Caracterización del dolor torácico agudo en pacientes del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández. Matanzas / Characterization of acute chest pain in patients of the Teaching Clinic- Surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez. Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: el dolor torácico agudo es una sensación dolorosa que se manifiesta entre el diafragma y la base del cuello. En Cuba, constituye una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta médica. La provincia de Matanzas muestra un comportamiento similar. Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil clínico de los pacientes con dolor torácico agudo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes, del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo con las historias clínicas de 418 pacientes que acudieron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes, refiriendo dolor torácico agudo, de enero a diciembre de 2019. Resultados: el rango de edad más afectado fue el de 50 a 59 años, para un 30,38 %. Predominó el sexo masculino con el 30,08 %. El ejercicio físico intenso elevó el riesgo de aparición de dolor torácico. Las primeras causas de dolor torácico agudo fueron, en orden de frecuencia, la osteocondritis esternocostal, la bursitis del hombro y el síndrome coronario agudo. Conclusiones: se evidenció que en la mayoría de los casos el origen del dolor fueron causas no cardiovasculares, afectando más al sexo masculino. Existió asociación estadística significativa entre la actividad física intensa y el inicio del dolor torácico agudo. Egresaron vivos de la unidad el 71,53 % de los pacientes. Se recomienda priorizar la atención de los pacientes que refieren dolor torácico agudo, para una correcta clasificación y atención en el menor tiempo posible (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: acute chest pain is a painful sensation perceptible between the diaphragm and the base of the neck. It is one of the most frequent causes of medical consultation in Cuba. It shows a similar behavior in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to characterize the clinical profile of the patients with acute thoracic pain in the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the Teaching Clinic-Surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with the clinical records of 418 patients who attended the Emergency Intensive Care Unit referring acute thoracic pain, from January to December 2019. Results: the most affected age range was the one from 50 to 59 years, for 30.38 %. Male sex predominated, with 30.08 %. Intense physical exercise raised the risk of thoracic pain. The first causes of acute thoracic pain were, in order of frequency, sternocostal osteochondritis, shoulder bursitis, and acute coronary syndrome. Conclusions: It was evidenced that in most of the cases the source of the pain was non-cardiovascular causes, more affecting the male sex. There was significant statistic association between intense physical activity and acute thoracic pain. 71.53 % of the patients was discharged from the unit alive. It is recommended to prioritize the attention of patients referring acute thoracic pain, for their correct classification and care in the shortest possible time (AU).

Resultados del tratamiento con pleurostomía en pacientes con neumotórax espontáneo / Outcomes of Pleurostomy Treatment in Patients with Spontaneous Pneumothorax

RESUMEN Introducción: La presencia de aire dentro de la cavidad pleural es definida como neumotórax. El tratamiento quirúrgico inicial es la pleurostomía, que puede acarrear complicaciones, relacionadas con varios factores, entre los cuales se encuentra el diámetro de la sonda intratorácica utilizada. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento con pleurostomía en pacientes con neumotórax espontáneo en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo desde septiembre de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2017. Se estudiaron 63 pacientes afectos de neumotórax espontáneos que recibieron pleurostomía como tratamiento inicial. Resultados: Los neumotórax espontáneos primarios representaron 56 por ciento de los casos. Del total de pacientes, 82 por ciento eran fumadores. En todos los pacientes el síntoma predominante fue el dolor. Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes con el uso de sondas pleurales de menor diámetro (86 por ciento). Conclusiones: El neumotórax espontáneo primario fue el de mayor frecuencia. Las causas predominantes en el neumotórax secundario fueron las bulas de enfisema y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. En la totalidad de los casos, estuvo presente algunos de los síntomas del síndrome pleural con predominancia absoluta del dolor. El mayor número de complicaciones se presentó en pacientes fumadores(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence of air within the pleural cavity is defined as pneumothorax. The initial surgical treatment is pleurostomy, which can lead to complications associated with several factors, among which is the diameter of the intrathoracic probe that is used. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of the treatment with pleurostomy in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital. Method: A retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted from September 2012 to September 2017. We studied 63 patients affected by spontaneous pneumothorax who received pleurostomy as initial treatment. Results: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax accounted for 56 percent of the cases. From the total amount of patients, 82 percent were smokers. In all patients, the predominant symptom was pain. Complications were more frequent with the use of pleural probes of smaller diameter (86 percent). The primary spontaneous pneumothorax was the most frequent. The predominant causes of secondary pneumothorax were bullous emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In all the cases, some of the symptoms of pleural syndrome with absolute predominance of pain were present. The greatest number of complications occurred in smoking patients. Conclusions: Pleurostomy, with the use of the drainage catheter, is the initial treatment for all patients with spontaneous pneumothorax in our hospital, regardless of the diameter of the probe to be used according to the type of pneumothorax (primary or secondary)(AU)

