Evaluation of the relationship between cardiac calcification and cardiovascular disease using the echocardiographic calcium score in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION@#An echocardiographic calcium score (ECS) predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Its utility in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is unknown.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study assessed 125 patients on PD. The ECS (range 0-8) was compared between subjects with CVD and those without.@*RESULTS@#Among the subjects, 54 had CVD and 71 did not. Subjects with CVD were older (69 years vs. 56 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (81.5% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.001). They had lower diastolic blood pressure (72 mmHg vs. 81 mmHg, P < 0.001), lower phosphate (1.6 mmol/L vs. 1.9 mmol/L, P = 0.002), albumin (30 g/L vs. 32 g/L, P = 0.001), parathyroid hormone (34.4 pmol/L vs. 55.8 pmol/L, P = 0.002), total cholesterol (4.5 vs. 4.9, P = 0.047), LDL cholesterol (2.4 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L, P = 0.019) and HDL cholesterol (0.8 mmol/L vs. 1.1 mmol/L, P = 0.002). The ECS was found to be higher in subjects with CVD than in those without (2 vs. 1, P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only DM and age were independently associated with CVD.@*CONCLUSION@#The ECS was significantly higher in PD patients with CVD than in those without, reflecting a higher vascular calcification burden in the former. It is a potentially useful tool to quantify vascular calcification in PD patients.

Compromiso cardíaco en el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico post SARS-CoV-2 en niños / Cardiac involvement in post-SARS-CoV-2 multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children / Envolvimento cardíaco na síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pós-SARS-CoV-2 em crianças

Objetivo: describir las características de ocho pacientes pediátricos que se presentaron con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (MIS-C) asociado a SARS-CoV-2 y compromiso cardíaco. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de ocho pacientes con edades entre 1 y 13 años, con diagnóstico de MIS-C y compromiso cardíaco, asistidos en el CHPR. Se analiza su historia clínica, evolución y tratamiento. Resultados: los pacientes presentaron fiebre en el 100%, exantema e hiperemia conjuntival en el 88%, síntomas digestivos en el 50%, insuficiencia respiratoria en el 25% y shock en el 50%. Todos requirieron ingreso a cuidados intensivos. La alteración de la contractilidad cardíaca estuvo presente en el 63% de los pacientes, fue leve y segmentaria en el 80%, el 60% requirió soporte inotrópico por 3 días, recuperando una función normal en 7 días. La insuficiencia mitral se presentó en el 25% y el derrame pericárdico en el 38%, ambos de grado leve. Un paciente presentó dilatación de arterias coronarias con Z score < 2. El 85% de los pacientes presentó alteraciones del ECG, en el 29% se trató de alteración en la repolarización, en el 29% intervalo QTc prolongado, en el 15% bloqueo atrioventricular de 1er grado y bloqueo incompleto de rama derecha. Un paciente tuvo fibrilación auricular por 3 días con remisión espontánea a ritmo sinusal. Las troponinas estuvieron altas en el 57% de los pacientes y el ProBNP elevado en el 100%. Todos recibieron inmunoglobulinas, metilprednisolona y aspirina. Conclusiones: se presentaron ocho pacientes pediátricos con MIS-C y compromiso cardíaco, el 50% se presentó en shock, todos requirieron ingreso a cuidados intensivos. El 85% presento alteraciones en el ECG. El 63% presentó compromiso de la contractilidad sectorial y leve, se normalizó en 7 días. El 60% requirió soporte inotrópico por una media de 3 días.

