Acute total occlusion of the unprotected left main coronary artery: Patient characteristics and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acute total occlusion of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a dramatic event. There are limited data regarding this population. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients and to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients presenting with acute (<12 h) myocardial infarction due to total occlusion of the LMCA (TIMI flow 0) between January 2008 and December 2020 in three tertiary hospitals. RESULTS: During this period, 11036 emergent coronary angiographies were performed, 59 (0.5%) of which revealed acute total occlusion of the LMCA. Patients' mean age was 61.2 (SD±12.2) years and 73% were male. No patients had left dominance. At presentation, 73% were in cardiogenic shock, aborted cardiac arrest occurred in 27% and 97% underwent myocardial revascularization. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 90% of cases and angiographic success was achieved in 56% of procedures, while 7% of patients underwent surgical revascularization. In-hospital mortality was 58%. Among survivors, 92% and 67% were alive after one and five years, respectively. After multivariate analysis, only cardiogenic shock and angiographic success were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Use of mechanical circulatory support and presence of well-developed collateral circulation were not predictive of short-term prognosis. CONCLUSION: Acute total occlusion of the LMCA is associated with a dismal prognosis. Cardiogenic shock and angiographic success play a major role in predicting the prognosis of these patients. The effect of mechanical circulatory support on patient prognosis remains to be determined.

Effectiveness and safety of non-invasive ventilation in the management of cardiogenic shock.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiogenic shock (CS) has long been considered a contraindication for the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness, measured as NIV success, in patients with respiratory failure due to CS. As secondary objective, we studied risk factors for NIV failure and compared the outcome of patients treated with NIV versus invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). METHODS: Retrospective study on a prospective database, over a period of 25 years, of all consecutively patients admitted to an intensive care unit, with a diagnosis of CS and treated with NIV. A comparison was made between patients on NIV and patients on IMV using propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were included, mean age 73.8 years, mean SAPS II 49. The main cause of CS was acute myocardial infarction (AMI): 164 (54.7%). NIV failure occurred in 153 (51%) cases. Independent factors for NIV failure included D/E stages of CS, AMI, NIV related complications, and being transferred from the ward. In the propensity analysis, hospital mortality (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.63) and 1 year mortality (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.04-2.51) was higher in IMV. Mortality was lower with NIV (vs. EIT-IMV) in C stage (10.1% vs. 32.9%; p<0.001) but did not differ in D stage or E stage. CONCLUSIONS: NIV seems to be relatively effective and safe in the treatment of early-stage CS.

[Treatment of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular involvement]. / Tratamiento del choque cardiogénico con compromiso ventricular derecho.

The right ventricle is susceptible to changes in preload, afterload, and contractility. The answer is its dilation with dysfunction/acute failure; filling is limited to the left ventricle and cardiac output. Systemic venous congestion is retrograde to the right heart, it is involved in the genesis of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricle involvement. This form of shock is less well known than that which occurs due to left ventricular failure, therefore, treatment may differ. Once the primary treatment has been carried out, since no response is obtained, supportive treatment aimed at ventricular pathophysiology will be the next option. It is suggested to evaluate the preload for the reasoned indication of liquids, diuretics or even ultrafiltration. Restore or maintain heart rate and sinus rhythm, treat symptomatic bradycardia, arrhythmias that make patients unstable, use of temporary pacing or cardioversion procedures. Improving contractility and vasomotility, using vasopressors and inotropes, alone or in combination, the objective will be to improve right coronary perfusion pressure. Balance the effect of drugs and maneuvers on preload and/or afterload, such as mechanical ventilation, atrial septostomy and pulmonary vasodilators. And the increasing utility of mechanical support of the circulation that has become a useful tool to preserve/restore right heart function.

El ventrículo derecho es susceptible a cambios en la precarga, poscarga y la contractilidad y la respuesta fisiopatológica es la dilatación con disfunción/falla aguda lo que limita el llenado del ventrículo izquierdo y el gasto cardiaco. La congestión venosa sistémica, está implicada en la génesis del choque cardiogénico con compromiso del ventrículo derecho. Esta forma de choque es menos conocida que la que sucede por falla ventricular izquierda, por ende, el tratamiento puede diferir. La primera línea de tratamiento son las medidas de soporte y en caso de no funcionar, el tratamiento dirigido a la fisiopatología ventricular será la siguiente opción. Se sugiere evaluar la precarga para la indicación razonada de líquidos, diuréticos o la ultrafiltración. Restaurar o mantener la frecuencia cardiaca y el ritmo sinusal, tratar la bradicardia sintomática, las arritmias que inestabilizan a los pacientes, el uso de marcapaso temporal o procedimientos de cardioversión. Mejorar la contractilidad y vasomotilidad a través del uso de vasopresores e inotrópicos, solos o combinados, el objetivo será mejorar la presión de perfusión coronaria derecha. Balancear el efecto de fármacos y maniobras en la precarga y/o poscarga, como la ventilación mecánica, septostomía atrial y vasodilatadores pulmonares. Y la creciente utilidad del soporte mecánico de la circulación que se ha convertido en una herramienta útil para preservar/restaurar la función cardiaca derecha.

