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The authors present a case report of suspected dysfunction of a Starr-Edwards mechanical aortic prosthesis implanted in 1972. Its characteristic longevity, but also its disadvantageous hemodynamic profile, are discussed. Treadmill exercise echocardiography, whose role has yet to be clarified in the study of valve prosthesis, was used in the evaluation of the patient.

The authors describe the clinical case of a 38-year-old patient, with a history of smoking and hypercholesterolemia, who was admitted for non-Q wave acute myocardial infarction, and in whom coronary angiography revealed severe coronary disease and a congenital coronary anomaly. Unlike many congenital coronary anomalies that are manifested in ischemic disease, the nature of this patient's anomaly may have contributed to its benign clinical evolution, and influenced the therapeutic approach.

Modifications in the erythrocyte membrane protein band 3 seem to mark the cell for death. A decrease in band 3 high molecular weight aggregates (HMWAg) and a rise in its proteolytic fragments (Pfrag) were described for younger erythrocytes. The aim of this work was to study the band 3 profile as a marker of erythrocyte changes in pregnancy and postpartum. We performed a cross-sectional study in non-pregnant controls (n = 24), in women in the first (n = 64), second (n = 48) and third (n = 67) trimesters of gestation, and also in the puerperium (24-48 h after delivery; n = 32); we also carried out a longitudinal study (n = 23) during the three trimesters of normal pregnancy. We evaluated the band 3 profile (% of band 3 monomer, HMWAg, and Pfrag) and the membrane-bound haemoglobin. Total serum bilirrubin, glutathione peroxidase activity, red blood cell (RBC) count, haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, the haematimetric indices, and red cell distribution width were also evaluated. Similar results were found in pregnancy in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. We found that the RBC count, Hb, and Ht decreased significantly in pregnancy and in puerperium. Band 3 profile in the first trimester of pregnancy, when compared with controls, presented significantly reduced HMWAg and increased Pfrag. Comparing the first with the third trimester, we found a significant reduction in band 3 and a significant rise in Pfrag. However, between these same periods, HMWAg did not decrease. Our data suggest band 3 profile as a marker of erythrocyte changes in pregnancy, which are independent of the 'physiological anaemia' of pregnancy. These changes suggest an increase in damaged RBCs, but also an increase in younger RBCs in the maternal circulation.

Background: The traditional lipid risk factors can only predict some of the cardiovascular events. Our work has focused on new potential biological markers of risk, namely leukocyte activation and erythrocyte membrane damage, in ischemic stroke cases., Methods: Besides the traditional lipid profile, we evaluated the plasma levels of elastase and lactoferrin as markers of leukocyte activation, and membrane band 3 protein profile and membrane bound hemoglobin as markers of erythrocyte damage. Total and differential leukocyte counts and erythrocyte counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations were also evaluated. The lipid study included the evaluation of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) and B (Apo B), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). The work was performed in a control group (n=29) with no history of cardiovascular events, presenting normal hematological and lipid values, and in a pathologic group (n=21) of ischemic stroke cases diagnosed by computed tomographic imaging., Results: We found that ischemic stroke was associated with significantly higher values of leukocytes, which seem to be activated, as shown by significant higher levels of elastase and lactoferrin. This activation seems to impose erythrocyte damage, as suggested by a significant increase in membrane bound hemoglobin and by a different band 3 profile., Conclusions: Our data suggest that plasma levels of elastase and lactoferrin, together with levels of erythrocyte membrane bound hemoglobin and band 3 profile, could be used as powerful new markers of risk for cardiovascular events.

