Cardiac amyloidosis in Latin America: Gaps and opportunities to increase awareness of the disease. Findings from the AMILO-LATAM research group.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an under-diagnosed disease presenting as a restrictive cardiomyopathy with high morbidity and mortality. Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is mostly seen in elderly patients, with increasing prevalence as life expectancy is growing. New diagnostic imaging techniques and treatments allow for a better prognosis, but lack of clinical awareness delays timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Our purpose was to investigate the knowledge of clinicians regarding ATTR-CM and to assess the availability of imaging resources in the Latin-American region. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two online surveys were distributed among clinicians and nuclear medicine professionals, respectively: one asking about awareness of CA in different clinical scenarios, and the other about the availability of diagnostic resources and studies performed. 406 responses were received for the first survey and 82 for the second, representing 17 and 14 countries, respectively. A significant lack of awareness was identified among clinicians, although appropriate diagnostic resources are generally available. Survey data showed that very few patients are evaluated for ATTR-CM in most Latin-American countries. CONCLUSIONS: The surveys demonstrated the need for educational programs and other measures to increase clinical awareness and early detection of CA, so patients receive timely treatment and management of the disease.

Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Getting to Know Gender Related Disparities

Abstract Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are often indistinctly used terms. Both combined have generated, over the past years, concerns about sex disparities in their presentation. From an epidemiological perspective, females have several disadvantages regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CAD. Most of the general cardiovascular risk factors affect women more frequently, or with a higher morbidity and mortality association. Besides, atypical manifestations of the disease and uncommon forms of CAD represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Even if current treatments for CAD have no apparent sex bias, women representation in clinical trials and treatment patterns analyzed in clinical practice refuse this statement. Several disparities are caused by inevitable sex-particularities, but many of them are more social, cultural, and dogmatic beliefs that have to be addressed and overhaul.

Clinical Impact of the Polypill for Cardiovascular Prevention in Latin America: A Consensus Statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing, particularly in low-middle-income countries such as most of Latin America. This region presents specific socioeconomic characteristics, generating a high incidence of CVD despite efforts to control the problem. A consensus statement has been developed by Inter-American Society of Cardiology with the aim of answering some important questions related to CVD in this region and the role of the polypill in cardiovascular (CV) prevention as an intervention to address these issues. A multidisciplinary team composed of Latin American experts in the prevention of CVD was convened by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology and participated in the process and the formulation of statements. To characterize the prevailing situation in Latin American countries, we describe the most significant CV risk factors in the region. The barriers that impair the use of CV essential medications are also reviewed. The role of therapeutic adherence in CV prevention and how the polypill emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, accessibility, and affordability in the treatment of CVDs are discussed in detail. Clinical scenarios in which the polypill could represent an effective intervention in primary and secondary CV prevention are described. This initiative is expected to help professionals involved in the management of CVD and public health policymakers develop optimal strategies for the management of CVDs.

Ibero⁻American Consensus on Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners: Safety, Nutritional Aspects and Benefits in Food and Beverages.

International scientific experts in food, nutrition, dietetics, endocrinology, physical activity, paediatrics, nursing, toxicology and public health met in Lisbon on 2⁻4 July 2017 to develop a Consensus on the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) as substitutes for sugars and other caloric sweeteners. LNCS are food additives that are broadly used as sugar substitutes to sweeten foods and beverages with the addition of fewer or no calories. They are also used in medicines, health-care products, such as toothpaste, and food supplements. The goal of this Consensus was to provide a useful, evidence-based, point of reference to assist in efforts to reduce free sugars consumption in line with current international public health recommendations. Participating experts in the Lisbon Consensus analysed and evaluated the evidence in relation to the role of LNCS in food safety, their regulation and the nutritional and dietary aspects of their use in foods and beverages. The conclusions of this Consensus were: (1) LNCS are some of the most extensively evaluated dietary constituents, and their safety has been reviewed and confirmed by regulatory bodies globally including the World Health Organisation, the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority; (2) Consumer education, which is based on the most robust scientific evidence and regulatory processes, on the use of products containing LNCS should be strengthened in a comprehensive and objective way; (3) The use of LNCS in weight reduction programmes that involve replacing caloric sweeteners with LNCS in the context of structured diet plans may favour sustainable weight reduction. Furthermore, their use in diabetes management programmes may contribute to a better glycaemic control in patients, albeit with modest results. LNCS also provide dental health benefits when used in place of free sugars; (4) It is proposed that foods and beverages with LNCS could be included in dietary guidelines as alternative options to products sweetened with free sugars; (5) Continued education of health professionals is required, since they are a key source of information on issues related to food and health for both the general population and patients. With this in mind, the publication of position statements and consensus documents in the academic literature are extremely desirable.