Clinical presentation and outcomes of acute heart failure in the critically ill patient: A prospective, observational, multicentre study.

AIMS: To assess the clinical profile and factors associated with 30-day mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre cohort study. SCOPE: Thirty-two Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: Adult patients admitted to the ICU between April and June 2017. INTERVENTION: Patients were classified into three groups according to AHF status: without AHF (no AHF); AHF as the primary reason for ICU admission (primary AHF); and AHF developed during the ICU stay (secondary AHF). MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Incidence of AHF and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4330 patients were included. Of these, 627 patients (14.5%) had primary (n=319; 7.4%) or secondary (n=308; 7.1%) AHF. Among the main precipitating factors, fluid overload was more common in the secondary AHF group than in the primary group (12.9% vs 23.4%, p<0.001). Patients with AHF had a higher risk of 30-day mortality than those without AHF (OR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.93-3.11). APACHE II, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular ejection fraction, early inotropic therapy, and diagnostic delay were independently associated with 30-day mortality in AHF patients. Diagnostic delay was associated with a significant increase in 30-day mortality in the secondary group (OR 6.82; 95% CI 3.31-14.04). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of primary and secondary AHF was similar in this cohort of ICU patients. The risk of developing AHF in ICU patients can be reduced by avoiding modifiable precipitating factors, particularly fluid overload. Diagnostic delay was associated with significantly higher mortality rates in patients with secondary AHF.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use in cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction: The Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicates 5-10% of cases of myocardial infarction (MI). Whether glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) are beneficial in these patients is controversial. Our aim is to assess the prognostic impact of GPI use on in-hospital mortality and outcomes in patients with MI and CS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between October 2010 and December 2019, 27578 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients were included in the multicenter Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes. Of these, 357 with an MI complicated by CS were included in the analysis and grouped based on whether they received GPI therapy (with GPI, n=107 and without GPI, n=250). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included successful PCI and in-hospital reinfarction and major bleeding. RESULTS: Demographics and cardiovascular risk factors did not differ between groups. ST-elevation MI patients were more likely to receive GPIs (95% vs. 83%, p=0.002). In-hospital mortality was similar between groups (OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.96-3.37). Only age and the use of inotropes or intra-aortic balloon pump were predictors of mortality. Also, no differences between groups were noted for successful PCI (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.62-4.06), reinfarction (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.15-3.90), or major bleeding (OR 1.68, 95% CI 0.75-3.74). CONCLUSION: The use of GPIs in the context of MI with CS did not significantly impact in-hospital outcomes.

Rescue percutaneous repair of ischemic acute severe mitral regurgitation.

Acute severe mitral regurgitation (MR) because of secondary left ventricular impaired regional contractility can present with severe acute heart failure, associated with a high risk for rapid decompensation, pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. Frequently, in these highly unstable patients, surgical risk can be prohibitive. Evidence for percutaneous repair of acute MR is scarce, but a few case series show that this approach could be safe and effective for bailing out hemodynamically unstable patients. We report a case of an 84-year-old man with acute ischemic severe MR post-acute myocardial infarction (MI), who remained hemodynamically unstable despite coronary revascularization, positive pressure non-invasive ventilation, vasodilator therapy and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. In heart team discussions, he was considered a high risk surgical candidate. We decided on rescue off-label percutaneous mitral valve repair with a MitraClip device (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California), with good clinical result, allowing weaning from the supports and discharge seven days after the procedure. At one-year follow-up, the patient maintained a MV repair results and had a good functional status. In unstable patients with acute ischemic MR, percutaneous MV repair could be a rescue therapeutic option to consider, allowing hemodynamic compensation with potential persistent MR improvement up to one-year follow-up.

