Medição do Fluxo Sanguíneo Coronário em Angiogramas Coronários Convencionais por um Novo Método Baseado na Detecção da Densidade de Contraste. Uma Visão Fisiológica / Coronary Blood Flow Measurement in Conventional Coronary Angiograms by a New Method Based on Contrast Density Detection. A Physiological Insight

Resumo Fundamento O grau de fluxo TIMI e a contagem quadro a quadro TIMI corrigida (CTFC) são métodos amplamente utilizados para avaliar o fluxo sanguíneo coronariano angiográfico. A medição do fluxo sanguíneo coronariano (FSC) na coronariografia (CAG) padrão despertou grande interesse recentemente, tentando combinar o conceito de CTFC com novos métodos para pós-angioplastia e avaliação da síndrome cardíaca X. Além disso, o fluxo coronariano lento é considerado um critério importante para a angina microvascular. Objetivo Explorar uma nova abordagem de medição angiográfica quantitativa do FSC com base na detecção densitométrica de contraste na CAG offline, usando um software acessível para obter uma avaliação mais precisa e confiável do FSC. Métodos Trinta pacientes foram estudados e divididos em 2 grupos: fluxo sanguíneo coronariano normal (FN) e fluxo sanguíneo coronariano lento (FL), de acordo com a definição da CTFC. O MD foi aplicado à amostra do estudo para diferenciar entre FN e FL. A estatística não paramétrica foi usada para avaliar diferenças entre os grupos com p<0,05. Resultados O valor de referência normal do MD obtido para o fluxo sanguíneo coronariano foi de 9 [5-10] quadros. Os grupos FN vs. FL foi comparado e expresso como mediana [intervalo interquartil], para a artéria descendente anterior esquerda: 10 [7-11] vs. 21 [8-33]; p=0,016; artéria circunflexa: 9 [4-13] vs. 14 [11-30]; p=0,012 e artéria coronária direita: 5 [3-11] vs. 13 [8-26]; p=0,009. Conclusão O MD mostrou a viabilidade de medir o fluxo sanguíneo coronariano com precisão, consistência e reprodutibilidade em um angiograma coronariano padrão, mostrando a capacidade adicional de diferenciar FN de FL em pacientes com dor precordial e artérias coronárias normais. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):503-512)

Abstract Background TIMI flow grade and corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) are widely used methods to evaluate angiographic coronary blood flow. Measurement of coronary blood flow (CBF) on standard coronary angiography (CAG) has aroused great interest recently, trying to combine the CTFC concept with new methods for post-angioplasty and for cardiac syndrome X assessment. Additionally, coronary slow flow it is now considered a major criterion for microvascular angina. Objective Explore a new approach of quantitative angiographic measurement of CBF based on densitometric contrast detection in CAG off-line, using an accessible software to obtain a more precise and reliable CBF assessment. Methods Thirty patients were studied and divided in 2 groups, normal coronary blood flow (NF) and slow coronary blood flow (SF), according to CTFC definition. The DM was applied to the study sample to differentiate between NF and SF. Non-parametric statistics was used to assess differences between groups at p<0.05. Results The DM normal reference value obtained for coronary blood flow was 9 [5-10] frames. NF vs SF group were compared and expressed as median [interquartile range], for the left anterior descending: 10 [7-11] vs 21 [8-33];p= 0.016; circumflex: 9 [4-13] vs 14 [11-30]; p= 0.012 and right coronary artery: 5 [3-11] vs 13 [8-26]; p=0.009. Conclusion The DM showed the feasibility of measuring coronary blood flow with precision, consistency and reproducible in a standard coronary angiogram, showing the additional capability to differentiate between NF and SF in chest pain patients with normal coronary arteries. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):503-512)

Caracterización del síndrome de Wellens y su relación como predictor de obstrucción grave de la arteria descendente anterior. Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios Intensivos Hospital Manuel Fajardo 2016-2017 / Characterization of Wellens syndrome and its relationship as a predictor of severe obstruction of the left anterior descending artery. Intensive Coronary Care Unit Hospital Manuel Fajardo 2016-2017

