Epidemiological and pathological aspects of cardiomyopathies in cats in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos das cardiomiopatias em gatos no Sul do Brasil

Cardiomyopathies are considered one of the most important causes of heart failure in cats and are subdivided into three main morphological types: hypertrophic (HCM), dilated (DCM), and restrictive (RCM). This study aimed to determine the frequency and types of cardiomyopathies in cats diagnosed in southern Brazil, with an emphasis on their epidemiological and pathological aspects. Necropsy reports filed in a veterinary pathology laboratory were reviewed, and cats diagnosed with cardiomyopathy were selected for the study. Animal identification data, history and clinical signs, and gross lesions, were reviewed and compiled. During the study period, 1.594 cat necropsies were performed, of which 72 (4.5%) comprised a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. HCM was the most frequent followed by CMR and CMD, representing 77.8%, 12.5% and 9.7%, respectively. Age ranged from three months to 18 years, with a median age of seven years. In relation to sex, 62.5% were males and 37.5% females. In 76.4% of the cases, it affected cats without a breed defined. Restrictive mixed dyspnea and hydrothorax were the main signs or findings of the clinical examination. Sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs due to aortic thromboembolism have also been described. In HCM, myocardial thickening was observed, with a reduction in the ventricular chamber. Hypertrophy, disarray, and fibrosis of the myofibers were the main histological findings. In RCM, whitish and thickened endocardium was seen in most cases. DCM was characterized by dilated cardiac chambers, and microscopic examination revealed no significant findings. The main extra cardiac lesions revealed pulmonary edema and congestion, hydrothorax and chronic passive congestion of the liver. Cardiomyopathies are important causes of death in cats and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with cardio respiratory clinical signs and in cases related to sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs.(AU)

As cardiomiopatias são consideradas umas das mais importantes causas de insuficiência cardíaca em gatos e são subdivididas morfologicamente em três principais tipos: cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH), dilatada (CMD) e restritiva (CMR). Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a frequência e os tipos de cardiomiopatias em gatos diagnosticados no Sul do Brasil, abordando seus aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos. Foram revisados os laudos de necropsias de gatos e selecionados para o estudo de diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. Os dados referentes à identificação do animal, o histórico/sinais clínicos e lesões macroscópicas foram revisados e compilados. No período estudado, foram realizadas 1.594 necropsias de gatos, destas, 72 (4,5%) compreenderam diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. A CMH foi a mais frequente seguida pela CMR e CMD, representando 77,8%, 12,5% e 9,7%, respectivamente. A idade variou de três meses a 18 anos, com a idade mediana de sete anos. Em relação ao sexo, 62,5% eram machos e 37,5% fêmeas. Em 76,4% dos casos, afetou gatos sem raça definida. Dispneia mista restritiva e hidrotórax foram os principais sinais ou achados do exame clínico. Morte súbita e paresia aguda de membros pélvicos em razão do tromboembolismo aórtico também foram descritos. Na CMH, observou-se espessamento do miocárdio, com redução da câmara ventricular. Hipertrofia, desarranjo e fibrose das miofibras foram os principais achados histológicos. Na CMR, visualizou-se endocárdio esbranquiçado e espessado na maioria dos casos. A CMD caracterizou-se pela dilatação das câmaras cardíacas, e sem lesão histológica significante. As principais lesões extracardíacas encontradas foram edema e congestão pulmonares, hidrotórax e congestão passiva crônica do fígado. As cardiomiopatias são causas importantes de morte em gatos, devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais clínicos cardiorrespiratórios e também em casos relacionados a morte súbita e paresia aguda dos membros pélvicos.(AU)

Sindrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida: compromiso del corazón y de los vasos / AIDS: cardiovascular involvement

Las complicaciones cardiovasculares del SIDA, son a menudo asintomáticas, aunque en ocasiones pueden constituir la causa directa de muerte. Puede comprometerse el pericardio, miocardio, endocardio y los vasos, ya sea como manifestación de la enfermedad de base o como resultado de la terapia antirretroviral y su efecto sobre los factores de riesgo, en el contexto de una patología que es actualmente de evolución crónica y con mejores expectativas de sobrevida gracias a las nuevas drogas empleadas para su control y tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una revisión de los aspectos más relevantes del SIDA que comprometen al corazón y los vasos.

The cardiovascular complications of AIDS, are often asymptomatic, although some may be direct cause of death. Pericardium, myocardium, endocardium, and vessels may be involved as a result of illness or the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy on risk factors, Today has become a chronic condition with improved life expectancy thanks to the development of new drugs for its treatment and control The aim of this article is to present a review of the most relevant aspects of AIDS involving the heart and vessels.

