Morphological Assessment and Possible Clinical Implications of the Left Ventricle Papillary Muscles. Study in a Colombian Population Sample

SUMMARY: Papillary muscles in the left ventricle present multiple anatomic expressions that are relevant for medical fields focusing on the understanding of clinical events involving these structures. Here, the aim was to perform a morphological characterization of the left ventricle papillary muscles in a sample of Colombian population. In the study were included eighty-two hearts from male individuals who underwent autopsy at the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Bucaramanga, Colombia. In each heart was carefully performed a longitudinal incision on the obtuse margin to visualize the papillary muscles. Data set was registered, and analysis of the continuous and categorical variables was carried out. Single anterior papillary muscle was observed in 74 samples (90.2 %) whereas this represented only 48 specimens (58.5 %) for the posterior papillary muscle (p = 0.3). Mean length and breadth of the anterior muscle were 29.9 ± 4.94 and 11.74 ± 2.75 mm, and those for the posterior muscle were 27.42 ± 7.08 and 10.83 ± 4.08 mm. Truncated apical shape was the most frequent type observed on the papillary muscles, anterior 41 (50 %) and posterior 37 (45.1 %), followed by flat-topped in the anterior 25 (30.5 %) and bifurcated in posterior muscle 14 (17.1 %). A mean of 9.04 ± 2.75 chordae raised from the anterior and 7.50 ± 3.3 from posterior papillary muscle. In our study we observed a higher incidence of single papillary muscles and slightly larger dimensions than information reported in the literature. The anatomic diversity of the papillary muscles should be considered for the correct image interpretation, valve implantation and performance evaluation on myocardial ischemic events.

Los músculos papilares del ventrículo izquierdo presentan múltiples expresiones anatómicas que son relevantes para las áreas médicas que se centran en la comprensión de los eventos clínicos que involucran estas estructuras. El objetivo fue realizar una caracterización morfológica de los músculos papilares del ventrículo izquierdo en una muestra de población colombiana. En el estudio se incluyeron ochenta y dos corazones de individuos masculinos a los que se les realizó autopsia en el Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de Bucaramanga, Colombia. En cada corazón se realizó cuidadosamente una incisión longitudinal en el margen obtuso para visualizar los músculos papilares. Se registró el conjunto de datos y se realizó el análisis de las variables continuas y categóricas. Se observó un solo músculo papilar anterior en 74 muestras (90,2 %), mientras que este rasgo se presentó en 48 muestras (58,5 %) para el músculo papilar posterior (p = 0,3). La longitud y anchura media del músculo anterior fueron 29,9 ± 4,94 y 11,74 ± 2,75 mm, y las del músculo posterior fueron 27,42 ± 7,08 y 10,83 ± 4,08 mm. La forma apical truncada fue el tipo más frecuente observado en los músculos papilares, anterior 41 (50 %) y posterior 37 (45,1 %), seguido de la forma plana en los 25 anteriores (30,5 %) y bifurcada en el músculo posterior 14 (17,1 %). Una media de 9,04 ± 2,75 cuerdas elevadas desde el músculo papilar anterior y 7,50 ± 3,3 desde posterior. En nuestro estudio observamos una mayor incidencia de músculos papilares únicos y dimensiones ligeramente mayores que la información reportada en la literatura. La diversidad anatómica de los músculos papilares debe ser considerada para la correcta interpretación de imágenes, implantación valvular y evaluación del desempeño en eventos isquémicos miocárdicos.

