Associations Between Coronary Artery Calcification and Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and Diastolic Parameters: the ELSA-Brasil Study.

Atherosclerosis burden can be evaluated in asymptomatic patients by measuring coronary artery calcification (CAC), whereas the global longitudinal strain (GLS) and diastolic function parameters (mitral E/e' ratio, septal e', and lateral e') are used to evaluate subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We investigated whether subjects with CAC (CAC >0 Agatston units) would present with an impairment in LV functional parameters. Among the participants of the ELSA-Brasil cohort free of clinically prevalent cardiovascular disease who performed cardiac computed tomography and echocardiography within the study protocol, we tested whether those with CAC >0 presented with worse GLS and diastolic function parameters. CAC >0 was present in 203 of the 612 included participants (33.17%; age 51.4 ± 8.6 years, 52.1% women). Absolute CAC values did not correlate with GLS (ro = 0.07, p = 0.105) but did so with E/e' (ro = 0.19, p <0.001), septal e' (ro = 0.28, p <0.001), and lateral e' (ro = 0.30, p <0.001), with stronger correlations in men. Those with CAC >0 had worse mitral E/e' ratios (7.75 ± 0.13 vs 7.01 ± 0.09; p ≤0.001), septal e' (8.25 ± 0.15 vs 9.59 ± 0.11 cm/s; p <0.001), and lateral e' (10.13 ± 0.20 vs 11.99 ± 0.14 cm/s; p ≤0.001), respectively. However, these associations were not independent of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, persisting only as significant associations of CAC >0 with mitral E/e' ratio and septal e' in men. There is an association between subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and impaired LV functional parameters. These associations are more likely attributed to the presence of common cardiovascular risk factors in the general population. However, in men, it seems to exist as an independent association.

Volume de Gordura Epicárdica está Associada com Disfunção Endotelial, mas Não com Calcificação Coronariana: Do ELSA-Brasil / Epicardial Fat Volume Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction, but not with Coronary Calcification: From the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Resumo Fundamento O aumento no volume de gordura epicárdica (VGE) está relacionado com doença arterial coronariana (DAC), independentemente de gordura visceral ou subcutânea. O mecanismo dessa associação não é claro. O escore de cálcio coronariano (CC) e a disfunção endotelial estão relacionados com eventos coronarianos, mas não está bem esclarecido se o VGE está relacionado com esses marcadores. Objetivos Avaliar a associação entre VGE medido por método automatizado, fatores de risco cardiovasculares, escore de CC, e função endotelial. Métodos: Em 470 participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto LSA-Brasil com medidas de VGE, escore de CC e função endotelial, realizamos modelos multivariados para avaliar a relação entre fatore de risco cardiovascular e VGE (variável resposta), e entre VGE (variável explicativa), e função endotelial ou escore de CC. Valor de p<0,05 bilateral foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A idade média foi 55 ± 8 anos, e 52,3% dos pacientes eram homens. O VGE médio foi 111mL (86-144), e a prevalência de escore de CC igual a zero foi 55%. Nas análises multivariadas, um VGE mais alto relacionou-se com sexo feminino, idade mais avançada, circunferência da cintura, e triglicerídeos (p<0,001 para todos). Um VGE mais alto foi associado com pior função endotelial: em comparação ao primeiro quartil, os valores de odds ratio para a amplitude de pulso basal foram (q2=1,22; IC95% 1,07-1,40; q3=1,50, IC95% 1,30-1,74; q4=1,50, IC95% 1,28-1,79) e para a razão de tonometria arterial periférica foram (q2=0,87; IC95% 0,81-0,95; q3=0,86, IC95% 0,79-0,94; q4=0,80, IC95% 0,73-0,89), mas não com escore de CC maior que zero. Conclusão Um VGE mais alto associou-se com comprometimento da função endotelial, mas não com escore de CC. Os resultados sugerem que o VGE esteja relacionado ao desenvolvimento de DAC por uma via diferente da via do CC, possivelmente pela piora da disfunção endotelial e doença microvascular.

