Outcomes in the ISCHEMIA Trial Based on Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemia Severity.

BACKGROUND: The ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) postulated that patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and moderate or severe ischemia would benefit from revascularization. We investigated the relationship between severity of CAD and ischemia and trial outcomes, overall and by management strategy. METHODS: In total, 5179 patients with moderate or severe ischemia were randomized to an initial invasive or conservative management strategy. Blinded, core laboratory-interpreted coronary computed tomographic angiography was used to assess anatomic eligibility for randomization. Extent and severity of CAD were classified with the modified Duke Prognostic Index (n=2475, 48%). Ischemia severity was interpreted by independent core laboratories (nuclear, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, exercise tolerance testing, n=5105, 99%). We compared 4-year event rates across subgroups defined by severity of ischemia and CAD. The primary end point for this analysis was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death or MI, and the trial primary end point (cardiovascular death, MI, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest). RESULTS: Relative to mild/no ischemia, neither moderate ischemia nor severe ischemia was associated with increased mortality (moderate ischemia hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.61-1.30]; severe ischemia HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.57-1.21]; P=0.33). Nonfatal MI rates increased with worsening ischemia severity (HR for moderate ischemia, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.86-1.69] versus mild/no ischemia; HR for severe ischemia, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.98-1.91]; P=0.04 for trend, P=NS after adjustment for CAD). Increasing CAD severity was associated with death (HR, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.06-6.98]) and MI (HR, 3.78 [95% CI, 1.63-8.78]) for the most versus least severe CAD subgroup. Ischemia severity did not identify a subgroup with treatment benefit on mortality, MI, the trial primary end point, or cardiovascular death or MI. In the most severe CAD subgroup (n=659), the 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI was lower in the invasive strategy group (difference, 6.3% [95% CI, 0.2%-12.4%]), but 4-year all-cause mortality was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia severity was not associated with increased risk after adjustment for CAD severity. More severe CAD was associated with increased risk. Invasive management did not lower all-cause mortality at 4 years in any ischemia or CAD subgroup. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Critical Assessment of the Management of Unstable Angina in a Specialized Cardiology Emergency Room. / Avaliação Crítica do Manejo da Angina Instável em Pronto-Socorro Terciário de Cardiologia.

BACKGROUND: The management of unstable angina (UA) presents a challenge due to its subjective diagnosis and limited representation in randomized clinical trials that inform current practices. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify key factors associated with the indication for invasive versus non-invasive stratification in this population and to evaluate factors associated with stratification test results. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients hospitalized with UA over a consecutive 20-month period. To assess factors associated with stratification strategies, patients were divided into invasive stratification (coronary angiography) and non-invasive stratification (other methods) groups. For the analysis of factors related to changes in stratification tests, patients were categorized into groups with or without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemia, as per the results of the requested tests. Comparisons between groups and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at a 5% level. RESULTS: A total of 729 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years and a predominance of males (64.6%). Factors associated with invasive stratification included smoking (p = 0.001); type of chest pain (p < 0.001); "crescendo" pain (p = 0.006); TIMI score (p = 0.006); HEART score (p = 0.011). In multivariate analysis, current smokers (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.13-4.8), former smokers (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.39-3.53), and type A chest pain (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.93-6.66) were independently associated. Factors associated with obstructive CAD or ischemia included length of hospital stay (p < 0.001); male gender (p = 0.032); effort-induced pain (p = 0.037); Diamond-Forrester score (p = 0.026); TIMI score (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only chest pain (type B chest pain: OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.38-0.93, p = 0.026) and previous CAD (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01-2.0, p = 0.048) were independently associated. CONCLUSION: The type of chest pain plays a crucial role not only in the diagnosis of UA but also in determining the appropriate treatment. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating pain characteristics into prognostic scores endorsed by guidelines to optimize UA management.

