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C C Cheng

Publications and source records attributed to C C Cheng.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reduced folate carrier gene (RFC1) expression and anti-folate resistance in transfected and non-selected cell lines.

Methotrexate transport deficiency due to decreased reduced folate carrier (RFC) activity has been observed in several cell lines selected for resistance to methotrexate (MTX). Since MTX resistance is multifactorial, however, it is difficult to quantify the relative importance of changes in RFC activity in selected cell lines and even more so to determine the relative contribution of naturally occurring RFC activity in the MTX sensitivity of non-selected cell lines. We examined the role of RFC in MTX resistance by studying a transport-deficient cell line transfected with the gene for human RFC, RFC1, and by correlating relative RFC1 expression with MTX and trimetrexate (TMTX) growth inhibition (GI50) in a panel of cell lines used in the NCI Anticancer Drug Screen. Clones of transport-deficient, MTX-resistant ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells (MTX(R) ZR-75-1) transfected with RFC1 were 250-fold more sensitive to MTX and 300-fold more resistant to TMTX than control cell clones, showing that restoration of RFC activity has a significant impact on MTX and TMTX cytotoxicity. We also surveyed 40 of the 60 cell lines in the NCI drug screen panel for RFCI RNA levels by a quantitative RT-PCR assay. RFCI RNA levels varied over a range of 15-fold, with only 1 cell line found to be null in expression. Using data from the 6-day drug exposure assay, RFC1 correlated positively with MTX and negatively with TMTX cytotoxicity. As predicted by transfection studies, the calculated difference between MTX and TMTX potency was even more strongly correlated with RFC1 RNA levels of the cell lines. In addition, compounds in the NCI Anticancer Drug Screen database with cytotoxicity profiles which correlated with RFC1 RNA levels or with the calculated difference in MTX-TMTX potency were examined for MTX uptake inhibition and cytotoxicity in the RFC1-transfected MTX(R) ZR-75-1 cell line. Overall, our data demonstrate the importance of RFC1 in MTX resistance both as a transgene and as a constitutively expressed gene in non-selected cell lines.

Antineoplastic Agents

Accessory atrioventricular pathways with only antegrade conduction in patients with symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Clinical features, electrophysiological characteristics and response to radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Information about accessory pathways conducting only in the antegrade direction is limited. The purposes of the present study were to prospectively investigate the clinical features, electrophysiological characteristics, effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation and recurrent atrial fibrillation after successful ablation in patients with accessory pathways conducting only in the antegrade direction, and to compare them with those who had pathways capable of bidirectional conduction in a consecutive series of 759 patients. Electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation were performed in 33 study patients with antegrade-only accessory pathways and in 377 patients with bidirectional accessory pathways for comparison. The patients with accessory pathways conducting only in the antegrade direction were older (47 +/- 16 vs 40 +/- 16 years, P = 0.037) and had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (100% vs 27.1%, P < 0.001) as well as related syncope (33.3% vs 10.1%, P = 0.001). The study patients also had more accessory pathways located in the posterior septum and a higher incidence of retrograde atrioventricular nodal conduction. The biophysical variables, success and complication rates of radiofrequency ablation were similar in both groups. During the follow-up period of 32 +/- 12 months, symptomatic atrial fibrillation after successful ablation did not recur in 79% and 81% of patients with unidirectional and bidirectional accessory pathways, respectively. Furthermore, old age and cardiovascular diseases were independent predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation. In conclusion, this study showed that atrial fibrillation with preexcitation was the usual presentation in patients who had symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome with an antegrade-only accessory pathway, and might be related to antegrade conduction of the accessory pathway. Therefore elimination of antegrade-only and bidirectional pathways by radiofrequency ablation could prevent the recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in younger patients without cardiac disease.

Adult

Bilateral increases in histamine after unilateral nasal allergen challenge.

