Cardiac Myxomas: A Single?Center Case Series of 145 Patients Over a 32?Year Period Study

Background:Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors that develop mostly at the atrial chambers of the heart and represent 0,25% of all cardiac diseases. Methods: This is a retrospective study aiming to analyze epidemiological and intraoperative data from cardiac myxoma cases in the hospital of the last 32 years. The study population was 145 cardiac surgical patients and was divided into 4 certain 8?year periods. 87,6% of cases had the myxoma located at left atrium and 97,2% of all patients fully recovered. 4,1% of patients relapsed and underwent a redo operation. Results: Mean CPB time and mean ICU length of stay increased during the 8?year periods (p < 0,001, P < 0,001, P = 0,002 and P = 0,003 respectively). In-hospital length of stay decreased to 5 days in the most recent period (p < 0,001). Cases significantly increased to 54 in the last 8?year period (p = 0,009). Conclusion: Improvement on cardiac imaging and a better accessibility may drive patients to earlier and safer diagnosis of myxomas preventing any deterioration of their condition. Improvement on postoperative care can also reduce in-hospital length of stay. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and guaranteed survival at 97,2% of patients.

Volumosa Calcificação Caseosa do Anel Mitral em Localização Atípica / Bulky Mitral Annulus Caseous Calcification in an Atypical Location

Resumo A calcificação do anel mitral (CAM) é um processo fibrótico crônico e degenerativo comumente observado da base da valva mitral, geralmente considerado um achado incidental. Embora inicialmente a CAM fosse considerada uma consequência de um processo degenerativo relacionado à idade, achados recentes sugerem outros mecanismos contributivos independentes, como aterosclerose e metabolismo anormal de cálcio-fósforo. A calcificação caseosa do anel mitral (cCAM) é uma variante raramente descrita da CAM, caracterizada por uma massa ovoide, focal, com calcificações internas semelhantes a líquido caseoso e detritos. Diferenciar um cCAM de outras massas cardíacas aderidas ao anel mitral pode ser um desafio. Uma única modalidade de imagem, como o ecocardiograma transtorácico, pode não ser suficiente para um diagnóstico claro. Portanto, uma abordagem de imagem multimodal é necessária, incluindo tomografia computadorizada cardíaca e ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC). A CAM e a cCAM afetam tipicamente o anel mitral posterior, com poucos casos na literatura descrevendo o envolvimento do anel anterior. Apresentamos um caso raro de calcificação caseosa do anel mitral anterior encontrado em uma RMC realizada para avaliar uma massa atrial esquerda identificada em um ecocardiograma transtorácico.

Abstract Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a commonly observed chronic and degenerative fibrotic process of the base of the mitral valve, usually deemed as an incidental finding. Although initially, MAC was thought to be a consequence of an age-related degenerative process, recent findings suggest other independent contributive mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis and abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (cMAC) is a rarely described variant of MAC, characterized by an ovoid, focal mass with internal caseous fluid-like calcifications and debris. Differentiating a cMAC from other cardiac masses attached to the mitral annulus may be challenging. A single imaging modality, such as transthoracic echocardiography, may not be sufficient for a clear diagnosis. Therefore, a multimodal imaging approach is necessary, including cardiac tomography computerized imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). MAC and cMAC typically affect the posterior mitral annulus, with very few cases in the literature describing the involvement of the anterior annulus. We present a rare case of an anterior mitral annulus caseous calcification found in a CMR performed to evaluate a left atrial mass identified on a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Valores de referencia de T1 mapping en individuos sanos en Resonancia Magnética Cardíaca 3.0 Tesla. Relación con edad y sexo. Comparación con diferentes poblaciones / Reference values for T1 mapping in healthy adults at 3.0T. Relation to age and sex. Comparison with different populations

