Uso da inteligência artificial aplicada ao Eletrocardiograma para diagnóstico de Disfunção Sistólica Ventricular Esquerda / Use of artificial intelligence applied to the Electrocardiogram to diagnose Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

INTRODUÇÃO: a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma das três causas mais comuns de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), grupo de enfermidades que é a principal causa de morbimortalidade no mundo. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um dos exames utilizados na avaliação da IC, sendo de baixo custo e amplamente acessível. Quando associado à inteligência artificial, o ECG pode ser uma poderosa ferramenta para triagem de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de IC. O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho de um algoritmo de IA, aplicado ao ECG, para detecção de DSVE e compará-lo ao das alterações maiores ao ECG (AME), de acordo com o código de Minnesota. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal retrospectivo de acurácia diagnóstica que utilizou a população do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Foram avaliados 2567 indivíduos que possuíam ecocardiograma (ECO) e ECG válidos e valores de predição para disfunção sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (DSVE) estimadas por um algoritmo de inteligência artificial (IA). A DSVE foi definida como Fração de Ejeção do Ventrículo Esquerdo (FEVE) menor que 40%, calculada utilizando o ECO. A prevalência de DSVE foi de 1,13% na população estudada (29 indivíduos). Foram calculados sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP), valor preditivo negativo (VPN), razão de verossimilhança positivo (RVP), razão de verossimilhança negativa (RVN), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) para o algoritmo e para as AME. Calculou-se também a área sob a curva ROC (ASC-ROC) para o algoritmo. RESULTADOS: a população estudada possui mediana de 62 anos, sendo 47,2% do sexo masculino. A ASC-ROC do algoritmo para predição de IC foi de 0,947 (IC 95% 0,913 ­ 0,981). A sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP, VPN, RVP, RVN e DOR para o algoritmo foi de 0,690; 0,976; 0,244; 0,996; 27,6; 0,32 e 88,74, respectivamente. Para as AME foi 0,172; 0,837; 0,012; 0,989; 1,09; 0,990 e 1,07 respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: A IA aplicada ao ECG é uma fermenta promissora para identificação de pacientes com maior probabilidade de IC e que devem ser priorizados para realização de ECO. Isso poderia aprimorar o diagnóstico de IC em nosso meio e, assim, permitir o início precoce do tratamento, com possível impacto na redução da morbidade e mortalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is one of the three most common causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the tests used in the evaluation of HF, combining low-cost and wide accessibility. When combined with artificial intelligence, the ECG can be a powerful tool for screening individuals with a higher risk of HF. Our objective was to assess the performance of an AI algorithm applied to the ECG for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and compare it to the performance of major ECG abnormalities (MEA) according to the Minnesota code. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil). A total of 2567 individuals with valid echocardiograms (ECO) and ECGs and probability values for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) estimated by an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, were evaluated. LVSD was defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40%, calculated using ECO. The prevalence of LVSD was 1.13% in the studied population (29 individuals). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for the algorithm and MEA. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) was also calculated for the algorithm. RESULTS: The study population had a median age of 62 years, with 47.2% being male. The AUC-ROC for the algorithm to predict HF was 0.947 (95% CI 0.913 ­ 0.981). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, PLR, NLR, and DOR for the algorithm were 0.690, 0.976, 0.244, 0.996, 27.6, 0.32, and 88.74, respectively. For MEA, it was 0.172, 0.837, 0.012, 0.989, 1.09, 0.990, and 1.07, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AI applied to the ECG is a promising tool for identifying patients with a higher likelihood of HF who should be prioritized for ECO. This could improve the diagnosis capacity of HF in our setting and thus enable early treatment initiation, with possible impact on reducing morbidity and mortality.

The Role of the Immune System on the Cardiac Complications Observed in SARS-CoV-2

Abstract An acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV2 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Current data in the world and in Brazil show that approximately 40% of patients who died have some type of cardiac comorbidity. There are also robust reports showing an increase in IL-6 / IL-1B / TNF-alpha and the presence of lymphopenia in patients with COVID-19. Our team and others have shown that increased cytokines are the link between arrhythmias/Left ventricular dysfunction and the immune system in different diseases. In addition, it has been well demonstrated that lymphopenia can not only be a good marker, but also a factor that causes heart failure. Thus, the present review focused on the role of the immune system upon the cardiac alterations observed in the SARS-CoV2 infection. Additionally, it was well described that SARS-CoV-2 is able to infect cardiac cells. Therefore, here it will be reviewed in deep.

