Miocardio salvado en infarto agudo de miocardio con supradesnivel del ST post reperfusión: Análisis mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca / Saved myocardium in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction post-reperfusion: Analysis by cardiac magnetic resonance

OBJETIVO: Cuantificar el miocardio salvado mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca, en miocardio irrigado por la arteria relacionada con el infarto en pacientes con IAM con SDST reperfundidos y no reperfundidos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: A 25 pacientes con un primer infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST (no reperfundidos, 10 pacientes; trombólisis, 10 pacientes; angioplastía Miocardio salvado post reperfusión en infarto agudo de miocardio -R. Díaz-Navarro et al primaria, 5 pacientes) se les realizó resonancia magnética cardíaca 3 a 6 días después de la coronariografía. Se cuantificó el miocardio salvado y el índice de miocardio salvado. RESULTADOS: Los valores máximos de troponina fueron más bajos en los pacientes con angioplastía primaria que en los pacientes trombolizados y no reperfundidos (14,1 ng/mL versus 515,4 ng/mL y 123,1 ng/mL, respectivamente; p < 0,007) y el tamaño del infarto menor (14,1 gr versus 31,2 gr y 31,5 gr, respectivamente; p < 0,003). La masa de miocardio salvado y el índice de miocardio salvado fue mayor en los pacientes con angioplastía primaria que en los pacientes trombolizados y no reperfundidos (27,4 gr versus 4,7 gr y 2,1 gr, respectivamente; p < 0,003) y (65,2 % versus 14,9 % y 6,6 %, respectivamente; p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: Este estudio propone la necesidad de reevaluar la realización de angioplastía coronaria e implantación de stents, en pacientes con un primer IAM con SDST, trombolizados y no trombolizados, sin la realización de estudios de viabilidad previos. La resonancia magnética cardiaca permite cuantificar el miocardio salvado y podría ser considerada una aplicación clínica emergente, para la evaluación precoz de viabilidad miocárdica.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify by cardiovascular magnetic resonance the salvaged myocardium in the myocardium supplied by the infarct-related artery in reperfused and non-reperfused patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty-five patients with a first STEMI (non-reperfused, ten patients; thrombolysis, ten patients; primary angioplasty, five patients) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 3 to 6 days after coronary angiography. Myocardial salvage and myocardial salvage index were quantified. RESULTS: Peak troponin values were lower in patients with primary angioplasty than in thrombolysis and non-reperfused patients (14,1 ng/ mL versus 515,4 ng/mL and 123,1 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0,007) and smaller infarct size (14,1 g versus 31,2 g and 31,5 g, respectively; p < 0,003). Myocardial salvage mass and myocardial salvage index were higher in patients with primary angioplasty than in thrombolysis and non-reperfused patients (27,4 g versus 4,7 g and 2,1 g, respectively; p < 0,003) and (65,2% versus 14,9% and 6,6%, respectively; p < 0,0001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate the need to reassess the performance of coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in patients with a first STEMI, thrombolysis, and non-thrombolysis without prior myocardial viability studies. Cardiac magnetic resonance allows the quantification of salvaged myocardium and could be considered an emerging clinical application for the early evaluation of myocardial viability.

Síndrome de Takotsubo: Actualización 2022 / Takotsubo Syndrome: 2022 Update

El síndrome de Takotsubo es una enfermedad cardíaca aguda que se presenta con un cuadro clínico similar al de un síndrome coronario agudo y se caracteriza por alteraciones segmentarias de la contracción ventricular transitorias, con un árbol coronario normal o con lesiones coronarias no significativas que las expliquen. Se observa, generalmente, en mujeres posmenopáusicas; el cual se desencadena principalmente por un estrés emocional o físico severo y su diagnóstico es un desafío clínico. Este artículo entrega una revisión de los factores desencadenantes y de riesgo y las principales hipótesis causales de esta enfermedad. Proporciona, además, una revisión actualizada de las pruebas diagnósticas que deben ser realizadas, el algoritmo para su diagnóstico, las complicaciones y el manejo terapéutico actual.

