Search

Digoxin use in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sinus rhythm remains controversial. We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of digoxin in patients in sinus rhythm submitted to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Retrospective study including 297 consecutive patients in sinus rhythm, with advanced HFrEF submitted to CRT. Patients were divided into two groups - with digoxin (DG) and without digoxin (NDG). During a mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 3.4 years we evaluated the impact of digoxin on the composite endpoint defined as cardiovascular hospitalization, progression to heart transplantation and all-cause mortality.Previous to CRT, 104 patients (35%) were chronically under digoxin and 193 patients (65%) without digoxin treatment. The 2 groups did not differ significantly regarding HF functional class, HF aetiology, QRS and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The proportion of responders to CRT was similar in both groups (54% in DG vs 56% in NDG, p=0.78). During the long term follow up period, the primary endpoint occurred in a higher proportion in DG patients (67 vs 48%, p=0.002). After adjustment for potential confounders, digoxin use remained as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint of CV hospitalization, heart transplantation and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.58, CI 95 [1.01 - 2.46], p = 0.045).In conclusion, in patients in sinus rhythm with HFrEF submitted to CRT, digoxin use was associated to CV hospitalization, progression to heart transplant and all-cause mortality.

Background The optimal management of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is still uncertain. This study sought to determine the association between pharmacological therapies after hospital discharge and the long-term prognosis of MINOCA patients. Material and methods We analyzed patients consecutively admitted to the coronary care unit with myocardial infarction (MI). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine which drugs were implicated in the prognosis of MINOCA patients. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 5 years. Results and conclusions From a total of 3721 MI patients, MINOCA was identified in 11.6% (n = 430), of whom 56 (13.0%) experienced the primary endpoint. Median age was 66 years (IQR 19), and 51.6% (n = 222) of patients were male. At discharge, 81.2% of MINOCA patients were prescribed aspirin, 87.4% a statin, 78.6% beta-blockers, and 66.7% angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). MINOCA patients were less likely to be prescribed these medications compared to patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (all P < 0.001). 1.4% (n = 6) of MINOCA patients died in the hospital, and the 5-year mortality rate was 13.0% (n = 56). In multivariate Cox regression, treatment with ACEI at discharge was found to be independently associated with a 5-year mortality benefit (HR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.12–0.67, adjusted P = 0.004) in MINOCA patients. In conclusion, compared with patients with obstructive CAD, patients with MINOCA are less likely to be treated with secondary prevention drugs and are at lower risk of all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up. Treatment with ACEI seems to provide an additional mortality benefit in MINOCA patients.

Background Progress in decreasing ischemic complications in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has come at the expense of increased risk of bleeding. This study sought to determine the incidence, predictors, and prognosis of in-hospital bleeding (IHB) in ACS patients. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed patients consecutively admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with ACS. Patients who suffered clinically significant IHB were compared to the remaining ACS patients. The primary endpoint was all-cause in-hospital death. Results and conclusions From a total of 1032 ACS patients, clinically significant IHB was identified in 5.6% (n = 58) of patients, of whom 13 patients presented serious bleeding. Patients with IHB were older (P = 0.003), more often female (P = 0.012), were more likely to have prior heart failure (P = 0.007) and chronic kidney disease (P = 0.001). At admission, they presented more often with Killip-Kimball class > I (P = 0.001), lower hemoglobin (P = 0.013), lower eGFR (P = 0.005), and a higher CRUSADE score (P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, female sex (OR = 2.26, 1.17–4–38, P = 0.023), acute kidney injury (OR = 2.23, 1.12–4.45, P = 0.028), and non-radial access in coronary angiography (OR = 2.04, 1.08–3.87, P = 0.028), were identified as independent predictors of IHB. The primary endpoint occurred in 5.8% of ACS patients. Patients who suffered IHB were at higher risk of death during hospitalization (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.03–5.51, P = 0.042), but not during the 2-year follow-up (P = 0.429). In conclusion, IHB is not an uncommon complication in ACS patients and is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.