Unlabelled: In evaluation of the severity of aortic valve stenosis, multiple parameters can be determined. All of them, except valve orifice area, are influenced by other factors such as cardiac output, heart rate or aortic insufficiency., Objectives: This is a prospective study which proposes, in the determination of the valve orifice area in aortic stenosis, to evaluate the accuracy of and correlation between three methods--planimetry by multiplane transesophageal echocardiography, the continuity equation by transthoracic echocardiography, and invasive measurement using the Gorlin formula., Methods: Forty-five patients with known calcified valvular aortic stenosis 27 men, mean age 70 +/- 10 years, (range 27-82), were studied. In all patients the area was determined by planimetry and by the continuity equation. In 25 (56%) patients invasive measurements were obtained using the Gorlin formula., Results: Evaluation of the valve orifice area by planimetry was easily performed and did not prolong the duration of the exam, except in five patients (11%). The area determined by the continuity equation had a mean value of 0.74 +/- 0.25 cm2, by planimetry 0.74 +/- 0.24 cm2 and by the Gorlin formula 0.65 +/- 0.17 cm2. Correlations between areas obtained by the three methods used were: continuity equation and planimetry 0.82; continuity equation and Gorlin formula 0.51; and planimetry and Gorlin formula 0.80. Concordance analysis (Bland and Altman's method) gave mean (Mn) values for the differences in the areas determined by the Gorlin formula and the continuity equation of 0.01 +/- 0.15 cm2 (Mn - 2SD = -0.29, Mn + 2SD = 0.30). The estimated value by the Gorlin formula and planimetry was 0.02 +/- 0.10 (Mn - 2SD = -0.19, Mn + 2SD = 0.23)., Conclusions: 1) Planimetry of the valve orifice area by transesophageal echocardiography is feasible and does not prolong the duration of the exam in the majority of patients. 2) The strong correlation and the results of concordance analysis, in the determination of valve orifice area, between traditional invasive methods and planimetry, support the use of this noninvasive method in clinical practice.

Stress echocardiography is widely used in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Dobutamine stress echocardiography has been the preferred method, but many centers have adopted exercise stress echocardiography, which can visualize myocardial motion during physiologic stress testing. The complications of this method in the post-myocardial infarction period are the same as those identified in conventional exercise testing. We report a case of myocardial rupture in the postinfarction period during exercise stress echocardiography.

Purpose: To evaluate dobutamine echocardiography capacity to diagnose coronary artery disease., Study Design: Prospective clinical study., Setting: Cardiology Department of Hospital Santa Marta., Patients: 32 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, without myocardial infarction, have been studied., Methods: An intravenous perfusion of dobutamine with gradual doses, from 5 to 40 micrograms/kg/min, and increments of 5 to 10 micrograms/kg/min, in 3 minute stages, except the last stage which lasted only 1 minute with 40 micrograms/kg, was performed. Twelve-lead ECG were registered to detect ST changes and symptoms, namely chest pain. Basal and dobutamine bidimensional echocardiograms, in the end of each stage and during recovery, were registered in video. The segmental analysis was performed considering the left ventricle divided in 16 segments. It was considered positive the occurrence or aggravation of the contractility asynergy of the left ventricle with inotropic stress. All the patients were submitted to coronary arteriography., Results: Due to the bad quality of the echocardiographic images 2 patients were excluded. The stress dobutamine echocardiograms were positive in 14 P and negative in 16 P. The coronary arteriography showed coronary disease in 18 cases and absence of significant lesions in 12 cases. The values for sensitivity, specificity positive predictive value and negative predictive value obtained with dobutamine echocardiography were, 78% and 100% and 75% respectively. In Dobutamine-ECG, 7P had ST segment changes, 2 of them with chest pain values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value with dobutamine-ECG were, 39%, 100% and 52%, respectively. The occurrence of side-effects was observed in 8 P (27%): ventricular tachycardia (2 P-7%), complex ventricular ectopy (4 P-13%), chest pain (2 P-7%), headache (1 P-3%), nausea (1 P-3%) and palpitations (2 P-7%). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of side-effects in the two groups of patients, with and without coronary artery disease (33% vs 17%, respectively; p = ns). The reasons for early discontinuation of dobutamine infusion were: ventricular tachycardia (2 P), complex ventricular ectopy (2 P) and chest pain (1 P). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double-product did not differ significantly in patients with and without coronary artery disease. In dobutamine electrocardiography 7 P had ST segment changes, 2 of them with chest pain., Conclusion: Dobutamine echocardiography showed in this study elevated values for sensitivity and specificity, however sensitivity can be increased with better technical conditions.

