Resultados Perinatais e Seguimento em Longo Prazo de Tumores Cardíacos Fetais: Estudo de Coorte Histórica de 30 Anos / Perinatal Results and Long-Term Follow-Up of Fetal Cardiac Tumors: A 30-Year Historical Cohort Study

Resumo Fundamento: Seguimento de coorte retrospectiva de 30 anos que se aproxima da história natural dos tumores cardíacos diagnosticados no feto uma vez que nenhum caso foi submetido à interrupção da gestação. Objetivo: Avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade perinatal e em longo prazo em fetos com diagnóstico de tumor cardíaco. Como objetivo secundário avaliar os fatores que influenciaram os resultados perinatais e pós-natais. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva envolvendo 74 gestantes com diagnóstico ecocardiográfico fetal de tumor cardíaco acompanhadas em dois serviços de referência no período de maio de 1991 a novembro de 2021. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados por meio de frequências absolutas (n) e relativas (%), mediana e intervalos interquartis. Para avaliar a associação entre as características ecocardiográficas e as manifestações clínicas com os resultados perinatais e pós-natais, foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher. O cálculo da sobrevida global foi realizado pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação de curvas pelo teste de log-rank. O tempo de seguimento, calculado em meses, foi definido a partir da data de alta do hospital à data do status atual (vivo/censura ou óbito). O nível de significância considerado foi de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: o rabdomioma é o tipo mais frequente (85%) de tumor cardíaco; apresenta alta morbidade (79,3%) e mortalidade geral de 17,4%; a presença de hidropisia fetal preditiva de óbito. Conclusão: A presença de hidropisia fetal teve impacto na mortalidade, sendo fator importante para aconselhamento e estabelecimento de prognóstico. A maioria dos óbitos ocorrem antes da alta hospitalar.

Abstract Background: This was a 30-year retrospective cohort study that approximates closely to the natural history of cardiac tumors diagnosed in the fetus, since there was no case of pregnancy interruption Objective: To assess morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period and at long term in fetuses diagnosed with cardiac tumor. Our secondary objective was to assess the evaluating factors of perinatal and postnatal results. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with 74 pregnant women with an echocardiographic diagnosis of fetal cardiac tumor at two referral centers between May 1991 and November 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed, and data were expressed as absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies, median and interquartile range. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the association of echocardiographic characteristics and clinical manifestations with perinatal and postnatal results. Global survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the curves were compared by the log-rank test. The time of follow-up, calculated in months, corresponded to the time elapsed from hospital discharge to current status (survived/ censoring or death). The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Rhabdomyoma is the most common type of cardiac tumor (85%), with a high morbidity (79.3%) and overall mortality of 17.4%. The presence of fetal hydrops was a predictor of death. Conclusion: The presence of fetal hydrops had an impact on mortality, and hence is an important factor in counselling and determining the prognosis. Most deaths occurred before hospital discharge.

Fibroelastoma, uma Doença Incidentaloma? - Imagem de Casos de Fibroelastomas como Achados Incidentais em Quatro Pacientes, Quatro Valvas Diferentes / Fibroelastoma, an Incidentaloma Disease? - Image Cases of Fibroelastomas as Incidental Findings in Four Patients, Four Different Valves

Resumo Os fibroelastomas são o segundo tumor cardíaco benigno mais comum. São estruturas pequenas, avasculares, com uma dimensão média de 9mm, podendo atingir até 70mm, habitualmente aderentes à superfície das válvulas cardíacas (válvulas aórtica e mitral são as mais comumente afetadas, seguidas das válvulas tricúspide e pulmonar). A etiologia não é clara, sendo a hipótese de formação de microtrombos nas margens de coaptação das válvulas a mais aceite. Na ecocardiografia apresentam aspeto pediculado, móvel, com superfície filamentosa, tipicamente com uma aparência pontilhada nas margens e ecolucente. Do ponto de vista clínico, podem estar associados a fenómenos embólicos, no entanto, na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é incidental. Apresentamos de seguida quatro casos de diagnóstico incidental de fibroelastomas nas quatro válvulas cardíacas, diagnosticados por ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) (Vídeo 1; Figura 1). Vídeo 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente. Em: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figura 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente.

