Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold outcomes following implantation with routine intravascular imaging guidance.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the outcomes of BVS use from a single-center experience in which scaffold implantation was guided by intravascular imaging (ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography) to identify and treat mechanical factors potentially related to BVS failure. BACKGROUND: The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) has been associated with an unexpectedly high incidence of thrombosis. METHODS: Between 11/2014 and 10/2016, 100 patients were treated with BVS. Intravascular imaging assessment before and after BVS implantation was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.1 years; 88% were male, 31% had diabetes, and 28% presented with acute coronary syndromes. A total of 171 lesions in 141 vessels were treated with 190 BVS (mean 1.9 scaffolds/patient). Further intervention following intravascular imaging to optimize BVS implantation was required in 31% of patients. Procedure success was 100%. All patients completed a 1-year follow-up. The 1-year rate of target lesion failure was 4%, and there were no cases (0%) of scaffold thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or death. CONCLUSIONS: In this real-world experience, the use of intravascular imaging to guide BVS implantation was associated with a high 1-year event-free survival rate, with no scaffold thrombosis.

Efeito cardiovascular superior do modelo periodizado para prescrição de exercícios comparado ao convencional em coronariopatas / Superior cardiovascular effect of the periodized model for prescribed exercises as compared to the conventional one in coronary diseases

O exercício físico melhora a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida de pacientes coronarianos, mas a maneira ideal de prescrevê-lo é ainda controversa. Criar um modelo periodizado para prescrição de exercícios para pacientes coronarianos e compará-lo com o modelo convencional. Randomização de 62 pacientes coronarianos em tratamento farmacológico em dois grupos: treinamento convencional, não periodizado (GNP, n = 33) e periodizado (GP, n = 29). Os dois grupos foram submetidos aos mesmos exercícios durante as 36 sessões do programa, mas prescritos de maneira diferente. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à seguinte avaliação: consulta médica admissional, teste de esforço cardiopulmonar, teste de 1 repetição máxima (1RM) e avaliação da composição corporal. O VO2 pico melhorou nos dois grupos, embora de maneira mais efetiva no GP (4% versus 1,7%, p < 0,001). Além disso, a capacidade funcional do GP aumentou em 13%, tendo havido significativa redução no percentual de gordura corporal (2,1%, p < 0,005) e no peso corporal (1,9 kg, p < 0,005). A força muscular nos dois grupos melhorou como diagnosticado pelo teste de 1RM para seis diferentes grupos musculares (quádriceps, isquiotibiais, bíceps, tríceps braquial, peitoral e grande dorsal), mas sem diferença significativa entre os grupos, tendo os dois modelos a mesma eficiência. O presente estudo mostrou que a periodização do treinamento de pacientes cardíacos pode melhorar a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e reduzir a porcentagem de gordura corporal mais efetivamente do que o modelo convencional

Physical exercise improves the survival and quality of life of coronary patients, but the ideal way of prescribing these exercises is still controversial. To create a new periodized model for the prescription of exercises for coronary patients and compare it with a conventional model. 62 coronary patients under pharmacological treatment were randomized into two groups: conventional (NPG, n = 33) and periodized (PG, n = 29) training. The two groups were submitted to the same exercises during the 36 sessions making up the program, but prescribed in different ways. All patients underwent an evaluation consisting of: medical admission consultancy, cardiopulmonary endurance testing, 1 maximum repetition test (1MR) and body composition evaluation. The VO2 peak improved in both groups, although more effectively in the PG (4% against 1.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, the functional capacity of this group improved by 13%, and there was a significant reduction in the percent body fat (2.1%, p < 0.005) and body weight (1.9 kg, p < 0.005). The muscle strength of both groups improved as diagnosed by the 1RM test for six different muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, brachial biceps, brachial triceps, pectoral and large dorsal), and showed no significant difference between the groups, evidencing that the two models had the same efficiency. The present study showed that periodization of the training of cardiac patients can improve their cardiorespiratory capacity and reduce the percent body fat more effectively than the conventional one

