Demonstration of ventricular myocardial extensions into the pulmonary artery and aorta beyond the ventriculo-arterial junction

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Tarih

2007

Dergi Başlığı

Dergi ISSN

Cilt Başlığı

Yayıncı

Blackwell Publishing

Erişim Hakkı

info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess

Özet

Background: A subgroup of outflow tract (OT) ventricular tachycardias (VT) originate from the aortic sinuses or the main stem of the pulmonary artery. The anatomic substrate for these tachycardias is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ventricular myocardial extensions (VME) into the pulmonary artery (PA) and aorta (Ao) beyond the ventriculo-arterial junction (VAJ) and determine the anatomical and histological characteristics of these muscle extensions. Methods: Ninety-five consecutive human hearts obtained at autopsy were studied. Longitudinal strips of tissue containing each cusp, aortic, and pulmonary artery walls and left and right ventricular outflow tracts were excised and histologically analyzed. Anatomical measurements, including length and thickness of VMEs, obtained at autopsy, were made. Results: VMEs beyond the VAJ were found in 21 of 95 (22%) patients studied. VMEs were found in 16 of 95 PAs (17%) and 7 of 95 Aos (7%) were examined. VMEs were located within the adventitia in 23 (88%) and on the epicardial surface in three (12%). The majority of VMEs were in continuity with the underlying ventricular OT muscle tissue. Myocellular hypertrophy and fibrosis were present in 19 (73%) and fatty tissue between the layers of VME in 18 (69%). Clinical data were available in 14 of 21 patients with positive VME. None of the patients (clinical data available group) had history of cardiac disease or signs or symptoms (palpitations or syncope) of cardiac disease. Conclusions: VMEs into the PA and Ao beyond the VAJ are relatively common. It seems that their mere presence does not predispose to OT VTs. There are probably intrinsic arrhythmogenic properties in tissues specific to these regions in those patients who develop OT VTs.

Açıklama

Anahtar Kelimeler

ventricular tachycardia, aortic sinus, pulmonary root, catheter ablation, clinical anatomy

Kaynak

Pace-Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology

WoS Q Değeri

Q2

Scopus Q Değeri

Q2

Cilt

30

Sayı

4

Künye