FUNDAMENTO: O manejo da angina instável (AI) é um desafio devido ao seu diagnóstico subjetivo e à sua escassa representação em ensaios clínicos randomizados que determinem as práticas atuais. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é identificar os principais fatores associados à indicação de estratificação invasiva ou não nessa população e avaliar os fatores associados às alterações nos exames de estratificação. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes internados por AI, em um período de 20 meses consecutivos. Para avaliar os fatores associados à estratégia de estratificação, os pacientes foram divididos em estratificação invasiva (cinecoronariografia) e não invasiva (demais métodos). Para análise de fatores relacionados às alterações nos exames de estratificação, os pacientes foram divididos em grupos com ou sem doença arterial coronariana (DAC) obstrutiva ou isquemia, conforme resultados dos exames solicitados. Foram realizadas comparações entre grupos e análise de regressão logística múltipla, com significância estatística definida em um nível de 5%. RESULTADOS: 729 pacientes foram incluídos, com mediana de idade de 63 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (64,6%). Estiveram associados à estratificação invasiva: tabagismo (p = 0,001); tipo de dor torácica (p < 0,001); dor "em crescendo" (p = 0,006); escore TIMI (p = 0,006); escore HEART (p = 0,011). Na análise multivariada, tabagistas (OR 2,23, IC 95% 1,13-4,8), ex-tabagistas (OR 2,19, IC 1,39-3,53) e dor torácica tipo A (OR 3,39, IC 95% 1,93-6,66) estiveram associados de forma independente. Estiveram associados à DAC obstrutiva ou isquemia: tempo de internação hospitalar (p < 0,001); sexo masculino (p = 0,032); dor desencadeada por esforço (p = 0,037); Diamond-Forrester (p = 0,026); escore TIMI (p = 0,001). Na análise multivariada, apenas dor torácica (dor torácica tipo B: OR 0,6, IC 95% 0,38-0,93, p = 0,026) e DAC prévia (OR 1,42, IC 95% 1,01-2,0, p = 0,048) estiveram associadas de maneira independente. CONCLUSÕES: O tipo de dor torácica desempenha um papel crucial não apenas no diagnóstico da AI, mas também na definição do tratamento adequado. Nossos resultados destacam a importância de incorporar características da dor aos escores prognósticos endossados pelas diretrizes, para otimização do manejo da AI.

Factors Associated With Coronary Angiography Performed Within 6 Months of Randomization to the Conservative Strategy in the ISCHEMIA Trial.

BACKGROUND: ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) did not find an overall reduction in cardiovascular events with an initial invasive versus conservative management strategy in chronic coronary disease; however, there were conservative strategy participants who underwent invasive coronary angiography early postrandomization (within 6 months). Identifying factors associated with angiography in conservative strategy participants will inform clinical decision-making in patients with chronic coronary disease. METHODS: Factors independently associated with angiography performed within 6 months of randomization were identified using Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazard models, including demographics, region of randomization, medical history, risk factor control, symptoms, ischemia severity, coronary anatomy based on protocol-mandated coronary computed tomography angiography, and medication use. RESULTS: Among 2591 conservative strategy participants, angiography within 6 months of randomization occurred in 8.7% (4.7% for a suspected primary end point event, 1.6% for persistent symptoms, and 2.6% due to protocol nonadherence) and was associated with the following baseline characteristics: enrollment in Europe versus Asia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81 [95% CI, 1.14-2.86]), daily and weekly versus no angina (HR, 5.97 [95% CI, 2.78-12.86] and 2.63 [95% CI, 1.51-4.58], respectively), poor to fair versus good to excellent health status (HR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.23-3.32]) assessed with Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and new/more frequent angina prerandomization (HR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.34-2.40]). Baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <70 mg/dL was associated with a lower risk of angiography (HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46-0.91) but not baseline ischemia severity nor the presence of multivessel or proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis >70% on coronary computed tomography angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Among ISCHEMIA participants randomized to the conservative strategy, angiography within 6 months of randomization was performed in <10% of patients. It was associated with frequent or increasing baseline angina and poor quality of life but not with objective markers of disease severity. Well-controlled baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a reduced likelihood of angiography. These findings point to the importance of a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and a review of guideline-directed medical therapy goals when deciding the initial treatment strategy for chronic coronary disease. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Lessons learned from MPI and physiologic testing in randomized trials of stable ischemic heart disease: COURAGE, BARI 2D, FAME, and ISCHEMIA.

There is a preponderance of evidence that, in the setting of an acute coronary syndrome, an invasive approach using coronary revascularization has a morbidity and mortality benefit. However, recent stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) randomized clinical trials testing whether the addition of coronary revascularization to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) reduces death or major cardiovascular events have been negative. Based on the evidence from these trials, the primary role of GDMT as a front line medical management approach has been clearly defined in the recent SIHD clinical practice guideline; the role of prompt revascularization is less precisely defined. Based on data from observational studies, it has been hypothesized that there is a level of ischemia above which a revascularization strategy might result in benefit regarding cardiovascular events. However, eligibility for recent negative trials in SIHD has mandated at most minimal standards for ischemia. An ongoing randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of randomization of patients to coronary angiography and revascularization as compared to no coronary angiography and GDMT in patients with moderate-severe ischemia will formally test this hypothesis. The current review will highlight the available evidence including a review of the published and ongoing SIHD trials.

