Determinación de la incidencia de infección de vías respiratorias inferiores e identificación de microorganismos en pacientes postquirúrgicos de cirugía cardiovascular / Determination of the incidence of respiratory tract infection and identification of microorganisms in postsurgical patients of cardiovascular surgery / Determinação da incidencia de infecção do trato respiratório inferior e identificação de microorganismos em pacientes no período pós-operatório de cirurgia cardiovascular

Resumen: Introducción: Pacientes sometidos a cirugías cardiotorácicas requieren atención postquirúrgica en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, un inadecuado manejo postquirúrgico incide negativamente en la evolución e incrementa el riesgo de complicaciones orgánicas. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de infección de vías respiratorias inferiores e identificación de microorganismos en pacientes postquirúrgicos de cirugía cardiovascular. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal y retrospectivo, durante el periodo de enero a diciembre de 2017. Resultados: Se revisaron 147 expedientes, donde 47% fueron mujeres y 53% hombres, edad promedio: 53.70 ± 15.70 años. Diagnóstico de ingreso, predominó la estenosis aórtica severa en 29.93% de los casos. La cirugía más realizada fue cambio valvular aórtico (40.82%). Microorganismos aislados: 76.87% de los cultivos fueron negativos; staphylococcus epidermidis sobresalió con 4.76%. La sensibilidad antibiótica fue: nitrofurantoína 26.47%, trimetoprim con sulfametoxazol 11.76, y 8.82% levofloxacino, respectivamente. La evolución de los pacientes, 90.50% fue buen pronóstico; en el caso de las complicaciones, 64.63% no las presentó. Conclusión: La presencia de infecciones respiratorias inferiores y su resistencia antibiótica en pacientes postoperados de cirugía cardiovascular, representa una problemática mundial, y afecta su adecuada evolución debido a la falla de tratamientos en las Áreas de Cuidados Intensivos.

Abstract: Introduction: Patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery require post-surgical care in the Intensive Care Unit, an inadequate postoperative management has a negative impact on the patient's recovery and increases the probability of presenting organic complications. Objective: To determine the incidence of lower respiratory tract infection and identification of microorganisms in postsurgical patients of cardiovascular surgery. Material and methods: This is a descriptive, observational, transversal and retrospective study. The period covered was from January to December 2017. Results: 147 cases were reviewed, where 47% corresponded to women and 53% to men, with an average age of 53.70 ± 15.70 years. Regarding the diagnosis of admission, severe aortic stenosis predominated, registering 29.93% of the cases. The surgery that was most performed was the aortic valve change (40.82%). Regarding the isolation of microorganisms, 76.87% of the patients were negative or not performed; however, Staphylococcus epidermidis stood out with 4.76%. Of the patients who were positive for isolation, 26.47% were sensitive to nitrofurantoin, 11.76% to trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, and 8.82% to fluconazole and levofloxacin, respectively. Regarding the evolution of patients, 90.50% had a good prognosis; in the case of complications, 64.63% did not present any. Conclusion: The presence of lower respiratory infections in patients postoperated by cardiovascular surgery, combined with resistance by administered antibiotics, represents a global problem, and that significantly affects the efficient medical attention due to the failure of treatments in the Intensive Care Areas.

