Natriuretic Peptide and Clinical Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Heart Failure Hemodynamic Profile: Comparison with Tissue Doppler Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Physical examination and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used to estimate hemodynamics and tailor therapy of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. However, correlation between these parameters and left ventricular filling pressures is controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination, chest radiography (CR) and BNP in estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) as assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiogram. METHODS: Patients admitted with ADHF were prospectively assessed. Diagnostic characteristics of physical signs of heart failure, CR and BNP in predicting elevation (> 15 mm Hg) of LAP, alone or combined, were calculated. Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation between non-normal distribution variables. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included, with mean age of 69.9 ± 11.1years, left ventricular ejection fraction of 25 ± 8.0%, and BNP of 1057 ± 1024.21 pg/mL. Individually, all clinical, CR or BNP parameters had a poor performance in predicting LAP ≥ 15 mm Hg. A clinical score of congestion had the poorest performance [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.53], followed by clinical score + CR (AUC 0.60), clinical score + CR + BNP > 400 pg/mL (AUC 0.62), and clinical score + CR + BNP > 1000 pg/mL (AUC 0.66). CONCLUSION: Physical examination, CR and BNP had a poor performance in predicting a LAP ≥ 15 mm Hg. Using these parameters alone or in combination may lead to inaccurate estimation of hemodynamics.

Athletes Health during Pandemic Times: Hospitalization Rates and Variables Related to COVID-19 Prevalence among Endurance Athletes

Abstract Background The SARS-COV2 pandemic has deeply affected the availability for training and competing for recreational and professional athletes. However, to date, the disease's course among the athletic population has not been *studied . Objectives To compare the observed and expected rates of hospitalization for COVID-19 and to establish relationships between demographics and sportive characteristics of an athletic sample, and the COVID-19 infection rate. Material and Methods This study uses cross-sectional data sampling through an online questionnaire to collect data from recreational and professional athletes. Based on self-reports, athletes were grouped in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 cases. To decrease detection bias for each four patients who reported being hospitalized, one additional virtual patient was added to the sample. The observed rate of hospitalization (ORH) was compared with age expected rate of hospitalization (ERH) from the literature data. A multivariate model (MM) was developed to establish independent relationships between the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and the variables mentioned above. The statistical significance level was defined for a p-value<0.05. Results Answers from 1,701 individuals were analyzed. The COVID-19 group was comprised of 99 (5.8%) individuals, four of whom reported having been hospitalized. ORH and ERH were respectively of 5.0% and 18.1% (p=0.001). In the MM female gender (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.19), cycling (OR=2.91, 95% CI 1.58 to 5.39), swimming (OR=2.97, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.74), and triathlon (OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.91) were independently associated with a COVID-19 prevalence. Conclusion Self-reported rates of hospitalization for COVID-19 among athletes were much lower than expected. The prevalence of positive cases of COVID-19 was independently higher for cyclists, triathletes, and swimmers than for runners.

Implementation of a Home-based Exercise Program for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Patients during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract Background: In pandemic times, social isolation is of utmost importance to minimize the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. At times like these, home fitness becomes extremely necessary to avoid sedentarism and decompensation in chronic disease patients. Objectives: Evaluate the engagement of rehabilitation patients to a tele- oriented exercise program at home (TOEP). Materials and Methods: 66 of 94 patients (63.8% males; 65.5±14 years old; 5.2±2.6 months in rehabilitation) agreed to take part. Subjects were grouped in three levels of functionality to guide the exercise prescription. Weekly Training Rates (WTR) were compared using the Friedman test and corrected by Dunn's test. A multivariate logistic model was designed to determine independent predictors in program engagement. Statistical significance was determined by a p<0.05. Results: TOEP provided WTR similar to the pre-quarantine values of 2.8/week (p>0.05), and 91.8% of patients took part until the end of those 5 weeks. The presence of diabetes was a predicted factor for low engagement to TOEP with relative risk of 0.41 (CI95%: 0.25 to 0.66). Conclusion: TOEP provided satisfactory engagement in rehabilitation patients. Most of them increased WTR during quarantine. Patients with diabetes displayed lower engagement to the minimum standard frequency.

