Protective Effect of Combined Metoprolol and Atractylenolide I in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction via Modulation of the SIRT3/ß-CATENIN/PPAR-γ Signaling Pathway

ABSTRACT Herein, we examined the protective effect of metoprolol combined with atractylenolide I (Atr I) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by regulating the SIRT3 (silent information regulator 3)/ß-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signaling pathway. Briefly, 50 rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, model, metoprolol, Atr I, and combination metoprolol with Atr I groups (combined treatment group). The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After treatment, infarct size, histopathological changes, and cell apoptosis were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the TUNEL assay. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected by echocardiography. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme (CK-MB), and CK levels. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of SIRT3, ß-catenin, and PPAR-γ. Herein, the combined treatment group exhibited increased levels of LVEF, LVFS, and NO, whereas LVMI, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, LDH, CK-MB, and CK levels were decreased. Importantly, the underlying mechanism may afford protection against AMI by increasing the expression levels of SIRT3, ß-catenin, and PPAR-γ

Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and Camellia sinensis cardioprotection determined by speckle-tracking echocardiography

Abstract Doxorubicin (Dox) is a medication used in the treatment of cancerous tumors and hematologic malignancies with potentially serious side effects, including the risk of cardiotoxicity. Flavonoids are plant metabolites with antioxidant properties and can be extracted from Camellia sinensis (CS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effect of CS against injuries induced by Dox in rats. A total of 32 animals were distributed into four groups: (1) control - intraperitoneal injection (I.P.) of 0.5 mL saline weekly and 1.0 mL water by gavage daily; (2) CS - 0.5 mL saline I.P. weekly and 200 mg/kg CS by gavage daily; (3) Dox - 5.0 mg/kg Dox I.P. weekly and 1.0 mL water by gavage daily; and (4) Dox+CS -5.0 mg/kg Dox I.P. weekly and 200 mg/kg CS by gavage daily. Clinical examinations, blood profiles, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and histological analyses of hearts were performed over 25 days. The animals in the Dox group showed changes in body weight and in erythrogram, leukogram, electrocardiography, and echocardiography readings. However, animals from the dox+CS group had significantly less change in body weight, improved cardiac function, and showed more preserved cardiac tissue. This study demonstrated that CS prevents dox-induced cardiotoxicity, despite enhancing the cytotoxic effect on blood cells

Treatment of pericardial effusion through subxiphoid tube pericardiostomy and computerized tomography- or echocardiography - guided percutaneous catheter drainage methods

Abstract Objective: In this retrospective study, we aimed to observe the efficacy of pericardial effusion (PE) treatments by a survey conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University. Methods: In order to get comparable results, the patients with PE were divided into three groups - group A, 480 patients who underwent subxiphoid pericardiostomy; group B, 28 patients who underwent computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage; and group C, 45 patients who underwent echocardiography (ECHO)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. Results: In the three groups of patients, the most important symptom and physical sign were dyspnea and tachycardia, respectively. The most common causes of PE were uremic pericarditis in patients who underwent tube pericardiostomy, postoperative PE in patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, and cancer-related PE in patients who underwent ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. In all the patients, relief of symptoms was achieved after surgical intervention. There was no treatment-related mortality in any group of patients. In patients with tuberculous pericarditis, the rates of recurrent PE and/or constrictive pericarditis progress were 2,9% and 2,2% after tube pericardiostomy and ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, respectively. Conclusion: Currently, there are many methods to treat PE. The correct treatment method for each patient should be selected according to a very careful analysis of the patient's clinical condition as well as the prospective benefit of surgical intervention.

