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Petek BJ, Drezner JA, Churchill TW. The International Criteria for Electrocardiogram Interpretation in Athletes: Common Pitfalls and Future Directions. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2024; 16:35-49. [PMID: 38280813 PMCID: PMC11207195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in young athletes is performed to detect conditions associated with sudden cardiac death. Many medical societies and sports governing bodies support the addition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the history and physical to improve PPCS sensitivity. The current standard for ECG interpretation in athletes, the International Criteria, was developed to distinguish physiologic from pathologic ECG findings in athletes. Although application of the International Criteria has reduced the PPCS false-positive rate, interpretative challenges and potential areas of improvement remain. This review provides an overview of common pitfalls and future directions for ECG interpretation in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- University of Washington Medical Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 3800 Montlake Boulevard Northeast, Box 354060, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy W Churchill
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Halasz G, Capelli B, Nardecchia A, Cattaneo M, Cassina T, Biasini V, Barbieri D, Villa M, Beltrami M, Perone F, Villani M, Badini M, Gervasi F, Piepoli M, Via G. Cost-effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of focused cardiac ultrasound in the pre-participation screening of athletes: the SPORT-FoCUS study. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:1748-1757. [PMID: 37668353 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The role of pre-participation screening (PPS) modalities in preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is debated due to a high false-positive rate. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) has shown higher sensitivity and specificity, but its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of FoCUS use in PPS. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 2111 athletes (77.4% male, mean age 24.9 ± 15.2years) underwent standardized family and medical history collection, physical examination, resting electrocardiography (ECG), FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol), comprehensive echocardiography and exercise stress test. We prospectively evaluated three PPS incremental models: Model A, standardized medical history and physical examination Model B, Model A plus resting and stress ECG and Model C, Model B plus FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol). We determined their incremental diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness ratio. A total of 30 athletes were diagnosed with a cardiac condition associated with SCD: 3 were identified by Model A, 14 by Model B, and 13 athletes by Model C. The introduction of FoCUS markedly increased the sensitivity of PPS, compared with Model A and Model B (sensitivity 94% vs. 19% vs. 58% specificity 93% vs. 93% vs. 92%). The total screening costs were as follows: Model A 35.64 euros, Model B 87.68 euros, and Model C 120.89 euros. Considering the sole conditions at risk of SCD, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 135.62 euros for Model B and 114.31 for Model C. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of FoCUS into the PPS allows to identify a significantly greater number of athletes at risk of SCD and markedly lowers the false negative rate. Furthermore, the incorporation of FoCUS into the screening process has shown to be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geza Halasz
- Cardiology Department, Azienda Ospedaliera SanCamillo Forlanini, Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, Rome 00152, Italy
| | - Bruno Capelli
- Sport and Exercise Medicine, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Nardecchia
- Italian Ministry of Education and Research, I.I.S Ceccano, Via Gaeta 105, Ceccano 03023, Italy
| | - Mattia Cattaneo
- Cardiologia, Centro Medico, Lugano, Switzerland
- Cardiology Department, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Cassina
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Biasini
- Sport Medicine and Exercise Medicine, Centro di Medicina dello Sport I° Livello, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Davide Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Villa
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Beltrami
- Cardiology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence 50142, Italy
| | - Francesco Perone
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Rehabilitation Clinic 'Villa delle Magnolie', Castel Morrone, Caserta 81020, Italy
| | - Matteo Villani
- Intensive Care Unit, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, Via Taverna Giuseppe, 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Badini
- Cardiology Department, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federico Gervasi
- Postgraduate School of Medical Statistics and Biometry, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Massimo Piepoli
- Clinical Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Gabriele Via
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
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Petek BJ, Drezner JA, Churchill TW. The International Criteria for Electrocardiogram Interpretation in Athletes: Common Pitfalls and Future Directions. Cardiol Clin 2023; 41:35-49. [PMID: 36368810 PMCID: PMC10292923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in young athletes is performed to detect conditions associated with sudden cardiac death. Many medical societies and sports governing bodies support the addition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the history and physical to improve PPCS sensitivity. The current standard for ECG interpretation in athletes, the International Criteria, was developed to distinguish physiologic from pathologic ECG findings in athletes. Although application of the International Criteria has reduced the PPCS false-positive rate, interpretative challenges and potential areas of improvement remain. This review provides an overview of common pitfalls and future directions for ECG interpretation in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- University of Washington Medical Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 3800 Montlake Boulevard Northeast, Box 354060, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy W Churchill
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Corrado D, Zorzi A. Sports cardiology: An emerging discipline and research field. Int J Cardiol 2023; 370:472-475. [PMID: 36216091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