Talk the talk and walk the walk! Association between Weekly Exercise Load and Knowledge about Recommendations for Fighting Innactivity

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as a weekly "target dose" of exercise 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise. Public health policies have prioritized the practice of exercise as a strategy for disease prevention and health promotion, with health professionals as their main promoters. Objective: To assess the interaction between the amount of exercise per week and the knowledge about recommendations for fighting a sedentary lifestyle among health care professionals attending a congress of cardiology. Methods: Participants of the 2017 Rio de Janeiro Society of Cardiology Congress were interviewed. Knowledge about the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fighting a sedentary lifestyle was assessed by asking participants the question: "How much weekly exercise is recommended by the WHO?" Responders were stratified by the weekly exercise load reported. A multivariate logistic model was created to determine independent predictors of knowledge. Results: A total of 426 participants were interviewed (45.5% men, median age 31 years, 37.8% physicians, 65.8% of the physicians were cardiologists). The overall knowledge level was 44.6%; 38.1%, 52.7% and 56.6% among non-physicians, non-cardiologists and cardiologists, respectively (p = 0.002). Of all participants, 21.8% were inactive, 15% were lightly active, 34.7% moderately active and 28.4% highly active, and the percentage of individuals who gave a correct answer to the question on exercise recommendations was 30.1%, 42%, 48% and 52.9% respectively (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, being highly active (OR = 2.25, IC95%, 1.238 - 4.089), moderately active (OR = 1.93, IC 95% 1.105 - 3.39) and being a cardiologist (OR = 2.01, IC 95% 1.243 - 3,267) were predictors of knowledge. Conclusions: There was a linear association between exercise level and knowledge about the WHO recommendations on exercise. Policies to stimulate the practice of exercise among health professionals can positively impact campaigns for reducing sedentary lifestyle in the general population

Mortality and survival in aortic arch surgeries with preservation of supra-aortic vessels: thirteen years of experience / Mortalidade e sobrevida em cirurgias do arco aórtico com preservação de vasos supra-aórticos: treze anos de experiência

Background: The aortic arch diseases exhibit high morbidity and mortality rates. Some surgical strategies recommend partial preservation of the aortic arch and the supra-aortic vessels, but the immediate and mediumterm mortality rates of patients undergoing this surgical strategy is uncertain. Objectives: To compare overall mortality and mid- term survival curve of patients undergoing surgical strategy of partial preservation of the aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels (group A) compared to conventional strategies of the aortic arch approach (group B); to assess cardiovascular mortality over time. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study of the medical records of patients undergoing aortic arch repair surgery between February 2000 and July 2013. We analyzed 111 patients, 29 in group A and 82 in group B. The overall survival and survival from cardiovascular events were assessed by Kaplan-Meier test. Results: In- hospital mortality from any cause was 31% in group A and 29.3% in group B. At 1 year, 2 year, and 5 year general survival was similar between the groups. In-hospital, 2 years and 5 years mortality from cardiovascular causes was 13.8%, 14.8%, e 22.7% in group A and 26.8%, 34.6% e 50.9% in group B. The difference between the groups in 5 years showed statistical significance (p = 0.0234). Survival from cardiovascular causes in 2 years and 5 years was 85.2% and 77,3% in group A and 65.4% and 49,1% in group B. Occurrence of urgent and emergency procedures were greater in group A, but without statistical significance. Conclusions: There was no difference in all-cause mortality over time between the groups. Group A showed lower cardiovascular mortality at 5 years than group B

Natriuretic Peptide and Clinical Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Heart Failure Hemodynamic Profile: Comparison with Tissue Doppler Echocardiography / Peptídeo Natriurético e Avaliação Clínica no Diagnóstico do Perfil Hemodinâmico da Insuficiência Cardíaca: Comparação com Ecodopplercardiograma Tecidual

Abstract Background: Physical examination and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used to estimate hemodynamics and tailor therapy of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. However, correlation between these parameters and left ventricular filling pressures is controversial. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination, chest radiography (CR) and BNP in estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) as assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiogram. Methods: Patients admitted with ADHF were prospectively assessed. Diagnostic characteristics of physical signs of heart failure, CR and BNP in predicting elevation (> 15 mm Hg) of LAP, alone or combined, were calculated. Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation between non-normal distribution variables. The level of significance was 5%. Results: Forty-three patients were included, with mean age of 69.9 ± 11.1years, left ventricular ejection fraction of 25 ± 8.0%, and BNP of 1057 ± 1024.21 pg/mL. Individually, all clinical, CR or BNP parameters had a poor performance in predicting LAP ≥ 15 mm Hg. A clinical score of congestion had the poorest performance [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.53], followed by clinical score + CR (AUC 0.60), clinical score + CR + BNP > 400 pg/mL (AUC 0.62), and clinical score + CR + BNP > 1000 pg/mL (AUC 0.66). Conclusion: Physical examination, CR and BNP had a poor performance in predicting a LAP ≥ 15 mm Hg. Using these parameters alone or in combination may lead to inaccurate estimation of hemodynamics.

