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Winters J, Kawczynski MJ, Gilbers MD, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Bidar E, Maesen B, Rienstra M, van Gelder I, Verheule S, Maessen JG, Schotten U. Circulating BMP10 Levels Associate With Late Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Left Atrial Endomysial Fibrosis. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024:S2405-500X(24)00184-1. [PMID: 38639699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) blood levels are a marker for history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with AF, including stroke, AF recurrences after catheter ablations, and mortality. The predictive value of BMP10 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and association with morphologic properties of atrial tissues are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study sought to study the correlation between BMP10 levels and preoperative clinical traits, occurrence of early and late postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), and atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS Patients with and without preoperative AF history undergoing first cardiac surgery were included (RACE V, n = 147). Preoperative blood biomarkers were analyzed, left (n = 114) and right (n = 125) atrial appendage biopsy specimens were histologically investigated after WGA staining, and postoperative rhythm was monitored continuously with implantable loop recorders (n = 133, 2.5 years). RESULTS Adjusted multinomial logistic regression indicated that BMP10 accurately reflected a history of persistent AF (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10-1.40, P = 0.001), similar to NT-pro-BNP. BMP10 levels were associated with increased late POAF90 occurrence after adjustment for age, sex, AF history, and early POAF occurrence (HR: 1.07 [per 0.1 ng/mL increase], 95% CI: 1.00-1.14, P = 0.041). Left atrial endomysial fibrosis (standardized β = 0.22, P = 0.041) but not overall fibrosis (standardized Β = 0.12, P = 0.261) correlated with circulating BMP10 after adjustment for age, sex, AF history, reduced LVF, and valvular surgery indication. CONCLUSIONS Increased BMP10 levels were associated with persistent AF history, increased late POAF incidence, and LAA endomysial fibrosis in a diverse sample of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Winters
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Michal J Kawczynski
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn D Gilbers
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel Rienstra
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Linz D, Andrade JG, Arbelo E, Boriani G, Breithardt G, Camm AJ, Caso V, Nielsen JC, De Melis M, De Potter T, Dichtl W, Diederichsen SZ, Dobrev D, Doll N, Duncker D, Dworatzek E, Eckardt L, Eisert C, Fabritz L, Farkowski M, Filgueiras-Rama D, Goette A, Guasch E, Hack G, Hatem S, Haeusler KG, Healey JS, Heidbuechel H, Hijazi Z, Hofmeister LH, Hove-Madsen L, Huebner T, Kääb S, Kotecha D, Malaczynska-Rajpold K, Merino JL, Metzner A, Mont L, Ng GA, Oeff M, Parwani AS, Puererfellner H, Ravens U, Rienstra M, Sanders P, Scherr D, Schnabel R, Schotten U, Sohns C, Steinbeck G, Steven D, Toennis T, Tzeis S, van Gelder IC, van Leerdam RH, Vernooy K, Wadhwa M, Wakili R, Willems S, Witt H, Zeemering S, Kirchhof P. Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation: the 9th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference. Europace 2024; 26:euae070. [PMID: 38591838 PMCID: PMC11003300 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Recent trial data demonstrate beneficial effects of active rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and support the concept that a low arrhythmia burden is associated with a low risk of AF-related complications. The aim of this document is to summarize the key outcomes of the 9th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). METHODS AND RESULTS Eighty-three international experts met in Münster for 2 days in September 2023. Key findings are as follows: (i) Active rhythm management should be part of the default initial treatment for all suitable patients with AF. (ii) Patients with device-detected AF have a low burden of AF and a low risk of stroke. Anticoagulation prevents some strokes and also increases major but non-lethal bleeding. (iii) More research is needed to improve stroke risk prediction in patients with AF, especially in those with a low AF burden. Biomolecules, genetics, and imaging can support this. (iv) The presence of AF should trigger systematic workup and comprehensive treatment of concomitant cardiovascular conditions. (v) Machine learning algorithms have been used to improve detection or likely development of AF. Cooperation between clinicians and data scientists is needed to leverage the potential of data science applications for patients with AF. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AF and a low arrhythmia burden have a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events than those with a high arrhythmia burden. Combining active rhythm control, anticoagulation, rate control, and therapy of concomitant cardiovascular conditions can improve the lives of patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jason G Andrade
- Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elena Arbelo
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart—ERN GUARD-Heart
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Polyclinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Guenter Breithardt
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
| | - A John Camm
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Caso
- Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jens Cosedis Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Doll
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Schüchtermann-Klinik, Bad Rothenfelde, Germany
| | - David Duncker
- Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lars Eckardt
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology II—Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Larissa Fabritz
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, UHZ, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michal Farkowski
- Department of Cardiology, Ministry of Interior and Administration, National Medical Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - David Filgueiras-Rama
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Novel Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms Program, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreas Goette
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Institut d’Investigació August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Clinic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guido Hack
- Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Karl Georg Haeusler
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Division of Cardiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hein Heidbuechel
- Antwerp University Hospital, Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ziad Hijazi
- Antwerp University Hospital, Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Leif Hove-Madsen
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- IR Sant Pau, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Stefan Kääb
- European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart—ERN GUARD-Heart
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Dipak Kotecha
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Katarzyna Malaczynska-Rajpold
- Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Stevenage, UK
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - José Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, IdiPaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lluís Mont
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ghulam Andre Ng
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | - Michael Oeff
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Cardiology Department, Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg, Brandenburg/Havel, Germany
| | - Abdul Shokor Parwani
- Department of Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ursula Ravens
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Clinic Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michiel Rienstra
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Renate Schnabel
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Departments of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Sohns
- Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Klinik für Elektrophysiologie—Rhythmologie, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Steinbeck
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Center for Cardiology at Clinic Starnberg, Starnberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Steven
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Heart Center, Department of Electrophysiology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Toennis
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Isabelle C van Gelder
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manish Wadhwa
- Medical Office, Philips Ambulatory Monitoring and Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Reza Wakili
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Willems
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Department of Cardiology and Internal Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University Campus, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Stef Zeemering
- Departments of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Winters J, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Kawczynski M, Maesen B, Maessen J, Bidar E, Boukens B, Hermans B, van Hunnik A, Casadei B, Fabritz L, Chua W, Sommerfeld L, Guasch E, Mont L, Batlle M, Hatem S, Kirchhof P, Wakili R, Sinner M, Stoll M, Goette A, Verheule S, Schotten U. Heart Failure, Female Sex, and Atrial Fibrillation Are the Main Drivers of Human Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Results From the CATCH ME Consortium. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031220. [PMID: 37982389 PMCID: PMC10727294 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial cardiomyopathy (atCM) is an emerging prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. Fibrotic remodeling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and capillary density are hallmarks of atCM. The contribution of etiological factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) to the development of differential atCM phenotypes has not been quantified. This study aimed to evaluate the association between histological features of atCM and the clinical phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined left atrial (LA, n=95) and right atrial (RA, n=76) appendages from a European cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Quantification of histological atCM features was performed following wheat germ agglutinin/CD31/vimentin staining. The contributions of AF, heart failure, sex, and age to histological characteristics were determined with multiple linear regression models. Persistent AF was associated with increased endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.13±0.47 μm, P=0.038; RA: +0.94±0.38 μm, P=0.041), whereas total extracellular matrix content was not. Men had larger cardiomyocytes (LA: +1.92±0.72 μm, P<0.001), while women had more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +0.99±0.56 μm, P=0.003). Patients with heart failure showed more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.85±0.48 μm, P<0.001) and extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.07±1.29%, P=0.016), and a higher capillary density (LA: +0.13±0.06, P=0.007) and size (LA: +0.46±0.22 μm, P=0.044). Fuzzy k-means clustering of histological features identified 2 subtypes of atCM: 1 characterized by enhanced endomysial fibrosis (LA: +3.17 μm, P<0.001; RA: +2.86 μm, P<0.001), extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.53%, P<0.001; RA: +6.40%, P<0.001) and fibroblast density (LA: +4.38%, P<0.001), and 1 characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (LA: +1.16 μm, P=0.008; RA: +2.58 μm, P<0.001). Patients with fibrotic atCM were more frequently female (LA: odds ratio [OR], 1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004), with persistent AF (LA: OR, 1.22, P=0.036) or heart failure (LA: OR, 1.62, P<0.001). Hypertrophic features were more common in men (LA: OR=1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Fibrotic atCM is associated with female sex, persistent AF, and heart failure, while hypertrophic features are more common in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Winters
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Michal Kawczynski
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Jos Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bas Boukens
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ben Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Casadei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, BHF Centre of Research Excellence University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sommerfeld
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
| | - Luis Mont
- Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Madrid Spain
| | | | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Reza Wakili
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology Goethe University Frankfurt Germany
| | - Mortiz Sinner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
- Department of Cardiology University Hospital of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Monica Stoll
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn Paderborn Germany
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
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4
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Chua W, Cardoso VR, Guasch E, Sinner MF, Al-Taie C, Brady P, Casadei B, Crijns HJGM, Dudink EAMP, Hatem SN, Kääb S, Kastner P, Mont L, Nehaj F, Purmah Y, Reyat JS, Schotten U, Sommerfeld LC, Zeemering S, Ziegler A, Gkoutos GV, Kirchhof P, Fabritz L. An angiopoietin 2, FGF23, and BMP10 biomarker signature differentiates atrial fibrillation from other concomitant cardiovascular conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16743. [PMID: 37798357 PMCID: PMC10556075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) enables initiation of anticoagulation and early rhythm control therapy to reduce stroke, cardiovascular death, and heart failure. In a cross-sectional, observational study, we aimed to identify a combination of circulating biomolecules reflecting different biological processes to detect prevalent AF in patients with cardiovascular conditions presenting to hospital. Twelve biomarkers identified by reviewing literature and patents were quantified on a high-precision, high-throughput platform in 1485 consecutive patients with cardiovascular conditions (median age 69 years [Q1, Q3 60, 78]; 60% male). Patients had either known AF (45%) or AF ruled out by 7-day ECG-monitoring. Logistic regression with backward elimination and a neural network approach considering 7 key clinical characteristics and 12 biomarker concentrations were applied to a randomly sampled discovery cohort (n = 933) and validated in the remaining patients (n = 552). In addition to age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), BMP10, ANGPT2, and FGF23 identified patients with prevalent AF (AUC 0.743 [95% CI 0.712, 0.775]). These circulating biomolecules represent distinct pathways associated with atrial cardiomyopathy and AF. Neural networks identified the same variables as the regression-based approach. The validation using regression yielded an AUC of 0.719 (95% CI 0.677, 0.762), corroborated using deep neural networks (AUC 0.784 [95% CI 0.745, 0.822]). Age, sex, BMI and three circulating biomolecules (BMP10, ANGPT2, FGF23) are associated with prevalent AF in unselected patients presenting to hospital. Findings should be externally validated. Results suggest that age and different disease processes approximated by these three biomolecules contribute to AF in patients. Our findings have the potential to improve screening programs for AF after external validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Victor R Cardoso
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC Health Data Research UK (HDR), Midlands Site, London, UK
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moritz F Sinner
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Al-Taie
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, UKE Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Brady
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elton A M P Dudink
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stéphane N Hatem
- IHU-ICAN Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Paris, France
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Lluis Mont
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frantisek Nehaj
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yanish Purmah
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jasmeet S Reyat
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura C Sommerfeld
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, UKE Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - André Ziegler
- Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Georgios V Gkoutos
- MRC Health Data Research UK (HDR), Midlands Site, London, UK
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, UKE Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Ganesan P, Deb B, Feng R, Rodrigo M, Ruiperez-Campillo S, Rogers AJ, Clopton P, Wang PJ, Zeemering S, Schotten U, Rappel WJ, Narayan SM. Quantifying a spectrum of clinical response in atrial tachyarrhythmias using spatiotemporal synchronization of electrograms. Europace 2023; 25:euad055. [PMID: 36932716 PMCID: PMC10227659 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS There is a clinical spectrum for atrial tachyarrhythmias wherein most patients with atrial tachycardia (AT) and some with atrial fibrillation (AF) respond to ablation, while others do not. It is undefined if this clinical spectrum has pathophysiological signatures. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the size of spatial regions showing repetitive synchronized electrogram (EGM) shapes over time reveals a spectrum from AT, to AF patients who respond acutely to ablation, to AF patients without acute response. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied n = 160 patients (35% women, 65.0 ± 10.4 years) of whom (i) n = 75 had AF terminated by ablation propensity matched to (ii) n = 75 without AF termination and (iii) n = 10 with AT. All patients had mapping by 64-pole baskets to identify areas of repetitive activity (REACT) to correlate unipolar EGMs in shape over time. Synchronized regions (REACT) were largest in AT, smaller in AF termination, and smallest in non-termination cohorts (0.63 ± 0.15, 0.37 ± 0.22, and 0.22 ± 0.18, P < 0.001). Area under the curve for predicting AF termination in hold-out cohorts was 0.72 ± 0.03. Simulations showed that lower REACT represented greater variability in clinical EGM timing and shape. Unsupervised machine learning of REACT and extensive (50) clinical variables yielded four clusters of increasing risk for AF termination (P < 0.01, χ2), which were more predictive than clinical profiles alone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The area of synchronized EGMs within the atrium reveals a spectrum of clinical response in atrial tachyarrhythmias. These fundamental EGM properties, which do not reflect any predetermined mechanism or mapping technology, predict outcome and offer a platform to compare mapping tools and mechanisms between AF patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanth Ganesan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Brototo Deb
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ruibin Feng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Miguel Rodrigo
- Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat de Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 València, Spain
| | - Samuel Ruiperez-Campillo
- Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat de Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 València, Spain
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Albert J Rogers
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Paul Clopton
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Paul J Wang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, 616 6200, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, 616 6200, Netherlands
| | - Wouter-Jan Rappel
- Department of Physics, University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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6
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Özgül O, Hermans BJ, van Hunnik A, Verheule S, Schotten U, Bonizzi P, Zeemering S. High-density and high coverage composite mapping of repetitive atrial activation patterns. Comput Biol Med 2023; 159:106920. [PMID: 37119551 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive atrial activation patterns (RAAPs) during atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with localized mechanisms that maintain AF. Current electro-anatomical mapping systems are unsuitable for analyzing RAAPs due to the trade-off between spatial coverage and electrode density in clinical catheters. This work proposes a technique to overcome this trade-off by constructing composite maps from spatially overlapping sequential recordings. METHODS High-density epicardial contact mapping was performed during open-chest surgery in goats (n=16, left and right atria) with 3 or 22 weeks of sustained AF (249-electrode array, electrode distance 2.4 mm). A dataset mimicking sequential recordings was generated by segmenting the grid into four spatially overlapping regions (each region 6.5 cm2, 48±10% overlap) without temporal overlap. RAAPs were detected in each region using recurrence plots of activation times. RAAPs in two different regions were joined in case of RAAP cross-recurrence between overlapping electrodes. We quantified the reconstruction success rate and quality of the composite maps. RESULTS Of 1021 RAAPs found in the full mapping array (32±13 per recording), 328 spatiotemporally stable RAAPs were analyzed. 247 composite maps were generated (75% success) with a quality of 0.86±0.21 (Pearson correlation). Success was significantly affected by the RAAP area. Quality was weakly correlated with the number of repetitions of RAAPs (r=0.13, p<0.05) and not affected by the atrial side (left or right) or AF duration (3 or 22 weeks of AF). CONCLUSIONS Constructing composite maps by combining spatially overlapping sequential recordings is feasible. Interpretation of these maps can play a central role in ablation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Özgül
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Jm Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pietro Bonizzi
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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7
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Zeemering S, Isaacs A, Winters J, Maesen B, Bidar E, Dimopoulou C, Guasch E, Batlle M, Haase D, Hatem SN, Kara M, Kääb S, Mont L, Sinner MF, Wakili R, Maessen J, Crijns HJGM, Fabritz L, Kirchhof P, Stoll M, Schotten U. Atrial fibrillation in the presence and absence of heart failure enhances expression of genes involved in cardiomyocyte structure, conduction properties, fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:2115-2124. [PMID: 36007727 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about genome-wide changes in the atrial transcriptome as a cause or consequence of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the effect of its common and clinically relevant comorbidity-heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore candidate disease processes for AF by investigating gene expression changes in atrial tissue samples from patients with and without AF, stratified by HF. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed in right and left atrial appendage tissue in 195 patients undergoing open heart surgery from centers participating in the CATCH-ME consortium (no history of AF, n = 91; paroxysmal AF, n = 53; persistent/permanent AF, n = 51). Analyses were stratified into patients with/without HF (n = 75/120) and adjusted for age, sex, atrial side, and a combination of clinical characteristics. RESULTS We identified 35 genes associated with persistent AF compared to patients without a history of AF, both in the presence or absence of HF (false discovery rate <0.05). These were mostly novel associations, including 13 long noncoding RNAs. Genes were involved in regulation of cardiomyocyte structure, conduction properties, fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Gene set enrichment analysis identified mainly inflammatory gene sets to be enriched in AF patients without HF, and gene sets involved in cellular respiration in AF patients with HF. CONCLUSION Analysis of atrial gene expression profiles identified numerous novel genes associated with persistent AF, in the presence or absence of HF. Interestingly, no consistent transcriptional changes were associated with paroxysmal AF, suggesting that AF-induced changes in gene expression predominate other changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joris Winters
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Eduard Guasch
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Stéphane N Hatem
- INSERM UMRS1166, Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Institut de Cardiologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Mansour Kara
- Institut de Cardiologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart, Munich, Germany
| | - Lluis Mont
- European Society of Cardiology, Sophia Antipolis, France; Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Moritz F Sinner
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart, Munich, Germany
| | - Reza Wakili
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart, Munich, Germany; Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jos Maessen
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, UHB and SWBH NHS Trusts, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- INSERM UMRS1166, Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; University Heart and Vascular Center UKE Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Institute of Human Genetics, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; INSERM UMRS1166, Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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8
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Kawczynski MJ, Van De Walle S, Maesen B, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Hermans B, Vernooy K, Maessen JG, Schotten U, Bidar E. Preoperative P-wave parameters and risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of 20 201 patients. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2022; 35:6673150. [PMID: 35993895 PMCID: PMC9492265 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivac220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the role of P-wave parameters, as defined on preprocedural electrocardiography (ECG), in predicting atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery [postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF)].
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane library and Embase were searched for studies reporting on P-wave parameters and risk of POAF. Meta-analysis of P-wave parameters reported by at least 5 different publications was performed. In case of receiver operator characteristics (ROC-curve) analysis in the original publications, an ROC meta-analysis was performed to summarize the sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
Thirty-two publications, with a total of 20 201 patients, contributed to the meta-analysis. Increased P-wave duration, measured on conventional 12-lead ECG (22 studies, Cohen’s d = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.5, P < 0.0001) and signal-averaged ECG (12 studies, Cohen’s d = 0.8, 95% confidence interval: 0.5–1.2, P < 0.0001), was a predictor of POAF independently from left atrial size. ROC meta-analysis for signal-averaged ECG P-wave duration showed an overall sensitivity of 72% (95% confidence interval: 65–78%) and specificity of 68% (95% confidence interval: 58–77%). Summary ROC curve had a moderate discriminative power with an area under the curve of 0.76. There was substantial heterogeneity in the meta-analyses for P-wave dispersion and PR-interval.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis shows that increased P-wave duration, measured on conventional 12-lead ECG and signal-averaged ECG, predicted POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal J Kawczynski
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sophie Van De Walle
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ben Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
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9
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Verhaert DVM, Linz D, Chaldoupi SM, Westra SW, den Uijl DW, Philippens S, Kerperien M, Habibi Z, Vorstermans B, ter Bekke RMA, Beukema RJ, Evertz R, Hemels MEW, Luermans JGLM, Manusama R, Lankveld TAR, van der Heijden CAJ, Bidar E, Hermans BJM, Zeemering S, Bijvoet GP, Habets J, Holtackers RJ, Mihl C, Nijveldt R, van Empel VPM, Knackstedt C, Simons SO, Buhre WFFA, Tijssen JGP, Isaacs A, Crijns HJGM, Maesen B, Vernooy K, Schotten U. Rationale and Design of the ISOLATION Study: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Predictors for Successful Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in an Integrated Clinical Care and Research Pathway. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:879139. [PMID: 35879962 PMCID: PMC9307503 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.879139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Continuous progress in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques has led to an increasing number of procedures with improved outcome. However, about 30-50% of patients still experience recurrences within 1 year after their ablation. Comprehensive translational research approaches integrated in clinical care pathways may improve our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AF and improve patient selection for AF ablation. Objectives Within the "IntenSive mOlecular and eLectropathological chAracterization of patienTs undergoIng atrial fibrillatiOn ablatioN" (ISOLATION) study, we aim to identify predictors of successful AF ablation in the following domains: (1) clinical factors, (2) AF patterns, (3) anatomical characteristics, (4) electrophysiological characteristics, (5) circulating biomarkers, and (6) genetic background. Herein, the design of the ISOLATION study and the integration of all study procedures into a standardized pathway for patients undergoing AF ablation are described. Methods ISOLATION (NCT04342312) is a two-center prospective cohort study including 650 patients undergoing AF ablation. Clinical characteristics and routine clinical test results will be collected, as well as results from the following additional diagnostics: determination of body composition, pre-procedural rhythm monitoring, extended surface electrocardiogram, biomarker testing, genetic analysis, and questionnaires. A multimodality model including a combination of established predictors and novel techniques will be developed to predict ablation success. Discussion In this study, several domains will be examined to identify predictors of successful AF ablation. The results may be used to improve patient selection for invasive AF management and to tailor treatment decisions to individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique V. M. Verhaert
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, Royal Adelaide Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sevasti Maria Chaldoupi
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd W. Westra
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Dennis W. den Uijl
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Philippens
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mijke Kerperien
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Zarina Habibi
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bianca Vorstermans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rachel M. A. ter Bekke
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rypko J. Beukema
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Reinder Evertz
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martin E. W. Hemels
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Justin G. L. M. Luermans
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Randolph Manusama
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Theo A. R. Lankveld
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Claudia A. J. van der Heijden
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ben J. M. Hermans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Geertruida P. Bijvoet
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jesse Habets
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Robert J. Holtackers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Casper Mihl
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robin Nijveldt
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa P. M. van Empel
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Knackstedt
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sami O. Simons
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Jan G. P. Tijssen
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Harry J. G. M. Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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10
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Zeemering S, Isaacs A, Winters J, Gilbers M, Kawczynksi M, Chua W, Guasch E, Kaab S, Crijns H, Mont L, Hatem S, Fabritz L, Kirchhof P, Stoll M, Schotten U. Replicated gene expression changes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union Horizon 2020 CATCH ME; Cardiovascular Research Netherlands RACE V
Background
Little is known about changes in the atrial transcriptome associated with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Purpose
To identify major molecular mechanisms in AF, we determined consistent differential expression (DE) between atrial tissue samples from well-characterized patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF and patients without a history of AF (no AF) in two independent patient cohorts.
