A report on a survey among Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology associates regarding ionizing radiation protection practices in national interventional cath-labs.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Concerns surrounding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have increased in interventional cardiology (IC). Despite this, the ever-growing complexity of diseases as well as procedures can lead to greater exposure to radiation. The aim of this survey, led by Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (APIC), was to evaluate the level of awareness and current practices on IR protection among its members. METHODS: An online survey was emailed to all APIC members, between August and November 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions focusing on knowledge and measures of IR protection in the catheterization laboratory. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: From a response rate of 46.9%, the study obtained a total sample of 159 responses (156 selected for analysis). Most survey respondents (66.0%) were unaware of the radiation exposure category, and only 60.4% reported systematically using a dosimeter. A large majority (90.4%) employed techniques to minimize exposure to radiation. All participants used personal protective equipment, despite eyewear protection only being used frequently by 49.2% of main operators. Ceiling suspended shields and table protectors were often used. Only two-thirds were familiar with the legally established limit on radiation doses for workers or the dose that should trigger patient follow-up. Most of the survey respondents had a non-certified training in IR procedures and only 32.0% had attended their yearly occupational health consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Safety methods and protective equipment are largely adopted among interventional cardiologists, who have shown some IR awareness. Despite this, there is room for improvement, especially concerning the use of eyewear protection, monitoring, and certification.

Underuse of reperfusion therapy with systemic thrombolysis in high-risk acute pulmonary embolism in a Portuguese center.

INTRODUCTION: Reperfusion therapy is generally recommended in acute high-risk pulmonary embolism (HR-PE), but several population-based studies report that it is underused. Data on epidemiology, management and outcomes of HR-PE in Portugal are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reperfusion rate in HR-PE patients, the reasons for non-reperfusion, and how it influences outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of consecutive HR-PE patients admitted to a thromboembolic disease referral center between 2008 and 2018, independent predictors for non-reperfusion were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. PE-related mortality and long-term MACE (cardiovascular mortality, PE recurrence and chronic thromboembolic disease) were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences stratified by reperfusion were assessed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Of 1955 acute PE patients, 3.8% presented with hemodynamic instability. The overall reperfusion rate was 50%: 35 patients underwent systemic thrombolysis, one received first-line percutaneous embolectomy and one rescue endovascular treatment. Independent predictors of non-reperfusion were: age, with >75 years representing 12 times the risk of non-treatment (OR 11.9, 95% CI 2.7-52.3, p=0.001); absolute contraindication for thrombolysis (31.1%), with recent major surgery and central nervous system disease as the most common reasons (OR 16.7, 95% CI 3.2-87.0, p<0.001); and being hospitalized (OR 7.7, 95% CI 1.4-42.9, p=0.020). At a mean follow-up of 2.5±3.3 years, the survival rate was 33.8%. Although not reaching statistical significance for hospital mortality, mortality in the reperfusion group was significantly lower at 30 days, 12 months and during follow-up (relative risk reduction of death of 64% at 12 months, p=0.013). Similar results were found for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the recommended reperfusion therapy was performed in only 50% of patients, with advanced age and absolute contraindications to fibrinolysis being the main predictors of non-reperfusion. In this study, thrombolysis underuse was associated with a significant increase in short- and long-term mortality and events.

Interventional cardiology in cancer patients: A position paper from the Portuguese Cardiovascular Intervention Association and the Portuguese Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

The field of Cardio-Oncology has grown significantly, especially during the last decade. While awareness of cardiotoxicity due to cancer disease and/or therapies has greatly increased, much of the attention has focused on myocardial systolic disfunction and heart failure. However, coronary and structural heart disease are also a common issue in cancer patients and encompass the full spectrum of cardiotoxicity. While invasive percutaneous or surgical intervention, either is often needed or considered in cancer patients, limited evidence or guidelines are available for dealing with coronary or structural heart disease. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions consensus document published in 2016 is the most comprehensive document regarding this particular issue, but relevant evidence has emerged since, which render some of its considerations outdated. In addition to that, the recent 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology only briefly discuss this topic. As a result, the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology have partnered to produce a position paper to address the issue of cardiac intervention in cancer patients, focusing on percutaneous techniques. A brief review of available evidence is provided, followed by practical considerations. These are based both on the literature as well as accumulated experience with these types of patients, as the authors are either interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with experience in the field of Cardio-Oncology, or both.