Abstract Background The increase in epicardial fat volume (EFV) is related to coronary artery disease (CAD), independent of visceral or subcutaneous fat. The mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and endothelial dysfunction are related to coronary events, but whether EFV is related to these markers needs further clarification. Objectives To evaluate the association between automatically measured EFV, cardiovascular risk factors, CAC, and endothelial function. Methods In 470 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) with measures of EFV, CAC score and endothelial function, we performed multivariable models to evaluate the relation between cardiovascular risk factors and EFV (response variable), and between EFV (explanatory variable) and endothelial function variables or CAC score. Two-sided p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Mean age was 55 ± 8 years, 52.3% of patients were men. Mean EFV was 111mL (IQ 86-144), and the prevalence of CAC score=0 was 55%. In the multivariable analyses, increased EFV was related to female sex, older age, waist circumference, and triglycerides (p<0.001 for all). Higher EFV was associated with worse endothelial function: as compared with the first quartile, the odds ratio for basal pulse amplitude were (q2=1.22, 95%CI 1.07-1.40; q3=1.50, 95%CI 1.30-1.74; q4=1.50, 95%CI 1.28-1.79) and for peripheral arterial tonometry ratio were (q2=0.87, 95%CI 0.81-0.95; q3=0.86, 95%CI 0.79-0.94; q4=0.80, 95%CI 0.73-0.89), but not with CAC score>0. Conclusion Higher EFV was associated with impaired endothelial function, but not with CAC. The results suggest that EFV is related to the development of CAD through a pathway different from the CAC pathway, possibly through aggravation of endothelial dysfunction and microvascular disease.

Epicardial Fat Volume Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction, but not with Coronary Calcification: From the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). / Volume de Gordura Epicárdica está Associada com Disfunção Endotelial, mas Não com Calcificação Coronariana: Do ELSA-Brasil.

BACKGROUND: The increase in epicardial fat volume (EFV) is related to coronary artery disease (CAD), independent of visceral or subcutaneous fat. The mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and endothelial dysfunction are related to coronary events, but whether EFV is related to these markers needs further clarification. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between automatically measured EFV, cardiovascular risk factors, CAC, and endothelial function. METHODS: In 470 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) with measures of EFV, CAC score and endothelial function, we performed multivariable models to evaluate the relation between cardiovascular risk factors and EFV (response variable), and between EFV (explanatory variable) and endothelial function variables or CAC score. Two-sided p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age was 55 ± 8 years, 52.3% of patients were men. Mean EFV was 111mL (IQ 86-144), and the prevalence of CAC score=0 was 55%. In the multivariable analyses, increased EFV was related to female sex, older age, waist circumference, and triglycerides (p<0.001 for all). Higher EFV was associated with worse endothelial function: as compared with the first quartile, the odds ratio for basal pulse amplitude were (q2=1.22, 95%CI 1.07-1.40; q3=1.50, 95%CI 1.30-1.74; q4=1.50, 95%CI 1.28-1.79) and for peripheral arterial tonometry ratio were (q2=0.87, 95%CI 0.81-0.95; q3=0.86, 95%CI 0.79-0.94; q4=0.80, 95%CI 0.73-0.89), but not with CAC score>0. CONCLUSION: Higher EFV was associated with impaired endothelial function, but not with CAC. The results suggest that EFV is related to the development of CAD through a pathway different from the CAC pathway, possibly through aggravation of endothelial dysfunction and microvascular disease.

FUNDAMENTO: O aumento no volume de gordura epicárdica (VGE) está relacionado com doença arterial coronariana (DAC), independentemente de gordura visceral ou subcutânea. O mecanismo dessa associação não é claro. O escore de cálcio coronariano (CC) e a disfunção endotelial estão relacionados com eventos coronarianos, mas não está bem esclarecido se o VGE está relacionado com esses marcadores. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre VGE medido por método automatizado, fatores de risco cardiovasculares, escore de CC, e função endotelial. Métodos: Em 470 participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto LSA-Brasil com medidas de VGE, escore de CC e função endotelial, realizamos modelos multivariados para avaliar a relação entre fatore de risco cardiovascular e VGE (variável resposta), e entre VGE (variável explicativa), e função endotelial ou escore de CC. Valor de p<0,05 bilateral foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 55 ± 8 anos, e 52,3% dos pacientes eram homens. O VGE médio foi 111mL (86-144), e a prevalência de escore de CC igual a zero foi 55%. Nas análises multivariadas, um VGE mais alto relacionou-se com sexo feminino, idade mais avançada, circunferência da cintura, e triglicerídeos (p<0,001 para todos). Um VGE mais alto foi associado com pior função endotelial: em comparação ao primeiro quartil, os valores de odds ratio para a amplitude de pulso basal foram (q2=1,22; IC95% 1,07-1,40; q3=1,50, IC95% 1,30-1,74; q4=1,50, IC95% 1,28-1,79) e para a razão de tonometria arterial periférica foram (q2=0,87; IC95% 0,81-0,95; q3=0,86, IC95% 0,79-0,94; q4=0,80, IC95% 0,73-0,89), mas não com escore de CC maior que zero. CONCLUSÃO: Um VGE mais alto associou-se com comprometimento da função endotelial, mas não com escore de CC. Os resultados sugerem que o VGE esteja relacionado ao desenvolvimento de DAC por uma via diferente da via do CC, possivelmente pela piora da disfunção endotelial e doença microvascular.

