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Abstract Exercise imposes increased pulmonary vascular afterload based on rises in pulmonary artery (PA) wedge pressure, declines in PA compliance, and resistance‐compliance time. In health, afterload stress stabilizes during steady‐state exercise. Our objective was to examine alterations of these exercise‐associated stresses in states of pre‐ and post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). PA hemodynamics were evaluated at rest, 2 and 7 min of steady‐state exercise at moderate intensity in patients who exhibited Pre‐capillary (n = 22) and post‐capillary PH (n = 22). Patients with normal exercise hemodynamics (NOR‐HD) (n = 32) were also studied. During exercise in all groups, PA wedge pressure increased at 2 min, with no further change at 7 min. In post‐capillary PH and NOR‐HD, increases in PA diastolic pressure and diastolic pressure gradient remained stable at 2 and 7 min of exercise, while in pre‐capillary PH, both continued to increase at 7 min. The behavior of the diastolic pressure gradient was linearly related to the duration of resistance‐compliance time at rest (r2 = 0.843) and exercise (r2 = 0.760). Exercise resistance‐compliance time was longer in pre‐capillary PH associated with larger increases in diastolic pressure gradient. Conversely, resistance‐compliance time was shortest in post‐capillary PH compared to pre‐capillary PH and NOR‐HD and associated with limited increases in exercise diastolic pressure gradient. During steady‐state, modest‐intensity exercise‐specific patterns of pulmonary vascular afterload responses were observed in pre‐ and post‐capillary PH relative to NOR‐HD. Longer resistance‐compliance time related to greater increases in PA diastolic pressure and diastolic pressure gradients in pre‐capillary PH, while shorter resistance‐compliance time appeared to limit these increases in post‐capillary PH.

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), selecting an antithrombotic regimen requires balancing risks of ischemic cardiac events, stroke, and bleeding. Methods: We studied 467 patients with AF undergoing PCI in the time period from December 2015 to July 2018 identified via a chart audit by 47 Canadian cardiologists in the CONNECT AF+PCI (the Coordinated National Network to Engage Interventional Cardiologists in the Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) study, to determine patterns of initial antithrombotic therapy selection. Results: The median (25th, 75th percentile) CHADS2 score was 2 (1, 3), and PCI was performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) was the initial treatment in 62.7%, dual-pathway therapy in 25.7%, and dual antiplatelet therapy in 11.6%, with a temporal increase in use of dual-pathway therapy during the course of the study; median intended TAT duration was 1 (1, 3) month. Compared with patients selected for TAT, patients selected for dual-pathway therapy were less likely to have prior myocardial infarction (35.8% vs 25.8%, P = 0.045) and prior PCI (33.8% vs 23.3%, P = 0.03), and they received shorter total length of stents (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0.03). Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy had a higher prevalence of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (13.0% vs 23.3%, P = 0.01). There was no difference in prevalence of anemia (21.5% vs 25.8%, P = 0.30). Use of dual-pathway therapy was similar among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable disease (24.1% vs 28.2%, P = 0.32). Conclusions: Approximately one-quarter of AF patients undergoing PCI are treated with dual-pathway therapy in Canadian practice, with its use increasing during the studied period. Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy have less-complex coronary disease history and intervention. Résumé: Introduction: Les patients atteints de fibrillation auriculaire (FA) qui subissent une intervention coronarienne percutanée (ICP) et choisissent un schéma posologique antithrombotique ont besoin de peser les risques d’événements cardiaques d’origine ischémique, d’accidents vasculaires cérébraux et d’hémorragies. Méthodes: Les 467 patients atteints de FA ayant subi une ICP de décembre 2015 à juillet 2018 qui ont fait l’objet de notre étude ont été trouvés lors de la vérification des dossiers par 47 cardiologues canadiens de l’étude CONNECT AF+PCI (Coordinated National Network to Engage Interventional Cardiologists in the Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) pour déterminer les schémas de sélection du traitement antithrombotique initial. Résultats: Le score CHADS2 médian (25e, 75e percentile) était de 2 (1, 3), et l’ICP avait été réalisée dans le cadre du syndrome coronarien aigu chez 62,1 % des patients. La trithérapie antithrombotique (TTA) était le traitement initial chez 62,7 % des patients, la bithérapie, chez 25,7 % des patients, et la bithérapie antiplaquettaire, chez 11,6 % des patients, mais il y avait une augmentation temporelle dans l’utilisation de la bithérapie durant l’étude; la durée médiane prévue de la TTA était de 1 (1, 3) mois. Comparativement aux patients sélectionnés pour la TTA, les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie étaient moins susceptibles d’avoir eu un infarctus du myocarde précédent (35,8 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,045) et une ICP précédente (33,8 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,03), et recevaient des endoprothèses de longueur totale plus courte (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0,03). Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie montraient une prévalence plus élevée d’accidents vasculaires cérébraux/accidents ischémiques transitoires (13,0 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,01). Il n’existait aucune différence dans la prévalence de l’anémie (21,5 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,30). L’utilisation de la bithérapie était similaire chez les patients atteints d’un syndrome coronarien aigu et chez les patients dont la maladie était stable (24,1 % vs 28,2 %, P = 0,32). Conclusions: Dans la pratique canadienne, environ le quart des patients atteints de FA qui subissent une ICP sont traités par bithérapie, mais durant la période étudiée, son utilisation avait augmenté. Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie ont des antécédents et des interventions liées aux maladies coronariennes moins complexes.

