Avaliação ecocardiográfica do paciente com choque circulatório: uma abordagem contemporânea / Echocardiographic evaluation of a patient in circulatory shock: a contemporary approach

O choque circulatório é caracterizado por um estado de ineficiência da oferta de oxigênio tecidual e disfunção múltipla de órgãos. Necessita de diagnóstico e terapias rápidas e assertivas para redução de sua alta letalidade. O ecocardiograma já se estabeleceu como método fundamental no manejo do paciente com choque circulatório. Auxilia de forma crucial no diagnóstico etiológico, prognóstico, monitorização hemodinâmica e estimativa volêmica desses pacientes, tendo como potenciais vantagens a portabilidade, ausência de contraste ou radiação, baixo custo e avaliação em tempo real e de forma seriada. Em ambiente de UTI, demonstra alta correlação com formas invasivas (cateter de artéria pulmonar) e minimamente invasivas (termodiluição transpulmonar) de monitorização hemodinâmica. Atualmente, outras técnicas, como ultrassom pulmonar e VExUS score, têm se agregado à avaliação ecocardiográfica, tornando o método mais abrangente e acurado. Essas técnicas acrescentam dados relevantes na estimativa da volemia do paciente crítico, influenciando na decisão probabilística de fluidoresponsividade e agregando informações no raciocínio diagnóstico das causas do choque, otimizando o prognóstico desses pacientes. O point of care ultrasound (POCUS) tem como objetivo tornar mais acessível, ao médico não especialista em radiologia, habilidades para se obter informações a beira leito, por meio do ultrassom, que o ajudem na tomada de decisões. Esse artigo aborda as diversas aplicabilidades do ecocardiograma em pacientes com choque circulatório, incluindo avaliação prognóstica e diagnóstico etiológico por meio dos parâmetros encontrados nas principais causas de choque, além da monitorização hemodinâmica, avaliação de fluido-responsividade e utilização prática do ultrassom pulmonar.(AU)

Circulatory shock is characterized by a state of inefficient tissue oxygen supply and multiple organ dysfunction. Patients with circulatory shock require fast and assertive diagnosis and therapies to reduce its high lethality. Echocardiography has already been established as a fundamental method in managing patients with circulatory shock. It provides crucial assistance in etiological diagnosis, prognosis, hemodynamic monitoring, and volume estimation in these patients; its potential advantages include portability, absence of contrast or radiation, low cost, and real-time serial assessment. In the intensive care unit setting, it demonstrates a high correlation with invasive (pulmonary artery catheter) and minimally invasive (transpulmonary thermodilution) forms of hemodynamic monitoring. Currently, other techniques, such as pulmonary ultrasound and VExUS score, have been added to echocardiographic assessment, making the method more comprehensive and accurate. These techniques add relevant data to blood volume estimation in critical patients, influencing the probabilistic decision of fluid responsiveness and providing additional information in the diagnostic reasoning of the causes of shock, thus optimizing these patients' prognosis. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) aims to make abilities to obtain information at the bedside more accessible to physicians who are not specialists in radiology, by means of ultrasound, which assists them in decision-making. This article addresses the diverse applications of echocardiography in patients with circulatory shock, including prognostic evaluation and etiological diagnosis by means of the parameters found in the main causes of shock, in addition to hemodynamic monitoring, evaluation of fluid responsiveness, and practical use of pulmonary ultrasound.(AU)

Prior exercise training and experimental myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Exercising prior to experimental infarction may have beneficial effects on the heart. The objective of this study was to analyze studies on animals that had exercised prior to myocardial infarction and to examine any benefits through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were consulted. We analyzed articles published between January 1978 and November 2018. From a total of 858 articles, 13 manuscripts were selected in this review. When animals exercised before experimental infarction, there was a reduction in mortality, a reduction in infarct size, improvements in cardiac function, and a better molecular balance between genes and proteins that exhibit cardiac protective effects. Analyzing heart weight/body weight, we observed the following results - Mean difference 95% CI - -0.02 [-0.61,0.57]. Meta-analysis of the infarct size (% of the left ventricle) revealed a statistically significant decrease in the size of the infarction in animals that exercised before myocardial infarction, in comparison with the sedentary animals -5.05 [-7.68, -2.40]. Analysis of the ejection fraction, measured by echo (%), revealed that animals that exercised before myocardial infarction exhibited higher and statistically significant measures, compared with sedentary animals 8.77 [3.87,13.66]. We conclude that exercise performed prior to experimental myocardial infarction confers cardiac benefits to animals.