Stem-cell therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction: A multicenter, double-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a major determinant of long-term prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI patients with reduced LVEF have a poor prognosis, despite successful reperfusion and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors. HYPOTHESIS: Intracoronary infusion of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMC) may improve LVEF in STEMI patients successfully reperfused. METHODS: The main inclusion criteria for this double-blind, randomized, multicenter study were patient age 30 to 80 years, LVEF ≤50%, successful angioplasty of infarct-related artery, and regional dysfunction in the infarct-related area analyzed before cell injection. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess LVEF, left ventricular volumes, and infarct size at 7 to 9 days and 6 months post-myocardial infarction. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients were included (66 patients in the BMMC group and 55 patients in the placebo group). The primary endpoint, mean LVEF, was similar between both groups at baseline (44.63% ± 10.74% vs 42.23% ± 10.33%; P = 0.21) and at 6 months (44.74% ± 12.95 % vs 43.50 ± 12.43%; P = 0.59). The groups were also similar regarding the difference between baseline and 6 months (0.11% ± 8.5% vs 1.27% ± 8.93%; P = 0.46). Other parameters of left ventricular remodeling, such as systolic and diastolic volumes, as well as infarct size, were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial, BMMC intracoronary infusion did not improve left ventricular remodeling or decrease infarct size.

Seguimento de 12 meses de pacientes complexos tratados com stentsfarmacológicos liberadores de everolimus XIENCE V® na prática diária – resultados do registro brasileiro BRAVO / Twelve-month follow-up of complex patients treated with the Xience V™ everolimus drug-eluting stents in daily practice – results of the BRAVO Brazilian Registry

O stent liberador de everolimus XIENCE V® é um stent farmacológico de nova geração que incorpora uma plataforma de cromo-cobalto de baixo perfil (81 m) e um polímero de elevada biocompatibilidade (fluoropolímero), o qual carreia e controla a liberação do fármaco everolimus. Estudos recentes demonstram segurança e eficácia sustentadas do dispositivo XIENCE V® no tratamento de populações da prática clínica. Nosso objetivo foi reportar resultados clínicos de 12 meses do protocolo brasileiro BRAVO. Métodos: O registro BRAVO foi um estudo prospectivo, não randomizado, de braço único, multicêntrico (25centros), que avaliou os resultados clínicos tardios de 535 pacientes minimamente selecionados, tratados com o stent farmacológico XIENCE V®.Resultados: Cerca de 40% dos pacientes tinham diabetes, 25% infarto agudo do miocárdio prévio e 42% apresentaram-se com síndrome coronária aguda. A maioria das lesões (69%) era de elevada complexidade(ACC/AHA tipo B2/C). As médias da extensão e do diâmetro nominais dos stents foram, respectivamente, 19,9 ± 5,3 mm e 3,0 ± 0,4 mm. Os sucessos angiográfico e de procedimento foram de 99,7 e 98%, respectivamente. Aos 12 meses, a taxa cumulativa de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores, disponível em 100% dos pacientes, foi de 5,6% (morte cardíaca: 1,3%; infarto agudo do miocárdio: 3,0%; revascularização da lesão-alvo: 2,2%). Já a trombose de stent ocorreu em cinco pacientes (0,9%), sendo reportada apenas uma ocorrência entre 6 e 12 meses. Conclusões: O stent farmacológico XIENCE V® demonstrou segurança e eficácia sustentadas ao final de 12meses no tratamento de lesões coronárias complexas em pacientes da prática diária...

The Xience VTM everolimus-eluting stents is a new generation drug-eluting stent (DES)that incorporates a low profile cobalt-chromium platform (81 m) and a highly biocompatible polymer(fluoropolymer), which carries and controls the release of everolimus. Recent studies have demonstrated sustained safety and efficacy of the Xience VTM in the treatment of real-world populations. Our aim was to report the clinical results of 12 months of the BRAVO Brazilian protocol. Methods: The BRAVO Registry was a prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, multicenter (25 centers) study that evaluated the late clinical results of 535 minimally selected patients treated with the drug eluting stent Xience VTM in Brazilian daily practice. Results: Overall, 40% of patients had diabetes, 25% prior myocardial infarction, and 42% presented with acute coronary artery syndrome. The majority of lesions (69%) was highly complex (ACC/AHA type B2 or C).The mean length and the nominal stent diameter were 19.9 ± 5.3 mm and 3.0 ± 0.4 mm, respectively.The angiographic and procedural successes were 99.7 and 98%, respectively. At 12 months, the cumulative rate of major adverse cardiac events, available in 100% of patients, was 5.6% (cardiac death: 1.3%; acute myocardial infarction: 3.0%; revascularization of the target lesion: 2.2%). Stent thrombosis occurred in 5 patients (0,9%), and only 1 case was reported between 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: The drug-eluting stent Xience V™ demonstrated sustained safety and efficacy up to 12 months in the treatment of complex coronary lesions in patients from daily practice...

