Disección Aórtica Tipo A como diagnóstico diferencial potencialmente letal de dolor torácico: revisión de casos / Type A Aortic Dissection as a potentially lethal differential diagnosis of chest pain: case Review

Chest pain (CP) is a frequent reason for consultation in emergency departments (ED). It responds to a broad spectrum of pathologies, ranging from banal causes to severe conditions with high mortality. The clinician must be able to distinguish prompt when CP is due to severe pathology and thus make a timely intervention for the patient's benefit. Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) is one of the potentially fatal causes of CP. Within this syndrome, we find aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma and atherosclerotic penetrating ulcer. AD is the most frequent presentation of AAS. Although it is not a common condition, its high lethality and low suspicion make it of particular interest as a differential diagnosis of CP. The following are two clinical cases of AD of the ascending aortic treated at the Hospital Regional de Talca (HRT) to analyse the clinical characteristics that help to differentiate this condition, the main electrocardiographic and imaging findings, as well as some of its complications and management.

Síndrome coronario agudo en el servicio de emergencias del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas / Acute coronary syndrome in the emergency service of the Teaching Clinical-Surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST como parte del síndrome coronario agudo, es una afección frecuente que cursa con una elevada mortalidad. En los últimos años, las enfermedades cardiovasculares han constituido la primera causa de muerte en Cuba, y en 2018 lo fueron en la provincia de Matanzas. Objetivo: caracterizar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes atendidos con síndrome coronario agudo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo de 106 pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas, en 2019. Resultados: 83 % de los pacientes llegaron en trasporte sanitario a la Unidad de Emergencia. El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 70 a 79 años (28,30 %). Predominó el sexo masculino, con 51,89 %. El síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST prevaleció sobre el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST, en un total de 58 pacientes. El mayor número de casos se diagnosticó en los meses de invierno y en horas de la mañana. Prevaleció el tratamiento trombolítico en las primeras seis horas de iniciados los síntomas. Se demostró la desaparición del dolor y la regresión de los cambios electrocardiográficos como resultados de la reperfusión. Las arritmias malignas constituyeron la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes no trombolizados. Conclusiones: el uso de la trombólisis en servicios de emergencias disminuyó la mortalidad en las primeras horas, por enfermedades cardiovasculares, en la provincia de Matanzas en 2019.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myocardium infarct with elevation of the ST segment as a part of the acute coronary syndrome, is a frequent disease that causes a high mortality. In the last years, cardiovascular diseases have constituted the first cause of death in Cuba, and in 2018 they were in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to characterize morbidity and mortality in patients attended with acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in 106 patients admitted with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the Unit of Emergent Intensive Care of the Teaching Clinical-surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas, in 2019. Results: 83 % of patients arrived in sanitary transportation to the Emergency Unit. The most affected age group was the one aged 70-79 years (28.30 %). Male sex predominated, with 51.89 %. Acute coronary syndrome with elevation of ST segment prevailed over the acute coronary syndrome without elevation of the ST segment, in a total of 58 patients. The biggest number of cases was diagnosed in the winter months and in the morning. Thrombolytic treatment prevailed in the first six hours after the beginning of the symptoms. There it was demonstrated the disappearance of the pain and the regression of the electrocardiographic changes as a result of the reperfusion. Malignant arrhythmias were the main causes of death in non thrombolyzed patients. Conclusions: the use of thrombolysis in emergency services diminished mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases in the first hours in the province of Matanzas in 1919.

Complexus cordis / Complexus cordis

Resumen El estudio científico del corazón nos ha permitido conocer su estructura y función profundamente, mediante la fragmentación y el análisis de sus partes, atendiendo a las pautas del método que tantos logros nos ha dado. Sin embargo, al momento de volver a ensamblar esos fragmentos analizados nos percatamos de que algo falta; simplemente la suma de las partes no hace al todo. Es así que, desde hace décadas, numerosos científicos han estudiado estrategias novedosas que permitan entender los fenómenos naturales desde modelos más incluyentes, abiertos e integradores, que atiendan con cercanía a las interacciones más que a los componentes. De esta manera, observamos que muchas variables suelen transgredir el plano convencional y parten hacia la no linealidad y la fractalidad, formando un tejido complejo que mantendrá su estructura mientras termodinámicamente sea viable. Así, en este documento se muestra la manera en que el estudio no lineal de la dinámica compleja cardiovascular comienza a darnos luz en muchas de las preguntas que a diario se plantea el cardiólogo clínico.

Abstract The science-based study of the heart has allowed us to know its structure and function deeply, through the fragmentation and analysis of its parts, following the guidelines that so many achievements have given to us. However, at the time of reassembling those analyzed fragments, we realize that something is missing; the simply sum of the parts is not equal to everything. Thus, for decades, numerous scientists have studied novel strategies that allow us understanding, every natural phenomena from a more inclusive, open and integrative models, which closely address to interactions rather than components. In this way, we can observe how, the behavior of many variables usually transgress the conventional plane and moves towards non-linearity and fractality, making a complex tissue that will maintain its structure while thermodynamically viable. Thus, this document shows the way how, the non-linear study of complex cardiovascular dynamics, begins to give us answers to many questions that the clinical cardiologist poses every day.