Temporal-spatial Generation of Astrocytes in the Developing Diencephalon / 神经科学通报·英文版

Astrocytes are the largest glial population in the mammalian brain. However, we have a minimal understanding of astrocyte development, especially fate specification in different regions of the brain. Through lineage tracing of the progenitors of the third ventricle (3V) wall via in-utero electroporation in the embryonic mouse brain, we show the fate specification and migration pattern of astrocytes derived from radial glia along the 3V wall. Unexpectedly, radial glia located in different regions along the 3V wall of the diencephalon produce distinct cell types: radial glia in the upper region produce astrocytes and those in the lower region produce neurons in the diencephalon. With genetic fate mapping analysis, we reveal that the first population of astrocytes appears along the zona incerta in the diencephalon. Astrogenesis occurs at an early time point in the dorsal region relative to that in the ventral region of the developing diencephalon. With transcriptomic analysis of the region-specific 3V wall and lateral ventricle (LV) wall, we identified cohorts of differentially-expressed genes in the dorsal 3V wall compared to the ventral 3V wall and LV wall that may regulate astrogenesis in the dorsal diencephalon. Together, these results demonstrate that the generation of astrocytes shows a spatiotemporal pattern in the developing mouse diencephalon.

The Association Between Ascending Aortic and Left Ventricular Dimensions in Patients After Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is often recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis or chronic aortic regurgitation. These conditions result in remodeling of the left ventricle, including increased interstitial fibrosis that may persist even after AVR. These structural changes impact left ventricular (LV) mechanics, causing compromised LV diameter to occur earlier than reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and its role in aortic expansion one year after AVR. Methods: Sixty-three patients who underwent AVR were evaluated. All patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography, which included measurements of the ascending aorta, aortic root, LVEF, and LVEDD before the surgery and one year postoperatively. Correlations between these variables were calculated. Results: All patients underwent AVR with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic aortic valve. Following AVR, there was a significant decrease in the dimensions of the ascending aorta and aortic root (both P=0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in LVEDD and LVEF. Correlations were found between the preoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.419, P=0.001 and r=0.320, P=0.314, respectively). Additionally, there was a correlation between the postoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.320, P=0.003 and r=0.136, P=0.335, respectively). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate a significant correlation between the size of the aortic root and ascending aorta, before and after AVR. Additionally, a notable correlation was observed between postoperative LVEDD and the size of the aortic root.

Double Outlet Right Ventricle Infective Endocarditis: A Rare Combination and a Therapeutic Challenge

Infective endocarditis involving the right side of the heart occurs rarely and often involves the tricuspid valve. The isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis (IPVIE) is a less common condition that occurs in specific population. The double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is an unusual congenital heart disease. The association of DORV and IPVIE darkens the prognosis. We report two cases of the association of DORV and IPVIE. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the base to the diagnosis. Right sided infective endocarditis in the lack of a guided strategy remains a therapeutic challenge.

Electrical, Echocardiographic and Coronary Artery Characteristics of Right Ventricular Infarction: Experience of the Cardiology Department of the CHU Mohammed VI Marrakech

Introduction: Coronary heart disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Right ventricular (RV) infarction is often difficult to diagnose and has a poor prognosis due to rhythmic and hemodynamic complications. Objective: The study of electrical, ultrasonographic, and coronarographic features of the VD Infarction. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech over a period of 24 months for MDI extended to the RV. Results: 120 patients were hospitalized during this period for MI with extension to the VD. Atypical clinical presentation was noted in 10% of cases. Clinical examination on admission revealed signs of right heart failure in 18% of cases, including 6% complicated by cardiogenic shock. Thrombolysis was performed in 10% of the patients, 67% of them successfully. The ECG found an isolated extension to the V3R leads in 76% of the cases and in association with a V4R overshoot in 45% of the cases, conduction disorders were noted in 28% of the cases, presented essentially by first degree auriculoventricular block. Echocardiography showed impaired LV function in 82% of cases, and longitudinal systolic dysfunction of the LV in 65%. Coronary angiography was performed in 91% of the cases, half of which underwent coronary angioplasty. The combination of both CD and IVA damage was found in 40% of the cases, and damage to the middle DC was the most common in almost half of the cases. The most frequent complications were rhythmic and conductive disorders in 38% of cases, and the evolution was fatal in 8% of cases. Conclusion: Involvement of the RV during MI is characterized by a very critical initial phase, once overcome, the overall prognosis becomes favorable in the long term.

