Concordance between vessel-specific and vascular territory coronary functional assessment: A comparison of quantitative flow ratio and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) are utilized for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD) significance. We aimed to analyze their concordance and prognostic impact. AIMS: We aimed to analyze the concordance between QFR and MPS and their risk stratification. METHODS: Patients with invasive coronary angiography and MPS were categorized as concordant if QFR ≤ 0.80 and summed difference score (SDS) ≥ 4 or if QFR > 0.80 and SDS < 4; otherwise, they were discordant. Concordance was classified by coronary territory involvement: total (three territories), partial (two territories), poor (one territory), and total discordance (zero territories). Leaman score assessed coronary atherosclerotic burden. RESULTS: 2010 coronary territories (670 patients) underwent joint QFR and MPS analysis. MPS area under the curve for QFR ≤ 0.80 was 0.637. Concordance rates were total (52.5%), partial (29.1%), poor (15.8%), and total discordance (2.6%). Most concordance occurred in patients without significant CAD or with single-vessel disease (89.5%), particularly without MPS perfusion defects (91.5%). Leaman score (odds ratio [OR]: 0.839, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.805-0.875, p < 0.001) and MPS perfusion defect (summed stress score [SSS] ≥ 4) (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.211-0.596, p < 0.001) were independent predictors for discordance. After 1400 days, no significant difference in death/myocardial infarction was observed based on MPS assessment, but Leaman score, functional Leaman score, and average QFR identified higher risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: MPS showed good overall accuracy in assessing QFR significance but substantial discordance existed. Predictors for discordance included higher atherosclerotic burden and MPS perfusion defects (SSS ≥ 4). Leaman score, QFR-based functional Leaman score, and average QFR provided better risk stratification for all-cause death and myocardial infarction than MPS.

B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in severe aortic stenosis: a comprehensive literature review.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro BNP) are cardiac biomarkers that are released in response to increased ventricular and atrial wall stress. Aortic stenosis (AS) leads to hemodynamic changes and left ventricular hypertrophy and may be associated with natriuretic peptide levels. Several studies have shown that increased natriuretic peptide levels are correlated with AS severity and can predict the need for intervention. It can be useful in risk stratification, monitoring follow-up, and predicting cardiovascular outcomes of patients with severe AS. This paper aims to summarize the evidence of the role of BNP and NT-pro BNP in AS, before and after intervention.

The safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in diabetic patients submitted to elective percutaneous coronary intervention regarding kidney function: SAFE-PCI pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most performed well-succeeded therapeutic procedures worldwide, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI) produced early after an ischemic renal insult. Osmotic diuresis and the vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole promoted by Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) generate a concern regarding the possibility of dehydration and consequent AKI. There is no consensus on the maintenance or discontinuation of SGTL2i in patients who will undergo PCI. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of empagliflozin in diabetic patients submitted to elective PCI regarding kidney function. METHODS: SAFE-PCI trial is a prospective, open-label, randomized (1:1), single-center pilot study and a follow-up of 30 days. The SGLT2i empagliflozin 25 mg daily was initiated at least 15 days before PCI in the intervention group and maintained until the end of the follow-up period. Serum NGAL was collected 6 h after PCI and creatinine before PCI, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure. As per protocol, both groups received optimal medical treatment and standard protocol of nephroprotection. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were randomized (22 patients in the iSGLT-2 group and 20 patients in the control group). There was no difference between-group baseline data. The primary outcome (NGAL and creatinine values post PCI) did not differ in both groups: the mean NGAL value was 199 ng/dL in the empagliflozin group and 150 ng/dL in the control group (p = 0.249). Although there was an initial increase in creatinine in the SGLT-2i group compared to the control group between baseline creatinine and pre-PCI and 24 h post-PCI creatinine, no difference was detected in creatinine 48 h post-PCI (p = 0.065). The incidence of CI-AKI, determined by KDIGO criteria, in the iSGLT2-group was 13.6% and 10.0% in the control group without statistical difference. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the use of empagliflozin is safe regarding kidney function during elective PCI in patients with T2D when compared with no use of SGLT2i. Trial registration Our clinical study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the following number: NCT05037695.