Objective: describe the characteristics of 8 children who presented Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome associated with SARS-CoV2 infections (MIS-C) and cardiac involvement. Material and methods: descriptive, retrospective study of 8 patients of between 1 and 13 years of age, diagnosed with MIS-C and cardiac involvement, assisted at the Pereira Rossell Children Hospital, analysis of their medical records, evolution and treatment. Results: the patients showed: fever in 100% of the cases, rash and conjunctival hyperemia in 88%, digestive symptoms in 50%, respiratory failure in 25% and shock in 50%. All required admission to Intensive Care. Cardiac contractility alteration was present in 63% of patients, the affectation was mild and segmental in 80%, 60% required inotropic support for 3 days and recovered normal functions in 7 days. Mitral regurgitation was present in 25% of the cases and pericardial effusion in 38%, mild in both cases. One patient had dilated coronary arteries with a Z score <2. 85% of the patients presented ECG abnormalities, 29% present alteration of repolarization, 29% prolonged QTc, 15% 1st degree atrioventricular block and incomplete right bundle branch block. One patient had atrial fibrillation for 3 days with spontaneous remission to sinus rhythm. Troponins were increased in 57% of the patients and ProBNP elevated in 100%. All patients received Immunoglobulins, Methylprednisolone and Aspirin. Conclusions: we present eight pediatric patients with MIS-C and cardiac involvement, 50% suffered shock, all required admission to Intensive Care. ECG abnormalities were found in 85% of the patients. Mild and segmental contractility compromise was found in 63% of the patients and normalized in 7 days. 60% required inotropic support for a mean of 3 days.

Objetivo: descrever as características de 8 pacientes pediátricos que apresentaram Síndrome Inflamatória Multissistêmica (MIS-C) associada ao SARS-CoV-2 e comprometimento cardíaco. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de oito pacientes com idade entre 1 e 13 anos, com diagnóstico de MIS-C e comprometimento cardíaco, assistidos pelo CHPR. Seu prontuário médico, evolução e tratamento são analisados. Resultados: os pacientes apresentaram febre em 100%, erupção cutânea e hiperemia conjuntival em 88%, sintomas digestivos em 50%, insuficiência respiratória em 25% e choque em 50%. Todos necessitaram de internação nos cuidados intensivos. A alteração da contratilidade cardíaca esteve presente em 63% dos pacientes, foi leve e segmentar em 80%, 60% necessitaram de suporte inotrópico por 3 dias, recuperando a função normal em 7 dias. A regurgitação mitral ocorreu em 25% dos pacientes e o derrame pericárdico em 38%, ambos de grau leve. Um paciente apresentou dilatação da artéria coronária com escore Z < 2. 85% dos pacientes apresentaram anormalidades no ECG, 29% foram alterações de repolarização, 29% intervalo QTc prolongado em bloqueio atrioventricular de 1º grau a 15% e bloqueio incompleto do ramo direito. Um paciente apresentou fibrilação atrial por 3 dias com remissão espontânea ao ritmo sinusal. As troponinas foram elevadas em 57% dos doentes e ProBNP elevado em 100%. Todos receberam imunoglobulinas, Metilprednisolona e aspirina. Conclusões: houve oito pacientes pediátricos com SMIM-C e comprometimento cardíaco, 50% em choque, todos necessitaram de internação em terapia intensiva. 85% apresentaram elevações no ECG. 63% apresentaram comprometimento setorial e de contratilidade leve, normalizados em 7 dias. 60% necessitaram de suporte inotrópico por uma média de 3 dias.

Implementation of a Telecardiology Service in a Health Unit in the City of Porto Alegre, Brazil: A Pilot Study

Abstract Background: The implementation of Telecardiology in primary care in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, is a viable and promising strategy. It would decrease the distance between patient and specialized professional services by reducing unnecessary referrals and improving the quality of primary care and satisfaction of patients and health professionals. Objective: To implement a Telecardiology service and assess user satisfaction using the CARDIOSATIS scale. Methods: This was a pilot study developed by a partnership between the Institute of Cardiology and the Telehealth Center of Rio Grande do Sul. The study was carried out at Eri Flores-Vila Vargas health center in the city of Porto Alegre, from May to October 2019, and included 21 patients attending the health center. The descriptive analysis of data was performed using the SPSS program (Statistical Package for the Sciences) version 23. Data normality was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Statistical significance was set at 10%. Results: Mean age of participants was 43.8 ± 16.1 years. The most common risk factors in the sample were physical inactivity (81%) and smoking (43%). Most patients had normal electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. The time elapsed from the performance of the ECG test, transmission of the ECG traces to Telehealth, and return of the final ECG report to the health center was 0-7 days. The CARDIOSATIS scale revealed a high prevalence of "very satisfied" users for the general satisfaction domain, and only 14.3% of patients were dissatisfied with their health. Conclusions: Telecardiology reduced the distance between patient and the specialized professional, with a high level of patient and health professional satisfaction. Our study can serve as a basis for the implementation of a telecardiology network in the city of Porto Alegre in the future.

