Long-Term Effects of Pulmonary Valve Implantation and Prosthesis Evolution in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. / Efeitos de Longo Prazo do Implante Valvar Pulmonar e Evolução da Prótese em Pacientes com Tetralogia de Fallot Corrigida.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary valve regurgitation is a significant long-term complication in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of pulmonary valve implantation (PVI) on the anatomy and function of the right ventricle (RV) and the long-term evolution of the implanted prosthesis in the pulmonary position. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed in 56 consecutive patients with TOF who underwent PVI. The study included patients of both sexes, aged ≥ 12 years, and involved assessing clinical and surgical data, pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiogram data more than 1 year after PVI. RESULTS: After PVI, there was a significant decrease in RV end-systolic volume indexed by body surface area (BSA), from 89 mL/BSA to 69 mL/BSA (p < 0.001) and indexed RV end-diastolic volume, from 157 mL/BSA to 116 mL/BSA (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an increase in corrected RV ejection fraction [ RVEFC = net pulmonary flow (pulmonary forward flow - regurgitant flow) / R V end-diastolic volume ] from 23% to 35% (p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction from 58% to 60% (p = 0.008). However, a progressive increase in the peak pulmonary valve gradient was observed over time, with 25% of patients experiencing a gradient exceeding 60 mmHg. Smaller prostheses (sizes 19 to 23) were associated with a 4.3-fold higher risk of a gradient > 60 mmHg compared to larger prostheses (sizes 25 to 27; p = 0.029; confidence interval: 1.18 to 17.8). CONCLUSION: As expected, PVI demonstrated improvements in RV volumes and function. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are crucial for assessing the durability of the prosthesis and detecting potential complications. Proper sizing of prostheses is essential for improved prosthesis longevity.

Rare association between giant-cell aortitis and giant-cell aortic valvulitis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a type of chronic vasculitis that affects medium and large-caliber arteries, frequently related to aortic involvement and, consequently, to aneurysm formation. However, associated valvulitis with giant cells is uncommon. We describe the case of a 50-year-old female patient with aortic aneurysm and valvular insufficiency, whose anatomopathological examination revealed giant-cell aortic valvulitis associated with giant cell aortitis.

Computed tomography angiography in the planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a step-by-step approach.

Aortic valve stenosis is the most common acquired valvular heart disease. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is an important treatment option for symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients at any level of surgical risk. The role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) has expanded considerably in recent years, and it has now become the imaging method of choice for the planning of TAVR. Therefore, radiologists should understand the main aspects of this imaging modality, including the appropriate technique and protocol to acquire reliable CTA images and to create a useful radiology report. The aim of this study was to review the most important aspects of CTA for TAVR planning.

A estenose da válvula aórtica é a doença cardíaca valvar adquirida mais comum. A substituição transcateter da válvula aórtica (TAVR), ou implante transcateter da válvula aórtica, é uma importante opção no tratamento da estenose aórtica sintomática, independente do risco cirúrgico do paciente. O papel da angiotomografia computadorizada cresceu consideravelmente nos últimos anos e tornou-se o método de escolha no planejamento de TAVR. Assim, o radiologista deve compreender os principais aspectos dessa modalidade, incluindo técnica e protocolo, a fim de adquirir imagens confiáveis e compor um relatório para a realização do procedimento. O objetivo deste ensaio é revisar os pontos mais importantes que precisam ser avaliados na angiotomografia no planejamento de TAVR.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of icodextrin on left ventricular mass index in peritoneal dialysis.

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Because icodextrin has a greater ultrafiltration power compared with glucose-based solutions for long dwell, it could improve left ventricular mass by reducing fluid overload. This was a randomized clinical trial that included patients on PD recruited from 2 teaching hospitals, in Sao Paulo-Brazil. Patients were allocated to the control glucose group (GLU) or the intervention icodextrin (ICO) group. Clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance image (MRI) parameters were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcome was the change in left ventricular mass adjusted by surface area (ΔLVMI), measured by cardiac MRI. A total of 22 patients completed the study (GLU, N = 12 and ICO, N = 10). Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, underlying disease, and time on dialysis were similar in both groups. At baseline, 17 patients (77.3%) presented with left ventricular hypertrophy with no difference between groups (p = 0.748). According to the total body water (TBW)/extracellular water (ECW) ratio, 36.8% and 80% of patients from GLU and ICO groups, respectively, were considered hypervolemic (p = 0.044). During follow-up, ΔLVMI was 3.9 g/m (- 10.7, 2.2) in GLU and 5.2 (- 26.8, 16.8) in ICO group (p = 0.651). ΔLVMI correlated with change in brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.566, p = 0.044), which remained significant in a multiple regression analysis. The use of the icodextrin-based solution in prevalent patients on PD compared with a glucose-based solution was not able to improve LMV. A larger randomized trial with a longer follow-up period may be needed to show changes in LVM in this patient population.Trial registration: this study has been registered at ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos) under the identification #RBR-2mzhmj2, available at: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/pesquisador .

