Use of cardiac imaging in chronic coronary syndromes: the EURECA Imaging registry.

BACKGROUND: The prospective, multicentre EURECA registry assessed the use of imaging and adoption of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines (GL) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). METHODS: Between May 2019 and March 2020, 5156 patients were recruited in 73 centres from 24 ESC member countries. The adoption of GL recommendations was evaluated according to clinical presentation and pre-test probability (PTP) of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). RESULTS: The mean age of the population was 64 ± 11 years, 60% of patients were males, 42% had PTP >15%, 27% had previous CAD, and ejection fraction was <50% in 5%. Exercise ECG was performed in 32% of patients, stress imaging as the first choice in 40%, and computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in 22%. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was the first or downstream test in 17% and 11%, respectively. Obstructive CAD was documented in 24% of patients, inducible ischaemia in 19%, and 13% of patients underwent revascularization. In 44% of patients, the overall diagnostic process did not adopt the GL. In these patients, referral to stress imaging (21% vs. 58%; P < 0.001) or CTCA (17% vs. 30%; P < 0.001) was less frequent, while exercise ECG (43% vs. 22%; P < 0.001) and ICA (48% vs. 15%; P < 0.001) were more frequently performed. The adoption of GL was associated with fewer ICA, higher proportion of diagnosis of obstructive CAD (60% vs. 39%, P < 0.001) and revascularization (54% vs. 37%, P < 0.001), higher quality of life, fewer additional testing, and longer times to late revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CCS, current clinical practice does not adopt GL recommendations on the use of diagnostic tests in a significant proportion of patients. When the diagnostic approach adopts GL recommendations, invasive procedures are less frequently used and the diagnostic yield and therapeutic utility are superior.

Pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot - who and how?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pulmonary regurgitation is the most common complication in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients. Severe chronic pulmonary regurgitation can be tolerated for decades, but if not treated, it can progress to symptomatic, irreversible right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. We investigated clinical associations with pulmonary valve replacement among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation and how interventional developments can change their management. METHODS: All adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who were followed at an adult CHD Clinic at a single centre from 1980 to 2022 were included on their first outpatient visit. Follow-up was estimated from the time of correction surgery until one of the following events occurred first: pulmonary valve replacement, death, loss to follow-up or conclusion of the study. RESULTS: We included 221 patients (116 males) with a median age of 19 (18-25). At a median age of 33 (10) years old, 114 (51%) patients presented significant pulmonary regurgitation. Among patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary valve replacement was associated with male gender, older age at surgical repair, and longer QRS duration in adulthood. Pulmonary valve replacement was performed in 50 patients, including four transcatheter pulmonary valve implantations, at a median age of 34 (14) years. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary regurgitation affects a large percentage of tetralogy of Fallot adult patients, requiring a long-term clinical and imaging follow-up. Sex, age at surgical repair and longer QRS are associated with the need of PVR among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation. Clinical practice and current literature support TPVI as the future gold standard intervention.

Possible relationship between hydroxychloroquine and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases--a monocentric study.

