[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.

[Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic diseases in the elderly]. / Hiper-homocisteinemia como fator de risco para doença aterosclerótica coronariana em idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease in elderly individuals. METHODS: A case-control study with 172 elderly individuals, 88 belonging to control group and 84 to case group, who showed coronary angiography requested for clinical indications. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in 91% of the patients. Homocysteinemia was assessed in a continuous and categorized way, through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: When analyzed continuously, in univariate analysis, it was verified that case group elderly individuals showed an average homocysteinemia levels significantly higher than the control group individuals' (14.33 +/- 4.59 micromol/l against 11.99 +/- 4.59 micromol/l, p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, continuous homocysteinemia was associated to the risk rate for coronary artery disease of 1.07 for each 1 micromol/l increase of homocysteine level. Na increase of 5 micromol/l corresponded to the risk rate of 1.40. When analyzed in categorized way, the values found over percentile 75 of control group (14 micromol/l) were defined as hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 34% of elderly individuals, being 37.3% in control group and 62.7% in case group (p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, hyperhomocysteinemia constituted an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic disease for elderly individuals, with a risk rate for coronary artery disease of 2.03, confidence interval 95%, 1.02-4.03. CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinemia was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in elderly individuals.

Progesterone abolishes estrogen and/or atorvastatin endothelium dependent vasodilatory effects.

UNLABELLED: This double blind randomized placebo controlled study assessed the effects of atorvastatin, estradiol and norethisterone, isolated and in combination, on the lipid profile and on vascular reactivity, in post-menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia and arterial hypertension. Ninety-four women aged 50-65 were selected. All have received dietary counseling (4 weeks), placebo (4 weeks), and drug therapy (12 weeks): 17-beta estradiol 2mg/day (E) (n=17); E + norethisterone acetate 1mg/day (P) (n=18); Atorvastatin 10mg/day (A) (n=20); E + A (n=21) and E + P + A (n=18). All treatment modalities have significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (E=8.8%, E + P=10.1%, A=27.9%, A + E=29.4% and E + P + A=35.7%) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels (E + P + A=46.6%, E + A=45.9%, A=40.2%, E=20.3%, and E + P=12.1%). As concerns HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), Groups E and E + A had increases of 15.5% and 13.1%, respectively. The addition of a progesterone compound reduced its concentration (Group E + P=-9.1%, and Group E + P + A=-9.5%). By random, approximately half of the patients in each group were designated to the endothelial function evaluation (brachial artery ultrasound). We observed that in Group A (n=10), in Group E (n=10) and with the association (Group E + A) (n=7), there was a significant increase in the flow-mediated vasodilatation as compared to basal measurements. The addition of a progestin has annulled these benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin has promoted more beneficial effects on TC and LDL-c, whereas estradiol was responsible for an increase in HDL-c. The addition of a progesterone derivative abolished these benefits. Atorvastatin, estradiol or both together improved endothelial function, an effect suppressed by the addition of norethisterone.

Vector electrocardiographic alterations after percutaneous septal ablation in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Possible anatomic causes.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the dromotropic disturbances (vector-electrocardiographic), and the possible anatomic causes, provoked by selective alcohol injection in the septal branch, for percutaneous treatment, of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Ten patients with a mean age of 52.7 years underwent percutaneous septal ablation (PTSA) from october 1998; all in functional class III/IV). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram was performed prior to and during PTSA, and later electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram according to Frank's method. The patients were followed up for 32 months. RESULTS: On electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to PTSA all patients had sinus rhythm and left atrial enlargement, 8 left ventricular hypertrophy of systolic pattern. On ECG immediately after PTSA, 8 had complete right bundle-branch block; 1 transient total atrioventricular block; 1 alternating transient bundle-branch block either right or hemiblock. On late ECG 8 had complete right bundle-branch block confirmed by vectorcardiogram, type 1 or Grishman. CONCLUSION: Septal fibrosis following alcohol injection caused a predominance of complete right bundle-branch block, different from surgery of myotomy/myectomy.