Background: Obese and overweight body habitus are common among patients undergoing right heart catheterization for suspected pulmonary hypertension, but previous studies have described only patients with severe obesity. This study examined the effect of body habitus on intracardiac pressures, thermodilution cardiac output (TDCO), indirect Fick (iFick) cardiac output (CO), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in subjects with normal cardiopulmonary hemodynamics. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on healthy volunteers and patients referred for right heart catheterization for dyspnea of unknown origin with normal hemodynamics. Of the 65 subjects (53 ± 14 years; 51% female), 31% were normal weight, 49% were overweight, and 20% had obesity, as defined by a body mass index of 30-39.9 kg/m2. Mixed venous oxygen saturations and intracardiac pressures were compared across body mass index categories. Agreement between iFick CO calculated by 3 formulae, and TDCO and PVR was examined. Results: No differences in intracardiac pressures were observed, but mixed venous oxygen saturations were lower in the obese group. iFick CO underestimated TDCO, particularly with the LaFarge formula, with a systematic difference of 0.33 L/min for every 1 L/min increase in CO. This difference was largest in the obese group—on average by 23% ± 10%, translating to an overestimation of PVR by 34% ± 16% on average. Conclusions: In individuals without severe obesity, intracardiac pressures are not different, but mixed venous oxygen saturations are lower. Obesity confounds estimations of CO and PVR by iFick methods, which could result in inappropriate hemodynamic classification. These data can inform best practices in hemodynamic assessment of populations with obesity. Résumé: Introduction: Les habitus corporels liés à l'obésité et à l'embonpoint sont fréquents chez les patients qui subissent un cathétérisme du cœur droit en raison d'une suspicion d'hypertension pulmonaire, mais les études antérieures n'ont porté que sur les patients atteints d'une obésité sérieuse. La présente étude portait sur les répercussions des habitus corporels sur les pressions intracardiaques, le débit cardiaque obtenu par thermodilution (DCTD), le débit cardiaque (DC) calculé selon le principe indirect de Fick (iFick) et la résistance vasculaire pulmonaire (RVP) chez les sujets ayant une hémodynamie cardiopulmonaire normale. Méthodes: Nous avons mené une analyse rétrospective auprès de volontaires en bonne santé et de patients orientés pour un cathétérisme cardiaque droit en raison de dyspnée d'origine inconnue, mais qui avaient une hémodynamie normale. Au sein de 65 sujets (53 ± 14 ans; 51 % de femmes), 31 % avaient un poids normal, 49 % faisaient de l'embonpoint et 20 % souffraient d'obésité d'après l'indice de masse corporelle entre 30-39,9 kg/m2. Nous avons comparé les saturations veineuses mixtes en oxygène et les pressions intracardiaques de toutes les catégories d'indice de masse corporelle. Nous avons examiné la concordance entre le calcul du DC selon le principe iFick au moyen de 3 formules, ainsi que le DCTD et la RVP. Résultats: Les pressions intracardiaques n'ont montré aucune différence, mais les saturations veineuses mixtes en oxygène étaient plus faibles chez les sujets obèses. Le DC calculé selon le principe iFick a démontré une sous-estimation du DCTD, particulièrement lors du calcul au moyen de la formule LaFarge, qui a révélé une différence systématique de 0,33 L/min à chaque augmentation du DC de 1 L/min. Cette différence qui était plus importante chez les sujets obèses (en moyenne de 23 % ± 10 %, se traduisait en moyenne par une surestimation de la RVP de 34 % ± 16 %). Conclusions: Chez les individus non atteints d'une obésité sérieuse, les pressions intracardiaques ne sont pas différentes, mais les saturations veineuses mixtes en oxygène sont plus faibles. L'obésité fait remettre en cause les estimations du DC et de la RVP par les méthodes iFick, lesquelles pourraient donner lieu à une classification hémodynamique erronée. Ces données peuvent permettre d’établir des pratiques exemplaires lors de l’évaluation hémodynamique des populations atteintes d'obésité.