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de Wellens es un patrón electrocardiográfico que se ha sugerido desde la década del 80 como indicador de obstrucción grave de la arteria descendente anterior, a pesar de ello es poco conocido y no se encuentra en las principales guías de tratamiento de los síndromes coronarios agudos. Objetivo: Demostrar la utilidad del diagnóstico del síndrome de Wellens como predictor de obstrucción grave de la descendente anterior. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal con componente analítico, que abarcó a los 40 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios Intensivos del Hospital Manuel Fajardo, en el período enero de 2016 hasta diciembre de 2017, con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST, a los que se les realizó coronariografía. Resultados: Se encontró la presencia de síndrome de Wellens en un 13,5% de los pacientes ingresados con este tipo de síndrome coronario agudo. La edad, el sexo y la presencia de comorbilidades no se relacionaron significativamente con la presencia de este síndrome. El estudio angiográfico evidenció, en los pacientes con un síndrome de Wellens, un riesgo relativo 3,4 veces mayor que el resto, de presentar una obstrucción grave de la arteria descendente anterior. Conclusiones: La identificación oportuna del síndrome de Wellens y su relación con una obstrucción coronaria grave deben motivar una estrategia intervencionista precoz en estos casos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Wellens syndrome is an electrocardiographic pattern that has been suggested, since the 1980s, as indicator of severe obstruction of the left anterior descending artery, although it is poorly understood and it is not found in the main treatment guidelines for acute coronary syndromes. Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of the diagnosis of Wellens syndrome as a predictor of severe obstruction of the left anterior descending artery. Method: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was carried out, covering the 40 patients admitted to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit of the Hospital Manuel Fajardo, in the period from January 2016 to December 2017, with a diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, who underwent coronary angiography. Results: The presence of Wellens syndrome was found in 13.5% of the patients admitted with this type of acute coronary syndrome. Age, sex and the presence of comorbidities were not significantly related to the presence of this syndrome. The angiographic study showed, in patients with a Wellens syndrome, a relative risk -3.4 times greater than the rest- of presenting a severe obstruction of the left anterior descending artery. Conclusions: The timely identification of Wellens syndrome and its relationship with a severe coronary obstruction should motivate an early interventionist strategy in these cases.

Comparação entre avaliação de isquemia miocárdica pela reserva de fluxo fracionada e cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica / Comparison between myocardial ischemia evaluation by fractional flow reserve and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy

Lesões coronárias moderadas podem ser, ou não, responsáveis pela isquemia miocárdica. A análise funcional das lesões pode ser realizada por métodos invasivos e não invasivos. Comparar a análise funcional das lesões coronarianas moderadas pela reserva de fluxo fracionado e pela cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica. Foram estudados prospectivamente 47 pacientes com doença arterial coronária estável com pelo menos uma lesão coronariana moderada obstrutiva. Eles foram submetidos à reserva de fluxo fracionado e à cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica com intervalo médio de 24,5 dias, entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2015. Não houve alteração no estado clínico e nem no procedimento de revascularização entre exames. As variáveis populacionais foram descritas como mediana e interquartil. A reserva de fluxo fracionado foi realizada em um de tronco de coronária esquerda; 37 artérias coronárias descendentes; 12 artérias circunflexas e quatro artérias coronárias direitas. Reserva de fluxo fracionado < 0,8 foi considerada positiva. A análise comparativa entre os resultados dos testes foi feita pelo teste de Fisher bicaudal, sendo considerado significativo valor de p < 0,05. A reserva de fluxo fracionado < 0,8 foi encontrada no tronco de coronária esquerda (100%); 13 na artéria coronária descendente (35,14%); seis na artéria circunflexa (50%) e duas na artéria coronária direita (50%). Dentre os pacientes com reserva de fluxo fracionado positiva, 83% tinham isquemia miocárdica demonstrada na cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica (p = 0,058). Analisando especificamente o território da artéria coronária descendente, 83% dos pacientes com reserva de fluxo fracionado negativa não tinham isquemia na cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica, mas 69% dos pacientes com reserva de fluxo fracionado positiva não tinham isquemia na cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica (p = 0,413). Pode ocorrer discordância entre os resultados de análise funcional de lesões coronárias moderadas por testes invasivos e não invasivos