Impact of Complete Revascularization in the ISCHEMIA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic complete revascularization (ACR) and functional complete revascularization (FCR) have been associated with reduced death and myocardial infarction (MI) in some prior studies. The impact of complete revascularization (CR) in patients undergoing an invasive (INV) compared with a conservative (CON) management strategy has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Among patients with chronic coronary disease without prior coronary artery bypass grafting randomized to INV vs CON management in the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial, we examined the following: 1) the outcomes of ACR and FCR compared with incomplete revascularization; and 2) the potential impact of achieving CR in all INV patients compared with CON management. METHODS: ACR and FCR in the INV group were assessed at an independent core laboratory. Multivariable-adjusted outcomes of CR were examined in INV patients. Inverse probability weighted modeling was then performed to estimate the treatment effect had CR been achieved in all INV patients compared with CON management. RESULTS: ACR and FCR were achieved in 43.4% and 58.4% of 1,824 INV patients. ACR was associated with reduced 4-year rates of cardiovascular death or MI compared with incomplete revascularization. By inverse probability weighted modeling, ACR in all 2,296 INV patients compared with 2,498 CON patients was associated with a lower 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI (difference -3.5; 95% CI: -7.2% to 0.0%). In comparison, the event rate difference of cardiovascular death or MI for INV minus CON in the overall ISCHEMIA trial was -2.4%. Results were similar but less pronounced with FCR. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of an INV strategy may be improved if CR (especially ACR) is achieved. (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches [ISCHEMIA]; NCT01471522).

Health Status and Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults With Chronic Coronary Disease: The ISCHEMIA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Whether initial invasive management in older vs younger adults with chronic coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia improves health status or clinical outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to examine the impact of age on health status and clinical outcomes with invasive vs conservative management in the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial. METHODS: One-year angina-specific health status was assessed with the 7-item Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) (score range 0-100; higher scores indicate better health status). Cox proportional hazards models estimated the treatment effect of invasive vs conservative management as a function of age on the composite clinical outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for resuscitated cardiac arrest, unstable angina, or heart failure. RESULTS: Among 4,617 participants, 2,239 (48.5%) were aged <65 years, 1,713 (37.1%) were aged 65 to 74 years, and 665 (14.4%) were aged ≥75 years. Baseline SAQ summary scores were lower in participants aged <65 years. Fully adjusted differences in 1-year SAQ summary scores (invasive minus conservative) were 4.90 (95% CI: 3.56-6.24) at age 55 years, 3.48 (95% CI: 2.40-4.57) at age 65 years, and 2.13 (95% CI: 0.75-3.51) at age 75 years (Pinteraction = 0.008). Improvement in SAQ Angina Frequency was less dependent on age (Pinteraction = 0.08). There were no age differences between invasive vs conservative management on the composite clinical outcome (Pinteraction = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients with chronic coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia had consistent improvement in angina frequency but less improvement in angina-related health status with invasive management compared with younger patients. Invasive management was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in older or younger patients. (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches [ISCHEMIA]; NCT01471522).

VO2max-Based Physical Fitness Categories in a Brazilian Population with Supposed High Socioeconomic Status and without Structural Heart Disease. / Categorias de Aptidão Física Baseadas no VO2max em População Brasileira com Suposto Alto Nível Socioeconômico e sem Cardiopatia Estrutural.

BACKGROUND: The most widely used data for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referrals are from the Cooper Clinic, which uses calculated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. OBJECTIVE: To develop CRF values from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in a Brazilian population with high socioeconomic level and free of structural heart disease. VO2max testing results were compared with the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry data. METHODS: CPX data from consecutive individuals between January 1,2000, and May 31,2016 were used in this study. Inclusion criteria were: VO2max by a pre-specified definition. We built a CRF chart according to VO2max percentiles: very poor (≤20%), poor (20-40%), fair (40-60%), good (60-80%), excellent (80-90%), and superior (≥90%). Kappa correlation was used to analyze our data in comparison with that of the other two databases. Statistical tests with p<0.005 were considered significant. RESULTS: Final cohort included 18,186 tests: 12,552 men, 5,634 women (7-84 years). The most recurrent response was "good" (20.2%). There was a mean difference in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and age in the CRF chart. An inverse correlation existed between VO2max and age, weight, and BMI. Using a linear regression and these variables, a predictive equation was developed for VO2max. Our findings differed from that of the other databases. CONCLUSION: We developed a classification for CRF and found higher values in all classification ranges of functional capacity in contrast to the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry. Our findings offer a more accurate interpretation of ACR in this large Brazilian population sample when compared to previous standards based on the estimated VO2max. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477).

