Relation between diagnosis of atheromatous plaque from orthopantomographs and cardiovascular risk factors. A study of cases and control subjects.

BACKGROUND: In recent years the use of orthopantomography has been proposed as a low-cost, reliable and non-invasive diagnostic medium for detecting atheromatous plaque. The purpose of this study was to correlate the presence of carotid calcifications (atheroma) in orthopantomographs with specific risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents (previous cerebrovascular accidents, arterial hypertension, and diabetes). PATIENT AND METHODS: The methods used in this observational study of cases and control subjects followed STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) recommendations. The study analyzed a total of 1,602 panoramic radiographs taken for dental diagnostic purposes between January 2010 and February 2014. The main variables analyzed were the incidence of atheromatous plaque and other cardiovascular risk factors. Epidat 3.1 statistical software was used to determine minimum sample sizes and the results were analyzed using PASW (Predictive Analytics Software) Statistics 10.0.0. RESULTS: For all the variables analyzed, the correlation between radiographic detection of atheromatous plaque and the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors was found to be statistically significant (RR>1.5). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of cardiovascular risk factors is related to the incidence of radiopaque lesions at the carotid artery bifurcation, indicating the presence of atheromatous plaque.

[Follow-up of patients with good exercise capacity in stress test with myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)]. / Seguimiento clínico en pacientes con buena capacidad metabólica en la prueba de esfuerzo con SPECT miocárdico.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be performed with stress test and myocardial SPECT tomography. AIM: To assess the predictive value of myocardial SPECT using stress test for cardiovascular events in patients with good exercise capacity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 102 males aged 56 ± 10 years and 19 females aged 52 ± 10 years, all able to achieve 10 METs and ≥ 85% of the theoretical maximum heart rate and at least 8 min in their stress test with gated 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT. Eighty two percent of patients were followed clinically for 33 ± 17 months. RESULTS: Sixty seven percent of patients were studied for CAD screening and the rest for known disease assessment. Treadmill stress test was negative in 75.4%; 37% of patients with moderate to severe Duke Score presented ischemia. Normal myocardial perfusion SPECT was observed in 70.2%. Reversible defects appeared in 24.8% of cases, which were of moderate or severe degree (> 10% left ventricular extension) in 56.6%. Only seven cases had coronary events after the SPECT. Two major (myocardial infarction and emergency coronary revascularization) and 5 minor events (elective revascularization) ere observed in the follow-up. In a multivariate analysis, SPECT ischemia was the only statistically significant parameter that increased the probability of having a major or minor event. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly a quarter of our patients with good exercise capacity demonstrated reversible defects in their myocardial perfusion SPECT. In the intermediate-term follow-up, a low rate of cardiac events was observed, being the isotopic ischemia the only significant predictive parameter.

OsteoMac: A new player on the bone biology scene.

The knowledge of bone biology has undergone major advances in recent decades. In bone, resorbing osteoclasts have classically been described as tissue-resident macrophages, however, it is currently known that a new subtype of macrophages, called OsteoMacs, are specialised bone-resident macrophages, which, depending on certain conditions, may play an important role not only in bone homeostasis, but also in promoting pro-anabolic functions or in creating an inflammatory environment. There is growing evidence that these osteal macrophages may influence the development of bone-loss diseases. It is essential to understand the biological bases underlying bone physiological processes to search for new therapeutic targets for bone-loss diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even periodontal disease. This narrative review provides an update on the origin, characterisation, and possible roles of osteoMacs in bone biology. Finally, the potential clinical applications of this new cell in bone-loss disorders are discussed.

[Single-photon emission computed tomography for the assessment of ventricular perfusion and function]. / Perfusión y función ventricular en SPECT cardiaco y coronariografía del mismo día según localización en enfermedad de un vaso.

