Mechanical Circulatory Assistance in Children: Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: In countries where organ donation is scarce, mortality in the pediatric heart transplant waiting list is high, and ventricular assist devices (VADs) are therapeutic alternatives in these situations. Berlin Heart EXCOR is currently 1 of the few VADs specific for children. METHODS: This retrospective study includes pediatric patients who underwent Berlin Heart EXCOR placement in a Brazilian hospital between 2012 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory data at the time of VAD implantation and the occurrence of complications and outcomes (success as a bridge to transplant or death) were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients, from 8 months to 15 years, were included: 6 with cardiomyopathy and 2 with congenital heart disease. Six were on Intermacs 1 and 2 on Intermacs 2. The most common complications observed were stroke and right ventricular dysfunction. Six were transplanted, and 2 died. Those submitted to transplant had a higher mean weight than those who died, with no statistically significant difference. The underlying disease had no impact on the outcome. The group undergoing transplant had lower brain natriuretic peptide and lactate values, but no laboratory variable showed a statistically significant difference in the outcome. CONCLUSION: A VAD is an invasive treatment with potentially serious adverse effects and is still poorly available in Brazil. However, as a bridge to transplant, it is a useful treatment for children in progressive clinical decline. In this study, we did not observe any clinical or laboratory factor at the time of VAD implantation that implied better outcomes.

SARS-CoV-2 among inmates aged over 60 during a COVID-19 outbreak in a penitentiary complex in Brazil: Positive health outcomes despite high prevalence.

OBJECTIVES: To assess SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and health outcomes among inmates over 60 years during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in the Federal District, Brazil. METHODS: A mass test campaign was performed on May 13, 2020, using antibody-detection rapid tests for asymptomatic inmates and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing for those who were symptomatic. Those with negative results were retested on June 16. Inmates were interviewed to characterise background health conditions and the presence of symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 159 inmates were evaluated. In the first mass testing, 79.9% (127/159) of inmates had been infected, of whom 53.5% (68/127) reported symptoms. In the second testing round, 17 new cases were identified, increasing the total to 90.6% (144/159) of inmates with a positive result. Comorbidities were present in 67.3% of inmates; 2 hospitalisations and no COVID-related deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: More than 90% of inmates aged >60 years were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the outbreak. Periodic health monitoring, active case finding and early care for symptomatic patients contributed to positive post-infection outcomes. Such measures must be considered essential for the surveillance of COVID-19 in environments with limited capacity to promote social distance, such as penitentiary institutions.

Right Ventricular Systolic Function After the Cone Procedure for Ebstein's Anomaly: Comparison Between Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

Although the Cone procedure has improved outcomes for patients with Ebstein´s anomaly (EA), neither RV systolic function recovery in long-term follow-up nor the best echocardiographic parameters to assess RV function are well established. Thus, we evaluated RV performance after the Cone procedure comparing two-dimensional (2DEcho) and three-dimensional (3DEcho) echocardiography to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We assessed 27 EA patients after the Cone procedure (53% female, median age of 20 years at the procedure, median post-operative follow-up duration of 8 years). Echocardiography was performed 4 h apart from the CMR. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index and tissue Doppler S' velocity were assessed using 2DEcho, whereas 3DEcho was used to evaluate RV volumes and ejection fraction (RVEF). Echocardiographic variables were compared to CMR-RVEF. All patients were in the NYHA functional class I. Median TAPSE was 15.9 mm, FAC 30.2%, and RV-GLS -15%; median RVEF by 3DEcho was 31.9% and 43% by CMR. Among 2DEcho parameters, RV-GLS and FAC had a substantial correlation with CMR-RVEF (r = - 0.63 and r = 0.55, respectively); from 3DEcho, the indexed RV volumes and RVEF were closely correlated with CMR (RV-EDVi, r = 0.60, RV-ESVi, r = 0.72; and RVEF r = 0.60). RV systolic function is impaired years after the Cone procedure, despite a good clinical status. FAC and RV-GLS are useful 2DEcho tools to assess RV function in these patients; however, 3DEcho measurements appear to provide a better RV assessment.