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Sanna GD, Piga A, Parodi G, Sinagra G, Papadakis M, Pantazis A, Sharma S, Gati S, Finocchiaro G. The Electrocardiogram in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Left Ventricular Non-Compaction. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2022; 19:476-490. [PMID: 36227527 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-022-00580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is characterised by prominent left ventricular trabeculae and deep inter-trabecular recesses. Although considered a distinct cardiomyopathy, prominent trabeculations may also be found in other cardiomyopathies, in athletes or during pregnancy. Clinical presentation includes heart failure symptoms, systemic embolic events, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Currently, LVNC diagnosis relies on imaging criteria, and clinicians face several challenges in the assessment of patients with prominent trabeculations. In this review, we summarise the available information on the role of the ECG in the diagnosis and management of LVNC. RECENT FINDINGS ECG abnormalities have been reported in 75-94% of adults and children with LVNC. The lack of specificity of these ECG abnormalities does not allow (in isolation) to diagnose the condition. However, when considered in a set of diagnostic criteria including family history, clinical information, and imaging features, the ECG may differentiate between physiological and pathological findings or may provide clues raising the possibility of specific underlying conditions. Finally, some ECG features in LVNC constitute ominous signs that require a stricter patient surveillance or specific therapeutic measures. The ECG remains a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiomyopathies, including LVNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe D Sanna
- Cardiovascular Department, Sassari University Hospital, Sassari, Italy. .,Clinical and Interventional Cardiology, Sassari University Hospital, Via Enrico De Nicola, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Anna Piga
- Cardiovascular Department, Sassari University Hospital, Sassari, Italy
| | - Guido Parodi
- Cardiovascular Department, Sassari University Hospital, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Antonis Pantazis
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Sabiha Gati
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Cardiothoracic Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
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Zorzi A, Bettella N, Tatangelo M, Del Monte A, Vessella T, Poscolieri B, Crescenzi C, Pegorin D, D'Ascenzi F, Pescatore V, Giada F, Sarto P, Calò L, Schiavon M, Gregori D, Hadley DM, Drezner JA, Pelliccia A, Corrado D. Prevalence and clinical significance of isolated low QRS voltages in young athletes. Europace 2022; 24:1484-1495. [PMID: 35243505 PMCID: PMC9559913 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Low QRS voltages (peak to peak <0.5 mV) in limb leads (LQRSV) on the athlete's electrocardiogram (ECG) may reflect an underlying cardiomyopathy, mostly arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) or non-ischaemic left ventricular scar (NILVS). We studied the prevalence and clinical meaning of isolated LQRSV in a large cohort of competitive athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS The index group included 2229 Italian competitive athletes [median age 18 years (16-25), 67% males, 97% Caucasian] without major ECG abnormalities at pre-participation screening. Three control groups included Black athletes (N = 1115), general population (N = 1115), and patients with ACM or NILVS (N = 58). Echocardiogram was performed in all athletes with isolated LQRSV and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in those with ventricular arrhythmias or echocardiographic abnormalities. The isolated LQRSV pattern was found in 1.1% index athletes and was associated with increasing age (median age 28 vs. 18 years; P < 0.001), elite status (71% vs. 34%; P < 0.001), body surface area, and body mass index but not with sex, type of sport, and echocardiographic left ventricular mass. The prevalence of isolated LQRSV was 0.2% in Black athletes and 0.3% in young individuals from the general population. Cardiomyopathy patients had a significantly greater prevalence of isolated LQRSV (12%) than index athletes, Black athletes, and general population. Five index athletes with isolated LQSRV and exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias underwent CMR showing biventricular ACM in 1 and idiopathic NILVS in 1. CONCLUSIONS Unlike cardiomyopathy patients, the ECG pattern of isolated LQRSV was rarely observed in athletes. This ECG sign should prompt clinical work-up for exclusion of an underlying cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Natascia Bettella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alvise Del Monte
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Davide Pegorin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Franco Giada
- Sports Medicine Unit, ULSS3 Venezia, Venezia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Dario Gregori
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - David M Hadley
- Research & Development Department, Cardiac Insight Inc., Bellevue, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Iop L, Iliceto S, Civieri G, Tona F. Inherited and Acquired Rhythm Disturbances in Sick Sinus Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons from Preclinical Modeling. Cells 2021; 10:3175. [PMID: 34831398 PMCID: PMC8623957 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhythm disturbances are life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, accounting for many deaths annually worldwide. Abnormal electrical activity might arise in a structurally normal heart in response to specific triggers or as a consequence of cardiac tissue alterations, in both cases with catastrophic consequences on heart global functioning. Preclinical modeling by recapitulating human pathophysiology of rhythm disturbances is fundamental to increase the comprehension of these diseases and propose effective strategies for their prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management. In silico, in vivo, and in vitro models found variable application to dissect many congenital and acquired rhythm disturbances. In the copious list of rhythm disturbances, diseases of the conduction system, as sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation, have found extensive preclinical modeling. In addition, the electrical remodeling as a result of other cardiovascular diseases has also been investigated in models of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis, as well as arrhythmias induced by other non-cardiac pathologies, stress, and drug cardiotoxicity. This review aims to offer a critical overview on the effective ability of in silico bioinformatic tools, in vivo animal studies, in vitro models to provide insights on human heart rhythm pathophysiology in case of sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation and advance their safe and successful translation into the cardiology arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, I-35124 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (G.C.)
| | | | | | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, I-35124 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (G.C.)