Abstract Fibroelastomas are the second most common benign cardiac tumor1. They are small avascular structures with a mean size of 9mm, ranging up to 70mm, usually attached to the heart valves' surface (aortic and mitral are the most affected, followed by tricuspid and pulmonary valves). Their etiology is unclear, but the hypothesis of coalescence of microthrombus at the coaptation margins of valves is the most widely accepted theory. On echocardiography, they are pedicled, mobile, with a filamentous surface, and usually have a speckled appearance with echolucencies and a stippled pattern near the edges. Clinically, they may be associated with embolic phenomena; however, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. We present a series of four clinical cases with an incidental diagnosis of fibroelastomas across the four cardiac valves as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (Video 1; Figure 1). Video 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient. Link: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figure 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient.

Prevalence of Critical Congenital Heart Disease Detected in the Pulse Oximetry Test in Asymptomatic Newborns, ≥35 Gestational Weeks, in a Maternity in Southern Brazil

Abstract Background Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are one of the most prevalent malformations, and the screening tests to identify critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is the pulse oximetry test, with subsequent investigation and treatment. Objective To quantify positive pulse oximetry tests and verify the prevalence of CCHD detected by it in asymptomatic newborns, ≥35 gestational weeks, in a Brazilian maternity hospital. Methodology This is an observational, retrospective, quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional study, conducted from October 2020 to May 2022, in a maternity hospital in southern Brazil, through the collection of records of positive oximetry pulse tests, following the norms of screening CCHD test of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), after they were evaluated with echocardiography for confirmation or exclusion of CHD. Results A total of 5,667 newborns were evaluated in this study, according to the inclusion criteria; 0.17% (n = 10) had a positive pulse oximetry test. Regarding the results of the echocardiography of the neonates with a positive test, two were normal, seven were cases of patent foramen ovale (PFO), and one was a case (0,017%) with interatrial communication (IAC) diagnosis. In the same period, five neonates with CCHD were born, symptomatic, diagnosed by physical examination, and referred to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) before taking the neonatal cardiac screening (< 24 hours of life). Conclusion The prevalence of positive pulse oximetry tests was 0.17% and none CCHD was detected. Five cases of CCHD were born in this period, but they were diagnosed before the recommend time to perform the screening test.

Our 10-Year Experience with Atrial Myxomas: Is Concurrent Valve Intervention Really Warranted?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor movement across the valve, functional obstruction across the valve, and severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstruction. A common belief among surgeons is that excision of myxoma leads to abatement of symptoms, and further valve intervention may not be warranted. Methods: A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was designed to analyze patients who underwent excision of cardiac myxoma at our center. Data was analyzed regarding presenting features, echocardiographic findings of myxoma and valve morphology, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative outcome with/without valve repair/replacement in all patients. Results: A total of 22 patients underwent surgery for myxoma. Six patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty, two had moderate mitral regurgitation, three had severe mitral regurgitation, and one patient had no mitral regurgitation on preoperative assessment, but moderate mitral regurgitation was found intraoperatively. Four of these patients had no residual mitral regurgitation in follow-up period while two had mild residual mitral regurgitation. One patient had severe mitral stenosis of concurrent rheumatic etiology and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement. Conclusion: Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve should be assessed intraoperatively after excision of mass as preoperative assessment might often be insufficient. Concomitant mitral valve intervention might be needed with a case-specific tailored approach, and mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty offers best surgical outcome in such cases.

Sarcoma sinovial primario de pericardio / Primary pericardial synovial sarcoma

Resumen El sarcoma sinovial primario del pericardio es un tumor muy raro y de mal pronóstico y se sabe poco en cuanto al manejo terapéutico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 51 años a quien se le realizó resección quirúrgica incompleta, quimioterapia y radioterapia. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de un sarcoma sinovial primario de pericardio que luego de operado se mantuvo asintomático durante 5 años hasta que en una TAC de control se le detectaron metástasis cardiacas que comprometían las cavidades derechas y con quimioterapia, la ecocardiografía demostró la reso lución completa de las mismas.

Abstract Primary pericardial synovial sarcoma is an extraor dinarily very rare tumor with a poor prognosis, and little is known about its therapeutic management. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman patient who underwent incomplete surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, no pri mary pericardial synovial sarcoma has been described which, after surgery, remains asymptomatic for 5 years, and until a control CT scan detects cardiac metastases that compromised the lumen of the right cavities and with chemotherapy, echocardiography demonstrated complete resolution of cardiac metastases.