COVID-19 myocarditis: a case report.

A male patient with flu-like symptoms and tomography and laboratory diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome. He developed acute cardiac dysfunction during admission and was submitted to a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging examination, which confirmed acute myocarditis, indicating cardiac involvement by coronavirus disease 2019. A review and discussion about coronavirus disease 2019-related cardiac manifestations are reported, focusing on the imaging findings to make diagnosis.

Efeitos de Longo Prazo do Implante Valvar Pulmonar e Evolução da Prótese em Pacientes com Tetralogia de Fallot Corrigida / Long-Term Effects of Pulmonary Valve Implantation and Prosthesis Evolution in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

Resumo Fundamento A regurgitação valvar pulmonar é uma importante complicação de longo prazo em pacientes com tetralogia de Fallot (TF). Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar os efeitos do implante valvar pulmonar (IVP) na anatomia e função do ventrículo direito (VD) e na evolução em longo prazo da prótese implantada em posição pulmonar. Métodos Uma análise de coorte retrospectiva e unicêntrica foi realizada em 56 pacientes consecutivos com TF submetidos a IVP. O estudo incluiu pacientes de ambos os gêneros, com idade ≥ 12 anos e compreendeu avaliação de dados clínicos e cirúrgicos, ressonância magnética cardiovascular pré e pós-operatória e dados ecocardiográficos obtidos mais de 1 ano após IVP. Resultados Após o IVP, houve uma diminuição significativa do volume sistólico final do VD indexado pela área de superfície corpórea (ASC), de 89 mL/ASC para 69 mL/ASC (p < 0,001) e do volume diastólico final indexado do VD, de 157 mL/ASC para 116 mL/ASC (p < 0,001). Além disso, houve aumento da fração de ejeção corrigida do VD [ FEVDc = fluxo pulmonar ajustado (fluxo pulmonar anterógrado − fluxo regurgitante) / volume diastólico final do VD ] de 23% para 35% (p < 0,001) e da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 58% para 60% (p = 0,008). No entanto, foi observado um aumento progressivo no gradiente de pico da válvula pulmonar ao longo do tempo, com 25% dos pacientes apresentando um gradiente superior a 60 mmHg. Próteses menores (tamanhos 19 a 23) foram associadas a um risco 4,3 vezes maior de gradiente > 60 mmHg em comparação com próteses maiores (tamanhos 25 a 27; p = 0,029; intervalo de confiança: 1,18 a 17,8). Conclusão Conforme esperado, o IVP demonstrou melhorias nos volumes e na função do VD. O acompanhamento e a vigilância a longo prazo são cruciais para avaliar a durabilidade da prótese e detectar potenciais complicações. O dimensionamento adequado das próteses é essencial para melhorar a longevidade da prótese.

Abstract Background Pulmonary valve regurgitation is a significant long-term complication in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of pulmonary valve implantation (PVI) on the anatomy and function of the right ventricle (RV) and the long-term evolution of the implanted prosthesis in the pulmonary position. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed in 56 consecutive patients with TOF who underwent PVI. The study included patients of both sexes, aged ≥ 12 years, and involved assessing clinical and surgical data, pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiogram data more than 1 year after PVI. Results After PVI, there was a significant decrease in RV end-systolic volume indexed by body surface area (BSA), from 89 mL/BSA to 69 mL/BSA (p < 0.001) and indexed RV end-diastolic volume, from 157 mL/BSA to 116 mL/BSA (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an increase in corrected RV ejection fraction [ RVEFC = net pulmonary flow (pulmonary forward flow − regurgitant flow) / R V end-diastolic volume] from 23% to 35% (p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction from 58% to 60% (p = 0.008). However, a progressive increase in the peak pulmonary valve gradient was observed over time, with 25% of patients experiencing a gradient exceeding 60 mmHg. Smaller prostheses (sizes 19 to 23) were associated with a 4.3-fold higher risk of a gradient > 60 mmHg compared to larger prostheses (sizes 25 to 27; p = 0.029; confidence interval: 1.18 to 17.8). Conclusion As expected, PVI demonstrated improvements in RV volumes and function. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are crucial for assessing the durability of the prosthesis and detecting potential complications. Proper sizing of prostheses is essential for improved prosthesis longevity.

