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In this study, we aimed at performing a histomorphometric analysis of human left internal thoracic artery (ITA) samples as well as at correlating the histomorphometric findings with the clinical profile, including risk factors and medication. Distal segments of ITA were obtained from 54 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Histological observation was performed in paraffin-embedded transverse sections of ITA through four staining protocols: hematoxylin-eosin, van Gieson, Masson's trichrome and von Kossa. Morphometric analysis included the intimal width (IW), medial width (MW) and intima/media ratio (IMR). No overt atherosclerotic lesions were observed. Mild calcifications were observed across the vascular wall layers in almost all samples. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed associations between IW and IMR and the following clinical variables: age, gender, kidney function expressed as eGFR and myocardial infarction history. Age (odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.004), female gender (odds ratio = 11.34, P = 0.011), eGFR (odds ratio = 1.03, P = 0.059) and myocardial infarction history (odds ratio = 4.81, P = 0.040) were identified as the main clinical predictors for intimal hyperplasia. Preatherosclerotic lesions in ITA samples from patients undergoing coronary revascularization were associated not only with classical cardiovascular risk factors such as age and gender, but also with other clinical variables, namely kidney function and myocardial infarction history. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introducao: As novas recomendacoes europeias de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e doenca cardiovascular sugerem que o risco de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 deve ser avaliado atraves do score de risco FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore e que o rastreio de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 na populacao com doenca arterial coronaria deve ser efetuado apenas com a glicemia plasmatica em jejum e a HbA1, remetendo a prova de tolerância oral a glicose para os casos ‘inconclusivos’. Pretendemos avaliar os resultados desta estrategia, que difere da previamente defendida nas guidelines . Material e Metodos: A glicemia plasmatica em jejum, HbA1c e a prova de tolerância oral a glicose (75 g, 2 horas) foram avaliadas prospectivamente num grupo de doentes consecutivos submetidos a intervencao coronaria percutânea, sendo usada a classificacao da ADA para pre-diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e diabetes mellitus tipo 2. O risco de diabetes foi avaliado de acordo com o FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore . Resultados: Foram incluidos 135 doentes (idade media 62,3 +/- 13,1 anos; 99 homens). Usando a prova de tolerância oral a glicose e a HbA1c, foram diagnosticados 18 (13,3%) novos casos de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e 77 (57,0%) casos de pre-diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A glicemia plasmatica em jejum + HbA1c identificou 12/18 doentes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (Sens 66,7%; valor preditivo negativo 95,1%; Kappa 0,78; p < 0,0001) e 83 do total (pre-diabetes mellitus tipo 2/ diabetes mellitus tipo 2) de 95 doentes com disturbios da glucose (Sens 87,4%; valor preditivo negativo 76,9%). Realizar adicionalmente prova de tolerância oral a glicose nos 29 doentes com um FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore elevado permitiu diagnosticar 15/18 doentes com diabetes mellitus (Sens 83,3%; valor preditivo negativo 97,5%; Kappa 0,85; p < 0,0001) e 86/95 dos doentes com disturbios da glucose (Sens 90,5%; valor preditivo negativo 81,6%). Discussao: Apesar da melhoria diagnostica, um em cada seis doentes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 nao seria diagnosticado por esta estrategia. Conclusao: A utilizacao do FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore como forma de selecionar os doentes candidatos a rastreio com prova de tolerância oral a glicose melhora a capacidade diagnostica, quando comparada com a simples avaliacao da glicemia plasmatica em jejum e da HbA1c. No entanto, um em cada seis doentes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 nao e identificado com esta metodologia.

