Biomarkers and prediction of anthracyclic cardiotoxicity in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy with doxorubicin may lead to left ventricular dysfunction. There is a controversial recommendation that biomarkers can predict ventricular dysfunction, which is one of the most feared manifestations of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of biomarkers such as Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, creatine phosphokinase fraction MB, and myoglobin in predicting cardiotoxicity in a cohort of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with anthracycline. METHODS: This is an observational, prospective, longitudinal, unicentric study, which included 40 women with breast cancer, whose therapeutic proposal included treatment with doxorubicin. The protocol had a clinical follow-up of 12 months. Biomarkers such as Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, creatine phosphokinase fraction MB, and myoglobin were measured pre-chemotherapy and after the first, third, fourth, and sixth cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in type B natriuretic peptide and myoglobin values in all chemotherapy cycles. Although creatine phosphokinase fraction MB showed a sustained increase, this increase was not statistically significant. Troponin, type B natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and creatine phosphokinase fraction MB were the cardiotoxicity markers with the earliest changes, with a significant increase after the first chemotherapy session. However, they were not able to predict cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and creatine phosphokinase fraction MB are elevated during chemotherapy with doxorubicin, but they were not able to predict cardiotoxicity according to established clinical and echocardiographic criteria. The incidence of subclinical cardiotoxicity resulting from the administration of doxorubicin was 12.5%.

Biomarkers and prediction of anthracyclic cardiotoxicity in breast cancer

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy with doxorubicin may lead to left ventricular dysfunction. There is a controversial recommendation that biomarkers can predict ventricular dysfunction, which is one of the most feared manifestations of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of biomarkers such as Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, creatine phosphokinase fraction MB, and myoglobin in predicting cardiotoxicity in a cohort of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with anthracycline. METHODS: This is an observational, prospective, longitudinal, unicentric study, which included 40 women with breast cancer, whose therapeutic proposal included treatment with doxorubicin. The protocol had a clinical follow-up of 12 months. Biomarkers such as Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, creatine phosphokinase fraction MB, and myoglobin were measured pre-chemotherapy and after the first, third, fourth, and sixth cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in type B natriuretic peptide and myoglobin values in all chemotherapy cycles. Although creatine phosphokinase fraction MB showed a sustained increase, this increase was not statistically significant. Troponin, type B natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and creatine phosphokinase fraction MB were the cardiotoxicity markers with the earliest changes, with a significant increase after the first chemotherapy session. However, they were not able to predict cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Troponin I, type B natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and creatine phosphokinase fraction MB are elevated during chemotherapy with doxorubicin, but they were not able to predict cardiotoxicity according to established clinical and echocardiographic criteria. The incidence of subclinical cardiotoxicity resulting from the administration of doxorubicin was 12.5%.

Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on a Six-minute Walk Test, Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow in Patients with Heart Failure: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for patients with heart failure. Objective: To evaluate the response of CRT in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and exercise tolerance as determined by the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with HF. Methods: This study used the 6MWT and Manovacuometer to assess functional capacity in relation to activities of daily living, in which fatigue and dyspnea are common. Results: After six months of CRT, this study identified improvements in the 6MWT, p<0.05; MIP, p=0.01; and PEF, p=0.03. Conclusion: After CRT, this study showed a significant improvement in MIP, PEF, and exercise tolerance. However, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the relevance of these findings.

Trends in Mortality Rates from Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer between 2000 and 2015 in the Most Populous Capital Cities of the Five Regions of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In many cities around the world, the mortality rate from cancer (CA) has exceeded that from disease of the circulatory system (DCS). OBJECTIVES: To compare the mortality curves from DCS and CA in the most populous capital cities of the five regions of Brazil. METHODS: Data of mortality rates from DCS and CA between 2000 and 2015 were collected from the Mortality Information System of Manaus, Salvador, Goiania, Sao Paulo and Curitiba, and categorized by age range into early (30-69 years) and late (≥ 70 years), and by gender of the individuals. Chapters II and IX of the International Classification of Diseases-10 were used for the analysis of causes of deaths. The Joinpoint regression model was used to assess the tendency of the estimated annual percentage change of mortality rate, and the Monte Carlo permutation test was used to detect when changes occurred. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a consistent decrease in early and late mortality from DCS in both genders in the cities studied, except for late mortality in men in Manaus. There was a tendency of decrease of mortality rates from CA in São Paulo and Curitiba, and of increase in the rates from CA in Goiania. In Salvador, there was a decrease in early mortality from CA in men and women and an increase in late mortality in both genders. CONCLUSION: There was a progressive and marked decrease in the mortality rate from DCS and a maintenance or slight increase in CA mortality in the five capital cities studied. These phenomena may lead to the intersection of the curves, with predominance of mortality from CA (old and new cases).