Metastatic cancer of unknown primary in 21 dogs.

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe clinical features, treatment and outcome of 21 dogs with metastatic cancer of unknown primary (MCUP), a biopsy-proven malignancy being diagnosed at a metastatic stage, in which the anatomical origin of the primary tumour cannot be detected. All dogs underwent total-body computed tomography. Signalment, type and duration of clinical signs, metastasis site, pathology results, treatment and outcome were recorded. Carcinoma was the most common diagnosis (57.1%), followed by sarcoma, melanoma and mast cell tumour. The median number of disease sites per dog was 2, with bones, lymph nodes, lungs and spleen being the most frequent metastatic locations. The median survival for all dogs was 30 days. Overall, a primary site was not identified in 20 (95.2%) dogs. MCUP encompasses a variety of different pathologic entities and harbours a poor prognosis.

Percutaneous management of left atrial appendage perforation during device closure.

A 76-year-old male patient was admitted for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure because of chronic atrial fibrillation and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding under oral anticoagulation. The procedure was complicated by perforation of the LAA with the lobe of the closure device being placed in the pericardial space. Keeping access to the pericardial space with the delivery sheath, the LAA closure device was replaced by an atrial septal defect closure device to seal the perforation. Then the initial LAA closure device was reimplanted in a correct position. Needle pericardiocentesis was required but the subsequent course was uneventful.

Oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo: exequibilidade, segurança e efeito nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos de anatomia e função cardíaca / Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: feasibility, safety and effect on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function and anatomy / Oclusión Percutánea de la Orejuela Auricular Izquierda: Ejecutabilidad, Seguridad y Efecto sobre los Parámetros Ecocardiográficos de Anatomía y Función Cardíaca

Fundamento: A oclusão percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo (AAE) representa estratégia alternativa para a prevenção de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na Fibrilação Atrial (FA) de alto risco.Objetivo: Avaliar exequibilidade, segurança e efeito sobre parâmetros ecocardiográficos da oclusão do AAE com o dispositivo Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP).Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo portadores de FA paroxística ou permanente, não valvar, com escore de risco CHADS2 ≥ 2 e contraindicação ao anticoagulante oral. Sob monitorização do Ecocardiograma Transesofágico (ETE), o ACP foi implantado no AAE de acordo com as medidas ecocardiográficas apropriadas. Controle clínico e ecocardiográfico foi realizado no segundo e no oitavo meses.Resultados: O grupo foi constituído por 11 pacientes (7 homens), com idade 73 ± 8 anos e escore CHADS2 médio 3 ± 1. O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em todos os pacientes, com alta hospitalar após 7 ± 3 dias. O ETE não mostrou interferência com estruturas adjacentes ou embolização do dispositivo. Houve dois tamponamentos cardíacos, tratados com boa evolução clínica. Após o acompanhamento, não houve nenhum evento clínico, embora dois pacientes tenham apresentado mínimo fluxo residual pelo ACP e um paciente mostrado trombo recobrindo o dispositivo. Não houve diferenças no tamanho e na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, nem na dimensão e no volume do átrio esquerdo.Conclusão: A oclusão percutânea do AAE com o ACP é tecnicamente viável e não interfere nos parâmetros usuais de anatomia e função cardíacas. Entretanto, complicações sérias podem advir e a segurança e a eficácia clínica devem ser testadas em estudos prospectivos randomizados.

