Como eu faço no Coração de Atleta: avaliação dos diferentes tipos de adaptação ao exercício / My approach to "Athlete'S Heart": evaluation of the different types of adaptation to exercise

A prática regular de esportes pode induzir adaptações no coração, sendo essa condição comumente chamada de "coração de atleta". As alterações observadas incluem dilatação das câmaras cardíacas, aumento da espessura miocárdica, melhora do enchimento ventricular, aumento da trabeculação do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), dilatação da veia cava inferior, entre outras. Essas alterações também podem ser observadas em algumas doenças cardíacas, como cardiomiopatia (CMP) dilatada, hipertrófica e outras. Dessa forma, os exames de imagem cardíaca são fundamentais na identificação dessas alterações e na diferenciação entre o "coração de atleta" e uma possível cardiopatia.(AU)

Exercise-induced adaptation may occur in amateur and professional athletes. This condition is commonly named "athlete's heart". The alterations observed include dilation of the heart chambers, increased myocardial thickness, improved ventricular filling, increased left ventricular trabeculation, dilation of the inferior vena cava, among others. These changes can also be observed in some heart diseases, such as dilated, hypertrophic and other cardiomyopathies (CMP). Thus, cardiac imaging tests are fundamental in identifying these alterations and in differentiating between "athlete's heart" and possible heart disease. (AU)

Distrofia muscular de Duchenne, una causa infrecuente de miocardiopatía dilatada / Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy

Neuromuscular diseases represent a rare cause of dilated myocardiopathy, among them Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can assess cardiac involvement early. The case of a patient diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who develops cardiac involvement during cardiology follow-up is presented below.

Enfermedad hepática congestiva, las repercusiones hepáticas de un corazón enfermo / Congestive liver disease, the hepatic consequences of a diseased heart

La hepatopatía congestiva comprende el espectro de manifestaciones a nivel del hígado, con injuria inducida como consecuencia de la congestión venosa hepática por una alteración en el flujo venoso del tracto de salida hepático. La etiología más frecuente es la falla cardiaca derecha, que por aumento de la presión venosa central, lleva retrógradamente al aumento de la presión venosa hepática, disminución del flujo hepático y disminución de la saturación de oxígeno, con congestión a nivel sinusoidal y particular compromiso de los hepatocitos de la zona 3. Generalmente tiene una presentación subclínica en cuanto a manifestaciones hepáticas que son enmascaradas por los signos y síntomas de falla cardiaca. El diagnóstico comprende la suma de hallazgos serológicos, imagenológicos e histológicos, luego de una exclusión de otras patologías con posible injuria hepática. El tratamiento se basa en el manejo de la falla cardiaca de base, y el pronóstico a su vez, queda supeditado a la fase de la enfermedad cardiaca de base. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura con el fin de construir una revisión de esta entidad, con conceptos actualizados a partir de la evidencia reciente.

Congestive liver disease comprises the spectrum of manifestations secondary to liver injury as a consequence of hepatic venous congestion due to a disturbance in the hepatic venous outflow. The most frequent cause is right heart failure, which, due to an increase in central venous pressure, leads retrogradely to an increase in hepatic venous pressure, a decrease in liver inflow and a decrease in oxygen saturation, with sinusoidal congestion and characteristic compromise of zone 3 hepatocytes. Its presentation is usually subclinical in terms of liver manifestations, masked by the signs and symptoms of heart failure. The diagnosis includes the sum of serological, imaging and histological findings, after exclusion of other entities involving liver injury. Treatment is based on the management of the underlying heart failure and the prognosis is as well dependent on the stage of the underlying heart disease. A literature search was carried out in order to create a review of this entity with updated concepts based on recent evidence.

Left atrial function analysis in patients with functional mitral regurgitation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy / Análise da função atrial esquerda em pacientes com insuficiência mitral funcional associada à miocardiopatia dilatada

BACKGROUND: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC), heart failure (HF), and worsening left atrial function (LAF). Patients with DC and FMR may present left atrial dysfunction resulting from both ventricular dysfunction and valve disease, but it is unknown whether the presence of valve disease will lead to greater LAF impairment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LAF parameters and FMR degree in patients with DC. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 214 patients with DC, 46 without FMR (control group) and 168 with mild, moderate or severe FMR. An LAF analysis was performed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and atrial volumetric variation. RESULTS: LAF analyzed by STE by means of reservoir strain, conduit strain and active contraction strain was reduced in the sample, with values of 14.3%, 8.49% and 5.92%, respectively. FMR degree was significantly associated with reservoir strain (0.27 ± 0.16 versus 0.15 ± 0.09; p < 0.001) and contraction strain (19.2 ± 7.3 versus 11.2 ± 2.7; p < 0.001). FMR was also associated with a reduced LAF assessed by volumetric analysis: total atrial emptying fraction of 0.51 ± 0.13 versus 0.34 ± 0.11 and active atrial emptying fraction of 0 .27 ± 0.16 versus 0.15 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a population with DC, FMR was associated with reduced LAF assessed by STE and atrial volume variation.

