Tejido adiposo epicárdico en personas que viven con VIH: ¿una ventana hacia el riesgo cardiovascular? / Epicardial adipose tissue in people living with HIV: a window towards cardiovascular risk?

Introducción: En las personas que viven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (PVVIH) se han descripto desregulaciones metabólicas que podrían vincularse a un mayor riesgo cardiovascular.Objetivo: Evaluar el espesor del tejido adiposo epicárdico (ETAE) y la relación del mismo con parámetros clínicos y bioquímicos de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos que viven con VIH, comparados con controles seronegativos.Materiales y métodos: Observacional, inclusión prospectiva. Se incluyeron PVVIH >18 años y controles seronegativos para VIH, a los cuales se les midió el espesor de TAE en dos ejes por ecocardiograma transtorácico, así como el espesor de íntima media carotídea por ecografía doppler color.Resultados: 75 pacientes, 58,7% del sexo masculino, edad de 36 años (RIQ 22). 50,7% con VIH (CD4+: 512 cél/mm3 RIQ 382; 80% indetectables). IMC de 25,2 kg/m2 (RIQ 5,3) y circunferencia de cintura de 88,5 cm (DS 12,4), sin diferencias. Las PVVIH tuvieron menor HDL, mayor proteína C reactiva, mayor dímero D y mayor glucemia en ayunas. El ETAE fue mayor en las PVVIH (4,05 vs. 3,49 mm p=0,021), y se correlacionó con la edad, glucemia en ayunas y dímero D. En las PVVIH, se correlacionó con insulinemia, índice HOMA2-IR, HDL-c y dímero D. El tratamiento con Efavirenz se asoció a un mayor ETAE.Conclusión: Las PVVIH presentaron mayor inflamación sistémica de bajo grado y un mayor espesor de TAE que los controles sanos, el cual se asoció en este grupo a insulinorresistencia

Introduction: For people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV), metabolic deregulations have been described, which could be related to a higher cardiovascular risk.Objective: To assess the epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT), and the relationship between this value and clinical and biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk in adults living with HIV, if compared to a healthy control group. Methods: Observational, with prospective inclusion. It included PLHIV >18 years and seronegative controls. All of them had their EAT measured in two axes by transthoracic echocardiogram, as well as the carotid intima-media thickness determined by color doppler ultrasound.Results: 75 patients, 58.7% male, age of 36 years (RIQ 22). 50.7% patients with HIV (CD4+ of 512 cells/mm3; and 80% undetectable). BMI was of 25.2 kg/m2 and waist circumference of 88.5 cm, without between-groups differences. PLHIV had lower HDL, higher C reactive protein, higher D-dimer and higher fasting blood glucose. EATT was higher in PLHIV (4.05 vs 3.49 mm, p=0.021), and this correlated with age, fasting blood glucose and D-dimer. In PLHIV, it correlated with insulinemia, HOMA2-IR index, HDL-c ; and D-dimer. Treatment with Efavirenz was associated with a higher EATT.Conclusion: PLHIV presented increased systemic inflammation of low grade and higher EATT than the seronegative control group. EATT was associated in PLHIV to insulin resistance

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica, ecocardiográfica y terapéutica de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio / Clinical, epidemiological, echocardiographic and therapeutic characterization of patients with acute myocardial infarction i: en

Introducción: Aunque la incidencia general de infarto agudo de miocardio ha disminuido en muchos países desarrollados en las últimas décadas, aún genera números elevados de morbilidad y mortalidad en los de bajos ingresos; mostrando cifras mayores en tiempos de la pandemia por coronavirus. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio según variables clinicoepidemiológicas, ecocardiográficas y terapéuticas. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y retrospectiva, desde enero de 2018 hasta noviembre de 2022, de 263 pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio, atendidos en el Centro de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular de Santiago de Cuba. Entre las variables analizadas figuraron la edad, el sexo, la topografía del infarto, las complicaciones, las alteraciones ecocardiográficas y el tratamiento trombolítico. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino y el grupo etario menor o igual de 65 años. Se observó una mayor frecuencia del infarto en la topografía inferior (177, para 67,3 %); de estos afectados, 52,1 % tuvo complicaciones. Asimismo, la complicación de mayor frecuencia fue la fibrilación auricular paroxística, seguida del infarto de ventrículo derecho; mientras que la fracción de eyección menor de 45 %, el volumen de la aurícula izquierda y la motilidad parietal presentaron significación estadística. Conclusiones: Las características clinicoepidemiológicas, ecocardiográficas y terapéuticas de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba no difieren del contexto epidemiológico mundial.