Moderate coronary artery lesions can be, or not, responsible for myocardial ischemia. The functional analysis of these lesions can be performed by invasive and noninvasive methods.To compare the functional analysis of moderate coronary lesions by fractional flow reserve and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. 47 patients with stable coronary artery disease and at least one moderate coronary artery obstruction were prospectively studied. They were submitted to fractional flow reserve and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with a median interval of 24.5 days between January 2013 and December 2015. There was no change in clinical status or revascularization procedure between the exams. The population variables were described as medians and interquartile range. Fractional flow reserve was performed in one left main coronary artery; 37 left descending coronary arteries; 12 circumflex arteries and 4 right coronary arteries. Fractional flow reserve < 0.8 was considered positive. The comparative analysis between the results of the tests was performed by two-tailed Fisher's test and a p-value 0.05 was considered significant.Fractional flow reserve < 0.8 was found in the left main coronary artery (100%); 13 in the left descending coronary artery (35.14%); 6 in circumflex artery (50%) and 2 in the right coronary artery (50%). Among the patients with positive fractional flow reserve, 83% had myocardial ischemia demonstrated by the myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (p = 0.058).When analyzing specifically the left descending coronary artery, 83% of the patients with negative fractional flow reserve showed no ischemia at the myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, but 69% of the patients with positive fractional flow reserve showed no ischemia at the myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (p = 0.413). Disagreements can occur between the results of the functional analysis of moderate coronary lesions by invasive and noninvasive tests

Radiación ionizante: revisión de tema y recomendaciones para la práctica / Ionising radiation: A review of the topic and recommendations for using it

Resumen La seguridad en radiación es un tema de actualidad. A diario se evidencian las consecuencias deletéreas de esta herramienta diagnóstica y terapéutica. En su mayoría, las patologías asociadas secundarias a la exposición por radiación podrían prevenirse con una adecuada intervención preventiva y protectora. Se presenta un artículo de revisión con el fin de explicar de forma detallada los aspectos más relevantes acerca de la formación de los rayos X, su definición y clasificación dosimétrica, los efectos biológicos de la radiación, los límites recomendados y las medidas de protección para la exposición de radiación.

Abstract Radiation safety is a current topic. The harmful effects of this diagnostic and therapeutic tool are observed daily. The majority of associated secondary to radiation exposure could be prevented with suitable safety and protective measures. A review article is presented with the aim of explaining the most relevant aspects of radiation in detail, including the formation of x-rays, their dosimetry definition and classification, the biological effects of radiation, the recommended limits, as well as the protection measures for the exposure to radiation.

Association of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction with Coronary Microvascular Resistance in Patients with Cardiac Syndrome X / Associação de Inflamação e Disfunção Endotelial com Resistência Microvascular Coronariana em Pacientes com Síndrome Cardíaca X

Abstract Background: Although a proportion of CSX patients have impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in response to hyperemia, suggesting that endothelial dysfunction in these patients may be systemic and not just confined to the coronary circulation; the underlying mechanisms triggering endothelial dysfunction in these patients are still incompletely understood. Objectives: To assess the association of the index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR) with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in patients with CSX. Methods: We studied 20 CSX patients and 20 age and gender-matched control subjects. Thermodilution-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) and IMR were measured using a pressure-temperature sensor-tipped guidewire. Brachial artery FMD was measured using high-resolution, two-dimensional ultrasound images obtained with a Doppler ultrasound device (HDI-ATL 5000, USA) with a 5 MHz to 12 MHz linear-array transducer. Results: Compared with in control subjects, CFR was significantly lower (2.42 ± 0.78 vs. 3.59 ± 0.79, p < 0.001); IMR was higher (32.2 ± 8.0 vs. 19.5 ± 5.5, p < 0.001); the concentration of hs-CRP and FMD was higher (4.75 ± 1.62 vs. 2.75 ± 1.50; 5.24 ± 2.41 vs. 8.57 ± 2.46, p < 0.001) in CSX patients. The Duke treadmill score (DTS) was correlated positively to CFR and FMD (0.489 and 0.661, p < 0.001), it was negative to IMR and hsCRP (-0.761 and -0.087, p < 0.001) in CSX patients. Conclusions: The main finding in this study is that the DTS measured in patients with CSX was associated to hsCRP and FMD. Moreover, the independent effects of exercise tolerance can significantly impair FMD and hsCRP in CSX patients; especially it is particularly important to whom where FMD was associated negatively with IMR.

