Search

Patients with Fontan circulation (FC) have a high incidence of clinical complications. However, no biomarker is able to accurately stratify risk. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between biomarkers and clinical complications, including carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) for the first time, and to propose a risk estimation based on a combination of biomarkers.Cross-sectional study of patients with FC. The clinical endpoint was the combination of heart failure, atrial arrhythmias, veno-venous fistulae, protein-losing enteropathy, or plastic bronchitis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed, including CA125, NT-proBNP, renal and liver function, and red cell distribution width (RDW). We performed univariate and multivariate analyses of the relationship between these variables and the composite endpoint. Cutoff values were calculated by ROC curves.We included 56 patients (27.4±7.8 years). A total of 34% showed the composite endpoint, with significantly higher CA125 levels (30.1 IU/mL vs 12.6 IU/mL; P=.001). In the multivariate model, the biomarkers related to the endpoint were LnCA125 (OR, 5.1; 95%CI, 1.2-22), RDW (OR, 1.8; 95%CI, 1.1-3.1), and FIB4 (OR, 38, 95%CI, 1.7-855). The cutoff points were CA125 ≥ 20 U/mL, FIB4 ≥ 0.75, and RDW ≥ 14.5%, and the probability of the occurrence of the endpoint was 81% if ≥ 2 biomarkers were elevated.CA125 elevation is associated with a higher prevalence of complications in patients with Fontan-type circulation. CA125 levels ≥ 20U/mL, FIB4 ≥ 0.75 and RDW ≥ 14.5% identify with a high probability the clinical failure of FC.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Algunos estudios indican que los parametros de strain por speckle-tracking pueden ser una alternativa no invasiva a la biopsia endomiocardica para excluir el rechazo celular agudo (RCA) moderado o grave (≥ 2 R) tras el trasplante cardiaco (TxC). En una cohorte inicial, unos puntos de corte del 15,5% para el strain longitudinal global del ventriculo izquierdo (SLGVI) y el 17% para el strain de pared libre del ventriculo derecho mostraron un valor predictivo negativo del 100% para excluir RCA ≥ 2 R. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la utilidad del strain y validar estos puntos de corte en una cohorte multicentrica prospectiva externa. Metodos Estudio multicentrico y prospectivo que incluyo a pacientes con seguimiento el primer ano tras el TC. Se compararon los resultados de biopsias electivas con ecocardiogramas realizados el mismo dia. Resultados Se incluyo a 99 pacientes y 501 pares de biopsias-ecocardiogramas. El RCA ≥ 2 R en las biopsias fue del 7,4%. El SLGVI y el strain longitudinal de pared libre del ventriculo derecho fueron menores durante los RCA ≥ 2 R en el analisis univariante. En el analisis multivariante, el SLGVI se asocio de manera independiente con el RCA ≥ 2 R. Los puntos de corte originales mostraron un valor predictivo negativo del 94,3% el RCA ≥ 2 R. Conclusiones Este estudio mantiene un alto valor predictivo negativo para excluir RCA ≥ 2 R tras el TxC y el SLGVI se asocio de manera independiente con el RCA ≥ 2 R. El strain y, principalmente, el SLGVI pueden ser de utilidad en el diagnostico y el tratamiento no invasivo del RCA.

[ES] Introducción y objetivos: Hay pocos datos sobre la evolución en adultos de la dilatación de la raíz neoaórtica (RAO) y la insuficiencia valvular neoaórtica (IA) tras la cirugía de switch arterial (SA) en la transposición de grandes arterias. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de 152 pacientes con transposición de grandes arterias, mayores de 15 años, intervenidos mediante SA y seguidos durante 4,9 ± 3,3 años en 2 centros de referencia. Se analizaron los cambios de diámetro de la RAO ajustados a superficie corporal y la progresión a grado moderado/grave de la IA con ecocardiografías seriadas. Se realizó un modelo de regresión de Cox para identificar factores predictores de progresión de la IA. Resultados: Inicialmente, 4 pacientes (2,6%) presentaban IA grave (3 habían precisado cirugía valvular) y 9 (5,9%) moderada. La RAO basal media era 20,05 ± 2,4 mm/m2, y al final del seguimiento, 20,73 ± 2,8 mm/m2 (p < 0,001), con un crecimiento medio de 0,14 (IC95%, 0,07-0,2) mm/m2/año. La IA progresó en 20 (13,5%) y 6 (4%) fueron intervenidos. La progresión de IA se asoció con válvula bicúspide, IA inicial, dilatación de la RAO inicial y crecimiento de la RAO. La válvula bicúspide (HR = 3,3; IC95%, 1,1-15,2; p = 0,037), la IA inicial (HR = 5,9; IC95%, 1,6-59,2; p = 0,006) y el crecimiento de la RAO (HR = 4,1; IC95%, 2-13,5; p = 0,023) resultaron predictores independientes. Conclusiones: La dilatación de la RAO y la IA progresan en el adulto joven intervenido mediante SA. La válvula bicúspide, la IA basal y el crecimiento de la RAO son predictores de progresión de IA., [EN] Introduction and objectives: There are limited data on the long-term development of neoaortic root dilatation (NRD) and neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) after arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries during adult life. Methods: We performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 152 patients older than 15 years who underwent ASO for transposition of the great arteries and who were followed-up for 4.9 ± 3.3 years in 2 referral centers. Sequential changes in body surface-adjusted aortic root dimensions and progression to moderate/severe AR were determined in patients with 2 or more echocardiographic examinations. Risk factors for dilatation were tested by Cox regression to identify predictors of AR progression. Results: At baseline, moderate AR was present in 9 patients (5.9%) and severe AR in 4 (2.6%), of whom 3 had required aortic valve surgery. Initially, the median neoaortic root dimension was 20.05 ± 2.4 mm/m2, which increased significantly to 20.73 ± 2.8 mm/m2 (P < .001) at the end of follow-up. The mean change over time was 0.14 mm/m2/y (95%CI, 0.07-0.2). Progressive AR was observed in 20 patients (13.5%) and 6 patients (4%) required aortic valve surgery. Progressive AR was associated with bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, NRD at baseline, and neoaortic root enlargement. Independent predictors were bicuspid valve (HR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.1-15.2; P = .037), AR at baseline (HR, 5.9; 95%CI, 1.6-59.2; P = .006) and increase in NRD (HR, 4.1 95%CI, 2-13.5; P = .023). Conclusions: In adult life, NRD and AR progress over time after ASO. Predictors of progressive AR are bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, and increase in NRD.