Experiencia clínica con 53 trasplantes cardiacos consecutivos / Clinical experience with 53 consecutive heart transplants

Introduction: Heart transplantation is the therapy of choice for advance heart failure. Our group developed two transplant programs at Instituto Nacional del Tórax and Clínica Dávila. We report our clinical experience based on distinctive clinical policies. Patients and Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients were transplanted between November 2008 and April 2013, representing 51% of all Chilean cases. Distinctive clinical policies include intensive donor management, generic immunosuppression and VAD (ventricular assist devices) insertion. Results: Ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy were the main indications (23 (43%) each), age 48 ± 13 years and 48 (91%) were male. Transplant listing Status: IA 14 (26%) (VAD or 2 inotropes), IB 14 (26%) (1 inotrope) and II25 (47%) (no inotrope). Mean waiting time 70 ± 83 days. Twelve (24%) were transplanted during VAD support (median support: 36 days). Operative technique: orthotopic bicaval transplant with ischemia time: 175 ± 54 min. Operative mortality: 3 (6%), all due to right ventricular failure. Re-exploration for bleeding 2 (4%), stroke 3 (6%), mediastinitis 0 (0%), pneumonia 4 (8%), and transient dialysis 6 (11%). Mean follow-up was 21 ± 14 months. Three-year survival was 86 ± 6%. One patient died of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and the other died suddenly (non-compliance). Freedom from rejection requiring specific therapy was 80 ± 7% at 3 years of follow-up. Four hundred eighty four endomyocardial biopsies were done: 11 (2.3%) had 2R rejection. All survivors are in NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class I and all but one have normal biventricular function. Conclusion: Mid-term results are similar to those reported by the registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. This experience has a higher proportion of VAD support than previous national series. Rejection rates are low in spite of generic immunosuppression.

Prevalência de doença celíaca em crianças e adolescentes com miocardite e cardiomiopatia dilatada / Celiac disease prevalence in children and adolescents with myocarditis and dilated cardiomiopathy

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de doença celíaca em pacientes portadores de cardiomiopatia dilatada e miocardite. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 56 pacientes, com idade entre 1 e 18 anos, portadores de cardiomiopatia dilatada ou miocardite, acompanhados no Instituto Materno Infantil Professor Fernando Figueira. Foram excluídos pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de doença celíaca. A classe funcional da insuficiência cardíaca foi determinada segundo os critérios da American Heart Association, como classe funcional I, II, III e IV. O diagnóstico de miocardite foi relatado em prontuário, e o de cardiomiopatia dilatada, pelo ecocardiograma, a partir da presença de disfunção sistólica de um ou ambos os ventrículos, com fração de ejeção menor que 55% e dilatação ventricular, com diâmetro diastólico final ventricular esquerdo maior que 112%. Nos pacientes incluídos no estudo, foi aplicado um formulário com informações sobre sintomatologia gastrointestinal e cardiológica; em seguida, dosadas sorologias para anticorpos antitransglutaminase tecidual humana e antiendomísio. Aqueles com sorologia positiva foram encaminhados à biópsia intestinal para avaliação histológica para doença celíaca, segundo os critérios de Marsh. RESULTADOS: Uma das 56 crianças apresentou sorologia antitransglutaminase positiva (1,8%), porém anticorpo antiendomísio negativo. A histologia intestinal demonstrou atrofia total das vilosidades. Cerca de 30% dos pacientes apresentaram insuficiência cardíaca. Sinais e sintomas gastrointestinais foram frequentes nos pacientes, em especial dor abdominal (70%, 39/56). CONCLUSÃO: A frequência de doença celíaca em pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada e miocardite foi de 1,8%. É importante investigar doença celíaca nos pacientes com essas doenças cardíacas para evitar evolução das doenças e deterioração clínica do paciente.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Fifty-six patients between 1 and 18 years old with dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis were evaluated and followed up at Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira. Patients with previous diagnosis of celiac disease were excluded. The functional classification was determined according to the American Heart Association criteria (classes I, II, III and IV). Diagnosis of myocarditis was reported in the patients' medical records. Dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed by echocardiogram with systolic dysfunction of one or both ventricles, ejection fraction lower than 55%, ventricular dilatation, and left ventricular diastolic diameter bigger than 112%. Patients answered a questionnaire about gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms; next, anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomysial (EMA) antibodies were dosed. Those with positive antibody results were referred to intestinal biopsy and histological evaluation to detect celiac disease according to Marsh classification. RESULTS: One of the 56 children (1.8%) had positive tTG antibody level, but negative EMA. Intestinal histological evaluation showed total villous atrophy. Approximately, 30% of patients had heart failure. Gastrointestinal symptoms and signs were frequent, especially abdominal pain (70%, 39/56). CONCLUSION: Celiac disease prevalence in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis was 1.8%. It is important to investigate celiac disease in patients with these conditions to avoid the progression of such diseases and patients' clinical deterioration.

