Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on atrial remodeling and diastolic dysfunction of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment on heart remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: This study is a prespecified analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial that enrolled patients with a recent diagnosis of MS and moderate-to-severe OSA to undergo continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or nasal dilators (placebo) for 6 months. Patients were invited to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram by a single investigator blinded to treatment assignment. RESULTS: A total of 99 (79% men; mean [SD], age: 48 [9] years; BMI: 33 [4] kg/m2 ) completed the study. At follow-up, in the placebo group, patients had a significant increase in atrial diameter: from 39.5 (37.0-43.0) mm to 40.5 (39.0-44.8) mm (p = 0.003). CPAP prevented atrial enlargement: from 40.0 (38.0-44.0) to 40.0 (39.0-45.0) mm (p = 0.194). In patients with diastolic dysfunction at baseline, almost half had diastolic dysfunction reversibility with CPAP (in comparison with only two patients in the placebo group, p = 0.039). In the regression analysis, the chance of diastolic dysfunction reversibility by CPAP was 6.8-fold (95% CI: 1.48-50.26, p = 0.025) compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MS and OSA, 6 months of CPAP therapy prevented atrial remodeling and increased the chance of diastolic dysfunction reversibility.

What is the effect of catecholamines on diastolic function in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma?

Pheochromocytoma is a rare form of secondary hypertension characterized by excessive production of catecholamines typically due to a benign tumor in the adrenal medulla. Among the potential cardiac repercussions of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, previous studies described echocardiographic abnormalities such as dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (i), cardiomyopathy (ii, iii, iv), reversible dilatation of the left ventricle (v) and left ventricular functional changes (vi) in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Chest Pain Network with Support of Telemedicine: Impact on Reperfusion Therapy and Clinical Outcomes After 8 Years of Experience.

Background: Different approaches of evaluation by cardiologists using telemedicine have the potential of improving care of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective: To compare the use of pharmacoinvasive strategy and associated clinical outcomes (heart failure [HF] and mortality) among patients with STEMI before and after a program of telemedicine and also according to the level of support by telemedicine. Methods: A chest pain network with the support of a cardiologist through telemedicine was implemented in 2012 in 22 emergency departments without a local cardiac catheterization laboratory. Initially (phase 1 of telemedicine), the decision to discuss the case with the cardiologist was based on the judgment of the emergency physician. At the end of 2018, the use of telemedicine was modified and a dedicated cardiologist was available continuously to discuss systematically all suspected cases (phase 2 of telemedicine). The use of fibrinolytics and the rates of HF and in-hospital mortality were compared among three different periods: pretelemedicine (2011), and phase 1 and phase 2 of the telemedicine program. Results: We evaluated 1034 STEMI patients and after comparing the three phases, we did not find significant differences regarding age, gender, and comorbidities. The use of fibrinolytics before transferring STEMI patients to a percutaneous coronary intervention center (pharmacoinvasive strategy) increased after telemedicine implementation (38% vs. 65.2%; p < 0.01), which was associated with a lower rate of HF (23.9% vs. 14.4%; p = 0.01) and death (7.9% vs. 4.0%; p = 0.05). The in-hospital mortality was lower in phase 2 with systematic evaluation by telemedicine compared with pretelemedicine (7.9% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.04). Conclusion: The implementation of a systematic and organized chest pain protocol, including telemedicine support, was associated with a significant increase in the use of pharmacoinvasive strategy and better clinical patient outcomes in patients with STEMI. Our findings provide important insights on how to improve the management of this high-risk population, reducing the gap between evidence and clinical practice.