Abstract The spectrum of patients referred for suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) includes a population with clinical features suggestive of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH‐LHD). Even after right heart catheterization (RHC) performed at rest, it can be a challenge to identify patients who will clearly benefit from PAH drug therapy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of exercise RHC to influence decisions regarding prescription of PAH drug therapy in this population. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of older adults with risk factors for PH‐LHD and suspected PH referred for exercise RHC. One year follow‐up was conducted to record clinical outcomes, all changes in PAH drug therapy, and changes in patient‐reported quality of life. The final cohort included 61 patients, mean age of 69 ± 10; 44% and 34% had a history of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation respectively. Exercise changed the proportional breakdown of hemodynamic diagnoses from 36% No PH, 44% PAH, and 20% PH‐LHD at rest to 15% No PH, 36% PAH, and 49% PH‐LHD. Although a significant proportion of patients were reclassified as PH‐LHD, there was an overall increase in the proportion of patients receiving PAH drug therapy, particularly for those with PAH confirmed by exercise RHC. A total of 11 PAH drug prescriptions were employed before exercise RHC increasing to 24 after (p = 0.002). Patients receiving PAH therapy demonstrated significant improvement in self‐reported quality of life. Exercise RHC appeared to influence selection of PAH drug therapy.

Background Resting right heart catheterization can assess both left heart filling and pulmonary artery (PA) pressures to identify and classify pulmonary hypertension. Although exercise may further elucidate hemodynamic abnormalities, current pulmonary hypertension classifications do not consider the expected interrelationship between PA and left heart filling pressures. This study explored the utility of this relationship to enhance the classification of exercise hemodynamic phenotypes in pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results Data from 36 healthy individuals (55, 50–60 years, 50% male) and 85 consecutive patients (60, 49–71 years, 48% male) with dyspnea and/or suspected pulmonary hypertension of uncertain etiology were analyzed. Right heart catheterization was performed at rest and during semiupright submaximal cycling. To classify exercise phenotypes in patients, upper 95% CIs were identified from the healthy individuals for the change from rest to exercise in mean PA pressure over cardiac output (ΔmPAP/ΔCO ≤3.2 Wood units [WU]), pulmonary artery wedge pressure over CO (ΔPAWP/ΔCO ≤2 mm Hg/L per minute), and exercise PA pulse pressure over PAWP (PP/PAWP ≤2.5). Among patients with a ΔmPAP/ΔCO ≤3.2 WU, the majority (84%) demonstrated a ΔPAWP/ΔCO ≤2 mm Hg/L per minute, yet 23% demonstrated an exercise PP/PAWP >2.5. Among patients with a ΔmPAP/ΔCO >3.2 WU, 37% had an exercise PP/PAWP >2.5 split between ΔPAWP/ΔCO groups. Patients with normal hemodynamic classification declined from 52% at rest to 36% with exercise. Conclusions The addition of PP/PAWP to classify exercise hemodynamics uncovers previously unrecognized abnormal phenotypes within each ΔmPAP/ΔCO group. Our study refines abnormal exercise hemodynamic phenotypes based on an understanding of the interrelationship between PA and left heart filling pressures.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that direct intramyocardial injection of bone marrow mononuclear cells in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can improve left ventricular function and physical capacity. Methods: Thirty non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with left ventricular ejection fraction

