Natural history and prognostic factors in alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the natural history of contemporary alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), to compare it with that of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), and to identify risk factors for poor outcome. BACKGROUND: ACM is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but little is known about its natural history or the effect of reducing alcohol intake on disease progression. METHODS: We studied the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 94 consecutive patients with ACM and 188 with IDCM, evaluated over the period between 1993 and 2011. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 59 months (interquartile range: 25 to 107 months), 14 ACM patients (15%) had died from cardiovascular causes (6 from heart failure and 8 from sudden cardiac death), 14 (15%) underwent heart transplantation, 35 (37%) experienced recovery in left ventricular function, and 31 (33%) remained clinically stable without improvement in systolic function. Transplantation-free survival was higher in ACM patients than in IDCM patients (p = 0.002), and ACM was associated with a favorable outcome on multiple analysis of the entire cohort (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2 to 0.8; p = 0.01). Independent predictors of death or heart transplantation in ACM identified by multiple logistic regression analysis were atrial fibrillation (OR: 9.7; 95% CI: 2.56 to 36.79; p = 0.001); QRS duration >120 ms (OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 2.02 to 26; p = 0.002), and lack of beta-blocker therapy (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.35 to 14.49; p = 0.014). ACM patients who reduced their alcohol intake to moderate levels exhibited similar survival (p = 0.22) and cardiac function recovery (p = 0.8) as abstainers. CONCLUSIONS: ACM has a better prognosis than IDCM. Atrial fibrillation, QRS width >120 ms, and the absence of beta-blocker therapy identify patients with a poor outcome. Alcohol abstainers and those who reduce intake to a moderate degree show similar clinical outcomes.

Tratamiento anticoagulante en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca por disfunción sistólica y ritmo sinusal: análisis del registro REDINSCOR / Anticoagulation therapy in patients with heart failure due to systolic dysfunction and sinus rhythm: analysis of REDINSCOR Registry

Introducción y objetivos. En pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo ≤35% y ritmo sinusal, en ausencia de fibrilación auricular, trombos intracavitarios o tromboembolia previa, la indicación de anticoagulación es controvertida. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la actitud actual respecto de la anticoagulación en estos pacientes, variables asociadas a su utilización y su efecto en diversos eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos. De los pacientes con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo ≤ 35% y ritmo sinusal sin otra indicación de anticoagulación incluidos en el registro REDINSCOR (pertenecientes a 18 centros españoles), se comparó a los que recibían este tratamiento frente al resto. Resultados. Entre 2007 y 2010 se incluyeron 2.263 pacientes; 902 tenían fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo ≤35% y ritmo sinusal. De ellos, 237 (26%) recibían anticoagulación. Las variables asociadas a su utilización fueron menor fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, etiología no isquémica, clase funcional avanzada, mayor anchura del QRS, mayor diámetro auricular izquierdo y hospital prescriptor del tratamiento anticoagulante. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 21 (11-32) meses, no se observaron diferencias significativas en mortalidad (14 frente a 12,5%) ni ictus (0,8 frente a 0,9%). El análisis multivariado ajustado por propensity score mostró una reducción en la combinación de mortalidad cardiaca, trasplante cardiaco, revascularización coronaria e ingresos cardiovasculares (hazard ratio = 0,74; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,56-0,97; p=0,03) en el grupo anticoagulado. No se recogió información sobre episodios hemorrágicos en el seguimiento. Conclusiones. En una serie amplia y contemporánea de pacientes de nuestro medio con insuficiencia cardiaca, fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo ≤35% y ritmo sinusal, un 26% recibían anticoagulación. Ello no se asoció a menor mortalidad ni incidencia de ictus aunque se observó una reducción de una combinación de eventos cardiacos mayores (AU)