OBJECTIVE: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and is considered a safe drug. The role of HCQ in the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some deleterious cardiac effects of HCQ. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and development of cardiac-adverse events in HCQ-treated patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study where patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease currently exposed or not to hydroxychloroquine underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of changes in ECG and echocardiography. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, 75 (93.8%) female, aged 52 ± 13 years. ECG changes were seen in higher proportion in patients with hypertension (40.6% vs 12.5%, p = .004) and higher median potassium levels-4.5 (4.1-4.8) versus 4.2 (4.0-4.4), p = .023. Echocardiography changes were seen in older patients (59 ± 11 vs 50 ± 13 years, p = .003) and in patients with higher cumulative dose-1752 (785-2190) versus 438 (328-1022) g, p = 0.008 - and time of exposure to HCQ - 12 (6-15) versus 4 (2-9) years, p = 0.028. HCQ cumulative dose (OR 1.001, CI95% 1.000-1.002, p = .033) and exposure time (OR 1.136, CI95% 1.000-1.289, p = .049) were predictors of echocardiography changes, but when adjusted for age, neither HCQ cumulative dose nor exposure time were predictors of echocardiography changes. CONCLUSION: No association was found between changes in ECG and echocardiogram in patients under HCQ, which remains a safe drug in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Clinical and Pathophysiologic Insights of Free triiodothyronine/Free thyroxine Ratio in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Data from the NETDiamond Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure (HF). Impaired conversion of free T4 (FT4) into free T3 (FT3) is thought to occur in these patients, decreasing the availability of FT3 and contributing to HF progression. In HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), it is not known whether changes in conversion of thyroid hormones (THs) are associated with clinical status and outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of FT3/FT4 ratio and TH with clinical, analytical, and echocardiographic parameters, as well as their prognostic impact in individuals with stable HFpEF. METHODS: We evaluated 74 HFpEF participants of the NETDiamond cohort without known thyroid disease. We performed regression modeling to study the associations of TH and FT3/FT4 ratio with clinical, anthropometric, analytical, and echocardiographic parameters, and survival analysis to evaluate associations with the composite of diuretic intensification, urgent HF visit, HF hospitalization, or cardiovascular death over a median follow-up of 2.8 years. RESULTS: The mean age was 73.7 years and 62% were men. The mean FT3/FT4 ratio was 2.63 (standard deviation: 0.43). Subjects with lower FT3/FT4 ratio were more likely to be obese and have atrial fibrillation. Lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher body fat (ß = -5.60 kg per FT3/FT4 unit, p = 0.034), higher pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) (ß = -10.26 mm Hg per FT3/FT4 unit, p = 0.002), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (ß = 3.60% per FT3/FT4 unit, p = 0.008). Lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher risk for the composite HF outcome (HR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.04-5.88, per 1-unit decrease in FT3/FT4, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFpEF, lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher body fat, higher PASP, and lower LVEF. Lower FT3/FT4 predicted a higher risk of diuretic intensification, urgent HF visits, HF hospitalization, or cardiovascular death. These findings suggest that decreased FT4 to FT3 conversion might be a mechanism associated with HFpEF progression.

First description of Portuguese patients with cardiac amyloidosis and p.Val142Ile: more evidence of an "African variant" in Caucasians.

Objectives. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis caused by the (ATTRv) p. Val142Ile variant is a common cause of cardiac amyloidosis among Western African countries and Afro-Americans populations. However, in recent years, Caucasian patients have been identified in greater numbers, raising the question of whether this variant has been undeappreciated in this population. We now have new cases of cardiac amyloidosis caused by the p.Val142Ile from a center in northern Portugal. In addition, we reviewed and discussed the published data concerning p.Val142Ile in Caucasians. Design. Patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis underwent genetic testing using TTR gene sequencing and their relatives were recommended for genetic counsellingand testing if a pathogenic TTR variant was found. In our center, we reviewed the clinical data of patients who had the p.Val142Ile variant. A review of published cases of p.Val142Ile in Caucasians was also performed, to which our data was compared. Results. We found three ATTRv patients with the p.Val142Ile variant (one homozygotic), all Caucasian males with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years old. All of them had heart failure and arrhythmias. During the follow-up period, two patients died. There were 47 unrelated unrelated Caucasian cases of ATTRv p.Val142Ile variant reported worldwide until May 2022. Conclusions. Our findings add to the mounting evidence that the global prevalence of p.Val142Ile is likely understated. This highlights the importance of the systematic screening of the TTR gene in amyloidosis and phenocopies, as well as larger epidemiologic studies to determine the true ATTRv p.Val142Ile prevalence in non-African communities.

A puzzling CHD: a late diagnosis of left atrial isomerism.

We present a case of a 41-year-old patient with an unknown complex cardiac anatomy, who was previously submitted to two cardiac surgeries. Using multimodality imaging, a retrospective diagnosis was established, revealing a heterotaxy syndrome (left isomerism).

Transcatheter systemic atrioventricular valve-in-valve implantation in a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries patient.

We present an asymptomatic pregnant patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and severe atrioventricular bioprosthesis regurgitation - with increased maternal and fetal risk due to volume overload. She was considered high risk for reintervention and was submitted to an off-label post-partum transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation with a Sapiens 3 valve. The procedure was successful, and she remains asymptomatic 30 months after - and even went through another successful pregnancy.

Emergency coronary angiography in a 90-plus population: outcomes at 5-year follow-up.