Suporte mecânico extracorpóreo e trombectomia por aspiração no tratamento da embolia pulmonar maciça: um relato de caso / Extracorporeal mechanical support and aspiration thrombectomy in treatment of massive pulmonary embolism: a case report

RESUMO A embolia pulmonar maciça aguda é a forma mais grave de tromboembolismo venoso, que pode causar choque obstrutivo e levar à parada cardíaca e morte. Neste relato de caso, os autores apresentam o caso de uma mulher de 49 anos que se recuperou com sucesso de uma embolia pulmonar maciça com o uso combinado de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial e trombectomia por aspiração pulmonar, sem complicações decorrentes desses procedimentos. Embora a evidência de benefício do suporte mecânico não tenha sido estabelecida em pacientes com embolia pulmonar maciça, a implementação de suporte cardiocirculatório extracorpóreo durante a reanimação pode permitir a melhora da perfusão sistêmica dos órgãos e mais chances de sobrevida. Diretrizes recentes da European Society of Cardiology afirmam que a oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial combinada com tratamento por cateter pode ser considerada em pacientes que apresentem embolia pulmonar maciça e parada cardíaca refratária. O uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea como técnica autônoma com anticoagulação permanece controverso. Deve-se considerar outras terapias, como trombectomia cirúrgica ou percutânea. Como essa intervenção não é sustentada por estudos de alta qualidade, acreditamos ser importante relatar casos concretos de sucesso. Com este relato de caso, ilustramos o benefício derivado da reanimação assistida por suporte mecânico extracorpóreo e trombectomia por aspiração precoce em pacientes com embolia pulmonar maciça. Além disso, enfatizamos a sinergia que deriva de sistemas multidisciplinares integrados para fornecer intervenções complexas, sendo exemplos notáveis a oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea e a Cardiologia Intervencionista.

ABSTRACT Acute massive pulmonary embolism is the most serious presentation of venous thromboembolism that can ultimately cause obstructive shock, leading to cardiac arrest and death. In this case report, the authors present a case of a 49-year-old female who successfully recovered from a massive pulmonary embolism with the combined use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and pulmonary aspiration thrombectomy, with no complications from these procedures. Although evidence of benefit from mechanical support has not been established for patients with massive pulmonary embolism, the implementation of extracorporeal cardiocirculatory support during resuscitation may allow improvement of systemic organ perfusion and better chance of survival. Recent guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology state that venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in combination with catheter-directed treatment may be considered for patients presenting with massive pulmonary embolism and refractory cardiac arrest. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a stand-alone technique with anticoagulation remains controversial, and additional therapies, such as surgical or percutaneous embolectomy, must be considered. Since this intervention is not supported by high-quality studies, we believe it is important to report real-world successful cases. With this case report, we illustrate the benefit derived from resuscitation assisted by extracorporeal mechanical support and early aspiration thrombectomy in patients with massive pulmonary embolism. Additionally, it emphasizes the synergy that derives from integrated multidisciplinary systems for providing complex interventions, of which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Interventional Cardiology are clear examples.

Large free-floating right atrial mass presenting as intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism: is reperfusion a better definite strategy?

We present a woman in her 60s diagnosed with an intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism and a large, non-serpiginous right atrial (RA) mass. Conservative therapy with unfractionated heparin was started and further assessment of the mass with cardiac MRI suggested thrombus as the most likely diagnosis. Despite 1 month of anticoagulation, mass size remained stable and surgical RA embolectomy and left pulmonary endarterectomy was performed. Histopathology confirmed thrombus. The patient died 10 weeks after surgery.

Safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in a Portuguese pulmonary hypertension expert center.