Microvascular lung vessels obstructive thromboinflammatory syndrome in patients with COVID-19: Insights from lung intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Background: Microvascular lung vessels obstructive thromboinflammatory syndrome has been proposed as a possible mechanism of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients. However, it has only been observed in post-mortem studies and has never been documented in vivo, probably because of a lack of CT scan sensitivity in small pulmonary arteries. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety, tolerability, and diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the assessment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia for pulmonary microvascular thromboinflammatory syndrome. Methods: The COVID-OCT trial was a multicenter, open-label, prospective, interventional clinical study. Two cohorts of patients were included in the study and underwent pulmonary OCT evaluation. Cohort A consisted of patients with COVID-19 with a negative CT scan for pulmonary thrombosis and elevated thromboinflammatory markers (D-dimer > 10,000 ng/mL or 5,000 < D-dimer < 10,000 ng/mL and one of: C-reactive Protein > 100 mg/dL, IL-6 > 6 pg/mL, or ferritin > 900 ng/L). Cohort B consisted of patients with COVID-19 and a CT scan positive for pulmonary thrombosis. The primary endpoints of the study were: (i) to evaluate the overall safety of OCT investigation in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, and (ii) to report on the potential value of OCT as a novel diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of microvascular pulmonary thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. Results: A total of 13 patients were enrolled. The mean number of OCT runs performed in each patient was 6.1 ± 2.0, both in ground glass and healthy lung areas, achieving a good evaluation of the distal pulmonary arteries. Overall, OCT runs identified microvascular thrombosis in 8 patients (61.5%): 5 cases of red thrombus, 1 case of white thrombus, and 2 cases of mixed thrombus. In Cohort A, the minimal lumen area was 3.5 ± 4.6 mm2, with stenosis of 60.9 ± 35.9% of the area, and the mean length of thrombus-containing lesions was 5.4 ± 3.0 mm. In Cohort B, the percentage area obstruction was 92.6 ± 2.6, and the mean thrombus-containing lesion length was 14.1 ± 13.9 mm. No peri-procedural complications occurred in any of the 13 patients. Conclusion: OCT appears to be a safe and accurate method of evaluating the distal pulmonary arteries in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here, it enabled the first in vivo documentation of distal pulmonary arterial thrombosis in patients with elevated thromboinflammatory markers, even when their CT angiogram was negative for pulmonary thrombosis. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier NCT04410549.

Offline Assessment of the Quantitative Flow Ratio: Is it Useful in Clinical Practice?

INTRODUCTION: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been established as the gold standard in the physiological assessment of coronary obstructions severity. However, the need to insert an intracoronary pressure guidewire is a factor that limits its use. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a method that infers the value of FFR from 3-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (3D-QCA), eliminating the use of a pressure wire and coronary hyperemia. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of QFR and 3D-QCA in comparison with FFR for the identification of significant obstructive coronary lesions (FFR ≤.80) and the feasibility to assess QFR in a cohort of patients without dedicated angiographic acquisition. METHODS: Consecutive patients with coronary angiography with moderate obstructive lesions that had previous FFR measurement were evaluated. Validation of QFR was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) and other statistical tools, using FFR as the reference method. RESULTS: Seventy-five arteries from 69 patients were evaluated. The accuracy of the QFR to detect FFR ≤.80 was 84.0% (95% confidence interval, 75.6-92.4). The correlation and agreement between FFR and QFR were r=0.54 (P<.01) and mean difference was -0.02 ± 0.09 (P=.09), respectively. The AUC of QFR and 3D-QCA identifying stenosis >50% was 0.854 and 0.755, respectively (P=.09). CONCLUSION: QFR demonstrated good accuracy compared with FFR for the assessment of moderate obstructive coronary lesions in an unselected clinical practice population. However, many patients were excluded from the analysis and there was no statistical difference between the receiver operator characteristic curves of the QFR and percent diameter stenosis.

Same-day discharge percutaneous coronary intervention. Where are we? / Intervenção coronária percutânea com alta no mesmo dia. Onde estamos?

With the evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention techniques and their greater safety, the use of radial access, the greater need to optimize resources in health management and the greater demand from patients for an agile service to solve their problems, the discharge on the same day after percutaneous coronary interventions have been gaining ground in the global scenario as a feasible strategy. The objective of this article was to demonstrate that there is already a scientific basis for this, which extends from the financial aspect, and the patient's experience, to the technical details related to the safety of the strategy. A structured protocol based on evidence and on the most recent recommendations from two major medical societies is also proposed. Selecting patients well, training the multidisciplinary team and educating the patient are fundamental parts for the success of the strategy.

Com a evolução das técnicas de intervenção coronária percutânea e sua maior segurança, o uso do acesso radial, a maior necessidade de otimização dos recursos na gestão em saúde e a maior cobrança por parte dos pacientes por um serviço ágil para resolução de seus problemas, a alta no mesmo dia após as intervenções coronárias percutâneas vem ganhando espaço no cenário global como uma estratégia factível. O objetivo deste artigo foi demonstrar que já há base científica para o assunto, a qual se estende desde a aspectos financeiros, à experiência do paciente até à questão técnica relacionada à segurança da estratégia. Propõe-se, ainda, um protocolo estruturado baseado em evidências e nas recomendações mais recentes de duas grandes sociedades médicas. Selecionar bem os pacientes, treinar a equipe multiprofissional e educar o paciente são partes fundamentais para o sucesso da estratégia.

Focused Endocardial Septal Ablation: A New Technique to Treat Postmyectomy Recurrent Gradient

This report describes the case of a 64-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent surgical myectomy but who had a persistent midventricular residual gradient. The patient was symptomatic despite medical treatment and chose to undergo percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation focused on the gradient. RF delivery was performed, and the gradient was reduced from the initial 105/68 mm Hg (during Valsalva maneuver/at rest before ablation) to 24/10 mm Hg. This reduction was sustained for the next 12 months. Percutaneous RF ablation may be a reasonable option for second surgical myectomy, and the protocol can be easily reproduced.

