Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sanjay Sivalokanathan, Lukasz A. Malek, Aneil Malhotra
Summary: The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports is controversial, with caffeine being the most commonly used drug and anabolic steroids being prohibited. While these drugs can enhance athletic performance, they may also have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Benji Lim, Baoying Lim, Fadzil Hamzah, Ang Tee Lim, Chung Sien Ng, Benedict Tan, Khim Leng Tong
Summary: Sudden cardiac death is rare in athletes, with the most common cause being hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This study compared four different ECG criteria and found that the 2017 International Criteria performed the best in detecting cardiac abnormalities in athletes.
ANNALS ACADEMY OF MEDICINE SINGAPORE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cinzia Crescenzi, Alessandro Zorzi, Teresina Vessella, Annamaria Martino, Germana Panattoni, Alberto Cipriani, Manuel De Lazzari, Martina Perazzolo Marra, Armando Fusco, Luigi Sciarra, Fabio Sperandii, Emanuele Guerra, Eliana Tranchita, Chiara Fossati, Fabio Pigozzi, Patrizio Sarto, Leonardo Calo, Domenico Corrado
Summary: By evaluating the characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias in athletes, it was found that the number and morphology of premature ventricular beats on 12-lead 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, as well as the response to exercise testing, could predict the presence of concealed myocardial abnormalities on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Cecilie Benedicte Isern, Jo Kramer-Johansen, Ingvild Tjelmeland, Roald Bahr, Hilde Moseby Berge
Summary: A study in Norway found that the incidence of exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the young population was significantly lower than that of non-exercise-related SCA. The exercise-related SCA rate was 0.8 per 100,000 person-years, while the non-exercise-related SCA rate was 7.8 per 100,000 person-years.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laura Yeates, Karen Gardner, Judy Do, Lieke van den Heuvel, Gabrielle Fleming, Christopher Semsarian, Alison McEwen, Leesa Adlard, Jodie Ingles
Summary: This study aims to codesign an online support intervention for families affected by sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young individuals. Through stakeholder focus groups, the researchers developed a support intervention, COPE-SCD, which includes a website and online support program. Stakeholder involvement facilitated the development of high-level ideas and priority issues. The intervention aims to address the needs of SCD families and fill a significant gap in existing healthcare.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonio Dello Russo, Paolo Compagnucci, Alessandro Zorzi, Elena Cavarretta, Silvia Castelletti, Maurizio Contursi, Antonio D'Aleo, Flavio D'Ascenzi, Lucio Mos, Vincenzo Palmieri, Giampiero Patrizi, Antonio Pelliccia, Patrizio Sarto, Pietro Delise, Paolo Zeppilli, Silvio Romano, Zefferino Palama, Luigi Sciarra
Summary: Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (EAM) can identify pathological substrates underlying ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) by detecting myocardial areas with abnormally low voltages. In athletes, EAM can enhance the efficacy of diagnostic tests and CMR in detecting concealed arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. It can also impact disease risk stratification and eligibility for competitive sports.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Braeden Hill, Nicholas Grubic, Matthew Williamson, Dermot M. Phelan, Aaron L. Baggish, Paul Dorian, Jonathan A. Drezner, Amer M. Johri
Summary: This systematic review evaluated the psychological implications of cardiovascular preparticipation screening (PPS) in athletes. The findings indicated that most athletes had positive reactions to screening and would recommend it to others. Psychological distress was mainly reported among athletes with pathological cardiac conditions and true-positive screening results. However, athletes with false-positive screening results still reported an increased feeling of safety while participating in sport and were satisfied with PPS. Overall, most athletes did not experience psychological distress before, during, or after PPS, regardless of the screening modality used or accuracy of results.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tee Joo Yeo, Mingchang Wang, Robert Grignani, James McKinney, Lay Pheng Koh, Frankie Hun Yau Tan, Gregory Chung Tsing Chan, Nigel Tay, Siew-Pang Chan, Chi-Hang Lee, David Oxborough, Aneil Malhotra, Sanjay Sharma, Arthur Mark Richards
Summary: The study revealed that Southeast Asian athletes have higher rates of abnormal ECGs compared to Caucasian athletes, with female athletes showing predominantly anterior T wave inversions. Echocardiographic data indicated that Asian athletes have smaller left ventricular cavity sizes and wall thickness compared to non-Asian athletes.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro Zorzi, Natascia Bettella, Mario Tatangelo, Alvise Del Monte, Teresina Vessella, Barbara Poscolieri, Cinzia Crescenzi, Davide Pegorin, Flavio D'Ascenzi, Valentina Pescatore, Franco Giada, Patrizio Sarto, Leonardo Calo, Maurizio Schiavon, Dario Gregori, David M. Hadley, Jonathan A. Drezner, Antonio Pelliccia, Domenico Corrado
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of isolated LQRSV in a large cohort of competitive athletes. The results showed that isolated LQRSV was rarely observed in athletes, but more common in patients with cardiomyopathy. Athletes with isolated LQRSV should undergo further clinical evaluation to exclude underlying cardiomyopathy.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James P. Gillen, Diego Riveros, Leila Azari