Resumo: Introdução: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardiotorácica necessitam de cuidados pós-cirúrgicos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, uma conduta pós-operatória inadequada tem impacto negativo na recuperação do paciente e aumenta a probabilidade de apresentar complicações orgânicas. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de infecção do trato respiratório inferior e identificação de microrganismos em pacientes pós-cirúrgicos de cirurgia cardiovascular. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, observacional, transversal e retrospectivo. O período abrangido foi de janeiro a dezembro de 2017. Resultados: Foram revistos 147 casos, onde 47% correspondiam a mulheres e 53% a homens, com média de idade de 53,70 ± 15,70 anos. Em relação ao diagnóstico de internação, predominou estenose aórtica grave, registrando 29,93% dos casos. A cirurgia mais realizada foi a troca da valva aórtica (40,82%). Em relação ao isolamento de microrganismos, 76,87% dos pacientes foram negativos ou não realizaram; no entanto, Staphylococcus epidermidis destacou-se com 4,76%. Dos pacientes que foram positivos para o isolamento, 26,47% eram sensíveis à nitrofurantoína, 11,76% à trimetoprima com sulfametoxazol e 8,82% ao fluconazol e à levofloxacina, respectivamente. Em relação à evolução dos pacientes, 90,50% tiveram um bom prognóstico; no caso de complicações, 64,63% não apresentaram nenhuma. Conclusão: A presença de infecções respiratórias inferiores em pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardiovascular, combinada à resistência por antibióticos administrados, representa um problema global e que afeta significativamente o atendimento médico eficiente devido ao insucesso dos tratamentos nas áreas de Terapia Intensiva.

Risk factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease relapse in primary care patients successfully treated with a proton pump inhibitor. / Factores de riesgo asociados a recaída de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en pacientes de primer nivel de atención exitosamente tratados con inhibidor de la bomba de protones.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies on the factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) relapse in primary care patients. AIM: To identify the risk factors associated with GERD relapse in primary care patients that responded adequately to short-term treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted that included GERD incident cases. The patients received treatment with omeprazole for 4 weeks. The ReQuest questionnaire and a risk factor questionnaire were applied. The therapeutic success rate and relapse rate were determined at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment suspension. A logistic regression analysis of the possible risk factors for GERD relapse was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 83 patient total, 74 (89.16%) responded to treatment. Symptoms recurred in 36 patients (48.64%) at 4 weeks and in 13 patients (17.57%) at 12 weeks, with an overall relapse rate of 66.21%. The OR multivariate analysis (95% CI) showed the increases in the possibility of GERD relapse for the following factors at 12 weeks after treatment suspension: basic educational level or lower, 24.95 (1.92-323.79); overweight, 1.76 (0.22-13.64); obesity, 0.25 (0.01-3.46); smoking, 0.51 (0.06-3.88); and the consumption of 4-12 cups of coffee per month, 1.00 (0.12-7.84); citrus fruits, 14.76 (1.90-114.57); NSAIDs, 27.77 (1.12-686.11); chocolate, 0.86 (0.18-4.06); ASA 1.63 (0.12-21.63); carbonated beverages, 4.24 (0.32-55.05); spicy food 7-16 times/month, 1.39 (0.17-11.17); and spicy food ≥ 20 times/month, 4.06 (0.47-34.59). CONCLUSIONS: The relapse rate after short-term treatment with omeprazole was high. The consumption of citrus fruits and NSAIDs increased the possibility of GERD relapse.

Surgical site infection rates in four Mexican cities: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

From January 2005 to December 2010, we conducted a prospective cohort surveillance study on surgical site infections (SSIs) in five hospitals, all of which were members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) in four cities in Mexico. Data were recorded from hospitalized patients using the methods and definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) for SSIs. Surgical procedures (SPs) were classified into 11 types according to the ICD-9 criteria. We documented 312 SSIs, associated with 5063 SPs (5.5%; CI, 5.5-6.9). SSI rates per type of SP in these Mexican hospitals compared with the INICC and CDC-NHSN reports, respectively, include: 18.4% for ventricular shunt (vs. 12.9% vs. 5.6%); 10% for spleen surgery (vs. 5.6% vs. 2.3%); 7.3% for cardiac surgery (vs. 5.6% vs. 1.3%); 6.4% for open reduction of fracture (vs. 4.2% vs. 1.7%); 5.2% for exploratory abdominal surgery (vs. 4.1% vs. 2.0%), and 5.1% for hip prosthesis (vs. 2.6% vs. 1.3%). Compared with the CDC-NHSN, our SSIs rates were higher in 73% and similar in 27% of the analyzed types of SPs, whereas compared with INICC, rates were similar in 55% and higher in 45% of SPs. There are no data on SSI rates by surgical procedure in Mexico. Therefore, this paper represents an important advance in the knowledge of epidemiology of SSIs in Mexico that will allow us to introduce targeted interventions. This study also demonstrates that the INICC is a valuable international benchmarking tool, in addition to the CDC-NSHN, the participating hospitals of which enjoy factual advantages.

