Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases: Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known. Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established. The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), however, this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials. AIM: To identify baseline and clinical characteristics, as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Department of the National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chávez". All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study. RESULTS: Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found. The average age was 29.00 years ± 15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h ± 6165 mg/24 h. The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot's tetralogy with 2 cases (20%) and ventricular septal defect with 2 (20%) cases. Among the 10 cases, one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found, receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis, delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy. Among remaining 8 cases (80%), one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found, while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS. CONCLUSION: Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy. In 2 out of 10 patients in our study, interventions were performed, and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed. Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

[Circulatory support with venovenous ECMO in a patient with reperfusion pulmonary edema after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy]. / Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenoso en paciente con síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar secundario a tromboendarterectomía arterial pulmonar.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries secondary to chronic thromboembolism. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery (PTE) is the main treatment for patients with CTEPH, as it removes the chronic thrombi from the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary reperfusion syndrome is a common complication of the surgery, which involves the development of pulmonary edema in the area where blood perfusion improves after the surgery. The incidence of this syndrome varies from 8 to 91% depending on the criteria used for diagnosis, and it is one of the most serious complications of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. In such cases, circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a valuable therapeutic modality. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of acute pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis of the right pelvic limb who was diagnosed later with CTEPH who was admitted for scheduled surgical treatment involving bilateral PTE. However, during the immediate postoperative period, she developed cardiogenic shock and refractory hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary reperfusion syndrome following the surgical procedure. As a result, she required veno-venous ECMO circulatory support for 6 days, leading to resolution of the pulmonary condition and clinical improvement.

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es un subtipo de hipertensión pulmonar caracterizada por la obstrucción de las arterias pulmonares secundaria a tromboembolias crónicas. La cirugía de tromboendarterectomía pulmonar (TEAP) es el tratamiento principal para los pacientes con HPTEC, elimina los trombos crónicos de las arterias pulmonares. El síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar es una complicación común de la cirugía, se trata del desarrollo de edema pulmonar en el área en la que la perfusión sanguínea mejora después de la cirugía. La incidencia del síndrome varía del 8 al 91% según los criterios utilizados para diagnosticarlo y es una de las complicaciones más graves de la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar. En tales casos, el soporte circulatorio con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) se ha convertido en una valiosa modalidad terapéutica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 60 años de edad con antecedente de tromboembolia pulmonar aguda secundaria a trombosis venosa profunda de miembro pélvico derecho a quien durante el seguimiento se realizó el diagnóstico de HPTEC e ingresó de manera programada para tratamiento quirúrgico con realización de TEAP bilateral, sin embargo durante el posquirúrgico inmediato presentó choque cardiogénico e hipoxemia refractaria secundarios a síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar, por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenosa durante seis días, con resolución del cuadro pulmonar y mejoría clínica.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Complexity Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Palliation or Surgical Repair.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) survival rate has improved dramatically due to advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. However, concerning the unrepaired CHD population of moderate and severe complexity, the data regarding risk predictors and surgical outcomes are scarce. Our aim was to describe the surgical results and predictors of in-hospital outcomes in adult patients with moderate-to-severe complexity CHD that were not repaired in childhood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included 49 adult patients with moderate-to-complex CHD who were treated in a single medical centre. Clinical and echocardiographic variables were obtained on admission, after surgical procedures and during follow-up. Results: Most of the patients were female (66%). Left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening were within the normal range. The median pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 37 (27-55) mm Hg. The median time was 118 (80-181) minutes for extracorporeal circulation and 76 (49-121) minutes for aortic cross-clamping. The most frequent complication was postoperative complete atrioventricular block (12.2%). In-hospital survival rate was 87.7%. The development of low cardiac output syndrome with predominant right ventricle failure in the postoperative period was the most important predictor of in-hospital death (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Deciding to treat adults with CHD is challenging in moderate and severe unrepaired cases. Adequate clinical, functional, and imaging evaluation is essential to determine each patient's suitability for surgical management and to achieve the best clinical outcome for this population.