Trends in Mortality Rates from Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer between 2000 and 2015 in the Most Populous Capital Cities of the Five Regions of Brazil / Tendência das Taxas de Mortalidade por Doença Cardiovascular e Câncer entre 2000 e 2015 nas Capitais mais Populosas das Cinco Regiões do Brasil

Abstract Background: In many cities around the world, the mortality rate from cancer (CA) has exceeded that from disease of the circulatory system (DCS). Objectives: To compare the mortality curves from DCS and CA in the most populous capital cities of the five regions of Brazil. Methods: Data of mortality rates from DCS and CA between 2000 and 2015 were collected from the Mortality Information System of Manaus, Salvador, Goiania, Sao Paulo and Curitiba, and categorized by age range into early (30-69 years) and late (≥ 70 years), and by gender of the individuals. Chapters II and IX of the International Classification of Diseases-10 were used for the analysis of causes of deaths. The Joinpoint regression model was used to assess the tendency of the estimated annual percentage change of mortality rate, and the Monte Carlo permutation test was used to detect when changes occurred. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: There was a consistent decrease in early and late mortality from DCS in both genders in the cities studied, except for late mortality in men in Manaus. There was a tendency of decrease of mortality rates from CA in São Paulo and Curitiba, and of increase in the rates from CA in Goiania. In Salvador, there was a decrease in early mortality from CA in men and women and an increase in late mortality in both genders. Conclusion: There was a progressive and marked decrease in the mortality rate from DCS and a maintenance or slight increase in CA mortality in the five capital cities studied. These phenomena may lead to the intersection of the curves, with predominance of mortality from CA (old and new cases).

Resumo Fundamento: Em muitas cidades no mundo, a taxa de mortalidade por câncer (CA) ultrapassou aquela por doenças do aparelho circulatório (DAC). Objetivos: Comparar as curvas de mortalidade por DAC e CA nas capitais mais populosas das cinco regiões brasileiras. Métodos: Dados de mortalidade por DAC e CA entre 2000 e 2015 foram coletadas no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade das capitais mais populosas das cinco regiões do Brasil: Manaus, Salvador, Goiânia, São Paulo e Curitiba. Os dados foram categorizados por faixas etárias dos indivíduos em precoce (30-69 anos) e tardia (≥70 anos), e por gênero. Foram considerados os capítulos II e IX da Classificação Internacional de Doenças-10 para análise das causas de óbito. A tendência na estimativa de mudança percentual foi calculada pelo modelo de regressão Joinpoint 4.6.0.0. e a detecção das mudanças das taxas pelo teste de permutação Monte Carlo. Nível de significância estatística de 5%. Resultados: Observou-se queda consistente das mortalidades precoce e tardia por DAC, em ambos os gêneros, nas capitais estudadas, com exceção da mortalidade tardia em homens em Manaus. Houve tendência de queda das taxas de mortalidade por CA em São Paulo e Curitiba, e de aumento da taxa de mortalidade por CA em Goiânia. Em Salvador, houve queda na mortalidade precoce por CA em homens e mulheres e incremento na mortalidade tardia em ambos os gêneros. Conclusão: Houve queda progressiva e expressiva da taxa de mortalidade por DAC nas cinco capitais em oposição à manutenção ou discreta elevação da mortalidade por CA. Tais fenômenos concorrem para o cruzamento das curvas com predomínio da mortalidade por CA (já ocorrido ou casos novos).