Elderly people represent a vulnerable and increasing population presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our goal was to evaluate a group of very old patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography (CA). We retrospectively analyzed a group of very old patients (≥90 years old) who underwent emergency CA from 2008 to 2020. Survival and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (a composite of all-cause death, ischemic stroke, ACS, or hospitalization for acute heart failure) were compared with an aged-matched control population with ACS not submitted to emergency CA. A total of 34 patients were enrolled, 56% of whom were female, with a median age of 92 years old. Almost all patients had ST elevation-ACS. In CA, 65% had multivessel disease, and coronary intervention was performed in 71%. More than one-third evolved in Killip class III/IV, and 70% had left ventricular dysfunction. Regarding mortality, 38% of patients died in the index event versus 25% in the aged-matched control group (p=0.319). During 5 years of follow-up, there was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups (Log-rank=0.403) and more than 50% of patients died in 2 years. Comparing MACE occurrence, both groups were similar (Log-rank=0.662), with more than 80% having at least one event in 5 years. Very old patients submitted to emergency CA had a high rate of multivessel disease and left ventricular dysfunction, in-hospital and follow-up mortality, and MACE. Compared to an aged-matched control group not submitted to emergency CA, they showed no survival or MACE benefit during a 5-year follow-up.

Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi disease presenting as STEMI-equivalent.

Thiamine deficiency is commonly associated with malnutrition, alcoholism and bariatric surgery. Thiamine deficiency can manifest in different ways, especially in developing countries: as peripheric neuropathy, as Wernicke encephalopathy or as beriberi disease. The authors present the case of a 72-year-old male, with a hiatal hernia that led to thiamine deficiency due to malnutrition. The initial clinical manifestation was an ST-elevation myocardial infarct equivalent, an ECG with a shark-fin pattern that evolved to a Wellens type B pattern. The patient evolved with severe altered mental status. A Wernicke encephalopathy diagnosis was confirmed by MRI; the patient was medicated with high-dose thiamine, with quick recovery, both neurologic and cardiac. The clinical history and response to treatment confirm the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi disease.

Long-term prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias.

Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VA) may occur in patients with unknown cardiac disease. A sizable part of them remains labeled as Idiopathic VA and limited data is available regarding their natural history. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of survivors of an idiopathic life-threatening VA. Patients who survived an idiopathic life-threatening VA referred to an ICD were included and followed for a median follow-up of 7 years. Clinical and device data were collected and a comparison between genders was made. A total of 29 patients, 41% female, mean age of 50 (19) years were studied; all were implanted with an ICD at index hospitalization. At follow-up, an etiological diagnosis was established in 38% of patients. Genetic testing improved the diagnosis and allowed the identification of a distinct clinical entity in 60% of patients (p=0.04, OR=7.0), especially in women. Regarding ICD data, 31% received appropriate therapies with a median time to first appropriate shock of 39 months (IQR 12-46 months). Men had a significantly higher prevalence of appropriated shocks (50% vs 8%, p=0.04), with a similar time to the first arrhythmic event between genders. Two of the patients died, both from non-arrhythmic causes. Etiologic diagnosis and recurrence prediction in patients with idiopathic VA is challenging, even with long-term follow-up and sophisticated diagnostic evaluation.  Genetic testing significantly improved the diagnostic yield, especially in women. Arrhythmia recurrence occurred in about one-third of patients and is significantly higher in men, underscoring the importance of ICD implantation.

The world upside down - after 20 years of follow-up of dextro-transposition of the great arteries.

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is a congenital heart disease (CHD) classically palliated with atrial switch (ATR-S) and nowadays corrected with arterial switch (ART-S). Our aim was to observe a group of D-TGA patients followed in an adult CHD outpatient clinic. We analyzed a group of D-TGA patients born between 1974 and 2001. Adverse events were defined as a composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization, arrhythmia, and ventricular, baffle, or significative valvular dysfunction. A total of 79 patients were enrolled, 46% of whom were female, with a mean follow-up of 27±6 years after surgery. ATR-S was performed in 54% and ART-S in 46%; the median age at procedure was 13 months and 10 days, respectively. During follow-up, almost all ART-S remained in sinus rhythm versus 64% of ATR-S (p=0.002). The latter group had a higher incidence of arrhythmias (41% versus 3%, p<0.001), mostly atrial flutter or fibrillation; the median time to first arrhythmia was 23 years. Systemic ventricle systolic dysfunction (SVSD) was more frequent in ATR-S (41% versus 0%, p<0.001); the mean time to SVSD was 25 years. In ART-S, the most frequent complication was significant valvular regurgitation (14%). Regarding time-to-event analysis, 80% and 40% of ATR-S maintained adverse events-free after 20 and 30 years, respectively; the time-to-first adverse event was 23 years, and there was no difference compared to ART-S (Log-rank=0.596). ART-S tended to maintain more preserved biventricular function than ATR-S (Log-rank=0.055). After a long term free of adverse events, ATR-S patients experienced more arrhythmias and SVSD. ART-S complications were predominantly anastomosis-related; SVSD or arrhythmias were rare.

Cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer patients - contributors and role of cardioprotective drugs.

Breast cancer (BC) patients treated with anthracyclines and/or anti-HER2-targeted therapies (AHT) are highly associated with cardiovascular toxicity (CVT). Our objective was to evaluate the risk of CVT secondary to cancer treatment and the role of cardioprotective-drugs (CPD) in BC patients. We collected a retrospective cohort of females with BC treated with chemotherapy and/or AHT from 2017 to 2019. CVT was defined as LVEF<50% or decline ≥10% during follow-up. As CPD, we considered renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors and beta-blockers. A subgroup analysis of the AHT patients was also performed. A total of 203 women were enrolled. The majority had high or very-high CVT risk score and normal cardiac function at presentation. As for CPD, 35.5% were medicated pre-chemotherapy. All patients were submitted to chemotherapy; AHT were applied to 41.7%. During a 16 months follow-up, 8.5% developed CVT. There was a significant decrease of GLS and LVEF at 12-months (decrease of 1.1% and 2.2%, p<0.001). AHT and combined therapy were significantly associated with CVT. In the AHT sub-group analysis (n=85), 15.7% developed CVT. Patients previously medicated with CPD had a significative lower incidence of CVT (2.9% vs 25.0%, p=0.006). Patients already on CPD presented a higher LVEF at 6-months follow-up (62.5% vs 59.2%, p=0.017). Patients submitted to AHT and anthracycline therapy had higher risk of developing CVT. In the AHT sub-group, pre-treatment with CPD was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of CVT. These results highlight the importance of cardio-oncology evaluation and strengthen the value of primary prevention.

Left ventricle implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a dextro-transposition of the great arteries case.

We present a case of a patient with dextro-transposition of the great arteries palliated with a Senning procedure and a long-term arrhythmic complication that required an intervention, with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation in the sub-pulmonary ventricle (morphologically left). This case highlights the need to perform off-label procedures to deal with the long-term complications of these complex patients.

Evaluation of Usability, Perception of Usefulness, and Efficiency of an Application in Interpreting Imaging Examinations and Supporting Decision-Making in Orthopedics.

Background: Medical smartphone applications have rendered positive results in daily practice and also serve as potentially valuable educational tools. In orthopedics, radiograph analysis and angle measurements comprise an essential mechanism in the diagnosis, treatment, planning, and evaluation of the results in orthopedic surgery. Purpose: Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate an application for mobile devices for orthopedic doctors and orthopedic residents. The application proposes the analysis and interpretation of radiographic imaging examinations through assessments and angle measurements. In this survey, we analyzed the parameter usability and usefulness of a mobile application for the iOS system, in addition to conducting its validation. Patients and Methods: The application was tested by 26 volunteers: 13 orthopedists and 13 orthopedic residents. Results: After applying the System Utility Score (SUS) questionnaire, which assesses the usability of an application, a score of 84.5 was obtained, a value that represents an A+ rating on the Sauro and Lewis scale. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the SUS between the orthopedic residents and orthopedists. According to the usefulness perception analysis, 90% of the residents responded positively to the questions, while among orthopedists, the percentage was 75%, denoting a statistically significant difference (p = 0.002). Subsequently, the application underwent validation to assess whether the calculated angle measurements were reliable when compared with those obtained using the goniometer. No significant differences were observed when comparing the angles measured by the two evaluated methods. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: In conclusion, the developed application can reliably contribute to the measurement of angles in radiographs, assisting in therapeutic decision-making, and may be used as an instrument to promote the teaching and learning processes in orthopedics.