Efeito da nitroglicerina pré-cateterismo transradial sobre o espasmo de artéria radial: análise baseada na experiência do operador / Effect of nitroglycerin pre-transradial catheterization on radial artery spasm: analysis based on operator experience

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso da artéria radial como acesso arterial para o cateterismo cardíaco tem sido preferencial devido a vantagens clínicas demonstradas. Um dos limitantes do uso da artéria como via de acesso é a ocorrência de espasmo (EAR), para o qual se recomenda o uso de medicações espasmolíticas profiláticas. A nitroglicerina é uma droga vasodilatadora que tem sido usada para este fim. O benefício da medicação na prevenção do espasmo poderia ser influenciado pela experiência do operador. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a redução na incidência de EAR, por avaliação clínica, em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco por via transradial (ATR) submetidos à pré-medicação com nitroglicerina intra-arterial, comparado àqueles que não receberam pré-medicação com nitroglicerina. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, multicêntrico, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado. Um grupo recebeu nitroglicerina, na dose de 500 μg, diluída em 10ml de soro fisiológico através do introdutor, e um segundo grupo, que recebeu placebo (SF). A avaliação de espasmo foi clínica, através de escala numérica de dor (graduada de 0 a 10), e será definido como presente nos casos em que seja maior que 6. A experiência do operador foi classificada como: inexperiente (I) (menos que 100 procedimento por ATR realizados); experientes (E) (de 100 a 1000 ATR) e altamente experientes (A) (mais que 1000 ATR). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 1991 pacientes, com média de 61,8 anos, sendo 61,7% do sexo masculino e 36,6% com diabetes. Operadores I realizaram 454 (22,8%) procedimentos; E, 949 (47,7%) e A, 588 (29,5%). A incidência de espasmo foi de 14,5% no grupo I, 12,5% no grupo E e 9,7% no grupo A (p=0,01 para comparação entre o grupo I e A). A mudança de via de acesso também foi mais comum no grupo I (3,5% vs. 2,5% (E) vs. 0,2% (A), p<0,01). No grupo I, o uso profilático de nitroglicerina reduziu a incidência de espasmo (17,9% vs. 11,1%, p=0,04), o que não ocorreu no grupo E (13,3% vs. 11,8%, p=0,49) ou no grupo A (10,2% vs. 9,2%, p=0,68). O uso de medicação vasodilatadora de resgate também foi mais comum no grupo I (3,1% vs. 2,9% (E) vs. 0,5% (A), p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: O EAR é mais comum no início da curva de aprendizado do ATR, nesta situação o uso profilático da nitroglicerina, na dose de 500 μg, reduz a ocorrência de EAR, este efeito benéfico da nitroglicerina não é observado com operadores mais experientes.

Ultrasound study of forearm arteries in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, and assessment of predictors of arterial vessel caliber

BACKGROUND: The radial approach has been increasingly used worldwide for diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization. The radial artery caliber is one of the limitations of its use. The objective of this study was to describe the anatomy of the radial and ulnar arteries, as well as to develop a radial artery diameter prediction score using clinical and anthropometric criteria. METHODS: Using vascular ultrasound with bilateral radial and ulnar artery measurements, 1,180 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization or angioplasty procedures were prospectively evaluated. Using the patients' variables, a radial artery diameter prediction score was developed in a cross-sectional fashion, using half of the sample. The score was validated with the half not used for deriving the model. RESULTS: A total of 1,180 patients were evaluated. The mean internal diameter of the right and left radial arteries was 2.69±0.69mm and 2.53±0.64mm (p<0.01), and the mean internal diameter of the right and left ulnar arteries was 2.09±0.59mm and 2.10±0.60mm (p=0.76), respectively. The factors that positively correlated with arterial size were male sex, previous catheterization, height, weight, and body surface area. The risk score developed using clinical and anthropometric variables had unsatisfactory discriminatory capacity (c-statistics 0.64). CONCLUSION: The right radial artery is the largest forearm artery in most cases. Men and patients who had previously undergone catheterization have a larger mean radial artery diameter. The artery diameter prediction score has modest accuracy for clinical use. (AU)

E/e` ratio is superior to speckle tracking for detecting elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved ejection fraction

BACKGROUND: A weak correlation has been reported between left ventricular filling pressures and the traditional echocardiographic tools for the evaluation of diastolic function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). On the other hand, studies that compared invasive measurements with speckle tracking echocardiography have shown promising results, but they were not exclusively targeted on this specific population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immediately before the left heart catheterization, a comprehensive two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking analysis was prospectively performed in outpatients referred for coronary angiography. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured before any contrast exposure. Eighty-one patients with coronary artery disease were studied, and the group with high LVEDP (n = 40) showed increased left atrial volume index (22 +/- 6 mL/m(2) vs 26 +/- 8.26 mL/m(2) , P = 0.04), E-wave velocity (65 +/- 15 cm/s vs 78 +/- 20 cm/s, P = 0.02), E/e` (average) ratio (8.14 +/- 2.0 vs 11.54 +/- 2.7, P = 0.03), and E/global circumferential strain rate E peak ratio (E/GCSRE ) (39 cm vs 46 cm, P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between LVEDP and E/e` (rho = 0.56; P = 0.03), and between LVEDP and E/GCSRE ratio (rho = 0.43; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.83 and 0.73, respectively (P < 0.05). E/e` and E/GCSRE were both independent predictors of elevated LVEDP (P < 0.05, with a higher C-statistic for the model including E/e` (0.89 vs 0.85). CONCLUSION: The E/e` ratio was able to identify elevated LVEDP in CAD patients with preserved LVEF with more accuracy than the E/GCSRE ratio.(AU)