Introduction and objectives. In patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without conditions such as atrial fibrillation, thrombus or history of thromboembolic events, the use of anticoagulation is controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the anticoagulation strategy in these patients, variables associated with its use, and its effects on various cardiovascular events. Methods. Of the patients included in the REDINSCOR registry with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without other anticoagulation indications (including patients with heart failure from 19 Spanish centres), we compared those who received this treatment with the remaining patients. Results. Between 2007 and 2010, 2263 patients were included, of whom 902 had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm. Of these, 237 (26%) were receiving anticoagulation therapy. Variables associated with this treatment were a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, ischemic etiology, advanced functional class, wider QRS, larger left atrial diameter, and hospitalization. After 21(11-32) months of median follow-up, there were no significant differences in total mortality (14% versus 12.5%) or stroke (0.8% versus 0.9%). A propensity score adjusted multivariate analysis showed a reduction in a combined end-point including cardiac death, heart transplantation, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio=0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.97; P=.03) in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. No information regarding bleeding was collected in the follow-up. Conclusions. In a large and contemporary series of patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm, 26% received anticoagulation therapy. This was not associated with lower mortality or stroke incidence, although there was a reduction in major cardiac events (AU)

Anticoagulation therapy in patients with heart failure due to systolic dysfunction and sinus rhythm: analysis of REDINSCOR registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without conditions such as atrial fibrillation, thrombus or history of thromboembolic events, the use of anticoagulation is controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the anticoagulation strategy in these patients, variables associated with its use, and its effects on various cardiovascular events. METHODS: Of the patients included in the REDINSCOR registry with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without other anticoagulation indications (including patients with heart failure from 19 Spanish centres), we compared those who received this treatment with the remaining patients. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2010, 2263 patients were included, of whom 902 had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm. Of these, 237 (26%) were receiving anticoagulation therapy. Variables associated with this treatment were a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, ischemic etiology, advanced functional class, wider QRS, larger left atrial diameter, and hospitalization. After 21(11-32) months of median follow-up, there were no significant differences in total mortality (14% versus 12.5%) or stroke (0.8% versus 0.9%). A propensity score adjusted multivariate analysis showed a reduction in a combined end-point including cardiac death, heart transplantation, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio: 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.97; P=.03) in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. No information regarding bleeding was collected in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In a large and contemporary series of patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm, 26% received anticoagulation therapy. This was not associated with lower mortality or stroke incidence, although there was a reduction in major cardiac events.

Genetic basis of end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by a heterogeneous presentation and clinical course. A minority of HCM patients develop end-stage HCM and require cardiac transplantation. The genetic basis of end-stage HCM is unknown but small series, isolated case reports and animal models have related the most aggressive heart failure course with the presence of multiple mutations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (age 40.4 ± 14.5 years; 46% male) transplanted for end-stage HCM underwent genetic screening of 10 HCM-related genes (MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, TNNI3, TPM1, TNNC1, MYL3, MYL2, ACTC, LDB3). Additional genetic screening of LAMP2/PRKAG2 and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was performed in four and three cases, respectively. Findings were correlated with clinical and histological features. Pathogenic mutations were identified in 15 patients (58%). Thirteen patients (50%) had mutations in sarcomeric genes (six in MYH7, three in MYBPC3, two in MYL2, one in TNNI3, and one in MYL3) and two patients had mutations in LAMP2. Only three patients (13%) had double mutations and all in homozygosis. Except for a more frequent family history of HCM, patients with mutations in sarcomeric genes did not show any clinical feature that distinguished them from patients without mutations in these genes. Evaluation of 44 relatives from 12 families identified 13 mutation carriers, 9 of whom had an overt HCM phenotype. CONCLUSION: Heart transplanted HCM has a heterogeneous genetic background where multiple mutations are uncommon. The clinical course of HCM is not primarily dependent on the presence of multiple sarcomeric mutations. Clinical and genetic evaluation of relatives does not support differential clinical management in HCM based on genetics.

