Estudio comparativo de la función cardíaca en dos poblaciones de América Latina mediante el ecocardiograma transtorácico: Atahualpa, Ecuador y Ciudad de México, México / Comparative study of cardiac function between two populations in Latin America using the transthoracic echocardiogram: Atahualpa, Ecuador, and Mexico City, Mexico

Resumen Objetivo: Comprobar las diferencias morfológicas y funcionales del corazón en dos poblaciones latinoamericanas con distintas características raciales y condiciones de vida. Métodos: Mediante el ecocardiograma transtorácico se obtuvieron datos de 206 personas: 103 del poblado de Atahualpa, Ecuador (nivel del mar, edad x̄ 75 ± 4.2 años, 53 mujeres) y 103 habitantes de la Ciudad de México (altitud de 2,300 m, edad x̄ 75 ± 4.2 años, 52 mujeres). Resultados: Las diferencias significativas entre Atahualpa y la Ciudad de México fueron frecuencia cardíaca, 66 vs. 80; diámetro diastólico ventricular izquierdo, 40.8 vs. 42.7; grosor del tabique, 9.8 vs. 11.6; pared posterior, 10.2 vs. 11.8; volumen-latido en centímetros cúbicos, 53.0 vs. 46.6; volumen auricular Izquierdo, 25.8 vs. 33.6; presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar, 27.1 vs. 42.0; gasto cardíaco, 3.1 vs. 4.8; cociente E/Ea, 6.4 vs. 9.2; área mitral, 3.4 vs. 3.0. El comparativo de la función diastólica entre Atahualpa y la Ciudad de México fue: tipo 0: 2 vs. 1; tipo 1: 96 vs. 81; tipo 2: 5 vs. 20; tipo 3: 0 vs. 1. Conclusión: Las características ecocardiográficas que identifican los cambios adaptativos del corazón en Atahualpa coinciden con personas que viven a nivel del mar y con buena actividad física y en México con los habitantes de grandes altitudes y expuestos a contaminación ambiental. La función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo fue similar en ambas poblaciones, lo que indica que los cambios adaptativos hacen posible que el corazón sea eficaz en diferentes circunstancias del ecosistema.

Abstract Objective: To compare morphological and functional differences of the heart in two Latin American populations with different ethnicity and living conditions. Methods: Using transthoracic echocardiogram we obtained data on 206 individuals: 103 from Atahualpa, Ecuador (living at sea level, mean age: 75 ± 4.2 years, 53 women) and 103 inhabitants from Mexico City (living at 2300 m above sea level, mean age: 75 ± 4.2 years, 52 women). Results: Significant differences between Atahualpa and Mexico were: Heart rate 66 versus 80 x’, left ventricular diastolic diameter 40.8 versus 42.7, septum thickness 9.8 versus 11.6, posterior wall 10.2 versus 11.8, stroke volume cc 53.0 versus 46.6, left atrial volume 25. 8 versus 33.6, systolic pressure of the pulmonary artery 27.1 versus 42.0, cardiac output 3.1 versus 4.8, E/Ea ratio 6.4 versus 9.2, and mitral area 3.4 versus 3.0. Comparison of diastolic function between Atahualpa and Mexico was: Type 0; 2 versus 1. Type 1; 96 versus 81. Type 2; 5 versus 20 and Type 3; 0 versus 1. Conclusion: Echocardiographic characteristics that identify adaptive changes of the heart in Atahualpa are coincident with people living at sea level and with good physical activity, and Mexico City, with inhabitants living at high altitudes and exposed to environmental pollution. The systolic function of the left ventricle was similar in both populations, indicating that adaptive changes allow the heart to be effective in different circumstances of the ecosystem.

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided thrombectomy of level iv renal cell carcinoma without cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Advanced renal cell carcinoma accompanied by tumor thrombus in the venous system is present in up to 10% of cases. Extension of tumor thrombus above the diaphragm or into the right atrium represents level IV disease. Level IV tumors are typically treated with sterno-laparotomy approach with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and veno-venous bypass. In this case report, the surgical technique for the resection of advanced RCC were described, with the concomitant use of transesophageal echocardiography for thrombus extraction without the veno-venous or cardiopulmonary bypass.