BACKGROUND: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used as a non-invasive tool for the assessment of coronary perfusion. AIM: To assess ventricular perfusion and function by SPECT in patients with single vessel coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among patients with indications for a coronary artery angiography, those with significant lesions in one vessel, were selected for the study. Within 24 hours, cardiac SPECT examinations on basal conditions and after high doses of dipyridamole, were performed. SPECT data from 38 patients with a low probability of coronary artery disease was used for comparisons. RESULTS: Ten patients aged 61 ± 8 years (seven men) were studied. Visual analysis of SPECT revealed signs suggestive of ischemia in eight patients. The remaining two patients did not have perfusion disturbances. SPECT detected eight of ten abnormal vessels reported in the coronary artery angiography. There were two false negative results Summed stress, summed rest and summed difference scores were 9.78 ± 6.51, 3.22 ± 5.07 and 6.33 ± 4.97, respectively. The ejection fractions under stress and at rest were 53 ± 11.7% and 61 ± 15.7% respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for the control group were 69.1 ± 13.5% and 75.2 ± 12.04% respectively (significantly different from patients). Two patients had a summed motion score above 14.9. Likewise, two patients had a summed thickening score above 10.9. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT detected 80% of coronary lesions found during coronary artery angiography. Visual analysis of perfusion is highly reliable for diagnosis. Quantitative parameters must be considered only as reference parameters.

[Positron emission tomography with fluorine-deoxyglucose in sarcomas and non-sarcoma non-epithelial tumors]. / Utilidad del estudio PET con FDG en la evaluación de sarcomas de diverso origen y de tumores no sarcoma-no epiteliales.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-deoxyglucose (FDG) in sarcomas and non-sarcoma non-epithelial (NSNE) tumors is not clearly defined. AIM: To report a Chilean experience with NSNE tumors evaluated using PET with FDG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the database of a PET laboratory. Demographic data, indications and metabolic findings were compared with conventional imaging in 88 adults and children with diverse bone and soft tissue sarcomas as well as 24 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), 6 pleural malignant mesotheliomas in adults, and 9 medulloblastomas in children. RESULTS: FDG showed good concordance with conventional imaging in NSNE tumors. It was helpful for staging, restaging, follow-up after treatment and for the detection of new not previously suspected lesions. CONCLUSIONS: PET with FDG could have a prognostic role and help in patient management, mainly in musculoskeletal and high grade or less differentiated sarcomas. In GIST, it was a good tool for immunotherapy control.

[Cocaine-induced vascular damage. Report of one case]. / Daño vascular asociado a uso de cocaína. Caso clínico.

BACKGROUND: Cocaine abuse is associated with an increased risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke. The underlying mechanisms leading to these complications are not fully understood although intravascular thrombus formation and accelerated atherosclerosis are prominent findings. We report a 39-year-old male addicted to cocaine, who presented with three consecutive ischemic events characterized by an acute myocardial infarction and two ischemic strokes complicated by cardiac failure and severe neurological sequelae. The pathophysiology of cocaine-induce vascular damage and the management of the ischemic complications are discussed.

Periosteal Pocket Flap technique for lateral ridge augmentation. A comparative pilot study versus guide bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Implant rehabilitation of posterior mandibular defects is frequently associated to a horizontal bone loss. There exist several regenerative techniques to supply this bone deficiency, one of which is the Periosteal Pocket Flap Technique (PPF) proposed by Steigmann et al. to treat small horizontal bone defects. The present study proposes a modification of this technique based on the concurrent use of PPF with the use of xenogeneic and autologous bone and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF). The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of the PPF with the use of xenogeneic and autologous bone and PRGF in comparison with conventional Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) procedures. METHODS: Nine patients were enroled in the study (7 women and 2 men, mean age: 53 ± 2.74 years) and allocated to PPF or GBR. In both groups implant placement was performed simultaneously to bone regeneration. Preoperative CBCT scans were performed for each patient. Surgical time and postoperative pain were recorded, as well as tissue healing. Moreover, horizontal bone gain (mm), graft surface area (mm2) and graft volume (mm3) were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine surgeries were performed: 6 PPF and 3 GBR. Regarding clinical outcomes, operative time was significative greater in GBR group than in PPF group (51.67 ± 3.51 min vs. 37 ± 5.69 min; p = 0.008). Postoperative pain was higher in GBR compared to PPF (p = 0.011). Regarding radiographical results, there were not significant differences in horizontal bone gain (PPF: 9.43 ± 1.8 mm; GBR: 9.28 ± 0.42 mm), surface area (PPF: 693.33 ± 118.73 mm2; GBR: 655.61 ± 102.43 mm2), and volume (PPF: 394.97 ± 178.72 mm3; GBR: 261.66 ± 118 mm3) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study demonstrates that the combination of autograft/xenograft and PRGF in PPF technique is a simpler, cheaper, and faster technique than GBR technique for achieving moderate lateral bone augmentation in implant treatment. Future randomised clinical studies are needed to confirm the results.