Breast cancer: Is grief a risk factor?

Cancer is characterized by the disordered growth of cells that have high capacity of invasion to the tissues and organs. One of the types of tumour that has national incidence and high mortality is breast cancer. Studies show that in addition to hereditary factors, lifestyle and environmental factors, there are factors related to emotional distress (mourning), which interfere with the development of breast cancer. Thus, it is necessary to investigate if the experience of mourning can trigger the appearance of the tumour. For this, an integrative review was performed to verify the existence of the relationship between mourning and development of breast cancer, which presented contradictory results. Methodological errors and lack of access to important information, such as alcohol and tobacco use, were pointed out as the main causes of the contradiction found. A possible mechanism involving cortisol release has been proposed, but more research is needed to make it clear whether the association between mourning and breast cancer really exists, and by what path.

Breast cancer: Is grief a risk factor?

SUMMARY Cancer is characterized by the disordered growth of cells that have high capacity of invasion to the tissues and organs. One of the types of tumour that has national incidence and high mortality is breast cancer. Studies show that in addition to hereditary factors, lifestyle and environmental factors, there are factors related to emotional distress (mourning), which interfere with the development of breast cancer. Thus, it is necessary to investigate if the experience of mourning can trigger the appearance of the tumour. For this, an integrative review was performed to verify the existence of the relationship between mourning and development of breast cancer, which presented contradictory results. Methodological errors and lack of access to important information, such as alcohol and tobacco use, were pointed out as the main causes of the contradiction found. A possible mechanism involving cortisol release has been proposed, but more research is needed to make it clear whether the association between mourning and breast cancer really exists, and by what path.

RESUMO: O câncer é caracterizado pelo crescimento desordenado das células que possuem alta capacidade de invasão aos tecidos e órgãos. Um dos tipos de tumour que possui incidência nacional e alta mortalidade é o câncer de mama. Estudos mostram que, além dos fatores hereditários, ambientais e dos hábitos de vida, existem fatores relacionados a um trauma emocional (luto) que interferem no desenvolvimento do câncer de mama. Dessa forma, é necessário investigar se a vivência do luto pode desencadear o aparecimento do tumour. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão integrativa para verificar a existência da relação entre o luto e o desenvolvimento do câncer de mama, que apresentou resultados contraditórios. Os erros metodológicos e a falta de acesso a informações importantes, como uso de álcool e fumo, foram apontadas como as principais causas da contradição encontrada. Um possível mecanismo envolvendo liberação de cortisol tem sido proposto, mas são necessárias mais investigações para que fique claro se a associação entre luto e câncer de mama realmente existe, e por qual mecanismo ocorre.

Impaired Pulmonary Function is an Additional Potential Mechanism for the Reduction of Functional Capacity in Clinically Stable Fontan Patients.

Central factors negatively affect the functional capacity of Fontan patients (FP), but "non-cardiac" factors, such as pulmonary function, may contribute to their exercise intolerance. We studied the pulmonary function in asymptomatic FP and its correlations with their functional capacity. Pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed in a prospective study of 27 FP and 27 healthy controls (HC). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the Fontan circulation. The mean age at tests, the mean age at surgery, and the median follow-up time of FP were 20(±6), 8(±3), and 11(8-17) years, respectively. Dominant ventricle ejection fraction was within normal range. The mean of peak VO2 expressed in absolute values (L/min), the relative values to body weight (mL/kg/min), and their predicted values were lower in FP compared with HC: 1.69 (±0.56) vs 2.81 (±0.77) L/min; 29.9 (±6.1) vs 41.5 (±9.3) mL/kg/min p < 0.001 and predicted VO2 Peak [71% (±14) vs 100% (±20) p < 0.001]. The absolute and predicted values of the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), inspiratory capacity (IC), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide of the lung (DLCO), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) were also significantly lower in the Fontan population compared to HC. An increased risk of restrictive ventilatory pattern was found in patients with postural deviations (OD:10.0, IC:1.02-97.5, p = 0.042). There was a strong correlation between pulmonary function and absolute peak VO2 [FVC (r = 0.86, p < 0.001); FEV1 (r = 0.83, p < 0.001); IC (r = 0.84, p < 0.001); TLC (r = 0.79, p < 0.001); and DLCO (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The strength of the inspiratory muscles in absolute and predicted values was also reduced in FP [-79(±28) vs -109(±44) cmH2O (p = 0.004) and 67(±26) vs 89(±36) % (p = 0.016)]. Thus, we concluded that the pulmonary function was impaired in clinically stable Fontan patients and the static and dynamic lung volumes were significantly reduced compared with HC. We also demonstrated a strong correlation between absolute Peak VO2 with the FVC, FEV1, TLC, and DLCO measured by complete pulmonary test.