Summary: Yamaguchi-variant cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of cardiac arrest among athletes. This article presents a case study of a patient who experienced sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball to highlight the importance of recognizing this disease. Proper use of automatic external defibrillators and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation principles can have a positive impact on patients.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mafalda Carrington, Rui Providencia, C. Anwar A. Chahal, Flavio D'Ascenzi, Alberto Cipriani, Fabrizio Ricci, Mohammed Y. Khanji
Summary: Sudden cardiac arrest is rare in young athletes but poses an increased risk for those with clinically silent cardiac disease. The use of automated external defibrillators in public spaces is crucial for preventing these events, and smartphone apps can play a key role in enhancing emergency response.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
G. Riva, J. Hollenberg
Summary: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major cause of death in the Western world. Initiating CPR is key to improving survival rates, with early CPR and prompt defibrillation being important factors that influence survival rates.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Deborah Wagner, S. L. Kronick, H. Nawer, J. A. Cranford, S. M. Bradley, R. W. Neumar
Summary: This retrospective cohort study compared the use of amiodarone and lidocaine in adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest from VT/VF. The study found that compared to amiodarone, lidocaine therapy was associated with significantly higher rates of ROSC, 24 h survival, survival to hospital discharge, and favorable neurologic outcome.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jennie Han, Andrea Lalario, Enzo Merro, Gianfranco Sinagra, Sanjay Sharma, Michael Papadakis, Gherardo Finocchiaro
Summary: Exercise has numerous benefits for cardiovascular and general health, but even seemingly healthy athletes can experience sudden cardiac death (SCD). The causes of SCD in athletes vary depending on age, with older individuals commonly affected by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, while younger individuals are more likely to have primary cardiomyopathies and ion channelopathies. Preventing SCD in athletes requires early identification of arrhythmogenic diseases through cardiac screening and effective resuscitation measures such as widespread use of automatic external defibrillators and CPR training. This review discusses the epidemiology, causes, and preventive strategies for SCD in athletes.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hein Heidbuchel, Paolo E. Adami, Matthias Antz, Frieder Braunschweig, Pietro Delise, Daniel Scherr, Erik E. Solberg, Matthias Wilhelm, Antonio Pelliccia
Summary: Cardiologists and sports physicians need to carefully consider the impact of arrhythmias on sports participation and provide balanced recommendations based on individual circumstances.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Domenico Corrado, Alessandro Zorzi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giulia Brunetti, Francesca Graziano, Luna Cavigli, Alberto Cipriani, Flavio D'Ascenzi, Barbara Bauce, Kalliopi Pilichou, Martina Perazzolo Marra, Domenico Corrado, Alessandro Zorzi
Summary: The study investigated the role of non-ischaemic left ventricular scar in ventricular arrhythmias in athletes, and tested the diagnostic value of arrhythmia reproducibility in repeated exercise testing. The results showed that athletes with NILVS were more likely to have reproducible arrhythmias in repeated ET, while those without NILVS showed inconsistent arrhythmias in repeat testing.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alvise Del Monte, Francesco Rivezzi, Enrico Giacomin, Francesco Peruzza, Maurizio Del Greco, Massimiliano Maines, Federico Migliore, Alessandro Zorzi, Federica Viaro, Alessio Pieroni, Andrea La Licata, Claudio Baracchini, Emanuele Bertaglia
Summary: This study evaluated the frequency of subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) detected by implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). It identified several predictors of SCAF, including abnormal P wave terminal force in lead V1, left atrial end-systolic indexed volume > 34 ml/m(2), and BMI > 25 kg/m(2). A multiparametric evaluation using these predictors has the best accuracy to predict SCAF in ESUS patients.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Biographical-Item
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Gaetano Thiene, Gianfranco Buja, Barbara Bauce, Domenico Corrado, Cristina Basso, Jeffrey Saffitz
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Domenico Corrado, Alessandro Zorzi, Alberto Cipriani, Barbara Bauce, Riccardo Bariani, Giulia Brunetti, Francesca Graziano, Manuel De Lazzari, Giulia Mattesi, Federico Migliore, Kalliopi Pilichou, Ilaria Rigato, Stefania Rizzo, Gaetano Thiene, Martina Perazzolo Marra, Cristina Basso
Summary: The term 'arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy' now includes both right ventricular (ARVC) and left ventricular (LV) involvement, with different phenotypic variants. The disease is characterized by the loss of myocardium and the formation of scar tissue, leading to lethal ventricular arrhythmias and impaired ventricular function. The new 'Padua criteria' incorporate cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings to improve the diagnosis of S/ACM. Risk stratification and treatment mainly focus on arrhythmic burden and ventricular dysfunction, with implantable cardioverter defibrillator being the most effective life-saving therapy.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Aron Emmi, Stefania Rizzo, Luisa Barzon, Michele Sandre, Elisa Carturan, Alessandro Sinigaglia, Silvia Riccetti, Mila Della Barbera, Rafael Boscolo-Berto, Patrizia Cocco, Veronica Macchi, Angelo Antonini, Monica De Gaspari, Cristina Basso, Raffaele De Caro, Andrea Porzionato