Disfunção Ventricular e do Átrio Esquerdo Subclínica em Pacientes com Acromegalia: Um Estudo de Ecocardiograma de Rastreamento de Manchas / Subclinical Left Atrial and Ventricular Dysfunction in Acromegaly Patients: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study

Resumo Fundamento Embora se saiba que a fração de ejeção (FE) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) medida por eletrocardiograma seja preservada em pacientes com acromegalia, não há informação suficiente sobre deformação longitudinal global e deformação do átrio esquerdo (SLG-VE e SAE). Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as funções do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) e do átrio esquerdo (AE) por ecocardiograma strain (ES) em pacientes com acromegalia. Métodos Este estudo incluiu 50 pacientes com acromegalia na forma ativa da doença e 50 controles saudáveis com idade, sexo e área de superfície corporal similares. Além dos ecocardiogramas de rotina, medições de SLG-VE e SAE foram realizadas com o ES. Resultados Os valores dos SAE e SLG-VE foram significativamente mais baixos em pacientes com acromegalia (p<0,05 para todos). Na análise bivariada, a pressão arterial sistólica, o pró-hormônio N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético cerebral, o fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1, e detectou-se que os níveis de IMVE tinham correlação positiva com SAE e SLG-VE (p<0,05). O nível de IGF-1 tinha forte correlação com SAE e SLG-VE (p<0,001 e β=0,5 vs. p<0,001 e β=0,626, respectivamente); 48% dos pacientes com acromegalia têm SLG-VE reduzido (<20%). O índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) determina independentemente a presença de SLG-VE reduzido, e cada 1g/m2 de aumento no nível de IMVE aumenta a probabilidade de redução de SLG-VE em 6%. Conclusão Embora a fração de ejeção de VE seja normal em pacientes com acromegalia, os valores de SAE e SLG-VE são significativamente mais baixos. Além do aumento em IMVE, outro achado do envolvimento cardíaco pode ser a redução de SAE e SLG-VE. Portanto, além do ecocardiograma de rotina, SAE e SLG-VE podem ser úteis para avaliar os sinais iniciais de envolvimento cardíaco antes da ocorrência de alterações cardíacas irreversíveis.

Abstract Background Although it is known that the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) measured by echocardiography is preserved in patients with acromegaly, there is not enough information about the LV and left atrial strain (LV-GLS and LAS). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) functions with strain echocardiography (SE) in patients with acromegaly. Methods This study included 50 acromegaly patients with active disease and 50 healthy controls with similar age, gender, and body surface area. In addition to routine echocardiography examinations, LV-GLS and LAS measurements were performed with SE. Results LAS and LV-GLS values were significantly lower in patients with acromegaly (p<0.05 for all). In bivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, Insulin-like growth factor-1, LA diastolic diameter, and LVMI levels were found to be positively correlated with both LAS and LV-GLS (p <0.05). IGF-1 level was strongly correlated with LAS and LV-GLS (p<0.001 and β=0.5 vs. p<0.001 and β=0.626, respectively); 48% of patients with acromegaly have reduced LV-GLS (<20%). Left ventricular mass-index (LVMI) independently determines the presence of reduced LV-GLS and each 1g/m2increase in LVMI level increases the likelihood of reduced LV-GLS by 6%. Conclusion Although LV ejection fraction is normal in patients with acromegaly, LAS and LV-GLS values were significantly reduced. Apart from LVMI increase, another finding of cardiac involvement may be LAS and LV-GLS decrease. Therefore, in addition to routine echocardiography, LAS and LV-GLS may be useful to evaluate early signs of cardiac involvement before the occurrence of irreversible cardiac changes.

Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction during Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Abstract Background Cardiotoxicity is the main complication related to cancer therapy. Studies indicate that global longitudinal strain is an early detector of subclinical dysfunction of the left ventricle, preceding the decline in ejection fraction (EF). However, the reproducibility of such methodology has not been tested outside specialized centers. Objectives To assess the frequency of subclinical cardiotoxicity and to compare global longitudinal strain and EF measurements during the clinical course of patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods This was an observational prospective study of 78 adult women who underwent serial echocardiograms (baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the beginning of chemotherapy), to evaluate biplane and 3D EF and global longitudinal strain. Cardiotoxicity and subclinical dysfunction were defined according to American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging criteria. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of the patients was 50.1 ± 11.48 years. The frequency of subclinical cardiotoxicity (defined by global longitudinal strain) was 14.9% after 30 days of chemotherapy, 16.7% after 3 months, and 19.7% after 6 months, compared to 4.5%, 3%, and 6.6%, respectively, when clinical cardiotoxicity was determined according to EF. The group that developed subclinical cardiotoxicity by 30 days (group A) had a higher frequency of clinical cardiotoxicity at 3 months (p=0.028) and a lower mean biplane EF after 30 days (p= 0.036) than the group that showed no evidence of subclinical cardiotoxicity (group B). Conclusion Subclinical cardiotoxicity was frequent and began early, being associated with a drop in EF during the clinical course.

Strain longitudinal global como preditor de cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia / Global longitudinal strain as predictor of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Fundamento: A cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia (CiC) é uma complicação importante entre os pacientes que recebem antraciclinas. Biomarcadores e parâmetros de imagem têm sido estudados por sua capacidade de identificar pacientes com risco de desenvolver essa complicação. O strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (SLG-VE) tem sido descrito como um parâmetro sensível para detectar disfunção sistólica, mesmo na presença de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) preservada. Objetivo: avaliar o papel do SLG-VE como preditor de CiC. Métodos: O presente estudo consiste em uma análise post-hoc do estudo CECCY (Carvedilol for Prevention of ChemotherapyRelated Cardiotoxicity [Carvedilol para Prevenção da Cardiotoxicidade Relacionada à Quimioterapia]), que avaliou a prevenção primária de cardiotoxicidade com carvedilol durante quimioterapia com doxorrubicina em uma população com câncer de mama. Definiu-se cardiotoxicidade como uma redução >10% na FEVE. O SLG-VE foi obtido antes da quimioterapia em pacientes sem doença cardiovascular prévia ou anormalidades no ecocardiograma. Resultados: Trinta e um pacientes submetidos a estudo ecocardiográfico completo incluindo avaliação de SLG-VE antes da quimioterapia foram incluídos nesta análise. Um SLG-VE absoluto <16,9% antes da quimioterapia mostrou 100% de sensibilidade e 73% de especificidade para predizer cardiotoxicidade (AUC=0,85; IC 95% 0,680­0,959, p<0,001). Nesta população, os valores de FEVE antes da quimioterapia não foram preditores de CiC (IC 95% 0,478 a -0,842, p=0,17). A associação de baixos níveis séricos de SLG-VE (<17%) e BNP (>17 pg/mL) dois meses após a quimioterapia aumentou a precisão para detectar CiC de início precoce (100% de sensibilidade, 88% de especificidade, AUC=0,94; IC 95% 0,7810,995, p<0,0001). Conclusões: Nossos dados sugerem que o SLG-VE é um possível preditor de cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia. São necessários estudos maiores para confirmar a relevância clínica desse parâmetro ecocardiográfico nesse cenário clínico. (AU)

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (ChC) is an important complication among patients receiving anthracyclines. Biomarkers and imaging parameters have been studied for their ability to identify patients at risk of developing ChC. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) is a sensitive parameter for detecting systolic dysfunction despite the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Objective: To evaluate the role of the LV-GLS as a predictor of ChC. Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of the Carvedilol for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Related Cardiotoxicity trial, which evaluated the primary prevention of cardiotoxicity with carvedilol during doxorubicin chemotherapy in a population of patients with breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a reduction ≥10% in LVEF. LV-GLS was determined before chemotherapy in patients with no prior cardiovascular disease or echocardiogram abnormalities. Results: Thirty-one patients for whom a complete echocardiography study including measurement of LV-GLS was performed before chemotherapy were included in this analysis. An absolute LV-GLS<16.9% before chemotherapy showed 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting cardiotoxicity (area under the curve [AUC], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.680­0.959; p<0.001). In this population, LVEF values before chemotherapy did not predict ChC (95% CI, 0.478 to -0.842; p=0.17). The association of low LV-GLS (<17%) and brain-type natriuretic peptide serum levels (>17 pg/mL) at 2 months after chemotherapy increased the accuracy for detecting early-onset ChC (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity; AUC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.781­0.995; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that LV-GLS is a potential predictor of ChC. Larger studies are needed to confirm its clinical relevance in this clinical setting. (AU)