Ecocardiografia transesofágico intraoperatório na avaliação de gradientes residuais após correção cirúrgica das obstruções das vias de saída ventriculares direita e esquerda / Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of residual gradients after surgical correction of right and left ventricular outflow tract obstructions

Fundamento: O Ecocardiograma Transesofágico (ETE) intraoperatório tem sido muito utilizado durante as correções das cardiopatias congênitas; entretanto, em obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos, as informações são limitadas. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade do ETE em detectar gradientes residuais em pacientes com obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos. Pacientes e Método: Os gradientes sistólicos após circulação extracorpórea ao ETE de 127 pacientes (idade média de 7 anos), sendo 79 com obstrução direita e 48 com obstrução esquerda, foram comparados ao Ecocardiograma Transtorácico (ETT) após cirurgia. Gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg foram considerados de significância hemodinâmica.Resultados: Nas obstruções esquerdas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios maiores que o ETT (30 mmHg vs 24mmHg; p = 0,014). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 75% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 97%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 33%. Nas obstruções direitas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios semelhantes ao ETT (28 mmHg vs 25 mmHg; p = 0,21). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 88% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 91,5%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 60%. Conclusão: O ETE mostrou-se útil na detecção de gradientes residuais nas vias de saída dos ventrículos nos pacientes estudados. Entretanto, em gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg, o ETE sugere maior severidade das obstruções, particularmente no lado esquerdo.

Background: Despite the large use of intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in congenital heart surgery, limited information is available regarding ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the post-bypass TEE to detect residual gradients in patients with ventricular outflow obstruction. Patients and Methods: Post-bypass TEE peak systolic gradients of 127 patients (mean age of 7 years), being 79 with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and 48 with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, were compared with the postoperative TTE. Postoperative lesions were considered of hemodynamic significance when peak systolic gradient was higher than 40 mmHg. Results: In patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE showed mean peak systolic gradients higher than TTE (30 mmHg versus 24 mmHg; p= 0,014). In 75%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 97%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agree with TTE in 33%. In patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE mean gradients agreed with TTE (28 mmHg versus 25 mmHg; p= 0.21). In 88%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 91.5%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 60%.Conclusion: TEE showed to be a reliable technique to detect residual ventricular outflow tract obstructions in the majority of patients. However, when considered gradients higher than 40 mmHg, TEE suggested a greater severity of obstructions, particularly on the left side.

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in the neonate with birth weight lower than 1,500g.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with birth weight lower than 1,500g. METHODS: Retrospective study of 119 neonates in which clinical parameters (Prenatal: maternal age, risk of infection and chorioamnionitis, use of corticosteroid, mode of delivery and gestational age. Perinatal: weight, Apgar score, gender and birth weight/gestational age classification; Postnatal: use of surfactant, sepsis, fluid intake, heart murmur, heart rate, precordial movement and pulses, use of diuretics, oxygenation index, desaturation/apnea, ventilatory support, food intolerance, chest radiography, renal function, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic changes) and echocardiographic parameters (ductus arteriosus diameter, ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, left atrium/ aorta ratio, left ventricular diastolic diameter, and transductal flow direction, pattern and velocity) were analyzed. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters analyzed were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: In the 119 neonates, the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus was 61.3%; 56 received treatment (46 pharmacological and 10 surgical treatment), 11 had spontaneous closure, 4 died, and 2 were discharged with patent ductus arteriosus. A higher incidence of chorioamnionitis, use of surfactant, lower weight and gestational age, sepsis, heart murmur, ventilatory support and worse oxygenation indices were observed in the neonates receiving treatment. The group with spontaneous closure had a smaller ductus arteriosus diameter, lower ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, and higher transductal flow velocity. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters, the neonates with spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus could be differentiated from those who required treatment.

