A Challenging Case Of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Never Judge By Appearances

Abstract We report the case of a patient with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) whose initial assessment suggested a group 3 (clinical classification) PH. The patient had a history of drugs/toxins consumption, which contributed to the development of intrinsic pulmonary vascular disease. This changed the panorama towards the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with important therapeutic and prognostic implications. In fact, the excellent clinical, laboratory and hemodynamic response to therapy confirmed the hypothesis of a case of drug-associated PAH (DPAH) in a patient with diffuse SSc and lung disease. Considering the presence of DPAH, it was deemed necessary to assess acute vasoreactivity during right heart catheterization (RHC). If criteria were met, the clinical scenario may change towards a favorable and sustained clinical and hemodynamic response with oral calcium channel blockers. However, the response to inhaled nitric oxide was negative in our patient and the therapeutic strategy with dual oral combination therapy with tadalafil and ambrisentan was continued. After six-months of therapy the patient significantly improved, from a high to a low risk of one-year mortality.

Toward a better understanding of cardiovascular risk in the transgender and gender-diverse community: a supplement to the Tijuana Declaration / El camino hacia una mejor comprensión del riesgo cardiovascular en la comunidad transgénero y diferentes géneros: un suplemento a la Declaración de Tijuana

Abstract On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a communication regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. This document, called the Tijuana Declaration, urged the global cardiovascular community to work toward understanding and mitigating this problem. This article aims to unpack the numerous factors that lead to it. An example is the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, which leads to increased stress and risk for cardiovascular complications. TGD patients are also more likely to have insufficient access to health care, and those that do receive care are often faced with providers that are not adequately educated about the unique needs of their community. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that gender-affirming hormone therapies have an impact on cardiovascular health, but studies on this subject often have methodological concerns and contradictory findings. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in this community requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in research studies on this topic, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

Resumen En el Día Mundial del Corazón 2022, la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología, la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología y la Federación Mundial del Corazón colaboraron en una comunicación sobre el aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos para la salud cardiovascular en individuos transgénero y de género diverso (TGD). Este documento, conocido como la Declaración de Tijuana, instó a la comunidad cardiovascular global a trabajar en la comprensión y mitigación de este problema. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desentrañar los numerosos factores que lo provocan. Un ejemplo es el estigma social enfrentado por los miembros de la comunidad TGD, lo que conduce a un aumento del estrés y el riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Los pacientes TGD también tienen más probabilidades de tener un acceso insuficiente a la atención médica, y aquellos que la reciben a menudo se enfrentan a proveedores que no están adecuadamente educados sobre las necesidades únicas de su comunidad. Finalmente, hay evidencia que sugiere que las terapias hormonales de afirmación de género tienen un impacto en la salud cardiovascular, pero los estudios sobre este tema a menudo tienen preocupaciones metodológicas y hallazgos contradictorios. Disminuir la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares adversos en esta comunidad requiere intervenciones como la reforma educativa en la comunidad médica, un aumento en los estudios de investigación sobre este tema e iniciativas sociales más amplias destinadas a reducir el estigma enfrentado por los individuos TGD.

Endocardite Infecciosa: Ainda mais Desafios que Certezas / Infective Endocarditis: Still More Challenges Than Convictions

Resumo Após catorze décadas de evolução médica e tecnológica, a endocardite infeciosa continua a desafiar médicos no seu diagnóstico e manejo diário. O aumento da incidência, alterações demográficas (afetando pacientes mais idosos), microbiologia com taxas de infeção por Staphylococcus mais elevadas, com complicações graves ainda frequentes e uma mortalidade substancial tornam a endocardite uma doença muito complexa. Apesar de tudo, a inovação no seu diagnóstico, nomeadamente na área da microbiologia e imagem, e a melhoria nos cuidados intensivos e na cirurgia cardíaca (quanto às técnicas, materiais usados e momento de intervenção) podem ter um impacto no seu prognóstico. Os desafios persistem, incluindo repensar a profilaxia, melhorar os critérios de diagnóstico incluindo a endocardite com culturas negativas e endocardite de prótese valvar, o timing para a intervenção cirúrgica, e sua realização ou não na presença de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico e em usuários de drogas intravenosas. Uma estratégia combinada na endocardite infeciosa é fundamental, incluindo decisões e protocolos clínicos avançados, um manejo multidisciplinar, organização e políticas de saúde que culminem em melhores resultados para os nossos pacientes.