Introduction: The mechanism of ioxaglate-induced nausea has not been fully elucidated. Recent studies have demonstrated that serotonin is one of the principal neurotransmitters of emesis in humans. On the other hand, the greater capacity of ioxaglate to stimulate vomiting has been ascribed to its great ability to inhibit cholinesterase., Methods: To determine if oral metoclopramide (a serotonin receptor-blocker) is effective in the prophylaxis of ioxaglate-induced nausea during left ventriculography, 637 of 711 consecutive eligible patients were included in a prospective study. Patients were randomized to receive, 60-90 minutes before the procedure, either diazepam 10 mg p.o. (control group [n = 315]) or diazepam 10 mg p.o. plus metoclopramide 10 mg p.o. (metoclopramide group [n = 322])., Results: The two randomized groups were similar in relation to baseline clinical and hemodynamic characteristics. Nausea was documented in 103 patients (16.1%) with similar incidence in the two groups (control group: 16.8%, metoclopramide group: 15.5%; p = NS). Nausea duration was also similar (56 +/- 63 s vs 52 +/- 63 s; p = NS). When patients with and without nausea were compared, the following variables showed a significant difference between the two groups: male gender (86% vs 76%; p < 0.05), age (53 +/- 10 yrs vs 56 +/- 9 yrs; p < 0.05) and body surface area (1.84 +/- 0.2 m2 vs 1.78 +/- 0.1 m2; p < 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified low age (p = 0.02) and male gender (p = 0.06) as independent predictors of nausea. The incidence of nausea was 24% in males < or = 45 yrs vs 9% in females > 45 yrs (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Prophylaxis with oral metoclopramide did not reduce the incidence of ioxaglate-induced nausea during left ventriculography. This data do not support a role of serotonin in the production of nausea by ioxaglate. Low age an male gender are independent predictors of nausea apparition during left ventriculography. A cholinergic mechanism is probably involved in the capacity of ioxaglate to stimulate vomiting.

Objective: The aim of our study was to analyze the possible influence of coronary lesion morphology on the prognosis of patients (pts) with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) evaluated by coronary angiography before hospital discharge., Design: Retrospective study., Setting: Study performed at the Cardiology Department of a Central Hospital., Material and Methods: 141 consecutive pts admitted because of AMI were evaluated, with an age average of 53.4 +/- 9.6 years, who had hospital discharge. All pts were submitted to angiography between the 2nd and 3rd week after AMI. The ventriculography was evaluated to determine the ventricular function score, as defined by the CASS protocol. The coronarography was performed to access the number of diseased vessels and to analyze their lesion morphology. Complexity was defined by the presence of one of the following characteristics: irregularity, shoulder, ulcers, filling defects, contrast retention and ecstasy. TWO GROUPS OF PTS WERE CONSIDERED: Group I--n = 64 pts, with complex lesions, and Group II--n = 69 pts with non complex lesions. Seven pts were excluded from the study because they had no significant coronary disease. Mean time of the follow up was 21.4 +/- 8.5 months and was similar in the two groups. The cardiac events considered were angina after AMI; reinfarction; heart failure; new hospital admission, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; coronary artery bypass grafting and death., Results: In relation to both groups no statistically significant difference was found concerning sex, age, left ventricular function score and number of diseased vessels. In group I a higher incidence was found for cardiac events (p 0.006) and for the occurrence of angina after AMI (p < 0.02). In this group the number of pts with cardiac events was also higher (p < 0.01). No difference was found in relation to each of the morphologic characteristics and a high risk profile could not be found., Conclusions: Besides left ventricular function and the number of diseased vessels, the analysis of coronary lesion morphology, evaluated 2 to 3 weeks after AMI, could be useful in risk stratification after AMI.

