Left ventricular hypertrophy: hypertensive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? What a dilemma! A case report / Hipertrofia ventricular izquierda: ¿cardiopatía hipertensiva o miocardiopatía hipertrófica? ¡Vaya dilema! Reporte de caso

Abstract In the presence of the left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH), the differential diagnosis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or some phenocopy must be always considered, which can be easily suspected when the hypertrophy is markedly asymmetric. However, when the hypertrophy is homogeneous, especially if the patient has concomitant hypertension, it may be a challenge to distinguish between hypertensive and HCM, although some clinical features may help us to suspect it. In addition, patients with HCM may present with exertional angina due to microcirculation involvement in the setting of the hypertrophy itself or dynamic obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract, but in some cases, the presence of concomitant coronary artery disease must be suspected as the cause of angina, especially if the patient has an intermediate or high-risk probability of having ischemic heart disease. We present the case of a 46-year-old Afro-American man with poorly controlled hypertension who was found to have severe LVH, and who presented with symptoms of exertional angina during follow-up. We will review the clinical features that can help us in the differential diagnosis in this context.

Resumen Ante la presencia de hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo (HVI), siempre se debe considerar el diagnóstico diferencial con la miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) o alguna fenocopia, que puede sospecharse fácilmente cuando la hipertrofia es marcadamente asimétrica. Además, los pacientes con MCH pueden presentar angina de esfuerzo debido a la afectación de la microcirculación en el contexto de la propia hipertrofia o si ésta condiciona obstrucción dinámica al tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo, pero en algunos casos debe sospecharse la presencia de enfermedad coronaria concomitante como causa de la angina, especialmente si el paciente tiene una probabilidad de riesgo intermedio o alto de padecer cardiopatía isquémica. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 46 años de afroamericana con hipertensión arterial mal controlada a quien se le detectó una HVI severa, y que durante el seguimiento presentó síntomas de angina de esfuerzo. Revisaremos las características clínicas que nos pueden ayudar en el diagnóstico diferencial en este contexto.

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.

Diferenças entre Duas Condições Cardíacas Hipertróficas Distintas: Doença de Fabry Versus Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica / Differences Between Two Distinct Hypertrophic Cardiac Conditions: Fabry Disease versus Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Resumo Fundamento A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) e a doença de Fabry (DF) são doenças herdadas geneticamente com características fenotípicas de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) que causam resultados cardíacos adversos. Objetivos Investigar as diferenças demográficas, clínicas, bioquímicas, eletrocardiográficas (ECG) e ecocardiográficas (ECO) entre CMH e DF. Métodos 60 pacientes com CMH e 40 pacientes com DF foram analisados retrospectivamente como uma subanálise do "estudo LVH-TR" após exclusão de pacientes com fibrilação atrial, ritmo de estimulação, bloqueios de ramo e bloqueios atrioventriculares (AV) de segundo e terceiro graus. O nível de significância foi aceito como <0,05. Resultados O sexo masculino (p=0,048) e a creatinina (p=0,010) são significativamente maiores a favor da DF; entretanto, infradesnivelamento do segmento ST (p=0,028), duração do QT (p=0,041), espessura do septo interventricular (SIVd) (p=0,003), espessura da parede posterior (PWd) (p=0,009), insuficiência mitral moderada a grave (IM) (p=0,013) e o índice de massa ventricular esquerda (IMVE) (p=0,041) são significativamente maiores a favor da CMH nas análises univariadas. Na análise multivariada, a significância estatística apenas permanece na creatinina (p=0,018) e na duração do intervalo QT (0,045). A DF foi positivamente correlacionada com a creatinina (rho=0,287, p=0,004) e a CMH foi positivamente correlacionada com o PWd (rho=0,306, p=0,002), IVSd (rho=0,395, p<0,001), IM moderada-grave (rho= 0,276, p<0,005), IMVE (rho=0,300, p=0,002), espessura relativa da parede (ERP) (rho=0,271, p=0,006), duração do QT (rho=0,213, p=0,034) e depressão do segmento ST (rho =0,222, p=0,026). Conclusão Características bioquímicas, ECG e ECO específicas podem auxiliar na diferenciação e no diagnóstico precoce da CMH e da DF.