Associações entre discriminadores do Sistema de Triagem de Manchester e diagnósticos de enfermagem / Asociación entre el Sistema de Triage Manchester y el diagnóstico de enfermería / Association between Manchester Triage System discriminators and nursing diagnoses

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar associações entre discriminadores do Sistema de Triagem de Manchester e Diagnósticos de Enfermagem em pacientes adultos, classificados com prioridade clínica I (emergência) e II (muito urgente). MÉTODO Estudo transversal realizado na unidade de emergência do sul do Brasil, entre abril e agosto de 2014. Amostra de 219 pacientes. Os dados foram coletados no prontuário online e analisados estatisticamente, com teste exato de Fisher ou qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS Encontrou-se 16 discriminadores e 14 diagnósticos de enfermagem. Houve associação entre sete discriminadores e cinco diagnósticos de enfermagem do tipo foco no problema, dentre Dor precordial ou cardíaca com o diagnóstico Dor aguda. Também houve associação entre três discriminadores com quatro diagnósticos de enfermagem de risco, dentre Déficit neurológico agudo com o diagnóstico Risco de perfusão tissular cerebral ineficaz. CONCLUSÃO Existem associações significativas entre discriminadores do Sistema de Triagem de Manchester e diagnósticos de enfermagem mais frequentemente estabelecidos na Unidade de Emergência.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar asociaciones entre los discernidores del Sistema Triaje de Manchester y los Diagnósticos de Enfermería en pacientes adultos con prioridad clínica I (emergencia) y II (muy urgente). MÉTODO Estudio transversal realizado en la unidad de emergencia del sur de Brasil, entre abril y agosto de 2014, con la muestra de 219 pacientes. La colecta de datos fue realizada en el prontuario online de los pacientes. El análisis estadístico fue realizado con el uso del Test Exacto de Fisher o chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS Fue identificado el uso de 16 discernidores y 14 diagnósticos de enfermería. Hubo una asociación entre siete discernidores y cinco diagnósticos de enfermería del tipo foco en el problema, entre estos Dolor precordial o cardíaca y Dolor agudo. También hubo asociación entre tres discernidores y cuatro diagnósticos de enfermería de riesgo, entre estos Déficit neurológico agudo con el diagnóstico Riesgo de perfusión tisular cerebral ineficaz. CONCLUSIÓN Existen asociaciones significativas entre los discernidores del Sistema Triaje de Manchester y los diagnósticos de enfermería más frecuente establecidos en la Unidad de Emergencia.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between Manchester Triage System flowchart discriminators and nursing diagnoses in adult patients classified as clinical priority I (emergency) and II (very urgent). METHOD Cross-sectional study conducted in an emergency department in southern Brazil between April and August 2014. The sample included 219 patients. Data were collected from online patient medical records and data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test. RESULTS 16 discriminators and 14 nursing diagnoses were identified. Associations were found between seven discriminators and five problem-focused nursing diagnoses, including the discriminator Cardiac pain and the diagnosis Acute pain. Three discriminators were associated with four risk nursing diagnoses, among these Acute neurological deficit with the diagnosis Risk of ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion. CONCLUSION Significant associations were found between Manchester Triage System discriminators and the nursing diagnoses most frequently established in the emergency department.