Objective: To study the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients (pts) with angiographic coronary artery disease and its relation with clinical and angiographic parameters., Design: Retrospective study., Setting: Six hundreds consecutive pts, submitted to diagnostic coronary angiography, performed in Hemodynamic Laboratory of Santa Marta Hospital (from 88/04/03 to 90/05/04)., Material and Methods: From six hundreds pts were excluded 43 because they had also valvular heart disease and/or minimal coronary artery lesions. Two groups were considered: Group I-pts with atrial fibrillation (n = 7) and Group II-pts in sinus rhythm (n = 549). We evaluated the following parameters: age, sex, clinical history, basal ECG, cardiac enlargement in chest X-ray, angiographic score of LVF, left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), ventricular aneurysm, mitral regurgitation and number of vessels disease., Results: We only found significant statistically differences between the two groups concerning the following parameters: a) age-mean age was superior in group I (Group I-64.2 +/- 8.2 versus 56.3 +/- 9.6), the number of pts older than 60 years in group I was 75% vs 33.8% in group II (p < 0.02); b) heart failure-the incidence was superior in group I, 37.5% vs 9% in group II (p < 0.03); c) cardiac enlargement in chest X-ray-75% pts of group I vs 22% of group II (p < 0.002); d) moderate to severe mitral regurgitation-25% of pts in group I vs 5% of pts of group II (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation is an unusual rhythm in pts with angiographic coronary artery disease. Its presence is related with age, clinical evidence of heart failure, cardiac enlargement and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation.

Objectives: (1) To obtain a relation between clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern. To evaluate the atrial vulnerability for inducing atrial fibrillation and its relation to the electrophysiologic protocol phase. (3) To study the effects of flecainide on the treatment of induced sustained supraventricular arrhythmias., Setting: Department of Cardiology at Santa Marta Hospital., Methods: An electrophysiologic testing was performed in twenty-three consecutive patients aged from 14 to 55 years, with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern on ECG. Two groups of patients were considered: group I with 12 asymptomatic or nearly asymptomatic patients; group II with 11 symptomatic patients. The parameters studied were the anterograde effective refractory period of the accessory pathway, the number of patients with different types of supraventricular tachycardias (SVT), the relation between the stimulation protocol phase (scanning/DDT/burst) and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, and the effects of the flecainide on the treatment of induced sustained supraventricular arrhythmias., Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained between group I and II concerning the number of patients in whom induced atrial fibrillation with conduction by the accessory pathway and RR < or = 250 msec was found (0 vs 6, p = 0.0045). No differences were obtained among the anterograde refractory period, the induction of atrial fibrillation independently of the type of atrioventricular conduction, and the induction of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia and or atrial flutter. The induction of atrial fibrillation was attained during the Scanning/DDT protocol phase in 7 patients in whom this arrhythmia was found with conduction by the accessory pathway and in 2 without preexcitation. All the induced sustained supraventricular arrhythmias were converted by intravenous flecainide., Conclusions: (1) Only the symptomatic patients have a high risk profile which suggest that electrophysiologic testing do not need to be performed in those with no symptoms. (2) As atrial vulnerability is higher in patients with induced atrial fibrillation and conduction by the accessory pathway, a more intensive ambulatory control seems to be necessary. (3) The results of intravenous flecainide administration on the treatment of sustained induced supraventricular arrhythmias, advocate its use during the electrophysiologic procedures in patients with ventricular preexcitation and WPW pattern.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of diltiazem on the characteristics of ischemic episodes detected by Holter monitoring in a group of patients with proven coronary artery disease., Setting: Department of Cardiology, Santa Marta Hospital, Lisbon., Methods: Eleven selected out-patients, aged 48 to 79 years, with transient ST-segmental depression on Holter monitoring and proven coronary artery disease, were submitted to a double-blind crossover placebo controlled study, during hospitalization. The total ischemic burden of each patient and an analysis of ischemic episodes were evaluated before and during the drug/placebo phase trial. Three groups of ischemic episodes were considered: group I constituted by 66 episodes found on basal Holter recording; group II by 28 episodes detected during placebo trial and group III by 12 episodes detected during diltiazem trial., Results: A reduction of the number of ischemic episodes was predominantly observed with the diltiazem administration. Statistically significant differences were observed between basal and placebo groups and especially between basal and diltiazem groups concerning the mean maximum ST-segment depression (2.17 vs 1.80; p = 0.030 and 2.17 vs 1.54; p = 0.0091). Significant differences were also obtained between the above mentioned groups concerning the heart rate variation from the onset of ST-segment depression to its maximum depression (13.5 vs 9.69; p = 0.023 and 13.5 vs 2.91; p = 0.01) and from two minutes before the onset of ST-segment depression to its maximum depression (21.2 vs 12.67; p = 0.012 and 21.2 vs 8.75 p = 0.016)., Conclusions: Diltiazem seems to reduce the number of ischemic episodes in patients with coronary artery disease, during hospitalization. The study of its effects on the characteristics of ischemia requires further investigation with a greater number of patients. The limitations of the present study, described in the discussion, must be taken into account in future pharmacological investigations with Holter monitoring.