Spatiotemporal complexity of the color Doppler vena contracta challenging the assumption of a circular and constant orifice may lead to mitral regurgitation (MR) grading inconsistencies. Using 3D transesophageal echocardiography, we characterized spatiotemporal vena contracta complexity and its impact on MR severity grading.In 192 patients with suspected moderate or severe MR (100 primary MR [PMR]; 92 secondary MR [SMR]), we performed three-dimensional vena contracta area (VCA) quantification using single-frame (midsystolic or VCAmid, maximum or VCAmax) and multiframe (VCAmean) methods, as well as measures of orifice shape (shape index) and systolic variation of VCA. Vena contracta complexity and intermethod discrepancies were analyzed and correlated with functional class and pulmonary vein flow (PVF) patterns and with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a subset of cases (n = 20).The vena contracta was noncircular (shape index1.5) in 90% of patients. Severe noncircularity (shape index3) was more prevalent in SMR than in PMR (32.4% vs 14.6%). Variations of the VCA were more prominent in SMR than in PMR. VCAmid showed a low grading agreement with VCAmax (62%) and high grading agreement with VCAmean (83.3%). Pulmonary vein flow systolic reversal was associated with MR severity by VCA in SMR but not in PMR. VCAmid and VCAmean showed a stronger association with systolic flow reversal than VCAmax (area under the curve, 0.88, 0.86, and 0.79, respectively). In the subset of patients with CMR quantification, severe MR by VCAmax was graded as nonsevere by CMR more frequently compared with VCAmid and VCAmean.Highly prevalent spatiotemporal vena contracta complexity features in MR challenge the assumption of a circular and constant orifice. VCAmid seems the best single-frame approximation to multiframe quantification, and VCAmax may lead to severity overestimation.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La insuficiencia pulmonar (IP) es una complicacion frecuente tras la intervencion de cardiopatias congenitas. La expresion en leucocitos mononucleares circulantes (LMC) de los adrenoceptores (β1 y β2) y de las cinasas (GRK2, GRK3 y GRK5) refleja los cambios neurohumorales que se producen en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). El objetivo principal es describir la expresion genica de dichas moleculas en LMC de pacientes con IP grave. Metodos Estudio prospectivo que analizo la expresion de las moleculas descritas en LMC de pacientes con IP grave en comparacion con controles sanos y pacientes con IC avanzada. Resultados Se estudio a 35 pacientes con IP grave, 22 controles y 13 pacientes con IC. El analisis de comparaciones multiples mostro que en los controles la cantidad de ARN mensajero de adrenoceptor β2 era mayor que el que presentaban los pacientes con IP y con IC, con similar expresion en estos 2 grupos: 748,49 (intervalo, 1.703,87) frente a 402,80 (1.210,81) frente a 287,46 (685,69) (p = 0,001). Estos mismos hallazgos se obtuvieron en la expresion genica de GRK2: 760,89 (1.169,46) frente a 445,17 (1.190,69) frente a 284,09 (585,27) (p Conclusiones El patron de expresion genica de GRK2 y del adrenoceptor β2 de los pacientes con IP grave, como marcadores moleculares de disfuncion cardiaca, se encuentra alterado respecto a los controles y es similar al de los pacientes con IC avanzada.

Background Adult patients with single ventricle (SV) physiology who had not undergone Fontan palliation are uncommon. Little is known about their clinical features and outcomes. Objective This study aims to describe the clinical features, cardiovascular outcomes and long-term survival of patients with SV physiology without Fontan palliation. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from SV physiology patients followed in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) units of five tertiary referral centers. None of them had Fontan palliation. Baseline data were recorded on the first visit at ACHD unit. Death was considered as main endpoint. Other outcomes such as atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, endocarditis, ICD or pacemaker implantation, admission for heart failure and heart transplant were also collected and analyzed. Association between clinical/analytical baseline variables and death was also evaluated by univariate Cox regression. Results 128 patients were included. On the first visit, mean age was 32.3±10.9 years, being the most common defect double inlet left ventricle (63p, 49.2%). The single ventricle had left morphology in 106 cases (82.8%). At baseline mean heaemglobin was 19.1±2.8 g/dl, mean O2 Sat 83±6.9% and 46 patients (36%) had a NYHA status III or IV. 4 different groups were found: a) Unrestricted pulmonary flow with Eisenmenger physiology (24p, 18.8%); b) Restricted forward pulmonary flow with or without pulmonary banding (46p, 35.9%); c) Aortopulmonary shunts as a source of pulmonary flow (20p, 15.5%) and d) cavopulmonary shunt (Glenn) as a definitive palliation (38p, 29.7%). After 7.3±4.1 years follow-up, mortality was 22.7% (29 patients), being sudden death (9p, 7%) the most frequent cause. Survival rate at 5 and 10 years of follow-up were 85% and 76% respectively (Figure 1). About of the rest of the outcomes, highlighting a high rate of atrial tachycardia (38.3%), admission for heart failure (23.4%), stroke (17.2%), endocarditis (9.4%), pacemaker/ICD implantation (11.8%). Baseline variables associated with higher mortality were: older age (HR=1.1 [1.004–1–087]); NYHA III or IV (HR=5.5 [2.4–12.4]); thrombocytopenia (HR=1.01 [1.001–1.003]); anticoagulant treatment (HR=2.6 [1.7–3.9]); glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min (HR=3.77 [1.5–9.6]); QRS width (HR=1.03 [1.01–1.05]); atrial arrhythmias (HR=3.1 [1.5–6.5]); moderate or severe AV valve regurgitation (HR=1.5 [1.15–1.97]) and ventricular ejection fraction (HR=0.94 [0.91-0.97]). Conclusions Adults survivors with SV physiology without Fontan palliation have a high mortality and frequently suffer from serious cardiovascular events. Several clinical (NYHA status, previous atrial arrhythmias, anticoagulant treatment), analytical (renal function, thrombocytopenia), ECG (QRS width) and echocardiography (AV valve regurgitation and EF) factors can identify patients at higher risk of death. Figure 1. Survival curve Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Patients with univentricular physiology who do not complete the palliation to Fontan are a heterogeneous group with unknown long term outcome. Aims This study aimed at describing the clinical course and long-term survival of patients with SV physiology with restricted pulmonary flow that had not undergone a Fontan type of repair. Methods From the prospectively maintained databases of the adult congenital cardiac units of five tertiary referral centers, data from all SV physiology patients were obtained. Patients completing a Fontan type palliation or developing Eisenmenger physiology and segmental pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Baseline data were recorded on the first visit at adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) unit. The primary end point was death. Results 101 patients (50.5% females) were identified. Mean age at end of follow up was 39.3±11.3 years. Of these, 45 (44.6%) were unoperated (group 1, restricted forward pulmonary flow with or without pulmonary banding), 38 (37.6%) had undergone a cavopulmonary shunt as a definitive palliation (group 2) and 18 (17.8%) had aortopulmonary shunts (group 3). The main diagnosis was double inlet left ventricle (DILV) (N: 52, 51.5%) and most of the ventricle was left (82.2%). The principal reason for not performing a Fontan repair was mean pulmonary artery pressure >18 mmHg. At initial visit at the ACHD unit patients were 32.2±11.1 years of age. 35% of the patients were in NYHA class III-IV, with no differences between groups. However, patients in group 2 had worse oxygen saturation (p=002) and higher haemoglobin (p=0.037). After a mean follow-up of 7.3±4.1 years, mortality was 20.8% (21 patients), being sudden death (7p, 6.9%) the most frequent cause. Patients in group 3 showed worse ventricular function (p=0.0001) and a trend to higher mortality that did not reach statistical significance (HR 2.7, CI 95% 0.91–8.14, P=0.07). Conclusions Patients with single ventricle physiology not undergoing Fontan repair are a population of high risk, with sudden death as main driver of mortality. Patients palliated with aortopulmonary shunts are prone to worse ventricular function and a trend to higher mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES There are limited data on the long-term development of neoaortic root dilatation (NRD) and neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) after arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries during adult life. METHODS We performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 152 patients older than 15 years who underwent ASO for transposition of the great arteries and who were followed-up for 4.9±3.3 years in 2 referral centers. Sequential changes in body surface-adjusted aortic root dimensions and progression to moderate/severe AR were determined in patients with 2 or more echocardiographic examinations. Risk factors for dilatation were tested by Cox regression to identify predictors of AR progression. RESULTS At baseline, moderate AR was present in 9 patients (5.9%) and severe AR in 4 (2.6%), of whom 3 had required aortic valve surgery. Initially, the median neoaortic root dimension was 20.05±2.4mm/m2, which increased significantly to 20.73±2.8mm/m2 (P