Medidas do strain longitudinal endocárdico e epicárdico pela técnica do Xstrain®: existem diferenças entre seus valores? / Measures of endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain by the tchnique of Xstrain®: are there differences between their values? / Medidas del strain longitudinal endocárdico y epicárdico por la técnica del Xstrain®: ¿existen diferencias entre sus valores?

Fundamento: A ecocardiografia pode avaliar a função ventricular de diversas maneiras: pela medida da fração de ejeção ventricular, pela análise visual da contratilidade, ou pela quantificação da deformação miocárdica. Strain é a variável preferida para a descrição da função local. Objetivo: Comparar os valores do strain longitudinal endocárdico e epicárdico do ventrículo esquerdo pela técnica do Xstrain® em voluntários saudáveis. Material e métodos: Foram avaliados 32 pacientes hígidos com idade média de 31,6 ± 9,8 anos, sendo 18 masculinos (56 por cento). Utilizamos o ecocardiógrafo modelo MyLab60® da Esaote (Firenze, Itália) com sonda multifrequencial (1,5 MHz a 2,6 MHz), e programa de computador para realização das novas técnicas ecocardiográficas (MyLab Desk, v 8.0, Esaote). Mediu-se o strain nas camadas endocárdica e epicárdica aos cortes apicais de 2, 3 e 4 câmaras. Resultados: Observou-se diferença estatística entre os valores de strain longitudinal endocárdico e strain longitudinal epicárdico em todos os segmentos estudados (p < 0,01).Conclusão: Os valores do strain longitudinal são diferentes nas camadas endocárdica e epicárdica do ventrículo esquerdo.

Background: Echocardiography can assess ventricular function in several ways: by measurement the ventricular ejection fraction, by visual analysis of contractility, or by the quantification of myocardial deformity. Strain is the preferred variable for the description of local function. Objective: To compare the values of the endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain of the left ventricle by the technique of Xstrain® in healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: Thirty-two healthy patients were assessed with a mean age of 31.6 ± 9.8 years, being 18 men (56 percent). We used echocardiograph model MyLab60® of Esaote (Firenze, Italy) with multifrequency probe (1.5 MHz to 2.6 MHz), and computer program for the performance of new echocardiography techniques (MyLab Desk, v 8.0, Esaote). The strain was measured in the endocardiac and endocardiac layers to the apical 2, 3 and 4 chamber views. Results: There was a statistical difference between the values of endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain and longitudinal epicardiac strain in all segments studied (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The values of longitudinal strain are different in endocardial and epicardial layers of the left ventricle.

Background: Echocardiography can assess ventricular function in several ways: by measurement the ventricular ejection fraction, by visual analysis of contractility, or by the quantification of myocardial deformity. Strain is the preferred variable for the description of local function. Objective: To compare the values of the endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain of the left ventricle by the technique of Xstrain® in healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: Thirty-two healthy patients were assessed with a mean age of 31.6 ± 9.8 years, being 18 men (56%). We used echocardiograph model MyLab60® of Esaote (Firenze, Italy) with multifrequency probe (1.5 MHz to 2.6 MHz), and computer program for the performance of new echocardiography techniques (MyLab Desk, v 8.0, Esaote). The strain was measured in the endocardiac and endocardiac layers to the apical 2, 3 and 4 chamber views. Results: There was a statistical difference between the values of endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain and longitudinal epicardiac strain in all segments studied (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The values of longitudinal strain are different in endocardial and epicardial layers of the left ventricle. (Arq Bras Cardiol:imagem cardiovasc. 2014;27(1):2-6)

Discordância atrioventricular associada à dupla via de saída do ventriculo direito: um raro caso com 28 anos e nenhuma cirurgia / Atrioventricular discordance and double outlet right ventricle: a rare case of a 28 year old man without surgery

Relatamos o raro caso de um paciente de 28 anos, com diagnóstico de discordância atrioventricular e dupla via de saída do ventrículo direito, obtido somente após o ecocardiograma transesofágico e sem cirurgia prévia onde a estenose pulmonar importante atuou como bandagem pulmonar natural, possibilitando essa evolução.