Study Objective: Characterization of the arrhythmic profile of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DMC); Evaluation of the relation of complex ventricular ectopy and cardiac dysfunction; Clinical outcome., Patients: We studied 20 patients (P) with idiopathic DCM, 15 males P and 5 female P, mean age 51.3 +/- 17.4 years (between 17 and 75 years)., Material and Methods: 24-hours Holter study and left cardiac catheterization with ventriculography were performed. Patients were followed at the consults., Results: We detected in the Holter study the presence of ventricular ectopy in 19 P (95%). Nine P had complex ventricular arrhythmias (45%), 10 P had simple ventricular arrhythmias (50%) and 1 P had no ventricular arrhythmia (5%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28.6 +/- 14.1% (12 to 44%). Two groups were defined based on the severity of left ventricular dysfunction: Group I with 12 P and Group II with 8 P. In Group I, 8 P had complex ventricular ectopy and, in Group II, 1 P had complex ventricular ectopy (p < 0.05). Comparing mean left ventricular ejection fraction in the two groups of arrhythmias (simple and complex), 33.9 +/- 12.5% and 22.1 +/- 13.8%, we found out a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). After an eight to thirty six months of follow-up, a greater number of cardiac events (mortality, transplant) were detected in the groups of complex arrhythmia and of more severe cardiac dysfunction., Conclusions: We conclude that there is a high frequency of ventricular arrhythmias in this group of patients with idiopathic DCM. Complex ventricular arrhythmias were more frequently associated to more severe left ventricular dysfunction. The number of cardiac events at follow-up was higher in patients with complex ventricular arrhythmias and in those with more depressed cardiac function.

Objectives: To evaluate the relation between premature ventricular complexes morphology and left ventricular myocardial systolic function in patients with proved coronary artery disease., Setting: Department of Cardiology at General Hospital., Methods: From 112 patients (pts) with proved coronary artery disease, thirty-three pts with premature ventricular complexes (PVC) detected during treadmill exercise stress test were selected. Two groups of pts were considered: group I-20 pts with regular contour or with a narrow notching (< 40 ms; type I PVC) and group II-13 patients with wide notching (> 40 ms; type II PVC). In each group the following parameters were studied: ejection fraction, QRS duration, duration of exercise, number of metabolic units and the prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation., Results: Statistical significant differences were found between group I and II concerning the mean ejection fraction (59.2% vs 48.6%; p < 0.05). The prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation was higher in patients with type II ventricular premature complexes (10% vs 30%)., Conclusion: Particular characteristics of premature ventricular complexes detected during treadmill exercise stress test, in patients with proved coronary artery disease, suggest the presence of left ventricular myocardial systolic dysfunction.

Objectives: To evaluate the characteristics of myocardial ischemia during daily life and their coronariographic significance in a group of patients with proven coronary artery disease undergoing peripheral vascular surgery., Setting: Department of Cardiology--Central Hospital--Lisbon., Methods: In 14 patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery and in whom coronariography revealed coronary significative lesions, Holter monitoring was performed during a 24-hour period. Two groups of ischemic episodes were considered: Group A constituted by 44 episodes detected in patients with left main or three vessel disease and group B by 12 episodes detected in patients with one ot two vessel disease. In each group the ischemic parameters were studied., Result: The incidence of myocardial ischemia was 64%. Statistically significant differences were observed between group A and B concerning the mean heart rate variation from two minutes before the onset of ST-segment depression to its onset (2.39 bpm vs 8.75 bpm; p < 0.05), from the onset of ST-segment depression to its maximal depression (4.43 bpm vs 16.67 bpm; p < 0.001) and from two minutes before St-segment depression to its maximal depression (6.82 bpm vs 25.4 bpm; p < 0.00001). No differences were found in duration and maximal ST-segment depression., Conclusion: Particular characteristics of heart rate variation related to the ischemic episodes seem to have a relation with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery.