Consequences of the prolonged waiting time for patient candidates for heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess mortality and the psychological repercussions of the prolonged waiting time for candidates for heart surgery. METHODS: From July 1999 to May 2000, using a standardized questionnaire, we carried out standardized interviews and semi-structured psychological interviews with 484 patients with coronary heart disease, 121 patients with valvular heart diseases, and 100 patients with congenital heart diseases. RESULTS: The coefficients of mortality (deaths per 100 patients/year) were as follows: patients with coronary heart disease, 5.6; patients with valvular heart diseases, 12.8; and patients with congenital heart diseases, 3.1 (p<0.0001). The survival curve was lower in patients with valvular heart diseases than in patients with coronary heart disease and congenital heart diseases (p<0.001). The accumulated probability of not undergoing surgery was higher in patients with valvular heart diseases than in the other patients (p<0.001), and, among the patients with valvular heart diseases, this probability was higher in females than in males (p<0.01). Several patients experienced intense anxiety and attributed their adaptive problems in the scope of love, professional, and social lives, to not undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION: Mortality was high, and even higher among the patients with valvular heart diseases, with negative psychological and social repercussions.

Unstable angina patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention in the new millennium: what characterizes them?

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients with unstable angina seen at a tertiary hospital and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Study of a consecutive series of 1413 patients, selected from a computerized database, who underwent percutaneous revascularization in the three-year period of 2002-2004. There were no inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Systemic arterial hypertension (74%) and hypercholesterolemia (65%) were the classical risk factors for coronary disease most frequently observed. Coronary artery bypass grafting and history of myocardial infarction were found in 24% and 28% of the cases, respectively. The subgroups most commonly treated were the IIB (48%) and IIIB (28%). Clopidogrel was prescribed for 51% of the patients and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, for 7%. Multivessel disease evidenced by coronary angiography was detected in 42% of the cases. Type B2 or C lesions were treated in 64%, 94% of which in native vessels. Restenotic lesions were dilated in 5% of the patients. All interventions were performed using coronary stents, the majority of which (67%) were standard bare-metal stents. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Subgroups IIB and IIIB were the most frequently treated (76%); 2) Clopidogrel was the most prescribed antithrombotic agent (51%); 3) Multivessel coronary artery disease was found in 42% of the cases, most of which were complex target lesions located in native vessels; 4) Coronary stent implantation was the chief dilation technique used.

The usefulness of intracoronary ultrasound in the treatment decision-making of patients with ambiguous lesions in the left main coronary artery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment approach vs. conservative approach in patients with ambiguous lesions in the left main coronary artery (LMCA), based on intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) findings. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients with angiographically ambiguous lesions were included and submitted to ICUS assessment. They were divided in two groups, according to the ICUS findings. Group I was maintained under clinical treatment [minimal lumen area (MLA) > 6.0 mm(2) and/or minimal lumen diameter (MLD) > 2.5 mm] and Group II was submitted to revascularization (MLA < 6.0 mm(2) and/or MLD < 2.5 mm). The occurrence of major cardiac events (death, acute myocardial infarction and/or revascularization of the target lesion) was assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-one (62%) patients were allocated in Group I and 25 (38%) in Group II. Mean follow-up was 42.1 months. The coronary angiography did not differentiate the two groups regarding lesion severity (MLD 1.98 mm in Group I vs. 1.72 mm in Group II; p = 0.75) in opposition to ICUS (MLD 3.41 mm in Group I vs. 2.01 mm in Group II; p < 0.001). There was no death or myocardial infarction in Group I. The survival rate free of major cardiac events was 95% in Group I vs. 87.5% in Group II (p=ns). CONCLUSION: Treatment decision-making of patients with ambiguous lesions in the LMCA guided by ICUS findings showed to be safe and effective.

Reestenose associada à fratura de stent com liberação de sirolimus / Stent Fracture Associated to Restenosis in Sirolimus Eluting Sten

Os autores descrevem um caso de fratura de stent Cypher®. Inicialmente, a fratura foi acompanhada clinicamente (paciente era assintomático, sem evidência clara de isquemia à investigação não-invasiva). Entretanto, durante seguimento tardio, o paciente passou a apresentar sintomas de angina estável, necessitando de nova intervenção percutânea e, posteriormente, implante de novo stent farmacológico.

