Estudo Randomizado Comparando a Ablação por Cateter com o PVAC Gold vs. Tratamento com Fármacos Antiarrítmicos em Pacientes Idosos com Fibrilação Atrial Sintomática / Randomized Study Comparing Radiofrequency Ablation with the PVAC Gold System vs. Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation

Resumo Fundamento Não existem estudos randomizados comparando a manutenção do ritmo sinusal após ablação por cateter (AC) em relação ao tratamento com fármacos antiarrítmicos (AA) em pacientes idosos portadores fibrilação atrial (FA) paroxística. Objetivos Comparar os resultados clínicos do isolamento das veias pulmonares (VPs) com o cateter PVAC Gold de segunda geração com o uso de AA em idosos com FA paroxística sintomática, recorrente, apesar do uso de fármacos AA. Métodos Sessenta pacientes com FA paroxística ≥ 65 anos e sem cardiopatias estruturais foram randomizados para duas formas de tratamento: grupo 1: AC e grupo 2: AA. O desfecho primário foi a taxa livre de recorrência de FA após pelo menos um ano de seguimento. Os desfechos secundários foram: progressão para formas persistentes de FA, impacto na qualidade de vida (QVFA) e complicações. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados A taxa livre de recorrência de FA foi de 80% (10% com amiodarona) no grupo AC, após 1,3 procedimentos por paciente e de 65% no grupo AA (60% com amiodarona), (p = 0,119) num seguimento médio de 719 dias (Q1: 566; Q3: 730). A taxa livre de FA persistente foi de 83,4% no grupo AC e de 67,7% no grupo AA (p = 0,073). Ambas as estratégias apresentaram melhora no escore de QVFA durante o seguimento (p < 0,001), sem diferença entre os grupos. Embora sem repercussão clínica ou impacto no teste de avaliação intelectual, 25% dos pacientes do grupo PVAC apresentou sinais de embolização cerebral na RNM cerebral. Conclusões Ambas as estratégias para manutenção do ritmo sinusal promoveram melhora na qualidade de vida de pacientes idosos com FA sintomática, sem diferença estatística nos desfechos clínicos preconizados. Estudos adicionais usando tecnologias com melhor perfil de segurança são necessários para avaliar os benefícios da AC em pacientes idosos com FA.

Abstract Background There are no randomized studies comparing the maintenance of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation (CA) concerning treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AA) in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Objectives To compare the clinical results of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with the second-generation PVAC Gold catheter against AA treatment in elderly people with recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal AF, refractory to at least one AA, and without structural heart disease. Methods Sixty patients with paroxysmal AF ≥ 65 years old were randomized to two forms of treatment: group 1: CA and group 2: AA drugs. The primary outcome was the AF recurrence-free rate after at least one year of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were: progression to persistent forms of AF, impact on quality of life (QOLF), and complications. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5% (p<0.05). Results The AF recurrence-free rate was 80% (10% with amiodarone) in the CA group, after 1.3 procedures per patient and 65% in the AA group (60% with amiodarone), (p = 0.119) in an average follow-up of 719 days (Q1: 566; Q3: 730). The persistent AF free rate was 83.4% in the AC group and 67.7% in the AA group (p = 0.073) Both strategies showed an improvement in the AFQoL score during follow-up (p < 0.001), with no difference between the groups. Although without clinical repercussions or impact on the intellectual assessment test, 25% of patients in the CA group showed signs of cerebral embolization on brain MRI. Conclusions Both strategies for maintaining sinus rhythm promoted an improvement in the quality of life of elderly patients with symptomatic AF, with no statistical difference in the clinical outcomes. Additional studies using technologies with a better safety profile are needed to evaluate the benefits of CA in elderly patients with AF.