Prevalência de dor torácica e medicação antianginosa em Hospital Universitário de Vassouras, RJ / Prevalence of chest pain and anti-angina medication at a University Hospital in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro State

Fundamentos: Apesar de existirem inúmeras doenças que causam dor torácica, aquelas originadas do aparelho cardiovascular são as que mais preocupam,e sua classificação clínica é de extrema importância na abordagem inicial dos pacientes, possibilitando a diferenciação entre as doenças que oferecem risco de morte.Objetivos: Analisar os atendimentos por dor torácica no Hospital Universitário Sul Fluminense, em Vassouras, RJ, verificando a sua frequência, os tipos encontrados e a sua relação com sexo, faixa etária e medicamentos prévios utilizados. Métodos: Estudo transversal observacional, realizado no período de 2010 a 2012, utilizando-se questionário estruturado, incluindo indivíduos com queixa de dor torácica. Foram analisadas as variáveis: sexo, faixa etária e medicamentos prévios utilizados. Resultados: Foram admitidos no HUSF com dor torácica 236 pacientes. A dor mais prevalente foi a do tipo B (44,0%), sem demonstrar diferença estatística com as demais (p=0,844). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa em relação ao sexo ou à faixa etária para os diferentes tipos de dor. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram: betabloqueadores e inibidor da enzima de conversão da angiotensina. Conclusões: Dos pacientes estudados, o tipo de dor mais encontrado foi o tipo B, seguido pelo C, A e por último o tipo D. Houve diferença significativa entre os medicamentos utilizados pelos pacientes e quando relacionado o medicamento com a faixa etária; todavia não houve relação significativa do medicamento como sexo. Também não foi significativa a relação do tipo de dor com a idade, o sexo e com os medicamentos antianginosos utilizados.

Background: Although there are countless diseases causing chest pain, those arising from the cardiovascular system prompt the greatest concern. Their clinical classification is extremely important for initial patient management, helping distinguish life threatening diseases. Objectives: To analyze chest pain in patients seen at the Sul Fluminense University Hospital in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro State, identifying frequency and type, and relating this to gender, age bracket and medications taken previously. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 using a structured questionnaire completed by patients complaining of chest pain. The following variables were analyzed: gender, age bracket and medications taken previously. Results: Among 236 patients admitted to this Hospital with chest pain, the most prevalent was type B (44%), although with no statistical difference compared to the others (p=0.844). No significant difference was found for gender or age for the various pain types. The most common medications were beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and others. Conclusions: Type B was most common pain type among these patients, followed by C, A and finally D. There was a significant difference in the medications taken by these patients and when relating medications to age brackets. However, no significant relationship was noted between medications and gender, nor pain type with age, gender and anti-angina medications.

Perfil etiológico y estratificación del riesgo en pacientes con dolor torácico agudo / Etiologic profile and risk stratification in patients with acute chest pain

INTRODUCCIÓN: el dolor torácico agudo es la sensación álgida que se manifiesta en el tórax, entre el diafragma y la base del cuello; se destaca el extracardíaco, el cardíaco y los de origen no determinado; puede ser traumático o de otras causas. OBJETIVO: identificar el perfil etiológico y estratificación del riesgo de pacientes con dolor torácico agudo. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo longitudinal tipo serie de casos. Se estudió una muestra de 634 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de cardiología del Hospital Militar Holguín con dolor torácico entre enero y diciembre de 2011. RESULTADOS: el dolor torácico tuvo una incidencia de 60 por cada 100 pacientes. Inicialmente pudieron identificarse el 59 % de los pacientes con dolor torácico coronario, y mediante el seguimiento clínico y estudios complementarios se pudo definir el resto de los casos que ascendió al 66 %. La escala de los factores de riesgo coronario (de 3 a 5 puntos) identificó el 93 %. Se determinó la etiología del dolor en 58 pacientes de los 115 con diagnóstico inicial del dolor de origen indeterminado; en el 13,9 % fue imposible determinarla. En la estratificación del riesgo, los pacientes con riesgo entre intermedio y alto para enfermedad aterosclerótica fueron los que presentaron dolor coronario para un 57,8 % y 27,6 % respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: la etiología del dolor en los pacientes con origen no determinado del dolor es coronaria. La incidencia de casos con dolor torácico agudo en el servicio de consulta externa es alta

