Time optimization in primary care - chronic prescription cost.

INTRODUCTION: Time optimization is a common goal to most health information institutions. In several countries, chronic electronic renewal prescriptions were one of the main focuses when implementing information systems. In Portugal, Electronic Medical Prescription (PEM®) software is used for most electronic prescriptions. This study aims to quantify the time spent in chronic prescription renewal appointments (CPRA) in primary care and its impact in the Portuguese National Health System (SNS). METHODS: Eight general practitioners (GP) were included in the study during February 2022. The average duration of 100 CPRA was obtained. To determine the number of CPRA performed every year, a primary care BI-CSP® platform was used. Using Standard Cost Model and average medical doctor hourly rate in Portugal we estimated CPRA global costs. RESULTS: Each doctor spent on average 1:55 ± 01:07 min per CPRA. There were 8295 GP working in 2022. A total 635 561 CPRA were performed in 2020 and 774 346 in 2021. In 2020, CPRA costs ranged 303 088 ± 179 419€, and in 2021 that number increased to 369 272 ± 218 599€. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to quantify CPRA's real cost in Portugal. A PEM® software update would allow daily savings, ranging from 830€ (± 491€) in 2020 and 1011€ (± 598€) in 2021. That change could allow hiring 8 ± 5 GP in 2020 and 12 ± 7 in 2021.

Predictors of Fabry disease in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: How to guide the diagnostic strategy?

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is a treatable cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to determine the independent predictors of FD and to define a clinically useful strategy to discriminate FD among HCM. METHODS: Multicenter study including 780 patients with the ESC definition of HCM. FD screening was performed by enzymatic assay in males and genetic testing in females. Multivariate regression analysis identified independent predictors of FD in HCM. A discriminant function analysis defined a score based on the weighted combination of these predictors. RESULTS: FD was found in 37 of 780 patients with HCM (4.7%): 31 with p.F113L mutation due to a founder effect; and 6 with other variants (p.C94S; p.M96V; p.G183V; p.E203X; p.M290I; p.R356Q/p.G360R). FD prevalence in HCM adjusted for the founder effect was 0.9%. Symmetric HCM (OR 3.464, CI95% 1.151-10.430), basal inferolateral late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR 10.677, CI95% 3.633-31.380), bifascicular block (OR 10.909, CI95% 2.377-50.059) and ST-segment depression (OR 4.401, CI95% 1.431-13.533) were independent predictors of FD in HCM. The score ID FABRY-HCM [-0.729 + (2.781xBifascicular block) + (0.590xST depression) + (0.831xSymmetric HCM) + (2.130xbasal inferolateral LGE)] had a negative predictive value of 95.8% for FD, with a cut-off of 1.0, meaning that, in the absence of both bifascicular block and basal inferolateral LGE, FD is a less probable cause of HCM, being more appropriate to perform HCM gene panel than targeted FD screening. CONCLUSION: FD prevalence in HCM was 0.9%. Bifascicular block and basal inferolateral LGE were the most powerful predictors of FD in HCM. In their absence, HCM gene panel is the most appropriate step in etiological study of HCM.

Prior exposure to aspirin in acute coronary syndrome patients: a cardiovascular risk marker or a predictor of adverse outcome? A contemporary data of a national registry.

Despite the known protective cardiovascular effect of aspirin, former studies identified its prior exposure to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as an independent risk factor for adverse events. However, those studies did not reflect contemporary approaches. In the current study, we determine whether patients exposed to aspirin before an ACS have a worse cardiovascular risk profile and if it predicts higher risk of recurrent cardiovascular events or mortality. A cohort of patients enrolled in a national registry of ACS was analyzed according to prior exposure to aspirin. A propensity score standardized patients according to baseline comorbidities. Multivariable COX regression analysis was performed in unmatched and matched populations for a primary endpoint (composite of all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular rehospitalization) and two secondary endpoints (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular rehospitalization, separately) at 1-year follow-up. Among 5533 ACS patients, 1763 were previously exposed to aspirin. They were older and had more comorbidities; contemporary approaches, both coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary angioplasty were less likely to be performed. Before matching the population, prior exposure to aspirin was an independent predictor of primary composite endpoint (p = 0.002) and cardiovascular rehospitalization as the secondary endpoint (p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in the multivariable model for the primary or secondary endpoints after matching. Previous exposure to aspirin identified ACS patients with worse baseline characteristics, establishing its role as a cardiovascular risk marker. However, our data do not support including aspirin pretreatment in risk stratification scores as an adverse prognostic variable.