Relationship of Electromechanical Dyssynchrony in Patients Submitted to CRT With LV Lead Implantation Guided by Gated Myocardial Perfusion Spect / Relação entre Dissincronismo Elétrico e Mecânico em Pacientes Submetidos a TRC com Implante do Eletrodo de VE Orientado pela Cintilografia GATED SPECT

Abstract Background: Heart failure (HF) affects more than 5 million individuals in the United States, with more than 1 million hospital admissions per year. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can benefit patients with advanced HF and prolonged QRS. A significant percentage of patients, however, does not respond to CRT. Electrical dyssynchrony isolated might not be a good predictor of response, and the last left ventricular (LV) segment to contract can influence the response. Objectives: To assess electromechanical dyssynchrony in CRT with LV lead implantation guided by GATED SPECT. Methods: This study included 15 patients with functional class II-IV HF and clinically optimized, ejection fraction of 35%, sinus rhythm, left bundle-branch block, and QRS ≥ 120 ms. The patients underwent electrocardiography, answered the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and underwent gated myocardial perfusion SPECT up to 4 weeks before CRT, being reassessed 6 months later. The primary analysis aimed at determining the proportion of patients with a reduction in QRS duration and favorable response to CRT, depending on concordance of the LV lead position, using chi-square test. The pre- and post-CRT variables were analyzed by use of Student t test, adopting the significance level of 5%. Results: We implanted 15 CRT devices, and 2 patients died during follow-up. The durations of the QRS (212 ms vs 136 ms) and the PR interval (179 ms vs 126 ms) were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). In 54% of the patients, the lead position was concordant with the maximal delay site. In the responder group, the lateral position was prevalent. The MLHFQ showed a significant improvement in quality of life (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: CRT determines improvement in the quality of life and in electrical synchronism. Electromechanical synchronism relates to response to CRT. Positioning the LV lead in the maximal delay site has limitations.

Resumo Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) afeta mais de 5 milhões de pessoas nos Estados Unidos, com mais de 1 milhão de internações/ano. A terapia de ressincronização (TRC) pode beneficiar pacientes com IC avançada e QRS alargado; entretanto, percentual significativo de pacientes não respondem à TRC. O dissincronismo elétrico isolado pode não representar um bom preditor de resposta, e o local da última ativação do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) pode influenciar na resposta. Objetivos: Avaliar o dissincronismo eletromecânico na TRC com o implante do eletrodo do VE orientado por GATED SPECT. Métodos: Incluídos 15 pacientes com IC classe funcional II-IV, otimizados clinicamente, com fração de ejeção de 35%, ritmo sinusal, bloqueio de ramo esquerdo, QRS ≥ 120 ms. Realizaram eletrocardiograma, Questionário Minnesota Vivendo com Insuficiência Cardíaca (MLHFQ) e cintilografia GATED SPECT até 4 semanas antes do implante. Reavaliados 6 meses após. Análise primária visou determinar a proporção de pacientes com redução da duração do QRS e resposta favorável à TRC dependendo da concordância ou não na posição do eletrodo, utilizando teste Qui-Quadrado. Análise das variáveis pré e pós TRC foi feita através do teste t de Student, assumindo significância de 5%. Resultados: Realizamos 15 implantes com 2 óbitos no seguimento. As reduções das durações do QRS (212 ms vs 136 ms) e do IPR (179 ms vs 126 ms) foram significativas (p < 0,001). Em 54%, o eletrodo foi concordante com o local de maior atraso. No grupo respondedor, a posição lateral foi prevalente. O MLHFQ mostrou melhora significativa da qualidade de vida (p < 0,0002). Conclusão: A TRC determina melhora da qualidade de vida e do sincronismo elétrico. O sincronismo eletromecânico relaciona-se com a resposta à TRC. O posicionamento do eletrodo de VE no sítio de maior retardo tem limitações.