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Fabry disease (FD) are genetically inherited diseases with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) phenotype characteristics that cause adverse cardiac outcomes. Objectives To investigate the demographic, clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic (ECG), and echocardiographic (ECHO) differences between HCM and FD. Methods 60 HCM and 40 FD patients were analyzed retrospectively as a subanalysis of the 'LVH-TR study' after excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, pace rhythm, bundle branch blocks, and second and third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks. The significance level was accepted as <0.05. Results Male gender (p=0.048) and creatinine (p=0.010) are significantly higher in favor of FD; however, ST depression (p=0.028), QT duration (p=0.041), interventricular septum thickness (IVSd) (p=0.003), posterior wall thickness (PWd) (p=0.009), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) (p=0.013), and LV mass index (LVMI) (p=0.041) are significantly higher in favor of HCM in the univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, statistical significance only continues in creatinine (p=0.018) and QT duration (0.045). FD was positively correlated with creatinine (rho=0.287, p=0.004) and HCM was positively correlated with PWd (rho=0.306, p=0.002), IVSd (rho=0.395, p<0.001), moderate-severe MR (rho=0.276, p<0.005), LVMI (rho=0.300, p=0.002), relative wall thickness (RWT) (rho=0.271, p=0.006), QT duration (rho=0.213, p=0.034) and ST depression (rho=0.222, p=0.026). Conclusion Specific biochemical, ECG, and ECHO characteristics can aid in the differentiation and early diagnosis of HCM and FD.

Sociodemographic, Clinical Condition, and Functional Aerobic Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Varying Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background Recently, a new heart failure (HF) classification was made considering the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) phenotype. Comprehensive assessments of the groups are required to guide patient management. Objective To determine the differences in sociodemographic, clinical, functional aerobic capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) variables in patients with HF classified with different LVEFs and to explore the correlations between the variables. Methods This work is a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study. Three groups of patients with HF (LVEF≥50%, LVEF<40%, and LVEF40-49%) were compared. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and functional aerobic capacity with Sit to Stand (STS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLFHQ), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were considered. The Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis. The statistical significance level was set at 5%. Results A total of 209 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of HF, with a more significant number of men. Marital status was a predominantly stable union in the HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) groups. A sedentary lifestyle was lower in the HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group 59 (84.3%), p-value = 0.033, and the angina pectoris was higher in the HFpEF 30 (42.9%). Systolic blood pressure at the end of the 6MWT evidenced a higher score in HFpEF 132.0±17.25 concerning HFrEF 128.0±16.57, p-value=0.043. The fat percentage was higher in HFpEF 30.20±8.80 regarding the HFmrEF group 26.51±7.60, p-value = 0.028. Conclusion There were significant differences according to the LVEF classification in marital status, angina symptoms, fat percentage, and blood pressure at rest.

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.

Marcadores de Perfusão Tecidual como Preditores de Desfechos Adversos em Pacientes com Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda Submetidos à Revascularização Miocárdica (Bypass Coronário) / Markers of Tissue Perfusion as Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Resumo Fundamento: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca podem estar expostos à hipoperfusão tecidual e metabolismo anaeróbico. Objetivo: Verificar se os biomarcadores de hipoperfusão tecidual têm valor preditivo para permanência prolongada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda submetidos à cirurgia de bypass da artéria coronária. Métodos: Após aprovação pelo comitê de ética institucional e assinatura do termo de consentimento, 87 pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda (fração de ejeção <50%) submetidos à cirurgia de bypass coronário foram incluídos. Biomarcadores hemodinâmicos e metabólicos foram coletados em cinco momentos: após anestesia, ao final da cirurgia, na admissão na UTI, e a seis e 12 horas depois. Uma análise de variância para medidas repetidas seguida de um teste post-hoc de Bonferroni foi usado para variáveis contínuas repetidas (variáveis metabólicas e hemodinâmicas) para determinar diferenças entre os dois grupos ao longo do estudo. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Trinta e oito pacientes (43,7%) que apresentaram desfechos adversos eram mais velhos, apresentaram um Euroscore mais alto (p<0,001), e gradiente venoarterial de CO2 (ΔPCO2) elevado, analisados 12 horas após a admissão na UTI (p<0,01), enquanto uma concentração de lactato arterial aumentada seis horas após a cirurgia foi um fator preditivo negativo (p<0,01). Conclusões: EuroSCORE, lactato arterial seis horas após a cirurgia, ΔPCO212 horas após a cirurgia e QRe são preditores independentes de desfechos adversos em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda após cirurgia cardíaca.

