Central Illustration. Periaortic VT long after SAVR
Figure Legend: Incidence rate of periaortic VT after SAVR was 3 per 109
patients (2.8%). The average duration between AVR and the onset of
periaortic VTs was 12.3±6.7 years. The periaortic scars appear to
originate from chronic mechanical stimulation to the arrhythmic
sensitive periaortic region by the artificial valve for decades.
Arrhythmic risk stratification for patients after AVR including that by
SAECG, Holter, and cardiac MRI should be considered. Abbreviations: AVR,
aortic valve replacement; ECG, electrocardiogram; MRI, magnetic
resonance imaging; RBBB, right bundle branch block; SAECG, signal
averaged electrocardiogram; SAVR, surgical aortic valve replacement; VT,
ventricular tachycardia