RESUMEN Introducción: El T1 mapping es una técnica que permite mejorar la caracterización tisular por resonancia magnética cardíaca (RMC), y posee creciente evidencia a su favor como herramienta de diagnóstico precoz y estratificación. Presentamos los resultados de la cuantificación del T1 nativo miocárdico en individuos sanos, estudiados en un campo de 3.0 T, a fin de proveer valores de referencia para el medio local. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 124 individuos consecutivos derivados a nuestro centro para realización de RMC, cuyos estudios resultaron normales. Se midió el T1 mapping en un eje corto medioventricular. Se analizaron los resultados según edad y sexo. Se incluyeron también 27 pacientes con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía hipertrófica, 11 con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía dilatada y 8 con amiloidosis cardíaca. Resultados: Se analizaron 124 estudios. La media global de T1 mapping fue de 1220,7 ± 21,2 mseg. Redondeando a valores enteros, se consideró 1178-1263 mseg como "rango de normalidad" (p5-p95). Se observó un tiempo T1 ligeramente superior en mujeres. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la edad. Se observó una excelente reproducibilidad, evaluada por el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (0,97) y el método de Bland-Altman. Los valores de T1 mapping fueron significativamente superiores en los grupos de individuos portadores de miocardiopatía. Conclusiones: Reportamos valores normales de T1 mapping nativo en una población adulta local. Los mismos son levemente mayores en mujeres, diferencia que no impresiona relevante desde el punto de vista clínico. Al comparar con individuos portadores de miocardiopatía hipertrófica, dilatada o con amiloidosis cardíaca, se obtuvo una muy buena discriminación. La variabilidad interobservador fue muy baja.

ABSTRACT Background: T1mapping is a technique that improves tissue characterization by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and there is growing evidence favoring its use as a tool for early diagnosis and stratification. We present the results of native myocardial T1 quantification in a 3.0 T field in healthy individuals, in order to provide local reference values. Methods: A total of 124 consecutive adults with normal studies, referred to our center for CMR, were included in the study. T1 relaxation time was measured in a midventricular short axis slice, analyzing age and sex dependance. For comparison, 27 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 11 with dilated cardiomyopathy and 8 with cardiac amyloidosis were also included. Results: Mean global T1mapping of the 124 studies analyzed was 1220.7 ±21.2 msec, and rounding to unity, 1178-1263 msec (p5-p95) was considered as "normal range". A slightly longer T1 time was observed in women and no differences were found with respect to age. Excellent reproducibility was obtained, evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (0.97) and BlandAltman plot. T1 mapping values were significantly higher in both groups of individuals with cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: We report normal values of native T1 mapping in a local healthy adult population. Times were slightly higher in women, a difference that was not considered clinically relevant. When comparing with individuals with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy, a very good discrimination was obtained between the 3 populations. The interobserver variability was very low.

Custo-Efetividade do Emprego do Escore de Cálcio Coronariano na Orientação para a Decisão Terapêutica na Prevenção Primária, na População Brasileira / Cost-Effectiveness of Using the Coronary Artery Calcium Score in Guiding Therapeutic Decisions in Primary Prevention in the Brazilian Population

Resumo Fundamento: O emprego do escore de cálcio no auxílio da estratificação de risco cardiovascular pode ser ferramenta com melhor custo-efetividade em comparação à estratégia convencional. Objetivos: Avaliação da custo-efetividade do emprego do escore de cálcio na orientação terapêutica para a prevenção primária cardiovascular. Métodos: Modelo de microssimulação para avaliar as consequências clínicas e econômicas da doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, comparando-se a estratégia de prevenção pelo uso do escore de cálcio e a estratégia convencional. Resultados: Resultados obtidos demonstram melhor custo-efetividade da estratégia terapêutica guiada pelo escore de cálcio, por meio da redução do custo incremental, e aumento nos anos de vida ajustados por qualidade (QALY), que corresponde, em número, ao benefício incorporado à qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Conclusões: O emprego do escore de cálcio mostrou-se mais custo-efetivo que a estratégia convencional tanto em custo como em QALY, na maioria dos cenários estudados.

Abstract Background: The use of the coronary artery calcium score to aid cardiovascular risk stratification may be a more cost-effective tool than the conventional strategy. Objectives: Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the use of the calcium score in therapeutic guidance for primary cardiovascular prevention. Methods: A microsimulation model to assess the clinical and economic consequences of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, comparing the prevention strategy using the calcium score and the conventional strategy. Results: The results obtained demonstrated a better cost-effectiveness of the therapeutic strategy guided by the calcium score, by reducing incremental costs and increasing quality-adjusted life years (QALY), which corresponds, in number, to improving the quality of life of the individual. Conclusions: The use of the coronary artery calcium score proved to be more cost-effective than the conventional strategy, both in terms of cost and QALY, in most of the scenarios studied.

Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica: uma revisão pelo olhar da ressonância magnética / Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: a review using magnetic resonance imaging

A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica é a cardiopatia genética mais frequente na população geral e é caracterizada por uma hipertrofia ventricular esquerda assimétrica. Entretanto, as alterações fenotípicas desta cardiomiopatia vão muito além da hipertrofia ventricular, e incluem alterações do aparato valvar mitral, dos músculos papilares e do ventrículo direito. Devido à dificuldade no diagnóstico diferencial entre as múltiplas causas de hipertrofia, a ressonância magnética cardíaca vem cumprindo um papel fundamental na avaliação diagnóstica e prognóstica desta cardiomiopatia. A cineressonância magnética na definição da localização e extensão da hipertrofia, o realce tardio, na detecção das áreas de fibrose miocárdica e técnicas mais recentes como o Mapa de T1 que avalia a fibrose intersticial e o volume extracelular; e finalmente o Tissue Tracking na análise da deformação miocárdica.(AU)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common genetic cardiopathy in the general population, is characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy. However, the phenotypic changes in this cardiomyopathy extend beyond ventricular hypertrophy and include changes in the mitral valve apparatus, papillary muscles, and right ventricle. Due to the difficult differential diagnosis among multiple causes of hypertrophy, cardiac magnetic resonance has played a fundamental role in its diagnostic and prognostic evaluation; magnetic cine-resonance in defining the location and extent of hypertrophy; late enhancement, in the detection of areas of myocardial fibrosis; more recent techniques such as T1 mapping that assesses interstitial fibrosis and extracellular volume; and finally tissue tracking in the analysis of myocardial deformation. (AU)

Diferencias de sexo entre deportistas de ultramaratón preesfuerzo y posesfuerzo / Sex differences between pre and post effort ultra marathon athletes

RESUMEN Introducción: La presencia de mujeres en las competencias de ultramaratón se observa cada vez con más frecuencia. Las adaptaciones fisiológicas y la respuesta al máximo esfuerzo se diferencian influenciados por el sexo. Objetivos: Evaluar las diferencias observadas en los deportistas de ultramaratón o ultratrail (carreras de montaña de más de 42 km) en reposo (adaptaciones fisiológicas) y en el posesfuerzo (fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio [FCIE]), estratificado por parámetros de entrenamiento. Material y métodos: Se reclutaron veinticinco deportistas (mujeres n 6) que participaron de la carrera cruce Mendoza (55 km en montaña); fueron evaluados antes y después de la finalización de la carrera mediante ecocardiografía Doppler y técnicas de deformación miocárdica (posprocesamiento). Mediante relojes deportivos se documentaron parámetros durante el entrenamiento y la carrera. Se realizó extracción de sangre posesfuerzo inmediato para documentar variables asociadas con fatiga cardíaca. Resultados: Completaron la carrera 24 deportistas, 19 hombres (42 ± 12 años) y 5 mujeres (38 ± 4 años). Las mujeres presentaban parámetros similares de entrenamiento y completaron la prueba sin diferencia en tiempos respecto a los hombres. Se observó disminución de los parámetros de función miocárdica izquierda (fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio) en el 50% de los hombres y el 5% de las mujeres. Conclusiones: A pesar de no encontrar diferencias en las características del entrenamiento, se observó en las mujeres menos adaptación fisiológica basal y menor incidencia de fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the presence of women in ultramarathon competitions is observed with increasing frequency. Physiological adaptations and response to maximum effort are differentiated influenced by sex. Objectives: to evaluate the differences observed in ultramarathon or ultratrail athletes (mountain races over 42 km) at rest (physiological adaptations) and at post-effort (exercise-induced cardiac fatigue-FCIE), stratified by training parameters. Material and methods: twenty-five athletes (women n 6) who participated in the Mendoza crossing race (55 km in the mountains) were recruited, being evaluated before and after the end of the race using Doppler echocardiography and myocardial deformation techniques (post-processing). Through sports watches, parameters during training and running are documented. Immediate post-effort blood collection was performed to document variables associated with cardiac fatigue. Results: 24 athletes completed the race, 19 men (42 ± 12 years) and 5 women (38 ± 4 years). The women presented similar training loads and completed the test with no difference in time compared to the men. Decreased left myocardial function parameters (exercise-induced cardiac fatigue) were observed in 50% of men and 5% of women. Conclusions: Despite not finding differences in training characteristics, less baseline physiological adaptation and a lower incidence of exercise-induced cardiac fatigue were observed in women.

Myocardial Coverage and Radiation Dose in Dynamic Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using Third-Generation Dual-Source CT

Partial congenital absence of the pericardium: a case report

Abstract The complete or the partial absence of pericardium is a rare congenital malformation for which the patients are commonly asymptomatic and the diagnosis is incidental. The absence of the left side of the pericardium is the most common anomaly that is reported in the literature while the complete absence of pericardium or the absence of the right side of the pericardium are uncommon and their criteria are still unrecognized given their rare occurrence in clinical practice. This paper aims to report a case of 19-year-old male with the congenital partial absence of both sides of the pericardium and to highlight the symptoms and the different cardiac imaging modalities used to confirm the diagnosis of this defect.