We report a rare case of a 28 years old patient with the diagnosis of atrioventricular discordance and double outlet right ventricle, obtained only after transesophageal echocardiogram and no surgery. Severe pulmonary stenosis was the natural banding allowing this outcome.

Comparison of direct medical costs between automated and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: We set out to estimate the direct medical costs (DMCs) of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to compare the DMCs for continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD). In addition, DMCs according to age, sex, and the presence of peritonitis were evaluated. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort analysis considered patients initiating PD, calculating 2008 costs and, for comparison, updating the results for 2010. The analysis took the perspective of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, including outpatient clinic and emergency room visits, dialysis procedures, medications, laboratory tests, hospitalizations, and surgeries. RESULTS: No baseline differences were observed for the 41 patients evaluated (22 on CAPD, 19 on APD). Median annual DMCs per patient on PD were US$15 072 in 2008 and US$16 452 in 2010. When analyzing percentage distribution, no differences were found in the DMCs for the modality groups. In both APD and CAPD, the main costs pertained to the dialysis procedure (CAPD 41%, APD 47%) and hospitalizations (CAPD 37%, APD 32%). Dialysis procedures cost significantly more (p = 0.001) in APD (US$7 084) than in CAPD (US$6 071), but total costs (APD US$15 389 vs CAPD US$14 798) and other resources were not different. The presence of peritonitis increased the total costs (US$16 075 vs US$14 705 for patients without peritonitis, p = 0.05), but in the generalized linear model analysis, DMCs were not predicted by age, sex, dialysis modality, or peritonitis. A similar picture was observed for costs extrapolated to 2010, with a 10% - 20% increase for each component--except for laboratory tests, which increased 52%, and dialysis procedures, which decreased 3%, from 2008. CONCLUSIONS: The annual DMCs per patient on PD in this study were US$15 072 in 2008 and US$16 452 in 2010. Total DMCs for dialysis procedures were higher in APD than in CAPD, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both APD and CAPD, 90% of costs were attributable to the dialysis procedure, hospitalizations, and medications. In a multivariate analysis, no independent variable significantly predicted a higher DMC.

Cisto sanguíneo mitral versus abscesso roto da valva mitral: diagnóstico diferencial pelo ecocardiograma transesofágico / Mitral blood cyst versus mitral valve ruptured abcess: differential diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography

Relatamos duas lesões pouco habituais e de difícil diagnóstico, nas quais o ecocardiograma transesofágico foi fundamental na avaliação mais detalhada da anatomia da valva mitral, permitindo o diagnóstico diferencial entre cisto sanguíneo e aneurisma roto da valva mitral, os quais, no exame inicial transtorácico, assumiam aspecto muito semelhante.

Double lumen aortic arch or persistence of fifth aortic arch?- Report of a case with no associated cardiac defects and literature review.

Different vascular abnormalities have been reported under the denomination of "persistence of the fifth aortic arch." Detailed studies on experimental embryology raised the discussion about the existence of the fifth aortic arch as an embryological structure, both in humans and mammals. In 1969 the Van Praaghs described the occurrence of double left aortic arch, denominating such anomaly as persistence of the fifth arch. We describe here a female patient showing the presence of an anomalous vessel in parallel with the aortic arch. The finding was occasional, during a preoperative evaluation for cholecystectomy.

Echocardiographic identification of the oblique vein of the left atrium: its relationship to the persistent left superior caval vein.

