[Active infective endocarditis: 152 cases]. / Endocarditis infecciosa activa: 152 casos.

Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of low incidence that has showed changes in presentation, diagnosis and treatment options during the past decades. Despite these advances, mortality remains very high. Our goal was to analyze the characteristics of patients with active IE and their relationship with in-hospital mortality over 16 years. Between 1994 and 2010 we performed a prospective registry of 152 consecutive patients (64.5% male, age 45 ± 16 years) admitted with IE. Clinical characteristics, treatment and inpatient outcomes were analyzed. The most common causes of underlying heart disease were: congenital (21%) and rheumatic fever (13.2%). The reasons for hospitalization were fever (76.3%) and heart failure (40.1%). The infectious agent was identified in 69.7% of cases, and the most frequent was Streptococcus viridans. The echocardiogram showed vegetations in 80.9% of patients and 57.8% of them presented complications (the most frequent was heart failure) during hospitalization. Surgical treatment was indicated in 63.2% of cases, mainly due to heart failure. The overall hospital mortality was 30.2%. The presence of complications, requirement of surgical treatment and refractory heart failure were independent predictors of mortality whereas the single presence of vegetation showed better survival rate. The identification of these predictors could help to improve the outcomes in IE.

Endocarditis infecciosa activa: 152 casos / Active infective endocarditis: 152 cases

La endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad de baja incidencia que en las últimas décadas mostró modificaciones respecto de su presentación, posibilidad diagnóstica y tratamiento. A pesar de estos avances, la mortalidad hospitalaria sigue siendo muy elevada. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar las características de los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa activa y su relación con la mortalidad hospitalaria a lo largo de 16 años. Se realizó un registro prospectivo entre 1994 y 2010 de pacientes ingresados con endocarditis. Se analizaron características clínicas, evolución y tratamiento y se registraron los eventos intrahospitalarios. Ingresaron 152 pacientes, 64.5% varones, edad 45 ± 16 años, las causas más frecuentes de cardiopatía de base fueron: congénita 32 (21%) y reumática 20 (13.2%). Los motivos de internación fueron síndrome febril 116 (76.3%) e insuficiencia cardíaca 61 (40.1%). Se identificó el agente infeccioso en 106 (69.7%) de los casos, el más frecuente fue Streptococcus viridans. El ecocardiograma mostró vegetaciones en 123 (80.9%) de los pacientes y 88 (57.8%) presentaron complicaciones durante su internación, siendo la más frecuente la insuficiencia cardíaca. Se indicó tratamiento quirúrgico en 96 (63.1%) de los casos, fundamentalmente por insuficiencia cardíaca en 66. La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue 46 (30.2%). El desarrollo de complicaciones en la internación, la indicación de cirugía y la presencia de insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria al tratamiento fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad hospitalaria, mientras que la presencia de vegetaciones resultó un predictor independiente de mejor supervivencia. La identificación temprana de estos predictores descriptos podría ayudar a mejorar los resultados.

Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of low incidence that has showed changes in presentation, diagnosis and treatment options during the past decades. Despite these advances, mortality remains very high. Our goal was to analyze the characteristics of patients with active IE and their relationship with in-hospital mortality over 16 years. Between 1994 and 2010 we performed a prospective registry of 152 consecutive patients (64.5% male, age 45 ± 16 years) admitted with IE. Clinical characteristics, treatment and inpatient outcomes were analyzed. The most common causes of underlying heart disease were: congenital (21%) and rheumatic fever (13.2%). The reasons for hospitalization were fever (76.3%) and heart failure (40.1%). The infectious agent was identified in 69.7% of cases, and the most frequent was Streptococcus viridans. The echocardiogram showed vegetations in 80.9% of patients and 57.8% of them presented complications (the most frequent was heart failure) during hospitalization. Surgical treatment was indicated in 63.2% of cases, mainly due to heart failure. The overall hospital mortality was 30.2%. The presence of complications, requirement of surgical treatment and refractory heart failure were independent predictors of mortality whereas the single presence of vegetation showed better survival rate. The identification of these predictors could help to improve the outcomes in IE.

Endocarditis infecciosa activa: 152 casos / Active infective endocarditis: 152 cases

La endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad de baja incidencia que en las últimas décadas mostró modificaciones respecto de su presentación, posibilidad diagnóstica y tratamiento. A pesar de estos avances, la mortalidad hospitalaria sigue siendo muy elevada. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar las características de los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa activa y su relación con la mortalidad hospitalaria a lo largo de 16 años. Se realizó un registro prospectivo entre 1994 y 2010 de pacientes ingresados con endocarditis. Se analizaron características clínicas, evolución y tratamiento y se registraron los eventos intrahospitalarios. Ingresaron 152 pacientes, 64.5% varones, edad 45 ± 16 años, las causas más frecuentes de cardiopatía de base fueron: congénita 32 (21%) y reumática 20 (13.2%). Los motivos de internación fueron síndrome febril 116 (76.3%) e insuficiencia cardíaca 61 (40.1%). Se identificó el agente infeccioso en 106 (69.7%) de los casos, el más frecuente fue Streptococcus viridans. El ecocardiograma mostró vegetaciones en 123 (80.9%) de los pacientes y 88 (57.8%) presentaron complicaciones durante su internación, siendo la más frecuente la insuficiencia cardíaca. Se indicó tratamiento quirúrgico en 96 (63.1%) de los casos, fundamentalmente por insuficiencia cardíaca en 66. La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue 46 (30.2%). El desarrollo de complicaciones en la internación, la indicación de cirugía y la presencia de insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria al tratamiento fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad hospitalaria, mientras que la presencia de vegetaciones resultó un predictor independiente de mejor supervivencia. La identificación temprana de estos predictores descriptos podría ayudar a mejorar los resultados.(AU)

Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of low incidence that has showed changes in presentation, diagnosis and treatment options during the past decades. Despite these advances, mortality remains very high. Our goal was to analyze the characteristics of patients with active IE and their relationship with in-hospital mortality over 16 years. Between 1994 and 2010 we performed a prospective registry of 152 consecutive patients (64.5% male, age 45 ± 16 years) admitted with IE. Clinical characteristics, treatment and inpatient outcomes were analyzed. The most common causes of underlying heart disease were: congenital (21%) and rheumatic fever (13.2%). The reasons for hospitalization were fever (76.3%) and heart failure (40.1%). The infectious agent was identified in 69.7% of cases, and the most frequent was Streptococcus viridans. The echocardiogram showed vegetations in 80.9% of patients and 57.8% of them presented complications (the most frequent was heart failure) during hospitalization. Surgical treatment was indicated in 63.2% of cases, mainly due to heart failure. The overall hospital mortality was 30.2%. The presence of complications, requirement of surgical treatment and refractory heart failure were independent predictors of mortality whereas the single presence of vegetation showed better survival rate. The identification of these predictors could help to improve the outcomes in IE.(AU)

Endocarditis infecciosa activa: 152 casos / Active infective endocarditis: 152 cases

La endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad de baja incidencia que en las últimas décadas mostró modificaciones respecto de su presentación, posibilidad diagnóstica y tratamiento. A pesar de estos avances, la mortalidad hospitalaria sigue siendo muy elevada. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar las características de los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa activa y su relación con la mortalidad hospitalaria a lo largo de 16 años. Se realizó un registro prospectivo entre 1994 y 2010 de pacientes ingresados con endocarditis. Se analizaron características clínicas, evolución y tratamiento y se registraron los eventos intrahospitalarios. Ingresaron 152 pacientes, 64.5% varones, edad 45 ñ 16 años, las causas más frecuentes de cardiopatía de base fueron: congénita 32 (21%) y reumática 20 (13.2%). Los motivos de internación fueron síndrome febril 116 (76.3%) e insuficiencia cardíaca 61 (40.1%). Se identificó el agente infeccioso en 106 (69.7%) de los casos, el más frecuente fue Streptococcus viridans. El ecocardiograma mostró vegetaciones en 123 (80.9%) de los pacientes y 88 (57.8%) presentaron complicaciones durante su internación, siendo la más frecuente la insuficiencia cardíaca. Se indicó tratamiento quirúrgico en 96 (63.1%) de los casos, fundamentalmente por insuficiencia cardíaca en 66. La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue 46 (30.2%). El desarrollo de complicaciones en la internación, la indicación de cirugía y la presencia de insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria al tratamiento fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad hospitalaria, mientras que la presencia de vegetaciones resultó un predictor independiente de mejor supervivencia. La identificación temprana de estos predictores descriptos podría ayudar a mejorar los resultados.(AU)

Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of low incidence that has showed changes in presentation, diagnosis and treatment options during the past decades. Despite these advances, mortality remains very high. Our goal was to analyze the characteristics of patients with active IE and their relationship with in-hospital mortality over 16 years. Between 1994 and 2010 we performed a prospective registry of 152 consecutive patients (64.5% male, age 45 ñ 16 years) admitted with IE. Clinical characteristics, treatment and inpatient outcomes were analyzed. The most common causes of underlying heart disease were: congenital (21%) and rheumatic fever (13.2%). The reasons for hospitalization were fever (76.3%) and heart failure (40.1%). The infectious agent was identified in 69.7% of cases, and the most frequent was Streptococcus viridans. The echocardiogram showed vegetations in 80.9% of patients and 57.8% of them presented complications (the most frequent was heart failure) during hospitalization. Surgical treatment was indicated in 63.2% of cases, mainly due to heart failure. The overall hospital mortality was 30.2%. The presence of complications, requirement of surgical treatment and refractory heart failure were independent predictors of mortality whereas the single presence of vegetation showed better survival rate. The identification of these predictors could help to improve the outcomes in IE.(AU)