Studying the inflammatory response that follows the early response to nasal challenge with antigen provides a better understanding of allergic rhinitis than just studying the immediate (early) response. Nine allergic volunteers were challenged unilaterally with antigen-containing discs, and bilateral changes in physiologic responses as well as in the concentration of histamine in nasal secretions were measured for 11 h. We found significant immediate increases in symptoms, sneezes, ipsilateral nasal airway resistance, and ipsilateral histamine in the early phase response. Two-thirds of the allergen-challenged volunteers showed increases in physiologic parameters or histamine in the hours after allergen challenge. The pooled data of all subjects exhibited significant increases in bilateral nasal airway resistance and in ipsilateral and contralateral histamine, hours after unilateral provocation. These responses differed significantly from control subjects. In another group of 11 volunteers challenged ipsilaterally with antigen, the number of basophils increased both on the side of challenge and on the contralateral side. The magnitude of the increase on the ipsilateral side correlated with the increase on the contralateral side (r(s) = 0.72). The basophils are the most likely source of the contralateral increase in histamine as they are on the ipsilateral side. Although the mechanisms underlying this contralateral increase in basophils and histamine are not known, we speculate that delayed, neurogenic responses play a contributory role.

Adult

Longitudinal clinical and electrophysiological assessment of patients with symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Functional changes of the accessory AV pathways and dual AV node pathways are very important for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or AV node reentrant tachycardia who refuse to receive long-term medication or radiofrequency catheter ablation. However, no studies of serial clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in these patients have been performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred thirteen patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or AV node reentrant tachycardia were included in this study. The first and second follow-up electrophysiological studies were performed in years 5 and 10 after the baseline study, respectively. Conduction properties of the accessory pathways became poor over time. After a mean follow-up period of 9 +/- 1 years, antegrade ventricular preexcitation and retrograde accessory pathway conduction disappeared in 22.5% and 7.8% (P < .01), respectively; dual AV node pathway physiology persisted and retrograde fast pathway disappeared in 10.8% of the patients. Baseline conduction properties of the antegrade and retrograde accessory pathways and the retrograde fast pathway independently predicted late loss of conduction. Spontaneous disappearance of the original tachyarrhythmias occurred in 10.3% of all patients, and newly developed tachyarrhythmias in 15.2%. The incidence (38.5%) of newly developed atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in patients with manifest accessory pathways. Furthermore, symptom scores and attack frequency increased significantly over time in the patients with accessory pathways and AV node reentrant tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Disappearance of the original tachycardia and changing patterns of tachycardia, also with an increase in symptom scores and attack frequency, suggested that a detailed evaluation of these events is important and early intervention with radiofrequency ablation would be helpful.

Adolescent

Electrophysiological mechanisms in successful radiofrequency catheter modification of atrioventricular junction for patients with medically refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms and changes of electrophysiological (EP) characteristics in successful radiofrequency (RF) modification of right midseptal and posteroseptal areas for controlling rapid ventricular response to atrial fibrillation (Af) are not clear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 50 patients with medically refractory paroxysmal Af. Group 1 consisted of 40 patients without dual atrioventricular (AV) node physiology with modification sites located in the mid/posteroseptal area. Of the 40 patients, 36 had successful modification (follow-up of 14 +/- 8 months), and 3 had AV block. Late follow-up electrophysiological study (98 +/- 10 days) showed pattern 1 (67%) with prolongation of AV node effective refractory period (ERP, > or =40 milliseconds) and Wenckebach block cycle length (WBCL, > or =40 milliseconds); pattern 2 (22%) with prolongation of AH interval (> or =20 milliseconds), ERP, and WBCL; and pattern 3 (11%) without any change in AV node conduction parameter. Change in ventricular rate negatively correlated with change of WBCL in patterns 1 (r=-.691, P=.019) and 2 (r=-.90, P=.01). Group 2 consisted of 10 patients with dual AV node pathway; elimination of slow pathway property was performed. Late follow-up electrophysiological study (92+/-7 days) showed that change in ventricular rate negatively correlated with change in AV node ERP (r=-.926, P=.0001) and WBCL (r=-.969, P=.0001). Four patients without significant modification effect had success after RF energy was delivered to higher levels (follow-up, 15+/-7 months). CONCLUSIONS: RF modification of right mid/posteroseptal area is feasible in 92% of patients with paroxysmal Af. Mechanisms of successful modification might be elimination of posterior input and/or partial injury of the compact node. Furthermore, simple elimination of slow pathway might be inadequate for control of ventricular rate in patients with little difference in conduction properties between fast and slow pathways.

