[Electrocardiographic interval as a predictor of life-threatening arrhythmias in dilated cardiomyopathy patients]. / Intervalo electrocardiográfico como predictor de arritmias graves en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada.

Background: The Tpe interval (Tp-e) in the surface electrocardiogram represents ventricular repolarization, a key phase in the pathogenesis of severe ventricular arrhythmias. However, there are few studies evaluating changes in this electrocardiographic interval as a risk factor for serious arrhythmias in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Objective: To determine whether the Tp-e interval prolongation predicts the presence of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Material and methods: Analytical, cross-sectional study in patients with DCM with ICDs. The Tp-e interval was measured in the V2 electrocardiographic lead and correlated with the incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias identified by the ICD. Results: 53 patients were recruited, 10 (18.8%) presented life-threatening arrhythmias. Prolongation of Tp-e interval was related to an increase in the incidence of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation tachycardia (VT/FT) with a mean of 93 ± 20.5 ms (p = 0.003), using ROC curves to determine the thereshold of 90 ms for increased risk of VT/VF with sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 84%, with an area under the curve of 0.798. Conclusion: The prolongation of the ITp-e interval greater than 90 ms in a population with dilated cardiomyopathy predicts the presence of arrhythmic episodes, such as VT and/or VT/FT.

Introducción: el intervalo Tpe (ITp-e) en el electrocardiograma de superficie representa la repolarización ventricular, fase clave en la patogénesis de arritmias ventriculares graves. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que evalúen la alteración de este intervalo electrocardiográfico como factor de riesgo de arritmias graves en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada. Objetivo: determinar si la prolongación del ITp-e predice la presencia de arritmias potencialmente mortales en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada (MCD) portadores de desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI). Material y métodos: estudio, transversal analítico en pacientes con MCD portadores de DAI. Se midió el ITp-e en la derivación electrocardiográfica V2 y se correlacionó con la incidencia de arritmias potencialmente letales identificadas por el DAI. Resultados: se incluyeron 53 pacientes, 10 (18.8%) presentaron arritmias potencialmente mortales. La prolongación del ITp-e se relacionó con aumento de incidencia de taquicardia ventricular/fibrilación ventricular (TV/FV) con media de 93 ± 20.5 ms (p = 0.003), por lo que se determinó mediante curvas ROC el punto de corte de 90 ms para el aumento de riesgo de TV/FV con sensibilidad de 70% y especificidad de 84%, con área bajo la curva de 0.798. Conclusión: la prolongación del intervalo ITp-e > 90 ms en población con miocardiopatía dilatada predice la presencia de episodios arrítmicos como TV o FV.

Validation of the EuroSCORE model in patients undergoing heart surgery in Regional Hospital of High Speciality of Bajio / Validación del modelo EuroSCORE en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío

Abstract: Introduction: EuroSCORE is a probabilistic model with good performance in the prognosis of mortality in heart surgery in many latitudes. It is recommendable to validate it in hospitals where it is employed. Objective: To validate the EuroSCORE model in adult patients at the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío (HRAEB) of León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Material and methods: We conducted an observational transversal, and retrospective study, accomplishing this through the review of the clinical files of patients submitted to heart surgery with and without extracorporeal circulation pump from 01/01/2008 to 12/31/2013 at the HRAEB. This included mortality up to hospital discharge, utilizing the on-line calculator of the EuroSCORE program to estimate risk of death. In order to validate the EuroSCORE model, we assessed discrimination and calibration through the Area Under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and χ2 test with Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit, respectively. Results: A total of 342 patients, aged 50.02 ± 16.66 years, 181 males (52.9%) and 161 women (47.1%). The area under the ROC curve of the additive model was 0.763, and of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 5.30, with p = 0.62. The area under the ROC curve of the logistic model was 0.761 and of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, 8.78, with p = 0.36. Conclusion: The EuroSCORE model is a reliable score for estimating the probabilities of death in adult patients submitted to heart surgery with or without the pump at the HRAEB.