El infradesnivel del segmento ST que se presenta o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación: su aporte a la utilidad clínica de la ergometría / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase

Introducción No obstante la disponibilidad actual de estudios por imágenes que brindan una muy buena capacidad diagnóstica y de evaluación, la prueba ergométrica graduada (PEG) está reconocida como un estudio importante y continúa siendo el procedimiento más utilizado para la evaluación, el diagnóstico y la estratificación de riesgo de los pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Objetivos 1) Investigar el valor clínico de la presencia durante una ergometría del infradesnivel del segmento ST (infra-ST) significativo que aparece sólo durante la fase de recuperación o del que es dudoso durante la fase de ejercicio pero que se profundiza tornándose positivo durante la fase de recuperación de la PEG y compararlos con el infra-ST significativo que se presenta durante la fase activa de ejercicio. 2) Evaluar los datos clínicos, ergométricos y de la angiografía coronaria de los pacientes. Material y métodos Se analizaron los datos clínicos y ergométricos de 147 pacientes con PEG positiva por infra-ST significativo, que en 94 pacientes (GI) se presentó durante la fase de ejercicio, en 29 (GII) sólo en la fase de recuperación y en 24 (GIII) fue dudoso durante el ejercicio, pero se profundizó tornándose significativo en la fase de recuperación. En cada grupo se realizó una correlación entre los resultados de la PEG y los hallazgos de la coronariografía. Resultados Se diagnosticó EAC significativa en 78 pacientes del GI (82,9%), 22 del GII (75,8%) y 21 del GIII (87,5%) (p = 0,52). El GIII reunió los pacientes de edad más avanzada y con alta prevalencia de dislipidemia, antecedente de infarto previo y lesión de tres vasos y/o del tronco de la coronaria izquierda. El GII presentó el mayor número de pacientes asintomáticos, con lesión de un vaso y alta prevalencia de historia familiar de EAC. Conclusiones No se observaron diferencias estadísticas en el porcentaje de pacientes con EAC significativa entre los grupos. Los pacientes del GIII mostraron alta prevalencia de enfermedad coronaria extensa y grave. La evaluación correcta del infra-ST que aparece o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación aumentó la información clínica que aporta una ergometría.

Background Despite the current availability of diagnostic image tests with excellent diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, exercise stress testing (EST) remains as the procedure most commonly used for the evaluation, diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives 1) To investigate the clinical usefulness of significant exercise-induced ST-segment depression (ST-d) occurring or increasing during the recovery phase of exercise stress test and to compare it with significant ST-segment depression presenting during the active phase of exercise; 2) to evaluate the clinical data and the information provided by EST and coronary angiography. Material and Methods Clinical and EST data from 147 patients with positive stress test were analyzed. All patients had significant ST-segment depression and were divided into three groups: GI, 94 patients with ST-d during exercise; GII, 29 patients with ST-d only during the recovery phase; and GIII, 24 patients with borderline ST-d during exercise which became significant during the recovery phase. The results of the EST were correlated with the coronary angiography findings in each group. Results A diagnosis of significant CAD was made in 78 patients in GI (82.9%), in 22 in GII (75.8%) and in 21 in GIII (87.5%),(p = 0.52). Patients in GIII were older, with high prevalence of dyslipemia, history of previous infarction and three-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease. GII presented the higher number of asymptomatic patients with one-vessel disease and high prevalence of CAD. Conclusions There were no statistical differences in the percentage of patients with significant CAD among the groups. Patients in GIII had high prevalence of significant and severe CAD. A proper evaluation of ST-d occurring or becoming significant during the recovery phase provided additional clinical information to the results of the EST.

El infradesnivel del segmento ST que se presenta o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación: su aporte a la utilidad clínica de la ergometría / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase

Introducción No obstante la disponibilidad actual de estudios por imágenes que brindan una muy buena capacidad diagnóstica y de evaluación, la prueba ergométrica graduada (PEG) está reconocida como un estudio importante y continúa siendo el procedimiento más utilizado para la evaluación, el diagnóstico y la estratificación de riesgo de los pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Objetivos 1) Investigar el valor clínico de la presencia durante una ergometría del infradesnivel del segmento ST (infra-ST) significativo que aparece sólo durante la fase de recuperación o del que es dudoso durante la fase de ejercicio pero que se profundiza tornándose positivo durante la fase de recuperación de la PEG y compararlos con el infra-ST significativo que se presenta durante la fase activa de ejercicio. 2) Evaluar los datos clínicos, ergométricos y de la angiografía coronaria de los pacientes. Material y métodos Se analizaron los datos clínicos y ergométricos de 147 pacientes con PEG positiva por infra-ST significativo, que en 94 pacientes (GI) se presentó durante la fase de ejercicio, en 29 (GII) sólo en la fase de recuperación y en 24 (GIII) fue dudoso durante el ejercicio, pero se profundizó tornándose significativo en la fase de recuperación. En cada grupo se realizó una correlación entre los resultados de la PEG y los hallazgos de la coronariografía. Resultados Se diagnosticó EAC significativa en 78 pacientes del GI (82,9%), 22 del GII (75,8%) y 21 del GIII (87,5%) (p = 0,52). El GIII reunió los pacientes de edad más avanzada y con alta prevalencia de dislipidemia, antecedente de infarto previo y lesión de tres vasos y/o del tronco de la coronaria izquierda. El GII presentó el mayor número de pacientes asintomáticos, con lesión de un vaso y alta prevalencia de historia familiar de EAC. Conclusiones No se observaron diferencias estadísticas en el porcentaje de pacientes con EAC significativa entre los grupos. Los pacientes del GIII mostraron alta prevalencia de enfermedad coronaria extensa y grave. La evaluación correcta del infra-ST que aparece o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación aumentó la información clínica que aporta una ergometría.(AU)

Background Despite the current availability of diagnostic image tests with excellent diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, exercise stress testing (EST) remains as the procedure most commonly used for the evaluation, diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives 1) To investigate the clinical usefulness of significant exercise-induced ST-segment depression (ST-d) occurring or increasing during the recovery phase of exercise stress test and to compare it with significant ST-segment depression presenting during the active phase of exercise; 2) to evaluate the clinical data and the information provided by EST and coronary angiography. Material and Methods Clinical and EST data from 147 patients with positive stress test were analyzed. All patients had significant ST-segment depression and were divided into three groups: GI, 94 patients with ST-d during exercise; GII, 29 patients with ST-d only during the recovery phase; and GIII, 24 patients with borderline ST-d during exercise which became significant during the recovery phase. The results of the EST were correlated with the coronary angiography findings in each group. Results A diagnosis of significant CAD was made in 78 patients in GI (82.9%), in 22 in GII (75.8%) and in 21 in GIII (87.5%),(p = 0.52). Patients in GIII were older, with high prevalence of dyslipemia, history of previous infarction and three-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease. GII presented the higher number of asymptomatic patients with one-vessel disease and high prevalence of CAD. Conclusions There were no statistical differences in the percentage of patients with significant CAD among the groups. Patients in GIII had high prevalence of significant and severe CAD. A proper evaluation of ST-d occurring or becoming significant during the recovery phase provided additional clinical information to the results of the EST.(AU)

El infradesnivel del segmento ST que se presenta o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación: su aporte a la utilidad clínica de la ergometría / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase / Clinical Usefulness of Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Depression Occurring or Increasing during the Recovery Phase

Introducción No obstante la disponibilidad actual de estudios por imágenes que brindan una muy buena capacidad diagnóstica y de evaluación, la prueba ergométrica graduada (PEG) está reconocida como un estudio importante y continúa siendo el procedimiento más utilizado para la evaluación, el diagnóstico y la estratificación de riesgo de los pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Objetivos 1) Investigar el valor clínico de la presencia durante una ergometría del infradesnivel del segmento ST (infra-ST) significativo que aparece sólo durante la fase de recuperación o del que es dudoso durante la fase de ejercicio pero que se profundiza tornándose positivo durante la fase de recuperación de la PEG y compararlos con el infra-ST significativo que se presenta durante la fase activa de ejercicio. 2) Evaluar los datos clínicos, ergométricos y de la angiografía coronaria de los pacientes. Material y métodos Se analizaron los datos clínicos y ergométricos de 147 pacientes con PEG positiva por infra-ST significativo, que en 94 pacientes (GI) se presentó durante la fase de ejercicio, en 29 (GII) sólo en la fase de recuperación y en 24 (GIII) fue dudoso durante el ejercicio, pero se profundizó tornándose significativo en la fase de recuperación. En cada grupo se realizó una correlación entre los resultados de la PEG y los hallazgos de la coronariografía. Resultados Se diagnosticó EAC significativa en 78 pacientes del GI (82,9%), 22 del GII (75,8%) y 21 del GIII (87,5%) (p = 0,52). El GIII reunió los pacientes de edad más avanzada y con alta prevalencia de dislipidemia, antecedente de infarto previo y lesión de tres vasos y/o del tronco de la coronaria izquierda. El GII presentó el mayor número de pacientes asintomáticos, con lesión de un vaso y alta prevalencia de historia familiar de EAC. Conclusiones No se observaron diferencias estadísticas en el porcentaje de pacientes con EAC significativa entre los grupos. Los pacientes del GIII mostraron alta prevalencia de enfermedad coronaria extensa y grave. La evaluación correcta del infra-ST que aparece o se profundiza durante la fase de recuperación aumentó la información clínica que aporta una ergometría.(AU)