Abstract Background: Cardiac surgery patients may be exposed to tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Objective: To verify whether the biomarkers of tissue hypoperfusion have predictive value for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with left ventricular dysfunction who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: After approval by the institution's Ethics Committee and the signing of informed consent, 87 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled. Hemodynamic and metabolic biomarkers were collected at five time points: after anesthesia, at the end of the surgery, at ICU admission, and at six and twelve hours after. An analysis of variance for repeated measures followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for repeated, continuous variables (hemodynamic and metabolic variables) to determine differences between the two groups over the course of the study period. The level of statistical significance adopted was 5%. Results: Thirty-eight patients (43.7%) who presented adverse outcomes were older, higher Euro score (p<0.001), and elevated ΔpCO2 as analyzed 12 hours after ICU admission (p<0.01), while increased arterial lactate concentration at 6 hours postoperatively was found to be a negative predictive factor (p<0.01). Conclusions: Euro SCORE, six-hour postoperative arterial lactate, 12-hour postoperative ΔPCO2, and eRQ are independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Heart Failure Management of Patients with Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can lead to progressive heart failure (HF) by depositing insoluble amyloid fibrils within the myocardial extracellular space, resulting in an infiltrative and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Although CA was previously perceived as rare and incurable, recent advances in diagnostics and emerging therapies have been changing this outlook. It is crucial to spread awareness about CA to facilitate earlier diagnosis and proper therapeutic interventions, enhancing patient prognosis and survival. Currently, there is an estimated delay of 2 years from symptom onset to diagnosis, typically involving consultation with an average of 5 different professionals. Advances in cardiovascular imaging have facilitated earlier and more accurate diagnosis, reducing the necessity for invasive procedures, such as endomyocardial biopsy. Presently, tafamidis is the only drug that has been shown to offer prognostic benefits in ATTR-CA. Tafamidis is a highly specific medication targeting the circulating TTR protein, stabilizing the TTR tetramer to prevent its dissociation into amyloidogenic monomers that deposit in the myocardium. Alongside specific amyloidosis therapy, supportive HF treatment may be required; however, managing CA with medications typically used for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) can be challenging due to potential intolerance. The effectiveness of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) remains undetermined and still requires evaluation through randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs). Thus, the treatment cornerstone remains the judicious use of loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to control volume overload. Due to the safety profile, not adversely affecting hemodynamics or renal function, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may be an effective treatment for CA, but they also still require evaluation through RCCTs.

Ablación por cateter de radiofrecuencia de extrasístoles ventriculares con origen en el seno coronario izquierdo

Las extrasístoles ventriculares (EEVV) son frecuentemente asintomáticas y no requieren de tratamiento antiarrítmico. Las EEVV de los tractos de salida son las EEVV idiopáticas más frecuentes en la práctica clínica. La anamnésis, el examen físico y el electrocardiograma son fundamentales en el diagnóstico. Aunque las EEVV de los tractos de salidas ventriculares son consideradas benignas, pueden producir diversos síntomas y desencadenar una cardiomiopatía inducida por las extrasístoles, que lleva a un deterioro de la función sistólica ventricular izquierda y en última instancia, insuficiencia cardiaca. Cuando el tratamiento farmacológico de las EEVV fracasa, nos queda la ablación de arritmias por catéter de radiofrecuencia como única alternativa eficaz. Este es el caso de la paciente de sexo femenino de 62 años, hipertensa, dislipidémica y tabaquista, que demuestra la seguridad de la ablación por catéter de radiofrecuencia, la eficacia terapéutica, y el restablecimiento integro de la función ventricular del corazón.