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência mitral funcional (IMF) está associada à miocardiopatia dilatada (MD), à insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e à piora da função atrial esquerda (FAE). A FAE pode decair tanto pela disfunção ventricular quanto pela valvopatia, mas não se sabe se esta leva a um prejuízo maior da FAE. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre a piora de parâmetros de FAE com o grau de IMF, em pacientes com MD. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo observacional transversal, que incluiu 214 pacientes com MD, sendo 46 sem IMF (controle) e 168 com IMF discreta, moderada ou grave. A análise da FAE foi realizada por ecocardiografia por speckle tracking (STE) e por variação volumétrica atrial. RESULTADOS: A FAE, analisada por STE­ por meio do strain de reservatório, conduto e contração ativa ­ encontrou-se reduzida na amostra, com valores respectivos de 14,3%, 8,49% e 5,92%. O grau de IMF associou-se significativamente com os valores do strain de reservatório (0,27±0,16 versus 0,15±0,09; p <0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Em uma população com MD, a presença de IMF associa-se à redução da FAE de reservatório e de contração, avaliada por STE e pela variação volumétrica atrial.

Factores predictores de aparición de fibrilación auricular en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada / Predicting factors of atrial fibrillation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Resumen Introducción El uso de terapia anticoagulante en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada es controvertido. El riesgo hemorrágico hace que habitualmente no se use en pacientes en ritmo sinusal. Objetivo Analizar los factores predictores de fibrilación auricular (FA) en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) < 40. Método: Se estudiaron los pacientes incluidos en el registro multicéntrico UMBRELLA a quienes se había implantado un desfibrilador (DAI) bicameral o tricameral y que presentaban miocardiopatía dilatada isquémica o no isquémica y FEVI < 40%. Se definió FA como cualquier episodio > 30 segundos de duración y una frecuencia auricular > 175 latidos por minuto. Resultados Se incluyeron 684 enfermos. La mediana de edad fue de 70 años (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 62-77). El 79.1% eran varones. La FEVI fue < 30% en el 76.3%. El 87.3% presentaban insuficiencia cardiaca (ICC) clínica. Se implantó un DAI resincronizador en el 59.5%. El 51.2% tenían bloqueo de rama izquierda del haz de His y el 7.1% de rama derecha (BRDHH). Se documentó FA en el 49% de los enfermos con una mediana de seguimiento de 29.93 meses (RIQ: 14.78-45.63). Las variables que se relacionaron con la aparición de FA fueron la presencia de ICC (hazard ratio [HR]: 2; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 1.31-3.04; p = 0.001), el BRDHH (HR: 1.48; IC 95%: 1-2-18; p = 0.045), el ictus previo (HR: 2.11; IC 95%: 1.4-3.19; p < 0.001) y la edad > 75 años (HR: 1.21; IC 95%: 1.05-1.40; p = 0.008). Conclusiones La edad > 75 años, el BRDHH, la ICC y el ictus previo predicen la aparición de FA en la población con miocardiopatía dilatada y FEVI < 40%.

Abstract Introduction Anticoagulant treatment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and sinus rhythm is controversial due to haemorrhage risk. Objective To analyze the factors predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%. Method All patients included in UMBRELLA multicentre registry without AF, who had a dual or three-chamber implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), dilated cardiomyopathy and LVEF < 40% were included. AF was defined as any episode > 30 seconds of duration and atrial frequency > 175 bpm. Results 684 patients were included. Median age was 70 years (IQR 62-77); 79.1% were male. LVEF was < 30% in 76.3% of cases; 87.3% presented clinical heart failure (CHF). A CRT-D was implanted in 59.5%; 51.2% of patients presented Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) and 7.1% presented Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB). AF was documented in 49% of patients, with a median follow-up of 29.93 months (IQR: 14.78-45.63). The presence of CHF (HR: 2; 95% CI: 1.31-3.04; p = 0.001), RBBB (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1-2-18; p = 0.045), previous stroke (HR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.4-3.19; p < 0.001) and age > 75 years (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05-1.40; p = 0.008) were associated with diagnosis of AF. Conclusions Age > 75 years, RBBB, CHF and previous stroke are predictors of AF development in the population with dilated cardiomyopathy and LVEF < 40%.

