Left Atrial Septal Pouch and Acute Thromboembolic Ischemia of the Upper Limb.

BACKGROUND A left atrial septal pouch (LASP) was first described in 2010 as a new anatomical entity with potential for embolic events. The prevalences of left, right, and double septal pouches are 40.8%, 5.1%, and 3.7%, respectively. There is a concern about the risk of embolic events due to formation of thrombi in a LASP (especially stroke). CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man presented with sudden onset of right arm pain associated with sweating and neck pain radiating to his left upper extremity. On physical examination, his right arm was cyanotic and he had pain, paresthesia, and no radial pulse. The patient was diagnosed with acute arterial occlusion of his right upper extremity. An arterial embolectomy was performed with a Fogarty catheter at the level of the brachial artery, which resulted in immediate reperfusion. The patient had an embolic event and after efforts to identify the possible etiology, only an LASP was found. Therefore, we hypothesized that he experienced an embolic event in which a thrombus had formed at the site of the LASP. CONCLUSIONS The present case report is designed to raise awareness of the thrombogenic potential of LASP and the possibility of an embolic event to the upper limb of patients with it. LASP can be the source of a thrombus in a patient with a non-stroke embolic event.

Pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis: diagnosis by systematic screening and prognosis after three years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease, and the presence of pulmonary hypertension can be a determining factor in prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis, profile, and prognosis of systemic sclerosis pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH) diagnosed by systematic screening in a Brazilian population. METHODS: A cohort of SSc patients underwent systematic screening for SSc-PH. Patients were referred for right heart catheterization (RHC) according to transthoracic echocardiogram or a combination of diagnostic tools. The clinical, immunological, and hemodynamic features and prognosis after 3 years were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent RHC. SSc pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) was the most common group of SSc-PH. These patients had long disease duration, high urate levels and highly elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) on hemodynamics. Patients with mPAP > 20- < 25 mmHg had hemodynamic features of intermediate disease. Patients with SSc-PH associated to interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD-PH) had signs of vasculopathy on hemodynamics. In patients with no-SSc-PH, the survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 96%, 92% and 92%, respectively and in patients with SSc-PH it was 86.7%, 60% and 53.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients identified with SSc-PAH and SSc-ILD-PH in our screening had severe clinical and hemodynamic features. Mortality remains high in SSc-PH but was more related to Bo-PAH and SSc-ILD-PH, while in SSc-PAH, the prognosis was better. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN 72968188, July 8th, 2021. Retrospectively registered.

Prognostic Value of a New Marker of Ventricular Repolarization in Cirrhotic Patients / Valor Prognóstico de um Novo Marcador da Repolarização Ventricular em Pacientes Cirróticos

Abstract Background: There is still debate about the relationship between changes in ventricular repolarization on the surface electrocardiogram and cirrhosis severity. Objective: To study the relationship between variables related to ventricular repolarization and the clinical severity of the cirrhotic disease. Methods: We selected 79 individuals with hepatic cirrhosis, classified according to the Child-Pugh-Turcotte criteria (Child A, B, and C). We measured the QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals, and the interval between the peak and the end of the T wave (TpTe), and we identified their minimum, maximum, and mean values in the 12-lead electrocardiogram. We also calculated the dispersion of the QT (DQT) and QTc (DQTc) intervals. Results: In 12 months of clinical follow-up, nine subjects underwent hepatic transplantation (Child A: 0 [0%]; Child B: 6 [23.1%]; Child C: 3 [18.8%]; p = 0.04) and 12 died (Child A: 3 [12.0%]; Child B: 4 [15.4%]; Child C: 5 [31.3%]; p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between the cirrhotic groups related to the minimum, maximum, and mean values for the QT, QTc, TpTe, DQT, and DQTc intervals. A minimum TpTe interval ≤ 50 ms was a predictor for the composite endpoints of death or liver transplantation with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 57% (p = 0.005). In the Cox multivariate analysis, the Child groups and a minimum TpTe of ≤ 50 ms were independent predictors of the composite endpoints. Conclusion: The intervals QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc, and TpTe have similar distributions between different severity stages in cirrhotic disease. The TpTe interval proved to be a prognostic marker in subjects with cirrhosis, regardless of disease severity (NCT01433848).