Premature ventricular complexes (PVC) are frequently asymptomatic and do not require antiarrhythmic treatment. Outflow tract PVC are the most common idiopathic PVC in clinical practice. The anamnesis, physical examination and electrocardiogram are essential in the diagnosis of these patients. Although PVC of the ventricular outflow tracts are considered benign, they can produce various symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, asthenia, palpitations, dizziness, presyncope or syncope, and in those patients with very high arrhythmic burden (>24% on a 24-hour Holter monitoring), can trigger extrasystole-induced cardiomyopathy, leading to deterioration of left ventricular systolic function and ultimately heart failure. When pharmacological treatment of PVC fails, ablation of arrhythmias by radiofrequency catheter is the only effective alternative. This is the case of the 62-year-old female patient, hypertensive, dyslipidemic and a smoker, which demonstrates the safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation, the therapeutic efficacy, and the complete restoration of the ventricular function of the heart.

Computer-Assisted Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation for Valve-in-Valve Procedures

ABSTRACT Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve is an alternative to high-risk reoperation on a failing bioprosthesis. It entails specific challenges such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We propose a patient-specific augmented imaging based on preoperative planning to assist the procedure. Valve-in-valve simulation was performed to represent the optimal level of implantation and the neo-left ventricular outflow tract. These data were combined with intraoperative images through a real-time 3D/2D registration tool. All data were collected retrospectively on one case (pre and per-procedure imaging). We present for the first time an intraoperative guidance tool in transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve procedure.

Valor del electrocardiograma en el diagnóstico de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en la hipertensión arterial

Introducción: la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda es un factor de riesgo independiente de enfermedad cardiovascular. Existen diversos criterios electrocardiográficos para el diagnóstico, con distintas sensibilidades y especificidades. Objetivo: determinar el valor diagnóstico de los criterios electrocardiográficos de hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo en comparación a la ecocardiografía transtorácica en personas adultas con hipertensión arterial. Material y método: diseño observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, tipo prueba diagnóstica, que incluyó a pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial internados en las salas de Clínica Médica del Hospital de Clínicas, Paraguay, desde agosto del 2022 a agosto del 2023. Se determinaron las variables demográficas, criterios electrocardiográficos (Sokolov-Lyon, Cornell, Lewis, Peguero Lo Presti) y ecocardiográficos de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Resultados: se evaluaron 517 electrocardiogramas y ecocardiografías de pacientes hipertensos. Según criterio de Sokolov-Lyon la sensibilidad fue 16% y la especificidad 70% para el diagnóstico de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda; por criterios de Cornell la sensibilidad fue 43% y especificidad 87 %; por criterios de Lewis la sensibilidad fue 26% y especificidad 76% y por criterios de Peguero Lo Presti la sensibilidad fue 63% y la especificidad 87%. Conclusión: el criterio por electrocardiograma de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda con mayor sensibilidad fue de Peguero Lo Presti y los de mayor especificidad fueron los de Peguero Lo Presti y Cornell.

Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There are various electrocardiographic criteria for diagnosis, with different sensitivities and specificities. Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy in comparison to transthoracic echocardiography in adults with arterial hypertension. Material and method: Observational, descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional design, diagnostic test type, which included adult patients with a diagnosis of arterial hypertension admitted to the Medical Clinic rooms of the Hospital de Clínicas, Paraguay, from August 2022 to August 2023. Demographic variables, electrocardiographic criteria (Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell, Lewis, Peguero Lo Presti), and echocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy were determined. Results: Five hundred seventeen electrocardiograms and echocardiograms of hypertensive patients were evaluated. According to the Sokolow-Lyon criteria, the sensitivity was 16% and the specificity was 70% for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy; by Cornell criteria, the sensitivity was 43% and specificity 87%; by Lewis criteria, the sensitivity was 26% and specificity 76% and by Peguero Lo Presti criteria. the sensitivity was 63% and the specificity 87%. Conclusion: The electrocardiogram criterion of left ventricular hypertrophy with the greatest sensitivity was that of Peguero Lo Presti and those with the greatest specificity were those of Peguero Lo Presti and Cornell.