Postoperative myocardial fibrosis assessment in aortic valvular heart diseases-a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

AIMS: Left ventricular remodelling occurs during the chronic course of aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortic stenosis (AS), leading to myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Several studies have shown that extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and indexed extracellular volume (iECV) are important surrogate markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis (MF). Postoperative data on these cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) extracellular expansion parameters for either AS or AR are scarce. This study aimed to demonstrate the postoperative changes that occur in diffuse MF, and the influence of preoperative MF on the reversal of LV remodelling, in patients with AR or AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with severe AR or AS and indications for surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative CMR, and ECV and iECV were quantified. Data from 99 patients were analysed (32 with AR and 67 with AS). After surgery, the left ventricle mass index decreased in both groups (AR: 110 vs. 91 g/m2; AS: 86 vs. 68 g/m2, both P < 0.001). The late gadolinium enhancement fraction (AR: preoperative 1.9% vs. postoperative 1.7%, P = 0.575; AS: preoperative 2.4% vs. postoperative 2.4%, P = 0.615) and late gadolinium enhancement mass (AR: preoperative 3.8 g vs. postoperative 2.5 g, P = 0.635; AS: preoperative 3.4 g vs. postoperative 3.5 g, P = 0.575) remained stable in both groups. Preoperative iECV and ECV were greater in the AR group (iECV: 30 mL/m2 vs. 22 mL/m2, P = 0.001; ECV: 28.4% vs. 27.2%, P = 0.048). Indexed extracellular volume decreased after surgery in both groups (AR: 30-26.5 mL/m2, AS: 22-18.2 mL/m2, both P < 0.001); it was still greater in the AR group (AR: 26.5 mL/m2 vs. AS: 18.2 mL/m2, P < 0.001). Postoperative ECV remained stable in the AR group (preoperative 28.4% vs. postoperative 29.9%; P = 0.617) and increased in the AS group (preoperative 27.2% vs. postoperative 28.6%; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Patients with both AR or AS presented reduction in iECV after surgery, unfolding the reversible nature of diffuse MF. In contrast to patients with AS, those with AR developed postoperative iECV regression with stable ECV, suggesting a balanced reduction in both intracellular and extracellular myocardial components.

Association between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratios and Coronary Artery Calcification Score among Asymptomatic Patients: Data from a Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is a low-grade inflammatory disease. Among markers of inflammation, importance has been given to the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The objective of this study was to examine the association between these hematological indices of inflammation and coronary atherosclerotic calcification in clinically asymptomatic patients. METHODS: This study had clinical and laboratorial data collected from consecutive asymptomatic patients that underwent computed tomography coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. Risk factors, NLR, and PLR were evaluated at different categories of CAC scoring. Statistical tests included chi-square, linear regression, and logistic regression. Patients (N = 247; age 60.4 ± 8.0 years and 60.7% men) were allocated into four categories according to the CAC score. RESULTS: Respective age, sex (male), NLR, and PLR distribution within groups were as follows: CAC = 0 (n = 98; 52.5 ± 13.6 years, 55%, 2.0 ± 1.0, and 121.5 ± 41.5), CAC 1-100 (N = 64; 61.3 ± 11.0 years, 60%, 2.2 ± 1.2, and 125.6 ± 45.6), CAC 101-400 (N = 37; 64.2 ± 11.6 years, 67%, 2.6 ± 1.3, and 125.4 ± 55.9), and CAC > 400 (N = 48; 69.3 ± 11.1 years, 66%, 3.3 ± 2.0, and 430.1 ± 1787.4). The association between risk factors and CAC score was assessed. Hypertension status and smoking status were similar within groups, while the presence of diabetes (P = 0.02) and older age (P ≤ 0.001) was more prevalent in the CAC > 400 group. LDL cholesterol was greater in the higher CAC score groups (P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression of the quartile analysis showed that age and NLR were independently associated with CAC > 100 (OR (CI), P value): 2.06 (1.55-2.73, P = 0.00001) and 1.82 (1.33-2.49, P = 0.0002), respectively. CONCLUSION: Within asymptomatic patients, NLR provides additional risk stratification, as an independent association between NLR extent and CAD extent was identified. Moreover, PLR was not an inflammation marker for CAD severity.