Background: Patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure are at risk of developing hepatic dysfunction. However, broad recommendations regarding liver monitoring are limited. The purpose of this study was to characterize the frequency of liver disease in adult Fontan patients using multimodality imaging (hepatic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], acoustic radiation force impulse [ARFI] elastography, or hepatic ultrasound). Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional analysis of adult patients palliated with a Fontan procedure, hepatic MRI, ARFI, and hepatic ultrasound were used to assess for liver disease. The protocol compared (1) varying prevalence of liver disease based on each imaging technique, (2) agreement between different techniques, and (3) association between noninvasive imaging diagnosis of liver disease and clinical variables, including specific liver disease biomarkers. Results: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. The ARFI results showed high wave propagation velocity in 35 patients (94.6%). All patients had some abnormality in the hepatic MRI. Specifically, 8 patients (21.6%) showed signs of chronic liver disease, 10 patients (27%) had significant liver fibrosis, and 27 patients (73%) had congestion. No correlation was found between liver stiffness measured as propagation velocity and hepatic MRI findings. Only 7 patients had an abnormal hepatic ultrasound study. Conclusions: There is an inherent liver injury in adult Fontan patients. Signs of liver disease were observed in most patients by both hepatic MRI and ARFI elastography but not by ultrasound imaging. Increased liver stiffness did not identify specific disease patterns from MRI, supporting the need for multimodality imaging to characterize liver disease in Fontan patients.

Multicenter study [Abstract] Introduction and objectives: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as a promising alternative to endomyocardial biopsy to rule out acute cellular rejection after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) in single center studies. In an original cohort, 15.5% and 17% of cutoff points for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and free-wall right ventricular longitudinal strain, respectively, achieved 100% negative predictive value to exclude moderate or severe acute cellular rejection (ACR ≥ 2R). Our objective was to demonstrate the usefulness of speckle-tracking and validate these cutoff points in an external cohort. Methods: A prospective, multicenter study that included patients who were monitored during their first year after OHT was conducted. Echocardiographic studies analyzed by local investigators were compared with simultaneous paired endomyocardial biopsies samples. Results: A total of 501 endomyocardial biopsy-echocardiographic studies were included in 99 patients. ACR≥2R was present in 7.4% of samples. LVGLS and free-wall right ventricular longitudinal strain were significantly reduced during ACR≥2R on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, LVGLS was independently associated with the presence of ACR≥2R. The original cutoff points demonstrated a negative predictive value of 94.3% to exclude ACR≥2R. Conclusions: This study maintained a strong negative predictive value to exclude ACR≥2R after OHT and LVGLS was independently associated with the presence of ACR≥2R. We propose the use of speckle-tracking, especially LVGLS, as part of the noninvasive diagnosis and management of ACR. [Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Algunos estudios indican que los parámetros de strain por speckle-tracking pueden ser una alternativa no invasiva a la biopsia endomiocárdica para excluir el rechazo celular agudo (RCA) moderado o grave (≥ 2 R) tras el trasplante cardiaco (TxC). En una cohorte inicial, unos puntos de corte del 15,5% para el strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo (SLGVI) y el 17% para el strain de pared libre del ventrículo derecho mostraron un valor predictivo negativo del 100% para excluir RCA ≥ 2 R. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la utilidad del strain y validar estos puntos de corte en una cohorte multicéntrica prospectiva externa. Métodos. Estudio multicéntrico y prospectivo que incluyó a pacientes con seguimiento el primer año tras el TC. Se compararon los resultados de biopsias electivas con ecocardiogramas realizados el mismo día. Resultados. Se incluyó a 99 pacientes y 501 pares de biopsias-ecocardiogramas. El RCA ≥ 2 R en las biopsias fue del 7,4%. El SLGVI y el strain longitudinal de pared libre del ventrículo derecho fueron menores durante los RCA ≥ 2 R en el análisis univariante. En el análisis multivariante, el SLGVI se asoció de manera independiente con el RCA ≥ 2 R. Los puntos de corte originales mostraron un valor predictivo negativo del 94,3% el RCA ≥ 2 R. Conclusiones. Este estudio mantiene un alto valor predictivo negativo para excluir RCA ≥ 2 R tras el TxC y el SLGVI se asoció de manera independiente con el RCA ≥ 2 R. El strain y, principalmente, el SLGVI pueden ser de utilidad en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento no invasivo del RCA.

