Relationship between Obesity and Coronary Artery Disease Defined by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Abstract Background: Although associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, it is unclear whether obesity alone is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objective: To investigate the role of obesity as a risk factor for CAD, defined by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods: This study retrospectively included 1,814 patients referred for CCTA in a hospital in São Paulo, from August 2010 to July 2012. CAD was identified by coronary calcium score and presence of coronary stenosis > 50%. Images were analyzed by two specialists, and the coronary findings were compared between obese and non-obese groups. A multivariate analysis model was used to assess obesity as an independent variable for the occurrence of obstructive CAD. Results: Among the study population, mean age was 58.5 +/- 11.5 years, 22.8% were obese (BMI = 30 kg/m2) and 66.3% were male. The prevalence of obstructive CAD was 18.4% in both groups. Obese patients had higher median calcium score compared to non-obese subjects (14.7 vs. 1.4, respectively, p = 0.019). In the multivariate analysis, obesity was not an independent factor for obstructive CAD (coefficient = -0.035, p = 0.102). Conclusion: Although no differences were observed in the prevalence of obstructive CAD between obese and non-obese individuals, coronary calcium scores were significantly in lower the latter group.

Scimitar sign in the absence of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Scimitar syndrome consists of anomalous pulmonary vein drainage to the inferior vena cava. Its name derives from the image this anomalous pulmonary vein creates on a chest radiograph. We describe a case of normal venous pulmonary vein drainage that also presented the scimitar sign due to an aorto-collateral vessel. CASE SUMMARY: A 15-month-old girl presented with mild dyspnoea and fever. Control chest X-ray showed an image of cardiac dextroposition, hypoplastic right lung, and the 'scimitar sign'. Although the transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed the initial suspicion of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, the computed tomography (CT) scan showed normal right pulmonary veins connected to the left atrium and revealed that an aorto-collateral vessel caused the scimitar sign. DISCUSSION: Although the patient had several typical alterations of the scimitar syndrome, the pulmonary venous connection was normal, and the scimitar sign was due to an aorto-collateral vessel. It might be difficult to describe venous pulmonary connections on the basis of echocardiography, so an angio CT scan proved to be a valuable tool in this scenario.

The shift from high to low turnover bone disease after parathyroidectomy is associated with the progression of vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients: A 12-month follow-up study.

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) may cause low levels of PTH, leading to an excessive reduction of bone turnover, which is associated with poor outcomes in dialysis patients, including vascular calcification (VC). We aimed to prospectively investigate the impact of PTX on bone remodeling and its potential consequence on the progression of VC in hemodialysis patients. In this prospective study, 19 hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) were evaluated. All patients underwent laboratorial tests and coronary tomography at baseline and, 6 and 12 months after PTX; bone biopsy was performed at baseline and 12-month. At baseline, all patients had increased PTH levels up to 2500 pg/mL and high turnover bone disease in their bone biopsies. Fourteen (74%) patients had VC. During the follow-up, there was a significant decrease of PTH at 6 and 12-month. At 12-month, 90% of the patients evolved to low turnover bone disease. During the period of the hungry bone syndrome (first 6 months), no change of coronary calcium score was observed. However, calcium score increased significantly thereafter (12th month). There was an association between VC progression and the severity of low turnover bone disease. In conclusion, the shift from high to low turnover bone disease after PTX occurs in parallel to VC progression, contributing to the understanding of the complex pathophysiology involving mineral metabolism and cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.

Estudo comparativo entre o uso do antiagregante plaquetário e do anticoagulante oral na profilaxia de trombose em pacientes submetidos à operação cavopulmonar total com tubo extracardíaco: análise ecocardiográfica, angiotomográfica, cintilográfica, laboratorial e clínica / Comparative trial of the use of antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant in thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary operation with extracardiac conduit: echocardiographic, tomographic, scintigraphic, clinical and laboratory analysis

Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia do AAS e da Varfarina na profilaxia da trombose em pacientes submetidos a operação cavopulmonar total. Avaliar se fatores de coagulação (VII, VIII e Proteína C), dados clínicos, fenestração ou fatores hemodinâmicos, interferem na trombose no pós-operatório. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e randomizado de 30 pacientes, randomizados em Grupo I (Varfarina) e Grupo II (AAS), submetidos à derivação cavopulmonar total com tubo extracardíaco, entre 2008 e 2011, com seguimento de dois anos. Foram realizadas consultas clínicas que avaliavam efeitos colaterais e aderência. Realizado ecocardiograma transesofágico no pós-operatório imediato, 3, 6,12 e 24 meses; angiotomografia aos 6, 12 e 24 meses de pós-operatório para avaliação de alterações na parede interna do tubo ou trombos e cintilografia pulmonar, para avaliar possível TEP. Resultados: Dois óbitos no grupo I; 33,3% dos pacientes apresentaram trombo (46,7% no Grupo II). A ocorrência prévia de trombo e baixos níveis de proteína C da coagulação foram os únicos fatores que influenciaram no tempo livre de trombo (P=0,035 e 0,047). Avaliação angiotomográfica: 35,7% dos pacientes do grupo II tinham atapeteamento maior que 2 mm (P=0,082). Cintilografia: dois pacientes apresentaram TEP no grupo II. Cinco pacientes tiveram dificuldade de aderência, 4 no grupo I com INR variando de 1 a 6,4. Conclusão: A ocorrência prévia de trombo é um fator de risco para trombose no pós-operatório. Pacientes em uso de AAS tendem a depósito de material na parede do tubo. O número reduzido da amostra não permitiu concluir qual a droga mais eficaz na prevenção da trombose na população estudada. .