Impact of admission hours on each stage of care and total reperfusion delays in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is preferably treated by prompt primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Delays in initial stages of care of STEMI patients admitted off versus routine hours are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate time periods in each stage of care of STEMI patients submitted to pPCI in a private tertiary hospital during on- vs. off-hours, and the adherence to current guidelines recommended times. METHODS: consecutive STEMI patients admitted 2013-2019 who underwent pPCI were enrolled in this cohort study. Time periods were prospectively registered and other variables retrieved from electronic medical records. Primary outcomes were the time periods of each stage of care, since patient arrival in the emergency room (ER) until reperfusion of the culprit artery, performed during on-hours (weekdays, from 08:00 AM to 07:59 PM) or off-hours (all other days and time periods, or holidays). RESULTS: 218 patients were included, 131 (60%) presented off-hours, with longer time periods between calling the catheterization laboratory staff until reperfusion, [55 min × 72 min; P < 0.001] and ER door-to-reperfusion [73 min × 98 min; P < 0.001]. Exploratory analysis by year suggested a decreasing reperfusion delay during on-hours admissions. In most years, total time for reperfusion exceeded the sixty minutes frame recommended in current North American guidelines, for both on- and off-hours admissions. Considering the ninety minutes recommendation of the European guideline, only on-hour admissions were in accordance during most years. CONCLUSIONS: STEMI patients, particularly when admitted off-hours, have lags in some stages of care, culminating in delayed myocardial reperfusion greater than recommended in current guidelines.

[Infarto agudo de miocardio: revisión sobre factores de riesgo, etiología, hallazgos angiográficos y desenlaces en pacientes jóvenes]. / Acute myocardial infarction: Review on risk factors, etiologies, angiographic characteristics and outcomes in young patients

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in adults around the world. Young adult population has suffered changes in lifestyle over the decades, favoring the appearance of atherosclerosis at early ages, and as a consequence, the incidence of cardiovascular events emerges prematurely. It has been identified that most common risk factors are potentially modifiable. There is a greater prevalence of non-atherosclerotic etiologies of myocardial infarction such as spontaneous coronary dissection, congenital malformations, coronary embolism, and coronary spasm. Different angiographic findings and outcomes according to age and gender have been recognized. For this reason, we searched PubMed for published research and registries for the study of acute myocardial infarction in young patients. With this data, we carried out the present review to better understand the common findings in this group, and to compare them with older age groups.

La enfermedad cardiovascular persiste como primera causa mundial de muerte en los adultos. La población de adultos jóvenes ha cursado con cambios en el estilo de vida con el paso de las décadas, favoreciendo la aparición de ateroesclerosis en etapas más tempranas y como consecuencia la aparición de eventos cardiovasculares de manera más prematura. Se ha identificado que dentro de los factores de riesgo más comunes, la mayoría de ellos son potencialmente modificables. En comparación con adultos mayores, se ha identificado con mayor prevalencia la presencia de etiologías no ateroescleróticas de infarto de miocardio, como la disección coronaria espontánea, alteraciones anatómicas, embolia y espasmo coronarios. Los hallazgos angiográficos y desenlaces son diferentes de acuerdo con el grupo de edad y el sexo. Por dicho motivo realizamos una búsqueda en PubMed de los estudios y registros publicados para el estudio del infarto agudo de miocardio en paciente jóvenes. Con dicha información realizamos la presente revisión con el objetivo de una mejor comprensión de los hallazgos comunes en este grupo y realizar su comparación con grupos de mayor edad.

Cooling as an Adjunctive Therapy to Percutaneous Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction: COOL-MI InCor Trial.

Endovascular Therapeutic hypothermia (ETH) reduces the damage caused by postischemia reperfusion injury syndrome in cardiopulmonary arrest and has already established its role in patients with sudden death; however, its role in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains controversial. The objectives of this study were to investigate the safety, feasibility, and 30-day efficacy of rapid induction of therapeutic hypothermia as adjunctive therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with anterior and inferior STEMIs. This was a prospective, controlled, randomized, two-arm, prospective, interventional study of patients admitted to the emergency department within 6 hours of angina onset, with anterior or inferior STEMI eligible for PCI. Subjects were randomized to the hypothermia group (primary PCI+ETH) or to the control group (primary PCI) at a 4:1 ratio. The ETH was induced by 1 L cold saline (1-4°C) associated with the Proteus™ System, by cooling for at least 18 minutes before coronary reperfusion with a target temperature of 32°C ± 1°C. Maintenance of ETH was conducted for 1-3 hours, and active reheating was done at a rate of 1°C/h for 4 hours. Primary safety outcomes were the feasibility of ETH in the absence of (1) door-to-balloon (DTB) delay; (2) major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days after randomization. The primary outcomes of effectiveness were infarct size (IS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 30 days. An as-treated statistical analysis was performed. Fifty patients were included: 35 (70%) randomized to the hypothermia group and 15 (30%) to the control group. The mean age was 58 ± 12 years; 78% were men; and associated diseases were 60% hypertension, 42% diabetes, and 72% dyslipidemia. The compromised myocardial wall was anterior in 38% and inferior in 62%, and the culprit vessels were left anterior descending artery (LAD) (40%), right coronary artery (38%), and left circumflex (18%). All 35 patients who attempted ETH (100%) had successful cooling, with a mean endovascular coronary reperfusion temperature of 33.1°C ± 0.9°C. The mean ischemic time was 375 ± 89.4 minutes in the hypothermia group and 359.5 ± 99.4 minutes in the control group. The mean DTB was 92.1 ± 20.5 minutes in the hypothermia group and 87 ± 24.4 minutes in the control group. The absolute difference of 5.1 minutes was not statistically significant (p = 0.509). The MACE rates were similar between both groups (21.7% vs. 20% respectively, p = 0.237). In the comparison between the hypothermia and control groups, no statistically significant differences were observed at 30 days between mean IS (13.9% ± 8% vs. 13.8% ± 10.8%, respectively, p = 0.801) and mean final LVEF (43.3% ± 11.2% vs. 48.3 ± 10.9%, respectively; p = 0.194). Hypothermia as an adjunctive therapy to primary PCI in STEMI is feasible and can be implemented without delay in coronary reperfusion. Hypothermia was safe regarding the incidence of MACE at 30 days. However, there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia and in-hospital infection in the hypothermia group, with no increase in mortality. Regarding efficacy, there was no difference in IS or LVEF at 30 days that would suggest additional myocardial protection with ETH. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02664194.