Origen aórtico anómalo de las arterias coronarias / Abnormal aortic origin of coronary arteries

Resumen Introducción: El origen aórtico anómalo de las arterias coronarias tiene una prevalencia estimada del 0.02-5.7% y están potencialmente involucradas con complicaciones en su evolución natural o aquellos que requieran procedimientos intervencionistas hemodinámico y/o quirúrgicos. Puede asociarse a muerte súbita o dañarse durante intervenciones sobre el anillo mitral, aórtico, pulmonar o el cierre percutáneo de un defecto septal interauricular. Objetivo: identificar estos pacientes por diferentes técnicas de imágenes como el ecocardiograma Doppler color transtorácico (ETT), angiotomografía o angiografía coronaria. Métodos: Las técnicas de imágenes utilizadas para la detección de anomalías coronarias fueron el ETT, angiotomografía coronaria multicorte o angiografía coronaria convencional de acuerdo con lo universalmente aceptado. Resultados: Estudio prospectivo realizado desde enero del 2020 a junio del 2021. Se identificaron 15 pacientes y en 12/15 la sospecha fue por ETT y en los tres restantes por angiotomografía coronaria. La arteria circunfleja fue la más involucrada en forma aislada o asociada a otra anomalía coronaria (12/15 pacientes) y en los tres casos restantes la coronaria anómala tuvo un trayecto interarterial, siendo las arterias coronarias derecha y la descendente anterior las afectadas. Conclusiones: El subdiagnóstico por ETT de las anomalías de las arterias coronarias puede deberse a la dificultad para su visualización, sobre todo en la población adulta. Su detección es crucial, ya que puede generar muerte súbita asociada a isquemia miocárdica y arritmias graves o complicar procedimientos intervencionistas sobre el septum interauricular o sobre los anillos mitral, pulmonar y/o aórtico.

Abstract Introduction: The anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries has an estimated prevalence of 0.02-5.7%. It can be associated with sudden death when it has an interarterial or intramural pathway or be damaged during interventions on the mitral, pulmonary and/or aortic annulus or percutaneous closure of an interatrial septal defect. Objective: To identify these patients by imaging techniques such as transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography (TTE), computed tomography (CT) multislice angiography or coronary angiography. Methods: The imaging techniques used for the detection of coronary anomalies were TTE, multislice coronary angiography or coronary angiography according to what is generally accepted. Results: Fifteen patients were identified; in 12 of them the suspicion was due to TTE and in the remaining 3, CT multislice angiography was diagnostic. The circumflex artery was the coronary artery most involved, associated or not with another coronary anomaly (12/15 patients) and in the other three cases, the anomalous coronary artery had an interarterial course, with the right coronary arteries and the anterior descending coronary arteries being involved. Conclusions: The under diagnosis by TTE of coronary artery abnormalities may be due to the difficulty of visualization that is accentuated with age. Their detection is crucial because they can both, lead to sudden death associated with an intramural and/or interarterial pathway and complicate an interventional procedure on the interatrial septum or within the mitral, pulmonary and/or aortic rings.

Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current knowledge / Diagnóstico pré-natal da síndrome hipoplásica do coração esquerdo: conhecimentos atuais

Abstract Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is characterized by underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures. The prenatal diagnosis of this congenital heart disease is crucial because a newborn with undiagnosed HLHS often presents with clinical signs of low cardiac output once the ductus arteriosus begins to close. With that in mind, the aim of this article was to perform a non-systematic review focusing on the key ultrasound features that can be used in the prenatal diagnosis of HLHS. Severe forms of HLHS are characterized by a markedly abnormal four-chamber view of the fetal heart (small left atrium, hypoplastic left ventricle, or abnormal mitral valve). The left ventricular outflow tract view allows the degree of hypoplasia in the tract to be evaluated and the diameter of the ascending aorta to be measured. The Z-scores are intended to aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of HLHS. In mild forms of HLHS, a right ventricle/left ventricle length ratio > 1.28 was the strongest predictor of a univentricular outcome.

