Progression of Myocardial 18F-FDG Uptake in a Patient with Cardiotoxicity. / Evolução da Captação Miocárdica de 18F-FDG em Paciente com Diagnóstico de Cardiotoxicidade.

The objective of this case report was to present the progression of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in a patient with lymphoma, highlighting the importance of myocardial fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake by positron emission tomography coupled with computed tomography (PET/CT). 43-year-old female patient with uterine lymphoma, who underwent hysterectomy followed by three chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy. The patient had episodes of acute heart failure two years after chemotherapy. Echocardiogram revealed a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). A retrospective analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT showed an increase in myocardial uptake in all tests performed during oncologic treatment. Despite disease remission, the patient developed heart failure with reduced LVEF. During chemotherapy, there was a diffuse, significant increase in myocardial 18F-FDG uptake, which preceded the decrease in myocardial performance and seemed to reflect metabolic changes in cardiomyocytes, related to cardiotoxicity. Would an analysis of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake yield a different cardiac outcome in this patient? This question is relevant, considering that other patients may benefit from the use of PET as an early marker of cardiotoxicity. Imaging tests are essential in the follow-up of patients at risk of cardiotoxicity. Although echocardiography remains the main imaging test in the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity, 18F-FDG PET/CT may be a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of this condition.

O objetivo deste relato é mostrar a evolução da cardiotoxicidade (CTX) por quimioterápicos em paciente com linfoma por exames de imagens, destacando a importância da captação miocárdica de flúor-18 fluordeoxiglicose (18F-FDG) pela tomografia por emissão de pósitrons, acoplada à tomografia computadorizada (PET/CT). Feminino, 43 anos, com linfoma uterino, submetida a histerectomia, três esquemas de quimioterapia (QT), sucessivamente, e radioterapia. Apresentou episódios de insuficiência cardíaca aguda dois anos após QT. Ecocardiograma mostrou redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE). Análise retrospectiva do 18F-FDG PET/CT observou elevação da captação miocárdica em todos os exames durante o seguimento oncológico. Apesar da remissão oncológica, a paciente desenvolveu IC com FEVE reduzida. Durante a QT, ocorreu aumento difuso e significativo da captação miocárdica de 18F-FDG, que precedeu a queda do desempenho cardíaco, e pareceu refletir alterações metabólicas nos cardiomiócitos relacionadas à CTX. A análise da captação miocárdica de 18F-FDG modificaria o desfecho cardiológico da paciente? Esse questionamento é relevante, visto que outros pacientes podem se beneficiar desse método como marcador precoce de CTX. Os exames de imagem são imprescindíveis no acompanhamento de pacientes com risco de CTX. O ecocardiograma permanece como principal auxílio diagnóstico, porém o 18F-FDG PET/CT pode estar surgindo como uma poderosa ferramenta para um diagnóstico mais precoce dessa condição clínica.

Chemotherapy-induced Cardiac18F-FDG Uptake in Patients with Lymphoma: An Early Metabolic Index of Cardiotoxicity? / Aumento de Captação Cardíaca de 18F-FDG Induzida por Quimioterapia em Pacientes com Linfoma: Um Marcador Precoce de Cardiotoxicidade?