The authors describe a case of stent fracture following the use of Cypher®. Initially, the fracture was clinically approached (patient was asymptomatic with no clear evidence of ischemia in non-invasive assessment). However, during the long-term follow-up this patient started manifesting stable angina symptoms requiring new percutaneous intervention with additional drug-eluting stent implantation.

Pacientes com angina instável tratados por meio de intervenções coronarianas percutâneas no novo milênio: o que os caracteriza? / Unstable angina patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention in the new millennium: what characterizes them?

OBJETIVO: Identificar os perfis clínico/angiográfico e relacionados ao procedimento de pacientes com angina instável atendidos em um hospital terciário e tratados por meio de intervenções coronarianas percutâneas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de uma casuística consecutiva de 1.413 pacientes, selecionados a partir de um banco de dados informatizado e revascularizados percutaneamente no triênio 2002-2004. Não houve critérios de inclusão/exclusão. RESULTADOS: Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (74 por cento) e hipercolesterolemia (65 por cento) foram os fatores de risco clássicos para doença coronariana mais observados. Antecedentes de infarto do miocárdio e cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica foram respectivamente observados em 28 por cento e 24 por cento dos casos. Os subgrupos mais comumente tratados foram o IIB (48 por cento) e IIIB (28 por cento). O clopidogrel foi prescrito a 51 por cento dos pacientes, enquanto os inibidores IIb IIIa foram utilizados em 7 por cento. Doença coronariana multiarterial na cinecoronariografia diagnóstica ocorreu em 42 por cento dos casos. Lesões-alvo tipo B2 ou C foram tratadas em 64 por cento, das quais 94 por cento situavam-se em vasos naturais. Lesões reestenóticas foram dilatadas em 5 por cento dos pacientes. Todas as intervenções foram realizadas utilizando os stents coronarianos, a maioria dos quais (67 por cento) do tipo convencional. CONCLUSÕES: 1) os subgrupos IIB e IIIB foram os mais comumente tratados (76 por cento); 2) o clopidogrel foi o antitrombótico mais prescrito (51 por cento); 3) a coronariopatia multiarterial foi observada em 42 por cento dos casos, com predomínio de lesões-alvo complexas e situadas em vasos naturais; 4) a técnica de dilatação predominante foi o implante dos stents coronarianos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients with unstable angina seen at a tertiary hospital and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Study of a consecutive series of 1413 patients, selected from a computerized database, who underwent percutaneous revascularization in the three-year period of 2002-2004. There were no inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Systemic arterial hypertension (74 percent) and hypercholesterolemia (65 percent) were the classical risk factors for coronary disease most frequently observed. Coronary artery bypass grafting and history of myocardial infarction were found in 24 percent and 28 percent of the cases, respectively. The subgroups most commonly treated were the IIB (48 percent) and IIIB (28 percent). Clopidogrel was prescribed for 51 percent of the patients and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, for 7 percent. Multivessel disease evidenced by coronary angiography was detected in 42 percent of the cases. Type B2 or C lesions were treated in 64 percent, 94 percent of which in native vessels. Restenotic lesions were dilated in 5 percent of the patients. All interventions were performed using coronary stents, the majority of which (67 percent) were standard bare-metal stents. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Subgroups IIB and IIIB were the most frequently treated (76 percent); 2) Clopidogrel was the most prescribed antithrombotic agent (51 percent); 3) Multivessel coronary artery disease was found in 42 percent of the cases, most of which were complex target lesions located in native vessels; 4) Coronary stent implantation was the chief dilation technique used.

Tratamento do tromboembolismo pulmonar maciço por fragmentação percutânea do trombo / Treatment of massive pulmonary embolism by percutaneous fragmentation of the thrombus