Mini-sternotomy versus full sternotomy aortic valve replacement: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: full sternotomy (FS) is the gold standard approach to perform surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, potential advantages of a less traumatic approach fomented the development of so-called minimally invasive procedures, which include upper mini-sternotomy (MS). OBJECTIVE: to compare immediate postoperative clinical results and mid-term mortality after AVR through MS and FS. METHODS: single-centre retrospective study including all patients who underwent isolated AVR through MS between January 1, 2011 and July 31, 2017. These were then matched with patients who underwent the same procedure through FS and by the same surgeons who performed MS, using coarsened exact matching for the variables age, gender, body mass index and diabetes mellitus. Groups were later characterized and compared regarding postoperative results using Qui- -squared and Mann-Whitney tests and regarding mid-term mortality through Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: we included 82 patients (n=41 in each group). Aortic cross clamp [78 vs. 63 minutes, p=0.001] and cardiopulmonary bypass times [107 vs. 90 minutes, p=0.002] were significantly longer in the MS group vs. FS group, respectively. Although without reaching statistical significant difference, a smaller percentage of patients from the MS group required red blood cells transfusions during surgery (39.0% vs. 53.7%, p=0.184). Similar results were found regarding mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, morphine infusion, intensive care unit length of stay and incidence of de novo atrial fibrillation. Cumulative survival at 6 years was 86.7% after MS and 88.5% after FS (p=0.650). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve replacement through MS seems to be a safe alternative to the gold standard FS.

Introdução: a esternotomia completa (EC) é a abordagem gold standard da cirurgia de substituição valvular aórtica (SVA). Contudo, as potenciais vantagens de uma abordagem menos traumática promoveram o desenvolvimento de procedimentos minimamente invasivos, incluindo a mini-esternotomia (ME). Objetivo: comparar resultados clínicos no pós-operatório imediato e mortalidade, após SVA por ME e EC. Métodos: estudo retrospetivo unicêntrico incluindo todos os doentes submetidos a SVA isolada por ME, de 1 de janeiro de 2011 a 31 de julho de 2017, emparelhados com doentes submetidos ao mesmo procedimento, pelos mesmos cirurgiões por EC. Utilizou-se o método de emparelhamento coarsened exact matching para as variáveis idade, género, índice massa-corporal e diabetes mellitus. Os grupos foram caracterizados e comparados quanto aos resultados no pós-operatório imediato através de testes Qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney e quanto à sobrevida através de curvas de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: foram incluídos 82 doentes (n=41 em cada grupo). Os tempos de clampagem aórtica [78 vs. 63 minutos, p=0,001] e de circulação extracorporal [107 vs. 90 minutos, p=0.002] foram significativamente superiores no grupo ME vs. EC, respetivamente. Embora a frequência de transfusões sanguíneas durante a cirurgia fosse menor no grupo ME, essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (39,0% vs. 53,7%, p=0,184). Os resultados foram semelhantes relativamente ao tempo de ventilação mecânica, suporte inotrópico, infusão de morfina, tempo de permanência em unidade de cuidados intensivos e incidência de fibrilação auricular de novo. A sobrevida cumulativa aos 6 anos foi de 86,7% após ME e 88,5% após EC (p=0,650). Conclusões: a SVA por ME parece ser uma alternativa segura comparativamente ao gold standard EC.

Left Ventricular Mechanical Reverse Remodelling Not Followed by Electrical Reverse Remodelling: A Case Report.

Patients with severely depressed left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs) receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the primary prevention of sudden death. However, in some patients, LVEFs may improve or even normalize over time, and these patients would no longer be qualified for ICD implantation based on the original criteria for which they have initially received an ICD. We report a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy whose LVEF recovered to normal values after pharmacological therapy. Meanwhile, the patient had life-threatening ventricular fibrillation, aborted by the ICD. We reflect on the pathological features of left ventricular reverse remodelling and ventricular arrhythmogenesis, where the myocardial substrate appears to play an important role. Also, after LVEF improvement in a patient with a cardiac device, there is still a debate on whether we should perform a battery replacement.