INTRODUCTION: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an alternative therapy in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or residual/recurrent pulmonary hypertension (PH) after surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of a BPA program. METHODS: This prospective single-center study included all BPA sessions performed in CTEPH patients between 2017 and 2019. Clinical assessment including WHO functional class, plasma biomarkers, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and right heart catheterization was performed at baseline and six months after the last BPA session. RESULTS: A total of 57 BPA sessions were performed in 11 CTEPH patients (64% with inoperable disease, 82% under pulmonar vasodilator therapy). Nine patients completed both the BPA program and a minimum six-month follow-up period. There were significant improvements in WHO functional class (p=0.004) and 6MWT (mean increase of 42 m; p=0.050) and a trend for significant hemodynamic improvement: 25% decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (p=0.082) and 42% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p=0.056). In the group of patients with severely impaired hemodynamics (three patients with mPAP >40 mmHg), the reduction was significant: 51% in mPAP (p=0.013) and 67% in PVR (p=0.050). Prostacyclin analogs and long-term oxygen therapy were withdrawn in all patients. Minor complications were recorded in 25% of patients. There were no major complications or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: A BPA strategy on top of pulmonary vasodilator therapy further improves symptoms, exercise capacity and hemodynamics with an acceptable risk-benefit ratio in patients with inoperable CTEPH or residual/recurrent PH after surgery.

Estratégias de Revascularização em Doentes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio em Choque Cardiogênico - Resultados do Registo Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas / Revascularization Strategies in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock: Results from the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes

Resumo Fundamento: Em doentes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), choque cardiogênico (CC) e doença multivaso (DMV) persistem dúvidas sobre a intervenção nas artérias não responsáveis. Objetivos: 1) caracterizar a amostra de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no Registo Nacional Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (RNSCA); 2) comparar os eventos associados a diferentes estratégias de revascularização; e 3) identificar preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospetivo de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no RNSCA entre 2010 e 2018. Compararam-se duas estratégias de revascularização: completa durante o procedimento índice (grupo 1); e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento (grupo 2-3). O endpoint primário foi a ocorrência de reinfarto ou morte intra-hospitalar. A significância estatística foi definida por um valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Identificaram-se 127 doentes com IAM, CC e DMV (18,1% no grupo 1 e 81,9% no grupo 2-3), com idade média de 70 ± 12 anos e 92,9% com IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O endpoint primário ocorreu em 47,8% dos doentes do grupo 1 e em 37,5% do grupo 2-3 (p = 0,359). As taxas de mortalidade intra-hospitalar, reinfarto, acidente vascular cerebral e hemorragia major foram também semelhantes nos dois grupos. Os preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra foram a presença na admissão de disfunção ventricular esquerda (OR 16,8), bloqueio completo de ramo direito (OR 7,6) e anemia (OR 5,2), (p ≤ 0,02). Conclusões: Entre os doentes com IAM, CC e DMV, incluídos no RNSCA, não se verificou diferença significativa entre revascularização completa no evento índex e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento, relativamente à ocorrência de morte intra-hospitalar ou reinfarto. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876)

Abstract Background: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock (CS), and multivessel disease (MVD) questions remain unanswered when it comes to intervention on non-culprit arteries. Objective: This article aims to 1) characterize patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS); 2) compare different revascularization strategies in the sample; 3) identify predictors of in-hospital mortality among these patients. Methods: Observational retrospective study of patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the ProACS between 2010 and 2018. Two revascularization strategies were compared: complete during the index procedure (group 1); and complete or incomplete during the index hospitalization (groups 2-3). The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital death or MI. Statistical significance was defined by a p-value <0.05. Results: We identified 127 patients with MI, CS, and MVD (18.1% in group 1, and 81.9% in groups 2-3), with a mean age of 7012 years, and 92.9% of the sample being diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). The primary endpoint occurred in 47.8% of the patients in group 1 and 37.5% in group 2-3 (p = 0.359). The rates of in-hospital death, recurrent MI, stroke, and major bleeding were also similar. The predictors of in-hospital death in this sample were the presence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction on admission (OR 16.8), right bundle branch block (OR 7.6), and anemia (OR 5.2) (p ≤ 0.02 for both). Conclusions: Among patients with MI, CS, and MVD included in the ProACS, there was no significant difference between complete and incomplete revascularization during the index hospitalization regarding the occurrence of in-hospital death or MI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876)

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty protocol in a Portuguese pulmonary hypertension expert center.