Frequência e características dos respondedores a uma intervenção educacional para redução de testes cardíacos inapropriados: um subestudo do Echo WISELY Trial / Frequency and characteristics of responders to an educational intervention to reduce inappropriate heart testing: a sub-study of the Echo WISELY Trial

Introdução: O Echo WISELY Trial é um estudo controlado, randomizado, multicêntrico, cego pelo investigador, que avaliou uma intervenção educacional com base nos critérios de uso apropriado para ecocardiografia para redução da proporção de ecocardiogramas raramente apropriados realizados ambulatorialmente. Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência e identificar preditores de responsividade de médicos respondedores submetidos à intervenção educacional no Echo WISELY Trial. Métodos: Médicos do grupo intervenção receberam um programa educacional multifacetado. O médico respondedor foi definido como aquele que apresentou redução >2,5% na média proporcional de exames raramente apropriados solicitados entre o primeiro trimestre (linha de base) e qualquer um dos seguintes trimestres (segundo ao sexto). Foram comparadas as características do médico (sexo, tempo de formação, especialidade médica e local de trabalho) com as classificações dos ecocardiogramas (apropriado, talvez apropriado e raramente apropriado) e razões clínicas para ecocardiogramas solicitados utilizando teste do qui-quadrado. A significância estatística foi indicada por p < 0,05 bicaudal. Resultados: Foram analisados 4.605 exames solicitados nos seis hospitais participantes de Ontário e randomizados para o braço intervenção. Dentre os 36 médicos incluídos, 26 (72%) foram classificados como respondedores. Entre as variáveis analisadas, não houve diferença significativa entre médicos respondedores e não respondedores à intervenção educacional. O número de exames raramente apropriados solicitados pelos respondedores foi significativamente menor que o de não respondedores (234; 8,67% versus 261; 13,8%; p < 0,0001). Conclusão: A prevalência de médicos respondedores é alta, porém não foram identificados preditores de responsividade à intervenção educacional entre as variáveis analisadas. Isso pode decorrer de aspectos psicológicos e características pessoais dos médicos, que não foram incluídos nesta pesquisa.(AU)

Introduction: The Echo WISELY Trial is a controlled randomized multicenter investigator-blinded study that evaluated an educational intervention based on the criteria for appropriate use of echocardiography to reduce the proportion of rarely appropriate outpatient echocardiograms performed. Objective: To describe the prevalence and identify predictors of the responsiveness of responding physicians subjected to an educational intervention in the Echo WISELY Trial. Methods: The intervention group physicians received a multifaceted educational program. A responding physician was defined as one who had a >2.5% reduction in the proportional mean of rarely appropriate tests requested between the first trimester (baseline) and any of the following trimesters (second to sixth). Physician characteristics (sex, time since graduation, medical specialty, and workplace) were compared to the echocardiogram ratings (appropriate, maybe appropriate, and rarely appropriate) and clinical reasons for the requested echocardiograms using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was indicated by a two-tailed p < 0.05. Results: A total of 4,605 tests requested at the six participating hospitals in Ontario were analyzed and randomized for the intervention arm Of the 36 included physicians, 26 (72%) were classified as responders. Of the variables analyzed, there was no significant difference in the outcomes of the responders versus non-responders to the educational intervention. The number of rarely appropriate tests requested by the responders was significantly lower than that of the non-responders (234 [8.67%] versus 261 [13.8%]; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of responder physicians was high, but predictors of responsiveness to educational intervention were not identified among the analyzed variables. This may be a result of the psychological aspects and personal characteristics of the physicians, which were not included in this research. (AU)

Achados cardiovasculares incidentais em tomografias de tórax solicitadas para suspeita de COVID-19 / Incidental cardiovascular findings on chest CT scans requested for suspected COVID-19