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether myocardial fluorodeoxyglucose uptake occurs solely due to physiological features or if it represents a metabolic disarrangement under chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemotherapy effects on the heart of patients with lymphoma by positron emission tomography associated with computed tomography scans (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) before, during and/or after chemotherapy. METHODS: Seventy patients with lymphoma submitted to18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. The level of significance was 5%.18F-FDG cardiac uptake was assessed by three measurements: left ventricular maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), heart to blood pool (aorta) ratio, and heart to liver ratio in all the exams. Body weight, fasting blood sugar, post-injection time, and the injected dose of18F-FDG between the scans were also compared. RESULTS: Mean age was 50.4 ± 20.1 years and 50% was female. The analysis was carried out in two groups: baseline vs. interim PET/CT, and baseline vs. post-therapy PET/CT. There was no significant difference in clinical variables or protocol scans variables. We observed an increase in left ventricular (LV) SUVmax from 3.5±1.9 (baseline) to 5.6±4.0 (interim), p=0.01, and from 4.0±2.2 (baseline) to 6.1±4.2 (post-therapy), p<0.001. A percentage increase ≥30% of LV SUVmax occurred in more than half of the sample. The rise of cardiac SUV was accompanied by an increase in LV SUVmax/Aorta SUVmax and LV SUVmean/Liver SUVmean ratios. CONCLUSION: This study showed a clear increase in cardiac18F-FDG uptake in patients with lymphoma during and/or after chemotherapy. The literature corroborates with these findings and suggests that18F-FDG PET/CT is a sensitive and reliable imaging exam to detect early metabolic signs of cardiotoxicity.

FUNDAMENTO: Ainda não está estabelecido se a captação de fluorodesoxiglicose no miocárdio ocorre exclusivamente por características fisiológicas ou se representa um desarranjo metabólico causado pela quimioterapia. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da quimioterapia no coração dos pacientes com linfoma por tomografia por emissão de pósitrons associada a tomografia computadorizada (PET/CT) com 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxi-D-glicose (18F-FDG PET/CT) antes, durante e/ou após a quimioterapia. MÉTODOS: Setenta pacientes com linfoma submetidos a 18F-FDG PET/CT foram retrospectivamente analisados. O nível de significância foi de 5%. A captação de 18F-FDG foi avaliada por três medidas: captação máxima no ventrículo esquerdo ( standardized uptake value , SUV max), razão SUV cardíaco / aorta e SUV cardíaco / SUV no fígado. Também foram comparados peso corporal, glicemia de jejum, tempo pós-injeção e dose administrada de 18F-FDG entre os exames. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 50,4 ± 20,1 anos e 50% dos pacientes eram mulheres. A análise foi realizada em dois grupos ­ PET/CT basal vs. intermediário e PET/CT basal vs pós-terapia. Não houve diferença significativa entre as variáveis clínicas e do protocolo dos exames entre os diferentes momentos avaliados. Nós observamos um aumento na SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo de 3,5±1,9 (basal) para 5,6±4,0 (intermediário), p=0,01, e de 4,0±2,2 (basal) para 6,1±4,2 (pós-terapia), p<0,001. Uma porcentagem de aumento ≥30% na SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo ocorreu em mais da metade da amostra. O aumento da SUV cardíaca foi acompanhado por um aumento na razão SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo / SUV máxima na aorta e SUV média no ventrículo esquerdo /SUV média no fígado. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostrou um aumento evidente na captação cardíaca de 18F-FDG em pacientes com linfoma, durante e após quimioterapia. A literatura corrobora com esses achados e sugere que a 18F-FDG PET/CT pode ser um exame de imagem sensível e confiável para detectar sinais metabólicos precoces de cardiotoxicidade.

ICD indication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: which algorithm to use?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the indication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as per the 2014 European Society of Cardiology and 2020 American Heart Association recommendations, and evaluate fragmented QRS as a predictor of cardiovascular outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with 81 patients was evaluated between 2019 and 2021. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ≥16 years old were included. Exclusion criteria include secondary myocardiopathy and follow-up <1 year. Kappa coefficient was used to determine the agreement. Survival and incidence curves were determined by Kaplan-Meier method. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The fragmented QRS was identified in 44.4% of patients. There were no differences between patients with and without fragmented QRS regarding clinical parameters, echocardiography, fibrosis, and sudden cardiac death risk. During follow-up of 4.8±3.4 years, there was no sudden cardiac death, but 20.6% patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator had at least one appropriate shock. Three of the seven appropriate shocks occurred in European Society of Cardiology low- to moderate-risk patients. Three shocks occurred in moderate-risk patients and four in American Heart Association high-risk patients. Overall recommendations agreement was 64% with a kappa of 0.270 (p=0.007). C-statistic showed no differences regarding the incidence of appropriate shock (p=0.644). CONCLUSION: sudden cardiac death risk stratification algorithms present discrepancies in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication, both with low accuracy.