Resumo Fundamento: Ainda há debate sobre a relação de alterações da repolarização ventricular ao eletrocardiograma de superfície e a gravidade da cirrose. Objetivo: Estudar a relação entre variáveis relacionadas à repolarização ventricular e a gravidade clínica da doença cirrótica. Métodos: Foram selecionados 79 sujeitos com cirrose hepática, classificados segundo os critérios Child-Pugh-Turcotte (Child A, B e C). Foram medidos intervalos QT e QT corrigido (QTc), o intervalo entre o ápice e o final da onda T (TpTe) e identificados os respectivos valores mínimos, máximos e médios nas 12 derivações do eletrocardiograma. Foram calculados também as dispersões dos intervalos QT (DQT) e QTc (DQTc). Resultados: Em 12 meses de acompanhamento clínico, nove sujeitos foram submetidos a transplante hepático (Child A: 0 (0%); Child B: 6 (23,1%); Child C: 3 (18,8%); p=0,04) e 12 faleceram (Child A: 3 (12,0%); Child B: 4 (15,4%); Child C: 5 (31,3%); p=0,002). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos cirróticos relacionadas aos valores mínimos, máximos e médios dos intervalos QT, QTc, TpTe, DQT e DQTc. O intervalo TpTe mínimo ≤50ms foi preditor de desfecho composto de óbito ou transplante hepático com sensibilidade de 90% e especificidade de 57% (p=0,005). Na análise multivariada de Cox, grupos Child e TpTe mínimo ≤50ms foram preditores independentes de desfechos compostos. Conclusão: Os intervalos QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc e TpTe apresentam distribuições semelhantes entre diferentes estágios de gravidade da doença cirrótica. O intervalo TpTe mostra-se marcador prognóstico em sujeitos cirróticos, independente da gravidade da doença. (NCT01433848).

Prognostic Value of a New Marker of Ventricular Repolarization in Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is still debate about the relationship between changes in ventricular repolarization on the surface electrocardiogram and cirrhosis severity. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between variables related to ventricular repolarization and the clinical severity of the cirrhotic disease. METHODS: We selected 79 individuals with hepatic cirrhosis, classified according to the Child-Pugh-Turcotte criteria (Child A, B, and C). We measured the QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals, and the interval between the peak and the end of the T wave (TpTe), and we identified their minimum, maximum, and mean values in the 12-lead electrocardiogram. We also calculated the dispersion of the QT (DQT) and QTc (DQTc) intervals. RESULTS: In 12 months of clinical follow-up, nine subjects underwent hepatic transplantation (Child A: 0 [0%]; Child B: 6 [23.1%]; Child C: 3 [18.8%]; p = 0.04) and 12 died (Child A: 3 [12.0%]; Child B: 4 [15.4%]; Child C: 5 [31.3%]; p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between the cirrhotic groups related to the minimum, maximum, and mean values for the QT, QTc, TpTe, DQT, and DQTc intervals. A minimum TpTe interval ≤ 50 ms was a predictor for the composite endpoints of death or liver transplantation with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 57% (p = 0.005). In the Cox multivariate analysis, the Child groups and a minimum TpTe of ≤ 50 ms were independent predictors of the composite endpoints. CONCLUSION: The intervals QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc, and TpTe have similar distributions between different severity stages in cirrhotic disease. The TpTe interval proved to be a prognostic marker in subjects with cirrhosis, regardless of disease severity (NCT01433848).

Ecocardiografia na triagem e seguimento da hipertensão pulmonar / Echocardiography in screening and follow up in pulmonary hypertension

O ecocardiograma é principal exame de triagem dos pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar por ser de fácil acesso, não invasivo, permitindo a estimativa das pressões arteriais pulmonares, avaliação das repercussões sobre o ventrículo direito, bem como detectar possíveis etiologias para hipertensão pulmonar. Parâmetros obtidos da hemodinâmica pulmonar pelo ecocardiograma ajudam na diferenciação etiológica, bem como podem servir de dados prognósticos. Novas tecnologias vêm sendo incorporadas na realização de ecocardiograma. A análise dos volumes do VD, bem como sua fração de ejeção pelo ecocardiograma tridimensional é promissora. A análise do Strain longitudinal do ventrículo direito tem sido uma ferramenta útil na avaliação da função. O uso do ecocardiograma é ferramenta importante nos pacientes com suspeita de hipertensão pulmonar, tendo papel no diagnóstico, avaliação etiológica, bem como determinação de suas complicações sobre o ventrículo direito...