Resumo Contexto As tomografias de tórax são frequentemente solicitadas como exames complementares para avaliação de suspeita clínica de afecção pulmonar pelo novo coronavírus 19 (COVID-19). Objetivos Nosso objetivo foi analisar a prevalência dos achados cardiovasculares incidentais em tomografias de tórax solicitadas para avaliar sinais radiológicos sugestivos de COVID-19. Métodos Por meio de um estudo transversal, descritivo e retrospectivo, foram revisadas 1.444 tomografias de tórax realizadas no setor de radiologia do Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna, no período de 1° de março a 30 de julho de 2020, com a descrição da prevalência de imagens sugestivas de pneumonia viral pelo COVID-19, além de achados pulmonares e cardiovasculares incidentais. Resultados A média de idade dos pacientes foi 50,6±16,4 anos, sendo o sexo feminino o mais frequente. A tomografia sem contraste foi o método mais utilizado (97,2%), e opacidades em vidro fosco foram identificadas em 56,0% dos casos. Achados incidentais cardiovasculares ocorreram em 51,2% (intervalo de confiança 48,7%-53,8%) das tomografias, prevalecendo calcificação da parede aórtica (21,8%), cardiomegalia (10,5%), e calcificação coronária (5,0%). Nas tomografias com contraste, evidenciaram-se aneurismas de aorta (9,7%), dissecção de aorta (7,3%) e úlceras de aorta torácica (2,4%). Conclusões Achados cardiovasculares incidentais ocorreram em aproximadamente metade das tomografias de tórax de pacientes com suspeita de COVID-19, mais especificamente, calcificações da parede da aorta, cardiomegalia e calcificação coronária.

Abstract Background Computed tomography scans of the chest are often requested as a complementary examination to investigate a clinical suspicion of pulmonary disease caused by the novel coronavirus 19 (COVID-19). Objectives Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of incidental cardiovascular findings on chest CT scans requested to assess radiological signs suggestive of COVID-19 infection. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study reviewed 1,444 chest tomographies conducted in the Radiology department of the Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna, from March 1 to July 30, 2020, describing the prevalence of images suggestive of viral pneumonia by COVID-19 and incidental pulmonary and cardiovascular findings. Results The mean age of the patients was 50.6 ± 16.4 years and female sex was more frequent. Computed tomography without contrast was the most frequently used method (97.2%). Aortic and coronary wall calcification and cardiomegaly were the most prevalent cardiovascular findings. CT angiography revealed aortic aneurysms (9.7%), aortic dissection (7.3%) and thoracic aortic ulcers (2.4%). Conclusions Incidental cardiovascular findings occurred in about half of the chest CT scans of patients with suspected COVID-19, especially aortic calcifications, cardiomegaly, and coronary calcification.

Prognostic power of conventional echocardiography in individuals without history of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Echocardiographic abnormalities are associated with a higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether echocardiographic abnormalities are predictors of cardiovascular events in individuals without previous cardiovascular diseases. The PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases were searched for longitudinal studies investigating the association between echocardiographic abnormalities and cardiovascular events among individuals without known cardiovascular diseases. Two independent reviewers analyzed data on the number of participants, age and sex, echocardiographic alterations, follow-up time, and cardiovascular outcomes. The meta-analysis estimated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 test. Twenty-two longitudinal studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 55,603 patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was associated with non-fatal cardiovascular events (RR 2.16; 95% CI 1.22-3.84), death from cardiovascular disease (RR 2.58; 95% CI 1.83- 3.64), and all-cause mortality (RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.34-3.04). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and left atrial dilation (LA) were associated with fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events (RR 2.01; 95% CI 1.32-3.07) and (RR 1.78; 95% CI 1.16-2.73), respectively. Aortic root dilation was associated with non-fatal cardiovascular events (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.43). In conclusion, LVH, LVDD, dilations of the LA, and of the aortic root were associated with an increased risk of adverse events in individuals without previous cardiovascular diseases. This study suggests that simple data obtained on conventional echocardiography can be an important predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in a low-risk population.