Inhalational anesthesia maintenance with the Janus facial mask for transcatheter aortic-valve replacement: a case series / Manutenção da anestesia inalatória com a máscara facial Janus para substituição de válvula aórtica transcateter: uma série de casos

Abstract Background and objectives Aortic stenosis is the most common type of heart valve disease. Percutaneous aortic valve replacement has become the alternative for patients considered at high risk for surgery. Controlled mechanical ventilation with tracheal intubation has been the choice for this type of procedure, however the use of noninvasive ventilation in cardiac patients has shown to be beneficial. Janus is a novel full-face mask that allows application of noninvasive ventilation support during anesthesia. Our main objective was to evaluate the feasibility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with prolonged transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring under deep inhalational sedation delivered through a new mask for noninvasive ventilation. Methods A case series observational study that included five patients with critical aortic stenosis that underwent inhalational anesthesia with sevoflurane for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a hybrid room of a teaching hospital. Standard monitors and bispectral index were used, followed by inhalational induction and placement of the Janus mask. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. Patients were transferred to intensive care unit after the procedure. Complications related to the mask use, transesofageal echocardiography accessibility and respiratory implications to the patients were recorded. Results All procedures were uneventful and no major complications were observed intraoperatively. One patient presented CO2 retention (50 mmHg) and sevoflurane leak around the central opening of the mask, both without clinical significance. Conclusions The use of inhalational anesthesia with the facial mask Janus is a safe and efficient alternative to general anesthesia with tracheal intubation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement and can easily accommodate the use of transesophageal echocardiography intraoperatively.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos A estenose aórtica é o tipo mais comum de doença valvular cardíaca. A substituição percutânea de válvula aórtica tornou-se a alternativa para pacientes cirúrgicos considerados de alto risco. A ventilação mecânica controlada com intubação traqueal tem sido a escolha para esse tipo de procedimento; porém, o uso de ventilação não invasiva em pacientes cardíacos mostrou ser benéfico. Janus é uma nova máscara facial que permite a aplicação de suporte à VNI durante a anestesia. Nosso objetivo primário foi avaliar a viabilidade da substituição transcateter de valva aórtica com monitoração ecocardiográfica transesofágica prolongada sob sedação inalatória profunda através de uma nova máscara para ventilação não invasiva. Métodos Estudo observacional de série de casos que incluiu cinco pacientes com estenose aórtica em fase crítica, submetidos à anestesia inalatória com sevoflurano para substituição transcateter de valva aórtica em uma sala híbrida de um hospital universitário. Monitores padrão e índice bispectral foram usados, seguidos de indução inalatória e colocação da máscara Janus. A anestesia foi mantida com sevoflurano. Os pacientes foram transferidos para a unidade de terapia intensiva após o procedimento. As complicações relacionadas ao uso da máscara, a acessibilidade da ecocardiografia transesofágica e as implicações respiratórias para os pacientes foram registradas. Resultados Todos os procedimentos transcorreram sem incidentes e não foram observadas complicações maiores no intraoperatório. Um paciente apresentou retenção de CO2 (50 mmHg) e vazamento de sevoflurano em torno da abertura central da máscara, ambos sem significância clínica. Conclusões O uso de anestesia inalatória com a máscara facial Janus é uma opção segura e eficiente à anestesia geral com intubação traqueal para substituição transcateter de valva aórtica e pode facilmente acomodar o uso de ecocardiografia transesofágica no intraoperatório.

Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic presentations of patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis

@#Objective: Cardiac amyloidosis is under diagnosed and its prevalence is unknown. This is a retrospective, nonrandomised, single centre study of patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis focusing on their echocardiographic and electrocardiogram (ECG) presentations. This is the first case series in Malaysia on this subject. Methods: We identified all of our endomyocardial biopsyproven cardiac amyloidosis patients from January 2010 to January 2018 and reviewed their medical records. All patients echocardiographic and ECG findings reviewed and analysed comparing to basic mean population value. Results: In total there are 13 biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis patients. All of the biopsies shows light chain (AL) amyloid. Majority of the patients (8, 61.5%) is male, and most of our patients (8, 61.5%) is Chinese. All seven patients on whom we performed deformation imaging have apical sparing pattern on longitudinal strain echocardiogram. Mean ejection fraction is 49.3%, (SD=7.9). All patients have concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and right ventricular hypertrophy. Diastolic dysfunction was present in all of our patients with nine out of 13 patients (69.2%) having restrictive filling patterns (E/A ≥2.0 E/e' ≥15). On electrocardiogram, 12 (92%) patients have prolonged PR interval (median 200ms, IQR 76.50ms) and 9 (69.2%) patients have pseudoinfarct pattern. Conclusion: Echocardiography plays an important role in diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. The findings of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with preserved ejection fraction without increased in loading condition should alert the clinician towards its possibility. This is further supported by right ventricular hypertrophy and particularly longitudinal strain imaging showing apical sparing pattern.

A deadly tear to fear: An interesting case presentation

Objectives@#1) To present a case of a patient with aortic dissection. 2) To show how the case arrived to its plausible diagnosis. 3) To discuss other illnesses discovered in the case.@*Case Summary@#This is a case of a 54-year old, female, Filipino, Catholic, who presented with severe chest pain, substernal in location, with pain intensity of 8/10 associated with diaphoresis and dyspnea leading to fainting spells. Initial impression was cardiogenic shock secondary to Non-ST elevated myocardial infarction. On physical examination, the patient was drowsy and in cardio-respiratory distress. She had symmetrical chest expansion and no retractions were noted. Clear breath sounds were noted in all lung fields. She had an adynamic precordium with normal rate and regular rhythm, however with distant heart sounds. There was no murmur, heave or thrill appreciated. Vital signs at the emergency room showed a blood pressure of 110/80 which eventually became 80/50 mmH, respiratory rate of 22 cycles per minute, heart rate of 80-100 beats per minute and was febrile. Patient was scheduled for a stat coronary angiography, however on further reassessment, repeat ECG showed resolution of the inferolateral wall ischemia but this could not explain her fluctuating blood pressure. When the patient underwent the scheduled bedside 2D echo, a moderate cardiac tamponade was discovered with a 4.5 cm aortic dissection. With these findings, patient underwent aortic repair, graft insertion with evacuation of hematoma. She was discharged stable and with no recurrence of chest pain.

Transesophageal echocardiography‑guided thrombectomy of intracardiac renal cell carcinoma without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) resection has important anesthetic management implications, particularly when tumor extends, suprahepatic, into the right atrium. Use of transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is essential in identifying tumor extension and guiding resection. Latest surgical approach avoids venovenous and cardiopulmonary bypass yet requires special precautions and interventions on the anesthesiologist’s part. We present a case of Level IV RCC resected without cardiopulmonary bypass and salvaged by TEE guidance and detection of residual intracardiac tumor.

Unusual cause of hypoxemia after automatic implantable cardioverter‑defibrillatorleads extraction.

The indication of pacemaker/AICD removal are numerous. Serious complication can occur during their removal, severe tricuspid regurgitation is one of the complication. The occurrence of PFO is not uncommon among adult population. Shunting across PFO in most circumstance is negligible, but in some necessitates closure due to hypoxemia. We report a case of 62 year old man, while undergoing AICD removal, had an emergency sternotomy for cardiac tamponade. Postoperatively, he experienced profound hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy. Transthoracic Echocardiogram was performed to rule out intracardiac shunts at an early stage, but it was difficult to obtain an good imaging windows poststernotomy. A small pulmonary emboli was noted on CTPA, but was not sufficient to account for the level of hypoxemia and did not resolve with anticoagulation. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed flail septal tricuspid valve with severe TR and bidirectional shunt through large PFO. Patient was posted for surgery, tricuspid valve was replaced and PFO surgically closed. Subsequently, patient recovered well ad was discharged to home. Cause of hypoxemia might be due to respiratory or cardiac dysfunction. But for hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy, transoesophageal echocardiogram should be always considered and performed early as an diagnostic tool in post cardiac surgical patients.