Abstract After fourteen decades of medical and technological evolution, infective endocarditis continues to challenge physicians in its daily diagnosis and management. Its increasing incidence, demographic shifts (affecting older patients), microbiology with higher rates of Staphylococcus infection, still frequent serious complications and substantial mortality make endocarditis a very complex disease. Despite this, innovations in the diagnosis, involving microbiology and imaging, and improvements in intensive care and cardiac surgical techniques, materials and timing can impact the prognosis of this disease. Ongoing challenges persist, including rethinking prophylaxis, improving the diagnosis criteria comprising blood culture-negative endocarditis and prosthetic valve endocarditis, timing of surgical intervention, and whether to perform surgery in the presence of ischemic stroke or in intravenous drug users. A combined strategy on infective endocarditis is crucial, involving advanced clinical decisions and protocols, a multidisciplinary approach, national healthcare organization and health policies to achieve better results for our patients.

Gender Based Analysis of a Population Series of Patients Hospitalized with Infective Endocarditis in Portugal - How do Women and Men Compare?

Abstract Background: The impact of gender on the outcome of patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis (IE) is not fully understood. Objective: To verify the association between gender and the clinical profile of patients hospitalized with IE, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective nationwide study of patients hospitalized with IE, based on hospital admissions between 2010 and 2018 in Portugal. Descriptive statistics were used to present variables. An inferential analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. A 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level were considered. Results: In total, 3266 (43.1%) women and 4308 (56.9%) men were hospitalized with IE. The women were older (76 vs 69 years old, p<0.001), more frequently presented arterial hypertension (39.8% vs 35.4%, p<0.001) and atrial fibrillation (29.5% vs 21.2%, p<0.001), and had less cardiovascular comorbidities. Acute heart failure was more common in women (32.9 vs 26.9%, p<0.001) and acute renal failure (13.6% vs 11.7%, p<0.001) and sepsis (12.1% vs 9.1%, p<0.001), in men. Women were less likely to undergo cardiac surgery (OR 0.48 - 95%CI 0.40-0.57, p<0.001) and had a higher postoperative mortality (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.19-2.84, p=0.006). In-hospital mortality rates were comparable between genders (20.3% vs 19.6%, p=0.45). Conclusions: Women were less likely to undergo cardiac surgery when hospitalized with IE, and the female gender was a predictor factor for postoperative mortality. Overall, in-hospital mortality was not influenced by gender. Further research is necessary to fully clarify the impact of gender on IE management and outcomes.

Preditores de doença arterial coronária em sobreviventes à parada cardíaca: angiografia coronária para todos? Uma análise retrospectiva em centro único / Predictors of coronary artery disease in cardiac arrest survivors: coronary angiography for everyone? A single-center retrospective analysis