Background Despite the current availability of diagnostic image tests with excellent diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, exercise stress testing (EST) remains as the procedure most commonly used for the evaluation, diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives 1) To investigate the clinical usefulness of significant exercise-induced ST-segment depression (ST-d) occurring or increasing during the recovery phase of exercise stress test and to compare it with significant ST-segment depression presenting during the active phase of exercise; 2) to evaluate the clinical data and the information provided by EST and coronary angiography. Material and Methods Clinical and EST data from 147 patients with positive stress test were analyzed. All patients had significant ST-segment depression and were divided into three groups: GI, 94 patients with ST-d during exercise; GII, 29 patients with ST-d only during the recovery phase; and GIII, 24 patients with borderline ST-d during exercise which became significant during the recovery phase. The results of the EST were correlated with the coronary angiography findings in each group. Results A diagnosis of significant CAD was made in 78 patients in GI (82.9%), in 22 in GII (75.8%) and in 21 in GIII (87.5%),(p = 0.52). Patients in GIII were older, with high prevalence of dyslipemia, history of previous infarction and three-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease. GII presented the higher number of asymptomatic patients with one-vessel disease and high prevalence of CAD. Conclusions There were no statistical differences in the percentage of patients with significant CAD among the groups. Patients in GIII had high prevalence of significant and severe CAD. A proper evaluation of ST-d occurring or becoming significant during the recovery phase provided additional clinical information to the results of the EST.(AU)

Left ventricular thrombus mimicking primary cardiac tumor in a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent systemic embolism.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a well-defined entity characterized by spontaneous and recurrent abortion, thrombocytopenia and recurrent vascular thromboses (arterial and venous). Left ventricular thrombus mimicking primary cardiac tumor with recurrent systemic embolism has not been previously reported. In this report we describe a 39 year-old man admitted to hospital presenting with left hemiparesis and a peripheral embolism. He had no history of thrombotic events. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large, polypoid and mobile mass (4.0 x 1.2 cm) attached to the apex of the left ventricle, highly suggestive of primary cardiac tumor. The patient subsequently underwent open heart surgery. The histological examination showed an older thrombus and a fresh thrombus. Post-operative laboratory tests showed lupus anticoagulant activity, confirming the primary APS diagnosis. The patient initiated treatment with oral anticoagulation (INR levels between 2 and 3) and was discharged 29 days after surgery. At ten month follow-up, he was symptom-free with long-term anticoagulation therapy. No evidence of intracardiac mass recurrence on two-dimensional echocardiography was seen. Intracardiac thrombus has been rarely reported as a complication of primary APS. Left ventricular mass mimicking primary cardiac tumor with recurrent systemic embolism has not been previously reported. Pre-operative investigations could not distinguish such a thrombus from a cardiac tumor and the diagnosis was made post-operatively.

Impaired myocardial function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameters of peak myocardial velocities (S', E', and A') has been employed to assess the regional left ventricular myocardial function. The global function index (GFI) derived from TDI has been recently employed to distinguish the different etiologies of left ventricular hypertrophy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the GFI or individual TDI parameters of peak myocardial velocities (S', E', and A') allows detecting different degrees of regional myocardial dysfunction in the most frequent forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: GFI = (E/E')/S' (where E is the peak transmitral flow velocity, E' is the early diastolic myocardial velocity, and S' is the peak systolic myocardial velocity) and TDI peak myocardial velocities was measured in the septal and lateral mitral annulus in 101 patients with HCM (mean age 47.5 +/- 14 years, 58 women) and in age-matched group of 30 healthy controls (mean age 46 +/- 6 years, 16 women). RESULTS: Forty-five patients had nonobstructive asymmetric septal HCM, 20 patients had a subaortic gradient >or= 30 mm Hg, 21 p. had apical HCM, and 15 p. had other forms of HCM (midventricular, symmetric, and biventricular). All patients with HCM exhibited a decrease in early diastolic (E') and systolic (S') myocardial velocities, both in the lateral and septal-mitral annulus border, but more pronounced in septal-mitral annulus. Septal GFI was higher in HCM patients than in healthy subjects (1.8 (1.1-2.5) and (0.57 (0.31-0.92), respectively, P < 0.001), but no differences were seen when different forms of HCM were compared. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected population of patients with HCM and a preserved left ventricular(LV) systolic function, GFI and individual TDI parameters of peak velocity (S', E', and A') and E/E' ratio were similar in different forms of HCM, indicating that in all patients with HCM there is regional systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction, regardless of the location of hypertrophy.