Tpeak-Tend, Tpeak-Tend dispersion and Tpeak-Tend/QT in children and its relationship with clinical variables

Abstract Aim: To characterize the Tpeak-Tend, the Tpeak-Tend dispersion and Tpeak-Tend/QT in children and its relationship with clinical variables. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 126 children between 9 and 12 years of the Camilo Cienfuegos School in Santa Clara, Cuba. Clinical and anthropometric variables were obtained to determine their relationship with electrocardiographic parameters: Tpeak-Tend V5, Tpeak-Tend dispersion and Tpeak-Tend/QT ratio V5. In addition, laboratory tests were conducted. Results: Age and systolic blood pressure are associated with an increased probability of having values of Tpeak-Tend/QT V5 ≥75 percentile for both sexes (OR: 1.72, CI 95%: 1.02-2.91; p= 0.043), (OR: 1.08, CI 95%: 1.01-1.16; p= 0.017) respectively. The body mass index and systolic blood pressure are linearly and significantly correlated with the Tpeak-Tend/QT V5 (r= 0.224; p= 0.012) and (r= 0.220; p= 0.014) respectively. Conclusions: The age of the patients and the systolic blood pressure figures are factors that increase the probability of having values of the Tpeak-Tend/QT V5 ≥75 percentile. There was a significant linear correlation between the Tpeak-Tend/QT V5 with the body mass index and the systolic blood pressure.

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterizar el Tpico-Tfinal, la dispersión del Tpico-Tfinal y el Tpico-Tfinal/QT en niños y su relación con variables clínicas. Métodos: Estudio transversal en 126 niños entre 9 y 12 años de la escuela Camilo Cienfuegos en Santa Clara, Cuba. Se obtuvieron variables clínicas y antropométricas para determinar su relación con los parámetros electrocardiográficos: el Tpico-Tfinal V5, la dispersión del Tpico-Tfinal y el Tpico-Tfinal/QT V5. Además, se realizaron pruebas de laboratorio. Resultados: La edad y la presión arterial sistólica se asocian con una mayor probabilidad de tener valores del Tpico-Tfinal/QT V5 ≥75 percentil para ambos sexos (OR: 1.72, IC 95%: 1.02-2.91; p= 0.043), (OR: 1.08, IC 95%: 1.01-1.16; p= 0.017) respectivamente. El índice de masa corporal y la presión arterial sistólica están correlacionados de manera lineal y significativa con el Tpico-Tfinal/QT V5 (r= 0.224; p= 0.012) y (r= 0.220; p= 0.014) respectivamente. Conclusiones: La edad de los pacientes y las cifras de presión arterial sistólica son factores que aumentan la probabilidad de tener valores del percentil Tpico-Tfinal/QT V5 ≥75. Existe correlación lineal significativa entre el Tpico-Tfinal/QT V5 con el índice de masa corporal y la presión arterial sistólica.

Recuperação da função ventricular após ressincronização cardíaca em criança com cardiomiopatia induzida pelo marcapasso / Ventricular function recovery after cardiac resynchronization in child with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia induzida pelo marcapasso é uma cardiomiopatia que ocorre em pacientes expostos a estimulação ventricular direita, sendo definida pela piora da função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo na ausência de outras etiologias possíveis, com ou sem evidência de insuficiência cardíaca. Sua incidência varia de 9% a 26%, dependendo da população estudada e do período de acompanhamento. Relata-se o caso de uma criança submetida a implante de marcapasso ventricular por bloqueio atrioventricular total, que evoluiu com disfunção ventricular grave e insuficiência cardíaca 14 meses após o implante. Após realização de terapia de ressincronização cardíaca, a criança evoluiu com melhora clínica e remodelamento reverso do ventrículo esquerdo

Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy is observed in patients exposed to right ventricular pacing and is defined as worsening of left ventricular systolic function in the absence of alternative causes, with or without clinical evidence of heart failure. Incidence ranges from 9% to 26%, depending on the study population and the length of follow-up. This is a case report of a child with univentricular pacemaker for total atrioventricular block that evolved into severe ventricular dysfunction and heart failure after implant. Cardiac resynchronization was performed and the child evolved with clinical improvement and reverse left ventricular remodeling

Vascular endothelial growth factor association with angiopoietin 1 promotes improvement in ventricular function after ischemic cardiomyopathy induced in mini pigs

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the safety and clinical, hemodynamic and tissue improvement ability in mini pigs undergoing cell and gene therapy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Thirty-two mini pigs Br1 lineage, 12 months old, undergoing induction of acute myocardial infarction by occlusion of the diagonal branch of the paraconal coronary. They were divided into 4 groups: one control group and 3 treatment groups (cell therapy and gene cell therapy). Echocardiography reviews were performed on three occasions and histopathological analysis was performed after 4 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey and Wilcoxon tests, were performed. Results: Association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with angiopoietin1 (Ang1) presented satisfactory results in the improvement of ventricular function following ischemic cardiomyopathy in mini pigs when compared to the results of the other treated groups. Conclusion: The therapy with VEGF and the combination of VEGF with Ang1, promoted recovered function of the myocardium, characterized by reduced akinetic area and induction of neovascularization.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Ventricular Function in Young Patients with Asthma / Avaliação Ecocardiográfica da Função Ventricular em Pacientes Jovens com Asma