E/e` ratio is superior to speckle tracking for detecting elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: A weak correlation has been reported between left ventricular filling pressures and the traditional echocardiographic tools for the evaluation of diastolic function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). On the other hand, studies that compared invasive measurements with speckle tracking echocardiography have shown promising results, but they were not exclusively targeted on this specific population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immediately before the left heart catheterization, a comprehensive two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking analysis was prospectively performed in outpatients referred for coronary angiography. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured before any contrast exposure. Eighty-one patients with coronary artery disease were studied, and the group with high LVEDP (n = 40) showed increased left atrial volume index (22 ± 6 mL/m2 vs 26 ± 8.26 mL/m2 , P = 0.04), E-wave velocity (65 ± 15 cm/s vs 78 ± 20 cm/s, P = 0.02), E/e` (average) ratio (8.14 ± 2.0 vs 11.54 ± 2.7, P = 0.03), and E/global circumferential strain rate E peak ratio (E/GCSRE ) (39 cm vs 46 cm, P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between LVEDP and E/e` (ρ = 0.56; P = 0.03), and between LVEDP and E/GCSRE ratio (ρ = 0.43; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.83 and 0.73, respectively (P < 0.05). E/e` and E/GCSRE were both independent predictors of elevated LVEDP (P < 0.05), with a higher C-statistic for the model including E/e` (0.89 vs 0.85). CONCLUSION: The E/e` ratio was able to identify elevated LVEDP in CAD patients with preserved LVEF with more accuracy than the E/GCSRE ratio.

Sangramento tardio em pacientes submetidos a TAVI - fatores relacionados e implicações prognósticas / Late bleeding in TAVI patients - related factors and prognostic implications

INTRODUÇÃO: A estenose aórtica (EAo) constitui uma das principais valvopatias encontradas, estando associada a grande morbimortalidade ao iniciarem os seus sintomas. O implante de bioprótese aórtica transcateter (do inglês transcatheter aortic valve implantation ­ TAVI) constitui em modalidade mais recente no tratamento intervencionista da estenose aórtica, revolucionando a propedêutica de muitos pacientes antes considerados inoperáveis. Grande preocupação é dada as complicações de sangramento submetidos pós-TAVI. Objetiva-se avaliar a incidência e fatores clínicos associados ao sangramento tardio (≥ 30 dias) em pacientes submetidos a TAVI e analisar o impacto do sangramento tardio nesses indivíduos. Além disso, buscou-se correlacionar a ocorrência de sangramento com escores de risco já estabelecidos em outros cenários clínicos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de pesquisa observacional e retrospectiva através de análise de banco de dados de um único centro composto de pacientes consecutivos submetidos a TAVI. A definição de sangramentos tardios foram baseados nos critérios definidos pelo Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC-2). O nível de significância adotado foi para valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: De uma população de 371 pacientes, há um predomínio do sexo feminino (54%), com idade média de 67 anos, obtendo-se taxa de sangramentos tardios de 10%, valores semelhantes aos encontrados na literatura. Dentre os fatores associados, a presença de doença carotídea >50% (p=0,021), hipertensão pulmonar (p=0,023), refluxo aórtico (p=0,014), HAS-BLED (p<0,001), uso de anticoagulação oral (p<0,001), ácido acetilsalicílico (p=0,001), disfunção diastólica (p=0,032) e a ocorrência de fibrilação atrial/flutter seja de maneira paroxística (p<0,01) ou permanente (p<0,001) estiveram associados a maior ocorrência de sangramento tardio. De maneira semelhante a outros estudos na literatura, fatores como a terapia antitrombótica e até mesmo refluxo aórtico tiveram grande influência na ocorrência dos eventos de sangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A TAVI é um procedimento inovador e cada vez importante no tratamento da estenose aórtica. O conhecimento dos fatores relacionados ao sangramento tardio são de grande importância na redução de efeitos adversos em pacientes submetidos a TAVI, uma vez que estão associados a grande impacto na morbimortalidade desses doentes. (AU)

Mecanismos de falência tardia de stents em enxerto venoso aorto-coronário: uma análise com tomografia de coerência óptica intravascular / Mechanisms of late stent failure in aorto-coronary venous graft: an analysis with intravascular optical coherence tomography