Parâmetros Ecocardiográficos Simples são Fortes Preditores de Risco Cardiovascular em Indivíduos Assintomáticos: Coorte Elsa-Brasil / Simple Echocardiographic Parameters are Strong Predictors of the Cardiovascular Risk in Asymptomatic Individuals: Elsa-Brasil Cohort

Resumo Fundamento vários estudos avaliam alterações ecocardiográficas como preditores de risco cardiovascular; entretanto, nenhum associa risco cardiovascular global com alterações ecocardiográficas em brasileiros. Objetivo Este estudo avalia a associação entre risco cardiovascular global (ASCVD) e achados ecocardiográficos como hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE), disfunção diastólica (DDVE) e aumento do volume do átrio esquerdo (AE). Métodos A população foi composta por participantes do ELSA-Brasil que realizaram ecocardiografia entre 2008 e 2010 (n = 2.973). Eram assintomáticos e não tinham história de doença cardiovascular (DCV). O escore ASCVD foi calculado em dois períodos: 2008-2010 e 2012-2014. Razões de prevalência (RP) foram estimadas com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. Resultados Evidenciou-se associação entre alterações ecocardiográficas e alto risco cardiovascular global (escore ASCVD ≥ 7,5) nos dois períodos do estudo, separadamente. O risco global combinado (baixo risco no primeiro período e alto risco no segundo período) teve associação significativa apenas com DDVE (RP = 3,68; IC 95%: 2,63-5,15) e HVE (RP = 2,20; IC 95%: 1,62-3,00). Conclusão Alterações ecocardiográficas (DDVE, HVE e aumento do volume do AE) são preditores independentes de risco cardiovascular em adultos brasileiros sem DCV prévias.

Abstract Background Several studies have evaluated echocardiographic abnormalities as predictors of cardiovascular risk; however, none have associated the global cardiovascular risk with echocardiographic abnormalities in the Brazilian population. Objective This study evaluates the association between the global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score) and three echocardiographic abnormalities: left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and increased left atrium (LA) volume. Methods The study population was composed of participants from ELSA-Brasil who underwent echocardiography between 2008 and 2010 (n = 2973). They were asymptomatic and had no history of cardiovascular disease. The ASCVD score was calculated in two periods: 2008-2010 and 2012-2014. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results There is an association between echocardiographic abnormalities and high global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score ≥ 7.5) in both study periods, separately. The combined global risk (low risk in the first period and high risk in the second period) was significantly associated only with LVDD (PR = 3.68, CI 95% 2.63-5.15) and LVH (PR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.62-3.00). Conclusion Echocardiographic abnormalities (LVDD, LVH, and increased LA volume) are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk in Brazilian adults.

Right ventricular function during trastuzumab therapy for breast cancer.

Cardiotoxicity (CDT) is the main adverse effect related to trastuzumab (TTZ). The role of the right ventricle (RV) in this context is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in RV function during TTZ therapy and to determine RV function changes associated with subclinical CDT. Breast cancer patients underwent echocardiograms at the beginning of TTZ treatment (Exam 1) and every 3 months during the first year (Exams 2, 3, and 4). Subclinical CDT was defined as ≥ 12% relative reduction of left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV GLS). Twenty-five women (52.1 ± 13.1 y-o) were included. We found a decrease in LV ejection fraction between the first and fourth exams (Ex1: 64.1% ± 4.9 vs Ex4: 60.9% ± 4.9, p = 0.003) and the LV GLS gradually decreased during follow-up (Ex1: - 20.6% ± 2.0; Ex2: - 19.4% ± 2.1; Ex3: - 19.2% ± 1.8; Ex4: - 19.0% ± 2.1, all p < 0.05). RV GLS changed from baseline to 3 month and to 6 month (Ex1: - 23.9% ± 1.6; Ex2: - 22.5% ± 2.1; Ex3: - 22.5% ± 2.3, all p < 0.05), and the RV Fractional Area Change was lower in the third exam (Ex1: 44.3% ± 6.6 vs Ex3: 39.9% ± 6.0, p = 0.004). We found subclinical CDT in 13 patients (52%); worsening in RV parameters did not differ between those with and without subclinical CDT. In this sample, the RV function decreased during TTZ therapy and the decrease was not associated to the observed LV cardiotoxicity.