Adult

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of common atrial flutter: comparison of electrophysiologically guided focal ablation technique and linear ablation technique.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to study electrophysiologic characteristics and compare the electrophysiologically guided focal ablation technique and linear ablation technique in patients with common atrial flutter in a prospective randomized fashion. Background. Catheter ablation of the common atrial flutter circuit can be performed with different techniques. To date, these two techniques have not been compared prospectively in a randomized study. METHODS: Sixty patients with drug-refractory common atrial flutter were randomly assigned to undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation performed with the electrophysiologically guided focal ablation (Group I) or linear ablation technique (Group II). In Group I, radiofrequency energy was delivered to the site characterized by concealed entrainment with a short stimulus-P wave interval (<40 ms) and a postpacing interval equal to the atrial flutter cycle length. In Group II, continuous migratory application of radiofrequency energy was used to create two linear lesions in or around the inferior vena cava-tricuspid ring isthmus. Serial 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) and follow-up electrophysiologic studies were performed to assess recurrence of tachycardia and possible atrial arrhythmogenic effects. RESULTS: Successful elimination of the flutter circuit was achieved in 28 of 30 patients in Group I and 29 of 30 patients in Group II. More atrial premature beats and episodes of short run atrial tachyarrhythmias in the early period (within 2 weeks) after ablation were found in Group II. Recurrence rate (2 of 28 vs. 3 of 29) and incidence of new sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias (3 of 28 vs. 3 of 29) was similar in the two groups. Occurrence of recurrent atrial flutter and new sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias was related to associated cardiovascular disease and atrial enlargement in both groups. However, in Group II, the procedure time (104 +/- 17 vs. 181 +/- 29 min, p<0.01) were significantly shorter than those in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation of the common atrial flutter circuit was safe and effective with either the electrophysiologically guided focal ablation or linear ablation technique. However, the linear ablation technique was time-saving.

Aged

Prediction of successful ablation site of concealed posteroseptal accessory pathways by a novel algorithm using baseline electrophysiological parameters: implication for an abbreviated ablation procedure.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of concealed posteroseptal accessory pathways (APS) has been a relatively difficult task for electrophysiologists. Without a detailed mapping procedure, the left versus the right posteroseptal AP could not be distinguished. We investigated the electrophysiological characteristics of concealed posteroseptal APs and defined criteria from baseline parameters to predict the successful ablation site. Validity of the criteria was prospectively verified. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive patients with a single concealed posteroseptal AP underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation. Of the initial 48 patients (group 1), the right posteroseptal area was first mapped. If no ideal electrogram could be obtained, or after several ineffective radiofrequency pulses, the left posteroseptal area was then mapped. Special attention was paid to the stability of the coronary sinus catheter with the most proximal electrode straddling the ostium, verified by coronary sinus venography, in all patients. Six patients (12.5%) had the earliest retrograde atrial activation at the middle electrode of the coronary sinus catheter, and successful ablation could only be achieved at the left posteroseptal area. For patients who presented with the earliest atrial activation at the proximal electrode, the presence of long RP' tachycardia suggested a right endocardial approach, while the delta VA (defined as the difference in the VA intervals between that recorded at the His bundle catheter and that at one of the electrode groups recording the earlier atrial activation) >-25 ms during tachycardia suggested a left endocardial approach. The subsequent 41 patients (group 2) were randomized into two subgroups. The initial mapping site was guided by the algorithm in group 2B, while it was not in group 2A. The successful ablation site could be predicted accurately in 18 (90%) of the 20 patients in group 2B. The radiofrequency pulses, ablation time, and fluoroscopic time were markedly reduced in Group 2B, mainly because of the omission of unnecessary mapping procedure in the right posteroseptal area in patients with "left atrio-left ventricular" fibers. CONCLUSIONS: By the algorithm based on baseline electrophysiological parameters, the successful ablation site could be accurately predicted in a majority of patients with concealed posteroseptal APs. Radiofrequency pulses, ablation time, and fluoroscopic time were markedly reduced.