Summary: Neurological manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients, and this study found evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the central nervous system. The researchers observed viral RNA and SARS-CoV-2-immunoreactive neurons in specific regions of the brain in COVID-19 patients. In addition, inflammation was observed in affected brainstem regions, indicating a role of brainstem inflammation in COVID-19. Further investigations are needed to understand the potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
NPJ PARKINSONS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cristina Campi, Chiara Briani, Alessandro Salvalaggio, Chiara Giraudo, Alberto Cipriani, Alessandro Zorzi, Pietro Zucchetta, Roberto Vettor, Diego Cecchin
Summary: The study introduced a new semi-quantification method for diagnosing ATTR cardiac amyloidosis when SPET/CT is not available, and it showed that the heart-to-thigh ratio (RHT) can accurately distinguish between healthy controls and subjects likely affected by CA especially in the male population.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesca Graziano, Alberto Cipriani, Dorottya Balla, Sergei Bondarev, Martina Perazzolo Marra, Barbara Bauce, Hajnalka Vago, Domenico Corrado, Alessandro Zorzi
Summary: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic heart muscle disease characterized by progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the normal myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Sport activity can worsen ACM and may lead to life-threatening VAs and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Early identification of affected athletes through preparticipation screening (PPS) is crucial, and exercise testing can improve the diagnostic yield of PPS. Patients with ACM are not eligible for competitive sports, but low-to-moderate intensity physical activity under medical supervision is possible in most cases.
CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro Zorzi, Flavio 'Ascenzi, Daniele Andreini, Silvia Castelletti, Michela Casella, Elena Cavarretta, Alberto Cipriani, Paolo Compagnucci, Pietro Delise, Antonio Dello Russo, Francesca Graziano, Zefferino Palam, Antonio Pelliccia, Patrizio Sarto, Domenico Corrado, Luigi Sciarra
Summary: In this expert opinion document, the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology proposes a multiparametric interpretation approach and stepwise diagnostic algorithm for premature ventricular beats (PVBs) in athletes. Most athletes can be reassured of the benign nature of PVBs and cleared for competition based on initial evaluations. However, high clinical suspicion may require further non-invasive and invasive tests to rule out high-risk conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro Gianni, Marco Botteri, Giuseppe Stirparo, Giulia Mattesi, Alessandro Zorzi, Guido Francesco Villa
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaetano Thiene, Cristina Basso, Kalliopi Pilichou, Maria Bueno Marinas
Summary: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a genetically determined desmosomal disease, which was discovered in a four-generation family in 1728. At the University of Padua, further research on AC was conducted, leading to the identification of specific diagnostic methods and the discovery of the genes responsible for the disease. The advancements in knowledge have also resulted in the prevention of sudden cardiac death and the identification of asymptomatic carriers through genetic screening.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giovanni Peretto, Giacomo De Luca, Andrea Villatore, Chiara Di Resta, Simone Sala, Anna Palmisano, Davide Vignale, Corrado Campochiaro, Davide Lazzeroni, Monica De Gaspari, Stefania Rizzo, Elena Busnardo, Paola Ferro, Luigi Gianolli, Cristina Basso, Lorenzo Dagna, Antonio Esposito, Sara Benedetti, Paolo Della Bella
Summary: This article presents a clinical report on the overlap between myocarditis and genetic cardiomyopathies. Through extensive baseline characterization and prospective reassessment of 25 patients, the authors demonstrated that multimodal imaging can distinguish specific genotypes and identify myocardial inflammation. Additionally, they showed that immunomodulatory therapy was beneficial for most patients.
JACC-BASIC TO TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giovanni Peretto, Michela Casella, Marco Merlo, Sara Benedetti, Stefania Rizzo, Chiara Cappelletto, Chiara Di Resta, Paolo Compagnucci, Monica De Gaspari, Antonio Dello Russo, Giorgio Casari, Cristina Basso, Simone Sala, Gianfranco Sinagra, Paolo Della Bella, Leslie T. Cooper Jr
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of genetic testing and histology in a cohort of patients with undefined left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ULVACM). The study found that malignant ventricular arrhythmias and active myocardial inflammation were closely associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Furthermore, immunosuppressive therapy was found to be negatively associated with MACE at 60 months.
JACC-CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Alberto Cipriani, Giulia Mattesi, Riccardo Bariani, Annagrazia Cecere, Nicolo Martini, Laura De Michieli, Stefano Da Pozzo, Simone Corradin, Giorgio De Conti, Alessandro Zorzi, Raffaella Motta, Manuel De Lazzari, Barbara Bauce, Sabino Iliceto, Cristina Basso, Domenico Corrado, Martina Perazzolo Marra
Summary: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetically determined heart muscle disease characterized by fibro-fatty myocardial replacement, clinically associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as the key imaging technique for the diagnosis of ACM, providing detailed evaluation of both right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) morphology, function, and tissue characteristics, as well as supplemental value for disease variants.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)