Predictors of coronary artery calcium incidence and progression: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There are limited data on serial coronary artery calcium (CAC) assessments outside North American and European populations. We sought to investigate risk factors for CAC incidence and progression in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). METHODS: We included individuals with no prior cardiovascular disease and two CAC measurements in ELSA-Brasil. Incident CAC was defined as a baseline CAC of 0 followed by CAC >0 on the second study. CAC progression was defined according to multiple published criteria. We performed logistic and linear regression to identify risk factors for CAC incidence and progression. We also examined risk factor effect modification by baseline CAC (0 vs. >0). RESULTS: A total of 2707 individuals were included (57% women, age 48.6 ± 7.7 years). Participants self-identified as white (55%), brown (24%), black (16%), Asian (4%) and Indigenous (1%). The mean period between CAC assessments was 5.1 ± 0.9 years. CAC incidence occurred in 282 (13.3%) of 2127 individuals with baseline CAC of 0. CAC progression occurred in 319 (55%) of 580 participants with baseline CAC >0. Risk factors for CAC incidence included older age, male sex, white race, hypertension, diabetes, higher BMI, smoking, lower HDL-C, higher LDL-C and triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome. Older age and elevated LDL-C were associated with CAC incidence, but not progression. Risk factors consistently associated with CAC progression were hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome. On interaction testing, these four risk factors were more strongly associated with CAC progression as compared to CAC incidence. CONCLUSIONS: CAC incidence was associated with multiple traditional risk factors, whereas the only risk factors associated with progression of CAC were hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome.

Ecocardiografia na pré-hipertensão e hipertensão estágio I / Echocardiography in pre-hypertension and hypertension stage I

Fundamento: A pré-hipertensão e a hipertensão estágio I estão associadas ao remodelamento do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). No presente estudo, comparamos os parâmetros ecocardiográficos de lesão de órgãos-alvo pré-clínicos da hiper-tensão arterial em indivíduos com pré hipertensão e hipertensão estágio I selecionados a partir da mesma população. Métodos: Comparou-se as medidas ecocardiográficas basais dos participantes incluídos no estudo PREVER com pré-hi-pertensão (PREVER-prevention; n = 106) ou hipertensão estágio I (PREVER-treatment; n = 128). Investigou-se também as diferenças relacionadas ao sexo, verificadas nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos. Resultados: A pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica média mostrou-se significativamente maior no grupo hipertensão estágio I (141,0/90,4 mmHg) quando comparada com o grupo pré-hipertensão (129,3/81,5 mmHg, P<0,001 para ambos os grupos). A média de idade foi de 55 anos (30 a 70), com um número quase igual de homens e mulheres, dos quais 80% eram brancos e 7% tinham diabetes. A maioria dos parâmetros de massa do VE, dimensão do AE e função diastólica mostrou-se semelhante entre os grupos pré-hipertensão e hipertensão estágio I. Os indivíduos hipertensos apresentavam AE com maior diâmetro e maior espessura da parede posterior, além de menores velocidades laterais e, mesmo após ajuste para idade, sexo e índice de massa corporal. A análise em relação ao sexo mostrou VE com maior massa na hipertensão estágio I em comparação à pré-hipertensão apenas em mulheres (141,1 ± 34,1 gvs. 126,1 ± 29,1 g, P<0,05). Conclusões: Em indivíduos de meia-idade com baixo risco cardiovascular, as diferenças nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos relacionadas à lesão de órgãos-alvo são sutis entre a pré-hipertensão e a hipertensão estágio I, embora mulheres com hipertensão estágio I tenham VE com massa significativamente maior, o que pode indicar resposta adaptativa específica do sexo à pressão arterial em estágios iniciais de hipertensão

Diuretics are Similar to Losartan on Echocardiographic Target-Organ Damage in Stage I Hypertension. PREVER-Treatment Study / Diuréticos são Similares à Losartana na Avaliação Ecocardiográfica de Lesão a Órgãos-Alvo no Estágio I da Hipertensão. Estudo PREVER-Treatment

Abstract Blood pressure (BP)-lowering therapy improves left ventricular (LV) parameters of hypertensive target-organ damage in stage II hypertension, but whether there is a drug-class difference in echocardiographic parameters in stage I hypertension patients is less often studied. In the PREVER treatment study, where individuals with stage I hypertension were randomized for treatment with diuretics (chlorthalidone/amiloride) or losartan, 110 participants accepted to participate in a sub-study, where two-dimensional echocardiograms were performed at baseline and after 18 months of antihypertensive treatment. As in the general study, systolic BP reduction was similar with diuretics or with losartan. Echocardiographic parameters showed small but significant changes in both treatment groups, with a favorable LV remodeling with antihypertensive treatment for 18 months when target blood pressure was achieved either with chlorthalidone/amiloride or with losartan as the initial treatment strategy. In conclusion, even in stage I hypertension, blood pressure reduction is associated with improvement in echocardiographic parameters, either with diuretics or losartan as first-drug regimens.