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da fragmentação percutânea do trombo (FPT) no tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) maciço em pacientes com contra-indicação à administração de trombolíticos. MÉTODOS: Entre julho de 1999 e agosto de 2005, 10 pacientes (7 homens, 3 mulheres, idade média de 57±18 anos) com TEP maciço e contra-indicação à administração de trombolíticos foram submetidos a FPT. A saturação arterial de oxigênio (Sat.O2), índice de Walsh (IW), pressão arterial pulmonar média (PAP), pressão arterial sistêmica média (PAS) e função ventricular direita (FVD) ao ecocardiograma Doppler transtorácico foram avaliados pré e pós-procedimento. Foi realizada análise estatística por meio do teste de Wilcoxon pareado, sendo p significativo quando < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento por FPT houve melhora da Sat. O2 [87,4±1,3 por cento vs 92,3±3,1 por cento (p<0,001)], do IW [6,4±1,07 vs 4,4±1,42 (p=0,003), PAP [31,8±4,6 mmHg vs 25,5±3,4 mmHg (p<0,001)] e PAS [73,9±8,7 vs 85±8,3 (p=0,001). A FVD pré-procedimento percutâneo era grave nos 10 pacientes, porém até o 10° dia após a FPT passou a ser normal ou discreta em 8 e moderada em 1. Não houve complicações técnicas ou do sítio vascular de acesso relacionadas a FPT. Houve 1 óbito hospitalar (10 por cento). O paciente em questão foi o único em quem não se obteve sucesso com o procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A FPT mostrou-se segura pela ausência de complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. A melhora na Sat.O2, no IW, na PAP, na PAS e na FVD em 90 por cento dos casos, revelaram a eficácia do procedimento, sugerindo ser esse uma alternativa no tratamento do TEP maciço em pacientes com contra-indicação à trombolíticos sistêmicos.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous thrombus fragmentation (PTF) for massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with contraindications to the administration of thrombolytics. METHODS: Between July 1999 and August 2005, 10 patients (7 males, 3 females, age 57±18 years) with massive PE and contraindications to the administration of thrombolytics underwent PTF. A transthoracic doppler echocardiogram was used to evaluate arterial oxygen saturation (Sat O2), the Walsh index (WI), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), mean systemic blood pressure (SBP) and right ventricular function (RVF) before and after the procedure. Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired Wilcoxon test, of which p was significant when < 0.05. RESULTS: After the PTF treatment there was an improvement in Sat. O2 [87.4 ± 1.3 percent vs 92.3 ± 3.1 percent (p < 0.001)], WI [6.4 ± 1.07 vs 4.4 ± 1.42 (p = 0.003)], PAP [31.8 ± 4.6 mmHg vs 25.5 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.001)] and SBP [73.9 ± 8.7 vs 85 ± 8.3 (p = 0.001). The ten patients had severe RVF before the percutaneous treatment; however, within 10 days after PTF, 8 presented normal or discrete function and 1 presented mitigated function. There were no technical or vascular access site complications related to PTF. One patient died in the hospital (10 percent). The procedure was successful for the other nine patients. CONCLUSION: The lack of adverse complications related to the procedure, proves that PTF is safe. The improvement in Sat O2, WI, PAP, SBP and RVF in 90 percent of the cases demonstrates the efficacy of the procedure, indicating that it is an alternative treatment for massive PE in patients with contraindications for the administration of systemic thrombolytics.

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 / Adenosine myocardial perfusion SPECT with Tc-99m-MIBI in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease: correlation between quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound measurements

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer a correlação da cintilografia de perfusão do miocárdio (CPM) com Tecnécio 99m-MIBI (MIBI) e injeção de adenosina, empregando a angiografia coronária quantitativa (ACQ) e o ultra-som intracoronário (UIC) como comparação. MÉTODOS: Estudo de 70 pacientes com doença arterial coronária (DAC), encaminhados à CPM com MIBI e adenosina. As manifestações clínicas, do eletrocardiograma (ECG) e os resultados das imagens foram correlacionadas às variáveis da análise visual e quantitativa da angiografia, bem como ao UIC. RESULTADOS: A média de idades foi de 60,6 anos, com 39 pacientes do sexo masculino. A angiografia coronária evidenciou estenose do diâmetro da luz (E por cento) de 49,94 por cento em 105 artérias, com reavaliação à ACQ em 83 artérias (79 por cento) e média de 44,20 por cento, p<0,05. Infradesnível de ST durante adenosina associou-se a maiores graus de E por cento (55,0 por cento vs 47,8 por cento), p<0,05). A isquemia cintilográfica correlacionou-se a maior área porcentual de obstrução da luz pelo UIC (AO por cento). Os achados clínicos, do ECG e das imagens foram considerados em conjunto e expressos como respostas globais isquêmicas versus não-isquêmicas . A isquemia associou-se a menores valores do diâmetro mínimo da luz (DML) e da área mínima da luz (AML), obtidos à ACQ e ao UIC. CONCLUSAO: A cintilografia do miocárdio com 99mTc-MIBI e adenosina correlaciona-se à AO por cento ao UIC, considerando-se as imagens de perfusão. Na avaliação dos resultados globais da prova observa-se associação com os diâmetros e as áreas da luz nos locais de obstrução, obtidos à ACQ e ao UIC.