Research Progress in the Effect of His-Purkinje Conduction System Pacing on Cardiac Function / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Cardiac pacing is an effective treatment for cardiac pacing and conduction dysfunction and severe heart failure. However， the conventional right ventricular pacing may increase the incidences of heart failure and atrial fibrillation， and biventricular pacing has a relatively high non-response rate. As a new technique of physiological pacing， a number of studies in recent years have been conducted to show the stability of pacing parameters and good cardiac synchronization of his-purkinje system pacing. This article reviews the current status of research and progress in the effects of his-purkinje conduction system pacing on cardiac function， so as to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the development of this technology.

Mediating effects of metabolic related indicators on the association between childhood overweight/obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To examine the mediating effects of blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and serum uric acid on the association between childhood overweight/obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases during childhood.@*Methods@#One public school in Huantai County, Zibo City was selected to conduct the baseline survey from November 2017 to January 2018 using a convenient cluster sampling method. A total of 1 400 children aged 6 to 11 were included in the study. According to the classification criteria based on body mass index (BMI), participants were divided into the non overweight/obese group ( n =787) and the overweight/obese group ( n =613). The mediating effects of metabolic variables on the association between childhood overweight/obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were analyzed using the "mediation" package in R software.@*Results@#Children who were overweight/obese had higher levels of BMI- Z score (2.0±0.8), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (109.1±8.9 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (65.4±6.8 mmHg), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (4.8±0.5 mmol/L), insulin (INS) (11.3±7.6 μU/mL), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (0.7±0.2 g/L), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (2.4±0.7 mmol/L), total cholesterol (TC) (4.2±0.9 mmol/L), triglycerides (TG) (0.9±0.4 mmol/L), and serum uric acid (SUA) (321.2±91.4 μmol/L) compared to those who were non-overweight/obese [the corresponding values were (-0.2±0.7),(104.3±8.8) mmHg, (62.2±6.2) mmHg, (4.7±0.6) mmol/L, (6.1±4.2) μU/mL, (0.6±0.2) g/L, (2.2±0.6) mmol/L, (4.1±0.7) mmol/L, (0.7±0.2) mmol/L, and (278.6±74.7) μmol/L, respectively], whereas the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were lower in overweight/obese children (1.5±0.3 mmol/L) than in non-overweight/obese children (1.7±0.4 mmol/L). All differences were statistically significant ( t =53.66, 9.88, 9.19, 3.60, 16.32, 7.36, 5.11, 2.55, 11.08, 9.58, -10.31, P <0.05). After adjusting for potential covariates, overweight/obese children had 8.72 times increased risk of developing LVH compared to the non-overweight/obese children ( OR=8.72, 95%CI =5.45-14.66， P <0.01). Mediation analysis showed that INS, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, ApoB, and SUA partially mediated the association between childhood overweight/obesity and LVH, and among these, INS and TG had relatively strong mediating effects, accounting for 28.05% and 13.71% of the total effects, respectively.@*Conclusions@#INS, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, ApoB, and SUA are intermediate risk factors on the association between childhood overweight/obesity and LVH. Keeping metabolic indicators (especially INS and TG) at healthy levels is particularly important for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in overweight/obese children.

Acute dissection of a syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch in a hypertensive patient - a rare phenomenon