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular Tei index in congenital heart disease.

Background: Use of the Tei index has not been described to assess myocardial function before or after surgery in pediatric patients. This study was designed to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) function using the Tei index pre‑ and post‑cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with lesion that result in a volume loaded right ventricle (RV). Methods: Retrospective data on 55 patients who underwent repair of a cardiac defect were analyzed. Patients with volume overload RV (n = 15) were compared to patients without volume overload but with other cardiac defects (n = 40). We reviewed pre‑ and post‑operative LV myocardial performance index (Tei index). Tei index was obtained from transesophageal Doppler echocardiogram. Results: Patients with right heart volume overload, the mean preoperative Tei index was 0.6, with a postoperative mean decrease of 0.207 (P = 0.014). Patients without right heart volume overload, the mean preoperative Tei was 0.48 with no significant postoperative change (P = 0.82). Conclusion: Pre‑ and post‑operative transesophageal echocardiogram assessment provides an easy and quick way of evaluating LV function intra‑operatively using LV Tei index. Preoperative LV Tei index was greater in the RV volume overload defects indicating diminished LV global function. This normalized in the immediate postoperative period, implying an immediate improvement in LV function. In patients without right heart volume load, consist of other cardiac defects, demonstrated no changes in the pre‑ and post‑operative LV Tei. This implies that LV function was similar after the surgery.

The inverted left atrial appendage; the possibility of the interference with the bloodstream into the left ventricle during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass: A case report

This report presents an experience of difficulties in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after the closure of atrial septal defect. Transesophageal echocardiogram following the first attempt of weaning the CPB revealed the inverted left atrial appendage protruding into the mitral valve. Only after the correction of the inverted left appendage, the CPB weaning was completed without any difficulties.

Cor triatriatum sinister: A propósito de un caso / Cor triatriatum sinister: Report of a case / Cor triatriatum sinister: Relato de um caso

El cor triatriatum sinister es una causa muy poco común de hipertensión pulmonar venosa y de insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, con una incidencia reportada del 0,1% de los niños con defectos cardíacos congénitos. La historia natural de este defecto depende del tamaño del orificio en la membrana. Se caracteriza por la presencia de una membrana fibromuscular que divide la aurícula izquierda en dos cavidades, comunicadas por uno o varios orificios, con distintos grados de obstrucción. La forma obstructiva parcial puede cursar asintomática y ser diagnosticada en forma casual por un ecocardiograma. Se asocia con frecuencia a otras anomalías congénitas entre ellas a comunicación interauricular (CIA). Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 43 años, portadora de hipertensión arterial con antecedentes de cierre directo de una CIA hace 8 meses, diagnóstico confirmado por ecocardiografía transesofágica (ETE). Consulta con su médico de cabecera por palpitaciones precordiales de aparición súbita. En el electrocardiograma se evidencia aleteo auricular atípico. La paciente es internada para la realización de una cardioversión eléctrica. Durante la realización de un ETE, se encuentran hallazgos compatibles con cor triatriatum: cortocircuito a través de una CIA de izquierda a derecha; insuficiencia tricúspide severa, gradiente entre ventrículo y aurícula derechos de 65 mm Hg; presión sistólica pulmonar estimada en 85 mm Hg. Posterior a la resolución de la arritmia se realiza atriotomía derecha a través de la CIA, resecándose la membrana obstructiva, cerrándose luego la CIA con amplio parche de dacron. Actualmente, paciente con buena evolución, en seguimiento clínico cardiológico.

The cor triatriaum sinister is a very rare cause of pulmonary venous hypertension and congestive heart failure, with a reported incidence of 0.1% of children with congenital heart defects. The natural history of this defect depends on the size of the hole in the membrane. It is characterized by the presence of a fibromuscular membrane dividing the left atrium into two chambers, connected by one or several holes, with varying degrees of obstruction. The obstructive form part may be asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally by an echocardiogram. It is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies including a atrial septal defects (ASD). We report the case of a 43 year old hypertensive woman with a history of direct closure of ASD 8 months ago, confirmed diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). She consults her doctor for sudden onset of precordial palpitations. The electrocardiogram showed atypical atrial flutter. The patient was hospitalized for electrical cardioversion. During the execution of an TEE, we found consistent findings with cor triatriatum: shunt through an ASD from left to right; severe tricuspid regurgitation, gradient between right ventricle and atrium of 65 mm Hg; pulmonary systolic pressure rated at 85 mm Hg. After the resolution of the arrhythmia, we performed a right atriotomy through the ASD, resecting the obstructive membrane, ASD closes again with a large patch of dacron. Currently the patient presents a good outcome in cardiological clinical monitoring.