Resumo A síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SCEH) é caracterizada pelo subdesenvolvimento das estruturas cardíacas do lado esquerdo. O diagnóstico pré-natal dessa cardiopatia congênita é crucial, uma vez que recém-nascido com SCEH não diagnosticado apresenta, frequentemente, sinais clínicos de baixo débito cardíaco, quando o canal arterial começa a se fechar. Por isso, o objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão não sistemática sobre as principais características ultrassonográficas que podem ser usadas no diagnóstico pré-natal da SCEH. As formas graves de SCEH são caracterizadas por plano de quatro câmaras marcadamente anormal (átrio esquerdo pequeno, ventrículo esquerdo hipoplásico, válvula mitral anormal) do coração fetal. A visualização da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo permite a avaliação do grau de hipoplasia dessa via e a mensuração da aorta ascendente. Os escores Z têm como objetivo auxiliar no diagnóstico e acompanhamento da SCEH. Nas formas leves da SCEH, a relação comprimento do ventrículo direito/comprimento do ventrículo esquerdo > 1,28 foi a variável mais forte para identificar o desfecho univentricular.

FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AS A ROUTINE ANTENATAL SCREENING TOOL FOR DETECTION OF FETAL CONGENITAL CARDIAC STRUCTURAL ANOMALIES.

Background: Fetal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in detecting congenital cardiac structural anomalies. Though foetal echocardiography is mostly reserved for high risk pregnant women, its role as a routine prenatal screening tool needs to be dened. To evaluate the role of fetal echocardiography as a routine Objectives: antenatal screening tool for detection of congenital cardiac structural anomalies.To compare the prevalence of congenital cardiac structural anomalies by fetal echocardiography in antenatal women with low risk and high risk factors for cardiac structural anomalies. The study was carried out in the department of radiodiagnosis, SNMC, Agra. Materials and methods: 500 fetal hearts between 18-26 weeks gestation were evaluated through fetal echocardiography.They were categorised into two groups -low risk (Group I) and high risk (Group II) and scanned through four chamber , LVOT , RVOT and three vessel view. Result: The prevalence of fetal congenital cardiac structural anomalies in this study is 14/1000.Fetal echocardiography had a sensitivity of 85% & specicity of 99%. PPV is 85% and NPV is 99%. The incidence of congenital cardiac structural anomalies in high risk and low risk group was 12 % & 14.8 % per 1,000 respectively. based on these ndings it is highly Conclusion: suggestive that every pregnant woman should be subjected to a detailed fetal echocardiography. Fetal echocardiography should be included as a part of routine antenatal screening irrespective of risk factors for congenital cardiac structural anomalies.

Factors Associated With Hypertension and Cardiovascular Parameters in Children With Infrequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Objective: To assess the prevalence of hypertension in children with infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and its association with dyslipidemia, and end organ damage including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), at relapse and after steroid induced remission. Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in 83 children aged 1-12 years with IRNS, presenting in relapse. Blood pressure, fundus examination, blood and urine investigations were done at relapse and then at 4 weeks of therapy. Echocardiography at 4 weeks was performed for assessment of LVH and relative wall thickness (RWT) for concentric geo-metry (CG). Results: 27 patients (32.5%) developed hypertension, out of which 21 patients (25.3%) had stage I hypertension. Hypertension in first episode (63.0%, P<0.01) and in previous relapses (87.5%, P<0.001) was significantly associated with hypertension in the current episode. 12 patients had a positive family history of hypertension, of which 8 (66.7%) were classified under the hypertensive group (P=0.016). Concentric geometry (CG) was found in 28% of hypertensive and 5.5% of non-hypertensive children (P=0.011). On regres-sion analysis, a lower Up:Uc at the time of relapse was found to have a protective role for development of hypertension. Conclusion: One third children with IRNS had hypertension at relapse and a high proportion of hypertensive patients had CG pattern on echocardiography.

Myocardial strain analysis by 4D-speckle tracking echocardiography for prediction of coronary artery disease severity in patients with stable angina pectoris

Objective: We sought to evaluate the myocardial strain by four-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (4D-STE) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) to determine the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on the Gensini score. Methods: The present study comprised of 150 patients with SAP. Patients with history of SAP, normal left ventricular ejection fraction, and without regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) were scheduled for elective coronary angiography. Based on Gensini score, there were two groups: non-critical stenosis group [Gensini score (0e19), n ¼ 117] and critical stenosis group [Gensini score 20, n ¼ 33]. Correlation between Gensini score and 4D-STE strain parameters were investigated. Results: Out of 150 patients, critical stenosis group had significantly depressed values of all 4D-STE strain parameters than non-critical stenosis group (p < 0.001), except global radial strain (GRS) parameter. Significant positive correlation was found between Gensini score and 4D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) with Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) as 0.626, 0.548, and 0.631, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas significant negative correlation was found between Gensini score and GRS (r ¼ 0.433, p < 0.001). A 4D GLS value of 17 had 84.9% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity, GAS 31 (90.9% sensitivity, 78.6% specificity), GCS 17 (69.7% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity), and GRS <47 (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 76.1%) to detect critical CAD described by Gensini score 20. Conclusion: The 4D-STE can aid in the assessment of severe CAD stenosis with good sensitivity and specificity in the patients with SAP without RWMA on traditional echocardiography.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation: Implications of Interventional Technique and 3D Echocardiography for Complex Valve?in?Valve Paravalvular Leak