Utilidade do ultra-som intracoronariano na decisão do tratamento de pacientes com lesões duvidosas no tronco da coronária esquerda / The usefulness of intracoronary ultrasound in the treatment decision-making of patients with ambiguous lesions in the left main coronary artery

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a segurança e eficácia da estratégia de tratamento cirúrgico ou conservador em pacientes com de lesões duvidosas de tronco da coronária esquerda (TCE), baseada nos achados do ultra-som intracoronariano (USIC). MÉTODOS: Incluídos 66 pacientes consecutivos com lesões angiograficamente duvidosas no TCE submetidos a avaliação ao USIC. Foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com os achados do USIC. Grupo I, mantidos em tratamento clínico [área mínima da luz (AML) > 6,0 mm² e/ou diâmetro mínimo da luz (DML) > 2,5 mm] e Grupo II, encaminhados a revascularização (AML < 6,0 mm² e/ou DML < 2,5 mm). Avaliou-se a ocorrência de eventos cardíacos maiores (óbito, infarto agudo do miocárdio e/ou revascularização da lesão alvo) durante a evolução. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e um (62 por cento) pacientes foram alocados no Grupo I e 25 (38 por cento) no Grupo II. A média de seguimento foi de 42,1 meses. A angiografia coronariana não conseguiu diferenciar os dois grupos pela gravidade da lesão (DML 1,98 mm Grupo I versus 1,72 mm Grupo II, p = 0,75) ao contrário do USIC (DML 3,41 mm Grupo I versus 2,01 mm Grupo II, p < 0,001). Não houve óbito ou infarto do miocárdio no Grupo I. A sobrevida livre de eventos cardíacos maiores foi de 95 por cento no grupo I versus 87,5 por cento no Grupo II (p=ns). CONCLUSÃO: A estratégia de decisão de tratamento de pacientes com lesões angiograficamente duvidosas no TCE, guiada pelos achado do USIC, mostrou-se segura e eficaz.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment approach vs. conservative approach in patients with ambiguous lesions in the left main coronary artery (LMCA), based on intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) findings. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients with angiographically ambiguous lesions were included and submitted to ICUS assessment. They were divided in two groups, according to the ICUS findings. Group I was maintained under clinical treatment [minimal lumen area (MLA) > 6.0 mm² and/or minimal lumen diameter (MLD) > 2.5 mm] and Group II was submitted to revascularization (MLA < 6.0 mm² and/or MLD < 2.5 mm). The occurrence of major cardiac events (death, acute myocardial infarction and/or revascularization of the target lesion) was assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-one (62 percent) patients were allocated in Group I and 25 (38 percent) in Group II. Mean follow-up was 42.1 months. The coronary angiography did not differentiate the two groups regarding lesion severity (MLD 1.98 mm in Group I vs. 1.72 mm in Group II; p = 0.75) in opposition to ICUS (MLD 3.41 mm in Group I vs. 2.01 mm in Group II; p < 0.001). There was no death or myocardial infarction in Group I. The survival rate free of major cardiac events was 95 percent in Group I vs. 87.5 percent in Group II (p=ns). CONCLUSION: Treatment decision-making of patients with ambiguous lesions in the LMCA guided by ICUS findings showed to be safe and effective.

