Válvula aórtica bicúspide: ¿qué debo conocer? Revisión actualizada de sus aspectos clínicos y fisiopatológicos / Bicuspid aortic valve: what should I know? Updated review of its clinical and pathophysiological aspects

Resumen La válvula aórtica bicúspide es la cardiopatía congénita más frecuente en la población general. Lejos de ser solo una malformación valvular inocua, supone una enfermedad compleja y heterogénea. A menudo es identificada como un hallazgo incidental en personas sanas, cursando de manera asintomática. Sin embargo, en un alto porcentaje de pacientes conduce a lo largo de su vida a complicaciones valvulares (estenosis, insuficiencia, endocarditis) o aórticas (dilatación o disección). Con frecuencia estas manifestaciones suceden a una edad temprana y causan una elevada morbimortalidad. A pesar de que en los últimos años se ha producido una intensa investigación en este campo, la fisiopatogenia de la enfermedad no es del todo conocida y muchas preguntas siguen abiertas. En este artículo se revisan de forma actualizada los aspectos clínicos y fisiopatológicos más novedosos y relevantes sobre esta cardiopatía congénita.

Abstract The most common congenital heart disease in the general population is the bicuspid aortic valve. Far from being just a harmless valve malformation, it is a complex and heterogeneous disease. It is often identified as an incidental finding in healthy people. However, in a high percentage of patients it leads throughout their life towards valvular (stenosis, insufficiency, endocarditis) or aortic (dilatation or dissection) complications. Frequently, manifestations occur at an early age, being responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Even though in recent years intense research has been carried out in this field, the pathophysiogenesis of the disease is not fully known and many questions remain open. In this article, we review the most innovative and relevant clinical and pathophysiological aspects of this congenital heart disease.

The relationship between mitral annular calcification, metabolic syndrome and thromboembolic risk

Abstract Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as an association between diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in AF. However, the association among MAC, MetS and thromboembolic risk is unknown and was evaluated in the current study. Methods: The study group consisted of 94 patients with MAC and 86 patients with MetS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without MAC. Results: Patients with MAC had a higher MetS rate (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the rate of cerebrovascular accident and AF were significantly higher compared to those without MAC (P<0.001, for both parameters). The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that history of smoking, presence of MetS and high CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with the development of MAC. ROC curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for MAC (C-statistic: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.706-0.855, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that MAC was positively correlated with the presence of MetS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P=0.001, r=0.264; P<0.001, r=0.490). Conclusion: We have shown that CHA2DS2-VASc score and presence of MetS rates were significantly higher in patients with MAC compared without MAC. Presence of MAC was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of MetS, AF and left atrial diameter and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction.

TAVI in Intermediate-risk patients: a review in purpose of a case / TAVI en pacientes de riesgo intermedio: una revisión a propósito de un caso

Abstract: Background: Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide. The prognosis is adverse without a valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has proven to be an effective treatment in high-surgical risk patients. Recent trials have highlighted the non-inferiority of TAVI compared with open surgery in patients with intermediate surgical risk. Case report: A 76-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis and intermediate surgical risk (STS-PROM 4.8%) who underwent TAVI with no complications. Results: Hospital discharge was decided five days after the procedure and continued outpatient follow-up. After two years remains in NYHA functional class I with a normofunctional percutaneous prosthesis. Conclusion: As this clinical case shows, TAVI has proven to be an effective treatment in patients with aortic stenosis and intermediate surgical risk. This is the first experience in this type of patients reported in our country.(AU)

Resumen: Antecedentes: La estenosis aórtica es la valvulopatía más común en todo el mundo. El pronóstico es sombrío sin reemplazo valvular. La implantación valvular aórtica transcatéter (TAVI) ha demostrado ser un tratamiento eficaz en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico. Ensayos muy recientes destacaron la no-inferioridad de TAVI en comparación con la cirugía abierta en pacientes con riesgo quirúrgico intermedio. Caso clínico: Se presenta un hombre de 76 años de edad con estenosis aórtica severa y riesgo quirúrgico intermedio (STS-PROM 4.8%), al que se realiza TAVI sin complicaciones. Resultados: El alta hospitalaria se decide cinco días después del procedimiento para continuar el seguimiento ambulatorio. Después de dos años, el seguimiento permanece en la clase funcional I de la NYHA con una prótesis percutánea normofuncional. Conclusión: Como muestra este caso clínico, TAVI ha demostrado ser un tratamiento eficaz en pacientes de riesgo quirúrgico intermedio. Ésta es la primera experiencia en el uso de esta tecnología en este tipo de pacientes reportada en nuestro país.(AU)