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 77-year-old male who suffered from hypertension and died suddenly. At autopsy, he was found to have hypertensive cardiomegaly and a dissecting syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch with tamponade. Chronic aortic regurgitation, which is often seen in syphilitic aortitis, produces an additive effect to the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy seen in hypertension.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Uses in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock After Open-Heart Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the first-line therapy for temporary mechanical circulatory support allowing cardiac and pulmonary recovery or as a bridge to further therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study was to report clinical outcomes in adult patients with refractory cardiac failure after open-heart surgery undergoing ECMO in a single center with an ECMO unit in Chile. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adults with refractory cardiac failure after open-heart surgery who required a venoarterial (VA) ECMO between 2016 and 2021. Results: Of 16 patients with VA ECMO, 60% were men (n=10), 90% had hypertension (n=14), 69% had < 30% of left ventricular ejection fraction (n=11), and the mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score was 12 ± 11%. ECMO support with central cannulation accounts for 81% (n=13), and an intra-aortic balloon pump was used in nine patients (56%). The mean time of support was 4.7 ± 2.6 days (1.5 - 12 days). ECMO weaning was achieved in 88% of patients, and in-hospital mortality was 44% (n=7) after discharge. The freedom from all-cause mortality at one year of follow-up of the entire cohort was 38% (n=6). Conclusion: VA ECMO is now a well-known life-saving therapeutic option, but mortality and morbidity remain high. Implementation of an ECMO program with educational training is mandatory in order to find the proper balance between patient benefits, ethical considerations, and public health financial input in South America.

N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic peptide levels and left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Introduction: In hospitalized patients, atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, and leading cause of cardio-embolic stroke. Objective: To evaluate the association between N-terminal b-type natriuretic peptide pro (NT-proBNP) and left atrial appendage thrombus in persistent atrial fibrillation patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study, enrolled 139 patients with persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Transthoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiographs were performed in all patients. Results: Mean age was 70.5 ( 10.6 years, 80.6% male. In patients with LAAT, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (r=0.345), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDS) (r= 0.449), E/e' (r=0.445), and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LA SEC) (r=0.478), and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=-0.473), left atrial strain (r= -0.301), strain rate (r= -0.283), and e'(r= -0.458). In patients without LAAT, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with LVEDD (r= 0.333), LVESD (r= 0.358), E (r= 0.318), E/e' (r= 0.411), left atrial volume index (LAVI) (r= 0.421), and negatively correlated with LVEF (r= -0.307). Plasma NT-proBNP (> 1279 pg/mL) could be used to predict LAAT (AUC= 0.639; Se= 67.7%, Sp= 60.2%). In patients with ejection fraction > 50%, the cutoff value of NT-proBNP to predict LAAT was 1325 pg/mL (AUC= 0.572; Se= 57.9%, Sp= 78.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that prior stroke, E/e' index, and NT-proBNP correlated with LAAT (r= 0.887; p< 0.001; r= -0.092, p= 0.035 and 0.022; p= 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Plasma NT-proBNP levels and E/e' index are associated with LAAT in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Introducción: En pacientes hospitalizados, la fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más común y causa principal de ictus cardioembólico. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre el péptido natriurético NT proBNP y el trombo en la orejuela auricular izquierda en pacientes con fibrilación auricular persistente. Métodos: Se reclutaron prospectivamente 139 pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular persistente. Se realizaron ecocardiografías transtorácicas y transesofágicas en todos los pacientes. Resultados: Edad media, 70,5±10,6 años; 80,6 % hombres. En pacientes con LAAT, NT-proBNP correlacionó positivamente con el diámetro telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI) (r=0,345), diámetro sistólico final del ventrículo izquierdo (DSVI) (r=0,449), E/e' (r=0,445) y contraste de eco espontáneo auricular izquierdo (LA SEC) (r=0,478), y negativamente con la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) (r=-0,473), tensión auricular izquierda (r=-0,301), tasa de tensión (r=0,283) y e' (r=-0,458). En pacientes sin LAAT, NT-proBNP correlacionó positivamente con LVEDD (r= 0,333), LVESD (r=0,358), E (r=0,318), E/e' (r=0,411), índice de volumen auricular izquierdo (LAVI) (r=0,421), y negativamente con FEVI (r=-0,307). NT-proBNP plasmático (>1279 pg/mL) podría usarse para predecir LAAT (AUC=0,639; Se=67,7 %, Sp=60,2 %). En pacientes con fracción de eyección >50 %; valor de corte de NT-proBNP para predecir LAAT fue 1325 pg/mL (AUC=0,572; Se=57,9 %, Sp=78,3 %). Según regresión logística múltiple, el accidente cerebrovascular previo, el índice E/e' y NT-proBNP se correlacionaron con LAAT (r=0,887; p<0,001; r=0,092, p=0,035 y 0,022; p=0,004, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los niveles plasmáticos de NT-proBNP y el índice E/e' se asocian con el OAI en pacientes con FA persistente.