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiomyopathy with a clinical presentation resembling an acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by transient segmental ventricular dysfunction with a normal underlying coronary tree or coronary lesions that cannot explain the ventricular dysfunction. It is usually seen in postmenopausal women, triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, and is clinically challenging to diagnose. This article provides an exhaustive review of the risk factors, triggers, and main hypotheses to explain this disease. In addition, it provides an updated review of the diagnostic tests that must be performed, the diagnostic algorithms, their complications, and current therapeutic management.

[Saved myocardium in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction post-reperfusion: Analysis by cardiac magnetic resonance]. / Miocardio salvado en infarto agudo de miocardio con supradesnivel del ST post reperfusión: Análisis mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify by cardiovascular magnetic resonance the salvaged myocardium in the myocardium supplied by the infarct-related artery in reperfused and non-reperfused patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty-five patients with a first STEMI (non-reperfused, ten patients; thrombolysis, ten patients; primary angioplasty, five patients) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 3 to 6 days after coronary angiography. Myocardial salvage and myocardial salvage index were quantified. RESULTS: Peak troponin values were lower in patients with primary angioplasty than in thrombolysis and non-reperfused patients (14,1 ng/ mL versus 515,4 ng/mL and 123,1 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0,007) and smaller infarct size (14,1 g versus 31,2 g and 31,5 g, respectively; p < 0,003). Myocardial salvage mass and myocardial salvage index were higher in patients with primary angioplasty than in thrombolysis and non-reperfused patients (27,4 g versus 4,7 g and 2,1 g, respectively; p < 0,003) and (65,2% versus 14,9% and 6,6%, respectively; p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the need to reassess the performance of coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in patients with a first STEMI, thrombolysis, and non-thrombolysis without prior myocardial viability studies. Cardiac magnetic resonance allows the quantification of salvaged myocardium and could be considered an emerging clinical application for the early evaluation of myocardial viability.

[Takotsubo Syndrome: 2022 Update]. / Síndrome de Takotsubo: Actualización 2022.

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiomyopathy with a clinical presentation resembling an acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by transient segmental ventricular dysfunction with a normal underlying coronary tree or coronary lesions that cannot explain the ventricular dysfunction. It is usually seen in postmenopausal women, triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, and is clinically challenging to diagnose. This article provides an exhaustive review of the risk factors, triggers, and main hypotheses to explain this disease. In addition, it provides an updated review of the diagnostic tests that must be performed, the diagnostic algorithms, their complications, and current therapeutic management.

Case report on right ventricular mural endocarditis, not diagnosed clinically, but histopathologically after cardiac surgery.

Background: Right ventricular mural endocarditis (RVME) is an extremely rare type of infective endocarditis that can occur even in the absence of predisposing factors. The diagnosis is a challenge when no causative pathogen can be detected. Case summary: A previously healthy young man was admitted to a local hospital with a diagnosis of prolonged febrile syndrome and treated for acute sinusitis. As complaints returned, he was hospitalized 3 weeks later, where an echocardiogram demonstrated multiple mobile masses in the right ventricle, and a computed tomography scan revealed extensive pulmonary thromboembolism. During surgery, the endocardial masses were excised, and the pathologist considered an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Despite appropriate medication and initial improvements, the complaints persisted, and 2 weeks after the surgery, the patient returned to the hospital. Imaging studies documented reappearance to the previous findings, whereas blood cultures remained negative. During the second surgery, the new masses resembling vegetations were excised, and histologic analysis indicated infective endocarditis. Adjusted medication was given for 30 days. Just before discharge, no vegetations were seen. At follow-up, 5 years later, he was in a healthy condition. Discussion: Despite careful examinations, initial treatments according to standard protocols were unsuccessful. At final discharge, the patient reported that a tattoo complication prior to the first hospitalization was treated by antibiotics but that he did not complete the course. This omission in the communication further complicated the diagnostic and management processes, leading to surgical interventions that could have been prevented if the neglected antibiotic course was properly disclosed.

[A critical analysis of ejection fraction]. / La serendipia en torno la fracción de eyección: una revisión de la historia, la casualidad y la cuasi-funcionalidad de una métrica aplaudida.