Resumo Fundamento: Exame físico e peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (BNP) foram usados para estimar a hemodinâmica e adequar a terapia de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca aguda descompensada (ICAD). Entretanto, correlação entre esses parâmetros e a pressão de enchimento do ventrículo esquerdo é controversa. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica do exame físico, da radiografia de tórax (RT) e do BNP para estimar a pressão atrial esquerda (PAE) avaliada pelo ecodopplercardiograma tecidual. Métodos: Pacientes admitidos com ICAD foram avaliados prospectivamente. As características diagnósticas dos sinais físicos de insuficiência cardíaca, RT e BNP para predizer elevação da PAE (> 15 mmHg), isolados ou combinados, foram calculadas. Teste de Spearman foi usado para analisar a correlação entre variáveis de distribuição não normal. O nível de significância foi 5%. Resultados: Este estudo incluiu 43 pacientes com idade média de 69,9 ± 11,1 anos, fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda de 25 ± 8.0%, e BNP de 1057 ± 1024,21 pg/mL. Individualmente, todos os parâmetros clínicos, RT e BNP apresentaram fraco desempenho para predizer PAE ≥ 15 mmHg. O escore clínico de congestão teve o pior desempenho [área sob a curva receiver operating characteristic (AUC) 0,53], seguindo-se escore clínico + RT (AUC 0,60), escore clínico + RT + BNP > 400 pg/mL (AUC 0,62) e escore clínico + RT + BNP > 1000 pg/mL (AUC 0,66). Conclusão: Exame físico, RT e BNP tiveram desempenho fraco para predizer PAE ≥15 mmHg. O uso desses parâmetros isoladamente ou em combinação pode levar a estimativa imprecisa do perfil hemodinâmico. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; 110(3):270-277)

Resistance to clopidogrel: prevalence and associate variables.

BACKGROUND: The dual antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel is the cornerstone of treatment for patients undergoing angioplasty with coronary stent implantation. However, some of these patients, despite the use of aspirin and clopidogrel, are not effectively anti-aggregated, a phenomenon known as resistance to antiplatelet agents. Its prevalence, as well as the conditions associated with it, is unknown in our country. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance, as well as variables associated with it. METHODS: Patients admitted for elective angioplasty in chronic use of ASA and clopidogrel between January 2007 and January 2010 were studied. One hour after the procedure, platelet aggregation was measured using optical aggregometry with adenosine diphosphate 5 mmoles / l as agonist. At that moment, in a cross-sectional cohort, we determined the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance, defined as the value of platelet aggregation ≥ 43% and a logistic regression model to the variables associated with it. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were analyzed (66.4 ± 11 years, 61.5% males). The prevalence of clopidogrel resistance was 38.5% (95% CI: 31.9 - 45.2%). Blood glucose (OR = 1.014; 95%CI: 1.004 - 1.023), previous myocardial infarction (OR = 2.320; 95%CI: 1.1103 - 4.892) and therapeutic response to ASA (OR = 1.057; 95%CI: 1.017 - 1.099) were the variables independently associated with clopidogrel resistance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of clopidogrel resistance was high. Glycemia, acute myocardial infarction and response to ASA were variables associated with it. A better understanding of this phenomenon is necessary considering the new antiplatelet aggregant agents.

Summary of the II Brazilian Guideline update on Acute Heart Failure 2009/2011.