Rare association between giant-cell aortitis and giant-cell aortic valvulitis

ABSTRACT Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a type of chronic vasculitis that affects medium and large-caliber arteries, frequently related to aortic involvement and, consequently, to aneurysm formation. However, associated valvulitis with giant cells is uncommon. We describe the case of a 50-year-old female patient with aortic aneurysm and valvular insufficiency, whose anatomopathological examination revealed giant-cell aortic valvulitis associated with giant cell aortitis.

Computed tomography angiography in the planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a step-by-step approach / Angiotomografia computadorizada no planejamento de substituição transcateter da válvula aórtica: uma abordagem passo a passo

Abstract Aortic valve stenosis is the most common acquired valvular heart disease. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is an important treatment option for symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients at any level of surgical risk. The role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) has expanded considerably in recent years, and it has now become the imaging method of choice for the planning of TAVR. Therefore, radiologists should understand the main aspects of this imaging modality, including the appropriate technique and protocol to acquire reliable CTA images and to create a useful radiology report. The aim of this study was to review the most important aspects of CTA for TAVR planning.

Resumo A estenose da válvula aórtica é a doença cardíaca valvar adquirida mais comum. A substituição transcateter da válvula aórtica (TAVR), ou implante transcateter da válvula aórtica, é uma importante opção no tratamento da estenose aórtica sintomática, independente do risco cirúrgico do paciente. O papel da angiotomografia computadorizada cresceu consideravelmente nos últimos anos e tornou-se o método de escolha no planejamento de TAVR. Assim, o radiologista deve compreender os principais aspectos dessa modalidade, incluindo técnica e protocolo, a fim de adquirir imagens confiáveis e compor um relatório para a realização do procedimento. O objetivo deste ensaio é revisar os pontos mais importantes que precisam ser avaliados na angiotomografia no planejamento de TAVR.

COVID-19 myocarditis: a case report / Miocardite na COVID-19: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT A male patient with flu-like symptoms and tomography and laboratory diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome. He developed acute cardiac dysfunction during admission and was submitted to a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging examination, which confirmed acute myocarditis, indicating cardiac involvement by coronavirus disease 2019. A review and discussion about coronavirus disease 2019-related cardiac manifestations are reported, focusing on the imaging findings to make diagnosis.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino apresentando síndrome gripal aguda com diagnóstico tomográfico e laboratorial de infecção por síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Evoluiu com disfunção cardíaca aguda durante a internação, motivo pelo qual foi submetido à ressonância magnética cardíaca, que confirmou miocardite aguda, indicando acometimento cardíaco por COVID-19. Foram realizadas revisão e discussão sobre o acometimento cardíaco na COVID-19, com ênfase nos aspectos por imagem para o diagnóstico.

Coronary computed tomography angiography with 320-row detector and using the AIDR-3D: initial experience.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) is a powerful non-invasive imaging method to evaluate coronary artery disease. Nowadays, coronary CTA estimated effective radiation dose can be dramatically reduced using state-of-the-art scanners, such as 320-row detector CT (320-CT), without changing coronary CTA diagnostic accuracy. To optimize and further reduce the radiation dose, new iterative reconstruction algorithms were released recently by several CT manufacturers, and now they are used routinely in coronary CTA. This paper presents our first experience using coronary CTA with 320-CT and the Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D (AIDR-3D). In addition, we describe the current indications for coronary CTA in our practice as well as the acquisition standard protocols and protocols related to CT application for radiation dose reduction. In conclusion, coronary CTA radiation dose can be dramatically reduced following the "as low as reasonable achievable" principle by combination of exam indication and well-documented technics for radiation dose reduction, such as beta blockers, low-kV, and also the newest iterative dose reduction software as AIDR-3D.