Atrial myxoma in a patient with patent foramen ovale: evaluation with multimodal imaging. Case report / Mixoma auricular en un paciente con foramen oval permeable: evaluación con imágenes multimodales. Reporte de un caso

Abstract: Primary cardiac tumors in adults are rare and mostly benign, approximately 75%, being the myxoma the most frequent in half of that percentage. One-fourth of the primary cardiac tumors are malignant and 95% of the cases are sarcomas. Metastases are more frequent than primary tumors. Cardiac surgery is indicated specially in benign masses and therapies such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy should be reserved for unresectable or metastatic malignancies. Hence the importance of a diagnostic approach, which leads to the best therapeutic conduct and in many cases, a multimodal image approach is necessary, as it is exposed in our case.(AU)

Resumen: Los tumores cardiacos primarios en adultos son raros y en su mayoría benignos, aproximadamente el 75%, siendo el mixoma el más frecuente en la mitad de ese porcentaje. Un cuarto de los tumores cardiacos primarios son malignos y el 95% de los casos son sarcomas. Las metástasis son más frecuentes que los tumores primarios. La cirugía cardiaca está indicada especialmente en masas benignas y las terapias como la quimioterapia y/o la radioterapia deben reservarse para tumores malignos o metástasis irresecables. De ahí la importancia de un enfoque de diagnóstico, que conduzca a la mejor conducta terapéutica y, en muchos casos, es necesario un enfoque de imagen multimodal, como está expuesto en nuestro caso.(AU)

The role of transthoracic echocardiogram in a case of aortic thoracic aneurysm / El papel del ecocardiograma transtorácico en un caso de aneurisma de la aorta torácica

Abstract: The aorta can be affected by a variety of pathologic processes leading to aneurysm, dissection, or ischemic syndromes. The term aneurysm referring to dilatation, the criterion for definition is controversial. An aneurysm is defined as a 50% enlargement of the normal aorta for a particular body surface area, age, and gender. Another proposed definition depends on the affected segment having a diameter more than 1.5 to 2.0 times normal and represents a pathologically dilated segment of the aorta that has the propensity to expand and rupture. The maximum diameter of the thoracic aorta should not exceed 40 mm. The aorta is a geometrically complex and dynamic evaluation structure is not simple. The aortic aneurysms are associated with degenerative changes, congenital anomalies, inflammatory, micotic, traumatic, or post-stenotic process. The majority of ascending aortic aneurysms are detected as incidental. Echocardiography is the most useful tool for diagnostic evaluation, etiology, progression, risk of rupture, need for intervention and response to treatment of thoracic aneurysms. The predicted aortic root diameter or PARD, the diameter ratio, area height ratio, expansion rate and Z-score; improve the detection and limit the error rates so we must apply them routinely in the echocardiographic examination of patients with suspected or diagnosed aortic aneurysm. Echocardiographic evaluation of the aorta should not be limited to simply measuring the diameter.(AU)

Resumen: La aorta puede afectarse por una variedad de procesos patológicos que conducen al desarrollo de aneurismas, disección o de síndromes isquémicos. El término aneurisma hace referencia a una dilatación, el criterio de definición es polémico. Un aneurisma se establece como un incremento del 50% de las dimensiones normales aórticas para una determinada superficie corporal, edad y género. Otra definición propuesta depende de que el segmento afectado tenga un diámetro de 1.5 a 2.0 veces por encima del normal y representa un segmento aórtico con dilatación patológica que tiene la propensión a la expansión y a la ruptura. El diámetro máximo de la aorta torácica no debe superar los 40.0 mm. La aorta es una estructura geométricamente compleja y dinámica cuya evaluación no es simple. Los aneurismas aórticos están asociados con cambios degenerativos, anomalías congénitas, procesos inflamatorios, micóticos, traumáticos o postestenóticos. La mayoría de los aneurismas de la aorta ascendente se detectan de manera incidental. La ecocardiografía es la herramienta más útil para la evaluación diagnóstica, etiológica, de progresión, del riesgo de ruptura, intervención y en la respuesta al tratamiento de los aneurismas torácicos. El diámetro de la raíz aórtica predicho o DRAP, la relación del diámetro, la proporción de altura-área, la tasa de expansión y el score-Z, mejoran la detección y delimitan la tasa de error por lo que su aplicación debe ser rutinaria en la ecocardiografía transtorácica de aquellos pacientes con sospecha o diagnóstico de aneurisma aórtico. La evaluación ecocardiográfica de la aorta no se debe limitar a la simple medición del diámetro.(AU)