Evaluación del Compromiso Cardiovascular en niños en diálisis mediante el Índice de Masa Ventricular Izquierdo / Left Ventricular Mass Index and Cardiovascular Compromise in children on dialysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe una estrecha relación entre enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y enfermedad cardiovascular. Una de sus manifestaciones clínicas es la hipertrofia de ventrículo izquierdo (HVI), expresada como Indice de Masa Ventricular Izquierda (IMVI, gr/m27). En pacientes portadores de ERC con retraso de creci miento, el cálculo de IMVI debería ajustarse corrigiendo la edad para la talla. OBJETIVO: Comparar el IMVI corregido por edad para la talla, con el valor calculado por edad cronológica en niños con ERC en diálisis. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de corte transversal. Se analizan ecocardiografías de pacientes portadores de ERC en diálisis entre 1-18 años, enero de 2016 a julio 2017. Se evalúa IMVI ajustando el valor expresado a gr/m27 al percentil para la edad cronológica del niño, y luego se ajusta el valor a la edad corregida por la talla. Se usa estadística descriptiva y estudio de concordancia para las evaluacio nes de IMVI calculado por edad cronológica y para edad corregida por talla. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 26 pacientes, 75 ecocardiogramas. Un 56% presentó HVI usando IMVI calculado por edad cronoló gica vs un 46,6% al corregir la edad para la talla. Al comparar los grupos de percentiles de IMVI-edad cronológica vs IMVI ajustado a la edad para la talla real, se observó que el 18,6% de la muestra cambia de grupo de percentil, el 100% de ellos a un grupo de percentil inferior. La concordancia evaluada en base a coeficiente Kappa fue de 0,72 (concordancia perfecta > 0,8), confirmando diferencias al ajustar el IMVI para la edad corregida por la talla. CONCLUSIÓN: El cálculo de IMVI por edad cronológica so breestima el compromiso cardiovascular en niños con ERC que característicamente tienen un retraso de talla. Los resultados sugieren que el cálculo de IMVI ajustado a la edad corregida por talla otorga mayor precisión al diagnóstico de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en este grupo de pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: There is a close relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease. One of its clinical manifestations is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), expressed as Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI gr/m27). In CKD patients with growth retardation, the LVMI calculation should be adjusted by correcting age for length/height. OBJECTIVE: To compare the age-corrected LVMI for length/height with the value calculated by chronological age in CKD children on dialysis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study. We analyzed echocardiographies of CKD children on dialysis aged between 1 and 18, from January 2016 to July 2017. LVMI was evaluated by adjusting the value expressed in gr/m27 to the percentile for the chronological child's age, and then the value was adjusted to the age-corrected length/height. We used descriptive statistics and concordance study for LVMI assessments calculating by chronological age and for age-corrected length/height. RESULTS: 26 patients were included and 75 echocardiograms. 56% had left ventricular hypertrophy using chronological age versus 46.6% age-corrected LVMI for length/height. When comparing the percentile groups of LVMI-chronological age vs. age-adjusted LVMI for actual length/height, it was observed that 18.6% of the sample changed percentile groups, 100% of them to a lower percentile group. The agreement evaluated based on the Kappa coefficient was 0.72 (perfect agreement > 0.8), confirming differences when adjusting the LVMI for age-corrected length/height. CONCLUSION: Calculating LVMI by chro nological age overestimates the cardiovascular involvement in children with CKD who are charac teristically stunted. The results suggest that the age-adjusted, length/height-corrected calculation of LVMI gives greater accuracy to the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in this group of patients.

Strain Longitudinal e Acidente Vascular Encefálico Isquêmico na Ausência de Cardiopatia Conhecida / Longitudinal Strain and Ischemic Stroke in the Absence of Known Heart Disease