Resumo Fundamentos: Embora uma proporção de pacientes com SCX tenha dilatação mediada por fluxo da artéria braquial (DMF) prejudicada em resposta à hiperemia, sugerindo que a disfunção endotelial nestes pacientes pode ser sistémica e não limitar-se à circulação coronariana, os mecanismos subjacentes que desencadeiam a disfunção endotelial nestes pacientes ainda não são completamente compreendidos. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação do índice de resistência microcirculatória (IMR) com a disfunção endotelial e a inflamação em pacientes com SCX. Métodos: Estudaram-se 20 pacientes com SCX e 20 sujeitos de controle emparelhados em idade e género. A reserva de fluxo coronariano derivada da termodiluição (RFC) e a IMR forma medidas usando um fio guia com ponta de sensor de temperatura e pressão. A DMF da artéria braquial foi medida utilizando imagens ultrassónicas bidimensionais de alta resolução obtidas com um aparelho de ultrassom Doppler (HDI-ATL 5000, EE.UU.) com transdutor linear de 5 MHz a 12 MHz. Resultados: Em comparação com os sujeitos de controle, a RFC foi significativamente menor (2,42 ± 0,78 vs 3,59 ± 0,79, p < 0,001); o IMR foi maior (32,2 ± 8,0 frente a 19,5 ± 5,5, p < 0,001); a concentração de PCR-as e DMF foi maior (4,75 ± 1,62 frente a 2,75 ± 1,50, 5,24 ± 2,41 diante de 8,57 ± 2,46, p < 0,001) em pacientes com SCX. A escore de Duke (ED) se correlacionou positivamente com RFC e DMF (0,489 e 0,661, p < 0,001), foi negativa para IMR e PCR-as (-0,761 e -0,087, p < 0,001) em pacientes com SCX. Conclusões: O principal achado neste estudo é que o ED medido em pacientes com SCX esteve associado a PCR-as e DMF. Por outra parte, os efeitos independentes da tolerância ao exercício podem piorar significativamente a DMF e a PCR-as em pacientes com SCX especialmente, é particularmente importante que a DMF se associou negativamente com a RIM.

Características clínicas, angiográficas y desenlaces clínicos en adultos mayores de 65 años con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Clinical and angiographic characteristics, and outcomes in patients over 65 years-old with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad coronaria continúa siendo una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en la población general; existe poca información sobre las características demográficas, clínicas y desenlaces en los pacientes mayores de edad con síndrome coronario agudo en el medio. Metodología: Estudio observacional analítico de tipo cohorte prospectivo de pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCANST). Se describen las características de los mayores de 65 años y se analiza la asociación entre la edad y los desenlaces clínicos en una cohorte de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 507 individuos, 277 (55%) con edad ≥ 65 años. Los pacientes de más edad presentaron mayor prevalencia de diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial sistémica y enfermedad coronaria multivaso. El riesgo del desenlace clínico primario compuesto tiempo hasta la muerte, reinfarto no fatal o ataque cerebrovascular fue mayor entre los mayores de 65 años (hazard ratio 1,80; IC 95% 1,09 a 2,97), pero la diferencia dejó de ser significativa en el análisis ajustado (hazard ratio 1,39; IC 95% 0,80 a 2,44). Discusión: Los pacientes de edad mayor con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST tienen características similares a las reportadas en publicaciones de otras latitudes. Sin embargo, a diferencia de lo reportado en la literatura internacional no se logró demostrar que la edad mayor a 65 años constituya un factor de riesgo independiente para desenlaces clínicos adversos en esta población.

Abstract Introduction: Although coronary disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population, little is known about the demographic and clinical characteristics, or the outcomes in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome in the community. Materials and method: An observational, prospective, analytical cohort study was conducted on patients over 18 years of age with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS). The characteristics of those over 65 years are described, as well as the relationships between age and clinical outcomes of a patient cohort with NSTE-ACS. Results: Out of a total of 507 patients, there were 277 (55%) aged ≥ 65 years. These had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, and multiple vessel coronary disease. The clinical outcome endpoints that consisted of, time until death, non-fatal re-infarction, or cerebrovascular accident, were higher among those over 65 years-old (Hazard Ratio 1.80; 95% CI; 1.09 - 2.97), but the difference stopped being significant in the adjusted analysis (Hazard Ratio 1.39; 95% CI; 0.80 - 2.44). Discussion: The patients over 65 years-old with NSTE-ACS have characteristics similar to those reported in the literature in other countries. However, unlike that reported in the international literature, this study failed to show that being over 65 years is not an independent risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in this population.

Disfunção coronariana microvascular / Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Nas duas últimas décadas, uma série de estudos relatou que as anormalidades na função e estrutura da microcirculação coronariana podem ocorrer em pacientes sem aterosclerose obstrutiva, em pacientes com fatores de risco, com doenças do miocárdio, bem como na aterosclerose obstrutiva. A disfunção microvascular coronariana pode ser iatrogênica e é importante marcador de risco, contribuindo para a patogênese de doenças cardiovasculares e do miocárdio. Devido a sua importância torna-se alvo terapêutico. Este artigo apresenta uma atualização sobre a relevância clínica da disfunção microvascular coronariana em diferentes situações clínicas.