Resumo: Introdução e objectivos: A isquémia do miocárdio pode ser avaliada através da ressonância magnética de perfusão (RMp). O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o uso clínico da RMp no estudo da doença cardíaca isquémica (DCI). Métodos: Foram estudados 55 doentes através de RMp, num aparelho de 1,5 T (Siemens Symphony), através da injeção de quelato de gadolínio (0,10 mmol/kg), utilizando uma sequência IR-SSFP. O stress foi induzido pela adenosina (140 μg/kg/min durante 4 min). Os resultados foram comparados com os das coronariografias e das cintigrafias de perfusão do miocárdio. A concordância entre as variáveis qualitativas foi a avaliada através do coeficiente kappa. Foi considerada significância estatística a 95%. Efetuou-se um follow-up clínico mínimo de 12 meses. Resultados: Das 55 ressonâncias magnéticas (RM) efetuadas, em 19 (34,5%) não se detetou isquemia ou necrose do miocárdio, em 17 (30,9%) foi diagnosticada área de necrose sem isquemia, em 7 (12,7%) isquemia isolada e em 12 (21,8%) isquemia em doente com enfarte prévio. A comparação específica em função do território de irrigação coronária entre a RMp e a coronariografia foi muito boa: descendente anterior e coronária direita – k = 0,8571; intervalo 0,59-1, circunflexa – k = 0,8108; intervalo 0,59-1. Não se conseguiu obter qualquer razão de concordância entre as RMp e as cintigrafias realizadas. Conclusões: Numa população com elevada prevalência de doença coronária, a RMp mostrou ser um exame capaz de diagnosticar doença coronária significativa, através da identificação de isquemia do miocárdio. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: Myocardial ischemia can be assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion imaging (MRPI). This study aimed to analyze the clinical utility of MRPI in the diagnosis of significant coronary artery disease. Methods: Fifty-five patients were examined with a 1.5 T MR scanner (Siemens Symphony), with a first pass of 0.10 mmol/kg gadolinium chelate, at rest and during adenosine vasodilatation (140 μg/kg/min for 4 min) using an inversion recovery steady-state free precession sequence. The results were compared with coronary angiography and with SPECT myocardial perfusion images. Agreement for qualitative diagnosis was measured by the kappa coefficient, taking statistical significance as 95%. Minimum clinical follow-up was 12 months. Results: In 19 patients (34.5%) MRPI was negative for myocardial ischemia and necrosis, in 17 (30.9%) it was negative for ischemia but positive for necrosis, in 7 (12.7%) only ischemia was present and in 12 (21.8%) the ischemic area was larger than the necrotic area. The correlation between MRPI and coronary angiography for ischemia detection by coronary artery territory was very good: left anterior descending and right coronary – k=0.8571 (0.59-1), circumflex – k=0.8108 (0.59-1). By contrast, there was no correlation in terms of myocardial ischemia detection between MRPI and SPECT. Conclusions: MRPI is able to diagnose significant coronary disease in a high risk population, by detection of myocardial ischemia. Palavras-chave: Ressonância magnética, Perfusão, Doença coronária, Ressonância magnética de perfusão, Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, Perfusion, Coronary disease, Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

OBJECTIVES: To analyse perioperative results, long-term survival and freedom from complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in young adults. METHODS: A total of 163 patients, 40 years old or younger, had isolated CABG from January 1989 to December 2010. Pre- and perioperative demographic and clinical data were retrieved from a prospectively organised database. Follow-up data were obtained by letter or telephone interviews. The mean age of the patients was 37.6 ± 2.9 years and 146 were men (90%). Fifty-three patients (32.5%) had angina class III/IV; 106 (65.0%), previous myocardial infarction; and 23 (14.1%), impaired left ventricular function (ejection fraction

International audience; OBJECTIVES: This study compared the diagnostic performance with adenosine-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) \textless/=0.8 of contrast-based FFR (cFFR), resting distal pressure (Pd)/aortic pressure (Pa), and the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR). BACKGROUND: FFR objectively identifies lesions that benefit from medical therapy versus revascularization. However, FFR requires maximal vasodilation, usually achieved with adenosine. Radiographic contrast injection causes submaximal coronary hyperemia. Therefore, intracoronary contrast could provide an easy and inexpensive tool for predicting FFR. METHODS: We recruited patients undergoing routine FFR assessment and made paired, repeated measurements of all physiology metrics (Pd/Pa, iFR, cFFR, and FFR). Contrast medium and dose were per