Resumen: Introducción: EuroSCORE es un modelo probabilístico con buen desempeño en el pronóstico de mortalidad en cirugía cardiaca en muchas latitudes. Es recomendable validarlo en los hospitales donde se emplea. Objetivo: Validar el modelo EuroSCORE en pacientes adultos en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío (HRAEB) de León, Guanajuato, México. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal y retrospectivo, que se completó con la revisión de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca con y sin bomba de circulación extracorpórea desde el 01/01/2008 hasta el 31/12/2013 en el HRAEB. Esto incluyó la mortalidad hasta el alta hospitalaria, utilizando la calculadora en línea del programa EuroSCORE para estimar el riesgo de muerte. Para validar el modelo EuroSCORE, evaluamos la discriminación y la calibración a través de la curva de características de operación del receptor (ROC) y la prueba de χ2 con la efectividad de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L), respectivamente. Resultados: Un total de 342 pacientes, de 50.02 ± 16.66 años, 181 hombres (52.9%) y 161 mujeres (47.1%). El área bajo la curva ROC del modelo aditivo fue de 0.763, y la de la prueba Hosmer-Lemeshow fue de 5.30, con p = 0.62. El área bajo la curva ROC del modelo logístico fue 0.761 y de la prueba Hosmer-Lemeshow, 8.78, con p = 0.36. Conclusión: El modelo EuroSCORE es una herramienta confiable para estimar las probabilidades de muerte en pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía cardiaca con o sin bomba en el HRAEB.

[Correlation of heart rate variability with SYNTAX II on chronic angina]. / Correlación de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca con SYNTAX II en angina crónica.

BACKGROUND: The heart rate variability (HRV) is a prognostic value of cardiovascular risk. It is unknown the correlation between HRV and coronary severity on patients with chronic angina. The objective was to determine the correlation between HRV and the SYNTAX II score in chronic angina. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in patients of 18 years or older with stable angina and indication of coronary angiography who went to a third level center. The SYNTAX II score was established by using coronary angiography, while HRV was obtained by a 24-hour Holter ECG. The correlation between SYNTAX II and HRV was performed with Pearson's test. Values of SDNN < 100 ms and RMSSD < 15 ms were considered risk factors. RESULTS: 61 patients were included. 45 had a decreased value of SDNN (73.77%) and eight had a decreased value of RMSSD (13.11%). There was no correlation between HRV and SYNTAX II score. There were more events of ventricular tachycardia in the group of patients with low SDNN than in those with normal SDNN (15.5% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between HRV and the severity of coronary artery disease in stable chronic ischemic heart disease. However, those patients with low HRV showed more events of ventricular tachycardia.

Introducción: la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC) es un valor pronóstico de riesgo cardiovascular. Se desconoce su correlación con la severidad de la cardiopatía isquémica estable. El objetivo fue conocer la correlación de la VFC con la puntuación SYNTAX II en angina crónica. Métodos: estudio transversal en pacientes mayores de 18 años con angina estable e indicación de coronariografía diagnóstica que asistieron a un centro de tercer nivel. Mediante coronariografía se estableció la puntuación SYNTAX II y se obtuvo la VFC por Holter de 24 horas. La correlación de las mediciones se obtuvo con la prueba de Pearson. Un valor de SDNN < 100 ms y de RMSSD < 15 ms se consideró de riesgo. Resultados: se incluyeron 61 pacientes. De ellos, 45 tenían disminución de los valores de SDNN (73.77%) y solo 8 tenían disminución de los valores RMSSD (13.11%). No hubo correlación de ningún parámetro de VFC con SYNTAX II. Hubo mayor frecuencia de taquicardia ventricular en el grupo SDNN bajo en comparación con SDNN normal (15.5 frente a 0.0%; p = 0.04). Conclusiones: no identificamos correlación de parámetros de VFC con la severidad de cardiopatía isquémica crónica. Sin embargo, aquellos pacientes con menor VFC presentaron mayor proporción de taquicardia ventricular.

[Left ventricular synchrony with septum stimulation vs. septal ventricular outflow tract in complete atrioventricular block]. / Sincronía del ventrículo izquierdo con estimulación del septum contra tracto de salida en bloqueo auriculoventricular.

BACKGROUND: Placing the right ventricular pacing electrode in different places than the apex is less deleterious to the ejection fraction and left ventricular synchrony. Currently it is not defined which non apical site is better alternative. The aim of this paper was to determine if there is a difference in systolic function and left ventricular synchrony with stimulation of medial septum or outflow tract of the right ventricle in patients with atrioventricular block and pacemaker device. METHODS: This was an observational analytical cross study. The patients included in this study were the population over 18 years old, diagnosed with atrioventricular block and pacemaker device. Two groups were divided according to the site of electrode placement whether in medial septum region or outflow tract of the right ventricle. The ejection fraction and left ventricular synchrony was determined by echocardiogram. RESULTS: 54 patients were included in each group, with similar demographic characteristics, except for the time of placement of ventricular electrode (p = < 0.001). No significant difference in ejection fraction or left ventricular synchrony was found. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in ejection fraction or left ventricular synchrony regardless of the ventricular electrode placement.

