Bilateral atrial myxomas. Surgical correction after echocardiographic diagnosis

A case is reported of bilateral atrial myxomas diagnosed noninvasivelyby echocardiography and successfully removed. The excised tumormass consisted of a mobile right atrial myxoma prolapsing intothe right ventricle and a less mobile, not prolapsing myxomain the left atrium. The operation was performed entirely onthe basis of echocardiographic findings, which correlated wellwith the operative results. Further investigation by computertomography verified the diagnosis, but added no extra informationof importance for therapy. Diagnostic aspects of the combinedapplication of M-mode and cross-sectional echocardiography withDoppler echocardiography are emphasized. Postoperative follow-upechocardiography showed the complete removal of the myxomasand improvement of cardiac function.     

Bilateral atrial myxomas. Echocardiographic considerations

In this report we describe a patient with bilateral atrial myxomas, which were diagnosed preoperatively by echocardiography and angiography, and successfully removed. The excised tumor mass consisted of mobile right and left atrial myxomas connected by a common stalk which passed through the atrial septum, collectively resembling the shape of a dumbbell. Preoperative echocardiographic and angiographic observations were instrumental in planning the surgical approach, and correlated well with intraoperative findings and with the anatomic configuration of the intact pathologic specimen. Diagnostic aspects of echocardiography are emphasized as they relate to both isolated and bilaterally-occurring atrial myxomas.     

Surgical approaches to atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains an unsurmounted hurdle toward the cure of supraventricular arrhythmias. Despite its high prevalence, a definitive treatment approach has not been established. AF is triggered in most cases by early premature atrial beats and is maintained by anomalies of the substrate. Elimination or modification of either one or both may be effective in the cure of AF.Surgical ablation, which originated with the favorable results of the Maze procedure developed by Cox, has an important role in the cure of AF associated with heart diseases that require cardiac surgery. This is due to the high success rate and to the simplification of the procedure now used which has resulted in reduction of the procedural time and complications.Various techniques have been proposed, however, it is noteworthy that the posterior part of the left atrium and the ostia of pulmonary veins are involved in all approaches despite the different energy sources used (radiofrequency or cryo energy) and the different design of the intended lesion. These results imply that the posterior part of the left atrium is crucial in the genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. On the other hand, it is not clear if the results of the ablation are due to the linear lesions that modify the substrate or to the electrical isolation that eliminate the triggers. A thorough electrophysiological evaluation post ablation has been performed only in few cases. Greater understanding of the mechanism of success of surgical ablation may advance the development and success of other approaches.Considering that surgical ablation is usually performed in patients with permanent AF, linear lesions modifying the substrate together with pulmonary vein isolation have shown better results than the elimination of the triggers with a pure electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins.Prevention of AF recurrences has been relatively good, however some severe complications (atrioesophagus fistula, coronary artery damage, etc.) have been reported. Considering the relatively benignity of AF in absence of associated cardiopathy, the risk of complications should discourage widespread application of surgical ablation in patients with lone AF. On the contrary it should be routinely proposed in most patients with permanent or paroxysmal AF undergoing cardiac surgery.     

Proinflammatory cytokines in cardiac myxomas.

Serum levels of various cytokines were measured in three patients with cardiac myxomas presenting with and without constitutional symptoms, immunological features and elevated plasma levels of interleukin-6. Interleukin-6 but not other cytokines (interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma) relate to immunological features of the patients. Circulating levels of atrial natriuretic peptide correspond to haemodynamic changes but not to the tumour-bearing state itself.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic determinants of embolism in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation

The purpose of the study was to determine the relation of transesophageal echocardiographic findings to symptoms of systemic embolism in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were used to study 107 patients with atrial fibrillation including 49 patients without embolic complications and 58 patients who had suffered from previous cerebral or peripheral embolism. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that left atrial thrombi (odds ratio 9.0, 95% CI 2.4–33.6, p < 0.005) and the presence of dense left atrial spontaneous contrast (odds ratio 8.4, 95% CI 1.3–53.1, p < 0.05) were independently related to embolic symptoms. Intensive left atrial spontaneous contrast was associated with an increased left atrial diameter (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.6, p < 0.05), the presence of chronic atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 6.9, 95% CI 1.6–29.8, p < 0.01) and aortic atherosclerosis (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.5, p < 0.05). It was further negatively correlated to mitral regurgitation (odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9, p < 0.05). In conclusion, dense spontaneous echo contrast and left atrial thrombi are associated to thromboembolic complications in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Classifying of spontaneous contrast seems to be useful when estimating the thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation.     

Management of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol addressing the question ‘for post‐cardiac surgery atrial fibrillation (AF), do clinical outcomes differ between rate or rhythm control strategies?’ Altogether, 2174 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. Hospital length of stay ranged from 5.0 to 13.2 days for rate control and 5.2 to 10.3 days for rhythm control. Freedom from AF at follow up was achieved in 84.2–91 and 84.2–96% in rate and rhythm control groups respectively. Minimal serious adverse events were noted in all studies analysed and there was no difference between rate and rhythm control groups. We conclude that in the management of post‐cardiac surgery, AF, rate control and rhythm control are equivalent in terms of hospital length of stay, freedom from arrhythmia at follow up and complication rates.     