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an alternative strategy for the prevention of stroke in patients with high-risk atrial fibrillation (AF).Objective: To assess the feasibility and safety of LAA occlusion with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) as well as the effect on echocardiographic parameters.Methods: Patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal or permanent AF, with CHADS2 risk score ≥ 2 and contraindication to oral anticoagulation were included in the study. Under monitoring of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the ACP device was implanted in the AAE, according to appropriate echocardiographic measurements. Clinical and echocardiographic controls in the second and eighth months were performed. Results: The group consisted of 11 patients (7 men), aged 73 ± 8 years and CHADS2 score 3 ± 1. The procedure was successfully performed in all patients with hospital discharge after 7 ± 3 days. TEE showed no interference with adjacent structures or device embolization. There were two cardiac tamponade, treated with good clinical outcome. After follow-up, there was no clinical event, although two patients have shown minimal residual flow through the ACP, and one patient shown thrombus covering the device. There were no differences in the left ventricular dimension and ejection fraction, or the left atrial size and volume.Conclusion: The percutaneous LAA closure with ACP is technically feasible and does not interfere with usual parameters of cardiac anatomy and function. However, serious complications can arise and their clinical safety and efficacy must be tested in randomized prospective studies.

Justificación: La Oclusión Percutánea de la Orejuela de la Aurícula Izquierda (AAE) representa estrategia alternativa para la prevención de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la Fibrilación Auricular (FA) de alto riesgo. Objetivo: Evaluar la ejecutabilidad, seguridad y efecto sobre los parámetros ecocardiográficos de la oclusión de la AAE con el dispositivo Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP). Métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio, los portadores de FA paroxística o permanente, no valvular, con score de riesgo CHADS2 ≥ 2 y contraindicación para la anticoagulación oral. Bajo monitorización de la Ecocardiografía Transesofágica (ETE), el ACP fue implantado en la AAE de acuerdo con las medidas ecocardiográficas apropiadas. El Control clínico y ecocardiográfico se realizó en el segundo y octavo mes. Resultados: El grupo está formado por 11 pacientes (7 varones), con edad de 73 ± 8 años y score CHADS2 medio 3 ± 1. Se ha realizado el procedimiento con éxito en todos los pacientes, con alta hospitalaria después de 7 ± 3 días. El ETE no mostró interferencia con estructuras adyacentes o embolización del dispositivo. Hubo dos taponamientos cardíaco, tratados con buena evolución clínica. Después del seguimiento, no hubo ningún evento clínico, aunque dos pacientes hayan presentado un flujo mínimo residual por el ACP, además de ello un paciente mostró trombo que recubre el dispositivo. No hubo diferencias en el tamaño y en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, ni en la dimensión y en el volumen de la aurícula izquierda.Conclusión: La oclusión percutánea de la AAE con el ACP es técnicamente factible y no interfiere en los parámetros habituales de anatomía y función cardíacas. Sin embargo, complicaciones severas pueden surgir y la seguridad y la eficacia clínica deben probarse en estudios prospectivos aleatorizados

A periodized model for exercise improves the intra-hospital evolution of patients after myocardial revascularization: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare models of the postoperative hospital treatment phase after myocardial revascularization. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Hospital patients in a hospital setting. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two patients with indications for myocardial revascularization were included between January 2008 and December 2009, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%, 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) ≥60 and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥60% of predicted value. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly placed into two groups: one performed prescribed exercises according to the model proposed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the other according to a periodized model. MAIN MEASURES: Partial pressure of O(2) (P o (2)) and arterial O(2) saturation (Sao (2)), percentage of predicted FVC and total distance on the six-minute walking test (6MWT). RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were re-evaluated upon release from the hospital (ACSM = 14 and PP = 13). Five patients extubated for more than 6 hours in the postoperative period were excluded from the sample. In the preoperative period the variables P o (2), Sao (2), % FVC and 6MWT were similar. In the postoperative period, a reduction was observed for all parameters in both groups. Upon comparison of the groups, a difference was observed in P o (2) (ACSM = 68.0 ± 4.3 vs. PP = 75.9 ± 4.8 mmHg; P < 0.001), Sao (2) (ACSM = 93.5 ± 1.4 vs. PP = 94.8 ± 1.2%; P = 0.018) and 6MWT (ACSM = 339.3 ± 41.7 vs. PP = 393.8 ± 25.7 m; P < 0.001). There was no difference in % FVC. CONCLUSION: Patients after myocardial revascularization following a periodized model of exercise presented a better intra-hospital evolution when compared to those using the ACSM model.