INTRODUCTION: acute chest pain (ACP) is manifested by peak feeling in the chest, between the diaphragm and the base of the neck. This pain can be extracardiac, heart or undetermined origin; it can be traumatic or by other causes. OBJECTIVE: to identify the etiologic profile and risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain. METHODS: a longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on case. 634 patients were studied. They had chest pain and they attended the cardiology service at Holguin Military Hospital from January to December 2011. RESULTS: chest pain had an incidence of 60 per 100 patients. Initially 59 % were identified in patients with coronary chest pain, and the rest of the cases could be defined by clinical follow-up studies and amounted 66 %. The scale of the coronary risk factors (3 to 5 points) identified 93 %. The etiology of pain was determined in 58 out of 115 patients with an initial diagnosis of undetermined-origin pain; 13.9 % was impossible to determine. In risk stratification, patients with intermediate to high risk for atherosclerotic disease were those with coronary pain which represents 57.8 % and 27.6 % respectively. CONCLUSION: the etiology of pain with undetermined origin is coronary pain. The incidence of patients with acute chest pain in the outpatient service is high..

Prevalence of normal electrocardiograms in primary care patients / Prevalência de eletrocardiogramas normais em pacientes da atenção primária

Objective: Knowing the proportion the proportion of normal and abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) in primary care patients allows us to estimate the proportion of exams that can be analyzed by the general practitioner with minimal training in ECG interpretation, in addition to being epidemiologically relevant. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of normal ECGs in primary care patients. Methods: all digital ECGs analyzed by the cardiologists of Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais (TNMG) in 2011 were evaluated. TNMG is a public telehealth service that provides support to primary care professionals in 662 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results: during the study period, 290,795 ECGs were analyzed (mean age 51 ± 19 years), 57.6% were normal. This proportion was higher in women (60.1 vs 57.6%, p <0.001) and lower in patients with hypertension (45.8% vs 63.2%, p <0.001) or diabetes (43.3% vs 63.2%, p <0.001). A progressive reduction in the prevalence of normal ECG with increasing age was observed. Among the ECGs of patients under investigation for chest pain, 58.7% showed no abnormalities. Conclusion: the prevalence of normal ECGs in primary care patients is higher than 50% and this proportion decreases with age and comorbidities. Most ECGs performed for investigation of chest pain in primary care shows no abnormality. .

Objetivo: o conhecimento da proporção de eletrocardiogramas (ECG) normais e alterados em pacientes atendidos na atenção primária permite estimar a proporção de exames que pode ser analisada pelo médico generalista com formação mínima na interpretação do ECG, além de ter relevância epidemiológica. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a prevalência de ECG sem alterações em pacientes atendidos na Atenção Primária. Métodos: todos os ECG digitais analisados pelos cardiologistas da Rede de Teleassistência de Minas Gerais (RTMG) no ano de 2011 foram avaliados. A RTMG é um serviço público de telessaúde, que atende a atenção primária em 662 municípios em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Resultados: no período do estudo, 290.795 ECG foram analisados (idade média 51±19 anos) e 57,6% deles eram normais. Essa proporção foi maior em mulheres (60,1 vs. 57,6%, p < 0,001) e menor em pacientes com hipertensão (45,8% vs. 63,2%, p < 0,001) ou diabetes (43,3% vs. 63,2%, p < 0,001). Foi observada redução progressiva na prevalência de ECG normal com o aumento da idade. Entre os ECG de pacientes em investigação para dor torácica, 58,7% não apresentaram alterações. Conclusão: a prevalência de ECG normais em pacientes da atenção primária é superior a 50% e essa proporção diminui com a idade e a presença de comorbidades. A maioria dos ECG realizados para investigação de dor torácica na atenção primária não tem alterações. .

Anesthetic management for reentry sternotomy in a patient with a full stomach and pericardial tamponade from left ventricular rupture.

A 57-year-old man presented with chest pain and shortness of breath 1 month after left ventricular aneurysmectomy and ventricular septal defect closure for post-infarct left ventricular aneurysm and ventricular septal defect. Echocardiography revealed a large recurrent ruptured inferior left ventricular aneurysm with high-velocity flow into a 5 cm posterolateral pericardial effusion. Thirty minutes earlier, the patient had eaten a full meal. Rapid sequence induction was performed with midazolam, ketamine, and succinylcholine. Moderate hypotension was treated effectively and the patient tolerated controlled transition to cardiopulmonary bypass. The ventricular defect was oversewn and reinforced with bovine pericardium. The patient had a difficult but ultimately successful recovery. Options for anesthetic management in the setting of tamponade and a full stomach are discussed, with a brief review of the evidence relating to this clinical problem.