Resumo A terapia de redução da pressão arterial (PA) melhora os parâmetros do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) na lesão a órgãos-alvo causada pela condição hipertensiva na hipertensão de estágio II; no entanto, se existem ou não diferenças relacionadas à classe de medicamentos nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos de pacientes com hipertensão estágio I é menos frequentemente estudado. No estudo PREVER-treatment, em que indivíduos com hipertensão estágio I foram randomizados para tratamento com diuréticos (clortalidona/amilorida) ou losartana, 110 participantes aceitaram participar de um subestudo, no qual foram realizados ecocardiogramas bidimensionais basais e após 18 meses de tratamento anti-hipertensivo. Como no estudo geral, a redução da PA sistólica foi semelhante com diuréticos ou com losartana. Os parâmetros ecocardiográficos mostraram pequenas mas significativas alterações em ambos os grupos de tratamento, com um remodelamento favorável do VE com tratamento anti-hipertensivo por 18 meses, quando a pressão arterial alvo foi atingida com clortalidona/amilorida ou com losartana como estratégia inicial de tratamento. Em conclusão, mesmo na hipertensão estágio I, a redução da pressão arterial está associada à melhora nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos tanto com o uso de diuréticos ou losartana como primeiro esquema de tratamento farmacológico.

Reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle tracking: Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) / Reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking: Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Resumen Introducción: Se han propuesto técnicas ecocardiográficas avanzadas como el strain longitudinal global por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle tracking para la detección de alteraciones precoces de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo. La evaluación de la reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global es fundamental para su aplicación clínica en diferentes escenarios. Objetivo: Estimar la reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo en individuos de un estudio de cohorte del Brasil. Métodos: La reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo fue evaluada mediante lectura y análisis de imágenes de ecocardiografía de una muestra aleatoria de 50 participantes de la línea de base del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Resultados: Los participantes tenían una edad promedio de 49,7 ± 7,3 años, 54% eran mujeres y la media del strain longitudinal global fue -19,5% ± 1,9%. La reproducibilidad interobservador de la medida del strain longitudinal global mostró un coeficiente de variación de 7,4% y un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,76 (IC 95%: 0,61, 0,86). El análisis del acuerdo interobservador de las medidas del strain longitudinal global mediante el método de Bland & Altman evidenció un promedio de diferencias de 0,1% ± 1,4% y unos límites de acuerdo superior de 2,9 e inferior de -2,7. Conclusiones: Hubo una reproducibilidad adecuada de las medidas del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo en participantes del ELSA-Brasil y los valores fueron similares a los reportados en otros estudios epidemiológicos longitudinales. Los hallazgos refuerzan la utilidad del strain longitudinal global como un índice clínico de deformación miocárdica, capaz de detectar alteraciones subclínicas de la contractilidad miocárdica.

Abstract Introduction: Advanced echocardiography techniques, such as the global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking, have been proposed for the detection of early changes in the left ventricular systolic function. The evaluation of the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain is essential for its clinical application in different scenarios. Objective: To determine the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in individuals from a Brazil cohort study. Methods: The reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain was evaluated by the reading and analysis of echocardiograph images of a random sample of 50 participants of the baseline Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.7 ± 7.3 years, of whom 54% were women, and the mean global longitudinal strain was -19.5% ± 1.9%. The inter-observer reproducibility of the mean global longitudinal strain, had a coefficient of variation of 7.4%, and an intra-class correlation of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61 - 0.86). The analysis of the inter-observer agreement of the global longitudinal strain measurements using the Bland and Altman method showed a mean differences of 0.1% ± 1.4%, and upper and lower limits of agreement of 2.9 and -2.7, respectively. Conclusions: There was adequate reproducibility of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain measurements in participants of the ELSA-Brasil study, and the values were similar to those reported in other longitudinal epidemiological studies. The findings reinforce the use of the global longitudinal strain as a clinical marker of myocardial deformation, capable of detecting subclinical changes in myocardial contractility.