Complexus cordis / Complexus cordis

The science-based study of the heart has allowed us to know its structure and function deeply, through the fragmentation and analysis of its parts, following the guidelines that so many achievements have given to us. However, at the time of reassembling those analyzed fragments, we realize that something is missing; the simply sum of the parts is not equal to everything. Thus, for decades, numerous scientists have studied novel strategies that allow us understanding, every natural phenomena from a more inclusive, open and integrative models, which closely address to interactions rather than components. In this way, we can observe how, the behavior of many variables usually transgress the conventional plane and moves towards non-linearity and fractality, making a complex tissue that will maintain its structure while thermodynamically viable. Thus, this document shows the way how, the non-linear study of complex cardiovascular dynamics, begins to give us answers to many questions that the clinical cardiologist poses every day.

El estudio científico del corazón nos ha permitido conocer su estructura y función profundamente, mediante la fragmentación y el análisis de sus partes, atendiendo a las pautas del método que tantos logros nos ha dado. Sin embargo, al momento de volver a ensamblar esos fragmentos analizados nos percatamos de que algo falta; simplemente la suma de las partes no hace al todo. Es así que, desde hace décadas, numerosos científicos han estudiado estrategias novedosas que permitan entender los fenómenos naturales desde modelos más incluyentes, abiertos e integradores, que atiendan con cercanía a las interacciones más que a los componentes. De esta manera, observamos que muchas variables suelen transgredir el plano convencional y parten hacia la no linealidad y la fractalidad, formando un tejido complejo que mantendrá su estructura mientras termodinámicamente sea viable. Así, en este documento se muestra la manera en que el estudio no lineal de la dinámica compleja cardiovascular comienza a darnos luz en muchas de las preguntas que a diario se plantea el cardiólogo clínico.

La carga económica de las condiciones cardíacas en venezuela / The economic burden of heart conditions in venezuela

En Venezuela, las condiciones cardíacas imponen limitaciones físicas, sociales, financieras y de salud relacionadas con la calidad de vida de los individuos. Objetivos: Este estudio valoró la carga económica de cuatro condiciones cardíacas en Venezuela: hipertensión, insuficiencia cardíaca, infarto de miocardio y fibrilación auricular. Adicionalmente se evaluó el costo-efectividad de la telemedicina y el soporte telefónico estructurado para el manejo de la insuficiencia cardíaca.Métodos: Se utilizó un marco de costo de enfermedad estándar para valorar los costos asociados con las cuatro condiciones en 2015. El análisis evaluó la prevalencia e (en caso de infarto de miocardio) incidencia de las condiciones, los gastos asociados con el tratamiento médico, las pérdidas de productividad por reducción en el empleo, los costos de proveer cuidado formal e informal y la pérdida de bienestar. El análisis estuvo basado en información recolectada mediante una revisión de literatura y estadísticas, y modulación de datos. Todas las entradas de datos y métodos fueron validados mediante la consulta de quince clínicos y expertos en Venezuela. El análisis de costo-efectividad fue basado en un meta-análisis y en una evaluación económica de programas para pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca dados de alta, valorado desde la perspectiva del Programa Nacional de Salud. Resultados: El infarto de miocardioimpone el mayor costo financiero (3,5 millones de bolívares/553 millones de USD), seguido por hipertensión arterial (3,4 millones de bolívares/539 millones de USD), la insuficiencia cardíaca (3,3 millones debolívares/522 millones de USD) y, finalmente, fibrilación auricular (0,4 miles de millones de bolívares/66 millones de USD). La telemedicina y el soporte telefónico estructurado son intervenciones costo-efectivas para alcanzar mejoras en el manejo de la insuficiencia cardíaca. Conclusiones: Las condiciones cardíacas imponen una pérdida sustancial de bienestar y de costos financieros en Venezuela y deberían ser una prioridad de salud pública