Mid-Term Results of Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Valvular Heart Disease Assesed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography / Resultados em Médio Prazo do Tratamento da Fibrilação Atrial na Doença Valvular Cardíaca Avaliados por Ecocardiografia com Speckle Tracking

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation frequently affects patients with valvular heart disease. Ablation of atrial fibrillation during valvular surgery is an alternative for restoring sinus rhythm. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate mid-term results of successful atrial fibrillation surgical ablation during valvular heart disease surgery, to explore left atrium post-ablation mechanics and to identify predictors of recurrence. Methods: Fifty-three consecutive candidates were included. Eligibility criteria for ablation included persistent atrial fibrillation <10 years and left atrium diameter < 6.0 cm. Three months after surgery, echocardiogram, 24-hour Holter monitoring and electrocardiograms were performed in all candidates who maintained sinus rhythm (44 patients). Echo-study included left atrial deformation parameters (strain and strain rate), using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Simultaneously, 30 healthy individuals (controls) were analyzed with the same protocol for left atrial performance. Significance was considered with a P value of < 0.05. Results: After a mean follow up of 17 ± 2 months, 13 new post-operative cases of recurrent atrial fibrillation were identified. A total of 1,245 left atrial segments were analysed. Left atrium was severely dilated in the post-surgery group and, mechanical properties of left atrium did not recover after surgery when compared with normal values. Left atrial volume (≥ 64 mL/m2) was the only independent predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Left atrial volume was larger in patients with atrial fibrillation recurrence and emerges as the main predictor of recurrences, thereby improving the selection of candidates for this therapy; however, no differences were found regarding myocardial deformation parameters. Despite electrical maintenance of sinus rhythm, left atrium mechanics did not recover after atrial fibrillation ablation performed during valvular heart disease surgery.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial frequentemente afeta pacientes com doenças das valvas cardíacas. A ablação da fibrilação atrial durante a cirurgia das válvulas é uma alternativa para restaurar o ritmo sinusal. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar resultados em médio prazo da ablação cirúrgica bem sucedida da FA durante cirurgia para doença valvar, para explorar a mecânica do AE após a ablação e identificar preditores de recorrência. Métodos: Foram incluídos 53 candidatos consecutivos. Os critérios de elegibilidade para ablação foram fibrilação atrial persistente <10 anos e diâmetro do átrio esquerdo < 6 cm. Três meses após a cirurgia, foram realizados ecocardiografia, Holter por 24 horas, e eletrocardiografias em todos os candidatos que mantiveram o ritmo sinusal (44 pacientes). O estudo eco incluiu parâmetros de deformação ao átrio esquerdo (strain e taxa de strain) usando ecocardiografia bidimensional com speckle tracking. Simultaneamente, 30 indivíduos sadios (controles) foram analisados com o mesmo protocolo para o desempenho do átrio esquerdo. Um valor de P < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Após um período médio de acompanhamento de 17 ± 2 meses, 13 novos casos de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório foram identificados. Um total de 1245 segmentos do átrio esquerdo foi analisado. O grupo pós-cirúrgico apresentou dilatação grave do átrio esquerdo, e as propriedades mecânicas do átrio esquerdo não se recuperaram após a cirurgia quando comparadas com valores normais. O volume do átrio esquerdo (≥ 64 mL/m2) foi o único preditor independente de recorrência de fibrilação atrial (p = 0,03). Conclusões: O volume do átrio esquerdo foi maior nos pacientes com fibrilação atrial recorrente, e desponta como o principal preditor de recorrência, melhorando, assim, a seleção de candidatos para essa terapia. No entanto, não foram encontradas diferenças em relação aos parâmetros de deformação do miocárdio. Apesar da manutenção elétrica do ritmo sinusal, a função mecânica do átrio esquerdo não se recuperou após a ablação da fibrilação atrial realizada durante a cirurgia para doença da valva cardíaca.