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

[Value of [18F]-FDG-PET/CT as a predictor of cancer in solitary pulmonary nodule]. / Valor do FDG[18F]-PET/TC como preditor de câncer em nódulo pulmonar solitário.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine-18-deoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) for the evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). METHODS: Prospective analysis of 53 consecutive patients submitted to PET/CT between March 2005 and May 2007 for the evaluation of an SPN. Of those, 32 met the criteria for inclusion in the present study. The lesions were evaluated for location, size, radiotracer uptake and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV). The FDG-PET/TC results were correlated with other predictors of malignance (age, gender, smoking status, nodule size and nodule location). The definitive diagnosis was established through histopathology or through clinical/radiological follow-up for at least one year. RESULTS: Fourteen malignant SPNs were found. Through analysis of the ROC curve, we established an SUV of 2.5 as the most appropriate cut-off point, since it correctly identified 13 of the 14 malignant SPNs. The results below that point revealed one false positive for neoplasia out of a total of 14. The semiquantitative method presented a sensitivity of 92.9%, specificity of 72.2%, positive predictive value of 72.2%, negative predictive value of 92.9% and accuracy of 81.2%. The multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association with SPN malignancy only for nodule location in the upper lobes (p = 0.048) and SUV (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest that the SUV of [18F]-FDG is a useful predictor of neoplasia in SPN, with a high negative predictive value, which allows malignancy to be safely ruled out, showing its relevance in the diagnostic approach to pulmonary nodules.

Resistência ao clopidogrel: prevalência e variáveis associadas / Resistance to clopidogrel: prevalence and associate variables

FUNDAMENTO: A dupla terapia antiagregante plaquetária com ácido acetilsalicílico e clopidogrel é pedra angular do tratamento de pacientes submetidos a angioplastia com implante de stents coronarianos. Todavia, parte desses pacientes, a despeito do uso de aspirina e clopidogrel, não se encontram eficazmente antiagregados, fenômeno conhecido como resistência aos antiagregantes plaquetários. A sua prevalência, assim como as condições a ela relacionadas são desconhecidas em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de resistência ao clopidogrel, assim como as variáveis a ela relacionadas. MÉTODOS: Pacientes admitidos para angioplastia eletiva em uso crônico de aspirina e clopidogrel entre janeiro de 2007 e janeiro de 2010. Uma hora após o procedimento, foi medida a agregação plaquetária utilizando a agregometria óptica com difosfato de adenosina 5 µmoles/l como agonista. Nesse momento, em um coorte transversal, determinou-se a prevalência de resistência ao clopidogrel, definida com um valor de agregação plaquetária > 43% e um modelo de regressão logística às variáveis a ela relacionadas. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 205 pacientes (66,4 ± 11anos, 61,5% masculino). A prevalência de resistência ao clopidogrel foi 38,5% (IC95% 31,9 - 45,2%). O valor da glicemia (OR = 1,014 IC95% 1,004 - 1,023), infarto do miocárdio prévio (OR = 2,320 IC95% 1,1103 - 4,892) e a resposta terapêutica à aspirina (OR = 1,057 IC95% 1,017 - 1,099) foram as variavéis de associação independente à resistência ao clopidogrel. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de resistência ao clopidogrel foi alta. Glicemia, infarto agudo do miocárdio prévio e a resposta ao ácido acetilsalicílico foram variáveis a ela relacionadas. A melhor compreensão desse fenômeno se faz necessária frente às novas propostas de antiagregantes plaquetários.

BACKGROUND: The dual antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel is the cornerstone of treatment for patients undergoing angioplasty with coronary stent implantation. However, some of these patients, despite the use of aspirin and clopidogrel, are not effectively anti-aggregated, a phenomenon known as resistance to antiplatelet agents. Its prevalence, as well as the conditions associated with it, is unknown in our country. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance, as well as variables associated with it. METHODS: Patients admitted for elective angioplasty in chronic use of ASA and clopidogrel between January 2007 and January 2010 were studied. One hour after the procedure, platelet aggregation was measured using optical aggregometry with adenosine diphosphate 5 mmoles / l as agonist. At that moment, in a cross-sectional cohort, we determined the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance, defined as the value of platelet aggregation > 43% and a logistic regression model to the variables associated with it. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were analyzed (66.4 ± 11 years, 61.5% males). The prevalence of clopidogrel resistance was 38.5% (95% CI: 31.9 - 45.2%). Blood glucose (OR = 1.014; 95%CI: 1.004 - 1.023), previous myocardial infarction (OR = 2.320; 95%CI: 1.1103 - 4.892) and therapeutic response to ASA (OR = 1.057; 95%CI: 1.017 - 1.099) were the variables independently associated with clopidogrel resistance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of clopidogrel resistance was high. Glycemia, acute myocardial infarction and response to ASA were variables associated with it. A better understanding of this phenomenon is necessary considering the new antiplatelet aggregant agents.