Fundamento: O acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) é prevalente no mundo. Reconhecimento precoce da doença cardiovascular subclínica pode predizer um primeiro episódio de AVE isquêmico; o speckle tracking associado à ecocardiografia (STE) permite detecção precoce da disfunção miocárdica subclínica. Objetivo: Provar a associação entre deformação miocárdica avaliada pelo STE e primeiro episódio de AVE em indivíduos saudáveis. Método: Incluímos participantes entre 40-80 anos com primeiro episódio de AVE isquêmico sem cardiopatia conhecida, pareados por sexo, idade e hipertensão com grupo controle saudável na proporção 1:2. STE avaliou strain longitudinal (SL) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), e ecocardiografia tradicional foi realizada. Análises univariada e multivariada avaliaram as relações do AVE com fatores de risco cardiovasculares e parâmetros derivados da ecocardiografia. Resultado: 29 casos e 62 controles foram incluídos. Média etária foi 60 ± 12 anos; 54% eram homens. Tabagismo foi mais prevalente em casos do que em controles (34% vs. 9%; p=0.001). Nenhum outro fator de risco evidenciou diferença estatística. Casos tiveram menor deformação miocárdica comparados aos controles (SL -16.7 ± 3.4% vs. -19.2 ± 2.8%; p < 0.001). Não houve diferença em relação aos parâmetros ecocardiográficos tradicionais. Após ajuste para tabagismo e hiperlipidemia, SL manteve-se independentemente associado com AVE (OR=1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 ­ 1.6; p=0.005). A área abaixo à curva ROC para AVE aumentou significativamente após adicionar SL ao tabagismo (0.65 para 0.78, respectivamente; p=0.009). Conclusão: SL tem independente associação com o primeiro episódio de AVE isquêmico em adultos de média idade com corações geralmente normais. SL pode ser potencial marcador de risco nesta população

Background: Stroke is prevalent worldwide, and early recognition of subclinical cardiovascular (CV) disease could predict a first ischemic stroke (IS) episode. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) allows the detection of early subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Aim: To examine the association between myocardial deformation, evaluated by STE, and first episode of IS in a sample of otherwise healthy patients. Methods: We included individuals between 40­80 years old, with a first incidence of IS, with no known CV disease, matched to healthy controls by sex, age, and hypertension at a 1:2 ratio. STE was used to assess LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and traditional echocardiography was performed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationship among stroke, CV risk factors, and echocardiographyderived parameters. Results: A total of 29 cases and 62 controls were included. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 12 y/o, and 54% were males. Smoking was more prevalent in cases compared to controls (34% vs. 9%; p = 0.001), and there were no significant differences in the other examined risk factors. Cases had less myocardial deformation compared to controls (GLS: -16.7% ± 3.4% vs. -19.2 ± 2.8%; p < 0.001), and there was no

Cuantificación imaginológica no invasiva de la carga aterosclerótica en la evaluación avanzada del riesgo cardiovascular / Noninvasive imaging of the atherosclerotic burden in the advanced assessment of cardiovascular risk

Introducción: La detección y la cuantificación de la carga aterosclerótica por técnicas de imagen no invasiva es un marcador cada vez más usado en la evaluación y reestratificación del riesgo cardiovascular. La cuantificación de la carga de aterosclerosis para la evaluación del riesgo cardiovascular requiere por tanto una herramienta precisa, ya que el riesgo aumenta de manera proporcional a la carga de enfermedad subclínica. Objetivo: Profundizar en las técnicas de imagen no invasivas que permiten la cuantificación imaginológica de la carga aterosclerótica global en su fase subclínica y su importancia en la reevaluación precoz del riesgo cardiovascular. Desarrollo: Entre todas las modalidades de imagen, la puntuación de calcio coronario por tomografía axial computarizada y la cuantificación de la carga de aterosclerosis por ecografía vascular tridimensional han demostrado mejorar la valoración del riesgo cardiovascular individual por encima de las escalas de riesgo convencionales basadas en la presencia de factores de riesgo tradicionales, pues identifica directamente la enfermedad y reclasifica a los individuos de riesgo bajo e intermedio de manera más efectiva. Conclusiones: La cuantificación imaginológica no invasiva de la carga aterosclerótica mejora de manera significativa la exactitud y precisión en la predicción de las escalas de estimación del riesgo cardiovascular global universalmente validadas, pues incrementa su capacidad de discriminación y reclasificación de la población con riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular(AU)