Relationship of Electromechanical Dyssynchrony in Patients Submitted to CRT With LV Lead Implantation Guided by Gated Myocardial Perfusion Spect.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) affects more than 5 million individuals in the United States, with more than 1 million hospital admissions per year. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can benefit patients with advanced HF and prolonged QRS. A significant percentage of patients, however, does not respond to CRT. Electrical dyssynchrony isolated might not be a good predictor of response, and the last left ventricular (LV) segment to contract can influence the response. OBJECTIVES: To assess electromechanical dyssynchrony in CRT with LV lead implantation guided by GATED SPECT. METHODS: This study included 15 patients with functional class II-IV HF and clinically optimized, ejection fraction of 35%, sinus rhythm, left bundle-branch block, and QRS ≥ 120 ms. The patients underwent electrocardiography, answered the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and underwent gated myocardial perfusion SPECT up to 4 weeks before CRT, being reassessed 6 months later. The primary analysis aimed at determining the proportion of patients with a reduction in QRS duration and favorable response to CRT, depending on concordance of the LV lead position, using chi-square test. The pre- and post-CRT variables were analyzed by use of Student t test, adopting the significance level of 5%. RESULTS: We implanted 15 CRT devices, and 2 patients died during follow-up. The durations of the QRS (212 ms vs 136 ms) and the PR interval (179 ms vs 126 ms) were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). In 54% of the patients, the lead position was concordant with the maximal delay site. In the responder group, the lateral position was prevalent. The MLHFQ showed a significant improvement in quality of life (p < 0.0002). CONCLUSION: CRT determines improvement in the quality of life and in electrical synchronism. Electromechanical synchronism relates to response to CRT. Positioning the LV lead in the maximal delay site has limitations.

Uso do GATED-SPECT para avaliação do dissincronismo ventricular em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca submetidos à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca / Use of GATED-SPECT for ventricular desynchronization evaluation in patients with heart failure submitted to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Fundamentos: Cerca de 20 a 40% dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca não respondem à terapia de ressincronização. Para melhorar a seleção de pacientes, foi desenvolvida a análise de fase pela cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica (GSPECT). Objetivo: Avaliar a resposta clínica e cintilográfica de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca submetidos à terapia de ressincronização pelo uso do GSPECT. Métodos: Estudo intervencionista, incluindo pacientes consecutivos que foram estudados pelo GSPECT 4 semanas antes da implantação da terapia de ressincronização cardíaca e 6 meses depois do implante. Estes pacientes responderam ao Questionário de Qualidade de Vida de Minnesota. A comparação das variáveis categóricas foi realizada com teste exato de Fisher e teste qui quadrado e, em variáveis numéricas, com o teste t de Student. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. As variáveis cintilográficas analisadas foram fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, volume sistólico final, volume diastólico final, massa do ventrículo esquerdo, desvio padrão e largura de banda, assim como a duração do QRS e o escore do Questionário de Qualidade de Vida de Minnesota. A presença de dissincronismo mecânico foi definida como desvio padrão > 43º.Resultados: Foram incluídos nove pacientes no estudo. Após a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca, houve melhora significativa (p < 0,05) dos parâmetros volume sistólico final (206 ± 80 mL vs. 158 ± 108 mL), QRS (180 ± 18 ms vs. 120 ± 9 ms), massa do ventrículo esquerdo (248 ± 65 g vs. 193 ± 52 g) e Questionário de Qualidade de Vida de Minnesota (63 ± 16 vs. 34 ± 20). Todos os pacientes com critérios cintilográficos de dissincronismo mecânico apresentaram melhora clínica. Dois pacientes apresentavam apenas dissincronismo elétrico e não atingiram melhora clínica significativa, apesar de apresentarem redução da duração do QRS. Conclusão: O GSPECT foi capaz de diferenciar os pacientes com dissincronismo elétrico puro daqueles com dissincronismo mecânico associado, por meio dos parâmetros de dissincronismo intraventricular. A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca está associada à melhora tanto do dissincronismo mecânico quanto do elétrico. O GSPECT pré-implante identificou que os pacientes com dissincronismos elétrico e mecânico associados apresentaram melhor resposta à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca do que aqueles com dissincronismo elétrico puro