Ejection fraction (EF) is defined by the ratio of end-systolic volume (ESV) and end-diastolic volume (EDV). The resulting fraction is a dimensionless number whose interpretation is ambiguous and most likely misleading. Despite this limitation, EF is widely accepted as a clinical marker of cardiac function. In this article we analyze the role of ESV, a fundamental variable of ventricular mechanics, compared with the popular EF. Common physiology-based mathematics can explain a simple association between EF and ESV. This concept is illustrated by a detailed analysis of the information obtained from angiocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance studies. EF versus ESV produces a non-linear curve. For a small ESV, the EF approaches 100%, while for a large ESV, the EF gradually decreases toward zero. This elemental relationship is commonly observed in innervated natural hearts. Thus, the popularity of EF mostly derives from a fortuitous connection with the pivotal variable ESV. Alongside this finding, we unfold historical events that facilitated the emergence of EF as a result of serendipity. Our physiology-based approach denounces the circumstantial theories invoked to justify the importance of EF as an index of cardiac function, which are critically discussed. EF appears to be nothing more than a blessing in disguise. For this reason, we propose the ESV as a more logical metric for the analysis of ventricular function.

La serendipia en torno la fracción de eyección: una revisión de la historia, la casualidad y la cuasi-funcionalidad de una métrica aplaudida / A critical analysis of ejection fraction

Ejection fraction (EF) is defined by the ratio of end-systolic volume (ESV) and end-diastolic volume (EDV). The resulting fraction is a dimensionless number whose interpretation is ambiguous and most likely misleading. Despite this limitation, EF is widely accepted as a clinical marker of cardiac function. In this article we analyze the role of ESV, a fundamental variable of ventricular mechanics, compared with the popular EF. Common physiology-based mathematics can explain a simple association between EF and ESV. This concept is illustrated by a detailed analysis of the information obtained from angiocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance studies. EF versus ESV produces a non-linear curve. For a small ESV, the EF approaches 100%, while for a large ESV, the EF gradually decreases toward zero. This elemental relationship is commonly observed in innervated natural hearts. Thus, the popularity of EF mostly derives from a fortuitous connection with the pivotal variable ESV. Alongside this finding, we unfold historical events that facilitated the emergence of EF as a result of serendipity. Our physiology-based approach denounces the circumstantial theories invoked to justify the importance of EF as an index of cardiac function, which are critically discussed. EF appears to be nothing more than a blessing in disguise. For this reason, we propose the ESV as a more logical metric for the analysis of ventricular function.

Estrés emocional relacionado con un terremoto como factor causante de un síndrome de takotsubo / Takotsubo syndrome associated with an earthquake. report of two cases

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute heart disease usually triggered by significant emotional or physical stress, very occasionally described in association with natural disasters such as earthquakes. Clinically, it simulates an acute myocardial infarction with similar symptoms, laboratory tests, and electrocardiographic changes. Coronary angiography shows the absence of significant coronary disease. We report two women, aged 71 and 80 years, and who developed a Takotsubo syndrome after an earthquake. In both, the syndrome was diagnosed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

El rol de la resonancia magnética cardíaca en el diagnóstico diferencial entre miocarditis aguda e infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis mimicking a myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Acute myocarditis frequently mimics an acute myocardial infarction, and its diagnosis is a clinical challenge. AIM: To describe the characteristics of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute myocarditis hospitalized with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients aged 33 ± 11 years (21 men) with a definitive diagnosis of acute myocarditis hospitalized with a presumptive diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, in whom a coronary angiogram excluded significant atherosclerotic coronary lesions, were included. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with cine-resonance images was performed to assess global and regional ventricular function, and to study myocardial tissue characteristics. T2-STIR sequences were used for the assessment of oedema and late gadolinium enhancement for necrosis/fibrosis. RESULTS: Patients had high levels of total CK, CK-MB, troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed myocardial edema and late gadolinium enhancement was identified in all patients. The edema was transmural in 86% and subepicardial in 14%. Enhancement was subepicardial in 74% of patients and intramural in 26%. It was located in the inferior and lateral walls of the left ventricle in 93%, without affecting the endocardium. In all patients, two of three Lake Louise criteria were met, and an acute myocarditis was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic method of choice for diagnosing acute myocarditis when it mimics an acute myocardial infarction.

Left Ventricular Global Function Index and the Impact of its Companion Metric.