Heart conditions impose physical, social, financial and health related quality of life limitations on individuals in Venezuela. Objectives: This study assessed the economic burden of four main heart conditions in Venezuela: hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine and structured telephone support for the management of heart failure was assessed. Methods: A standard cost of illness framework was used to assess the costs associated with the four conditions in 2015. The analysis was informed by a targeted literature review, data scan and modeling. All inputs and methods were validated by consulting fifteen clinicians and other stakeholders in Venezuela. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on a meta-analysis and economic evaluation of post-discharge programs in patients with heart failure, assessed from the perspective of the National Health Fund. Results: Myocardial infarction imposes the greatest financial cost (3.5 million bolivares/553 million USD), followed by hypertension (3.4 million bolivares/539 million USD), heart failure (3.3 million bolivares/522 million USD) and, finally, atrial fibrillation (0.4 billion bolivares/66 million USD).Telemedicine and structured telephone support are cost effective interventions for achieving improvements in the management of heart failure. The analysis assessed the prevalence and (in the case of myocardial infarction) incidence of the conditions, the associated expenditures on health care treatment, productivity losses from reduced employment, costs of providing formal and informal care, and lost wellbeing. Conclusions: Heart conditions impose substantial loss of wellbeing and financial costs in Venezuela and should be a public health priority(AU)

[Left ventricular dyssynchrony in prolonged septal stimulation]. / Disincronía ventricular izquierda en la estimulación septal prolongada.

Pacemaker stimulation is associated with unpredictable severe cardiac events. We evaluated left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) during prolonged septal right ventricular pacing. We performed 99mTc-MIBI gated-SPECT and phase analysis in 6 patients with pacemakers implanted at least one year before scintigraphy due to advanced atrioventricular block. Using V-Sync of Emory Cardiac Toolbox we obtained phase bandwidth (PBW) and standard deviation (PSD) from rest phase histogram. Clinical variables, QRS duration, rate and mode of pacing in septal right ventricle wall, chamber diameters, presence and extension of myocardial scar and ischemia and rest LVEF were recorded. Prolonged septal endocardial pacing is associated with marked LVMD, even when systolic function was preserved. More severe dyssynchrony was found in patients with impaired LVEF, higher left ventricle diameters, extensive infarct or severe ischemia than in patients with preserved LVEF (PBW: 177.3o vs. 88.3o; PSD: 53.1o vs. 33.8o). In the patients with ischemic heart disease and pacemaker, gated-SPECT phase analysis is a valid and potentially useful technique to evaluate LMVD associated with myocardial scar and to decide the upgrading to biventricular pacing mode.

Disincronía ventricular izquierda en la estimulación septal prolongada / Left ventricular dyssynchrony in prolonged septal stimulation

La estimulación por marcapasos se asocia con eventos adversos graves. En la siguiente serie de casos se evaluó la disincronía mecánica intraventricular izquierda (DMVI) en la estimulación endocárdica prolongada del ventrículo derecho a nivel septal. Se estudiaron 6 personas con marcapasos implantados no antes de un año utilizando SPECT gatillado con 99mTc-MIBI y análisis de fase en reposo. Se registraron variables clínicas, duración del QRS, tasa y modo de estimulación ventricular, presencia y extensión de isquemia y/o infarto, volúmenes cavitarios y FEVI en reposo. Utilizando V-Sync de Emory Cardiac Toolbox se obtuvieron el ancho de banda (AB) y el desvío estándar de fase (DEF) en reposo (grados), comparándolos con una población control. La estimulación endocárdica prolongada en el septum ventricular derecho se asoció con marcada DMVI, aun cuando la función sistólica estaba conservada. Aquellos con FEVI moderada/gravemente disminuida (caracterizados por diámetros cavitarios mayores, infarto o isquemia grave) exhibieron mayor disincronía que aquellos con FEVI conservada/levemente disminuida (AB: 177.3o vs. 88.3o; DEF: 53.1o vs. 33.8o). En los casos con cardiopatía isquémica portadores de marcapasos, el AF es una herramienta válida de potencial utilidad para evaluar la disincronía asociada al infarto y, eventualmente, aportar a la decisión oportuna del pasaje al modo de estimulación biventricular.

Pacemaker stimulation is associated with unpredictable severe cardiac events. We evaluated left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) during prolonged septal right ventricular pacing. We performed 99mTc-MIBI gated-SPECT and phase analysis in 6 patients with pacemakers implanted at least one year before scintigraphy due to advanced atrioventricular block. Using V-Sync of Emory Cardiac Toolbox we obtained phase bandwidth (PBW) and standard deviation (PSD) from rest phase histogram. Clinical variables, QRS duration, rate and mode of pacing in septal right ventricle wall, chamber diameters, presence and extension of myocardial scar and ischemia and rest LVEF were recorded. Prolonged septal endocardial pacing is associated with marked LVMD, even when systolic function was preserved. More severe dyssynchrony was found in patients with impaired LVEF, higher left ventricle diameters, extensive infarct or severe ischemia than in patients with preserved LVEF (PBW: 177.3o vs. 88.3o; PSD: 53.1o vs. 33.8o). In the patients with ischemic heart disease and pacemaker, gated-SPECT phase analysis is a valid and potentially useful technique to evaluate LMVD associated with myocardial scar and to decide the upgrading to biventricular pacing mode.

Thrombosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Insights from thrombi retrieved by aspiration thrombectomy.

In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, recurrent cardiovascular events still remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality, despite significant improvements in antithrombotic therapy. We sought to review data regarding coronary thrombus analysis provided by studies using manual aspiration thrombectomy (AT), and to discuss how insights from this line of investigation could further improve management of acute coronary disease. Several studies investigated the fresh specimens retrieved by AT using techniques such as traditional morphological evaluation, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and immunohistochemistry. These approaches have provided a better understanding of the composition and dynamics of the human coronary thrombosis process, as well as its relationship with some clinical outcomes. Recent data signaling to new antithrombotic therapeutic targets are still emerging.

Infarto agudo del miocardio más doble lesión mitral en gestante del tercer trimestre / Acute myocardial infarct plus double mitral lesion in a pregnant woman in the third quarter

La incidencia de enfermedad coronaria durante el embarazo es de alrededor de 6,2/100 000. Se ha observado como principales factores de riesgo la edad maternal avanzada, la presencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos, la anemia severa y la necesidad de transfusión posparto. El infarto miocárdico agudo durante el embarazo y el posparto se ha asociado a una mortalidad de entre el 5,7 y el 37 %. Se presentó el caso de una gestante de 27 años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico, electrocardiográfico, enzimático y ecocardiográfico, de infarto agudo del miocardio con supradesnivel del segmento ST, de origen cardioembólico por doble lesión valvular mitral. Sí difirieron los procederes invasivos y la trombolisis, valorando las posibles complicaciones. Se realizó un manejo médico con betabloqueadores, diuréticos tiazídicos e inhibidores de la aldosterona, antiagregantes plaquetarios, anticoagulación con heparinas de bajo peso molecular, nitritos en su momento, hipolipemiantes y omeprazol. Se trataron oportunamente las complicaciones y se interrumpió el embarazo a las 34,2, semanas realizándose cesárea sin complicaciones. Tras su buena evolución, fue dada de alta y se programó la coronariografía en un mes a partir de la fecha de la cesárea.

The coronary disease incidence during pregnancy is around 6.2/100 000. The mainly found risk factors have been: advance maternal age, the presence of classic cardiovascular risk factors, severe anemia and post-labor transfusion necessity. The acute myocardial infarct during pregnancy and post-labor has been associated to 5.7-37 % mortality. We presented the case of a pregnant woman aged 27 years with clinical, electrocardiographic, enzymatic and echocardiographic diagnosis of acute myocardial infarct with St-segment supra elevation, of cardioembolic origin due to a mitral valve double lesion. The invasive procedures and thrombolysis do differ when assessing the possible complications. We carried out a medical management with betablockers, thiazide diuretics and aldosterone inhibitors, platelet antiaggregator, anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparins, nitrites when needed, hypolipidemics and omeprazole. Complications were treated timely and pregnancy was interrupted at 34.2 weeks, carrying out a cesarean without complication. After good evolution, the patient was discharged and coronary angiography was programmed a month after the cesarean.

Chronic electroacupuncture of the ST36 point improves baroreflex function and haemodynamic parameters in heart failure rats.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat many diseases, including heart failure (HF). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic stimulation in the ST36 acupuncture point on haemodynamic parameters and baroreflex function in rats with HF. Cardiovascular parameters assessed were heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and the reflex cardiovascular response of HR triggered by stimulation of baroreceptors in animals with HF subsequent to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham Control - animals without HF and without EA; HF Control group - animals with HF and without EA; and HF EA group - animals with HF that received the EA protocol. Six weeks after surgical induction of AMI, the EA protocol (8 weeks, 5 times a week) was performed. The protocol was applied with EA at the ST36 point, frequency of 2 Hz, pulse of 0.3 ms and intensity of 1-3 mA for 30 min. Haemodynamic parameters and baroreceptor function were assessed. There was no difference between groups in the variables HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which were evaluated with awake animals (p>0.05). There was an increase in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the HF EA group compared to the HF Control group (p<0.05). The maximum gain of the baroreflex heart rate response (Gain) was higher in the HF EA group than the HF Control and Sham Control groups. Chronic EA in the ST36 point increased the MAP and baroreflex sensitivity in rats with HF.

Emergência hipertensiva nas síndromes coronárias agudas / Acute coronary syndrome in hypertensive emergencies

Há uma forte relação da hipertensão arterial com manifestações clínicas da coronariopatia. A emergência hipertensiva associada a um quadro isquêmico miocárdico agudo, angina instável ou infarto agudo do miocárdio requer tratamento rápido e seguro, para controle dos níveis pressóricos e redução do fenômeno isquêmico. Dentre os recursos terapêuticos disponíveis por via endovenosa, destacam-se a nitroglicerina e os betabloqueadores, ambos contribuindo para melhora do fluxo sanguíneo coronário e, ao mesmo tempo, reduzindo o consumo de oxigênio miocárdico. Os altos níveis de pressão arterial na vigência do infarto agudo do miocárdio tornam-se uma séria contraindicação para o emprego imediato de trombolítico no tratamento de reperfusão e o risco de acidente vascular cerebral é elevado. Portanto, devemos retardar esse tipo de recurso ou utilizar a via percutânea para angioplastia como tratamento ideal.

