Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jan 2016
Clinical TrialReverse Remodelling of the Atria After Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Evidence from Electro-mechanical and Endocrine Markers.
Recent studies have suggested a strong association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on reverse atrial remodelling in patients with OSA is poorly understood. We aimed to determine the impact of CPAP therapy on total atrial conduction time measured by PA tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) interval in patients without history of AF. ⋯ Change in PA-TDI interval, as an indirect surrogate marker of atrial remodelling, suggests reverse atrial remodelling in patients with OSA and treated by CPAP. This effect may ensue from decreased atrial pressure or volume overload, as indicated by significantly reduced BNP levels. These observations suggest that the substrate pre-disposing to AF may be reversible and moreover can be measured by PA-TDI interval and BNP.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jan 2016
Case ReportsSpontaneous Coronary Dissection Masquerading as Benign Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome. Diagnosis of coronary artery dissection is made on coronary angiogram and prompt revascularisation is the key in management. We present a case of coronary artery dissection with an atypical presentation of cardiac arrhythmia mimicking benign fascicular ventricular tachycardia. A high index of suspicion and early coronary angiogram allowed us to diagnose and treat this potentially life-threatening disease.