Premature atrial beat eliciting atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

Of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting 30% develop atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter. To determine if AF is initiated from the right or left atrium, atrial electrograms were continuously recorded in patients undergoing this procedure. In addition, to study whether the prematurity index of premature atrial contractions (PACs) eliciting AF differs from PACs not provoking AF, the distribution of prematurity indices was evaluated from R-R interval analysis. The right and left atrial recording electrodes were first activated by the ectopic beat provoking AF in six and eight patients, respectively. The prematurity index of the PAC eliciting AF was located in the middle (in half of the patients) or to the left of the median distribution of prematurity indices. The variability in activation of the atrial electrodes suggests that the PAC provoking AF can have its origin in the right, the septal, or the left region of the atrium. The initiation of AF depends on the prematurity index of the PAC.     

Surgical options in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is not benign and its prevalence is increasing. The two main goals in management of atrial fibrillation are to optimize hemodynamics through rate or rhythm control and to prevent systemic thrombo-embolism. To date, these two goals are still sub-optimally achieved, raising the need for alternative methods and strategies both pharmacologically and through interventions. In this review, we discuss surgical strategies of achieving both goals with insights on the evolution and potential future of these strategies.     

Image of a left atrial mass after a cardiopulmonary bypass in a child

Invagination of an appendage into the left atrium is a rare complication. It occurs spontaneously or after open‐heart surgery. In our case, a postoperative transesophageal echocardiogram, after closure of a ventricular septal defect in a 5‐month‐old infant, revealed a large mass in the left atrium. A diagnosis of a left appendage inversion was confirmed after external examination of the heart. Herein, we provide echocardiographic images before, during, and after manual reversion of the left appendage. Misdiagnosis of this complication could have led to an additional unnecessary surgical procedure that could have impacted on the patient's morbidity.     

How to map and ablate atrial scar macroreentrant tachycardia of the right atrium.

A special form of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT), due to reentrant activation around surgical scars, can occur in patients after cardiac surgery. Scar MRAT occurs usually after correction of congenital defects, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects, and especially after Mustard, Senning or Fontan procedures, but it can occur also after myxoma, valvular or coronary bypass surgery. The simplest form of scar MRAT is reentry around a lateral right atrial surgical scar. A basic mapping array with multiple simultaneous recordings from the anterior and septal right atrium is very useful to make the electrophysiological diagnosis. A line of double electrograms can be mapped in the centre of the circuit and a fragmented electrogram usually marks the pivoting point between the inferior end of the scar and the inferior vena cava (IVC). Extension of the scar toward the closest fixed obstacle, usually the IVC, by means of radiofrequency ablation, can interrupt the tachycardia and make it non-inducible. Typical atrial flutter usually coexists with scar MRAT and flutter isthmus ablation is probably indicated in all cases. In patients having undergone baffle atrial surgery it can be impossible to map the whole circuit and entrainment-mapping is helpful to localize critical isthmuses in the circuit. After the Fontan operation the right atrium can be severely dilated and scarred, and multiple, complex reentry circuits can be found. Left atrial MRAT based on large areas of scar has been described, but there is still too little experience with these to propose general rules for diagnosis and management.     

Right atrial myxoma in an asymptomatic child. Echocardiographic diagnosis

Tumours of the heart in children are rare, particularly myxomas.A case of right atrial myxoma is described in an asymptomaticyoung boy aged seven years. The diagnosis was made by M-Modeechocardiography which was recorded because of a cardiac murmur.Two-dimensional echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis andgave further information (size, morphology of tumour and stalk)which was confirmed by pathological examination. Today, two-dimensionalechocardiography is of great value for visualizing tumours ofthe right side of the heart, and offers the possibility of referringpatients for surgical excision without cardiac catheterization.     

Serious complications from dislocation of a Watchman left atrial appendage occluder

Left atrial appendage (LAA) elimination is regarded to protect patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) from stroke or embolism. The Watchman occluder is a device for percutaneous LAA occlusion and is at present investigated in the PROTECT AF trial. In a 78-year-old man, embolization of the Watchman device occurred 10 minutes after implantation. At emergency cardiac surgery, the device was removed from the aortic valve and an aortic bioprosthesis and a pacemaker had to be implanted. One year postoperatively, he still suffers from heart failure. This case shows that percutaneous LAA occlusion may result in serious complications.     