Current status of nuclear cardiology practice in Latin America and the Caribbean, in the era of multimodality cardiac imaging approach: 2022 update.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with the risk in men being slightly higher than in women. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a significant reduction in the number of cardiac diagnostic procedures globally and in particular in LAC. Nuclear cardiology is available in the region, but there is variability in terms of existing technology, radiopharmaceuticals, and human resources. In the region, there are 2385 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and 315 PET scanners, Argentina and Brazil have the largest number. There is an increasing number of new technologies such as cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) cardiac-dedicated gamma cameras, SPECT/computed tomography (CT), and PET/CT. All countries performed myocardial perfusion imaging studies, mainly gated-SPECT; the rest are multi-gated acquisition, mainly for cardiac toxicity; detection of viability; rest gated SPECT in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and bone-avid tracer cardiac scintigraphy for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis diagnosis. Regarding other non-nuclear cardiac imaging modalities, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile have the highest ratio of CT scanners, while Brazil, Argentina, and Chile show the highest ratio of MRI scanners. The development of nuclear cardiology and other advanced imaging modalities is challenged by the high cost of equipment, lack of equipment maintenance and service, insufficient-specific training both for imaging specialists and referring clinicians, and lack of awareness of cardiologists or other referring physicians on the clinical applications of nuclear cardiology. Another important aspect to consider is the necessity of implementing cardiac imaging multimodality training. A joint work of nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, cardiologists, and clinicians, in general, is mandatory to achieve this goal. National, regional, and international cooperation including support from scientific professional societies such as the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and Latin American Association of Biology and Nuclear Medicine Societies, cardiological societies, and organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Pan American Health Organization, as well as government commitment are key factors in the overall efforts to tackle the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region.

Extractions without eliminating anticoagulant treatment: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To establish whether there is a high enough risk of bleeding in patients who take oral anticoagulants, such that it would justify not using oral anticoagulants when performing a dental extraction, as well as if the reason for and anatomical location of the extraction increases such risk. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a bibliographic search in order to carry out a meta-analytic study using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: We compiled a sample of 1194 patients from the articles selected. Of these patients, a total of 2392 simple, serial surgical extractions were performed; none of the patients interrupted their anticoagulant treatment with warfarin sodium. Of the sample, 83 patients presented a certain degree of bleeding; in 77 of such cases, the bleeding was controlled with local hemostasis, whereas 6 patients required their dose of oral anticoagulants to be adjusted. There was a higher incidence of bleeding in patients presenting a periodontal pathology, compared to deep caries and pericoronitis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients being treated with oral anticoagulants represent a risk that we should be aware of, but local hemostasis has proven to be effective when performing extractions, provided that the INR value is less than 4. There is an increased incidence of bleeding in patients with periodontal problems, due to the greater presence of inflammation in the soft tissues. If the extraction is performed in the maxilla, the incidence of hemorrhagic complications is slightly higher than in the mandible, although this difference is considered to be insignificant.

Epidemiology and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the minor salivary glands: a meta-analytic study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiological aspects of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and to evaluate the different therapeutic possibilities as well as the percentage of survival. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, meta-analytic, observational study was carried out by selecting a total of 13 articles, which provided a sample size of 263 cases of patients who had been diagnosed with ACC in the minor salivary glands. RESULTS: ACC was found to be more common among women (56.5%) and the average age at diagnosis was 55.26 years old. The primary location of the tumor was in the palate in 57% of the cases, the predominant pattern being cribiform. The treatment of choice was therapy combined with surgery and radiotherapy in 62.7% of the subjects. The overall survival rate was 70.76% and 56.76%, at 5 and 10 years respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of adenoid cystic carcinoma is necessary in order to enable making an earlier prognosis and thus enable a better quality of life for the patient.