Background: Approximately 20 to 40% of patients with heart failure do not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To improve patient selection, phase analysis by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (GSPECT) was developed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and scintigraphic response of patients with heart failure (HF) submitted to CRT using GSPECT. Method: This was an interventional study that included consecutive patients assessed by GSPECT four weeks prior to CRT implantation and six months after it for comparison. These patients also answered the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). The categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test and chi-square test, whereas Student's t-test was used for numerical variables. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. The scintigraphic variables analyzed were left ventricular ejection fraction, end-systolic volume, end-diastolic volume, left ventricular mass, standard deviation and bandwidth, as well as QRS duration and the Minnesota Quality of Life Questionnaire score. The presence of mechanical dyssynchrony was defined as standard deviation > 43º. Results: Nine patients were included in the study. After the cardiac resynchronization therapy, there was a significant improvement (p <0.05) in the end-systolic volume (206 ± 80 mL vs. 158 ± 108 mL), QRS (180 ± 18 ms vs. 120 ± 9 ms), left ventricular mass (248 ± 65 g vs. 193 ± 52 g) and Minnesota Quality of Life Questionnaire score (63 ± 16 vs. 34 ± 20). All patients with scintigraphic criteria of mechanical dyssynchrony showed clinical improvement. Two patients had only electrical dyssynchrony and did not achieve significant clinical improvement, although they showed QRS duration reduction. Conclusion: GSPECT was able to differentiate patients with isolated electrical dyssynchrony from those with associated mechanical dyssynchrony, through the intraventricular dyssynchrony parameters. The cardiac resynchronization therapy is associated with the improvement of both mechanical and electrical dyssynchrony. Pre-implantation GSPECT showed that patients with associated electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony had a better response to cardiac resynchronization therapy than those with isolated electrical dyssynchrony

Aplicabilidade da Cintilografia Miocárdica de Perfusão na Avaliação do Sincronismo Cardíaco / Applicability of Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Cardiac Synchronization

Com o objetivo de avaliar de modo sistemático a literatura sobre a aplicabilidade da cintilografia de perfusão do miocárdio com análise de fase na investigação do dissincronismo cardíaco e na seleção de pacientes para terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC), foi realizada uma revisão de artigos publicados através da base de dados PubMed nos últimos cinco anos. Os termos MeSH utilizados foram: heart failure, left ventricular, dyssynchrony, gatedspect, phase analysis e resynchronization therapy, sendo 99 artigos incluídos para discussão. O ecocardiograma com speckle-tracking continua sendo um método bastante utilizado na avaliação do dissincronismo, mas o advento da cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica com a técnica de análise de fase vem ganhando espaço, pois além de ser operador-independente, consegue avaliar no mesmo exame a viabilidade miocárdica. Seu uso se tornou mais difundido nos pacientes com bloqueio de ramo esquerdo e com indicação à TRC. A análise de fase também permite avaliar de forma altamente reprodutível o último segmento ventricular a se contrair, permitindo assim o melhor posicionamento do eletrodo da TRC. Sabendo-se que a presença, localização e extensão de fibrose no ventrículo esquerdo, associadas ao dissincronismo são determinantes da resposta à terapia de ressincronização, o gated-SPECT pode prover estas informações em um único exame e de modo reprodutível e acurado. O histograma de fase oferece diversos parâmetros que conferem maior sensibilidade e especificidade ao método. Parece que a técnica é capaz de agregar valor tanto na seleção quanto na avaliação de resposta de pacientes candidatos à TRC. Novos estudos estão sendo realizados para demonstrar a sua aplicabilidade clínica

Speckle Tracking and Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy / Rastreamento de Pontilhados e Cardiomiopatia Amiloidótica por Mutação da Transtirretina

Abstract Background: Amyloidosis is a disease caused by deposits of insoluble fibrils in extracellular spaces. The most common type of familial amyloidosis is mediated by mutation of transthyretin, especially Val30Met. Symptoms and ejection fraction decrease may occur in cardiac amyloidosis only in case of poor prognosis. Myocardial strain detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography can indicate changes in myocardial function at early stages of the disease. Objective: To determine the accuracy of left ventricular longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with familial amyloidosis caused by Val30Met transthyretin mutation. Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients, carriers of transthyretin mutation, were evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, by which myocardial strain curves were obtained, following the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. Results: Patients were divided into three groups: 1- Val30Met with cardiac amyloidosis; 2-Val30Met with extracardiac amyloidosis; 3 - Val30Met without evidence of disease. As the three groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney test, we found a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the mean longitudinal tension (p=0.01), mean basal longitudinal strain (p=0.014); in mean longitudinal tension and mean longitudinal strain between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.005); and in the ratio of longitudinal strain of apical septum segment to longitudinal strain of basal septum (p=0.041) between groups 2 and 3. Conclusion: Left ventricular longitudinal strain detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is able to diagnose left ventricular dysfunction in early stages of familial amyloidosis caused by transthyretin Val30Met mutation.