Introducción: el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar si existe diferencia en la función sistólica y la sincronía del ventrículo izquierdo con estimulación del septum medio o tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho en pacientes con bloqueo auriculoventricular portadores de marcapaso. Métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, transversal. Se seleccionaron todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años portadores de marcapaso con diagnóstico de bloqueo auriculoventricular. Se analizaron dos grupos acorde al sitio de colocación del electrodo de estimulación en región septal media o tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho. Se determinó la fracción de expulsión y sincronía del ventrículo izquierdo. Resultados: se incluyeron 54 pacientes por cada grupo, siendo las características de ambos similares, excepto el tiempo de colocación del electrodo de estimulación ventricular (p = < 0.001). No hubo diferencia significativa en la fracción de expulsión o sincronía del ventrículo izquierdo. Conclusiones: no se encontró diferencia en la fracción de expulsión o sincronía del ventrículo izquierdo independientemente del sitio de colocación del electrodo de estimulación.

[Short-term results of rescue angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment]. / Resultados a corto plazo de angioplastía de rescate en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con trombólisis fallida.

UNLABELLED: The present study is aimed at describing the short-term assessment of clinical and angiographic results in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (RPTCA). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively, from January 2001 to July 2004, the interventional procedures performed in patients with coronary heart disease. From a total of 3,258 patients we selected 32 (0.98%) with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment, which were treated with RPTCA to relief the symptoms. Average age was 63 years (range 47-79), there were 24 men (75%); hypertension in 29 (90.6%); diabetes mellitus in 18 (56.3%); currently smoking 24 (75%); dyslipidemia in 11 (34.4%); unstable angina in 9 (28.1%); previous myocardial infarction in 2 (6.3%). The area related to the infarction was anterior and lateral in 14 (43.8%), anteroseptal in 6 (18.8%), postero-inferior in 5 (15.6%) with electric and hemodynamic involvement in 4 (12.5%), lateral in 1 (3.1%). Thrombolysis treatment was delivered in 3.19 hours (range 2-7 hours) with streptokinase in 19 (59.4%) and rTPA in 13 (40.6%). The evaluated serum marker was CPK-MB with the highest level of 348 +/- 240 U/L. Killip Kimball (KK) class was established as follows: KKI in 5 (15.6%), II in 16 (50%), III in 5 (15.6%), and IV in 6 (18.8%). Patients with cardiogenic shock were treated with intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation. RESULTS: Time between symptoms and arrival to the cath lab was 11 hours (range 6-24 hours). TIMI flow was: TIMI 0 in 16 (50%). TIMI 1 in 10 (31.2%), TIMI 2 in 6 (18.8%). The number of vessels with a significant lesion was 1.9 (range 1-4). Stents were placed in 27 (84.3%) patients. Angiographic success postangioplasty was achieved in 24 (75%); there were 9 complications (28.1%), no reflow in 7 (21.8%), coronary dissection in 1 (3.1%). Six patients died (18.7%) and 4 of them (12.5%) were in cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSION: RPT-CA is a high-risk procedure, being an acceptable treatment option for patients with thrombolysis failure.

Resultados a corto plazo de angioplastía de rescate en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con trombólisis fallida / Short-term results of rescue angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment

El objetivo es describir nuestra experiencia, resultados clínicos y angiográficos inmediatos en pacientes con IAM sometidos a angioplastía coronaria transluminal percutánea de rescate (ACTPR). Material y métodos: Tipo de estudio; retrospectivo, observacional, transversal y descriptivo con seguimiento a 30 días. De enero de 2001 a julio de 2004 se realizaron 3,238 procedimientos de ACTP con aplicación de stent a pacientes con diagnóstico de cardiopatía isquémica por aterosclerosis coronaria, se seleccionó a 32 pacientes que representan el 0.98%, con edad de 47 a 79 años promedio de 63, 24 (75%) del sexo masculino, con hipertensión arterial sistémica 29 (90.6%), diabetes mellitus 18 (56.3%), hipercolesterolemia 11 (34.4%), tabaquismo 24 (75%), con antecedentes de angina inestable 9 (28.1%) y con infarto miocardio previo 2 (6.3%). La localización del IAM: anterior extenso 14 (43.8%), anteroseptal en 6 (18.8%), postero-inferior en 5 (15.6%), Pl con extensión eléctrica y/o hemodinámica en VD en 4 (12.5%), lateral en 1 (3.1%). Se trombolizaron en un tiempo promedio 3.19 horas (rango 2-7) con estreptoquinasa 19 (59.4%) y con rTPA 13 (40.6%), la CPK-MB pico (U) promedio de 348 ± 240. Con Killip Kimball (KK) 1 en cinco (15.6%), II 16 (50%), III 5 (15.6%) y IV 6 (18.8%) éstos manejados con balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación. Resultados: Llevados a sala de hemodinamia en un tiempo de 6 a 24 h encontrando flujo TIMI 0 en 16 (50%), TIMI 1 en diez (31.2%), TIMI 2 en seis (18.8%), promedio de vasos enfermos de 1.9. Se implantó stent en 27 (84.3%). Éxito angiográfico post ACTP más stent TIMI 3 en 24 (75%). Complicaciones: En 9(28.1%), en 7 (21.8%) con no reflujo y en 1 (3.1%) disección de la arteria coronaria relacionada con el IAM, 6 (18.7%) que fallecieron, en 4 (12.5%) con choque cardiogénico; 3 (9.3%) la ACTPR fue fallida. Conclusión: La ACTPR es un procedimiento de alto riesgo y pese a ello es una buena alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes con trombólisis fallida.

The present study is aimed at describing the short-term assessment of clinical and angiographic results in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (RPTCA). Methods: We reviewed retrospectively, from January 2001 to July 2004, the interventional procedures performed in patients with coronary heart disease. From a total of 3,258 patients we selected 32 (0.98%) with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment, which were treated with RPTCA to relief the symptoms. Average age was 63 years (range 47-79), there were 24 men (75%); hypertension in 29 (90.6%); diabetes mellitus in 18 (56.3%); currently smoking 24 (75%); dyslipidemia in 11 (34.4%); unstable angina in 9 (28.1%); previous myocardial infarction in 2 (6.3%). The area related to the infarction was anterior and lateral in 14 (43.8%), anteroseptal in 6 (18.8%), postero-inferior in 5 (15.6%) with electric and hemodynamic involvement in 4 (12.5%), lateral in 1(3.1 %). Thrombolysis treatment was delivered in 3.19 hours (range 2-7 hours) with streptokinasein 19 (59.4%) and rTPA in 13 (40.6%). The evaluated serum marker was CPK-MB with the highest level of 348 ± 240 U/L. Killip Kimball (KK) class was established as follows: KKI in 5 (15.6%), II in 16 (50%), III in 5 (15.6%), and IV in 6 (18.8%). Patients with cardiogenic shock were treated with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Results: Time between symptoms and arrival to the cath lab was 11 hours (range 6-24 hours). TIMI flow was: TIMI 0 in 16(50%). TIMI 1 in 10 (31.2%), TIMI 2 in 6 (18.8%). The number of vessels with a significant lesion was 1.9 (range 1-4). Stents were placed in 27 (84.3%) patients. Angiographic success post-angioplasty was achieved in 24 (75%); there were 9 complications (28.1%), no reflow in 7 (21.8%), coronary dissection in 1 (3.1%). Six patients died (18.7%) and 4 of them (12.5%) were in cardiogenic shock. Conclusion: RPT-CA is a high-risk procedure, being an acceptable treatment option for patients with thrombolysis failure.

Clinical and echocardiographic aspects of mid-ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Three cases of patients with hypertropic cardiomyopathy, apical aneurysm, and mid-ventricular obstruction are presented. Two patients were diagnosed first by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, which showed mid-ventricular obliteration, characteristic hourglass image, and paradoxic jet flow. One patient with suboptimal echocardiogram was necessary to perform contrast echocardiogram. Clinical picture was characterized by angina and dyspnea. Thallium myocardial imaging revealed perfusion abnormalities in apical region, ischemia or necrosis. Cardiac catheterism showed mid-ventricular obliteration and significant intraventricular gradient and coronary arteries angiography without lesions.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with invasion into right cardiac cavities: report of a case and literature review.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a tumor that rarely invades the inferior vena cava and right heart. We describe the case of a 63-year-old man with jaundice and a history of cryptogenic hepatic cirrhosis with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. He was referred to the echocardiography laboratory for sudden dyspnea and suggestion of pulmonary thromboembolism. Echocardiographic study reported a mass in the right atrium proceeding from the inferior vena cava.