local practice, as was the dose of intracoronary adenosine. Operators were encouraged to perform both intracoronary and intravenous adenosine assessments and a final drift check to assess wire calibration. A central core lab analyzed blinded pressure tracings in a standardized fashion. RESULTS: A total of 763 subjects were enrolled from 12 international centers. Contrast volume was 8 +/- 2 ml per measurement, and 8 different contrast media were used. Repeated measurements of each metric showed a bias \textless0.005, but a lower SD (less variability) for cFFR than resting indexes. Although Pd/Pa and iFR demonstrated equivalent performance against FFR \textless/=0.8 (78.5% vs. 79.9% accuracy; p = 0.78; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.875 vs. 0.881; p = 0.35), cFFR improved both metrics (85.8% accuracy and 0.930 area; p \textless 0.001 for each) with an optimal binary threshold of 0.83. A hybrid decision-making strategy using cFFR required adenosine less often than when based on either Pd/Pa or iFR. CONCLUSIONS: cFFR provides diagnostic performance superior to that of Pd/Pa or iFR for predicting FFR. For clinical scenarios or health care systems in which adenosine is contraindicated or prohibitively expensive, cFFR offers a universal technique to simplify invasive coronary physiological assessments. Yet FFR remains the reference standard for diagnostic certainty as even cFFR reached only approximately 85% agreement.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an independent predictor of acute cardiovascular events. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between MS and stable angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD), which has a different pathophysiological mechanism. We aimed to study the independent predictors for significant CAD, and to analyze the impact of MS (by the AHA/NHLBI definition) on CAD. Methods: We prospectively included 300 patients, mean age 64 ± 9 years, 59% male, admitted for elective coronary angiography (suspected ischemic heart disease), excluding patients with known cardiac disease. All patients underwent assessment of demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data and risk factors, and subsequently underwent coronary angiography. Results: In the study population, 23.0% were diabetic, 40.5% had MS (and no diabetes) and 36.7% had neither diagnosis. Significant CAD was present in 51.3% of patients. CAD patients were older and more frequently male and diabetic, with increased triglycerides and glucose and lower HDL cholesterol. Abdominal obesity was also less prevalent. MS was not associated with the presence of CAD (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.59–1.48, p=0.778). Of the MS components, the most important predictors of CAD were increased glucose and triglycerides. Abdominal obesity was associated with a lower risk of CAD. In a multivariate logistic regression model for CAD, independent predictors of CAD were age, male gender, glucose and triglycerides. Body mass index had a protective effect. Conclusions: Although MS is associated with cardiovascular events, the same was not found for stable angiographically proven CAD. Age, gender, diabetes and triglycerides are the most influential factors for CAD, with abdominal obesity as a protective factor. Resumo: Introdução: A síndrome metabólica (SM) é um predizente independente de eventos cardiovasculares agudos. Contudo, pouco estudos analisaram a relação entre SM e doença arterial coronária angiográfica estável (DAC), que apresenta uma diferente mecanismo fisiopatológico. Procurámos identificar os factores predizentes independentes para DAC e analisar o impacto da presença de SM (pela definição da AHA/NHLBI) na DAC. Métodos: Analisamos prospectivamente 300 indivíduos, com idade media de 64 ± 9 anos, 59% do género masculino, admitidos para angiografia coronária eletiva por suspeita de cardiopatia isquémica, tendo sido excluídos os doentes com antecedentes de doença cardíaca. Todos os doentes foram submetidos a avaliação demográfica, antropométrica, fatores de risco e laboratorial e subsequentemente a coronariografia. Resultados: Na população do estudo, 23,0% eram diabéticos, 40,5% tinha SM (sem diabetes) e 36,7% nenhum dos anteriores diagnósticos. Verificou-se DAC significativa em 51,3% dos doentes. Estes doentes tinham mais idade, mais do género masculino, diabéticos, com triglicéridos e glicemia aumentados e colesterol-HDL baixo. A obesidade abdominal era também menos prevalente. A SM não se associou com a presença de DAC (OR 0,94, IC 95% 0,59–1,48, p = 0,778). Os factores predizentes mais importantes de DAC de entre os componentes de SM foram a glicemia e os triglicéridos aumentados. A obesidade abdominal mostrou menor risco de DAC. Num modelo de regressão logística multivariável para DAC, os factores predizentes independentes foram a idade, género masculino, glicemia, triglicéridos. O Indíce de Massa Corporal mostrou efeito «protector». Conclusões: Apesar da SM se associar a eventos cardiovasculares, o mesmo não se verifica relativamente a DAC angiográfica estável. A idade, género, diabetes e triglicéridos são os factores mais influentes para a presença de DAC, sendo a obesidade abdominal «protectora». Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Diabetes, Coronary artery disease, Obesity, Palavras-chave: Síndrome Metabólica, Diabetes, Doença arterial coronária, Obesidade