INTRODUÇÃO: Intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) em enxertos venosos degenerados associa-se com maiores taxas de reestenose e trombose em comparação com ICP de vasos nativos. Pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos de falência tardia de stents implantados em enxertos venosos degenerados. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 64 anos, diabético, foi submetido à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica em 1998. Em 2011, foi submetido à ICP com implante de stent não farmacológico no corpo de um enxerto venoso da aorta para o primeiro ramo obtuso marginal, por degeneração do enxerto com estenose importante. Em 2018, apresentou quadro de síndrome coronária aguda sem supradesnível do segmento ST (SCA SSST), com stent farmacológico implantado no mesmo enxerto por reestenose do stent prévio. Permaneceu assintomático por seis meses, quando deu entrada com novo quadro de SCA SSST. Cinecoronariografia revelou fluxo lentificado (TIMI 2) no mesmo enxerto, com imagem radiolucente no interior dos stents implantados, sugestiva de trombo intraluminal. Após cruzarmos a obstrução com guia 0.014", e o posicionarmos no leito distal do ramo obtuso marginal, não conseguimos avançar filtro de proteção embólica através dos stents, à despeito de bom suporte fornecido pelo cateter-guia ­ evento inesperado para um vaso de grande calibre com trombo em seu interior. Para esclarecer o mecanismo de falência, realizamos imagens com OCT. Visualizamos longo segmento de trombo predominantemente vermelho associado com má aposição das hastes do stent na sua porção distal, importante subexpansão na sua porção média, e sinais de neoaterosclerose com calcificação do tecido neointimal, e projeção de nódulos calcificados para o interior do lumen vascular na porção proximal (figura). Utilizando as informações da OCT, implantamos stent farmacológico liberador de everolimus 4.0 x 28 mm. Otimizamos a expansão com o balão não complacente 4.0 x 15 mm, insuflado até 30 atm. Controle com OCT revelou completa aposição das hastes do novo stent, com adequada expansão do dispositivo, sem dissecção de suas bordas (figura). CONCLUSÃO: O alto grau de degeneração dos enxertos, desprovidos de nutrição adequada por vasa-vasorum, e sem camada muscular lisa, cria ambiente pró-aterogênico e pró-trombótico, que contribuem para falência dos stents. No presente caso, o avançado grau de neoaterosclerose no interior de stent farmacológico implantado seis meses antes, somado com imperfeições técnicas dos procedimentos anteriores, contribuíram para a sucessão de falências. (AU)

Não julgue um livro pela capa: desafio diagnóstico imposto pela coexistência de doença arterial coronária e cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo / Don't judge a book by its cover: diagnostic challenge posed by coexistence of coronary artery disease and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

INTRODUÇÃO: Em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdico com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST), apresentando-se em hospital dotado de sala de cateterismo, com tempo do início dos sintomas inferior a 12 horas, a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária é a estratégia de reperfusão preferencial. No presente relato, apresentamos um caso de difícil decisão, em que esta abordagem seria equivocada. RELATO DO CASO: Mulher de 77 anos, diabética e hipertensa apresentou-se com quadro de dor precordial opressiva e de forte intensidade, iniciada 2 horas antes durante discussão com o marido. ECG inicial mostrou elevação do segmento ST de V2-V6. Cinecoronariografia de emergência revelou estenose longa e moderadano segmento médio da artéria descendente anterior (DA) (Figura 1). Embora a lesão na DA estivesse em consonância com a localização eletrocardiográfica do infarto, chamou atenção a ausência de trombo intraluminal e/ou radiolucência no local da lesão, com fluxo normal. Procedemos com a ventriculografia esquerda, que revelou acinesia dos segmentos médio e apical do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), com grande "balonamento" da sua porção apical, sugestiva da cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo. Para avaliar associação da lesão na DA com o evento em curso, realizamos tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) (Figura 2). Observamos doença aterosclerótica estável, fibrocalcificada, com área luminal mínima de 1,48 mm2.No entanto, não havia ruptura ou erosão da placa, nem trombo intraluminal. ICP não foi realizada. Ressonância magnética (RNM) cardíaca confirmou os achados do VE. A paciente recebeu alta hospitalar no sexto dia de internação, após hospitalização sem intercorrências. Com 4 semanas, já havia retomado suas atividades diárias, e encontrava-se assintomática. RNM do coração mostrou resolução completa das alterações do VE, com ausência de defeitos de perfusão. DISCUSSÃO: Adequado julgamento clínico não deve ser negligenciado, mesmo em situações em que o médico é pressionado para rápida tomada de decisão. Presença de lesão na DA durante IAMCSST anterior, poderia ter levado ao tratamento equivocado da paciente. Ademais, ausência de doença coronária obstrutiva ou evidência de ruptura aguda da placa são condições necessárias para o diagnóstico de Takotsubo ­ diagnóstico desafiador ante a concomitância de doença aterosclerótica em paciente diabética de 77 anos. Neste contexto, a OCT foi fundamental para excluir a doença coronária como causa do evento agudo, e confirmar a cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo. (AU)

Progression and Prognosis of Paravalvular Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation / Evolução e Prognóstico da Regurgitação Paravalvar Após Implante de Valva Aórtica Transcateter