Gerbode defect and multivalvular dysfunction: Complex complications in adult congenital heart disease.

We report a clinical case of a 40-year-old male with surgically corrected congenital heart disease (CHD) 10 years earlier: closure of ostium primum, mitral annuloplasty, and aortic valve and root surgery. The patient was admitted with acute heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a dysmorphic and severely incompetent aortic valve, a partial tear of the mitral valve cleft repair and annuloplasty ring dehiscence. A true left ventricular-to-right atrial shunt confirmed a direct Gerbode defect. The authors aim to discuss the diagnostic challenge of adult CHD, namely the key role of TEE on septal defects and valve regurgitations description.

The Sirius project.

The lattice design and beam dynamics optimization for Sirius, a new low-emittance synchrotron light source presently under construction at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) in Campinas, Brazil, is presented. The electron storage ring is based on a five-bend achromat (5BA) design achieving a bare lattice emittance of 0.28 nm rad for a 3 GeV beam. The circumference of 518 m contains 20 achromatic straight sections of alternating 7 m and 6 m in length. An innovative approach is adopted to enhance the performance of the storage ring dipoles by combining low-field (0.58 T) magnets for the main beam deflection with a very short 2 T permanent-magnet superbend sandwiched in the center dipole. This superbend creates 12 keV critical photon energy dipole sources with modest total energy loss from dipoles. In addition it also creates a longitudinal dipole field gradient that reduces the emittance by about 10%. The optimized dynamic aperture allows for top-up operation with off-axis injection and the optimized energy acceptance allows for a total beam lifetime of around 11 h at nominal current with a third-harmonic cavity.

Enhanced topical paromomycin delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment: Passive and iontophoretic approaches.

Conventional treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne infectious disease, can frequently lead to serious adverse effects. Paromomycin (PAR), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been suggested for the topical treatment of disease-related lesions, but even when formulated in high drug-loading dosage forms, presents controversial efficacy. The presence of five ionizable amino groups hinder its passive cutaneous penetration but make PAR an excellent candidate for iontophoretic delivery. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using iontophoresis for cutaneous PAR delivery and to propose a topical passive drug delivery system that could be applied between iontophoretic treatments. For this, in vitro iontophoretic experiments evaluated different application durations (10, 30, and 360 min), current densities (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mA/cm2), PAR concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 %), and skin models (intact and impaired porcine skin). In addition, 1 % PAR hydrogel had its penetration profile compared to 15 % PAR ointment in passive transport. Results showed iontophoresis could deliver suitable PAR amounts to dermal layers, even in short times and with impaired skin. Biodistribution assays showed both iontophoretic transport and the proposed hydrogel delivered higher PAR amounts to deeper skin layers than conventional ointment, even though applying 15 times less drug. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAR drug delivery enhancement by iontophoresis. In summary, the association of iontophoresis with a topical application of PAR gel seems appropriate for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

Clinical outcome of a single procedure cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: A real-world multicenter experience in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been growing as an alternative technique, not only in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) but also in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Cryoballoon ablation has demonstrated encouraging acute and mid-term results. However, data on long-term follow-up of CB-based PVI are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of CBA in PAF and persistent AF in four Portuguese centers. METHODS: All patients that were treated with the cryoballoon catheter according to routine practices with a second-generation 28-mm CB in four centers were included. This was a retrospective, non-randomized analysis. Patients were followed-up for >12 months and freedom from atrial arrhythmias (AA) was evaluated at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: Four hundred and six patients (57.7±12.4 years, 66% men) participated. AF was paroxysmal in 326 patients (80.2%) and persistent in 80 (19.7%). The mean procedure time duration was 107.7±50.9 min, and the fluoroscopy time was 19.5±9.7 min. Procedural/periprocedural complications occurred in 30 cases (7.3%), being transient phrenic nerve palsy the most frequent incident (2 out of 3 complications). Anatomic variations of the PV were present in 16.1% of cases. At a mean follow-up of 22.0±15.0 months, 310 patients (76.3%) remained in stable sinus rhythm, with at least one AF episode recurrence documented in 98 cases (24.1%). The recurrence rate was 20.5% in the PAF group and 37.8% in the persistent AF group. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter experience, a single CBA procedure resulted in 75.9% freedom from AF at a 22-month follow-up. This technique was demonstrated to be a safe and effective option in experienced centers for the treatment of PAF and PersAF.

Mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Syria is the main country of origin for refugees in the world. The prevalence of mental disorders in this population is high, but there is a lack of more comprehensive data on mental health issues in this population. AIM: This study aims to review the literature for mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. METHODS: We performed a systematic quantitative literature review of original observational studies indexed on the MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO databases with quantitative data reporting mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. A descriptive analysis was conducted, and the quality of the included studies was assessed using an adaptation from The National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: A total of 64 studies were included. The majority were published between 2019 and 2020, and focused on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, with a wide range of variations. Other outcomes were difficulties in the post-migration period and promotive factors for mental health, such as resilience, positive coping strategies, and psychosocial well-being. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence rates of mental disorders were observed, as well as risk factors for their occurrence. Studies showed a very high variability of prevalence rates and heterogeneity in methodologies. There is a need for research focusing on other determinants and specific necessities for mental health, especially in the post-resettlement period.

Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction With Occluded Culprit Artery: A Continuum of Mortality Risk Across the Spectrum of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients presenting with occluded culprit artery (OCA) may be at higher risk for worse outcomes. We sought to compare in-hospital (IH) mortality between patients presenting with NSTEMI with and without OCA, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This retrospective analysis studied 14,037 patients enrolled in the Portuguese National Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes. Three groups were defined: (A) STEMI (n = 8616); (B) OCA-NSTEMI (n = 1309); and (C) non-OCA NSTEMI (n = 4112). Baseline characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the risk of IH all-cause mortality across the prespecified groups. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of NSTEMI patients presented with OCA. The left circumflex artery was more frequently the culprit artery in group B (12.4% A vs 34.5% B vs 26.0% C; P<.001) and this group was also less likely to receive percutaneous revascularization (95.2% A vs 69.7% B vs 83.2% C; P<.001). The incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction was higher in group A and lower in group C (19.9% A vs 12.2% B vs 8.1% C; P<.001). The adjusted risk of IH mortality was significantly higher in group A when compared with group B (3.9% A vs 1.8% B; odds ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.07; P<.01) and in group B when compared with group C (1.8% B vs 0.9% C; odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.35; P=.02). CONCLUSION: OCA-NSTEMI patients had worse IH outcomes than non-OCA NSTEMI patients and better IH outcomes than STEMI patients, suggesting the existence of a continuum of increased risk of IH mortality across these groups.

The sex gap in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Key sex differences have been explored in multiple cardiac conditions. However, sex impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy outcome is unclear. We aimed to characterize sex impact in overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a nationwide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy registry. METHODS: We analyzed 1042 adult patients, 429 (41%) women, from a national registry of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with mean age at diagnosis 53±16 years and a mean follow-up of 65±75 months. At baseline, women were older (56±16 vs 51±15 years; P <.001), more symptomatic (56.4%, vs 51.7%; P <.001) and had more heart failure (42.0% vs 24.2%. P <.001), diastolic dysfunction (75.2% vs 64.1% P=.001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (33.4% vs 21.7%; P=.003), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels (920 [366-2412] mg/dL vs 487 [170-1087] mg/dL; P <.001). Women underwent fewer stress tests and cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher overall (8.4% vs 5.0%; P=.026) and CV mortality (5.5% vs 2.2%; P=.004) in women. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of overall (HR, 2.05; 95%CI, 1.11-3.78; P=.021) and CV mortality (HR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.25-7.99; P=.015). Women had more heart failure-related death (2.6% vs 0.8%, P=.024). Despite similar sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, women received fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (10.9% vs 15.6%; P=.032) and, in patients without cardioverter-defibrillators, SCD occurred more commonly in women (1.8% vs 0.4%; P=.031). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide registry, female sex was an independent predictor of overall and CV-related death, with more heart failure-related death. Despite similar SCD risk, women were undertreated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. These data highlight the need for an improved clinical approach in women with HCM.