Evaluation of different types of chest symptoms for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis cases in community surveys.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) is an important epidemiological index to measure the load of the disease in a community. A series of disease surveys were undertaken in rural community in Tiruvallur district in Tamilnadu, south India OBJECTIVE: To investigate the yield of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases by different symptoms status and suggest predominant symptoms for detection of cases in the community based surveys. METHODS: Three disease surveys were conducted during 1999-2006, in a random sample of 82,000 adults aged > or = 15 years to estimate the prevalence and incidence of pulmonary TB. All subjects were screened for chest symptoms and chest radiography. Sputum examination was done among those who were either symptomatic or abnormal on X-ray or both. Cases observed through symptom inquiry were included for analysis. RESULTS: In survey-I, 65.6% had cough of > or = 14 days and yielded 79.1% of the total cases. In surveys II and III, symptomatic subjects with cough contributed 69.5% and 69.2% of the cases respectively. In survey I, 26.8% had symptoms without cough but with at least chest pain > or = 1 month contributed 8.4% of total cases. The corresponding proportions in subsequent surveys were 29.3, 11.5%; and 23.4, 11.2% respectively. The number of symptomatics without cough and chest pain but with fever > or = 1 month was negligible. CONCLUSION: The relative importance of cough as a predominant symptom was reiterated. The yield of pulmonary TB cases from symptomatics having fever of > or = 1 month was negligible. Fever may be excluded from the definition of symptomatics for screening the population in community surveys.

Aspectos clínicos da tuberculose pulmonar em idosos atendidos em hospital universitário do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil / Clinical aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients from a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as características clínicas e diagnósticas da tuberculose pulmonar (TP) em idosos. MÉTODOS: Foram comparados 117 pacientes com 60 anos de idade ou mais (idosos) e 464 pacientes entre 15 e 49 anos (não idosos), acompanhados no Instituto de Doenças do Tórax da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, de 1980 a 1996. RESULTADOS: Nos idosos, predominou história prévia de TP (OR = 2,09; IC95 por cento = 1,26-3,45; p = 0,002) enquanto o contato intradomiciliar de TP predominou nos não idosos (OR = 0,26; IC95 por cento = 0,10-0,66; p = 0,002). O tempo mediano para diagnóstico alcançou 90 dias nos idosos e 60 dias nos não idosos. No grupo idoso, prevaleceu a dispnéia (OR = 1,64; IC95 por cento = 1,06-2,53; p = 0,018) e o emagrecimento (OR = 1,66; IC95 por cento = 1,01-2,82; p = 0,047). Nos não idosos, prevaleceu a hemoptise (OR = 0,51; IC95 por cento = 0,32-0,81; p = 0,002), a dor torácica (OR = 0,62; IC95 por cento = 0,40-0,97; p = 0,027) e a febre (OR = 0,55; IC95 por cento = 0,35-0,86; p = 0,006). No padrão radiológico, predominaram as infiltrações e as cavitações; porém, o acometimento bilateral foi mais freqüente nos idosos (OR = 1,76; IC95 por cento = 1,12-2,78; p = 0.009). Não houve diferenças nas positividades do teste tuberculínico, baciloscopia e cultura de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. CONCLUSÕES: Há poucas diferenças clínicas e laboratoriais entre os grupos etários e o maior tempo de diagnóstico nos idosos deve-se à menor suspeição médica nestes pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical aspects and the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) in the aged. METHODS: We compared 117 patients over 60 years of age (elderly group) and 464 patients aged 15 to 49 years old (nonelderly group) treated at the Thoracic Diseases Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1980 to 1996. RESULTS: Previous history of PT was predominant in the elderly group (OR = 2.09; 95 percent CI = 1.26-3.45; p = 0.002), whereas household contact with PT was predominant in the nonelderly group (OR = 0.26; 95 percent CI = 0.10-0.66; p = 0.002). Mean time for diagnosis was 90 days in the elderly group and 60 days in the nonelderly group. In the elderly group, dyspnea (OR = 1.64; 95 percent CI = 1.06-2.53; p = 0.018) and weight loss (OR = 1.66; 95 percent CI = 1.01-2.82; p = 0.047) were predominant. In the nonelderly group, hemoptysis (OR = 0.51; 95 percent CI = 0.32-0.81; p = 0.002), chest pain (OR = 0.62; 95 percent CI = 0.40-0.97; p = 0.027) and fever (OR = 0.55; 95 percent CI = 0.35-0.86; p = 0.006) were more common. The most common radiological abnormalities were infiltrates and cavitations. Bilateral involvement was more common in the elderly patients (OR = 1.76; 95 percent CI = 1.12-2.78; p = 0.009). There were no differences between the two groups regarding positivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified through tuberculin skin testing, sputum smear microscopy and culture. CONCLUSIONS: There are few clinical and laboratory differences between the age groups. The delayed diagnosis in the elderly group can be explained by the low clinical suspicion in these patients.

