Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay in children with acute rheumatic fever

Murat Ciftel1, Ozlem Turan1, Ayşe Simşek1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.

Cardiology in the Young
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Acute rheumatic fever patients show prolonged P-wave dispersion and interatrial electromechanical delay. Left atrial enlargement may contribute to these changes, increasing arrhythmia risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) can affect the heart, potentially leading to atrial arrhythmias.
  • Left atrial enlargement is a known complication of ARF and may influence cardiac conduction.
  • Assessing atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion can provide insights into atrial function in ARF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion in patients with acute rheumatic fever.
  • To explore the relationship between left atrial size and these electrophysiological parameters in ARF.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 48 ARF patients with 40 healthy volunteers.
  • Evaluated M-mode echocardiographic parameters, interatrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delay, and P-wave dispersion.
  • Analyzed correlations between left atrium diameter, P-wave dispersion, and interatrial electromechanical delay.

Main Results:

  • ARF patients exhibited significantly higher maximum P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, and interatrial electromechanical delay than controls.
  • No significant difference in intra-atrial electromechanical delay was observed between groups.
  • Positive correlations found between left atrium diameter and P-wave dispersion (r=0.524) and interatrial electromechanical delay (r=0.351) in ARF patients.

Conclusions:

  • Acute rheumatic fever is associated with prolonged P-wave dispersion and interatrial electromechanical delay.
  • Left atrial enlargement is a potential underlying factor contributing to these electrophysiological abnormalities in ARF.
  • These findings highlight potential mechanisms for increased atrial arrhythmia risk in ARF.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding10:39

Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding

Published on: August 30, 2024

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...