0380: Study of anatomical features of pulmonary veins assessed by computed tomography according to age

IntroductionPulmonary veins (PV) play a crucial role in triggering and generating atrial fibrillation (AF). Isolation of PVs is fundamental in the AF ablation whether paroxysmal or persistent. The presence of four distinct pulmonary veins (two left PVs and two right PVs) has been described as the normal variant.AimThe purpose of our study was to investigate whether the age of the patients had an influence on the incidence of anatomical abnormalities of PVs.MethodsOur study was a prospective study which has included 38 patients followed for AF in the cardiology’s department of our hospital. All patients underwent a CT scan of PVs in order to characterize their anatomy. PVs’ size was represented by the largest diameter. We have divided our cohort into two groups: group 1: patients aged more than 50 years and group 2: patients aged less than 50 years.ResultsOur patients had a mean age of 50.5±13 years. The majority of our patients had paroxysmal AF (65%), 4 had persistent AF (10%), 9 had prolonged persistent AF (25%).CT Scan of PV results according to age are summarized in table.ConclusionIn our study, we found no significant relationship between age and anatomical abnormalities of the PVs. Hence, it is important to look for these anatomical anomalies whatever was the age of the patients to increase the success rate and to avoid complications during the AF ablation procedures.Abstratct 0380 – Table: Comparison of PV features evaluated by CT scan according to ageGroup 1 Age>50 years old N=20 patientsGroup 2 Age≤50 years old N=18 patientsPThe average left atrium volume140.8±75.78ml75.72±29.10mLP=0.01Mean number of PV3.85±0.484±0.65NSAverage diameter of left PV26.82±8.6825.03±12.29NSAverage diameter of right PV20.58±5.3522.81±6.05NSLeft single ostium forming a core collector4 (20%)3 (16.6%)NSRight single ostium forming a core collector1 (5%)4 (22%)N

201: Are QT intervals correlated to apnea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnea?

IntroductionSeveral studies proved that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardio-vascular diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia. QT duration and dispersion reflect the heterogeinity of ventricular repolarization and are considered as precursors of ventricular arrhythmiaAimThe aim of this study is to assess the relation between the severity of OSA parameters as apnea hypopnea index and QT intervals.MethodsForty patients (18 men and 22 women) who were diagnosed with OSA by overnight polysomnography were included in this prospective study. The mean age was 56±10 years old. They were all in sinus rhythm. Before initiating continuous positive airway pressure therapy, we calculated on a 12 lead ECG : QT duration (QTend) corrected to Bazett formula and QT dispersion (QT end max -QT end min).ResultsTwenty four patients had severe OSA (AHI >30), 4 had moderate OSA (AHI between 15 and 30) and 12 had a mild OSA (AHI between 5 and 15). There was a significant positive correlation between QT dispersion and AHI (r=0.48, p=0.001)ConclusionThe severity of OSA seems to be correlated with ventricular repolarization heterogeinity These results suggest that the higher is the AHI the higher is the risk of ventricular arrhythmia occurence. Further studies are needed to validate these results

Epidemiology of heart failure and long-term follow-up outcomes in a north-African population: Results from the NAtional TUnisian REgistry of Heart Failure (NATURE-HF)

International audienceThe NATURE-HF registry was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). This is a prospective, multicenter, observational survey conducted in Tunisian Cardiology centers. A total of 2040 patients were included in the study. Of these, 1632 (80%) were outpatients with chronic HF (CHF). The mean hospital stay was 8.7 ± 8.2 days. The mortality rate during the initial hospitalization event for AHF was 7.4%. The all-cause 1-year mortality rate was 22.8% among AHF patients and 10.6% among CHF patients. Among CHF patients, the older age, diabetes, anemia, reduced EF, ischemic etiology, residual congestion and the absence of ACEI/ ARBs treatment were independent predictors of 1-year cumulative rates of rehospitalization and mortality. The female sex and the functional status were independent predictors of 1-year all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in AHF patients. This study confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a poor prognosis, while the mid-term outcomes in patients with chronic HF seems to be improved. Some differences across countries may be due to different clinical characteristics and differences in healthcare systems