Cardiogenic shock due to pulmonary thromboembolism: the role of surgical thrombectomy / Shock cardiogénico debido a tromboembolismo pulmonar: el papel de trombectomía quirúrgica

Abstract A 53-year-old male patient with history of repaired hernia, who is admitted for 5 days of progressive dyspnea with diagnosis of abdominal sepsis, a computed tomography angiography was made, revealing pulmonary embolism in bilateral main pulmonary artery, and cardiac thrombectomy was performed.

Resumen Paciente masculino de 53 años de edad con historial de reparación de hernia, quien fue ingresado por presentar 5 días de disnea progresiva con diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal, se le realizó una angiografía por tomografía computada, revelando embolismo bilateral arteria pulmonar principal, se realizó una trombectomía cardíaca.

Evaluación de la función ventricular en la hipertensión pulmonar por resonancia magnética cardíaca / Evaluation of ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension by cardiac magnetic resonance

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la función del ventrículo derecho (VD) e izquierdo (VI) en la hipertensión pulmonar (HP) mediante resonancia magnética cardíaca (RMC). Material y métodos: En pacientes con (grupo HP; n = 9) y sin (grupo control; n = 9) HP se evaluó volumen telediastólico (VTD) y telesistólico (VTS) y fracción de eyección (FE) de ventrículo derecho (VD) e izquierdo (VI), área de aurícula derecha (AD) e izquierda y diámetro de arteria pulmonar (AP). Resultados: En HP, el VD presentó mayor VTD y VTS y menor FE (HP 52 ± 5% vs. control 64 ± 2%; p < 0,05). Solo en HP se observó movimiento anormal del tabique interventricular y realce tardío en los puntos de inserción del VD en VI. En HP aumentó el área de AD y el diámetro de AP. En VD, solo en HP, la FE se correlacionó negativamente con VTD (Pearson r: –0,8290; p < 0,01) y VTS (Pearson r: –0,7869; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La evaluación de pacientes con HP mediante RMC demuestra alteraciones fisiológicas y anatómicas de las cavidades derechas con disminución de la FE del VD que también afecta la interrelación VD/VI. Se recalca la importancia de una evaluación temprana y secuencial del VD con RMC para valorar la mejor estrategia terapéutica para cada caso en particular.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the function of the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Material and method: In patients with (PH group; n = 9) and without PH (control group; n = 9), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF) of right (RV) and left (LV) ventricle, area of the right (RA) and left (LA) atrium and diameter of the pulmonary artery (PA) were evaluated. Results: In PH, the RV increased EDV and ESV and decreased EF (PH: 52 ± 5% vs. control: 64 ± 2%; p < 0.05). Abnormal movement of the interventricular septum and late enhancement in the insertion points of the RV in the LV were only observed in HP. HP increased the area of RA and the diameter of PA. In LV, only in HP, EF was negatively correlated with EDV (Pearson r: –0.8290; p < 0.01) and ESV (Pearson r: –0.7869; p < 0.05). Conclusions: CMR evaluation of patients with PH demonstrates physiological and anatomical alterations of the right cavities with decreased EF in RV that also affects the RV/LV interrelationship. The importance of an early and sequential evaluation of the RV with CMR is emphasized to assess the best therapeutic strategy for each particular case.

Cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking technique can assess cardiac function and prognosis in patients with myocardial amyloidosis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively assess cardiac functions in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking (CMR-FT) technique and evaluate the prognostic value of CMR-FT in patients with CA.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected the data from 31 CA patients with systemic amyloidosis confirmed by Congo red staining and serum immunohistochemistry after extracardiac tissue biopsy undergoing CMR at our hospital from March, 2013 to June, 2021.Thirty-one age and gender matched patients with asymmetric left ventricular wall hypertrophy and 31 healthy individuals without organic or functional heart disease served as the controls.Radial, circumferential and longitudinal strains and strain rates of the left ventricle at the global level and in each myocardial segment (basal, middle and apical) were obtained with CMR-FT technique and compared among the 3 groups.The predictive value of myocardial strains and strain rates for all-cause mortality in CA patients was analyzed using a stepwise COX regression model.@*RESULTS@#The left ventricular volume, myocardial mass, ejection fraction and cardiac output differed significantly among the groups (P < 0.05).Except for apical longitudinal strain, the global and segmental strains were all significantly lower in CA group than in HCM group (P < 0.05).The global and segmental strains were all significantly lower in CA group than in the healthy individuals (P < 0.05).The basal strain rates in the 3 directions were significantly lower in CA group than in the healthy individuals (P < 0.05), but the difference in apical strain rates was not statistically significant between the two groups.Multivariate stepwise COX analysis showed that troponin T (HR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.01-1.10, P=0.017) and middle peak diastolic circumferential strain rate (HR=6.87, 95%CI: 1.52-31.06, P=0.012) were strong predictors of death in CA patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Strain and strain rate parameters derived from CMR-FT based on cine sequences are new noninvasive imaging markers for assessing cardiac impairment in CA and cardiac function changes in HCM, and provide independent predictive information for all-cause mortality in CA patients.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of cerebellar atrophy pattern after epilepsy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Clinically, it has been found that some patients with epilepsy are accompanied by cerebellar atrophy that is inconsistent with symptoms, but the pattern of cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy and the role of cerebellar atrophy in the mechanism of epilepsy have not been elucidated. This study aims to explore the specific pattern of cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy via analyzing magnetic resonance images in patients with postepileptic cerebellar atrophy.@*METHODS@#A total of 41 patients with epilepsy, who received the treatment in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to January 2022 and underwent cranial MRI examination, were selected as the case group. The results of cranial MRI examination of all patients showed cerebellar atrophy. In the same period, 41 cases of physical examination were selected as the control group. General clinical data and cranial MRI results of the 2 groups were collected. The maximum area and signal of dentate nucleus, the maximum width of the brachium pontis, the maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the pontine, and the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle were compared between the 2 groups. The indexes with difference were further subjected to logistic regression analysis to clarify the characteristic imaging changes in patients with cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the maximum width of the brachium pontis and the maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the pontine were decreased significantly, the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle was increased significantly in the case group (all P<0.05). The difference in distribution of the low, equal, and high signal in dentate nucleus between the 2 groups was statistically significant (χ2=43.114, P<0.001), and the difference in the maximum area of dentate nucleus between the 2 groups was not significant (P>0.05). The maximum width of the brachium pontis [odds ratio (OR)=3.327, 95% CI 1.454 to 7.615, P=0.004] and the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle (OR=0.987, 95% CI 0.979 to 0.995, P=0.002) were independent factors that distinguished cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy from the normal control, while the anterior-posterior diameter of pontine (OR=1.456, 95% CI 0.906 to 2.339, P>0.05) was not an independent factor that distinguished them.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In MRI imaging, cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy is manifested as significant atrophy of the brachium pontis, significant enlargement of the fourth ventricle, and increased dentate nucleus signaling while insignificant dentate nucleus atrophy. This particular pattern may be associated with seizures and exacerbated pathological processes.

Acquired Left Ventricle to Right Atrial Communication Following Infective Endocarditis of the Native Aortic Valve Diagnosed Using Cardiac Computed Tomography / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Left ventricle to right atrial communication is a rare cardiac pathology, and it is either congenital or acquired. Recently, case reports of acquired left ventricle to right atrial communication have been increasing because of the increased numbers of cardiovascular procedures and improved cardiac diagnostic techniques. We report a case of acquired left ventricle to right atrial communication in a patient with native aortic valve infective endocarditis. A 52-year-old man with worsening dyspnea on exertion and lower leg edema was admitted to a hospital. Blood examination revealed elevated inflammatory marker levels, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed an aortic valve vegetation. The patient was subsequently transferred to our hospital for infective endocarditis with congestive heart failure. Medical treatment with antibiotics and diuretics was initiated. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) demonstrated left ventricle to right atrial communication. An urgent operation was performed wherein the defect was closed with autologous pericardial patches from both the right atrium and left ventricle. Aortic valve replacement was performed with a mechanical valve. The postoperative course was uneventful, and TTE showed no residual shunt. In our case, cardiac CT was useful for accurately diagnosing left ventricle to right atrial communication.