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as a feasible alternative to surgical reoperation in failed bioprostheses and rings. Residual mitral regurgitation following TMVR can present as a valve?in?valve paravalvular leak (PVL) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current therapies for valve?in?valve PVL are limited. We present a case of a symptomatic patient with severe valve?in?valve PVL after TMVR for a previous surgical bioprosthesis leak, who then underwent a second TMVR as a valve?in?valve?in?valve implantation with a 29 mm Edwards? SAPIEN 3 valve via transseptal approach using three?dimensional (3D) echocardiography. This unique case highlights the complexity of this clinical entity and recognizes 3D transesophageal echocardiography as a valuable tool to guide valve?in?valve PVL closures.echocardiography

Normalizing Arterial Blood Pressure in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Does Not Prevent Grading Discrepancies Between Pre?Cardiopulmonary Bypass Transesophageal Echocardiography and Transthoracic Echocardiography

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) grading discrepancies exist between pre?cardiopulmonary (pre?CPB) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Prior studies have not systematically controlled blood pressure. Aims: We hypothesized that normalizing arterial blood pressure during pre?CPB TEE for patients undergoing valve replacement for AS would result in equivalent grading measurements when compared to TTE. Setting: Single University Hospital Design: Prospective, Interventional Methods: Thirty?five adult patients underwent procedures for valvular AS between February 2017 and December 2020 at Medical University of South Carolina. Study participants had a TTE within 90 days of their procedure that documented blood pressure, peak velocity (Vp ), mean gradient (PGm), aortic valve area (AVA), and dimensionless index (DI). During pre?CPB TEE, if a patient抯 mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell more than 20% below their baseline blood pressure obtained during TTE, measurements were recorded as 搊ut of range.� Phenylephrine was administered to restore MAP to the baseline range and repeat TEE measurements were recorded as 搃n?range.� Statistical Analysis: Differences between imaging modalities and grading parameters were examined using a series of linear mixed models. P values were Bonferroni?adjusted to account for multiple comparisons. Main Results: Significant discrepancies between TEE and TTE were observed for Vp , PGm, and DI despite blood pressure normalization across all subjects and for out?of?range measures and corrected measures. There were no statistically significant differences between TEE and TTE for AVA. Conclusions: Blood pressure normalization during pre?CPB TEE is not sufficient to avoid AS grading discrepancies with preoperative TTE.

Comparision of Cardiac Output Measured by Transthoracic Echocardiography with Continuous Cardiac Output Measured by Pressure Recording Analytical Method

Background: Low cardiac output is a common complication following cardiac surgery and it is associated with higher mortality in the pediatric population. A gold standard method for cardiac output (CO) monitoring in the pediatric population is lacking. The present study was conducted to validate cardiac output and cardiac index measured by transthoracic echocardiography and Pressure recording analytical method, a continuous pulse contour method, MostCare Up in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational clinical study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 23 pediatric patients weighed between 2 and 20 kg who had undergone elective cardiac surgery were included in the study. Results: Spearman抯 correlation coefficient of CO between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Pressure Recording Analytical Method (PRAM) showed of positive correlation (r = 0.69, 95% Confidence interval 0.59?0.77, P < 0.0001) Linear regression equations for CO between TTE and PRAM were y = 0.55 + 0.88x (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.0001). (y = PRAM, x = TTE), respectively. Bland? Altman plot for CO between TTE and PRAM showed a bias of ?0.397 with limits of the agreement being ?2.01 to 1.22. Polar plot analysis showed an angular bias of 6.55� with radial limits of the agreement being ?21.46 to 34.58 for CO and angular bias of 6.22� with radial limits of the agreement being ?22.4 to 34.84 for CI. Conclusion: PRAM has shown good trending ability for cardiac output. However, values measured by PRAM are not interchangeable with the values measured by transthoracic echocardiography.