Introduction and Objective: In suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is traditionally the diagnostic tool of choice. However, patients often have no significant disease. Moreover, assessment of fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been shown to have prognostic implications. Recently, coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion imaging (CMR-Perf) have gained increasing attention through their accurate anatomical and functional assessment, respectively. We studied the added value of integrating these tests (CT+CMRint) in the diagnosis of CAD, with FFR as the reference standard. Methods: We included 101 patients consecutively referred for outpatient assessment of CAD who underwent CTA and CMR-Perf prior to ICA with FFR assessment. Lesions were considered positive by CT+CMRint only if positive in the two tests alone. The mean follow-up was 2.9±0.6 years. Results: All patients completed the study protocol without adverse effects. Forty-four patients had CAD by FFR. CTA had excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value (100%) but, as expected, its specificity and positive predictive value were lower (61% and 67%, respectively). Diagnostic accuracy by FFR was 78% for CTA, 88% for CMR-Perf and 92% for CT+CMRint. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, CT+CMRint showed statistically significant superiority (AUC=0.917, 95% CI 0.845–0.963) compared with CTA (AUC=0.807, 95% CI 0.716–0.879, p=0.0057) or CMR-Perf (AUC=0.882, 95% CI 0.802–0.938, p=0.0398) alone. Regarding prediction of revascularization, the integrated protocol maintained its superior performance. Conclusions: CT+CMRint showed superior diagnostic accuracy and could thus lead to a considerable reduction in invasive procedures for CAD diagnosis, with less risk and greater patient comfort. Resumo: Introdução e Objetivo: Na suspeita de doença coronária, o cateterismo cardíaco (CC) é tradicionalmente o exame escolhido mas, frequentemente não surge doença significativa. Também, a avaliação da reserva fracional funcional (RFF) tem implicações prognósticas. Recentemente, tanto o angioTAC (CTC) como a ressonância magnética cardiovasculares (RMC) assumiram o seu lugar pela excelente acuidade, respetivamente, na avaliação anatómica e funcional de doença coronária. Foi nosso objetivo investigar o valor adicional da sua integração, tendo a RFF como referência. Métodos: 101 pacientes consecutivamente referenciados do ambulatório por suspeita de doença coronária foram submetidos a CTC e a RMC previamente ao CC. A avaliação integrada (CTC+RMCint) foi considerada positiva se anormalidades presentes simultaneamente nos dois testes. O período médio de follow-up foi de 2,9±0,6 anos. Resultados: Todos os pacientes completaram o protocolo sem adversidades. Doença coronária por RFF ocorreu em 44 pacientes. A CTC demonstrou uma excelente especificidade e VPN (100%) mas, como esperado, baixa especificidade e VPP (61 e 67%). A acuidade diagnóstica foi de 78% para a CTC, 88% para a RMC e 92% para a CT+CMRint. O protocolo integrado demonstrou superioridade estatisticamente significativa para prever doença coronária definida por RFF (AUC=0,917, IC 95% 0,845-0,963) quando comparado com a CTC (AUC=0,807, IC 95% 0,716-0,879, p=0,0057) e RMC (AUC=0,882, IC 95% 0,802-0,938, p=0,0398) isoladamente. Tal manteve-se quando considerada a revascularização no follow-up. Conclusão: A CTC+RMCint demonstrou acuidade diagnóstica superior o que poderá levar à diminuição da realização de CC diagnósticos, com menor risco e maior conforto para o paciente. Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Fractional flow reserve, Computed tomography angiography, Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging, Integrated assessment, Palavras-chave: Doença coronária, Reserva fracional funcional, Angio TC cardíaco, Estudo de perfusão por ressonância magnética cardiovascular, Avaliação integrada