Methods
Poly-A tailed RNA from left and right atrial appendage tissue samples from independent discovery and replication cohorts CATCH ME (n=192) and RACE V (n=122) was sequenced and analyzed according to patient AF history. Analyses were performed stratified by atrial side, adjusting for age, sex, heart failure and a combination of clinical characteristics determined by principal component analysis. Transcripts were considered DE in CATCH ME if their fold change reached transcriptome-wide significance (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). DE transcripts in each rhythm comparison were replicated in RACE V if we observed a concordant direction of effect and a within-set FDR < 0.05 in the same comparison.
Results
Persistent AF compared to no AF was associated with 184 left atrial DE transcripts in CATCH ME of which 85 (46%) were replicated in RACE V, and with 208 right atrial DE transcripts in CATCH ME of which 86 (41%) were replicated in RACE V. Overall, 26 transcripts were discovered and replicated in both atria. Discovered but non-replicated transcripts often did exhibit concordant direction of effect (left: 78%, right: 83%). Replicated transcripts consisted of protein coding genes, antisense and non-coding RNAs. Protein coding genes showed involvement in pathways linking persistent AF to cardiomyocyte structure, conduction properties, fibrosis, inflammation, molecule trafficking, and endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, paroxysmal AF was not consistently associated with DE transcripts in any comparison. Principal component analysis of the expression of the 26 transcripts strongly associated with persistent AF did however reveal a distinct paroxysmal AF expression profile in-between no AF and persistent AF patients in the first principal component scores (Figure 1).
Conclusion
RNA sequencing of human atrial tissue samples identified many transcripts associated with persistent AF in left and/or right atria, discovered and replicated using two independent cohorts. These consistent findings of AF-induced changes provide a starting point for targeted proteomic analysis and single-nucleus sequencing to further unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying AF progression to persistent AF, and biomarker development to quantify AF progression and enable precision medicine in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Isaacs
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - J Winters
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - M Gilbers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - M Kawczynksi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - W Chua
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - E Guasch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Kaab
- University Hospital of Munich, Department of Medicine I, Munich, Germany
| | - H Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - L Mont
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Cardiovascular Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Hatem
- University Pierre & Marie Curie Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - L Fabritz
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - P Kirchhof
- University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Stoll
- University of Münster, Institute of Human Genetics, Münster, Germany
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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11
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Ozgul O, Hermans BJM, Van Hunnik A, Verheule S, Schotten U, Bonizzi P, Zeemering S. High-density sequential mapping of repetitive atrial conduction patterns during atrial fibrillation. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by PersonalizeAF project. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 860974.
Background
Localized AF drivers are considered candidate ablation targets for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). These drivers are expected to be associated with repetitive atrial conduction patterns during AF. Thus, tools that localize atrial sites with repetitive electrical activity might be instrumental in guiding ablation.
Purpose
High-density mapping catheters cover only a small portion of the atria. Combining sequential recordings from those catheters could provide a more complete picture of repetitive conduction patterns, and enable AF driver localization. We hypothesize that the repetitive activity generated by local AF drivers can be detected by means of high-coverage composite activation maps generated from spatially overlapping sequential recordings.
Methods
Repetitive conduction patterns were detected in a goat model of AF (249-electrode epicardial mapping array, 2.4mm inter-electrode distance, n=16) by exploiting recurrence plots (Fig 1A-C). Cross-recurrences of repetitive patterns in sequential recordings were detected in spatially overlapping recording locations. Using this information, local activation maps were aligned and combined into larger composite average activation maps (Fig. 1D-F). The proposed algorithm was tested on a dataset formed by segmenting the epicardial mapping area into four spatially overlapping regions. The proposed algorithm was then used to merge these segmented regions back together to reconstruct the original mapping area. Reconstruction accuracy was measured as the correlation between original and reconstructed average activation patterns (Fig. 2.). Statistical analyses were performed to investigate a possible relation between reconstruction accuracy and pattern properties such as duration, size, complexity, and cycle length. Patterns were classified as single peripheral, multiple waves, focal source, or re-entry based on the preferential conduction velocity directions.
Results
Among 1021 detected repetitive patterns, 328 spatiotemporally stable- patterns were present in all four artificially segmented recordings. In 32% of these, repetitiveness was associated with a local driver-either focal or re-entrant. Composite maps could be generated in 75% of the cases, and mainly in case of larger patterns (p<0.01). The average correlation between the actual activation maps and the composite maps was 0.86 ±0.16. Only pattern duration showed a statistically significant low correlation with reconstruction accuracy of composite maps (r=0.126, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the reconstruction accuracy for multiple waves, focal sources and re-entries.
Conclusion(s)
The proposed framework could align sequentially recorded repetitive epicardial patterns over different atrial regions, to produce high-fidelity composite maps. The performance was minimally affected by pattern properties, thus suggesting potential use with a diverse range of AF patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ozgul
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - BJM Hermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - P Bonizzi
- Maastricht University, Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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12
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Winters J, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Casadei B, Fabritz L, Guasch E, Mont L, Hatem S, Kirchhof P, Verheule S, Schotten U. Atrial endomysial fibrosis is associated with sex, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and age in cardiac surgery patients: results from the Catch-Me consortium. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Horizon 2020
Background
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF), such as ageing, heart failure and AF itself, enhance AF propensity partly by inducing atrial fibrosis. Atrial endomysial fibrosis, a type of reactive fibrosis occurring between cardiomyocytes, impairs transverse conduction in rapid atrial pacing animal models. The factors underlying transcriptional regulation of endomysial fibrosis are largely unknown.
Objective
To examine the contributions of age, sex, AF and heart failure to the development of endomysial fibrosis in the context of concurrent pathologies. To study genome-wide transcriptional changes associated with endomysial fibrosis in human left and right atrial appendage biopsies (LAA, n=95; RAA, n=76).
Methods
An algorithm for automated quantification of endomysial fibrosis following staining with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was employed. Linear mixed models were constructed to determine endomysial fibrosis quantity as a function of AF, heart failure, sex, age and four principal components that accounted for potential confounding effects of other clinical characteristics. RNA sequencing was used to study expression changes in the atrial transcriptome associated with endomysial fibrosis.
Results
Sex, persistent AF, heart failure and age were independently associated with endomysial fibrosis. We identified hundreds (LAA: 386, RAA: 311) of RNA transcripts associated with endomysial fibrosis. None of these associations were independent from the clinical phenotypes. However, explorative gene set enrichment analysis identified association of endomysial fibrosis with gene sets involved in extracellular matrix organization, immune response, cell motility, developmental processes, cardiac muscle contraction and proteostasis in LAA while in RAA only gene sets regulating contractile function were enriched.
Conclusion
Besides AF, female sex, age and heart failure are associated with endomysial fibrosis in the atria. While abundance of none of the differential genes were independently associated with endomysial fibrosis, gene set enrichment analysis suggests an involvement of extracellular matrix organization, immune response, cell motility, developmental processes and cardiac muscle contraction in endomysial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Winters
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Isaacs
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - B Casadei
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - L Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - E Guasch
- Barcelona Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Mont
- Barcelona Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Hatem
- University Pierre & Marie Curie Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - P Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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13
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Zink MD, Hermans B, Gramlich M, Philippens SAM, Vernooy K, Van Hunnik A, Linz DK, Zeemering S, Schotten U. BMP10 level helps to stratify risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence within one year after catheter ablation. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): DGK Electrophysiology grant
Background
Freedom of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main purpose of catheter ablation. However, AF recurrence is commonly seen after catheter ablation. Cardiovascular biomarkers may help to identify patients at risk for AF recurrence.
Purpose
We investigated the association of preprocedural known and novel cardiovascular biomarker level with AF recurrence within one year after catheter ablation.
Methods
In 187 patients of the AFAB registry (University Maastricht, the Netherlands) clinical recurrence of AF after catheter ablation was investigated using Holter ECGs at 3- and 12-months follow-up. Blood samples taken before AF catheter ablation were analyzed for prediction of AF recurrence by known or novel cardiovascular biomarkers (FGF23, BMP10, Ang2, IGFBP7, CA125, NT-proBNP, TNT_hs, sFlt_1, ESM1_7F89A5, DKK3). Recurrence of AF was defined as any symptomatic, or ECG documented episode of AF within one year after catheter ablation. A logistic regression model adjusted for typical risk factors of AF recurrence (Sex, age, type of AF (paroxysmal or persistent), ongoing rhythm, LA diameter, heart failure, body mass index and hypertension) was calculated and receiver-operating analysis was performed for prediction of AF recurrence.
Results
AF recurrence was found in 86 patients within one year after catheter ablation. Elevated biomarker level in patients with AF recurrence were found for BMP10, Ang2, and NT-proBNP in univariate analysis (table 1). In the logistic regression BMP10 (Odds ratio 2.94, 95%CI 1.089-7.939, P=0.033) indicated a high probability of AF recurrence within one year. A model including factors of AF recurrence showed a predictability for AF recurrence of an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (sensitivity 60%, specificity 64%). By adding each of the univariate significant biomarker the predictability of the model increases further Ang2 (AUC 0.69, sensitivity 69%, specificity 60%), NT-proBNP (AUC 0.69, sensitivity 65%, specificity 60%), and BMP10 (AUC 0.71, sensitivity 60%, specificity 73%).