Impella support for cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The use of mechanical circulatory support is increasing in cases of cardiogenic shock (CS) and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI). The Impella® is a percutaneous ventricular assist device that unloads the left ventricle by ejecting blood to the ascending aorta. We report our center's experience with the use of the Impella® device in these two clinical settings. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study including all consecutive patients implanted with the Impella® between 2007 and 2019 for CS treatment or prophylactic support of HR-PCI. Data on clinical and safety endpoints were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included: 12 were treated for CS and 10 underwent an HR-PCI procedure. In the CS-treated population, the main cause of CS was acute myocardial infarction (five patients); hemolysis was the most frequent device-related complication (63.7%). In-hospital, cumulative 30-day and one-year mortality were 58.3%, 66.6% and 83.3%, respectively. In the HR-PCI group, all patients had multivessel disease (mean baseline SYNTAX I score: 44.1±13.7). In-hospital, 30-day and one-year mortality were 10.0%, 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively. There were no device- or procedure-related deaths in either group. CONCLUSION: The short- and long-term results of Impella®-supported HR-PCI were comparable to those in the literature. In the CS group, in-hospital and short-term outcomes were poor, with high mortality and non-negligible complication rates.

Desfechos Hospitalares do Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST em Pacientes Positivos para COVID-19 que Passaram por Intervenção Percutânea Primária / In-Hospital Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Positive Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Intervention

Resumo Fundamento A infecção concomitante por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) e o infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) estão associados ao aumento de desfechos adversos hospitalares. Objetivos O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças angiográficas, de procedimentos, laboratoriais e prognósticas em pacientes positivos e negativos para COVID-19 com IAMCSST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICP). Métodos Realizamos um estudo observacional retrospectivo e unicêntrico entre novembro de 2020 e agosto de 2022 em um hospital de nível terciário. De acordo com o seu estado, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos (positivo ou negativo para COVID-19). Todos os pacientes foram internados por IAMCSST confirmado e foram tratados com ICP primária. Os desfechos hospitalares e angiográficos foram comparados entre os dois grupos. P-valores bilaterais <0,05 foram aceitos como estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Dos 494 pacientes com IAMCSST inscritos nesse estudo, 42 foram identificados como positivos para COVID-19 (8,5%) e 452, como negativos. Os pacientes que testaram positivos para COVID-19 tiveram um tempo isquêmico total maior do que os pacientes que testaram negativos para COVID-19 (p = 0,006). Além disso, esses pacientes apresetaram um aumento na trombose de stent (7,1% vs. 1,7%, p = 0,002), no tempo de internação (4 dias vs. 3 dias, p = 0,018), no choque cardiogênico (14,2% vs. 5,5%, p = 0,023) e na mortalidade hospitalar total e cardíaca (p <0,001 e p = 0,032, respectivamente). Conclusões Pacientes com IAMCSST com infecções concomitantes por COVID-19 foram associados ao aumento de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores. Mais estudos são necessários para compreender os mecanismos exatos dos desfechos adversos nesses pacientes.

Abstract Background Concomitant coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with increased adverse in-hospital outcomes. Objectives This study aimded to evaluate the angiographic, procedural, laboratory, and prognostic differences in COVID-19-positive and negative patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between November 2020 and August 2022 in a tertiary-level hospital. According to their status, patients were divided into two groups (COVID-19 positive and negative). All patients were admitted due to confirmed STEMI and treated with primary PCI. In-hospital and angiographic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Two-sided p-values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results Of the 494 STEMI patients enrolled in this study, 42 were identified as having a positive dagnosis for COVID-19 (8.5%), while 452 were negative. The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a longer total ischemic time than did those who tested negative for COVID-19 (p=0.006). Moreover, these patients presented an increase in stent thrombosis (7.1% vs. 1.7%, p=0.002), length of hospitalization (4 days vs. 3 days, p= 0.018), cardiogenic shock (14.2% vs. 5.5 %, p= 0.023), and in-hospital total and cardiac mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). Conclusions Patients with STEMI with concomitant COVID-19 infections were associated with increased major adverse cardiac events. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of adverse outcomes in these patients.

Custo-Efetividade da Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea Venoarterial no Choque Cardiogênico Refratário: Um Estudo na Perspectiva Brasileira / Cost-Utility of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: A Brazilian Perspective Study