Abstract Background: Despite significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology and management of asthma, some of systemic effects of asthma are still not well defined. Objectives: To compare heart function, baseline physical activity level, and functional exercise capacity in young patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and healthy controls. Methods: Eighteen healthy (12.67 ± 0.39 years) and 20 asthmatics (12.0 ± 0.38 years) patients were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography parameters were evaluated using conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Results: Although pulmonary acceleration time (PAT) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were within normal limits, these parameters differed significantly between the control and asthmatic groups. PAT was lower (p < 0.0001) and PASP (p < 0.0002) was higher in the asthma group (114.3 ± 3.70 ms and 25.40 ± 0.54 mmHg) than the control group (135.30 ± 2.28 ms and 22.22 ± 0.40 mmHg). The asthmatic group had significantly lower early diastolic myocardial velocity (E', p = 0.0047) and lower E' to late (E'/A', p = 0.0017) (13.75 ± 0.53 cm/s and 1.70 ± 0.09, respectively) compared with control group (15.71 ± 0.34 cm/s and 2.12 ± 0.08, respectively) at tricuspid valve. In the lateral mitral valve tissue Doppler, the asthmatic group had lower E' compared with control group (p = 0.0466; 13.27 ± 0.43 cm/s and 14.32 ± 0.25 cm/s, respectively), but there was no statistic difference in the E'/A' ratio (p = 0.1161). Right isovolumetric relaxation time was higher (p = 0.0007) in asthmatic (57.15 ± 0.97 ms) than the control group (52.28 ± 0.87 ms), reflecting global myocardial dysfunction. The right and left myocardial performance indexes were significantly higher in the asthmatic (0.43 ± 0.01 and 0.37 ± 0.01, respectively) compared with control group (0.40 ± 0.01 and 0.34 ± 0.01, respectively) (p = 0.0383 and p = 0.0059, respectively). Physical activity level, and distance travelled on the six-minute walk test were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Changes in echocardiographic parameters, evaluated by conventional and TDI, were observed in mild-to-moderate asthma patients even with normal functional exercise capacity and baseline physical activity level. Our results suggest that the echocardiogram may be useful for the early detection and evoluation of asthma-induced cardiac changes.

Resumo Fundamento: Apesar de avanços significativos no entendimento da fisiopatologia e manejo da asma, alguns efeitos sistêmicos da asma ainda não são bem definidos. Objetivos: Comparar a função cardíaca, o nível de atividade física basal, e a capacidade funcional de pacientes jovens com asma leve a moderada com controles saudáveis. Métodos: Dezoito voluntários saudáveis (12,67 ± 0,39 anos) e 20 pacientes asmáticos (12,0 ± 0,38 anos) foram incluídos no estudo. Os parâmetros de ecocardiografia foram avaliados pelo exame de ecocardiogragia com Doppler convencional e tecidual (EDT). Resultados: Apesar de o tempo de aceleração pulmonar (TAP) e da pressão arterial sistólica pulmonar (PASP) encontrarem-se dentro da faixa de normalidade, esses parâmetros foram significativamente diferentes entre o grupo controle e o grupo asmático. O TAP foi menor (p < 0,0001) e a PASP maior (p < 0,0002) no grupo de indivíduos asmáticos (114,3 ± 3,70 ms e 25,40 ± 0,54 mmHg) que o grupo controle (135,30 ± 2,28 ms e 22,22 ± 0,40 mmHg). O grupo asmático apresentou velocidade diastólica inicial do miocárdio (E', p = 0,0047) e relação entre E' e velocidade tardia mais baixas (E'/A', p = 0,0017) (13,75 ± 0,53 cm/s e 1,70 ± 0,09, respectivamente) em comparação ao grupo controle (15,71 ± 0,34 cm/s e 2,12 ± 0,08, respectivamente) na valva tricúspide. No exame Doppler tecidual do anel mitral lateral, o grupo asmático apresentou menor E' em comparação ao grupo controle (p = 0,0466; 13,27 ± 0,43 cm/s e 14,32 ± 0,25 cm/s, respectivamente), mas não houve diferença estatística na razão E'/A' (p = 0,1161). O tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico foi maior no grupo de pacientes asmáticos (57,15 ± 0,97 ms) que no grupo controle (52,28 ± 0,87 ms) (p = 0,0007), refletindo uma disfunção global do miocárdio. O índice de performance miocárdica direito e esquerdo foi significativamente maior no grupo asmático (0,43 ± 0,01 e 0,37 ± 0,01, respectivamente) que no grupo controle (0,40 ± 0,01 e 0,34 ± 0,01, respectivamente) (p = 0,0383 e p = 0,0059 respectivamente). O nível de atividade física e a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos foram similares entre os grupos. Conclusão: Mudanças nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos, avaliados pela ecocardiografia convencional e pela EDT foram observadas em pacientes com asma moderada a grave com capacidade funcional e nível de atividade física basal normais. Nossos resultados sugerem que o ecocardiograma pode ser útil para a detecção precoce e a evolução de alterações cardíacas induzidas pela asma. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; 110(3):231-239)