Clinical presentation of dilated cardiomyopathy in children

To describe the presenting symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in children. Descriptive case series. This Study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Bolan Medical complex Hospital, Quetta during a period of 1 year. Following patients were included in this study; that had tachycardia, respiratory distress, and heart failure. Following patients were excluded from this study; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies, congenital heart disease, Rheumatic carditis and RHD. 50 Patients were included and their clinical variables, laboratory parameters and echocardiograms were analyzed. Out of 50 patients, 5 died, all these were 10 years or older. The following symptoms were found to be clinically significant. respiratory distress p<0.05, poor feeding p<0.05. The signs were clinically significant. Arrhythmia p<0.05, Fever p<0.05, Tachycardia p<0.05, Tachypnea p<0.05, Hepatosplenomegaly p<0.05, gallop rhythm p<0.05. Other significant findings were: X-ray chest, increased cardio thoracic ratio p<0.05. On echocardiography increased dimension >115 and ejection fraction <20% p<0.05, ST segment changes and T wave abnormality p<0.05. High index of suspicion followed by appropriate investigation can lead to correct diagnosis

Epidemiology and genetics of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Indian context.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) still remains to be a poorly understood and less analyzed group of cardiac-muscle disorders when compared to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Also, the vast clinical heterogeneity among the patients has rendered the small and isolated kindred studies less informative on the genetics and epidemiology of DCM. Aim of the study: The study aimed at understanding the epidemiology and genetics of DCMs in the Indian context. Materials and methods/ Statistical analysis: One hundred seven DCM patients and 105 healthy individuals were included in the study for epidemiological and genetic risk factor identification and to fit the possible mode of inheritance. Single's ascertainment methodology for segregation analysis and Penrose frequency estimates were followed to evaluate for the role of specific epidemiological factors in the disease etiology. Chi-square analysis was carried out to interpret the results statistically. Results and Conclusion: Our study suggests that epidemiological factors like gender, age at onset and vegetarian diet in conjunction with sarcomere gene mutations may play a role in the disease expression. Similarly, segregation analysis for the possible mode of inheritance showed a deviation from the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, strengthening the underlying genetic heterogeneity of DCM.

Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, factores pronósticos y evolución en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada como potenciales candidatos para trasplante cardíaco / Epidemiological and clinical aspects, prognostic factors and evolution in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy as potential candidates for heart transplantation

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y evolución de pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada. Material y Método: Fueron evaluados en forma consecutiva 90 pacientes menores de 16 años que consultaron en este hospital entre Marzo 1993 y Diciembre 2007 con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía dilatada (MD). Resultados: fueron analizados 90 pacientes con diagnóstico de MD, con edad entre 1 y 166 meses, mediana= 1 5 meses. Los menores de 1 año constituyeron el 46,8 por ciento. La distribución del sexo fue: 61 por ciento mujeres y 39 por ciento varones. Miocarditis se presumió en el 43,3 por ciento de los pacientes. Al momento del ingreso se encontraban en clase funcional I -II 74 ,5 por ciento en III-IV 25,5 por ciento; estos últimos requirieron internación en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). En un tiempo de seguimiento con mediana de 24m presentaron mala evolución (muerte o transplante el 31,1 por ciento. Permanecieron estables en clase funcional II el 41,1 por ciento. Recuperaron función ventricular 28,8 por ciento, la mayoría con sospecha de miocarditis. La sobrevida actuarial libre de eventos fue de 77 por ciento al año y 61 por ciento a los 5 años. En el análisis multivariado la edad y el sexo no fueron factores de riesgo para muerte o trasplante El diagnóstico disminuyó el riesgo de muerte o trasplante. conclusiones: A mediano plazo la MD puede evolucionar con recuperación de la función ventricular especialmente cuando está asociada a sospecha de miocarditis. la edad y el sexo no fueron factores de riesgo. El ingreso a UCI mejoró la sobrevida de los pacientes.