Left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) has been introduced as a volume-based composite metric for evaluation of ventricular function. The definition formula combines stroke volume (SV), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and LV mass/density. Being a dimensionless ratio, this new metric has serious limitations which require evaluation at a mathematical and clinical level. Using CMRI in 96 patients we studied LV volumes, various derived metrics and global longitudinal strain (GLS) in order to further characterize LVGFI in three diagnostic groups: acute myocarditis, takotsubo cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction. We also considered the LVGFI companion (C), derived from the quadratic mean. Additional metrics such as ejection fraction (EF), myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) and ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC), along with their companions (MCFC and VACC) were calculated. All companion metrics (EFC, LVGFIC, MCFC, and VACC) showed sex-specific differences, not clearly reflected by the corresponding ratio-based metrics. LVGFI is mathematically coupled to both EF (with R = 0.86) and VAC (R = 0.87), which observation clarifies why these metrics not only share similar prognostic values but also identical shortcomings. We found that the newly introduced LVGFIC has incremental value compared to the single use of LVGFI, EF, or GLS, when characterizing the three patient groups.

Stem cell therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell therapy (SCT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), nonetheless its effectiveness remains debatable. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of SCT in adults with non-ischaemic DCM. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase for relevant trials in November 2020. We also searched two clinical trials registers in May 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing stem/progenitor cells with no cells in adults with non-ischaemic DCM. We included co-interventions such as the administration of stem cell mobilizing agents. Studies were classified and analysed into three categories according to the comparison intervention, which consisted of no intervention/placebo, cell mobilization with cytokines, or a different mode of SCT. The first two comparisons (no cells in the control group) served to assess the efficacy of SCT while the third (different mode of SCT) served to complement the review with information about safety and other information of potential utility for a better understanding of the effects of SCT. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened all references for eligibility, assessed trial quality, and extracted data. We undertook a quantitative evaluation of data using random-effects meta-analyses. We evaluated heterogeneity using the I² statistic. We could not explore potential effect modifiers through subgroup analyses as they were deemed uninformative due to the scarce number of trials available. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We created summary of findings tables using GRADEpro GDT. We focused our summary of findings on all-cause mortality, safety, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), performance status, and major adverse cardiovascular events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs involving 762 participants (452 cell therapy and 310 controls). Only one study was at low risk of bias in all domains. There were many shortcomings in the publications that did not allow a precise assessment of the risk of bias in many domains. Due to the nature of the intervention, the main source of potential bias was lack of blinding of participants (performance bias). Frequently, the format of the continuous data available was not ideal for use in the meta-analysis and forced us to seek strategies for transforming data in a usable format. We are uncertain whether SCT reduces all-cause mortality in people with DCM compared to no intervention/placebo (mean follow-up 12 months) (risk ratio (RR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 1.31; I² = 0%; studies = 7, participants = 361; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether SCT increases the risk of procedural complications associated with cells injection in people with DCM (data could not be pooled; studies = 7; participants = 361; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether SCT improves HRQoL (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.62, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.23; I² = 72%; studies = 5, participants = 272; very low-certainty evidence) and functional capacity (6-minute walk test) (mean difference (MD) 70.12 m, 95% CI -5.28 to 145.51; I² = 87%; studies = 5, participants = 230; very low-certainty evidence). SCT may result in a slight functional class (New York Heart Association) improvement (data could not be pooled; studies = 6, participants = 398; low-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported major adverse cardiovascular events as defined in our protocol. SCT may not increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia (data could not be pooled; studies = 8, participants = 504; low-certainty evidence). When comparing SCT to cell mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), we are uncertain whether SCT reduces all-cause mortality (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.31; I² = 39%; studies = 3, participants = 195; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether SCT increases the risk of procedural complications associated with cells injection (studies = 1, participants = 60; very low-certainty evidence). SCT may not improve HRQoL (MD 4.61 points, 95% CI -5.62 to 14.83; studies = 1, participants = 22; low-certainty evidence). SCT may improve functional capacity (6-minute walk test) (MD 140.14 m, 95% CI 119.51 to 160.77; I² = 0%; studies = 2, participants = 155; low-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported MACE as defined in our protocol or ventricular arrhythmia. The most commonly reported outcomes across studies were based on physiological measures of cardiac function where there were some beneficial effects suggesting potential benefits of SCT in people with non-ischaemic DCM. However, it is unclear if this intermediate effects translates into clinical benefits for these patients. With regard to specific aspects related to the modality of cell therapy and its delivery, uncertainties remain as subgroup analyses could not be performed as planned, making it necessary to wait for the publication of several studies that are currently in progress before any firm conclusion can be reached. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We are uncertain whether SCT in people with DCM reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and procedural complications, improves HRQoL, and performance status (exercise capacity). SCT may improve functional class (NYHA), compared to usual care (no cells). Similarly, when compared to G-CSF, we are also uncertain whether SCT in people with DCM reduces the risk of all-cause mortality although some studies within this comparison observed a favourable effect that should be interpreted with caution. SCT may not improve HRQoL but may improve to some extent performance status (exercise capacity). Very low-quality evidence reflects uncertainty regarding procedural complications. These suggested beneficial effects of SCT, although uncertain due to the very low certainty of the evidence, are accompanied by favourable effects on some physiological measures of cardiac function. Presently, the most effective mode of administration of SCT and the population that could benefit the most is unclear. Therefore, it seems reasonable that use of SCT in people with DCM is limited to clinical research settings. Results of ongoing studies are likely to modify these conclusions.

