Iron deficiency status irrespective of anemia: a predictor of unfavorable outcome in chronic heart failure patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic significance of iron deficiency (ID) in a chronic heart failure (CHF) outpatient population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively evaluated 127 patients with stable CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%. Clinical and analytical data as well as information regarding the occurrence of the composite endpoint of overall mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular events were assessed. Among the 127 patients enrolled [81% men, median age: 62 years (25th-75th percentile: 53-68)], 46 (36%) patients had ID. Women, patients with higher plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels (>400 pg/ml) and with right ventricular systolic dysfunction presented ID more frequently (p < 0.05 for all). At 225 ± 139 days of follow-up, the composite endpoint occurred in 15 (12%) patients. It was more frequent in ID (24 vs. 5%, p = 0.001) and anemic patients (25 vs. 8%, p = 0.014). In a Cox regression analysis, ID was associated with a higher likelihood of composite endpoint occurrence (HR 5.00, 95% CI 1.59-15.78, p = 0.006). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for clinical variables, including the presence of anemia, ID remained a significant predictor of the composite endpoint (HR 5.38, 95% CI 1.54-18.87, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: In a CHF outpatient population, ID carried a higher risk of unfavorable outcome, irrespectively of the presence of anemia.

Spirito-Maron echocardiographic score: a marker for morphological and physiological assessment of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: The heterogeneous distribution of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) limits the echocardiographic conventional measurements accuracy in the evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of the echocardiographic Spirito-Maron score (SMS) with left ventricle (LV) mass quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and with LV diastolic function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Left ventricle diastolic function parameters, SMS, LV mass (American Society of Echocardiography formula), and maximal wall thickness (MWT) were evaluated by two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography. The SMS was obtained by adding the MWT of 4 LV segments, at the mitral valve or papillary muscles short-axis views. Echocardiographic parameters of LVH, including SMS, were correlated with LV mass obtained by CMR and with E/e' ratio. We included 45 patients (60% male, mean age 48 ± 18 years), who underwent 2D echocardiography. Twenty-two of them performed a CMR study. A positive correlation was found between SMS and CMR LV mass (r = 0.80; P < 0.001), whereas MWT (r = 0.62; P = 0.002) and the 2D LV mass (r = 0.60; P = 0.011) presented a lower correlation with CMR LV mass. The SMS was significantly correlated with E/e' ratio (r = 0.60; P = 0.007), whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with MWT (r = 0.41; P = 0.081) and 2D LV mass (r = 0.22; P = 0.400). CONCLUSION: Spirito-Maron score presents a highly positive correlation with CMR LV mass and with diastolic dysfunction severity in HCM patients. SMS is a reliable quantitative LVH measurement method and seems to provide more comprehensive morphological and physiological information than 2D echocardiographic conventional parameters used to estimate LVH.

Conservative management of a prosthetic valve thrombosis--report of a successful case.

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) refers to the presence of non infective material in valvular apparatus, interfering with its function. It is a potentially fatal complication of valvular replacement surgery. Treatment options include surgery, fibrinolysis and anticoagulation optimisation. The authors present the case of a young man, carrier of an aortic prosthetic mechanical valve, who didn't take his anticoagulant medicine, admitted for an acute obstructive PVT, with evidence of a large thrombotic mass on the aortic valve (> 1cm(2)). The patient refused surgical treatment and eventually presented a complete resolution of the acute PVT with anticoagulation optimisation.

Short-time variation in serum uric acid concentrations in post-myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies on SUA temporal profile in relation to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SUA level variations following myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 222 patients more than 18 years old diagnosed with AMI. SUA was measured at baseline and on day 2 to 4 and day 5 to 8 after AMI. Within and between person variability of SUA following an AMI was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The change in SUA between each assessment point was analyzed by repeated measures one-way analysis of variance. To evaluated.SUA variation post-myocardial infarction and its predictors we used generalized linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The mean plasma concentration of SUA was lower at baseline (58.5 +/- 18.9 mg/L). The ICC across the three time points was 0.75 (95% CI 0.70 - 0.80). SUA levels increased 1.33 mg/L per day after AMI (2.3 mg/L/day in women and 1.0 mg/L/day in men). Normouricemic patients had a 1.6 fold increase risk to change to hyperuricemic status per day after AMI (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.27 - 2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid concentration is relatively stable over an eight-day post-myocardial infarction period. However, even a small increase of SUA per day after AMI is associated with a high probability of changing the classification of hyperuricemic status.