Resumo Fundamento: A amiloidose é uma doença de depósito de fibrilas insolúveis nos espaços intercelulares. A forma mais comum de amiloidose familiar é mediada por mutação da transtirretina, sendo a Val30Met a mutação mais frequente. A amiloidose cardíaca só causa sintomas e queda da fração de ejeção em fases tardias quando o prognóstico é pobre. A deformação miocárdica obtida com speckle tracking bidimensional pode detectar alterações da função miocárdica em estágios precoces da doença. Objetivos: Determinar a acurácia da deformação longitudinal do ventrículo esquerdo obtida com speckle tracking bidimensional em um grupo de pacientes com amiloidose familial por mutação da transtirretina Val30Met. Métodos: Foram examinados 18 pacientes consecutivos com a mutação da transtirretina com speckle tracking bidimensional obtendo curvas de deformação miocárdica segundo normas da American Society of Echocardiography. Resultados: Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: 1- Val30Met com amiloidose cardíaca; 2- Val30Met com amiloidose extra-cardíaca; 3- Val30Met sem doença aparente. Ao compararmos os três grupos com o teste de Mann-Whitney encontramos diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos 1 e 2 na tensão longitudinal média (p=0,01), deformação longitudinal basal média (p=0,014); entre os grupos 1 e 3 na tensão longitudinal média (p=0,005), deformação longitudinal média (p=0,002); entre os grupos 2 e 3 na relação de deformação longitudinal do septo apical/deformação longitudinal do septo basal (p=0,041). Conclusão: A deformação longitudinal do ventrículo esquerdo obtida com speckle tracking bidimensional é capaz de diagnosticar disfunção do ventrículo esquerdo em fases precoces da amiloidose familial por mutação Val30Met da transtirretina.

Speckle Tracking and Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis is a disease caused by deposits of insoluble fibrils in extracellular spaces. The most common type of familial amyloidosis is mediated by mutation of transthyretin, especially Val30Met. Symptoms and ejection fraction decrease may occur in cardiac amyloidosis only in case of poor prognosis. Myocardial strain detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography can indicate changes in myocardial function at early stages of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of left ventricular longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with familial amyloidosis caused by Val30Met transthyretin mutation. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients, carriers of transthyretin mutation, were evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, by which myocardial strain curves were obtained, following the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups: 1- Val30Met with cardiac amyloidosis; 2-Val30Met with extracardiac amyloidosis; 3 - Val30Met without evidence of disease. As the three groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney test, we found a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the mean longitudinal tension (p=0.01), mean basal longitudinal strain (p=0.014); in mean longitudinal tension and mean longitudinal strain between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.005); and in the ratio of longitudinal strain of apical septum segment to longitudinal strain of basal septum (p=0.041) between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular longitudinal strain detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is able to diagnose left ventricular dysfunction in early stages of familial amyloidosis caused by transthyretin Val30Met mutation.