III SBC Guidelines on the Analysis and Issuance of Electrocardiographic Reports - Executive Summary / III Diretrizes SBC para Análise e Emissão de Laudos Eletrocardiográficos - Resumo Executivo

Abstract The third version of the guidelines covers recently described topics, such as ion channel diseases, acute ischemic changes, the electrocardiogram in athletes, and analysis of ventricular repolarization. It sought to revise the criteria for overloads, conduction disorders, and analysis of data for internet transmission.

Resumo A terceira versão das diretrizes aborda tópicos recentemente descritos, como as doenças dos canais iônicos, alterações isquêmicas agudas, o eletrocardiograma dos atletas e análise da repolarização ventricular. Ela buscou rever critérios de sobrecargas, distúrbios de condução e análise de dados transmitidos via internet.

Interacción cardiopulmonar en el paciente pediátrico crítico / Cardiopulmonary interactions in the critical pediatric patient

To optimize the management of critically ill patients, it is essential to understand the principles of cardiopulmonary interaction.The ultimate goal of the interaction between pulmonary and circulatory systems from a physiological point of view is to optimize the delivery of oxygen to tissues in order to meet metabolic demand, especially in situations where normal physiology is altered, as is the case of pediatric critically ill patients. Thus, during a critical illness, if any of these systems fails (together or separately), the end result is an inadequate delivery of O2 to tissues, which can lead to ischemia, progressive organ dysfunction, and if untreated, to death.In this review we will address key physiological concepts involved in cardiopulmonary interactions and how they are affected by the management we perform in the pediatric critically ill patients.

Para optimizar el manejo de los pacientes críticos, es fundamental comprender los principios de la interacción cardiopulmonar. El objetivo úultimo desde el punto de vista fisiológico de la interacción entre los sistemas circulatorio y pulmonar es optimizar la entrega de oxígeno a los tejidos y dar cuenta de la demanda metabólica especialmente en situaciones donde la fisiología normal se ve alterada, como es el caso de los pacientes pediátricos críticamente enfermos. Es así como durante una enfermedad crítica, si alguno de estos dos sistemas falla, (juntos o por separado), el resultado final es una inadecuada entrega de O2 tisular, que puede conducir a isquemia, disfunción orgánica progresiva, y si no se trata, hasta la muerte.En esta revisión intentaremos abordar de forma didáctica los principales conceptos fisiológicos involucrados en las interaccionescardiopulmonares y cómo estos se ven afectados frente a las intervenciones que realizamos en el manejo de los pacientes críticos.

Contractilidad ventricular: fisiología y proyección clínica / Ventricular contractility: physiology and clinical projection

The contractile state of the heart is the result of myocardial contractility, the intrinsic mechanism that regulates the force and the shortening of the ventricle and determines the ventricular ejection volume. However, the ejection volume is also modulated by ventricular preload (diastolic ventricular volume) and afterload (resistance to ejection). Accordingly, a decrease in contractility may be masked by changes in preload or afterload, maintaining a normal ejection volume and delaying the diagnosis of myocardial damage. Thus, it is necessary to develop a non-invasive method to measure contractility in the clinical practice. We review in this article the basic principles of cardiac contraction, the concept of contractility and its measurement with the ventricular pressure-volume loop, an experimental method that also measures most of the hemodynamic variables of the cardiac cycle including preload, afterload, ventricular work, ventricular lusitropy and arterial elastance. This method has been recently validated in cardiac patients and allows to evaluate the evolution of contractility in heart failure in a non invasive way. Although some modifications are still necessary, it will probably have an extensive use in practical cardiology in the near future.

Previous exercise training increases levels of PPAR-α in long-term post-myocardial infarction in rats, which is correlated with better inflammatory response