Clinical and functional characterisation of rheumatic mitral regurgitation in children and adolescents including the brain natriuretic peptide.

Rheumatic fever is a public health problem of universal distribution, predominantly affecting individuals in developing countries. In individuals less than 20 years of age, pure mitral regurgitation is the most commonly found condition in chronic rheumatic valve disease. In the present study, rheumatic mitral regurgitation was assessed in children and adolescents, addressing its clinical (duration of the disease, symptoms, use of benzathine penicillin, and number of outbreaks of the acute phase of rheumatic fever), electrocardiographic (left atrium abnormality and/or left ventricle hypertrophy) and echocardiographic characteristics (left atrium and ventricle measurements, ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure), as well as plasma dose of N-terminal portion of the brain natriuretic peptide through electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Fifty-three patients were studied. The patients had moderate (41.5%) or severe (58.5%) rheumatic mitral regurgitation; had not undergone surgery; were not in the acute phase of the disease; and were being treated at a paediatric cardiology reference hospital in Northeastern Brazil. Mean patient age was 10.6 years (minimum of 3 and maximum of 19 years). With the exception of the ejection fraction, the echocardiographic variables had a significant correlation to the natriuretic peptide, demonstrating that this hormone reflects the haemodynamic consequences of mitral regurgitation. It was concluded that cardiac remodelling that occurs in rheumatic mitral regurgitation in children and adolescents leads to the production of the brain natriuretic peptide, which could be used as a complementary diagnostic tool in the follow-up of such patients.

Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Late Potentials and Other Prognostic Markers.

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant genetic disease considered the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals under 35 years old, especially the athletes. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of late potentials and a family history of sudden death, syncope, and complex ventricular arrhythmias on patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A case series study was carried out from March 2001 to December 2002, including 22 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy according to transthoracic echocardiogram criteria. Patients on a cardiac pacemaker, right bundle branch block, cardiac transplant, and under no possibilities to realize the exams were excluded. The results showed that asymmetric septal hypertrophy was the most common type (73%), 63% had a positive familial history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 55% sudden cardiac death, and 23% syncope. Also, complex ventricular arrhythmias were detected in 14% and late potentials in 23% of patients. According to this study, the presence of late potentials was not associated with familial sudden death, syncope, and complex ventricular arrhythmias.

Trends in morbidity and mortality from COPD in Brazil, 2000 to 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the trends in overall COPD mortality, as well as trends in in-hospital morbidity and mortality due to COPD, in Brazil, and to validate predictive models. METHODS: This was a population-based study with a time-series analysis of cause-specific morbidity and mortality data for individuals ≥ 40 years of age, obtained from national health information systems for the 2000-2016 period. Morbidity and mortality rates, stratified by gender and age group, were calculated for the same period. We used regression analyses to examine the temporal trends and double exponential smoothing in our analysis of the predictive models for 2017. RESULTS: Over the study period, COPD mortality rates trended downward in Brazil. For both genders, there was a downward trend in the southern, southeastern, and central-western regions. In-hospital morbidity rates declined in all regions, more so in the south and southeast. There were significant changes in the number of hospitalizations, length of hospital stay, and hospital expenses. The predictive models for 2017 showed error rates below 9% and were therefore validated. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, COPD age-adjusted mortality rates have declined in regions with higher socioeconomic indices, where there has been an even sharper decrease in all in-hospital morbidity and mortality variables. In addition to factors such as better treatment adherence and reduced smoking rates, socioeconomic factors appear to be involved in controlling COPD morbidity and mortality. The predictive models estimated here might also facilitate decision making and the planning of health policies aimed at treating COPD.

Long-Term Traumatic and Asymptomatic Aorto-Right Atrial Fistula.

Aorto-atrial fistulas due to cardiac trauma are rare, and survivors require immediate surgical correction. Here, we report a case of an aorto-right atrial fistula due to penetrating trauma after a 16-year evolution, which developed symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and was treated with myocardial revascularization and correction of the aorto-cameral fistula.

