Cardiopulmonary Imaging Utilization and Findings among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Latin America: (From "RIMAC: Registry IMAging Cardiopulmonary among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in LATAM").

Objectives: Describe the use and findings of cardiopulmonary imaging-chest X-ray (cX-ray), echocardiography (cEcho), chest CT (cCT), lung ultrasound (LUS), and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI)-in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Latin America (LATAM). Background: There is a lack of information on the images used and their findings during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in LATAM. Methods: Multicenter, prospective, observational study of COVID-19 inpatients, conducted from March to December 2020, from 12 high-complexity centers, in nine LATAM countries. Adults (>18 years) with at least one imaging modality performed, followed from admission until discharge and/or in-hospital death, were included. Results: We studied 1,435 hospitalized patients (64% males) with a median age of 58 years classified into three regions: Mexico (Mx), 262; Central America and Caribbean (CAC), 428; and South America (SAm), 745. More frequent comorbidities were overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. During hospitalization, 58% were admitted to the ICU. The in-hospital mortality was 28%, and it was highest in Mx (37%).The most frequent images performed were cCT (61%), mostly in Mx and SAm, and cX-ray (46%), significant in CAC. The cEcho was carried out in 18%, similarly among regions, and LUS was carried out in 7%, with a higher frequently in Mx. Abnormal findings on the cX-ray were peripheral or basal infiltrates, and in cCT abnormal findings were the ground glass infiltrates, more commonly in Mx. In LUS, interstitial syndrome was the most abnormal finding, predominantly in Mx and CAC.Renal failure was the most prevalent complication (20%), predominant in Mx and SAm. Heart failure developed in 13%, predominant in Mx and CAC. Lung thromboembolism was higher in Mx while myocardial infarction was in CAC.Logistic regression showed associations of abnormal imaging findings and their severity, with comorbidities, complications, and evolution. Conclusions: The use and findings of cardiopulmonary imaging in LATAM varied between regions and had a great impact on diagnosis and prognosis.

Hipertensión arterial y embarazo / High blood pressure and pregnancy

Resumen Los trastornos hipertensivos asociados al embarazo son una complicación frecuente y causa importante de morbimortalidad materno-fetal. Realizar un diagnóstico oportuno, definir la necesidad de inicio de terapias farmacológicas orales o intravenosas, así como las indicaciones de cuidado en centros de referencia, es el papel fundamental de los diferentes médicos que pueden verse enfrentados a este tipo de pacientes. Se propone una revisión completa de la clasificación, el enfoque diagnóstico y los aspectos fundamentales del tratamiento durante el embarazo, el parto y el posparto de los trastornos hipertensivos asociados al embarazo, así como las consecuencias futuras en el riesgo cardiovascular de la mujer con este tipo de enfermedades.

Abstract Hypertensive disorders associated with pregnancy are a frequent complication and an actual cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Perform a timely diagnosis, defining the need to start oral or intravenous pharmacological therapies and the indications for care in referral centers is the different physicians’ fundamental role. They can meet with this type of patient. A complete review of the classification, the diagnostic approach, and the fundamental aspects of the treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum of the hypertensive disorders associated with pregnancy is reviewed and the future consequences in the woman’s cardiovascular risk.