Conclusions
Based on our data, Ang2, BMP10, NT-proBNP showed elevated values for patients with recurrence of AF within one year before catheter ablation. BMP10, which is likely associated with trabeculation of the heart, outperformed the other investigated known and novel biomarker indicating a higher probability of AF recurrence within one year after ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- MD Zink
- RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, Pulmonology & Vascular Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - B Hermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - M Gramlich
- RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, Pulmonology & Vascular Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - SAM Philippens
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - K Vernooy
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - DK Linz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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14
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Zeemering S, Isaacs A, Winters J, Isaacs A, Kawczynski M, Rivero MH, Ghalawinji A, Witten A, Chua W, Kaab S, Wakili R, Sinner MF, Mont L, Guasch E, Hatem S, Crijns HJ, Fabritz L, Kirchhof P, Stoll M, Schotten U. BS-515-04 REPLICATED GENE EXPRESSION CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. Heart Rhythm 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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15
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Marques V, Gharaviri A, Pezzuto S, Bonizzi P, Zeemering S, Schotten U. PO-690-08 REPETITIVE CONDUCTION PATTERNS IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: SPATIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH RE-ENTRANT DRIVERS. Heart Rhythm 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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16
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Gilbers MD, Kawczynski M, Winters J, Isaacs A, Bidar E, Zeemering S, Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJ, Verheule S, Stoll M, Schotten U. PO-715-07 CORRELATIONS BETWEEN BIOMARKERS AND ENDOMYSIAL FIBROSIS IN LEFT AND RIGHT ATRIA OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC SURGERY. Heart Rhythm 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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17
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Winters J, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Casadei B, Fabritz L, Guasch E, Mont L, Hatem S, Kirchhof P, Verheule S, Schotten U. PO-699-05 ATRIAL ENDOMYSIAL FIBROSIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH SEX, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, HEART FAILURE AND AGE IN CARDIAC SURGERY PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE CATCH ME CONSORTIUM. Heart Rhythm 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Kawczynski M, Gilbers MD, Bidar E, Winters J, Zeemering S, Verheule S, Isaacs A, Maesen B, Crijns HJ, Van Gelder IC, Schotten U. PO-700-03 CORRELATION BETWEEN ATRIAL FUNCTION, BLOOD BIOMARKERS, AND HISTOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC SURGERY WITHOUT HISTORY OF ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIAS. Heart Rhythm 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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19
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Maesen B, Verheule S, Zeemering S, La Meir M, Nijs J, Lumeij S, Lau DH, Granier M, Crijns HJ, Maessen JG, Dhein S, Schotten U. Endomysial fibrosis, rather than overall connective tissue content, is the main determinant of conduction disturbances in human atrial fibrillation. Europace 2022; 24:1015-1024. [PMID: 35348667 PMCID: PMC9282911 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Although in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) a complex AF substrate characterized by a high incidence of conduction block has been reported, relatively little is known about AF complexity in paroxysmal AF (pAF). Also, the relative contribution of various aspects of structural alterations to conduction disturbances is not clear. In particular, the contribution of endomysial fibrosis to conduction disturbances during progression of AF has not been studied yet. Methods and results During cardiac surgery, epicardial high-density mapping was performed in patients with acutely induced (aAF, n = 11), pAF (n = 12), and longstanding persistent AF (persAF, n = 9) on the right atrial (RA) wall, the posterior left atrial wall (pLA) and the LA appendage (LAA). In RA appendages, overall and endomysial (myocyte-to-myocyte distances) fibrosis and connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution were quantified. Unipolar AF electrogram analysis showed a more complex pattern with a larger number of narrower waves, more breakthroughs and a higher fractionation index (FI) in persAF compared with aAF and pAF, with no differences between aAF and pAF. The FI was consistently higher at the pLA compared with the RA. Structurally, Cx43 lateralization increased with AF progression (aAF = 7.5 ± 8.9%, pAF = 24.7 ± 11.1%, persAF = 35.1 ± 11.4%, P < 0.001). Endomysial but not overall fibrosis correlated with AF complexity (r = 0.57, P = 0.001; r = 0.23, P = 0.20; respectively). Conclusions Atrial fibrillation complexity is highly variable in patients with pAF, but not significantly higher than in patients with acutely induced AF, while in patients with persistent AF complexity is higher. Among the structural alterations studied, endomysial fibrosis, but not overall fibrosis, is the strongest determinant of AF complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark La Meir
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Nijs
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stijn Lumeij
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Granier
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Jgm Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, Heart Centre Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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20
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Krist D, Linz D, Schotten U, Zeemering S, Leenen D. A Novel Laser Energy Ablation Catheter for Endocardial Cavo-Tricuspid Isthmus Ablation and Epicardial Ventricular Lesion Formation: An in vivo Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Med Technol 2022; 4:834856. [PMID: 35387364 PMCID: PMC8979165 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.834856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate atrial and ventricular lesion formation by a 20-mm linear laser ablation catheter, regarding lesion depth and tissue damage. Methods In total, 6 female swines underwent standard femoral vein access to introduce a novel 20-mm linear laser ablation catheter in the right atrium to perform endocardial cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablations. The navigation took place under fluoroscopy with additional visualization by intracardiac echocardiograph. Via a sternotomy, epicardial ablations were performed on the surface of the left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), and right atrial appendage (RAA). Procedural safety was assessed by registration of intraprocedural adverse events and by macroscopic examination of the excised hearts for the presence of charring or tissue disruption at the lesion site. Results Altogether 39 lesions were created, including 8 endocardial CTI (mean lesion length 20.6 ± 1.65 mm), 26 epicardial ventricle (mean lesion length LV: 25.3 ± 1.35 mm, RV: 24.9 ± 2.40 mm), and 5 epicardial appendage ablations (mean lesion length RAA: 26.0 ± 3.16 mm). Transmurality was achieved in all CTI and atrial appendage ablations, in 62% of the RV ablations and in none of the LV ablations. No perforation or steam pop occurred, and no animal died during the procedure. Conclusion In this porcine study, the 20-mm linear laser ablation catheter has shown excellent results for endocardial cavotricuspid isthmus ablation, and it resulted in acceptable lesion depth during atrial and ventricular epicardial ablation. The absence of tissue charring, steam pops, or microbubbles under the experimental conditions suggests a high degree of procedural safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Krist
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Dennis Krist
| | - Dominik Linz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dwayne Leenen
- Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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21
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Zink MD, Laureanti R, Hermans BJM, Pison L, Verheule S, Philippens S, Pluymaekers N, Vroomen M, Hermans A, van Hunnik A, Crijns HJGM, Vernooy K, Linz D, Mainardi L, Auricchio A, Zeemering S, Schotten U. Extended ECG Improves Classification of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Based on P- and f-Waves. Front Physiol 2022; 13:779826. [PMID: 35309059 PMCID: PMC8931504 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.779826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The standard 12-lead ECG has been shown to be of value in characterizing atrial conduction properties. The added value of extended ECG recordings (longer recordings from more sites) has not been systematically explored yet. Objective The aim of this study is to employ an extended ECG to identify characteristics of atrial electrical activity related to paroxysmal vs. persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods In 247 participants scheduled for AF ablation, an extended ECG was recorded (12 standard plus 3 additional leads, 5 min recording, no filtering). For patients presenting in sinus rhythm (SR), the signal-averaged P-wave and the spatiotemporal P-wave variability was analyzed. For patients presenting in AF, f-wave properties in the QRST (the amplitude complex of the ventricular electrical activity: Q-, R-, S-, and T-wave)-canceled ECG were determined. Results Significant differences between paroxysmal (N = 152) and persistent patients with AF (N = 95) were found in several P-wave and f-wave parameters, including parameters that can only be calculated from an extended ECG. Furthermore, a moderate, but significant correlation was found between echocardiographic parameters and P-wave and f-wave parameters. There was a moderate correlation of left atrial (LA) diameter with P-wave energy duration (r = 0.317, p < 0.001) and f-wave amplitude in lead A3 (r = -0.389, p = 0.002). The AF-type classification performance significantly improved when parameters calculated from the extended ECG were taken into account [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.58, interquartile range (IQR) 0.50-0.64 for standard ECG parameters only vs. AUC = 0.76, IQR 0.70-0.80 for extended ECG parameters, p < 0.001]. Conclusion The P- and f-wave analysis of extended ECG configurations identified specific ECG features allowing improved classification of paroxysmal vs. persistent AF. The extended ECG significantly improved AF-type classification in our analyzed data as compared to a standard 10-s 12-lead ECG. Whether this can result in a better clinical AF type classification warrants further prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Daniel Zink
- RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Internal Medicine I, Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Aachen, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rita Laureanti
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center for Computational Modeling in Cardiology, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ben J. M. Hermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laurent Pison
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Sander Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Philippens
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nikki Pluymaekers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mindy Vroomen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Harry J. G. M. Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Dominik Linz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Luca Mainardi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Auricchio
- Center for Computational Modeling in Cardiology, Lugano, Switzerland
- Instituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
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22
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Kawczynski MJ, Zeemering S, Gilbers M, Isaacs A, Verheule S, Zink MD, Maesen B, Bramer S, Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJGM, Schotten U, Bidar E. New-onset perioperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients: transient trouble or persistent problem?-Authors' reply. Europace 2021; 24:1037-1038. [PMID: 34951637 PMCID: PMC9282910 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michal J Kawczynski
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Professor Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gilbers
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias D Zink
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Professor Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Bramer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Centre Maastricht University Medical Centre, Professor Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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23
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Ozgul O, Maesen B, Schotten U, Bonizzi P, Zeemering S. State Space Embedding of Atrial Electrograms to Detect Repetitive Conduction Patterns During Atrial Fibrillation. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2021; 2021:508-511. [PMID: 34891344 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive atrial conduction patterns are often observed during human atrial fibrillation (AF). Repetitive patterns may be associated with AF drivers such as focal and micro-reentrant mechanisms. Therefore, tools for repetitive activity detection are of great interest as they may allow to identify the leading electrophysiological AF mechanism in an individual patient. Recurrence plots (RP) are efficient tools for repetitive activity visualization. Construction of an RP requires embedding of epicardial atrial electrograms into a phase space. In this study, we compared the conventional Takens' embedding approach and three novel approaches based on a priori AF cycle length (AFCL) information. Approaches were bench-marked based on the similarity of the RPs they produce with a previously proposed technique, the sensitivity and specificity to detect the repetitive patterns, as well as the capability to estimate overall repetitive pattern prevalence. All techniques were applied to high-density epicardial direct contact mapping recordings in AF patients with paroxysmal AF (n=12) and persistent AF (n=9). Compared to a reference method the proposed novel techniques achieved significantly higher similarity and sensitivity values (p<0.01) than conventional embedding, in both paroxysmal and persistent patients. Moreover, estimated prevalences were robust against the various degrees of AF complexity present in the recordings.Clinical relevance- This study presents three novel approaches for detection of repetitive patterns of conduction during AF in atrial direct contact recordings, which may aid in the identification of the leading AF mechanism in an individual patient.