Background Despite being primarily a disease of older patients, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been increasingly recognized in young individuals. This study sought to characterize and determine the prognosis of AMI in patients aged ≤ 45 years old. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients consecutively admitted to the coronary care unit with AMI. Two groups were identified: patients aged ≤ 45 and > 45 years old. Results and conclusions A total of 5696 AMI patients were included in the analysis: median age of 70 (IQR 19) years and 68.6% (n = 3906) were male; 5.6% (n = 318) of patients were aged ≤ 45 years old. In contrast to the older patients, those aged ≤ 45 years old were more likely to be male (P < 0.001), presented more often with a history of smoking (P < 0.001), and family history of premature coronary artery disease (P < 0.001), but less often hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. In coronary angiography, most younger patients presented a single-vessel disease (57.1%), more commonly affecting the left anterior descending artery (51.7%); left main involvement was rare (0.8%); and 14.2% presented MINOCA (vs. 11.4% of older patients). Regarding prognosis, 6.4% (n = 366) of patients died in the hospital and 24.2% (n = 1380) died during the 5-year follow-up. Younger patients had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–541, P = 0.001) and 5-year mortality (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.201, P < 0.001), compared to the older patients. In conclusion, patients with premature AMI have a different proportion of risk factors, less extensive coronary artery disease, and more commonly present MINOCA, compared to the older patients.

Resumo Fundamento: Embora a elevação não isquêmica da troponina seja frequentemente observada em pacientes admitidos no pronto-socorro (PS), não há consenso quanto ao seu manejo. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os pacientes admitidos no PS com elevação da troponina não-isquêmica e identificar potenciais preditores de mortalidade nessa população. Métodos: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu pacientes do PS com resultado positivo no teste da troponina entre junho e julho de 2015. Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) foram excluídos. Os dados demográficos dos pacientes e as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram extraídos dos prontuários médicos. Os dados do seguimento foram obtidos por 16 meses ou até a ocorrência de morte. O nível de significância estatística foi de 5%. Resultados: A elevação da troponina sem SCA foi encontrada em 153 pacientes no PS. A mediana (IIQ) de idade dos pacientes foi de 78 (19) anos, 80 (52,3%) eram do sexo feminino e 59 (38,6%) morreram durante o seguimento. A mediana do período de seguimento (IIQ) foi de 477 (316) dias. Os sobreviventes eram significativamente mais jovens 76 (24) vs. 84 (13) anos; p=0,004) e apresentaram uma maior proporção de elevação da troponina isolada (sem elevação da creatina quinase ou mioglobina) em duas avaliações consecutivas: 48 (53,9%) vs. 8 (17,4%), p

A 23-year-old man was admitted for acute pericarditis that evolved to cardiac tamponade and shock with need of emergent pericardiocentesis and inotropic support. Corticosteroid therapy was successful, but despite a gradual tapering, the patient relapsed. Incidentally, the patient developed hyperkalemia with hyponatremia. Subsequent hormonal measurements confirmed autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-2. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Graphical abstract, A 23-year-old man was admitted for acute pericarditis that evolved to cardiac tamponade and shock with need of emergent pericardiocentesis and inotropic…

Aims In Portugal, in the last 5 years, no study has published recent data regarding outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of a large contemporaneous Portuguese cohort of ADHF patients admitted to our emergency department (ED). Methods and results We conducted a retrospective, study of all 1024 patients admitted to our ED with a discharge diagnosis of ADHF from November 2016 to December 2017. Baseline clinical data and outcomes {in‐hospital, 30 day, and follow‐up all‐cause mortality, and readmissions; median follow‐up, 5 months; interquartile range [(IQR), 3–11 months]} were determined. Mean age was 78 ± 10 years, and 53% were male; of the 1024 patients, 554 (54%) were hospitalized. The median hospitalization length was 9 (IQR, 5–15) days, and in‐hospital mortality was 12.7%. Hospitalized patients were predominantly men (56% vs. 47%; P