OBJECTIVE: Exercise is a protective factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with unclear mechanisms. Changing the myocardial metabolism causes harmful consequences for heart function and exercise contributes to metabolic adjustment modulation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are also myocardium metabolism regulators capable of decreasing the inflammatory response. We hypothesized that PPAR-α is involved in the beneficial effects of previous exercise on myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac function, changing the expression of metabolic and inflammatory response regulators and reducing myocardial apoptosis, which partially explains the better outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Exercised rats engaged in swimming sessions for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks. Both the exercised rats and sedentary rats were randomized to MI surgery and followed for 1 week (EI1 or SI1) or 4 weeks (EI4 or SI4) of healing or to sham groups. Echocardiography was employed to detect left ventricular function and the infarct size. Additionally, the TUNEL technique was used to assess apoptosis and immunohistochemistry was used to quantitatively analyze the PPAR-α, TNF-α and NF-κB antigens in the infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium. MI-related mortality was higher in SI4 than in EI4 (25% vs 12%), without a difference in MI size. SI4 exhibited a lower shortening fraction than EI4 did (24% vs 35%) and a higher apoptosis/area rate (3.97±0.61 vs 1.90±1.82) in infarcted areas (both p=0.001). Immunohistochemistry also revealed higher TNF-α levels in SI1 than in EI1 (9.59 vs 4.09, p<0.001) in infarcted areas. In non-infarcted areas, EI4 showed higher levels of TNF-α and positive correlations between PPAR-α and NF-κB (r=0.75, p=0.02), in contrast to SI4 (r=0.05, p=0.87). CONCLUSION: Previously exercised animals had better long-term ventricular function post-MI, in addition to lower levels of local inflammatory markers and less myocardial apoptosis, which seemed to be related to the presence of PPAR-α.

Lowering Pulmonary Wedge Pressure after Heart Transplant: Pulmonary Compliance and Resistance Effect / Redução da Pressão Capilar Pulmonar após Transplante Cardíaco: Complacência Pulmonar e Efeito Resistência

AbstractBackground:Right ventricular (RV) afterload is an important risk factor for post-heart transplantation (HTx) mortality, and it results from the interaction between pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary compliance (CPA). Their product, the RC time, is believed to be constant. An exception is observed in pulmonary hypertension because of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures.Objective:Using HTx as a model for chronic lowering of LV filling pressures, our aim was to assess the variations in RV afterload components after transplantation.Methods:We retrospectively studied 159 patients with right heart catheterization before and after HTx. The effect of Htx on hemodynamic variables was assessed.Results:Most of the patients were male (76%), and the mean age was 53 ± 12 years. HTx had a significant effect on the hemodynamics, with normalization of the LV and RV filling pressures and a significant increase in cardiac output and heart rate (HR). The PVR decreased by 56% and CPA increased by 86%. The RC time did not change significantly, instead of increasing secondary to pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) normalization after HTx as expected. The expected increase in RC time with PWP lowering was offset by the increase in HR (because of autonomic denervation of the heart). This effect was independent from the decrease of PWP.Conclusion:The RC time remained unchanged after HTx, notwithstanding the fact that pulmonary capillary wedge pressure significantly decreased. An increased HR may have an important effect on RC time and RV afterload. Studying these interactions may be of value to the assessment of HTx candidates and explaining early RV failure after HTx.

ResumoFundamento:A pós-carga do ventrículo direito (VD) é um fator de risco importante para avaliar a mortalidade decorrente de transplante cardíaco (HTx) e resulta da interação entre a resistência vascular pulmonar (RVP) e a complacência pulmonar (CPA). Acredita-se que o produto da interação, o RC-time, seja constante. Entretanto, é exceção a hipertensão pulmonar devido às elevadas pressões de preenchimento do ventrículo esquerdo (VE).Objetivos:Ao utilizar o HTx como modelo para redução crônica das pressões de preenchimento do VE, nosso objetivo foi avaliar as variações nos componentes pós-carga do VD após o transplante.Métodos:Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 159 pacientes com cateterismo cardíaco direito realizado antes e após o HTx. O impacto do HTx nas variáveis hemodinâmicas foi avaliado.Resultados:A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo masculino (76%) e a média de idade foi 53 ± 12 anos. O HTx teve um efeito significativo na hemodinâmica, com normalização do VE e das pressões de preenchimento de VD e no aumento significativo do débito cardíaco e da freqüência cardíaca (FC). A RVP diminuiu 56% e a CPA aumentou 86%. Em vez de aumentar como era esperado, o RC-time não alterou significativamente e teve papel secundário em relação à normalização da pressão capilar pulmonar (PECP) após o HTx. O aumento esperado no RC timecom PWP reduzido foi atenuado pelo aumento da FC (devido à denervação autonômica do coração). Esse efeito ocorreu independentemente da diminuição da PCPConclusões:O RC-time permaneceu inalterado após HTx, entretanto a PECP diminuiu significativamente. O aumento da FC pode ter impacto importante no RC-time e na pós-carga do VD. O estudo dessas interações pode ser de grande valor para avaliar os candidatos HTx e explicar a falência do VD ocorrida logo após o HTx.