Papillary Muscle Free Strain in Patients with Severe Degenerative and Functional Mitral Regurgitation / Free Strains de Músculos Papilares em Pacientes com Insuficiência Mitral Funcional e Degenerativa Grave

Abstract Fundamento: The role of papillary muscle function in severe mitral regurgitation with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and the method of choice to evaluate PM have still been the subjects of controversy. Objectives: To evaluate and compare papillary muscle function in and between patients with severe degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation by using the free strain method. Methods: 64 patients with severe mitral regurgitation - 39 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR group) and 25 patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR group) - and 30 control subjects (control group) were included in the study. Papillary muscle function was evaluated through the free strain method from apical four chamber images of the anterolateral papillary muscle (APM) and from apical three chamber images of the posteromedial papillary muscle (PPM). Global left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains were evaluated by applying 2D speckle tracking imaging. Results: Global left ventricular longitudinal strain (DMR group, -17 [-14.2/-20]; FMR group, -9 [-7/-10.7]; control group, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0.001), global left ventricular circumferential strain (DMR group, -20 [-14.5/-22.7]; FMR group, -10 [-7/-12]; control group, -23 [-21/-27.5] p < 0.001) and papillary musle strains (PPMS; DMR group, -30.5 [-24/-46.7]; FMR group, -18 [-12/-30]; control group; -43 [-34.5/-39.5] p < 0.001; APMS; DMR group, (-35 [-23.5/-43]; FMR group, -20 [-13.5/-26]; control group, -40 [-32.5/-48] p < 0.001) were significantly different among all groups. APMS and PPMS were highly correlated with LVEF (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively), GLS (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively) and GCS (p < 0.001, p < 0.00; respectively) of LV among all groups. No correlation was found between papillary muscle strains and effective orifice area (EOA) in both groups of severe mitral regurgitation. Conclusions: Measuring papillary muscle longitudinal strain by the free strain method is practical and applicable. Papillary muscle dysfunction plays a small role in severe MR due to degenerative or functional causes and papillary muscle functions in general seems to follow left ventricular function. PPM is the most affected PM in severe mitral regurgitation in both groups of DMR and FMR.

Resumo Fundamento: O papel da função do músculo papilar na regurgitação mitral grave com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo preservada e reduzida e o método de escolha para avaliar PM ainda são objetos de controvérsia. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar a função dos músculos papilares entre pacientes com insuficiência mitral funcional e degenerativa pelo método free strain. Métodos: 64 pacientes com insuficiência mitral grave - 39 pacientes com insuficiência mitral degenerativa grave (grupo IMD) e 25 com insuficiência mitral funcional grave (grupo IMF) - e 30 indivíduos controle (grupo controle) foram incluídos no estudo. A função dos músculos papilares foi avaliada pelo método free strain a partir de imagens apicais quatro-câmaras do músculo papilar anterolateral (MPA) e imagens apicais três-câmaras do músculo papilar posteromedial (MPP). Strains circunferenciais e longitudinais globais do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliados por meio de imagens bidimensionais a partir do rastreamento de conjunto de pontos de cinza (speckle tracking). Resultados: O strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -17 [-14,2/-20]; grupo IMF, -9 [-7/-10,7]; grupo controle, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0,001); strain circunferencial global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -20 [-14,5/-22,7]; grupo IMF, -10 [-7/-12]; grupo controle, -23 [-21/-27,5] p < 0,001) e strains de músculos papilares (MPP; grupo IMD, -30,5 [-24/-46,7]; grupo IMF, -18 [-12/-30]; grupo controle; -43 [-34,5/-39,5] p < 0,001; MPA; grupo IMD, (-35 [-23,5/-43]; grupo IMF, -20 [-13,5/-26]; grupo controle, -40 [-32,5/-48] p < 0,001) mostraram-se significativamente diferentes nos grupos. MPA e MPP mostraram-se altamente correlacionados com a FEVE (p < 0,001, p < 0,00; respectivamente), SLG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) e SCG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) do VE entre todos os grupos. Não foi encontrada correlação entre os strains de músculos papilares e área eficaz do orifício (AEO) nos grupos de insuficiência mitral grave. Conclusões: A medição do strain longitudinal de músculos papilares pelo método free strain é prática e aplicável. A disfunção dos músculos papilares tem um papel pequeno em IM grave devido a causas degenerativas e funcionais, e a função dos músculos papilares, em general, parece seguir a função ventricular esquerda. O MPP é o MP mais afetado na insuficiência mitral em ambos os grupos, IMD e IMF.