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a well known risk factor for early and late adverse outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG); however, few studies have investigated the impact of this risk factor in the group of older patients, especially octogenarians. OBJECTIVES: To compare in-hospital mortality and morbidity of diabetic and nondiabetic patients aged > 80 years submitted to CABG. METHODS: A total of 140 consecutive cases were studied, of whom 37 (26.4%) were diabetics, in a retrospective cross-sectional study, that included all patients aged > 80 years submitted to isolated/associated CABG. The patients' mean age was 82.5 ± 2.2 years and 55.7% were males. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate did not significantly differ in multivariate analysis: 16.2% diabetic x 13.6% nondiabetic (P = 0.554), as well as morbidity: 43.2% x 37.9%, respectively (P = 0.533). Regarding to operative morbidity, the occurrence of stroke was significantly higher in diabetic patients in the univariate analysis (10.8% x 1.9%, P = 0.042). In multivariate analysis, however, the incidence of stroke was not associated with the presence of diabetes (P = 0.085), but it was associated with atrial fibrillation (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference related to other complications. CONCLUSION: In this small consecutive retrospectively analyzed series, there was no significant increase in hospital mortality and morbidity related to diabetes for CABG in octogenarian patients. The impact of the results of this study is limited by the sample size and might be confirmed by future randomized clinical trials.INTRODUÇÃO: O diabetes é um fator de risco conhecido para eventos adversos precoces e tardios em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM); entretanto, poucos estudos investigaram sua influência no grupo de pacientes mais idosos, especialmente nos octogenários. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a mortalidade e a morbidade hospitalar de pacientes com idade > 80 anos diabéticos e não-diabéticos submetidos à CRM. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 140 casos consecutivos, sendo 37 (26,4%) diabéticos, em um estudo transversal retrospectivo incluindo todos os pacientes com idade > 80 anos submetidos à CRM isolada/associada. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 82,5 ± 2,2 anos e 55,7% eram do sexo masculino. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade hospitalar não diferiu de maneira significativa na análise multivariada entre os grupos, 16,2% diabéticos x 13,6% não-diabéticos (P=0,554), assim como a morbidade pós-operatória, 43,2 x 37,9%, respectivamente (P=0,533). Em relação à morbidade, a ocorrência de acidente vascular cerebral foi significativamente maior em pacientes diabéticos na análise univariada (10,8% x 1,9%; P = 0,042). Na análise multivariada, no entanto, a incidência dessa complicação não foi associada com a presença de diabetes (P=0,085), mas com a presença de fibrilação atrial (P=0,044). Não se observou nenhuma diferença significativa em relação às outras complicações. CONCLUSÃO: Nessa pequena série de casos retrospectiva, não houve um aumento significativo da morbimortalidade hospitalar no grupo de pacientes octogenários diabéticos. O impacto dos resultados desta série é limitado pelo tamanho amostral e poderá ser confirmado por futuros ensaios clínicos randomizados.