Thus far, little has been written concerning echocardiographic identification of the oblique vein of the left atrium, or Marshall's vein. There is much discussion, nonetheless, on the potential significance of the vein, or its ligamentous remnant, as an arrhythmic substrate. We describe here four patients in whom transthoracic echocardiography revealed a venous structure protruding within the cavity of the left atrium. We discuss the possibility that these structures represent Marshall's vein, albeit probably as part of a persistent left superior caval vein.

Dose efetiva de sedação em ecocardiograma transesofágico: relação com idade, área de superfície e função do ventrículo esquerdo / Effective dose of sedation in transesophageal echocardiography: relation to age, body surface area and left ventricle function / Dosis efectiva de sedación en ecografía transesofágica: relación con edad, área de superficie y función del VI

Fundamento: A sedação com midazolam e meperidina é amplamente utilizada em ecocardiografia transesofágica, entretanto, não existe dose média estabelecida para cada caso. Objetivo: Correlacionar as doses médias de midazolam e meperidina para sedação adequada em ecocardiografia transesofágica com faixa etária, área de superfície corpórea e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvendo 1.841 pacientes submetidos à sedação baseada na escala de Ramsay, com solução contendo midazolam 1,5 mg (1,5 ml), meperidina 1 mg (1 ml) e água destilada (7,5 ml). Analisamos quatro grupos etários: G1: < 24 anos; G2: 25 a 44 anos; G3: 45 a 64 anos; e G4: > 65 anos. Obtivemos a área de superfície corpórea pela fórmula: {[(altura x 100)0,725] x (peso0,425) x 0,0071}. Com relação à fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, estudamos dois grupos: GA: < 55 por cento; e GB: > 55 por cento. Na análise estatística utilizamos o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para correlação com idade e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, e correlação linear simples para área de superfície corpórea. Resultados: No estudo da idade, as doses médias de sedação necessárias foram significativamente menores no G3 e G4 (p < 0,01). Na análise da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, esta foi significativamente menor no GA (p < 0,01). O coeficiente de correlação linear entre dose de sedação e área de superfície corpórea foi 0,09 (nulo). Conclusão: Houve menor dose média necessária de sedativos nos indivíduos com maior idade e em portadores de disfunção sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo, e não houve correlação com área de superfície corpórea.

Background: Sedation with midazolam and meperidine is widely used in transesophageal echocardiography. However, no mean dose is established for each individual case. Objective: To correlate the mean midazolam and meperidine doses for proper sedation for transesophageal echocardiography with age range, body surface area, and left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: Retrospective study comprising 1,841 patients undergoing sedation based on the Ramsay scale, with a solution containing midazolam 1.5 mg (1.5 ml), meperidine 1 mg (1 ml) and distilled water (7.5 ml). Four age groups were analyzed: G1: < 24 years; G2: 25 to 44 years; G3: 45 to 64 years; and G4: > 65 years. Body surface area was calculated using the formula {[(height x 100)0.725] x (weight0.425) x 0.0071}. As regards the left ventricular ejection fraction, two groups were studied: GA: < 55 percent; and GB: > 55 percent. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test for the correlation with age and left ventricular ejection fraction, and simple linear correlation for body surface area. Results: As regards age, the mean doses of sedation required were significantly lower in G3 and G4 (p<0.01). The analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction showed that this was significantly lower in GA (p<0.01). The linear correlation coefficient between dose of sedation and body surface area was 0.09 (null). Conclusion: The mean dose of sedatives required was lower in older individuals and in those with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. No correlation with body surface area was found.

