High-power short-duration versus low-power long-duration ablation guided by the ablation index.

AIMS: To compare the two different ablation strategies, both guided by the Ablation Index (AI), in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation: high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation using 40 W on the posterior wall and 50 W elsewhere versus low-power long-duration (LPLD) using 25 W posteriorly and 35 W elsewhere. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter nonrandomized, noninferiority study of consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2018 to July 2019. Ablation was guided by the AI (≥500 for anterior segments, ≥450 for the roof and inferior segments and 400 posteriorly) and an interlesion distance (ILD) ≤ 6 mm. Patients were separated into two groups: HPSD vs LPLD. Acute reconnection (after adenosine trial) and 2-year outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: 160 patients (61% males, median age of 62 [IQR 51-69] years), fulfilled the study inclusion criteria - 80 patients (316 pulmonary veins [PV]) in the HPSD group and 80 patients (314 PV) in the LPLD. The probability of acute PV reconnection was similar between both groups: 2.2% in HPSD, 95%CI 0.6% to 3.8% vs. 3.4% in LPLD, 95%CI 1.4% to 5.4%; p < 0.001 for noninferiority. Median PV ablation time (20 min vs 30 min, p < 0.01) and procedure duration (80 min vs 100 min, p < 0.001) were shorter in the HPSD group. After a median follow-up of 26 months, arrhythmia recurrence was similar between groups (17.5% in HPSD group vs. 18.8% in LPLD group, p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In paroxysmal AF patients treated with the Ablation Index, a HPSD strategy is noninferior to the more standard LPLD ablation, while allowing for quicker procedures with shorter ablation times.

Dependência de Pacing a Longo-Prazo e Preditores de Implante de Pacemaker após Implante Percutâneo de Prótese Valvular Aórtica - 1 Ano de Seguimento / Long-Term Ventricular Pacing Dependency and Pacemaker Implantation Predictors after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - A 1-Year Follow-Up

Resumo Fundamento Os distúrbios de condução (DC) são a complicação mais frequente após a substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) e ainda não há consenso sobre seu tratamento. Objetivo Avaliar novos DC e implante de marca-passo definitivo (MPD) após a TAVR e avaliar a porcentagem de estimulação ventricular (EV) até 1 ano de acompanhamento. Métodos Pacientes submetidos a TAVR de outubro de 2014 a novembro de 2019 foram cadastrados; pacientes com MPD anterior foram excluídos. Dados clínicos, do procedimento, do ECG e do MPD foram coletados até 1 ano após o implante. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 0,05%. Resultados Um total de 340 indivíduos foram submetidos a TAVR. O DC mais comum foi bloqueio de ramo esquerdo novo (BRE; 32,2%), sendo que 56% destes foram resolvidos após 6 meses. O bloqueio do ramo direito (BRD) foi o maior fator de risco para bloqueio atrioventricular avançado (BAV) [RC=8,46; p<0,001] e implante de MPD [RC=5,18; p<0,001], seguido de BAV de baixo grau prévio [RC=2,25; p=0,016 para implante de MPD]. Em relação às características do procedimento, válvulas de gerações mais recentes e procedimentos de válvula-em-válvula foram associados a menos DC. No total, 18,5% dos pacientes tiveram MPD implantado após a TAVR. Na primeira avaliação do MPD, pacientes com BAV avançado tinham uma porcentagem mediana de EV de 80%, e, após um ano, de 83%. Em relação aos pacientes com BRE e BAV de baixo grau, a EV mediana foi mais baixa (6% na primeira avaliação, p=0,036; 2% após um ano, p = 0,065). Conclusão O BRE foi o DC mais frequente após a TAVR, com mais da metade dos casos se resolvendo nos primeiros 6 meses. O BRD foi o principal fator de risco para BAV avançado e implante de MPD. O BAV avançado foi associado a uma porcentagem mais alta de EV no acompanhamento de 1 ano.