Viabilidade miocárdica na prática clínica / Assessing myocardial viability in clinical practice

Embora a avaliação da viabilidade miocárdica seja comum na prática do cardiologista, muitos médicos têm dúvidas a respeito dos resultados dos métodos diagnósticos. A medicina nuclear tem papel importante nos estudos de viabilidade, mas os laudos precisam ser interpretados num contexto clínico e fisiopatológico. Este artigo teve o objetivo de revisar a origem e a evolução do conceito da viabilidade miocárdica. São expostos os métodos diagnósticos com ênfase na medicina nuclear com uma explicação funcional sobre cada tipo de exame. A partir disso, são mostradas imagens como exemplos e é proposta uma maneira de atuar nesses casos baseada na clínica, na porcentagem de miocárdio acometido e na topografia das lesões coronarianas (proximais ou distais). (AU)

Although assessing myocardial viability is a common cardiology practice, many physicians question the results of diagnostic methods. Nuclear medicine plays an important role in viability studies, but the reports require interpretation in a clinical and pathophysiological context. this article was aimed at reviewing the origin and evolution of myocardial viability. Here we present diagnostic methods by emphasizing nuclear medicine and provide a functional explanation of each test type using example images. We also propose how to act in these cases based on clinic examination findings, the percentage of affected myocardium, and coronary lesion topography (proximal or distal).(AU)

Papel do strain no diagnóstico precoce da cardiomiopatia diabética / Role of strain in the early diagnosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

Fundamento: A ecocardiografia avançada com utilização de strain miocárdico bi e tridimensional propõe identificar a disfunção sistólica subclínica em diversas condições clínicas. No diabetes mellitus, seu papel é de grande interesse para diagnóstico precoce de cardiomiopatia diabética. Contudo, há grande heterogeneidade nos artigos publicados. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática, para avaliar o papel atual da avaliação com strain nos pacientes com diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Após revisão sistemática em cinco bancos de dados, 19 estudos que utilizaram strain bidimensional e oito estudos que utilizaram strain tridimensional foram incluídos. Resultados:Na avaliação por strain bidimensional, a amostra totalizou 1.774 indivíduos com diabetes mellitus, com idade média de 57,1 anos e mediana de 55 anos, com equilíbrio em relação ao sexo dos participantes (47,5% do sexo feminino). Nos estudos que utilizaram strain tridimensional, foram incluídos 488 indivíduos com diabetes, com idade média de 55,7 anos e mediana de 63 anos, também com equilíbrio entre o sexo dos pacientes (51% do sexo feminino). O strain global longitudinal foi o marcador de deformação miocárdica que mais frequentemente conseguiu demonstrar diferença entre grupos com indivíduos diabéticos e controles. Conclusão: O strain miocárdico por speckle tracking bi e tridimensional permite identificar disfunção sistólica subclínica em pacientes diabéticos, o que se torna mais marcante nos pacientes com mais fatores de risco associados e com remodelamento ventricular.(AU)

Background: Advanced echocardiography using two- and three-dimensional myocardial strain proposes to identify subclinical systolic dysfunction in different clinical conditions. Strain assessment plays an important role in the early diagnosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the findings of published articles are heterogeneous. Here we conducted a systematic review to analyze the current role of strain assessment in patients with DM. Methods: This systematic review of five databases identified 19 studies that used twodimensional strain and 8 studies that used three-dimensional strain. Results: The studies of two-dimensional strain included 1,774 DM patients (mean age, 57.1 years; median age, 55 years; 47.5% women), while those of three-dimensional strain included 488 DM patients (mean age, 55.7 years; median age, 63 years; 51% women). Global longitudinal strain was the myocardial deformation marker that differed most frequently between the DM and control groups. Conclusion: Myocardial strain imaging by two- and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography allows the identification of subclinical systolic dysfunction in DM patients, and differences become more marked when associated with risk factors and ventricular remodeling.(AU)

Excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide e do anel mitral: correlação com função diastólica ventricular esquerda / Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and mitral annular systolic excursion: correlation with left ventricular diastolic function

Introdução: A excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide e a do anel mitral são parâmetros utilizados para se avaliar a função contrátil do ventrículo direito e do ventrículo esquerdo, respectivamente. Pouco se conhece sobre sua relação com a função diastólica ventricular esquerda. Objetivo: Avaliar se os valores de excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide e do anel mitral se correlacionam com parâmetros utilizados na avaliação da função diastólica ventricular esquerda. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal. Foram selecionados 219 indivíduos, sendo 116 mulheres, com função sistólica preservada de ambos os ventrículos. As análises foram feitas separadamente para os sexos masculino e feminino, por meio dos coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e de Sperman. Foram obtidos: excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide, excursão sistólica do anel mitral, volumes atriais e medidas relacionadas à avaliação da função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo ao ecocardiograma transtorácico. Resultados: No sexo feminino, a excursão sistólica do anel mitral se correlacionou positivamente com o e' lateral (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,22; p=0,016) e a excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide se correlacionou positivamente com a relação E/A (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,23, p=0,037), com o e' lateral (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,28; p=0,012), com o e' septal (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,28; p=0,012) e negativamente com a relação E/e' (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson de -0,27; p=0,018) e onda A (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson de -0,29; p= 0,009). No sexo masculino, apenas a excursão sistólica do anel mitral se correlacionou positivamente com a onda E (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson de 0,21; p=0,037), e' lateral (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,34; p <0,001) e e' septal (coeficiente de correlação de Sperman de 0,26; p=0,008). Não houve correlação entre excursão sistólica do anel mitral e do anel tricúspide e volumes atriais. A presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes melito influenciou nos valores de excursão sistólica do anel tricúspide e do anel mitral correlacionados a ondas E e A, relação E/A, ondas e' septal e lateral e relação E/e'. Conclusão: No presente estudo, os valores da excursão sistólica do anel mitral e do anel tricúspide apresentaram correlação significativa com algumas variáveis da função diastólica ventricular esquerda com maior evidência no sexo feminino.(AU)

Introduction: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and mitral annular systolic excursion are parameters used to assess the systolic function of the right ventricle and left ventricle, respectively. Little is known about its relationship with left ventricular diastolic function. Objective: To assess whether the values of mitral annular systolic excursion and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion correlate with parameters used in the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. Method: Observational cross-sectional study. Two hundred nine individuals were selected, 116 women, with both ventricles normal systolic function. The analyzes were performed for men and women, through Pearson correlation coefficient and Sperman correlation coefficient. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, mitral annular systolic excursion, atrial volumes and left ventricular diastolic function parameters on transthoracic echocardiogram were obtained. Results: In women, mitral annular systolic excursion was positively correlated with lateral e '(Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.22; p=0.016) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was positively correlated with E / A ratio (Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.23; p=0.037), lateral e' (Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.28; p=0.012), and septal e' (Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.28; p=0.012), and negatively with the E/e' ratio (Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.27; p=0.018), and A wave (Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.29; p=0.009). In men, only mitral annular systolic excursion correlated positively with E wave (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.21; p=0.037), lateral e' (Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.34; p <0.001) and the septal e' (Sperman correlation coefficient of 0.26; p=0.008). There was no correlation between mitral annular systolic excursion E and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and atrial volumes. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus influenced tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and mitral annular systolic excursion values correlated to E and A waves, E/A ratio, septal and lateral e' waves, and E/e' ratio. Conclusion: In the present study, mitral annular systolic excursion and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values showed a significant correlation with some parameters of left ventricular diastolic function, with stronger evidence on female sex.(AU)