Resumo Fundamento O choque cardiogênico (CC) refratário está associado com altas taxas de mortalidade, e o uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial (VA-ECMO, do inglês venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) como uma opção terapêutica tem gerado discussões. Nesse sentido, sua custo-efetividade, principalmente em países de baixa e média renda como o Brasil, continua incerto.Objetivos: Conduzir uma análise de custo-efetividade na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para avaliar a custo-efetividade de VA-ECMO combinado com o tratamento padrão em comparação ao tratamento padrão isolado em pacientes adultos com CC refratário. Métodos Acompanhamos uma coorte de pacientes com CC refratário tratados com VA-ECMO em centros de assistência terciária do sul brasileiro. Coletamos dados de desfechos e custos hospitalares. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática para complementar nossos dados e usamos o modelo de Markov para estimar a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) por ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade (QALY) e por ano de vida ganho. Resultados Na análise do caso-base, a VA-ECMO gerou uma RCEI de Int$ 37 491 por QALY. Análises de sensibilidade identificaram o custo de internação, o risco relativo de sobrevida, e a sobrevida do grupo submetido à VA-ECMO como principais variáveis influenciando os resultados. A análise de sensibilidade probabilística mostrou um benefício do uso de VA-ECMO, com uma probabilidade de 78% de custo-efetividade no limiar recomendado de disposição a pagar. Conclusões Nosso estudo sugere que, dentro do SUS, VA-ECMO pode ser uma terapia custo-efetiva para o CC refratário. Contudo, a escassez de dados sobre a eficácia e de ensaios clínicos recentes que abordem seus benefícios em subgrupos específicos de pacientes destaca a necessidade de mais pesquisas. Ensaios clínicos rigorosos, incluindo perfis diversos de pacientes, são essenciais para confirmar a custo-efetividade com uso de VA-ECMO e assegurar acesso igualitário a intervenções médicas avançadas dentro dos sistemas de saúde, especialmente em países com desigualdades socioeconômicas como o Brasil.

Abstract Background Refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high mortality rates, and the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a therapeutic option has generated discussions. Therefore, its cost-effectiveness, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil, remains uncertain.Objectives: To conduct a cost-utility analysis from the Brazilian Unified Health System perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of VA-ECMO combined with standard care compared to standard care alone in adult refractory CS patients. Methods We followed a cohort of refractory CS patients treated with VA-ECMO in tertiary care centers located in Southern Brazilian. We collected data on hospital outcomes and costs. We conducted a systematic review to supplement our data and utilized a Markov model to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and per life-year gained. Results In the base-case analysis, VA-ECMO yielded an ICER of Int$ 37,491 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses identified hospitalization cost, relative risk of survival, and VA-ECMO group survival as key drivers of results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis favored VA-ECMO, with a 78% probability of cost-effectiveness at the recommended willingness-to-pay threshold. Conclusions Our study suggests that, within the Brazilian Health System framework, VA-ECMO may be a cost-effective therapy for refractory CS. However, limited efficacy data and recent trials questioning its benefit in specific patient subsets highlight the need for further research. Rigorous clinical trials, encompassing diverse patient profiles, are essential to confirm cost-effectiveness and ensure equitable access to advanced medical interventions within healthcare systems, particularly in socio-economically diverse countries like Brazil.

Insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a mordedura de serpiente. La visión del intensivista: Reporte de caso / Heart failure secondary to a snake bite. The intensivist's vision: Case Report

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El accidente ofídico es una enfermedad desatendida que afecta a los países tropicales. América Latina es la segunda región después de África, con mayor número de casos a nivel mundial. Su curso clínico incluye lesiones locales hasta afectaciones sistémicas como lesiones renales, hematológicas y neurológicas. Las complicaciones cardiacas son raras, especialmente en pacientes que no tienen factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Hay reportes de infarto agudo de miocardio, pero existe poca información sobre la insuficiencia cardíaca debida a Bothrops spp. Reporte de caso: Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 25 años sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular que fue admitido en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y desarrolló insuficiencia cardíaca con choque cardiogénico y fallo multiorgánico secundario a una mordedura de serpiente. Conclusiones: Aunque el curso clínico característico de un accidente ofídico bothrópico y sus manifestaciones sistémicas están principalmente relacionadas con anomalías de la coagulación, hay complicaciones cardiovasculares dentro de su presentación clínica que, aunque raras, si no se detectan prontamente y no se manejan adecuadamente, están asociadas con alta morbilidad y mortalidad.