Utility of Ultraportable Echocardiography in the Preoperative Evaluation of Noncardiac Surgery / Utilidade do Ecocardiograma Ultraportátil Direcionado na Avaliação Pré-Operatória de Cirurgia Não Cardíaca

Abstract Background: The ultraportable echocardiogram machine, with relevant portability and easiness in performing diagnoses, when in experienced hands, may contribute to the reliability of preoperative evaluation in noncardiac surgeries. Objectives: To assess cardiac function parameters in patients aged older than 60 years, candidates of elective noncardiac surgeries, classified as ASA1 or ASA 2 according to surgical risk. Methods: A total of 211 patients referred for elective surgeries, without suspicion of previous heart diseases, were included in the study. Assessment of patients was conducted by conventional echocardiogram using the ultraportable V Scan (GE) device right after the pre-anesthetic clinical evaluation. We assessed the clinical impact of echocardiography results by using a questionnaire addressed to the anesthetist. Results: Mean age of patients was 68.9 ± 7.0 years, 154 were women. The most frequent surgeries were: a) facectomy - cataract - 18; b) inguinal hernia surgery - 18; c) Cholecystectomy - 16. We found 58 normal tests (27.5%), 70 (33.2%) with mild valve reflux, and 83 (39.3%) with relevant abnormality, such as increase in heart chamber size, global and/or segmental contractile dysfunction, significant valve dysfunction or other unspecified. Test results caused delay of surgical procedure for a more detailed cardiac evaluation in 20 (9.5%) patients, and change in anesthetic management in 7 (3.3%). Conclusion: There was a considerable clinical impact with the use of the ultraportable echocardiography, since one out of every ten patients evaluated had their clinical management changed due to the detection of previously unsuspected, significant heart diseases, with the potential for severe complications.

Resumo Fundamento: O ecocardiógrafo ultraportátil, com importante mobilidade e facilidade diagnóstica em mãos experientes pode contribuir para a segurança na avaliação pré-operatória em cirurgias não cardíacas. Objetivo: Avaliar os parâmetros de função cardíaca nos pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, candidatos a cirurgias não-cardíacas eletivas, classificados como ASA 1 ou ASA 2 na classificação de risco cirúrgico. Métodos: Foram incluídos 211 pacientes direcionados para cirurgias eletivas diversas e sem suspeita prévia de cardiopatia. Os pacientes foram avaliados por técnica ecocardiográfica convencional, usando o aparelho ultraportátil V Scan (GE) logo após a avaliação clínica pré-anestésica. Avaliamos o impacto clínico dos resultados da ecocardiografia por um questionário dirigido ao anestesista. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 68,9 ± 7,0 anos, 154 do sexo feminino. As cirurgias mais frequentes foram: a) Facectomia-catarata - 18; b) Herniorrafia inguinal - 18; c) Colecistectomia - 16. No total, foram observados 58 exames normais (27,5%), 70 (33,2%) exames que apresentavam leves refluxos valvares e 83 (39,3%) exames com alguma anormalidade relevante, como aumento de câmara cardíaca, disfunção contrátil global e/ou segmentar, disfunção valvar mais significativa ou outra não especificada. Os resultados determinaram que 20 (9,5%) pacientes tivessem seus procedimentos cirúrgicos adiados até avaliação cardiológica mais detalhada e em 7 (3,3%) houve mudança na conduta anestésica. Conclusão: Houve um impacto clínico considerável com o uso da ecocardiografia ultraportátil, pois um em cada dez pacientes avaliados sofreu modificação na conduta clínica, em função da detecção de cardiopatias significativas, não suspeitadas previamente, e com potencial para complicações graves.

Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Using a Pocket-Size Device in the Emergency Room / Uso da Ecocardiografia Ultraportátil Direcionada em Serviço de Emergências Clínicas

Background: Cardiovascular urgencies are frequent reasons for seeking medical care. Prompt and accurate medical diagnosis is critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these conditions. Objective: To evaluate the use of a pocket-size echocardiography in addition to clinical history and physical exam in a tertiary medical emergency care. Methods: One hundred adult patients without known cardiac or lung diseases who sought emergency care with cardiac complaints were included. Patients with ischemic changes in the electrocardiography or fever were excluded. A focused echocardiography with GE Vscan equipment was performed after the initial evaluation in the emergency room. Cardiac chambers dimensions, left and right ventricular systolic function, intracardiac flows with color, pericardium, and aorta were evaluated. Results: The mean age was 61 ± 17 years old. The patient complaint was chest pain in 51 patients, dyspnea in 32 patients, arrhythmia to evaluate the left ventricular function in ten patients, hypotension/dizziness in five patients and edema in one patient. In 28 patients, the focused echocardiography allowed to confirm the initial diagnosis: 19 patients with heart failure, five with acute coronary syndrome, two with pulmonary embolism and two patients with cardiac tamponade. In 17 patients, the echocardiography changed the diagnosis: ten with suspicious of heart failure, two with pulmonary embolism suspicious, two with hypotension without cause, one suspicious of acute coronary syndrome, one of cardiac tamponade and one of aortic dissection. Conclusion: The focused echocardiography with pocket-size equipment in the emergency care may allow a prompt diagnosis and, consequently, an earlier initiation of the therapy. .

Fundamento: As urgências cardiovasculares são causas importantes de procura por atendimento médico, sendo fundamentais a rapidez e a precisão no diagnóstico para diminuir sua morbimortalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o uso da ecocardiografia direcionada como complemento diagnóstico ao exame físico em um serviço terciário de emergências clínicas. Métodos: Foram incluídos cem pacientes adultos sem doenças cardíacas ou pulmonares conhecidas que procuraram atendimento de urgência com queixas cardiológicas. Foram excluídos pacientes com alterações isquêmicas no eletrocardiograma ou febre. A ecocardiografia direcionada foi realizada logo após a avaliação inicial do paciente na sala de emergência, com aparelho ultraportátil GE Vscan, avaliando subjetivamente: dimensões das cavidades, função sistólica ventricular, fluxos intracardíacos pelo mapeamento de fluxo em cores, pericárdio e aorta. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 61 ± 17 anos. O quadro clínico inicial foi dor torácica (52 pacientes), dispneia (32 pacientes), arritmia/avaliação da função ventricular (dez pacientes), hipotensão/tontura (cinco pacientes) e edema periférico (um paciente). Em 28 pacientes a ecocardiografia direcionada confirmou a hipótese diagnóstica inicial: 19 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, cinco com síndrome coronariana aguda, dois com tromboembolismo pulmonar e dois com tamponamento cardíaco. Em 17 pacientes, a ecocardiografia direcionada alterou o diagnóstico, afastando a hipótese clínica inicial em dez casos com suspeita de insuficiência cardíaca, dois com suspeita de tromboembolismo pulmonar, dois com hipotensão a esclarecer, e em cada um dos três restantes com suspeitas de síndrome ...

Medios de contraste en ultrasonografía: agentes de contraste, características de las microburbujas, técnicas instrumentales, artefactos y usos en la clínica veterinaria / Contrast enhanced ultrasound: contrast agents, microbubble features, instrumental techniques, artefacts and usefulness in clinic veterinary

Un Agente de Contraste Ultrasonográfico es una sustancia compuesta por microburbujas de un gas de alto peso molecular encapsulado que tras la administración por vía endovenosa y ser incidida por los ultrasonidos empiezan a resonar generando señales retrodispersas que aumentan la señal acústica de la sangre. Los primeros agentes de contraste de ultrasonografía a base de solución salina agitada utilizados en un examen ecocardiográfico fueron el punto de inicio en el desarrollo de esta técnica de diagnóstico...