INTRODUÇÃO: Um crescente número de pacientes octogenários tem sido submetido à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM). Os resultados em curto prazo desse procedimento têm sido amplamente estudados, mas há poucos relatos nacionais até o presente momento sobre os seus desfechos em longo prazo. OBJETIVOS: Descrever a mortalidade hospitalar e a sobrevida em longo prazo de pacientes com idade 80 anos submetidos à CRM isolada. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 142 pacientes consecutivos de idade 80 anos submetidos à CRM isolada no período de janeiro/1996 a dezembro/2007. A idade média (±dp) foi de 82,3±2,1 anos e 56,3% eram masculinos. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi de 73,2%, infarto agudo do miocárdio prévio 30,3%, diabetes melito 26,8% e disfunção renal (creatinina ³ 2,0mg/ml) 4,9%. A mediana do seguimento foi de 4,0 anos, havendo perda de 11,6% dos pacientes. A análise da sobrevida foi feita pela curva de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade hospitalar geral foi de 14,8% (IC95%: 8,8-20,8), observando-se uma redução desse percentual ao longo do período estudado (1996-1999: 25,9%, 2000-2003: 15,8% e 2004-2007: 8,6%). A média de sobrevida foi de 6,5 anos (IC95%: 5,5-7,5), sendo a taxa de sobrevida em 1, 3 e 5 anos de 83,3, 79,5 e 77,3%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: A média de sobrevida foi de 6,5 anos, sendo a taxa em 5 anos de 77,3%, dados condizentes com a literatura internacional.INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of octogenarian patients is undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The short-term results of this procedure have been broadly studied, but there are few national reports on long-term outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To describe hospital mortality and long-term survival of patients aged > 80 years undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 142 consecutive patients aged > 80 years undergoing isolated CABG in the period between January/1996 and December/2007 in a Brazilian reference center. Mean age (± SD) was 82.3 ± 2.1 years, and 56.3% were male. The prevalence of hypertension was 73.2%, of previous myocardial infarction 30.3%, of diabetes 26.8%, and of renal dysfunction (creatinine ³ 2.0 mg/ml) was 4.9%. The median follow-up was 4.0 years, with a loss of 11.6% of patients. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Overall hospital mortality was 14.8% (95% CI: 8.8 to 20.8), with a reduction of this rate during the study period (1996-1999: 25.9%, 2000-2003: 15.8%, and 2004-2007: 8.6%). Mean survival was 6.5 years (95% CI: 5.5 to 7.5), and the survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 79.4, 73.4 and 65.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results are in agreement with international reports. Mean survival was 6.5 years and the survival rate at 5 years was 65.2%.

FUNDAMENTO: O progressivo aumento da longevidade da população tem levado cada vez mais pacientes octogenários a necessitarem de cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM), sendo necessário conhecer os riscos e benefícios desse procedimento nessa faixa etária. OBJETIVO: Descrever a morbimortalidade hospitalar de pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 80 anos submetidos à CRM e identificar variáveis que se constituem em seus preditores. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 140 casos consecutivos entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2007. Os pacientes possuíam em média 82,5 ± 2,2 anos (80-89), e 55,7% eram do sexo masculino. Na amostra, 72,9% tinham hipertensão arterial, 26,4% diabete, 65,7% lesão grave em três ou mais vasos e 28,6% em tronco da coronária esquerda. Cirurgia associada esteve presente em 35,7% dos pacientes, sendo a valvar aórtica em 26,4% e a mitral em 5,6%. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi de 14,3% (CRM isolada 10,0% x 22,0% associada; p = 0,091) e a morbidade de 37,9% (CRM isolada 34,4% x 44,0% associada; p = 0,35). Complicações mais frequentes: baixo débito cardíaco (27,9%), disfunção renal (10,0%) e suporte ventilatório prolongado (9,6%). Na análise bivariada, os maiores preditores de mortalidade foram sepse (RR 10,2 IC 95%: 6,10-17,7), CRM prévia (RR 8,06 IC 95%: 5,16-12,6), baixo débito cardíaco pós-operatório (RR 7,77 IC 95%: 3,03-19,9) e disfunção renal pós-operatória (RR 7,36 IC 95%: 3,71-14,6). Quanto à morbidade, foram preditores tempo de circulação extracorpórea >120 min. (RR: 2,34 IC 95%: 1,62-3,38) e de isquemia > 90 min. (RR: 2,29 IC 95%: 1,56-3,37). CONCLUSÃO: A CRM em octogenários está relacionada a uma morbimortalidade maior do que nos pacientes mais jovens, o que, entretanto, não impede a intervenção se houver indicação pela condição clínica.FUNDAMENTO: El progresivo aumento de la longevidad de la población ha llevado cada vez más pacientes octogenarios a necesitar cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM), siendo necesario conocer los riesgos y beneficios de ese procedimiento en esa franja etaria. OBJETIVO: Describir la morbimortalidad hospitalaria de pacientes con edad igual o superior a 80 años sometidos a CRM e identificar variables que se constituyen en sus predictores. MÉTODOS: Fueron estudiados 140 casos consecutivos entre enero de 2002 y diciembre de 2007. Los pacientes poseían en media 82,5 ± 2,2 años (80-89), y 55,7% eran de sexo masculino. En la muestra, 72,9% tenían hipertensión arterial, 26,4% diabetes, 65,7% lesión grave en tres o más vasos y 28,6% en tronco de la coronaria izquierda. Cirugía asociada estuvo presente en 35,7% de los pacientes, siendo la valvar aórtica en 26,4% y la mitral en 5,6%. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad fue de 14,3% (CRM aislada 10,0% x 22,0% asociada; p = 0,091) y la morbilidad de 37,9% (CRM aislada 34,4% x 44,0% asociada; p = 0,35). Complicaciones más frecuentes: bajo débito cardíaco (27,9%), disfunción renal (10,0%) y asistencia ventilatoria prolongada (9,6%). En el análisis bivariado, los mayores predictores de mortalidad fueron sepsis (RR 10,2 IC 95%: 6,10-17,7), CRM previa (RR 8,06 IC 95%: 5,16-12,6), bajo débito cardíaco post-operatorio (RR 7,77 IC 95%: 3,03-19,9) y disfunción renal post-operatoria (RR 7,36 IC 95%: 3,71-14,6). En cuanto a la morbilidad, fueron predictores, tiempo de circulación extracorpórea >120 min. (RR: 2,34 IC 95%: 1,62-3,38) e de isquemia > 90 min. (RR: 2,29 IC 95%: 1,56-3,37). CONCLUSIÓN: La CRM en octogenarios está relacionada a una morbimortalidad mayor que en los pacientes más jóvenes, lo que, mientas tanto, no impide la intervención si hubiere indicación por la condición clínica.BACKGROUND: Given the progressive increase in longevity and the need of an increasingly elderly population to undergo myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS), it becomes necessary to know its risks and benefits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in-hospital morbimortality of patients aged 80 and older submitted to MRS and identify its predictor variables. METHODS: A total of 140 consecutive cases were studied between January 2002 and December 2007. The patients' mean age was 82.5 ± 2.2 years (range: 80-89) and 55.7% were males. In the sample,72.9% had arterial hypertension, 26.4% had diabetes, 65.7% presented severe lesion in three or more vessels and 28.6% presented a severe lesion in the left coronary trunk. An associated surgery was present in 35.7% of the cases, with aortic valve in 26.4% and mitral valve in 5.6%. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 14.3% (isolated MRS 10.0% vs 22.0% with associated procedure; p = 0.091) and the morbidity was 37.9% (isolated MRS 34.4% vs 44.0% with associated procedure; p = 0.35). The most frequent complications were low cardiac output (27.9%), renal dysfunction (10.0%) and prolonged ventilatory support (9.6%). At the bivariate analysis, the most important mortality predictors were sepsis (RR 10.2; 95%CI: 6.10-17.7), previous MRS (RR 8.06; 95%CI: 5.16-12.6), postoperative low cardiac output (RR 7.77; 95%CI: 3.03-19.9) and postoperative renal dysfunction (RR 7.36; 95%CI: 3.71-14.6). The morbidity predictors were extracorporeal circulation time > 120 min. (RR: 2.34; 95%CI: 1.62-3.38) and time of ischemia > 90 min. (RR: 2.29 95%CI: 1.56-3.37). CONCLUSION: The MRS in octogenarians is associated with a higher morbimortality when compared to younger patients, which, however, does not prevent the procedure if the indication is justified by clinical condition.