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic valve disease

Abstract Objective: To assess heart rhythm and predictive factors associated with sinus rhythm after one year in patients with rheumatic valve disease undergoing concomitant surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Operative mortality, survival and occurrence of stroke after one year were also evaluated. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of 103 patients undergoing rheumatic mitral valve surgery and ablation of atrial fibrillation using uni- or bipolar radiofrequency between January 2013 and December 2014. Age, gender, functional class (NYHA), type of atrial fibrillation, EuroSCORE, duration of atrial fibrillation, stroke, left atrial size, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemia time and type of radiofrequency were investigated. Results: After one year, 66.3% of patients were in sinus rhythm. Sinus rhythm at hospital discharge, lower left atrial size in the preoperative period and bipolar radiofrequency were associated with a greater chance of sinus rhythm after one year. Operative mortality was 7.7%. Survival rate after one year was 92.3% and occurrence of stroke was 1%. Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation ablation surgery with surgical approach of rheumatic mitral valve resulted in 63.1% patients in sinus rhythm after one year. Discharge from hospital in sinus rhythm was a predictor of maintenance of this rhythm. Increased left atrium and use of unipolar radiofrequency were associated with lower chance of sinus rhythm. Operative mortality rate of 7.7% and survival and stroke-free survival contribute to excellent care results for this approach.

Progressão de Valvopatia Esquerda durante o Uso de Dopaminérgicos / Progression of Left Valve Disease during Use of Dopaminergic Drugs

A cabergolina e a bromocriptina são drogas dopaminérgicas derivadas do ergot e utilizadas para tratamento de distúrbios hiperprolactinêmicos idiopáticos ou adenomas hipofisários, cujo mecanismo de ação é decorrente da redução da secreção de prolactina. Alguns relatos na literatura demonstram que a cabergolina pode causar valvopatia após sua administração a longo prazo. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de macroprolactinoma que fez uso intercalado de cabergolina e bromocriptina e desenvolveu alterações valvares antes inexistentes

Impacto da Hipertensão Pulmonar na Mortalidade Cirúrgica e na Sobrevida em Três Anos Pós-Cirurgia de Troca Valvar Aórtica / Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on Surgical Mortality and 3-Year Survival After Aortic Valve Replacement

A hipertensão pulmonar (HP) grave contribui para significante morbidade e mortalidade, e podeaumentar o número de complicações e morte na cirurgia cardíaca. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da HP na mortalidade cirúrgica e na sobrevida em três anos, após cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica.Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva realizado com pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica, demaio de 2011 a dezembro de 2012, no Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia, RJ. A população estudada foi estratificadaem dois grupos, de acordo com a pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) em: <45 mmHg e ≥45 mmHg. Foi utilizado o teste do qui-quadrado para a comparação entre os grupos; a mortalidade e cirúrgica foi estudada por regressão logística e a sobrevida pela curva de Kaplan-Meier e teste de log-rank; e a razão de risco pelo método de Cox. Resultados: Estudados 182 pacientes, 57,0% do sexo masculino, idade 61,0±13,0 anos, com hipertensão arterial sistêmica (72,0%), diabetes mellitus (22,0%), classe funcional pela New York Heart Association III/IV (61,1%), PSAP≥45mmHg (14,3%). A mortalidade geral foi 12,0%. A sobrevida foi maior no grupo com PSAP <45mmHg – 89,0%em um ano e 86,0% em três anos, comparado com o grupo com PSAP ≥45mmHg – 68,8% em um ano e 58,1%(35,1% a 75,4%) em três anos (p=0,0004). Conclusão: Pacientes com PSAP ≥45mmHg apresentaram maior mortalidade cirúrgica e pior sobrevida em três anos após cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica...

