Acute Cellular Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients: Insights of Global Longitudinal Strain, Myocardial Work, and an Exclusive Group of Chagas Disease.

Background: Echocardiographic markers associated with asymptomatic acute cellular rejection (ACR) in patients with orthotopic heart transplant (HT) are still under investigation. The aim of our study was to determine clinical and myocardial strain imaging (MSI) variables evaluated by echocardiography associated with ACR in the first year of HT. A separate analysis was performed to compare variables during the first 6 months of HT, when ACR has a prevalence in 60% of patients. Another analysis evaluated an exclusive population with Chagas disease as the cause of HT. Methods: We prospectively studied 67 patients with less than 1 year of HT, 36 patients without ACR (41% men, age 49 ± 12 years, 52% Chagas disease as the cause of heart failure), and 31 patients with ACR (59% men, age 55 ± 8 years, 74% Chagas disease as the cause of heart failure). Conventional echocardiographic measurements and MSI by global longitudinal strain (GLS) from the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle free wall (RV-FWLS) and myocardial work (MW) from the left ventricle were obtained by experienced echocardiologists. Clinical variables, such as the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and immunosuppressant drugs, were compared between groups. Results: HT patients with ACR were older and used more cyclosporine for immunosuppression. The positive ACR group had an increased relative wall thickness and LV mass index and similar LVGLS and RV-FWLS compared to the negative ACR group. Nevertheless, MW analysis observed increased global work efficiency (GWE) in positive ACR. Multivariate analysis identified older age, cyclosporine use, LV mass index, and GWE as independent predictors for detecting rejection. A separate analysis was performed for patients with less than 6 months of HT. Similar MSI was observed in both groups, with a trend for increased GWE in patients with ACR and significantly increased LV mass index in the ACR group. An exclusive group of Chagas patients as the primary cause of HT was analyzed, and similar MSI results for LVGLS, RV-FWLS, and MW were observed for both ACR and the no rejection groups. Additionally, the survival rates at 2 years were similar between the Chagas disease groups. Conclusion: LVGLS and RV-FWLS were similar between patients with or without ACR in the first year after HT. Conversely, GWE, a derivative of LVGLS, and LV mass index were increased in positive ACR and could be markers for rejection. Increased LV mass index was also found in a subgroup analysis of patients less than 6 months after HT; however, MSI was similar regardless of ACR. For chagasic patients, rejection in the first year did not increase mortality at the 2-year follow-up, and MSI parameters were similar between patients with or without ACR. In a multivariate analysis to predict ACR, the independent parameters in this study were older age, cyclosporine use, LV mass index, and GWE.

Left Ventricular Remodeling Shortly after Open Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular dysfunction after surgical treatment of mitral stenosis is uncommon. We intend to determine the pattern of left ventricular remodeling, shortly after open mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis, with in-hospital postoperative outcomes and the determinants of postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: From January 2008 to January 2015, 107 adult patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis were submitted to open mitral valve replacement. Their mean age was 45±11 years and 93 (86.9%) were women. Left ventricular morphology and function were studied longitudinally with echocardiography. The end point was postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction, defined by a decrease of 10% compared to preoperative basal assessment. Determinants of worsening left ventricular ejection fraction were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The end point occurred in 18 patients (16.8%). We tested clinical and echocardiographic parameters to verify independent variables related to the decrease in postoperative ejection fraction. Lower body weight (P=0.005; odds ratio [OR]=0.89) and smaller preoperative mitral valve area (P=0.02; OR=0.02) were independent predictors of left ventricular dysfunction. These patients presented higher mortality and morbidity rates. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular remodeling patterns differed among patients with predominant rheumatic mitral stenosis undergoing open mitral valve replacement. Lower preoperative body weight and mitral valve area were independent determinants of deteriorating ejection fraction with increased end-systolic volumes, indicating that this specific problem may occur in anthropometric smaller patients with more extensive rheumatic disease.

Left Ventricular Remodeling Shortly after Open Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

Abstract Introduction: Left ventricular dysfunction after surgical treatment of mitral stenosis is uncommon. We intend to determine the pattern of left ventricular remodeling, shortly after open mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis, with in-hospital postoperative outcomes and the determinants of postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods: From January 2008 to January 2015, 107 adult patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis were submitted to open mitral valve replacement. Their mean age was 45±11 years and 93 (86.9%) were women. Left ventricular morphology and function were studied longitudinally with echocardiography. The end point was postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction, defined by a decrease of 10% compared to preoperative basal assessment. Determinants of worsening left ventricular ejection fraction were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The end point occurred in 18 patients (16.8%). We tested clinical and echocardiographic parameters to verify independent variables related to the decrease in postoperative ejection fraction. Lower body weight (P=0.005; odds ratio [OR]=0.89) and smaller preoperative mitral valve area (P=0.02; OR=0.02) were independent predictors of left ventricular dysfunction. These patients presented higher mortality and morbidity rates. Conclusion: Left ventricular remodeling patterns differed among patients with predominant rheumatic mitral stenosis undergoing open mitral valve replacement. Lower preoperative body weight and mitral valve area were independent determinants of deteriorating ejection fraction with increased end-systolic volumes, indicating that this specific problem may occur in anthropometric smaller patients with more extensive rheumatic disease.