Purpose Radiation exposure (RE) is a matter of concern for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who not infrequently need multiple interventional procedures under fluoroscopy guidance. We sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a minimally fluoroscopic approach in patients with CHD undergoing catheter ablation using a new image integration module (IIM). Methods Consecutive patients with CHD undergoing catheter ablation using the Carto Univu (TM) IIM were included. A near-zero fluoroscopy procedure was defined by an effective dose (ED)

Background In patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), studies have shown an association between coexisting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and short-term prognosis. It is not known whether complete compression ultrasound testing (CCUS) improves the risk stratification of their disease beyond the recommended prognostic models. Methods We included patients with normotensive acute symptomatic PE and prognosticated them with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) risk model for PE. Subsequently, we determined the prognostic significance of coexisting DVT in patients with various ESC risk categories. The primary endpoint was a complicated course after the diagnosis of PE, defined as death from any cause, haemodynamic collapse, or adjudicated recurrent PE. Results According to the ESC model, 37% of patients were low-risk, 56% were intermediate-low risk, and 6.7% were intermediate-high risk. CCUS demonstrated coexisting DVT in 375 (44%) patients. Among the 313 patients with low-risk PE, coexisting DVT (46%) did not show a significant increased risk of complicated course (2.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8%–7.0%), compared with those without DVT (0.6%; 95% CI, 0%–3.2%), (P = 0.18). Of the 478 patients with intermediate-low risk PE, a complicated course was 14% and 6.8% for those with and without DVT, respectively (P = 0.01). Of the 57 patients that had intermediate-high risk PE, a complicated course occurred in 17% and 18% for those with and without DVT, respectively (P = 1.0). Conclusions In normotensive patients with PE, testing for coexisting DVT might improve risk stratification of patients at intermediate-low risk for short-term complications.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is a frequent complication after repair of congenital heart disease. Lymphocyte expression of adrenoceptors (β1 and β2) and kinases (GRK2, GRK3, and GRK5) reflects the neurohumoral changes that occur in heart failure (HF). The main objective of this study was to describe the gene expression of these molecules in circulating lymphocytes in patients with severe PR. METHODS A prospective study was conducted to analyze lymphocyte expression of these molecules in patients with severe PR and compare it with expression in healthy controls and patients with advanced HF. RESULTS We studied 35 patients with severe PR, 22 healthy controls, and 13 patients with HF. Multiple comparisons analysis showed that β2-adrenoceptor gene expression levels were higher in the control group than in patients in the PR and HF groups and that expression in the latter 2 groups was similar (748.49 [rank 1703.87] vs 402.80 [rank 1210.81] vs 287.46 [rank 685.69] P = .001). Similar findings were obtained in gene expression of GRK2 (760.89 [rank 1169.46] vs 445.17 [rank 1190.69] vs 284.09 [rank 585.27] P < .001). There were no differences in expression levels of these molecules according to clinical variables in patients with PR. CONCLUSIONS The gene expression pattern of GRK2 and β2-adrenoceptor as molecular markers of cardiac dysfunction was altered in patients with severe PR compared with controls and was similar to expression in patients with advanced HF.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La insuficiencia pulmonar es una complicacion frecuente en pacientes con tetralogia de Fallot o estenosis pulmonar congenita reparada. Se han correlacionado variables electrocardiograficas con parametros de funcion del ventriculo derecho. Proponemos analizar el valor diagnostico de la anchura y la fragmentacion del electrocardiograma en la identificacion de pacientes con disfuncion y/o dilatacion del ventriculo derecho. Metodos Seleccionamos a 107 pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de insuficiencia pulmonar grave tras reparacion de estenosis pulmonar o tetralogia de Fallot. Se les realizo electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma y resonancia magnetica. Cada electrocardiograma se analizo manualmente midiendo la duracion del QRS. Definimos fragmentacion del QRS como la presencia de ondas de bajo voltaje en la porcion terminal del QRS en al menos dos derivaciones contiguas. Resultados Se obtuvo una correlacion negativa y significativa entre anchura del QRS y funcion del ventriculo derecho, asi como una correlacion positiva con el volumen de este. De la curva ROC se obtuvo el punto de corte en 140 ms de anchura del QRS, que mostro buena sensibilidad para el diagnostico de dilatacion (> 80%) y disfuncion (> 95%) del ventriculo derecho. En los modelos de regresion logistica, QRSd > 140 ms se mostro como el unico predictor independiente de dilatacion y disfuncion del ventriculo derecho. Conclusiones El electrocardiograma es una herramienta rapida, disponible y reproducible. La anchura del QRS permite predecir de manera independiente la presencia de dilatacion y disfuncion del ventriculo derecho. Este es el primer estudio que propone un punto de corte en la anchura del QRS para el cribado de afeccion del ventriculo derecho.

Resumen La funcion del ventriculo derecho tiene un importante papel en la morbilidad y la mortalidad de los pacientes sometidos a cirugia cardiaca. En este articulo se hace una revision de las diferentes herramientas diagnosticas disponibles en quirofano, entre las que destacan la vision directa del corazon, la ecocardiografia en sus distintas modalidades (transesofagica, epicardica), el estudio hemodinamico invasivo con el cateter de Swan-Ganz y, en casos de infarto del ventriculo derecho, el electrocardiograma. Los diferentes metodos diagnosticos disponibles son complementarios y no excluyentes, ya que cada uno de ellos aporta informacion que subsana las limitaciones de los diferentes sistemas de monitorizacion hemodinamica.

The prevalence of adults with congenital heart disease has dramatically increased during the last decades due to significant advances in the surgical correction of these conditions. As a result, patient's survival has been prolonged and arrhythmias have become one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality for these patients. The surface 12-lead ECG may play a critical role in the identification of the underlying heart disease of the patient, the recognition of the arrhythmia mechanism and may also help in the planification of the ablation procedure in this setting. Finally, important prognostic information can be also obtained from the ECG in these patients. The present review will offer an overview of the principal utilities of the surface ECG in the diagnosis and management of patients with CHD and arrhythmias. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

La enteropatia pierdeproteinas es una infrecuente pero muy grave complicacion que aparece en determinados pacientes que desarrollan linfangiectasia intestinal secundaria a un incremento de la presion venosa sistemica. Se han descrito diferentes tratamientos, con resultados dispares y en la mayoria de las ocasiones sin respuesta favorable. El objetivo del estudio es mostrar el trasplante cardiaco como una opcion terapeutica adecuada para pacientes sin respuesta positiva al tratamiento medico. En nuestro centro se ha trasplantado a 3 pacientes con estas caracteristicas, con un seguimiento medio de 11 ± 2 meses. Ningun paciente fallecio y en todos ellos se documento una reversibilidad de la enteropatia.

Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare but life-threatening complication that occurs in some patients who develop intestinal lymphangiectasis secondary to increased systemic venous pressure. Although different forms of treatment have been tried, with varying results, the majority were reported to be unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that heart transplantation may be an appropriate therapeutic option for patients who do not respond to medical treatment. At our center, we performed heart transplantations in three patients with this condition. The mean follow-up period was 11+/-2 months. No patient died and the enteropathy regressed in all three.