Introduction: Although the general incidence of acute myocardial infarction has diminished in many developed countries in the last decades, it still generates high numbers of morbidity and mortality in those with low income; showing higher figures in times of coronavirus. Objective: To characterize patients with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction according to clinical, epidemiological, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective investigation was carried out from January, 2018 to November, 2022, of 835 patients with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, assisted in the Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Center of Santiago de Cuba. Among the analyzed variables there were age, sex, topography of infarction, complications, echocardiographic disorders and thrombolytic treatment. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the male sex and the 65 or less age group. A higher frequency of infarction in the lower topography (177, for 67.3 %) was observed; of these patients, 52.9 % had complications. Also, the complication of more frequency was the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, followed by the infarction of the right ventricle; while the ejection fraction smaller than 45 %, the volume of the left auricle and the parietal motility presented statistical significance. Conclusions: Clinical, epidemiological, echocardiographic and therapeutic characteristics of patients with acute myocardial infarction in Santiago de Cuba province do not differ from the world epidemiological context.

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

Compound Danshen Dripping Pills pretreatment protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury by enhancing autophagic flux

Abstract Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDPs) have been used in clinical treatment to protect the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury for many years. However, the underlying mechanism implicated in the protective effects remains to be explored. Here, we determined the effects of CDDPs in Sprague-Dawley rats with the IR model. Cardiac function in vivo was assessed by echocardiography. Transmission electron microscopy, histological and immunohistochemical techniques, Western blotting and recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 transfection were used to illustrate the effects of CDDPs on IR and autophagy. Our results showed that pretreatment with CDDPs decreased the level of serum myocardial enzymes and infarct size in rats after IR. Apoptosis evaluation showed that CDDPs significantly ameliorated the cardiac apoptosis level after IR. Meanwhile, CDDPs pretreatment increased myocardial autophagic flux, with upregulation of LC3B, downregulation of p62, and increased autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Moreover, the autophagic flux inhibitor chloroquine could increase IR injury, while CDDPs could partially reverse the effects. Furthermore, our results showed that the activation of AMPK/mTOR was involved in the cardioprotective effect exerted by CDDPs. Herein, we suggest that CDDPs partially protect the heart from IR injury by enhancing autophagic flux through the activation of AMPK/mTOR.

Monitorización hemodinámica integrada: clínica, gasométrica y ecocardiográfica / Integrated hemodynamic monitoring: clinical, gasometric and echocardiographic / Monitorização hemodinâmica integrada: clínica, gasométrica e ecocardiográfica

Introducción: la monitorización hemodinámica constituye un conjunto de técnicas y parámetros que permiten valo rar si la función cardiovascular es la adecuada para mantener la perfusión y la oxigenación tisular que permita sa tisfacer las demandas metabólicas del organismo, valorar el estado y el comportamiento del sistema cardiovascular, orientando sobre la mejor estrategia terapéutica. La presente revisión busca proporcionar una descripción general e integrada de las diferentes técnicas de monitorización, así como aspectos fisiológicos relevantes para su entendi miento y empleo terapéutico. La monitorización hemodinámica acompañada de un adecuado conocimiento de la fisiología cardiovascular permite determinar el estado del sistema cardiovascular, la condición hemodinámica del paciente y la estrategia terapéutica requerida. Su interpretación debe partir de la integración y la correlación de diversos parámetros hemodinámicos.

Introduction: hemodynamic monitoring is a set of techniques and parameters that allow evaluating whether cardio vascular function is adequate to maintain tissue perfusion and oxygenation to satisfy metabolic demands of the or ganism, assess the condition and behavior of the cardiovascular system, providing guidance on the best therapeutic strategy. This review seeks to provide a general and integrated description of the different monitoring techniques, as well as physiological aspects relevant to their understanding and therapeutic use. Hemodynamic monitoring accompanied by an adequate knowledge of cardiovascular physiology allows to determine the state of the cardiovascular system, hemodynamic condition of the patient and therapeutic strategy required, its interpretation must start from the integration and correlation of different hemodynamic parameters.