Stress myocardial blood flow correlates with ventricular function and synchrony better than myocardial perfusion reserve: A Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac PET quantifies stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and perfusion reserve (MPR), while ECG-gated datasets can measure components of ventricular function simultaneously. Stress MBF seems to outperform MPR in the detection of significant CAD. However, it is uncertain which perfusion measurement is more related to ventricular function. We hypothesized that stress MBF correlates with ventricular function better than MPR in patients studied for suspected myocardial ischemia. METHODS: We studied 248 patients referred to a rest and adenosine-stress Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET. We performed a multivariate analysis using systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF), diastolic function (mean filling rate in diastole, MFR/3), and synchrony (Entropy) as the outcome variables, and stress MBF, MPR, and relevant covariates as the predictors. Secondarily, we repeated the analysis for the subgroup of patients with and without a previous myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS: 166 male and 82 female patients (mean age 63 ± 11 and 67 ± 11 year, respectively) were included. 60% of the patients presented hypertension, 57% dyslipidemia, 21% type 2 diabetes mellitus, 45% smoking, and 34.7% a previous MI. Mean stress MBF was 1.99 ± 0.75 mL/g/min, MPR = 2.55 ± 0.89, LVEF = 61.6 ± 15%, MFR/3 = 1.12 ± 0.38 EDV/s, and Entropy = 45.6 ± 11.3%. There was a significant correlation between stress MBF (P < .001) and ventricular function. This was stronger than the one for MPR (P = .063). Sex, age, diabetes, and extent of previous MI were also significant predictors. Results were similar for the analyses of the 2 subgroups. CONCLUSION: Stress MBF is better correlated with ventricular function than MPR, as evaluated by Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET, independently from other relevant cardiovascular risk factors and clinical covariates. This relationship between coronary vasodilatory capacity and ventricular function is sustained across groups with and without a previous MI.

Opportunities for improvement on current nuclear cardiology practices and radiation exposure in Latin America: Findings from the 65-country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols cross-sectional Study (INCAPS).

BACKGROUND: Comparison of Latin American (LA) nuclear cardiology (NC) practice with that in the rest of the world (RoW) will identify areas for improvement and lead to educational activities to reduce radiation exposure from NC. METHODS AND RESULTS: INCAPS collected data on all SPECT and PET procedures performed during a single week in March-April 2013 in 36 laboratories in 10 LA countries (n = 1139), and 272 laboratories in 55 countries in RoW (n = 6772). Eight "best practices" were identified a priori and a radiation-related Quality Index (QI) was devised indicating the number used. Mean radiation effective dose (ED) in LA was higher than in RoW (11.8 vs 9.1 mSv, p < 0.001). Within a populous country like Brazil, a wide variation in laboratory mean ED was found, ranging from 8.4 to 17.8 mSv. Only 11% of LA laboratories achieved median ED <9 mSv, compared to 32% in RoW (p < 0.001). QIs ranged from 2 in a laboratory in Mexico to 7 in a laboratory in Cuba. Three major opportunities to reduce ED for LA patients were identified: (1) more laboratories could implement stress-only imaging, (2) camera-based methods of ED reduction, including prone imaging, could be more frequently used, and (3) injected activity of 99mTc could be adjusted reflecting patient weight/habitus. CONCLUSIONS: On average, radiation dose from NC is higher in LA compared to RoW, with median laboratory ED <9 mSv achieved only one third as frequently as in RoW. Opportunities to reduce radiation exposure in LA have been identified and guideline-based recommendations made to optimize protocols and adhere to the "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) principle.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus correlates with systolic function during myocardial stress perfusion scanning with Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET.