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os preditores de doença arterial coronária em sobreviventes à parada cardíaca, visando definir o melhor momento para realização de angiografia coronária e estabelecer o relacionamento entre doença arterial coronária e mortalidade. Métodos: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo em centro único, que incluiu os pacientes consecutivamente submetidos à angiografia coronária após uma parada cardíaca. Resultados: Incluímos 117 pacientes (63 ± 13 anos, 77% homens). A maioria dos incidentes de parada cardíaca ocorreu com ritmos chocáveis (70,1%), e o tempo mediano até retorno da circulação espontânea foi de 10 minutos. Identificou-se doença arterial coronária em 68,4% dos pacientes, dentre os quais 75% foram submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea. Elevação do segmento ST (RC de 6,5; IC95% 2,2 - 19,6; p = 0,001), presença de alterações da contratilidade segmentar (RC de 22,0; IC95% 5,7 - 84,6; p < 0,001), fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda ≤ 40% (RC de 6,2; IC95% 1,8 - 21,8; p = 0,005) e níveis elevados de troponina T de alta sensibilidade (RC de 3,04; IC95% 1,3 - 6,9; p = 0,008) foram preditores de doença arterial coronária; esse último teve baixa precisão (área sob a curva de 0,64; p = 0,004), tendo o nível de 170ng/L como ponto ideal de corte. Apenas elevação do segmento ST e presença de alterações da contratilidade segmentar foram preditores independentes de doença arterial coronária. A duração da parada cardíaca (RC de 1,015; IC95% 1,0 - 1,05; p = 0,048) foi um preditor independente de óbito, e ritmo chocável (RC de 0,4; IC95% 0,4 - 0,9; p = 0,031) foi um preditor independente de sobrevivência. A presença de doença arterial coronária e a realização de intervenção coronária percutânea não tiveram impacto na sobrevivência; não foi possível estabelecer o melhor ponto de corte para o momento da angiografia coronária. Conclusão: Em pacientes com parada cardíaca, elevação do segmento ST, alterações da contratilidade segmentar, disfunção ventricular esquerda e níveis elevados de troponina T de alta sensibilidade foram preditivos de doença arterial coronária. Nem doença arterial coronária nem a intervenção coronária percutânea tiveram impacto significante na sobrevivência.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify predictors of coronary artery disease in survivors of cardiac arrest, to define the best timing for coronary angiography and to establish the relationship between coronary artery disease and mortality. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study including consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography after cardiac arrest. Results: A total of 117 patients (63 ± 13 years, 77% men) were included. Most cardiac arrest incidents occurred with shockable rhythms (70.1%), and the median duration until the return of spontaneous circulation was 10 minutes. Significant coronary artery disease was found in 68.4% of patients, of whom 75% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. ST-segment elevation (OR 6.5, 95%CI 2.2 - 19.6; p = 0.001), the presence of wall motion abnormalities (OR 22.0, 95%CI 5.7 - 84.6; p < 0.001), an left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% (OR 6.2, 95%CI 1.8 - 21.8; p = 0.005) and elevated high sensitivity troponin T (OR 3.04, 95%CI 1.3 - 6.9; p = 0.008) were predictors of coronary artery disease; the latter had poor accuracy (area under the curve 0.64; p = 0.004), with an optimal cutoff of 170ng/L. Only ST-segment elevation and the presence of wall motion abnormalities were independent predictors of coronary artery disease. The duration of cardiac arrest (OR 1.015, 95%CI 1.0 - 1.05; p = 0.048) was an independent predictor of death, and shockable rhythm (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.4 - 0.9; p = 0.031) was an independent predictor of survival. The presence of coronary artery disease and the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention had no impact on survival; it was not possible to establish the best cutoff for coronary angiography timing. Conclusion: In patients with cardiac arrest, ST-segment elevation, wall motion abnormalities, left ventricular dysfunction and elevated high sensitivity troponin T were predictive of coronary artery disease. Neither coronary artery disease nor percutaneous coronary intervention significantly impacted survival.

Hypertriglyceridemia: Is there a role for prophylactic apheresis? A case report / Hipertrigliceridemia: há um papel para a aferese profilática? Relato de um caso

Abstract Severe hypertriglyceridemia has been consistently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications, namely acute pancreatitis. We report a case of a 64 year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and metabolic syndrome with triglyceride level of 3260 mg/dL. Plasma exchange was performed with simultaneous medical treatment to achieve a rapid and effective lowering of triglycerides in order to prevent clinical complications. After three plasmapheresis sessions a marked reduction in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels was observed. Several cases have shown the importance of plasmapheresis in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. We intend to demonstrate the applicability of this technique as primary prophylaxis in the presence of extremely high serum triglyceridemia levels.

Resumo A hipertrigliceridemia grave tem sido associada de forma consistente ao aumento do risco cardiovascular e a outras complicações, nomeadamente, pancreatite aguda. Descrevemos um caso de uma mulher de 64 anos, com miocardiopatia hipertrófica e síndrome metabólica com valor sérico de triglicerídeos de 3260 mg/dL. Foi efectuada plasmaferese e optimizado o tratamento médico para alcançar uma redução rápida e efectiva dos níveis dos triglicerídeos, prevenindo complicações clínicas. Após três sessões de plasmaferese, verificou-se uma redução marcada dos triglicerídeos e do colesterol total. Existem alguns casos descritos na literatura demonstrado a importância da plasmaferese no tratamento da pancreatite aguda em contexto de hipertrigliceridemia grave. Os autores pretendem com este caso demonstrar a aplicabilidade desta técnica em contexto de prevenção primária em doentes com níveis de triglicerídeos extremamente aumentados.