FUNDAMENTO: Os dados mais utilizados como referência de aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) são os de Cooper, que utiliza valores calculados de captação máxima de oxigênio (VO2máx). OBJETIVO: Desenvolver valores de ACR a partir do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE) em uma população brasileira com alto nível socioeconômico e livre de cardiopatia estrutural. Os resultados dos testes de VO2max foram comparados aos dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados neste estudo dados de TCPE de indivíduos consecutivos entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de maio de 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: VO2máx pré-definido. Foi construído um gráfico de ACR de acordo com os percentuais do VO2máx: muito ruim (≤20%), ruim (20-40%), regular (40-60%), boa (60-80%), excelente (80-90%), e superior (≥90%). A correlação Kappa foi usada para analisar nossos dados em comparação aos dados dos outros dois bancos de dados. Os testes estatísticos com p<0,005 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: A coorte final incluiu 18.186 testes: 12.552 homens, 5.634 mulheres (7 a 84 anos). A resposta mais recorrente foi "boa" (20,2%). Houve diferença média de peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e idade no gráfico da ACR. Houve correlação inversa entre VO2máx e idade, peso e IMC. Usando uma regressão linear e essas variáveis, uma equação preditiva foi desenvolvida para o VO2máx. Nossas descobertas diferiram das dos outros bancos de dados. CONCLUSÃO: Desenvolvemos uma classificação para a ACR e encontramos valores mais altos em todas as faixas de classificação de capacidade funcional, em contraste com os dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Nossos achados oferecem uma interpretação mais precisa da ACR nessa grande amostra populacional brasileira, quando comparados aos padrões anteriores, com base no VO2máx estimado. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477).

Cardiorespiratory fitness data from 18,189 participants who underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a Brazilian population.

PURPOSE: Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and mortality attributable to various cancers. It is often estimated indirectly using mathematical formulas for estimating oxygen uptake. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, especially oxygen uptake, represents the "gold standard" for assessing exercise capacity. The purpose of this report was to develop reference standards for exercise capacity by establishing cardiorespiratory fitness values derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a Brazilian population. We focused on oxygen uptake standards and compared the maximal oxygen uptake [mLO2·kg-1·min-1] values with those in the existing literature. METHODS: A database was constructed using reports from cardiopulmonary exercise testing performed at Fleury laboratory. The final cohort included 18,189 individuals considered to be free of structural heart disease. Percentiles of maximal oxygen uptake for men and women were determined for six age groups between 7 and 84 years. We compared the values with existing reference data from patients from Norway and the United States. RESULTS: There were significant differences in maximal oxygen uptake between sexes and across the age groups. In our cohort, the 50th percentile maximal oxygen uptake values for men and women decreased from 44.7 and 36.3 mLO2·kg-1·min-1 to 28.4 and 22.3 mLO2·kg-1·min-1 for patients aged 20-29 years to patients aged 60-69 years, respectively. For each age group, both Norwegian men and women had greater cardiorespiratory fitness than cohorts in the United States and Brazil. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our analysis represents the largest reference data for cardiorespiratory fitness based on treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Our findings provide reference values of maximal oxygen uptake measurements from treadmill tests in Brazilian populations that are more accurate than previous standard values based on workload-derived estimations. This data may also add information to the global data used for the interpretation of cardiorespiratory fitness.

[Cardiovascular disease in diabetic women without cardiac symptoms]. / Doença cardiovascular em mulheres diabéticas assintomáticas.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of cardiac death among diabetic patients. The myocardial ischemia is frequently asymptomatic, leading to late diagnosis and making prognosis worse. This is particularly true for women, for whom this diagnostic is possibility often disregarded. Appropriate screening can modify the coronary artery disease risk. The early diagnosis is highly beneficial, particularly regarding females. The decision of which non-invasive diagnostic method should be used in the initial evaluation is difficult. There are several diagnostic methods to make the preliminary investigation of coronary artery disease in diabetic women even without cardiac symptoms, but there is still no consensus about who should be investigated and when should the first cardiac evaluation start. The prevalence of the disease, as well as the cardiac risk, must be known in order to justify a broad survey, mainly in the female population.

[Adenosine myocardial perfusion SPECT with Tc-99m-MIBI in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease: correlation between quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound measurements]. / Cintilografia do miocárdio com tecnécio 99m-MIBI e administração de adenosina em portadores de doença arterial coronária: correlação dos resultados com a angiografia coronária e o ultra-som intracoronário.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with Tc-99m-MIBI and adenosine infusion using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS: Seventy patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with MIBI and adenosine were studied. Clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG), and scintigraphic findings were correlated with variables of visual and quantitative angiographic analysis, as well as to those of IVUS. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 60.6 years, and 39 were male. Coronary angiography showed percentage of diameter stenosis (% DS) of 49.94% in 105 arteries, 83 of which were re-evaluated by QCA (79%), mean of 44.20%, p<0.05. ST-segment depression during adenosine infusion was associated with higher degrees of % DS (55.0% vs. 47.8%), p<0.05). Scintigraphic ischemia was correlated with greater cross-sectional area of lumen obstruction by IVUS (% CSA). Clinical, ECG, and IVUS findings were considered together and expressed as global ischemic versus non-ischemic responses. Ischemia was associated with lower values of minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and minimal lumen area (MLA) determined by QCA and IVUS. CONCLUSION: Tc-99m-MIBI and adenosine myocardial SPECT is correlated with % CSA on IVUS, perfusion images considered. Global results assessment showed association between lumen diameter and area at obstructed sites as determined by QCA and IVUS.