Abstract Background Conduction disturbances (CD) are the most frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and there continues to be a lack of consensus on their management. Objective To assess new CD and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after TAVR and to evaluate the ventricular pacing percentage (VP) up to 1 year of follow-up. Methods Patients who underwent TAVR from October 2014 to November 2019 were enrolled; patients with previous PPM were excluded. Clinical, procedure, ECG, and PPM data were collected up to 1 year after implantation. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 0.05. Results A total of 340 patients underwent TAVR. The most frequent CD was the new left bundle branch block (LBBB; 32.2%), which 56% resolved after 6 months. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) was the biggest risk factor for advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) [OR=8.46; p<0.001] and PPM implantation [OR=5.18, p<0.001], followed by previous low-grade AVB [OR=2.25; p=0.016 for PPM implantation]. Regarding procedure characteristics, newer generation valves and valve-in-valve procedures were associated with fewer CDs. Overall, 18.5% of patients had a PPM implanted post-TAVR. At first PPM evaluation, patients with advanced AVB had a median percentage of VP of 80% and 83% at one year. Regarding patients with LBBB plus low-grade AVB, median VP was lower (6% at first assessment, p=0.036; 2% at one year, p = 0.065). Conclusion LBBB was the most frequent CD after TAVR, with more than half being resolved in the first six months. RBBB was the major risk factor for advanced AVB and PPM implantation. Advanced AVB was associated with a higher percentage of VP at 1 year of follow-up.

Iatrogenic ventricular fibrillation in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is the most common manifestation of ventricular pre-excitation syndrome and is mostly found in individuals with no structural heart disease. Although the risk of malignant arrhythmias is low, sudden cardiac death (SCD) as the first clinical manifestation of WPW syndrome is well documented, and atrial fibrillation (AF) with a rapid ventricular response is the main mechanism involved. Unfortunately, the signs of pre-excitation and arrhythmias are sometimes under-diagnosed and under-treated. We describe the case of a 31-year-old man who was admitted with an irregular wide complex tachycardia consistent with pre-excited AF, which was not promptly diagnosed, and who developed ventricular fibrillation (VF) after administration of atrioventricular (AV) nodal blockers, as a primary manifestation of WPW syndrome. Blocking the AV node in patients with pre-excited AF may increase the ventricular rate and potentially result in hemodynamic instability. Among patients with WPW syndrome who survive an episode of SCD, catheter ablation of the accessory pathway is the treatment of choice.

Two years after pulmonary vein isolation guided by ablation index-a multicenter study.

Background: The use of the Ablation Index (AI) software for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher acute effectiveness and higher 1-year arrhythmia freedom. There is, however, a lack of data concerning longer follow-up. We aim to evaluate the 2-year outcomes after a standardized AI-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: Prospective, multicenter study of consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2018 to July 2019. PVI was guided by a tailored AI value (≥500 for anterior segment, ≥450 for the roof segments and inferior segments, and 400 for the posterior wall) and an ILD ≤6 mm. The primary endpoints were acute and long-term effectiveness. Results: The study included 218 (842 PV) patients (61% males, median age of 60 [IQR 49-68] years) with paroxysmal AF. First-pass isolation was obtained in 93% of the patients, with an acute reconnection occurring in 10.6% of the patients (3.2% of the PV) following adenosine trial. After a median follow-up of 26 (IQR 20-30) months, freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia was 83.4%, off-AAD. The rate of adverse events was 1.4%. Although procedural parameters differ across centers (p < 0.001), the acute (p = 0.56) and long-term effectiveness (p = 0.83) were consistent between centers. Conclusions: Patients with paroxysmal AF submitted to an AI-guided PVI workflow presented high arrhythmia freedom at 2-years of follow-up.

Long-Term Ventricular Pacing Dependency and Pacemaker Implantation Predictors after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - A 1-Year Follow-Up. / Dependência de Pacing a Longo-Prazo e Preditores de Implante de Pacemaker após Implante Percutâneo de Prótese Valvular Aórtica ­ 1 Ano de Seguimento.