Resultados a largo plazo del trasplante intracoronario de células mononucleares de médula ósea autólogas en pacientes con cardiopatía dilatada de diversa etiología / Long-term results of intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow cells in dilated cardiomyopathy

Background: Intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is an interesting therapeutic promise for patients with heart failure of different etiologies. Aim: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of different etiologies under optimal medical treatment. Patients and Methods: Prospective, open-label, controlled clinical trial. Of 23 consecutive patients, 12 were assigned to autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell intracoronary transplantation, receiving a mean dose of 8.19 ± 4.43 x 10(6) CD34+ cells. Mortality, cardiovascular readmissions and cancer incidence rate, changes in functional capacity, quality of life questionnaires and echocardiographic measures from baseline, were assessed at long-term follow-up (37.7 ± 9.7 months) in patients receiving or not the cells. Results: No significant differences were observed in mortality, cardiovascular readmissions or cancer incidence rate amongst groups. An improvement in functional class and quality of life questionnaires in the transplanted group was observed (p < 0.01). The treated group showed a non-significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction at long-term follow-up (from 26.75 ± 4.85% to 34.90 ± 8.57%, p = 0.059 compared to baseline). There were no changes in left ventricular volumes. We observed no improvement of these variables in the control group. Conclusions: Intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is feasible and safe in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of diverse etiologies. This therapy was associated to persistent improvements in functional class and quality of life. There was also a non-significant long-term improvement of left ventricular function.

Avaliação ecocardiográfica de centenários / Echocardiographic Assessment of Centenary Patients

Fundamento: O ecocardiograma é uma ferramenta diagnóstica capaz de detectar diversos parâmetros com potencial de auxiliar o cardiologista na conduta do paciente. O conhecimento desses parâmetros em centenários pode levar ao maior entendimento do processo saúde/doença nessa população.Objetivos: Avaliar os parâmetros ecocardiográficos em centenários, uma vez que não foi encontrado na literaturatrabalho que contemplasse tais dados nesse grupo. Métodos: Foram avaliados por meio de ecocardiograma transtorácico 16 pacientes centenários, com baixo estado de dependência e fragilidade e sem histórico de cardiopatia.Resultados: Diâmetros, áreas, volumes e volumes indexados do átrio esquerdo encontraram-se aumentados em 31,25%, 50%, 68,75% e 87,5% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Os diâmetros diastólicos absolutos e indexados do ventrículo esquerdo acharam-se aumentados em 6,25% e 68,75%, respectivamente. A massa ventricular esquerda absoluta eindexada estava aumentada em 37,5% e 75% dos idosos. Apresentaram padrão de hipertrofia excêntrica 62,5% dos indivíduos. Déficit de contratilidade segmentar ocorreu em 31,25% da amostra. Pressão sistólica em artéria pulmonar acima de 40 mmHg ocorreu em 61,5% dos pacientes. Conclusão: As dimensões aumentadas das câmaras esquerdas e massa ventricular esquerda principalmente quando quantificadas pela superfície corporal apontam para a necessidade de indexação dos valores nesses indivíduos. A presençade déficit segmentar em 31,25% dos pacientes sugere que isquemia silenciosa seja relativamente comum em centenários. Hipertensão pulmonar em 61,5% dos pacientes sem elevação da pressão capilar pulmonar faz suspeitar de doença pulmonar não diagnosticada.

Background: Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool capable of detecting different parameters with the potential to assist the cardiologists inpatients management. Being aware of these parameters in centenary patients may lead to greater understanding of the health/disease process in this population. Objectives: To evaluate echocardiographic parameters in centenary patients, since no study covering such data in that group was found in the literature. Methods: Sixteen centenary patients with low state of dependence and weakness and no history of heart disease were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography.Results: Diameters, areas, volumes and indexed left atrial volumes were found to be increased by 31.25%, 50%, 68.75% and 87.5% of patients, respectively. Absolute and indexed left ventricular diastolic diameters were found to be increased by 6.25% and 68.75%, respectively. Absolute and indexed left ventricular mass was increased by 37.5% and 75% of elderly patients. The study found that 62.5% of individuals presented a pattern of eccentric hypertrophy. Deficit of segmental contractility occurred in 31.25% of the sample. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure above 40 mm Hg occurred in 61.5% of patients. Conclusion: Increased dimensions of left chambers and left ventricular mass especially when quantified by body surface point out to the need for indexing the values in these individuals. The presence of segmental deficit in 31.25% of patients suggests that silent ischemia is relativelycommon in centenarians. Pulmonary hypertension in 61.5% of patients without elevated pulmonary capillary pressure leads to suspectedundiagnosed lung disease.

A Study on Ventricular Late Potentials by Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram in Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Fifty patients who presented with Myocardial Infarction (MI), diagnosed by history, ECG, enzymes were subjected to late potential analysis between 7-10 days post MI by Signal Averaged Electrocardiography (SAECG). There were 42 male and 8 female patients. 34 had anterior wall MI and 16 had inferior wall MI, and all of them had Q wave infarction. History of previous MI in 12, diabetes in 14, hypertension in 34, smoking in 24 and hypercholesterolemia in 8 was noted. Patients were followed up for one year. Late potentials were positive in 10 patients (62.5%) of inferior wall MI and 6 patients (17.5%) of anterior wall MI. Those with episodes of ventricular tachycardia had increased incidence of late potentials. There was no correlation of late potentials and LV function assessed by echocardiography. Thrombolysed group had decreased incidence of late potentials.