Resultados clínicos de um ano de Registro POLAR (PrOmus eluting stent registry in Latin AmeRica) / POLAR Registry (PrOmus eeluting stent registry in Latin AmeRica): 1 year follow-up results

Introdução: Desde 2002, os stents farmacológicos são utilizados em diversas populações de pacientes objetivando alcançar elevados índices de sucesso, com baixas taxas de reestenose angiográfica e clínica. Com os resultados adversos em relação à trombose tardia associados aos stents farmacológicos de primeira geração eluidores de sirolimus e paclitaxel, surgiram recentemente os stents farmacológicos de segunda geração eluidores de zotarolimus e everolimus. Métodos: O registro POLAR é um registro prospectivo, não-randomizado, multicêntrico, que incluiu 988 pacientes totalizando 1.362 lesões tratadas com o stent Promus®. Objetivando representar a prática clínica, praticamente todos os subtipos de pacientes e lesões foram incluídos neste registro. O seguimento clínico foi planejado para ser realizado 1 mês, 6 meses, 12 mesese 24 meses após o procedimento. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (69,8%), com média de idadede 64,9 ± 9,4 anos, 35,2% eram diabéticos e 55% tinham sido tratados na vigência de síndrome coronária aguda. Odiâmetro do vaso foi de 2,95 ± 0,43 mm e a extensão da lesão, de 20,5 ± 5,6 mm. Foi implantado 1,14 ± 0,38 stent/paciente e o sucesso do procedimento foi alcançado em 96,6% dos casos. Eventos cardíacos adversos maiores ocorreram em 4,1% dos pacientes, e trombose de stent esteve presente em 5 pacientes (0,5%) após o seguimento clínico de 12 meses. Conclusões: O presente registro sugere que os stents farmacológicos eluidores de everolimus são seguros e eficazes em pacientes da prática clínica diária, com baixas taxas de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores ao término do primeiro ano de seguimento.

Life stages: interactions and spatial patterns.

In many stage-structured species, different life stages often occupy separate spatial niches in a heterogeneous environment. Life stages of the giant flour beetle Tribolium brevicornis (Leconte), in particular adults and pupae, occupy different locations in a homogeneous habitat. This unique spatial pattern does not occur in the well-studied stored grain pests T. castaneum (Herbst) and T. confusum (Duval). We propose density dependent dispersal as a causal mechanism for this spatial pattern. We model and explore the spatial dynamics of T. brevicornis with a set of four density dependent integrodifference and difference equations. The spatial model exhibits multiple attractors: a spatially uniform attractor and a patchy attractor with pupae and adults spatially separated. The model attractors are consistent with experimental observations.

Tratamento pecutâneo de pseudoaneurisma da zona fibrosa intervalvar mitroaórtica / Percutaneous treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa

O pseudoaneurisma da zona fibrosa intervalvar mitroaórtica (PFMA) é uma doença pouco frequente, em geral secundária a endocardite da valva aórtica, particularmente em próteses valvares. Seu curso clínico é variável e pode ocasionar complicações graves, como ruptura para o pericárdio, aorta ou átrio esquerdo, compressão sistólica das artérias coronárias ou compressão sistólica da valva mitral, ocasionando regurgitação mitral acentuada, motivo pelo qual se recomenda seu tratamento cirúrgico. Neste relato é apresentado o caso de paciente com 69 anos de idade, assintomático, com antecedente de duas cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica, a última associada a troca valvar aórtica. O PFMA foi diagnosticado incidentalmente na evolução pós-operatória tardia, optando-se pelo tratamento percutâneo com a prótese AmplatzerTM Muscular VSD Occluder.