Echocardiogram is the main screening test for patients with pulmonary hypertension being widely avaible, non invasive, allowing pulmonary arterial pressure estimation, evaluation of right ventricle repercussions, as well as detect possible etiologies for pulmonary hypertension. Parameters obtained from pulmonary hemodynamics by echocardiogram aid in etological differentiation, as well as serve as prognostic data. New Technologies are being incorporated in echocardiogram. Analisys of right ventricle volumes, and ejection fraction by three-dimensional echocardiogram is promising. Right ventricle longitudinal Strain analisys is a good tool for function evaluation.Echocardiogram uses is an important tool for patients with pulmonary hypertension suspicion, used for diagnosis, etiological evaluation, as well as in determination of right ventricle complications...

O papel do ecocardiograma na quimioterapia / The role of echocrdiography in chemotherapy / El Papel del ecocardiograma en la quimioterapia

Trata-se de uma revisão a respeito da importância do ecocardiograma na detecção precoce da disfunção cardíaca diastólica e/ou sistólica nos pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia, visando a evidenciação precoce das alterações anatômicas causadas por estes agentes antes do seu estabelecimento de forma irreversível. Serão abordados tanto os parâmetros clássicos na avaliação sisto-diastólica, como a definição do papel do strain bidimensional na atualidade.

Se trata de una revisión respecto a la importancia del ecocardiograma en la detección precoz de la disfunción cardíaca diastólica y/o sistólica en los pacientes sometidos a la quimioterapia, buscando la evidencia precoz de las alteraciones anatómicas causadas por estos agentes antes de su establecimiento de forma irreversible. Serán abordados tanto los parámetros clásicos en la evaluación sisto-diastólica, como la definición del papel del strain bidimensional en la actualidad

Chronic exercise leads to antiaggregant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) patients are at an increased risk of thrombotic events. Here, we investigated the effects of exercise training on platelet function and factors involved in its modulation in HF. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty HF patients were randomized to 6 months of supervised exercise training or to a control group that remained sedentary. Exercise training consisted of 30 min of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise, followed by resistance and stretching exercises, performed three times a week. Blood was collected before and after the intervention for platelet and plasma obtainment. RESULTS: Peak VO2 increased after exercise training (18.0 ± 2.2 vs. 23.8 ± 0.5 mlO2/kg/min; p < 0.05). Exercise training reduced platelet aggregation induced by both collagen and ADP (approximately -6%; p < 0.05), as well as platelet nitric oxide synthase activity (0.318 ± 0.030 vs. 0.250 ± 0.016 pmol/10(8) cells; p < 0.05). No difference in the above-mentioned variables were observed in the control group. No significant difference was observed in intraplatelet cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels among groups. There was a significant increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in plasma and platelets, resulting in a decrease in both lipid and protein oxidative damage. Systemic levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and tumour necrosis factor α were also reduced in HF after training. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that regular exercise training is a valuable adjunct to optimal medical management of HF, reducing platelet aggregation via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and, therefore, reducing the risk of future thrombotic events.

Papel da ecocardiografia na avaliação dos tumores cardíacos e de massas cardíacas não infecciosas / Role of echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac tumors and non-infectious cardiac masses

O ecocardiograma é um exame não invasivo, prático e rapidamente disponível, que pode ser realizado à beira do leito e servir não apenas para a evidenciação das massas intracardíacas não infecciosas, mas também para o auxílio na sua definição etiológica. O papel da ecocardiografia na avaliação de massas intracardíacas,especialmente na avaliação de massas tumorais é importante na definição etiológica e na avaliação das possíveis abordagens terapêuticas, quer através de métodos invasivos quer seja por conduta expectante. Este trabalho tem por objetivo fazer uma revisão do papel da ecocardiografia na diferenciação dos tipos de massas cardíacas e demonstrar de que forma a ecocardiografia pode contribuir para a diferenciação dos tipos histológicos de tumor, bem como para a definição das massas intracardíacas não tumorais não infecciosas.