The authors report a case of valvular pulmonary stenosis in a 60 years old patient, admitted to hospital with heart failure and angor pectoris. Four years previously a VVI pacemaker had been implanted for complete heart block. At the time of the admission he had two pacemakers leads in the right ventricle; one of them was retained and functionless since the changing of the generator which occurred 1 year before. The usual complications of endocardial pacemakers are discussed, as well as the natural course and surgery indications for valvular pulmonary stenosis in adults.

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic importance of two-dimensional echocardiography in patients (pts) with acute myocardial infarction., Setting: Department of Cardiology in a Central Hospital., Methods: In 71 pts (63 men and 8 women) aged 35 to 75 years interned with a proved myocardial infarction, a score of left ventricular segmental wall motion was used on echocardiographic examination performed during the late hospital phase, to evaluate left ventricular function. Two groups of pts were considered: group A constituted by 38 pts with complication detected during follow-up that ranged 4 to 18 months; group B by 33 pts with no cardiac events for the same period. The relation of the wall motion score with each group and the location of myocardial infarction was performed., Results: In group A, the mean score index was 1.67 in pts with angina, 1.08 in pts with heart failure and 0.82 in pts who died. The mean score index was 1.25, 1.57 and 1.18 respectively in pts with an anterior, inferior and antero-inferior infarction. In group B, the mean score index was 1.70 in pts with an anterior infarction, 1.85 in those with an inferior infarction and 1.33 in the patient with an antero-inferior infarction. Patients with a non-Q wave infarction had a mean score index of 2. The mean score index was significantly different between group A and B (respectively 1.33 vs 1.79; p less than 0.00001) and a mean score index of 1.53 was considered the mean risk value., Conclusions: Two-dimensional echocardiography performed during hospital predischarge permits risk stratification after acute myocardial infarction, specially for death and heart failure.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate in a group of patients with sick sinus syndrome: 1) Characteristics of arrhythmia on Holter monitoring. 2) Value of Holter monitoring to select patients for pacemaker implantation., Setting: Department of Cardiology in a Central Hospital., Methods: In 40 patients (27 men and 13 women, aged 37 to 83 years) Holter monitoring during a 24-hour period was performed. According to the arrhythmia profiles four groups of patients were considered: group A--with severe sinus bradycardia; group B--with sinus bradycardia associated to sinoatrial exit block or to sinus pauses; group C--characterized by the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome and group D--defined by the finding of atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response. Symptoms and the presence of structural heart disease were evaluated., Results: In this patients population, 24 patients had coronary artery disease and/or hypertensive heart disease. A severe sinus bradycardia was found in 14 patients (group A) and in other 11 patients it was accompanied by sinoatrial exist block of sinus pauses (group B); 12 patients had the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (group C) and periods of atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response were found in 3 other patients (Group D). Nonspecific clinical pattern was observed in this population., Conclusions: Holter monitoring was important to the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome and for posterior definitive pacemaker implantation. Coronary artery disease and/or hypertensive heart disease were the main pathologies found in this study, being the severe sinus bradycardia and the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome the principal manifestations of the sick sinus syndrome.