Objective: To compare the efficacy of aspirin and warfarin for prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary anastomosis. Evaluate whether coagulation factors (VII, VIII and protein C), clinical data, fenestration or hemodynamic factors, interfere with postoperative thrombosis. Methods: A prospective, randomized study of 30 patients, randomized into Group I (Warfarin) and Group II (AAS), underwent total cavopulmonary shunt with extracardiac conduit, between 2008 and 2011, with follow-up by clinical visits to evaluate side effects and adhesion. Performed transesophageal echocardiography in post operatory time, 3, 6,12 and 24 months; angiotomography at 6, 12 and 24 months to evaluate changes in the internal tube wall or thrombi and pulmonary scintigraphy to evaluate possible PTE. Results: Two deaths in group I; 33.3% of patients had thrombus (46.7% in Group II). The previous occurrence of thrombus and low levels of coagulation protein C were the only factors that influenced the time free of thrombus (P=0.035 and 0.047). Angiotomographic evaluation: 35.7% in group II presented material accumulation greater than 2 mm (P=0.082). Scintigraphy: two patients had PTE in group II. Five patients had difficulty to comply with the treatment, 4 in group I with INR ranging from 1 to 6.4. Conclusion: The previous occurrence of thrombus is a risk factor for thrombosis in the postoperative period. Patients using AAS tend to deposit material in the tube wall. The small sample size did not allow to conclude which is the most effective drug in the prevention of thrombosis in this population. .

Comparative trial of the use of antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant in thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary operation with extracardiac conduit: echocardiographic, tomographic, scintigraphic, clinical and laboratory analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of aspirin and warfarin for prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary anastomosis. Evaluate whether coagulation factors (VII, VIII and protein C), clinical data, fenestration or hemodynamic factors, interfere with postoperative thrombosis. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study of 30 patients, randomized into Group I (Warfarin) and Group II (AAS), underwent total cavopulmonary shunt with extracardiac conduit, between 2008 and 2011, with follow-up by clinical visits to evaluate side effects and adhesion. Performed transesophageal echocardiography in post operatory time, 3, 6,12 and 24 months; angiotomography at 6, 12 and 24 months to evaluate changes in the internal tube wall or thrombi and pulmonary scintigraphy to evaluate possible PTE. RESULTS: Two deaths in group I; 33.3% of patients had thrombus (46.7% in Group II). The previous occurrence of thrombus and low levels of coagulation protein C were the only factors that influenced the time free of thrombus (P=0.035 and 0.047). Angiotomographic evaluation: 35.7% in group II presented material accumulation greater than 2 mm (P=0.082). Scintigraphy: two patients had PTE in group II. Five patients had difficulty to comply with the treatment, 4 in group I with INR ranging from 1 to 6.4. CONCLUSION: The previous occurrence of thrombus is a risk factor for thrombosis in the postoperative period. Patients using AAS tend to deposit material in the tube wall. The small sample size did not allow to conclude which is the most effective drug in the prevention of thrombosis in this population.

Correlação da calcificação arterial coronária e necesidade de revascularização em pacientes sem diagnóstico prévio de doença arterial coronariana / Correlation of coronary artery calcification and necessity of coronary revascularization in patients without prior diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Introdução: Cerca de metade das mortes por doença coronariana (DAC) não são precedidas por sintomas cardíacos ou diagnóstico prévio. A quantificação da calcificação arterial coronariana (CAC) por tomografia é um preditor de eventos e reestratifica o risco de ocorrência desses eventos baseado no Escore de Risco de Framingham. Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade do escore de cálcio de predizer revascularização em pacientes (pts) sem o diagnóstico prévio de DAC. Método: Estudo retrospectivo em pts sem diagnóstico prévio de DAC com quantificação da CAC, realizada em 2.009. A CAC foi obtida em tomografia multislice de 64 cortes, sem contraste, com aquisição sincronizada ao ECG, 120kV, 80-100mA, radiação < 1mSv, e medida pelo escore de cálcio de Agatston (EC) (limiar de 130 HU). Média, mediana e testes diagnósticos foram utilizados. Resultados: Avaliamos 263 pts (171 homens), com 59±13 anos, IMC = 27,7kg/m2 e seguimento médio de 18 ± 3 meses. O EC total foi 199,5 ± 24,39. Nos pacientes diabéticos (DM), o EC foi de 320,5 ± 67,56 e de 166 ± 24,47 nos não DM. Os 23 pacientes que foram revascularizados apresentaram EC médio de 692 ± 72,3 versus 134,7 ± 21,35 dos pacientes não revascularizados (p< 0,001). Dos 47 pts com EC ≥ 400, 17 (36,1%) foram revascularizados e dos 216 pts com EC< 400, 6 (2,6%) foram revascularizados (p< 0,001). Dos pts revascularizados, 15 sem DM tiveram EC médio de 672,7 ± 92,04 versus 728,3 ± 11 dos DM (8pts). Nos pts não revascularizados e sem DM (191 pts), apenas 18 pts tinham EC ≥ 400. Conclusão: O EC ≥ 400 foi forte preditor de revascularização com boa performance diagnóstica em pacientes sem diagnóstico prévio de DAC, no seguimento de 18 meses.