Right and left atrial appendage function in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is generally used for the assessment of ventricular function, and to a lesser extent, to evaluate the left atrial appendage (LAA). In the present study, we used TDI to analyze the contractile function of the right atrial appendage (RAA). The aim of this study was a comprehensive evaluation of RAA and LAA contractile function in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm. A total of 69 patients were assessed: group 1 (23 patients with severe MS, 38 +/- 11 years, 20 women), group 2 (23 patients with mild MS, 39 +/- 12 years, 19 women) and group 3 (23 healthy subjects, 42 +/- 14 years, 16 women). Multiplane transesophageal echo was performed in all patients. The RAA was visualized at 130 degrees and the LAA at 0 degrees . TDI sample volume was placed in the tip of both atrial appendages, with an ultrasound beam angle < 10 degrees . Flow velocities and myocardial velocities were measured. The presence of thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) was assessed. TDI showed in normal subjects, myocardial contraction velocities in RAA similar to that of the LAA (21.8 +/- 4.2 vs. 20.1 +/- 4 cm/s, respectively, P = NS). In patients with MS, myocardial velocities in both atrial appendages were significantly lower than in normal subjects (RAA: 17.4 +/- 5.1 vs. 21.8 +/- 4.2 cm/s, respectively, P < 0.01, LAA: 9 +/- 5.1 vs. 20.1 +/- 4 cm/s, respectively, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a correlation between the impairment of systolic function of both appendages, pulmonary arterial pressure, valve area and transmitral gradient. Of the 46 patients with MS, patients with intense SEC had lower flow and myocardial velocities in the LAA than patients without SEC (16 +/- 5 vs. 50 +/- 3 cm/s, 6 +/- 2 vs. 10.6 +/- 5.6 cm/s, respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). In healthy subjects, myocardial contraction velocities in both appendages were similar. Patients with MS and sinus rhythm had contractile dysfunction of both appendages, shown by the decrease in myocardial velocities and related to the increase in atrial afterload. Both appendages exhibited a relation between contractile dysfunction and the presence of SEC, but dysfunction was less marked in the RAA, which might explain the lower prevalence of thrombi in the RAA.

Myocardial perfusion SPECT in the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Apical hypertrophy cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a rare condition characterized by asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy of the apex of the left ventricle. When two-dimensional echocardiography is limited by a poor acoustic window, patients are often referred for MRI. Our hypothesis is that a cheaper and more widely available diagnostic modality like myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may be helpful in the diagnosis of ACM. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to define the characteristics of rest and stress SPECT studies in patients with known ACM, and whether SPECT may be helpful in the diagnosis of ACM. METHODS: Adult patients with ACM were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis was made with 2-D echo. A rest and exercise or dipyridamole stress SPECT study was performed in all patients with Tc-99m sestamibi. RESULTS: We enrolled 20 patients (mean age 60 +/- 16 years), 9 were female, with ACM. SPECT at rest revealed in 15 patients (75%) an increased apical tracer uptake, a spade-like deformity of the left ventricular chamber, and the "Solar Polar" map pattern consistent with ACM. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SPECT for detecting ACM were 75%, 100%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Three-fourths of adult patients with ACM showed, on myocardial perfusion SPECT, characteristic findings which were not seen in age-matched control subjects, such as a significant increased apical tracer uptake, a spade-like deformity of the left ventricle, and the "Solar Polar" map. Nuclear physicians should be aware of these SPECT findings because many ACM patients may first end up in the nuclear labs due to their markedly abnormal ECG for exclusion of obstructive coronary artery disease.

Left ventricular diverticulum, a rare echocardiographic finding: two adult patients and review of the literature.

Congenital diverticulum of the left ventricle is a very rare cardiac abnormality characterized by a local embryological development failure of the ventricular muscle. It may present as an isolated disorder or may be associated with other cardiac abnormalities. Clinically, it has been reported that it can lead to chest pain, arrhythmias, cardiac rupture, and sudden death, although frequently the course is asymptomatic. This article presents two illustrative cases of left ventricular diverticulum. The diagnosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and was confirmed by cardiac catheterization. There were no other thoracoabdominal or cardiac abnormalities. The patient was asymptomatic and surgical resection was not indicated. Given the few cases reported in the medical literature, the information available is scarce; hence, physicians should be trained to make the appropriate diagnosis.

Intermittent acute aortic regurgitation of a mechanical bileaflet aortic valve prosthesis: diagnosis and clinical implications.

Intermittent aortic regurgitation (AR) is an unusual complication after a mechanical prosthetic replacement. We describe a rare case of intermittent dysfunction of a bileaflet mechanical aortic prosthetic valve in a 41-year-old man with a 21 mm Tri-technologies prosthetic valve implanted 4 years before. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before discharge was normal and prosthesis-patient mismatch was ruled out. He was admitted to our hospital because of mild dyspnoea at effort. TTE revealed acute and severe intermittent AR. The patient underwent surgery, during which abnormal proliferation of subvalvular pannus overgrowth on the inflow aspect of the prosthesis was found impeding the normal closure of one of the discs of the prosthesis. The pannus formation was resected, the Tri-technologies prosthetic valve was prophylactic explanted and a 23 mm St Jude Medical bileaflet mechanical prosthesis valve was implanted. We describe the role of TTE and the limitation of the cinefluoroscopy in the diagnosis of Tri-technologies prosthetic dysfunction.