Hiper-homocisteinemia como fator de risco para doença aterosclerótica coronariana em idosos / Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic diseases in the elderly

OBJETIVO: Investigar se a hiper-homocisteinemia é fator de risco independente para doença aterosclerótica coronariana em idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle com 172 idosos, 88 pertencentes ao grupo controle e 84 ao grupo caso, que apresentavam cineangiocoronariografia solicitada por indicações clínicas. Angiografia coronariana quantitativa foi realizada em 91 por cento dos pacientes. Homocisteinemia foi avaliada sob forma contínua e categorizada, por análise univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Quando analisada sob forma contínua, verificou-se que, na análise univariada, os idosos do grupo caso apresentaram média de níveis de homocisteinemia significativamente mais elevada que a dos idosos do grupo controle (14,33±4,59 æmol/l versus 11,99± 4,59 æmol/l , p=0,015). Na análise multivariada, a homocisteinemia sob forma contínua associou-se a razão de risco para doença arterial coronariana de 1,07 a cada aumento de 1 æmol/l de nível de homocisteína. Aumento de 5 æmol/l correspondeu a razão de risco de 1,40. Quando analisada sob forma categorizada, definiu-se como hiper-homocisteinemia os valores encontrados acima do percentil 75 do grupo controle (14 æmol/l ). Hiper-homocisteinemia foi encontrada em 34 por cento dos idosos, sendo 37,3 por cento no grupo controle e 62,7 por cento no grupo caso (p=0,009). Na análise multivariada, a hiperhomocisteinemia constituiu fator de risco independente para doença aterosclerótica coronariana em idosos, com razão de risco para doença arterial coronariana de 2,03, intervalo de confiança 95 por cento, 1,02-4,03. CONCLUSAO: Hiper-homocisteinemia foi fator de risco independente para doença arterial coronariana em idosos.

Endocardite por Mycobacterium chelonei em prótese valvar / Endocarditis in Valvular Prosthesis Caused by Mycobacterium Chelonei

Male aged 40 year, with infective endocarditis in valvular prosthesis caused by Mycobacterium chelonei. This agent is unusual in this situation and rarely identified by the blood cultures

Emprego do 5-mononitrato de isossorbida no infarto agudo do miocárdio / Use of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in acute myocardial infarction

O emprego de nitratos no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio näo complicado tem sido objeto de discussäo. Neste trabalho estudou-se a açäo de 5-mononitrato de isossorbida, nitrato que se caracteriza por integral absorçäo pelo trato digestivo, além de näo ser metabolizado quando da primeira passagem pela circulaçäo êntero-hepática. Foram analisados 25 doentes internados nas primeiras horas de infarto e que fizeram uso de 60 mg/dia de 5-mononitrato de isossorbida. Além do controle clínico-laboratorial, foram medidas freqüência cardíaca e pressäo arterial sistólica e diastólica. O acompanhamento mostrou que a pressäo arterial sistólica caiu (p < 0,01) enquanto a pressäo arterial diastólica e a freqüência cardíaca näo se alteraram. Angina pós-infarto ocorreu em apenas 4 (16%) pacientes. Nenhum paciente apresentou sinais de extensäo do infarto ou deterioraçäo clínica. O único óbito observado, ocorreu no 6§ dia e deveu-se à insuficiência mitral aguda. A implicaçäo clínica deste estudo é de que o 5-mononitrato de isossorbida pode ser usado nesta fase sem o risco de provocar prejuízos hemodinâmicos ou estender o infarto, além de auxiliar na prevençäo da angina pós-infarto

Tratamento cirúrgico na endocardite infecciosa / Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis

PURPOSE--To analyse, retrospectively, 83 patients with infective endocarditis (IE) that were operated during the acute phase of the disease and to identify possible subgroups with distinct mortality. METHODS--Between 1985 to 1990, 83 patients comprised the subject of this analysis. Fifty-one (61) were male, aged between 3 months to 71 years, mean of 31.4 +/- 16.7 years. RESULTS--We could identify two subgroups that were most frequently operated on: the left side IE and the Staphylococcus aureus; and 77 (43) had left sided IE (p < 0.001). When discriminated accordingly to the specifically etiologic agent (Staphylococcus aureus) this difference continues to be statistically significant: of 29 left sided IE by this agent 13 (45) were operated on, whereas from 22 right sided IE by the same agents, just 3 (14) were operated on (p < 0.05). The two major etiologic agents did not show any statistically significant difference in the number of patients that needed to be operated on: on those 51 patients with Staphylococcus aureus IE, 16 (31) were treated surgically, while from the 60 patients with Streptococcus viridans, 22 (37) underwent to surgical procedure (p- NS). The mortality in the patients treated by surgery was 32, and those with Staphylococcus aureus IE were responsible for 46 of the total surgical deaths. CONCLUSION--Surgical treatment were most frequently used in the patient with left sided IE independently of the etiologic agent.