Exercise Training Improved Pulmonary Gas Exchange Abnormalities in Pulmonary Hypertension due to Heart Failure: A Case Report

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH), and reduced exercise capacity and exertional dyspnea are the most frequent concerns in patients with PH-HF. Indeed, carbon dioxide end-tidal partial pressure (PETCO 2 ) during exercise is a well-established noninvasive marker of ventilation/perfusion ratio in PH. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on PETCO 2 response during exercise in a 59-year-old woman with PH secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient with chronic fatigue and dyspnea at mild-to-moderate efforts was admitted to a cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program and had her cardiorespiratory response to exercise assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise testing performed before and after three months of a thrice-weekly aerobic exercise training program. Improvements in aerobic capacity (23.9%) and endurance time (37.5%) and reduction in ventilatory inefficiency (-20.2%) was found after intervention. Post-intervention improvements in PETCO 2 at ventilatory anaerobic threshold (23.3%) and change in PETCO 2 kinetics pattern, with progressive increases from rest to peak of exercise, were also found. Patient also improved breathing pattern and timing of ventilation. This case report demonstrated for the first time that aerobic exercise training might be able to improve PETCO 2 response during exercise in a patient with PH-HF.

Foramen oval restrictivo intraútero: causa de hidrops fetal / Intrauterine restrictive oval foramen: cause of fetal hydrops

Introducción: El cierre prematuro del foramen oval o foramen oval restrictivo intraútero es una entidad clínica rara pero seria, de etiología desconocida. Puede ocasionar diversos defectos cardíacos, hipertensión pulmonar, insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, hidrops fetal y muerte. El diagnóstico puede realizarse mediante ecocardiografía fetal, aunque en la mayoría de los casos sucede en autopsia posmortem. Objetivo: Describir un caso de hidrops fetal secundario al cierre prematuro del foramen oval intraútero. Presentación del caso: Recién nacido pretérmino de 34 semanas en el que, en ecografía y ecocardiografía prenatal se visualizó un aumento de las cavidades cardíacas asociado a cierre intrauterino de foramen oval e hidrops, hallazgos confirmados al nacimiento. Tras una prolongada estancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal y tratamiento con inotrópicos y diuréticos, se otorgó el alta hospitalaria con diagnóstico de cardiomiopatía dilatada secundaria a foramen oval restrictivo. Conclusiones: La asociación de cierre prematuro de foramen oval con hidrops fetal ha sido descripta en escasas publicaciones y es frecuente en estas la relación con muerte perinatal y con anomalías extracardíacas. En este caso se describe hidrops secundario al cierre temprano del foramen oval intraútero que condicionó a la dilatación global de cavidades cardíacas y a la disfunción ventricular severa persistentes más allá del periodo neonatal sin otras anomalías asociadas. A pesar de la severidad del compromiso cardiovascular, la evolución clínica fue favorable y permitió el egreso hospitalario. Es importante el reconocimiento temprano mediante ecografía y ecocardiografía fetal de estas entidades para guiar un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos(AU)

Introduction: Premature closure of the oval foramen or intrauterine restrictive oval foramen is a rare but serious clinical entity of unknown etiology. It can cause various heart defects, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, fetal hydrops and death. Diagnosis can be made by fetal echocardiography, although in most cases it occurs in postmortem autopsy. Objective: Describe the presentation of a case of fetal hydrops secondary to premature closure of the intrauterine oval foramen. Case presentation: A 34-week preterm newborn in which, in ultrasound and prenatal echocardiography, an increase in the cardiac chambers associated with intrauterine closure of oval foramen and hydrops was visualized; these findings were confirmed at birth. After a prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit and treatment with inotropic and diuretic drugs, hospital discharge was granted with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to restrictive oval foramen. Conclusions: The association of premature closure of oval foramen with fetal hydrops has been described in few publications and it is common in these the relation with perinatal death and extracardiac abnormalities. In this case, it is described hydrops secondary to the early closure of the intrauterine oval foramen that conditioned the overall dilation of heart chambers, and persistent severe ventricular dysfunction beyond the neonatal period without other associated abnormalities. Despite the severity of cardiovascular compromising, clinical evolution was favorable and allowed hospital discharge. Early recognition using ultrasound and fetal echocardiography of these entities is important to guide timely diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Prevalence of Chagas heart disease in dilated cardiomyopathy / Prevalencia de cardiopatía chagásica en la miocardiopatía dilatada