Aortic valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount bioprosthesis: Clinical and hemodynamic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: The number of aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgeries has increased recently, along with the number of bioprosthetic valves implantations. Several studies reported excellent durability and low incidence of valve-related complications with the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CEP) pericardial bioprosthesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic performance and clinical outcomes of the CEP in the aortic position. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent AVR using the CEP valve from January 2010 to December 2010 at our institution. Clinical, surgical and early echocardiographic data were retrospectively collected. Survival was the primary endpoint. Median follow-up was 6.5 years. Hemodynamic profile was evaluated by echocardiography 3±1 months after AVR. RESULTS: Out of 175 patients, 50% were male and the mean age was 70.8+8.8 years. We registered a relatively low rate of complications: 2.2% permanent pacemaker implantation; 32.2% post-operative atrial fibrillation episodes; 1.1% stroke. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.1%. One patient underwent reoperation to replace the CEP bioprosthesis due to endocarditis (0.6%). Overall survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years were 93.4, 82.5, 75.3, and 62.3%, respectively. No significant differences were found between 7-year survival rates for isolated AVR and multiple procedures (67.8% vs. 61.8%, Log-Rank test, p=0.286). Post-operative mean transvalvular gradient was 15.5±4.8 mmHg and EOA 1.6±0.3 cm2. CONCLUSION: The CEP bioprosthesis in the aortic position shows acceptable mid-term clinical results and hemodynamic profile that support its clinical use.

Introdução: O número de cirurgias de substituição valvular aórtica (SVA) tem aumentado recentemente, assim como o número de biopróteses implantadas. Vários estudos com a bioprótese pericárdica Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CEP) repor- taram excelente durabilidade e baixa incidência de complicações relacionadas com a prótese. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o desempenho hemodinâmico e os outcomes clínicos da CEP na posição aórtica. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu todos os doentes submetidos a SVA por CEP de janeiro a dezembro de 2010 na nossa instituição. Os dados clínicos, cirúrgicos e ecocardiográficos precoces foram recolhidos retrospectivamente. O endpoint primário foi a sobrevida global. O seguimento mediano foi 6,5 anos. O perfil hemodinâmico foi avaliado no ecocar- diograma realizado 3±1 meses após a SVA. Resultados: Dos 175 doentes, 50% eram homens e a idade média foi 70,8±8,8 anos. Registámos uma taxa de com- plicações relativamente baixa: implante de pacemaker definitivo (2,2%); episódios de fibrilhação auricular pós-operatórios (32,2%); acidente vascular cerebral (1,1%). A mortalidade aos 30 dias foi de 5,1%. Um doente foi reoperado por endocardite da bioprótese valvular CEP (0,6%). A sobrevida global a 1, 3, 5 e 7 anos foi 93,4, 82,5, 75,3 e 62,3%, respectivamente. Não encontrámos diferenças significativas na sobrevida aos 7 anos entre SVA isolada e procedimentos múltiplos (67,8% vs. 61,8%, teste Log-Rank, p=0,286). O gradiente transvalvular médio pós-operatório foi 15,5±4,8 mmHg e a EOA foi 1,6±0,3 cm2. Conclusão: A Carpentier-Edwards Perimount na posição aórtica mostra resultados clínicos a médio-prazo e perfil hemo- dinâmico aceitáveis que sustentam seu uso clínico.

[Surgical treatment of type A acute aortic syndrome: a single-center 10-year experience]. / Tratamento cirúrgico do síndrome aórtico agudo do tipo A: experiência de um centro hospitalar em 10 anos.