Achados ao ecocardiograma transtorácico em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID- 19: resultados do registro brasileiro de ecocardiografia durante a pandemia de COVID-19 (ECOVID) / Transthoracic echocardiography findings of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: results from the brazilian echocardiography registry during the COVID-19 Pandemic (ECOVID)

Fundamento: A ecocardiografia transtorácica (ETT) pode desempenhar um papel crucial na avaliação das manifestações cardíacas da COVID-19. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi relatar a prevalência das principais anormalidades ecocardiográficas em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo observacional multicêntrico prospectivo com pacientes com COVID-19 submetidos a ETT durante a internação. Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca prévia, doença arterial coronariana ou fibrilação atrial foram classificados como portadores de doença cardiovascular (DCV) prévia. Foram coletados dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos da estrutura e da função cardíaca. Resultados: Avaliamos 310 pacientes com COVID-19, com 62±16 anos de idade, 61% homens, 53% com hipertensão arterial, 33% com diabetes e 23% com DCV prévia. No total, 65% dos pacientes necessitaram de suporte em unidade de terapia intensiva. As alterações ecocardiográficas mais prevalentes foram hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) (29%), hipertensão pulmonar (25%), disfunção sistólida do VE (16,5%), disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direito (VD) (15,9%), disfunção diastólica do VE grau II/III (11%) e alteração da contratilidade regional do VE (11%). Derrame pericárdico foi incomum (7%). Hipertrofia do VE (25 vs. 45%, p=0,001), disfunção sistólica do VE (11 vs. 36%, p<0,001), alterações da contratilidade regional (6 vs. 29%, p<0,001), disfunção diastólica do VE grau II/III (9 vs. 19%, p=0,03) e hipertensão pulmonar (22 vs. 36%, p=0,019) foram menos comuns nos pacientes sem do que com DCV prévia. A disfunção sistólica do VD mostrou-se semelhante em pacientes sem e com DCV prévia (13 vs. 25%, p=0,07). Conclusões: Entre os pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19, os achados ecocardiográficos anormais foram comuns, porém menos encontrados naqueles sem DCV. A disfunção sistólica do VD pareceu afetar de forma semelhante pacientes com e sem DCV prévia. (AU)

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may play a crucial role in the evaluation of cardiac manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective: We aimed to report the prevalence of the main echocardiographic abnormalities of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a prospective multicenter observational study in patients with COVID-19 who underwent TTE during hospitalization. Patients with pre-existing heart failure, coronary artery disease, or atrial fibrillation were categorized as having previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical and echocardiographic data about cardiac structure and function were collected. Results: We evaluated 310 patients with COVID-19 (mean age, 62±16 years; 61% men; 53% with arterial hypertension; 33% with diabetes; and 23% with previous CVD). Overall, 65% of the patients required intensive care unit support. The most prevalent echocardiographic abnormalities were LV hypertrophy (29%), pulmonary hypertension (25%), left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (16.5%), right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (15.9%), grade II/III LV diastolic dysfunction (11%), and LV regional wall motion abnormality (11%). Pericardial effusion was uncommon (7% of cases). LV hypertrophy (25% vs. 45%, p=0.001), LV systolic dysfunction (11% vs. 36%, p<0.001), regional wall motion abnormalities (6% vs. 29%, p<0.001), grade II/III LV diastolic dysfunction (9% vs. 19%, p=0.03), and pulmonary hypertension (22% vs. 36%, p=0.019) were less common in patients without previous CVD. RV systolic dysfunction occurred at similar frequencies in patients with versus without previous CVD (13% vs. 25%, p=0.07). Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, abnormal echocardiographic findings were common, but less so among those without previous CVD. RV systolic dysfunction appeared to affect similar proportions of patients with versus without previous CVD. (AU)

Determinants of Aortic Prosthesis Mismatch in a Brazilian Public Health System Hospital: Big Patients or Small Prosthesis? / Determinantes da Desproporção de Prótese Aórtica em Hospital de Atendimento de Saúde Pública Brasileiro: Pacientes Grandes ou Próteses Pequenas?