Comparison of echocardiography request appropriateness between public and private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Aiming at improving the use of echocardiography tests, the Appropriateness Criteria (AC) were created by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/American College of Cardiology (ACC). OBJECTIVE: To compare the appropriateness profile of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) requests in accordance with the AC, between a public University Hospital (UH) and a Private Hospital (PH), and verify which characteristics are associated with a better TTE request profile. METHODS: We prospectively assessed 779 consecutive TTE requests in a PH (49.8%) and a UH (50.2%), with 55.6% of requests for women and 44.4% for men, aged 59.1 ± 15.7 years. The indications were classified as appropriate, inappropriate or non-classified, and adequacy to AC was correlated with age, patient gender, and the time since graduation of the requesting physician. The statistical analysis used Kappa coefficient and chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference regarding the adequacy profile of appropriate TTE requests in the two institutions (71% vs. 75%, p = 0.3). At PH, the factors associated with higher rates of appropriate tests were: female gender (p = 0.001) and age younger than 60 years (p <0.001). In the UH, physicians who had graduated between 5 and 10 years before had a higher rate of inappropriate requests (p = 0.02). The variables that were independent predictors of appropriate tests in the PH were: female sex (p = 0.001) and age <60 years (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this evaluation, the PH and the UH profiles showed similar request appropriateness profiles. Female gender, time since graduation of the requesting physician and the patient's age influenced the appropriateness of requests.

Comparação da adequação de solicitação de ecocardiograma entre hospitais público e privado / Comparison of echocardiography request appropriateness between public and private hospitals

FUNDAMENTO: Buscando aprimorar a utilização dos exames de ecocardiografia, foram criados os Critérios de Adequação (CA) (Appropriateness Criteria), pela Sociedade Norte-Americana de Ecocardiografia (ASE) /Colégio Americano de Cardiologia (ACC). OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil de adequação de solicitação de ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) de acordo com os CA, entre Hospital Público Universitário (HU) e Hospital Privado (HP), e verificar quais características se associam com melhor perfil de solicitação de ETT. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados prospectivamente 779 solicitações consecutivas de ETT no HP (49,8 por cento) e no HU (50,2 por cento). Sendo 55,6 por cento solicitações para mulheres e 44,4 por cento, para homens com 59,1 ± 15,7 anos. As indicações foram classificadas como: apropriadas, inapropriadas ou não classificadas, e a adequação aos CA foi correlacionada com idade, sexo dos pacientes, além do tempo de formado do solicitante. A análise estatística empregou Coeficiente Kappa e teste Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa no perfil de adequação de solicitações apropriadas de ETT nas duas instituições (71 por cento x 75 por cento; p = 0,3). No HP, os fatores associados a maior taxa de exames apropriados foram: sexo feminino (p = 0,001) e idade menor que 60 anos (p < 0,001). No HU, médicos formados entre 5 e 10 anos apresentaram maior taxa de solicitações inadequadas (p = 0,02). As variáveis que foram preditoras independentes de exames apropriados foram, no HP: sexo feminino (p = 0,001) e idade < 60 anos (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta avaliação, HP e HU apresentaram perfis de adequação de solicitações similares. Sexo feminino, tempo de formado do médico solicitante e a idade do paciente influíram na adequação das solicitações.

BACKGROUND: Aiming at improving the use of echocardiography tests, the Appropriateness Criteria (AC) were created by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/American College of Cardiology (ACC). OBJECTIVE: To compare the appropriateness profile of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) requests in accordance with the AC, between a public University Hospital (UH) and a Private Hospital (PH), and verify which characteristics are associated with a better TTE request profile. METHODS: We prospectively assessed 779 consecutive TTE requests in a PH (49.8 percent) and a UH (50.2 percent), with 55.6 percent of requests for women and 44.4 percent for men, aged 59.1 ± 15.7 years. The indications were classified as appropriate, inappropriate or non-classified, and adequacy to AC was correlated with age, patient gender, and the time since graduation of the requesting physician. The statistical analysis used Kappa coefficient and chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference regarding the adequacy profile of appropriate TTE requests in the two institutions (71 percent vs. 75 percent, p = 0.3). At PH, the factors associated with higher rates of appropriate tests were: female gender (p = 0.001) and age younger than 60 years (p <0.001). In the UH, physicians who had graduated between 5 and 10 years before had a higher rate of inappropriate requests (p = 0.02). The variables that were independent predictors of appropriate tests in the PH were: female sex (p = 0.001) and age <60 years (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this evaluation, the PH and the UH profiles showed similar request appropriateness profiles. Female gender, time since graduation of the requesting physician and the patient's age influenced the appropriateness of requests.

Platelet activation, oxidative stress and overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in moderate heart failure.

1. Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common disabling disorder associated with thromboembolic events, the genesis of which is not yet fully understood. Nitric oxide (NO), derived from the vascular endothelium and platelets, has an important role in the physiological regulation of blood flow. It is generated from the amino acid L-arginine via NO synthase (NOS). 2. The main objective of the present study was to investigate NO production and its relationship with platelet aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation and related amino acids in patients with moderate CHF. The expression and activity of NOS isoforms were analysed by western blotting and conversion of L-[(3)H]-arginine to L-[(3)H]-citrulline, respectively, in CHF patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 15). Collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity) and plasma levels of amino acids and inflammatory markers (fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were also determined. 3. Both collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation were increased in CHF patients compared with controls. Platelets from CHF patients did not show any changes in NOS activity in the presence of overexpression of inducible NOS. Systemic and intraplatelet TBARS production was elevated, whereas SOD activity was decreased in CHF patients. l-arginine plasma concentrations were lower in CHF patients than in controls. Systemic levels of CRP and fibrinogen were increased in CHF patients. 4. The results show that, in patients with moderate CHF, there is platelet activation and reduced intraplatelet NO bioavailability due to oxidative stress, which suggests a role for platelets in the prothrombotic state.

A avaliação do dissincronismo cardíaco pela ecocardiografia após o Estudo Prospect / Echocardiographic cardiac dyssinchrony evaluation after the Prospect Study

A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (RSC) tornou-se um importante recurso para o tratamento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, que não respondem às medidas habituais e, apresentam distúrbios de condução, bloqueio de ramo esquerdo (BRE). Seguindo as recomendações atuais, cerca de 30 por cento dos pacientes não apresentam resposta satisfatória. A ecocardiografia, em suas diversas modalidades, foi proposta como método capaz de melhor selecionar o grupo dos chamados respondedores. O estudo multicêntrico Prospect avaliou 12 critérios ecocardiográficos para confirmar os achados de estudos isolados. Concluiu que nenhum critério ecocardiográfico seria capaz de ajudar nessa seleção ou influênciar essa decisão. Este artigo de revisão mostra os resultados do estudo, faz comentários sobre a metodologia empregada e as implicações que levaram a esses resultados, os quais contrariam diversos estudos anteriores. A revisão também propõe um protocolo usado pelos autores para avaliar pacientes candidatos à RSC, assim como discute novas tecnologias que estão surgindo com a mesma finalidade.

Qualidade em cardioimagem: critérios de appropriateness aplicados à ecocardiografia / Quality in cardiac imaging: appropriateness criteria applied to echocardiography

Buscando aprimorar a utilização clínica dos exames de ecocardiografia na prática assistencial foram criados os critérios de adequação (appropriateness, em inglês) pela Sociedade Norte-Americana de Ecocardiografia/Colégio Americano de Cardiologia. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a metodologia e a utilização dessa ferramenta, que pode ser útil para a melhoria da qualidade assitencial cardiovascular.

Seeking to improve the clinical use of echocardiography examinations in healthcare, the American Society ofEchocardiography / American College of Cardiology has established appropriateness criteria. The purposeof this paper is to describe the methodology and use of this tool, which can be useful for upgrading the quality of cardiovascular care.

Diferentes significados da disfunção diastólica tipo I, conforme o grupo estudado - nova proposta de classificação da disfunção diastólica tipo I com Doppler ecocardiograma aliado ao Doppler tecidual / Diastolic dysfunction grade I associated with different implications according to the studied group - new proposal for diastolic dysfunction grade I classification using Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging

Atualmente dispõe-se do Doppler pulsado e do Doppler tecidual paraclassificar a disfunção diastólica em quatro graus.Ainda assim, considera-se não ser adequado atribuir um mesmo grau dedisfunção diastólica a indivíduos tão distintos como normaise pacientes hipertensos, isquêmicos e outros. Neste trabalho, o objetivo édemonstrar que pacientes com patologias distintas e ummesmo grau de disfunção diastólica podem ter característicasecocardiográficas bastante distintas.Foram estudados 86 indivíduos, sendo 25 atletas profissionais, 27adultos normais, 17 hipertensos e 17 coronariopatas, pelo ecocardiograma Doppler e Doppler tecidual. Foram determinadas as funçõessistólica, diastólica, diâmetros cavitários e massa do VE.Os atletas não apresentavam disfunção diastólica. Entre indivíduos com disfunção diastólica grau I, hipertensos ecoronariopatas, apresentavam espessuras parietais, massa do VE e diâmetro do AE maiores (P

