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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Surgical Reconstruction of a Left Ventricular Aneurysm Using an Extracellular Matrix Patch

Abstract The left ventricular aneurysm is a pathological condition defined as an akinetic or dyskinetic area of the left ventricle (LV) wall associated with reduced ejection fraction. The most common surgical technique to reconstruct a left ventricular aneurysm is endoventricular patch plasty (Dor procedure). In this case, endoventricular reconstruction of the left ventricular aneurysm using a double-layer extracellular matrix was performed.

Left Ventricular Pseudo-False Aneurysm Perforating into the Right Ventricle / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We report the case of a 52-year-old man who presented with a 2-week history of exertional dyspnea and was admitted to our hospital with heart failure. Coronary angiography showed severe three-vessel disease ; left ventriculography revealed an aneurysm in the inferior left ventricular (LV) wall perforating into the right ventricle. We suspected the LV aneurysm was from a previous myocardial infarction (MI) that had perforated into the right ventricle, although the time of MI was unclear. The patient was treated with medications initially. We subsequently treated the patient by LV aneurysm closure using a patch and direct closure of the perforation by incising the aneurysm. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in the left anterior descending artery, the diagonal artery, and the right coronary artery simultaneously. After having an uneventful postoperative course, he was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition. A pathology examination confirmed a diagnosis of LV pseudo-false aneurysm.

The effects of moderate intensity exercise on left ventricular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of moderate-intensity exercise on left ventricular remodeling (such as cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and proliferation) in spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHRs) and explore the possible mechanisms.Methods:Thirty 4-month-old female SHRs were randomly divided into a sedentary group ( n=15) and an exercise group ( n=15). Fifteen Wistar Kyoto rats served as the control group. The exercise group underwent daily 60-min moderate-intensity treadmill exercise 5 days per week for 12 weeks, while the sedentary and control groups were raised quietly in cages for the same period. After the 12-week intervention, the caudal artery blood pressure was measured using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. The rats were then sacrificed and their hearts were sampled for morphometric measurement. Cardiomyocytes were isolated and underwent DAPI staining to measure their length, width and area. Apoptosis cardiomyocytes was detected by using terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling and their proliferation was assessed using immunofluorescent staining. The number of cardiac progenitor cells was detected by flow cytometry, while the expression of the cardiac calcineurin Aβ subunit (CNAβ) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) protein were measured using western blotting. Results:Compared with the control group, a significant increase was observed in the heart weight, heart mass index (HMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, myocardial thickness of the left ventricular wall (anterior wall, posterior wall and septal wall), cardiomyocyte morphology (length, width and area), cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, proliferation rate, number of cardiac progenitor cells and protein expression of CNAβ in the sedentary group. Compared with the sedentary group, the average heart weight, HMI, myocardial thickness of the left ventricular wall (anterior wall, posterior wall and septal wall), cardiomyocyte morphology (length, width and area), cardiomyocyte proliferation rate, number of cardiac progenitor cells and p-Akt protein expression had increased significantly in the exercise group. The average systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, apoptosis rate and CNAβ protein expression had decreased significantly.Conclusions:Moderate-intensity exercise can induce physiological cardiac hypertrophy in SHRs, relieve apoptosis, increase the number of cardiac progenitor cells and promote cell proliferation, thereby inhibiting cardiac remodeling.

Valor diagnóstico del índice de Sokolow-Lyon en la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda

RESUMEN Introducción: La hipertrofia de ventrículo izquierdo constituye un gran problema entre los pacientes con hipertensión arterial a nivel mundial, además se relaciona con diversas enfermedades, las cuales pueden ser fatales. Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico del índice de Sokolow-Lyon en derivaciones precordiales para la hipertrofia de ventrículo izquierdo. Método: Se realizó un estudio de medios diagnósticos de tipo observacional, analítico y transversal. Se estudiaron 122 pacientes ingresados en los servicios de Medicina Interna, Nefrología y Neurología del Hospital Militar Carlos J. Finlay (La Habana, Cuba) de enero del 2017 a marzo del 2019, a los cuales se les realizó ecocardiograma y electrocardiograma. Resultados: Existió un predominio de la población mayor de 45 años (77,9%), del sexo masculino (59,8%) y con hipertensión arterial (77,0%). Se realizó una descripción cualitativa del índice electrocardiográfico de Sokolow-Lyon para precordiales en el total de casos estudiados y se encontró una prevalencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda de 71,3%. Este criterio de voltaje presentó una alta especificidad (83%), alto valor predictivos positivo (85%) y una razón de verosimilitud (likelihood ratio) positiva de 2,28. Conclusiones: En pacientes hospitalizados, donde la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial es elevada, el criterio de Sokolow-Lyon presentó alta utilidad diagnóstica para la hipertrofia de ventrículo izquierdo, así como para confirmar los casos que verdaderamente la padecían.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a major problem among patients with high blood pressure worldwide; it is also related to various entities, which can be fatal. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Sokolow-Lyon index in precordial leads for left ventricular hypertrophy. Method: An observational, analytical and cross-sectional study of diagnostic means was carried out. One hundred and twenty-two patients admitted to the Departments of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Neurology of the Hospital Militar Carlos J. Finlay (Havana, Cuba) were studied from January 2017 to March 2019, who underwent echocardiography and electrocardiogram. Results: There was a predominance of the population over 45 years old (77.9%), males (59.8%) and with high blood pressure (77.0%). A qualitative description of the Sokolow-Lyon electrocardiographic index for precordial leads was performed in the total number of the studied cases, and a prevalence of 71.3% of left ventricular hypertrophy was found. This voltage criterion showed high specificity (83%), high positive predictive values ​​(85%) and positive likelihood ratio at 2.28. Conclusions: In admitted patients, where the prevalence of high blood pressure is elevated, the Sokolow-Lyon criterion presented high diagnostic usefulness for left ventricular hypertrophy as well as to confirm the cases that actually present it.

Research progress on the presurgical evaluation of giant left ventricle associated with valvular disease / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Due to the abnormal structure and function of the cardiac valves, cardiac valve disease gradually appears the expansion of left ventricular inner diameter and volume. When the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and volume expand severely, it becomes a giant left ventricle. Surgical valve replacement is still one of the main treatment methods for this disease. The degree of postoperative ventricular recovery is closely related to perioperative mortality and long-term prognosis. However, the existing clinical preoperative assessment methods still cannot accurately predict the degree of postoperative left ventricular recovery and long-term prognosis of such patients, so it is difficult to determine the optimal operation timing and surgical methods for patients. Therefore, we reviewed the existing literature and discussed different evaluation methods of the giant left ventricle associated with valvular disease before surgery, so as to optimize the perioperative treatment of such patients, clarify the timing of surgery and improve the prognosis.

Relação entre Velocidade de Onda de Pulso e Biomarcadores Cardiovasculares em Pacientes com Fatores de Risco / Relationship between Pulse Wave Velocity and Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Patients with Risk Factors

Resumo Fundamento A relação entre velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e biomarcadores de mudanças estruturais do ventrículo esquerdo e artérias carótidas ainda é pouco elucidada. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre VOP e esses biomarcadores. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e analítico. Revisamos prontuários médicos de pacientes com diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, e pré-hipertensão ou hipertensão, que realizaram medida de pressão arterial central (PAC) utilizando o Mobil-O-Graph®, e doppler de carótida ou ecocardiografia três meses antes ou após a medida da PAC. Análise estatística realizada por correlação de Pearson ou de Spearman, análise de regressão múltipla e de regressão bivariada, e teste t (independente) ou de Mann-Whitney. Um p<0,05 indicou significância estatística. Resultados Prontuários de 355 pacientes foram avaliados, 56,1 ±14,8 anos, 51% homens. A VOP correlacionou-se com espessuras da íntima média (EIM) das carótidas (r=0,310) do septo do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0,191) e da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0.215), e com diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (r=0,181). A EIM associou-se com VOP ajustada por idade e pressão sistólica periférica (p=0,0004); uma EIM maior que 1mm aumentou em 3,94 vezes a chance de se apresentar VOP acima de 10m/s. A VOP foi significativamente maior em indivíduos com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,0001), EIM > 1 mm (p=0,006), placa de carótida (p=0,0001), estenose ≥ 50% (p=0,003), e lesões de órgãos-alvo (p=0,0001). Conclusões A VOP correlacionou-se com a EIM e com parâmetros ecocardiográficos, e se associou independentemente com EIM. Essa associação foi mais forte em pacientes com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, EIM aumentada, placa de carótida, estenose ≥ 50%, e lesões de órgãos-alvo. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)

