The tectonic puzzle of the Messina area (Southern Italy): Insights from new seismic reflection data

The Messina Strait, that separates peninsular Italy from Sicily, is one of the most seismically active areas of the Mediterranean. The structure and seismotectonic setting of the region are poorly understood, although the area is highly populated and important infrastructures are planned there. New seismic reflection data have identified a number of faults, as well as a crustal scale NE-trending anticline few km north of the strait. These features are interpreted as due to active right-lateral transpression along the north-eastern Sicilian offshore, coexisting with extensional and right-lateral transtensional tectonics in the southern Messina Strait. This complex tectonic network appears to be controlled by independent and overlapping tectonic settings, due to the presence of a diffuse transfer zone between the SE-ward retreating Calabria subduction zone relative to slab advance in the western Sicilian side

QT-interval prolongation inright precordial leads an additional electrocardiographic hallmark of Brugada syndrome

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the occurrence of the Brugada Syndrome typical electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern (i.e., right bundle branch block, coved-type ST-segment elevation, and T-wave inversion in the right precordial leads) is characterized by a concomitant lengthening of QT intervals in the right precordial leads.BackgroundIt has been suggested that the typical ECG pattern of Brugada syndrome is due to a decreased net inward current during phase 1 of the action potential, which also leads to its prolongation in the right epicardium.MethodsThirty-two subjects (19 males) age 37 ± 15 years with a suspicious baseline ECG, or who were relatives of Brugada syndrome patients, underwent 12-lead ECG before and after the administration of flecainide.ResultsThe flecainide test was negative in 14 and positive in 18 subjects. After flecainide administration, the positive ECGs were characterized by a greater QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) prolongation in the right precordial leads than that in the negative ECGs (78.2 ± 35.5 ms vs. 22.0 ± 28.4 ms in V1and 107.1 ± 43.8 ms vs. 26.7 ± 30.1 ms in V2; p < 0.01), whereas there was no difference in the QTc prolongation in the left precordial leads (55.2 ± 25.3 ms vs. 35.1 ± 28.1 ms in V5and 53.1 ± 32.8 ms vs. 27.3 ± 22.4 ms in V6; p = NS).ConclusionsIn accordance with the electrophysiological background, the typical ECG pattern of Brugada syndrome is also characterized by a considerable prolongation of the QT interval in right precordial leads

The growing culture of a minimally fluoroscopic approach in electrophysiology lab

Abstract Most of interventional procedures in cardiology are carried out under fluoroscopic imaging guidance. Besides other peri-interventional risks, radiation exposure should be considered for its stochastic (inducing malignancy) and deterministic effects on health (tissue reactions like erythema, hair loss and cataracts). In this article we analized the radiation risk from cardiovascular imaging to both patients and medical staff and discusses how customize the X-ray system and how to implement shielding measures in the cath lab. Finally, we reviewed the most recent developments and the latest findings in catheter navigation and 3D electronatomical mapping systems that may help to reduce patient and operator exposure