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (PMAF) is a rare disease, usually secondary to aortic valve endocarditis, particularly in prosthetic valves. Its clinical course is variable and may potentially cause serious complications, such as rupture into the pericardium, aorta or left atrium, systolic compression of the coronary arteries or systolic compression of the mitral valve, leading to severe mitral regurgitation, for which surgical treatment is recommended. This is a case report of a 69 year-old asymptomatic patient, with a prior history of two coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, the latter associated with aortic valve replacement. The PMAF was incidentally diagnosed in the late follow-up, and a decision was made to perform percutaneous therapy with the AmplatzerTM Muscular VSD Occluder.

Evolução clínica de pacientes com lesões de tronco de coronária esquerda não-protegido submetidos a angioplastia coronária com implante de stents farmacológicos / Clinical follow-up of patients with unprotected left main disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents

Introdução: Recentemente a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) com stents farmacológicos (SFs) tem se mostrado uma opção viável em pacientes selecionados com lesão de tronco de coronária esquerda não-protegido (TCE-NP). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efetividade e a segurança da ICP com SFs em lesões de TCE-NP da prática diária, analisando a ocorrência combinada de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM) a longo prazo. Métodos: Foram tratados 142 pacientes consecutivos, com média de seguimento clínico de 917 + 743 dias. A decisão de utilizar um ou dois stents e inibidor da glicoproteína IIb/IIIa ficou a critério do operador. Angiografia coronária no seguimento não foi realizada de rotina, mas deixada a critério clínico. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 67,5 + 16 anos, três quartos dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, 29% eram portadores de diabetes e 39% apresentavam angina instável. Foram utilizados 2,75 + 1,25 stents por paciente. Lesões com comprometimento da bifurcação foram identificadas em 90,1% e as técnicas mais frequentemente utilizadas foram o provisional stent em 36% e o small crush em 29% dos pacientes. Ultrassom intracoronário foi realizado em 92,3% dos pacientes, e reintervenção ocorreu em 21,3% dos stents, por apresentarem aposição incompleta de suas hastes após o implante. ECAM na evolução tardia ocorreram em 15,4%, óbito cardíaco ocorreu em 3,6%, revascularização do vaso-alvo em 11,2% e trombose definitiva / provável do stent em 1,4%. Conclusões: A ICP com SFs em lesões de TCE-NP neste estudo mostrou ser segura e eficazna evolução tardia, com baixas taxas de óbito cardíaco e de trombose do stent.

Background: Recently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) has proven to be a feasible option in selected patients with unprotected left main (LM) disease. This study was aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of PCI with DES in LM lesions in the daily practice, analyzing the long-term occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods: A total of 142 consecutivepatients were treated with a mean follow-up of 917 + 743 days. The decision to use one or two stents or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors was left to the operator’s discretion. Coronaryangiography was not performed routinely in the follow-up. Results: Mean age was 67.5 + 16 years, 75% of the patients were male, 29% had diabetes and 39% had unstable angina. A total of 2.75 + 1.25 stents were implanted per patient. Bifurcation lesions were identified in 90.1% and the most frequent techniques were the provisional stent in 36% and small crush in 29% of the patients. Intravascular ultrasound was performed in 92.3% of the patients and reinterventions in 21.3% of the stents due to incomplete appositionof the struts after implantation. In the late follow-up, MACE was observed in 15.4% of the patients, cardiac deathin 3.6%, target-vessel revascularization in 11.2% and definitive/probably stent thrombosis in 1.4%. Conclusions: In thisstudy, PCI with DES proved to be safe and effective in the late follow-up of LM lesions, with low cardiac death and stentthrombosis rates.

Prevalência e impacto prognóstico da disfunção diastólica na doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Prevalence and prognostic impact of diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