Abstract Background: The impact of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the impact of PVR on mortality and hospital readmission one year after TAVI. Methods: Between January 2009 and June 2015, a total of 251 patients underwent TAVI with three different prostheses at two cardiology centers. Patients were assessed according to PVR severity after the procedure. Results: PVR was classified as absent/trace or mild in 92.0% (n = 242) and moderate/severe in 7.1% (n = 18). The moderate/severe PVR group showed higher levels of aortic calcification (22% vs. 6%, p = 0.03), higher serum creatinine (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p = 0.014), lower aortic valve area (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, p = 0.05), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (49.2 ± 14.8% vs. 58.8 ± 12.1%, p = 0.009). Patients with moderate/severe PVR had more need for post-dilatation (p = 0.025) and use of larger-diameter balloons (p = 0.043). At one year, all-cause mortality was similar in both groups (16.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.08), as well as rehospitalization (11.1% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.915). PVR grade significantly reduced throughout the first year after the procedure (p < 0.01). The presence of moderate/severe PVR was not associated with higher one-year mortality rates (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.27-2.13, p = 0.864), rehospitalization (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.25-4.69, p=0.915), or composite outcome (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.28-2.13, p = 0.613). Conclusion: In this sample, moderate/severe PVR was not a predictor of long-term mortality or rehospitalization. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Resumo Fundamento: O impacto da regurgitação paravalvular (RPV) após implante de valva aórtica transcateter (TAVI) permanece incerto. Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da RPV na mortalidade e re-hospitalização 1 ano após o TAVI. Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2009 e junho de 2015, 251 pacientes foram submetidos ao TAVI em dois centros cardiológicos com 3 diferentes próteses. Os pacientes foram analisados de acordo com a gravidade da RPV pós-procedimento. Resultados: RPV foi classificada como ausente/mínima ou discreta em 92,0% (n=242) dos pacientes e moderada/grave em 7,1% (n = 18). Os pacientes com RPV moderada/importante apresentaram maior grau de calcificação aórtica (22,0% vs. 6,0%; p = 0,03), creatinina sérica (1,53 ± 0,71 vs. 1,18 ± 0,43 mg/dL; p = 0,01), menor área valvar aórtica (0,61 ± 0,12 vs. 0.69 ± 0,17 cm2; p = 0,05) e menor fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (49,17±14,79% vs. 58,82±12,14%; p = 0,009). Nos pacientes com RPV moderada/importante a necessidade de pós-dilatação foi maior (p = 0,025) e eventualmente com balão de diâmetro maior (p = 0,04). Ao final de 1 ano, a mortalidade por todas as causas foi similar em ambos os grupos (16,7% vs. 12,0%; p = 0,08), assim como re-hospitalização (11,1% vs. 7,3%; p = 0,91). O grau de RPV ao longo do primeiro ano reduziu progressivamente (p < 0,01). A presença de RPV moderada/importante não foi associada a maiores taxas de mortalidade em 1 ano [RR (risco relativo): 0,76; IC (intervalo de confiança) 95%: 0,27-2,13; p = 0,864)], re-hospitalização (RR: 1,08; IC 95%: 0,25-4,69; p = 0,915) ou desfecho combinado (RR: 0,77; IC 95%: 0,28-2,13; p = 0,61). Conclusões: Nesta amostra, a presença de regurgitação paravalvular moderada/importante não foi um preditor de mortalidade ou reinternação a longo prazo. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Progression and Prognosis of Paravalvular Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of PVR on mortality and hospital readmission one year after TAVI. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2015, a total of 251 patients underwent TAVI with three different prostheses at two cardiology centers. Patients were assessed according to PVR severity after the procedure. RESULTS: PVR was classified as absent/trace or mild in 92.0% (n = 242) and moderate/severe in 7.1% (n = 18). The moderate/severe PVR group showed higher levels of aortic calcification (22% vs. 6%, p = 0.03), higher serum creatinine (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p = 0.014), lower aortic valve area (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, p = 0.05), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (49.2 ± 14.8% vs. 58.8 ± 12.1%, p = 0.009). Patients with moderate/severe PVR had more need for post-dilatation (p = 0.025) and use of larger-diameter balloons (p = 0.043). At one year, all-cause mortality was similar in both groups (16.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.08), as well as rehospitalization (11.1% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.915). PVR grade significantly reduced throughout the first year after the procedure (p < 0.01). The presence of moderate/severe PVR was not associated with higher one-year mortality rates (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.27-2.13, p = 0.864), rehospitalization (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.25-4.69, p=0.915), or composite outcome (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.28-2.13, p = 0.613). CONCLUSION: In this sample, moderate/severe PVR was not a predictor of long-term mortality or rehospitalization. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Primary Mitral Valve Regurgitation Outcome in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis 1 Year After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Echocardiographic Evaluation / Evolução da Insuficiência Mitral Primária em Pacientes com Estenose Aórtica Grave 1 Ano Após Implante Transcateter de Valva Aórtica: Avaliação Ecocardiográfica Evolutiva

Abstract Background: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR), present in up to 74% of the patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), can be a negative prognostic factor when moderate or severe. The outcome of MR after percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and predictors associated with that outcome have not been well established in the literature. Objective: To assess the outcome of primary MR in patients submitted to TAVI and to identify associated factors. Methods: Observational study of patients with symptomatic severe AS submitted to TAVI from January 2009 to April 2015 at two specialized centers. Echocardiographic outcome was assessed with data collected before and 1 year after TAVI. Results: Of the 91 patients with MR submitted to TAVI and followed up for at least 12 months, 67 (73.6%) had minimum/mild MR before the procedure and 24 (26.4%) had moderate/severe MR. Of those with minimum/mild MR, 62 (92.5%) had no change in the MR grade (p < 0.001), while 5 (7.5%) showed worsening. Of those with moderate/severe MR, 8 (33.3%) maintained the same grade and 16 (66.7%) improved it (p = 0.076). Patients with moderate/severe MR who improved MR grade had lower EuroSCORE II (p = 0.023) and STS morbidity (p = 0.027) scores, as compared to those who maintained the MR grade. Conclusion: MR grades change after TAVI. This study suggests a trend towards improvement in moderate/severe MR after TAVI, which was associated with lower preoperative risk scores.