An Unusual Anatomical Variation of Accessory Left Gastric Artery Arising from Left Hepatic Artery / Una Variación Anatómica Inusual de la Arteria Gástrica Izquierda Accesoria que se Origina de la Arteria Hepática Izquierda

SUMMARY: The stomach receives a rich blood supply from five sets of arteries, all of which originate from the celiac trunk. During the dissection of a female cadaver that had been fixed with formalin, an atypical branching pattern was observed. An accessory left gastric artery was found to originate from the left hepatic artery and send small branches to the esophagus, cardia, and fundus of the stomach. However, there was no anastomosis between the lower accessory left gastric artery and the left gastric artery. This is a rare variant of the gastric artery that has not been previously described in detail. It is important to recognize this variation for safe and effective interventional diagnosis and treatment techniques if dealing with the liver or gastric arteries.

El estómago recibe un rico suministro de sangre de cinco conjuntos de arterias, todas las cuales se originan en el tronco celíaco. Durante la disección de un cadáver femenino que había sido fijado con formalina, se observó un patrón de ramificación atípico. Se encontró una arteria gástrica izquierda accesoria que se originaba en la arteria hepática izquierda y enviaba pequeñas ramas al esófago, el cardias y el fondo del estómago. Sin embargo, no hubo anastomosis entre la arteria gástrica izquierda accesoria inferior y la arteria gástrica izquierda. Se trata de una variante rara de la arteria gástrica que no se ha descrito previamente en detalles. Es importante reconocer esta variación para la aplicación de técnicas de diagnóstico y tratamiento intervencionistas seguras y efectivas a nivel del hígado o las arterias gástricas.

Efecto del posacondicionamiento isquémico remoto sobre la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST sometidos a intervención coronaria percutánea primaria / Effect of remote ischemic postconditioning on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Resumen Antecedentes: En los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST), el acondicionamiento isquémico puede ayudar a limitar la remodelación ventricular. Objetivos: Investigar el efecto del posacondicionamiento isquémico remoto (PAIR) en la función del ventrículo izquierdo durante la intervención coronaria percutánea primaria (ICPP) en pacientes con IAMCEST. Material y métodos: Estudio de intervención pre y posprueba con un total de 60 pacientes con IAMCEST. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: con y sin PAIR. Resultados: En el seguimiento de seis meses se observó una diferencia significativa en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con ICPP, la cual fue mayor en el grupo con PAIR en comparación con el grupo sin PAIR: 1.0 (−1.0 a 4.3) versus −1.0 (−4.0 a –1.3), p = 0.033. En la medición de seis meses, el volumen sistólico final del ventrículo izquierdo en los pacientes sin PAIR fue mayor en comparación con el grupo homólogo: 79.3 ± 30.5 mL versus 64.4 ± 21.4 mL, p = 0.032. Conclusiones: PAIR muestra efectos favorables en la función ventricular izquierda y, por lo tanto, en el futuro podría ser una estrategia cardioprotectora potencial contra la lesión por isquemia-reperfusión en pacientes con IAMCEST.

Abstract Background: Ischemic conditioning may help patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to limit ventricular remodeling. Objectives: To investigate the effect of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) on left ventricular function during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with STEMI. Material and methods: Pre- and post-test intervention study with a total of 60 STEMI patients. Patients were divided in two groups: with and without RIPC. Results: At 6-month follow-up evaluation, a significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients who underwent PPCI, which was higher in the group with RIPC in comparison with the group without RIPC: 1.0 (−1.0 to 4.3) vs. −1.0 (−4.0 to –1.3), p = 0.033. In addition, at 6-month measurement, left ventricular end-systolic volume in patients without RIPC: was higher in comparison with their counterparts: 79.3 ± 30.5 mL versus 64.4 ± 21.4 mL, p = 0.032. Conclusions: RIPC shows favorable effects on left ventricular function and, therefore, in the future, it could be a potential cardioprotective strategy against ischemia-reperfusion injury in STEMI patients.