INTRODUCTION: Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) affecting the ascending aorta still represents a challenge to cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, being associated with high mortality even with early surgery. AIMS: To describe the immediate post-operative results and long-term survival after the surgical treatment of type A AAS. Secondary outcomes include hospital mortality, length of hospital stay and long-term mortality. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal study, including all patients who underwent ascending aorta replacement for surgical treatment of type A AAS, in a tertiary center, between January 2005 and December 2015. Preoperative, surgical and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. In addition to the descriptive analysis, the impact of some variables on long-term mortality, hospital mortality and length of hospital stay was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 78 patients, the most common type of AAS was aortic dissection (92,3%). 6 patients died at operation room and 12 in the immediate post-operative period, completing 23,1% of in-hospital mortality. Considering 60 survivors who were followed by a mean time of 5 years, maximum of 12, we registered a cumulative survival at 1, 3, 5, 10-years of 93,5%, 84,3%, 77% and 69,5%, respectively. Marfan Syndrome was found to be a risk factor of higher long term mortality (HR: 3,85, p=0,045). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms previous observations associating AAS type A with high rates of morbidity and mortality, despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Introdução: O Síndrome Aórtico Agudo (SAA) é frequentemente um desafio para cardiologistas e cirurgiões cardioto- rácicos já que mesmo com cirurgia atempada confere uma mortalidade elevada. Objetivos: Descrever os resultados clínicos no pós-operatório imediato e mortalidade a longo-prazo após abordagem cirúrgica do SAA tipo A. O objetivo secundário é identificar que fatores estão associados com a mortalidade hospitalar, internamento prolongado e mortalidade a longo prazo. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo longitudinal incluindo todos os doentes submetidos a substituição da aorta ascendente para tratamento cirúrgico de SAA tipo A, num centro terciário, entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2015. Foram excluídos SAA de causa traumática. Avaliaram-se retrospetivamente as características pré-operatórias, cirúrgicas e pós-operatórias. Para além da análise descritiva, foi estimado o impacto de determinadas variáveis na mortalidade a longo prazo através da regres- são de Cox e relativamente aos resultados secundários através de regressão logística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 78 indivíduos cujo principal tipo de SAA foi a disseção da aorta (92,3%). Registaram-se 6 mortes intraoperatórias e 12 no pós-operatório imediato, sendo a mortalidade hospitalar de 23,1%. Dos 60 indivíduos sobreviventes, o tempo médio de seguimento foi de 5 anos, máximo de 12 anos, com sobrevida cumulativa aos 1, 3, 5 e 10 anos de 93,5%, 84,3%, 77% e 69,5%, respetivamente. O Síndrome de Marfan foi preditor de maior risco de mortalidade a longo prazo (HR: 3,85, p=0,045). Conclusões: O nosso estudo confirma observações prévias associando o SAA tipo A a altas taxas de morbi-mortalidade, apesar dos avanços significativos em termos diagnósticos e terapêuticos.

Relationship between body mass index and mean arterial pressure in normotensive and chronic hypertensive pregnant women: a prospective, longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Being overweight is associated with both higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during pregnancy and increased risk of gestational hypertensive disorders. The objective of this study was to determine and quantify the effect of body mass index (BMI) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) at several time points throughout pregnancy in normotensive (NT) and chronic hypertensive pregnant (HT) women. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was carried out in 461 singleton pregnancies (429 low-risk and 32 with chronic arterial hypertension), with measurements taken at the 1(st), 2(nd), and 3(rd) trimesters and at delivery. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to evaluate the time-progression of BMI, SBP, DBP and MAP during pregnancy (NT vs. HT). The longitudinal effect of BMI on MAP, adjusted for the hypertensive status, was investigated by the same methodology. RESULTS: BMI consistently increased with time in both NT and HT women. In contrast, MAP decreased during the first half of pregnancy, after which it increased until the moment of delivery in both groups. A 5-unit increase in BMI was predicted to produce an increase of approximately 1 mmHg in population MAP values. This effect is independent from the time period and from hypertensive status. CONCLUSIONS: In both NT and HT pregnant women, MAP is strongly (and significantly) influenced by increases in BMI.

Uterine artery Doppler in the management of early pregnancy loss: a prospective, longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacological management of early pregnancy loss reduced substantially the need for dilation and curettage. However, prognostic markers of successful outcome were not established. Thus the major purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the uterine artery pulsatility (PI) and resistance (RI) indices to detect early pregnancy loss patients requiring dilation and curettage after unsuccessful management. METHODS: A cohort prospective observational study was undertaken to include women with early pregnancy loss, ≤ 12 weeks of gestation, managed with mifepristone (200 mg) and misoprostol (1600 µg) followed by PI and RI evaluation of both uterine arteries 2 weeks after. At this time, in 173/315 patients, incomplete miscarriage was diagnosed. Among them, 32 underwent uterine dilatation and curettage at 8 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: The cut-off points for the uterine artery PI and RI, leading to the maximum values of sensitivity (69.5%, CI95%: 61.5%-76.5% and 75.0%, CI95%: 57.9%-86.8%, respectively) and specificity (75.0%, CI95%: 57.9%-86.8% and 65.6%, CI95%: 48.3%-79.6%, respectively), for the discrimination between the women who needed curettage from those who resolved spontaneously were 2.8 and 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The potential usefulness of uterine artery Doppler evaluation to predict the need for uterine curettage in patients submitted to medical treatment for early pregnancy loss was demonstrated.