小剂量口服胺碘酮在心脏瓣膜疾病合并心房颤动患者围术期的应用

目的 评估围术期口服胺碘酮对心脏瓣膜疾病合并心房颤动患者术后心房颤动心律的转复和窦性心律维持,以及术后并发症的影响.方法 78例心房颤动且择期行心脏瓣膜手术的患者被分为试验组（38例）和对照组（38例）.试验组开始口服胺碘酮每天2次,每次200 mg至术后第3天,术后第4天至出院前胺碘酮剂量改为每天1次,每次200 mg.对照组以安慰剂代替胺碘酮,服药时间、剂量和方法同实验组.比较两组术后窦性心律的转复和维持、有无低心排血量综合征、心律失常发生及类型、重症监护病房停留时间、住院时间、出院时心房颤动患者的心律和心室率,及术前、术后患者肝功能、甲状腺功能的变化,有无发生肺纤维化.结果 术后两组比较,试验组窦性心律患者比例在手术复跳时（39.4％ vs.10.5％,P＜0.01）、出院前（46.7％ vs.2.6％,P＜0.01）及术后1个月（36.8％ vs.2.6％,P＜0.01）均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义.试验组与对照组比较,术后快速性心房颤动（15.8％ vs.31.6％,P＜0.05）、发作时心室率[（136.5±25.2）次/min vs.（158.6±30.9）次/min,P＜0.05]及室性心律失常（7.9％ vs.18.4％,P＜0.05）低于对照组,差异有统计学意义.试验组重症监护病房停留时间[（40.9±11.2）hvs.（58.5±13.8）h,P＜0.05）]、心房颤动患者出院时心室率[（74.2±8.4）次/min vs.（91.7±10.2）次/min,P＜0.05]均小于对照组,差异有统计学意义.两组患者术后无死亡,无肝功能及甲状腺功能异常及无肺纤维化.结论 行心脏瓣膜置换或整形手术的心房颤动患者围术期口服胺碘酮可明显提高患者术后窦性心律转复率、维持窦性心律时间、降低快速心房颤动及室性心律失常发生率,对心室率的控制满意,减少重症监护病房入住时间,无明显不良反应.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of thrombus in accessory lobes of the left atrial appendage

Fifty-four percent of left atrial appendages have two lobes. The number ranges from one to four lobes. We describe three patients with accessory lobes of the left atrial appendage studied with multiplanar transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In one patient there was evidence of thrombi in the accessory lobe.     

双极射频消融心房颤动同时手术治疗器质性心脏病的临床效果

目的：探讨双极射频消融钳治疗心房颤动同期行开胸手术治疗器质性心脏病的手术方法和临床结果,提高对此类疾病的治疗水平。方法：回顾分析2009年8月～2012年5月对58例器质性心脏病并发心房颤动用双极射频消融钳治疗房颤的临床资料。结果：本组患者手术均顺利完成。射频时间16～38（24±4） min,主动脉阻断时间64～200（126±36） min,体外循环时间91～238（150±37） min;手术结束及出院时窦性心率分别为46（79%）,45（78%）例,随访3个月,6个月和12个月,窦性心率分别为41（71%）,40（69%）和42（72%）例。全组病例无手术死亡和射频相关并发症。所有患者均无需安装永久起搏器。双心房消融与单独左房消融比较无显著差异。结论：此方法可行,效果满意,但要注意把握适应证。     

The transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial myxoma simulating a left atrial thrombus in the setting of mitral stenosis

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic heart disease. The clinical, electrocardiographic, and radiologic findings suggested mitral stenosis. Left atrial obstructive myxoma simulating a thrombus was found by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The diagnosis was established by use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), confirmed after surgery and by anatomical investigation. Cardiac myxoma associated with mitral stenosis may be difficult to diagnose accurately using TTE. The advantage of TEE in this case and in patients with mitral stenosis is emphasized.     

VVI起搏后心房颤动的发生率及影响因素

为探讨ＶＶＩ起搏后心房颤动（Ａｆ）发生率及影响因素，分析我院２９６例ＶＶＩ起搏患者，并与同期２２例生理性起搏（ＡＡＩ５例，ＤＤＤ１７例）患者比较，发现ＶＶＩ起搏后Ａｆ发生率为２５７％（７６／２９６），而生理性起搏后Ａｆ发生率仅４５％（１／２２），有显著性差异Ｐ＜００５）。同时分析比较了ＶＶＩ起搏后Ａｆ发生率与７种影响因素的关系，发现Ａｆ发生率增加除与性别无明显关系外（Ｐ＞００５），在统计学上有显著差异的因素是：年龄较大（≥６０岁，Ｐ＜００５），术前有高血压史（Ｐ＜００１），心功能不全（＞Ⅱ级，Ｐ＜００１），左房内径较大（≥４５ｍｍ，Ｐ＜００１），病态窦房结综合征（无房室传导阻滞，Ｐ＜００５），ＶＶＩ起搏时间较长（≥３年，Ｐ＜００５）。     

Echocardiographic guidance and monitoring of left atrial appendage closure with AtriClip during open‐chest cardiac surgery

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure prevents thromboembolic risk and avoids lifelong anticoagulation due to atrial fibrillation (AF). Nowadays, AtriClip, a modern epicardial device approved in June 2010, allows external and safe closure of LAA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery during other open‐chest cardiac surgical procedures. Such a surgical approach and its epicardial deployment differentiates LAA closure with AtriClip from percutaneous closure techniques such as Watchman (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA), Lariat (SentreHEART Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA), and Amplatzer Amulet (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) device procedures. AtriClip positioning must consider perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to confirm LAA anatomical features, to explore the links with neighboring structures, and finally to assess its successful closure. We report a sequence of images to document the role of intraoperative TEE during an elective aortic valve replacement and LAA external closure with AtriClip.