Introdução: a monitorização hemodinâmica constitui um conjunto de técnicas e parâmetros que permitem avaliar se a função cardiovascular é adequada para manter a perfusão e oxigenação tecidual que permite satisfazer as exi gências metabólicas do organismo, avaliar o estado e comportamento do sistema cardiovascular, orientando sobre a melhor estratégia terapêutica. Esta revisão procura fornecer uma descrição geral e integrada das diferentes técnicas de monitorização, bem como aspectos fisiológicos relevantes para a sua compreensão e utilização terapêutica. A monitorização hemodinâmica acompanhada de um conhecimento adequado da fisiologia cardiovascular permite determinar o estado do sistema cardiovascular, a condição hemodinâmica do doente e a estratégia terapêutica neces sária, a sua interpretação deve partir da integração e correlação de vários parâmetros hemodinâmicos.

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Fetal echocardiography audit in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

Delayed detection of congenital heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributes to the poor outcome of infants with cardiac anomalies. Fetal echocardiography (FE) can detect heart defects in-utero as early as the 18th gestational week (GA), giving parents and medical professionals time to prepare for the baby's delivery and appropriate treatment. University College Hospital, Nigeria, is one of the few centres in Nigeria where FE is performed. Objectives: To examine the indications for referral for FE and the diagnoses made in our first four years of performing FE. Methods: FE was performed in the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, using the GE Voluson P6 machine with a 2-6-RS probe. Demographic information was obtained from the antenatal clinic records of the women who had FE using a semi-structured questionnaire. FE diagnoses were retrieved from the FE register. Results: A total of 129 women whose records were available were studied. The mean age of the women was 31.7±5.5 years. Forty-two women (32.6%) were referred because of echogenic foci, making this the most common indication for FE. Twenty-nine (22.5%) fetuses had structural heart defects, the most common being Ventricular Septal Defect. Conclusion: There is a need for Obstetricians and Paediatricians to be aware of the indications for fetal echocardiography and refer women appropriately

Diagnóstico antenatal de cardiopatías congénitas por telemedicina: experiencia en CERPO, 2017-2022 / Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease by telemedicine: experience in CERPO, 2017-2022

Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas son las anomalías más frecuentes y la principal causa de muerte infantil y neonatal. El diagnóstico prenatal mejora el resultado perinatal determinando el lugar de nacimiento y el nivel de cuidado neonata. La telemedicina mediante videoconferencia en tiempo real permite mejorar la precisión diagnóstica y planificar el nacimiento. Objetivo: Determinar el diagnóstico y manejo perinatal de fetos con sospecha de cardiopatía congénitas, evaluadas a través de telemedicina en tiempo real atendidas en CERPO en el periodo 2017-2022. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de las evaluaciones mediante telemedicina en tiempo real realizadas en CERPO entre los años 2017 a 2022. Se revisó el resultado perinatal y se compararon los diagnósticos pre y postnatales, extraídos de la base de datos CERPO y Unidad de Neonatología del Hospital Luis Tisné Brousse. Resultados: La correlación del diagnóstico de cardiopatía congénita mediante telemedicina es de un 81,8% y de 89,8% con el diagnostico posnatal. Conclusiones: La evaluación por medio de telemedicina permite mejorar la precisión diagnostica de la cardiopatía congénita en áreas con escaso acceso a operadores experimentados en evaluación cardiaca fetal. Esto minimiza el impacto económico y social asociado al manejo perinatal de un feto con cardiopatía congénita en nuestro país.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease is the most common anomaly and the leading cause of infant and neonatal death. Prenatal diagnosis improves perinatal outcomes by choosing the right place of birth and level of neonatal care. Telemedicine by videoconferencing in real-time allows for improved diagnostic accuracy and birth planning. Objective: To determine the diagnosis and perinatal management of fetuses with suspected congenital heart disease, evaluated by telemedicine at CERPO in the period 2017-2022. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of evaluations via real-time videoconferencing performed at CERPO between 2017-2022. The perinatal outcome was reviewed, and pre and postnatal diagnoses were compared. The data was extracted from the CERPO database and the Neonatology Unit of the Luis Tisné Brousse Hospital. Results: The correlation of congenital heart disease diagnosis by telemedicine was 81.8% and 89.8% with postnatal diagnosis. Conclusions: Telemedicine assessment improves the diagnostic accuracy of congenital heart disease in areas with poor access to an experienced fetal cardiac specialist. This minimizes the economic and social impact associated with our countrys perinatal management of a fetus with congenital heart disease.