Arterial hypertension has a strong relationship with clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease. The hypertensive emergency associated with an acute myocardial ischemia, instable angina or an acute myocardial infarct needs a fast and safe procedure, to control the arterial pressure and reduce ischemic phenomenon. Among the available therapeutic resources by intravenous way, we can highlight nitroglycerine and betablockers, in that both reduce myocardial oxygen consumption and improve coronary flow. The high levels of arterial pressure in acute myocardial infarct become a serious contraindication for the immediate use of thrombolytic agents in reperfusion treatment and the risk for stroke is high. Thus, we should delay this action or use percutaneous way for angioplasty as a better treatment.

[Left main coronary artery aneurysm thrombosis in a young patient with acute myocardial infarction]. / Trombosis de aneurisma del tronco coronario izquierdo en paciente joven con infarto agudo de miocardio.

INTRODUCTION: The left main coronary artery aneurysm is rare, with an incidence of 0.1%, being the atherosclerosis its main etiology. Angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the severity of coexisting coronary stenosis, patients with left main coronary artery aneurysms can be effectively managed either surgical or pharmacologically. CLINICAL CASE: We present a case of a 44 year-old male with a history of obesity, smoking and dyslipidemia, complaining of oppressive chest pain, dyspnea and diaphoresis. An electrocardiogram showed an ST-segment elevation on the anterior and lateral wall and positive enzymatic curve for infarction. He was initially treated with streptokinase with no reperfusion evidence after 3 hours of the onset of symptoms, so he underwent to rescue angioplasty. Angiography reported left main coronary artery aneurysm thrombosis. Afterwards, he presented cardiogenic shock and was revascularized with a coronary artery bypass graft of the mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery and the saphenous vein to the obtuse marginal, however he did not survive. Determination for 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism, glycoprotein IIIa PLA1/A2 gene and Glu298Asp polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Left main coronary artery aneurysms are rare, finding ONE in an acute myocardial infarction is a serious situation because of the challenging reperfusion techniques that are implied, such as in this case. The search for genetic factors related with hypofibrinolysis could guide stratification and therapy towards medical surgical or interventional management.

Caracterización en la atención de urgencia del infarto agudo del miocardio en la provincia de Matanzas / Characterization in the emergency care of the acute myocardial infarct

En Cuba las enfermedades del corazón constituyen la principal causa de muerte desde hace más de cuatro décadas. En la actualidad fallecen cada año más de 20 000 personas, fundamentalmente por la alta letalidad debido al infarto agudo del miocardio. Se realizó una investigación epidemiológica observacional multicéntrica de tipo descriptivo transversal en la provincia Matanzas, con la finalidad de caracterizar el infarto agudo del miocardio y la atención médica de urgencia en los servicios de salud de policlínicos y hospitales, en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabilitación. El estudio abarcó todos los egresos en hospitales desde 1 de junio al 31 de agosto de 2010. Se aplicó por los epidemiólogos de hospitales una encuesta a pacientes y familiares. Se utilizó el Programa Epi-Info. Los resultados fueron predominio del sexo masculino, mayores de 60 años; principales factores de riesgo asociados: la hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo y sobrepeso. La mayor proporción de pacientes llegaron antes de las 6 horas, fue mayor el por ciento de dolor típico, el Killip Kimbal I y la elevación del segmeto ST. El uso del tratamiento trombolítico es bajo, especialmente en la atención primaria de salud, y es elevada la no indicación médica en hospitales. Es baja la indicación de betabloqueadores y los inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina; hay déficit de enzimas séricas cardiacas y de equipos para prueba ergométrica y ecocardiograma con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. La letalidad fue adecuada y mejor en los pacientes trombolizados que en los no trombolizados. Los consejos médicos y la indicación de rehabilitación al alta fueron bajos.

In Cuba, the heart diseases have been the main cause of death for more than forty years. Currently, more than 20 000 people die every year, mainly for the high lethality of the acute myocardial infarct. We carried out a multicenter, epidemiologic, observational, cross-sectional descriptive research in the province of Matanzas, with the objective of characterizing the acute myocardial infarct and the medical emergency care in the health services of policlinics and hospitals, in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The research included all the cases discharged from hospitals from June 1st to August 31st 2010. An inquire was applied to the patients and their relatives by the hospital epidemiologist. The Epi-Info program was used. The results were a predomination of the male sex, of people aged more than 60 years old; and the main associated risk factors were arterial hypertension, smoking and overweight. Most of the patients arrived before 6 hours had passed; the percentage of typical pain, the Killip Kimbal I and the elevation of ST segment were higher. The usage of the thrombolytic treatment is low, especially in the primary health care, and it is high the no-medical indication in the hospitals. The indication of the beta blockers and the inhibitors of the angiotensin-conversion enzymes are low; there is a deficit of cardiac serum enzymes and equipment for exercise tests and echocardiograms. The lethality was adequate, better in the thrombolyzed patients than in those who were non thrombolyzed. The medical advices and the indication of rehabilitation were poor.