Additional value of dipyridamole stress myocardial perfusion by 64-row computed tomography in patients with coronary stents.

BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a well-established diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, coronary segments with prior stent implantation visualized with CTA may have limited evaluation and reduced accuracy. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the incremental value of stress myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) over anatomical assessment by coronary CTA alone in patients with stents, using quantitative invasive coronary angiography (≥50%) as reference. METHODS: Forty-six patients (56.9 ± 7.2 years; 28 men) referred to invasive coronary angiography were evaluated, combining coronary CTA and dipyridamole stress myocardial CTP with 64 detector-row CT. Coronary CTA was evaluated for ≥50% coronary stenosis, and myocardial CTP was used to potentially reclassify coronary territories, including those with stents and poorly evaluated stents because of artifacts. RESULTS: We evaluated 138 coronary territories, 62 with ≥1 stent. From these, 21 (34%) territories had adequately evaluated stents, 28 (45%) had limitedly evaluated stents still allowing diagnosis, and 13 (21%) had inadequately evaluated stents (no luminal assessment possible). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for coronary CTA in stent territories were, respectively, 85%, 77%, 87%, 74%, and 81%, and the combined use of coronary CTA and myocardial CTP were 88%, 95%, 97%, 81%, and 91% (P = 0.0292). In territories with impaired stent evaluation (limited or inadequate), the diagnostic performance of coronary CTA alone was 83%, 72%, 79%, 76% and 77%, and combined with myocardial CTP were 87%, 94%, 95%, 85%, and 91% (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of coronary CTA and stress myocardial CTP improved the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of significant obstructive CAD in patients with stents.

Acurácia do escore de cálcio na detecção de estenose coronária significativa em pacientes com dor torácica aguda subanálise do estudo multicêntrico CORE64 / Accuracy of coronary calcium score to detect significant coronary stenosis in patients with acure chest pain a CORE64 substudy

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de estenose coronária significativa e de calcificação coronária, em pacientes com suspeita de síndrome coronária aguda (SCA), em estudo multicêntrico. Métodos: Pacientes do estudo CORE64 foram classificados em grupos SCA e não SCA de acordo com critérios clínicos, eletrocardiográficos e laboratoriais. As imagens obtidas pela tomografia computadorizada de 64 colunas de detectores (Aquilion 4, Toshiba), para avaliação do escore de cálcio (EC), pelo método de Agatston, foram adquiridas antes da angiografia coronária invasiva (ACI), sendo utilizados os seguintes parâmetros: sincronização prospectiva (colimação 4 x 3,0mm; voltagem de tubo de Raio X de 120kV e corrente de tubo de 300A). Redução luminal coronária >- 50%, definida pela ACI, foi considerada significativa. Resultados: Dos 291 pacientes (59,3 + 10 anos, 74% homens), 80 foram classificados no grupo SCA (41 casos de infarto sem supradesnível de ST e 39, de angina instável). A média do EC, no grupo SCA, foi de 120 +- 159 e 148 +- 166 no não SCA (pns). Escore de cálcio zero esteve presente em 16 pacientes (20%) do grupo SCA, dos quais 6 (8%) tinham lesão coronária significativa. No grupo não SCA, 8 (4%)...

The impact of preexisting myocardial remodeling on ventricular function early after tetralogy of Fallot repair.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-three patients (median age 23 months) who underwent Fallot's tetralogy repair were investigated prospectively to detect a possible association between histopathologic myocardial remodeling and echocardiographic findings of systolic or diastolic ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: Intraoperatively resected infundibular bands and subendocardial biopsy samples from the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle were obtained for histopathologic evaluation. Tissue Doppler echocardiographic interrogation of the ventricles was performed before surgery and in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Histopathologic data revealed hypertrophy of the RV cardiomyocytes and increased interstitial collagen in both ventricles. Mean values of RV isovolumic acceleration decreased significantly at the third evaluation compared with the preoperative values (P = .006). RV myocardial fibrosis greater than 8.3% was associated with a probability of altered E' of at least 0.7 (odds ratio = 2.31). CONCLUSION: Preoperative histologic myocardial remodeling influenced the postoperative RV function in this group of patients with late repair. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the myocardium in younger patients and to define its influence in the long-term follow-up.