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

Comparative study between suprasternal and apical windows: a user-friendly cardiac output measurement for the anesthesiologist

Abstract Introduction Transthoracic echocardiography is a safe and readily available tool for noninvasive monitoring of Cardiac Output (CO). The use of the suprasternal window situated at the sternal notch can be an alternative approach for estimating blood flow. The present study aimed to compare two methods of CO calculation. We compared the descending aorta Velocity-Time Integral (VTI) measurement from the suprasternal window view with the standard technique to determine CO that uses VTI measurements from the LVOT (Left Ventricular Outflow Tract) view. We also aimed to find out whether after basic training a non-echocardiographer operator can obtain reproducible measurements of VTI using this approach. Methods In the first part of the study, 26 patients without known cardiovascular diseases were evaluated and VTI data were acquired from the suprasternal window by a non-echocardiographer and an echocardiographer. Next, 17 patients were evaluated by an echocardiographer only and VTI and CO measurements were obtained from suprasternal and apical windows. Data were analyzed using the Bland and Altman method (BA), correlation and regression. Results We found a strong correlation between measurements obtained by a non-expert and an expert echocardiographer and detected that an inexperienced trainee can acquire VTI measurements from the suprasternal window view. Regarding agreement between CO measurements, data obtained showed a positive correlation and the Bland and Altman analysis presented a total variation of 38.9%. Conclusion Regarding accuracy, it is likely that TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiogram) measurements of CO from the suprasternal window view are comparable to other minimally invasive techniques currently available. Due to its user-friendliness and low cost, it can be a convenient technique for obtaining perioperative hemodynamic measurements, even by inexperienced operators.

Agreement analysis of stroke volume and cardiac output measurement between a oscillometric device and transthoracic echocardiogram in normotensive individuals: a preliminary report

Abstract Introduction The evaluation of stroke volume (SV) is useful in research and patient care. To accomplish this, an ideal device should be noninvasive, continuous, reliable, and reproducible. The Mobil-O-Graph (MOG) is a noninvasive oscillometric matrix validated for measuring aortic and peripheral blood pressure, which through conversion algorithms can estimate hemodynamic parameters. Objectives To compare the MOG measurement of stroke volume, cardiac output, and cardiac index with the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Methods Healthy volunteers aged 18 years or older were included. Two-dimensional TTEs were performed by a single operator. Subsequently, the measurement of noninvasive hemodynamics with MOG was performed with the operator blind to the results of the echocardiogram. Correlation analyses between stroke volume, cardiac output, and cardiac index parameters were performed. The degree of agreement between the methods was verified using the Bland-Altman method. Results A total of 38 volunteers were enrolled with a mean age of 27.6 ± 3.8 years; 21 (55%) were male The SV by TTE was 76.8 ± 19.5 mL and 75.7 ± 19.3 mL by MOG, Rho = 0.726, p< 0.0001. The CO by TTE was 5.04 ± 0.8 mL.min-1 and 5.1 ± 0.8 mL.min-1 by MOG Rho = 0.510, p= 0.001. Bland-Altman plots showed a good concordance between the two techniques. Conclusions Our study shows that the measurement of SV and CO by noninvasive hemodynamics with the MOG device offers a good concordance with the TTE with very few values beyond the confidence limits.

Aspectos clinicoepidemiológicos, electrocardiográficos, ecocardiográficos y terapéuticos en pacientes diabéticos con infarto agudo de miocardio / Clinical epidemiological, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and therapeutic aspects in diabetic patients with acute heart attack