Abstract Background The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and biomarkers of structural changes of the left ventricle and carotid arteries remains poorly understood. Objective To investigate the relationship between PWV and these biomarkers. Methods This was an analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and pre-hypertension or hypertension, who underwent central blood pressure (CBP) measurement using Mobil-O-Graph®, and carotid doppler or echocardiography three months before and after the CBPM were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, linear bivariate and multiple regression analysis, and the t test (independent) or Mann-Whitney test. A p <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results Medical records of 355 patients were analyzed, mean age 56.1 (±14.8) years, 51% male. PWV was correlated with intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotids (r=0.310) and left ventricular septal thickness (r=0.191), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r=0.215), and left atrial diameter (r=0.181). IMT was associated with PWV adjusted by age and peripheral systolic pressure (p=0.0004); IMT greater than 1 mm increased the chance of having PWV above 10 m/s by 3.94 times. PWV was significantly higher in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy (p=0.0001), IMT > 1 mm (p=0.006), carotid plaque (p=0.0001), stenosis ≥ 50% (p=0.003), and target-organ damage (p=0.0001). Conclusion PWV was correlated with IMT and echocardiographic parameters, and independently associated with IMT. This association was stronger in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy, increased IMT, carotid plaque, stenosis ≥ 50%, and target organ damage. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)

Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica - Revisão / Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Review

Resumo A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) é a doença cardíaca de origem genética mais comum, cuja principal característica consiste na hipertrofia ventricular esquerda que acontece na ausência de outras patologias que desencadeiam tal alteração. A CMH pode se apresentar desde formas assintomáticas até manifestações de morte cardíaca súbita e de insuficiência cardíaca refratária. Métodos de imagem contemporâneos de alta resolução e escores clínicos mais acurados vêm sendo utilizados e desenvolvidos no sentido de propiciar uma avaliação prognóstica e funcional mais adequada, bem como possibilitar a estratificação dos casos de maior gravidade. Nesta revisão, serão abordados esses aspectos, entre outros tópicos clássicos inerentes ao estudo dessa doença.

Abstract Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease with a genetic origin, and its main characteristic is left ventricular hypertrophy that occurs in the absence of other conditions that trigger this change. HCM may present from asymptomatic forms to manifestations of sudden cardiac death and severe heart failure. Contemporary high-resolution imaging methods and more accurate clinical scores have been used and developed to provide a prognostic assessment and adequate functional assessments, as well as to allow for the stratification of clinical severity. These aspects will be addressed in this review, along with other classic topics inherent to the study of this disease.

A Case of Tacotsubo Cardiomyopathy - How We Uncovered the Diagnosis

Introduction:Tacotsubo cardiomyopathu (TTC)is a stress-induced condition characterized by transient appical hypokinesia and is usually caused by stress-induced catecholamine release with toxic action that leads to stunningmyocardium.Methods and Results:The patient was a 62 year old woman without any history of heart disease and she admitted with chest pain and electrocardiography (ECG)with ST segment elevation in the precordial leads and troponins suggesting acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI). Emergency coronary angiography which is performed showed no significant coronary artery disease. Echocardiography showed reduced LV ejection fraction with left ventricularapical ballooning and (LV) thrombus. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed localized hypokinesia of the mid septal segments and akinesis of all segments of the apex of the left ventricle and T2 hyperintesity consistent with myocardial transmural oedema in the same area with diffuse involvement. During the hospitalizasion patient was treated with single antiplatelet, anticoagulation therapy, diuretics, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and beta blockers for treatment of heart failure reduced Ejection fraction (HFrEF). At 3 months follow up ECG was normal with reversal of symptoms and regression of wall motion abnormalities at echocardiography. According to investigation results, a diagnosis of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was established Conclusion:Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy often presents as an acute coronary syndrome with ST segment changes, as ST-segment elevation and/or T-wave inversion. Clinical presentation is characterized by acute coronary artery disease, in the absence of obstruction, verified by coronarography.Diagnostic methods are very important to make true decision of Tacotsubo cardiomyopathy