Knowledge about COVID-19 and pandemic impact on Madrid dental students (Spain).

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a major impact on dental activity, with implications on dental education. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about it and the pandemic impact on Spanish dental students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational and cross-sectional study with a 17-items questionnaire was conducted. It was divided into three sections, sociodemographic data, self-perception and knowledge about the COVID-19 protective measures and repercussions on dental students. This survey was carried out in May 2020, and the response rate was 46.16%. The statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 235 students responded to the questionnaire, with an average age of 22.3 years. Attendance at COVID-19 training courses, knowledge about the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) management and the incubation period had the worst results, compared to the knowledge about hand washing, wearing gloves and masks and symptomatology who got higher percentages. 31.1% of participants reported presenting symptomatology related to SARS-CoV-2, although only 8.2% were diagnosed and 46.6% suffered quarantine. 62.5% were afraid to catch the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that there are deficiencies in the knowledge of important aspects of COVID-19 in dental students, which implies a commitment of the university in its training, as well as the realization of diagnostic controls for the disease. Key words:Dental students, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, survey, knowledge.

Split bone block technique: 4-month results of a randomised clinical trial comparing clinical and radiographic outcomes between autogenous and xenogeneic cortical plates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of bone regeneration procedures using thin cortical porcine xenogeneic bone plates in combination with autogenous bone chips compared with thin autogenous cortical plates and autogenous bone chips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients (12 women and 7 men, mean age 58.24 ± 3.09 years) were randomly allocated to two different groups regarding surgical procedure: autogenous cortical plates (ACP group) and xenogeneic cortical plates (XCP group). Preoperative CBCT scans were performed for each patient. Surgical time and postoperative pain were recorded, as well as tissue healing and graft resorption after 4 months, then another surgical procedure was performed to place dental implants. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Twenty-one surgical procedures were performed on 19 patients (10 from the XCP group and 9 from the ACP group). The operative time was significantly lower in the XCP group (25.45 ± 3.88 minutes) than in the ACP group (44.10 ± 3.60 minutes). The XCP group also showed less pain, but not significantly less, than the ACP group. The graft resorption rate in the ACP and XCP groups was 2.03 ± 1.58% and 3.49 ± 2.38% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited sample size and non-uniform distribution between the maxilla and mandible as surgical sites, the results suggest that XCP and ACP grafts are similar in terms of bone volume gain and graft resorption rate, with no significant differences in wound healing or complication rate. Nevertheless, the XCP group recorded lower pain levels and required significantly less operative time compared to the ACP group.

Use of Phentolamine Mesylate in Implant Surgery: Analysis of Adverse Effects and Haemodynamic Changes.

The clinical application of phentolamine mesylate (PM) as an anaesthetic reversal agent has been documented in the paediatric population and in conservative dentistry, but no studies have been conducted regarding dental implant surgery. A prospective randomised study was conducted on 60 patients eligible for mandibular implant treatment, randomly divided between a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), to whom PM was administered. Haemodynamic changes, adverse effects and patient satisfaction were assessed. No statistically significant differences in haemodynamic changes and postoperative pain were found between CG and EG (p < 0.05), except for systolic blood pressure (SBP), which increased slightly in EG, without posing a risk to patients. There were no differences in the occurrence of adverse effects between the two groups, except for greater difficulty in chewing and biting (p < 0.05) in CG and greater pain in the injection area (p = 0.043) in EG. Among EG patients, 83.3% reported that they would request PM again for future dental treatment. The use of PM offers an alternative to implant surgery, thereby increasing patients' quality of life without increasing the risks.