Características clínicas e ecocardiográficas associadas à evolução do canal arterial em recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento inferior a 1.500g / Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in the neonate with birth weight lower than 1, 500g

OBJETIVO: Identificar parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos associados à evolução do canal arterial em recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento <1.500g. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 119 recém-nascidos, no qual foram analisados parâmetros clínicos (pré-natais: idade materna, risco infeccioso e corioamnionite, uso de corticoide, tipo de parto e idade gestacional; perinatais: peso, Apgar, gênero e classificação peso/idade gestacional; pós-natais: surfactante, sepse, oferta hídrica, sopro cardíaco, frequência cardíaca, movimento precordial e pulsos, diurético, índice de oxigenação, queda de saturação/apneia, suporte ventilatório, intolerância alimentar, radiografia de tórax, função renal, instabilidade hemodinâmica e alterações metabólicas); parâmetros ecocardiográficos (diâmetro do canal arterial, relação canal arterial/peso, relação átrio esquerdo/ aorta, diâmetro diastólico ventrículo esquerdo, direção, padrão e velocidade de fluxo pelo canal arterial). Os parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos analisados foram considerados estatisticamente significantes quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Nos 119 recém-nascidos, a incidência de canal arterial foi de 61,3%, 56 receberam tratamento (46 medicamentoso e 10 cirúrgico), 11 tiveram fechamento espontâneo, 4 foram a óbito e 2 receberam alta com persistência do canal arterial. Houve maior incidência de corioamnionite, uso de surfactante, menor peso e idade gestacional, sepse, sopro cardíaco, ventilação e piores índices de oxigenação nos recém-nascidos tratados. O grupo com fechamento espontâneo apresentou menor diâmetro do canal arterial, menor relação canal arterial/peso e maior velocidade do fluxo pelo canal arterial. CONCLUSÃO: Com base em parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos, foi possível diferenciar os recém-nascidos com fechamento espontâneo do canal arterial daqueles com necessidade de tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with birth weight lower than 1,500g. METHODS: Retrospective study of 119 neonates in which clinical parameters (Prenatal: maternal age, risk of infection and chorioamnionitis, use of corticosteroid, mode of delivery and gestational age. Perinatal: weight, Apgar score, gender and birth weight/gestational age classification; Postnatal: use of surfactant, sepsis, fluid intake, heart murmur, heart rate, precordial movement and pulses, use of diuretics, oxygenation index, desaturation/apnea, ventilatory support, food intolerance, chest radiography, renal function, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic changes) and echocardiographic parameters (ductus arteriosus diameter, ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, left atrium/ aorta ratio, left ventricular diastolic diameter, and transductal flow direction, pattern and velocity) were analyzed. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters analyzed were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: In the 119 neonates, the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus was 61.3%; 56 received treatment (46 pharmacological and 10 surgical treatment), 11 had spontaneous closure, 4 died, and 2 were discharged with patent ductus arteriosus. A higher incidence of chorioamnionitis, use of surfactant, lower weight and gestational age, sepsis, heart murmur, ventilatory support and worse oxygenation indices were observed in the neonates receiving treatment. The group with spontaneous closure had a smaller ductus arteriosus diameter, lower ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, and higher transductal flow velocity. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters, the neonates with spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus could be differentiated from those who required treatment.