[Takotsubo syndrome associated with an earthquake. report of two cases]. / Estrés emocional relacionado con un terremoto como factor causante de un síndrome de takotsubo.

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute heart disease usually triggered by significant emotional or physical stress, very occasionally described in association with natural disasters such as earthquakes. Clinically, it simulates an acute myocardial infarction with similar symptoms, laboratory tests, and electrocardiographic changes. Coronary angiography shows the absence of significant coronary disease. We report two women, aged 71 and 80 years, and who developed a Takotsubo syndrome after an earthquake. In both, the syndrome was diagnosed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Takotsubo syndrome: the broken-heart syndrome.

Takotsubo syndrome - also known as broken-heart syndrome, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy - is a recently discovered acute cardiac disease first described in Japan in 1991. This review aims to update understanding on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Takotsubo syndrome, highlighting aspects of interest to cardiologists and general practitioners.

[Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis mimicking a myocardial infarction]. / El rol de la resonancia magnética cardíaca en el diagnóstico diferencial entre miocarditis aguda e infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocarditis frequently mimics an acute myocardial infarction, and its diagnosis is a clinical challenge. AIM: To describe the characteristics of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute myocarditis hospitalized with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients aged 33 ± 11 years (21 men) with a definitive diagnosis of acute myocarditis hospitalized with a presumptive diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, in whom a coronary angiogram excluded significant atherosclerotic coronary lesions, were included. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with cine-resonance images was performed to assess global and regional ventricular function, and to study myocardial tissue characteristics. T2-STIR sequences were used for the assessment of oedema and late gadolinium enhancement for necrosis/fibrosis. RESULTS: Patients had high levels of total CK, CK-MB, troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed myocardial edema and late gadolinium enhancement was identified in all patients. The edema was transmural in 86% and subepicardial in 14%. Enhancement was subepicardial in 74% of patients and intramural in 26%. It was located in the inferior and lateral walls of the left ventricle in 93%, without affecting the endocardium. In all patients, two of three Lake Louise criteria were met, and an acute myocarditis was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic method of choice for diagnosing acute myocarditis when it mimics an acute myocardial infarction.

Valor de la resonancia magnética cardíaca para el diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con sospecha de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y arterias coronarias normales

Background: Patients hospitalized with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have normal coronary arteries (CAs) on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) may have an AMI or another acute cardiac disease that mimics it. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) for diagnosing conditions resembling AMI with normal CAs. Material and Methods: We studied 424 consecutive patients admitted with suspected STEMI who underwent ICA. Those with normal CAs underwent CMRI involving cine-CMRI sequences to evaluate segmental wall motion, T2-weighted short-tau inversion-recovery imaging to detect oedema and delayed contrast enhancement (DCE) after gadolinium administration to identify necrosis/fibrosis. Patients with previous myocardial infarction were excluded. Results: Twenty-six patients (6.1%) had normal CAs. Definitive diagnosis after CMRI was acute myocarditis in 11 patients (42.3%) whose DCE was localized in the subepicardium or intramyocardially but not in the endocardium, AMI in nine patients (34.6%) who had subendocardial or transmural DCE, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) in six patients (23.1%), whose CMRI showed regional contractility abnormalities of the left ventricle and myocardial oedema but not DCE. Conclusions: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allows a precise diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Transposición congénitamente corregida de grandes arterias en adultos asintomáticos diagnosticada circunstancialmente por ecocardiografía: casos clínicos / Asymptomatic congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: report of two cases