Utility of Ultraportable Echocardiography in the Preoperative Evaluation of Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND:: The ultraportable echocardiogram machine, with relevant portability and easiness in performing diagnoses, when in experienced hands, may contribute to the reliability of preoperative evaluation in noncardiac surgeries. OBJECTIVES:: To assess cardiac function parameters in patients aged older than 60 years, candidates of elective noncardiac surgeries, classified as ASA1 or ASA 2 according to surgical risk. METHODS:: A total of 211 patients referred for elective surgeries, without suspicion of previous heart diseases, were included in the study. Assessment of patients was conducted by conventional echocardiogram using the ultraportable V Scan (GE) device right after the pre-anesthetic clinical evaluation. We assessed the clinical impact of echocardiography results by using a questionnaire addressed to the anesthetist. RESULTS:: Mean age of patients was 68.9 ± 7.0 years, 154 were women. The most frequent surgeries were: a) facectomy - cataract - 18; b) inguinal hernia surgery - 18; c) Cholecystectomy - 16. We found 58 normal tests (27.5%), 70 (33.2%) with mild valve reflux, and 83 (39.3%) with relevant abnormality, such as increase in heart chamber size, global and/or segmental contractile dysfunction, significant valve dysfunction or other unspecified. Test results caused delay of surgical procedure for a more detailed cardiac evaluation in 20 (9.5%) patients, and change in anesthetic management in 7 (3.3%). CONCLUSION:: There was a considerable clinical impact with the use of the ultraportable echocardiography, since one out of every ten patients evaluated had their clinical management changed due to the detection of previously unsuspected, significant heart diseases, with the potential for severe complications. FUNDAMENTO:: O ecocardiógrafo ultraportátil, com importante mobilidade e facilidade diagnóstica em mãos experientes pode contribuir para a segurança na avaliação pré-operatória em cirurgias não cardíacas. OBJETIVO:: Avaliar os parâmetros de função cardíaca nos pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, candidatos a cirurgias não-cardíacas eletivas, classificados como ASA 1 ou ASA 2 na classificação de risco cirúrgico. MÉTODOS:: Foram incluídos 211 pacientes direcionados para cirurgias eletivas diversas e sem suspeita prévia de cardiopatia. Os pacientes foram avaliados por técnica ecocardiográfica convencional, usando o aparelho ultraportátil V Scan (GE) logo após a avaliação clínica pré-anestésica. Avaliamos o impacto clínico dos resultados da ecocardiografia por um questionário dirigido ao anestesista. RESULTADOS:: A idade média dos pacientes foi 68,9 ± 7,0 anos, 154 do sexo feminino. As cirurgias mais frequentes foram: a) Facectomia-catarata - 18; b) Herniorrafia inguinal - 18; c) Colecistectomia - 16. No total, foram observados 58 exames normais (27,5%), 70 (33,2%) exames que apresentavam leves refluxos valvares e 83 (39,3%) exames com alguma anormalidade relevante, como aumento de câmara cardíaca, disfunção contrátil global e/ou segmentar, disfunção valvar mais significativa ou outra não especificada. Os resultados determinaram que 20 (9,5%) pacientes tivessem seus procedimentos cirúrgicos adiados até avaliação cardiológica mais detalhada e em 7 (3,3%) houve mudança na conduta anestésica. CONCLUSÃO:: Houve um impacto clínico considerável com o uso da ecocardiografia ultraportátil, pois um em cada dez pacientes avaliados sofreu modificação na conduta clínica, em função da detecção de cardiopatias significativas, não suspeitadas previamente, e com potencial para complicações graves.

Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy: Another Case of a Successful Approach to Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome.

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as a failure of renal function, potentially reversible, in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Recently, a component of cardiomyopathy associated with HRS was described, but the use of positive inotropic medicine as part of the treatment of the acute phase has not been extensively evaluated. We report a second case in our hospital of a patient with HRS type I without previous heart disease, with secondary hemodynamic decompensation due to liver disease, in which the abnormalities in systolic function by speckle-tracking echocardiography were observed and could be reversed by the use of inotropes. After partial response to current therapies, the patient presented a clinical and laboratorial response with improvement of renal function after infusion of dobutamine. Clinical studies are needed for the therapy approach to HRS taking into account myocardial dysfunction as a major contributing factor for renal dysfunction.

Utility of Ultraportable Echocardiography in the Preoperative Evaluation of Noncardiac Surgery / Utilidade do Ecocardiograma Ultraportátil Direcionado na Avaliação Pré-Operatória de Cirurgia Não Cardíaca