Abstract Background: Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is associated with worse outcomes. Objective: Determine the frequency and evaluate preoperatory variables independently associated with severe PPM in a tertiary hospital focused on Public Health Care. Methods: A total of 316 patients submitted to aortic valve replacement, who had echocardiography performed within the first 30 days after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. The indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) of the prosthesis was used to classify the patients into three groups, according to PPM, considering body mass index (BMI): severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.65 cm2/m2), mild to moderate PPM (iEOA, 0.65 cm2/m2 - 0.85 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.85 cm2/m2) for a BMI < 30 kg/m2 and severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.55 cm2/m2), mild to moderate (iEOA, 0.55 cm2/m2- 0.70 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.7 cm2/m2) for a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. Results: iEOA was obtained in 176 patients. The frequency of severe and moderate PPM was 33.4% and 36.2%, respectively. Severe PPM patients were younger and had larger BMI, but smaller left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTD). The independent variables used to predict severe PPM were male gender, BMI > 25 kg/m2, age < 60 years, LVOTD < 21 mm, and rheumatic etiology with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82. Conclusion: The frequency of severe PPM is high in a Brazilian population representative of the Public Health System, and it is possible to predict PPM from preoperative variables such as rheumatic valvular disease, gender, BMI, age and LVOTD.

Resumo Fundamento: A desproporção entre o tamanho da prótese aórtica-paciente (DPP) está associada a maior mortalidade. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência e avaliar variáveis ​​pré-operatórias associadas à DPP acentuada no cenário da saúde pública em hospital terciário. Métodos: 316 pacientes submetidos à troca valvar aórtica (TVA), com ecocardiograma realizado nos primeiros 30 dias após cirurgia, foram analisados retrospectivamente. A área de orifício efetivo indexado (AOEi) da prótese foi utilizada para classificar os pacientes em três grupos de acordo com a DPP, considerando o índice de massa corporal (IMC): DPP acentuada (AOEi) < 0,65 cm2/m2, DPP discreta a moderada (AOEi, 0,65 cm2/m2 - 0,85 cm2/m2) e sem DPP (iEOA > 0,85 cm2/m2) para IMC < 30 kg/m2 e DPP acentuada (AOEi) < 0,55 cm2/m2), discreta a moderada (AOEi, 0,55 cm2/m2 - 0,70 cm2/m2) e sem DPP (AOEi > 0,7 cm2/m2) para IMC > 30 kg/m2. Significância estatística foi considerada com p < 0,05. Resultados: A AOEi foi obtida em 176 pacientes. A frequência de DPP acentuada foi de 33,4% e moderada de 36,2%. Pacientes com DPP acentuada foram mais jovens e com maior IMC, mas menor diâmetro da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (DVSVE). As variáveis independentes que podem predizer DPP acentuada são: gênero masculino, IMC > 25 kg/m2, idade < 60 anos, DVSVE < 21 mm e etiologia reumática com área sob a curva ROC de 0,82. Conclusão: A frequência de DPP acentuada é alta em uma população brasileira submetida à TVA no Sistema Público de Saúde. Os principais determinantes de DPP acentuada são: valvopatia reumática, gênero masculino, IMC alto, idade < 60 anos e menor DVSVE.

Determinants of Aortic Prosthesis Mismatch in a Brazilian Public Health System Hospital: Big Patients or Small Prosthesis?

BACKGROUND: Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is associated with worse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Determine the frequency and evaluate preoperatory variables independently associated with severe PPM in a tertiary hospital focused on Public Health Care. METHODS: A total of 316 patients submitted to aortic valve replacement, who had echocardiography performed within the first 30 days after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. The indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) of the prosthesis was used to classify the patients into three groups, according to PPM, considering body mass index (BMI): severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.65 cm2/m2), mild to moderate PPM (iEOA, 0.65 cm2/m2 - 0.85 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.85 cm2/m2) for a BMI < 30 kg/m2 and severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.55 cm2/m2), mild to moderate (iEOA, 0.55 cm2/m2- 0.70 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.7 cm2/m2) for a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. RESULTS: iEOA was obtained in 176 patients. The frequency of severe and moderate PPM was 33.4% and 36.2%, respectively. Severe PPM patients were younger and had larger BMI, but smaller left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTD). The independent variables used to predict severe PPM were male gender, BMI > 25 kg/m2, age < 60 years, LVOTD < 21 mm, and rheumatic etiology with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82. CONCLUSION: The frequency of severe PPM is high in a Brazilian population representative of the Public Health System, and it is possible to predict PPM from preoperative variables such as rheumatic valvular disease, gender, BMI, age and LVOTD.