Análise das respostas comportamentais ao câncer de mama utilizando o modelo adaptativo de Roy / Analysis of behavioural responses to breast cancer using the Roy adaptation model / Análisis de las respuestas comportamentales al cáncer de mama a través del modelo adaptativo de Roy

O estudo analisa as respostas comportamentais das mulheres durante o tratamento do câncer de mama utilizando o Modelo de Adaptação de Roy. Estudos demonstram que o câncer e sua terapêutica podem gerar estímulos que irão interferir na sexualidade. Conhecer os mecanismos de enfrentamento destas mulheres deve ser uma preocupação dos profissionais que prestam assistência, para que se possa oferecer o cuidado integral. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa na qual foi realizada entrevista semiestruturada com cinco mulheres sexualmente ativas. Foram identificados problemas de adaptação nos modos relacionados ao autoconceito, desempenho de papéis e interdependência. Contudo, essas mulheres puderam superar tal situação e melhorar a adaptação à sua nova condição. Conclui-se que a utilização do modelo de adaptação de Roy foi apropriada, pois permitiu apreender as alterações relacionadas aos modos adaptativos e visualizar de forma concreta quais os focos para as intervenções de enfermagem.

The study analyzes the behavioural responses of women during treatment for breast cancer using the Roy Adaptation Model. Studies show that cancer and its treatment can generate stimuli that will interfere in the sexuality. Knowing the mechanisms these women face must be a concern of the healthcare professionals, so that comprehensive care can be provided. The study involved qualitative research where semi-structured interviews were conducted with five sexually active women. Problems were identified in the modes of adaptation related to self-concept, role playing, and interdependence. These women were nevertheless able to overcome such situations and improve adaptation to their new condition. It was concluded that use of the Roy Adaptation Model was appropriate, making it possible to grasp the changes related to modes of adaptation, and thus enabling the foci of nursing interventions to be concretely visualized.

El estudio examina el uso del Modelo de Adaptación de Roy en la comprensión de las respuestas de comportamiento de las mujeres durante el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Los estudios demuestran que el cáncer y su tratamiento pueden crear incentivos que puedan interferir con la sexualidad. Conocer a los mecanismos de supervivencia de estas mujeres debe ser una preocupación de los profesionales que prestan asistencia para que se pueda ofrecer una atención integral. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa llevada a cabo a partir de entrevistas semestructuradas con cinco mujeres sexualmente activas. Se identificaron problemas en las modalidades de adaptación relacionadas con el concepto de sí mismo, el juego de roles y la interdependencia. Sin embargo, estas mujeres pudieron superar tal situación y mejorar la adaptación a su nueva condición. Se concluye que el uso del modelo de adaptación de Roy era adecuado, teniendo permitido comprender los cambios relacionados con los modos de adaptación, lo que permite la utilización de un enfoque concreto de las intervenciones en enfermería.

A técnica do cone para correção da anomalia de Ebstein: resultados imediatos e em longo prazo / Cone reconstruction in Ebstein's anomaly repair: early and long-term results

FUNDAMENTO: As principais correções da anomalia de Ebstein (AE) baseiam-se na reconstrução monocúspide da valva tricúspide e são limitadas pela frequente necessidade de substituição ou pela alta reincidência de insuficiência valvar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade e os efeitos da correção anatômica da anomalia de Ebstein com a técnica do cone na evolução clínica dos pacientes, na função da valva tricúspide e na morfologia do ventrículo direito. MÉTODOS: Foram comparados os dados clínicos, ecocardiográficos e radiológicos de 52 pacientes consecutivos, com idade média de 18,5 ± 13,8anos, submetidos à técnica do cone, obtidos nos períodos pré-operatório, pós-operatório imediato (POI) e em longo prazo (POL). RESULTADOS: Houve dois óbitos hospitalares (3,8 por cento) e mais dois durante o seguimento. A classe funcional média de insuficiência cardíaca pré-operatória de 2,2 melhorou para 1,2 após 57 meses de seguimento médio de 97 por cento dos pacientes (p < 0,001). O grau médio de insuficiência tricúspide pré-operatória de 3,6 diminuiu para 1,6 no POI (p < 0,001), mantendo-se em 1,9 no POL (p > 0,05). A área funcional indexada do VD aumentou de 8,53 ± 7,02 cm2/m2 no préoperatório para 21,01±6,87 cm2/m2 no POI (p < 0,001), mantendo-se inalterada em 20,28 ± 5,26 cm2/m2 no POL (p > 0,05). O índice cardiotorácico médio foi reduzido de 0,66 ± 0,09 para 0,54 ± 0,06 (p < 0,001) em longo prazo. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica do cone apresentou baixa mortalidade hospitalar, corrigindo a insuficiência tricúspide de maneira eficaz e duradoura, com a restauração da área funcional do ventrículo direito, permitindo o remodelamento reverso do coração e a melhora clínica na maioria dos pacientes em longo prazo.