In the last two decades, a number of studies reported that abnormalities in the coronary microcirculation function and structure may occur in patients without obstructive atherosclerosis, in patients with risk factors, with myocardial diseases, as well as inobstructive atherosclerosis. Coronary microvascular coronary dysfunction may be iatrogenic and is an important risk marker, contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and myocardial diseases. Due to its importance, it becomes a therapeutic target.This article presents an update on the clinical relevance of coronary microvascular dysfunction in different clinical situations.

Puentes miocárdicos como causa de infarto agudo del miocardio Reporte de una serie de once casos y revisión de la literatura / Myocardial bridges as a cause of acute myocardial infarction Report of a series of eleven cases and literature review

Los puentes miocárdicos son una condición congénita, con una frecuencia variable. Han sido considerados como variante anatómica, hasta causantes de isquemia, infarto agudo del miocardio y muerte súbita. Los mecanismos involucrados guardan relación con la compresión sistólica de la arteria, el retardo en la recuperación de su diámetro en diástole y la alteración en el perfil de las velocidades y el flujo coronario. El abordaje diagnóstico aún considera la angiografía coronaria, pero cada vez se acepta un rol mayor del ultrasonido intravascular y el doppler intracoronario. El tratamiento farmacológico es la primera opción, aunque en pacientes seleccionados con angina refractaria o falla a la terapia médica se podría considerar la revascularización percutánea y/o quirúrgica. A continuación se presenta una serie de once pacientes en quienes se documentaron puentes miocárdicos como parte del estudio diagnóstico en el contexto de un síndrome coronario agudo (infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del ST), y se discute su relación como agente causal y las opciones terapéuticas disponibles.

The myocardial bridges are a congenital condition, with a variable frequency. These have been considered from an anatomical variant up to the cause of ischemia, acute myocardial infarction and sudden death. The mechanisms involved are related to the systolic compression of the coronary artery, the delay in recovering its diameter during diastole and the alteration in the speed profile and the coronary flow. The diagnostic approach still considers coronary angiography, but a greater role of intravascular ultrasound and intracoronary Doppler is increasingly accepted. Drug therapy is the first choice, but in selected patients with refractory angina or medical therapy failure, percutaneous and / or surgical revascularization could be considered. We report a series of eleven patients with documented myocardial bridges as part of the diagnostic study in the context of an acute coronary syndrome (acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation), and discuss their relationship as causal agent and the available therapeutic options.

Angina inestable secundaria a disección coronaria espontánea / Unstable angina secondary to spontaneous coronary dissection

La disección coronaria espontánea es una causa rara de infarto agudo del miocardio y puede debutar además como angina estable o síndrome de falla cardiaca. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 35 años quien tuvo eventos recurrentes de dolor torácico en el primer mes de posparto y en quien se diagnosticó disección coronaria de la arteria circunfleja, la cual fue intervenida con stents medicados. Veinte meses después permanecía libre de síntomas y sin evidencia de isquemia miocárdica inducible.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction which may also occur as stable angina or heart failure syndrome. Here reported the case of a 35 years old woman who presented recurrent chest pain events in the first month of postpartum and in whom coronary dissection of the circumflex artery was diagnosed, which was intervened with drug eluting stents. Twenty months later she remained free of symptoms and with no evidence of inducible myocardial ischemia.

Incidencia, factores de riesgo y pronóstico de la vasculopatía del injerto cardíaco en pacientes colombianos, según la clasificación de la ISHLT (International Society of Heart and Lung Trasplantation) / Incidence, risk factors and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in colombian patients according to the classification of the ISHLT (International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation)