[Metastatic tumor of the right ventricle: an unusual location of tumor involvement in laryngeal carcinoma]. / Tumor metastático do ventrículo direito: um local incomum de envolvimento tumoral de carcinoma laríngeo.

Secondary tumors are much more frequent than primary tumors, but cardiac metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma is uncommon. The authors report the case of a 71-year-old man, with a history of laryngeal carcinoma, admitted to the emergency room with symptoms of two weeks' evolution suggestive of respiratory infection. Due to lack of therapeutic response and progressive clinical deterioration, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed which revealed a large infiltrating mass within the right ventricle, involving the apex, interventricular septum and free wall, not causing significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Evaluation by computed tomography showed signs of widespread metastasis from the previously diagnosed laryngeal cancer.

Embolic complication of left ventricular non-compaction as an unusual cause of acute myocardial infarction.

One of the greatest challenges in medicine consists of arriving at a correct diagnosis despite different presentations of the disease. We present a case in which, notwithstanding the initial diagnosis, the search for the etiology was essential for clinical guidance. Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) was first described by Chin et al. in 1990. This relatively new entity is characterized by excessive thickening of the myocardial wall, formed of a thin epicardial layer and a substantially thicker non-compacted endocardial layer. The clinical presentation is highly variable but it must always be borne in mind that heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and embolic events are common complications of LVNC.

Acute coronary syndrome, right ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock: a diagnostic challenge.

Right ventricular infarction is uncommon in isolation but can be observed in 50% of cases of inferior wall myocardial infarction. Diagnosis is difficult and suspicion of this condition should always be borne in mind. Progression to cardiogenic shock is not uncommon, when the outcome is similar to left ventricular infarction; mortality can reach 60%. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with known coronary disease who was admitted to our coronary care unit after an anterior myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterization showed diffuse stenosis of the left descending and 70% stenosis of the posterior descending arteries. She was surgically revascularized with a favorable evolution, but was later readmitted for acute decompensated heart failure with cardiogenic shock. She was refractory to medical therapy, with biventricular dysfunction on echocardiographic examination. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of right ventricular infarction.

[Hypocalcemia as a reversible cause of heart failure]. / Hipocalcemia como uma causa reversível de insuficiência cardíaca.

Calcium plays a key role in heart muscle contraction and relaxation. Hypocalcemic heart failure is a rare and potentially reversible disturbance, which reflects this intrinsic relationship. The authors present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed acute heart failure during the early postoperative period following total thyroidectomy. The echocardiogram showed severe global left ventricular dysfunction. Laboratory tests showed severe hypocalcemia and new-onset hypoparathyroidism. Cardiac catheterization showed angiographically normal coronary arteries. After clinical, hemodynamic and metabolic stabilization, a repeat echocardiogram revealed recovery of left ventricular function. Subsequently, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which also showed no alterations. The patient was discharged asymptomatic, medicated with calcium carbonate, calcitriol and levothyroxine. This case highlights the importance of considering hypocalcemia as a cause of reversible myocardial dysfunction.

[Atrial myxoma: a histologically benign tumor with potentially serious manifestations]. / Mixoma auricular: um tumor histologicamente benigno com manifestações potencialmente graves.

Atrial myxoma is the most prevalent primary heart tumor. Although it is considered histologically benign, it may course with serious complications. We report the clinical case of a 35 years old man, previously asymptomatic, admitted due to an acute ischemia of the lower limbs, consequence of an embolic complication of a left atrial myxoma. We conclude with a brief review of the literature on the topic.

HER2-Positive Inflammatory Breast Cancer Challenges of Clinical Practices.