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 ...

Ecocardiografia transesofágico intraoperatório na avaliação de gradientes residuais após correção cirúrgica das obstruções das vias de saída ventriculares direita e esquerda / Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of residual gradients after surgical correction of right and left ventricular outflow tract obstructions

Fundamento: O Ecocardiograma Transesofágico (ETE) intraoperatório tem sido muito utilizado durante as correções das cardiopatias congênitas; entretanto, em obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos, as informações são limitadas. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade do ETE em detectar gradientes residuais em pacientes com obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos. Pacientes e Método: Os gradientes sistólicos após circulação extracorpórea ao ETE de 127 pacientes (idade média de 7 anos), sendo 79 com obstrução direita e 48 com obstrução esquerda, foram comparados ao Ecocardiograma Transtorácico (ETT) após cirurgia. Gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg foram considerados de significância hemodinâmica.Resultados: Nas obstruções esquerdas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios maiores que o ETT (30 mmHg vs 24mmHg; p = 0,014). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 75% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 97%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 33%. Nas obstruções direitas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios semelhantes ao ETT (28 mmHg vs 25 mmHg; p = 0,21). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 88% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 91,5%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 60%. Conclusão: O ETE mostrou-se útil na detecção de gradientes residuais nas vias de saída dos ventrículos nos pacientes estudados. Entretanto, em gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg, o ETE sugere maior severidade das obstruções, particularmente no lado esquerdo.

Background: Despite the large use of intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in congenital heart surgery, limited information is available regarding ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the post-bypass TEE to detect residual gradients in patients with ventricular outflow obstruction. Patients and Methods: Post-bypass TEE peak systolic gradients of 127 patients (mean age of 7 years), being 79 with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and 48 with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, were compared with the postoperative TTE. Postoperative lesions were considered of hemodynamic significance when peak systolic gradient was higher than 40 mmHg. Results: In patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE showed mean peak systolic gradients higher than TTE (30 mmHg versus 24 mmHg; p= 0,014). In 75%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 97%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agree with TTE in 33%. In patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE mean gradients agreed with TTE (28 mmHg versus 25 mmHg; p= 0.21). In 88%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 91.5%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 60%.Conclusion: TEE showed to be a reliable technique to detect residual ventricular outflow tract obstructions in the majority of patients. However, when considered gradients higher than 40 mmHg, TEE suggested a greater severity of obstructions, particularly on the left side.

A importância da ecocardiografia para a avaliação de fonte embólica / The importance of echocardiography for the evaluation of cardiac sources of embolism

A pesquisa de fontes embólicas cardíacas por ecocardiografia é frequentemente requisitada no contexto de acidentes vasculares cerebrais embólicos. Seus achados têm também interesse para determinar o risco embólico de outras doenças cardíacas, mesmo ainda sem um evento embólico estabelecido. Neste trabalho apresenta-se uma revisão acerca do papel da ecocardiografia para as principais fontes embólicas cardíacas. Essas são divididas em fontes embólicas de alto risco (fibrilação atrial, infarto agudo do miocárdio e aneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo, miocardiopatias, estenose mitral, endocardite, prótese valvar mecânica, tumores e ateromas da aorta proximal) e de baixo risco (prolapso da válvula mitral, estenose aórtica calcificada, excrescências gigantes de Lambl e embolia paradoxal – forame oval patente e aneurisma do septo atrial). Dada a grande interação entre as diversas doenças cardiovasculares com potencial embólico, é difícil obter dados acerca do risco embólico isolado de cada achado de imagem. Não obstante, para as fontes embólicas cardíacas de alto risco estão mais bem determinados os achados que predizem um maior risco embólico.

Biventricular diastolic function assessed by Doppler echocardiogram in children vertically infected with human immunodeficiency virus / A função diastólica biventricular por meio da análise com ecocardiograma com Doppler em crianças infectadas verticalmente pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana

OBJECTIVE: to determine, by Doppler-echocardiography, the frequency of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic and clinically stable pediatric patients with vertical infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), from the cardiovascular viewpoint. METHODS: this was an observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study, performed at a regional referral clinic for patients with HIV, in a convenience sample of 94 individuals, assessing biventricular diastolic function by Doppler-echocardiography, and weight, blood hemoglobin, and percentage of lymphocytes T-CD4+. RESULTS: fifty patients had diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 38.7%, and the predominant type of dysfunction was decreased myocardial compliance. Right ventricular dysfunction was observed in 29.4% of the sample, and abnormal relaxation was the most prevalent type. Simultaneous biventricular dysfunction occurred in 14.1% of the individuals. There was no association between dysfunction and the immune status. CONCLUSIONS: diastolic dysfunction occurred, individually or simultaneously, with no association with immune status; decreased myocardial compliance was predominant in the left ventricle, and abnormal relaxation in the right ventricle. .