Contexte: Grâce aux avancées réalisées en matière de techniques diagnostiques et thérapeutiques, la survie des patients atteints d'une cardiopathie congénitale s'est considérablement améliorée. Cependant, en ce qui concerne les personnes atteintes d'une cardiopathie congénitale non corrigée présentant une complexité modérée ou extrême, les données portant sur les facteurs de risque prédictifs ainsi que sur les résultats chirurgicaux sont rares. Notre objectif était de décrire les résultats chirurgicaux ainsi que les facteurs prédictifs des résultats obtenus en milieu hospitalier chez les patients adultes atteints d'une cardiopathie congénitale présentant une complexité modérée ou extrême qui n'a pas été corrigée pendant l'enfance. Méthodologie: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective comprenant 49 patients adultes atteints d'une cardiopathie congénitale modérée ou complexe qui ont reçu leurs traitements dans un seul centre médical. Les variables cliniques et échocardiographiques ont été obtenues au moment de l'admission, après les interventions chirurgicales et pendant la période de suivi. Résultats: Les patients étaient en majorité des femmes (66 %). La fraction d'éjection du ventricule gauche ainsi que la fraction de raccourcissement de la voie d'éjection ventriculaire droite sont demeurées dans les limites de la normale. La pression systolique médiane de l'artère pulmonaire a été de 37 mmHg (27-55 mmHg). Le temps médian écoulé pour la circulation extracorporelle a été de 118 minutes (80-181 minutes) et pour le clampage de la crosse aortique, de 76 minutes (49-121 minutes). Le bloc auriculo-ventriculaire postopératoire complet a été la complication la plus fréquente (12,2 %). Le taux de survie en milieu hospitalier a été de 87,7 %. Le développement du syndrome du faible débit cardiaque accompagné d'une insuffisance prédominante du ventricule droit durant la période postopératoire a constitué le principal facteur prédictif de décès à l'hôpital (p = 0,03). Conclusion: Il est difficile de traiter les adultes qui présentent une cardiopathie congénitale modérée ou sévère non corrigée. Il est essentiel que les évaluations cliniques, fonctionnelles et par imagerie soient réalisées de façon adéquate pour déterminer si une prise en charge chirurgicale convient aux patients et pour garantir les meilleurs résultats cliniques chez ces derniers.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 vs. Non-COVID-19: clinical characteristics and outcomes in a tertiary care setting in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due tocoronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection has a unique phenotype generating a growing need to determine the existing differences that can alter existing evidence-based management strategies for ARDS. RESEARCH QUESTION: What differences does the clinical profile of patients with ARDS due to COVID 19 and Non-COVID 19 have? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a comparative, observational, retrospective study in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)of a third-level hospital in Mexico City, from March 2020 through March 2022. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were compared between patients with ARDS due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and those due to other etiologies. RESULTS: We enrolled 140 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. The study group of COVID-19 etiology were younger males, higher body mass index, progressed to organ dysfunction, required more frequently renal replacement therapy, and higher SOFA score. There was no difference in rates of right ventricular dysfunction. INTERPRETATION: COVID-19 ARDS exhibit much greater severity that led to higher admission and mortality rates, whilst being younger and less comorbid.

Assessing the venous system: Correlation of mean systemic filling pressure with the venous excess ultrasound grading system in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the venous system has long been underestimated as an important component of the circulatory system. As systemic venous pressure increases, the perfusion pressure to the tissues is compromised. During initial resuscitation in cardiac surgery, excessive fluid administration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 60 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and in whom it was possible to obtain the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) grading system and mean systemic filling pressure (Pmsf) in the postoperative period upon admission, at 24 and 48 h. We then determined the correlation between VExUS grading and Pmsf. RESULTS: On admission, patients with VExUS grading 0 predominated, with a progressive increase in venous congestion and an increase in Pmsf over the course of the first 48 h. There was a strong positive correlation between VExUS grading and the invasive measurement of Pmsf at 24 and 48 h after arrival. The presence of grade 2 or grade 3 venous congestion in the postoperative period poses an increased risk of developing acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: The VExUS grading system indicates a high degree of systemic venous congestion in the first 48 h of the postoperative period after cardiac surgery and correlates with the Pmsf, which is the best surrogate of stressed circulatory volume.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the systemic right ventricle in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: A case report.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare clinical entity, which usually presents during adulthood with associated defects; atrioventricular block, heart failure, systemic valve failure, and arrhythmias usually complicate the clinical course. Even rarer is associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which complicates the disease course and clinical decision-making. Herein, we present a patient with this condition who underwent heart transplantation, with adequate clinical resolution.