Electrocardiographic Findings in Brazilian Adults without Heart Disease: ELSA-Brasil / Medidas Eletrocardiográficas de Adultos Brasileiros sem Cardiopatia Estabelecida: ELSA-Brasil

Abstract Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used in population-based studies. However, there are few studies on electrocardiographic findings in Latin America and in Brazil. The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) comprised 15,105 participants (35-74 years) from six Brazilian capitals. Objectives: To describe electrocardiographic findings in Brazilian adults without heart disease, stratified by sex, age and race/skin color. Methods: Cross-sectional study with baseline data of 11,094 adults (44.5% men) without heart disease from ELSA-Brasil. The ECGs were recorded with the Burdick Atria 6100 machine and stored at the Pyramis System. ECG analysis was automatically performed using the Glasgow University software. A descriptive analysis of heart rate (HR), P, QRS and T waves' duration, PR and QT intervals, and P, R and T axes was performed. After stratification by sex, race/color and age, the groups were compared by the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance level of 5%. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the behavior of electrocardiographic parameters over age. Major electrocardiographic abnormalities defined by the Minnesota code were manually revised. Results: Medians values of the electrocardiographic parameters were different between men and women: HR 63 vs. 66 bpm, PR 164 vs.158 ms, QT corrected 410 vs. 421 ms, QRS duration 92 vs. 86 ms, P-wave duration 112 vs. 108 ms, P-wave axis 54 vs. 57 degrees, R-wave axis 35 vs. 39 degrees, T-wave axis 39 vs. 45 degrees (p < 0.001 for all). The 2nd and the 98th percentiles of each variable were also obtained, and graphs were constructed to illustrate the behavior of the electrocardiographic findings over age of participants stratified by sex and race/skin color. Conclusions: The values for the electrocardiographic measurements herein described can be used as reference for Brazilian adults free of heart disease, stratified by sex. Our results suggest that self-reported race/skin color have no significant influence on electrocardiographic parameters.

Resumo Fundamento: O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é amplamente utilizado em estudos de base populacional. Porém, poucos desses estudos descrevem achados eletrocardiográficos na América Latina e particularmente no Brasil. O Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) incluiu 15105 participantes (35-74 anos) de seis capitais brasileiras. Objetivos: Descrever as medidas eletrocardiográficas em adultos brasileiros não cardiopatas, estratificados por sexo, raça/cor e idade. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados da linha de base do ELSA-Brasil (n=11094, 44,5% homens) de participantes sem doença cardiopatia prevalente. Os ECGs foram obtidos no aparelho Burdick Atria 6100 e armazenados pelo Sistema Pyramis. A análise dos ECGs foi realizada automaticamente utilizando-se o software da Universidade de Glasgow. Realizou-se análise descritiva da frequência cardíaca, da duração das ondas P, QRS e T, dos intervalos (i) PR e QT, e dos eixos de P, R e T. A comparação dos grupos estratificados por sexo, raça/cor e idade, foi feita pelos testes de Wilcoxon e Kruskal-Wallis com nível de significância definido em 5%. O comportamento das medidas eletrocardiográficas ao longo da idade foi avaliado por modelos de regressão linear. Alterações eletrocardiográficas definidas como maiores pelo código de Minnesota foram revisadas manualmente. Resultados: As medianas das mensurações foram diferentes entre homens e mulheres: FC 63 vs 66 bpm, iPR 164 vs 158 ms, iQT corrigido 410 vs. 421 ms, QRS 92 vs 86 ms, onda P 112 vs 108 ms, eixo da onda P 54 vs 58, eixo da onda R 35 vs 39 e eixo da onda T 39 vs 45 (p < 0,001 para todas). Os percentis 02 e 98 foram obtidos para cada variável analisada, assim como gráficos demonstrando o comportamento dos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos ao longo da idade dos participantes estratificados por sexo e raça/cor. Conclusões: Os valores descritos para as medidas eletrocardiográficas analisadas poderão ser utilizados como referência para adultos brasileiros sem cardiopatia prevalente, estratificados por sexo. Os resultados sugerem que não existe grande influência da raça/cor autodeclarada nas mensurações eletrocardiográficas realizadas.

Thyrotrophin levels and coronary artery calcification: Cross-sectional results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

OBJECTIVE: There is little information about the association between thyrotrophin (TSH) levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Our aim was to analyse the association between TSH quintiles and subclinical atherosclerosis measured by CAC, using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: We excluded individuals using medications that affect thyroid function and who self-reported cardiovascular disease. We included euthyroid subjects and individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHypo) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCHyper). Logistic regression models evaluated CAC >100 Agatston units as the dependent variable, and increasing quintiles of TSH as the independent variable, adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Our sample included 3836 subjects, mean age 49 years (interquartile range 44-56); 1999 (52.1%) were female, 3551 (92.6%) were euthyroid, 239 (6.2%) had SCHypo and 46 (1.2%) had SCHyper. The frequency of women, White people and never smokers as well as body mass index and insulin resistance increased according to quintiles. The 1st quintile for TSH (0-0.99 mIU/L) was associated with CAC >100, using the 3rd quintile (1.39-1.85 mIU/L) as reference (adjusted OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.05-2.35, P=.027), but no association was shown for the 5th quintile (2.68-35.5 mIU/L) compared to the 3rd. Restricting the analysis to euthyroid subjects did not change the results. For women, but not for men, we observed a U-shaped curve with 1st and 5th TSH quintiles associated with CAC>100. CONCLUSION: Low and low-normal (1st quintile) TSH levels were associated with CAC>100 Agatston units in a sample with subclinical thyroid disorders and euthyroid subjects.