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus se encuentra entre las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles más comunes en el mundo, y se estima que para el 2030 será diagnosticada en 7,7 % de la población mayor de 18 años, es decir, en 430 millones de individuos. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes diabéticos que presentaron infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST, según variables clinicoepidemiológicas, electrocardiográficas, ecocardiográficas y terapéuticas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2019, de 137 pacientes con antecedente de diabetes mellitus que presentaron infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST, atendidos en el Servicio de Cardiología del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba. Entre las variables analizadas figuraron la edad, el sexo, la clase funcional, las complicaciones, la función sistólica y la diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo, la terapia de reperfusión empleada y el estado del paciente al egreso. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino y el grupo etario mayor de 60 y más años. Se observó que el infarto agudo de miocardio en la topografía anterior presentara más complicaciones, así como mayor número de pacientes con tratamiento trombolítico y combinado. Asimismo, la mayoría de los pacientes egresaron vivos, lo cual se correspondió, además, con que recibieran terapia trombolítica. Al analizar a los pacientes con alteraciones segmentarias en el estudio ecocardiográfico, se obtuvo una primacía de los fallecidos en ese grupo en cuestión. Conclusiones: Los pacientes diabéticos que presentan infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST constituyen un grupo independiente con especificidades clínicas y ecocardiográficas y mayor riesgo de complicaciones mortales.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is not among the most common chronic non communicable diseases in the world, and is considered that by 2030 it will be diagnosed in the 7.7 % of the population over 18 years, that is to say, in 430 million individuals. Objective: To characterize diabetic patients that presented acute heart attack with elevation of the ST segment, according to clinical epidemiological, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out from January to December, 2019 of 137 patients with history of diabetes mellitus that presented acute heart attack with elevation of the ST segment, assisted in the Cardiology Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. Among the analyzed variables figured the age, sex, functional class, complications, systolic and dyastolic function of the left ventricle, the therapy of reperfusion used and the state of the patient when discharged from the hospital. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the male sex and the 60 and over age group. It was observed that the acute heart attack in the previous topography presented more complications, as well as higher number of patients with thrombolitic and combined treatment. Also, most of the patients were alive when discharged from the hospital, which also corresponded with the thrombolitic therapy received. When analyzing the patients with segmental alterations in the echocardiographic study, a primacy of the deceaseds was obtained in that group. Conclusions: The diabetic patients that present acute heart attack with elevation of the ST segment constitute an independent group with clinical and echocardiographic specificities, and more risk of mortal complications.

Persistent left superior vena cava as an incidental finding in the introduction of a transient pacemaker: A case report / Vena cava superior izquierda persistente como hallazgo incidental en la introducción de un marcapasos transitorio: informe de un caso

The persistent left superior vena cava is the most common venous anomaly in the systemic drainage in adults and tends to be asymptomatic. The persistent left superior vena cava causes rhythm disorders such as tachyarrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias. We report a case of persistent left superior vena cava diagnosed in a 53-year-old female patient admitted due to an acute coronary syndrome associated with unstable bradycardia. A transvenous peacemaker impressed the left atrium; therefore, a transthoracic echocardiogram was required to diagnose persistent left superior vena cava. The patient needed management with percutaneous intervention; she had an adequate evolution and subsequent discharge from the intensive care unit

La vena cava superior izquierda persistente es la anomalía venosa más frecuente en el drenaje sistémico en adultos; tiende a ser asintomática, pero causa trastornos del ritmo como taquiarritmias o bradiarritmias. Se presenta un caso de vena cava superior izquierda persistente diagnosticada en una paciente de 53 años hospitalizada por un síndrome coronario agudo asociado a bradicardia inestable. Un marcapasos transvenoso dejó una impresión en la aurícula izquierda, por lo que se requirió un ecocardiograma transtorácico para diagnosticar la vena cava superior izquierda persistente. La paciente necesitó una intervención percutánea con una adecuada evolución y se le dio el alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Insuficiencia cardíaca de novo: Un reto diagnóstico / Di novo heart failure: A diagnostic challenge

Introducción: El término insuficiencia cardíaca de novo hace referencia a pacientes sin diagnóstico previo de dicha enfermedad. La revisión de este tema deviene de un problema real, pues muchos pacientes acuden a la atención secundaria sin diagnóstico previo de insuficiencia cardíaca y además en estadios avanzados. Objetivo: Describir los elementos claves para el diagnóstico precoz de insuficiencia Cardíacas. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, SciELO, ESBCO, Cochrane y BVS, así como en diferentes webs médicas durante tres meses entre febrero de 2021 al 31 de mayo de 2021. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico precoz de insuficiencia cardíaca permitió disminuir el número de pacientes que llegan a la Atención Secundaria sin diagnóstico previo. Existen clasificaciones que identifican estadios tempranos de la enfermedad y la de la ACC/AHA es relevante para lograr este objetivo. En atención primaria esto es un reto si no se emplean pruebas diagnósticas como el ecocardiograma. Es importante la determinación de las concentraciones circulantes del péptido natriurético tipo B (BNP) y del fragmento N-terminal de su protohormona (N-terminal BNP). Este biomarcador debería estar accesible en las consultas ambulatorias para pacientes que presentan sospecha clínica de insuficiencia cardíaca «de novo»(AU)