BACKGROUND: Conduction disturbances (CD) are the most frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and there continues to be a lack of consensus on their management. OBJECTIVE: To assess new CD and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after TAVR and to evaluate the ventricular pacing percentage (VP) up to 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: Patients who underwent TAVR from October 2014 to November 2019 were enrolled; patients with previous PPM were excluded. Clinical, procedure, ECG, and PPM data were collected up to 1 year after implantation. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 340 patients underwent TAVR. The most frequent CD was the new left bundle branch block (LBBB; 32.2%), which 56% resolved after 6 months. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) was the biggest risk factor for advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) [OR=8.46; p<0.001] and PPM implantation [OR=5.18, p<0.001], followed by previous low-grade AVB [OR=2.25; p=0.016 for PPM implantation]. Regarding procedure characteristics, newer generation valves and valve-in-valve procedures were associated with fewer CDs. Overall, 18.5% of patients had a PPM implanted post-TAVR. At first PPM evaluation, patients with advanced AVB had a median percentage of VP of 80% and 83% at one year. Regarding patients with LBBB plus low-grade AVB, median VP was lower (6% at first assessment, p=0.036; 2% at one year, p = 0.065). CONCLUSION: LBBB was the most frequent CD after TAVR, with more than half being resolved in the first six months. RBBB was the major risk factor for advanced AVB and PPM implantation. Advanced AVB was associated with a higher percentage of VP at 1 year of follow-up.

FUNDAMENTO: Os distúrbios de condução (DC) são a complicação mais frequente após a substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) e ainda não há consenso sobre seu tratamento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar novos DC e implante de marca-passo definitivo (MPD) após a TAVR e avaliar a porcentagem de estimulação ventricular (EV) até 1 ano de acompanhamento. MÉTODOS: Pacientes submetidos a TAVR de outubro de 2014 a novembro de 2019 foram cadastrados; pacientes com MPD anterior foram excluídos. Dados clínicos, do procedimento, do ECG e do MPD foram coletados até 1 ano após o implante. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 0,05%. RESULTADOS: Um total de 340 indivíduos foram submetidos a TAVR. O DC mais comum foi bloqueio de ramo esquerdo novo (BRE; 32,2%), sendo que 56% destes foram resolvidos após 6 meses. O bloqueio do ramo direito (BRD) foi o maior fator de risco para bloqueio atrioventricular avançado (BAV) [RC=8,46; p<0,001] e implante de MPD [RC=5,18; p<0,001], seguido de BAV de baixo grau prévio [RC=2,25; p=0,016 para implante de MPD]. Em relação às características do procedimento, válvulas de gerações mais recentes e procedimentos de válvula-em-válvula foram associados a menos DC. No total, 18,5% dos pacientes tiveram MPD implantado após a TAVR. Na primeira avaliação do MPD, pacientes com BAV avançado tinham uma porcentagem mediana de EV de 80%, e, após um ano, de 83%. Em relação aos pacientes com BRE e BAV de baixo grau, a EV mediana foi mais baixa (6% na primeira avaliação, p=0,036; 2% após um ano, p = 0,065). CONCLUSÃO: O BRE foi o DC mais frequente após a TAVR, com mais da metade dos casos se resolvendo nos primeiros 6 meses. O BRD foi o principal fator de risco para BAV avançado e implante de MPD. O BAV avançado foi associado a uma porcentagem mais alta de EV no acompanhamento de 1 ano.

Assessment of the need of a waiting period after pulmonary vein isolation with the ablation index software.

PURPOSE: Since the widespread availability of contact-force sensing catheters, the need for a waiting period after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has not been reassessed. We aim to evaluate whether a waiting period is still necessary after PVI guided by the ablation Index (AI). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, randomized study of consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation from May 2019 to February 2020. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to PVI with versus without a waiting period of 20 min. Acute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection after adenosine challenge was the primary endpoint. A per-protocol analysis was designed to determine whether a strategy of dismissing the waiting period after PVI was noninferior to waiting for 20 min for identifying acute PV reconnection. PVI was guided by tailored AI values and an interlesion distance ≤6 mm. RESULTS: During the enrollment period, 167 patients (56% males, mean age of 57 ± 14 years) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria - 84 patients (308 PV) in the waiting period group (Group A) and 83 patients (314 PV) in the group without a waiting period (Group B). Acute PV reconnection was identified in 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7%-5.9%) of PVs in the study group B compared to 2.9% (95% CI, 1.0%-4.8%) of PVs in the Group A (p = .002 for non-inferiority). At 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in arrhythmia recurrence between groups (9.5% in Group A vs. 9.6% in Group B, hazard ratio: 1.03 [95% CI, 0.39-2.73], p = .98). CONCLUSION: In paroxysmal AF patients submitted to ablation, a tailored PVI guided by the AI rendered a 20-min waiting period unnecessary.