FUNDAMENTO: Disfunção diastólica é frequente em pacientes de hemodiálise, mas seu impacto na evolução clínica é incerto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e o impacto prognóstico da disfunção diastólica (DD) avançada (DDA) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) em pacientes de hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Ecocardiogramas foram realizados em pacientes no primeiro ano de hemodiálise, em ritmo sinusal, sem doença cardiovascular manifestada, excluindo-se aqueles com valvopatia significativa ou derrame pericárdico. Pela avaliação integrada dos dados ecodopplercardiográficos, a função diastólica foi classificada como: 1) normal, 2) DD discreta (alteração do relaxamento) e 3) DDA (pseudonormalização e fluxo restritivo). Os desfechos pesquisados foram mortalidade geral e eventos cardiovasculares. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 129 pacientes (78 homens), com idade 52 ± 16 anos e prevalência de DD de 73 por cento (50 por cento com DD discreta e 23 por cento com DDA). No grupo com DDA, demonstrou-se maior idade (p < 0,01), pressão arterial sistólica (p < 0,01) e diastólica (p = 0,043), massa do VE (p < 0,01), índice do volume do átrio esquerdo (p < 0,01) e proporção de diabéticos (p = 0,019), além de menor fração de ejeção (p < 0,01). Após 17 ± 7 meses, a mortalidade geral foi significativamente maior naqueles com DDA, em comparação aos normais e com DD discreta (p = 0,012, log rank test). Na análise multivariada de Cox, a DDA foi preditiva de eventos cardiovasculares (hazard ratio 2,2, intervalo de confiança 1,1-4,3, p = 0,021) após ajuste para idade, gênero, diabete, massa do VE e fração de ejeção. CONCLUSÃO: A DDA subclínica foi encontrada em aproximadamente um quarto dos pacientes de hemodiálise e acarretou impacto prognóstico, independente de outros dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is frequent in patients on hemodialysis (HD), but its impact on the clinical evolution is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) advanced diastolic dysfunction (ADD) in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: The echocardiograms were performed during the first year of HD therapy, in patients with sinus rhythm, with no evidence of cardiovascular disease, excluding those with significant valvopathy or pericardial effusion. The combined assessment of the Doppler echocardiographic data classified the diastolic dysfunction as: 1) normal diastolic function; 2) mild DD (relaxation alteration) and 3) ADD (pseudonormalization and restrictive flow pattern). The assessed outcomes were general mortality and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (78 males), aged 52 ± 16 years, with a DD prevalence of 73 percent (50 percent with mild DD and 23 percent with ADD) were included in the study. The group with ADD was older (p < 0.01) and presented higher systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP (p = 0.043), LV mass (p < 0.01), left atrial volume index (p < 0.01) and number of diabetic patients (p = 0.019), as well as lower ejection fraction (EF) (p < 0.01). After 17 ± 7 months, the general mortality was significantly higher in individuals with ADD, when compared to those with normal function and mild DD (p = 0.012, log rank test). At Cox multivariate analysis, ADD was predictive of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 2.2; confidence interval: 1.1-4.3; p = 0.021) after adjusted for age, gender, diabetes, LV mass and EF. CONCLUSION: The subclinical ADD was identified in approximately 25 percent of the patients undergoing hemodialysis and had a prognostic impact, regardless of other clinical and echocardiographic data.

[Prevalence and prognostic impact of diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis]. / Prevalência e impacto prognóstico da disfunção diastólica na doença renal crônica em hemodiálise.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is frequent in patients on hemodialysis (HD), but its impact on the clinical evolution is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) advanced diastolic dysfunction (ADD) in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: The echocardiograms were performed during the first year of HD therapy, in patients with sinus rhythm, with no evidence of cardiovascular disease, excluding those with significant valvopathy or pericardial effusion. The combined assessment of the Doppler echocardiographic data classified the diastolic dysfunction as: 1) normal diastolic function; 2) mild DD (relaxation alteration) and 3) ADD (pseudonormalization and restrictive flow pattern). The assessed outcomes were general mortality and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (78 males), aged 52 +/- 16 years, with a DD prevalence of 73% (50% with mild DD and 23% with ADD) were included in the study. The group with ADD was older (p < 0.01) and presented higher systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP (p = 0.043), LV mass (p < 0.01), left atrial volume index (p < 0.01) and number of diabetic patients (p = 0.019), as well as lower ejection fraction (EF) (p < 0.01). After 17 +/- 7 months, the general mortality was significantly higher in individuals with ADD, when compared to those with normal function and mild DD (p = 0.012, log rank test). At Cox multivariate analysis, ADD was predictive of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 2.2; confidence interval: 1.1-4.3; p = 0.021) after adjusted for age, gender, diabetes, LV mass and EF. CONCLUSION: The subclinical ADD was identified in approximately 25% of the patients undergoing hemodialysis and had a prognostic impact, regardless of other clinical and echocardiographic data.