Fundamento: La sedación con midazolam y meperidina es ampliamente utilizada en ecografía transesofágica, no obstante, no existe dosis media establecida para cada caso. Objetivo: Correlacionar la dosis media de midazolam y meperidina para sedación adecuada en ecografía transesofágica con intervalo de edades, área de superficie corporal y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo involucrando 1.841 pacientes sometidos a sedación basada en la escala de Ramsay, con solución conteniendo midazolam 1,5 mg (1,5 ml), meperidina 1 mg (1 ml) y agua destilada (7,5 ml). Analizamos cuatro grupos etarios: G1: < 24 años; G2: 25 a 44 años; G3: 45 a 64 años; y G4: > 65 años. Obtuvimos el área de superficie corporal mediante la fórmula: {[(altura x 100)0,725] x (peso0,425) x 0,0071}. Con relación a la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, estudiamos dos grupos: GA: < 55 por ciento; y GB: > 55 por ciento. En el análisis estadístico utilizamos el test de Kruskal-Wallis para correlación con edad y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, y correlación lineal simple para área de superficie corporal. Resultados: En el estudio de la edad, las dosis medias de sedación necesarias fueron significativamente menores en el G3 y G4 (p < 0,01). En el análisis de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, ésta fue significativamente menor en el GA (p < 0,01). El coeficiente de correlación lineal entre dosis de sedación y área de superficie corporal fue 0,09 (nulo). Conclusión: Hubo menor dosis media necesaria de sedantes en los individuos con mayor edad y en portadores de disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo, y no hubo correlación con el área de superficie corporal.

Effective dose of sedation in transesophageal echocardiography: relation to age, body surface area and left ventricle function.

BACKGROUND: Sedation with midazolam and meperidine is widely used in transesophageal echocardiography. However, no mean dose is established for each individual case. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the mean midazolam and meperidine doses for proper sedation for transesophageal echocardiography with age range, body surface area, and left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: Retrospective study comprising 1,841 patients undergoing sedation based on the Ramsay scale, with a solution containing midazolam 1.5 mg (1.5 ml), meperidine 1 mg (1 ml) and distilled water (7.5 ml). Four age groups were analyzed: G1: < 24 years; G2: 25 to 44 years; G3: 45 to 64 years; and G4: > 65 years. Body surface area was calculated using the formula {[(height x 100)0.725] x (weight(0.425)) x 0.0071}. As regards the left ventricular ejection fraction, two groups were studied: GA: < 55%; and GB: > 55%. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test for the correlation with age and left ventricular ejection fraction, and simple linear correlation for body surface area. RESULTS: As regards age, the mean doses of sedation required were significantly lower in G3 and G4 (p<0.01). The analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction showed that this was significantly lower in GA (p<0.01). The linear correlation coefficient between dose of sedation and body surface area was 0.09 (null). CONCLUSION: The mean dose of sedatives required was lower in older individuals and in those with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. No correlation with body surface area was found.

Transesophageal echocardiography discloses unexpected cardiac sources of embolus in stroke patients aged more than 45 years

Embolia cerebral de fonte cardíaca é frequentemente relacionada a acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em jovem.OBJETIVO: Descrever achados ecocardiográficos em jovens e não jovens com AVC isquêmico, sem suspeita de fonte cardíaca.MÉTODO: Estudo transversal; 523 pacientes (267 homens e 256 mulheres) com AVC isquêmico sem evidência de fonte cardíaca submeteram-se ao ecocardiograma transesofágico (ECOTE). RESULTADOS: 10% dos pacientes tinha 45 anos; ou menos. Hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, aumento do átrio esquerdo, contraste espontâneo na aorta, aneurisma do septo interatrial, calcificação da válvula mitral e aórtica, insuficiência aórtica e placas de ateroma na aorta foram significantemente mais frequentes nos pacientes com mais que 45 anos; 2.8% dos não-jovens apresentaram trombo nas câmaras esquerdas.CONCLUSÃO: ECOTE é amplamente sugerido na investigação de embolia em pacientes jovens, porém parece ser tão importante também no grupo de pacientes mais velhos, nos quais o risco de embolia cerebral é subestimado; etiologia cardioembólica e aterosclerótica coexistem, e ambas devem ser identificadas e tratadas para melhor prognóstico.

[Erectile dysfunction: a marker for myocardial perfusion impairment?]. / Disfunção erétil: um marcador para alterações da perfusão miocárdica?