Resumo Fundamentos: A insuficiência valvar mitral (IM), presente em até 74% dos pacientes com estenose aórtica (EA) grave, pode representar um fator prognóstico negativo quando moderada ou importante. A evolução da IM após implante percutâneo de valva aórtica transcateter (TAVI) e preditores associados a essa evolução não estão bem estabelecidos na literatura. Objetivos: Avaliar a evolução da IM primária em pacientes submetidos ao TAVI e identificar fatores associados a essa evolução. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo observacional em pacientes com EA grave sintomática, submetidos ao TAVI no período de janeiro de 2009 a abril de 2015 em dois centros especializados. Foram avaliados desfechos ecocardiográficos com dados antes e 1 ano após a intervenção. Resultados: Dos 91 pacientes com IM que realizaram TAVI e tinham acompanhamento de pelo menos 12 meses, 67 (73,6%) apresentavam IM mínima ou discreta antes da realização do procedimento e 24 (26,4%), IM moderada ou grave. Entre os com IM mínima ou discreta, 62 (92,5%) não apresentaram mudança no grau de refluxo (p < 0,001) e 5 (7,5%) tiveram piora. Entre os com IM moderada ou grave, 8 (33,3%) permaneceram na mesma classe e 16 (66,7%) tiveram melhora (p = 0,076). Pacientes com IM moderada ou grave que melhoraram o grau de insuficiência apresentavam menores valores de EuroSCORE II (p = 0,023) e STS morbidade (p = 0,027), quando comparados aos que continuaram na mesma classe. Conclusão: Observou-se mudança significativa no grau de IM após realização de TAVI. Este estudo sugere uma tendência de melhora da IM moderada ou grave após TAVI, o que se associou a escores de risco pré-operatórios menos elevados.

Primary Mitral Valve Regurgitation Outcome in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis 1 Year After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Echocardiographic Evaluation.

BACKGROUND:: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR), present in up to 74% of the patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), can be a negative prognostic factor when moderate or severe. The outcome of MR after percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and predictors associated with that outcome have not been well established in the literature. OBJECTIVE:: To assess the outcome of primary MR in patients submitted to TAVI and to identify associated factors. METHODS:: Observational study of patients with symptomatic severe AS submitted to TAVI from January 2009 to April 2015 at two specialized centers. Echocardiographic outcome was assessed with data collected before and 1 year after TAVI. RESULTS:: Of the 91 patients with MR submitted to TAVI and followed up for at least 12 months, 67 (73.6%) had minimum/mild MR before the procedure and 24 (26.4%) had moderate/severe MR. Of those with minimum/mild MR, 62 (92.5%) had no change in the MR grade (p < 0.001), while 5 (7.5%) showed worsening. Of those with moderate/severe MR, 8 (33.3%) maintained the same grade and 16 (66.7%) improved it (p = 0.076). Patients with moderate/severe MR who improved MR grade had lower EuroSCORE II (p = 0.023) and STS morbidity (p = 0.027) scores, as compared to those who maintained the MR grade. CONCLUSION:: MR grades change after TAVI. This study suggests a trend towards improvement in moderate/severe MR after TAVI, which was associated with lower preoperative risk scores. FUNDAMENTOS:: A insuficiência valvar mitral (IM), presente em até 74% dos pacientes com estenose aórtica (EA) grave, pode representar um fator prognóstico negativo quando moderada ou importante. A evolução da IM após implante percutâneo de valva aórtica transcateter (TAVI) e preditores associados a essa evolução não estão bem estabelecidos na literatura. OBJETIVOS:: Avaliar a evolução da IM primária em pacientes submetidos ao TAVI e identificar fatores associados a essa evolução. MÉTODOS:: Realizou-se um estudo observacional em pacientes com EA grave sintomática, submetidos ao TAVI no período de janeiro de 2009 a abril de 2015 em dois centros especializados. Foram avaliados desfechos ecocardiográficos com dados antes e 1 ano após a intervenção. RESULTADOS:: Dos 91 pacientes com IM que realizaram TAVI e tinham acompanhamento de pelo menos 12 meses, 67 (73,6%) apresentavam IM mínima ou discreta antes da realização do procedimento e 24 (26,4%), IM moderada ou grave. Entre os com IM mínima ou discreta, 62 (92,5%) não apresentaram mudança no grau de refluxo (p < 0,001) e 5 (7,5%) tiveram piora. Entre os com IM moderada ou grave, 8 (33,3%) permaneceram na mesma classe e 16 (66,7%) tiveram melhora (p = 0,076). Pacientes com IM moderada ou grave que melhoraram o grau de insuficiência apresentavam menores valores de EuroSCORE II (p = 0,023) e STS morbidade (p = 0,027), quando comparados aos que continuaram na mesma classe. CONCLUSÃO:: Observou-se mudança significativa no grau de IM após realização de TAVI. Este estudo sugere uma tendência de melhora da IM moderada ou grave após TAVI, o que se associou a escores de risco pré-operatórios menos elevados.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold / Seguimento Muito Tardio de Pacientes após Intervenção Coronária Percutânea com Suporte Vascular Bioabsorvível Eluidor de Everolimus