BACKGROUND: The influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on systolic function is partially determined by the coronary vasodilator function, nevertheless, an independent effect is suspected. We evaluated the relationship between DM2 and systolic function considering PET quantitative myocardial perfusion. METHODS: We analyzed 585 patients without a previous myocardial infarction referred to a rest and adenosine stress Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET. A bootstrapped multiple linear regression analysis was performed using DM2, stress myocardial blood flow (sMBF), myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), and clinical risk factors as predictors and LVEF as the outcome variable; an interaction term was additionally investigated. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety male and 295 female patients (mean age 65.3 ± 9.9 and 67.4 ± 10 years, respectively) were included. 57.1% presented hypertension, 16% smoking, 37.6% hypercholesterolemia, 33.8% family history for CAD, and 15.2% DM2. The mean MPR was 2.13 ± 0.48 and 2.21 ± 0.60, mean sMBF was 2.01 ± 0.51 and 2.15 ± 0.54, and mean LVEF was 63% ± 10.4 and 67% ± 10.1 for diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively. A significant relation was detected for sMBF (B = 5.830 95% CI [3.505, 9.549], P = .001) and DM2 (B = -2.599 95% CI [-5.125, -0.119], P = .03) with LVEF. The interaction (DM2 × sMBF) yielded no significance (P = .512). CONCLUSION: DM2 influences PET-measured systolic function in patients without previous myocardial infarction independently from myocardial perfusion parameters. Our study supports the importance of DM2 as an independent risk factor for deteriorating systolic function.

Nuclear Cardiology Practices and Radiation Exposure in the Oceania Region: Results From the IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Study (INCAPS).

BACKGROUND: There is concern about radiation exposure with radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). This sub-study of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Study reports radiation doses from MPI, and use of dose-optimisation protocols in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), and compares them with data from the rest of the world. METHODS: Data were collected from 7911 MPI studies performed in 308 laboratories worldwide in one week in 2013, including 439 MPI studies from 34 ANZ laboratories. For each laboratory, effective radiation dose (ED) and a quality index (QI) score (out of 8) based on pre-specified "best practices" was determined. RESULTS: In ANZ patients, ED ranged from 0.9-17.9 milliSievert (mSv). Median ED was similar in ANZ compared with the rest of the world (10.0 (IQR: 6.5-11.7) vs. 10.0 (IQR 6.4-12.6, P=0.15), as were mean QI scores (5.5±0.7 vs. 5.4±1.3, P=0.84). Use of stress-only imaging (17.6% vs. 31.8% of labs, P=0.09) and weight-based dosing of technetium-99m (14.7% vs. 30.3%, P=0.07) was lower in ANZ compared with the rest of the world but this difference was not statistically significant. Median ED was significantly lower in metropolitan versus non-metropolitan laboratories (10.1 mSv vs. 11.6 mSv, P<0.01), although mean QI scores were similar (5.4±0.8 vs. 5.5±0.7, P=0.75). CONCLUSION: Across ANZ, there is variability in ED from MPI, and use of radiation safety practices, particularly between metropolitan and non-metropolitan laboratories. Overall, ANZ laboratories have a similar median ED to laboratories in the rest of the world.

Functional compared to anatomical imaging in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease: An international, multi-center, randomized controlled trial (IAEA-SPECT/CTA study).

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that, in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) would result in less downstream testing than coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). METHODS: In this international, randomized trial, mildly symptomatic patients with an intermediate likelihood of having CAD, and asymptomatic patients at intermediate risk of cardiac events, underwent either initial stress-rest MPI or CCTA. The primary outcome was downstream noninvasive or invasive testing at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included cumulative effective radiation dose (ERD) and costs at 12 months. RESULTS: We recruited 303 patients (151 MPI and 152 CTA) from 6 centers in 6 countries. The initial MPI was abnormal in 29% (41/143) and CCTA in 56% (79/141) of patients. Fewer patients undergoing initial stress-rest MPI had further downstream testing at 6 months (adjusted OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.91, P = 0.023). There was a small increase in the median cumulative ERD with MPI (9.6 vs. 8.8 mSv, P = 0.04), but no difference in costs between the two strategies at 12 months. CONCLUSION: In the management of patients with suspected CAD, a strategy of initial stress MPI is substantially less likely to require further downstream testing than initial testing with CCTA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identification number NCT01368770.