Management of Schneiderian membrane perforations during maxillary sinus floor augmentation with lateral approach in relation to subsequent implant survival rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to propose a treatment protocol for repairing intraoperative perforation of the Schneiderian membrane during maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) procedures with lateral window technique. In turn, to assess subsequent implant survival rates placed below repaired membranes compared with intact membranes and therefore determine whether membrane perforation constitutes a risk factor for implant survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic search for articles published between 2008 and April 30, 2020, in four databases: (1) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed) via Ovid; (2) Web of Science (WOS); (3) SCOPUS; and (4) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); also, a complementary handsearch was carried out. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed. RESULTS: Seven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A total of 1598 sinus lift surgeries were included, allowing the placement of 3604 implants. A total of 1115 implants were placed under previously perforated and repaired membranes, obtaining a survival rate of 97.68%, while 2495 implants were placed below sinus membranes that were not damaged during surgery, obtaining a survival rate of 98.88%. The rate of Schneiderian membrane perforation shown in the systematic review was 30.6%. In the articles reviewed, the most widely used technique for repairing perforated membranes was collagen membrane repair. CONCLUSIONS: Schneiderian membrane perforation during MFSA procedures with lateral approach is not a risk factor for dental implant survival (p=0.229; RR 0.977; 95% CI 0.941-1.015). The knowledge of the exact size of the membrane perforation is essential for deciding on the right treatment plan.

Seguimiento clínico en pacientes con buena capacidad metabólica en la prueba de esfuerzo con SPECT miocárdico / Follow-up of patients with good exercise capacity in stress test with myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Background: The evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be performed with stress test and myocardial SPECT tomography. Aim: To assess the predictive value of myocardial SPECT using stress test for cardiovascular events in patients with good exercise capacity. Material and Methods: We included 102 males aged 56 ± 10 years and 19 females aged 52 ± 10 years, all able to achieve 10 METs and ≥ 85% of the theoretical maximum heart rate and at least 8 min in their stress test with gated 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT. Eighty two percent of patients were followed clinically for 33 ± 17 months. Results: Sixty seven percent of patients were studied for CAD screening and the rest for known disease assessment. Treadmill stress test was negative in 75.4%; 37% of patients with moderate to severe Duke Score presented ischemia. Normal myocardial perfusion SPECT was observed in 70.2%. Reversible defects appeared in 24.8% of cases, which were of moderate or severe degree (> 10% left ventricular extension) in 56.6%. Only seven cases had coronary events after the SPECT. Two major (myocardial infarction and emergency coronary revascularization) and 5 minor events (elective revascularization) ere observed in the follow-up. In a multivariate analysis, SPECT ischemia was the only statistically significant parameter that increased the probability of having a major or minor event. Conclusions: Nearly a quarter of our patients with good exercise capacity demonstrated reversible defects in their myocardial perfusion SPECT. In the intermediate-term follow-up, a low rate of cardiac events was observed, being the isotopic ischemia the only significant predictive parameter.

Perfusión y función ventricular en SPECT cardiaco y coronariografía del mismo día según localización en enfermedad de un vaso / Single-photon emission computed tomography for the assessment of ventricular perfusion and function

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used as a non-invasive tool for the assessment of coronary perfusion. Aim: To assess ventricular perfusion and function by SPECT in patients with single vessel coronary artery disease. Material and Methods: Among patients with indications for a coronary artery angiography, those with significant lesions in one vessel, were selected for the study. Within 24 hours, cardiac SPECT examinations on basal conditions and after high doses of dipyridamole, were performed. SPECT data from 38 patients with a low probability of coronary artery disease was used for comparisons. Results: Ten patients aged 61 ± 8 years (seven men) were studied. Visual analysis of SPECT revealed signs suggestive of ischemia in eight patients. The remaining two patients did not have perfusion disturbances. SPECT detected eight of ten abnormal vessels reported in the coronary artery angiography. There were two false negative results Summed stress, summed rest and summed difference scores were 9.78 ± 6.51, 3.22 ± 5.07 and 6.33 ± 4.97, respectively. The ejection fractions under stress and at rest were 53 ± 11.7% and 61 ± 15.7% respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for the control group were 69.1 ± 13.5% and 75.2 ± 12.04% respectively (significantly different from patients). Two patients had a summed motion score above 14.9. Likewise, two patients had a summed thickening score above 10.9. Conclusions: SPECT detected 80% of coronary lesions found during coronary artery angiography. Visual analysis of perfusion is highly reliable for diagnosis. Quantitative parameters must be considered only as reference parameters.