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24
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Hermans ANL, Pluymaekers NAHA, Lankveld TAR, van Mourik MJW, Zeemering S, Dinh T, den Uijl DW, Luermans JGLM, Vernooy K, Crijns HJGM, Schotten U, Linz D. Clinical utility of rhythm control by electrical cardioversion to assess the association between self-reported symptoms and rhythm status in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2021; 36:100870. [PMID: 34568541 PMCID: PMC8449169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background The best strategy to assess the association between symptoms and rhythm status (symptom-rhythm correlation) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the clinical utility of rhythm control by electrical cardioversion (ECV) to assess symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with persistent AF. Methods We used ECV to examine symptom-rhythm correlation in 81 persistent AF patients. According to current clinical practice, the presence of self-reported symptoms before ECV and at the first outpatient clinic follow-up visit (within 1-month) was assessed to determine the prevalence of a symptom-rhythm correlation (defined as self-reported symptoms present during AF and absent in sinus rhythm or absent in AF and yet relief during sinus rhythm). In addition, we evaluated symptom patterns around ECV. Results Only in 18 patients (22%), a symptom-rhythm correlation could be documented. Twenty-eight patients (35%) did not show any symptom-rhythm correlation and 35 patients (43%) had an unevaluable symptom-rhythm correlation as these patients were in symptomatic AF both at baseline and at the first outpatient AF clinic follow-up visit. Importantly, self-reported symptom patterns around ECV were intra-individually variable in 10 patients (12%) without symptom-rhythm correlation (of which 9 patients (11%) had AF recurrence) and in 2 patients (2%) with an unevaluable symptom-rhythm correlation. Conclusions In patients with persistent AF, symptom assessment around rhythm control by ECV, once before ECV and once within 1-month follow-up, rarely identifies a symptom-rhythm correlation and often suggests changes in symptom pattern. Better strategies are needed to assess symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid N L Hermans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nikki A H A Pluymaekers
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Theo A R Lankveld
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Manouk J W van Mourik
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Trang Dinh
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis W den Uijl
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Justin G L M Luermans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Podziemski P, Kuklik P, Kuiper M, Verheule S, Schotten U. Bi-atrial high-density mapping reveals inhibition of wavefront turning and reduction of complex propagation patterns as main antiarrhythmic mechanisms of vernakalant. Europace 2021; 23:1114-1123. [PMID: 33608723 PMCID: PMC8286852 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Complex propagation patterns are observed in patients and models with stable atrial fibrillation (AF). The degree of this complexity is associated with AF stability. Experimental work suggests reduced wavefront turning as an important mechanism for widening of the excitable gap. The aim of this study was to investigate how sodium channel inhibition by vernakalant affects turning behaviour and propagation patterns during AF. Methods and results Two groups of 8 goats were instrumented with electrodes on the left atrium, and AF was maintained by burst pacing for 3 or 22 weeks. Measurements were performed at baseline and two dosages of vernakalant. Unipolar electrograms were mapped (249 electrodes/array) on the left and right atrium in an open-chest experiment. Local activation times and conduction vectors, flow lines, the number of fibrillation waves, and local re-entries were determined. At baseline, fibrillation patterns contained numerous individual fibrillation waves conducting in random directions. Vernakalant induced conduction slowing and cycle length prolongation and terminated AF in 13/15 goats. Local re-entries were strongly reduced. Local conduction vectors showed increased preferential directions and less beat-to-beat variability. Breakthroughs and waves were significantly reduced in number. Flow line curvature reduced and waves conducted more homogenously in one direction. Overall, complex propagation patterns were strongly reduced. No substantial differences in drug effects between right and left atria or between goats with different AF durations were observed. Conclusions Destabilization of AF by vernakalant is associated with a lowering of fibrillation frequency and inhibition of complex propagation patterns, wave turning, local re-entries, and breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Podziemski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Pawel Kuklik
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marion Kuiper
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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26
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Gharaviri A, Pezzuto S, Potse M, Conte G, Zeemering S, Sobota V, Verheule S, Krause R, Auricchio A, Schotten U. Synergistic antiarrhythmic effect of inward rectifier current inhibition and pulmonary vein isolation in a 3D computer model for atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 23:i161-i168. [PMID: 33751085 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Recent clinical studies showed that antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) treatment and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) synergistically reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after initially successful ablation. Among newly developed atrial-selective AADs, inhibitors of the G-protein-gated acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier current (IKACh) were shown to effectively suppress AF in an experimental model but have not yet been evaluated clinically. We tested in silico whether inhibition of inward rectifier current or its combination with PVI reduces AF inducibility. METHODS AND RESULTS We simulated the effect of inward rectifier current blockade (IK blockade), PVI, and their combination on AF inducibility in a detailed three-dimensional model of the human atria with different degrees of fibrosis. IK blockade was simulated with a 30% reduction of its conductivity. Atrial fibrillation was initiated using incremental pacing applied at 20 different locations, in both atria. IK blockade effectively prevented AF induction in simulations without fibrosis as did PVI in simulations without fibrosis and with moderate fibrosis. Both interventions lost their efficacy in severe fibrosis. The combination of IK blockade and PVI prevented AF in simulations without fibrosis, with moderate fibrosis, and even with severe fibrosis. The combined therapy strongly decreased the number of fibrillation waves, due to a synergistic reduction of wavefront generation rate while the wavefront lifespan remained unchanged. CONCLUSION Newly developed blockers of atrial-specific inward rectifier currents, such as IKAch, might prevent AF occurrences and when combined with PVI effectively supress AF recurrences in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Gharaviri
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Simone Pezzuto
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Mark Potse
- Carmen Team, Inria Bordeaux-Sud-Ouest, Talence, France.,Université de Bordeaux, IMB, UMR 5251, F-33400, Talence, France.,IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giulio Conte
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.,Division of Cardiology, Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Via Tesserete 48, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimír Sobota
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Krause
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Angelo Auricchio
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.,Division of Cardiology, Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Via Tesserete 48, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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27
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Schotten U, Lee S, Zeemering S, Waldo AL. Paradigm shifts in electrophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 23:ii9-ii13. [PMID: 33837750 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the sequence of activation is a major source of information for understanding the electrophysiological mechanism(s) of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the complex morphology of the electrograms hampers their analysis, and has stimulated generations of electrophysiologists to develop a large variety of technologies for recording, pre-processing, and analysis of fibrillation electrograms. This variability of approaches is mirrored by a large variability in the interpretation of fibrillation electrograms and, thereby, opinions regarding the basic electrophysiological mechanism(s) of AF vary widely. Multiple wavelets, different types of re-entry including rotors, double layers, multiple focal activation patterns all have been advocated, and a comprehensive and commonly accepted paradigm for the fundamental mechanisms of AF is still lacking. Here, we summarize the Maastricht perspective and Cleveland perspective regarding AF mechanism(s). We also describe some of the key observations in mapping of AF reported over the past decades, and how they changed over the years, often as results of new techniques introduced in the experimental field of AF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Universiteitssingel 50 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Seungyup Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Universiteitssingel 50 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert L Waldo
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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28
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van Rosmalen F, Maesen B, van Hunnik A, Hermans BJM, Bonizzi P, Bidar E, Nijs J, Maessen JG, Verheule S, Delhaas T, Schotten U, Zeemering S. Incidence, prevalence, and trajectories of repetitive conduction patterns in human atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 23:i123-i132. [PMID: 33751087 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Repetitive conduction patterns in atrial fibrillation (AF) may reflect anatomical structures harbouring preferential conduction paths and indicate the presence of stationary sources for AF. Recently, we demonstrated a novel technique to detect repetitive patterns in high-density contact mapping of AF. As a first step towards repetitive pattern mapping to guide AF ablation, we determined the incidence, prevalence, and trajectories of repetitive conduction patterns in epicardial contact mapping of paroxysmal and persistent AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS A 256-channel mapping array was used to record epicardial left and right AF electrograms in persistent AF (persAF, n = 9) and paroxysmal AF (pAF, n = 11) patients. Intervals containing repetitive conduction patterns were detected using recurrence plots. Activation movies, preferential conduction direction, and average activation sequence were used to characterize and classify conduction patterns. Repetitive patterns were identified in 33/40 recordings. Repetitive patterns were more prevalent in pAF compared with persAF [pAF: median 59%, inter-quartile range (41-72) vs. persAF: 39% (0-51), P < 0.01], larger [pAF: = 1.54 (1.15-1.96) vs. persAF: 1.16 (0.74-1.56) cm2, P < 0.001), and more stable [normalized preferentiality (0-1) pAF: 0.38 (0.25-0.50) vs. persAF: 0.23 (0-0.33), P < 0.01]. Most repetitive patterns were peripheral waves (87%), often with conduction block (69%), while breakthroughs (9%) and re-entries (2%) occurred less frequently. CONCLUSION High-density epicardial contact mapping in AF patients reveals frequent repetitive conduction patterns. In persistent AF patients, repetitive patterns were less frequent, smaller, and more variable than in paroxysmal AF patients. Future research should elucidate whether these patterns can help in finding AF ablation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank van Rosmalen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University, Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ben J M Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pietro Bonizzi
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University, Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Nijs
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University, Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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29
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Fabritz L, Crijns HJGM, Guasch E, Goette A, Häusler KG, Kotecha D, Lewalter T, Meyer C, Potpara TS, Rienstra M, Schnabel RB, Willems S, Breithardt G, Camm AJ, Chan A, Chua W, de Melis M, Dimopoulou C, Dobrev D, Easter C, Eckardt L, Haase D, Hatem S, Healey JS, Heijman J, Hohnloser SH, Huebner T, Ilyas BS, Isaacs A, Kutschka I, Leclercq C, Lip GYH, Marinelli EA, Merino JL, Mont L, Nabauer M, Oldgren J, Pürerfellner H, Ravens U, Savelieva I, Sinner MF, Sitch A, Smolnik R, Steffel J, Stein K, Stoll M, Svennberg E, Thomas D, Van Gelder IC, Vardar B, Wakili R, Wieloch M, Zeemering S, Ziegler PD, Heidbuchel H, Hindricks G, Schotten U, Kirchhof P. Dynamic risk assessment to improve quality of care in patients with atrial fibrillation: the 7th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference. Europace 2021; 23:329-344. [PMID: 33555020 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications continues to increase, despite good progress in preventing AF-related strokes. METHODS AND RESULTS This article summarizes the outcomes of the 7th Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) held in Lisbon in March 2019. Sixty-five international AF specialists met to present new data and find consensus on pressing issues in AF prevention, management and future research to improve care for patients with AF and prevent AF-related complications. This article is the main outcome of an interactive, iterative discussion between breakout specialist groups and the meeting plenary. AF patients have dynamic risk profiles requiring repeated assessment and risk-based therapy stratification to optimize quality of care. Interrogation of deeply phenotyped datasets with outcomes will lead to a better understanding of the cardiac and systemic effects of AF, interacting with comorbidities and predisposing factors, enabling stratified therapy. New proposals include an algorithm for the acute management of patients with AF and heart failure, a call for a refined, data-driven assessment of stroke risk, suggestions for anticoagulation use in special populations, and a call for rhythm control therapy selection based on risk of AF recurrence. CONCLUSION The remaining morbidity and mortality in patients with AF needs better characterization. Likely drivers of the remaining AF-related problems are AF burden, potentially treatable by rhythm control therapy, and concomitant conditions, potentially treatable by treating these conditions. Identifying the drivers of AF-related complications holds promise for stratified therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Birmingham, UK
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERCV, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Goette
- Medical Clinic II, St. Vincenz Krankenhaus, Paderborn, Germany.,Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany
| | | | - Dipak Kotecha
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Thorsten Lewalter
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Internistisches Klinikum München Süd, Germany
| | - Christian Meyer
- University Heart Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Tatjana S Potpara
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Serbia
| | | | - Renate B Schnabel
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,University Heart Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Willems
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guenter Breithardt
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - A John Camm
- St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, UK
| | | | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - Christina Easter
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - Doreen Haase
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany
| | - Stephane Hatem
- Department of Cardiology, Sorbonne Universités, Faculté de médecine UPMC, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Isaacs
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Ingo Kutschka
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Klinik für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie, University Hospital Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Jose L Merino
- Arrhythmia & Robotic EP Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Spain
| | - Lluís Mont
- Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Nabauer
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, University Hospital Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Oldgren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Helmut Pürerfellner
- Department für Rhythmologie und Elektrophysiologie, Ordensklinikum Linz, Austria
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Institut für Experimentelle Kardiovaskuläre Medizin, Universitätsherzzentrum Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany
| | | | - Moritz F Sinner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, University Hospital Munich, Germany
| | - Alice Sitch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Monika Stoll