Image quality and radiation dose of a prospectively electrocardiography-triggered high-pitch data acquisition strategy for coronary CT angiography: The multicenter, randomized PROTECTION IV study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised about radiation dose of coronary CT angiography. Although high-pitch acquisition technique yields high potential for radiation dose savings, it is more vulnerable to artifacts, which impair diagnostic image quality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare 2 scan strategies for coronary CT angiography: a high-pitch helical scan first or a conventional scan first strategy. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter trial, we randomized 303 consecutive patients with a low and stable heart rate to either of the aforementioned mentioned strategies. Intravenous ß-blockers were administered to achieve target heart rates. All scans were performed on a second-generation dual-source CT scanner. In case of nondiagnostic image quality, coronary CT angiography was allowed to be repeated. The primary end point was to demonstrate noninferior image quality in the high-pitch group. Image quality was assessed on a 4-point scale (1: nondiagnostic, 4: excellent). Secondary end point was total radiation dose. RESULTS: In the high-pitch helical first group, repeat scanning was necessary in 21 patients compared with 14 patients in the conventional first scan group (P = .25). Image quality in the high-pitch group was noninferior compared to the conventional scan group (3.81 ± 0.35 vs. 3.83 ± 0.37; P for noninferiority <.0001). The total effective radiation dose estimate was 58% lower in the high-pitch group (2.0 ± 2.4 vs. 4.7 ± 4.8 mSv; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a low and stable heart rate diagnostic image quality can be maintained with a high-pitch helical scan first strategy while 58% of radiation dose can be saved.

Current worldwide nuclear cardiology practices and radiation exposure: results from the 65 country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS).

AIMS: To characterize patient radiation doses from nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and the use of radiation-optimizing 'best practices' worldwide, and to evaluate the relationship between laboratory use of best practices and patient radiation dose. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of protocols used for all 7911 MPI studies performed in 308 nuclear cardiology laboratories in 65 countries for a single week in March-April 2013. Eight 'best practices' relating to radiation exposure were identified a priori by an expert committee, and a radiation-related quality index (QI) devised indicating the number of best practices used by a laboratory. Patient radiation effective dose (ED) ranged between 0.8 and 35.6 mSv (median 10.0 mSv). Average laboratory ED ranged from 2.2 to 24.4 mSv (median 10.4 mSv); only 91 (30%) laboratories achieved the median ED ≤ 9 mSv recommended by guidelines. Laboratory QIs ranged from 2 to 8 (median 5). Both ED and QI differed significantly between laboratories, countries, and world regions. The lowest median ED (8.0 mSv), in Europe, coincided with high best-practice adherence (mean laboratory QI 6.2). The highest doses (median 12.1 mSv) and low QI (4.9) occurred in Latin America. In hierarchical regression modelling, patients undergoing MPI at laboratories following more 'best practices' had lower EDs. CONCLUSION: Marked worldwide variation exists in radiation safety practices pertaining to MPI, with targeted EDs currently achieved in a minority of laboratories. The significant relationship between best-practice implementation and lower doses indicates numerous opportunities to reduce radiation exposure from MPI globally.

Imaging of cardiac and renal perfusion in a rat model with 13N-NH 3 micro-PET.

Cardiac dysfunction leads to decreased organ perfusion. We aimed to measure cardiac and renal perfusion simultaneously with the use of (13)N-NH3-microPET in different rat models. Ten male Wistar rats underwent sham surgery (n = 5) or permanent coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI, n = 5). Eleven weeks later (13)N-NH3-microPET scan was performed to study the cardiac and renal perfusion. Cardiac perfusion was significantly reduced in MI group, directly correlated with ejection fraction and inversely correlated with MI size (r = 0.89; p < 0.001 and r = -0.86; p < 0.001 respectively). Renal perfusion showed a notional 17 % non-significant reduction in MI group when compared to sham (3.44 ± 0.40 vs. 4.12 ± 0.48 ml/g/min). There was a trend towards greater reduction of perfusion in cortical than medullar region. Cortex perfusion was negatively correlated with histological changes. (13)N-NH3-microPET may be a potential tool for evaluation of cardiac and renal functional and perfusion changes in presence of cardiac dysfunction in rat models.

