Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
09:36

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Published on: December 22, 2023

P wave dispersion in familial Mediterranean fever

Naomi Nussinovitch1, Avi Livneh, Keren Katz

  • 1Hypertension Unit and Department of Internal Medicine D, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. nussim@clalit.org.il

Rheumatology International
|May 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients treated with colchicine show normal atrial conduction. This suggests that FMF patients without amyloidosis do not have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder.
  • Previous research indicated potential supraventricular arrhythmogenicity in FMF patients.
  • Atrial dispersion is a marker for supraventricular arrhythmias.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate atrial dispersion in FMF patients.
  • To assess electrocardiographic risk for atrial fibrillation in FMF.

Main Methods:

  • 12-lead electrocardiography was performed on 26 FMF patients and controls.
  • P wave duration and dispersion were calculated from random and averaged ECG beats.
  • A 6-month follow-up was conducted to monitor for arrhythmias.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in P wave duration or dispersion were found between FMF patients and controls.
  • No supraventricular arrhythmias were detected in either group during follow-up.
  • Colchicine treatment and absence of amyloidosis correlated with normal atrial conduction.

Conclusions:

  • Uncomplicated FMF patients on colchicine without amyloidosis exhibit normal atrial conduction.
  • These FMF patients do not appear to have an elevated electrocardiographic risk of atrial fibrillation.
  • Further research may clarify the long-term cardiac implications of FMF.

More Related Videos

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation09:17

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 29, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...