Dual antiplatelet therapy in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease - insights from a nationwide registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is a mainstay for myocardial infarction (MI) therapy. However, in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA), clear recommendations are lacking in the literature. This study aims to identify the cases in which DAPT is currently prescribed at discharge for MINOCA. METHODS: The authors analyzed a cohort of patients from a multicenter national registry enrolling patients who suffered their first MI between 2010 and 2017, and underwent coronary angiography revealing absence of stenosis ≥50%. Individual antithrombotic therapy was identified. A logistic regression analysis was applied to search for predictors of DAPT. RESULTS: From a total of 16 237 patients analyzed, 709 (4.4%) were categorized as MINOCA. Mean age was 64±13 years, 46.3% (n=409) were females. 390 (55.0%) of MINOCA patients were discharged on DAPT. Males (OR 1.67, CI 95 [1.05-2.38], p=0.027), active smokers (OR=1.82, CI 95 [1.05-3.16], p=0.033), previous percutaneous intervention (OR 3.18, CI 95 [1.48-6.81], p=0.003), ST elevation MI (OR 2.70, CI 95 [1.59-4.76], p<0.001) and sinus rhythm at admission (OR=3.94, CI 95 [2.07-7.48], p<0.001) were independent predictors of DAPT use. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide registry, DAPT was prescribed at discharge in 55% of MINOCA patients. Beyond sinus rhythm, the variables presented as independent predictors for DAPT use identify subgroups of patients who are classified as more prone to thrombotic events. The issue of how to handle antithrombotic agents in MINOCA patients is a topic open for discussion.

Circulating Heterophile Antibodies Causing Cardiac Troponin Elevation: An Unusual Differential Diagnosis of Myocardial Disease.

We present the case of a female patient who developed persistently elevated levels of cardiac troponin (cTn) after a previous episode of clinically presumed myocarditis. Extensive investigation concluded that the presence of heterophile antibodies was causing false positive cTn elevation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

A Cardiac Pseudoaneurysm as a Thromboembolic Source: Acute Visual Loss due to Cardiac Emboli.

Acute visual loss is rarely caused by a heart condition. This manuscript transcribes a case report of a 36-year-old patient with a 2-year history of aortic valve replacement due to bicuspid aortic valve endocarditis that presents to the emergency department with an acute right eye visual loss. After ophthalmologic investigation identified a central retinal artery occlusion, a transthoracic echocardiography was performed to search for a possible cardiac embolus, despite the patient presenting INR values of 2-2.5 for the last year. A mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa pseudoaneurysm was identified. A transoesophageal echocardiography was then performed, identifying a small clot logged inside the pseudoaneurysm that protruded to the left ventricle outflow tract. After INR-adjusted warfarin treatment to levels between 3 and 4, the pseudoaneurysm was surgically closed. This is a rare case since the likely source of embolism to the central retinal artery was the thrombus logged inside the pseudoaneurysm despite a standardly accepted therapeutic INR.

Iontophoresis enhances voriconazole antifungal potency and corneal penetration.

Strategies to enhance corneal penetration of voriconazole (VOR) could improve the treatment of fungal keratitis. Here, we evaluated the use of iontophoresis for ocular VOR delivery from either: (i) a cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CD VOR), (ii) a liposome (LP VOR), and (iii) a chitosan-coated liposome (LP VOR CS). LP VOR CS presented mean diameter of 139.2 ±â€¯1.3 nm and zeta potential equal to + 3.3 ±â€¯1.5 mV compared to 134.6 ±â€¯1.7 and -8.2 ±â€¯3.0 mV of LP VOR, which, together with mucin mucoadhesion study, confirmed chitosan-coating. Both drug and liposomal formulations were stable under the influence of an applied electric current. Interestingly, in vitro studies in Candida glabrata culture indicated a decrease in VOR MIC values following iontophoresis (from 0.28 to 0.14 µg/mL). Iontophoresis enhanced drug penetration into the cornea. After 10 min of a 2 mA/cm2 applied current, corneal retained amounts were 45.4 ±â€¯11.2, 30.4 ±â€¯2.1 and 30.6 ±â€¯2.9 µg/cm2 for, respectively, CD VOR, LP VOR, and LP VOR CS. In conclusion, iontophoresis increases drug potency and enhances drug penetration into the cornea, showing potential to be used as "an emergency burst delivery approach".

The SHIFT model combines clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters to predict sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Limitations have been pointed out in the clinical risk prediction model for sudden cardiac death (SCD) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), which is recommended for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the SCD risk of the HCM patients enrolled in a Portuguese nationwide registry and to develop a new SCD risk prediction model applicable to our population. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 1022 patients (mean age 53.2±16.4 years, 59% male) enrolled in a Portuguese national HCM registry. During the follow-up period (median five years), 19 patients (1.9%) died suddenly or had aborted SCD or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock therapy. Through a Cox proportional hazards model, four variables were independently associated with SCD or equivalent: unexplained Syncope, Heart failure signs, Interventricular septum thickness ≥19 mm and FragmenTed QRS complex. These predictors were included in the SHIFT model and individual risk probabilities of SCD at five years were estimated. This model was internally validated using bootstrapping. The C-index of the SHIFT model was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83) and the C-index of the ESC model (performed in a subgroup of 349 HCM patients) was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.73-0.81) (p=0.246). CONCLUSION: The SHIFT model may potentially provide prognostic value and contribute to the clinical decision-making process for ICD implantation for primary prevention of SCD.