Efectos a largo plazo (5 años) de bosentán en pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Long-term (5 Years) effects of bosentan in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Introducción y objetivos. Bosentán ha demostrado eficacia en el tratamiento de la hipertensión pulmonar a corto plazo. Sus efectos después de 2-3 años son poco conocidos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la eficacia y la seguridad a largo plazo (5 años) del bosentán en los pacientes tratados en nuestra unidad. Métodos. Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva y secuencial diversos parámetros clínicos, funcionales y analíticos en una serie unicéntrica de pacientes tratados con bosentán en monoterapia desde 2002 hasta 2009. El éxito terapéutico se definió como supervivencia sin eventos clínicos o deterioro que requiriese adición de otros vasodilatadores pulmonares. Resultados. La serie incluye a 20 pacientes (el 70% mujeres; media de edad, 46±14 años; el 65% con cardiopatías congénitas), con una mediana de seguimiento de 64 meses. A corto plazo, se observó una mejoría significativa de parámetros hemodinámicos, clínicos y funcionales, que en los dos últimos se mantuvo a los 5 años. La supervivencia total a 5 años fue del 95% (84-100%). El éxito terapéutico se mantuvo a 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 años en el 95% (84-100%), el 83% (65-100%), el 78% (58-98%), el 61% (38-84%) y el 41% (16-66%), respectivamente. El grupo con mejor evolución a largo plazo se caracterizó por cifras de NT-proBNP al año < 400 pg/ml (p=0,013). Conclusiones. En esta serie, el éxito terapéutico obtenido con bosentán en monoterapia se mantuvo en el 78% a 3 años y en el 41% a 5 años. El grupo con éxito a largo plazo mostró valores más bajos de NT-proBNP al año del tratamiento. La supervivencia a 5 años fue del 95% (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Bosentan has proven efficacy in pulmonary hypertension in the short term. Little is known about its effects beyond 2 to 3 years. Our objective was to analyze the efficacy and safety of bosentan in the long term (5 years) in patients treated in our center. Methods. This retrospective study sequentially analyzed clinical, functional, and laboratory parameters in a series of patients treated initially with bosentan as monotherapy from 2002 to 2009 in a single hospital. Treatment success was defined as survival without clinical worsening that required additional pulmonary vasodilators. Results. We included 20 patients (70% women, mean age 46±14 years, 65% congenital heart disease), with a median follow-up of 64 months. One patient required withdrawal of bosentan due to adverse effects. At 4 months, significant improvements were achieved in hemodynamic, clinical and functional parameters. Clinical and functional benefits persisted at 5-year follow-up. Overall 5-year survival after beginning bosentan therapy was 95% (84%-100%). Treatment success at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was 95% (84%-100%), 83% (65%-100%), 78% (58%-98%), 61% (38%-84%), and 41% (16%-66%), respectively. The group with better outcomes had NT-proBNP levels at 1 year<400 pg="" ml=""> P=.013). Conclusions. In our series, treatment success with bosentan in monotherapy was maintained in 78% at 3-year follow-up and 41% at 5-year follow-up. The group with long-term success showed significantly lower NT-proBNP levels at 1-year follow-up. Survival at 5 years in our series was 95% (AU)

Long-term (5 years) effects of bosentan in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bosentan has proven efficacy in pulmonary hypertension in the short term. Little is known about its effects beyond 2 to 3 years. Our objective was to analyze the efficacy and safety of bosentan in the long term (5 years) in patients treated in our center. METHODS: This retrospective study sequentially analyzed clinical, functional, and laboratory parameters in a series of patients treated initially with bosentan as monotherapy from 2002 to 2009 in a single hospital. Treatment success was defined as survival without clinical worsening that required additional pulmonary vasodilators. RESULTS: We included 20 patients (70% women, mean age 46 ± 14 years, 65% congenital heart disease), with a median follow-up of 64 months. One patient required withdrawal of bosentan due to adverse effects. At 4 months, significant improvements were achieved in hemodynamic, clinical and functional parameters. Clinical and functional benefits persisted at 5-year follow-up. Overall 5-year survival after beginning bosentan therapy was 95% (84%-100%). Treatment success at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was 95% (84%-100%), 83% (65%-100%), 78% (58%-98%), 61% (38%-84%), and 41% (16%-66%), respectively. The group with better outcomes had NT-proBNP levels at 1 year <400 pg/mL (P=.013). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, treatment success with bosentan in monotherapy was maintained in 78% at 3-year follow-up and 41% at 5-year follow-up. The group with long-term success showed significantly lower NT-proBNP levels at 1-year follow-up. Survival at 5 years in our series was 95%.