Abstract Objectives: The main objective is to determine the prevalence of American trypanosomiasis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in a tertiary hospital in western Mexico. Methods: From January 1991 to February 2016, 387 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy were included in the study. Cases with ventricular dilatation secondary to ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, pericardial disease, or congenital heart disease were excluded from the study. Diagnosis was made detecting antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi with two different methods or parasite in blood. Results: Were included 387 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, Chagas cardiomyopathy was confirmed in 6.9%, two patients in the acute phase (in one, suspected transfusion transmission was detected). Most patients were born in rural areas. About 96.2% showed congestive heart failure, only one patient with apical left ventricular aneurysm manifested palpitations. About 66% with right bundle branch block, left anterior fascicular block, or the association of both, in 14.8%, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia was found. Conclusions: Chagas cardiomyopathy is common in México, mainly in people who were born or lived during childhood in rural areas. It is a common cause of heart failure. Chagas’ heart disease should be suspected in patients receiving a blood transfusion, even without another epidemiological history.

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo principal del estudio es conocer la prevalencia de tripanosomiasis americana en pacientes con cardiomiopatía dilatada, en un hospital de concentración en el occidente de México. Métodos: Desde enero de 1991 a febrero de 2016 se incluyeron 387 pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de cardiomiopatía dilatada, se excluyeron los casos con dilatación ventricular secundaria a cardiopatía isquémica, valvulopatías, hipertensión arterial sistémica, enfermedad pulmonar, enfermedad pericárdica o cardiopatías congénitas. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante la detección de anticuerpos anti-tripanosoma cruzi con 2 métodos positivos diferentes o con la detección del parásito en sangre. Resultados: Se incluyeron 387 paciente con cardiomiopatía dilatada, en el 6.9% se confirmó cardiopatía chagásica; dos pacientes en fase aguda (uno con sospecha de transmisión transfusional). La mayoría de los pacientes provenían de zonas rurales. El 96.2% de los casos presentó insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, un paciente con aneurisma apical del ventrículo izquierdo solo manifestó palpitaciones. El 66% presentó bloqueo de la rama derecha del haz de His, hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo o la asociación de ambos, en el 14.8% se encontró taquicardia ventricular no sostenida. Conclusiones: La cardiopatía chagásica es frecuente en nuestro medio, principalmente en personas que nacieron o vivieron durante la infancia en áreas rurales. Es causa común de insuficiencia cardiaca. La cardiomiopatía chagásica debe sospecharse en pacientes que reciben transfusión sanguínea, incluso sin otros antecedentes epidemiológicos

Respiración de Cheyne-Stokes en una adolescente con insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a miocardiopatía dilatada que requirió trasplante cardíaco / Cheyne-Stokes respiration in an adolescent with heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy requiring heart transplantation

La respiración de Cheyne-Stokes es una variante cíclica o tipo de apnea central del sueño poco frecuente en la población pediátrica. Se describe a una paciente de 12 años con insuficiencia cardíaca grave relacionada con miocardiopatía dilatada que demostró trastornos del sueño con características de respiración de Cheyne-Stokes, que se resolvieron completamente después del trasplante cardíaco.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a cyclic variant or type of central sleep apnea rare in pediatric population. We describe a 12-year-old female patient with severe heart failure related to dilated cardiomyopathy who demonstrated sleep disorders with Cheyne-Stokes breathing features, which completely resolved following cardiac transplantation.

Miocardiopatia Dilatada após uso de Adalimumabe em paciente com Pioderma Gangrenoso / Dilated myocardiopathy after use of Adalimumab in a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum

Introdução: O pioderma gangrenoso é uma dermatose incomum, crônica e de apresentação clínica variável. Sua etiologia é indefinida, e seu tratamento não é bem estabelecido. O Adalimumabe é um anticorpo monoclonal humano contra o fator de necrose tumoral alfa (anti- TNF) que é raramente associado à disfunção cardíaca. Relato de Caso: Relatamos um caso de uma paciente com pioderma gangrenoso idiopático que, após duas doses de Adalimumabe, desenvolveu insuficiência cardíaca grave com miocardiopatia dilatada. Ela foi tratada com diurético de alça, betabloqueador e antagonista da enzima conversora da angiostensina. Após dois meses, encontrava-se sem queixas cardiorrespiratórias e com melhora da fração de ejeção. Conclusão: A miocardiopatia dilatada, apesar de ser manifestação rara do uso de fármacos anti -TNF deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de insuficiência respiratória após seu uso.