Introduction: The detection and quantification of the atherosclerotic burden by non-invasive imaging techniques is a marker increasingly used in the evaluation and re-stratification of cardiovascular risk. The quantification of the atherosclerosis burden for the assessment of cardiovascular risk therefore requires a precise tool, since the risk increases proportionally to the burden of subclinical disease. Objective: To deepen the non-invasive imaging techniques that allow the imaginological quantification of the global atherosclerotic burden in its subclinical phase and its importance in the early reassessment of cardiovascular risk. Development: Among all imaging modalities, the coronary calcium score by computed tomography and the quantification of the atherosclerosis burden by three-dimensional vascular ultrasound have been shown to improve the assessment of individual cardiovascular risk above conventional risk scales based on presence of traditional risk factors, since it directly identifies the disease and reclassifies individuals at low and intermediate risk more effectively. Conclusions: The non-invasive imaginological quantification of the atherosclerotic burden significantly improves the accuracy and precision in the prediction of the globally validated global cardiovascular risk estimation scales, as it increases their discrimination and reclassification capacity of the population at risk of cardiovascular disease(AU)

Imagem Cardiovascular e Procedimentos Intervencionistas em Pacientes com Infecção pelo Novo Coronavírus / Cardiovascular Imaging and Interventional Procedures in Patients with Novel Coronavirus Infection

Resumo A pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus (COVID-19) trouxe grandes desafios para o sistema de saúde devido ao aumento exponencial do número de pacientes acometidos. A racionalização de recursos e a indicação correta e criteriosa de exames de imagem e procedimentos intervencionistas tornaram-se necessárias, priorizando a segurança do paciente, do ambiente e dos profissionais da saúde. Esta revisão visa auxiliar e orientar os profissionais envolvidos na realização desses exames e procedimentos a fazê-los de forma eficaz e segura.

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a huge challenge to the health system because of the exponential increase in the number of individuals affected. The rational use of resources and correct and judicious indication for imaging exams and interventional procedures are necessary, prioritizing patient, healthcare personnel, and environmental safety. This review was aimed at guiding health professionals in safely and effectively performing imaging exams and interventional procedures.

Impairment of myocardial functions and arterial stiffness in patients with lichen planus

Abstract Background: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Recent studies have suggested that it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare arterial stiffness and cardiovascular hemodynamics in patients with lichen planus and a healthy control group. Methods: Fifty-five patients with lichen planus and 42 healthy controls were enrolled. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination, and arterial stiffness was measured using applanation tonometry. Results: No statistically significant difference was determined between the patient and control groups in terms of arterial stiffness, but stiffness was markedly higher in patients with erosive lichen planus compared to the control group and other patients (p = 0.006, and p = 0.023, respectively). Moderate positive correlation was determined between duration of disease and arterial stiffness. Impairment of systolic and diastolic functions was also determined in patients with lichen planus compared to the control group (p < 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). Study limitations: Relatively low number of patients. Conclusion: The positive correlation observed between duration of disease and arterial stiffness in patients with lichen planus suggests that these patients should be followed-up in terms of cardiovascular risk in the presence of resistant and long-term disease, particularly in case of erosive lichen planus.

Analysis of cardiovascular risk and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with psoriasis

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Currently, an automated ultrasound, called quantitative intima media thickness, has proven to be a useful method to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. Objectives: To compare increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients receiving two types of treatments: Methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor and to evaluate the correlation between the Framingham score and quantitative intima media thickness. Methods: Fifty patients with plaque psoriasis were selected from June 2017 to July 2018, divided into two groups, receiving methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. Measurement of abdominal circumference, blood pressure, body mass index and presence of metabolic syndrome were performed. Afterwards, the patients were evaluated for increased cardiovascular risk with the Framingham score and for the quantitative intima media thickness of the carotid arteries. Results: The mean age was 54.8 (±12.5) with a slight male predominance (58%). Overall, 84% of the patients had elevated waist circumference, 82% had a body mass index above ideal, and 50% had a metabolic syndrome. For the correlation between quantitative intima media thickness and Framingham Score, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was 0.617 (p < 0.001), indicating a moderate to strong positive association. Study limitations: The protective effect of the therapies cited in relation to the increased cardiovascular risk was not evaluated. Conclusions: A moderate to strong positive association was found correlating the Framingham Score values with the quantitative intima media thickness measurement and it is not possible to state which drug has the highest increased cardiovascular risk.