Valor do FDG[18F]-PET/TC como preditor de câncer em nódulo pulmonar solitário / Value of [18F]-FDG-PET/CT as a predictor of cancer in solitary pulmonary nodule

OBJETIVO: Determinar a acurácia diagnóstica da positron emission tomography (tomografia por emissão de pósitrons)/tomografia computadorizada (PET/TC) com deoxiglicose marcada com flúor-18, conhecida como fluorodeoxiglicose (FDG[18F]), na avaliação de nódulo pulmonar solitário (NPS). MÉTODOS: Análise prospectiva de 53 pacientes consecutivos que realizaram PET/TC para avaliação de NPS, entre março de 2005 e maio de 2007. Destes 32 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. As lesões foram avaliadas quanto a sua localização e tamanho, grau de captação do radiofármaco e o standardized uptake value (SUV, valor padronizado de captação) máximo das lesões. Os achados dos estudos de FDG-PET/TC foram correlacionados com outros preditores de malignidade (idade, sexo, tabagismo, tamanho e localização do nódulo). O diagnóstico definitivo foi estabelecido por confirmação histopatológica ou acompanhamento clínico-radiológico por um período mínimo de um ano. RESULTADOS: Encontrados 14 NPS malignos. Após análise da curva ROC, o SUV de 2,5 foi considerado o melhor ponto de corte que identificou corretamente 13 dos 14 NPS malignos. Os resultados abaixo deste ponto de corte mostraram um exame falso positivo para neoplasia num total de 14. O método semiquantitativo apresentou sensibilidade de 92,9 por cento, especificidade de 72,2 por cento, valor preditivo positivo de 72,2 por cento, valor preditivo negativo de 92,9 por cento e acurácia de 81,2 por cento. Na análise multivariada, apenas a localização do nódulo nos lobos superiores (p = 0,048) e o SUV (p = 0,007) demonstraram significância estatística para malignidade no NPS. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados do estudo mostram que o SUV da FDG[18F] é um bom preditor de neoplasia em nódulos pulmonares e com alto valor preditivo negativo, o que oferece grande segurança em afastar presença de malignidade, indicando sua importância na abordagem diagnóstica do nódulo pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine-18-deoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) for the evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). METHODS: Prospective analysis of 53 consecutive patients submitted to PET/CT between March 2005 and May 2007 for the evaluation of an SPN. Of those, 32 met the criteria for inclusion in the present study. The lesions were evaluated for location, size, radiotracer uptake and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV). The FDG-PET/TC results were correlated with other predictors of malignance (age, gender, smoking status, nodule size and nodule location). The definitive diagnosis was established through histopathology or through clinical/radiological follow-up for at least one year. RESULTS: Fourteen malignant SPNs were found. Through analysis of the ROC curve, we established an SUV of 2.5 as the most appropriate cut-off point, since it correctly identified 13 of the 14 malignant SPNs. The results below that point revealed one false positive for neoplasia out of a total of 14. The semiquantitative method presented a sensitivity of 92.9 percent, specificity of 72.2 percent, positive predictive value of 72.2 percent, negative predictive value of 92.9 percent and accuracy of 81.2 percent. The multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association with SPN malignancy only for nodule location in the upper lobes (p = 0.048) and SUV (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest that the SUV of [18F]-FDG is a useful predictor of neoplasia in SPN, with a high negative predictive value, which allows malignancy to be safely ruled out, showing its relevance in the diagnostic approach to pulmonary nodules.

Takotsubo invertido: uma nova forma de apresentação de cardiopatia adrenérgica / Inverted Takotsubo: a new form of presentation of cathecolamine cardiomyopathy

A lesão miocárdica por estresse (síndrome de Takotsubo-ST) tem sido amplamente discutida. A ausência de doença obstrutiva coronariana e a conformação ventricular característica, com balonamento apical e hipercinesia basal sugerem o diagnóstico de ST. Foi descrita uma variante dessa síndrome, em que o quadro clínico é semelhante à forma inicialmente descrita, porém, ao ser realizada a cineangiografia, notou-se uma inversão do padrão contrátil. Essa variante foi denominada síndrome de Takotsubo invertido.