Dor torácica na emergência de um hospital geral / Thoracic pain in a general hospital emergency

Introdução: Dentre as doenças cardiovasculares, a condição mais prevalente é a dor torácica aguda não traumática. Objetivo: Identificar a freqüência de dor torácica na emergência e a descrição dos eventos na internação em 6 meses. Métodos: O estudo apresenta duas etapas: estudo transversal e série de casos, em pacientes com dor torácica na emergência, onde foi avaliado o protocolo assistencial. A dor foi classificada nas categorias: infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), angina pectoris e dor não-anginosa, de acordo com a clínica, eletrocardiografia e marcadores de necrose miocárdica. O teste ergométrico foi realizado de acordo com protocolo de Bruce. Os eventos em 6 meses foram mensurados. Resultados: No período de novembro de 2004 a janeiro de 2005 foram atendidos 80.184 pacientes na emergência do Hospital Conceição (HNSC). Desses atendimentos, 1.564 (2%) apresentavam dor torácica. Foram avaliados 52 pacientes, 34 (65%) masculino, idade média de 59 anos (dp 14,74), 69% internaram (38% com infarto, 27% angina e 4% dor não-anginosa), 17% realizaram teste ergométrico. Conclusão: Constatou-se uma baixa freqüência (2%) dos atendimentos devido a dor torácica não-traumática, porém elevada incidência de infarto e angina instável (AU)

Introduction: Among the cardiovascular emergencies the most frequent cause is nontraumatic acute thoracic pain in the emergency room. Objective: To identify thoracic pain frequency in the emergency and cardiovascular events in 6 months. Methods: A crosssectional and a case series study were carried out to evaluate thoracic pain guideline. Myocardial infarct, angina pectoris, and non-angina pain were identified based on clinical features, ECG abnormality and myocardial necrosis indicators. The ergometric test was carried out according to the Bruce Protocol. The events in 6 months were measured. Results: Between November 2004 through January 2005, 80,184 patients received care in the emergency room of Hospital Conceição. Among them, 1564 (2%) had thoracic pain. We had investigated 52 of these patients, 34 (65%) of whom were males, with an average age of 59 years old (sd 14.74). Regarding to the diagnosis, 69% had been admitted (38% with the diagnosis of infarct, 27% with angina and 4% with non-angina pain), 17% performed the ergometric test. Conclusion: A low frequency (2%) of non-traumatic thoracic pain has been identified, although there was a high incidence of infarct and unstable angina in these patients. There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular events in 6 months in the three studied groups (AU)

A Review of Chest Pain in Nigerian Hypertensive Patients Presenting to the Out-Patient's Clinic of a Teaching Hospital