Evolução da Captação Miocárdica de 18F-FDG em Paciente com Diagnóstico de Cardiotoxicidade / Progression of Myocardial 18F-FDG Uptake in a Patient with Cardiotoxicity

Resumo O objetivo deste relato é mostrar a evolução da cardiotoxicidade (CTX) por quimioterápicos em paciente com linfoma por exames de imagens, destacando a importância da captação miocárdica de flúor-18 fluordeoxiglicose (18F-FDG) pela tomografia por emissão de pósitrons, acoplada à tomografia computadorizada (PET/CT). Feminino, 43 anos, com linfoma uterino, submetida a histerectomia, três esquemas de quimioterapia (QT), sucessivamente, e radioterapia. Apresentou episódios de insuficiência cardíaca aguda dois anos após QT. Ecocardiograma mostrou redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE). Análise retrospectiva do 18F-FDG PET/CT observou elevação da captação miocárdica em todos os exames durante o seguimento oncológico. Apesar da remissão oncológica, a paciente desenvolveu IC com FEVE reduzida. Durante a QT, ocorreu aumento difuso e significativo da captação miocárdica de 18F-FDG, que precedeu a queda do desempenho cardíaco, e pareceu refletir alterações metabólicas nos cardiomiócitos relacionadas à CTX. A análise da captação miocárdica de 18F-FDG modificaria o desfecho cardiológico da paciente? Esse questionamento é relevante, visto que outros pacientes podem se beneficiar desse método como marcador precoce de CTX. Os exames de imagem são imprescindíveis no acompanhamento de pacientes com risco de CTX. O ecocardiograma permanece como principal auxílio diagnóstico, porém o 18F-FDG PET/CT pode estar surgindo como uma poderosa ferramenta para um diagnóstico mais precoce dessa condição clínica.

Abstract The objective of this case report was to present the progression of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in a patient with lymphoma, highlighting the importance of myocardial fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake by positron emission tomography coupled with computed tomography (PET/CT). 43-year-old female patient with uterine lymphoma, who underwent hysterectomy followed by three chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy. The patient had episodes of acute heart failure two years after chemotherapy. Echocardiogram revealed a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). A retrospective analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT showed an increase in myocardial uptake in all tests performed during oncologic treatment. Despite disease remission, the patient developed heart failure with reduced LVEF. During chemotherapy, there was a diffuse, significant increase in myocardial 18F-FDG uptake, which preceded the decrease in myocardial performance and seemed to reflect metabolic changes in cardiomyocytes, related to cardiotoxicity. Would an analysis of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake yield a different cardiac outcome in this patient? This question is relevant, considering that other patients may benefit from the use of PET as an early marker of cardiotoxicity. Imaging tests are essential in the follow-up of patients at risk of cardiotoxicity. Although echocardiography remains the main imaging test in the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity, 18F-FDG PET/CT may be a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of this condition.

GLA Gene Mutation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with a New Variant Description: Is it Fabry's Disease?

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the alpha galactosidase A gene (GLA) that lead to the enzymatic deficiency of alpha galactosidase (α-Gal A), resulting in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), causing multiple organ dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: To perform GLA gene screening in a group of patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with HCM patients from a university hospital. Patients with coronary artery disease and valvulopathies were excluded. Mutation analysis of the GLA gene was performed. In male subjects, the analysis was performed after evidence of low α-Gal A activity. RESULTS: 60 patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of HCM were included. Age ranged from 12 to 85 years and 60% were women. Mean myocardial fibrosis percentage on MRI was 10.7 ± 13.1% and mean ventricular thickness was18.7 ± 6.7 mm. Four patients had the following GLA gene mutations: c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), not yet described in the literature; c.937G>T (p.Asp313Tyr); and c.352C>T (p.Arg118Cys). All patients had normal levels of lyso-Gb3 and non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis on magnetic resonance imaging; one patient had proteinuria and one patient had ventricular tachycardia. CONCLUSION: in this study, the frequency of mutation in the GLA gene in patients with HCM was 6.7%. A novel mutation in exon 6 of the GLA gene, c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), was identified. Patients with HCM may have GLA mutations and FD should be ruled out. Plasma (lyso-Gb3) levels do not seem to be sufficient to attain a diagnosis and organ biopsy should be considered.