BACKGROUND There were gaps between guidelines and practice when surgery was the only treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the decision to intervene in patients with severe AS in the EORP VHD (EURObservational Research Programme Valvular Heart Disease) II survey. METHODS Among 2,152 patients with severe AS, 1,271 patients with high-gradient AS who were symptomatic fulfilled a Class I recommendation for intervention according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines; the primary end point was the decision for intervention. RESULTS A decision not to intervene was taken in 262 patients (20.6%). In multivariate analysis, the decision not to intervene was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.61; P = 0.002), New York Heart Association functional classes I and II versus III (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.30; P = 0.005), higher age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.09 per 1-point increase; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.17; P = 0.03), and a lower transaortic mean gradient (OR: 0.81 per 10-mm Hg decrease; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.92; P < 0.001). During the study period, 346 patients (40.2%, median age 84 years, median EuroSCORE II [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II] 3.1%) underwent transcatheter intervention and 515 (59.8%, median age 69 years, median EuroSCORE II 1.5%) underwent surgery. A decision not to intervene versus intervention was associated with lower 6-month survival (87.4%; 95% CI: 82.0 to 91.3 vs 94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8 to 95.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A decision not to intervene was taken in 1 in 5 patients with severe symptomatic AS despite a Class I recommendation for intervention and the decision was particularly associated with older age and combined comorbidities. Transcatheter intervention was extensively used in octogenarians. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:2131-2143) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Resumo: Introdução: Os anticoagulantes orais demonstraram ser altamente eficazes na prevenção do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) associado a fibrilhação auricular (FA). A ocorrência de AVC apesar da hipocoagulação oral não é expectável, existindo escassa informação sobre os mecanismos responsáveis pela sua ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar possíveis mecanismos para a ocorrência de AVC isquémico, como a má adesão à terapêutica e a não adequação da dosagem dos anticoagulantes em doentes cronicamente hipocoagulados por FA. Métodos: Estudo prospetivo observacional, de 60 doentes consecutivos com FA não valvular, cronicamente medicados com anticoagulante oral, internados por AVC isquémico. Avaliação da adesão terapêutica através das escalas Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) e Medição da Adesão ao Tratamento (MAT). Avaliação das características dos doentes, etiologia do AVC e adequação da dosagem do anticoagulante. Resultados: A idade média era de 78,6 ± 8,0 anos, com 51,7% dos doentes do sexo masculino. Globalmente, a proporção de doentes com boa adesão terapêutica aos anticoagulantes foi de 63,3%. Os doentes aderentes eram mais frequentemente analfabetos (26,3% versus 4,5%, p = 0,012). A proporção de doentes sob antivitamínicos K (AVK) com boa adesão terapêutica era significativamente superior à dos doentes sob anticoagulantes orais não antivitamínicos K (NOAC) (respetivamente, 83,3% versus 54,8%, p = 0,035 para BMQ). No entanto, 91,7% dos doentes sob AVK apresentavam INR < 2 na admissão. Identificaram‐se prescrições subterapêuticas em 43% dos doentes sob NOAC. Conclusões: Na maioria dos doentes, a ocorrência de AVC apesar da hipocoagulação parece ser explicada por subdosagem, má adesão terapêutica ou etiologia não cardioembólica e não por ineficácia dos anticoagulantes. Abstract: Introduction: Oral anticoagulants have proved to be highly effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF)‐related strokes. The occurrence of stroke despite oral anticoagulation is unexpected and little is known about the mechanisms responsible. The aim of this study was to assess possible mechanisms for stroke occurrence, such as poor treatment adherence and inappropriate dosage, in patients chronically anticoagulated for AF. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 60 consecutive patients with non‐valvular AF, chronically medicated with an oral anticoagulant and admitted due to ischemic stroke. Treatment adherence was assessed through the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the Medição da Adesão ao Tratamento (MAT) scales. Patient characteristics, stroke etiology, and appropriacy of anticoagulant dosage were also assessed. Results: Patients’ mean age was 78.6±8.0 years, and 51.7% were male. Overall, the proportion of patients with good adherence to anticoagulants was 63.3%. Adherent patients were more frequently illiterate (26.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.012). The proportion of patients under vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with good treatment adherence was significantly higher than that of patients under novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (83.3% vs. 54.8%, respectively, for BMQ, p=0.035). However, 91.7% of patients under VKAs presented an admission INR