Objetivo − Analisar, retrospectivamente, 83 pacientes com endocardite infecciosa (EI) submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com objetivo final de identificar subgrupos com evolução distinta, principalmente quanto à mortalidade (grupos de risco). Métodos − Entre 1985 a 1990, 83 pacientes com EI submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca, sendo 51(61%) homens, com idade entre 3 meses e 71 (média 31,4 ± 16,7) anos. Resultados − Dois subgrupos de pacientes foram mais operados: os com EI do lado esquerdo e os com EI por Staphylococcus aureus. Dos 83 pacientes operados, em 77 a EI acometia as estruturas do lado esquerdo e em 6, as do lado direito (p<0,001). Se selecionados quanto a um agente etiológico (Staphylococcus aureus), esta tendência também se manteve: de 29 pacientes com EI do enquanto que dos 22 com EI do lado direito pelo mesmo agente, apenas 3 (14%) foram operados (p<0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no número de pacientes tratados cirurgicamente quando comparados os dois agentes mais freqüentes. Dos 51 com EI por Staphylococcus aureus, 16 (31%) foram operados, da mesma forma que de 60 pacientes com EI por Staphylococcus viridans, 22 (37%) também foram. A mortalidade nos pacientes operados foi de 32%. Aos pacientes com EI por Staphylococcus aureus associou-se maior risco cirúrgico, isto é, foram responsáveis por 46% do total de óbitos. Conclusão − O tratamento cirúrgico foi mais empregado nas EI do lado esquerdo do que do lado direito do coração independentemente do agente etiológico

Endocardite infecciosa em toxicômanos / Infectious endocarditis in drug addict

Objetivo - Através da comparaçäo entre dois grupos de pacientes com endocardite infecciosa (EI), toxicômanos, tentar estabelecer as particularidades em relaçäo aos vários aspectos que envolvem um paciente com endocardite decorrente do uso crônico de cocaína por via endovenosa. Método - No Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia e Hospital Emílio Ribas de Säo Paulo, no período de 1984 a 1990, foram atendidos 29 pacientes, grupo B, com diagnóstico clínico compatível com EI, que tinham como fator de risco a toxicomania parenteral por cocaína. Os dados obtidos em relaçäo aos agentes etiológicos, patologia cardíaca prévia, estruturas e evoluçäo clínico-cirúrgico do grupo B säo comparados com o grupo A (193 pacientes), constituíndo pelos demais pacientes também com endocardite, mas sem antecedentes de uso crônico endovenoso de cocaína. Os dois grupos foram analisados comparativamente segundo o teste do Qui quadrado com a correçäo de Yates. Resultados - Houve predominância do sexo masculino (89,7%) no grupo B em relaçäo ao grupo A(57,0%), p < 0,01. A presença de cardiopatia prévia, congênita ou adquirida, como antecedentes predisponente para a endocardite, foi encontrada em 89,1% dos pacientes do grupo A, significantemente maior que 17,2% dos pacients do grupo B (p , 0,001). O Staphyloccus aureus foi o agente mais freqüente responsável pelas endocardites do grupo B, com 86,4% dos casos, significantemente maior, quando comparado a 23,9% do grupo A (p , 0,01). O Streptococcus viridians por sua vez foi o agente etiológico mais freqüente nas endocardites do grupo A(44,8%), significantemente maior que no grupo B (4,5%), (p , 0.01). Dentre as estruturas acometidas, a válvula tricúspide foi a mais freqüente no grupo B (65,5%), significantemente maior que no grupo A (45,1%) em comparaçäo ao grupo B (6,9%) p < 0,05. No grupo A, 82 pacientes (42,7% (p < 0,001); em contrapartida, a válvula mitral foi significantemente mais acometida no grupo A (45,5%) em comparaçäo ao grupo B (6,9%) p < 0,05. No grupo A 82 pacientes (42,5%) necessitaram de tratamento cirúrgico, 3(10,3%) no grupo B (p < 0,05). Näo houve diferença estatísticamente significante quanto à mortalidade global (clínica e cirúrgica) nos dois grupos: grupo A com 26, 4 e grupo B com 17,2%. Conclusäo - a) presença de cardiopatia prévia predisponente foi menor, sugerindo contaminaçäo constante da corrente circulatória pelos agentes patológicos, principalmente aqueles encontrados na pele, como o Staphyl