Cardiomiopatia periparto associada à síndrome do QT longo e síncope por taquicardia ventricular polimórfica: relato de caso / Peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with long QT syndrome and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia syncope: a case report

A cardiomiopatia periparto é uma causa rara de insuficiência cardíaca no período entre o último mês de gestação e os cinco meses após o parto. A síndrome do QT longo caracteriza-se pelo atraso da repolarização ventricular e pode se manifestar com síncope e morte súbita devido a um tipo de taquicardia ventricular polimórfica conhecida como torsades de pointes. Descrição do caso: J.S., 26 anos, sexo feminino, natural e procedente de São Paulo. Paciente puérpera - 40º dia (G3P3A0), procurou o pronto-socorro com queixa de síncope durante amamentação e dispneia em moderados esforços. Durante a avaliação no PS, evoluiu para desconforto torácico e agitação psicomotora, sendo notada taquicardia ventricular não sustentada no monitor cardíaco ( torsades de pointes), que foi controlada com cardioversão elétrica e sulfato de magnésio intravenoso. O eletrocardiograma mostrou ritmo sinusal, alteração difusa da repolarização ventricular e intervalo QTc de 580 ms. O ecocardiograma mostrou disfunção sistólica moderada, com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 43% à custa de hipocinesia difusa. Após avaliação da equipe de arritmologia chegou-se ao diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia periparto associado à síndrome do QT longo. Foi iniciado tratamento otimizado para insuficiência cardíaca e implantado cardiodesfibrilador por causa de episódios recorrentes de arritmia durante a internação. Discussão: A cardiomiopatia periparto é uma doença rara, porém, tem taxa de mortalidade elevada, entre 18% e 56%. A paciente descrita satisfez os quatro critérios para o diagnóstico: sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca nos primeiros 5 meses depois do parto, ausência de cardiomiopatia prévia, etiologia desconhecida e disfunção sistólica com FEVE < 45%. A síndrome do QT longo é uma doença genética de apresentações variáveis. Os fatores que desencadeiam as taquiarritmias são situações de instabilidade elétrica por hiperatividade do sistema simpático e também situações raras, como a cardiomiopatia periparto. Em casos de arritmias ventriculares graves, o tratamento é o implante de cardiodesfibrilador. Conclusão: A associação da cardiomiopatia periparto com a síndrome do QT longo é rara. A gravidade associada a essas condições torna importante o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento imediato pelo potencial risco de morte associado a ambas as condições clínicas

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of heart failure during the period between the last month of pregnancy and five months after delivery. Long QT syndrome is characterized by a delay in ventricular repolarization and may manifest with syncope and sudden death due to a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as torsades de pointes. Case description: J.S., 26-years-old, female, born and residing in São Paulo, Puerperal - 40th day (G3C3A0), went to the emergency room complaining of syncope during breastfeeding and dyspnea on moderate exertion. During evaluation in the ER, the patient developed thoracic discomfort and psychomotor agitation, with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on the cardiac monitor (torsades de pointes), which was controlled with electrical cardioversion and intravenous magnesium sulfate. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, diffuse alteration of ventricular repolarization and QTc interval of 580 ms. The echocardiogram showed moderate systolic dysfunction, with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 43% influenced by diffuse hypokinesia. After evaluation by the arrhythmology team, the diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with long QT syndrome was made. Optimized treatment for heart failure was initiated and a cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted due to recurrent episodes of arrhythmia during hospitalization. Discussion: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare disease, but it has a high mortality rate, between 18% and 56%. The patient described met the 4 diagnostic criteria: symptoms of heart failure in the first 5 months after delivery, absence of prior cardiomyopathy, unknown etiology, and systolic dysfunction with LVEF<45%. Long QT syndrome is a genetic disease of varying presentations. The factors that trigger the tachyarrhythmias are situations of electrical instability due to sympathetic system hyperactivity and rare situations, such as peripartum cardiomyopathy. In cases of severe ventricular arrhythmias, the treatment is a cardioverter-defibrillator implant. Conclusion: The association of peripartum cardiomyopathy with long QT syndrome is rare. The severity associated with these conditions points out early diagnosis and immediate treatment important because of the potential risk of death associated with both clinical conditions