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Zorzi A, Cipriani A, Bariani R, Pilichou K, Corrado D, Bauce B. Role of Exercise as a Modulating Factor in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:57. [PMID: 33961139 PMCID: PMC8105216 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review addresses the role of exercise in triggering ventricular arrhythmias and promoting disease progression in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) patients and gene-mutation carriers, the differential diagnosis between AC and athlete's heart and current recommendations on exercise activity in AC. RECENT FINDINGS AC is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by genetically defective cell-to-cell adhesion structures (mainly desmosomes). The pathophysiological hallmark of the disease is progressive myocyte loss and replacement by fibro-fatty tissue, which creates the substrates for ventricular arrhythmias. Animal and human studies demonstrated that intense exercise, but not moderate physical activity, may increase disease penetrance, worsen the phenotype, and favor life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. It has been proposed that in some individuals prolonged endurance sports activity may in itself cause AC (so-called exercise-induced AC). The studies agree that intense physical activity should be avoided in patients with AC and healthy gene-mutation carriers. However, low-to-moderate intensity exercise does not appear detrimental and these patients should not be entirely deprived from the many health benefits of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bariani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Bauce
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Primary Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Similarities, Differences and Phenocopies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091954. [PMID: 34062949 PMCID: PMC8125617 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and primary restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) have a similar genetic background as they are both caused mainly by variants in sarcomeric genes. These “sarcomeric cardiomyopathies” also share diastolic dysfunction as the prevalent pathophysiological mechanism. Starting from the observation that patients with HCM and primary RCM may coexist in the same family, a characteristic pathophysiological profile of HCM with restrictive physiology has been recently described and supports the hypothesis that familiar forms of primary RCM may represent a part of the phenotypic spectrum of HCM rather than a different genetic cardiomyopathy. To further complicate this scenario some infiltrative (amyloidosis) and storage diseases (Fabry disease and glycogen storage diseases) may show either a hypertrophic or restrictive phenotype according to left ventricular wall thickness and filling pattern. Establishing a correct etiological diagnosis among HCM, primary RCM, and hypertrophic or restrictive phenocopies is of paramount importance for cascade family screening and therapy.
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De Lazzari M, Zorzi A, Bettella N, Cipriani A, Pilichou K, Cason M, Vessella T, Sarto P, Gualea MR, Chianura F, Tardini L, Ricci G, Mazzanti I, Ricci F, Motta R, Perazzolo Marra M, Corrado D. Papillary Muscles Abnormalities in Athletes With Otherwise Unexplained T-Wave Inversion in the ECG Lateral Leads. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019239. [PMID: 33496187 PMCID: PMC7955426 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Papillary muscles (PMs) abnormalities may be associated with ECG repolarization abnormalities. We aimed to evaluate the relation between lateral T‐wave inversion (TWI) and PMs characteristics in a cohort of athletes with no clinically demonstrable cardiac disease. Methods and Results We included 53 athletes (median age, 20 years; 87% men) with lateral TWI and no evidence of heart disease on clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation. A group of healthy athletes with normal ECG served as controls. We evaluated the PMs dimensions, such as diameters, area, volume, mass, and ratio between PMs and left ventricular mass, and the prevalence of PMs apical displacement. Compared with controls, athletes with TWI showed PMs hypertrophy with significantly increased PMs diameters, area, volume, and mass. The ratio between PMs and left ventricular mass was 4.4% in athletes with TWI and 3.0% in controls (P<0.001). A PMs/left ventricular mass ratio >3.5% showed 85% sensitivity and 76% specificity for differentiating between athletes with TWI and controls. Apical displacement of PMs was found in 25 (47%) athletes with TWI versus 9 (17%) controls (P=0.001). At multivariable analysis, PMs/left ventricular mass ratio and apical displacement remained independent predictors of TWI. Clinical outcome of the athletes with TWI and PMs abnormalities was uneventful despite continuation of their sports activity. Conclusions PMs hypertrophy and apical displacement may underlie otherwise unexplained lateral TWI in the athlete. Lateral TWI associated with PMs abnormalities appears as a distinct anatomo‐clinical condition characterized by a favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel De Lazzari
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Natascia Bettella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Marco Cason
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | | | - Patrizio Sarto
- Center for Sports Medicine ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana Treviso Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gualea
- Interdipartimental Center for Biology and Sports Medicine University of Pavia Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences University of Chieti-Pescara Chieti Scalo Italy
| | - Raffaella Motta
- Department of Medicine, Radiology Unit University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Martina Perazzolo Marra
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova Italy
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