Chagasic cardiomyopathy and Pompe disease: case report.

BACKGROUND: Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disease with an autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by an insufficient activity of the acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme. The incidence varies from 1:40000 to 1:200000 live births and cardiac involvement in adults is rare. Chagas disease is an infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, in which one-third of the cases progress to the chronic form, and may lead to cardiac involvement, usually from the fifth decade of life onwards. We report a case of a patient with Chagas and Pompe diseases who had early cardiac involvement and rapid evolution to heart failure. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old male patient with a history of ischemic stroke at 28 years with gait ataxia sequelae. A few years after the episode, he experienced gait impairment and difficulty climbing stairs, attributed to stroke. A family screening for Pompe disease was carried out years later, and thus the diagnosis was made. As for Chagas disease, the investigation was performed because the patient lives in an endemic area. The cardiovascular physical examination did not show significant changes. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block and first-degree atrioventricular block; the transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular systolic dysfunction; the Holter monitoring showed several episodes of ventricular tachycardia. The patient is undergoing optimized treatment for heart failure and enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease. CONCLUSION: Cardiomyopathy with early onset and with rapid evolution suggests overlap of the two diseases.

Pulmonary shunts in severe hepatosplenic schistosomiasis: Diagnosis by contrast echocardiography and their relationship with abdominal ultrasound findings.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is endemic to several parts of the world. Among the species that affect humans, Schistosoma mansoni is one of the most common causes of illness. In regions where schistosomiasis mansoni is endemic, reinfection is responsible for the emergence of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) with portal hypertension in about 10% of infected individuals. Regardless of its etiology, portal hypertension may bring about the formation of arteriovenous fistulas and pulmonary vascular dilation, thus constituting a pulmonary shunt and its presence has been associated with the occurrence of neurological complications. The objective of this study was to identify pulmonary shunt using TTCE in patients with HSS and esophageal varices, and to compare the abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy findings among patients with and without pulmonary shunt. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this case series, a total of 461 patients with schistosomiasis mansoni were prospectively evaluated using abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy and 71 presented with HSS with esophageal varices. Fifty seven patients remained in the final analysis. The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 14 years, and 65% were female. Pulmonary shunts were observed in 19 (33.3%) patients. On comparing the groups with and without pulmonary shunt, no significant differences were observed in relation to the abdominal ultrasound and endoscopic findings. When comparing the two subgroups with pulmonary shunts (grade 1 vs grades 2 and 3), it was observed that the subgroup with shunt grades 2 and 3 presented with a significantly higher frequency of an enlarged splenic vein diameter (>0.9 cm), and an advanced pattern of periportal hepatic fibrosis (P = 0.041 and P = 0.005, respectively). None of the patients with pulmonary shunts had severe neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that in HSS with esophageal varices the pulmonary shunts may be present in higher grades and that in this condition it was associated with ultrasound findings compatible with advanced HSS.

Treatment of Hepatitis C with Direct-Acting Antivirals does not Induce Significant Arrhythmias