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac MRI-derived parameters of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function between uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and normoglycemic control subjects and to evaluate whether these parameters of LV diastolic function are related to coronary atherosclerosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 41 subjects with DM2 and 21 normoglycemic control subjects (30 women and 32 men; mean age, 57.2 ± 7.1 [SD] years) with no evidence of overt cardiovascular disease. We used cardiac MRI to measure LV volumes, LV peak filling rate (PFR), and transmitral flow and CT to determine coronary artery calcium scores. RESULTS: Absolute values of the peak filling rate (PFR) were significantly lower in DM2 patients than in control subjects (mean ± SD, 293.2 ± 51.7 vs 375.7 ± 102.8 mL/s, respectively; p < 0.001). Mitral peak E velocities (mean ± SD, 42.8 ± 10.7 vs 48.8 ± 10.4 cm/s; p = 0.040) and peak E velocity-to-peak A velocity ratios (0.88 ± 0.3 vs 1.1 ± 0.3; p = 0.002) were also lower in DM2 patients compared with control subjects. DM2 patients with coronary artery calcification showed a lower PFR normalized to stroke volume (SV) (mean ± SD, 4.4 ± 1.0 vs 5.3 ± 1.4, respectively; p = 0.038) and lower mitral peak E velocities (40.1 ± 11.3 vs 48.0 ± 7.3 cm/s; p = 0.024) than DM2 patients without coronary calcification. PFR normalized to SV was independently associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification (β = -1.5, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: DM2 decreases cardiovascular MRI-derived parameters of LV diastolic function. Patients with DM2 and coronary atherosclerosis show a more impaired LV diastolic function than patients without coronary atherosclerosis.

Background: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were recently approved for percutaneous coronary intervention in Europe. The aim of this position statement is to review the information and studies on available BVS, to stimulate discussion on their use and to propose guidelines for this treatment option in Portugal. Methods and Results: A working group was set up to reach a consensus based on current evidence, discussion of clinical case models and individual experience. The evidence suggests that currently available BVS can produce physiological and clinical improvements in selected patients. There are encouraging data on their durability and long-term safety. Indications were grouped into three categories: (a) consensual and appropriate – young patients, diabetic patients, left anterior descending artery, long lesions and diffuse disease; (b) less consensual but possible – small collateral branches, stabilized acute coronary syndromes; and (c) inappropriate – left main disease, tortuosity, severe calcification. Conclusion: BVS are a viable treatment option based on the encouraging evidence of their applicability and physiological and clinical results. They should be used in appropriate indications and will require technical adaptations. Outcome monitoring and evaluation is essential to avoid inappropriate use. It is recommended that medical societies produce clinical guidelines based on high-quality registries as soon as possible. Resumo: Introdução: Os suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios (sVRT) foram recentemente aprovados para intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) na Europa e possuem propriedades muito inovadoras. O objetivo desta declaração de posição é rever criticamente a informação e os estudos com os sVRT disponíveis e contribuir para uma reflexão científica que promova o seu uso racional com orientações estruturadas para a sua aplicação inicial em Portugal. Métodos e resultados: Foi constituído um grupo de trabalho para alcançar um consenso com base na evidência científica conhecida, na discussão de casos clínicos modelo e na experiência individual. A evidência reunida sugere que os sVRT disponíveis podem produzir uma melhoria fisiológica e clínica em doentes selecionados. Os dados relativos à sua durabilidade e segurança a longo prazo são animadores. As indicações iniciais foram agrupadas em três categorias: a) consensuais e apropriadas – jovens, diabéticos, descendente anterior, lesões longase doença difusa, b) menos consensuais mas possíveis – lesões com pequeno colateral, síndromas coronárias agudas estabilizadas; c) inapropriadas – tronco comum, tortuosidade, calcificação grave. Conclusão: Os suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios constituem uma terapêutica válida pela evidência científica encorajadora da sua aplicabilidade, da melhoria fisiológica e clínica. Devemos privilegiar as indicações aconselhadas e adequar as técnicas de angioplastia coronária, bem como monitorizar e avaliar os resultados para evitar uma adoção inapropriada. É recomendável o desenvolvimento expedito de normas de orientação clínica pelas sociedades científicas apoiada em registos de elevada qualidade. Keywords: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, Coronary angioplasty, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Diabetic, Stent, Palavras-chave: Suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios, Angioplastia coronária, Intervenção coronária percutânea, Diabetes, Stent