Objetivo: describir la incidencia y el pronóstico de la vasculopatía del injerto cardíaco (CAV: cardiac allograft vasculopathy, su sigla en Inglés), de acuerdo con la clasificación propuesta por la Sociedad Internacional de Trasplante de Corazón y Pulmón (ISHLT). Metodología: estudio de cohortes de trasplantados cardíacos, llevado a cabo entre febrero de 2003 y noviembre de 2011 con seguimiento angiográfico; el desenlace principal fue CAV de acuerdo con la ISHLT. Se utilizaron pruebas de chi-cuadrado para variables cualitativas y t de student para las cuantitativas. Se hizo análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: se incluyeron 118 pacientes; 83,1% fueron hombres con mediana de edad de 46,4 RIQ (38,4-55,6) años. El seguimiento promedio fue de 5 + 4,7 años con 2,4 + 1,6 coronariografías/paciente. La incidencia total de CAV fue de 23,7%; grado 1 (leve) 11,9%, grado 2 (moderada) 7,6% y grado 3 (severa) 4,2%. El único factor con una asociación modesta fue la hipertensión pulmonar con RR 2,54 (1,1-6,1) p=0,05. La mortalidad de los pacientes de acuerdo con el grado de vasculopatía fue: leve 0%; grado 2 (moderada) 42% RR 2,59 IC95% (1,14-5,9) p=0,024; grado 3 (severa) 72% RR 4,44 IC95% (2,27-8,6) p<0,0005. Conclusiones: la incidencia de CAV fue de 23,7%. El único factor modestamente relacionado fue la hipertensión pulmonar. La escala propuesta por la ISHLT se asocia en sus grados 2 y 3 (moderada y severa) con mortalidad importante.

Objective: to describe the incidence and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV: cardiac allograft vasculopathy) according to the classification proposed by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). Methodology: cohort study of heart transplant recipients conducted between February 2003 and November 2011 with angiographic follow-up. The primary outcome was CAV according to the ISHLT. We used chi-square tests for categorical variables and Student t test for quantitative variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was made. Results: 118 patients were included. 83.1% were male with a mean age of 46.4 IQR (38.4 to 55.6) years. The average follow-up was 5 + 4.7 years with 2.4 + 1.6 coronary angiograms / patient. The overall incidence of CAV was 23.7%. Grade 1 (mild) 11.9%, grade 2 (moderate) 7.6% and grade 3 (severe) 4.2%. The only factor with a modest association was pulmonary hypertension with RR 2.54 (1.1 to 6.1) p = 0.05. The mortality of patients according to the degree of vasculopathy was: mild 0%, grade 2 (moderate) 42% RR 2.59 CI 95% (1.14 to 5.9) p = 0.024; Grade 3 (severe) 72 % RR 4.44 95% CI (2.27 to 8.6) p <0.0005. Conclusions: the incidence of CAV was 23.7%. The only factor modestly related was pulmonary hypertension. The scale proposed by the ISHLT is associated in grades 2 and 3 (moderate and severe) with significant mortality.

Pertinencia del tamizaje genético en donantes de gametos / The pertinence of genetic screening in gamete donors

Introducción: una preocupación importante para las parejas sometidas a tratamientos de reproducción asistida con gametos donados es la posibilidad de adquirir enfermedades infecciosas o la transmisión de enfermedades genéticas a la descendencia. Existen reportes, basados en la legislación de cada país y en la experiencia de cada centro, que hacen referencia al tipo de evaluación genética, infecciosa y psicológica que deben tener los donantes de gametos. En Colombia no existe una ley específica sobre las técnicas de reproducción asistida y la donación de gametos. Tampoco existe claridad acerca de si los donantes deberían ser evaluados genéticamente y con qué tipo de pruebas. Objetivo: el objetivo de este documento es hacer una reflexión sobre la pertinencia de evaluar genéticamente a los donantes de gametos a partir de la caracterización de las principales condiciones genéticas prevalentes en nuestra población, la alteración genética de base y el método actual de diagnóstico genético. Conclusión: se concluye que es necesario desarrollar un protocolo claro a nivel nacional y en los centros de reproducción asistida a cerca de la evaluación genética en los pacientes donantes de gametos.

Introduction: A major concern for pairs undergoing assisted reproduction treatment with donated gametes is the possibility of acquiring infectious diseases or transmitting genetic diseases to their offspring. Some reports have been based on the legislation of each country and each centre’s experience referring to the type of genetic infectious and/or psychological evaluation which gamete donors must undergo. There is no specific law in Colombia about assisted reproduction and/ or gamete donor techniques; also, there is no clarity about whether donors should be genetically evaluated and which type of test should be used for this. Objective: This document was aimed at making a reflection about the pertinence of genetically evaluating gamete donors by characterising the main genetic conditions prevailing in the Colombian population, base genetic alteration and the method currently being used for genetic diagnosis. Conclusion: It was concluded that a clear national protocol must be developed about genetic evaluation in gamete-donating patients; this should also be done in assisted reproduction centres.