Congenital deficiency of antithrombin III is considered as one serious primary hypercoagulable state. The authors present a case of deficiency of antithrombin III in a 28 years old young male, with aortic valve disease and several thromboembolic events. When discussing their diagnostical and therapeutical aspects they call the attention to the need for investigation of the situations in which thrombophilia presents with recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of post-extrasystolic potentiation (PESP) to detect latent residual contraction function in patients (pts) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy., Design: retrospective study in pts referred for cardiac catheterization., Setting: Haemodynamic Laboratory of Cardiology Service, Bellvitge Hospital. Barcelona, Spain., Patients: the criteria for including pts with sinus rhythm were (SR): 1-The appearance of an extra beat R' on the ventriculogram; 2-The location of R' in relation to the preceding sinus beat R1 and the following beat R2 being such that R1-R' less than R'-R2. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the criteria were: 1-An early beat Re had to be identified; 2-R1-Re interval had to be at most half of the Re-R2 interval; 3-The length of the cardiac cycle preceding R, has to be equal to the mean cycle length. All the patients with an increase of the ejection fraction (EF) from R, to R2 less than 12% were included in group A: 12 patients (3 females, 9 males, mean age 51 years, 5 SR, FE 27 +/- 10%). In group B were included patients with an increase of the ejection fraction greater than or equal to 12%; 14 patients (4 females, 10 males, mean age 50 years, 7 SR, FE = 31 +/- 7%)., Measurements: In each ventriculogram we assessed the performance of left ventricle on R1 and R2 beats by determining: 1-Left ventricular end diastolic (EDV), end systolic (ESV), stroke (SV) volumes; 2-Volumes index (EDVI), (ESVI) (SVI); 3 - Ejection fraction (EF) - Change in ventricular contractility from R1 to R2, delta EF., Results: in the sinus rhythm group the values of R1 and R2 were respectively: EDV: (184 +/- 48 ml/m2; 191 +/- 17 ml/m2; NS); SVI (53 +/- 19 ml/m2; 80 +/- 22 ml/m2; p less than 0.01) FE (29 +/- 7%; 42 +/- 10%; p less than 0.01), delta EF 13 +/- 6%. The change of the ejection fraction from R1 to R2 in pts with SR and AF were respectively: 13 +/- 6% and 11.5 +/- 6.4%; NS. Group A: Deterioration of the functional class and two deaths occurred. Group B: Improvement in functional class in all cases but one., Conclusion: our data suggest that augmented ventricular filling and consequent Starling's effect is not a significant contribute for PESP in pts with dilated cardiomyopathy. The analysis of post extrasystolic beat in SR pts and the beat following an early beat with a long diastole in AF, is a valuable method of determining the residual left ventricular function in this group of pts.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics and angiographic significance of myocardial ischemia detected on Holter monitoring in a group of patients with stable angina pectoris., Setting: Department of Cardiology of a Central Terciary Hospital., Methods: In 24 patients (pts) with stable angina pectoris and proven coronary artery disease (11 pts with left main or three vessel disease; 13 pts with one or two vessel disease), a 24 hour Holter monitoring was performed. Two groups of ischemic episodes were considered: Group I with 65 ischemic episodes detected in pts with left main or three vessel disease and group II constituted by 17 ischemic episodes detected in pts with one or two vessel disease., Results: The incidence of myocardial ischemia was 91% in pts with left main or three vessel disease and 46% in pts with one or two vessel disease. Statistically significant differences were seen between group I and II concerning the mean heart rate variation from two minutes before onset of ST-segment depression to its onset (3.5 bpm vs 7.4 bpm; p less than 0.05) and from the onset of ST-segment depression to its maximal depression (6.5 bpm vs 15 bpm; p less than 0.000001)., Conclusions: The presence of myocardial ischemia and some of its characteristics on Holter monitoring seem to have a relation with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Objective: We reviewed the clinical findings and surgical results of Ebstein's anomaly in adult and adolescent age., Design: Retrospective analysis on clinical data, surgery and follow up., Setting: Patients (pts) studied in the Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Departments of the Santa Marta Hospital, Lisbon., Patients: All pts in whom Ebstein's anomaly was diagnosed by cardiac catheterization or echocardiography or both, between 1875 and 1989 were included., Results: There were 8 cases (4 female and 4 male). The age varied from 15 and 53 years. Cyanosis and dyspnoea were the presenting features in 7 pts. One of the youngest pts had asymptomatic murmurs. Late appearance of cyanosis had no relation with prognosis. Three pts had pulmonary tuberculosis. One woman had no deterioration in cardiac function during two pregnancies. Clinical findings were variable and ranged from absent murmur with third and fourth sounds to systolic murmurs of high intensity. The ECG was abnormal in all pts. A case with delta wave and normal PQ interval was noted. On the chest X-ray we found cardiomegaly in all pts. Echocardiograms were recorded in 6 pts. The delay of tricuspid valve closure on mitral closure was not always diagnostic. Uncomplicated catheter studies were done in 6 pts. Two pts had associated cardiac lesions: ventricular septal defect (VSD) with pulmonary hypertension and mild pulmonary valve stenosis. Right ventricular angiographies were diagnostic in all cases. During medical follow up from 1 year to 10 years (mean-4) one death occurred in one pt with VSD. In the remaining 4 cases no deterioration in cardiac function or cyanosis was noted. Three pts were operated. The indications for surgery were: severe heart failure and/or increasing cyanosis. Two pts had tricuspid valve replacement with biological prosthesis. One pts had Danielson's tricuspid annuloplasty. During surgical follow up from 2 to 15 years (mean-7) functional class improved and cyanosis disappeared in 2 pts and it decreased in the other., Conclusion: In our series of pts with Ebstein's anomaly clinical findings were variable. The indications for surgery were heart failure and cyanosis. The 3 pts operated are alive and have mild symptoms.