Quantificação da deformidade miocárdica longitudinal segmentar em atletas pela ecocardiografia (técnica do Speckle Tracking) / Myocardial strain quantification in athletes by speckle tracking echocardiography / Cuantificación de la Deformidad Miocárdica Longitudinal Segmentaria en Atletas por la Ecocardiografía (Técnica de Speckle Tracking

Introdução: A medida do strain indica o percentual de deformidade de um determinado segmento miocárdico. Objetivo: Estabelecer os valores normais de strain bidimensional nos diferentes segmentos miocárdicos do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), em atletas, por meio da ecocardiografia.Material e Métodos: Foram estudados 63 atletas (futebolistas profissionais), com idade média de 20,3 ± 5,9 anos e comparados com 63 indivíduos normais, pareados por idade e sexo. O strain bidimensional foi quantificado pela ecocardiografia, por meio da técnica do speckle tracking em 12 segmentos do ventrículo esquerdo, aos cortes apicais de 4 e 2 câmaras.Resultados: Os atletas avaliados apresentaram valores de strain bidimensional de 14,9 a 24,9 por cento. Os valores médios do strain por região, nos atletas analisados, foram: 17,1 por cento (região basal), 19,2 por cento (região medial), 23,3 por cento (região apical), evidenciando um aumento significativo da deformidade miocárdica da base para o ápice (p<0,005). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas quando comparados os valores encontrados em atletas com o grupo de indivíduos normais.Conclusão: Em futebolistas profissionais, os valores do strain bidimensional miocárdico do VE variam cerca de 15 a 25 por cento, aumentando da base para o ápice ventricular, sendo o mesmo comportamento observado na população normal.

Introduction: The measurement of strain indicates the deformity percentage of a particular myocardial segment. Objective: To establish the normal values of two-dimensional strain in the different myocardial segments of the left ventricle (LV) in athletes by echocardiography.Material and Methods: We studied 63 athletes (professional soccer players), with mean age of 20.3 ± 5.9 years, compared to 63 healthy subjects, matched for age and sex. The strain was quantified by two-dimensional echocardiography, by using the speckle tracking technique in 12 segments of the left ventricle, in apical views of 4 and 2 chambers.Results: The athletes showed high values of two-dimensional strain ranging from 14.9 to 24.9 percent. The average strain values by region in athletes studied were 17.1 percent (basal region), 19.2 percent (middle region), 23.3 percent (apical region), showing a significant increase in myocardial strain from the base to apex (p <0.005). No significant differences were observed when comparing the values found in athletes with the group of normal subjects.Conclusion: In professional soccer players, the values of the two-dimensional myocardial strain in the LV ranges around 15-25 percent, increasing from the ventricular base to apex and the same behavior is observed in normal population.

Introducción: La medida del strain indica el porcentual de deformidad de un determinado segmento miocárdico. Objetivo: Establecer los valores normales de strain bidimensional en los diferentes segmentos miocárdicos del ventrículo izquierdo (VI), en atletas, por medio de la ecocardiografía.Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron 63 atletas (futbolistas profesionales), con edad media de 20,3 ± 5,9 años y comparados con 63 individuos normales, igualados por edad y sexo. El strain bidimensional fue cuantificado por la ecocardiografía, por medio de la técnica del speckle tracking en 12 segmentos del ventrículo izquierdo, a los cortes apicales de 4 y 2 cámaras. Resultados: Los atletas evaluados presentaron valores de strain bidimensional de 14,9 a 24,9%. Los valores medios del strain por región, en los atletas analizados, fueron: 17,1% (región basal), 19,2% (región medial), 23,3% (región apical), evidenciando un aumento significativo de la deformidad miocárdica de la base hacia el ápice (p<0,005). No se observaron diferencias significativas al comparar los valores encontrados en atletas con los del grupo de individuos normales.Conclusión: En futbolistas profesionales, los valores del strain bidimensional miocárdico del VI varían entre el 15 y el 25%, aumentando de la base hacia el ápice ventricular, observándose el mismo comportamiento en la población normal