Summary. Background: Cardiovascular risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) are less frequent in younger than in older MI survivors. Therefore, the thrombotic component of MI may play a more important role at a young age. As activated protein C (APC) provides systemic anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory protection, a low plasma APC level may be an arterial thrombotic risk factor. Aim: To determine whether there is an association between reduced APC levels and early MI and severe coronary lesions. Methods: APC was measured in 231 young MI survivors and 231 controls. Results: Low APC levels were significantly associated with MI. Compared with the fourth quartile, the odds ratio (OR) for APC values in the first quartile was 3.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.1–6.4], and 3.2 (1.5–7.0) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, each decrease of 0.43 ng mL−1 (1 SD) in APC increased the OR 1.7 times (1.4–2.2), and 1.5 times (1.2–1.9) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Low APC levels were also associated with the number of coronary arteries affected and with the severity of coronary lesions (P

Background In renal transplantation, the degree of HLA matching has been reported to be negatively correlated with graft loss, with the number of rejections with complications. This association is less clear in heart transplantation, where there are contradictory studies, although most are consistent with those in renal transplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze differences in the probability of survival and the incidence of complications during follow-up according to the degree of HLA-A, -B, and -DR matching. Materials and methods Two hundred forty-three consecutive patients transplanted over a 13-year period were analyzed for age, gender, pretransplant factors associated with mortality, number of rejections and infections, incidence of acute graft failure, arterial hypertension, diabetes, and survival time with cause of death with reference to the number of HLA matches (zero to six). Exclusion criteria included retransplants, heart–lung transplants, pediatric transplants, and perioperative mortality. Groups were compared using the χ2 and ANOVA (Bonferroni posthoc test) tests. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared using the log rank test. The significance level was set at P Results The overall probability of survival of our series at 1, 5, and 10 years was 85%, 77%, and 60%, respectively. HLA-A, -B, and -DR compatibility: No significant differences were found when the curves were compared (log-rank: .005). The best survival rates were obtained with lower degrees of matching. No significant differences were found in the number of rejections or infections, although survival rates (P = .007) were higher among those with the lower degrees of matching. Conclusions A higher degree of HLA-A, -B, and -DR matching did not have a positive effect on heart transplant patient survival, rejection episodes or infections.

To evaluate the pattern of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration in heart transplant (HT) recipients and its relation to the degree of graft rejection determined by endomyocardial biopsy specimen.We studied 71 consecutive HT recipients (62 men, 53 +/- 11 years). The patients underwent 383 biopsies. Creatinine and BNP concentrations and hemodynamic parameters were determined along with the degree of graft rejection using endomyocardial biopsy specimens. We considered treatable rejection as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Gradeor=2 in the first 90 days andor=3A thereafter. We included a control group of 36 healthy individuals.Brain natriuretic peptide concentration was significantly greater among HT recipients (264 +/- 318 pg/ml) than in controls (17 +/- 16 pg/ml). In the first 90 days, BNP concentration was significantly greater among the patients with graft rejection (510 +/- 470, n = 84, vs 278 +/- 255, n = 87; p0.0001), although the corresponding discriminatory capacity was small. After the first 90 days, BNP values were similar in patients with and without graft rejection (170 +/- 297, n = 17, vs 142 +/- 203, n = 195; p = not significant). Creatinine concentration increased with time after transplantation and did not correlate with BNP concentration. We observed significant positive correlation between BNP concentration and hemodynamic parameters.Brain natriuretic peptide concentration remains increased after HT, with stabilization after the 4th month. Brain natriuretic peptide concentrations are slightly greater among patients with treatable rejection, particularly in the first 90 days, although BNP concentration lacks discriminatory capacity to serve as a guide to performing biopsy.

Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a fibrinolytic inhibitor. Studies in coronary artery disease have reported increased TAFI activity (TAFI Act) and low TAFI antigen (TAFI Ag) levels. This controversy might be explained by the polymorphisms of its gene. Only the Thr325Ile polymorphism modulates both TAFI Ag and Act levels in vitro. This study assessed TAFI Ag and Act levels, TAFI Thr325Ile polymorphism, the fibrinolytic and protein C systems and some prothrombotic mutations in a young patient group (n = 127, aged < 51 years, with myocardial infarction) and a control group (n = 99) with similar characteristics. Patients exhibited hypofibrinolysis and higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. Although TAFI Ag was lower, TAFI Act level was significantly higher in patients and positively correlated with PAI-1, protein C inhibitor and the euglobulin lysis time. No differences between groups were found according to the Thr325Ile polymorphism. Irrespective of the genotype, patients had higher TAFI Act levels. The Ile-325 variant exhibited lower TAFI Ag levels. We suggest that the hypofibrinolysis observed in these patients results from an increase in both PAI-1 and TAFI Act, which is not related to the Thr325Ile polymorphism. Patients have high TAFI Act with low TAFI Ag levels, probably because of an increased stability of TAFI related to a fibrinolytic hypofunction.

Introduction and objective. Acute graft failure (AGF) is defined as significant failure of myocardial function in a newly implanted heart. The aim of the present study was to investigate a series of factors related to heart transplantation (HT) in relation to AGF. Material and method. In a study of 287 consecutive HTs performed over a 14-year period, AGF was defined when: a) the surgeon observed ventricular dysfunction before closing the sternotomy; b) various inotropic drugs were required at high doses in the first days after surgery, or c) ventricular dysfunction was identified by routine echocardiography in the immediate postoperative period. Statistical analysis comprised a descriptive and univariate comparative study, followed by multivariate analysis based on application of a logistical regression model. Results. The incidence of AGF was 22%. Predictors of AGF were female donor status (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4; p = 0.02), a disproportion of more than 20% in donor-recipient body weight (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3; p = 0.02), and background ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 5.5-1.1; p = 0.03) or valve pathology (OR = 5.0; 95% CI, 7.0-1.5; p = 0.01). Conclusions. AGF is a frequent pathology, which was present in 22% of our heart transplantation patients. Among the modifiable factors related to AGF was a clear disproportion in body weight and the size of grafts from female donors. Unmodifiable factors related to AGF were ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease as a cause of heart transplantation.

Introduccion y objetivos En la actualidad se han identificado diversos marcadores bioquimicos en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) que podrian indicarnos la gravedad del paciente. De entre ellos, el probablemente mas util por la facilidad de su obtencion e informacion diagnostica-pronostica es el peptido cerebral natriuretico (BNP). Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la asociacion entre el BNP y diferentes variables asociadas a la IC, asi como calcular su poder discriminante del tipo de IC (sistolica frente a diastolica). Pacientes y metodo Estudiamos a 114 pacientes ingresados de forma consecutiva por IC descompensada, cualquiera que fuera su etiologia (edad media: 66 anos, varones: 60%). En todos ellos se determino la concentracion de BNP, en muestras sanguineas obtenidas a partir del tercer dia de ingreso hospitalario, mediante ensayo radioinmunometrico. En 101 pacientes se realizo estudio ecocardiografico. Resultados Las concentraciones plasmaticas de BNP fueron mayores en pacientes con grados avanzados de estadio funcional (p = 0,01), sexo masculino (p = 0,008), mayor creatinina plasmatica (p = 0,01, r = 0,25), peor funcion sistolica del ventriculo izquierdo (p = 0,0001, r = 0,44), mayores diametros ventriculares (p = 0,0001) y mayor presion sistolica de la arteria pulmonar (p = 0,001, r = 0,44). En el analisis multivariado, el BNP se asocio de forma independiente del resto de variables con la funcion sistolica del ventriculo izquierdo (p = 0,0001). A pesar de esta asociacion, ningun valor de BNP fue capaz de discriminar con un adecuado valor de sensibilidad y especificidad, del total de pacientes con IC, cuales presentaban disfuncion sistolica. Conclusiones a) El BNP aumenta de forma proporcional a la disfuncion ventricular izquierda y la gravedad de la insuficiencia cardiaca, y b) el BNP no puede emplearse en el diagnostico diferencial del tipo de IC (disfuncion sistolica frente a diastolica).