HER2-positive inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is associated with poor overall survival. Targeted therapies have led to improved outcomes. IBC is underrepresented in clinical trials due to its rareness. This case reports a 52-year-old woman diagnosed with IBC of 119x89mm, axillar node-positive, hormone receptor-negative, HER2 positive. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with dual HER2 blockage. Mastectomy histology showed pathological complete response. After two cycles of adjuvant trastuzumab, the patient developed asymptomatic cardiotoxicity leading to the therapeutic suspension. Early recurrence and persisting cardiac alterations prevented treatment with anti-HER2 therapy. At the time of brain recurrence, with cardio-oncology collaboration, it was possible to start TDM-1, with a reduction of 71% of brain lesions size, after two cycles. This case highlights the effectiveness of anti-HER therapy in IBC and the importance of multidisciplinary discussion in treatment choice and toxicity management.

Revascularization Strategies in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock: Results from the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes. / Estratégias de Revascularização em Doentes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio em Choque Cardiogênico ­ Resultados do Registo Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock (CS), and multivessel disease (MVD) questions remain unanswered when it comes to intervention on non-culprit arteries. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to 1) characterize patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS); 2) compare different revascularization strategies in the sample; 3) identify predictors of in-hospital mortality among these patients. METHODS: Observational retrospective study of patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the ProACS between 2010 and 2018. Two revascularization strategies were compared: complete during the index procedure (group 1); and complete or incomplete during the index hospitalization (groups 2-3). The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital death or MI. Statistical significance was defined by a p-value <0.05. RESULTS: We identified 127 patients with MI, CS, and MVD (18.1% in group 1, and 81.9% in groups 2-3), with a mean age of 7012 years, and 92.9% of the sample being diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). The primary endpoint occurred in 47.8% of the patients in group 1 and 37.5% in group 2-3 (p = 0.359). The rates of in-hospital death, recurrent MI, stroke, and major bleeding were also similar. The predictors of in-hospital death in this sample were the presence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction on admission (OR 16.8), right bundle branch block (OR 7.6), and anemia (OR 5.2) (p ≤ 0.02 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with MI, CS, and MVD included in the ProACS, there was no significant difference between complete and incomplete revascularization during the index hospitalization regarding the occurrence of in-hospital death or MI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876).

FUNDAMENTO: Em doentes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), choque cardiogênico (CC) e doença multivaso (DMV) persistem dúvidas sobre a intervenção nas artérias não responsáveis. OBJETIVOS: 1) caracterizar a amostra de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no Registo Nacional Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (RNSCA); 2) comparar os eventos associados a diferentes estratégias de revascularização; e 3) identificar preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospetivo de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no RNSCA entre 2010 e 2018. Compararam-se duas estratégias de revascularização: completa durante o procedimento índice (grupo 1); e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento (grupo 2-3). O endpoint primário foi a ocorrência de reinfarto ou morte intra-hospitalar. A significância estatística foi definida por um valor p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 127 doentes com IAM, CC e DMV (18,1% no grupo 1 e 81,9% no grupo 2-3), com idade média de 70 ± 12 anos e 92,9% com IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O endpoint primário ocorreu em 47,8% dos doentes do grupo 1 e em 37,5% do grupo 2-3 (p = 0,359). As taxas de mortalidade intra-hospitalar, reinfarto, acidente vascular cerebral e hemorragia major foram também semelhantes nos dois grupos. Os preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra foram a presença na admissão de disfunção ventricular esquerda (OR 16,8), bloqueio completo de ramo direito (OR 7,6) e anemia (OR 5,2), (p ≤ 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Entre os doentes com IAM, CC e DMV, incluídos no RNSCA, não se verificou diferença significativa entre revascularização completa no evento índex e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento, relativamente à ocorrência de morte intra-hospitalar ou reinfarto. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876).