Evaluation of the mean platelet volume in patients with cardiac syndrome X

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac syndrome X is characterized by angina-lke chest pain, a positive stress test, and normal coronary arteries. A patient's mean platelet volume, which potentially reflects platelet function and activity, is associated with coronary atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mean platelet volumes of patients with cardiac syndrome X, those with coronary artery disease and normal subjects. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-six subjects (76 patients with cardiac syndrome X, 78 patients with coronary artery disease, and 82 controls) were enrolled in the study. All of the subjects were evaluated with a detailed medical history, physical examination, and biochemical analyses. The mean platelet volumes were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: The mean platelet volumes in the patients with cardiac syndrome X and with coronary artery disease were significantly higher than those that were observed in the control group. There were no significant differences in the mean platelet volumes between the cardiac syndrome X and the coronary artery disease groups. CONCLUSION: We have established that patients with cardiac syndrome X and coronary artery disease exhibit higher mean platelet volumes compared to controls. Patients with cardiac syndrome X exhibited higher mean platelet volumes compared to the controls, reflecting the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that, in addition to endothelial dysfunction, the presence of atherosclerosis may also contribute to the etiopathogenesis of cardiac syndrome X.

Base racional e plano de estudo prospectivo para avaliar o efeito de terapêutica antiplaquetária e vasodilatadora microcirculatória em pacientes com cardiopatia chagásica crônica e distúrbios microvasculares coronários / Rationale and design of a prospective study to assess the effect of microcirculatory antiplatelet and vasodilation therapy in patients with chronic chagas heart disease and coronary microvascular disease

Introdução: Há evidência, embasada por estudos em modelos experimentais de infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, e também por investigações histopatológicas em humanos com a doença de Chagas, de que distúrbios de natureza isquêmica participem da patogênese de lesões miocárdicas na fase crônica da moléstia. Esses distúrbios isquêmicos derivam de desregulação microcirculatória. Dor precordial atípica é sintoma comum em pacientes na fase crônica da doença de Chagas. Em substancial proporção desses pacientes, apesar da inexistência de obstruções coronárias angiograficamente detectáveis, documenta-se com cintilografia miocárdica a ocorrência de distúrbios perfusionais durante o estresse, que são reversíveis após repouso. Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico, prospectivo, de coorte única, com intervenção terapêutica seguida de reavaliação quantitativa, após 90 dias, da área ventricular apresentando alterações perfusionais isquêmicas inicialmente detectadas em pacientes cardiopatas chagásicos com coronárias angiograficamente normais. A cintilografia miocárdica de perfusão será executada com o método SPECT,antes e após 90 dias da intervenção terapêutica, tendo os estamibi-Tc99m como radiotraçador e o esforço físico ou o estímulo vasodilatador com dipiridamol como estressores. A intervenção terapêutica consistirá de ácido acetilsalicílico (dose de 100 mg diária) associado a verapamil (dose diária de160 mg, em duas tomadas de 80 mg). O desfecho primário do estudo será redução > 50% da área ventricular de isquemia miocárdica reversível calculada pelo mapa polar da cintilografia miocárdica de perfusão. Conclusões: Este é o primeiro estudo de intervenção terapêutica para atenuar ou reverter alterações miocárdicas isquêmicas de origem microvascular em pacientes com cardiopatia chagásica crônica.

Biomarcadores asociados a riesgo de síndrome metabólico: estudio en personal médico y administrativo de la facultad de ciencias de la salud UNAB - GENESIS II / Associated biomarkers with metabolic síndrome risk: a study among medical and administrarive staff of the UNAB health science faculty – GENESIS II