Circulating osteogenic proteins are associated with coronary artery calcification and increase after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) and atherosclerotic inflammation associate with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Vascular calcification is regulated by osteogenic proteins (OPs). It is unknown whether an association exists between CAC and plasma OPs and if they are affected by atherothrombotic inflammation. We tested the association of osteogenic and inflammatory proteins with CAC and assessed these biomarkers after MI. METHODS: Circulating OPs (osteoprotegerin, RANKL, fetuin-A, Matrix Gla protein [MGP]) and inflammatory proteins (C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, tumoral necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor [TGF]-ß1) were compared between stable patients with CAC (CAC ≥ 100 AU, n = 100) and controls (CAC = 0 AU, n = 30). The association between biomarkers and CAC was tested by multivariate analysis. In patients with MI (n = 40), biomarkers were compared between acute phase and 1-2 months post-MI, using controls as a baseline. RESULTS: MGP and fetuin-A levels were higher within individuals with CAC. Higher levels of MGP and RANKL were associated with CAC (OR 3.12 [95% CI 1.20-8.11], p = 0.02; and OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.04-2.94] respectively, p = 0.035). After MI, C-reactive protein, OPG and oxidized-LDL levels increased in the acute phase, whereas MGP and TGF-ß1 increased 1-2 months post-MI. CONCLUSIONS: Higher MGP and RANKL levels associate with CAC. These findings highlight the potential role of these proteins as modulators and markers of CAC. In addition, the post-MI increase in OPG and MGP, as well as of inflammatory proteins suggest that the regulation of these OPs is affected by atherothrombotic inflammation.

Reduction in radiation exposure in cardiovascular computed tomography imaging: results from the PROspective multicenter registry on radiaTion dose Estimates of cardiac CT angIOgraphy iN daily practice in 2017 (PROTECTION VI).

Aims: Advances of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) have been developed for dose reduction, but their efficacy in clinical practice is largely unknown. This study was designed to evaluate radiation dose exposure and utilization of dose-saving strategies for contrast-enhanced cardiac CTA in daily practice. Methods and results: Sixty one hospitals from 32 countries prospectively enrolled 4502 patients undergoing cardiac CTA during one calendar month in 2017. Computed tomography angiography scan data and images were analysed in a central core lab and compared with a similar dose survey performed in 2007. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors associated with dose. The most frequent indication for cardiac CTA was the evaluation of coronary artery disease in 89% of patients. The median dose-length product (DLP) of coronary CTA was 195 mGy*cm (interquartile range 110-338 mGy*cm). When compared with 2007, the DLP was reduced by 78% (P < 0.001) without an increase in non-diagnostic coronary CTAs (1.7% in 2007 vs. 1.9% in 2017 surveys, P = 0.55). A 37-fold variability in median DLP was observed between the hospitals with lowest and highest DLP (range of median DLP 57-2090 mGy*cm). Independent predictors for radiation dose of coronary CTA were: body weight, heart rate, sinus rhythm, tube voltage, iterative image reconstruction, and the selection of scan protocols. Conclusion: This large international radiation dose survey demonstrates considerable reduction of radiation exposure in coronary CTA during the last decade. However, the large inter-site variability in radiation exposure underlines the need for further site-specific training and adaptation of contemporary cardiac scan protocols.

Is there a consistent association between coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis? / Existe uma associação consistente entre doença coronária e acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico causado por aterosclerose intracraniana?

Coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke are frequent coexistent conditions that share risk factors and pose major burdens to global health. Even though a clear relation has been established between extracranial internal carotid artery atherosclerosis and symptomatic or asymptomatic coronary heart disease, there is a gap in knowledge about the association between intracranial atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Intracranial atherosclerosis is associated with high risks of stroke recurrence and vascular death. More research and clinical trials are needed to answer whether early diagnosis of asymptomatic coronary heart disease and aggressive treatment can decrease the risk of vascular death in patients with ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis.