Background: Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality and may increase the number of complications and death in heart surgery.Objective: To evaluate the impact of PH on surgical mortality and three-year survival after aortic valve replacement surgery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery from May 2011 to December 2012 at Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia, RJ. The study population was stratified into two groups according to the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP): <45mmHg and ≥45mmHg. The chi-square test was used for comparison between groups; surgical mortality was studied by logistic regression and survival by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test; the hazard ratio was examined using the Cox method. Results: The study included 182 patients, 57.0% were males aged 61.0±13.0 years, with systemic arterial hypertension (72.0%), diabetes mellitus (22.0%), functional class by the New York Heart Association III/IV (61.1%), SPAP ≥45mmHg (14.3%). Overallmortality rate was 12.0%. Survival rate was higher in the group with SPAP <45mmHg — 89.0% at one year and 86.0% at three year compared with the group with SPAP ≥45mmHg — 68.8% at one year and 58.1% (35.1% to 75.4%) at three years (p=0.0004). Conclusion: Patients with SPAP ≥45mmHg had higher surgical mortality and worse survival at three years after aortic valvereplacement surgery...

Bilateral isolated lens coloboma associated with bicuspid aortic valve / Coloboma de cristalino bilateral isolado associado à valva aórtica bicúspide

ABSTRACT A 27-year-old woman presented with a history of long-standing poor vision in both eyes. Ophthalmologic examination after pupillary dilatation revealed bilateral lens coloboma situated in the inferotemporal quadrant. No associated ocular abnormalities were seen, except amblyopia. A bicuspid aortic valve was observed during echocardiography during systemic evaluation. Lens coloboma usually occurs unilaterally; however, bilateral lens coloboma which is isolated or associated with other ocular malformations is also encountered. This is the first description of bilateral isolated lenticular coloboma associated with bicuspid aortic valve. Although the association between bicuspid aortic valve and lens coloboma may be an incidental finding, they may be components of an unknown syndrome.

RESUMO Uma mulher de 27 anos apresentou-se com uma história de longa data de deficiência visual em ambos os olhos. O exame oftalmológico após dilatação pupilar revelou coloboma de cristalino bilateral localizado no quadrante temporal inferior. Nenhuma outra alteração ocular associadas foi observada, exceto ambliopia. A valva aórtica bicúspide foi diagnosticada no exame de ecocardiograma durante a avaliação sistêmica. Coloboma cristaliniano ocorre geralmente de forma unilateral, no entanto já foi descrito bilateralmente, associado a outras malformações oculares ou isolado. Esta é a primeira descrição de coloboma cristaliniano isolado bilateral associado à valva aórtica bicúspide. Embora a associação de valva aórtica bicúspide e coloboma cristaliniano no nosso caso pode ter sido um achado incidental, eles podem ser componentes de uma síndrome desconhecida.

Comparison of superior septal approach with left atriotomy in mitral valve surgery / Comparação da abordagem septal superior com atriotomia esquerda em cirurgia valvar mitral

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes of superior transseptal approach with the conventional left atriotomy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods: Between January 2010 and November 2012, a total of 91 consecutive adult patients (39 males, 52 females; mean age: 54.0±15.4 years; range, 16 to 82 years) who underwent mitral valve surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Koşuyolu Training Hospital were included. The patients were randomized to either superior transseptal approach (n=47) or conventional left atriotomy (n=44). Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, additional interventions, intraoperational data, pre- and postoperative electrophysiological study findings, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Of all patients, 86.7% (n=79) were in New York Heart Association Class III, while 12 were in New York Heart Association Class IV. All patients underwent annuloplasty (42.9%) or valve replacement surgery (57.1%). There was no significant difference in pre- and postoperative electrocardiogram findings between the groups. Change from baseline in the cardiac rhythm was statistically significant in superior transseptal approach group alone (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the groups. Permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in 10.6% of the patients in superior transseptal approach group and 4.5% in the conventional left atriotomy group. No statistically significant difference in bleeding, total length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, the presence of low cardiac output syndrome was observed between the groups. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that superior transseptal approach does not lead to serious or fatal adverse effects on sinus node function or atrial vulnerability, compared to conventional approach. .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar os resultados clínicos da abordagem septal superior com a atriotomia esquerda convencional em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia valvar mitral. Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2010 e novembro de 2012, foi incluído um total de 91 pacientes adultos consecutivos (intervalo de 16 a 82 anos, média 54,0±15,4 anos; 39 homens, 52 mulheres) submetidos à cirurgia valvar mitral no Serviço de Cirurgia Cardiovascular no Hospital Training Koşuyolu. Os pacientes foram randomizados para abordagem septal superior (n=47) ou atriotomia esquerda convencional (n=44). Foram registradas características demográficas dos pacientes, comorbidades, intervenções adicionais, dados intraoperatórios, achados do estudo eletrofisiológico pré e pós-operatório e complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Do total de pacientes, 86,7% (n=79) estavam na Classe III e 12 na Classe IV da New York Heart Association. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à anuloplastia (42,9%) ou cirurgia de troca valvar (57,1%). Não houve diferença significativa nos resultados do eletrocardiograma pré e pós-operatórios entre os grupos. Mudança da linha de base no ritmo cardíaco foi estatisticamente significativa apenas no grupo abordagem septal superior (P<0,001). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de mortalidade entre os grupos. Marca-passo definitivo foi implantado em 10,6% dos pacientes no grupo abordagem septal superior e em 4,5% dos pacientes no grupo atriotomia esquerda convencional. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no sangramento, tempo total de internação e de permanência na UTI, tendo sido observada síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que a ...