Adult

Enhancement of chemosensitivity by tyrphostin AG825 in high-p185(neu) expressing non-small cell lung cancer cells.

The HER-2/neu gene product, p185(neu), is a membrane-bound receptor with tyrosine kinase activity. High levels of p185(neu) is correlated with intrinsic chemoresistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. We investigated the effects of tyrphostin AG825, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor preferentially inhibiting HER-2/neu kinase, on the chemosensitivities and on the drug-induced cell cycle changes of NSCLC cell lines that expressed different levels of p185(neu). Compared to the low-p185(neu) expressing cell lines, we found that the high-p185(neu) expressing cell lines were more resistant to doxorubicin, etoposide, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) but more sensitive to AG825. AG825 was able to significantly enhance the chemosensitivities of the high-p185(neu) expressing cell lines, whereas it had little effect on the chemosensitivities of the low-p185(neu) expressing cells, with a few exceptions in which minor antagonistic effects were observed. Although high concentrations of AG825 could reduce the drug-induced G(2) arrest that was accompanied by the activation of phosphorylated p34(cdc2), we failed to find any remarkably differential effects of AG825 on drug-induced G(2), arrest and the accompanying phosphorylation status of p34(cdc2) of the high- and and the low-p185(neu) expressing cell lines. In summary, tyrphostin AG825 can enhance chemosensitivity in high- but not in low-p185(neu) expressing NSCLC cell lines. This differential effect cannot be explained by the alterations of drug-induced cell cycle changes by AG825. Our results provide a rationale to develop p185(neu)- specific tyrphostin and to test them in combination with anticancer agents in vivo and in clinical trials.

Benzothiazoles

Complications of diagnostic electrophysiologic studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with tachyarrhythmias: an eight-year survey of 3,966 consecutive procedures in a tertiary referral center.

Predictors and comparisons of complications in patients with electrophysiologic study or radiofrequency ablation have not been assessed in previous published reports. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the procedure-specific complications and investigate the possible causes and predictors of complications in electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation. Data of diagnostic electrophysiologic studies and radiofrequency ablation were prospective, and represented a consecutive series of 2,593 patients with 3,966 procedures. The present study showed that a significantly higher complication rate occurred in radiofrequency ablation than in electrophysiologic study (3.1% vs. 1.1%, respectively, p = 0.00002) and a significantly higher complication rate occurred in elderly than in young patients with electrophysiologic study (2.2% vs 0.5%, p = 0.0002) or radiofrequency ablation (6.1% vs 2.0%, p = 0.00015). Multiple logistic analysis found that older age (p < 0.01) and systemic disease in elderly patients (p < 0.01) were the independent predictors of complications in both procedures. Furthermore, there was no temporal trend in the incidence of complication. We conclude that the incidence of complication was higher in radiofrequency ablation, and elderly patients had a higher incidence of complications in both electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation; these procedures, when performed by experienced personnel in an appropriately staffed and equipped laboratory, can be undertaken with an acceptable risk.

Adult

Electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with multiple atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardias.