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Svennberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd's Hospital Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dierk Thomas
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III-Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumonology, Medical University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Reza Wakili
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | | | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University, University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.,Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK.,Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany.,University Heart Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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30
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Van Hunnik A, Sobota V, Zeemering S, Gatta G, Opacic D, Scaf B, Diness JG, Sorensen U, Milnes J, Schotten U, Verheule S, D'Alessandro E. B-PO04-018 SHARED MECHANISMS OF CARDIOVERSION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE GOAT: ACCELERATION OF ATRIAL CONDUCTION AND INTER-ATRIAL SYNCHRONIZATION. Heart Rhythm 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.06.715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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31
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Bidar E, Zeemering S, Gilbers M, Isaacs A, Verheule S, Zink MD, Maesen B, Bramer S, Kawczynski M, Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJGM, Maessen JG, Schotten U. Clinical and electrophysiological predictors of device-detected new-onset atrial fibrillation during 3 years after cardiac surgery. Europace 2021; 23:1922-1930. [PMID: 34198338 PMCID: PMC8651165 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is an independent predictor of stroke and mortality late after discharge. We aimed to determine the burden and predictors of early (up to 5th postoperative day) and late (after 5th postoperative day) new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) using implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery. Methods and results Seventy-nine patients without a history of AF undergoing cardiac surgery underwent peri-operative high-resolution mapping of electrically induced AF and were followed 36 months after surgery using an ILR (Reveal XT™). Clinical and electrophysiological predictors of late POAF were assessed. POAF occurred in 46 patients (58%), with early POAF detected in 27 (34%) and late POAF in 37 patients (47%). Late POAF episodes were short-lasting (mostly between 2 min and 6 h) and showed a circadian rhythm pattern with a peak of episode initiation during daytime. In POAF patients, electrically induced AF showed more complex propagation patterns than in patients without POAF. Early POAF, right atrial (RA) volume, prolonged PR time, and advanced age were independent predictors of late POAF. Conclusions Late POAF occurred in 47% of patients without a history of AF. Patients who develop early POAF, with higher age, larger RA, or prolonged PR time have a higher risk of developing late POAF and may benefit from intensified rhythm follow-up after cardiac surgery. Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01530750.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, POB 5800, 6202 AZMaastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gilbers
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias D Zink
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, POB 5800, 6202 AZMaastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Bramer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Kawczynski
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, POB 5800, 6202 AZMaastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, POB 5800, 6202 AZMaastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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32
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Zink MD, Chua W, Zeemering S, di Biase L, Antoni BDL, David C, Hindricks G, Haeusler KG, Al-Khalidi HR, Piccini JP, Mont L, Nielsen JC, Escobar LA, de Bono J, Van Gelder IC, de Potter T, Scherr D, Themistoclakis S, Todd D, Kirchhof P, Schotten U. Predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation within the first 3 months after ablation. Europace 2021; 22:1337-1344. [PMID: 32725107 PMCID: PMC7478316 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) at 1 year can be achieved in 50–70% of patients undergoing catheter ablation. Recurrent AF early after ablation most commonly terminates spontaneously without further interventional treatment but is associated with later recurrent AF. The aim of this investigation is to identify clinical and procedural factors associated with recurrence of AF early after ablation. Methods and results We retrospectively analysed data for recurrence of AF within the first 3 months after catheter ablation from the randomized controlled AXAFA–AFNET 5 trial, which demonstrated that continuous anticoagulation with apixaban is as safe and as effective compared to vitamin K antagonists in 678 patients undergoing first AF ablation. The primary outcome of first recurrent AF within 90 days was observed in 163 (28%) patients, in which 78 (48%) patients experienced an event within the first 14 days post-ablation. After multivariable adjustment, a history of stroke/transient ischaemic attack [hazard ratio (HR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–2.6; P = 0.11], coronary artery disease (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.20–2.86; P = 0.005), cardioversion during ablation (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.26–2.49; P = 0.001), and an age:sex interaction for older women (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01; P = 0.04) were associated with recurrent AF. The P-wave duration at follow-up was significantly longer for patients with AF recurrence (129 ± 31 ms vs. 122 ± 22 ms in patients without AF, P = 0.03). Conclusion Half of all early AF recurrences within the first 3 months post-ablation occurred within the first 14 days post-ablation. Vascular disease and cardioversion during the procedure are strong predictors of recurrent AF. P-wave duration at follow-up was longer in patients with recurrent AF. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02227550
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Daniel Zink
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitsingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitsingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Luigi di Biase
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Hospital, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care New York, NY, USA
| | - Bayes de Luna Antoni
- Autonomous University of Barcelona and Institut Català Ciències Cardiovasculars (ICCC)-St. Pau Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Callans David
- Cardiology Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Hussein R Al-Khalidi
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan P Piccini
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lluís Mont
- Arrhythmia Section, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Luis Alberto Escobar
- Autonomous University of Barcelona and Institut Català Ciències Cardiovasculars (ICCC)-St. Pau Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joseph de Bono
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology and Thorax Surgery, UMCG Thorax Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom de Potter
- Department of Cardiology, Electrophysiology section, Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitsingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sakis Themistoclakis
- Unit of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Derick Todd
- Department of EP, Devices and ICC, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitsingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands
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33
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Gatta G, Sobota V, Citerni C, Diness JG, Sørensen US, Jespersen T, Bentzen BH, Zeemering S, Kuiper M, Verheule S, Schotten U, van Hunnik A. Effective termination of atrial fibrillation by SK channel inhibition is associated with a sudden organization of fibrillatory conduction. Europace 2021; 23:1847-1859. [PMID: 34080619 PMCID: PMC8576281 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pharmacological termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a challenge due to limited efficacy and potential ventricular proarrhythmic effects of antiarrhythmic drugs. SK channels are proposed as atrial-specific targets in the treatment of AF. Here, we investigated the effects of the new SK channel inhibitor AP14145. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight goats were implanted with pericardial electrodes for induction of AF (30 days). In an open-chest study, the atrial conduction velocity (CV) and effective refractory period (ERP) were measured during pacing. High-density mapping of both atrial free-walls was performed during AF and conduction properties were assessed. All measurements were performed at baseline and during AP14145 infusion [10 mg/kg/h (n = 1) or 20 mg/kg/h (n = 6)]. At an infusion rate of 20 mg/kg/h, AF terminated in five of six goats. AP14145 profoundly increased ERP and reduced CV during pacing. AP14145 increased spatiotemporal instability of conduction at short pacing cycle lengths. Atrial fibrillation cycle length and pathlength (AF cycle length × CV) underwent a strong dose-dependent prolongation. Conduction velocity during AF remained unchanged and conduction patterns remained complex until the last seconds before AF termination, during which a sudden and profound organization of fibrillatory conduction occurred. CONCLUSION AP14145 provided a successful therapy for termination of persistent AF in goats. During AF, AP14145 caused an ERP and AF cycle length prolongation. AP14145 slowed CV during fast pacing but did not lead to a further decrease during AF. Termination of AF was preceded by an abrupt organization of AF with a decline in the number of fibrillation waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gatta
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimir Sobota
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlotta Citerni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Thomas Jespersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Hjorth Bentzen
- Acesion Pharma, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Kuiper
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Sobota V, Van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Gatta G, Opacic D, Scaf B, D"alessandro E, Oyaert K, Diness JG, Sorensen US, Van Der Heyden MAG, Schotten U, Verheule S. Termination of atrial fibrillation during pharmacological cardioversion in the goat requires inter-atrial synchronisation of conduction. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): ITN Networks PersonalizeAF: Personalized Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation. A Translational Approach, No. 860974; CATCH ME: Characterizing Atrial fibrillation by Translating its Causes into Health Modifiers in the Elderly, No. 633196; MAESTRIA: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection of Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation, No. 965286; AFib-TrainNet: EU Training Network on Novel Targets and Methods in Atrial Fibrillation, No. 675351 Netherlands Heart Foundation: CVON2014-09, RACE V Reappraisal of Atrial Fibrillation: Interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodeling, and Vascular Destabilization in the Progression of Atrial Fibrillation
Background Few studies report on mechanisms leading to termination of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Purpose To characterise electrophysiological parameters and conduction patterns during the transition from AF to sinus rhythm under various conditions of AF termination.
Methods A retrospective evaluation of 6 goat studies was performed. AF was maintained for 3-4 weeks in 29 animals. Four animals were in SR. Unipolar electrograms were acquired with one 249-electrode array/atrium. Pharmacological termination of AF was evoked by various drugs; AP14145 (n = 5), PA6 (n = 7), XAF-1407 (n = 9) vernakalant (n = 8). In animals with sinus rhythm, AF was acutely induced and terminated spontaneously. Baseline AF and ≤3 recordings of the last 10 seconds preceding AF termination were analysed. Intervals with temporal continuous and periodic activity were distinguished in the recordings. AF cycle length (AFCL), conduction velocity and path length were determined for each interval.
Results In total, 85 AF terminations were recorded. Switches between temporal continuous and periodic activity were seen frequently during AF. However, termination of AF was always preceded by a phase of periodic activity (PA). The final phase of PA persisted for a median number of 21 [IQR 10-28] cycles in the left atrium and somewhat shorter in the right atrium, Table 1. This final phase of PA was accompanied by a profound bi-atrial increase of AFCL, conduction velocity and path length and a disappearance of inter-atrial cycle length differences. Equipotent changes were not observed in the preceding PAs. During the final AF beats, the number of wave fronts were low, 1 or 2. Interestingly, 92% of the patterns during the last beats of AF involved the Bachmann’s bundle as main source of atrial conduction.
Conclusion AF termination is preceded by an increased organisation of fibrillatory conduction, associated with abrupt prolongation of the path length. Propagation in atrial free walls regularly originated from the Bachmann’s bundle. These findings suggest that AF termination was not a random process but follows common spatiotemporal patterns. Final period of temporal organisation Left atrium Right atrium Final PA start Final PA end Final PA start Final PA end Af cycle length (ms) 163 ± 37 204 ± 50* 146 ± 44 207 ± 49* Conduction velocity (cm/s) 77 ± 15 96 ± 25* 83 ± 20 103 ± 24* Path Length (cm) 12.2 ± 2.7 19.3 ± 6.3* 12.0 ± 4.1 21.2 ± 6.4* Length of final periodic activity (beats) NA 21 [IQR 10-28] NA 15 [IQR 10- 25] Electrophysiological changes during the final period periodic activity (PA). Wilcoxon signed rank test. *p <0.05NA= not available
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sobota
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - G Gatta
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - D Opacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - B Scaf
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - E D"alessandro
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - K Oyaert
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - JG Diness
- Acesion Pharma ApS, Copenhagn, Denmark
| | | | | | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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35
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Balamurali D, Zeemering S, Sinner MF, Wakili R, Hatem S, Mont L, Guasch E, Batlle M, Kaab S, Fabritz L, Kirchhof P, Schotten U, Stoll M, Isaacs A. RNA-seq profiling of the atrial transcriptome reveals gender-specific patterns and interactions with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): TRAIN-HEART Innovative Training Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 813716) Characterizing Atrial fibrillation by Translating its Causes into Health Modifiers in the Elderly (CATCH ME), funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under the grant agreement no. 633196)
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with heart failure (HF) and stroke. Clinical and experimental data from previous studies suggest gender differences in mechanisms and phenotypes of AF: women may have more atrial fibrosis, worse outcomes after catheter ablation, and some women carry a higher risk for thromboembolic complications than men. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are still poorly understood.
Methods
Gender-based transcriptional patterns were assessed using paired-end, directional RNA sequencing data generated from atrial tissue biopsies in 199 patients either in sinus rhythm or with paroxysmal or persistent AF as part of the CATCH-ME project. Transcript counts were compared between genders separately in the left and right atria using the DESeq2 package in R. The models were adjusted for potential sources of confounding (age, atrial fibrillation status, heart failure status and sequencing batch). Interaction models were implemented using DESeq2 to compare gender*morbidity interactions for persistent AF and HF. Significance was assessed using likelihood ratio tests comparing models with and without the interaction terms. Results with an adjusted P-value 0.05 were considered significant and utilized for subsequent downstream assessments. Differentially expressed (DE) genes were tested for enrichment of gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways using the WebGestalt toolkit.
Results
Transcriptome-wide profiling across the cohort identified 33 sex-differentiated genes in the left atria and 51 in the right atrial samples, with 21 of these showing bilateral differences. Interestingly, 36 (44%) of the results from these analyses were comprised of non-coding transcripts, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), antisense RNAs and pseudogenes. GO and pathway enrichment analyses for these genes revealed their involvement in critical pathways such as the complement and coagulation cascades and RNA transport. Interaction analyses between gender and AF identified two genes (MPP2 & GNAS-AS1) that were differentially transcribed in the right atria and one gene (MYL2) that was DE in the left atria by gender in persistent AF samples. A similar analysis comparing gender*HF morbidity also revealed evidence of DE. Four transcripts (HLA-DQB1-AS1, EIF1AY, UTY and ZFY-AS1) showed gender-specific differences in expression by HF status in left atria, while HLA-DQB1-AS1 was differentially regulated by gender and HF status in right atrial samples.