Avaliação intraoperatória e planejamento cirúrgico na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica / Intraoperative evaluation and surgical planning in the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / Evaluación intraoperatoria y planeamiento quirúrgico en la cardiomiopatía hipertrófica

Paciente de 45 anos do sexo masculino, com diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia hipertrófica septal assimétrica, tendo sido submetido a implante de cardiodesfibrilador no passado. Apesar do tratamento clínico otimizado, evoluiu com progressiva deterioração clínica suscitando tratamento invasivo. Entretanto, não havia gradiente importante na via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE) ao ecocardiograma de repouso e o teste provocativo com dobutamina foi inconclusivo por não atingir a frequência cardíaca preconizada. A avaliação intraoperatória com ecocardiograma transesofágico em uso de isoproterenol foi fundamental no diagnóstico de obstrução da VSVE. A miectomia septal foi realizada com sucesso e o paciente apresentou boa evolução pós-operatória.

A male, 45 year old patient, with diagnosis of septum hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, having undergone a cardiofibrilator implant in the past. Despite the optimized clinical treatment, he evolved to a progressive clinical deterioration that led to invasive treatment. However, there was not an important gradient in the exit pathway of the left ventricle (EPLV) at the echocardiogram in rest and the challenging test with dobutamine was non conclusive because it did not reach the preconized cardiac frequency. The intraoperative evaluation with a transesophageal echocardiogram using isoproterenol was fundamental for the diagnosis of the EPLV obstruction. The septum myectomy was performed successfully and the patient presented good post-operative evolution.

Paciente de 45 años del sexo masculino, con diagnóstico de cardiomiopatía hipertrófica septal asimétrica, habiendo sido sometido a implante de cardiodesfibrilador en el pasado. A pesar del tratamiento clínico optimizado, evolucionó con progresivo deterioro clínico suscitando tratamiento invasivo. Entre tanto, no había gradiente importante en la vía de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (VSVI) al ecocardiograma de reposo y el test provocativo con dobutamina fue inconclusivo por no alcanzar la frecuencia cardíaca preconizada. La evaluación intraoperatoria con ecocardiograma transesofágico en uso de isoproterenol fue fundamental en el diagnóstico de obstrucción de la VSVI. La miectomía septal fue realizada con éxito y el paciente presentó buena evolución postoperatoria.

Correlação da função diastólica com a capacidade máxima de exercício ao teste ergométrico / Correlation between diastolic function and maximal exercise capacity on exercise test / Correlación de la función diastólica con la capacidad máxima de ejercicio al test ergométrico

FUNDAMENTO: O aumento da pressão de capilar pulmonar (PCP) é um dos mecanismos de intolerância ao exercício. A avaliação da função diastólica pelo ecocardiograma (ECO) é capaz de estimar a PCP. OBJETIVO: Identificar variáveis determinantes da capacidade de exercício em paciente submetidos a teste ergométrico (TE) de rotina, ECO convencional e doppler tecidual (DT). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 640 pacientes submetidos a TE e ao ECO e DT. Pacientes com fração de ejeção < 55 por cento foram excluídos. As velocidades de Doppler mitral convencional foram obtidas em diástole precoce (E) e diástole tardia (A), e o DT do anel mitral mediu as velocidades de diástole precoce (e’) e diástole tardia (a’). E/e’ > 10 foi considerada uma estimativa de aumento da PCP. A capacidade máxima de esforço foi avaliada pelo número de equivalentes metabólicos (MET). Para análise, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: MET < 7 (n = 48) e MET > 7 (n = 572). O escore de Morise demonstrou uma população de baixo risco (60 por cento) para doença coronária (DAC). RESULTADOS: O número de pacientes com E/e’ > 10 foi significativamente maior no grupo MET < 7 em relação a MET > 7(41,7 por cento vs 9,4 por cento, p = 0,001), bem como a presença de algum grau de disfunção diastólica (76,6 por cento vs 34,1 por cento p = 0,001). Pela análise de regressão logística, as variáveis independentes de baixa capacidade de exercício (MET < 7) foram a idade, o sexo feminino e a velocidade de A (diástole tardia). CONCLUSÃO: A disfunção diastólica determinada pelo ECO, sexo feminino e idade estão associados com a menor capacidade de exercício em uma população de baixo risco de DAC.