Resumo Fundamento A resistência vascular pulmonar elevada ainda é um grande problema na seleção de candidatos ao transplante cardíaco. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de sildenafila pré-transplante cardíaco em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar fixa. Métodos O estudo retrospectivo, de centro único, incluiu 300 candidatos a transplante cardíaco consecutivos tratados entre 2003 e 2013. Destes, 95 pacientes tinham hipertensão pulmonar fixa e, dentre eles, 30 pacientes foram tratados com sildenafila e acabaram passando pelo transplante, formando o Grupo A. O Grupo B incluiu 205 pacientes sem hipertensão pulmonar que passaram pelo transplante cardíaco. A hemodinâmica pulmonar foi avaliada antes do transplante, 1 semana e 1 ano após o transplante. A taxa de sobrevivência foi comparada entre os grupos. Neste estudo, um P valor < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Após o tratamento com sildenafila, mas antes do TxC, a RVP (-39%) e a PAPs (-10%) diminuíram significativamente. A PAPs diminuiu após o TxC em ambos os grupos, mas permaneceu significativamente alta no grupo A em relação ao grupo B (40,3 ± 8,0 mmHg versus 36,5 ± 11,5 mmHg, P=0,022). Um ano após o TxC, a PAPs era 32,4 ± 6,3 mmHg no Grupo A versus 30,5 ± 8,2 mmHg no Grupo B (P=0,274). O índice de sobrevivência após o TxC 30 dias (97% no grupo A versus 96% no grupo B), 6 meses (87% versus 93%) e um ano (80% versus 91%) após o TxC não foi estatisticamente significativo (Log-rank P=0,063). Depois do primeiro ano, o índice de mortalidade era similar entre os dois grupos (sobrevivência condicional após 1 ano, Log-rank p=0,321). Conclusão Nos pacientes com HP pré-tratados com sildenafila, a hemodinâmica pós-operatória inicial e o prognóstico são numericamente piores em pacientes sem HP, mas depois de 1 ano, a mortalidade em médio e longo prazo são semelhantes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226) Abstract Background Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance remains a major problem for heart transplant (HT) candidate selection. Objective This study sought at assess the effect of pre-HT sildenafil administration in patients with fixed pulmonary hypertension. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 300 consecutive, HT candidates treated between 2003 and 2013, in which 95 patients had fixed PH, and of these, 30 patients were treated with sildenafil and eventually received a transplant, forming Group A. Group B included 205 patients without PH who underwent HT. Pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated before HT, as well as 1 week after and 1 year after HT. Survival was compared between the groups. In this study, a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results After treatment with sildenafil but before HT, PVR (-39%) and sPAP (-10%) decreased significantly. sPAP decreased after HT in both groups, but it remained significantly higher in group A vs. group B (40.3 ± 8.0 mmHg vs 36.5 ± 11.5 mmHg, p=0.022). One year after HT, sPAP was 32.4 ± 6.3 mmHg in group A vs 30.5 ± 8.2 mmHg in group B (p=0.274). The survival rate after HT at 30 days (97% in group A versus 96% in group B), at 6 months (87% versus 93%) and at one year (80% vs 91%) were not statistically significant (Log-rank p=0.063). After this first year, the attrition rate was similar among both groups (conditional survival after 1 year, Log-rank p=0.321). Conclusion In patients with severe PH pre-treated with sildenafil, early post-operative hemodynamics and prognosis are numerically worse than in patients without PH, but after 1 year, the medium to long-term mortality proved to be similar. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226)