Multimodality Imaging of Heart Valve Disease / Técnicas de Imagem Multimodal para Valvopatia Multimodality

Unidentified heart valve disease is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. It has therefore become important to accurately identify, assess and monitor patients with this condition in order that appropriate and timely intervention can occur. Although echocardiography has emerged as the predominant imaging modality for this purpose, recent advances in cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography indicate that they may have an important contribution to make. The current review describes the assessment of regurgitant and stenotic heart valves by multimodality imaging (echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance) and discusses their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Doenças valvares cardíacas não identificadas são associadas com significativas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Dessa forma, é importante que os pacientes com essa condição sejam corretamente identificados, investigados e monitorizados para que a apropriada intervenção seja feita a tempo. Contudo, a modalidade ecocardiográfica surgiu predominantemente com esta finalidade, recentes avanços em ressonância magnética cárdica e tomografia computadorizada cardíaca indicam que provavelmente ambos tenham importante contribuição. A atual revisão descreve a avaliação das válvulas cardíacas regurgitantes e estenosadas através de multimodalidade (diversos tipos) de imagens (ecocardiografia, tomografia computorizada cardíaca e ressonância magnética cardíaca), promovendo a discussão de seus pontos positivos e negativos.

Role of modern 3D echocardiography in valvular heart disease

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has been conceived as one of the most promising methods for the diagnosis of valvular heart disease, and recently has become an integral clinical tool thanks to the development of high quality real-time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In particular, for mitral valve diseases, this new approach has proven to be the most unique, powerful, and convincing method for understanding the complicated anatomy of the mitral valve and its dynamism. The method has been useful for surgical management, including robotic mitral valve repair. Moreover, this method has become indispensable for nonsurgical mitral procedures such as edge to edge mitral repair and transcatheter closure of paravaluvular leaks. In addition, color Doppler 3D echo has been valuable to identify the location of the regurgitant orifice and the severity of the mitral regurgitation. For aortic and tricuspid valve diseases, this method may not be quite as valuable as for the mitral valve. However, the necessity of 3D echo is recognized for certain situations even for these valves, such as for evaluating the aortic annulus for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It is now clear that this method, especially with the continued development of real-time 3D TEE technology, will enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with these valvular heart diseases.

Estudo transversal das estratégias de tratamento clínico na fibrilação atrial / Cross-sectional study of treatment strategies on atrial fibrillation / Estudio transversal de las estrategias de tratamiento clínico en la fibrilación atrial