Comportamento dos critérios de uso apropriado da cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica na avaliação de assintomáticos de alto risco cardiovascular ou com doença coronária conhecida / Appropriate use of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy criteria for assessing asymptomatic patients with high cardiovascular risk or known coronary disease

Fundamentos: O papel da cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica em pacientes assintomáticos permanece restrito a situações clínicas muito específicas, muitas delas abordadas nos Critérios de Uso Apropriado (AUC) de Cintilografia de Perfusão Miocárdica. Objetivo: Realizar uma análise crítica da aplicação desses critérios nas indicações de exames realizados em pacientes assintomáticos do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, cuja população é notadamente de alto risco cardiovascular. Métodos: Foram selecionados pacientes assintomáticos que realizaram cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica para pesquisa de isquemia. As indicações dos exames foram classificadas em apropriadas, inapropriadas ou incertas. Hipocaptação fixa, hipocaptação transitória ou dilatação isquêmica transitória foram consideradas exames alterados. Na análise estatística, buscou-se avaliar a correlação entre o grau de recomendação das indicações e a presença de exames alterados. Resultados: A partir de uma seleção inicial de 2.999 prontuários, 490 foram considerados assintomáticos e incluídos conforme critérios de inclusão estabelecidos previamente. Apenas 9,8% das indicações foram inapropriadas, enquanto que 61,4% foram apropriadas, e 28,8% foram incertas. A hipocaptação fixa do radiofármaco ocorreu em 43,5% dos casos e a hipocaptação transitória, em 16,1%. Solicitar o exame de maneira apropriada ou incerta foi fator preditor de exame com resultado alterado nesta população. Conclusão: O uso dos critérios de uso apropriado da cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica mostrou-se eficaz em predizer exames alterados em uma população assintomática de alto risco cardiovascular, especialmente no grupo de pacientes com indicação incerta, o que pode significar que algumas das indicações consideradas incertas talvez sejam apropriadas para uma população de alto risco cardiovascular. (AU)

Myocardial scintigraphy in the evaluation of cardiac events in patients without typical symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the world and in Brazil. Myocardial scintigraphy is an important noninvasive method for detecting ischemia in symptomatic patients, but its use in asymptomatic ones or those with atypical symptoms is yet to be defined. OBJECTIVE: To verify the presence of major cardiac events in asymptomatic patients or those with atypical symptoms (atypical chest pain or dyspnea) that underwent myocardial scintigraphy (MS), over a period of 8 years. Secondary objectives were to identify cardiac risk factors associated with myocardial scintigraphy abnormalities and possible predictors for major cardiac events in this group. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study using the medical records of 892 patients that underwent myocardial scintigraphy between 2005 and 2011 and who were followed until 2013 for assessment of major cardiac events and risk factors associated with myocardial scintigraphy abnormalities. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's exact test, logistic regression and Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, with statistical significance being set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 52.1% were men, 86.9% were hypertensive, 72.4% had hyperlipidemia, 33.6% were diabetic, and 12.2% were smokers; 44.5% had known coronary artery disease; and 70% had high Framingham score, 21.8% had moderate and 8% had low risk. Of the myocardial scintigraphies, 58.6% were normal, 26.1% suggestive of fibrosis and 15.3% suggestive of ischemia. At evolution, 13 patients (1.5%) had non-fatal myocardial infarction and six individuals (0.7%) died. The group with normal myocardial scintigraphy showed longer period of time free of major cardiac events, non-fatal myocardial infarction (p = 0.036) and death. Fibrosis in the myocardial scintigraphy determined a 2.4-fold increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and five-fold higher risk of death (odds ratio: 2.4 and 5.7, respectively; p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of major cardiac events in 8 years was small. Patients with fibrosis at MS had more major events, whereas patients with normal MS result had fewer major cardiac events, with higher survival.