Correlação entre o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e as variáveis do teste ergométrico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca: estudo piloto / Correlation between six-minute walk test and exercise stress testing variables in patients with heart failure: a pilot study

Objetivo: Correlacionar a distância percorrida no teste de 6 minutos (TC6M) com as variáveis do testeergométrico (TE). Métodos: Foram estudados 21 pacientes, sendo 66%brancos, 62% homens, com média de idade de 60±11 anos, 38% diabéticos e com dislipidemia e 57% com hipertensãoarterial, com insuficiência cardíaca isquêmica (33%) e nãoisquêmica(67%), nas classes funcionais II (90%) e III (10%) da NYHA, com fração de ejeção = 0,35±0,058, utilizandoseo teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M) e o teste ergométrico (Bruce modificado). Foram excluídos ospacientes não otimizados com terapêutica medicamentosa,problemas ortopédicos, doença vascular periférica ou quaisquer limitações para esforço. Analisou-se no TC6Ma distância total percorrida, sendo o paciente submetido a 3 testes com intervalos de 20 minutos. Foi comparado o valor de distância média alcançada no TC6M com a distância percorrida no teste ergométrico; o consumo deoxigênio máximo (VO2) e o equivalente metabólico máximo (MET) do TE. Para a análise estatística foram utilizados: o teste do qui-quadrado, de Mann-Whitney e a correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Houve significativas correlações positivas entre a distância percorrida no TC6M e a distância percorrida no teste de esforço (p=0,0001; r=0,76); e entreo VO2 máximo (p=0,001; r=0,68) e o MET máximo (p=0,001; r=0,68) neste grupo de pacientes. Conclusão: O TC6M é um teste reprodutível, de fácil realização e de baixo custo que pode ser utilizado para a avaliação de pacientes com IC, podendo fornecer informações valiosas que normalmente são obtidassomente com o TE. O aumento da amostra poderá determinar o verdadeiro valor dessas informações.

Objective: To correlate the distance on Six-minute walk test (6-MWT) with parameters obtained during exercise stress testing (EST) with a Bruce-modified protocol. Methods: We studied 21 patients, of whom 66% were white, 62% male, age 60±11 years, 38% diabetic and with dyslipidemia and 57% with arterial hypertension, 33% with with ischemic and 67% with nonischemicHF, NYHA class II (90%) and III (10%), with ejection fraction= 0.35±0.058. We excluded patients with suboptimal therapy, orthopedic disability, peripheral vascular disease or unable to exercise. Patients weresubmitted to 6-MWT for three times, with a 20-minute interval, and mean distance value was considered forcomparisons with distance, maximal oxygen uptake (maxVO2) and maximal metabolic equivalent (MET) during EST. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Pearson’scorrelation tests were used. Results: We observed significant positive correlationsbetween mean distance on 6-MWT and EST distance (p=0.0001; r=0.76), EST maxVO2 (p=0.001; r=0.68) and EST MET (p=0.001; r=0.68). Conclusion: On heart failure patients, 6-MWT is a reproducible, low-cost and easily obtainable test that can provide valuable information, usually only available on EST. Future studies with larger samplesizes will validate the present study results.

Influência da terapia com exercícios supervisionados na pressão arterial de pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares / Influence of supervised exercise therapy on blood pressure of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Objetivo: Comparar o comportamento da pressão arterial em pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares, durante sessões de exercícios físicos supervisionados. Métodos: Coorte de 62 pacientes, divididos em: Grupo I - portadores de doença coronariana e hipertensão (DACHAS; n igual a 38); Grupo II - portadores de insuficiência cardíaca (IC; n igual a 13); Grupo III - portadores de hipertensão (HAS; n igual a 11). Os pacientes foram submetidos a sessões de exercícios, predominantemente aeróbicos. A pressão arterial foi verificado no início, no meio e ao final dos exercícios. A análise estatística foi feita através dos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado e ANOVA, considerando significativo menor que 0,05. Resultados: Observou-se redução da pressão arterial entre o início e o final das sessões, em todos os grupos, porém demonstrando desempenho diferenciado. Em relação à pressão arterial sistólica, os pacientes do Grupo I apresentaram diminuição de 125,17 maior ou menor que 14,36mmHg para 116,20 maior ou menor que 13,57mmHg (p igual a 0,001); do Grupo II de 112,57 maior ou menor que 20,67mmHg para 107,23 maior ou menor que 16,76mmHg (p igual a 0,003); e do Grupo III de 126,85 maior ou menor que 12,76mmHg para 115,64 maior ou menor que 9,78mmHg (p igual a 0,001). Também foi constatada redução da pressão arterial diastólica...