A comparative study of three palliative surgical approaches for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare and investigate the efficacy and differences of modified B-T shunt, central shunt and right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) connection in the treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods    A total of 124 children with PA/VSD underwent initial palliative repair in Shanghai Children's Medical Center from September 2014 to August 2019, including 63 males and 61 females, aged 7 days to 15 years. They were divided into in a modified B-T shunt group (55 patients), a central shunt group (22 patients) and a RV-PA connection group (47 patients). The clinical data of these children were retrospectively analyzed. Results    There were 9 early deaths after palliation, with an early mortality rate of 7.3%. The mean follow-up time was 26.5±20.3 months, with 5 patients lost to follow-up, 5 deaths during the follow-up period, and 105 survivors. The 1-year and 5-year survival rates were both 89.7%. The monthly increased Nakata index was 5.2 (–0.2, 12.3) mm2/m2, 9.2 (0.1, 23.6) mm2/m2, 6.3 (1.8, 23.3) mm2/m2 in the modified B-T shunt group, the central shunt group, and the RV-PA connection group, respectively, with no statistical difference among the three groups. The 1-year survival rate was 85.3%, 78.4%, 95.2%, and the 5-year (4-year in the central shunt group) survival rate was 85.3%, 58.8%, 95.2% in the three groups, respectively, with a statistical difference among them (P<0.05). The complete repair rate was 36.5%, 19.0% and 67.4% in the three groups, respectively, with a statistical difference among the three groups (P<0.001). Conclusion    All these three palliative surgical approaches can effectively promote pulmonary vascular development. But compared with systemic-pulmonary shunt, RV-PA connection has a lower perioperative mortality rate and can achieve a higher complete repair rate at a later stage, which is beneficial for long-term prognosis.

Assessment of Cardiac Function in Children by Strain Imaging and its Correlation with Conventional Echocardiographic Parameter

Background: The objectives of this study were to find out of normal reference value for age?dependent longitudinal strain values in children and find its correlation with conventional echocardiographic parameters. Methods: In total, 100 healthy normal children aged between 2 and 15 years were enrolled and divided into three age groups, namely, 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years. Using the GE Vivid 7 ultrasound platform with 4 or 7 MHz probes, both LV and RV global longitudinal strains and conventional echocardiographic parameters were acquired. Results: In normal healthy children, left ventricular GLS values were –20.10 to –19.68 (mean: –19.89), –21.93 to –21.02 (mean: –21.48), and –20.87 to –20.41 (mean: –20.64)) in children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years and right ventricular GLS values were –16.80 to –16.44 (mean: –16.62), –27.85 to –27.27 (mean: –27.56), –28.44 to –27.93 (mean: –28.19) in the above three groups, respectively. No significant increase was noted in the left ventricular strain value from basal to the apical segment from age group 2 years to 15 years and no gender differences were seen. None of the conventional echocardiographic parameters commonly used to assess the left or right ventricular systolic function had a significant correlation with LVGLS and RVGLS. Conclusions: The mean LVGLS values were –19.89, –21.48, and –20.64 and RVGLS were –16.62, –27.56, and –28.19 in healthy normal children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years, respectively, and conventional echocardiographic parameters did not have any significant correlation with these values.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries in the Adult

ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is a rare anomaly. Current data available regarding adult cases is derived from small series, information simultaneously presented in pediatric publications, and one classical multicenter study. This review, not aimed to exhaust the subject, has the purpose to examine the literature addressing presentation, diagnostic methodology, and management of afflicted adult patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken in three major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO), using the keywords "congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries" and "adults". Relevant articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were extracted and critically appraised in this review. Steps for study selection were: (1) identification of titles of records through databases searching, (2) removal of duplicates, (3) screening and selection of abstracts, (4) final inclusion in the study. Results: Four hundred sixty-five publications on CCTGA in adult patients were retrieved, and 166 were excluded; 299 studies were used for this review including 76 full-text articles, 70 studies related to general aspects of the subject, and, due to the small number of publications, 153 case reports. Sixty-one articles referring to combined experiences in pediatric and adult patients and judged to be relevant, but retrieved from another sources, were also included. Conclusion: Albeit clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria have been well stablished, there seems to be room for discussion related to clinical and surgical management of CCTGA in adults. Considering the rarity of the disease, well designed multicenter studies may provide answers.

Effect of left ventricular geometric remodeling on restrictive filling pattern and survival in ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background: To evaluate the effects of Left ventricular remodeling patterns in patients with left ventricular restrictive filling pattern (RFP; E/A>2) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) on prognosis. Methods: Patient data was retrospectively analyzed over a period of 4.5 years to determine the effect of LV geometry by Echocardiographic parameterson survival and re-admission for heart failure. All patients with previous history of transmural myocardial infarction were studied and all were on guideline directed medical therapy. None underwent device therapy or surgery. The stored 2D Echocardiograms were studied. Left ventricular dimensions were noted, including the relative wall thickness (RWT). The patients were grouped based on RWT<0.34 and _x0001_ 0.34 and were compared for clinical outcomes of mortality and re-admissions for heart failure, over a period of 54 months. Results: There were 102 ICM patients who had baseline RFP. We identified two sub-groups based on geometric phenotypes of left ventricular eccentric remodeling and dilated remodeling based on the relative wall thickness (RWT >0.34 or <0.34). The patients with preserved RWT had significantly more dilated ventricles (LVIDd and LVIDs), greater pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP), greater diatolic dysfunction (E/A) and less left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); p < 0.001. The number of deaths was higher in the reduced RWT patients, as were the number of re-admissions, although the time to survival and time to re-admission was not significant. Conclusions: In this pilot study on ICM patients in advanced heart failure with baseline RFP, the presence of preserved RWT indicative of eccentric remodelling demonstrated a better clinical outcome

Rare Case of Cardiac Hydatitosis and Review of the Literature

Hydatid disease or hydatid cyst results from the tissue development of the hydatid larva of an echinococcus taenia. It is an endemic disease in certain regions of the world such as the Mediterranean basin. We report here the observation of a 39 year old patient with no particular pathological history admitted for pericardial effusion revealing a cardiac hydatid. After clinical and biological explorations we made the diagnosis of a cardiac hydatid located on the inter venticular septum. The patient was put under medical treatment because of the refusal of the surgery

Informe de caso de miocardiopatía no compactada en una mujer de 34 años / Case report of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in a 34-year-old woman

Introducción: la miocardiopatía no compactada (MCNC) es una miocardiopatía no clasificada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se describe como una enfermedad congénita muy rara, donde se observan trabeculaciones endomiocárdicas que aumentan en número y prominencia. Esta miocardiopatía conlleva un alto riesgo de arritmias malignas, fenómeno tromboembólico y disfunción ventricular izquierda. Objetivo: reportar el caso de una mujer de 34 años, diagnosticada previamente con obesidad mórbida, que acudió a consulta externa para una evaluación cardiovascular prequirúrgica. El electrocardiograma mostró el ventrículo izquierdo (VI) ligeramente dilatado y llamativa trabeculación del mismo. Resultados: se confirma el diagnóstico de MCNC a través de una imagen de resonancia magnética. Se autoriza su cirugía y se recomiendan cambios en su estilo de vida y cambio de medicación para riesgos de fallo cardíaco. En el último ecocardiograma, los diámetros del VI muestran mejoría con respecto al primero. Conclusiones: la presencia de trabeculaciones en el VI debe considerarse un dato clínico de sospecha de MCNC. Se deben realizar más investigaciones sobre las causas de esta miocardiopatía no clasificada para desarrollar mejores formas terapéuticas, sin embargo, ha sido probada la eficacia de los bloqueadores de los receptores de la angiotensina II en el manejo farmacoterapéutico de esta condición