Estratégias de Revascularização em Doentes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio em Choque Cardiogênico - Resultados do Registo Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas / Revascularization Strategies in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock: Results from the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes

Resumo Fundamento: Em doentes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), choque cardiogênico (CC) e doença multivaso (DMV) persistem dúvidas sobre a intervenção nas artérias não responsáveis. Objetivos: 1) caracterizar a amostra de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no Registo Nacional Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (RNSCA); 2) comparar os eventos associados a diferentes estratégias de revascularização; e 3) identificar preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospetivo de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no RNSCA entre 2010 e 2018. Compararam-se duas estratégias de revascularização: completa durante o procedimento índice (grupo 1); e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento (grupo 2-3). O endpoint primário foi a ocorrência de reinfarto ou morte intra-hospitalar. A significância estatística foi definida por um valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Identificaram-se 127 doentes com IAM, CC e DMV (18,1% no grupo 1 e 81,9% no grupo 2-3), com idade média de 70 ± 12 anos e 92,9% com IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O endpoint primário ocorreu em 47,8% dos doentes do grupo 1 e em 37,5% do grupo 2-3 (p = 0,359). As taxas de mortalidade intra-hospitalar, reinfarto, acidente vascular cerebral e hemorragia major foram também semelhantes nos dois grupos. Os preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra foram a presença na admissão de disfunção ventricular esquerda (OR 16,8), bloqueio completo de ramo direito (OR 7,6) e anemia (OR 5,2), (p ≤ 0,02). Conclusões: Entre os doentes com IAM, CC e DMV, incluídos no RNSCA, não se verificou diferença significativa entre revascularização completa no evento índex e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento, relativamente à ocorrência de morte intra-hospitalar ou reinfarto. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876)

Abstract Background: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock (CS), and multivessel disease (MVD) questions remain unanswered when it comes to intervention on non-culprit arteries. Objective: This article aims to 1) characterize patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS); 2) compare different revascularization strategies in the sample; 3) identify predictors of in-hospital mortality among these patients. Methods: Observational retrospective study of patients with MI, CS and MVD included in the ProACS between 2010 and 2018. Two revascularization strategies were compared: complete during the index procedure (group 1); and complete or incomplete during the index hospitalization (groups 2-3). The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital death or MI. Statistical significance was defined by a p-value <0.05. Results: We identified 127 patients with MI, CS, and MVD (18.1% in group 1, and 81.9% in groups 2-3), with a mean age of 7012 years, and 92.9% of the sample being diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). The primary endpoint occurred in 47.8% of the patients in group 1 and 37.5% in group 2-3 (p = 0.359). The rates of in-hospital death, recurrent MI, stroke, and major bleeding were also similar. The predictors of in-hospital death in this sample were the presence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction on admission (OR 16.8), right bundle branch block (OR 7.6), and anemia (OR 5.2) (p ≤ 0.02 for both). Conclusions: Among patients with MI, CS, and MVD included in the ProACS, there was no significant difference between complete and incomplete revascularization during the index hospitalization regarding the occurrence of in-hospital death or MI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876)

Large right ventricular thrombus.

Right ventricular thrombosis is a rare yet potentially fatal condition. It has been described in association with hypercoagulability states, autoimmune diseases and dilated cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography constitutes the election tool for diagnosis and characterization of these entities, allowing for the differentiation between the various types of thrombi. We present a case of a patient with alcoholic dilated cardiomyopathy admitted for congestive heart failure and lower respiratory infection. In the diagnostic approach, a routine echocardiography revealed a large mural right ventricular thrombus in association with severe biventricular dysfunction. The patient was proposed for anticoagulation strategy, which he refused.

A formação de trombos no ventrículo direito corresponde a uma situação rara porém potencialmente fatal. Tem sido descrita em associação a estados de hipercoagulabilidade, doenças autoimunes e cardiopatia dilatada. A ecocardiografia constitui o método de eleição para o diagnóstico e caracterização destas estruturas, permitindo, inclusive, a diferenciação entre os diversos tipos de trombos possíveis. Apresentamos o caso de um doente com miocardiopatia dilatada de etiologia alcoólica que foi admitido por insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e infeção respiratória baixa. Durante a marcha diagnóstica, o ecocardiograma de rotina revelou a presença de um volumoso trombo mural no ventrículo direito, em associação a disfunção sistólica biventricular de grau severo. Foi proposto o início de hipocoagulação oral, estratégia que o doente recusou.