Infarto agudo do miocárdio e injeção intramiocárdica experimental em cães: estudos clínico, enzimático, eletrocardiográfico e ecocardiográfico / Experimental acute myocardial infarction in dogs: clinic, enzymatic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic studies

Os eventos isquêmicos em cães são incomuns, porém podem estar sendo subnotificados. Avaliou-se o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) clinicamente, por meio de eletrocardiografia (ECG), eletrocardiografia contínua (EC), ecocardiografia (ECO), enzima creatina quinase (CK), enzima creatina quinase fração MB (CK-MB) e anátomo-histologicamente em cães sem raça definida, e observou-se a ocorrência de arritmias após injeção intramiocárdia por EC. O IAM foi obtido após a ligadura da coronária descendente anterior. Os animais apresentaram ao ECO dilatação da câmara esquerda e aumento do índice de desempenho miocárdico. Ao ECG houve desnivelamento de ST nas derivações pré-cordiais V1 e V2. No EC observaram-se arritmias ventriculares graves e supradesnivelamento de ST. As enzimas CK e CK-MB aumentaram significativamente, sendo que os picos de CK-MB e de CK ocorreram seis horas e 12 horas, respectivamente, após o IAM. Na análise histológica constatou-se infarto da parede inferior do ventrículo esquerdo e substituição do tecido muscular por tecido fibroso. Avaliou-se a injeção intramiocárdica por EC que pode servir como via terapêutica cardíaca, não sendo observado aumento das arritmias ventriculares após a injeção no miocárdio infartado. O infarto em cães pode ser detectado pelos exames cardíacos disponíveis, e a injeção intramiocárdica é uma via terapêutica cardíaca possível.(AU)

Ischemic events in dogs are uncommon; however, this may be under-reported. The myocardial infarction was created by left anterior descending coronary ligation in healthy mongrel dogs in clinical and laboratorial exams. These dogs were evaluated clinically, electrocardiography (ECG), through ambulatory electrocardiography (AE), echocardiography (ECO), creatine kinase enzyme (CK), creatine kinase MB fraction enzyme (CK-MB) and histopathologically. Even in these animals we observed the occurrence of arrhythmia after intramyocardial injection by AE. The animals exhibited left ventricular chamber enlargement and increase in myocardial performance index at ECO. In ECG, there were deviations in ST segment in the precordial leads V1 and V2. CK and CK-MB showed high increase, CK and CK-MB peaks occurred six and 12 hours after infarction, respectively. Histopathology of the infarction in the inferior wall of the left ventricle and replacement of muscle tissue by fibrous tissue were seen. Furthermore, intramyocardial injection that may be used for therapeutic purposes was evaluated by AE, which demonstrated no increase in the ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, myocardial infarction in dogs can be detected with the tests available and intramyocardial injection can be used as a therapeutic way.(AU)

Infarto agudo do miocárdio e injeção intramiocárdica experimental em cães: estudos clínico, enzimático, eletrocardiográfico e ecocardiográfico / Experimental acute myocardial infarction in dogs: clinic, enzymatic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic studies

Os eventos isquêmicos em cães são incomuns, porém podem estar sendo subnotificados. Avaliou-se o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) clinicamente, por meio de eletrocardiografia (ECG), eletrocardiografia contínua (EC), ecocardiografia (ECO), enzima creatina quinase (CK), enzima creatina quinase fração MB (CK-MB) e anátomo-histologicamente em cães sem raça definida, e observou-se a ocorrência de arritmias após injeção intramiocárdia por EC. O IAM foi obtido após a ligadura da coronária descendente anterior. Os animais apresentaram ao ECO dilatação da câmara esquerda e aumento do índice de desempenho miocárdico. Ao ECG houve desnivelamento de ST nas derivações pré-cordiais V1 e V2. No EC observaram-se arritmias ventriculares graves e supradesnivelamento de ST. As enzimas CK e CK-MB aumentaram significativamente, sendo que os picos de CK-MB e de CK ocorreram seis horas e 12 horas, respectivamente, após o IAM. Na análise histológica constatou-se infarto da parede inferior do ventrículo esquerdo e substituição do tecido muscular por tecido fibroso. Avaliou-se a injeção intramiocárdica por EC que pode servir como via terapêutica cardíaca, não sendo observado aumento das arritmias ventriculares após a injeção no miocárdio infartado. O infarto em cães pode ser detectado pelos exames cardíacos disponíveis, e a injeção intramiocárdica é uma via terapêutica cardíaca possível.

Ischemic events in dogs are uncommon; however, this may be under-reported. The myocardial infarction was created by left anterior descending coronary ligation in healthy mongrel dogs in clinical and laboratorial exams. These dogs were evaluated clinically, electrocardiography (ECG), through ambulatory electrocardiography (AE), echocardiography (ECO), creatine kinase enzyme (CK), creatine kinase MB fraction enzyme (CK-MB) and histopathologically. Even in these animals we observed the occurrence of arrhythmia after intramyocardial injection by AE. The animals exhibited left ventricular chamber enlargement and increase in myocardial performance index at ECO. In ECG, there were deviations in ST segment in the precordial leads V1 and V2. CK and CK-MB showed high increase, CK and CK-MB peaks occurred six and 12 hours after infarction, respectively. Histopathology of the infarction in the inferior wall of the left ventricle and replacement of muscle tissue by fibrous tissue were seen. Furthermore, intramyocardial injection that may be used for therapeutic purposes was evaluated by AE, which demonstrated no increase in the ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, myocardial infarction in dogs can be detected with the tests available and intramyocardial injection can be used as a therapeutic way.