Left ventricular pacing with a temporary pacemaker: Case report.

We report a case of temporary pacemaker lead malposition in the left ventricle crossing the interventricular septum (IVS). The majority of described cases occur due to a patent foramen ovale and are frequently incidental findings. A course across the IVS is rarely found and this complication with temporary leads is not even reported in the literature. This very rare location entails a risk of dangerous complications associated with left-to-right flow after lead removal. Echocardiography was an essential tool to diagnose the lead's course inside the heart and enabled secure removal of the lead with cardiac surgery backup.

Lead Extraction of Cardiac Rhythm Devices: A Report of a Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The rate of implanted cardiac electronic devices is increasing as is the need to manage long-term complications. Lead removal is becoming an effective approach to treat such complications. We present our experience in lead removal using different approaches, analyzing the predictors of the use of mechanical extractors/surgical removal. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of lead extractions in a series of 76 consecutive patients (mean age 70.4 ± 13.8 years, 73.7% men) between January 2009 and November 2015. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five leads from permanent pacemakers (single chamber 19.7%; dual-chamber 61.8%), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (5.3%), and cardiac resynchronization devices (CRT-P 2.6%; CRT-D 7.9%) were removed, 72.5 ± 73.2 months after implantation. A total of 45.9% were ventricular leads, 40.0% atrial leads, 8.9% defibrillator leads, and 5.2% leads in the coronary sinus; 64.4% had passive fixation. The most common indications for removal were pocket infection (77.8%), infective endocarditis (9.6%), and lead dislodgement (3.7%). A total of 76.3% of the leads were explanted, 20.0% were extracted, and 3.7% were surgically removed. Extraction of the entire lead was achieved in 96.3% of the procedures. After logistic regression (age adjusted), time since implantation was the sole predictor of the need of mechanical extractors/surgical removal. All patients were discharged without major complications. There were no deaths at 30 days. CONCLUSION: Our experience in lead removal was effective and safe. Performing these procedures by experienced electrophysiologists with an adequate cardiothoracic surgery team on standby to cope with any complications is required. Referral of high-risk patients to a high-volume center is recommended to optimize clinical success and minimize procedural complications.

Late atypical atrial flutter after ablation of atrial fibrillation. / Flutter auricular atípico tardio após ablação de fibrilhação auricular.

Cardiac surgery for structural heart disease (often involving the left atrium) and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation have led to an increased incidence of regular atrial tachycardias, often presenting as atypical flutters. This type of flutter is particularly common after pulmonary vein isolation, especially after extensive atrial ablation including linear lesions and/or defragmentation. The authors describe the case of a 51-year-old man, with no relevant medical history, referred for a cardiology consultation in 2009 for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. After failure of antiarrhythmic therapy, he underwent catheter ablation, with criteria of acute success. Three years later he again suffered palpitations and atypical atrial flutter was documented. The electrophysiology study confirmed the diagnosis of atypical left flutter and reappearance of electrical activity in the right inferior pulmonary vein. This vein was again ablated successfully and there has been no arrhythmia recurrence to date. In an era of frequent catheter ablation it is essential to understand the mechanism of this arrhythmia and to recognize such atypical flutters.