FUNDAMENTO: A maior longevidade observada atualmente ocasionou aumento do número de idosos que necessitam de intervenções cirúrgicas. A estenose aórtica é uma condição frequente nessa faixa etária. OBJETIVO: Avaliar morbidade e mortalidade hospitalar em pessoas de 75 anos ou mais, que tenham sido submetidas à cirurgia de valvuloplastia, ou de troca valvar por estenose aórtica isolada ou associada a outras lesões. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 230 casos consecutivos entre jan/2002-dez/2007. Os pacientes tinham 79,5 ± 3,7 anos (75 - 94), sendo que 53,9% eram homens. Na amostra, 68,7% tinham hipertensão arterial, 17,9% tinham fibrilação atrial, 15,9% apresentaram obesidade e 14,4% cirurgia cardíaca prévia. Na cirurgia, 87,4% foram submetidos à colocação de prótese aórtica e 12,6% à valvuloplastia aórtica. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi de 13,9% (sendo 9,4% de estenose aórtica isolada x 20,9% com procedimento associado; p = 0,023) e a morbidade foi de 30,0% (sendo 25,2% de estenose aórtica isolada x 37,4% com procedimento associado; p = 0,068). As complicações mais frequentes foram: baixo débito cardíaco (20,2%), disfunção renal (9,7%) e suporte ventilatório prolongado (7,9%). Na análise bivariada, os maiores preditores de mortalidade foram: baixo débito cardíaco (RR 10,1, IC95%: 5,02-20,3), uso do balão intra-aórtico (RR 6,6, IC95%: 3,83-11,4), sepse (RR 6,77, IC95%: 1,66-9,48) e disfunção renal pós-operatória (RR 6,21, IC95%: 3,47-11,1). Quanto à morbidade, foram preditores: disfunção renal pré-operatória (RR 2,22, IC95%: 1,25-3,95), fibrilação atrial (RR 1,74, IC95%: 1,16-2,61) e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) (RR 1,93, IC95%: 1,25-2,97). CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia valvar aórtica em idosos está relacionada à morbimortalidade um pouco maior do que nos pacientes mais jovens, sendo os seus principais fatores de risco: procedimentos associados, insuficiência renal, fibrilação atrial, DPOC e sepse.BACKGROUND: The greater longevity observed today has caused an increase in the number of elderly who need surgery. Aortic stenosis is a common condition in this age group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morbidity and mortality in people aged 75 years or older who have undergone valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery for aortic stenosis alone or associated with other injuries. METHODS: We studied 230 consecutive cases between Jan/2002-Dec/2007. Patients were 79.5 ± 3.7 years (75 - 94), and 53.9% were men. In the sample, 68.7% had hypertension, 17.9% had atrial fibrillation, 15.9% were obese, and 14.4% had undergone previous heart surgery. At surgery, 87.4% underwent aortic stent placement, and 12.6% underwent aortic valvuloplasty. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 13.9% (9.4% with isolated aortic stenosis versus 20.9% with an associated procedure, p = 0.023) and the morbidity rate was 30.0% (25.2% with aortic stenosis alone versus 37.4% with an associated procedure, p = 0.068). The most common complications were: low cardiac output (20.2%), renal dysfunction (9.7%), and prolonged ventilatory support (7.9%). In the bivariate analysis, the main predictors of mortality were low cardiac output (RR 10.1, 95% CI: 5.02-20.3), use of intra-aortic balloon (RR 6.6, 95% CI: 3.83-11.4), sepsis (RR 6.77, 95%: 1.66-9.48) and renal dysfunction after surgery (RR 6.21, 95%: 3.47-11.1). As for morbidity, the predictors were: pre-operative renal dysfunction (RR 2.22, 95%: 1.25-3.95), atrial fibrillation (RR 1.74, 95%: 1.16-2.61), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR 1.93, 95%: 1.25-2.97). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve surgery in the elderly is related to a slightly higher mortality rate than in younger patients, and its main risk factors were associated procedures, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, COPD, and sepsis.

A 38 year-old male was admitted to the emergency room with fever and hemoptysis in the last 3 weeks. His past medical history included previous intravenous drug usage (20 years before), severe acute pancreatitis in the last year, and steroid therapy for the last 10 months due to presumptive diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. The episode of pancreatitis required hospital admission, when the patient received total parenteral nutrition and also had an episode of pneumonia treated with antibiotics.

The use of exercise right heart catheterisation for the assessment of cardiovascular diseases has regained attention recently. Understanding physiologic haemodynamic exercise responses is key for the identification of abnormal haemodynamic patterns. Exercise total pulmonary resistance >3 Wood units identifies a deranged haemodynamic response and when total pulmonary resistance exceeds 3 Wood units, an exercise pulmonary artery wedge pressures/cardiac output slope >2 mmHg/l/min indicates the presence of underlying exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension related to left heart disease. In the evolving field of transcatheter interventions for valvular heart disease, exercise right heart catheterisation may objectively unmask symptoms and underlying haemodynamic abnormalities. Further studies are needed on the use of the procedure to inform the selection of patients who might receive the most benefit from transcatheter interventions for valvular heart diseases.