In a prospective 6-month study; chest pain was reviewed in hypertensive man above 40 years and post menopausal women on antihypertensive therapy. The subjects were made up of 230 volunteers made up of 101 males and 129 females. Their mean age was 54.5 + 10 years (males 51.3 + 8.9 years vs. female 53.3 + 9.8 years). Forty seven percent of subjects admitted to pain as being located in the retrosternal area; in 38 it was cited at the precordial area and the remainder (9) cited the pain on the right side of the chest and 6 submamary. Twenty six percent and 22 of subjects described pain as being pressure like or dull consecutively. In 42 of patients pain was aggravated by exertion; in 32 of subjects pain had no aggravating factor; 14 and 3 had pain aggravated by hunger and the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In the remaining 9 pain was aggravated by breathing particularly during the inspiratory phase of respiration. The relieving factors described include rest in 34; analgesia in (25); change of position in 4 and antacid in 12. In the remaining 25 no relieving factor was identified. Pain radiation was described was mainly to the epigastrium. Based on the symptoms; 11 had all the three parameters of pain description suggestive of angina pectoirs. 5 of patients had symptom suggestive of atypical angina and 17 had just one character present and considered non cardiac. The difference in serum cholesterol level in patients described as having classic angina and atypical were statistically significantly higher than those in subjects who did not complain of chest pain. Patients with atypical chest pain had the highest blood pressure; those with non cardiac pain had the highest WHR while those with no pain had the highest BMI. A proper approach to patients with chest pain irrespective of how trivial it may seem; should include a careful description and characterization of the chest pain; careful and a thorough physical examination. A rational and judicious utilisation of facilities should be employed carrying out the available investigations and possibly following chest pain protocols.

Freqüência de precordialgia em mulheres chagásicas e não-chagásicas / Frequency of precordialgia in chagasic and non-chagasic women

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a freqüência de precordialgia em mulheres chagásicas com grupo de não-chagásicas. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo, amostral, do tipo corte transversal, com mulheres (n = 647), de idade ³ 40 anos, chagásicas (n = 362) e controles (n = 285). Precordialgia foi definida por queixa de dor retroesternal relacionada ou não a esforço físico. As chagásicas foram classificadas nas formas indeterminada (n = 125), megas (n = 58) e cardíaca (n = 179). A idade (57,0 ± 11,3 vs 57,3 ± 10,4 anos) e porcentagem de brancas (75,8% vs 77,1%) foram similares entre chagásicas e controles, respectivamente. Precordialgia foi mais freqüente (p < 0,01) entre chagásicas (14,6%) que entre controles (5,6%), com maior prevalência na forma cardíaca (risco relativo = 2,41; variação: 1,38-4,23), fenômeno possivelmente relacionado com distúrbios de inervação autonômica cardíaca ou esofágica, ou da inflamação em território da microcirculação coronariana.

The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of precordialgia between chagasic and non-chagasic women. A cross-sectional study comprised 647 female aged > or = 40, chagasic (n = 362) and controls (n = 285) was done at a Brazilian university hospital. Chagasic were classified as cardiac (n = 179), megas (n = 58) or indeterminate (n = 125) clinical forms. Chest pain was ascertained by typical or atypical retrosternal pain. Age (57.0 +/- 11.3 vs 57.3 +/- 10.4 years), and percentage of white women (75.8% vs 77.1%) were similar between chagasic and controls, respectively. Chest pain was more prevalent (p < 0.01) among chagasic (14.6%) than controls (5.6%), mainly in the cardiac form (relative risk = 2.41; range: 1.38-4.23), a phenomenon possibly related to cardiac parasympathetic denervation and myocardial microvascular changes.

La douleur thoracique en pratique. Cardiologie quotidienne a Bamako

"Il s'agit d'un travail prospectif realise dans le Service de Cardiologie de l'Hopital du Point ""G"" de janvier 1991 a decembre 1991. L'echantillon etait constitue de 100 patients. La predominance est feminine jusqu'a 45 ans et masculine au dela. La moitie environ (53 pour cent) des malades a un passe cardio-respiratoire. Les menageres predominent 33 pour cent. Plus de la moitie des malades sont sans facteurs de risque (63 pour cent) essentiellement des femmes 74;6 pour cent. Parmi les patients avec facteur de risque 37 pour cent les hommes dominent 67;6 pour cent. Le tabac et l'hypertension arterielle sont les plus courants facteurs de risque avec respectivement 45;9 pour cent et 18;9 pour cent. La douleur est le plus souvent de siege mediothoracique (82;3 pour cent)."

Circadian variation in the onset of pain of acute myocardial infarction in Indian patients.

Two hundred patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to the coronary care unit of a tertiary-care-teaching hospital over a period of 1.5 years were studied prospectively, with regard to the time of onset of pain of infarction. The maximum number of infarctions (i.e. 71) (35.6%) occurred between 4.00 AM and 10.00 AM, significantly higher than other 6 hour periods of the day (P < 0.01). Various possible mechanisms leading to this early morning increase in the incidence of AMI and its therapeutic implications are discussed.