INTRODUCTION: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are not eligible for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) or who have recurrent or persistent pulmonary hypertension after surgery. There is no standardized technique for BPA and, its complexity and high risk of severe complications, requires skills and appropriate training and should be reserved for expert CTEPH centers, as a complementary intervention to medical and surgical therapy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this document is to describe the BPA protocol used at a high-volume center nationwide, validated by its results. METHODS: The present protocol includes technical details, definition of outcomes and complications, as well as patient full diagnostic work-up and treatment algorithm, before and after BPA. RESULTS: The technical, hemodynamic, and clinical results of the application of this protocol will be subject of a later publication where they will be described in detail. In conclusion, we present a percutaneous intervention protocol in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in the context of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism, validated by its clinical, hemodynamic, and technical results.

Safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in a Portuguese pulmonary hypertension expert center. / Segurança e eficácia da angioplastia pulmonar por balão em Portugal num centro de referência em hipertensão pulmonar.

INTRODUCTION: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an alternative therapy in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or residual/recurrent pulmonary hypertension (PH) after surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of a BPA program. METHODS: This prospective single-center study included all BPA sessions performed in CTEPH patients between 2017 and 2019. Clinical assessment including WHO functional class, plasma biomarkers, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and right heart catheterization was performed at baseline and six months after the last BPA session. RESULTS: A total of 57 BPA sessions were performed in 11 CTEPH patients (64% with inoperable disease, 82% under pulmonary vasodilator therapy). Nine patients completed both the BPA program and a minimum six-month follow-up period. There were significant improvements in WHO functional class (p=0.004) and 6MWT (mean increase of 42 m; p=0.050) and a trend for significant hemodynamic improvement: 25% decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (p=0.082) and 42% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p=0.056). In the group of patients with severely impaired hemodynamics (three patients with mPAP >40mmHg), the reduction was significant: 51% in mPAP (p=0.013) and 67% in PVR (p=0.050). Prostacyclin analogs and long-term oxygen therapy were withdrawn in all patients. Minor complications were recorded in 25% of patients. There were no major complications or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: A BPA strategy on top of pulmonary vasodilator therapy further improves symptoms, exercise capacity and hemodynamics with an acceptable risk-benefit ratio in patients with inoperable CTEPH or residual/recurrent PH after surgery.

Usefulness of Routine Fractional Flow Reserve for Clinical Management of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Diabetes.

Importance: Approximately one-third of patients considered for coronary revascularization have diabetes, which is a major determinant of clinical outcomes, often influencing the choice of the revascularization strategy. The usefulness of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide treatment in this population is understudied and has been questioned. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness and rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of integrating FFR in management decisions for patients with diabetes who undergo coronary angiography. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used data from the PRIME-FFR study derived from the merger of the POST-IT study (Portuguese Study on the Evaluation of FFR-Guided Treatment of Coronary Disease [March 2012-November 2013]) and R3F study (French Study of FFR Integrated Multicenter Registries Implementation of FFR in Routine Practice [October 2008-June 2010]), 2 prospective multicenter registries that shared a common design. A population of all-comers for whom angiography disclosed ambiguous lesions was analyzed for rates, patterns, and outcomes associated with management reclassification, including revascularization deferral, in patients with vs without diabetes. Data analysis was performed from June to August 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization (MACE) at 1 year. Results: Among 1983 patients (1503 [77%] male; mean [SD] age, 65 [10] years), 701 had diabetes, and FFR was performed for 1.4 lesions per patient (58.2% of lesions in the left anterior descending artery; mean [SD] stenosis, 56% [11%]; mean [SD] FFR, 0.81 [0.01]). Reclassification by FFR was high and similar in patients with and without diabetes (41.2% vs 37.5%, P = .13), but reclassification from medical treatment to revascularization was more frequent in the former (142 of 342 [41.5%] vs 230 of 730 [31.5%], P = .001). There was no statistical difference between the 1-year rates of MACE in reclassified (9.7%) and nonreclassified patients (12.0%) (P = .37). Among patients with diabetes, FFR-based deferral identified patients with a lower risk of MACE at 12 months (25 of 296 [8.4%]) compared with those undergoing revascularization (47 of 257 [13.1%]) (P = .04), and the rate was of the same magnitude of the observed rate among deferred patients without diabetes (7.9%, P = .87). Status of insulin treatment had no association with outcomes. Patients (6.6% of the population) in whom FFR was disregarded had the highest MACE rates regardless of diabetes status. Conclusions and Relevance: Routine integration of FFR for the management of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes may be associated with a high rate of treatment reclassification. Management strategies guided by FFR, including revascularization deferral, may be useful for patients with diabetes.