Correlación de sincronía de la contracción del ventrículo izquierdo con función sisto-diastólica, masa y excentricidad en diversas afecciones cardíacas mediante un software comercial dedicado de SPECT gatillado / Gated Spect evaluation of ventricular systolic synchrony: correlation with ventricular mass and excentricity in different forms of cardiac disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: Actualmente, hay nuevas herramientas de software disponibles para medir la sincronía de la contracción intraventricular izquierda mediante SPECT de perfusión miocárdica. Esta técnica permite identificar anomalías de la conducción, apoyar la terapia de resincronización en insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria e incluso la detección precoz de isquemia. OBJETIVO: Conocer la correlación de la sincronía de contracción con otros parámetros de disfunción sisto-diastólica ventricular izquierda. MÉTODO: Estudiamos 135 pacientes remitidos para pesquisa o evaluación de enfermedad coronaria conocida mediante SPECT gatillado. La evaluación de la interpretación inicial con programas QPS/QGS® visual y cuantitativo se efectuó a 50 casos con defectos de perfusión transitoria de diversos tamaños (isquemia), 25 de tipo fijo o mixto (infarto) y 60 sin ellos (normal). Los volúmenes telesistólicos oscilaron entre 26 y 458 mL. Se excluyeron casos con arritmias, anomalías de conducción y artefactos (actividad o movimiento extracardiaco). Los SPECT se procesaron retrospectivamente utilizando el programa Emory Synctool®. Del histograma de sincronía de la contracción, el ancho de banda (BW) y la desviación estándar (SD) se correlacionaron con la fracción de eyección (FEVI), volúmenes y excentricidades sistólico / diastólico, masa ventricular izquierda, tasa máxima de llenado (PFR) y tiempo al máximo de llenado (TPFR). RESULTADOS: Los BW y SD del histograma de fase de contracción fueron mayores en el grupo con defectos fijos y mixtos en comparación con los con perfusión normal. Las correlaciones en reposo y post estrés (Spearman) entre SD y BW con FEVI, volúmenes, excentricidad y masa fueron significativas (p <0,0002) salvo TPFR que no fue significativa. CONCLUSIÓN: La sincronía de contracción intraventricular sistólica izquierda medida con SPECT se correlaciona excelentemente con los parámetros funcionales sistólicos y diastólicos, así como con masa y excentricidad en diversas condiciones y tamaños cardíacos.

INTRODUCTION: New software tools are available to measure left intraventricular contraction synchrony by myocardial perfusion SPECT. This technique allows identification of conduction abnormalities, support resynchronization therapy in refractory heart failure and even allows early detection of myocardial ischemia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of systolic synchrony with other parameters of left ventricular systolic-diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: We studied 135 patients referred for screening or known coronary artery disease evaluation by triggered SPECT. Evaluation of the initial interpretation with visual and quantitative QPS/QGS® programs was performed in 50 patients with transient perfusion defects of various sizes (ischemia), 25 of fixed or mixed type (infarction) and 60 without abnormalities. Telesystolic volumes ranged from 26 to 458 mL. Cases with arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities and artifacts (extracardiac activity or motion) were excluded. SPECT scans were retrospectively processed using the Emory Synctool® software. Histograms of systolic contraction synchrony bandwidth (BW) and standard deviation (SD) were correlated with ejection fraction (LVEF), systolic/diastolic volumes and eccentricities, left ventricular mass, peak filling rate (PFR) and time to maximum filling (TPFR). RESULTS: BW and SD of the contraction pase histogram were higher in the fixed and mixed defect group compared to studies showing normal perfusion. Spearman correlations at rest and poststress between SD and BW with LVEF, volumes, eccentricity and mass were all significant (p<0.0002) except for TPFR. CONCLUSION: Left systolic intraventricular contraction synchrony measured with SPECT presents an excellent correlation with systolic and diastolic functional parameters, as well as with mass and eccentricity in various cardiac conditions and ventricular dimensions.

Relações entre a Redução de Estrogênio, Obesidade e Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Preservada / Crossroads between Estrogen Loss, Obesity, and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Resumo A prevalência de obesidade e insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) aumenta significativamente em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Embora a obesidade seja um fator de risco para disfunção diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo (DDFVE), o mecanismo que liga a interrupção da produção de hormônios ovarianos, especialmente o estrogênio, ao desenvolvimento da obesidade, DDFVE, e ICFEP em mulheres em processo de envelhecimento não é claro. Estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos demonstram que mulheres na pós-menopausa com obesidade abdominal (definida pela circunferência de cintura) têm risco maior de desenvolver a ICFEP do que homens ou mulheres sem obesidade abdominal. Este estudo analisa dados clínicos que corroboram a existência de uma ligação de mecanismo entre a perda de estrogênio mais obesidade e o remodelamento ventricular esquerdo com ICFEP. Ele também discute os possíveis mecanismos celulares e moleculares para a proteção mediada por estrogênio contra tipos de células, depósitos de tecidos, função e metabolismo de adipócitos negativos que podem contribuir para a DDFVE e a ICFEP.