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare congenital anomaly that can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, especially when there are no other associated congenital anomalies. We report two patients in their sixth decade of life with corrected transposition of the great arteries incidentally diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography in a preventive medical check-up. The complementary use of cardiac computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis.

[Asymptomatic congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. Report of two cases]. / Transposición congénitamente corregida de grandes arterias en adultos asintomáticos diagnosticada circunstancialmente por ecocardiografía. Casos clínicos.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare congenital anomaly that can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, especially when there are no other associated congenital anomalies. We report two patients in their sixth decade of life with corrected transposition of the great arteries incidentally diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography in a preventive medical check-up. The complementary use of cardiac computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis.

[Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with a suspected myocardial infarction and normal coronary arteries]. / Valor de la resonancia magnética cardíaca para el diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con sospecha de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y arterias coronarias normales.

BACKGROUND: Patients hospitalized with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have normal coronary arteries (CAs) on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) may have an AMI or another acute cardiac disease that mimics it. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) for diagnosing conditions resembling AMI with normal CAs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 424 consecutive patients admitted with suspected STEMI who underwent ICA. Those with normal CAs underwent CMRI involving cine-CMRI sequences to evaluate segmental wall motion, T2-weighted short-tau inversion-recovery imaging to detect oedema and delayed contrast enhancement (DCE) after gadolinium administration to identify necrosis/fibrosis. Patients with previous myocardial infarction were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (6.1%) had normal CAs. Definitive diagnosis after CMRI was acute myocarditis in 11 patients (42.3%) whose DCE was localized in the subepicardium or intramyocardially but not in the endocardium, AMI in nine patients (34.6%) who had subendocardial or transmural DCE, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) in six patients (23.1%), whose CMRI showed regional contractility abnormalities of the left ventricle and myocardial oedema but not DCE. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allows a precise diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

[Ethics of stem cell therapy for heart failure]. / Terapia con células madre e insuficiencia cardiaca: aspectos éticos.

Heart failure is one of the first diseases in which stem cells were used for regenerative medicine. Since 2001, many publications have shown that stem cell therapy has the potential to mitigate heart diseases, but there is no solid scientific evidence to fully support its clinical application at present. The future of regenerative medicine requires validated clinical trials with standardized platforms and transdisciplinary efforts to enable the development of safe and effective regenerative therapies to protect patients and to promote the ethical application of this new and highly promising therapy. Doctors and scientists have a responsibility to discuss with patients the current reality of regenerative therapies. They also have a responsibility to discourage the indiscriminate and commercial use of these therapies, which are sometimes based on false hopes, since their inappropriate use can harm vulnerable patients as well as research efforts. Although regenerative medicine may be the medicine of the future and might bring the hope of cure for chronic diseases, it is not yet ready for its wide clinical application.

Terapia con células madre e insuficiencia cardiaca: aspectos éticos / Ethics of stem cell therapy for heart failure

Heart failure is one of the first diseases in which stem cells were used for regenerative medicine. Since 2001, many publications have shown that stem cell therapy has the potential to mitigate heart diseases, but there is no solid scientific evidence to fully support its clinical application at present. The future of regenerative medicine requires validated clinical trials with standardized platforms and transdisciplinary efforts to enable the development of safe and effective regenerative therapies to protect patients and to promote the ethical application of this new and highly promising therapy. Doctors and scientists have a responsibility to discuss with patients the current reality of regenerative therapies. They also have a responsibility to discourage the indiscriminate and commercial use of these therapies, which are sometimes based on false hopes, since their inappropriate use can harm vulnerable patients as well as research efforts. Although regenerative medicine may be the medicine of the future and might bring the hope of cure for chronic diseases, it is not yet ready for its wide clinical application.