Predictors of Conversion from Radial Into Femoral Access in Cardiac Catheterization / Fatores Preditivos da Conversão de Acesso Radial em Femoral no Cateterismo Cardíaco

Background: Fewer bleeding complications and early ambulation make radial access a privileged route for cardiac catheterization. However, transradial (TR) approach is not always successful, requiring its conversion into femoral access. Objectives: To evaluate the rate of conversion from radial into femoral access in cardiac catheterization and to identify its predictors. Methods: Prospective dual-center registry, including 7632 consecutive patients undergoing catheterization via the radial access between Jan/2009 and Oct/2012. We evaluated the incidence of conversion into femoral access and its predictors by logistic regression analysis. Results: The patients’ mean age was 66 ± 11 years, and 32% were women. A total of 2969 procedures (38.4%) were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and the most used first intention arterial access was the right radial artery (97.6%). Radial access failure rate was 5.8%. Independent predictors of conversion from radial into femoral access were the use of short introducer sheaths (OR 3.047, CI: 2.380-3.902; p < 0.001), PCI (OR 1.729, CI: 1.375-2.173; p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.569, CI: 1.234-1.996; p < 0.001), multivessel disease (OR 1.457, CI: 1.167-1.819; p = 0.001), body surface area (BSA) ≤ 1.938 (OR 1.448, CI: 1.120-1.871; p = 0.005) and age > 66 years (OR 1.354, CI: 1.088-1.684; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization has a high success rate and the need for its conversion into femoral access in this cohort was low. Female sex, older age, smaller BSA, the use of short introducer sheaths, multivessel disease and PCI were independent predictors of conversion into femoral access. .

Fundamento: Menos complicações hemorrágicas e deambulação precoce fazem do acesso radial uma via privilegiada para cateterismo cardíaco. Entretanto, a abordagem transradial (TR) nem sempre é bem-sucedida, sendo necessária a sua conversão em acesso femoral. Objetivo: Avaliar a taxa de conversão do acesso radial em femoral no cateterismo cardíaco e identificar seus fatores preditivos. Métodos: Registro prospectivo de dois centros, incluindo 7.632 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a cateterização via acesso radial entre janeiro de 2009 e outubro de 2012. Avaliou-se a incidência de conversão em acesso femoral e seus fatores preditivos através de análise de regressão logística. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 66 ± 11 anos, sendo 32% deles mulheres. Houve 2.969 (38.4%) intervenções coronarianas percutâneas (ICP),sendo a artéria radial direita a primeira escolha mais usada (97,6%). A taxa de insucesso do acesso radial foi de 5,8%. Fatores preditivos independentes da conversão do acesso radial em femoral foram o uso de bainhas introdutoras curtas (OR 3,047; IC: 2,380-3,902; p < 0,001), ICP (OR 1,729; IC: 1,375-2,173; p < 0,001), sexo feminino (OR 1,569;IC: 1,234-1,996; p < 0,001), doença multiarterial (OR 1,457; IC: 1,167-1,819; p = 0,001), área de superfície corporal(ASC) ≤ 1,938 (OR 1,448; IC: 1,120-1,871; p = 0,005) e idade > 66 anos (OR 1,354; IC: 1,088-1,684; p = 0,007). Conclusão: A abordagem transradial para cateterismo cardíaco tem alta taxa de sucesso e a necessidade de sua conversão em acesso femoral nesta coorte foi baixa. Os fatores preditivos independentes de sua conversão em acesso femoral foram: sexo feminino; idade mais avançada; menor ASC; uso de bainhas introdutoras curtas; doença multiarterial; e ICP. .