Introduccion y objetivos En el infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) anterior, el lugar de la oclusion de la arteria descendente anterior (DA) se relaciona con la extension de la necrosis y con el pronostico. El proposito del estudio fue valorar la utilidad del electrocardiograma (ECG) para predecir el lugar de la oclusion de la DA en pacientes con IAM anterior y enfermedad aislada de la DA. Metodos Estudio retrospectivo en el que se incluyen a 45 pacientes consecutivos con un primer IAM de localizacion anterior y enfermedad aislada de la DA. Analizamos el ECG que mostro la mayor desviacion del segmento ST (ST) previo al tratamiento fibrinolitico y lo correlacionamos con el nivel lesional en la DA en coronariografia realizada antes del alta hospitalaria en relacion con la primera septal dominante y primera diagonal, distinguiendo: territorio septal afectado («S»), territorio diagonal afectado («D»), ambos afectados («S + D») o ninguno. Resultados El descenso del segmento ST en las derivaciones II, III o aVF fue un potente predictor de lesion proximal en la DA en las localizaciones angiograficas «S + D», «S» y «D» (p = 0,003, p = 0,04 y p = 0,02, respectivamente). El ascenso del ST en II, III o aVF unicamente se observo en pacientes con una DA desarrollada que daba la vuelta al apex y se relaciono con lesion distal a la diagonal dominante (p Conclusiones En el IAM anterior y enfermedad exclusiva de la DA, el ECG puede ser una herramienta util en la prediccion del nivel lesional de la DA en relacion con sus ramas principales.

Introduction and objective. In recent years, the relation between biological markers of inflammation and prognosis in patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes has been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between baseline fibrinogen concentrations and the development of clinical events in patients admitted with suspicion of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Material and method. Levels of fibrinogen at enrollment were analyzed in 325 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes. Fibrinogen values were divided into tertiles and the incidence of clinical events was evaluated at each level. The combination of death and/or myocardial infarction was the main endpoint. Results. Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients who subsequently had myocardial infarction, cardiac death, or both during follow up. The probabilities of death and/or myocardial infarction were 6%, 13%, and 29% (p < 0.0001), respectively, in patients grouped by fibrinogen tertiles (304, 305-374 and 375 mg/dl). Multivariate predictors of combined events were age, previous angina, ST-segment depression in the admission ECG, and fibrinogen into tertiles. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for patients in the upper tertile was 4.8 (1.614; p = 0.004). Conclusions. High fibrinogen levels were related to a less favorable long-term or short-term outcome in patients admitted for suspicion of unstable angina and non-Qwave myocardial infarction. This association persists after adjustment for other classical risk factors such as age, prior angina, and ST-segment depression in the ECG.

Introduction and objectives Pulmonary regurgitation is a common complication in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot or congenital pulmonary stenosis. Electrocardiographic variables have been correlated with parameters used to evaluate right ventricular function. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of the width and fragmentation of the electrocardiogram in the identification of patients with right ventricular dysfunction and/or dilation. Methods We selected 107 consecutive patients diagnosed with severe pulmonary insufficiency after repair of pulmonary stenosis or tetralogy of Fallot. The tests included electrocardiography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance. Each electrocardiogram was analyzed manually to measure QRS duration. We defined QRS fragmentation as the presence of low-voltage waves in the terminal portion of the QRS complex in at least 2 contiguous leads. Results We found a significant negative correlation between QRS width and right ventricular function, as well as a positive correlation with right ventricular volume. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a cut-off point for QRS width of 140 ms, which showed good sensitivity for a diagnosis of right ventricular dilation (> 80%) and dysfunction (> 95%). In logistic regression models, a QRS duration > 140 ms was found to be the only independent predictor of right ventricular dilation and dysfunction. Conclusions Electrocardiography is a rapid, widely available, and reproducible tool. QRS width constitutes an independent predictor of the presence of right ventricular dilation and dysfunction. This study is the first to provide a cutoff value for QRS width to screen for right ventricle involvement.

El sindrome de robo subclavio-coronario es una rara causa de isquemia miocardica recurrente en pacientes intervenidos de bypass aortocoronario con injerto de arteria mamaria interna izquierda. Una estenosis significativa en la arteria subclavia izquierda proximal a su origen puede originar un flujo reverso en dicho injerto e isquemia miocardica. Describimos el caso de una paciente de 76 anos, intervenida de cirugia coronaria 7 meses antes, con clinica de angina refractaria y isquemia electrocardiografica en el territorio de la arteria descendente anterior. La arteriografia confirmo este sindrome y la paciente fue tratada de forma exitosa mediante angioplastia percutanea y colocacion de 2 stents en la arteria subclavia izquierda. Revisamos el manejo clinico, asi como el diagnostico y las opciones terapeuticas en el sindrome de robo subclaviocoronario.

Objective: The development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to long-standing liver congestion is known to occur in adult patients with Fontan circulation. Hepatic elastography has shown to be a useful tool for the noninvasive assessment and staging of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, although the utility of this technique in Fontan patients remains to be adequately studied. Methods: Twenty-one patients with Fontan circulation underwent an abdominal ultrasound and an acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. In order to compare the results from this group, a cohort of 14 healthy controls and another group containing 17 patients with cirrhosis were included. The association between the velocity values measured with elastography and clinical and analytical parameters were also studied. Results: Mean shear waves propagation velocity in liver tissue in the Fontan group was 1.86 ± 0.5 m/s, with 76% of patients over the cirrhosis threshold (1.55 m/s). The control group had a mean velocity of 1.09 ± 0.06 m/s, while the cirrhotic group obtained 2.71 ± 0.51 m/s. Seven patients with Fontan circulation had increased liver enzymes. Liver ultrasound showed evidence of chronic liver disease in six patients. Velocity values obtained in the presence or absence of analytical or liver ultrasound abnormalities showed significant differences in the univariate analysis ( P = .04 and P = .03 respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, ARFI elastography showed increased wave propagation velocity values in the Fontan population suggesting increased liver stiffness which could be related to advanced fibrosis. A statistically significant association between ARFI values and the presence of analytical and ultrasound abnormalities has been demonstrated.