Introduction: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a cardiomyopathy not classified by the World Health Organization. It is described as a very rare congenital disease where endomyocardial trabeculations that increase in number and prominence are observed. This cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of malignant arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and left ventricular dysfunction. Objective: To report the case of a 34-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with morbid obesity, who came to the outpatient clinic for a preoperative cardiovascular evaluation. The electrocardiogram showed a slightly dilated left ventricle (LV) and striking trabeculation. Results: The diagnosis of LVNC was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery was authorized and lifestyle changes and change of medication for heart failure risks were recommended. On the last echocardiogram, LV diameters show improvement from the first. Conclusions: The presence of trabeculations in the LV should be considered as clinical data of suspected LVNC. Further investigations on the causes of this unclassified cardiomyopathy should be performed to develop better therapeutic ways, however, the efficacy of angiotensin II receptor blockers in the pharmacotherapeutic management of this condition has been proven

Left ventricular function assessment after aortic and renal intervention in Takayasu arteritis by speckle tracking echocardiography: A pilot study

Background: Overt left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and congestive heart failure are known entities in Takayasu arteritis (TA). Subclinical LV dysfunction may develop in these patients despite normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Moreover, effect of treatment of aortic or renal artery narrowing in such patients is unknown. Methods: This study included 15 angiographically confirmed TA patients undergoing aortic and/or renal intervention. A comprehensive clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic (2-dimensional, speckle tracking and tissue doppler imaging) evaluation were done at baseline, 72 h, and six months post intervention. Results: Six patients (40%) had reduced LVEF (<50%) at baseline while rest 9 (60%) patients had reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) but normal EF. Diastolic filling pattern was abnormal in all the patients. In patients with baseline reduced EF, mean EF improved from 24.62 ± 12.14% to 45.6 ± 9.45% (p ¼ 0.001), E/ e’ ratio decreased from 15.15 ± 3.19 to 10.8 ± 2.56 (p ¼ 0.005) and median NT pro BNP decreased from 1673 pg/ml (970e2401 pg/ml) to 80 pg/ml (40e354 pg/ml) (p ¼ 0.001) at 6 months after interventional procedure. In patients with baseline normal EF, median NT pro BNP decreased from 512 pg/ml (80 e898.5 pg/ml) to 34 pg/ml (29e70.8 pg/ml) (p < 0.01), mean GLS improved from 8.80 ± 0.77% to 16.3 ± 0.78% (p < 0.001) and mean E/e’ decreased from 12.93 ± 2.63 to 7.8 ± 2.73 (p ¼ 0.005) at 6 months follow up. Conclusion: LV dysfunction is common in patients with TA and obstructive lesions in aorta or renal arteries. GLS can be used to assess subclinical systolic dysfunction in these patients. Timely intervention can improve LV dysfunction and can even reverse the subclinical changes

Cardiac Tamponade during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new minimally invasive procedure for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and surgical high-risk. Numerous technical improvements have been developed to simplify the procedure and reduce the incidence of complications. Temporary pacing of the right ventricle remains mandatory to ensure transient hypotension and low cardiac output while performing predilation of the aortic annulus and accurately position and deploy the valve. Temporary pacing is also crucial as a backup pacing device if complete atrioventricular block develops after TAVI. Implanting a temporary pacing wire requires additional venous vascular access and a pacing lead, both of which may generate complications. Cardiac tamponade during TAVI is a rare complication. We present the case of a cardiac tamponade during TAVI probably due to right ventricular perforation associated with pacing. We report some measures to avoid such complications and improve the TAVI procedure