O cor triatriaum sinister é uma rara causa de hipertensão pulmonar venosa e da insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, com uma incidência de 0,1% das crianças com cardiopatias congênitas. A história natural do defeito depende do tamanho do buraco na membrana. É caracterizada pela presença de uma membrana fibromuscular dividindo o átrio esquerdo em duas câmaras, ligadas por um ou vários buracos, com diferentes graus de obstrução. Fazem parte obstrutiva pode ser assintomática e ser diagnosticada incidentalmente por um ecocardiograma. É freqüentemente associada com outras anomalias congênitas, incluindo uma comunicação interatrial (CIA). Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 43 anos, portadora de hipertensão arterial e história de fechamento direto da CIA oito meses diagnóstico confirmado pelo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). Consulte o seu médico para o início súbito de palpitações precordiais. O eletrocardiograma mostrou flutter atrial atípico. A paciente foi internada para realizar cardioversão elétrica. Durante a execução de uma ETE, encontramos os resultados consistentes com cor triatriatum: derivação através de um CIA da esquerda para a direita; regurgitação tricúspide grave, gradiente entre o ventrículo direito e átrio de 65 mm Hg; pressão sistólica pulmonar avaliado em 85 mm Hg. Após a resolução da arritmia, foi realizada uma atriotomia direita através da CIA, a ressecção da membrana obstrutiva, seguida de fechamento da CIA com uma grande remendo de dacron. Atualmente, a paciente apresenta boa evolução na monitorização clínica cardiológica.

Fatal Cardiac and Pulmonary Embolisms during Radical Nephrectomy and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Intraoperative pulmonary embolism can result in severe hemodynamic instability, including cardiac arrest. Therefore, immediate diagnosis and proper treatment are required. We report a case of the acute cardiac and pulmonary embolisms during radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy in a patient with renal cell carcinoma with thrombus in the IVC. We diagnosed the cardiac embolism intraoperatively using the transesophageal echocardiogram, and performed emergent cardiac and pulmonary embolectomies immediately. After the surgery, the patient was discharged without any complication.

Cardiac Output Measurement / 대한마취과학회지

Maintaining tissue perfusion, thus, obtaining optimal oxygen delivery to the tissue is the final goal of hemodynamic monitoring. Cardiac output is the most valuable parameter among the hemodynamic variables. Although there is no true reference for the cardiac output monitoring, thermodilution cardiac output remains the current clinical standard for measuring cardiac output. New cardiac output techniques are compared with thermodilution method in accuracy and relevance, although thermodilution cardiac output monitoring has been shown to increase the morbidity and mortality, and be inaccurate in several clinical settings. New techniques of cardiac output monitoring have been introduced to increase the safety, convenience, accuracy and reproducibility. Especially, to decrease the time-delay of therapeutic intervention, continuous monitoring is preferred. Among these, partial CO2 rebreathing technique based on Fick principle and esophageal Doppler technique are optimal for intraoperative and intensive care settings during mechanical ventilation. They are non- or minimally invasive methods and don't need that much extra training to operate the machines. Esophageal Doppler monitoring provides further data on preload and contractility, but partial CO2 rebreathing technique does not. In case of cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction, cardiac output monitoring technique which could give more information about preload is beneficial. In cardiac surgery, transesophageal echocardiogram is getting to substitute for pulmonary artery catheter for cardiac output monitoring. For cardiac output monitoring, less invasive, more accurate, and continuous technique is preferred, but it should be chosen according to the clinical setting such as type of operation and cardiac and/or pulmonary function of the patient.