Índice de performance miocárdica: fim da fração de ejeção? / Myocardial performance index: the end of ejection fraction?

RESUMO: O índice de Tei, que consiste na soma do tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico e do tempo de contração isovolumétrica, dividida pelo tempo de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, tem sido usado como um método bastante sensível e específico para a análise da função do ventrículo esquerdo. Como este índice associa parametros sistólicos e diastólicos, ele é mais prático para o diagnóstico da disfunção global cardíaca do que a avaliação desses índices isoladamente. O índice de Tei é útil para a avaliação da função ventriculat; bem como para a análise prognóstica dos pacientes com insuficiênciacardíaca congestiva, infarto agudo do miocárdio, transplante cardíaco, hipertensão arterial pulmonar e amiloidose.O objetivo desta revisão consiste em avaliar a importância clínica e prática do índice de Tei, bem com da sua importância prognóstica e limitações deste novo método.

Detection of incipient left ventricular hypertrophy in mild to moderate arterial hypertension with normal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram: a new use for signal-averaged electrocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) for diagnosing incipient left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: A study with 115 individuals was carried out. The individuals were divided as follows: GI - 38 healthy individuals; GII - 47 individuals with mild to moderate hypertension and normal findings on echocardiogram and ECG; and GIII - 30 individuals with hypertension and documented LVH. The magnitude vector of the SAECG was analyzed with the high-pass cutoff frequency of 40 Hz through the bidirectional four-pole Butterworth high-pass digital filter. The mean quadratic root of the total QRS voltage (RMST) and the two-dimensional integral of the QRS area of the spectro-temporal map were analyzed between 0 and 30 Hz for the frequency domain (Int FD), and between 40 and 250 Hz for the time domain (Int TD). The electrocardiographic criterion for LVH was based on the Cornell Product. Left ventricular mass was calculated with the Devereux formula. RESULTS: All parameters analyzed increased from GI to GIII, except for Int FD (GII vs GIII) and RMST log (GII vs GIII). Int TD showed greater accuracy for detecting LVH with an appropriate cutoff > 8 (sensitivity of 55%, specificity of 81%). Positive values (> 8) were found in 56.5% of the G II patients and in 18.4% of the GI patients (p< 0.0005). CONCLUSION: SAECG can be used in the early diagnosis of LVH in hypertensive patients with normal ECG and echocardiogram.

Detecção de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda incipiente na hipertensão arterial leve a moderada com eletrocardiograma e ecocardiograma normais. Um novo emprego do eletrocardiograma de alta resolução / Detection of incipient left ventricular hypertrophy in mild to moderate arterial hypertension with normal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram: a new use for signal-averaged electrocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To assess signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) for diagnosing incipient left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: A study with 115 individuals was carried out. The individuals were divided as follows: GI - 38 healthy individuals; GII - 47 individuals with mild to moderate hypertension and normal findings on echocardiogram and ECG; and GIII - 30 individuals with hypertension and documented LVH. The magnitude vector of the SAECG was analyzed with the high-pass cutoff frequency of 40 Hz through the bidirectional four-pole Butterworth high-pass digital filter. The mean quadratic root of the total QRS voltage (RMST) and the two-dimensional integral of the QRS area of the spectro-temporal map were analyzed between 0 and 30 Hz for the frequency domain (Int FD), and between 40 and 250 Hz for the time domain (Int TD). The electrocardiographic criterion for LVH was based on the Cornell Product. Left ventricular mass was calculated with the Devereux formula. RESULTS: All parameters analyzed increased from GI to GIII, except for Int FD (GII vs GIII) and RMST log (GII vs GIII). Int TD showed greater accuracy for detecting LVH with an appropriate cutoff > 8 (sensitivity of 55 percent, specificity of 81 percent). Positive values (> 8) were found in 56.5 percent of the G II patients and in 18.4 percent of the GI patients (p< 0.0005). CONCLUSION: SAECG can be used in the early diagnosis of LVH in hypertensive patients with normal ECG and echocardiogram