FUNDAMENTO: A despeito de elevada prevalência e importância clínica da Fibrilação Atrial (FA), não existem até o momento publicações brasileiras informando o perfil clínico e a estratégia de tratamento (controle de ritmo vs. controle de frequência cardíaca) mais utilizada nesse universo de pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a estratégia de tratamento mais empregada na FA em ambulatório especializado no manejo dessa doença. Secundariamente, procurou-se descrever o perfil clínico dessa população. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que avaliou sequencialmente, em 167 portadores de FA, a estratégia de tratamento mais empregada, bem como o perfil clínico desses pacientes. Utilizou-se questionário padronizado para coleta de dados. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do software SPSS® versão 13.0. RESULTADOS: Nessa população de alto risco para eventos tromboembólicos (61% com score CHADS2 > 2), em que 54% dos indivíduos apresentavam fibrilação atrial paroxística ou persistente, 96,6% utilizavam antagonistas da vitamina K ou AAS, e 76,6% faziam uso de betabloqueador (81,2% frequência x 58,8% ritmo, p < 0,05); a estratégia de controle de frequência foi a mais empregada (79,5% x 20,5%, p < 0,001). Houve uma tendência estatística a maior agrupamento de pacientes com disfunção ventricular (15,2% x 2,9%; p = 0,06), CHADS2 > 2 (60,5% x 39,5%; p = 0,07) e valvopatias (25,8% x 11,8%; p = 0,08) no segmento de controle da frequência. CONCLUSÃO: Nessa população de alto risco para eventos tromboembólicos, a estratégia de controle de frequência cardíaca foi a mais empregada.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence and clinical importance of atrial fibrillation (AF), there is no Brazilian study about the clinical profile of patients with AF and the most used treatment strategy (heart rhythm control vs. heart rate control) for them. OBJECTIVE: To assess the most used treatment strategy for AF in an outpatient clinic specialized in the management of that disease. In addition, the clinical profile of the population studied was provided. METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing sequentially, in 167 patients with AF, the most used treatment strategy, as well as their clinical profile. A standardized form was used for data collection. The statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS® software, version 13.0. RESULTS: In that population at high risk for thromboembolic events (61% had CHADS2 > 2), 54% of the patients had paroxysmal or persistent AF, 96.6% used vitamin K antagonists or acetylsalicylic acid, and 76.6% used beta-blocker (heart rate, 81.2% x heart rhythm, 58.8%; p < 0.05). Heart rate control was the most used treatment strategy (79.5% x 20.5%; p < 0.001). A statistical tendency towards more patients with ventricular dysfunction (15.2% x 2.9%; p = 0.06), CHADS2 > 2 (60.5% x 39.5%; p = 0.07) and heart valve diseases (25.8% x 11.8%; p = 0.08) was observed in the heart rate control group. CONCLUSION: In that population at high risk for thromboembolic events, the heart rate control strategy was the most used.

FUNDAMENTO: A despecho de la elevada prevalencia y importancia clínica de la Fibrilación Atrial (FA), no existen hasta el momento publicaciones brasileñas informando el perfil clínico y la estrategia de tratamiento (control de ritmo vs. control de frecuencia cardíaca) más utilizada en ese universo de pacientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la estrategia de tratamiento más empleada en la FA en ambulatorio especializado en el manejo de esa enfermedad. Secundariamente, se buscó describir el perfil clínico de esa población. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal que evaluó secuencialmente, en 167 portadores de FA, la estrategia de tratamiento más empleada, así como el perfil clínico de esos pacientes. Se utilizó cuestionario estandarizado para recolección de datos. El análisis estadístico fue realizado por medio del software SPSS® versión 13.0. RESULTADOS: En esa población de alto riesgo para eventos tromboembólicos (61% con escore CHADS2 > 2), en que 54% de los individuos presentaban fibrilación atrial paroxística o persistente, 96,6% utilizaban antagonistas de la vitamina K o AAS, y 76,6% hacían uso de betabloqueante (81,2% frecuencia x 58,8% ritmo, p < 0,05); la estrategia de control de frecuencia fue la más empleada (79,5% x 20,5%, p < 0,001). Hubo una tendencia estadística la mayor agrupamiento de pacientes con disfunción ventricular (15,2% x 2,9%; p = 0,06), CHADS2 > 2 (60,5% x 39,5%; p = 0,07) y valvulopatías (25,8% x 11,8%; p = 0,08) en el segmento de control de la frecuencia. CONCLUSION: En esa población de alto riesgo para eventos tromboembólicos, la estrategia de control de frecuencia cardíaca fue la más empleada.