Abstract Background Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has high efficacy and safety, but some cases of bradyarrhythmias have been described. Objective To evaluate heart rhythm disorders during DAA treatments. Methods Forty-eight patients with CHC (mean 61 years of age; 56% males; 73% HCV genotype 1) were evaluated before and during treatment with DAAs, analyzed by a resting 12-lead ECG [PR, QRS, and QT corrected (QTc) intervals measured] and a 24-h-Holter system, to evaluate the heart rate (HR) and the occurrence of arrhythmias. The Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for continuous, independent variables were performed with a statistically significant p-value < 0.05. Results The electrocardiographic parameters before and during treatment were: PR interval (147.2 ± 15.6 vs 144.9 ± 15.6 ms; p = 0.21), QTc interval (427 ± 22.3 vs 421.7 ± 25.3 ms; p = 0.24), minimum HR (52.7 ± 8.4 vs 53.2 ± 8.5 bpm; p = 0.49), median HR (74.2 ± 10.4 vs 75.2 ± 9 bpm; p = 0.83), and maximum HR (117.4 ± 16.8 vs 117.9 ± 16.3 bpm; p = 0.25). These parameters proved to be similar among 11 beta-blockers or 22 ribavirin users. During treatment, the 21 cirrhotic patients presented significantly lower median HRs (72.1 ± 9.0 vs 77.9 ± 8.2 bpm; p = 0.02) and maximum HRs (108.9 ± 15.2 vs. 125.1 ± 13.2 bpm, p < 0.0001) through a 24-h-Holter monitoring than the patients without cirrhosis. No clinically relevant arrhythmias were detected. Conclusion DAAs do not significantly influence heart rate or induce significant cardiac arrhythmias in patients with CHC.

ICD indication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: which algorithm to use?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the indication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as per the 2014 European Society of Cardiology and 2020 American Heart Association recommendations, and evaluate fragmented QRS as a predictor of cardiovascular outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with 81 patients was evaluated between 2019 and 2021. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ≥16 years old were included. Exclusion criteria include secondary myocardiopathy and follow-up <1 year. Kappa coefficient was used to determine the agreement. Survival and incidence curves were determined by Kaplan-Meier method. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The fragmented QRS was identified in 44.4% of patients. There were no differences between patients with and without fragmented QRS regarding clinical parameters, echocardiography, fibrosis, and sudden cardiac death risk. During follow-up of 4.8±3.4 years, there was no sudden cardiac death, but 20.6% patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator had at least one appropriate shock. Three of the seven appropriate shocks occurred in European Society of Cardiology low- to moderate-risk patients. Three shocks occurred in moderate-risk patients and four in American Heart Association high-risk patients. Overall recommendations agreement was 64% with a kappa of 0.270 (p=0.007). C-statistic showed no differences regarding the incidence of appropriate shock (p=0.644). CONCLUSION: sudden cardiac death risk stratification algorithms present discrepancies in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication, both with low accuracy.

Aumento de Captação Cardíaca de 18F-FDG Induzida por Quimioterapia em Pacientes com Linfoma: Um Marcador Precoce de Cardiotoxicidade? / Chemotherapy-induced Cardiac18F-FDG Uptake in Patients with Lymphoma: An Early Metabolic Index of Cardiotoxicity?

Resumo Fundamento Ainda não está estabelecido se a captação de fluorodesoxiglicose no miocárdio ocorre exclusivamente por características fisiológicas ou se representa um desarranjo metabólico causado pela quimioterapia. Objetivo Investigar os efeitos da quimioterapia no coração dos pacientes com linfoma por tomografia por emissão de pósitrons associada a tomografia computadorizada (PET/CT) com 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxi-D-glicose (18F-FDG PET/CT) antes, durante e/ou após a quimioterapia. Métodos Setenta pacientes com linfoma submetidos a 18F-FDG PET/CT foram retrospectivamente analisados. O nível de significância foi de 5%. A captação de 18F-FDG foi avaliada por três medidas: captação máxima no ventrículo esquerdo ( standardized uptake value , SUV max), razão SUV cardíaco / aorta e SUV cardíaco / SUV no fígado. Também foram comparados peso corporal, glicemia de jejum, tempo pós-injeção e dose administrada de 18F-FDG entre os exames. Resultados A idade média foi de 50,4 ± 20,1 anos e 50% dos pacientes eram mulheres. A análise foi realizada em dois grupos - PET/CT basal vs. intermediário e PET/CT basal vs pós-terapia. Não houve diferença significativa entre as variáveis clínicas e do protocolo dos exames entre os diferentes momentos avaliados. Nós observamos um aumento na SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo de 3,5±1,9 (basal) para 5,6±4,0 (intermediário), p=0,01, e de 4,0±2,2 (basal) para 6,1±4,2 (pós-terapia), p<0,001. Uma porcentagem de aumento ≥30% na SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo ocorreu em mais da metade da amostra. O aumento da SUV cardíaca foi acompanhado por um aumento na razão SUV máxima no ventrículo esquerdo / SUV máxima na aorta e SUV média no ventrículo esquerdo /SUV média no fígado. Conclusão O estudo mostrou um aumento evidente na captação cardíaca de 18F-FDG em pacientes com linfoma, durante e após quimioterapia. A literatura corrobora com esses achados e sugere que a 18F-FDG PET/CT pode ser um exame de imagem sensível e confiável para detectar sinais metabólicos precoces de cardiotoxicidade.