Análisis de la oontaminación microbiológica (coiformes totales y fecales) en lla bahía de santa marta, caribe Colombiano / Analysis Of The Microbiological Contamination (Total And Fecales Coliforms) In The Bay Of Santa Marta, Colombian Caribbean

Con el fin de realizar un análisis del nivel de contaminación microbiológica y de las principales fuentes de contaminación en la Bahía de Santa Marta (BSM), se colectaron muestras de agua para medir las concentraciones de coliformes totales y fecales en 11 estaciones y dos niveles de profundidad (1 y 20 m). Para la época de mayores precipitaciones se encontraron altos valores de coliformes totales y fecales, en los dos niveles de profundidad; presentándose una condición similar para la época seca. Con base a una escala conceptual se obtuvo que la BSM presenta un grado de contaminación medio para actividades de contacto primario (natación y buceo), sin embargo, existen varias fuentes de contaminación (emisario submarino, río, puerto marítimo, entre otras) que están generando un alto impacto sobre este ecosistema. Los altos valores de contaminación que se registran en la BSM se encuentran asociados a la proximidad que tiene esta a las zonas urbanas.

With the purpose of making an analysis of the microbiological level of contamination and the main sources of contamination in the Bay of Santa Marta (BSM), water samples were collected to measure the concentrations of total and fecals coliforms in 11 stations and two levels of depth (1 and 20 m). For the time of greater precipitations were stops values of total and fecals coliforms, in both depth levels; appearing a similar condition for the dry time. Based on a conceptual scale it was obtained that the BSM presents an average degree of contamination for activities of primary contact (swimming and diving), nevertheless, exist several sources of contamination (submarine emissary, river, seaport, among others) that are generating a high impact on this ecosystem. The high values of contamination that are registered in the BSM find associate to the proximity that has this to the urban zones.

Left and right atrial function after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) is an effective method for treating patients with severe mitral stenosis. The study aim was to compare left and right atrial appendage functions before and after PMV. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (23 women, two men; mean age 38 +/- 9 years; range: 21-57 years) with severe mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm who underwent PMV were included in the study. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed before and at six months after PMV, to evaluate the intensity of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), left atrial appendage (LAA) dimensions and function, and right atrial appendage (RAA) function. RESULTS: After PMV, the SEC (at TEE) was decreased in all patients, while increases were observed in the contraction and relaxation velocity flows of the LAA (pre-PMV 18 +/- 5 cm/s; post-PMV 24 +/- 9 cm/s; p < 0.001 and pre-PMV 25.5 +/- 10.2 cm/s; post-PMV 32.9 +/- 12.6 cm/s; p < 0.006, respectively). The tissue myocardial velocities were also increased in the LAA (pre-PMV 6.92 +/- 3.77 cm/s; post-PMV 11.16 +/- 6.61 cm/s; p < 0.002) and RAA (pre-PMV 16.2 +/- 3.7 cm/s; post-PMV 19.1 +/- 4.1 cm/s; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm, improvements were noted in the left atrial, LAA and RAA systolic functions after PMV. This suggests that the relief of mitral stenosis may not only confer hemodynamic benefits to improve symptoms but also have a favorable influence on future thromboembolic complications. Thus, an early intervention might benefit patients with sinus rhythm by preventing the development of atrial fibrillation and systemic and pulmonary embolism.

Absence of myocardial dysfunction during cold pressor stress echocardiography in patients with endothelial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Several methods are available for the assessment of coronary endothelial function, but there are no reports to date regarding the usefulness of cold pressor stress echocardiography (CPSE). OBJECTIVE: To assess regional systolic and diastolic left ventricular function using CPSE in patients with endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: We studied 24 patients, of whom 10 were men, aged 27 to 68 years, who had coronary risk factors and a normal exercise MP-SPECT test. They were compared with 10 normal subjects (6 men), aged 21 to 44 years. All patients underwent a CPSE. RESULTS: The cold pressor-MP-SPECT revealed myocardial ischemia in 10 patients (Group I) and was normal in 14 patients (Group II). All normal subjects (Group III) had normal cold pressor-MP-SPECT. The cold pressor test caused a significant increase in systolic BP in the three groups (baseline 117 +/- 17 mmHg vs. postcold test 137 +/- 16 mmHg, P < 0.05), without changes in heart rate, PR interval, or the corrected QT interval. During the CPSE, no patient developed WMA in 2D echo or changes in regional systolic or diastolic LV function in the pulsed Doppler tissue imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with endothelial dysfunction and no known coronary artery disease, the ischemic response to the cold pressor-MP-SPECT is not accompanied by WMA or changes in regional systolic or diastolic LV function during CPSE. Such negative findings indicate that the amount of ischemia that occurs secondarily to endothelial dysfunction does not involve sufficient myocardial mass to cause contractile dysfunction.