Categorias de Aptidão Física Baseadas no VO2max em População Brasileira com Suposto Alto Nível Socioeconômico e sem Cardiopatia Estrutural / VO2max-Based Physical Fitness Categories in a Brazilian Population with Supposed High Socioeconomic Status and without Structural Heart Disease

Resumo Fundamento Os dados mais utilizados como referência de aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) são os de Cooper, que utiliza valores calculados de captação máxima de oxigênio (VO2máx). Objetivo Desenvolver valores de ACR a partir do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE) em uma população brasileira com alto nível socioeconômico e livre de cardiopatia estrutural. Os resultados dos testes de VO2max foram comparados aos dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Métodos Foram utilizados neste estudo dados de TCPE de indivíduos consecutivos entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de maio de 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: VO2máx pré-definido. Foi construído um gráfico de ACR de acordo com os percentuais do VO2máx: muito ruim (≤20%), ruim (20-40%), regular (40-60%), boa (60-80%), excelente (80-90%), e superior (≥90%). A correlação Kappa foi usada para analisar nossos dados em comparação aos dados dos outros dois bancos de dados. Os testes estatísticos com p<0,005 foram considerados significativos. Resultados A coorte final incluiu 18.186 testes: 12.552 homens, 5.634 mulheres (7 a 84 anos). A resposta mais recorrente foi "boa" (20,2%). Houve diferença média de peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e idade no gráfico da ACR. Houve correlação inversa entre VO2máx e idade, peso e IMC. Usando uma regressão linear e essas variáveis, uma equação preditiva foi desenvolvida para o VO2máx. Nossas descobertas diferiram das dos outros bancos de dados. Conclusão Desenvolvemos uma classificação para a ACR e encontramos valores mais altos em todas as faixas de classificação de capacidade funcional, em contraste com os dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Nossos achados oferecem uma interpretação mais precisa da ACR nessa grande amostra populacional brasileira, quando comparados aos padrões anteriores, com base no VO2máx estimado. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477)

Abstract Background The most widely used data for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referrals are from the Cooper Clinic, which uses calculated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. Objective To develop CRF values from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in a Brazilian population with high socioeconomic level and free of structural heart disease. VO2max testing results were compared with the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry data. Methods CPX data from consecutive individuals between January 1,2000, and May 31,2016 were used in this study. Inclusion criteria were: VO2max by a pre-specified definition. We built a CRF chart according to VO2max percentiles: very poor (≤20%), poor (20-40%), fair (40-60%), good (60-80%), excellent (80-90%), and superior (≥90%). Kappa correlation was used to analyze our data in comparison with that of the other two databases. Statistical tests with p<0.005 were considered significant. Results Final cohort included 18,186 tests: 12,552 men, 5,634 women (7-84 years). The most recurrent response was "good" (20.2%). There was a mean difference in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and age in the CRF chart. An inverse correlation existed between VO2max and age, weight, and BMI. Using a linear regression and these variables, a predictive equation was developed for VO2max. Our findings differed from that of the other databases. Conclusion We developed a classification for CRF and found higher values in all classification ranges of functional capacity in contrast to the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry. Our findings offer a more accurate interpretation of ACR in this large Brazilian population sample when compared to previous standards based on the estimated VO2max. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477)

Clinical significance of transient left ventricular dilation assessed during myocardial Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical significance of transient ischemic dilation of the left ventricle during myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with stress/rest sestamibi. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed 378 patients who underwent myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with stress/rest sestamibi, 340 of whom had a low probability of having ischemia and 38 had significant transient defects. Transient ischemic dilation was automatically calculated using Autoquant software. Sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values were established for each value of transient ischemic dilation. RESULTS: The values of transient ischemic dilation for the groups of low probability and significant transient defects were, respectively, 1.01 0.13 and 1.18 0.17. The values of transient ischemic dilation for the group with significant transient defects were significantly greater than those obtained for the group with a low probability (P<0.001). The greatest positive predictive values, around 50%, were obtained for the values of transient ischemic dilation above 1.25. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that transient ischemic dilation assessed using the stress/rest sestamibi protocol may be useful to separate patients with extensive myocardial ischemia from those without ischemia.

Prevalence of ischemia on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy of pre-and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: In postmenopausal women, the presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) increases. However, the difference in prevalence of ischemia between pre- and postmenopausal women with multiple risk factors for CAD has not been well established. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of ischemia on Tc99m-sestamibi myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in pre- and postmenopausal women, and to evaluate whether menopause can be considered an independent risk predictor of ischemia in women with multiple risk factors for CAD. METHODS: This study retrospectively assessed 500 MPS of pre- and postmenopausal women with multiple risk factors for CAD. Statistical analysis was performed by using Fisher exact test and univariate and multivariate analysis, a p value < 0.05 being considered significant. RESULTS: Postmenopausal women represented 55.9% of the sample; 83.3% were hypertensive; 28.9%, diabetic; 32.1%, smokers; 25%, obese; 61.2% had high cholesterol levels; and 34.3% had known CAD. Postmenopausal women were more often hypertensive, diabetic and dyslipidemic, and had lower functional capacity on exercise testing (p = < 0.005). The presence of ischemia on MPS did not significantly differ between the pre- and postmenopausal groups (p = 0.395). The only variable associated with ischemia on MPS was known CAD (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that, in women with multiple risk factors for CAD, menopause was not an independent predictor of ischemia on MPS. Those data support the idea that the investigation of ischemia via MPS in women with multiple risk factors for CAD should begin prior to menopause.

Analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive imaging tests for the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Aging and atherosclerosis are related to renovascular hypertension in elderly individuals. Regardless of comorbidities, renal artery stenosis is itself an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To define the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of noninvasive imaging tests used in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis. METHODS: In a group of 61 patients recruited, 122 arteries were analized, thus permitting the definition of sensitivity, specificity, and the relative contribution of each imaging study performed (Doppler, scintigraphy and computed tomographic angiography in comparison to renal arteriography). RESULTS: The mean age was 65.43 years (standard deviation: 8.7). Of the variables related to the study population that were compared to arteriography, two correlated with renal artery stenosis, renal dysfunction and triglycerides. The median glomerular filtration rate was 52.8 mL/min/m². Doppler showed sensitivity of 82.90%, specificity of 70%, a positive predictive value of 85% and negative predictive value of 66.70%. For tomography, sensitivity was 66.70%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 87.50% and negative predictive value 55.20%. With these findings, we could identify the imaging tests that best detected stenosis. CONCLUSION: Tomography and Doppler showed good quality and efficacy in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis, with Doppler having the advantage of not requiring the use of contrast medium for the assessment of a disease that is common in diabetics and is associated with renal dysfunction and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

O que há de novo na amiloidose cardíaca? / What's new in cardiac amyloidosis?

A amiloidose caracteriza-se pela deposição localizada ou sistêmica de proteínas com estrutura terciária instável, que se agregam e formam as fibrilas amiloidóticas. A amiloidose cardíaca é uma condição frequentemente subdiagnosticada e causa importante de insuficiência cardíaca. Existem mais de 30 tipos de proteínas amiloides conhecidas, mas somente cinco frequentemente infiltram o coração, causando a amiloidose cardíaca. São elas: imunoglobulina de cadeia leve, imunoglobulina de cadeia pesada, transtirretina, amiloide sérica A e apolipoproteína AI, sendo em sua maioria nas formas de imunoglobulina de cadeia leve ou transtirretina. De acordo com o tipo de proteína fibrilar depositado, a amiloidose cardíaca possui diferentes cursos clínicos, prognóstico e formas distintas de tratamento. Nesta revisão abordamos novas técnicas, que possibilitam o diagnóstico desta entidade, principalmente em situações de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada e cardiopatias restritivas. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental na definição da melhor abordagem terapêutica e no prognóstico desses pacientes

Métodos de avaliação da perfusão miocárdica / Myocardial perfusion evaluation methods

A doença arterial coronariana é altamente prevalente. A caracterização anatômica apenas não é suficiente para determinar o grau de isquemia que uma estenose acarreta, especialmente nos momentos de demanda aumentada. Os métodos de avaliação da perfusão miocárdica permitem caracterizar a repercussão funcional de uma estenose coronariana e auxiliam na escolha da conduta médica a ser adotada. Os métodos de imagem utilizados atualmente desenvolveram formas de avaliar a adequação da perfusão miocárdica em repouso e em estresse. Na presente revisão, são discutidas as diversas modalidades não invasivas de avaliação da perfusão miocárdica

Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent. Anatomical characterization alone is not sufficient to establish the degree of ischemia caused by an obstruction, especially in moments of high myocardial demand. Myocardial perfusion evaluation methods enable the functional repercussion of a coronary stenosis to be characterized, and assist in the choice of medical conduct to be adopted. The imaging methods currently in use have developed ways of evaluating the adequacy of myocardial perfusion at rest and in stress. This revision article discusses the various non-invasive modalities of myocardial perfusion evaluation

Diagnostic value of myocardial radionuclide imaging in patients with multivessel coronary disease.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion radionuclide imaging (MPRI) is a noninvasive method extremely useful for evaluating ischemia in patients with coronary disease. However, the idea that this method would not be effective for patients with multivessel coronary disease is still entertained. OBJECTIVE: Assess the value of MPRI with gated-SPECT for tracing pharmacological stress-induced ischemia in patients with multivessel obstructive coronary disease. METHODS: We evaluated 68 patients with multivessel obstructive coronary disease applying coronary angiography for performing MPRI under pharmacologic stress with dipyridamole. The tests were analyzed by two nuclear medicine physicians without prior knowledge of the result of the coronary angiography. RESULTS: Gated-SPECT revealed that, out of the patients, 64 (92.8%) showed images of perfusion abnormalities and 4 (7.2%) showed normal perfusion, given that three of the latter showed functional changes. CONCLUSION: MPRI has shown high value for identifying patients with multivessel coronary disease, since most patients had perfusion abnormalities indicative of ischemia.