The Relationship between Basal Serum Lipoprotein(a) Levels and the Pulmonary Artery to Ascending Aorta Ratio in COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can cause permanent damage to vascular structures by directly or indirectly affecting the cardiopulmonary system. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important identified risk factor for vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between Lp(a) levels measured at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis and the pulmonary artery (PA) to the ascending aorta (Ao) ratio (PA:Ao ratio) in survivors evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Methods: The study sample consisted of 100 patients who recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 to 6 months. The relationship between the change in the PA:Ao ratio (ΔPA:Ao) and the Lp(a) levels measured at the time of diagnosis was evaluated. Diameter measurements at baseline and follow-up were evaluated with TTE. Results: A significant increase was found in PA, Ao, and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in TTE (p< 0.001 for all). There was a weak correlation between D-dimer and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin measured at the time of diagnosis and ΔPA:Ao and ΔEAT in survivors. However, a positive and strong correlation was observed between Lp(a) levels and ΔPa:Ao (r = 0.628, p< 0.001) and ΔEAT (r = 0.633, p< 0.001). Conclusion: There may be dysfunction in vascular structures due to COVID-19. For the first time in the literature, a strong correlation was shown between the Lp(a) levels measured at the time of diagnosis and ΔPA:Ao and ΔEAT values in patients with COVID-19.

Evaluación prenatal del síndrome de heterotaxia por ecografía fetal / Prenatal assessment of heterotaxy syndrome by fetal ultrasound

Resumen El síndrome de heterotaxia es una entidad de baja prevalencia, que tiene su origen durante el desarrollo embrionario, que afecta a diversos órganos y sistemas. Es por ello que su diagnóstico representa un reto durante la gestación. El pronóstico dependerá principalmente de las malformaciones cardiacas asociadas. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de síndrome de heterotaxia durante el primer trimestre. Se detallan los patrones ecográficos obtenidos durante el tamizaje del primer trimestre que auxiliaron a integrar el diagnóstico de esta entidad, así como las anomalías cardiacas asociadas. El manejo debe contemplar a un equipo multidisciplinario, el cual brinde un manejo oportuno, que será principalmente quirúrgico, enfocado en las malformaciones cardiacas.

Abstract Heterotaxy syndrome is a low prevalence entity, which originates during embryonic development, affecting diverse organs and systems. That is why its diagnosis represents a challenge during pregnancy. The prognosis depends mainly on the associated cardiac malformations. The case of a patient with a diagnosis of heterotaxy syndrome during the first trimester is presented. The ultrasound patterns obtained during the first trimester screening that helped to integrate the diagnosis of this entity are detailed, as well as the associated cardiac anomalies. Management must contemplate a multidisciplinary team, which provides timely management, which will be mainly surgical, focused on cardiac malformations.

Looking for a definition of aortic dilatation in overweight and obese individuals: body surface area-indexed values versus height-indexed diameters / En búsqueda de la definición de dilatación aórtica en individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad: rol de la indexación por altura. Análisis del Registro MATEAR

Abstract Introduction: Patient's body size is a significant determinant of aortic dimensions. Overweight and obesity underestimate aortic dilatation when indexing diameters by body surface area (BSA). We compared the indexation of aortic dimensions by height and BSA in subjects with and without overweight to determine the upper normal limit (UNL). Methods: The MATEAR study was a prospective, observational, and multicenter study (53 echocardiography laboratories in Argentina). We included 879 healthy adult individuals (mean age: 39.7 ± 11.4 years, 399 men) without hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic aneurysm, or genetic aortopathies. Echocardiograms were acquired and proximal aorta measured at the sinus of Valsalva (SV), sinotubular junction (STJ), and ascending aorta (AA) levels (EACVI/ASE guidelines). We compared absolute and indexed aortic diameters by height and BSA between groups (men with body mass index [BMI] < 25 and BMI ≥ 25, women with BMI < 25 and BMI ≥ 25). Results: Indexing of aortic diameters by BSA showed significantly lower values in overweight and obese subjects compared to normal weight in their respective gender (for women: SV 1.75 cm/m2 in BMI < 25 vs. 1.52 cm/m2 in BMI between 25 and 29.9 vs. 1.41 cm/m2 in BMI ≥ 30; at the STJ: 1.53 cm/m2 vs. 1.37 cm/m2 vs. 1.25 cm/m2; and at the AA: 1.63 cm/m2 vs. 1.50 cm/m2 vs. 1.37 cm/m2; all p < 0.0001 and for men, all p < 0.0001). These differences disappeared when indexing by height in both gender groups (all p = NS). Conclusion: While indexing aortic diameters by BSA in obese and overweight subjects underestimate aortic dilation, the use of aortic height index (AHI) yields a similar UNL for individuals with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Therefore, AHI could be used regardless of their weight.