Information about the mechanism and radiofrequency catheter ablation of multiple atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry tachycardias is limited. Among the 550 consecutive patients with AV nodal reentry tachycardia, 36 with multiple forms of AV nodal reentry tachycardia were included in this study. Electrophysiologic characteristics, as well as the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation, were evaluated. Results showed that anterograde dual pathways were seen in 32 patients and triple pathways in 2, and retrograde dual pathways were seen in 23 patients and triple pathways in 11. Twenty-two patients had 2 types, 7 had 3 types, 5 had 4 types, and 2 had 5 types of AV nodal reentry tachycardia and echoes. After delivering radiofrequency energy to the target sites, 32 patients had no induction of AV nodal reentry tachycardia and only 4 had induction of 1 echo. Furthermore, 22 patients (61%) had simultaneous elimination or modification of the slow and/or intermediate pathways in the anterograde and retrograde direction. During the follow-up period of 19 +/- 14 months, 2 patients had recurrence of tachycardia. Thus, multiple anterograde and retrograde AV nodal pathways were present in the human AV node and they constituted the substrates of reentry circuits. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was safe and effective in eliminating the slow and intermediate pathways for maintenance of multiple AV nodal reentry tachycardias.

Adult

Paradox of accessory pathway block after radiofrequency ablation in patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Although pacing technique has demonstrated that the most common site of conduction block in a manifest accessory pathway (AP) was between the AP and the ventricle, most of the block sites have been found to be between the atrium and AP after successful radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, the block site in a concealed AP after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation has not been reported in the literature, and comparisons between a manifest and concealed AP have not been performed. This study included 219 consecutive patients undergoing successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of a single AP. AP potential was recorded at the successful target site in 76 of 92 (82.6%) patients with manifest APs, and in 99 of 127 (77.9%) patients with concealed APs. All the left-sided APs (including left posteroseptal APs) were ablated by a ventricular approach, and right-sided APs (including anteromidseptal and right posteroseptal APs) were ablated by an atrial approach. The site of conduction block was determined by analyzing and comparing the local electrograms recorded before and after radiofrequency ablation at successful ablation sites. Conduction block of manifest APs was between the atrial-AP (A-AP) in 69 patients (75%) and between the AP-ventricle (AP-V) interface in 7 patients (7.6%), whereas the conduction block of concealed APs occurred between the AP-V in 90 patients (70.9%) and between the A-AP interface in 9 patients (7.1%). Neither the preablation electrogram nor electrophysiologic characteristics of APs predicted the site of conduction block. Furthermore, neither the location of the APs nor the position of the ablation catheter affected the block site. It was concluded that the most common site of conduction block during successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of a manifest and concealed AP was between the A-AP and AP-V interface, respectively, and the impedance mismatch theory explained only part of the findings.

Adult

Effect of dietary L-glutamine on the hepatotoxic action of D-galactosamine in rats.

The protective effect of dietary L-glutamine against the hepatotoxic action of D-galactosamine (GaIN) was investigated by model experiments with rats. Rats fed with 20% casein diets containing 10% free amino acids were injected with GaIN, and the serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and the hepatic glycogen content were assayed 20 hours after the injection. These enzyme activities in the group fed with 10% L-glutamine diet for 8 days were lower than those in the groups fed with the control, 10% L-glutamic acid and 10% L-alanine diets for 8 days. The more prolonged the feeding period with the 10% L-glutamine diet was, the more the serum activity levels of such enzymes were decreased. Although neomycin also lowered these enzyme activities, its simultaneous ingestion with neomycin did not show any additive or synergistic effect. The hepatic glycogen content in the 10% glutamine group still remained high after the GaIN treatment. It is therefore assumed that the effectiveness of glutamine intake would have been mediated by glycogen metabolism rather than by uridine metabolism.

Alanine

Effects of dietary gluten on the hepatotoxic action of galactosamine and/or endotoxin in rats.