Background: Although dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of unknown and probably multifactorial etiology, a change in immune mechanisms is presumably significant, with many abnormalities in humoral and cellular responses having been reported. The heart thus becomes the target organ for an initial episode of myocardial damage that triggers an autoimmune response. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency of different human leukocyte antigens in patients with a diagnosis of well-advanced DCM and ischemic heart failure, comparing them with a control group of presumably healthy subjects. Methods: The group with dilated cardiomyopathy consisted of 50 patients (7 women and 43 men), aged from 14 to 64 years. The group with ischemic heart disease included 76 patients (4 women and 72 men), with ages ranging from 34 to 64. The control group, consisting of 1,337 presumably healthy subjects from the Spanish Mediterranean area, was recruited based on paternity studies. Results: Compared with the control group, we found in DCM a greater incidence of B15 (20 vs. 6%) and DQ 3 (83 vs. 50%) antigens. In ischemic heart disease we found a lower incidence of A1 (3 vs. 22%), B8 (5 vs. 12%), and DQ2 (16 vs. 50%) in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: In the Spanish Mediterranean area, the presence of antigens B-15 and DQ3 would be associated with advanced DCM. The absence of antigens A1, B8, and DQ2 would be associated with the occurrence of severe ischemic heart disease.

Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty has become the technique of choice for mitral stenosis with favorable anatomic features. However, mitral regurgitation is an important complication of this technique that has not reduced with Inoue technique. This study reports the clinical and echocardiographic follow-up (28 +/- 20 months) of 20 patients who developed severe mitral regurgitation after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with Inoue technique. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the need for mitral valve replacement during follow-up. We analyzed variables before and after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables as independent predictors of the need for mitral valve replacement. Ten patients needed mitral valve replacement during follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that suboptimal result of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (MVA < 1.5 cm2) was the only independent predictor of the need of mitral valve replacement. We concluded that the need for MVR in patients who develop severe mitral regurgitation after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty was related to suboptimal result of procedure.

El corazon univentricular es una cardiopatia congenita poco frecuente. Un grupo seleccionado de estos pacientes (aquellos que ademas presentan una estenosis o atresia pulmonar) puede llegar a la edad adulta con mayor o menor incidencia de insuficiencia cardiaca o hipoxemia cronica severa. Los pacientes con un desarrollo adecuado del arbol pulmonar pueden ser subsidiarios de un trasplante cardiaco, en caso de estar contraindicadas las tecnicas habituales de paliacion. Presentamos tres casos de corazon univentricular y estenosis pulmonar en los que se indico un trasplante cardiaco como mejor opcion. Asi mismo, analizamos las distintas tecnicas disponibles para la valoracion del desarrollo del arbol pulmonar y su utilidad.

Objetivo Valorar la eficacia a largo plazo de la valvuloplastia mitral percutanea en nuestro centro, asi como evaluar la existencia de predictores de supervivencia libre de eventos cardiovasculares a largo plazo. Pacientes y metodos Entre 1990 y 1996 se han realizado 204 valvuloplastias mitrales con cateter balon de Inoue. La poblacion de estudio esta constituida por 132 pacientes con un seguimiento superior a 9 meses. El seguimiento medio fue de 2,6-1,5 anos (7 dias-5,7 anos). Los objetivos finales de este estudio fueron la necesidad de cirugia mitral, la muerte y la situacion funcional III-IV durante el seguimiento. Se realizo un analisis de la supervivencia determinando la existencia de factores predictores independientes de la supervivencia libre de eventos. Resultados Al finalizar el seguimiento un 88% de los pacientes se encontraban en clase funcional I-II de la New York Heart Association y libres de eventos. El analisis multivariado determino como factores predictores independientes de la aparicion de eventos cardiovasculares a largo plazo la mayor rigidez y engrosamiento valvular, la existencia de una auricula izquierda severamente dilatada, como factores previos a la valvuloplastia mitral percutanea y la obtencion de un resultado suboptimo y la insuficiencia mitral significativa tras la valvuloplastia mitral percutanea. Conclusiones La valvuloplastia mitral percutanea con cateter balon de Inoue es una tecnica segura y eficaz, cuya eficacia se mantiene a largo plazo; los mejores resultados a largo plazo se obtienen en pacientes con valvulas flexibles y poco engrosadas, con auricula izquierda leve o moderadamente aumentada y en aquellos en los que el resultado se considera optimo y no presentan una insuficiencia mitral severa como complicacion del procedimiento.

Background Brain naturietic peptide (BNP) elevations have been reported in heart transplant patients both at baseline and during rejection. An association between BNP levels and certain echocardiographic and hemodynamic abnormalities has also been found in nontransplanted heart disease patients. We sought to determine whether BNP values were correlated with echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters among a large cohort of heart transplant patients. Materials and methods We studied 71 consecutive heart transplant patients, excluding combined grafts, retransplants, and pediatric cases. We performed 488 BNP determinations during catheterization and within 48 hours of echocardiography. Hemodynamic parameters included mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures. Doppler echocardiography parameters were wall thickness, ventricular mass, left and right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, isovolumic relaxation time, and mitral flow deceleration time. Results We observed significant correlations between BNP values and left ventricular size, ventricular mass, and a restrictive filling pattern. BNP levels were also significantly correlated with right ventricular size, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular diastolic and end-diastolic pressures. Conclusions In heart transplant patients, BNP levels positively correlated with ventricular diameters and a restrictive filling pattern. An increase in right ventricle and pulmonary artery pressures was associated with elevated BNP values.

Objetivo El proposito de este estudio fue analizarvariables del donante, receptor y quirurgicaspara descubrir factores que pudieran predecir mortalidaddurante la fase precoz ( Material y metodo Se analizaron 125 trasplantescardiacos ortotopicos consecutivos de adultos. Laedad media fue de 51 ± 11 anos (rango, 12-67), 109fueron varones (87%) y 16 mujeres (13%). Se compararondos grupos segun los pacientes hubieranfallecido o no durante los primeros 30 dias tras eltrasplante cardiaco (15 y 110 pacientes, respectivamente). Protocolo inmunosupresor: en el preoperatorio,ciclosporina mas azatioprina. En el intraoperatorio,metilprednisolona. En el postoperatorio, metilprednisolona(primeras 24 h), anticuerpos monoclonalesantilinfociticos (7-10 dias posterioresal trasplante), ciclosporina, azatioprina y corticoides. Se analizaron los siguientes parametros del receptor:sexo, edad, peso, talla, perimetro toracico,cardiopatia de base, intervenciones toracicas previas,estadio funcional o necesidad de catecolaminaslos dias previos al trasplante, presiones y resistenciaspulmonares, historia de hipertensionarterial sistemica, elevacion de creatinina, gruposanguineo, trasplante realizado de forma urgente yrelacion de peso receptor/donante. Se analizaronlos siguientes parametros del donante y la intervencion:sexo, edad, peso, perimetro toracico, diasde estancia en cuidados criticos, dosis de dopaminay dobutamina, grupo sanguineo, procedencia delorgano, causa de muerte, tiempo de isquemia y circulacionextracorporea y tipo de cardioplejia. Resultados La tasa de mortalidad precoz ennuestra serie fue del 12%. En el analisis univariantese observaron diferencias en cuanto a los antecedentesde cirugia cardiovascular, grupo sanguineodel receptor, necesidad de realizar eltrasplante de una forma urgente, resistencias vascularespulmonares superiores a 2,5 UW, tiempo decirculacion extracorporea y la relacion de pesosentre el receptor y el donante. Se aproximo a lasignificacion la causa de muerte del donante. Elanalisis multivariante senalo, como parametros convalor predictivo independiente de mortalidad precoz,los antecedentes de intervencion con circulacionextracorporea, las resistencias vascularespulmonares elevadas, el trasplante urgente, la relacionde pesos receptor/donante y el tiempo de circulacionextracorporea. Conclusiones Pensamos que los resultados denuestra experiencia pueden ayudar a estratificar elriesgo ante un receptor de trasplante cardiaco ortotopico,e incluso contraindicar el procedimientoen determinados casos con acumulacion de factoresde mal pronostico en receptores «limite».