Conclusions
These RNA-seq analyses provide novel insights into gender-related differences in the transcriptional landscape of right and left adult human atrial appendages. Moreover, interaction analyses identified three genes DE in female atria in persistent AF and four DE genes in female atria in heart failure, providing a molecular anchor for the observed differences in atrial diseases phenotypes between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Balamurali
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Biochemistry, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - MF Sinner
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - R Wakili
- University of Duisburg-Essen, West German Heart Center, Essen, Germany
| | - S Hatem
- Hospital Pitie-Salpetriere, INSERM UMRS1166, ICAN, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Cardiologie, Paris, France
| | - L Mont
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Guasch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Batlle
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Kaab
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - L Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - P Kirchhof
- University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - M Stoll
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Biochemistry, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - A Isaacs
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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36
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Dudink EAMP, Bidar E, Jacobs J, van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Weijs B, Luermans JGLM, Maesen BAE, Cheriex EC, Maessen JG, Hoorntje JCA, Schotten U, Crijns HJGM, Verheule S. The relation between the atrial blood supply and the complexity of acute atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2021; 34:100794. [PMID: 34095447 PMCID: PMC8164021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with a history of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease (CAD) have a higher risk of developing AF. Conversely, patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of developing myocardial infarction, suggesting a link in underlying pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to assess whether coronary angiographic parameters are associated with a substrate for AF in patients without a history of AF. Methods During cardiac surgery in 62 patients (coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG;n = 47), aortic valve replacement (AVR;n = 9) or CABG + AVR (n = 6)) without a history of clinical AF (age 65.4 ± 8.5 years, 26.2% female), AF was induced by burst pacing. The preoperative coronary angiogram (CAG) was assessed for the severity of CAD, and the adequacy of atrial coronary blood supply as quantified by a novel scoring system including the location and severity of right coronary artery disease in relation to the right atrial branches. Epicardial mapping of the right atrium (256 unipolar electrodes) was used to assess the complexity of induced AF. Results There was no association between the adequacy of right atrial coronary blood supply on preoperative CAG and AF complexity parameters. Multivariable analysis revealed that only increasing age (B0.232 (0.030;0.433),p = 0.03) and the presence of 3VD (B3.602 (0.187;7.018),p = 0.04) were independently associated with an increased maximal activation time difference. Conclusions The adequacy of epicardial right atrial blood supply is not associated with increased complexity of induced atrial fibrillation in patients without a history of clinical AF, while age and the extent of ventricular coronary artery disease are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton A M P Dudink
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Jacobs
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bob Weijs
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Justin G L M Luermans
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart A E Maesen
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Emile C Cheriex
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C A Hoorntje
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Maastricht University and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Gilbers MD, Bidar E, Maesen B, Zeemering S, Isaacs A, Crijns H, van Gelder I, Rienstra M, Verheule S, Maessen J, Stoll M, Schotten U. Reappraisal of Atrial fibrillation: interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling and Vascular destabilisation in the progression of AF (RACE V) Tissue Bank Project: study design. Neth Heart J 2021; 29:280-287. [PMID: 33506376 PMCID: PMC8062651 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-021-01538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex multifactorial process. Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the pathophysiological processes that can lead to AF from a variety of specific disease models in animals. However, our ability to recognise these disease processes in AF patients is still limited, which has contributed to the limited progress in improving rhythm control in AF. Aims/objectives We believe that a better understanding and detection of the individual pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF is a prerequisite for developing patient-tailored therapies. The RACE V Tissue Bank Project will contribute to the unravelling of the main molecular mechanisms of AF by studying histology and genome-wide RNA expression profiles and combining this information with detailed phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods As more and more evidence suggests that AF may occur not only during the first days but also during the months and years after surgery, we will systematically study the incidence of AF during the first years after cardiac surgery in patients with or without a history of AF. Both the overall AF burden as well as the pattern of AF episodes will be studied. Lastly, we will study the association between the major molecular mechanisms and the clinical presentation of the patients, including the incidence and pattern of AF during the follow-up period. Conclusion The RACE V Tissue Bank Project combines deep phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including rhythm follow-up, analysis of molecular mechanisms, histological analysis and genome-wide RNA sequencing. This approach will provide detailed insights into the main pathological alterations associated with AF in atrial tissue and thereby contribute to the development of individualised, mechanistically informed patient-tailored treatment for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Gilbers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - E Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A Isaacs
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - H Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - I van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Rienstra
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Stoll
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lankveld T, Zeemering S, Van Gelder I, Odening K, Crijns H, Schotten U. Dominant frequency predicts sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation in men but not in women. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Women are usually underrepresented in studies evaluating rhythm control strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Subsequently, the same holds true for studies looking at predictors for success of a rhythm control strategy for AF.
Purpose
To study the predictive power of the non-invasively determined dominant frequency (DF) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in men and women undergoing electrical cardioversion (ECV) for persistent AF.
Methods
We matched 105 female patients undergoing elective ECV for persistent AF and 105 male control patients based on age and cardiovascular comorbidity profile. We determined the DF on all 12 leads of a standard digital 10 seconds ECG recorded on the day of ECV. Recurrences of AF within the first year after ECV were documented.
Results
There were no differences in comorbidities, AF duration, left ventricular systolic function, indexed left atrial volume and anti-arrhythmic drugs between male and female patients. The dominant frequency was significantly lower in male patients without an AF recurrence on all leads. The best performing lead to identify patients with recurrences was lead III with an AUC 0.752. The optimal cut-off point was a DF <5.98 Hz with a sensitivity 84% and a specificity 67%. There was no significant difference in DF between female patients with and without an AF recurrence. The AUC in lead III was 0.47 (Figure 1).
Conclusion
The non-invasively measured dominant frequency is able to predict AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion in male patients with persistent AF but not in a matched female cohort. This difference might be explained by different pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF in male and female patients. Therefore, future research is needed on pathophysiological differences between men and women that can explain and might overcome these challenges.
Figure 1
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Network for Translational Research in Atrial Fibrillation (grant no. 261057), the Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (COHFAR),
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lankveld
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - S Zeemering
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - I.C Van Gelder
- University Medical Center Groningen, Cardiology, Groningen, Netherlands (The)
| | - K.E Odening
- Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Cardiology, Bern, Switzerland
| | - H.J Crijns
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - U Schotten
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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Zeemering S, van Hunnik A, van Rosmalen F, Bonizzi P, Scaf B, Delhaas T, Verheule S, Schotten U. A Novel Tool for the Identification and Characterization of Repetitive Patterns in High-Density Contact Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2020; 11:570118. [PMID: 33178041 PMCID: PMC7593698 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.570118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Electrical contact mapping provides a detailed view of conduction patterns in the atria during atrial fibrillation (AF). Identification of repetitive wave front propagation mechanisms potentially initiating or sustaining AF might provide more insights into temporal and spatial distribution of candidate AF mechanism and identify targets for catheter ablation. We developed a novel tool based on recurrence plots to automatically identify and characterize repetitive conduction patterns in high-density contact mapping of AF. Materials and Methods Recurrence plots were constructed by first transforming atrial electrograms recorded by a multi-electrode array to activation-phase signals and then quantifying the degree of similarity between snapshots of the activation-phase in the electrode array. An AF cycle length dependent distance threshold was applied to discriminate between repetitive and non-repetitive snapshots. Intervals containing repetitive conduction patterns were detected in a recurrence plot as regions with a high recurrence rate. Intervals that contained similar repetitive patterns were then grouped into clusters. To demonstrate the ability to detect and quantify the incidence, duration and size of repetitive patterns, the tool was applied to left and right atrial recordings in a goat model of different duration of persistent AF [3 weeks AF (3 wkAF, n = 8) and 22 weeks AF (22 wkAF, n = 8)], using a 249-electrode mapping array (2.4 mm inter-electrode distance). Results Recurrence plots identified frequent recurrences of activation patterns in all recordings and indicated a strong correlation between recurrence plot threshold and AF cycle length. Prolonged AF duration was associated with shorter repetitive pattern duration [mean maximum duration 3 wkAF: 74 cycles, 95% confidence interval (54-94) vs. 22 wkAF: 41 cycles (21-62), p = 0.03], and smaller recurrent regions within repetitive patterns [3 wkAF 1.7 cm2 (1.0-2.3) vs. 22 wkAF 0.5 cm2 (0.0-1.2), p = 0.02]. Both breakthrough patterns and re-entry were identified as repetitive conduction patterns. Conclusion Recurrence plots provide a novel way to delineate high-density contact mapping of AF. Dominant repetitive conduction patterns were identified in a goat model of sustained AF. Application of the developed methodology using the new generation of multi-electrode catheters could identify additional targets for catheter ablation of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Frank van Rosmalen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Pietro Bonizzi
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Billy Scaf
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Heckman LIB, Kuiper M, Anselme F, Ziglio F, Shan N, Jung M, Zeemering S, Vernooy K, Prinzen FW. Evaluating multisite pacing strategies in cardiac resynchronization therapy in the preclinical setting. Heart Rhythm O2 2020; 1:111-119. [PMID: 34113865 PMCID: PMC8183878 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multisite pacing strategies that improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have been proposed. Current available options are pacing 2 electrodes in a multipolar lead in a single vein (multipoint pacing [MPP]) and pacing using 2 leads in separate veins (multizone pacing [MZP]). Objective The purpose of this study was to compare in a systematic manner the acute hemodynamic response (AHR) and electrophysiological effects of MPP and MZP and compare them with conventional biventricular pacing (BiVP). Methods Hemodynamic and electrophysiological effects were evaluated in a porcine model of acute left bundle branch block (LBBB) (n = 8). AHR was assessed as LVdP/dtmax. Activation times were measured using >100 electrodes around the epicardium, measuring total activation time (TAT) and left ventricular activation time (LVAT). Results Compared to LBBB, BiVP, MZP, and MPP reduced TAT by 26% ± 10%, 32% ± 13%, and 32% ± 14%, respectively (P = NS between modes) and LVAT by 4% ± 5%, 11% ± 5%, and 12% ± 5%, respectively (P <.05 BiVP vs MPP and MZP). On average, BiVP increased LVdP/dtmax by 8% ± 4%, and optimal BiVP increased LVdP/dtmax by 13% ± 4%. The additional improvement in LVdP/dtmax by MZP and MPP was significant only when its increase during BiVP and decrease in TAT were poor (lower 25% of all sites in 1 subject). The increase in LVdP/dtmax was larger when large interelectrode distances (>5 cm vs <2.2 cm) were used. Conclusion In this animal model of acute LBBB, MPP and MZP create similar degrees of electrical resynchronization and hemodynamic effect, which are larger if interelectrode distance is large. MPP and MZP increase the benefit of CRT only if the left ventricular lead used for BiVP provides poor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk I B Heckman
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Kuiper
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frits W Prinzen
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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41
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Gharaviri A, Bidar E, Potse M, Zeemering S, Verheule S, Pezzuto S, Krause R, Maessen JG, Auricchio A, Schotten U. Epicardial Fibrosis Explains Increased Endo-Epicardial Dissociation and Epicardial Breakthroughs in Human Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2020; 11:68. [PMID: 32153419 PMCID: PMC7047215 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is accompanied by progressive epicardial fibrosis, dissociation of electrical activity between the epicardial layer and the endocardial bundle network, and transmural conduction (breakthroughs). However, causal relationships between these phenomena have not been demonstrated yet. Our goal was to test the hypothesis that epicardial fibrosis suffices to increase endo–epicardial dissociation (EED) and breakthroughs (BT) during AF. Methods We simulated the effect of fibrosis in the epicardial layer on EED and BT in a detailed, high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the human atria with realistic electrophysiology. The model results were compared with simultaneous endo–epicardial mapping in human atria. The model geometry, specifically built for this study, was based on MR images and histo-anatomical studies. Clinical data were obtained in four patients with longstanding persistent AF (persAF) and three patients without a history of AF. Results The AF cycle length (AFCL), conduction velocity (CV), and EED were comparable in the mapping studies and the simulations. EED increased from 24.1 ± 3.4 to 56.58 ± 6.2% (p < 0.05), and number of BTs per cycle from 0.89 ± 0.55 to 6.74 ± 2.11% (p < 0.05), in different degrees of fibrosis in the epicardial layer. In both mapping data and simulations, EED correlated with prevalence of BTs. Fibrosis also increased the number of fibrillation waves per cycle in the model. Conclusion A realistic 3D computer model of AF in which epicardial fibrosis was increased, in the absence of other pathological changes, showed increases in EED and epicardial BT comparable to those in longstanding persAF. Thus, epicardial fibrosis can explain both phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Gharaviri
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Elham Bidar
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mark Potse
- Inria Bordeaux - Sud-Ouest Research Centre, Talence, France.,IMB, UMR 5251, Université de Bordeaux, Talence, France.,IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Simone Pezzuto
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Krause
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Angelo Auricchio
- Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.,Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Podziemski P, Zeemering S, Kuklik P, van Hunnik A, Maesen B, Maessen J, Crijns HJ, Verheule S, Schotten U. Rotors Detected by Phase Analysis of Filtered, Epicardial Atrial Fibrillation Electrograms Colocalize With Regions of Conduction Block. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2019; 11:e005858. [PMID: 30354409 PMCID: PMC6553551 DOI: 10.1161/circep.117.005858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies suggest rotors detected by phase mapping may act as main drivers of persistent atrial fibrillation. However, the electrophysiological nature of detected rotors remains unclear. We performed a direct, 1:1 comparison between phase and activation time mapping in high-density, epicardial, direct-contact mapping files of human atrial fibrillation. METHODS Thirty-eight unipolar electrogram files of 10 s duration were recorded in patients with atrial fibrillation (n=20 patients) using a 16×16 electrode array placed on the epicardial surface of the left atrial posterior wall or the right atrial free wall. Phase maps and isochrone wave maps were constructed for all recordings. For each detected phase singularity (PS) with a lifespan of >1 cycle length, the corresponding conduction pattern was investigated in the isochrone wave maps. RESULTS When using sinusoidal recomposition and Hilbert Transform, 138 PSs were detected. One hundred and four out of 138 PSs were detected within 1 electrode distance (1.5 mm) from a line of conduction block between nonrotating wavefronts detected by activation mapping. Far fewer rotating wavefronts were detected when rotating activity was identified based on wave mapping (18 out of 8219 detected waves). Fourteen out of these 18 cases were detected as PSs in phase mapping. Phase analysis of filtered electrograms produced by simulated wavefronts separated by conduction block also identified PSs on the line of conduction block. CONCLUSIONS PSs identified by phase analysis of filtered epicardial electrograms colocalize with conduction block lines identified by activation mapping. Detection of PSs using phase analysis has a low specificity for identifying rotating wavefronts during human atrial fibrillation using activation mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Podziemski
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Pawel Kuklik
- Department of Cardiology, Electrophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (P.K.)