A doença coronária e o acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico são condições frequentemente associadas, que compartilham fatores de risco e representam grande sobrecarga à saúde mundial. Embora seja claramente reconhecida a relação entre a doença coronária sintomática ou assintomática e a aterosclerose da artéria carótida interna em sua porção extracraniana, há uma lacuna no conhecimento sobre a associação entre doença coronária e aterosclerose intracraniana, que por sua vez é associada a alto risco de recorrência de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico e de morte por causas vasculares. é necessário avaliar se o diagnóstico precoce da doença coronária assintomática e seu tratamento agressivo podem diminuir o risco de morte por causas vasculares em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico ocasionado por aterosclerose intracraniana.

Tomografia de coronárias: indicações clínicas e perspectivas futuras / Coronary CT: clinical indications and future directions

A tomografia computadorizada de multidetectores (TCMD) iniciou sua aplicação dentro da cardiologia com a quantificação de cálcio das placas coronarianas, no estudo sem contraste, por meio do escore de cálcio, mostrando um importante preditor independente de futuros eventos cardíacos. O exame com contraste endovenoso, a angiotomografia de coronárias, surgiu posteriormente como um método não invasivo para avaliação da anatomia e da doença obstrutiva coronariana, caracterizando o grau de estenose e também a presença da placa aterosclerótica não calcificada, avaliando não somente o lúmen, mas também a parede do vaso. Com o advento de novos aparelhos com mais detectores e maior resolução temporal, tem ocorrido uma redução da dose de radiação e a possibilidade de novas aplicações.

Fração de ejeção e volumes do ventrículo esquerdo medidos com eco 3D e com tomografia ultra-rápida / Fracción de eyección y volúmenes del ventrículo izquierdo medidos con eco- 3DTR y con tomografía ultrarrápida / Left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes as measured by 3d echocardiography and ultrafast computed tomography

FUNDAMENTO: O ecocardiograma tridimensional em tempo real (ECO 3D) e a tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida (CT) são dois novos métodos de análise da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do VE. OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas da FEVE e dos volumes do VE aferidos pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes, 39 pacientes consecutivos (27 homens, média etária de 57±12 anos). Foram analisados: FEVE e volumes do VE. Análise estatística: coeficiente de correlação (r: Pearson), teste de Bland & Altman, teste de regressão linear, 95 por cento IC, p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Medidas do ECO 3D: a FEVE variou de 56,1 a 78,6 (65,5±5,58) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 49,6 a 178,2 (87±27,8)ml; volume sistólico final variou de 11,4 a 78 (33,1±13,6)ml. Medidas da CT: a FEVE variou de 53 a 86 (67,8±7,78) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 51 a 186 (106,5±30,3) ml; volume sistólico final variou de 7 a 72 (35,5±13,4)ml. As correlações entre ECO 3D e CT foram: FEVE (r: 0,7888, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6301 a 0,8843); volume diastólico final (r: 0,7695, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,5995 a 0,8730); volume sistólico final (r: 0,8119, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6673 a 0,8975). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta série, foi observada boa correlação entre as medidas da FEVE e entre os volumes ventriculares aferidos pelo ECO3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes.

BACKGROUND: Real-time three-dimensional echocargiography (RT-3D-Echo) and ultrafast computed tomography (CT) are two novel methods for the analysis of LV ejection fraction and volumes. OBJECTIVE: To compare LVEF and volume measurements as obtained using RT-3D-Echo and ultrafast CT. METHODS: Thirty nine consecutive patients (27 men, mean age of 57±12 years) were studied using RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT. LVEF and LV volumes were analyzed. Statistical analysis: coefficient of correlation (r: Pearson), Bland-Altman analysis, linear regression analysis, 95 percent CI, p<0.05. RESULTS: RT-3D-Echo measurements: LVEF ranged from 56.1 to 78.6 (65.5±5.58) percent; end-diastolic volume ranged from 49.6 to 178.2 (87±27.8) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 11.4 to 78 (33.1±13.6) ml. CT scan measurements: LVEF ranged from 53 to 86 percent (67.8±7.78); end-diastolic volume ranged from 51 to 186 (106.5±30.3) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 7 to 72 (35.5±13.4)ml. Correlations between RT-3D-Echo and CT were: LVEF (r: 0.7888, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.6301 to 0.8843); end-diastolic volume (r: 0.7695, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.5995 to 0.8730); end-systolic volume (r: 0.8119, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.6673 to 0.8975). CONCLUSION: Good correlation between LVEF and ventricular volume parameters as measured by RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT was found in the present case series.