Resumen Introducción: El tamaño corporal es un determinante significativo de las dimensiones aórticas. El sobrepeso lleva a subestimar la dilatación aórtica. La altura (A) permanece estable durante la adultez, por lo que sería útil para indexar diámetros aórticos en pacientes obesos, aunque desconocemos los valores normales. Comparamos la indexación de diámetros aórticos por (IA) y superficie corporal (SC) en sujetos con y sin sobrepeso para determinar el límite superior normal (LSN, P97.5). Método: Se realizó un registro nacional, prospectivo, en 53 centros de Argentina. Se realizaron ecocardiogramas a 528 sujetos con índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 25 y 351 sujetos con IMC ≤ 25 seleccionados al azar. La población se subdividió en cuatro grupos según sexo e IMC y se compararon diámetros aórticos absolutos e indexados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 879 individuos (39.7 ± 11.4 años, 399 hombres). La indexación de los diámetros aórticos por SC mostró valores significativamente más bajos en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad en comparación con los de peso normal en cada sexo. Estas diferencias desaparecieron al indexar por altura en ambos géneros (todos p = NS). El LSN de los diámetros IA fue de 2.20 cm/m para senos, 1.99 cm/m para unión sino-tubular (UST) y 2.09 cm/m para aorta ascendente. Conclusiones: La indexación de los diámetros aórticos por SC en individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad subestima la dilatación aórtica. El IA permite establecer un LSN sin tener en cuenta el aumento espurio de la SC determinado por la grasa corporal. Podría ser utilizado en ambos sexos y de manera independiente del peso.

Métodos diagnósticos cardiovasculares en pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Revisión / Cardiovascular diagnostic methods in patients with diabetes mellitus. A review

Resumen Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la causa más común de mortalidad en el mundo. Actualmente, la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) representa uno de los principales factores de riesgo de eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores. Los pacientes que las padecen tienen un riesgo cuatro veces mayor de desarrollar insuficiencia cardíaca y una mortalidad de 10 a 12 veces mayor. La ecocardiografía en todas sus modalidades es la mejor herramienta clínica para el diagnóstico de la insuficiencia cardíaca, ya que proporciona imágenes estáticas y dinámicas del corazón que permiten identificar cambios estructurales y funcionales, como alteraciones en las presiones, cambios de flujo, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo y remodelación anatómica de las superficies miocárdicas.

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality in the world. Currently, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the main risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events. T2DM patients have a four-fold higher risk of developing heart failure and 10 to 12 times higher mortality. Echocardiography in all its modalities is the best clinical tool for heart failure diagnosis, since it provides static and dynamic images of the heart that allow to identify structural and functional changes, such as pressure variations, flow changes, left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial surfaces anatomical remodeling.

Cardiac Outcome of Children With SARS-CoV-2 Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

Objective: To study the cardiac outcomes of patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after 6-month of diagnosis. Methods: This review of hospital records was conducted on MIS-C patients (aged <21 years) who completed a six-month follow-up. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics during the acute phase, and echocardiographic findings during follow-up were collected. Results: 116 patients (61.2% male, median age 7 years) with MIS-C were included in the study. At the time of admission, cardiac abnormalities were present in 70.7% of MIS-C patients, and the most common cardiac abnormalities were valve failure (50.9%), followed by ventricular dysfunction (39.7%), and pericardial effusion (23.3%). Six month after diagnosis, cardiac abnormalities were found in 10.3% of patients, and patients had lower rates of ventricular dysfunction (P<0.001), valve failure (P<0.001), pericardial effusion (P<0.001), and coronary involvement (P<0.001) as compared to the baseline. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroid treatment significantly reduced the odds of occurrence of ventricular dysfunction (P=0.002), valve failure (P=0.004), and low ejection fraction (P=0.002) in comparison to IVIG treatment alone. Conclusion: While most MIS-C patients had abnormal echocardiographic findings at admission, only 10.3% of patients had cardiac abnormalities during follow up.