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Bart Maesen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (B.M., J.M.)
| | - Jos Maessen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (B.M., J.M.)
| | - Harry J Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (H.J.C.)
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
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Zeemering S, Lankveld TAR, Bonizzi P, Limantoro I, Bekkers SCAM, Crijns HJGM, Schotten U. The electrocardiogram as a predictor of successful pharmacological cardioversion and progression of atrial fibrillation. Europace 2019; 20:e96-e104. [PMID: 29016756 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Non-invasive characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate complexity based on the electrocardiogram (ECG) may improve outcome prediction in patients receiving rhythm control therapies for AF. Multiple parameters to assess AF complexity and predict treatment outcome have been suggested. A comparative study of the predictive performance of complexity parameters on response to therapy and progression of AF in a large patient population is needed to standardize non-invasive analysis of AF. Methods and results A large variety of ECG complexity parameters were systematically compared in patients with recent onset AF undergoing pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) with flecainide. Parameters were computed on 10-s 12-lead ECGs of 221 patients before drug administration. The ability of ECG parameters to predict successful PCV and progression to persistent AF (mean follow-up 49 months) was evaluated and compared with common clinical predictors. Optimal prediction performance of successful PCV using only one ECG parameter was low, using dominant atrial frequency [lead II, receiver operating area under curve (AUC) 0.66, 95% confidence interval [0.64-0.67]], but the optimal combination of several ECG parameters strongly improved predictive performance (AUC 0.78 [0.76-0.79]). While predictive value of the optimal combination of clinical predictors was low (AUC 0.68 [0.66-0.70], using right atrial volume and weight), adding ECG parameters strongly increased performance (AUC 0.81 [0.79-0.82], P < 0.001). Interestingly, higher dominant frequency and higher f-wave amplitude were associated with increased risk of progression to persistent AF during follow-up. Conclusion Assessment of AF complexity from 12-lead ECGs significantly improves prediction of successful PCV and progression to persistent AF compared with common clinical and echocardiographic predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Theo A R Lankveld
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pietro Bonizzi
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Bouillonstraat 8-10, LH Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ione Limantoro
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Podziemski P, Simons J, Gatta G, Hannink L, Maesen B, Kuiper M, Verheule S, Schotten U. Stationary Atrial Fibrillation Properties in the Goat Do Not Entail Stable or Recurrent Conduction Patterns. Front Physiol 2018; 9:947. [PMID: 30100877 PMCID: PMC6072874 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Electro-anatomical mapping of the atria is used to identify the substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF). Targeting this substrate by ablation in addition to pulmonary vein ablation did not consistently improve outcome in clinical trials. Generally, the assessment of the substrate is based on short recordings (≤10 s, often even shorter). Thus, targeting the AF substrate assumes spatiotemporal stationarity but little is known about the variability of electrophysiological properties of AF over time. Methods: Atrial fibrillation (AF) was maintained for 3–4 weeks after pericardial electrode implantation in 12 goats. Within a single AF episode 10 consecutive minutes were mapped on the left atrial free wall using a 249-electrode array (2.25 mm inter-electrode spacing). AF cycle length, fractionation index (FI), lateral dissociation, conduction velocity, breakthroughs, and preferentiality of conduction (Pref) were assessed per electrode and AF property maps were constructed. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) between the 10 AF-property maps was calculated to quantify the degree spatiotemporal stationarity of AF properties. Furthermore, the number of waves and presence of re-entrant circuits were analyzed in the first 60-s file. Comparing conduction patterns over time identified recurrent patterns of AF with the use of recurrence plots. Results: The averages of AF property maps were highly stable throughout the ten 60-s-recordings. Spatiotemporal stationarity was high for all 6 property maps, PCC ranged from 0.66 ± 0.11 for Pref to 0.98 ± 0.01 for FI. High stationarity was lost when AF was interrupted for about 1 h. However, the time delay between the recorded files within one episode did not affect PCC. Yet, multiple waves (7.7 ± 2.3) were present simultaneously within the recording area and during 9.2 ± 11% of the analyzed period a re-entrant circuit was observed. Recurrent patterns occurred rarely and were observed in only 3 out of 12 goats. Conclusions: During non-self-terminating AF in the goat, AF properties were stationary. Since this could not be attributed to stable recurrent conduction patterns during AF, it is suggested that AF properties are determined by anatomical and structural properties of the atria even when the conduction patterns are very variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Piotr Podziemski
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jorik Simons
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Giulia Gatta
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Hannink
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marion Kuiper
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Manninger M, Zweiker D, van Hunnik A, Alogna A, Prassl AJ, Schipke J, Zeemering S, Zirngast B, Schönleitner P, Schwarzl M, Herbst V, Thon-Gutschi E, Huber S, Rohrer U, Ebner J, Brussee H, Pieske BM, Heinzel FR, Verheule S, Antoons G, Lueger A, Mühlfeld C, Plank G, Schotten U, Post H, Scherr D. Arterial hypertension drives arrhythmia progression via specific structural remodeling in a porcine model of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2018; 15:1328-1336. [PMID: 29803020 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial hypertension (HT) contributes to progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) via unknown mechanisms. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize electrical and structural changes accounting for increased AF stability in a large animal model of rapid atrial pacing (RAP)-induced AF combined with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-induced HT. METHODS Eighteen pigs were instrumented with right atrial endocardial pacemaker leads and custom-made pacemakers to induce AF by continuous RAP (600 beats/min). DOCA pellets were subcutaneously implanted in a subgroup of 9 animals (AF+HT group); the other 9 animals served as controls (AF group). Final experiments included electrophysiology studies, endocardial electroanatomic mapping, and high-density mapping with epicardial multielectrode arrays. In addition, 3-dimensional computational modeling was performed. RESULTS DOCA implantation led to secondary HT (median [interquartile range] aortic pressure 109.9 [100-137] mm Hg in AF+HT vs 82.2 [79-96] mm Hg in AF; P < .05), increased AF stability (55.6% vs 12.5% of animals with AF episodes lasting >1 hour; P < .05), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial dilatation (119 ± 31 cm2 in AF+HT vs 78 ± 23 cm2 in AF; P < .05), and fibrosis. Collagen accumulation in the AF+HT group was mainly found in non-intermyocyte areas (1.62 ± 0.38 cm3 in AF+HT vs 0.96 ± 0.3 cm3 in AF; P < .05). Left and right atrial effective refractory periods, action potential durations, endo- and epicardial conduction velocities, and measures of AF complexity were comparable between the 2 groups. A 3-dimensional computational model confirmed an increase in AF stability observed in the in vivo experiments associated with increased atrial size. CONCLUSION In this model of secondary HT, higher AF stability after 2 weeks of RAP is mainly driven by atrial dilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Manninger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - David Zweiker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alessio Alogna
- Department of Cardiology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anton J Prassl
- Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Schipke
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit Zirngast
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Patrick Schönleitner
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Schwarzl
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktoria Herbst
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Thon-Gutschi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Huber
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ursula Rohrer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jakob Ebner
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Brussee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Burkert M Pieske
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gudrun Antoons
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Lueger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Mühlfeld
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gernot Plank
- Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiner Post
- Department of Cardiology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany; Department of Cardiology, Contilia Heart and Vessel Centre, St. Marien-Hospital Mülheim, Mülheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Podziemski P, Kuiper HRM, Verheule S, Schotten U. P1183Vernakalant inhibits wave front turning during atrial fibrillation. Europace 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy015.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - P Podziemski
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - HRM Kuiper
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Gharaviri A, Bidar E, Potse M, Verheule S, Zeemering S, Krause R, Auricchio A, Schotten U. P447Validation of a novel computer model of endo-epicardial electrical dissociation and transmural conduction during atrial fibrillation. Europace 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy015.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Gharaviri
- University of Lugano, ICS / CCMC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - E Bidar
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - M Potse
- CARMEN team, Inria Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - R Krause
- University of Lugano, ICS / CCMC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Van Hunnik A, Zeemering S, Simons J, Kuiper HRM, Verheule S, Schotten U. P795Systematic assessment of atrial fibrillation conduction pattern dynamics: high degree of intra- and low degree of inter-episode spatial patterns. Europace 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy015.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - J Simons
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - HRM Kuiper
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Zink MD, Zeemering S, Van Hunnik A, Verheule S, Pison L, Schotten U. P1159The signal averaged P-wave and acute procedural related effects after atrial fibrillation ablation in 12-lead electrocardiogram and novel atrial lead positions. Europace 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy015.644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M D Zink
- RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, Pulmonology & Vascular Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - S Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - A Van Hunnik
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - L Pison
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Physiology, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Conte G, Caputo ML, Volders PG, Luca A, Mainardi L, Schotten U, Corino VD, Regoli F, Zeemering S, Zink M, Yazdani S, Kappenberger L, Moccetti T, Vesin JM, Auricchio A. Concealed abnormal atrial phenotype in patients with Brugada syndrome and no history of atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol 2018; 253:66-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.09.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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