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and myocardial perfusion impairment in men with suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: In this prospective study a self-administered IIEF-5 questionnaire was answered by 287 patients that underwent myocardial perfusion imaging under both resting and stress condition with technetium-99m sestamibi, through gated SPECT nuclear scintigraphy technique, before and after physical or pharmacological stress. RESULTS: Some degree of erectile dysfunction (group ED+) was found in 137 (47.8%) patients and in these, age was significantly higher (60.60+/-9.84 vs 50.67+/-9.94 - p<0.001)) than in those without erectile dysfunction (group ED-). In the ED+ group, it was observed a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCTA). Regardless of the age factor, ED+ patients also presented higher occurrence of myocardial perfusion impairment (necrosis and/or ischemia) and left ventricular systolic wall motion and thickening abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Patients with ED have higher estimated probability of presenting segmental myocardial perfusion and functional contraction impairment and, therefore, CAD, independent of the aging factor. The authors conclude that ED may be considered not only a marker for CAD but also a condition related to the occurrence of major coronary events such as MI and PCTA.

Disfunção erétil: um marcador para alterações da perfusão miocárdica? / Erectile dysfunction: a marker for myocardial perfusion impairment?

OBJETIVO: Investigar a correlação entre alterações da perfusão miocárdica e a presença de disfunção erétil (DE) em homens com suspeita clínica ou diagnóstico já estabelecido de insuficiência coronariana crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com 287 pacientes que, após responderem o questionário IIEF-5 para diagnóstico e avaliação do grau de DE, foram submetidos a avaliação clínico-cardiológica e a estudo cintilográfico da perfusão miocárdica (tecnécio - 99m sestamibi - gated SPECT), antes e após estresse físico ou farmacológico. RESULTADOS: Em 137 pacientes (47,8 por cento) foi detectado algum grau de disfunção erétil (grupo DE+) e nestes, a idade (60,60±9,84 vs 50,67±9,94 - p<0,001)) foi significativamente maior do que naqueles sem disfunção (grupo DE-). No grupo DE+ houve maior prevalência de hipertensão arterial, diabetes, infarto do miocárdio e coronarioplastia prévios. Independentemente do fator idade, o grupo DE+ teve maior prevalência de alterações da perfusão miocárdica (necrose e/ou isquemia) e de diminuição da mobilidade e do grau de espessamento sistólico do miocárdio ventricular. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com DE tem maior probabilidade de apresentar alterações da perfusão e do desempenho miocárdico segmentar, independentemente do fator idade. Na presente amostra, a DE foi considerada não só como um marcador da doença isquêmica do coração, mas também fortemente relacionada à ocorrência de eventos coronarianos maiores como infarto do miocárdio e necessidade de coronarioplastia.

[Evaluation of segmentary contractility in Chagas' disease by using the integral of the myocardial velocity gradient (myocardial strain) obtained through tissue Doppler echocardiography]. / Avaliação da contratilidade segmentar na doença de Chagas utilizando a integral do gradiente intramiocárdico de velocidade (strain miocárdico) obtida pela ecocardiografia com Doppler tecidual.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the percentage of contractility of different myocardial segments in patients with Chagas' disease by measuring myocardial strain and to assess the differences in the radial and longitudinal ventricular contractile function in the undetermined and dilated forms of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy as compared with those in a group of healthy individuals. METHODS: The study comprised 39 individuals [20 (51.3%) of the male sex] divided into the following 4 groups: 1) Nl: 17 (43.6%) healthy individuals; 2) Und: 7 (17.9%) patients with the undetermined form of Chagas' disease; 3) C1: 7 (17.9%) patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease with ejection fraction < 50%; and 4) C2: 8 (20.5%) patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease with ejection fraction > 50%. After performing baseline echocardiography, Doppler tissue images were recorded to measure myocardial strain in different segments on longitudinal and transversal parasternal, and apical 2- and 4-chamber views. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The percentage of contractility in the different myocardial segments, both the radial and longitudinal components, is greater in healthy individuals than in patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease, and in those with the undetermined form of the disease as compared with that of chronic chagasic patients with EF < 50%. Left ventricular radial contractility is greater than left ventricular longitudinal contractility in all groups (Nl, Und, and Chronic). The data presented allow us to propose a progressive character of myocardial impairment in patients with Chagas' disease.