Background: The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) remains a clinical challenge. Diagnostic accuracy of the modified Duke criteria is suboptimal for native valve endocarditis (NVE) and even worse in the presence of prosthetic material-related infection (PVE). We aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET in patients with suspected IE referred to perform PET/CT.Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected IE, referred to perform PET/CT between May 2016 and June 2019 were included. Diagnostic performance of modified Duke criteria (mDC) and PET/ CT for IE for NVE and PVE was determined.Results: In total, 82 patients (mean age of 61 ± 19 years, 62% of male gender) were enrolled. There were 67 18F-FDG PET/CT concordant results with final diagnosis, corresponding to a 96% of agreement, k=0.91(p=0.04). A SUV max cutoff value of ≥3.1 identified positive cases with 88.9% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. In patients with NVE, the addition of PET/CT to the mDC resulted in a reduction of the number of possible IE cases (from 58% to 4.3%). In patients with PVE/intracardiac devices, PET/CT allowed reclassification of 67.4% of possible cases to 4.2%. An alternative diagnosis was provided in 55.6% of the negative IE cases.Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with both suspected NVE and PVE with good sensitivity and specificity, resulting in a significant decrease of the number of possible endocarditis. Furthermore, it allowed the identification of the cause of clinical scenario in more than 50% of patients in which the diagnosis was excluded.

Background The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) remains a clinical challenge. Diagnostic accuracy of the modified Duke criteria is suboptimal for native valve endocarditis (NVE) and even worse in the presence of prosthetic material-related infection (PVE). We aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET in patients with suspected IE referred to perform PET/CT. Methods Consecutive patients with suspected IE, referred to perform PET/CT between May 2016 and June 2019 were included. Diagnostic performance of modified Duke criteria (mDC) and PET/ CT for IE for NVE and PVE was determined. Results In total, 82 patients (mean age of 61±19 years, 62% of male gender) were enrolled. There were 67 18F-FDG PET/CT concordant results with final diagnosis, corresponding to a 96% of agreement, k=0.91 (p=0.04). A SUVmax cutoff value of ≥3.1 identified positive cases with 88.9% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. In patients with NVE, the addition of PET/CT to the mDC resulted in a reduction of the number of possible IE cases (from 58% to 4.3%). In patients with PVE/intracardiac devices, PET/CT allowed reclassification of 67.4% of possible cases to 4.2%. An alternative diagnosis was provided in 55.6% of the negative IE cases. Conclusions 18F-FDG PET/CT proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with both suspected NVE and PVE with good sensitivity and specificity, resulting in a significant decrease of the number of possible endocarditis. Furthermore, it allowed the identification of the cause of clinical scenario in more than 50% of patients in which the diagnosis was excluded. 18F-FDG PET SUV max ROC for IE diagnosis Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A man in his 70s with previous history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia with diagnosis of posterior myocardial infarction was admitted directly to catheterisation laboratory to perform primary angioplasty (prehospital ECG has sown in figure 1). On arrival, the patient was sweating and lethargic; his blood pressure was 60/45 mm Hg. First invasive pressure tracing was showed in figure 2. The coronary angiography showed total occlusion of obtuse marginal artery in proximal segment (figure 3). Figure 1 Prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram showing ST. Figure 2 Invasive pressure tracing. Figure 3 Coronary angiography showing total occlusion of obtuse marginal artery. What to do next? 1. Emergent pericardiocentesis. 2. Implantation of intra-aortic …