BACKGROUND: Increased pulmonary capillary pressure (PCP) is one of the mechanisms of exercise intolerance. Assessment of the diastolic function by echocardiography (ECHO) enables estimation of PCP. OBJECTIVE: To identify variables that determine the exercise capacity in patients undergoing routine exercise test (ET), conventional ECHO, and tissue Doppler imaging (TD). METHODS: A total of 640 patients undergoing ET, ECHO, and TD were retrospectively studied. Patients with ejection fraction < 55 percent were excluded. Mitral annulus velocities by conventional Doppler imaging were obtained in early diastole (E) and late diastole (A), and TD of the mitral annulus measured early diastole (e’) and late diastole (a’) velocities. E/e’ > 10 was considered an estimate of increased PCP. Maximal exercise capacity was analyzed by the number of metabolic equivalents (MET). The patients were divided into two groups for analysis: MET<7 (n=48) and MET>7 (n=572). Morise score showed a population at low risk (60 percent) for coronary artery disease (CAD). RESULTS: The number of patients with E/e’ > 10 was significantly higher in the MET < 7 group in relation to the MET > 7 group (41.7 percent vs 9.4 percent, p=0.001), and so was the presence of any degree of diastolic dysfunction (76.6 percent vs 34.1 percent p=0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, age, female gender and A velocity (late diastole) were the independent variables related to a low exercise capacity (MET < 7). CONCLUSION: Diastolic dysfunction as determined by ECHO, female gender, and age are associated with a lower exercise capacity in a population at low risk for CAD.

FUNDAMENTO: El aumento de la presión de capilar pulmonar (PCP) es uno de los mecanismos de intolerancia al ejercicio. La evaluación de la función diastólica por el ecocardiograma (ECO) es capaz de estimar la PCP. OBJETIVO: Identificar variables determinantes de la capacidad de ejercicio en paciente sometido a test ergométrico (TE) de rutina, ECO convencional y doppler tisular (DT). MÉTODOS: Fueron estudiados, retrospectivamente, 640 pacientes sometidos a TE y al ECO y DT. Pacientes con fracción de eyección < 55 por ciento fueron excluidos. Las velocidades de Doppler mitral convencional fueron obtenidas en diástole precoz (E) y diástole tardía (A), y el DT del anillo mitral midió las velocidades de diástole precoz (e') y diástole tardía (a'). E/e' > 10 fue considerada una estimativa de aumento de la PCP. La capacidad máxima de esfuerzo fue evaluada por el número de equivalentes metabólicos (MET). Para análisis, los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: MET < 7 (n = 48) y MET > 7 (n = 572). El escore de Morise demostró una población de bajo riesgo (60 por ciento) para enfermedad coronaria (EAC). RESULTADOS: EL número de pacientes con E/e' > 10 fue significativamente mayor en el grupo MET < 7 en relación a MET > 7(41,7 por ciento vs 9,4 por ciento, p = 0,001), así como la presencia de algún grado de disfunción diastólica (76,6 por ciento vs 34,1 por ciento p = 0,001). Por el análisis de regresión logística, las variables independientes de baja capacidad de ejercicio (MET < 7) fueron la edad, el sexo femenino y la velocidad de A (diástole tardía). CONCLUSIONES: La disfunción diastólica determinada por el ECO, sexo femenino y edad están asociados con la menor capacidad de ejercicio en una población de bajo riesgo de EAC.

Avaliação de dissincronia ventricular por métodos de imagem: visão da eletrofisiologia, ecocardiografia e ressonância magnética / Imaging cardiac resynchronization therapy: the vision of eletrophisiology, echocardiogram and MRI

A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC) estabeleceu-se na última década, como uma nova estratégia de tratamento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca refratária ao tratamento clínico. Entretanto, cerca de 20 a 30% dos pacientes não são responsivos à TRC, o que enfatiza a necessidade de se empenhar melhores critérios para a seleção de pacientes. Diversos estudos clínicos demonstraram resultados mais favoráveis à TRC, quando os pacientes apresentavam dissincronia mecânica do VE à ecocardiografia. No entanto, o resultado do principal estudo multicêntrico prospect demonstrou somente uma modesta acurácia dos parâmetros ecocardiográficos de dissincronia do VE, na predição à TRC. Esse resultado reforça a noção de que dissincronia mecânica é somente um dos substratos da TRC, e que outros fatores, tais como a viabilidade miocárdica e a presença de cicatriz transmural, na região em que usualmente realiza-se a estimulação do VE, são fatores relevantes no sucesso desse tratamento. Nesta revisão, realizou-se, uma avaliação geral sobre a TRC e discutiu-se os principais métodos de avaliação de dissincronia ao ecocardiograma e ressonância magnética, sua aplicação na prática clínica atual e as perspectivas futuras.