Estenosis aórtica supravalvular: reporte de caso clínico y revisión bibliográfica / Supravalvular aortic stenosis: clinical case report and review

Resumen La estenosis aórtica supravalvular es una lesión congénita obstructiva del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo. Es la forma menos frecuente dentro de este grupo de lesiones, las cuales, a su vez representan el 6% de las cardiopatías congénitas en pacientes pediátricos. Esta cardiopatía se relaciona más con pacientes pediátricos, sin embargo, presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad quien acudió al hospital por haber presentado episodio de disnea súbita en reposo, acompañada de diaforesis, dolor torácico opresivo sin irradiaciones y síncope. Se realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico con el cual se diagnosticó estenosis aórtica supravalvular.

Abstract Supravalvular aortic stenosis is a left ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesion. It is the least common form of this group of lesions, which only represents 6% of congenital heart disease in children. This condition is commonly diagnosed during childhood; however we present the case of a 23 year old man who was taken to the hospital for having presented a sudden dyspnea episode with diaphoresis, chest pain without radiation and syncope. He was diagnosed with supravalvular aortic stenosis after echocardiography.

Tetralogía de Fallot: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Tetralogy of Fallot: Case report and literature review

La tetralogía de Fallot es una cardiopatía congénita que se caracteriza por presentar estenosis infundibular de la arteria pulmonar, cabalgamiento aórtico, comunicación interventricular e hipertrofia del ventrículo derecho. Es la cardiopatía congénita cianógena más prevalente, representando entre el 3.5 a 8% de los defectos cardiacos congénitos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 6 años que acudió al hospital con cianosis peribucal y acrocianosis y episodios recurrentes de crisis hipóxicas. Se le hizo un ecocardiograma con el cual se diagnóstico tetralogía de Fallot y posteriormente se le realizó una fístula de Blalock-Taussig.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital cardiopathy characterized by infundiblutar stenosis of the pulmonary artery, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect and right ventricular hypertrophy. It is the most prevalent cyanotic congenital heart defect, with a prevalence between 3.5 to 8%. We present the case of a 6-year-old male who was taken to our hospital due to perioral and distal cyanosis and paroxistic episodes of hypoxia (tet spell), who was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot after echocardiography and was treated with Blalock-Taussig shunt.

Evaluation of the endothelial function in hypertensive patients with 13N-ammonia PET.

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension is one of the main risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Hypertension causes endothelial dysfunction which is considered an early sign for the development of CAD. Positron emission tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures myocardial blood flow (MBF), allowing us to identify patients with endothelial dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: 19 patients without comorbidities recently diagnosed hypertensive, as well as 21 healthy volunteers were studied. A three-phase (rest, cold pressor test, and adenosine-induced hyperemia) (13)N-ammonia PET was performed, and MBF was measured. Endothelial-Dependent Vasodilation Index, ΔMBF, and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were calculated for each patient. Hypertensive patients had a significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared with the control group (134.6 ± 11.7/86.4 ± 10.6 mm Hg and 106.0 ± 11.8/71.4 ± 6.6 mm Hg, respectively, P < .001). The ENDEVI (1.28 ± 0.26 vs 1.79 ± 0.30, P < .001), the ΔMBF (0.81 ± 0.50 vs 0.25 ± 0.21, P < .001) and the CFR (2.18 ± 0.88 vs 3.17 ± 0.68, P = .001) were significantly lower in the hypertensive patients compared to the control group, 84% of the former group had endothelial dysfunction i.e., ENDEVI < 1.5 and 58% had vasomotor abnormalities, i.e., CFR < 2.5. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that recently diagnosed hypertensive patients have coronary endothelial dysfunction and vasomotor disturbances which are early signs for the development of CAD.

Prognostic value of cardiovascular CT: is coronary artery calcium screening enough? The added value of CCTA.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in adults in the United States. Only 50% of patients who present with a myocardial infarction have a prior history of CAD. Non-invasive cardiac imaging tests have been developed to diagnose CAD. Current guidelines and systematic reviews have tried to determine the prognostic value of the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and the coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for major adverse cardiovascular events. Several studies support the roles of CCTA and CAC scoring for the diagnosis of CAD in asymptomatic patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the superior role of CCTA over CAC scoring in symptomatic patients.