Abordaje familiar en la amiloidosis cardiaca hereditaria por transtiretina / Familial approach in hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

La amiloidosis cardiaca es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. Entre los subtipos de amiloidosis cardiacas figuran las formas hereditarias, de las que la causada por mutaciones en el gen de la transtiretina es la más frecuente. La correcta identificación de los pacientes cuya amiloidosis se debe a un defecto genético tiene gran importancia, ya que modifica la actitud diagnóstica y terapéutica que adoptar con el enfermo y sus familiares. En este trabajo describimos nuestra experiencia en la evaluación de dos familias con amiloidosis cardiaca hereditaria por transtiretina. Discutimos diversos aspectos relacionados con el abordaje diagnóstico de los pacientes, así como la actitud diagnóstica y terapéutica que adoptar con los familiares (AU)

Cardiac amyloidosis is a disease of complex diagnosis and treatment. Some subtypes of cardiac amyloidosis are inherited. Among these, the most common variant is caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene. Correct identification of amyloidosis produced by a genetic defect is of great importance because it modifies the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients and their families. We describe our experience in the evaluation of two families with hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. We discuss a number of considerations related to the evaluation of these patients and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to perform in relatives (AU)

[Familial approach in hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis]. / Abordaje familiar en la amiloidosis cardiaca hereditaria por transtiretina.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a disease of complex diagnosis and treatment. Some subtypes of cardiac amyloidosis are inherited. Among these, the most common variant is caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene. Correct identification of amyloidosis produced by a genetic defect is of great importance because it modifies the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients and their families. We describe our experience in the evaluation of two families with hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. We discuss a number of considerations related to the evaluation of these patients and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to perform in relatives.

Exploración de las arterias coronarias de pacientes con síndrome de Tako-Tsubo con tomografía multislice: lesiones e inferencias fisiopatológicas / Assessment of Coronary Arteries of Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome using Multislice Computed Tomography: Lesions and Pathophysiological Inferences

Existen numerosos casos comunicados sobre la disfunción ventricular izquierda reversible precipitada por estrés emocional, pero su mecanismo no se conoce. En esta presentación se describe la evaluación de dos pacientes que consultaron con un cuadro clínico típico de síndrome de Tako-Tsubo, dolor precordial luego de un estrés emocional, disfunción ventricular izquierda transitoria y arterias coronarias angiográficamente normales. Con el objetivo de profundizar el conocimiento de las arterias coronarias y la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad, a ambas se les realizó una tomografía multislice, en la que se evidenciaron lesiones coronarias similares a las halladas en accidentes de placa responsables de síndromes coronarios agudos. Si bien estos hallazgos deben completarse con estudios posteriores con un número mayor de pacientes, sugieren que al menos un subgrupo de pacientes con síndrome de Tako-Tsubo tiene un sustrato fisiopatológico similar a los síndromes coronarios agudos.

The presence of reversible left ventricular dysfunction induced by emotional stress has been extensively reported; however, its mechanism still remains unknown. We describe two patients with the typical clinical picture of Takotsubo syndrome: chest pain following mental stress, transient left ventricular dysfunction and coronary arteriography with normal coronary arteries. Both patients underwent multislice computed tomography scans in order to explore the coronary arteries and to examine the physiopathology of the disease. The studies revealed the presence of coronary lesions similar to ruptured plaques found in acute coronary syndromes. Although these findings should be completed with subsequent studies in a greater number of patients, they suggest that the physiopathological substrate of at least one subgroup of patients with Takotsubo syndrome is similar to acute coronary syndrome.

Long-term follow-up of patients with indication for a implantable defibrillator for primary prevention of death.

BACKGROUND: Recent MADIT II and SCD-HeFT trials have led to an expansion of indications for use of prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in patients with severe left-ventricular impairment. This therapy has not been fully adopted in our health care system, mainly due to its high cost. OBJECTIVE: To assess total mortality of SCD-HeFT-like patients from our daily practice who are under stable, optimal medical treatment and who have not received an ICD; and to compare it to that of the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT Trial. METHODS: SCD-HeFT-like patients identified from office medical records were included in our study. Total mortality was assessed by telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-Test, Mann-Whitney Test or chi2 test, depending on the type of variable. Cumulative mortality rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Our study comprised 102 patients (seventy-four of which were men) with a median age of 64 years, and an overall median ejection fraction of 25%. We found no differences between our patients and SCD-HeFT patients across these 3 variables. Over a 19.6-month follow-up period, 21 patients died (20.6%) vs. 28.8% of the SCD-HeFT patients. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: SCD-HeFT-like patients from our practice had no difference in mortality rate than patients enrolled in the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT trial. These results suggest that the SCD-HeFT population is representative of our patients.

