardiographic Detection of Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect

We present two case reports of diagnosis and evaluation of sinus venosus atrial septal defects by multiplane transesophageal echocardiography.