Determinants of left ventricular systolic function recovery after an acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of heart failure in western societies. However, the factors that may influence left ventricular function (LVF) recovery after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify variables that may influence LVF evolution one year after ACS. METHODS: 104 patients hospitalized with ACS between 7/1/2001 and 12/31/2002 and with systolic dysfunction--defined as an echocardiographic ejection fraction (EF) < or = 45%--were randomly allocated to a planned coronary follow-up program (FUP) or a general cardiology clinic (GC); patients from both groups were also randomly referred to a structured cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP). EF was re-assessed at one year. We compared differences between patients who recovered left ventricular function (EF > 45%; group 1) and those who did not (group 2). RESULTS: One year after discharge, 44.2% of the patients had recovered function. There were no significant differences between the groups in gender (77.7 vs. 76.5% male), age (56 vs. 59 years), hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking habits or family history. A previous history of cardiovascular events was more frequent in group 2 (11.1% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.03). Cardiac catheterization was performed before discharge in 88.8% and 88.2% in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p = NS); no differences were found in coronary anatomy between the two groups. Angioplasty was performed in 54.2% in group 1 and 50% in group 2 (p = NS). There were no differences in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (83.3% vs. 87.5%), beta-blockers (87.5% vs. 87.5%), nitrates (37.5% vs. 33.3%), aspirin (95.8% vs. 95.8%), statins (79.1% vs. 75%) or diuretics (20.8% vs. 45.8%). There was no significant difference in LVF recovery between patients randomized to FUP or GC (38.5% vs. 54.5%). 87.5% of patients who completed the CRP had normal EF at one year compared to 32.7% of patients not referred to the program (p = 0.009). Although EF improved in both groups, this improvement was greater in patients who completed a CRP (EF 8% vs. 5%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A previous cardiovascular event and completion of a CRP were the only variables that influenced LVF recovery. Thus, enrollment in a CRP, in addition to standard therapy, could be an important therapeutic measure in patients with systolic dysfunction after ACS; our data suggest that these programs should be more widely used.

Left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction--the impact of cardiovascular risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is an important prognostic factor in coronary heart disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) should be assessed in all patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although reperfusion therapy has been found effective in the reduction of complications of AMI, LVEF impairment is a common consequence of an acute coronary event. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of LVEF depression after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to evaluate the effect of previous cardiovascular risk factors on the risk of LV dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients with a first STEMI were included in this study. Most patients were male (70.7%) and mean age was 60.7 years. LVEF was assessed by echocardiography (using the single-plane area-length method and automatic border detection). LV systolic function was considered depressed when ejection fraction was less than 45 %. The chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis to compare proportions and a logistic regression model was fitted to assess the independent effect of each variable. RESULTS: Incidence of LV dysfunction was 55.8% in STEMI patients. No association was found between gender or age and LVEF impairment. The proportion of patients with diabetes was higher in the impaired LVEF group than in normal LVEF patients (44.7% vs. 31.7%, p = 0.12); the prevalence of smoking was also higher in patients with LV dysfunction (46.9% vs. 33.8%, p = 0.11). On the other hand, dyslipidemia was less common in patients with depressed LV function (35.4% vs. 56.9%, p = 0.01). Hypertension was not associated with impaired LVEF. After adjustment for ST-elevation location and number of vessels with critical stenosis, diabetes and smoking were associated with a significantly higher risk of LVEF impairment (diabetes: OR = 3.73, 95% CI 1.25-11.16; smoking: OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.37-11.07) and dyslipidemia with a significantly lower risk of LV dysfunction (OR: 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients, previous cardiovascular risk factors have a significant impact on the likelihood of LV dysfunction and hence could influence long-term prognosis.

The smoker's--a hemodynamic reality?

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. Despite this, smokers seem to have a better prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It has been suggested that the thrombogenicity of smoke could explain this phenomenon; by causing occlusions or sub-occlusions in minor coronary lesions and leading to earlier ACS in terms of coronary disease. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of patients hospitalized for ACS, according to their smoking status. POPULATION AND METHODS: The population of patients hospitalized for ACS between January 1, 2001 and September 30 2002 was divided into two groups, according to the existence (F) or not (NF) of a history of smoking. We compared clinical and epidemiologic characteristics, ECG presentation, coronary anatomy, peak troponin, mortality rate, duration of hospital stay and ejection fraction at date of discharge. RESULTS: Of the 903 patients hospitalized for ACS, 369--mean age 54 years (24-88), 95% men--had a history of smoking. In the NF group mean age was 69 years (29-93), 51% being women. Hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent in NF (71 vs. 47% and 33 vs. 17%). Dyslipidemia was more frequent in F. Presentation with ST elevation was more common in F (38 vs. 24%) (p < 0.01) and peak troponin was also higher in this group (22.4 vs. 16.2 ng/ml) (p < 0.01). Coronary catheterization showed a larger number of vessels with critical disease and with diffuse disease in NF, although without statistical significance. Hospital stay was longer and the mortality rate was higher in NF (7.3 days vs. 6.9 days (NS) and 6.6% vs. 2.6% (p < 0.01), respectively). There was no difference between the two groups in ejection fraction at discharge. After adjustment for age and sex there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for any of the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: The population of patients with a history of smoking who suffer an ACS is significantly younger than those with ACS who never smoked. This may explain the differences found in coronary anatomy between the two groups. The differences found at presentation and the more favorable in-hospital evolution that we found in the F group can also be explained by the epidemiologic differences of both populations and do not stand up to multivariate analysis. Therefore, in the population studied, it is not possible to confirm the hypothesis of a hemodynamic cause for the "smoker's paradox".

