Search

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging is a valuable tool for complex coronary interventions. While complications are rare, the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias during its use is one of the most feared. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which these arrhythmias arise remains unclear. We describe the case of a patient under continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring who experienced ventricular fibrillation during an OCT procedure. A detailed analysis of the ECG event sequence was performed, from the administration of the contrast medium to the onset of ventricular fibrillation. Utilizing the collected data, we examined potential precipitating factors based on the observed alterations in the electrocardiogram. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias is crucial for the development of preventive measures that avoid such incidents in the future.

Background and Purpose: European Guidelines recommend early evaluation of diuresis and natriuresis after the first administration of diuretic to identify patients with insufficient diuretic response during acute heart failure. The aim of this work is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients with insufficient diuretic response according to this new algorithm.Methods: Prospective observational single centre study of consecutive patients with acute heart failure and congestive signs. Clinical evaluation, echocardiography and blood tests were performed. Diuretic naïve patients received 40 mg of intravenous furosemide. Patients on an oupatient diuretic regimen received 2 times the ambulatory dose. The diuresis volume was assessed 6 h after the first loop diuretic administration, and a spot urinary sample was taken after 2 h. Insufficient diuretic response was defined as natriuresis