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum is an unusual chronic dermatosis of mixed clinical presentation. Its etiology is unclear, and its treatment is not well established. Adalimumab is a human monoclonal antibody against the tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti TNF) which is rarely associated with cardiac dysfunction. Case Report: We report a case of a patient with idiopathic Pyoderma gangrenosum who developed severe heart failure with dilated myocardiopathy after two doses of Adalimumab. She was treated with loop diuretic, beta-blocker and angiostensin-converting enzyme antagonist. After two months, she was without cardiorespiratory complaints and with improvement in the ejection fraction. Conclusion: Dilated myocardiopathy, despite being a rare manifestation of the use of anti -TNF drugs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory failure after its use.

Iatrogenic Complications During the Diagnostic Work-Up of an Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy

Abstract A 72-year-old woman was admitted for acute heart failure. The echocardiography revealed moderate depression of the left ventricular ejection fraction. Coronary disease was excluded by coronarography. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed predominantly left ventricular septal hypertrophy and severe depression of the left ventricular systolic function. There was also a bright, multifocal and patchy late gadolinium enhancement with subendocardial, mesocardial and subepicardial involvement, suggestive of sarcoidosis. Biochemical study, thoracic computed tomography and positron emission tomography were inconclusive for extra-cardiac sarcoidosis. Therefore, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. The procedure was complicated by the development of complete atrioventricular block, requiring implantation of a cardiac resynchronization pacing device. A few days after device implantation, the patient developed fever. The echocardiography revealed extensive vegetations, and thus the diagnosis of a device-associated infective endocarditis was made. Even though antibiotic therapy was promptly started, the patient ended up dying. Biopsy results revealed lymphocytic myocarditis. This case is paradigmatic because it shows how the etiologic diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy can be challenging. Non-invasive diagnostic exams may not provide a definite diagnosis, requiring an endomyocardial biopsy. However, the benefits versus risks of such procedure must always be carefully weighted.

Thoracoabdominal compartment syndrome complicating right-sided diaphragmatic eventration with co-existent unilateral renal agenesis

Diaphragmatic eventration (DE) associated with intestinal malrotation and renal agenesis is a rare entity. The authors report a case of a 69-year-old man who had symptoms of heart failure. He had a previous imaging diagnosis of right diaphragmatic eventration and dilated cardiomyopathy. He died on the second day after the hospital admission and had a post mortem examination that confirmed complete right diaphragmatic eventration, intestinal malrotation, left renal agenesis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and anteriorly rotated right kidney and had findings suggestive of a thoracoabdominal compartment syndrome. Thoracoabdominal compartment syndrome is described as transmission of abdominal pressure through a defective diaphragm causing compression of the hemithorax viscera and mediastinal shift with a hemodynamic alteration. The association of these anomalies is rare, and the possibility of this finding in a patient with eventration should always be considered.

Miocardiopatía dilatada idiopática en paciente embarazada asintomática / Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in an asymptomatic pregnant patient

RESUMEN La miocardiopatía dilatada en el embarazo es, generalmente, de origen desconocido, pero en un 20-35% es hereditaria. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 22 años de edad, con 34,6 semanas de gestación, primípara, con antecedente de asma bronquial leve, que se encontraba asintomática desde el punto de vista cardiovascular, hasta que se encontró una frecuencia cardíaca mayor de 130 latidos por minuto y edema en miembros inferiores que fue la causa de la consulta de Cardiología. El ecocardiograma transtorácico reveló una miocardiopatía dilatada con función ventricular izquierda gravemente deprimida, disfunción diastólica, insuficiencia tricuspidea grave y mitral moderada, e hipertensión pulmonar leve. Se consideró muy alto riesgo obstétrico (grupo IV de la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud) y, previa coordinación con el servicio nacional de cardiopatía y embarazo, se envió a la paciente al centro de referencia donde se realizó cesárea sin complicaciones.

ABSTRACT Dilated cardiomyopathy in pregnancy is generally of unknown origin, but in 20-35% it is hereditary. Here is presented the case of a 22-year-old patient, 34.6 weeks of pregnancy, primipara, with a history of slight bronchial asthma, who was asymptomatic from the cardiovascular point of view, until a heart rate greater than 130 beats per minute and edema in lower limbs were found, which were the causes that bring her to the Department of Cardiology. The transthoracic echocardiogram revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with severely depressed left ventricular function, diastolic dysfunction, severe tricuspid and moderate mitral regurgitations, as well as slight pulmonary hypertension. It was considered a very high obstetric risk (group IV of the World Health Organization Classification) and, after coordinating with the national department of heart disease and pregnancy, the patient was sent to the reference center, where a cesarean section was performed without complications.