Abstract Background: The ultraportable echocardiogram machine, with relevant portability and easiness in performing diagnoses, when in experienced hands, may contribute to the reliability of preoperative evaluation in noncardiac surgeries. Objectives: To assess cardiac function parameters in patients aged older than 60 years, candidates of elective noncardiac surgeries, classified as ASA1 or ASA 2 according to surgical risk. Methods: A total of 211 patients referred for elective surgeries, without suspicion of previous heart diseases, were included in the study. Assessment of patients was conducted by conventional echocardiogram using the ultraportable V Scan (GE) device right after the pre-anesthetic clinical evaluation. We assessed the clinical impact of echocardiography results by using a questionnaire addressed to the anesthetist. Results: Mean age of patients was 68.9 ± 7.0 years, 154 were women. The most frequent surgeries were: a) facectomy - cataract - 18; b) inguinal hernia surgery - 18; c) Cholecystectomy - 16. We found 58 normal tests (27.5%), 70 (33.2%) with mild valve reflux, and 83 (39.3%) with relevant abnormality, such as increase in heart chamber size, global and/or segmental contractile dysfunction, significant valve dysfunction or other unspecified. Test results caused delay of surgical procedure for a more detailed cardiac evaluation in 20 (9.5%) patients, and change in anesthetic management in 7 (3.3%). Conclusion: There was a considerable clinical impact with the use of the ultraportable echocardiography, since one out of every ten patients evaluated had their clinical management changed due to the detection of previously unsuspected, significant heart diseases, with the potential for severe complications.

Resumo Fundamento: O ecocardiógrafo ultraportátil, com importante mobilidade e facilidade diagnóstica em mãos experientes pode contribuir para a segurança na avaliação pré-operatória em cirurgias não cardíacas. Objetivo: Avaliar os parâmetros de função cardíaca nos pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, candidatos a cirurgias não-cardíacas eletivas, classificados como ASA 1 ou ASA 2 na classificação de risco cirúrgico. Métodos: Foram incluídos 211 pacientes direcionados para cirurgias eletivas diversas e sem suspeita prévia de cardiopatia. Os pacientes foram avaliados por técnica ecocardiográfica convencional, usando o aparelho ultraportátil V Scan (GE) logo após a avaliação clínica pré-anestésica. Avaliamos o impacto clínico dos resultados da ecocardiografia por um questionário dirigido ao anestesista. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 68,9 ± 7,0 anos, 154 do sexo feminino. As cirurgias mais frequentes foram: a) Facectomia-catarata - 18; b) Herniorrafia inguinal - 18; c) Colecistectomia - 16. No total, foram observados 58 exames normais (27,5%), 70 (33,2%) exames que apresentavam leves refluxos valvares e 83 (39,3%) exames com alguma anormalidade relevante, como aumento de câmara cardíaca, disfunção contrátil global e/ou segmentar, disfunção valvar mais significativa ou outra não especificada. Os resultados determinaram que 20 (9,5%) pacientes tivessem seus procedimentos cirúrgicos adiados até avaliação cardiológica mais detalhada e em 7 (3,3%) houve mudança na conduta anestésica. Conclusão: Houve um impacto clínico considerável com o uso da ecocardiografia ultraportátil, pois um em cada dez pacientes avaliados sofreu modificação na conduta clínica, em função da detecção de cardiopatias significativas, não suspeitadas previamente, e com potencial para complicações graves.

Cardiovascular effects of radiotherapy on the patient with cancer.

The incidence of cancer (CA) has increased globally and radiotherapy (RT) is a vital component in its treatment. Cardiovascular injuries induced by RT in the treatment of thoracic and cervical CA have been causing problems in clinical practice for decades, and are among the most serious adverse effects of radiation experienced by the growing number of cancer survivors. This article presentes a review on the Lilacs, Scielo and Pubmed databases of the main cardiovascular injuries, their mechanisms, clinical presentations, treatments and prevention proposals. Injuries caused by RT include diseases of the pericardium, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, myocardial disease with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, conduction disorders, and carotid artery and great vessels disease. Thoracic and cervical irradiation increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite the great progress in the improvement of RT techniques, totally excluding prime areas of the cardiovascular system from the irradiation field is not yet possible. Guidelines must be created for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of patients with CA treated with RT.

Two potentially fatal surprises in the preoperative assessment of an asymptomatic young adult. / Duas surpresas potencialmente fatais em avaliação pré-operatória de adulto jovem assintomático.

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction is a rare disease classified as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy and is characterized by heart failure, systemic embolism and ventricular arrhythmias. The diagnosis is established by Doppler echocardiography. We report the case of an asymptomatic young adult, with no history of heart disease, who underwent preoperative assessment for low-risk orthopedic surgery. The electrocardiogram showed left bundle branch block, which prompted further investigation with Doppler echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnosis of isolated left ventricular non-compaction and pulmonary embolism was made. Some aspects of preoperative assessment in low-risk surgical patients are discussed.