FUNDAMENTO: La ecocardiografía tridimensional en tiempo real (Eco-3DTR) y la tomografía computarizada ultrarrápida (TC ultrarrápida) son dos nuevos métodos de análisis de la fracción de eyección (FE) y de los volúmenes del ventrículo izquierdo (VI). OBJETIVO: Comparar las mediciones de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) y de los volúmenes del VI apurados por la Eco-3DTR y por la TC ultrarrápida. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron, mediante la Eco-3DTR y la TC ultrarrápida de 64 cortes, a 39 pacientes consecutivos (27 varones, promedio de edad de 57±12 años). Se analizaron: FEVI y volúmenes del VI. Análisis estadístico: coeficiente de correlación (r: Pearson), prueba de Bland & Altman, prueba de regresión lineal, 95 por ciento IC, p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Valores de la Eco-3DTR: variación de la FEVI de 56,1 a 78,6 (65,5±5,58) por ciento; variación del volumen diastólico final de 49,6 a 178,2 (87±27,8)mL; variación del volumen sistólico final de 11,4 a 78 (33,1±13,6)mL. Valores de la TC ultrarrápida: variación de la FEVI de 53 a 86 (67,8±7,78) por ciento; variación del volumen diastólico final de 51 a 186 (106,5±30,3) mL; variación del volumen sistólico final de 7 a 72 (35,5±13,4) mL. Las correlaciones entre la Eco-3DTR y la TC ultrarrápida fueron: FEVI (r: 0,7888, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,6301 a 0,8843); volumen diastólico final (r: 0,7695, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,5995 a 0,8730); volumen sistólico final (r: 0,8119, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,6673 a 0,8975). CONCLUSIÓN: En esta serie, se observó una buena correlación entre las mediciones de la FEVI y entre los volúmenes ventriculares apurados por la Eco-3DTR y por la TC ultrarrápida de 64 cortes.

Comparação entre a aferição da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do ventrículo esquerdo, medidos com ecocardiografia tridimensional em tempo real e com tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida / Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes asessment: comparison with cardiac computed tomography

Fundamento e objetivo: O ecocardiograma tridimensional (ECO 3D) e a tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida (CT) constituem 2 novos métodos de análise da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). Existem poucos estudos dirigidos à comparação da análise da fração de ejeção do VE aferidos por ambos os métodos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as medidas da FEVE e dos volumes do VE ECO 3D em tempo real e pela CT ultra rápida. Método: Foram estudados pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra rápida de 64 cortes, 41 pacientes (29 homens, média etária de 58 + - 111 anos). Foram analisados com ambas as técnicas: FEVE, volumes sistólico final e diastólico final do VE. Os parâmetros aferidos com o ECO3D e com a CT foram comparados com o emprego do coeficiente de determinação (r:Pearson), do teste de Bland & Altman e do teste de regressão linear, 95 por cento IC, p<0,05. Resultados: Medidas do ECO 3D: a FEVE variou de 56,7 a 78,9 (65,3 + - 5,7) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 49,6 a 178,2 (88+ - 27,5) mL; volume sistólico final variou de 11,4 a 78 (33,9 + - 13,7) mL. Medidas da CT: a FEVE variou de 7 a 72 (35,1 + - 13,8) mL. As correlações entre ECO 3D e CT foram: FEVE (r: 0,7877, p>0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6327 a 0,8853); volume diastólico final (r:0,7671, p< 0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,5974 a 0,8745); volume sistólico final (r: 0,8121, p< 0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6659 a 0,8957). Conclusão: Foi evidenciada boa correlação entre as medidas da FEVE e entre os volumes ventriculares aferidos pelo ECO3D em tempo real e pela CT ultra rápida de 64 cortes.