Introduction: The term di novo heart failure refers to patients without a previous diagnosis of this disease. The review of this issue comes from a real problem, since a group of patients attend secondary care without a previous diagnosis of heart failure and also have in advanced stages. Objective: The objective is to provide a clue that facilitates the early diagnosis of heart failure. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: Pubmed, SciELO, ESBCO, Cochrane and BVS, as well as in different medical websites for three months (February 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021). Conclusions: The early diagnosis of heart failure will allow us to reduce the number of patients who arrive at Secondary Care without a previous diagnosis. There are classifications that identify early stages of the disease, being in our opinion the ACC / AHA classification the one that should carry the most weight. In primary care this can be a challenge if diagnostic tests such as echocardiography are not used. Dosification of serum levels of type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminal fragment of its protohormone (N-terminal BNP) is very useful. This biomarker should be accessible in outpatient clinics for patients with clinical suspicion of di novo heart failure(AU)

Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and Omentin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of permanent AF at the cardiology outpatient clinic 33 individuals without atrial fibrillation (controls) were included in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography. Serum omentin, IL 6, IL 1 beta, TNF alpha and CRP levels were measured. Man-Whitney U test was performed for comparisons and significance was established at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in the patient group (6mm [4-5.5]) than controls (4mm [3-5.5]) (p <0.001). No significant difference was found in the concentrations of omentin or inflammatory molecules between the groups. Conclusion: No relationship was found between atrial fibrillation and serum levels or omentin or inflammatory markers. A relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness measured by echocardiography and atrial fibrillation was determined.

Echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and immature granulocyte are novel inflammatory predictors of acute ischemic stroke: a prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke. Inflammation is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Use of immature granulocytes (IGs) has been recommended as a new indicator of systemic inflammation. However, data on the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) and IGs in patients with AIS are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the presences of IGs, epicardial fat tissue and AIS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a tertiary-care university hospital in Antalya, Turkey. METHODS: Our study included 53 AIS patients and 41 healthy controls with age and gender compatibility. Blood samples and transthoracic echocardiography of all participants were compared. RESULTS: IG levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS than in controls (0.62 ± 0.36 versus 0.28 ± 0.02, P < 0.001). The mean EFT was 3.74 ± 0.61 mm in the control group and 6.33 ± 1.47 mm in the AIS patient group. EFT was significantly greater in AIS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). For the optimum cut-off value for IG (0.95), the area under the curve (AUC) was determined to be 0.840; sensitivity was determined to be 81.1% and specificity, 92.5%. For the optimum cut-off value for EFT (4.95 mm), the AUC was determined to be 0.953; sensitivity was determined to be 90.6% and specificity, 90%. CONCLUSIONS: IG and echocardiographic EFT are clinical markers that can be used to predict AIS risk.

Insuficiencia mitral congénita en el adulto: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Congenital mitral regurgitation in adults: a case report and literature review

Congenital mitral valve disease is a rare form of mitral regurgitation. The etiological diagnosis is often challenging. The transthoracic echocardiogram is presented as a good initial approach method. The case of a 29-year-old patient referred for the diagnosis of severe congenital mitral regurgitation in parachute is presented. This report aims to illustrate the clinical and echocardiographic presentation of congenital mitral regurgitation.

Persistencia de conducto arterioso en adulto: a propósito de un caso / Persistence of the duct arteriosus in adults: a propos of a case

Congenital heart disease includes a wide range of heart defects that appear at birth, corresponding to the most frequent group of genetic alterations. They represent the most frequent birth defects in the world, affecting millions of newborns annually. Chile is not exempt from this public health problem, estimating a prevalence of 8-10 per 1,000 live births, similar to international figures. Some of these defects are not diagnosed in a timely manner due to various causes, including causes such as poor clinical translation and limited accessibility to the Public Health system. Thanks to the improvement of technological resources, more cases of congenital heart disease are diagnosed every day and the time of diagnosis is getting earlier. The case presented below refers to a 47-year-old male patient with several comorbidities, who underwent a Doppler echocardiogram during his hospitalization due to acute respiratory failure, where a systodiastolic flow was detected in one of the compatible pulmonary arteries, with a patent ductus arteriosus.

Complete Pericardial Agenesis in a Pregnant Patient: A Clinical Dilemma

Abstract Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly found predominantly in men, and its complete form is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. This report describes the case of a pregnant patient with complete pericardial agenesis in which mode of delivery and sterilization raised debate among specialists.