Gender differences of aortic wave reflection and influence of menopause on central blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Evidences suggest that central hemodynamics indexes are independent predictors of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Multiple factors have been pointed to have potential influence on central aortic function: height, heart rate, left ventricular ejection duration and blood pressure level. Data related to the influence of gender and postmenopausal status on aortic waveform reflection is scarce. We aim to evaluate the impact of gender and menopause on central blood pressure of hypertensive patients. METHODS: In a cross sectional study 122 hypertensive patients (52 men and 70 women) were studied. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) levels ≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive drugs. Central arterial pressure, augmentation index (AIx) and augmentation index normalized to 75 bpm (AIx75) were obtained using applanation tonometry. Menopause and postmenopause history were accessed by a direct series of questions. Postmenopause was defined as at least one year since last menstruation. Patients were paired by age, gender and menopausal status, and the data were compared considering gender and menopausal status. RESULTS: Height and weight were significantly lower in women than in men at the same age. Conversely, AIx (32.7 ± 9.8% vs. 20.1 ± 11.7%, p < 0.01), AIx75 (29.6 ± 6.7% vs. 18.3 ± 9.4%, p < 0.01) and central systolic blood pressure (136 ± 30 vs. 125 ± 23 mmHg, p = 0.03) were higher in women than men. The menopausal women (mean age of menopause = 48 years) had the worst indexes of aortic wave reflection, compared to men at the same age and younger women. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive women had both higher reflected aortic pressure waveform and central blood pressure indexes than hypertensive men, and these findings were worsened by the menopausal status.

Improvement in quality indicators using NCDR® registries: First international experience.

BACKGROUND: The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) Database is commonly used for quality-improvement initiatives in North America, but little is known about the application of this tool in other regions of the world. METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted due to myocardial infarction (MI) and/or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2012 until December 2015 in a Brazilian private cardiovascular hospital were included respectively in ACTION REGISTRY®-GWTG™ and CathPCI Registry®. Meetings including all hospital staff were performed quarterly to discuss every NCDR® report. Quality improvement initiatives were developed based on the reports which were also used for evaluation of changes after the interventions. The following indicators were considered a priority 1) Door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon (D2B) times; 2) PCI appropriateness; 3) length of stay; 4) delivery of guideline-based medication. Changes in the quality of care with respect to the over time were assessed using linear and logistic regression for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1.382 patients were included in the ACTION REGISTRY®-GWTG™ and 3.179 patients in the CathPCI Registry®. In the ACTION registry, the overall AMI performance composite of quality indicators improved along the 4 years from 95.0% to 99.6% (p for trend <0.001). The percentage of appropriate/uncertain PCI in acute and elective scenario increased along the years from 91.1% and 70.9% to 96.6% and 84.7%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION: The present novel experience using the NCDR® registries as benchmarks to guide quality-improvement programs in an international site was associated with improvement in quality indicators.

Intermittent claudication and severe renal artery stenosis are independently associated in hypertensive patients referred for renal arteriography.

OBJECTIVE:: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the presence of clinical symptoms of peripheral artery disease and severe renal artery stenosis in patients referred for renal angiography. METHOD:: We included 82 patients with clinical suspicion of renovascular hypertension and performed an imaging investigation (renal Doppler ultrasound and/or renal scintigraphy) for possible renal artery stenosis. All patients underwent renal arteriography and were examined for peripheral artery disease based on the presence of intermittent claudication and ankle-brachial index test results. Severe renal artery stenosis was defined as a lesion causing 70% obstruction. RESULTS:: Severe renal artery stenosis was present in 32 of 82 (39%) patients. Patients with severe renal artery stenosis were older (63±12 vs 56±12 years, p=0.006), had more intermittent claudication (55 vs 45%, p=0.027), and had a greater prevalence of an ankle-brachial index <0.9 (44% vs 20%, p=0.021) than patients without severe renal artery stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of intermittent claudication was independently associated with renal artery stenosis ≥70% (OR: 3.33; 95% CI 1.03-10.82, p=0.04), unlike the ankle-brachial index, which showed no association (OR: 1.44; 95% CI 0.37-5.66, p=0.60). CONCLUSION:: Intermittent claudication is independently associated with severe renal artery stenosis (≥70%) in patients clinically suspected of having renovascular hypertension.