Background Certain cardiovascular risk factors have been linked to morbidity and mortality in heart transplant (HT) patients. The sum of various risk factors may have a large cumulative negative effect, leading to a substantially worse prognosis and the need to consider whether HT is contraindicated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the risk factors usually available prior to HT result in an excess mortality in our setting that contraindicates transplantation. Materials and methods Consecutive patients who underwent heart transplantation from November 1987 to January 2004 were included. Heart–lung transplants, retransplants, and pediatric transplants were excluded. Of the 384 patients, 89% were men. Mean age was 52 years (range, 12 to 67). Underlying disease included ischemic heart disease (52%), idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (36%), valvular disease (8%), and other (4%). Variables considered risk factors were obesity (BMI >25), dyslipidemia, hypertension, prior thoracic surgery, diabetes, and history of ischemic heart disease. Survival curves by number of risk factors using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank for comparison of curves. Results Overall patient survival at 1, 5, 10, and 13 years was 76%, 68%, 54%, and 47%, respectively. Survival at 10 years, if fewer than two risk factors were present, was 69%; 59% if two or three factors were present; and 37% if more than three associated risk factors were present ( P = .04). Conclusions The presence of certain risk factors in patients undergoing HT resulted in lower survival rates. The combination of various risk factors clearly worsened outcomes. However, we do not believe this should be an absolute contraindication for transplantation.

Left ventricular free wall rupture and acute ischaemic mitral regurgitation are nowadays rare, but still potentially lethal mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction. We report a case of a sequential left ventricular free wall rupture, anterolateral papillary muscle disruption, secondary severe mitral regurgitation and subsequent posteromedial papillary muscle head rupture in a single patient during the same ischaemic episode after myocardial infarction, and their related successful surgical procedures and management until discharge. Prompt bedside diagnosis and emergent consecutive surgical procedures, as well as temporary left ventricular assistance, were crucial in the survival of this patient.

El absceso periprotesico secundario a endocarditis infecciosa constituye una grave complicacion del reemplazo valvular aortico, con una alta mortalidad a pesar del tratamiento combinado medico-quirurgico, en especial en las endocarditis «precoces». La ecocardiografia transtoracica, y en especial la transesofagica, constituye el procedimiento de eleccion para el diagnostico no invasivo de la vegetacion y de las complicaciones locales. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 43 anos con un absceso periprotesico aortico y extension a ambas auriculas, provocado por el Staphylococcus epidermidis y que presento un comportamiento muy agresivo y fulminante.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether high levels and small isoforms of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are markers of risk of early myocardial infarction and markers of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Lp(a) levels and small apo(a) isoforms were higher in 222 patients than in 199 controls (p0.001). In patients, Lp(a)or =30 mg/dL was associated with the presence of coronary lesions (p=0.007) and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis (p=0.002). The present study suggests that Lp(a) levels and small isoforms are markers of early myocardial infarction and that Lp(a) levelsor =30 mg/dL are associated with severe patterns of coronary atherosclerosis.

Background and aims. Immunosuppressive therapy has undergone great changes in recent years as a result of the introduction of new drugs, presumed a prior 2 to be more effective and better tolerated. The greatest advance seems to have been the introduction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor antagonists. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of IL-2 receptor antagonists in induction therapy has implications for the development of rejection and survival. Materials and methods. Three hundred sixty-five consecutive cardiac transplant patients who received induction therapy were included. Heart-lung and transplants in children under 10 years were excluded. Three groups were compared according to the induction therapy (OKT3, 10 days; OKT3, 7 days; and IL-2R antagonists). Each treatment corresponded to a time period: OKT3 10 days from June 1989 to April 1994; OKT3 7 days from May 1994 to October 2002; and IL-2R antagonists from November 2002 to May 2004. Baseline characteristics of recipient and donor, surgical times, postsurgical complications, maintenance immunosuppression, number of rejections, time (days) to first rejection, and probability of survival at 1 year were recorded. We used analysis of variance, X 2 test, Kaplan-Meier curves, and log-rank test as appropriate. A P-value

Introduction It is known that there is a high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among heart transplant (HT) patients, which may be up to 30% at 5 years. The presence of DM has been associated with increased morbidity (infections, renal dysfunction, or graft vascular disease), and its development has been related primarily to immunosuppressive therapy. The objective of this study was to determine, in our experience, the presence of predictive variables for the development of DM following HT. Methods We studied 315 consecutive non-DM patients (88.6% men, mean age 51.5 years) who underwent HT in our hospital from November 1987 to May 2003, analyzing all variables that could be related to the development of DM during follow-up. Student t -test and χ 2 test were used for univariate statistical analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results Of the 315 patients, 64 developed DM (20.3%) during a mean follow-up of 3.3 years. The univariate analysis showed that patients developing DM are older (54.9 ± 8.7 versus 50.7 ± 11.8 years, P = .008), have a higher body mass index (BMI) (27.3 ± 3.8 versus 25.7 ± 3.7, P = .003), a higher prevalence of HT (37.5% versus 23.5%, P = .023), a lower frequency of urgent HT (9.4% versus 26.2%, P = .004), are more often treated with steroids (85.9% versus 70.1%, P = .011) and tacrolimus (12.5% versus 4.4%, P = .015), and have a higher frequency of rejection episodes (71.2% versus 44.6%, P = .001). Multivariate analysis identified the following as predictive factors for the development of DM: age (OR = 1.04, P = .013), urgent HT (OR = 0.36, P = .031), treatment with tacrolimus (OR = 3.89, P = .012), and number of rejections (OR = 2.34, P = .002). Conclusion In our population, age, urgent HT (which had a protective effect), treatment with tacrolimus, and number of rejections were independent predictive variables for the development of DM during follow-up.