Aterectomia Rotacional para o tratamento da reestenose intrastent / Rotational atherectomy for the treatment of instent restenosis

Relatamos o caso de um paciente com reestenose de stent não-farmacológico, secundária a hipoexpansão da prótese, decorrente de grave calcificação da placa aterosclerótica subjacente, a qual não foi adequadamente reconhecida na angiografia. A utilização do ultrassom intracoronário foi de grande importância para reconhecer o mecanismo da reestenose e orientar na escolha da estratégia intervencionista mais adequada. A aterectomia rotacional foi realizada com sucesso para debilitar o cálcio peristent, permitindo a expansão posterior da prótese com balões de alta pressão.

We report a case of a patient with bare metal stent restenosis secondary to stent underexpansion, due to a heavily calcified atherosclerotic plaque, which was not identified by angiography. Intravascular ultrasound was important to recognize the mechanism of restenosis and determine the best strategy to be used. Rotational atherectomy was successfully used to weaken peristent calcium, allowing the posterior expansion of the prosthesis using high pressure balloon dilatation.

Possible predictors of target lesion revascularization after drug-eluting stent implantation.

BACKGROUND: A small number of patients still need target lesion revascularization (TLR) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. It is important for the management of coronary artery disease to assess the predictors of TLR after DES implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients (325 lesions) were treated with Cypher sirolimus-eluting and/or TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation at four centers in Japan and Brazil. Among these centers, 20 patients (24 lesions) needed clinically driven TLR. The clinical and angiographic characteristics of TLR patients were compared to those of non-TLR patients. Hemodialysis, prior myocardial infarction (MI) and prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were more frequent in TLR patients than in non-TLR patients. An ostial stenosis was more frequent in the TLR group than in the non-TLR group (41.7% vs 19.9%, p=0.012). In addition, post-procedure in-stent percentage diameter stenosis (%DS) was higher in TLR patients (21.9% vs 13.3%, p = 0.002). Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that all of these variables were independent predictors of TLR after DES implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis, prior MI, prior CABG, ostial lesion location and high in-stent %DS may be independent predictors of TLR after DES implantation.

Experimental support of the scaling rule for demographic stochasticity.

A scaling rule of ecological theory, accepted but lacking experimental confirmation, is that the magnitude of fluctuations in population densities due to demographic stochasticity scales inversely with the square root of population numbers. This supposition is based on analyses of models exhibiting exponential growth or stable equilibria. Using two quantitative measures, we extend the scaling rule to situations in which population densities fluctuate due to nonlinear deterministic dynamics. These measures are applied to populations of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum that display chaotic dynamics in both 20-g and 60-g habitats. Populations cultured in the larger habitat exhibit a clarification of the deterministic dynamics, which follows the inverse square root rule. Lattice effects, a deterministic phenomenon caused by the discrete nature of individuals, can cause deviations from the scaling rule when population numbers are small. The scaling rule is robust to the probability distribution used to model demographic variation among individuals.

Anatomy of a chaotic attractor: subtle model-predicted patterns revealed in population data.

Mathematically, chaotic dynamics are not devoid of order but display episodes of near-cyclic temporal patterns. This is illustrated, in interesting ways, in the case of chaotic biological populations. Despite the individual nature of organisms and the noisy nature of biological time series, subtle temporal patterns have been detected. By using data drawn from chaotic insect populations, we show quantitatively that chaos manifests itself as a tapestry of identifiable and predictable patterns woven together by stochasticity. We show too that the mixture of patterns an experimentalist can expect to see depends on the scale of the system under study.

Explaining and predicting patterns in stochastic population systems.

Lattice effects in ecological time-series are patterns that arise because of the inherent discreteness of animal numbers. In this paper, we suggest a systematic approach for predicting lattice effects. We also show that an explanation of all the patterns in a population time-series may require more than one deterministic model, especially when the dynamics are complex.