Effective radiation dose of three diagnostic tests in cardiology: single photon emission computed tomography, invasive coronary angiography and cardiac computed tomography angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnostic tests that use ionizing radiation play a central role in cardiology and their use has grown in recent years, leading to increasing concerns about their potential stochastic effects. The aims of this study were to compare the radiation dose of three diagnostic tests: single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT) and their evolution over time, and to assess the influence of body mass index on radiation dose. METHODS: We assessed consecutive patients included in three prospective registries (SPECT, ICA and cardiac CT) over a period of two years. Radiation dose was converted to mSv and compared between the three registries. Differences over time were evaluated by comparing the first with the fourth semester. RESULTS: A total of 6196 exams were evaluated: 35% SPECT, 53% ICA and 22% cardiac CT. Mean radiation dose was 10.7±1.2 mSv for SPECT, 8.1±6.4 mSv for ICA, and 5.4±3.8 mSv for cardiac CT (p<0.001 for all). With regard to the radiation dose over time, there was a very small reduction in SPECT (10.7 to 10.5 mSv, p=0.004), a significant increase (25%) in ICA (7.0 to 8.8 mSv; p<0.001), and a significant reduction (29%) in cardiac CT (6.5 to 4.6 mSv, p<0.001). Obesity was associated with a significantly higher radiation dose in all three exams. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac CT had a lower mean effective radiation dose than invasive coronary angiography, which in turn had a lower mean effective dose than SPECT. There was a significant increase in radiation doses in the ICA registry and a significant decrease in the cardiac CT registry over time.

Intervenção coronária percutânea utilizando Full Metal Jacket com stents farmacológicos: eventos cardíacos adversos maiores em um ano / Percutaneous coronary intervention using a full metal jacket with drug-eluting stents: major adverse cardiac events at one year

FUNDAMENTO: O benefício clínico de intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) para lesões coronárias longas é incerto; além disso, foram levantadas dúvidas questões sobre a sua segurança. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os preditores de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM) associados à ICP utilizando Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), definido como a sobreposição de stents farmacológicos (SF) medindo >60 mm de comprimento, para lesões muito longas. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 136 pacientes consecutivos com lesões coronárias longas, requerendo FMJ em nosso cadastro de centro único. O desfecho primário incluiu a ocorrência combinada de todas as causas de morte, infarto do miocárdio (IM) e revascularização do vaso alvo (RVA). Variáveis demográficas, clínicas, angiográficas e de procedimento foram avaliadas por meio de análise de regressão de Cox para determinar os preditores independentes de desfecho. RESULTADOS: O comprimento médio do stent por lesão foi de 73,2 ± 12,3 mm e o diâmetro médio do vaso de referência foi de 2,9 ± 0,6 mm. O sucesso angiográfico foi de 96,3%. A ausência de ECAM foi de 94,9% em 30 dias e 85,3% em um ano. No acompanhamento de um ano, a taxa de mortalidade por todas as causas foi de 3,7% (1,5% por mortes cardíacas), a taxa de IM foi de 3,7%, e a incidência de trombose de stent (TS) definitiva ou provável foi de 2,9%. O gênero feminino [risco relativo (RR), 4,40; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC), 1,81-10,66, p = 0,001) e ICP de artéria coronária não direita (RR, 3,49; p = 0,006; IC 95%, 1,42-8,59) foram preditores independentes de ECAM em um ano. A ausência de eventos adversos em um ano foi maior em pacientes com angina estável submetidos à ICP (RR, 0,33; IC 95% 0,13-0,80, p = 0,014). CONCLUSÕES: A ICP utilizando FMJ com SF para lesões muito longas foi eficaz, mas associada a uma alta taxa de TS em acompanhamento de um ano. No entanto, a taxa de mortalidade cardíaca, IM não relacionado a procedimento, e ECAM foi relativamente baixa. ICP de vaso coronário alvo, apresentação clínica, e gênero feminino são novos fatores clínicos contemporâneos que parecem apresentar efeitos adversos sobre o resultado da ICP utilizando FMJ para lesões longas.