Beta-blockers for post-acute coronary syndrome mid-range ejection fraction: a nationwide retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with mid-range ejection fraction (40-49%) are in focus due to the newly defined entity of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. Acute coronary syndromes are a major aetiology for heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. We aim to evaluate which therapeutic decisions are associated with inhospital survival benefit in post-acute coronary syndrome patients categorised according to the ejection fraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors analysed a cohort of a multicentre national registry enrolling acute coronary syndrome patients between 2010 and 2016, classified according to their ejection fraction before hospital discharge. Patients with previously known heart failure or with no ejection fraction evaluation were excluded. A total of 9429 patients were included and categorised in three groups: (a) ejection fraction of 50% or greater (n=6113, 65%); (b) ejection fraction of 40-49% (n=1926, 20%); and (c) ejection fraction less than 40% (n=1390, 15%). The primary endpoint was inhospital mortality. To eliminate confounding factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, including acute coronary syndrome type, baseline characteristics, pharmacological treatment, clinical data, laboratory data and coronary anatomy when known. The overall inhospital mortality was 2.8% (n=263): 0.9% (n=53) in group 1, 2.4% (n=37) in group 2 and 11.4% (n=159) in group 3. After multivariate analysis, an invasive strategy had a positive impact in all groups, inhospital beta-blocker administration had a positive impact for groups 2 and 3, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and spironolactone had a positive impact on group 3. CONCLUSION: Post-acute coronary syndrome mid-range ejection fraction patients represent an intermediate risk group in which beta-blocker administration was associated with inhospital survival benefit. An invasive strategy was a survival predictor for all groups, regardless of ejection fraction category.

Transient Cortical Blindness Following Coronary Angiography.

Transient cortical blindness (TCB) is an uncommon complication following coronary angiography. This report describes a case of TCB after coronary angiography in a patient admitted for acute myocardial infarction. The patient's vision recovered completely within 16 h, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed 2 months later revealed no significant abnormalities. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

A rare late finding in corrected tetralogy of Fallot: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis is a rare phenomenon. Pulmonary prosthesis endocarditis is even more unusual, with only about 50 descriptions in worldwide literature, and its diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. Due to the increasing number of surgically corrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients, that often include pulmonary valve implantation, this clinical scenario is likely to become more frequent. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 37-year-old man with a previously implanted biologic pulmonary prosthesis after a TOF correction that presented to the emergency department with new-onset fever, orthopnoea, and lower limb oedema. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus mitis. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large mobile mass in the right ventricular outflow tract, apparently originating from the pulmonary prosthesis. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) showed the presence of multiple mobile structures arising from the arterial surface of the prosthesis, extending into the right pulmonary artery and causing right ventricular obstruction. Antibiogram guided treatment was administered and surgery was performed, removing a 9 cm vegetation and replacing the valve. Patient recovered well and was discharged 35 days after. DISCUSSION: In right-sided endocarditis, surgery indications and its timing are much less clear than in left-sided infections, but current literature describes it as associated with a significant morbidity, mortality, and high likelihood of requiring surgery. Large vegetations and clinical signs of haemodynamic impact should prompt consideration of early surgical intervention. The combination of transthoracic and TOE allowed a correct diagnosis and a timely treatment.

Ultra-rapid progression of coronary artery disease or undiagnosed unstable plaque? A brief review from a case report. / Progressão ultrarrápida de doença coronária ou placa instável não detetada?

Coronary artery disease rarely manifests itself in the first decades of life, which explains why this population is underrepresented in clinical studies. The mechanisms and natural history of the disease seem to differ between this population and older patients. Recent studies suggest a more rapid disease progression in youth, presenting more unstable atherosclerotic plaques, although this correlation has yet to be proven. In this paper, we present the case of a 41-year-old man who presented with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, with percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit lesion (70-90% lesion at bifurcation of the circumflex artery with the first marginal obtuse artery and a sub-occlusive lesion of the ramus intermedius). There was also a non-significant lesion (estimated at 30%) located in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Ten days after discharge, the patient suffered another non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The coronary angiography revealed a surprising sub-occlusive lesion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Regarding this case, the authors reviewed the literature on the pathophysiology of rapidly progressive coronary artery disease and the approach for non-significant lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome, especially in the younger population.