ABSTRACT Background: Ophidic accident is a neglected disease that affects tropical countries. Latin America is the second region after Africa, with the most cases worldwide. Local lesions accompany its clinical course up to systemic affectations such as renal, hematological, and neurological lesions. Cardiac complications are rare, especially in patients who do not have cardiovascular risk factors. There are reports of acute myocardial infarction, but there is little information about heart failure due to Bothrops spp. Case report: We present the case of a 25-year-old man without cardiovascular risk factors who was admitted to the intensive care unit and developed heart failure with cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to a snake bite. Conclusions: Although the characteristic clinical course of a bothropic ophidian accident and its systemic manifestations are mainly related to coagulation abnormalities, there are cardiovascular complications within its clinical presentation that, although rare, if not detected promptly and not adequately managed, are associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Levosimendan in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Cardiac shock is the leading cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether levosimendan, compared to any type of control, is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register, and China National Knowledge Information databases were searched for pertinent studies published up until 1 May 2016. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials comparing levosimendan to standard therapy or placebo, in adult patients with cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction, and reporting at least one outcome of interest were included. The primary outcome was mortality, whereas secondary outcomes were length of ICU stay, SOFA score, cardiac index (CI), cardiac power index (CPI), ejection fraction (EF), end-systolic volume (ESV), mean blood pressure (MBP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using fixed and random effects models. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising a total of 648 patients were included in the analysis. There was a nonsignificant reduction in mortality with levosimendan compared to the controls (RR=0.82 [0.65-1.01], P for effect=0.07, I2=0%). In the levosimendan group PAP and ESV were significantly reduced, while CI, CPI, EF, MBP and SvO2 were significantly increased. No differences in SOFA score, ICU days, PAOP or GFR were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan can improve hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function when compared with a control group, with no evidence of benefit in terms of survival.

Exactitud diagnóstica de la integral tiempo-velocidad del tracto de salida para choque cardiogénico: cohorte prospectiva / Diagnostic accuracy of the integral time-velocity of the outflow tract for cardiogenic shock: prospective cohort / Precisão diagnóstica da integral tempo-velocidade da via de saída para choque cardiogênico: coorte prospectiva

Resumen: Introducción: el choque cardiogénico (CC) es un estado de hipoperfusión sistémica causado por disfunción cardíaca severa. La medición de la integral tiempo-velocidad del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (ITV-TSVI, por sus siglas en inglés) < 15 cm permite evaluar la presencia del choque. Objetivo: evaluar a la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm como predictor de choque cardiogénico en el paciente con infarto agudo de miocardio anterior con elevación del segmento ST (IAM-ST). Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo realizado de mayo a octubre de 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes con IAM-ST anterior y revascularización mediante intervencionismo coronario percutáneo. Se midió mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica la ITV-TSVI, se registraron y compararon las variables demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con ITV-TSVI < 15 cm versus aquéllos con ITV-TSVI ≥ 15 cm y se calculó la exactitud diagnóstica de la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para predecir choque cardiogénico. Resultados: se analizaron los datos de 50 pacientes con media de edad: 63.5 ± 9.9 años, 70% fueron hombres, 54% tuvieron choque cardiogénico y la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm se presentó en 95.8% de los pacientes con choque cardiogénico. La exactitud diagnóstica del ITV-TSVI < 15 cm en choque cardiogénico en pacientes con IAM-ST anterior mostró sensibilidad de 85% y especificidad de 96%, con área bajo la curva: 0.90 (IC 95%: 0.81-0.99). Conclusión: el ITV-TSVI < 15 cm en pacientes con IAM-ST anterior tiene una exactitud diagnóstica muy buena para la predicción del choque cardiogénico.

Abstract: Introduction: cardiogenic shock (CC) is a state of systemic hypoperfusion caused by severe cardiac dysfunction. The measurement of the integral time-velocity of the left ventricular outflow tract (ITV-LVOT) < 15 cm allows to evaluate the presence of shock. Objective: to evaluate the ITV-TSVI < 15 cm as a predictor of cardiogenic shock in the patient with ST-segment elevation anterior acute myocardial infarction (ST-AMI). Material and methods: prospective observational study conducted from May to October 2019. Patients with previous ST-AMI and revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention were included. TVI-LVOT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, the demographic and clinical variables of patients with TVI-LVOT < 15 cm vs. those with TVI-LVOT ≥ 15 cm were recorded and compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of TVI-LVOT < 15 cm to predict cardiogenic shock was calculated. Results: data from 50 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 63.5 ± 9.9 years, 70% were men, 54% had cardiogenic shock, and TVI-LVOT < 15 cm occurred in 95.8% of those patients with shock. cardiogenic. The diagnostic accuracy of the TVI-LVOT < 15 cm for cardiogenic shock in patients with anterior ST-AMI showed sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 96%, with area under the curve: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81-0.99). Conclusion: The TVI-LVOT < 15 cm in patients with anterior ST-AMI has a very good diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of cardiogenic shock.