BACKGROUND Left atrial (LA) mechanics is impaired in mitral valve disease, but it is not clear whether reservoir, conduit or contractile functions are differentially impaired in stenosis (MS) or regurgitation (MR). We aimed to study LA mechanics in patients with moderate MR or moderate MS and identify discriminators of disease. METHODS We conducted a prospective, observational study of 100 patients with isolated moderate MR and 100 patients with moderate MS. LA mechanics with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) assessed LA reservoir (LA ɛsys and SRs), conduit(LAɛe, SRe), and contractile (LAɛa, SRa) functions. Left ventricle (LV) functional parameters were assessed as well, including LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDD) and LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS). RESULTS The mean age was 67 ± 14 years and 75% were female. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) did not differ between MR and MS (table 1).LA indexed volume (LAVi) and LA strain did not vary between MR and MS, but strain rate did. SRs and SRe had better values in MR, whereas SRa had worse values in MR (table 1). SRe ( CONCLUSIONS LA strain rate phases were the only parameters that varied between MR and MS. Contractile phase strain rate was more impaired in MR and conduit phase strain rate in MS. This highly specific data reflect the earlier hemodynamic changes occurring in LA in the setting of mitral valve disease. mMR mMS P value LVEF (±SD,%) 57.4 ± 6.4 59.6 ± 4.6 0.145 LV-GLS (±SD, %) -17.7 ± 4.5 -17.1 ± 3.5 0.587 sPAP (±SD, mmHg) 30.3 ± 10.5 32.4 ± 8.3 0.387 LAVi (± SD, ml/m2) 46.3 ± 6.4 48.2 ± 7.4 0.281 LAɛs (± SD, %) 15.8 ± 7.3 13.3 ± 9 0.062 LAɛe (± SD, %) 8.4 ± 4.7 7.1 ± 5.4 0.074 LAɛa (± SD, %) 6.3 ± 4.8 7.4 ± 4.5 0.081 LA SRs (± SD, %) 0.8 ± 0.4 0.6 ± 0.3 0.004 LA SRe (± SD, %) -0.9 ± 0.5 -0.5 ± 0.3

BACKGROUND : Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to systemic hypertension (HTN) may be associated with left atrial (LA) functional abnormalities. We aimed to characterize LA mechanics in HCM and HTN and determine any correlation with the extent of fibrosis measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM patients. METHODS: Two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived longitudinal LA function was acquired from apical views in 60 HCM patients, 60 HTN patients, and 34 age-matched controls. HCM patients also underwent CMR, with measurement of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extension. Association with LA strain parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean LV ejection fraction did not differ across groups. The E/e’ ratio was only preserved in the control group and significantly impaired in the HCM group. LA mechanics were significantly reduced in HCM, compared to the HTN group. LA strain rate in systole (LA-SRs) and late diastole (LA-SRa) were the best discriminators of HCM, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8, followed by LA strain in systole (LA ɛsys) (AUC 0.76). LA-SRs and LA-SRa had high specificity (89% and 91%, respectively) and LA ɛsys had sensitivity of 80%. LA strain rate in early diastole (LA-SRe) was moderately correlated with the extension of LGE (r 2 0.42, p=0.027) CONCLUSIONS: LA-SRs and LA-SRa were the best discriminators for LVH secondary to HCM. LA-SRe was best correlated with the degree of fibrosis assessed by CMR. These findings suggest that LA mechanics can be potential predictors of disease severity in HCM.

OBJECTIVES Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (iTEE) has an important role in diagnosing the results of mitral valve (MV) replacement and repair. However, intraoperative Doppler features may be dissimilar from those measured at the postoperative follow-up period due to hemodynamic variations. There are no studies regarding MV surgery and comparisons between iTTE and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (post-TTE). We aimed to evaluate the Doppler flow profiles observed in iTEE after MV replacement and repair and compare them with those observed in post-TTE.METHODS We conducted an observational study of 76 patients who underwent MV surgery (replacement or repair) over a 10-month period. iTEE was performed with Doppler evaluation (mean pressure gradient [MPG] and functional area). Patients were re-evaluated with TTE 72 hours after surgery (post-TTE). iTEE and post-TTE Doppler values were then compared and correlated.RESULTS The patients’ mean age was 59 ± 18 years and 55% were women. The prevalence of severe mitral regurgitation and severe mitral stenosis was 77.6% and 22.4%, respectively. MV repair was performed in 71% of cases. iTEE Doppler parameters correlated with post-TTE parameters, with minimal differences, specially in the MV repair group. The postoperative MPG was +0.4 ± 1 mmHg higher in the MV repair group and +1.0 ± 1.8 mmHg in the MV replacement group. There was global improvement in terms of systolic pulmonary artery pressure, although left ventricular ejection fractions were slightly reduced during the postoperative evaluation.CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the usefulness of iTEE and its importance in establishing possible reference values for postoperative follow-ups.