Abstract The prevalence of obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases significantly in postmenopausal women. Although obesity is a risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), the mechanisms that link the cessation of ovarian hormone production, and particularly estrogens, to the development of obesity, LVDD, and HFpEF in aging females are unclear. Clinical, and epidemiologic studies show that postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity (defined by waist circumference) are at greater risk for developing HFpEF than men or women without abdominal obesity. The study presents a review of clinical data that support a mechanistic link between estrogen loss plus obesity and left ventricular remodeling with LVDD. It also seeks to discuss potential cell and molecular mechanisms for estrogen-mediated protection against adverse adipocyte cell types, tissue depots, function, and metabolism that may contribute to LVDD and HFpEF.

Tratamiento con sildenafilo en disfunción ventricular izquierda e hipertensión pulmonar asociada / Treatment with sildenafil in left ventricular dysfunction and associated pulmonary hypertension

RESUMEN Introducción: la hipertensión pulmonar es un hallazgo frecuente en la insuficiencia cardíaca. El uso del sildenafilo en estos casos es una práctica habitual, pero aún controversial por lo limitado de los estudios realizados. Objetivo: comparar las variables ecocardiográficas de hemodinamia pulmonar, en pacientes con disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda e hipertensión pulmonar secundaria severa, antes y después del uso del sildenafilo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte, donde se incluyeron 19 pacientes; se realizó un seguimiento de dos años. Se analizaron variables clínicas, de laboratorio y ecocardiográficas. Se evaluaron las principales variables de hemodinamia pulmonar antes del uso del sildenafilo y a las doce semanas de su indicación. Se realizó una curva de supervivencia al concluir el seguimiento. El nivel de significación estadístico empleado fue de p < 0,05. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 56,16 ± 15,77 años y predominó el sexo masculino, con un 73,7 %. La supervivencia al término del seguimiento fue de 78,9 %. Las principales variables ecocardiográficas de hemodinamia pulmonar mostraron una reducción significativa a las doce semanas del tratamiento con sildenafilo. La supervivencia de los pacientes con una reducción del 25 % de las presiones pulmonares en el ecocardiograma realizado a las doce semanas del tratamiento, fue mayor al terminar el estudio (100 % vs 33 %, log-rank test p = 0,001). Conclusiones: posterior al uso del sildenafilo se encontró una reducción significativa de las variables de hemodinamia pulmonar en el ecocardiograma evolutivo. La sobrevida fue mayor en los pacientes que presentaron dicha reducción (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in heart failure. The use of sildenafil in these cases is a common practice, but still controversial due to the limited number of studies carried out. Objective: to compare echocardiographic variables of pulmonary hemodynamics, in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and severe secondary pulmonary hypertension, before and after the use of sildenafil. Materials and methods: a cohort study was led, including 19 patients; a two-year follow-up was carried out. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic variables were analyzed. The main pulmonary hemodynamics variables were evaluated before the use of sildenafil and 12 weeks after its indication. A survival curve was performed at the end of the follow-up. The statistical significance level used was p < 0.05. Results: the average age was 56.16 ± 15.77 years, and male sex predominated with 73.3 %. Survival at the end of the follow up was 78.9 %. The main echocardiographic variables of pulmonary hemodinamics showed a significant reduction at 12 weeks of treatment with sildenafil. The survival of patients with a 25 % reduction in pulmonary pressures in the echocardiogram performed at 12 weeks of treatment was greater at the end of the study (100 % vs 33 %, log-rank test p = 0.001). Conclusions: after using sildenafil, a significant reduction of pulmonary hemodynamics variables was found in the evolutionary echocardiogram. Survival was higher in patients who had this reduction (AU).