Resumo: Introdução: o choque cardiogênico (CC) é um estado de hipoperfusão sistêmica causado por disfunções cardíacas severas. A medição da integral velocidade-tempo da vía de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (ITV-TSVI, por suas siglas em inglês) < 15 cm permite avaliar a presença do choque. Objetivo: avaliar a integral tempo-velocidade da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (ITV-TSVI) < 15 cm como preditor de choque cardiogênico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio anterior com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAM-ST). Material e métodos: estudo observacional prospectivo realizado de maio a outubro de 2019. Incluíram-se pacientes com IAM-ST anterior e revascularização por intervenção coronária percutânea. Mediu-se por ecocardiografia transtorácica a ITV-TSVI, foram registradas e comparadas as variáveis demográficas e clínicas de pacientes com ITV-TSVI < 15 cm versus aqueles com ITV-TSVI ≥ 15 cm, e calculo-se a precisão diagnóstica de ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para prever o choque cardiogênico. Resultados: analizaram-se dados de 50 pacientes com idade média de 63.5 (± 9.9) anos, 70% eram homens, 54% apresentavam choque cardiogênico e ITV-TSVI < 15 cm apresentou-se em 95.8% dos pacientes com choque cardiogênico. A precisão diagnóstica do ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para choque cardiogênico em pacientes com IAM-ST anterior apresentou sensibilidade de 85% e especificidade de 96%, com área sob a curva: 0.90 (IC 95%: 0.81-0.99). Conclusão: ITV-TSVI < 15 cm em pacientes com IAM-ST anterior tem uma precisão diagnóstica muito boa para prever o choque cardiogênico.

Stress induced cardiomyopathy due to a Mexican earthquake.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy mainly occurs in postmenopausal women, with or without cardiovascular disease, and is commonly associated with emotional or physical stress. After nearly 27 years of extensive efforts towards a better understanding of this disorder, current knowledge remains limited. Many people suffer post-traumatic stress, and this situation can be associated to stress cardiomyopathy. The case is presented of a female who suffers stress associated with the earthquake of 19 September 2017 in Mexico City, and arrived in the Emergency Department in cardiogenic shock.

[Analysis of mortality and hospital stay in cardiac surgery in Mexico 2015: Data from the National Cardiology Institute]. / Análisis de mortalidad y estancia hospitalaria en cirugía cardiaca en México 2015: datos del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse hospital mortality in patients subjected to cardiac surgery in Mexico during the year 2015, and identify the mortality risks factors, and its correlation with days of hospital stay in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. METHOD: The database of Cardiovascular Intensive Care of the National Institute of Cardiology was examined for this cases and controls study that included only adult patients subjected to cardiac surgery during the year 2015. RESULTS: A total of 571 patients were subjected to a surgical procedure. The predominant indication was single or multiple valve replacement surgery, followed by coronary revascularisation surgery, and correction of adult congenital heart disease. Overall mortality was 9.2, and 8% died in intensive care. The main risk factors for death were preoperative organ failure or pulmonary hypertension, and prolonged time with extracorporeal circulation. The primary cause of death was secondary to cardiogenic shock. The hospital mortality observed in this population was higher for patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, complex aortic disease surgery, and valvular surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Mexico differs slightly from that reported in the world literature, primarily because there were more multivalvular surgeries and mixed complex procedures performed.

Determinación del riesgo de muerte por afecciones vasculares en hipertensos de la población peruana 2021-2022

Objetivo: determinar el riesgo de muerte inmediata por eventos vasculares en hipertensos de la población peruana en el periodo 2021-2022 Metodología: estudio observacional, de casos y controles basado en datos del sistema nacional de defunciones del instituto nacional de estadística e informática del Perú entre enero de 2021 a agosto de 2022. Fueron incluidos todos los pacientes, hipertensos y no hipertensos, que fallecieron por alguna de las afecciones vasculares seleccionadas en las variables las cuales fueron, además de la presencia de hipertensión: paro cardiaco, accidente cerebrovascular isquémico y hemorrágico, choque cardiogénico, Se realizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson y la razón de probabilidades para la estimación del riesgo. Resultados: de 5385 muertes por infarto de miocardio, 54,80% tuvieron hipertensión arterial; de 1425 muertes por choque cardiogénico, 45,12% fueron hipertensos; de 434 fallecidos por accidente cerebrovascular isquémico, 52,76% padecieron hipertensión arterial; de los 746 fallecidos por accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico, 56,97% fueron hipertensos; de los 4401 fallecidos por paro cardiaco, 25,61% también tuvieron hipertensión arterial. Se encontró que los hipertensos tuvieron un riesgo 7,52 veces mayor de morir por infarto agudo de miocardio, 3,39 veces por choque cardiogénico, 5,75 veces por accidente cerebrovascular isquémico, 10,27 accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico y 1,94 veces por paro cardiaco. Conclusiones: las afecciones vasculares de mayor a menor riesgo de provocar la muerte en hipertensos son el accidente cerebrovascular, el infarto de miocardio, el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico, el choque cardiogénico y el paro cardiaco.