Anemia, disfunção renal e desnutrição associadas à insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes valvopatas / Anemia, renal dysfunction and malnutrition associated with heart failure in patients with valvulopathy

FUNDAMENTO: A doença valvar pode cursar com insuficiência cardíaca (IC), anemia e disfunção renal (DR), aumentando o risco nutricional e piorando o prognóstico dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de anemia e DR em pacientes portadores de valvopatias com ou sem IC, bem como estabelecer correlação com o estado nutricional. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 104 pacientes internados na enfermaria de valvopatias do PROCAPE/UPE, no período de ago-out/2008. Os dados foram obtidos das fichas de acompanhamento nutricional e dos prontuários. As variáveis coletadas foram: sexo, idade, estado nutricional segundo o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), presença de IC, anemia, DR. Considerou-se como anemia valores de hemoglobina < 13 g/dl nos homens e < 12 g/dl nas mulheres. A DR foi estabelecida de acordo com a taxa de filtração glomerular (TGF), sendo calculada pela fórmula proposta por Cockcroft e Gault. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de anemia e DR em pacientes com IC foi de 71,1 por cento e de 68,8 por cento, e nos pacientes sem IC foi de 48,1 por cento e de 60,0 por cento, respectivamente, com diferença estatisticamente significativa para anemia (p = 0,022). Dos pacientes, 48,1 por cento estavam eutróficos, 26,9 por cento com excesso de peso e 25,0 por cento com algum grau de desnutrição. Os pacientes com IC apresentaram uma frequência maior de baixo peso (p = 0,020). O estado nutricional não apresentou associação com anemia (p = 0,117), mas apresentou associação com DR, sendo a função renal diminuída mais frequente nos pacientes com baixo peso (p = 0,000). CONCLUSÃO: Houve significância estatística quando comparamos as prevalências de desnutrição, anemia e DR entre pacientes com e sem IC.

BACKGROUND: Valvular disease can course with heart failure (HF), anemia and renal dysfunction (RD), increasing the nutritional risk and worsening patient prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and RD in patients with valvulopathy with or without HF, as well as establish a correlation with the nutritional status. METHODS: A total of 104 patients admitted at the Clinic of Valvulopathy of PROCAPE/UPE, during the period of Aug-Oct/2008. The data were obtained from the nutritional and medical follow-up files. The collected variables were: sex, age, nutritional status according to the body mass index (BMI), presence of HF, anemia and RD. Anemia was considered when hemoglobin values were < 13 g/dl in men and < 12 g/dl in women. RD was established according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and it was calculated through the formula proposed by Cockcroft and Gault. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia and RD was 71.1 percent and 68.8 percent, and 48.1 percent and 60.0 percent, in patients with and without HF, respectively, with a statistically significant difference for anemia (p = 0.022). Of the patients, 48.1 percent were eutrophic, 26.9 percent had excess weight and 25.0 percent presented some degree of malnutrition. The patients with HF presented a higher frequency of low weight (p = 0.020). The nutritional status was not associated with anemia (p = 0.117), but it was associated with RD, with renal function being decreased more often in patients with low weight (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: When the prevalence of malnutrition, anemia and RD was compared between patients with and without HF, it showed statistical significance.

The bicuspid aortic valve and its relation to aortic dilation

BACKGROUND: A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart disease, which affects 1-2 percent of the population. However, the relationship between BAVs and aortic dilation has not been sufficiently elucidated. METHODS: A total of 241 BAV patients who were referred to this hospital for cardiac surgey over a 4.75-year period were included in this study. In addition to the clinical characteristics of the included patients, the morphological features of the aortic valve and aorta, the length of the left main coronary artery, and the laboratory findings (the coagulation and hematological parameters as well as the total cholesterol concentration) were determined and compared with those of the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. RESULTS: The BAV patients were younger than the TAV patients for a valve surgery in the last 3 months of the study period. The BAV patients were predominantly male. Most of the BAVs that were surgically treated were stenotic, regurgitant, or combined, and only 19 (7.88 percent) were normally functioning valves. According to echocardiography or operative records, 148 (78.31 percent) were type A, 31 (16.40 percent) were type B, and 10 (5.29 percent) were type C. The left main coronary artery was much shorter in the BAV patients than it was in the TAV patients. There was no significant difference between BAV and TAV patients in the total cholesterol concentrations; whereas differences were noted between patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy and those not receiving lipid-lowering therapy. The dimensions of the aortic root, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta were beyond normal limits, while they were significantly smaller in the BAV patients than in the TAV patients. They were also much smaller in patients receiving statin therapy than those not receiving statin therapy in both groups. Moreover, the aortic dilation in the BAV group was found to be significantly associated with patient age. CONCLUSIONS: ...