Disfunção diastólica precoce em pacientes com câncer de mama submetidas à quimioterapia / Early diastolic dysfunction in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Fundamento: A quimioterapia para o câncer de mama está associada a complicações cardiovasculares graves, como a insuficiência cardíaca. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo é o principal parâmetro para avaliar a função sistólica nessas pacientes. Todavia, a ocorrência de disfunção diastólica pode preceder à disfunção sistólica. Objetivos: Avaliar as funções diastólica e sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo de portadoras de câncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico com antraciclinas. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo observacional, longitudinal, analítico e prospectivo. Estudaram-se 62 mulheres com câncer de mama, com idades de 21 a 75 anos, que realizaram ecocardiogramas basais e após 3 meses de tratamento. Avaliaram-se parâmetros de função diastólica, e as pacientes foram classificadas em disfunção diastólica tipos:1, 2 ou 3. Definiu-se a disfunção sistólica como fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ≤ 53%. Resultados: Decorridos 3 meses de tratamento, 35 pacientes (56,4%) apresentavam disfunção diastólica tipo 1, e apenas uma (1,6%) do tipo 2. A disfunção diastólica ocorreu em 26 pacientes já na etapa basal e surgiu em dez indivíduos no decurso do tratamento. Os parâmetros de função diastólica velocidade de onda E e relação E/A diminuíram significativamente (p < 0,05) com a quimioterapia, todavia, os demais não tiveram variação significativa. Apenas três pacientes apresentaram disfunção sistólica, porém verificou-se maior redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo no grupo que desenvolveu disfunção diastólica durante o tratamento comparativamente ao grupo que apresentava já disfunção diastólica no período basal (p = 0,04). Conclusão: A disfunção diastólica ocorre precocemente em portadoras de câncer de mama submetidas à quimioterapia. O surgimento de disfunção diastólica no decurso do tratamento se associa à redução significativa da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. (AU)

Background: Chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with serious cardiovascular complications such as heart failure. The left ventricular ejection fraction is the main parameter used to assess systolic function in these patients. However, the occurrence of diastolic dysfunction may precede that of systolic dysfunction. Objectives: To evaluate left ventricle diastolic and systolic functions in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy using anthracyclines. Methods: This observational, longitudinal, analytical, and prospective study included 62 women with breast cancer aged 21­75 years old who underwent echocardiography at baseline and after three months of treatment. Diastolic function parameters were evaluated, and the patients were classified as diastolic dysfunction type 1, 2, or 3. Systolic dysfunction was defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 53%. Results: After three months of treatment, 35 patients (56.4%) had type 1 diastolic dysfunction, while one (1.6%) had type 2. Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 26 patients at baseline and developed in 10 patients during treatment. Diastolic function parameters, E wave velocity, and E/A ratio decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with chemotherapy; however, the others showed no significant variations. Only three patients had systolic dysfunction, but there was a greater reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction in the group that developed diastolic dysfunction during treatment versus the group with diastolic dysfunction at baseline (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Diastolic dysfunction occurs early in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Its onset during the course of treatment is associated with a significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. (AU)

C-Reactive protein level and left ventricular mass are associated with acute cellular rejection after heart transplant

OBJECTIVES: Acute cellular rejection (ACR) remains a major complication of heart transplant (HT). The gold standard for its diagnosis is endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), whereas the role of non-invasive biomarkers for detecting ACR is unclear. This study aimed to identify non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of ACR in patients undergoing HT and presenting with normal left ventricular function. METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent HT at a single center between January 2010 and June 2019. Patients were enrolled after HT, and those with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction before EMB were excluded. We included only the results of the first EMB performed at least 30 days after HT (median, 90 days). Troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and echocardiography was performed up to 7 days before EMB. ACR was defined as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade 2R or 3R on EMB. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the non-invasive predictors of ACR (2R or 3R) and evaluated the accuracy of each using area under the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 72 patients after HT (51.31±13.63 years; 25 [34.7%] women); of them, 9 (12.5%) developed ACR. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, we performed forward stepwise selection (entry criteria, p<0.05). The only independent predictors that remained in the model were CRP level and LV mass index. The optimal cut-off point for CRP level was ≥15.9 mg/L (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; p=0.007) and that for LV mass index was ≥111 g/m2 (OR, 13.6; p=0.003). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve derived from this model was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.99), with sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1%-99.6%), specificity of 78.4% (95% CI, 64.7%-88.7%), positive predictive value of 35.3% (95% CI, 14.3%-61.7%), and negative predictive value of 97.6% (95% CI, 87.1%-99.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing HT, CRP level and LV mass were directly associated with ACR, but troponin and BNP levels were not.