Avaliação da contratilidade segmentar na doença de Chagas utilizando a integral do gradiente intramiocárdico de velocidade (strain miocárdico) obtida pela ecocardiografia com Doppler tecidual / Evaluation of segmentary contractility in Chagas' disease by using the integral of the myocardial velocity gradient (myocardial strain) obtained through tissue Doppler echocardiography

OBJETIVO: Quantificar o percentual de contratilidade dos diversos segmentos miocárdicos, em portadores de doença de Chagas, através da medida do strain miocárdico e verificar diferenças na função contrátil radial e longitudinal ventricular entre as formas indeterminada e dilatada da miocardiopatia chagásica crônica quando comparadas a um grupo de indivíduos normais. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 39 indivíduos, 20 (51,3 por cento) do sexo masculino divididos em quatro grupos: Nl: 17 (43,6 por cento) indivíduos normais; Ind: 7 (17,9 por cento) portadores de doença de Chagas forma indeterminada; C1, 7 (17,9 por cento) portadores de doença de Chagas forma crônica com fração de ejeção < 50 por cento e C2: 8 (20,5 por cento) portadores de doença de Chagas forma crônica com fração de ejeção > 50 por cento. Após realização de ecocardiograma basal foram registradas as imagem em Doppler tecidual para a medida do strain miocárdico nos diversos segmentos aos cortes paraesternais, longitudinal e transversal, e apicais, de duas e quatro câmaras. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: O percentual de contração dos diversos segmentos miocárdicos, tanto em seu componente radial quanto longitudinal é maior nos indivíduos normais do que em portadores da forma crônica da doença de Chagas e naqueles com a forma indeterminada da doença quando comparado com chagásicos crônicos com FE < 50 por cento. A contratilidade radial do ventrículo esquerdo é maior que a longitudinal nos três grupos (Nl, Ind e Crônico). Os dados apresentados nos permitem propor um caráter progressivo do acometimento miocárdico em portadores da doença de Chagas.

Transesophageal echocardiography discloses unexpected cardiac sources of embolus in stroke patients aged more than 45 years.

UNLABELLED: Cerebral embolism from cardiac source is an important cause of stroke, specially in patients younger than 45 years old. OBJECTIVE: To describe the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings in young and non-young stroke patients without any prior evidence of cardiac source for cerebral embolism. METHOD: Transversal study: 523 patients (267 men and 256 women) with ischemic stroke, without any evidence of cardiac abnormality, underwent to TEE. RESULTS: Ten percent were aged 45 years; or less. Left ventricle hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, spontaneous contrast in aorta, interatrial septum aneurysm, mitral and aortic valve calcification, aortic valve regurgitation, and atherosclerotic plaques in aorta were significantly more frequent in patients aged more than 45 years; 2.8% of non-young patients had thrombus in left heart. CONCLUSION: TEE is widely used to diagnose cardiac source of cerebral embolism in young patients, but it seems to be as useful for older ones, in whom cerebral embolism risk is underestimated; atherogenic and cardioembolic causes may actually coexist, and both should be treated.

Coronary artery spasm during dobutamine stress echocardiography in a patient with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been extensively used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. During DSE transitory alterations of myocardial wall mobility can occur in the absence of electrocardiographic alterations, or they can be associated with ST segment depression or even elevation on the electrocardiogram. ST segment elevation during DSE has been reported as an infrequent event, generally associated with previous myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease with critical lesions, since the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of dobutamine produce an increase in myocardial oxygen demand, causing ischemia and segmental contractility abnormalities in patients with significant coronary stenosis. The present case relates to a patient referred for DSE after an ischemic treadmill exercise test. During DSE she presented ST segment elevation associated with chest pain. Subsequent coronary arteriography showed normal coronary arteries. We speculate that coronary spasm may have occurred in this patient, as a paradoxical response to the dobutamine-induced increase in coronary flow.