Background There is limited information regarding left atrial (LA) mechanics in aortic valve stenosis (AS). We assessed LA mechanics in AS through speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) according to severity and prognosis. Methods We included 102 patients diagnosed with severe AS (sAS) and 80 patients with moderate AS (mAS), all with preserved ejection fraction and no coronary artery disease. LA mechanics and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) were assessed by STE. The cohort was followed-up for a median of 30 (IQR 12.6–50) months, and outcomes were determined (combined outcome of HF, death, and aortic valve replacement). Results In our sample set, values of LV-GLS (− 18.5% vs − 17.1, p = 0.025), E/e’ ratio (15.8 vs 18.4, p = 0.03), and global LA mechanics (LA ɛsys, 23% vs 13.8%, p p p p r2 = 0.6, p r2 = 0.55, p r2 = 0.3 and r2 = 0.25, p = 0.01). Either LV-GLS or LA ɛsys, but not the E/e’ ratio, TAPSE, or RV/RA gradient, were a significant predictors of the combined outcome. Conclusions LA global strain was the best discriminator of severity, surpassing E/e’ ratio and LV-GLS, and a significant predictor of prognosis in AS.

Despite the important role of cardiac pacing in preventing syncope and sudden cardiac death in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), we lack clear guidelines as to the ideal timing and indications for permanent pacemaker implantation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ideal timing for pacemaker implantation in FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation. Retrospective study of 258 FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation between 1992 and 2012. Comparison of three groups: (A) patients without pacemaker (N = 122); (B) patients submitted to pacemaker implantation after liver transplantation, with documented conduction disorders (N = 73); and (C) patients submitted to “prophylactic” pacemaker implantation before transplantation, (N = 73). Patients were followed up for 12.2 ± 6.7 years. The majority of patients (57%) were referred for pacemaker implantation, which occurred before liver transplantation in 50% of cases. Patients who required pacemaker after transplantation presented significantly higher Machado-Joseph Score during pre-transplant evaluation than those who did not require pacemaker (24 ± 10 vs 20 ± 10, p = .025), and also exhibited higher levels of hepatic cytolysis enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia. The most common indication for permanent pacemaker was first degree atrioventricular block, with a mean time between transplantation and pacemaker implantation of 8.7 ± 4.2 years. During long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality was 27% and was lowest in the group submitted to pacemaker implantation only after liver transplantation (p = 0.002). The majority of FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation will need a pacemaker at some time of follow-up. However, it seems that there is no benefit in “prophylactic” cardiac pacing before liver transplantation.

Introduction: Oral anticoagulants have proved to be highly effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF)-related strokes. The occurrence of stroke despite oral anticoagulation is unexpected and little is known about the mechanisms responsible. The aim of this study was to assess possible mechanisms for stroke occurrence, such as poor treatment adherence and inappropriate dosage, in patients chronically anticoagulated for AF. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 60 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF, chronically medicated with an oral anticoagulant and admitted due to ischemic stroke. Treatment adherence was assessed through the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the Medição da Adesão ao Tratamento (MAT) scales. Patient characteristics, stroke etiology, and appropriacy of anticoagulant dosage were also assessed. Results: Patients’ mean age was 78.6±8.0 years, and 51.7% were male. Overall, the proportion of patients with good adherence to anticoagulants was 63.3%. Adherent patients were more frequently illiterate (26.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.012). The proportion of patients under vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with good treatment adherence was significantly higher than that of patients under novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (83.3% vs. 54.8%, respectively, for BMQ, p=0.035). However, 91.7% of patients under VKAs presented an admission INR