Post-cardiac injury syndrome following transvenous pacing: case report.

Post-cardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is an inflammatory process involving the pericardium secondary to cardiac injury. It can develop after cardiac trauma, cardiac surgery, myocardial infarction, and, rarely, after certain intravascular procedures. We report a rare case of an iatrogenic cardiac rupture followed by PCIS with delayed inflammatory pericardial effusion after pacemaker implantation. A comprehensive literature review on this topic is provided.

Acute coronary syndrome in a patient with multifocal coronary vasospasm.

Vasospastic angina results from temporary spasm of one or more coronary segments. Although prognosis of patients presenting with coronary vasospasm appears to be generally good, multivessel coronary vasospasm may increase the risk of life-threatening cardiac events. We present a case of a 51-year-old man admitted to the emergency room due to severe retrosternal pain, who was documented with multifocal coronary vasospasm. .

Added value of cardiac magnetic resonance in a case of multiple congenital abnormalities.

Sub-infundibular stenosis is a rare form of congenital heart disease, difficult to precisely diagnose, especially in adult patients. We report a case of an adult patient, referred to our hospital with long-standing dyspnea on exertion. She was finally diagnosed with sub-infundibular stenosis. During cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, right-sided aortic arch and left pulmonary artery agenesis were also identified. .

The usefulness of the head-up tilt test in patients with suspected epilepsy.

PURPOSE: It is estimated that approximately 20-30% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy have been misdiagnosed, and neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) might frequently be the real cause of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) episodes. We assessed the role of the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients previously diagnosed with refractory epilepsy to evaluate the ability of this test to correctly diagnose patients with NCS. METHOD: We retrospectively analysed the clinical records of 107 consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of refractory epilepsy that were taking antiepileptic drugs and who were referred for HUTT between January 2000 and December 2010. During the subsequent follow-up, we recorded the treatments performed and the recurrence of symptoms. RESULTS: Complete follow-up data were available for 94 (88%) patients, and the mean follow-up period was 80±36 months. The HUTT was positive in 54% of patients. Thirty-one (33%) patients were misdiagnosed with epilepsy, and 20 (21%) patients had a dual diagnosis of NCS and epilepsy. The recurrence of TLOC was reported in 55% of the patients, but it was significantly lower in the misdiagnosed group (42% versus 64%; P=0.039). CONCLUSION: NCS is an important cause of epilepsy misdiagnosis. The HUTT is often critical for making an accurate diagnosis and subsequently selecting the appropriate treatment for patients presenting with TLOC. The diagnostic overlap between epilepsy and NCS is not uncommon, suggesting that electroencephalographic monitoring during a HUTT may play an important role in diagnosing patients with recurrent, undiagnosed TLOC episodes.

Global longitudinal strain as a potential prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The prognostic value of myocardium deformation measurements in chronic heart failure (CHF) is still poorly addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) with clinical and prognostic indicators in patients with CHF and systolic dysfunction. METHODS: Ambulatory patients with CHF and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% were studied by two-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiogram with assessment of GLS. An indication of prognostic status was obtained by the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) prognostic estimates for life expectancy. RESULTS: We included 54 CHF patients (mean age 55±12 years; 80% male). GLS was significantly correlated with NYHA functional class (r=0.41, p=0.002), BNP levels (r=0.47, p=0.001), LVEF (r=-0.69, p<0.001) and LV end-diastolic pressure, assessed by E/e' ratio (r=0.35, p<0.014) and left atrial maximal volume index (r=0.57, p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between GLS and SHFM prognostic estimates for life expectancy (r=-0.41, p=0.002). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GLS independently predicted an estimated life expectancy <10 years (OR 2.614 [95% CI 1.010-6.763]). The corresponding area under the ROC curve was 0.802 (0.653-0.951) and the best obtained threshold was -9.5 (80% sensitivity, 65% specificity, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: GLS was strongly associated with a higher disease severity status and predicted a lower prognostic estimate for life expectancy.