Usefulness of the velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract variability index to predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Haemodynamic monitoring of patients after cardiac surgery using echocardiographic evaluation of fluid responsiveness is both challenging and increasingly popular. We evaluated fluid responsiveness in the first hours after surgery by determining the variability of the velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract (VTI-LVOT). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 50 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and in whom it was possible to obtain VTI-LVOT measurements. We then determined the variability and correlations with our pulse pressure variation (PPV) measurements to predict fluid responsiveness. RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was seen between the VTI-LVOT variability index absolute values and PPV for predicting fluid responsiveness in the first hours after cardiac surgery. We also found that the VTI-LVOT variability index has high specificity and a high positive likelihood ratio compared with the gold standard using a cut-off point of ≥ 12%. CONCLUSIONS: The VTI-LVOT variability index is a valuable tool for determining fluid responsiveness during the first 6 postoperative hours in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mexican Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: In recent decades, adults living with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have improved their survival, thus increasing their predisposition to the onset of cardiometabolic risk factors and chronic health conditions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe cardiometabolic risk profiles in the ACHD population and their relationship to congenital heart disease (CHD) lesion complexity. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study from ACHD in a third-tier referral center in Mexico City. The association between cardiometabolic risk factors and CHD complexity was estimated using logistic regression models. Results: Our study cohort included 1,171 ACHD patients (median age: 31 [IQR: 23.2-42.7] years, male 63.6%). Cardiac diagnosis was classified as mild (44.9%), moderate (37.8%), and severe (17.2%) CHD complexity. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (55%) was the most common cardiometabolic risk factor; followed by insulin resistance (54.5%) and prediabetes (52.4%). Patients with mild and moderate CHD had a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, while patients with severe CHD had a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia and subclinical hypothyroidism. In the logistic regression analysis, the severity of CHD was associated with higher odds of hyperuricemia (moderate CHD, OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.20-2.93; P = 0.010; severe CHD, OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.64-4.62; P < 0.001) and lower risks of metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.91; P = 0.010), prediabetes (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.81; P < 0.001), and arterial hypertension (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33-0.74; P < 0.001) compared with mild CHD complexity. Conclusions: We observed high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors in Mexican ACHD patients and these risk profiles varied by CHD lesion complexity. These results highlight the need for ongoing metabolic health surveillance in the ACHD population.

Stent en una fístula sistémico-pulmonar de Blalock-Taussig modificada en un adulto paliado con atresia tricúspide con estenosis infundibular pulmonar crítica / Stenting of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in an adult with palliated tricuspid atresia and critical pulmonary stenosis

Resumen: Los adultos con cardiopatía congénita compleja, con fisiología univentricular y flujo pulmonar disminuido, constituyen un reto terapéutico. Muchos de ellos reciben tratamiento paliativo con fístula sistémico-pulmonar desde la etapa pediátrica. Dicha fístula puede presentar oclusión o estenosis y ocasionar deterioro de la capacidad funcional y clínica. Colocar una nueva fístula sistémico-pulmonar a través de una cirugía se considera de alto riesgo, por lo que el uso de stents a través de cateterismo cardíaco surge como una opción que ha tenido buenos resultados. Se describe el caso de un adulto con atresia tricúspide con fístula sistémico-pulmonar en la etapa pediátrica, quien acudió al servicio de urgencias por deterioro de su clase funcional y desaturación en aire ambiente de hasta un 64%; en la tomografía cardíaca se evidenció estenosis del tercio distal de la fístula sistémico-pulmonar, por lo que se decidió colocar, mediante cateterismo cardíaco intervencionista, dos stents (Express LD vascular 6 x 37 mm y 6 x 27 mm), luego de lo cual la saturación sistémica fue del 75%, por lo que se consideró exitosa la colocación de los dispositivos. La oclusión de estas fístulas es una complicación habitual, que genera disminución de la perfusión pulmonar con los subsecuentes síntomas respiratorios, disminución de la saturación y la oxigenación, cianosis y acidosis metabólica, y puede generar un evento que amenaza la vida si se presenta de manera aguda. La recanalización transcatéter de una fístula sistémico-pulmonar con stent es una alternativa adecuada para evitar un riesgo quirúrgico y arroja resultados óptimos.