Antithrombotic therapy in patients with prosthetic heart valves

Patients with mechanical valve prostheses require a lifelong anticoagulant treatment. The combined use of Warfarin and low-dose aspirin appears to reduce the risk of valve thrombosis and systemic embolism at a low risk of bleeding. The management of women with prosthetic heart valves during pregnancy poses a particular challenge, as there are no available controlled clinical trials to provide guidelines for effective antithrombotic therapy. Oral anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, cause foetal embryopathy; unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin have been reported to be ineffective in preventing thromboembolic complications. This article discusses the available data and the most recent guidelines in the antithrombotic management of patients with prosthetic valves, and antithrombotic therapy in various clinical situations such as pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves, and patients with prosthetic heart valves undergoing noncardiac surgery

Troca valvar aórtica com diferentes próteses: existem diferenças nos resultados da fase hospitalar? / Aortic valve replacement with different types of prosthesis: are there differences in the outcomes during hospital phase?

OBJETIVOS: Analisar dados intra-operatórios e possíveis diferenças na evolução clínica da fase hospitalar de pós-operatório da troca valvar aórtica com diferentes próteses. MÉTODOS: Análise de 60 pacientes, divididos em três grupos: os submetidos a troca valvar por prótese biológica (20); por prótese mecânica (20); e finalmente, por valva homóloga (20). A média da idade foi de 51,1 anos; 60 por cento eram do sexo masculino e 40 por cento do feminino; 86,7 por cento estavam em NYHA II ou III; 63,3 por cento eram hipertensos, 18,3 por cento diabéticos; a etiologia valvar foi degenerativa em 39 por cento, reumática em 36 por cento e endocardite em 15 por cento. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 5 por cento; não houve diferenças entre os grupos na incidência de choque séptico ou cardiogênico, insuficiência renal aguda, arritmias no centro cirúrgico e na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), assim como para o tempo de internação na UTI e tempo de ventilação mecânica. Houve diferença estatística nos tempos de circulação extracorpórea (P=0,02) e pinçamento aórtico (P<0,0001) desfavorável aos pacientes com valva homóloga. O tempo de internação na enfermaria foi maior para os pacientes com valva mecânica (P=0,05), assim como o tempo total de internação hospitalar tende a ser maior neste grupo, porém sem significância estatística. Pacientes com hematócrito pré-operatório abaixo de 38,1 por cento utilizaram 2,73 unidades de hemoderivados; e com hematócrito no pós-operatório abaixo de 32 por cento utilizaram 1,79 unidades. Controle ecocardiográfico mostrou mínimas diferenças evolutivas. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de diferentes próteses, nesta amostra, não gerou diferenças nos resultados da fase hospitalar de pós-operatório; O homoenxerto é uma opção viável e com boa aplicabilidade clínica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze intraoperative data and possible differences in clinical evolution during postoperative hospital phase for aortic valve replacement surgery using different types of prosthesis. METHODS: Analysis of 60 patients divided into three groups. Valve replacement with bioprosthesis (20), mechanical prosthesis (20) and homologous valve (20). The mean age was 51.1, 60 percent were male and 40 percent female patients; 86.7 percent were in NYHA II or III; 63.3 percent presented arterial hypertension and 18.3 percent had diabetes. Aetiology of valve disease was degenerative for 39 percent, rheumatic for 36 percent and endocardits for 15 percent. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 5 percent; there were no differences in the incidence of septical or cardiogenic shock, acute renal failure, rhythms disorders during surgery or intensive care, neither for total time in intensive care and mechanical ventilation. However, there was statistical differences as regards the cardiopulmonary bypass total time (P=0.02) and the aortic clamping time (P<0.0001) unfavorable to homograft valve group. The ward admission time was greater for mechanical valve group (P=0.05) as well as for total admission time, but without statistical significance. It was observed that patients with preoperative hematocrit smaller than 38.1 percent used 2.73 units of blood components, and with postoperative hematocrit smaller than 32 percent used 1,79 units of blood components. Echocardiography control showed minimal evolutional differences. CONCLUSION: The use of different types of prosthesis for this study does not cause differences in the results of postoperative hospital phase. The use of homograft valve is a feasible option with good clinical applicability.