BACKGROUND: The main Ebstein anomaly (EA) repairs are based on the monocusp reconstruction of the tricuspid valve and are limited by the frequent need for replacement or the high recurrence of valve regurgitation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of anatomical repair of Ebstein's anomaly using the cone reconstruction technique on patients' clinical evaluation, tricuspid valve function and right ventricular morphology. METHODS: We compared the clinical, echocardiographic and radiological data of 52 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 18.5 ± 13.8 years, submitted to the cone reconstruction technique, obtained in the preoperative, early postoperative (EPO) and long-term (LPO) periods. RESULTS: There were two in-hospital deaths (3.8 percent) and two more during the follow-up. Mean functional class of pre-operative heart failure improved from 2.2 to 1.2 after 57 months of mean follow up of 97 percent of patients (p <0.001). The mean degree of preoperative tricuspid regurgitation decreased from 3.6 to 1.6 in the EPO (p <0.001), remaining at 1.9 in LPO period (p> 0.05). The indexed RV functional area increased from 8.53 ± 7.02 cm2/m2 preoperatively to 21.01 ± 6.87 cm2/m2 in the EPO (p <0.001) and remained unchanged at 20.28 ± 5.26 cm2/m2 in LPO period (p> 0.05). The mean cardiothoracic ratio was decreased from 0.66 ± 0.09 to 0.54 ± 0.06 (p <0.001) in the long term. CONCLUSION: The cone technique showed low in-hospital mortality, resulting in an effective and long-lasting repair of tricuspid regurgitation, restoring the functional area of the right ventricle and allowing reverse remodeling of the heart and clinical improvement in most patients in the long term.

Cone reconstruction in Ebstein's anomaly repair: early and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: The main Ebstein anomaly (EA) repairs are based on the monocusp reconstruction of the tricuspid valve and are limited by the frequent need for replacement or the high recurrence of valve regurgitation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of anatomical repair of Ebstein's anomaly using the cone reconstruction technique on patients' clinical evaluation, tricuspid valve function and right ventricular morphology. METHODS: We compared the clinical, echocardiographic and radiological data of 52 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 18.5 ± 13.8 years, submitted to the cone reconstruction technique, obtained in the preoperative, early postoperative (EPO) and long-term (LPO) periods. RESULTS: There were two in-hospital deaths (3.8%) and two more during the follow-up. Mean functional class of pre-operative heart failure improved from 2.2 to 1.2 after 57 months of mean follow up of 97% of patients (p <0.001). The mean degree of preoperative tricuspid regurgitation decreased from 3.6 to 1.6 in the EPO (p <0.001), remaining at 1.9 in LPO period (p> 0.05). The indexed RV functional area increased from 8.53 ± 7.02 cm²/m² preoperatively to 21.01 ± 6.87 cm²/m² in the EPO (p <0.001) and remained unchanged at 20.28 ± 5.26 cm²/m² in LPO period (p> 0.05). The mean cardiothoracic ratio was decreased from 0.66 ± 0.09 to 0.54 ± 0.06 (p <0.001) in the long term. CONCLUSION: The cone technique showed low in-hospital mortality, resulting in an effective and long-lasting repair of tricuspid regurgitation, restoring the functional area of the right ventricle and allowing reverse remodeling of the heart and clinical improvement in most patients in the long term.

Avanços em ecocardiografia tridimensional: 2010 / New features in three-dimensional echocardiography: 2010

A ecocardiografia em tempo real representa grande avanço para a análise ecocardiográfica das estruturas cardíacas. Atualmente há a possibilidade da análise estrutural a partir de batimento cardíaco único, o que traz maior realidade anatômica à investigação ultrassonográfica e representa potencial aplicação clínica em pacientes portadores de grande irregularidade de ritmo cardíaco.