Abstract Background: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were developed to improve the long-term results of percutaneous coronary intervention, restoring vasomotion. Objectives: To report very late follow-up of everolimus-eluting Absorb BVS (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) in our center. Methods: Observational retrospective study, in a single Brazilian center, from August 2011 to October 2013, including 49 patients submitted to Absorb BVS implantation. Safety and efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the in-hospital and very late follow-up phases (> 2 years). Results: All 49 patients underwent a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years and a maximum of 4.6 years. Mean age was 56.8 ± 7.6 years, 71.4% of the patients were men, and 26.5% were diabetic. Regarding clinical presentation, the majority (94%) had stable angina or silent ischemia. Device success was achieved in 100% of cases with 96% overall procedure success rate. Major adverse cardiovascular events rate was 4% at 30 days, 8.2% at 1 year, and 12.2% at 2 years, and there were no more events until 4.6 years. There were 2 cases of thrombosis (1 subacute and 1 late). Conclusions: In this preliminary analysis, Absorb BVS showed to be a safe and effective device in the very late follow-up. Establishing the efficacy and safety profiles of these devices in more complex scenarios is necessary.

Resumo Fundamento: Os suportes vasculares bioabsorvíveis (SVB) foram desenvolvidos com o intuito de melhorar os resultados da intervenção coronária percutânea a longo prazo, restabelecendo-se a vasomotricidade. Objetivos: Reportar o seguimento muito tardio do implante do SVB eluidor de everolimus Absorb® (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, EUA) em nosso centro. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, em um único centro brasileiro, que incluiu 49 pacientes submetidos ao implante do SVB Absorb® entre agosto/2011 e outubro/2013. Foram analisados os desfechos de segurança e eficácia na fase hospitalar e bastante tardia (> 2 anos). Resultados: Todos os 49 pacientes completaram um seguimento mínimo de 2,5 anos, sendo o máximo de 4,6 anos. A média de idade foi 56,8 ± 7,6 anos, sendo 71,4% da população estudada do sexo masculino e 26,5% composta por diabéticos. Considerando a apresentação clínica, a grande maioria (94%) tinha angina estável ou isquemia silenciosa. Obteve-se sucesso do dispositivo em 100% dos casos e do procedimento, em 96%. A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 4% aos 30 dias, de 8,2% em 1 ano, e de 12,2% em 2 anos, sem mais eventos até 4,6 anos. Houve 2 casos de trombose (1 subaguda e 1 tardia) até o último seguimento. Conclusões: Nesta análise preliminar, o uso do SVB Absorb® mostrou-se seguro e eficaz no seguimento bastante tardio. Faz-se necessário estabelecer o perfil de eficácia e segurança destes dispositivos em cenários de maior complexidade.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold.

BACKGROUND:: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were developed to improve the long-term results of percutaneous coronary intervention, restoring vasomotion. OBJECTIVES:: To report very late follow-up of everolimus-eluting Absorb BVS (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) in our center. METHODS:: Observational retrospective study, in a single Brazilian center, from August 2011 to October 2013, including 49 patients submitted to Absorb BVS implantation. Safety and efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the in-hospital and very late follow-up phases (> 2 years). RESULTS:: All 49 patients underwent a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years and a maximum of 4.6 years. Mean age was 56.8 ± 7.6 years, 71.4% of the patients were men, and 26.5% were diabetic. Regarding clinical presentation, the majority (94%) had stable angina or silent ischemia. Device success was achieved in 100% of cases with 96% overall procedure success rate. Major adverse cardiovascular events rate was 4% at 30 days, 8.2% at 1 year, and 12.2% at 2 years, and there were no more events until 4.6 years. There were 2 cases of thrombosis (1 subacute and 1 late). CONCLUSIONS:: In this preliminary analysis, Absorb BVS showed to be a safe and effective device in the very late follow-up. Establishing the efficacy and safety profiles of these devices in more complex scenarios is necessary. FUNDAMENTO:: Os suportes vasculares bioabsorvíveis (SVB) foram desenvolvidos com o intuito de melhorar os resultados da intervenção coronária percutânea a longo prazo, restabelecendo-se a vasomotricidade. OBJETIVOS:: Reportar o seguimento muito tardio do implante do SVB eluidor de everolimus Absorb® (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, EUA) em nosso centro. MÉTODOS:: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, em um único centro brasileiro, que incluiu 49 pacientes submetidos ao implante do SVB Absorb® entre agosto/2011 e outubro/2013. Foram analisados os desfechos de segurança e eficácia na fase hospitalar e bastante tardia (> 2 anos). RESULTADOS:: Todos os 49 pacientes completaram um seguimento mínimo de 2,5 anos, sendo o máximo de 4,6 anos. A média de idade foi 56,8 ± 7,6 anos, sendo 71,4% da população estudada do sexo masculino e 26,5% composta por diabéticos. Considerando a apresentação clínica, a grande maioria (94%) tinha angina estável ou isquemia silenciosa. Obteve-se sucesso do dispositivo em 100% dos casos e do procedimento, em 96%. A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 4% aos 30 dias, de 8,2% em 1 ano, e de 12,2% em 2 anos, sem mais eventos até 4,6 anos. Houve 2 casos de trombose (1 subaguda e 1 tardia) até o último seguimento. CONCLUSÕES:: Nesta análise preliminar, o uso do SVB Absorb® mostrou-se seguro e eficaz no seguimento bastante tardio. Faz-se necessário estabelecer o perfil de eficácia e segurança destes dispositivos em cenários de maior complexidade.