Uso de betabloqueador no choque cardiogênico da cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo / Use of beta-blockers in cardiogenic shock due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo se caracteriza por alterações reversíveis na função sistólica e segmentar do ventrículo esquerdo associada à coronariografia normal. O choque associado a essa cardiomiopatia é causado por disfunção sistólica e/ou obstrução dinâmica do trato de saída do ventrículo esquerdo. A identificação da etiologia do choque tem implicações terapêuticas. Relata-se o caso de paciente feminina, 76 anos, com cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo cuja apresentação mimetizou infarto agudo do miocárdio complicado com choque cardiogênico. O choque foi revertido após administração endovenosa de propranolol.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by reversible changes in the systolic and segmental left ventricular function associated with normal coronariography. The shock associated with this cardiomyopathy is caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and/or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Identification of the etiology of the shock has implications for treatment. This case study reports on a 76-year-old women diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy whose presentation mimicked an acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The shock was reversed after intravenous administration of propanolol.

Cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo em octogenária / Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in octogenarian

Mulher, 88 anos, é admitida na emergência com dor anginosa típica, retroesternal, forte intensidade, em aperto, com duração maior que 30 minutos, associada à dispneia, náuseas, lipotímia, sudorese moderada e apresentando supradesnivelamento de segmento ST ao eletrocardiograma após intensa discussão familiar. Paciente é conduzida inicialmente como infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de segmento ST. Na cineangiocoronariografia, evidenciou-se ausência de lesões em artérias coronárias e balonamento de parede anterior semelhante a um haltere, recebendo diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo.

Female, 88 years old, admitted to the Emergency Department in distress after a heated family discussion, with high intensity retrosternal typical anginal pain lasting more than 30 minutes, associated with moderate sweating, dyspnea, nausea and fainting, with ST-segment elevation in the electrocardiogram. Patient initially treated as an acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation. Cinecoronary angiography showed an absence of coronary artery lesion with the anterior wall ballooning like a dumbbell, diagnosed as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Transesophageal echocardiography: Instrumentation and system controls.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a semi-invasive, monitoring and diagnostic tool, which is used in the perioperative management of cardiac surgical and hemodynamically unstable patients. The low degree of invasiveness and the capacity to visualize and assimilate dynamic information that can change the course of the patient management is an important advantage of TEE. Although TEE is reliable, comprehensive, credible, and cost-effective, it must be performed by a trained echocardiographer who understands the indications and the potential complications of the procedure, and has the ability to achieve proper acquisition and interpretation of the echocardiographic data. Adequate knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and the TEE machine controls is imperative to optimize image quality, reduce artifacts, and prevent misinterpretation of diagnosis. Two-dimensional (2D) and Motion (M) mode imaging are used for obtaining anatomical information, while Doppler and Color Flow imaging are used for information on blood flow. 3D technology enables us to view the cardiac structures from different perspectives. Despite the recent advances of 3D TEE, a sharp, optimized 2D image is pivotal for the reconstruction. This article describes the relevant underlying physical principles of ultrasound and focuses on a systematic approach to instrumentation and use of controls in the practical use of transesophageal echocardiography.

Enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico de la estenosis aórtica / Aortic stenosis: diagnosis and treatment

La estenosis aórtica es la valvulopatía más frecuente de la población adulta. En las últimas décadas, se ha puesto de manifiesto un incremento significativo de su prevalencia, y esto se relaciona principalmente con la mayor expectativa de vida poblacional. Este hecho impone actualmente un constante desafío para el abordaje clínico-quirúrgico de esta enfermedad, dado que el aumento de los riesgos en este grupo de pacientes está dado no sólo por su edad avanzada sino también por las importantes comorbilidades asociadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los fundamentos fisiopatológicos, las manifestaciones clínicas y los predictores evolutivos de esta enfermedad, así como realizar una actualización de los métodos diagnósticos utilizados en la detección y seguimiento de estos pacientes para, finalmente, realizar un análisis de las nuevas intervenciones terapéuticas aplicadas al manejo global de la estenosis aórtica.