Factores asociados a la hipertensión arterial en ancianos del Policlínico Milanés. 2003- 2006 / Factors associated to the arterial hypertension in elder people from the Milanés Policlinic. Years 2003-2006

Se realizó un estudio observacional, prospectivo y descriptivo, con el objetivo de caracterizar el comportamiento de la hipertensión arterial de la población anciana, conviviente en un área de 500 metros en la periferia del Policlínico Universitario Milanés, empleándose la encuesta del grupo de investigación 10/66, avalada internacionalmente, a 901 ancianos. Los datos fueron procesados y se expresaron los resultados en tablas y gráficos. Resultó significativo que la enfermedad afectó predominantemente al sexo femenino, en las edades entre 70 y 74 años, y entre las enfermedades asociadas a la hipertensión se destacaron las enfermedades cardíacas, entre las más frecuentes se presentaron las arritmias, la angina y el infarto agudo de miocardio, así como las enfermedades cerebrales, existiendo un predominio de la demencia, seguido del ictus. Se arribó a la conclusión de que la hipertensión arterial presenta una alta prevalencia en la población estudiada y predispone todas las variantes de enfermedad vascular con mayor frecuencia en los ancianos.

We made a prospective, descriptive, observational study, with the objective of identifying the factors associated to the arterial hypertension in the elder people population living in an area of 500 m in the periphery of the Milanés Teaching Hospital, using the survey of the investigation group 10/66, internationally validated, applied to 901 elder people. Data were processed and the results were shown in tables and graphics. It was significant that the disease affected predominantly the female genre, in ages between 70 and 74 years-old and more than 80 years-old. Among the diseases associated to the hypertension stood out the heart diseases, and the most frequent of theme were: the arrhythmias, the angina and the myocardial infarct, and also the cerebral diseases, with a predominance of the dementia followed by the ictus. We arrived to the conclusion that the arterial hypertension has a high prevalence in the studied elder population.

Pre-hospital attitudes adopted by patients faced with the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction / Atitudes pré-hospitalares adotadas por pacientes frente aos sintomas de infarto agudo do miocárdio / Actitudes prehospitalarias adoptadas por pacientes frente a los síntomas de infarto agudo del miocardio

This case series aimed to evaluate the behavior adopted by patients during the pre-hospital phase of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 115 AMI sufferers with ST-segment elevation were evaluated. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied. The individuals that did not associate the symptoms with cardiovascular disease most often attributed them to the following sources: gastrointestinal (38 percent), musculoskeletal (29.7 percent), food and/or medication poisoning (8.5 percent) and arising from the respiratory apparatus (6.3 percent). The proportion of major outcomes and of patients that arrived in the emergency department after 12 hours was higher among women, individuals with monthly income of up to one minimum wage, those who used analgesics and did not associate the symptoms with cardiovascular disease. It was found that individuals in unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, who interpreted the symptoms incorrectly, arrived later at the emergency department and had worse intra-hospital outcomes.

Esta série de casos teve o objetivo de avaliar as condutas adotadas pelos pacientes, durante a fase pré-hospitalar do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). Avaliaram-se 115 indivíduos portadores de IAM, com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Foi aplicado o teste qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher. Os indivíduos que não associaram os sintomas à doença cardiovascular atribuíram, mais frequentemente, às seguintes origens: gastrointestinal (38 por cento), osteomuscular (29,7 por cento), intoxicação alimentar e/ou medicamentosa (8,5 por cento) e decorrentes do aparelho respiratório (6,3 por cento). A proporção de desfechos maiores e de pacientes que chegaram à emergência após 12 horas foi mais elevada entre mulheres, indivíduos com renda mensal de até um salário mínimo, que usaram analgésicos e não associaram os sintomas à doença cardiovascular. Constatou-se que indivíduos em condições socio-conômicas desfavoráveis, que interpretaram os sintomas de forma incorreta, chegaram mais tardiamente à emergência e apresentaram piores desfechos intra-hospitalares.

Esta serie de casos tuvo el objetivo de evaluar las conductas adoptadas por los pacientes durante la fase prehospitalaria del infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM). Se evaluaron 115 individuos portadores de IAM con el segmento ST supradesnivelado. Fue aplicada la prueba Chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Los individuos que no asociaron los síntomas a la enfermedad cardiovascular la atribuyeron más frecuentemente a los siguientes orígenes: gastrointestinal (38 por ciento), osteomuscular (29,7 por ciento), intoxicación alimentar y/o medicamentosa (8,5 por ciento) y provenientes del aparato respiratorio (6,3 por ciento). La proporción de resultados más graves y de pacientes que llegaron a la emergencia después de 12 horas fue más elevada entre mujeres, individuos con renta mensual de hasta un salario mínimo, que usaron analgésicos y no asociaron los síntomas a la enfermedad cardiovascular. Se constató que individuos en condiciones socioeconómicas desfavorables, que interpretaron los síntomas de forma incorrecta, llegaron más tarde a la emergencia y presentaron peores resultados intrahospitalarios.