Intermittent claudication and severe renal artery stenosis are independently associated in hypertensive patients referred for renal arteriography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the presence of clinical symptoms of peripheral artery disease and severe renal artery stenosis in patients referred for renal angiography. METHOD: We included 82 patients with clinical suspicion of renovascular hypertension and performed an imaging investigation (renal Doppler ultrasound and/or renal scintigraphy) for possible renal artery stenosis. All patients underwent renal arteriography and were examined for peripheral artery disease based on the presence of intermittent claudication and ankle-brachial index test results. Severe renal artery stenosis was defined as a lesion causing 70% obstruction. RESULTS: Severe renal artery stenosis was present in 32 of 82 (39%) patients. Patients with severe renal artery stenosis were older (63±12 vs 56±12 years, p=0.006), had more intermittent claudication (55 vs 45%, p=0.027), and had a greater prevalence of an ankle-brachial index <0.9 (44% vs 20%, p=0.021) than patients without severe renal artery stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of intermittent claudication was independently associated with renal artery stenosis ≥70% (OR: 3.33; 95% CI 1.03-10.82, p=0.04), unlike the ankle-brachial index, which showed no association (OR: 1.44; 95% CI 0.37-5.66, p=0.60). CONCLUSION: Intermittent claudication is independently associated with severe renal artery stenosis (≥70%) in patients clinically suspected of having renovascular hypertension.

Impact of Chest Pain Protocol with Access to Telemedicine on Implementation of Pharmacoinvasive Strategy in a Private Hospital Network.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian registries have shown a gap between evidence-based therapies and real treatments. We aim to compare the use of the pharmacoinvasive strategy and mortality in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transferred pre- and post-chest pain protocol with access to telemedicine (CPPT) in a private hospital network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A CPPT was implemented in 22 private emergency departments in 2012. Emergency physicians and nurses of all facilities were trained to disseminate the information to comply with a chest pain protocol focusing on reperfusion therapy (pharmacoinvasive strategy) for STEMI. To conduct clinical discussions using telemedicine, a cardiologist from a reference hospital in cardiology (RHC) was available 24 h/day, 7 days/week. Using the database of all consecutive admissions, we compared the data of patients with STEMI transferred to the RHC in 2011 (pre-CPPT) and 2013-2014 (post-CPPT). RESULTS: We included 376 patients (113 pre-CPPT and 263 post-CPPT) with STEMI. All patients admitted in the RHC were transferred from the 22 emergency departments. Comparing pre-CPPT and post-CPPT, we did not find differences regarding age, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, previous myocardial infarction, or Killip classification. However, the use of CPPT was associated with a greater use of pharmacoinvasive strategy (55.8% versus 38%; p = 0.002) and a trend toward lower in-hospital mortality (3% versus 8%; p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a CPPT was associated with a significant increase in the use of pharmacoinvasive strategy in patients with STEMI and a trend toward reduced in-hospital mortality in a private hospital network.

Left Main Ostial Compression in a Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension: Dynamic Findings by IVUS.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery dilatation is a common feature among patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Left main coronary artery extrinsic compression by an enlarged pulmonary artery is a rare complication and a potential cause for chest pain and sudden cardiac death in patients with pulmonary hypertension. This situation is very rare and few reports have described it. Currently, the appropriate management of these patients remains unknown. CASE REPORT: In the present report we describe the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of cardiac symptoms related to exercise. The patient underwent a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography, which showed left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression by a markedly enlarged pulmonary artery trunk (44 mm), without intraluminal stenosis or coronary artery calcium, as determined by the Agatston score. This compression was considered to be the cause of the cardiac symptoms. To confirm and plan the treatment, the patient underwent cardiac catheterization that confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and LMCA critical obstruction. Taking into account the paucity of information regarding the best management in these cases, the treatment decision was shared among a "heart team" that chose percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement. An intra-vascular ultrasound was performed during the procedure, which showed a dynamic compression of the left main coronary artery. The intervention was successfully executed without any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates dynamic compression of the LMCA by IVUS, visually demonstrating the mechanism of the intermittent symptoms of myocardial ischemia in this kind of patient. It also shows that percutaneous stenting technique may be an appropriate treatment for this unusual situation.