Valve replacement with bileaflet HP-Biplus mechanical prostheses versus standard prostheses: long-term results.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: At present, no reports are available regarding the hemodynamic assessment and survival of patients undergoing valve replacement with HP-Biplus prostheses. Hence, the present study was designed to acquire this information. The aim was to assess: (i) any potential hemodynamic differences between the HP-Biplus prosthesis and the 'standard' bileaflet mechanical valves (SJM, ATS, Sorin Bicarbon and CarboMedics); and (ii) the incidence of postoperative complications and long-term mortality. METHODS: The data from 242 patients (139 males, 103 females; mean age 58.4 +/- 14.0 years) who survived mitral or aortic valve surgery with mechanical bileaflet standard prostheses (SJM, ATS, Sorin Bicarbon or CarboMedics), between January 1985 and December 2005, were analyzed retrospectively. Evaluations were conducted consecutively with Doppler echocardiography, and compared with 35 patients (20 males, 15 females; mean age 52.2 +/- 12.8 years) who received an HP-Biplus prosthesis and underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2005. RESULTS: At seven years after surgery, actuarial survival was 40% for the HP-Biplus prosthesis and 84% for the 'standard' prostheses (p < 0.0001). The HP-Biplus prostheses had a higher rate of reoperations for aortic valves (15.2% versus 1.7%; p < 0.003, OR 10.2), a higher rate of prosthesis dysfunction (62.9% versus 7.8%; p < 0.00001, OR 25), and a higher rate of total events (72% versus 21.8%; p < 0.0001, OR 11). CONCLUSION: The present study was the first to compare long-term results of the HP-Biplus prostheses with those obtained with 'standard' mechanical prostheses. Valve replacement with standard prostheses was shown to carry low morbidity and mortality (21.8%), whereas the HP-Biplus prosthesis showed high morbidity and mortality (92%). The data acquired may be very important when selecting prostheses with better hemodynamic characteristics, and show that the HP-Biplus prosthesis, in the authors' opinion, is not suitable for clinical use.

Recurrent systemic embolism caused by thrombosis in a stenotic bicuspid aortic valve.

Thrombosis in a native aortic valve is a rare complication which may lead to systemic embolization. A few cases of aortic thrombosis in previously abnormal valves have been described. In this report, we describe a 42-year-old male who suffered two acute ischaemic attacks, one in the upper right limb and another in the cerebral territory supplied by the left sylvian artery, from a thrombus that developed in a bicuspid and stenotic aortic valve. The diagnosis was made with transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography, and the patient subsequently underwent surgery. In cases of bicuspid aortic valves, we should think of thrombosis as a possible complication with its resulting risk of embolism, and assess such patients with transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography, thus enabling their early detection and treatment.

[Usefulness of pulsed Doppler tissue imaging in the early detection of diastolic myocardial abnormalities in first-degree relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Utilidad del Doppler pulsado tisular en la detección precoz de anormalidades diastólicas en familiares de primer grado de pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica familiar.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) enables regional myocardial function to be assessed irrespective of preload. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of DTI in healthy relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 47 first-degree relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (group GI) and 47 normal subjects (group GII). Echocardiographic studies, including DTI, were performed in both groups. DTI was used to measure myocardial velocities during systole (S'), early diastole (E') and atrial contraction (A') at the mitral annulus, septum, and tricuspid annulus. Isovolumic relaxation and contraction times were corrected for heart rate. With DTI assessment of regional diastolic myocardial function and use of the E'/A' ratio, normal (i.e., E'/A'>1) and abnormal (i.e., E'/A'<1) diastolic function could be distinguished. RESULTS: There were no abnormalities in regional diastolic function in group GII (right E'/A' 1.78 (0.58), septum E'/A' 2.03 (0.53), and left E'/A' 2.55 (0.80). However, in group GI, two subgroup could be distinguished using E'/A' ratio values: group GIa comprised 37 first-degree relatives with normal diastolic function (right E'/A' 1.8 (0.44), septum E'/A' 2.07 (0.41), and left E/A 2.35 (0.6) who did not differ significantly from control subjects, and group GIb comprised 10 first-degree relatives with abnormal right diastolic function (right E'/A' 0.70 (0.28), P<.001) but with less significant differences at the septum (1.57 (0.49), P<.01) and mitral annulus (1.85 (0.53), P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: In 10 of 47 (21.3%) first-degree relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, DTI enabled the detection of ventricular diastolic abnormalities, which were more evident in the right ventricle. They could be a preclinical manifestation of disease.