This study was done to clarify the effects of dietary wheat gluten on the hepatotoxic action of D-galactosamine (GalN) and endotoxin (Etx). Male Wistar rats fed a high casein or high gluten (supplemented with L-Lys and L-Thr) diet were injected with GalN or Etx, and the plasma glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and lactase dehydrogenase activities were examined 20 h later. In rats fed the high gluten diet, these enzyme activities were lower than in the high casein group after injection of 800 mg/kg of GalN. But such a difference between the casein and gluten groups was not clear when they were treated with 400 mg/kg of GalN nor observed even after injection of Etx or Etx+GalN (400 mg/kg). Similarly these was no difference in the plasma concentrations of Etx, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or interferon-gamma in the rats receiving an injection of 800 mg/kg of GalN between both dietary groups. These results suggest that dietary gluten affords protection against hepatic injury by a high dose of GalN but not by a low dose of GalN and/or Etx.

Alanine Transaminase

Dietary wheat gluten alleviates the elevation of serum transaminase activities in D-galactosamine-injected rats.

The effects of dietary protein on the elevation of activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in D-galactosamine-injected rats were investigated. The rats fed with experimental diets containing test protein sources for 2 weeks were injected with D-galactosamine (0.8 g.kg-1 body weight). The activities of AST and ALT in serum were assayed after 20 h. According to the results, these enzyme activities in the rats fed 40% casein diet were higher than those of 5, 10, or 20% casein groups. In the 40% gluten group, these enzyme activities were lower than in the 40% casein group. This difference was not considered to be caused by the deficit of L-lysine and L-threonine in gluten. The extent of the reduction of UTP and UDP-glucose in liver by D-galactosamine was almost the same in the 40% gluten and 40% casein groups. These results suggest that levels and quality of dietary protein affect the susceptibility of animals to the hepatotoxin D-galactosamine and dietary gluten was found to alleviate the elevation of serum transaminases in rats by the drug.

Alanine Transaminase

Modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding in brain by monoamine oxidase inhibitors: evidence for a potential novel binding site.

[3H]Quinpirole is a dopamine agonist with high affinity for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes. A variety of drugs, most notably monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls), inhibit the binding of [3H]quinpirole, but not [3H]spiperone or [3H](-)N-n-Propylnorapomorphine, in rat striatal membranes by a mechanism that does not appear to involve the enzymatic activity of MAO. This study extends the characterization of MAOI-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding in rat brain. Clinically antidepressant MAOIs exhibited selectivity between sites labeled by [3H]quinpirole and [3H]spiperone as did a number of structurally related propargylamines and N-acylethylenediamine derivatives and other drugs such as debrisoquin and phenylbiguanide. The MAOIs clorgyline and Ro 41-1049 were the most potent. Anti-depressant MAOIs inhibited [3H]quinpirole binding with the following rank order of potency: phenelzine > pargyline > tranyl-cypromine > isocarboxazid > nialamide > moclobemide. In striatal membranes, MAOI Ro 41-1049 inhibited [3H]quinpirole binding with similar potency at a variety of incubation temperatures (4-37 degrees C), assay tissue concentrations (5-20 mg original wet weight/ml), and time points (2 min-4 hr) and in the presence or absence of K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ions, ascorbate, EDTA and NaCl. The regional distribution of Ro 41-1049-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding in brain paralleled that of D2-like receptors. These data suggest that MAOIs interact with a novel binding site that is labeled by [3H]quinpirole or that modulates [3H]quinpirole binding. This site may be associated with D2-like dopamine receptors.

Animals

Accessory atrioventricular pathway at the antero-medial mitral annulus--electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation: a case report.