Comparison of clinical tools for measurements of regional stress and rest myocardial blood flow assessed with 13N-ammonia PET/CT.

UNLABELLED: Several models for the quantitative analysis of myocardial blood flow (MBF) at stress and rest and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) with (13)N-ammonia myocardial perfusion PET have been implemented for clinical use. We aimed to compare quantitative results obtained from 3 software tools (QPET, syngo MBF, and PMOD), which perform PET MBF quantification with either a 2-compartment model (QPET and syngo MBF) or a 1-compartment model (PMOD). METHODS: We considered 33 adenosine stress and rest (13)N-ammonia studies (22 men and 11 women). Average age was 54.5 ± 15 y, and average body mass index was 26 ± 4.2. Eighteen patients had a very low likelihood of disease, with no chest pain, normal relative perfusion results, and normal function. All data were obtained on a PET/CT scanner in list mode with CT attenuation maps. Sixteen dynamic frames were reconstructed (twelve 10-s, two 30-s, one 1-min, and one 6-min frames). Global and regional stress and rest MBF and MFR values were obtained with each tool. Left ventricular contours and input function region were obtained automatically in system QPET and syngo MBF and manually in PMOD. RESULTS: The flow values and MFR values were highly correlated among the 3 packages (R(2) ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 for global values and from 0.78 to 0.94 for regional values. Mean reference MFR values were similar for QPET, syngo MBF, and PMOD (3.39 ± 1.22, 3.41 ± 0.76, and 3.66 ± 1.19, respectively) by 1-way ANOVA (P = 0.74). The lowest MFR in very low likelihood patients in any given vascular territory was 2.25 for QPET, 2.13 for syngo MBF, and 2.23 for PMOD. CONCLUSION: Different implementations of 1- and 2-compartment models demonstrate an excellent correlation in MFR for each vascular territory, with similar mean MFR values.

Relación entre los hallazgos electrocardiográficos y de resonancia magnética en la fase aguda del infarto miocárdico / Relationship between the ECG and MRI findings in acute myocardial infarction

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación que existe entre las derivaciones electrocardiográficas que presentan elevación del segmento ST y los segmentos miocárdicos, que presentan edema en el estudio de resonancia magnética, en la fase aguda del infarto. Métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio 91 pacientes con un primer infarto agudo del miocardio y elevación del ST (IAMCEST), que recibieron tratamiento de reperfusión en las primeras 12 horas de inicio de los síntomas y a quienes se les realizó resonancia magnética cardiovascular (RMC) entre el primero y el séptimo día del infarto. Se analizó el círculo torácico electrocardiográfico tomado al momento del ingreso hospitalario del paciente para identificar las derivaciones con elevación del S T. En el estudio de RMC (con la secuencia T2) se identificaron los segmentos miocárdicos con edema. Se determinó cuales derivaciones electrocardiográficas tuvieron la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección de lesión miocárdica por segmento edematizado. Resultados: Las derivaciones electrocardiográficas con mejor sensibilidad para la detección de lesión por segmento con edema fueron: segmento anterior y anteroseptal en tercio basal: V2; infero-septal basal: DIII y aVF; inferior e ínfero-lateral basal: DIII; antero-lateral basal: V7-V9; anterior y antero-septal en tercio medio: V2 y V3; ínfero-septal, inferior e ínfero-lateral en tercio medio: DIII y aVF; antero-lateral en tercio medio: V2 y V8, anterior y septal tercio apical: V2-V4; inferior y lateral apical DII, DIII y aVF; ápex: V2-V4. Conclusiones: Las derivaciones del electrocardiograma de superficie con elevación del ST detectan la presencia de lesión subepicárdica, que corresponde a edema miocárdico (definido como aquel segmento con hiperintensidad en la secuencia T2-pesado). Lesión y edema se deben a despolarización diastólica parcial de las fibras miocárdicas en el infarto miocárdico agudo.