Pericardiocentesis can be nasty. Accidents do occur while “Rail-roading” Sheaths and pigtails!

Pericardiocentesis is a challenging procedure and complications may vary depending on the patient-specific risk factors and procedural indications. Cardiac chamber perforation and the subsequent insertion of pigtail catheter into the main pulmonary artery are an unreported mishap during attempted pericardiocentesis. This potentially life-threatening complication is completely preventable by identification of high-risk patients and appropriate use of available technologies. Adjunctive imaging decreases procedural risk for difficult-to-access pericardial fluid collections and must be used to prevent inadvertent morbidities.

Utilidad del strain sistólico pico longitudinal bidimensional en pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto del miocardio sin elevación del ST / Usefulness of two-dimensional longitudinal peak systolic strain in patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation

Resumen Objetivos: evaluar la utilidad del strain sistólico pico longitudinal bidimensional para detectar enfermedad coronaria significativa en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del ST y su capacidad para identificar la arteria responsable del evento agudo. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal realizado entre marzo y noviembre de 2015 en pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del ST, a quienes se les evaluó el strain sistólico pico longitudinal bidimensional del ventrículo izquierdo, previo a la angiografía coronaria. Resultados: se evaluó el strain longitudinal en 28 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Por análisis de curvas ROC, se identificó un punto de corte para el strain global ≥ -18,8% con sensibilidad del 85% y especificidad del 75% para reconocer presencia de enfermedad coronaria angiográficamente significativa. Un punto de corte ≥ -17,8% de strain global, identificó lesiones significativas con especificidad del 100%. Para el análisis segmentario se estableció un punto de corte de ≥ 3 segmentos con strain ≥ -14%, encontrando una sensibilidad de 90% y una especificidad 87,5% para diagnóstico de enfermedad coronaria significativa. Conclusiones: la técnica ecocardiográfica evaluada, aplicada a pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto del miocardio sin elevación del ST, mostró su utilidad para identificar enfermedad coronaria significativa, pero no permitió hallar el vaso culpable del evento agudo.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of two-dimensional longitudinal peak systolic strain to detect significant coronary disease in patients with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation, and its ability to identify the artery responsible for the coronary event. Methods: A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted between March and November 2015 on patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation, and on whom the two-dimensional longitudinal peak systolic strain of the left ventricle was evaluated prior to coronary angiography. Results: The longitudinal strain was evaluated in 28 patients who fulfilled selection criteria. For the ROC curve analysis, a cut-off point of ≥ -18.8% for the overall strain was identified, with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 75% to recognise the presence of angiographically significant coronary disease. A cut-off point of ≥ -17.8% of overall strain identified significant lesions, with a specificity of 100%. For the segmental analysis, a cut-off point of ≥ 3 segments with a strain ≥ -14% was established, finding a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 87.5% for the diagnosis of significant coronary disease. Conclusions: The evaluated echocardiographic technique, when applied to patients with a clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction without ST elevation, was shown to be useful in identifying significant coronary disease, but was unable to find the vessel responsible for the acute event.

Hidatidosis Cardiaca Primaria / Primary cardiac hydatidosis

Cardiac hydatidosis without involvement of extracardiac organs is an uncommun condition. We report a case of a 20 years old female without any prior disease, she consult for progressive dyspnea and palpitations. Echocardiogram and cardiac MRI shows cystic lesion in apical intraventricular septum suggestive of hydatid cyst. No other organs were affected. The patient underwent surgery with successful removal of hydatid cyst and medical treatment with Albendazole, after that, the patient remains asymptomatic.

Utilidad de la resonancia magnética cardíaca en casos de ecocardiografía no concluyente / Utility of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Cases of Inconclusive Echocardiography

En la actualidad la evaluación no invasiva de los pacientes con patología cardiaca se realiza a través de múltiples modalidades diagnósticas que cumplen un papel complementario entre sí. La ecocardiografía (EC) sigue siendo la modalidad diagnóstica no invasiva más utilizada en la evaluación de los pacientes con sospecha de patología cardiaca, pues permite una evaluación precisa de la morfología y la función del corazón. Además, es una modalidad accesible, económica y segura. A pesar de las múltiples ventajas descritas previamente de la EC, esta modalidad diagnóstica también tiene limitaciones. El propósito de esta revisión académica es ilustrar, a través de casos clínicos en equipos de RM de 1,5 y 3 Teslas, el valor de la resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) en aquellos casos en los que la EC, por sus limitaciones, no fue concluyente.