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for long coronary lesions is unclear; furthermore, concerns have been raised about its safety. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) associated with PCI using a full metal jacket (FMJ), defined as overlapping drug-eluting stents (DES) measuring >60 mm in length, for very long lesions. METHODS: We enrolled 136 consecutive patients with long coronary lesions requiring FMJ in our single-center registry. The primary endpoint included the combined occurrence of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and procedural variables were evaluated using stepwise Cox regression analysis to determine independent predictors of outcome. RESULTS: The mean length of stent per lesion was 73.2 ± 12.3 mm and the mean reference vessel diameter was 2.9 ± 0.6 mm. Angiographic success was 96.3%. Freedom from MACE was 94.9% at 30 days and 85.3% at one year. At the one-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality rate was 3.7% (1.5% cardiac deaths), the MI rate was 3.7%, and the incidence of definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST) was 2.9%. Female gender [hazard ratio (HR), 4.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.81-10.66; p = 0.001) and non-right coronary artery PCI (HR, 3.49; 95%CI, 1.42-8.59; p = 0,006) were independent predictors of MACE at one year. Freedom from adverse events at one year was higher in patients with stable angina who underwent PCI (HR, 0.33; 95%CI, 0.13-0.80; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: PCI using FMJ with DES for very long lesions was efficacious but associated with a high rate of ST at the one-year follow-up. However, the rate of cardiac mortality, nonprocedure-related MI, and MACE was relatively low. Target coronary vessel PCI, clinical presentation, and female gender are new contemporary clinical factors that appear to have adverse effects on the outcome of PCI using FMJ for long lesions.

[Anomalous origin of left coronary artery: a malignant interarterial variant with a benign clinical course]. / Origem anómala da coronária esquerda: variante interarterial maligna com evolução clínica benigna.

Anomalous origin of coronary arteries represents a clinical challenge not only because of the anatomical variability, but also the possible functional consequences, pathophysiological mechanisms involved and the absence of large series in the literature that would provide evidence for clinical and therapeutic orientation. The authors describe the case of a 55-year-old male patient with a long history of atypical chest pain who was considered to have a low to intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease. Therefore, and also bearing in mind his physical limitations (congenital left leg atrophy), he was referred for cardiac CT to rule out coronary artery disease. The exam showed a left coronary artery arising from the right coronary cusp and with an interarterial course, between the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Although this is a potentially malignant anatomical variant with surgical indication, a conservative approach was chosen, considering the late diagnosis and particular risk-benefit profile.

[Complications of endomyocardial biopsy after heart transplantation: a lesser evil]. / Complicações da biópsia endomiocárdica após transplante cardíaco. Um mal menor.

Endomyocardial biopsy is still the principal method for diagnosing cardiac allograft rejection. However, this procedure can be associated, albeit rarely, with potentially serious complications. We describe the case of a patient with extensive anterior myocardial infarction without revascularization, who developed cardiogenic shock and required heart transplantation. Post-transplantation, a coronary artery fistula to the right ventricle associated with an aneurysm and two restrictive ventricular septal defects were detected.

Surgical Bailout Therapy after Implantation of a Medtronic CoreValve Bioprosthesis.

Moderate-to-severe paraprosthesic leak causing hemodynamic deterioration and left ventricular remodeling can occur after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We present the case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent TAVI with a 26 mm CoreValve prosthesis complicated with an acute left ventricle dilatation due to a severe paravalvular leak. Patient was unresponsive to elective balloon post-dilatation, and therefore she was successfully treated with open-heart surgery to remove the malfunctioning CoreValve bioprosthesis and perform standard aortic valve replacement.