Chagas disease in Virgem da Lapa, Minas Gerais, Brazil: left ventricle aneurysm and the risk of death in the 24-year interval

BACKGROUND Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is indicator of high morbidity in Chagas' disease. A cross-sectional study performed identified LVA in 18.8% of the chronic chagasic patients (CCP). OBJECTIVE Determine the risk of death of patients with chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) and LVA in 24-year interval. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 1995 a cohort of 298 CCP was evaluated by anamnesis, physical examination, EKG and ECHO and classified in groups: G0 = 86 without cardiopathy; G1 = 156 with cardiopathy without LVA and G2 = 56 with cardiopathy and LVA. 38 patients of G0 and G1 used benznidazole. Information about the deaths was obtained in the notary, death certificates, hospital records and family members. FINDINGS Were registered 113 deaths (37.9%): 107 (35.9%) attributed to cardiopathy and 6 (2.0%) to other causes (p < 0.05). Amongst these 107 deaths, 10 (11.6%) occurred in G0; 49 (31.4%) occurred in G1 and 48 (85.7%) occurred in G2 (p < 0.05). The risk of death was 2.7 and 7.4 times significantly higher in G2, than in G1 and G0, respectively. CONCLUSION Chronic chagasic patients with LVA and ejection fraction < 45% have a higher risk of death than those without.

Application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in coronary artery disease patients with dilated left ventricle / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To describe our experiences of application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (OPCABG) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with dilated left ventricle. Methods    A retrospective analysis of 303 patients with dilated left ventricle [left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)> 60 mm] who underwent OPCABG from January 2008 to December 2018 at a single center was conducted. There were 205 males and 98 females at age of 45-87 (66.9±9.3) years. Results    The mean pulmonary artery pressure in 90 patients was more than 25 mm Hg. Sixteen patients underwent OPCABG with emergent transition of extracorporeal circulation (CPB). Twenty-one patients underwent OPCABG with CPB at the beginning of CABG. Thirty-five patients underwent intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). Four patients died during in-hospital time with the experience of emergent transition of CPB. Six months after operation, LVEDD and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were improved. Conclusion    OPCABG is a safe and effective alternative for CAD patients with dilated left ventricle. However, for patients with higher pulmonary pressure and a spherical left ventricle after cardiac reshaping, there is a high risk of emergent transition of CPB during OPCABG; for this kind of patients, it is necessary to start CPB at the beginning of OPCABG.

Penetrating Thoracic Trauma with Undetected Left Ventricular Injury Presenting as Sudden Hypotension during Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 55-year-old man was brought to our hospital with a knife penetrating his left anterior chest wall following a suicide attempt. Massive left hemothorax was identified on echocardiography ; however, there was no evidence of cardiac tamponade. After draining blood from the left thorax, computed tomography (CT) revealed that the tip of the knife had penetrated the left lung and reached the left pulmonary vein. In preparation for cardiopulmonary bypass, an emergency thoracotomy was scheduled with a plan to access the left lung and left pulmonary vein. The patient was transferred to the operating room, and the procedure was started with the patient in the supine position. During dissection of the femoral vessels, the patient suddenly developed hypotension. After surgical access to the heart was achieved via median sternotomy, a pericardiotomy was performed and cardiopulmonary bypass was established. A 50-mm stab wound was identified at the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The knife was removed, and the left ventricular wound was repaired. The lingular segment of the left lung was partially resected. The patient had no postoperative complications and was transferred to the referral hospital on postoperative day 25. This case report emphasizes the importance of taking appropriate measures for thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma with massive hemothorax, even in the absence of cardiac tamponade on imaging. We were able to successfully manage a life-threatening condition by taking appropriate measures.