Accessory atrioventricular (AV) pathway located at or near the region of aorta-mitral continuity has rarely been mentioned. This report describes one such case with a concealed accessory AV pathway at the anteromedial mitral annulus adjacent to aorta-mitral continuity. The location of the accessory pathway was confirmed by successful radiofrequency catheter ablation. This patient was a 26-year-old male. His 12-lead surface ECG showed no evidence of ventricular preexcitation during sinus rhythm. The earliest retrograde atrial depolarization recorded from the routine catheters was at the His bundle area during ventricular pacing and orthrodromic AV reentrant tachycardia; paradoxically, the earliest left-sided atrial activation recorded from the coronary sinus catheters was at the distal coronary sinus area. The unique retrograde atrial activation sequence over the left atrium and His bundle area was not true for patients with left lateral or anterolateral accessory pathway. During tachycardia, the local electrogram from the successful ablation site showed local VA fusion in the anteromedial mitral annulus. After delivering one pulse of radiofrequency energy (30W), the accessory AV pathway was successfully eliminated without complication. This report presents a concealed left-sided accessory AV pathway at an unusual location. It is very important to describe special electrophysiologic characteristics and ablation technique in this unusual accessory pathway to improve knowledge in the era of interventional electrophysiology.

Adult

Effects of pregnancy on first onset and symptoms of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

It is important for women to understand the risk of first onset and symptomatic exacerbation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) during pregnancy. Reports regarding the effects of pregnancy on first onset and symptomatic exacerbation of paroxysmal SVT have been controversial, and have not been conducted in a systematic fashion. Two hundred seven consecutive female patients diagnosed with symptomatic paroxysmal SVT were requested to respond to multiple questionnaires before electrophysiologic study and catheter ablation. A person-years data method was used to estimate risk of first onset of paroxysmal SVT during pregnancy. Exacerbation of paroxysmal SVT was assessed by a score scale including each of the following symptoms: palpitation, fatigue, rest dyspnea, effort dyspnea, dizziness, chest oppression, blurred vision, and syncope (total score change > 2 points). In the 107 patients with accessory pathway-mediated tachycardia, 7 patients had had a first onset of tachycardia during pregnancy (relative risk ratio 0.86, confidence interval 0.4 to 1.9, p = 0.35). In the 100 patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, 1 patient had had the first onset of tachycardia during pregnancy (relative risk ratio 0.11, confidence interval 0.02 to 0.56, p = 0.004). Otherwise, 14 of the 63 patients (22%) with tachycardia in the pregnant and nonpregnant periods had exacerbation of symptoms during pregnancy. Thus, first onset of paroxysmal SVT during pregnancy was rare (3.9%), and pregnancy was associated with a low risk of first onset of paroxysmal SVT. However, symptoms of paroxysmal SVT were exacerbated during pregnancy in some patients.

Adolescent

Recurrent tachycardia after selective ablation of slow pathway in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Recurrence rate of atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia after successful radiofrequency ablation varies widely, and the determinants of recurrent AV nodal reentrant tachycardia remain controversial. Furthermore, true or pseudorecurrence of tachycardia after successful ablation in patients with different forms of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia has not been evaluated systematically. Three hundred sixty-two patients (161 men and 201 women [mean age 52 +/- 16 years]), including 314 patients with typical-form, 10 patients with atypical-form, 4 patients with variant-form, and 34 patients with multiple-form AV nodal reentrant tachycardias, received selective radiofrequency ablation of the anterograde and/or retrograde slow AV nodal pathway. During a mean follow-up of 27 +/- 11 months, 9 patients (2.5%) experienced recurrent AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (true recurrence, group A), and 8 (2.2%) had inappropriate sinus tachycardia or paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias (pseudorecurrence, group B). Neither the true nor pseudorecurrence rate was different among the 4 different forms of tachycardia. Factors including presence of residual slow pathway conduction, a single AV nodal reentrant echo beat, absence of an accelerated junctional rhythm during successful ablation, facilitating induction of tachycardia by isoproterenol, radiofrequency pulse number, and successful ablation site were not associated with an increased risk of recurrent AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. The onset time of recurrent tachycardia was significantly late in group B patients (30 +/- 21 vs 292 +/- 240 days, p = 0.04). Thus, this study demonstrated that both true and pseudorecurrence could occur after successful ablation.

Adolescent