Políticas de conflictos de intereses y requisitos para su declaración en las revistas cardiovasculares nacionales de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología / Conflict of interest policies and disclosure requirements among european society of cardiology national cardiovascular journals

Las revistas biomédicas utilizan la declaración de posibles conflictos de intereses para garantizar la credibilidad y la transparencia del proceso científico. Sin embargo, las revistas no abordan la declaración de conflictos de intereses de manera sistemática ni uniforme. Recientes esfuerzos editoriales conjuntos han abierto el camino a la aplicación de herramientas uniformes para la declaración de conflictos de intereses. En este artículo se presenta una visión integral sobre cuestiones clásicas relacionadas con los conflictos de intereses desde un punto de vista editorial. Además, a partir de los datos de un estudio transversal basado en el empleo de un cuestionario estandarizado, se comentan nuevas apreciaciones sobre las políticas y los actuales procedimientos editoriales relativos a los conflictos de intereses en las diversas revistas cardiovasculares nacionales de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is used by biomedical journals to guarantee credibility and transparency of the scientific process. Conflict of interest disclosure, however, is not systematically nor consistently dealt with by journals. Recent joint editorial efforts paved the way towards the implementation of uniform vehicles for conflicts of interest disclosure. This paper provides a comprehensive editorial perspective on classical conflict of interest-related issues. New insights into current conflicts of interest policies and practices among European Society of Cardiology national cardiovascular journals, as derived from a cross-sectional survey using a standardized questionnaire, are discussed.

Políticas de conflito de interesses e exigências para divulgação em Revistas Científicas de Cardiologia Nacionais da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia / Conflict of interest policies and disclosure requirements among European Society of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Journals

A divulgação de possíveis conflitos de interesses (COI) é um recurso utilizado por revistas científicas biomédicas para garantir a credibilidade e transparência do processo científico. No entanto, a divulgação de COI não constitui um foco sistemático ou consistente das revistas científicas. As recentes ações editoriais conjuntas prepararam o terreno para a implementação de veículos uniformes para a divulgação de COI. Este artigo fornece uma perspectiva editorial abrangente de questões clássicas associadas a COI. Discutem-se, ademais, perspectivas sobre as políticas e práticas atuais de COI de revistas científicas de cardiologia nacionais da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia, tendo como base uma pesquisa transversal utilizando um questionário padronizado.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (COI) is used by biomedical journals to guarantee credibility and transparency of the scientific process. COI disclosure, however, is not systematically nor consistently dealt with by journals. Recent joint editorial efforts paved the way towards the implementation of uniform vehicles for COI disclosure. This paper provides a comprehensive editorial perspective on classical COI-related issues. New insights into current COI policies and practices among European Society of Cardiology national cardiovascular journals, as derived from a cross-sectional survey using a standardised questionnaire, are discussed.

Políticas de conflictos de intereses y requisitos para su declaración en las revistas cardiovasculares nacionales de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología

Resumen Las revistas biomédicas utilizan la declaración de posibles conflictos de intereses para garantizar la credibilidad y la transparencia del proceso científico. Sin embargo, las revistas no abordan la declaración de conflictos de intereses de manera sistemática ni uniforme. Recientes esfuerzos editoriales conjuntos han abierto el camino a la aplicación de herramientas uniformes para la declaración de conflictos de intereses. En este artículo se presenta una visión integral sobre cuestiones clásicas relacionadas con los conflictos de intereses desde un punto de vista editorial. Además, a partir de los datos de un estudio transversal basado en el empleo de un cuestionario estandarizado, se comentan nuevas apreciaciones sobre las políticas y los actuales procedimientos editoriales relativos a los conflictos de intereses en las diversas revistas cardiovasculares nacionales de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología

Summary Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is used by biomedical journals to guarantee credibility and transparency of the scientific process. Conflict of interest disclosure, however, is not systematically nor consistently dealt with by journals. Recent joint editorial efforts paved the way towards the implementation of uniform vehicles for conflicts of interest disclosure. This paper provides a comprehensive editorial perspective on classical conflict of interest-related issues. New insights into current conflicts of interest policies and practices among European Society of Cardiology national cardiovascular journals, as derived from a cross-sectional survey using a standardised questionnaire, are discussed.