Abstract Background It is uncertain whether myocardial fluorodeoxyglucose uptake occurs solely due to physiological features or if it represents a metabolic disarrangement under chemotherapy. Objective To investigate the chemotherapy effects on the heart of patients with lymphoma by positron emission tomography associated with computed tomography scans (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) before, during and/or after chemotherapy. Methods Seventy patients with lymphoma submitted to18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. The level of significance was 5%.18F-FDG cardiac uptake was assessed by three measurements: left ventricular maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), heart to blood pool (aorta) ratio, and heart to liver ratio in all the exams. Body weight, fasting blood sugar, post-injection time, and the injected dose of18F-FDG between the scans were also compared. Results Mean age was 50.4 ± 20.1 years and 50% was female. The analysis was carried out in two groups: baseline vs. interim PET/CT, and baseline vs. post-therapy PET/CT. There was no significant difference in clinical variables or protocol scans variables. We observed an increase in left ventricular (LV) SUVmax from 3.5±1.9 (baseline) to 5.6±4.0 (interim), p=0.01, and from 4.0±2.2 (baseline) to 6.1±4.2 (post-therapy), p<0.001. A percentage increase ≥30% of LV SUVmax occurred in more than half of the sample. The rise of cardiac SUV was accompanied by an increase in LV SUVmax/Aorta SUVmax and LV SUVmean/Liver SUVmean ratios. Conclusion This study showed a clear increase in cardiac18F-FDG uptake in patients with lymphoma during and/or after chemotherapy. The literature corroborates with these findings and suggests that18F-FDG PET/CT is a sensitive and reliable imaging exam to detect early metabolic signs of cardiotoxicity.

Cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity after chemotherapy: early sign of cardiotoxicity?

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab can cause cardiotoxicity. Alteration of cardiac adrenergic function assessed by metaiodobenzylguanidine labeled with iodine-123 (123I-mIBG) seems to precede the drop in left ventricular ejection fraction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare the presence of cardiovascular abnormalities among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab, and only with anthracycline. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer were analyzed clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic and cardiac sympathetic activity. In scintigraphic images, the ratio of 123I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum, and the washout rate were calculated. The variables were compared between patients who received anthracyclines and trastuzumab (Group 1) and only anthracyclines (Group 2). RESULTS: Twenty patients, with mean age 57 ± 14 years, were studied. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiography was 67.8 ± 4.0%. Mean washout rate was 28.39 ± 9.23% and the ratio of 123I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum was 2.07 ± 0.28. Of the patients, 82% showed an increased in washout rate, and the ratio of 123I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum decreased in 25%. Concerning the groups, the mean washout rate of Group 1 was 32.68 ± 9.30% and of Group 2 was 24.56 ± 7.72% (p = 0,06). The ratio of 123I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum was normal in all patients in Group 2, however, the Group 1, showed 50% the ratio of 123I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum ≤ 1.8 (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, assessment of cardiac sympathetic activity with 123I-mIBG appears to be an early marker of cardiotoxicity. The combination of chemotherapy showed higher risk of cardiac adrenergic hyperactivity.