Incidence and factors associated with pericardial effusion after cardiac valve surgery

Introduction: Pericardial effusion (PE) is a postoperative complication of cardiac valve surgery, related to early hospital readmissions and death. We aimed to describe its incidence and to identify predictive factors of moderate-to-severe PE in a contemporary cohort. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all consecutive patients submitted to cardiac valve surgery in a tertiary teaching hospital from January 2012 to July 2014, where echocardiography was routinely performed before patient discharge. Moderate-to-severe PE was defined as ≥ 10 mm of thickness, or signs of cardiac tamponade on echocardiography. Additional clinical and perioperative data were extracted from medical records using a standardized protocol. Results: Of 353 patients, 335 underwent a predischarge echocardiography. From these, 27 patients (8%; mean age: 62 years; standard deviation 12 years; 70% male) had moderate-to-severe PE. These patients had a higher prevalence of previous stroke (22% vs. 8%; p = 0.009) and oral anticoagulation (international normalized ratio > 2) prior to the surgery (11 vs. 2%; P = 0.002). In patients with moderate-to-severe PE, surgeries had longer ischemia (p < 0.001) and cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.001) times, and the prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was higher (56% vs. 32%; p = 0.011) than in patients with absent or small PE. Hospital mortality was also higher (15% vs. 3%; p = 0.002) in patients with moderate-to-severe PE. Conclusions: Eight percent of patients submitted to cardiac valve surgery developed moderate-to-severe PE. Moreover, PE was associated with pre- and post-surgery conditions likely related to the coagulation state, though a cause-effect relationship could not be inferred. Noteworthy, this condition was associated with higher in-hospital morbidity and mortality(AU)

Miocardite aguda sob a forma de síndrome coronariana aguda após infecção do trato urinário / Acute myocarditis presenting as acute coronary syndrome following urinary tract infection

A miocardite é cada vez mais diagnosticada, principalmente pela maior disponibilidade de métodos como a ressonância magnética cardíaca. A apresentação clínica é variável, geralmente posterior a uma infecção respiratória ou gastrointestinal, manifestando-se como síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA), insuficiência cardíaca aguda ou crônica, arritmias cardíacas ou mesmo choque cardiogênico inexplicável. Relatos de casos de miocardite após infecção do trato urinário (ITU) são escassos. Neste relato, descrevemos o caso de um paciente masculino de 24 anos com miocardite após ITU que se apresentou sob a forma de SCA(AU)

The diagnosis of myocarditis has increased mainly due to greater availability of methods such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Its clinical presentation varies, usually following respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection, in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute or chronic heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or even unexplained cardiogenic shock. Case reports of patients with myocarditis following urinary tract infection (UTI) are scarce. This is a case report of a 24-year-old male patient with myocarditis with symptoms of ACS following UTI(AU)

Strain longitudinal global: un parámetro útil para evaluar disfunción ventricular izquierda subclínica en el síndrome metabólico / Global longitudinal strain: a useful parameter to assess subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in metabolic syndrome

La alta prevalencia del síndrome metabólico es un fenómeno global. Debido a su aumento concomitante con el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus y enfermedad cardiovascular el síndrome metabólico tendrá una enorme carga sobre las economías del mundo y en la salud pública si no se producen intervenciones precoces y eficaces. Uno de los mecanismos propuestos para aumentar el riesgo cardiovascular se relaciona con la disfunción sistólica y diastólica subclínica encontrada en estos pacientes. La fracción de eyección, el parámetro más utilizado para la evaluación de la función sistólica, tiene baja sensibilidad para la valoración de disfunción temprana de la contractilidad miocárdica. El desarrollo de nuevas técnicas ecocardiográficas, como strain longitudinal global por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle-tracking ha reforzado la capacidad de evaluar la función del ventrículo izquierdo mediante evaluación cuantitativa de la deformación miocárdica. La detección y el manejo precoz de la enfermedad cardiovascular subclínica puede mitigar algunos de los riesgos cardiovasculares asociados con trastornos metabólicos. Con capacidad de detectar disfunción ventricular izquierda subclínica en pacientes con síndrome metabólico, el strain longitudinal global medido por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle-tracking tiene el potencial de convertirse en una herramienta útil para la estratificación del riesgo en esta población.