Objective: To determine the risk of immediate death due to vascular events in hypertensive patients in the Peruvian population in the period 2021-2022. Methodology: Observational, case-control study based on data from the national death system of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics of Peru between January 2021 and August 2022. All patients, hypertensive and non-hypertensive, who died from any of the vascular affections selected in the variables which were, in addition to the presence of hypertension: cardiac arrest, ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, cardiogenic shock. The Pearson's Chi-square test and the odds ratio were performed for the estimation of the risk. Results: Of 5385 deaths due to myocardial infarction, 54.80% had arterial hypertension; of 1425 deaths due to cardiogenic shock, 45.12% were hypertensive; of 434 deaths from ischemic stroke, 52.76% suffered arterial hypertension; of the 746 who died from hemorrhagic stroke, 56.97% were hypertensive; of the 4,401 deaths from cardiac arrest, 25.61% also had arterial hypertension. It was found that hypertensive patients had a 7.52 times higher risk of dying from acute myocardial infarction, 3.39 times from cardiogenic shock, 5.75 times from ischemic stroke, 10.27 times from hemorrhagic stroke and 1.94 times from heart attack. Conclusions: Vascular conditions from highest to lowest risk of causing death in hypertensives are cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, ischemic cerebrovascular accident, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in circulatory and respiratory failure - A single-center experience. / Oxigenação por membrana extracorporal na falência circulatória e respiratória ­ experiência de um centro.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical pulmonary and circulatory support for patients with shock refractory to conventional medical therapy. In this study we aim to describe the indications, clinical characteristics, complications and mortality associated with use of ECMO in a single tertiary hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients supported with ECMO in two different intensive care units (general and cardiac), from the first patient cannulated in April 2011 up to October 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 48 patients underwent ECMO: 29 venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) and 19 venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO). In VA-ECMO, acute myocardial infarction was the main reason for placement. The most frequent complication was lower limb ischemia and the most common organ dysfunction was acute renal failure. In VV-ECMO, acute respiratory distress syndrome after viral infection was the leading reason for device placement. Access site bleeding and hematologic dysfunction were the most prevalent complication and organ dysfunction, respectively. Almost 70% of ECMO episodes were successfully weaned in each group. Survival to discharge was 37.9% for VA-ECMO and 63.2% for VV-ECMO. In VA-ECMO, the number of inotropic agents was a predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with respiratory indications for ECMO experienced better survival than cardiac patients. The need for more inotropic drugs was a predictor of mortality in VA-ECMO. This is the first published record of the overall experience with ECMO in a Portuguese tertiary hospital.

[Levosimendan as a treatment for acute renal failure associated with cardiogenic shock after hip fracture]. / Levosimendana como tratamento para insuficiência renal aguda associada a choque cardiogênico após fratura de quadril.

Inotropic drugs are part of the treatment of heart failure; however, inotropic treatment has been largely debated due to the increased incidence of adverse effects and increased mortality. Recently levosimendan, an inotropic positive agent, has been proved to be effective in acute heart failure, reducing the mortality and improving cardiac and renal performance. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with history of heart and renal failure and hip fracture. Levosimendan was used in preoperative preparation as an adjuvant therapy, to improve cardiac and renal function and to allow surgery.

Levosimendan as a treatment for acute renal failure associated with cardiogenic shock after hip fracture.

Inotropic drugs are part of the treatment of heart failure; however, inotropic treatment has been largely debated due to the increased incidence of adverse effects and increased mortality. Recently levosimendan, an inotropic positive agent, has been proved to be effective in acute heart failure, reducing the mortality and improving cardiac and renal performance. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with history of heart and renal failure and hip fracture. Levosimendan was used in preoperative preparation as an adjuvant therapy, to improve cardiac and renal function and to allow surgery.