The field of three-dimensional printing applied to patient-specific simulation is evolving as a tool to enhance intervention results. We report the first case of a fully simulated percutaneous coronary intervention in a three-dimensional patient-specific model to guide treatment.An 85-year-old female presented with symptomatic in-stent restenosis in the ostial circumflex and was scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention. Considering the complexity of the anatomy, patient setting and intervention technique, we elected to replicate the coronary anatomy using a three-dimensional model. In this way, we simulated the intervention procedure beforehand in the catheterization laboratory using standard materials. The procedure was guided by optical coherence tomography, with pre-dilatation of the lesion, implantation of a single drug-eluting stent in the ostial circumflex and kissing balloon inflation to the left anterior descending artery and circumflex. Procedural steps were replicated in the real patient's treatment, with remarkable parallelism in angiographic outcome and luminal gain at intracoronary imaging.In this proof-of-concept report, we show that patient-specific simulation is feasible to guide the treatment strategy of complex coronary artery disease. It enables the surgical team to plan and practice the procedure beforehand, and possibly predict complications and gain confidence. Resumo: O campo da impressão tridimensional aplicado à simulação específica de doente está a evoluir como uma ferramenta para aperfeiçoar os resultados das intervenções terapêuticas. Pretendemos descrever o primeiro caso de simulação completa de intervenção coronária percutânea, num modelo tridimensional específico de doente, para guiar o procedimento.Uma doente de 85 anos com reestenose intra-stent sintomática no óstio da artéria circunflexa foi referenciada para intervenção coronária percutânea. Considerando a complexidade da anatomia, o contexto clínico e a técnica de intervenção, decidimos reproduzir a anatomia coronária com o uso de um modelo tridimensional. Desse modo, simulámos antecipadamente a intervenção no laboratório de hemodinâmica com material habitual. O procedimento foi guiado por tomografia de coerência óptica, com pré-dilatação da lesão, implantação de um stent farmacoativo na circunflexa ostial e insuflação kissing balloon na descendente anterior e circunflexa. As etapas do procedimento foram reproduzidas no tratamento real, com um paralelismo notável nos resultados angiográficos e ganho luminal avaliado por imagem intracoronária.Com esta prova de conceito, demonstramos que a simulação específica de doente é exequível para guiar a estratégia de tratamento de doença coronária complexa, possibilitando o planeamento antecipado do procedimento, possivelmente prevendo complicações e adquirindo mais confiança. Keywords: 3D printing, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Simulation training, Palavras-chave: Impressão 3D, Intervenção coronária percutânea, Treino em simulação

Background and objectives: Although iron is a pivotal player in several critical enzymes, limited data is available on the prevalence of iron deficiency in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We sought to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency in a population with PH. Methods: We performed a clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic characterization of all PH patients currently being followed in PH clinic between 2008 and 2012. We have assessed the prevalence of iron deficiency in this population by the evaluation of ferritin and transferrin saturation at baseline, nadir values and latest assessment on outpatient clinic. We also compared the different groups of PH. A total of 114 patients (68.4% female, mean age 44±18.3 years) were included. Results: Most patients were from group 1 PH (40.6%) whereas chronic thromboembolic PH comprised 23.8% patients, followed by congenital heart disease-associated PH in 22,8% (18.3% with Eisenmenger's Syndrome). At baseline, most patients were in NYHA 3 (44%) and NYHA 4 (28.4%). Mean brain natriuretic peptide was 355 pg/mL, mean pulmonary artery pressure was 51 mmHg, mean capillary wedge pressure was 9 mmHg and cardiac output was 3.0 L/min. Approximately one-third of patients were receiving warfarin and 14% patients required continuous oxygen. We have found that all the three groups showed transferrin saturation values lower than the reference values. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (DADOS p=0,009). The lowest values were found in group 1, with a mean value of 12%. Serial ferritin values were normal or elevated and no difference between groups was found. After follow-up, there was a favorable outcome when assessing the final transferrin saturation with respect to the minimum value (p