Conseqüências do prolongamento do tempo de espera em pacientes candidatos à cirurgia cardiáca / Consequences of the prolonged waiting Time for patients candidates for heart surgery

OBJECTIVE - To assess mortality and the psychological repercussions of the prolonged waiting time for candidates for heart surgery. METHODS - From July 1999 to May 2000, using a standardized questionnaire, we carried out standardized interviews and semi-structured psychological interviews with 484 patients with coronary heart disease, 121 patients with valvular heart diseases, and 100 patients with congenital heart diseases. RESULTS - The coefficients of mortality (deaths per 100 patients/year) were as follows: patients with coronary heart disease, 5.6; patients with valvular heart diseases, 12.8; and patients with congenital heart diseases, 3.1 (p<0.0001). The survival curve was lower in patients with valvular heart diseases than in patients with coronary heart disease and congenital heart diseases (p<0.001). The accumulated probability of not undergoing surgery was higher in patients with valvular heart diseases than in the other patients (p<0.001), and, among the patients with valvular heart diseases, this probability was higher in females than in males (p<0.01). Several patients experienced intense anxiety and attributed their adaptive problems in the scope of love, professional, and social lives, to not undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION - Mortality was high, and even higher among the patients with valvular heart diseases, with negative psychological and social repercussions

Modificações eletrovetorcardiográficas após ablaçäo septal percutânea na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva e possíveis causas anatômicas / Vector electrocardiographic alterations after percutaneous septal ablation in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Possible anatomic causes

OBJECTIVE - Analyze the dromotropic disturbances (vector-electrocardiographic), and the possible anatomic causes, provoked by selective alcohol injection in the septal branch, for percutaneous treatment, of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS - Ten patients with a mean age of 52.7 years underwent percutaneous septal ablation (PTSA) from october 1998; all in functional class III/IV). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram was performed prior to and during PTSA, and later electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram according to Frank's method. The patients were followed up for 32 months. RESULTS - On electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to PTSA all patients had sinus rhythm and left atrial enlargement, 8 left ventricular hypertrophy of systolic pattern. On ECG immediately after PTSA, 8 had complete right bundle-branch block; 1 transient total atrioventricular block; 1 alternating transient bundle-branch block either right or hemiblock. On late ECG 8 had complete right bundle-branch block confirmed by vectorcardiogram, type 1 or Grishman. CONCLUSION - Septal fibrosis following alcohol injection caused a predominance of complete right bundle-branch block, different from surgery of myotomy/myectomy

Reoperaçäo em pacientes revascularizados / Reoperation in patients for myocardial revascularization

Um grupo de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularizaçäo do miocárdio pode vir a necessitar uma reoperaçäo tardia. Neste trabalho, discute-se quais os possíveis fatores determinantes deste evento, bem como o prognóstico imediato destes indivíduos. Foram analisados 261 (10,5%) pacientes, submetidos a reoperaçäo para revascularizaçäo isolada do miocárdio entre janeiro de 1984 e junho de 1986. Havia 109 (41%) hipertensos e 145 (55%) portdores de infarto do miocárdio prévio. A reoperaçäo foi indicada pela presença de lesöes no leito nativo das artérias em 66 (25%), por lesöes nos enxertos em 88 (33%) e por lesöes nos leitos nativos e nos enxertos em 107 (42%). O tempo de reoperaçäo foi de 7,1 ñ 3,3 anos, sendo 75% dos pacientes reoperados num intervalo superior a 6 anos. O número global de artérias mamárias obstruídas foi de 5 (20%) enquanto que 171 (75%) das pontes de veia safena apresentavam lesöes. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 23 (9%). Os autores discutem as relaçöes destes achados com a incidência da reoperaçäo bem como as possíveis causas da mortalidade elevada