Objective:To evaluate the agreement between de ECG leads with ST elevation and the myocardial segments that present myocardial edema in the MRI study, in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: There were included 91 patients with a first ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with reperfusion therapy during the first 12 hours of onset symptoms, in whom a Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) was done (mean 3 day after the ischemic event). Among the ECG leads (thoracic circle), there were identified those with ST higher elevation. In the CMR there were evaluated the myocardial segments with edema (T2-weighted sequence with hyperintensity). Results:The ECG leads with the best sensibility in the detection of injury, corresponding to cellular edema, were: basal anterior and anteroseptal: V2; basal inferoseptal LIII and aVF; basal inferior and inferolateral: LIII; basal anterolateral V7-V9; mid anterior and anteroseptal:V2 and V3; mid inferoseptal, inferior and inferolateral: LIII and aVF; mid anterolateral V2 and V8; apical anterior and septal: V2-V4; apical inferior and lateral: LII, LIII and aVF; apex: V2-V4. Conclusions:The surface ECG leads with higher ST elevation corresponded to the myocardial segments with more important edema (defined as someone with hyperintensity in the T2-weighted MRI sequence).

Design and implementation of the TRACIA: intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the design of a protocol of intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to report the safety of the procedure in the first patients included. METHODS: The TRACIA study was implemented following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The protocol includes procedures such as randomization, bone marrow retrieval, stem cells processing, intracoronary infusion of stem cells in the infarct-related artery, preand- post MRI, pre-and-post SPECT with radioisotope ventriculography, and clinical follow-up at 6 months. RESULTS: Eight patients with a diagnosis of acute STEMI and duration of symptoms of ?24 hours that were perfused successfully through primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) with a LVEF of ?45% were assigned randomly to two groups (n = 4 each). One group treated with stem cells and the other corresponded to the control group. Neither death, re-infarction, no need for revascularization or thrombosis of the stent were observed at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The initial experience at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez in the treatment of acute STEMI by means of autologous transplantation of bone marrow-derived stem cells is encouraging. Implementation was possible in the first eight patients with no complications.

Design and implementation of the TRACIA: intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction / Diseño e implementación del estudio TRACIA: Trasplante intracoronario Autológo de Células madre para Infarto Agudo del miocardio con elevación de segmento ST

Objective: To describe the design of a protocol of intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to report the safety of the procedure in the first patients included. Methods: The TRACIA study was implemented following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The protocol includes procedures such as randomization, bone marrow retrieval, stem cells processing, intracoronary infusion of stem cells in the infarct-related artery, pre-and-post MRI, pre-and-post SPECT with radioisotope ventriculography, and clinical follow-up at 6 months. Results: Eight patients with a diagnosis of acute STEMI and duration of symptoms of <24 hours that were perfused successfully through primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) with a LVEF of <45% were assigned randomly to two groups (n = 4 each). One group treated with stem cells and the other corresponded to the control group. Neither death, re-infarction, no need for revascularization or thrombosis of the stent were observed at follow-up. Conclusions: The initial experience at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez in the treatment of acute STEMI by means of autologous transplantation of bone marrow-derived stem cells is encouraging. Implementation was possible in the first eight patients with no complications.

Objetivo: Describir el diseño y la implementación de un protocolo de transplante autólogo intracoronario de células madre derivadas de médula ósea en infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del ST y reportar la seguridad del procedimiento en los primeros pacientes incluidos. Métodos: El estudio TRACIA se implementó con base en criterios de inclusión y exclusión predeterminados. El protocolo incluye la aleatorización, obtención de médula ósea, procesamiento de células madre, infusión intracoronaria de células madre, RM basal y al seguimiento, SPECT con ventriculografía radioisotópica basal y post-procedimiento, y seguimiento clínico a seis meses. Resultados: Ocho pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del ST y duración de síntomas <24 horas que fueron reperfundidos exitosamente con angioplastia primaria y con fracción de expulsión <45%, fueron aleatorizados a dos grupos; uno de ellos fue tratado con células madre y el otro grupo permaneció como control. No se observó muerte, re-infarto, necesidad de revascularización o trombosis del Stent durante el seguimiento. Conclusiones: La experiencia inicial en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez en el tratamiento del infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del ST mediante trasplante autólogo de células madre derivadas de médula ósea, es alentadora. La implementación sin complicaciones fue posible en los primeros ocho pacientes.