Seguimiento a cinco años en pacientes diabéticos sin síntomas cardíacos estudiados con perfusión miocárdica / Myocardial perfusion studies in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus are controversial

Antecedentes: El rendimiento del estudio de perfusión miocárdica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus (DM) y sin síntomas coronarios es controvertido. Objetivo: Efectuar un seguimiento a 5 años para eventos cardíacos mayores en DM asintomáticos estudiados con SPECT miocárdico en esfuerzo. Método: Se estudiaron 40 pacientes asintomáticos coronarios, con DM conocida por >5 años, >45 años de edad, con >2 factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y electrocardiograma basal normal o con alteraciones inespecíficas. Todos efectuaron una prueba de esfuerzo (PE) adecuada y se estudiaron con Sestamibi-Tc99m repetido en 32 casos al 3° año. Además, se evaluó a 36 controles no diabéticos con >2 FRCV. El seguimiento fue de 64+/-11 meses. Resultados: En el grupo DM, 48 por ciento tenía Hba1c>7.5 por ciento; en ellos el SPECT mostró isquemia silente (IS) en 30 por ciento y la PE en 18 por ciento del total. No hubo variaciones significativas en SPECT al 3° año. Hubo una muerte no cardíaca en el 2° año; en el 4° año, se produjo una muerte por infarto agudo de miocardio, con mínima isquemia septal y otra asociada a miocardiopatía e insuficiencia cardíaca, con defecto de predominio fijo, ambos con PE negativa. En el grupo control, el 11 por ciento tuvo SPECT anormal y 8 por ciento PE positiva; hubo una muerte no cardíaca. El Odds Ratio para isquemia fue 3.42 [IC=0.99-11.85] entre DM vs controles y el Hazard Ratio para eventos cardíacos 6.75 [IC=0.40-108.2]. Conclusiones: En DM asintomáticos coronarios el riesgo de IS en SPECT fue mayor que en controles sin DM y con FRCV. Los eventos cardiacos mayores fueron más frecuentes, aunque no significativamente, en DM que en controles. Ello deberá reevaluarse conocidos los resultados del estudio multicéntrico.

The clinical value of myocardial perfusion studies in cardiac asymptomatic patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is controversial. Aim: To conduct a 5 year follow-up study to detect major adverse cardiac events in asymptomatic DM patients using exercise stress and SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. Methods: 40 patients with known DM for at least 5 years and without evidence of coronary artery disease, older than 45 years of age with >2 cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and either normal or minimally altered ECG underwent adequate exercise testing (ET) and 99mTc Sestamibi, repeated 3 years later in 32 cases. We also assessed 36 non-diabetic control patients, with >2 CVRF. Mean follow up was 64+/-11 months. Results: 48 percent of DM patients had HbA1c >7.5 percent; in them, the SPECT showed silent ischemia (SI) in 30 percent and positive ET in 18 percent. There were no significant variations in SPECT at 3 years. There was 1 non-cardiac death in the 2nd year and 2 deaths, one from acute myocardial infarction associated to minimal septal ischemia and another associated with cardiomyopathy and heart failure, with a fixed perfusion defect. Both patients had a negative ET. In the control group, 11 percent had abnormal SPECT and 8 percent positive ET and no cardiac deaths were observed. The Odds ratio for ischemia between DM and controls was 3.42 [CI=0.99-11.85 ] and the Hazard Ratio for cardiac events was 6.746 [CI=0.4205-108.2]. Conclusions: In asymptomatic coronary DM patients, the presence of SPECT ischemia detect was higher than in non-DM controls with CVRF. The incidence of major cardiac events was higher, although not significantly, in DM than control patients. This finding should be re-evaluated in the multicenter study.