Currently, the non-invasive evaluation of patients with cardiac disease is performed through multiple diagnostic modalities, which together play a complementary role to each other. Echocardiography (EC) remains the most used noninvasive diagnostic modality in the evaluation of patients with suspected heart disease, allowing an accurate assessment of the morphology and function of the heart. In addition, it is accessible, economical and safe. Despite the previously described advantages of EC, this modality also has limitations. The purpose of our academic review is to illustrate through clinical cases from our experience with RM of 1.5 and 3 Tesla equipment, the value of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMRI) in cases where EC was inconclusive.

Angiotomografia computadorizada de coronárias com tomógrafo com 320 fileiras de detectores e utilizando o AIDR-3D: experiência inicial / Coronary computed tomography angiography with 320-row detector and using the AIDR-3D: initial experience

A angiotomografia computadorizada de coronárias (angioTC de coronárias) é um excelente método de imagem não invasivo para avaliar a doença arterial coronariana. Atualmente, a dose de radiação efetiva estimada da angioTC de coronárias pode ser reduzida em tomógrafos de última geração com múltiplos detectores, como o tomógrafo com 320 fileiras de detectores (320-CT), sem prejuízo na acurácia diagnóstica da angioTC de coronárias. Para reduzir ainda mais a dose de radiação, novos algoritmos de reconstrução iterativa foram recentemente introduzidos por vários fabricantes de tomógrafos, que atualmente são utilizados rotineiramente nesse exame. Neste trabalho, apresentamos nossa experiência inicial na angioTC de coronárias utilizando o 320-CT e o Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D (AIDR-3D). Apresentamos ainda as indicações mais comuns desse exame na rotina da instituição bem como os protocolos de aquisição da, angioTC de coronárias com as atualizações relacionadas a essa nova técnica para reduzir a dose de radiação. Concluímos que a dose de radiação da angioTC de coronárias pode ser reduzida seguindo o princípio as low as reasonable achievable (tão baixo quanto razoavelmente exequível), combinando a indicação de exame com técnicas bem documentadas para a diminuição da dose de radiação, como o uso de betabloqueadores e a redução do kV, com os mais recentes aplicativos de reconstrução iterativa para redução da dose de radiação, como o AIDR-3D.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) is a powerful non-invasive imaging method to evaluate coronary artery disease. Nowadays, coronary CTA estimated effective radiation dose can be dramatically reduced using state-of-the-art scanners, such as 320-row detector CT (320-CT), without changing coronary CTA diagnostic accuracy. To optimize and further reduce the radiation dose, new iterative reconstruction algorithms were released recently by several CT manufacturers, and now they are used routinely in coronary CTA. This paper presents our first experience using coronary CTA with 320-CT and the Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D (AIDR-3D). In addition, we describe the current indications for coronary CTA in our practice as well as the acquisition standard protocols and protocols related to CT application for radiation dose reduction. In conclusion, coronary CTA radiation dose can be dramatically reduced following the "as low as reasonable achievable" principle by combination of exam indication and well-documented technics for radiation dose reduction, such as beta blockers, low-kV, and also the newest iterative dose reduction software as AIDR-3D.

Significance of computed tomography in morphological classification of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To discuss imaging classification of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTTAI) and weigh guideline value of its imaging classification to surgical options.Methods BTTAI in 12 patients were divided into three types in accordance with outline of aortic injury revealed by CT imaging,i.e.,type A of normal outline of aortic blood vessel but free endothelium in aortic cavity,type B of abnormal aortic outline and contrast extravasation to aortic lumen exterior but only confining to mediastina,and type C of abnormal aortic outline and contrast leakage to thoracic cavity.Significance of BTTAI morphological classification was analyzed according to data,such as systemic injury severity score (ISS),local injury sites,surgical approaches and patients' outcome.Results Multiple injuries combined with BTTAI were observed in all patients whose aortic lesion image could be all generalized by above-mentioned classification.BTTAI image showed type A in three patients,type B in seven and type C in two.Pseudoaneurysm was confirmed as the foremost common BTTAI.There were no significant differences in ISS,hypotension morbidity,treatment methods or mortality between each type of BTTAI.Conclusions BTTAI occurs mostly in multiple injuries and thus overall injury severity assessment is not only depended on aortic lesion classification.BTTAI classification in this study reflects injury severity of vessel wall,takes account to location of lesion and adjacent relations (especially length of landing zone) and hence has accurate referential value for surgical decisions.