Objectives: To evaluate: 1. The incidence and characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias on Holter monitoring and their relation to the clinical, functional and morphological aspects. 2. The survival and therapeutical efficiency of amiodarone in a subgroup of patients with ventricular tachycardia., Setting: Department of Cardiology in a General Hospital., Methods: 23 patients (pts) aged 19 to 74 years with an echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiomyopathy were studied during a four year period by 24 hours Holter monitoring. Ventricular arrhythmias were defined according the Lown classification. Patients were classified according to: obstructive or nonobstructive hypertrophy (funtional groups, 11 and 12 pts respectively), asymmetric hypertrophy of the septum or ventricular concentric hypertrophy or apical hypertrophy (morphological groups, 18, 3 and 2 pts respectively). They were also classified according medical therapy (pharmacological with B-blockers or calcium antagonists and nonpharmacological groups, 7 and 16 pts respectively)., Results: the incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmias was 57.1% and 62.5% in the pharmacological and nonpharmacological groups respectively. In both obstructive and nonobstructive forms, severe ventricular arrhythmias were also found (7/8 pts in each group). 12 pts with asymmetric hypertrophy of the septum and 2 pts with the concentric hypertrophic form also had severe ventricular arrhythmias. Five pts with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia have been submitted to oral amiodarone therapy in a dosage of 200 mg daily. All these pts are alive (follow-up ranged from 15 to 54 months) and in five no significant ventricular arrhythmias have been detected on serial Holter records., Conclusions: the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was high in this patients population and no definitive relation could be found between the severity of ventricular arrhythmias and the previous described groups. Meanwhile, classic medical therapy seems not to alter the incidence and the characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias. On other hand, amiodarone therapy seems to abolish ventricular tachycardia in a large percentage of cases and no death occurred during a significant period of time (maximal 54 months).

The case of a 68 years old man admitted because of angina "de novo" and submitted to coronariography is reported. The rest ECG showed abnormalities of the ST-T suggesting myocardial ischemia. The coronariography showed: No significant atherosclerotic lesions. The left coronary artery had an anomalous origin; the left descending coronary artery originated from an independent ostium located at the right Valsalva sinus, the circumflex artery had its origin at the same ostium as the right coronary artery.

Objectives: Evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic efficacy of enalapril in the treatment of severe congestive heart failure, refractory to the classic therapeutics with diuretics and digitalis., Setting: Hospitalized patients (pts) of a cardiac department., Material and Methods: 10 pts with a mean age of 57.8 years in whom a Swan-Ganz catheter was placed for 72 hours to monitor the right pressures and cardiac output, with regular control of arterial blood pressure and cardiac frequency. Low doses of enalapril (2.5 mg) were utilized at the start of the treatment and this dose was readjusted depending on the clinic and hemodynamic parameters., Results: the 10 pts had the following characteristics: Basal-mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) 34.1 mmHg, Pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) 21.1 mmHg, cardiac output (CO) 4.8 l/min, cardiac index (CI) 2.8 l/min/m2. After 72 hours with enalapril treatment, these measurements were: PAP-23.8 mmHg, PWP-12.6 mmHg, CO-5.2 l/min and Cl-3.0 ll/min/m2. These differences were statistically significant. With a follow-up of 18.4 months, there was also a clinical improvement; of the 4 pts in class III, 2 moved to class II and 2 to class I; the 4 pts in class IV 4 moved to class II; two pts had died., Conclusions: In severe heart failure, the addition of enalapril to the classic therapy has allowed the immediate improvement of the clinical and hemodynamic indexes and this improvement was maintained in the follow-up period.