Cardiomiopatia periparto / Peripartum cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia periparto (CMPP) é uma forma de cardiomiopatia dilatada, caracterizada pelo desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca sistólica no período entre o último mês da gravidez e os cinco meses pós-parto. A incidência estimada varia entre 1/1.300 a 1/15.000 gestações. Admitem-se como fatores de risco para CMPP a idade materna avançada, multiparidade, raça negra, gestação gemelar, obesidade, pré-eclâmpsia e doença hipertensiva gestacional. A etiologia da CMPP permanece incerta, mas possíveis causas têm sido propostas, incluindo miocardite, resposta imune anormal a gravidez, má resposta adaptativa hemodinâmica à gestação, citocinas ativadas pelo stress, infecção viral, uso prolongado de tocolíticos, hereditariedade, déficits nutricionais e distúrbios hormonais. Os sinais e sintomas presentes na CMPP são semelhantes aos que aparecem em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca de outras causas. O diagnóstico é confirmado pelo ecocardiograma, que mostra objetivamente a presença de disfunção ventricular esquerda. O tratamento é semelhante ao da insuficiência cardíaca de outras etiologias, sendo os inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina e os bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina II evitados durante a gravidez (devido aos efeitos tóxicos para o feto), porém indicados no período puerperal, não interferindo na lactação. O papel dos imunossupressores no tratamento da CMPP ainda é controverso. Estudos bem desenhados são fundamentais para que se descubra a etiologia, que poderá orientar um tratamento específico, levando a uma melhor evolução dos pacientes com essa doença.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disorder of dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction occurring in the last month of pregnancy of within five months postpartum. Incidence of PPCM ranges from 1/1.300 to 1/15.000 pregnancies. Risk factors for PPCM include advanced maternal age, multiparity, African race, twin pregnancies, obesity, preeclampsia and gestacional hypertension. The etiology of PPCM is unknown, but many hypotheses have been proposed including myocarditis, abnormal immune response to pregnancy, maladaptative response to the hemodynamic stresses of pregnancy, stress activated cytokines, viral infection, prolonged tocolysis, heredity, nutritional and hormonal disorders. Symptons and signs of PPCM are similar to the one of those patients with heart failure of other causes. The diagnosis is confirmed with the echocardiographic identification of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The treatment of PPCM is similar to medical therapy for other forms of cardiac failure. In spite of that, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker is contraindicated because of the potencial toxic effects on the fetus; they can be used in puerperal period and during lactation. Further researches are needed to discover the peripartum cardiomyopathy's etiology; they will be able to guide a specific treatment and a better prognostic for the patients with this disease.

Avaliação do ritmo cardíaco em cães da raça Boxer saudáveis pela eletrocardiografia contínua ( Holter ) / Evaluation of the cardiac rhythm in healthy dogs of the Boxer breed using ambulatorial electrocardiography ( Holter )

The cardiac rhythm in a 24-hour period of 12 dogs of the Boxer breed, clinically healthy, males and females, of different ages was evaluated. No differences between males and females in the minimum, medium and maximum cardiac rates were observed (P>0.05). The females showed larger number of ventricular premature complex than the males. The major disorder in the cardiac rhythm was the ventricular premature complex. Several dogs showed the R over T phenomenon. Episodes of ventricular bigeminy and trigeminy were also observed.

Survival analysis of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyoopathy in Oman

To study the 10-year survival of adults with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy [IDC] in Oman. Ninety-seven patients aged >13 years with IDC attending the Cardiology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman from 1992-1995 were prospectively studied, in order to identify the outcome and factors contributing to death. Among 97 patients, 2 died from acute heart failure at presentation. The remaining 95 patients were followed up for periods ranging from 1-10 years [median 7 years]. Twenty-four out of 95 patients exhibited clinical deterioration with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], by 5-11%, and 17 of them expired due to resistant heart failure. The remaining 71 patients remained stable and did not show deterioration in LVEF; however, 7 of them died suddenly at home possibly from ventricular arrhythmia. The survival rates were 94% at one year [95% confidence interval [CI] 88% to 99%], 86% at 3 years [95% CI 79% to 93%], and 64% at 10 years [95% CI 51% to 78%]. Mean survival was 6.5 years [95% CI 6 to 7 years]. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that factors related to death were LVEF <30% [p<0.001] and presence of severe mitral regurgitation [p=0.01]. Outcome of dilated cardiomyopathy has improved due to greater understanding of this condition leading to better therapeutic approach. Resistant heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias remain the main causes of mortality. Poor outcome was related to low LVEF and presence of severe mitral regurgitation

Cardiomiopatia dilatada familiar en Panama

En cuatro generaciones de una familia panameña oriunda de Taboa se detecto una enfermedad cardíaca compatible con una cardiomiopatia dilatada. El análisis genético sugiere una herencia autosómica dominante. En el presente se desconoce el mecanismo patofisiológico pero se sospecha un desorden autoinmune