Myocardial Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Cardiac Events in Patients without Typical Symptoms / Cintilografia Miocárdica na Avaliação de Eventos Cardíacos em Pacientes sem Sintomas Cardíacos Típicos

AbstractBackground:Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the world and in Brazil. Myocardial scintigraphy is an important noninvasive method for detecting ischemia in symptomatic patients, but its use in asymptomatic ones or those with atypical symptoms is yet to be defined.Objective:To verify the presence of major cardiac events in asymptomatic patients or those with atypical symptoms (atypical chest pain or dyspnea) that underwent myocardial scintigraphy (MS), over a period of 8 years. Secondary objectives were to identify cardiac risk factors associated with myocardial scintigraphy abnormalities and possible predictors for major cardiac events in this group.Methods:This was a retrospective, observational study using the medical records of 892 patients that underwent myocardial scintigraphy between 2005 and 2011 and who were followed until 2013 for assessment of major cardiac events and risk factors associated with myocardial scintigraphy abnormalities. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression and Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, with statistical significance being set at p ≤ 0.05.Results:Of the total sample, 52.1% were men, 86.9% were hypertensive, 72.4% had hyperlipidemia, 33.6% were diabetic, and 12.2% were smokers; 44.5% had known coronary artery disease; and 70% had high Framingham score, 21.8% had moderate and 8% had low risk. Of the myocardial scintigraphies, 58.6% were normal, 26.1% suggestive of fibrosis and 15.3% suggestive of ischemia. At evolution, 13 patients (1.5%) had non-fatal myocardial infarction and six individuals (0.7%) died. The group with normal myocardial scintigraphy showed longer period of time free of major cardiac events, non-fatal myocardial infarction (p = 0.036) and death. Fibrosis in the myocardial scintigraphy determined a 2.4-fold increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and five-fold higher risk of death (odds ratio: 2.4 and 5.7, respectively; p = 0.043).Conclusion:The occurrence of major cardiac events in 8 years was small. Patients with fibrosis at MS had more major events, whereas patients with normal MS result had fewer major cardiac events, with higher survival.

ResumoFundamento:A doença cardiovascular é uma das principais causas de óbito no Brasil e no mundo. A cintilografia miocárdica tem papel estabelecido na detecção de isquemia de pacientes sintomáticos, mas sua indicação em assintomáticos ou naqueles com sintomas atípicos ainda não está definida.Objetivo:Identificar eventos maiores em pacientes assintomáticos ou com sintomas atípicos (dor torácica atípica ou dispneia) que realizaram cintilografia miocárdica, em até 8 anos. Como objetivos secundários, citamos identificar os fatores de risco associados às alterações na cintilografia miocárdica e os possíveis preditores para eventos maiores nesse grupo.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, por revisão de prontuário, de 892 pacientes que realizaram cintilografia miocárdica entre 2005 e 2011, com seguimento até 2013, para avaliação de eventos maiores e análise dos fatores de risco associados à cintilografia miocárdica alterada. A análise estatística foi realizada por testes de Fisher, regressão logística e curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier, com p significativo se ≤ 0,05.Resultados:Do total dos pacientes da amostra, 52,1% eram homens, 86,9% hipertensos, 72,4% dislipidêmicos, 33,6% diabéticos, e 12,2% tabagistas; 44,5% tinham doença arterial coronária conhecida; e 70% apresentavam escore de Framingham alto, 21,8% moderado e 8% baixo risco. Das cintilografias miocárdicas, 58,6% foram normais; 26,1%, sugestivas de fibrose; e 15,3%, de isquemia. Na evolução, 13 pacientes (1,5%) apresentaram infarto do miocárdio não fatal e 6 pacientes (0,7%) foram a óbito. O grupo com cintilografia miocárdica normal apresentou maior tempo livre de eventos maiores, infarto do miocárdio não fatal (p = 0,036) e morte (p = 0,019). A fibrose determinou risco 2,4 vezes maior de infarto do miocárdio não fatal e cinco vezes maior de morte (odds ratio: 2,4 e 5,7, respectivamente; p = 0,043).Conclusão:A ocorrência de eventos maiores em até 8 anos no grupo estudado foi pequena. Pacientes com fibrose na cintilografia miocárdica apresentaram mais eventos maiores. Pacientes com cintilografia miocárdica normal apresentaram menos eventos maiores, com sobrevida maior.