Percutaneous revascularization strategies in saphenous vein graft lesions: long-term results.

AIMS: Although half of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) present obstructive atherosclerotic disease 10 years after implantation, controversy remains concerning the ideal treatment. Our aim was to compare percutaneous revascularization (PCI) options in SVG lesions, according to intervention strategy and type of stent. METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis selected 618 consecutive patients with previous bypass surgery who underwent PCI between 2003 and 2008. Clinical and angiographic parameters were analyzed according to intervention strategy - PCI in SVG vs. native vessel vs. combined approach - and type of stent implanted - drug-eluting (DES) vs. bare-metal (BMS) vs. both. A Cox regressive analysis of event-free survival was performed with regard to the primary outcomes of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel failure (TVF). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 796±548 days the rates of death, MI and TVF were 10.9%, 10.5% and 29.5%, respectively. With regard to intervention strategy (74.4% of PCI performed in native vessels, 17.2% in SVGs and 8.4% combined), no significant differences were seen between groups (death p=0.22, MI p=0.20, TVF p=0.80). The type of stents implanted (DES 83.2%, BMS 10.2%, both 3.2%) also did not influence long-term prognosis (death p=0.09, MI p=0.11, TVF p=0.64). The implantation of DES had a favorable impact on survival (p<0.001) in the subgroup of patients treated in native vessels but not in SVG. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with SVG lesions, long-term mortality, MI and TVF were not affected by intervention options, except for the favorable impact on survival of DES in patients treated in native vessels.

Resting heart rate is a powerful predictor of arrhythmic events in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

UNLABELLED: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are a high-risk group for arrhythmias. They regularly undergo cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to assess cardiac reserve and to guide clinical decisions or therapeutic adjustments. Data from previous studies demonstrate that prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) worsens with the presence of appropriate shocks. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of CPET parameters to predict shocks and other arrhythmic events in HF patients with ICD, in order to identify a high-risk group for arrhythmias. METHODS: This was a prospective single-center registry of 61 consecutive patients (mean age 55 +/- 15 years, 18% female), with dilated cardiomyopathy (ischemic etiology in 57%) and ICD, who underwent symptom-limited maximal CPET six months or less before device implantation. Minimum follow-up was 180 days. The primary endpoint was appropriate shock and the composite endpoint was appropriate shock and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) and/or sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), which were then correlated with hemodynamic variables (heart rate and blood pressure) and CPET parameters. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 27 months, eight patients died (13%), two of them from arrhythmic cause (3.3%), and 16 (26%) patients received at least one appropriate ICD shock, eight (13%) due to VF. Sustained VT was recorded in 23 patients (38%) and nonsustained VT in 42 patients (69%). CPET showed that the group with the primary end point had lower peak VO2, anaerobic threshold and chronotropic reserve. On multivariate analysis, resting heart rate was the only independent predictor of appropriate shock (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.10; p = 0.025). Univariate analysis identified peak VO2, anaerobic threshold, VE/VCO2 slope, resting heart rate and heart rate decrease during the first minute of recovery, and systolic blood pressure during exercise as predictive of the composite endpoint (shock/VF/sustained VT). Multivariate analysis identified resting heart rate and peak VO2 as independent predictors, with HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00-1.09 (p = 0.050) and HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.98 (p = 0.026), respectively. The best cut-off for resting heart rate to predict the composite and primary endpoints was > 76 bpm (area under the ROC curve: 0.67; 95% CI 0.53-0.78 and 0.65; 95% CI 0.51-0.76, respectively). CONCLUSION: Resting heart rate and peak VO2 were identified in multivariate analysis as good predictors of arrhythmic events and resting heart rate was the only independent predictor of appropriate shock in HF patients with ICD. Both advanced stage heart failure and sympathetic overdrive may be associated with the development of malignant arrhythmias.