Estudo dos determinantes de doença arterial coronária grave em pacientes hipertensos com indicação de arteriografia renal por suspeita de estenose de artéria rena / Determinants of severe coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients with indications of renal angiography for suspected renal artery stenosis

INTRODUÇÃO: Em pacientes hipertensos com suspeita de doença arterial coronária (DAC), indicações para a realização de arteriografia renal no mesmo procedimento da cinecoronariografia estão bem estabelecidas. Entretanto, em hipertensos com suspeita de estenose de artéria renal (EAR) com indicação de arteriografia renal, não estão bem definidos os determinantes da presença de DAC grave. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência e os determinantes de DAC grave em pacientes hipertensos com indicação de arteriografia renal por suspeita de EAR. METODOLOGIA: Oitenta e dois pacientes com suspeita clínica de EAR foram submetidos à cinecoronariografia e arteriografia renal no mesmo procedimento. Lesão arterial significativa em artérias renal e/ou coronária foi definida por obstrução luminal maior ou igual a 70 por cento. RESULTADOS: Obstrução luminal significativa, tanto em artéria coronária quanto em renal, foi encontrada em 39 cento dos pacientes. Os pacientes com DAC grave apresentaram idade mais avançada (63±12 vs. 56±13 anos; p=0,03), maior prevalência de angina (41 vs. 16 cento; p=0,013), maior diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (44,7 vs. 40,6mm; p=0,005) e maior velocidade de onda de pulso (12,6 vs. 10,7 m/s, p=0,02), comparados com os pacientes sem DAC grave. A presença de EAR significativa esteve associada a uma maior prevalência de DAC grave comparada a pacientes sem a lesão (66 cento vs. 22 cento; p<0,001). A análise multivariada demonstrou que EAR70 cento esteve associada com DAC grave de maneira independente (OR: 11,48; 95 centoCI 3,2-40,2; p<0,001), mesmo em pacientes sem angina (OR: 13,48; 95 centoCI 2,6-12,1; p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Há elevada prevalência de doença coronária grave em pacientes hipertensos com estenose de artéria renal significativa. A presença de estenose maior ou igual a 70 cento, verificada em arteriografia renal, é preditor forte e independente para a presença de DAC grave, mesmo na ausência de angina...

INTRODUCTION: In patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), indications for performing coronary and renal angiography at the same setting are well established. However, in hypertensive patients with suspected renal artery stenosis (RAS) with indication for renal angiography, it is not well defined the determinants of the presence of severe CAD. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of severe CAD in hypertensive patients referred to renal angiography for the diagnosis of RAS. METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients with high clinical risk for RAS systematically underwent renal angiography and coronary angiography at the same procedure. Significant RAS and CAD were defined as arterial luminal obstruction 70 percent. RESULTS: Either significant RAS or significant CAD were present in 32/82 patients (39 percent). Patients with severe CAD were older (63±12 vs. 56±13 years, p=0.03), had more angina (41 vs. 16 percent; p=0.013), higher left atrial diameter (44.7 vs. 40,6mm; p=0.005), and higher pulse wave velocity (12.6 vs. 10.7 m/s); p=0.02) compared to patients without significant CAD. Significant RAS was associated with an increased prevalence of severe CAD compared to patients without the lesion (66 percent vs. 22 percent, respectively; p<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that RAS 70 percent was independently associated with severe CAD (OR: 11.48; 95 percentCI 3.2-40.2; p<0.001), even in patients without angina (OR: 13.48; 95 percentCI 2.6-12.1; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of severe CAD in hypertensive patients with significant RAS is high. The presence of RAS 70 percent, diagnosed by renal angiography, is a strong and useful predictor to identify severe CAD, independently of the presence of angina...