The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome is a global phenomenon. Due to the increase of the concomitant risk of developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome will place a great burden on world economies and public health unless early and efficient action interventions are conducted. One of the suggested mechanisms in order to increase the cardiovascular risk is related to subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction discovered in these patients. Ejection fraction, the most frequently used parameter to assess systolic function, presents a low sensitivity to the assessment of early dysfunction of myocardial contractility. The development of new echocardiographic techniques, such as global longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography have strengthened the ability to assess left ventricle function with a quantitative assessment of myocardial deformation. Early detection and management of subclinical cardiovascular diseases can mitigate some of the cardiovascular risks associated to metabolic disorders. With its ability to detect subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome, global longitudinal strain measured with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography has the potential to become a useful tool for risk stratification in this population group.

Reproducibility of Left Ventricular Mass by Echocardiogram in the ELSA-Brasil / Reprodutibilidade de Medidas Ecocardiográficas da Massa Ventricular Esquerda no ELSA-Brasil

Background: Echocardiography, though non-invasive and having relatively low-cost, presents issues of variability which can limit its use in epidemiological studies. Objective: To evaluate left ventricular mass reproducibility when assessed at acquisition (online) compared to when assessed at a reading center after electronic transmission (offline) and also when assessed by different readers at the reading center. Methods: Echocardiographers from the 6 ELSA-Brasil study investigation centers measured the left ventricular mass online during the acquisition from 124 studies before transmitting to the reading center, where studies were read according to the study protocol. Half of these studies were blindly read by a second reader in the reading center. Results: From the 124 echocardiograms, 5 (4%) were considered not measurable. Among the remaining 119, 72 (61%) were women, mean age was 50.2 ± 7.0 years and 2 had structural myocardial abnormalities. Images were considered to be optimal/ good by the reading center for 110 (92.4%) cases. No significant difference existed between online and offline measurements (1,29 g, CI 95% −3.60-6.19), and the intraclass correlation coefficient between them was 0.79 (CI 95% 0.71-0.85). For images read by two readers, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.86 (CI 95% 0.78-0.91). Conclusion: There were no significant drifts between online and offline left ventricular mass measurements, and reproducibility was similar to that described in previous studies. Central quantitative assessment of echocardiographic studies in reading centers, as performed in the ELSA-Brasil study, is feasible and useful in clinical and epidemiological studies performed in our setting. .

Fundamento: A ecocardiografia, apesar de não invasiva e de relativo baixo custo, tem na variabilidade de medidas repetidas um dos principais limitantes a sua utilização em estudos epidemiológicos. Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da massa ventricular esquerda obtida em centros de investigação (on-line) com aquela obtida em centro de leitura (off-line) e entre medidas realizadas por diferentes avaliadores no centro de leitura. Métodos: Ecocardiografistas dos seis centros de investigação do ELSA-Brasil mediram on-line a massa ventricular esquerda e outras medidas ecocardiográficas de 124 exames antes de enviá-los ao centro de leitura, onde foram lidos off-line de acordo com o protocolo do estudo. Metade desses exames foi medida de forma cega por um segundo leitor. Resultados: Dos 124 exames, cinco (4%) foram considerados não mensuráveis. Dos 119 restantes, 72 (61%) eram de mulheres, com idade média de 50,2 ± 7,0 anos, sendo apenas dois exames com alteração estrutural cardíaca. Em 110 (92,4%) dos exames, as imagens foram consideradas ótimas/boas pelo centro de leitura. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as médias da massa ventricular esquerda obtidas on-line e off-line (1,29 g, IC 95% −3,60-6,19), sendo o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse de 0,79 (IC 95% 0,72-0,85). Para as medidas realizadas no centro de leitura, % 0,78-0,91). Conclusão: Não houve diferenças sistemáticas relevantes na medida da massa ventricular esquerda on-line versus off-line e a reprodutibilidade das medidas foi similar à de estudos anteriores. A realização das medidas em centros de leitura, como utilizado no ELSA-Brasil, é factível e útil em estudos clínico-epidemiológicos realizados em nosso meio. .

Large aortic aneurysm and dissection in a patient with Marfan’s syndrome

Marfan’s syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue affecting approximately 1 in 5000 people. In individuals with this syndrome, more than 90% of deaths from known causes result from cardiovascular complications, such as aortic dissection, aortic regurgitation, and congestive cardiac failure. In this report, we present a patient with a large symptomatic aortic aneurysm and chronic dissection, severe aortic regurgitation and cardiomegaly, treated successfully with resection of the proximal aorta and placement of a mechanic aortic valved graft...