Abstract: Adults with complex congenital heart disease with univentricular physiology and decreased in the pulmonary flow constitute a therapeutic challenge, many of these patients are palliated with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS). The mBTS can develop occlusion or stenosis over time with deterioration of functional class and poor exercise tolerance. Dysfunction of a mBTS is a life-threatening situation requiring urgent therapy. A new surgical palliation is a high-risk procedure, so stenting a mBTS can be an alternative. We report a 29-year-old female with tricuspid atresia and pulmonary infundibular stenosis palliated with mBTS with progressive cyanosis (oxygen saturation of 54%) and dyspnea; computed tomography revealed a stenosed mBTS, and an interventional percutaneous approach was made. The stenting of the mBTS was made with two stents (Express LD vascular 6 x 37 mm and 6 x 27 mm). Oxygen saturation post-procedure increase to 70-75%. Occlusion of these shunts are a common major complication, leading to a decrease in pulmonary perfusion with subsequent respiratory symptoms, low saturation and oxygenation, cyanosis, metabolic acidosis and can generate a life-threatening event if it occurs acutely. Stent implantation into a previous mBTS through cardiac catheterization can be an alternative to shunt operation in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease having a good long-term results.

Focused Transesophageal Echocardiography in Critical Care: The COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is controversial in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this case series was to demonstrate the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in acute cardiovascular care settings in patients with COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 13 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the critical care unit of our center from April 1, 2020, to July 30, 2020, in which transesophageal echocardiography was performed. TOE was performed by three cardiologists with training in echocardiography. Results: The main indication was suspected infective endocarditis in four cases, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation in four cases, suspected prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction in two patients, suspected pulmonary embolism in two patients, and acute right ventricular dysfunction and prone position ventilation in one patient. The final diagnosis was confirmed in 11 patients and discarded in 2 patients. None of the operators result infected. Conclusions: TOE is safe in the context of COVID-19 infection; it must be performed in well-selected cases and in a targeted manner.

Use of pulmonary ultrasound to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Lung ultrasound (LUS) implementation in patients with COVID-19 can help to establish the degree of pulmonary involvement, evaluate treatment response and estimate in-hospital outcome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of a LUS protocol in patients with COVID-19 infection to predict in-hospital mortality. METHODS: The study was carried out from April 1 to August 1, 2020 in patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Lung evaluation was carried out by physicians trained in critical care ultrasonography. RESULTS: Most patients were males, median age was 56 years, and 59 % required mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality was 39.4 %, and in those with a LUS score ≥ 19, mortality was higher (50 %). The multiple logistic regression model showed that a LUS score ≥ 19 was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio = 2.55, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LUS is a safe and fast clinical tool that can be applied at bedside in patients with COVID-19 infection to establish the degree of parenchymal involvement and predict mortality.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La implementación del ultrasonido pulmonar (LUS) en los pacientes con COVID-19 puede ayudar a establecer el grado de afectación pulmonar, evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento y estimar el desenlace intrahospitalario. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la aplicación de un protocolo LUS en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 para predecir mortalidad intrahospitalaria. MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó del 1 de abril al 1 de agosto de 2020 en pacientes con infección por COVID-19, ingresados en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Se realizó evaluación pulmonar por médicos entrenados en ultrasonografía crítica. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los pacientes fue del sexo masculino, la edad mediana fue de 56 años y 59 % requirió ventilación mecánica. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 39.4 % y en aquellos con puntuación de LUS ≥ 19, de 50 %. El modelo de regresión logística múltiple mostró que la puntuación de LUS ≥ 19 se asoció significativamente a mortalidad (cociente de riesgo = 2.55, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONES: El LUS es una herramienta clínica segura y rápida que puede realizarse al lado de la cama de los pacientes con infección por COVID-19, para establecer el grado de afectación parenquimatosa y predecir la mortalidad.