Associação de estenose de artéria renal e doença coronária em pacientes com hipertensão e aterosclerose / Association between renal artery stenosis and coronary disease in patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis

Existem fortes evidências da associação de estenose de artéria renal em pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronária, pois ambas as situações apresentam fatores em comum para aterosclerose. Neste artigo foram revisadas as principais evidências da associação e a importância do diagnóstico dessas duas entidades na prática clínica.

Strong evidences support the association of renal arterystenosis in patients with coronary artery disease, since both conditions share similar risk factors for atherosclerosis. In this review we address the principal evidences for this association and the importance of the correct diagnosis for the clinical practice.

Alterações vasculares da hipertensão arterial / Vascular modifications of arterial hypertension

As principais complicações da hipertensão arterial são consequências de lesões vasculares. As alterações da estrutura e função das pequenas artérias de resistência em reposta ao aumento de tensão na parede da artéria incluem espessamento arterial, diminuição do lúmen e vasoconstrição aumentada. As grandes artérias que apresentam capacidade de condução e de amortecimento respondem ao aumento de pressão com aumento da rigidez e diminuição da distensibilidade, que piora com o envelhecimento. O aumento da rigidez no paciente hipertenso está associado a maior risco cardiovascular, assim como o remodelamento inadequado das pequenas artérias. As principais manifestações clínicas das lesões vasculares da hipertensão arterial incluem a hipertensão maligna, a doença arterial periférica, o auneurisma e a dissecção da aorta. O tratamento adequado da pressão arterial pode reverter as lesões vasculares e consequentemente melhorar o prognóstico cardiovascular do paciente hipertenso.

Tumor de Franz: relato de um caso / Frantz's tumor: report of a case

O tumor de Frantz é uma neoplasia rara do pâncreas. Ocorre principalmente em pacientes jovens e apresenta umbom prognóstico. Pouco mais de 300 casos foram relatados na literatura mundial. Os autores apresentam um casode Tumor de Frantz, em uma paciente do sexo feminino cuja apresentação clínica foi de massa abdominal palpável.A tomografia computadorizada (TC) associada à ultrassonografia (US) evidenciaram presença de massa sólidocística.Dois terços destes tumores ocorrem no corpo e cauda do pâncreas, e apesar do crescimento excessivopara fora dos limites pancreáticos, raramente invadem estruturas vasculares ou órgãos adjacentes, o que correspondeuaos achados intraoperatórios do caso. A paciente foi submetida a pancreatectomia corpo-caudal com preservaçãodo baço. À microscopia foram evidenciadas cavidades císticas com ocasionais estruturas papilíferas. A pacienteencontra-se sem evidência da doença 24 meses após a operação. Enfatiza-se a necessidade de se considerar otumor de Frantz no diagnóstico diferencial de massa abdominal em pacientes jovens.

Frantz´s tumor is a rare neoplasia of the pancreas that occur mainly in teenage patients with a good prognosis. Alittle over 300 cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. The autors present a case of Frantz's tumor ona female patient, whose presentation was palpable abdominal mass. CT scans and ultrasound imaging showed asolid cystic mass. Two thirds of these tumors occur at the body or tail of the pancreas, and in spite of the excessivegrowth around the pancreas, it rarely invades vascular structures or adjacent organs, what could have been seenintraoperatively in this case. The patient was submitted to a partial pancreatectomy of body and tail with preservation of the spleen. Microscopic examination displayed evident cystic cavities with occasional papillary structures. The patient is disease-free 24 months after the operation. We emphasize the need to consider tumor of Frantz as a differential diagnosis for abdominal masses in youngsters.