OBJETIVO: verificar, por meio do ecocardiograma com Doppler, a frequência de disfunção cardíaca diastólica em pacientes com infecção vertical pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana na faixa pediátrica, assintomáticos e clinicamente estáveis do ponto de vista cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional, prospectivo e transversal, realizado em um Ambulatório de Referência Regional para pacientes portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com uma amostra de conveniência de 94 pacientes, avaliados pelo sexo, idade, peso, função diastólica biventricular ao Doppler, hemoglobina sanguínea e percentual de linfócitos T-CD4+. RESULTADOS: apresentaram disfunção diastólica 50 pacientes. Disfunção ventricular esquerda ocorreu em 38,7% deles, e o tipo de disfunção predominante foi diminuição da complacência miocárdica. A disfunção ventricular direita foi evidenciada em 29,4% da amostra, sendo o tipo relaxamento anormal o mais prevalente. Disfunção biventricular simultânea ocorreu em 14,1% dos indivíduos. Não houve associação da disfunção com o estado imunológico. CONCLUSÕES: foi verificada disfunção diastólica, isolada ou simultânea, sem associação com o estado imunológico, sendo a diminuição da complacência miocárdica mais comum no ventrículo esquerdo e relaxamento anormal no ventrículo direito. .

Resistance Training After Myocardial Infarction in Rats: Its Role on Cardiac and Autonomic Function / Treinamento Resistido Após Infarto do Miocárdio em Ratos: Papel na Função Cardíaca e Autonômica

Background: Although resistance exercise training is part of cardiovascular rehabilitation programs, little is known about its role on the cardiac and autonomic function after myocardial infarction. Objective: To evaluate the effects of resistance exercise training, started early after myocardial infarction, on cardiac function, hemodynamic profile, and autonomic modulation in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control, trained control, sedentary infarcted and trained infarcted rats. Each group with n = 9 rats. The animals underwent maximum load test and echocardiography at the beginning and at the end of the resistance exercise training (in an adapted ladder, 40% to 60% of the maximum load test, 3 months, 5 days/week). At the end, hemodynamic, baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic modulation assessments were made. Results: The maximum load test increased in groups trained control (+32%) and trained infarcted (+46%) in relation to groups sedentary control and sedentary infarcted. Although no change occurred regarding the myocardial infarction size and systolic function, the E/A ratio (-23%), myocardial performance index (-39%) and systolic blood pressure (+6%) improved with resistance exercise training in group trained infarcted. Concomitantly, the training provided additional benefits in the high frequency bands of the pulse interval (+45%), as well as in the low frequency band of systolic blood pressure (-46%) in rats from group trained infarcted in relation to group sedentary infarcted. Conclusion: Resistance exercise training alone may be an important and safe tool in the management of patients after myocardial infarction, considering that it does not lead to significant changes in the ventricular function, reduces the global cardiac stress, and significantly improves the vascular and cardiac autonomic modulation in infarcted rats. .

Fundamento: Embora o treinamento físico resistido esteja inserido nos programas de reabilitação cardiovascular, pouco se sabe sobre seu papel isolado na função cardíaca e autonômica após o infarto do miocárdio. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico resistido iniciado precocemente após o infarto do miocárdio na função cardíaca, no perfil hemodinâmico e na modulação autonômica de ratos. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em Grupos Controle Sedentário, Controle Treinado, Infartado Sedentário e Infartado Treinado. Cada grupo foi composto por 9 ratos. Os animais realizaram o teste de carga máxima e a ecocardiografia ao início e ao final do treinamento físico resistido (em escada adaptada, 40 a 60% do teste de carga máxima, 3 meses, 5 dias/semana). Ao final, foram realizadas avaliações hemodinâmicas, de sensibilidade barorreflexa e da modulação autonômica. Resultados: O teste de carga máxima aumentou nos Grupos Controle Treinado (+32%) e Infartado Treinado (+46%) em relação aos Grupos Controle Sedentário e Infartado Sedentário. Embora a área de infarto do miocárdio e a função sistólica não tenham sido alteradas, a relação E/A (-23%), o índice de desempenho miocárdico (-39%) e a pressão arterial sistólica (+6%) foram melhorados pelo treinamento físico resistido no Grupo Infartado Treinado. Paralelamente, o treinamento induziu os grupos a benefícios adicionais nas bandas de alta frequência do intervalo de pulso (+45%), bem como a banda de baixa frequência da pressão arterial sistólica (-46%) nos ratos do Grupo Infartado Treinado em relação aos do Infartado Sedentário. Conclusão: O treinamento físico resistido dinâmico ...