Choque cardiogénico por síndrome coronario agudo en el servicio de cardiología de Las Tunas / Cardiogenic shock due to acute coronary syndrome in the cardiology service of Las Tunas

RESUMEN Introducción: el choque cardiogénico es la forma más grave de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y la principal causa de muerte en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. Objetivo: caracterizar a los pacientes con choque cardiogénico por síndrome coronario agudo en el servicio de cardiología de Las Tunas en el período octubre de 2017 a junio de 2021. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal con un universo de 325 pacientes y una muestra conformada de forma intencionada por 296 pacientes con el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda por síndrome coronario agudo. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, antecedentes patológicos personales, obesidad, tabaquismo, valvulopatías asociadas, frecuencia cardíaca, presión arterial sistólica, uso previo de fármacos, eventos adversos, variables ecocardiográficas y electrocardiográficas. Resultados: El 16,5 % de los pacientes estudiados desarrollaron choque cardiogénico; con prevalencia de la edad > 60 años (67,3 % grupo I vs. 80,3 % grupo II), el sexo masculino y los antecedentes de HTA (87,8 %). El uso previo de IECA o ARA II mostró una asociación inversamente proporcional a la presencia de choque cardiogénico (61,5 %). Ecocardiográficamente predominó la FEVI reducida (61,2 %), relación E/e´ alterada (32,6 %), velocidad de la onda S <5,4 cm/seg (42,9 %) y VFS elevados (46,9 %). Prevaleció el IMACEST (81,6 %) y la topografía anterior (51,1 %). Conclusiones: los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo que con mayor frecuencia evolucionan al choque cardiogénico son los de edad avanzada, sin tratamiento farmacológico previo, con infartos de topografía anterior y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo reducida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: cardiogenic shock is the most severe form of acute heart failure and the main cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Objective: to characterize patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute coronary syndrome in the cardiology service of Las Tunas in the period October 2017 to June 2021. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with a universe of 325 patients and a sample intentionally formed by 296 patients with the diagnosis of acute heart failure due to acute coronary syndrome. The variables studied were age, sex, personal pathological history, obesity, smoking, associated valvulopathies, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, previous drug use, adverse events, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic variables. Results: 16,5 % of the patients studied developed cardiogenic shock; age > 60 years (67,3 % group I vs. 80,3 % group II), male sex and history of HT (87,8 %) prevailed. Previous use of ACEI or ARA II showed an inversely proportional association with the presence of cardiogenic shock (61,5 %). Echocardiographically, reduced LVEF (61,2 %), altered E/e' ratio (32,6 %), S-wave velocity <5,4 cm/sec (42,9 %) and elevated SFV (46,9 %) predominated. STEMI (81,6%) and anterior topography (51,1%) prevailed. Conclusions: patients with acute coronary syndrome who most frequently progress to cardiogenic shock are those of advanced age, without previous pharmacological treatment, with anterior topography infarctions and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Severe primary hypothyroidism presenting as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia / Hipotiroidismo primario grave que se presenta como taquicardia ventricular polimórfica

Abstract Introduction: Hypothyroidism may have various cardiovascular manifestations due to morphological, functional and electrical alterations in the heart. The usual electrocardiographic findings being sinus bradycardia, low voltage complexes, and slowed intraventricular conduction. Hypothyroidism manifesting as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia has only been reported in a few case reports. Clinical case. A 60-year-old lady presented to us in the emergency department in an unresponsive and unconscious state and electrocardiogram showed a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. After initial resuscitation with direct current cardioversion and supportive care, she found to have severe hypothyroidism and responded well to thyroid replacement therapy. Conclusion. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a life threatening emergency that can have various etiologies. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to primary hypothyroidism is a rare presentation but it is treatable and reversible with thyroid replacement therapy. In patients presenting with QT interval prolongation and ventricular tachycardia, hypothyroidism should be one of the differential diagnosis.

Resumen Introducción: El hipotiroidismo puede presentar diferentes manifestaciones cardiovasculares dadas por alteraciones morfológicas, funcionales y eléctricas en el corazón, siendo los hallazgos electrocardiográficos usuales son la bradicardia sinusal, los complejos de bajo voltaje y la conducción intraventricular lenta. El hipotiroidismo manifestado como taquicardia ventricular polimórfica solo se ha descrito en unos pocos reportes de caso. Caso clínico: Se trata de una mujer de 60 años que acudió que acurdió al servicio de urgencias en un estado inconsciente y sin respuesta a estímulos, y el electrocardiograma reveló taquicardia ventricular polimórfica. Luego de la reanimación inicial con cardioversión con corriente directa y tratamiento sintomático se le encontró un hipotiroidismo grave, el cual se trató con terapia de reemplazo con hormona tiroidea. y se obtuvo una buena respuesta Conclusión. La taquicardia ventricular polimórfica es una emergencia vital que puede tener varias etiologías. La taquicardia ventricular polimórfica secundaria a un hipotiroidismo primario es una presentación poco común, pero es tratable y reversible con la terapia de reemplazo con hormona tiroidea. En los pacientes que presentan una prolongación del intervalo QT y taquicardia ventricular, es pertinente incluir el hipotiroidismo en el diagnóstico diferencial.