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico (SM) es factor de riesgo para mortalidad por enfermedad coronaria y diabetes mellitus. Se han propuesto nuevos marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV), con mejor capacidad pronóstica en la toma de medidas preventivas para disminuir la aparición o severidad de sus consecuencias. Objetivos: Establecer la prevalencia de SM y determinar el comportamiento de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular tradicionales y no convencionales entre hombres y mujeres de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Metodología: GÉNESIS es un estudio de cohorte prospectivo con evaluación en 2005 y 2010. Para la segunda fase, todos los participantes contestaron una encuesta semiestructurada, recibieron evaluación clínica, de presión arterial (PA) y parámetros antropométricos, así como toma de sangre periférica en ayunas para medición de coleste-rol, HDL, triglicéridos, glicemia, PCR, IL- 6, Apo A-I y Apo B. Resultados: Para la segunda fase se evaluaron 66 empleados. Se encontró una prevalencia de SM del 18.2%. La población masculina presentó los mayores valores de PA, glucemia, triglicéridos, Apo B y relación Apo B/Apo A-I, comparado con las mujeres. En el estudio de seguimiento se evaluaron 44 personas en dos momentos (2005 y 2010), donde la población femenina evidenció un aumento significativo del PA, niveles de colesterol, HDL y glucemia, así como descenso en los de PCR comparado con los hombres. Conclusión: El reconocimiento de los factores de riesgo tradicionales y no convencionales, y las diferencias de los mismos entre los géneros ayudaría a optimizar la estratificación del RCV y a futuro una mayor prevención de las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus mortality. New cardiovascular risk markers have been proposed with better prognostic ability for taking preventive measures to decrease the occurrence or severity of their consequences. Objectives: To establish the prevalence of MS and to determine the behavior of traditional and no traditional cardiovascular risk factors of men and women from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methodology: GENESIS is a prospective cohort study in 2005 and 2010 assessment. For the second phase, all participants completed a semistructured questionnaire, received clinical evaluation for blood pressure and anthropometric parameters and peripheral blood sampling for measurement of fasting glucose, cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, CRP, IL-6, Apo AI and Apo B. Results: 66 employees were evaluated for second phase. The prevalence of MS was 18.2%. Among them, the male population had the highest values of waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, Apo B and Apo B/Apo AI, compared with women. In Follow-up study, 44 people were assessed on two occasions (2005 and 2010); female population showed a significant increase in waist circumference, cholesterol, HDL and blood glucose levels, and decrease in CRP compared with men. Conclusion: The recognition of traditional and non-conventional risk factors, and the differences between genders would help to optimize cardiovascular risk stratification and therefore better prevention of CVD in the future.

Alteración del sodio y potasio en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca / Alteration of sodium and potassium levels in patients hospitalized for heart failure

La insuficiencia cardíaca es un síndrome ocasionado por múltiples factores y va produciendo un proceso de remodelado ventricular. Es un verdadero problema de salud pública que incrementa el número de hospitalizaciones. Los diuréticos siguen siendo útiles en el tratamiento, aún así se producen alteraciones de los electrólitos que pueden ocasionar arritmias, empeoramiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca y disminución de la fracción de eyección. Este trabajo evalúa la alteración del sodio y potasio en pacientes hospitalizados por este síndrome. Se revisaron las historias de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca ingresados al servicio de Cardiología, registrando datos en base a un protocolo. Se revisaron 33 historias de las cuales 11 pacientes eran mujeres y 22 eran hombres, con un promedio de edad de 72,64 y 71,52 años respectivamente. Días de hospitalización promedio de 14,91 días. Todos los pacientes tenían dieta hiposódica excepto uno debido a diarrea. El 57,6% tenían una sola patología y el resto dos o tres. La hipertensión arterial es la patología más frecuente en un 81,8%, seguido de cardiopatía isquémica en un 30,3%. Recibieron tres diuréticos (furosemida, espirolactona, hidroclorotiazida) el 48,5% de los pacientes y dos diuréticos el 48,5%. El 51,5% de los pacientes tenían potasio bajo y el 57,6% sodio bajo. En un 50% de los pacientes se encuentra que el potasio y sodio están bajos que se relaciona con el uso de diuréticos y una dieta hiposódica. Habría que considerar el uso de suplemento de potasio en estos casos.

Heart failure a syndrome caused by multiple factors engenders a process of ventricular remodeling. It is an enormous public health problem, with an increasing number of hospitalizations. Diuretics, still useful for treatment, produce electrolyte abnormalities can cause arrhythmias, worsening heart failure and larger reduction in the ejection fraction. This study evaluated the alteration of sodium and potassium levels in patients hospitalized with this syndrome. We reviewed the charts of patients with heart failure admitted to the cardiology service, recording data with the use of a standardized form. We reviewed 33 records for 11 women and 22 men with a mean age of 72.64 and 71.52 years respectively. The average number of days of hospitalization was 14.91 days. All patients had a low sodium diet except one because of diarrhea. A single pathology was present in 57.6% with the rest having two or three. Hypertensión was the most frequent pathology in 81.8% , followed by ischemic heart disease in 30.3%. Three diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide) were used in 48.5% of patients and two diuretics in 48.5%. In 51.5 of patients there was low potassium and in 57.6% low sodium. Potassium and sodium were low in 50% of patients, which was associated with the use of diuretics and a low salt diet. Potassium supplements should be considered in these cases.