Acute coronary syndromes in young women.

INTRODUCTION: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in young women are relatively unusual. This subgroup of patients presents a premature risk of death and disability, with significant social repercussions. OBJECTIVE/METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study was undertaken to define risk factors, symptoms and signs at presentation, electrocardiographic and angiographic characteristics, treatment and complications, in pre-menopausal women younger than fifty years old, admitted to the Coronary Care Unit between 1991 and 2002. RESULTS: We evaluated 33 patients (mean age 43.0 years). The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (48.5%) and smoking (45.5%). Typical chest pain (78.7%) and tachycardia (34.1%) were the most prevalent symptom and sign respectively. A history of previous angina was present in 18% of the patients. The most common presenting electrocardiographic finding was ST segment elevation (45.5%). Critical coronary lesions were present in 78.7%, mainly in the left anterior descending (LAD) (54.5%). Single-vessel disease was more frequent than multi-vessel disease (57.6% vs. 18.2%). Coronary arteries were angiographically normal in 9.1%. Left ventricular dysfunction assessed by echocardiography was present in 63.6%. Recurrent angina was the most common complication (24.2%). No fatal cases were recorded. Acute reperfusion therapy was indicated in fifteen patients: direct angioplasty in six, thrombolysis in six and none in three. Elective revascularization was performed in seventeen patients (angioplasty in ten and coronary artery bypass graft in seven). Secondary prevention included platelet antiaggregants in 100%, beta-blockers in 81.5%, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in 42.2%, and statins in 42.2%. Diagnosis at discharge was Q-wave myocardial infarction (anterior--36.3% and inferior--15.2%), non-Q wave myocardial infarction (27.2%), and unstable angina (21.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that atherosclerosis was the principal etiopathogenic factor in young women with ACS. Hypertension and smoking were the commonest risk factors. Critical LAD stenosis, Q-wave myocardial infarction (mostly anterior) and left ventricular dysfunction were common.

[Myocardial revascularization surgery, depressive symptoms and labeling effect]. / Cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica, sintomas depressivos e efeito rotulação.

INTRODUCTION: The individual awareness of one's own disease, the so called labeling effect, may result in a reduction of one's sense of perceived health. In patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery it has been reported that the diagnosis of depression is associated with a higher rate of hospitalization and it's an independent risk factor for cardiac events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the modification of depressive symptoms induced by the information of medical indication for myocardial revascularization surgery. METHODS: We studied the presence of depressive symptoms, socio-demographic variables, cardiovascular status and therapeutic procedures in two groups of consecutive patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome. In the labeled group the BDI-1 was performed after clinical stabilization and the BDI-2 after the information of myocardial revascularization surgery need. In the control group the BDI-1 was answered after clinical stabilization and the BDI-2 48-72 hours later. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the difference of depressive symptoms between the groups. RESULTS: Distribution by age, marital status and education level was similar between the two groups. The cardiovascular risk profile was alike. The difference between BDI-1 and BDI-2 was significantly higher in the labeled group (4.6-/+4.2 vs 0.8-/+3.2; p=0.005). There were no significant differences between the final diagnosis (unstable angina in the labeled group 50% vs control group 45.5%; AMI without Q wave 30% vs 27.3%; AMI with Q wave 20% vs 27.3%) and in hospital clinical evolution. CONCLUSION: The individual awareness of the need to coronary bypass surgery was associated with a clinical and statistical significant increase of depressive symptoms. Hence, routine evaluation of depressive symptoms as a part of a preoperative protocol, may allow identification of the patients, who may benefit from therapeutic intervention.