Serie de casos de sangrado intraluminal postoperatorio en colectomía izquierda / Case series of postoperative intraluminal bleeding in left colectomy

Introducción: El sangrado digestivo intraluminal postoperatorio es una entidad poco frecuente y su manifestación clínica no difiere de la hemorragia digestiva baja de otra etiología. A pesar de que su presentación más habitual es la hematoquecia autolimitada en la primera deposición, en un discreto porcentaje puede requerir transfusiones, tratamiento endoscópico, hemodinámico, o incluso cirugía. Objetivo: Analizar los pacientes con sangrado digestivo intraluminal postoperatorio tratados en un centro de alta complejidad y realizar una revisión bibliográfica del tema. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Material y métodos: Pacientes con sangrado anastomótico durante el post operatorio inmediato de una colectomía izquierda, operados en el Servicio de Cirugía General y Coloproctología desde enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2021. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, anticoagulación y su causa, descenso de hemoglobina, cirugía realizada y su indicación, vía de abordaje, configuración de la anastomosis, electividad de la cirugía, complicaciones, días de internación y manejo terapéutico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 4 pacientes con una edad media de 72 (rango 54-87) años y una distribución por sexo de 1:1. En todos la colectomía izquierda fue programada y en 3 el abordaje fue laparoscópico. La anastomosis fue termino-terminal con sutura mecánica circular. Todos los pacientes presentaron sangrado en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. El tratamiento fue decidido de acuerdo a la condición hemodinámica: en los 2 pacientes con estabilidad hemodinámica fue suficiente el tratamiento conservador con reanimación y transfusiones. Los otros 2 que presentaron inestabilidad hemodinámica requirieron manejo intervencionista con endoscopía rígida, videocolonoscopía y cirugía. Conclusión: El sangrado intraluminal es una complicación poco frecuente de la anastomosis colorrectal que requiere manejo intervencionista solo en los pacientes que presentan inestabilidad hemodinámica. (AU)

Introduction: Postoperative intraluminal gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare entity and its clinical manifestation does not differ from lower gastro-intestinal bleeding of another etiology. Despite the fact that its most common presentation is self-limited hematochezia at the first stool, in a small percentage it may require transfusions, endoscopic or hemodynamic management, or even surgery. Aim: To analyze the patients with postoperative intraluminal gastrointestinal bleeding treated in a tertiary center and to carry out a bibliographic review of the subject. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Material and methods: Patients with immediate postoperative anastomotic bleeding from a left colectomy, operated on at the General Surgery and Coloproctology Service from January 2017 to December 2021 were included. The variables recorded were age, sex, anticoagulation and its cause, decrease in hemoglobin, procedure performed and its indication, surgical approach, type of anastomosis, electiveness of surgery, complications, hospital stay and management. Results: Four patients with a mean age of 72 (range 54-87) years and a 1:1 gender distribution were included. All procedures were elective and 3 laparoscopic. All anastomoses were performed end-to-end with a circular stapler. All patients presented bleeding in the first 24 postoperative hours. The treatment was decided according to the hemodynamic condition; patients with hemodynamic stability (2) received medical treatment while those with hemodynamic instability (2) required interventional management with rigid endoscopy, colonoscopy and surgery. Conclusion: Intraluminal bleeding is a rare complication of colorectal anastomosis that requires interventional management only in patients with hemodynamic instability. (AU)

A novel case of left atrial and right lung mass turned out to be unconventional metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma with a review of literature

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a rare malignancy arising from the myometrial smooth muscle wall, and cardiac metastases are extremely rare. Metastasis to the heart is a very unusual finding, and atrial metastasis is even rarer. Here, we report a case of a 45 year old woman who presented with dyspnea and pleural effusion and had a significant history of hysterectomy done for ULMS. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left atrial mass, which was resected and revealed to be a metastasis of leiomyosarcoma on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Metastatic ULMS may rarely present as a left atrial mass with acute clinical presentation. Detailed clinical history and accurate diagnosis are vital for further management.