Right ventricular dysfunction and right ventricular-arterial uncoupling at admission increase the in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently involves cardiovascular manifestations such as right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and alterations in pulmonary hemodynamics. We evaluated the application of the critical care ultrasonography ORACLE protocol to identify the most frequent alterations and their influence on adverse outcomes, especially those involving the RV (dilatation and dysfunction). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 204 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted at three centers. Echocardiography and lung ultrasound images were acquired on admission using the ORACLE ultrasonography algorithm. RESULTS: Two-hundred and four consecutive patients were evaluated: 22 (11.9%) demonstrated a fractional shortening of < 35%; 33 (17.1%) a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) of < 17 mm; 26 (13.5%) a tricuspid peak systolic S wave tissue Doppler velocity of < 9.5 cm/sec; 69 (37.5%) a RV basal diameter of > 41 mm; 119 (58.3%) a pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) of > 35 mm Hg; and 14 (11%) a TAPSE/PASP ratio of < .31. The in-hospital mortality rate was 37.6% (n = 71). Multiple logistic regression modeling showed that PASP > 35 mm Hg, RV FS of < 35%, TAPSE < 17 mm, RV S wave < 9.5, and TAPSE/PASP ratio < .31 mm/mm Hg were associated with this outcome. PASP and the TAPSE/PASP ratio had the lowest feasibility of being obtained among the investigators (62.2%). CONCLUSION: The presence of RV dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and alteration of the RV-arterial coupling conveys an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with COVID-19 upon admission; therefore, searching for these alterations should be routine. These parameters can be obtained quickly and safely with the ORACLE protocol.

Uso de ultrasonido pulmonar para predecir mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 / Use of pulmonary ultrasound to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection

Resumen Introducción: La implementación del ultrasonido pulmonar (LUS) en los pacientes con COVID-19 puede ayudar a establecer el grado de afectación pulmonar, evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento y estimar el desenlace intrahospitalario. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación de un protocolo LUS en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 para predecir mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Métodos: El estudio se realizó del 1 de abril al 1 de agosto de 2020 en pacientes con infección por COVID-19, ingresados en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Se realizó evaluación pulmonar por médicos entrenados en ultrasonografía crítica. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes fue del sexo masculino, la edad mediana fue de 56 años y 59 % requirió ventilación mecánica. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 39.4 % y en aquellos con puntuación de LUS ≥ 19, de 50 %. El modelo de regresión logística múltiple mostró que la puntuación de LUS ≥ 19 se asoció significativamente a mortalidad (cociente de riesgo = 2.55, p = 0.01). Conclusiones: El LUS es una herramienta clínica segura y rápida que puede realizarse al lado de la cama de los pacientes con infección por COVID-19, para establecer el grado de afectación parenquimatosa y predecir la mortalidad.

Abstract Introduction: Lung ultrasound (LUS) implementation in patients with COVID-19 can help to establish the degree of pulmonary involvement, evaluate treatment response and estimate in-hospital outcome. Objective: To evaluate the application of LUS in patients with COVID-19 infection to predict in-hospital mortality. Methods: The study was carried out from April 1 to August 1, 2020 in patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Lung evaluation was carried out by physicians trained in critical care ultrasonography. Results: Most patients were males, median age was 56 years, and 59 % required mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality was 39.4 %, and in those with a LUS score ≥ 19, mortality was higher (50 %). The multiple logistic regression model showed that a LUS score ≥ 19 was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio = 2.55, p = 0.01). Conclusions: LUS is a safe and fast clinical tool that can be applied at bedside in patients with COVID-19 infection to establish the degree of parenchymal involvement and predict mortality.

Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular / Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Resumen La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an entity characterized by acute and transient ventricular dysfunction, which is usually related to a triggering event (emotional or physical stress), and usually presents with regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, however up to 30% may be biventricular. Depending on its severity in some cases the disease can condition refractory cardiogenic shock to management with inotropics and vasopressors, so for these cases circulatory assistance devices should be considered. We present the case of a young patient who had pulmonary valve change with biological prosthesis, which seven weeks after surgery went to the emergency department with pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology secondary to postpericardiotomy syndrome. For this reason pericardial window was practiced, however during the procedure she presented biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy which conditioned cardiogenic shock with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and refractivity to medical treatment as well as intraaortic balloon pump, requiring circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO for 5 days.

Acute right ventricular failure in COVID-19 infection: A case series.

Severe forms of COVID-19 infection are associated with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and thromboembolic complications; those can affect the cardiac function especially the right ventricle performance. Critical care echocardiography has rapidly evolved as the election technique in the evaluation of the critically ill patients. This technique has the advantage that it can be done at patient´s bedside and helps to provide the appropriate treatment and to monitoring maneuver's response. We present 4 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 infection who presented with sudden hemodynamic and / or respiratory deterioration, in which transthoracic echocardiogram showed acute right ventricular failure as the trigger for the event and helped to guide an early therapeutic intervention. .

[Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy]. / Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular.

La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Feasibility in the echocardiographic estimation of parameters of the right ventricle in prone position.

Background: Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the prone position are usually obtained with an esophageal probe. The feasibility of obtaining them by means of a transthoracic approach is unknown. Objective: Estimating the feasibility to obtain parameters of the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography in prone position on the subject. Methods: Pilot design of consecutive case series without cardiopulmonary disease. Demographic, vital signs and echocardiographic variables were defined in the ventral initial, prone and ventral final decubitus positions. The data are shown with averages and standard deviations, and frequencies and percentages according to the variable. The differences between the positions were calculated with ANOVA of repeated samples and adjustment of Bonferroni test. Intra-subject variability was obtained by the Bland-Altman procedure and its 95% confidence interval. Results: We studied 50 subjects, 44 (88%) males, age 30 ± 6 years and body mass index 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S'-wave were measured 100% of the time. The vital signs and echocardiographic variables according to the position had differences in: heart rate (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 beats/min), partial oxygen saturation (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) and mean systemic blood pressure (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 ± 2.84 mm), mean difference (bias) 0 (2, -2.0) and S'-wave (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), mean difference (bias) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectively. Conclusions: Obtaining right ventricle parameters by transthoracic ecocardiopraphy is feasible in the prone position.

Introducción: Los parámetros cardiacos ecocardiográficos en posición de decúbito prono usualmente se obtienen con sonda esofágica. Se desconoce la factibilidad de obtenerlos mediante aproximación transtorácica. Objetivo: Estimar la factibilidad para obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica en el sujeto en posición de decúbito prono. Métodos: Diseño piloto de serie de casos consecutivos sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se acotaron variables demográficas, signos vitales y ecocardiográficas en posición decúbito ventral inicial, prono y ventral final. Los datos se muestran con promedios y desviaciones estándar, y frecuencias y porcentajes de acuerdo con la variable. La diferencia entre las posiciones se calculó con ANOVA de muestras repetidas y ajuste de Bonferroni. Se obtuvo la variabilidad intrasujetos mediante el procedimiento de Bland-Altman y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se estudiaron 50 sujetos, 44 (88%) masculinos, edad 30 ± 6 años e índice de masa corporal 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. El TAPSE (excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo) y la onda S' se midieron en el 100% de las veces. Los signos vitales y variables ecocardiográficas de acuerdo con la posición tuvieron diferencias en: frecuencia cardiaca (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 lpm), saturación parcial de oxígeno (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) y la presión arterial sistémica media (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 vs. 2.84 mm), diferencia media (sesgo) 0 (2, ­2.0) y onda S' (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), diferencia media (sesgo) ­0.46 (1.21, ­2.14) respectivamente. Conclusión: En posición de decúbito prono es factible obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho por ecocardiografía transtorácica.

Transthoracic echocardiography during prone position ventilation: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 outbreak) demands an increased need for hospitalizations in emergency departments (EDs) and critical care units. Owing to refractory hypoxemia, prone position ventilation has been used more frequently and patients will need repeated hemodynamic assessments. Our main objective was to show the feasibility of obtaining images to measure multiple parameters with transthoracic echocardiography during the prone position ventilation. Methods: We enrolled 15 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that required prone position ventilation as a rescue maneuver for refractory hypoxemia. The studies were performed by 2 operators with training in critical care echocardiography. Measurements were done outside the patient's room and the analysis of the images was performed by 3 cardiologists with training in echocardiography. Results: Adequate image acquisition of the left ventricle was possible in all cases; we were not able to visualize the right ventricular free wall only in 1 patient. The mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 17.8 mm, tricuspid peak systolic S wave tissue Doppler velocity 11.5 cm/s, and the right ventricular basal diameter 36.6 mm; left ventricle qualitative function was reduced in 6 patients; pericardial effusion or valvular abnormalities were not observed. Conclusion: We showed that echocardiographic images can be obtained to measure multiple parameters during the prone position ventilation. This technique has special value in situations where there is sudden hemodynamic deterioration and it is not possible to return the patient in the supine position.