Acompanhamento a longo prazo de pacientes com indicação de desfibrilador implantável como prevenção primária de morte súbita / Long-term follow-up of patients with indication for a implantable defibrillator for primary prevention of death

FUNDAMENTO: Os recentes estudos MADIT II e SCD-HeFT levaram a uma expansão das indicações do uso profilático de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) em pacientes com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda. Essa terapia não foi totalmente adotada em nosso sistema de saúde, sobretudo em virtude de seu alto custo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a taxa de mortalidade global de pacientes da nossa prática diária que têm o mesmo perfil dos participantes do estudo SCD-HeFT, estão recebendo tratamento clínico otimizado e não foram submetidos a implante de CDI, e comparar essa taxa com a do grupo de placebo do estudo SCD-HeFT. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo pacientes com o mesmo perfil dos participantes do estudo SCD-HeFT identificados a partir de prontuários médicos. A taxa de mortalidade global foi avaliada por contato telefônico. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste t de Student, teste de Mann-Whitney ou teste de qui-quadrado, dependendo do tipo de variável. As taxas cumulativas de mortalidade foram calculadas de acordo com o método de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Este estudo englobou 102 pacientes, 74 dos quais do sexo masculino. A mediana da idade foi 64 anos e a média da fração de ejeção, 25 por cento. Não encontramos diferenças entre os nossos pacientes e os pacientes do estudo SCD-HeFT em relação a essas três variáveis. Durante o período de acompanhamento de 19,6 meses, 21 pacientes morreram (20,6 por cento), contra 28,8 por cento do estudo SCD-HeFT. Essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,08). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na taxa de mortalidade dos nossos pacientes e dos pacientes do grupo de placebo do estudo SCD-HeFT. Esses resultados indicam que a população do SCD-HeFT é representativa dos nossos pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Recent MADIT II and SCD-HeFT trials have led to an expansion of indications for use of prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in patients with severe left-ventricular impairment. This therapy has not been fully adopted in our health care system, mainly due to its high cost. OBJECTIVE: To assess total mortality of SCD-HeFT-like patients from our daily practice who are under stable, optimal medical treatment and who have not received an ICD; and to compare it to that of the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT Trial. METHODS: SCD-HeFT-like patients identified from office medical records were included in our study. Total mortality was assessed by telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-Test, Mann-Whitney Test or chi2 test, depending on the type of variable. Cumulative mortality rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Our study comprised 102 patients (seventy-four of which were men) with a median age of 64 years, and an overall median ejection fraction of 25 percent. We found no differences between our patients and SCD-HeFT patients across these 3 variables. Over a 19.6-month follow-up period, 21 patients died (20.6 percent) vs. 28.8 percent of the SCD-HeFT patients. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: SCD-HeFT-like patients from our practice had no difference in mortality rate than patients enrolled in the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT trial. These results suggest that the SCD-HeFT population is representative of our patients.

Introducción a las complicaciones graves de la quimioterapia que debe enfrentar un cardiólogo / Severe cardiac complications of chemotherapy: a review

La aplicación de diferentes esquemas farmacológicos para el tratamiento oncológico ha tenido en los últimos años un gran crecimiento, en muchos casos con efectos curativos o clara mejoría de la sobrevida y la calidad de vida. Algunos esquemas incluyen drogas que puedenprovocar efectos cardiotóxicos graves, lo que motiva la consulta a los cardiólogos que en la mayor parte de los casos no hemos tenido entrenamiento en esta complicación. En esta revisión se resumen mecanismos de acción y efectos adversos de diferentes drogas de usofrecuente en patología oncológica y se exponen casos clínicos con reacciones adversas graves, con dificultades en la toma de decisiones. Finalmente, se discuten los aspectos para tener en cuenta para la prevención, el control y el tratamiento de la cardiotoxicidad por agentes quimioterapéuticos.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of various pharmacological protocols for the treatment of oncological disorders, often with curative effects or a clear improvement in survival and quality of life. Some schemes include drugs that may cause severe cardiotoxic effects. Such effects prompt patients to consult the cardiologist, who generally has no previous experience in dealing with these complications. Hence, in this review, we summarize the mechanisms of action and adverse effects of various drugs that are frequently used in neoplastic diseases, and we also present clinical cases with serious adverse reactions, which complicate the decision-making process. Finally, we discuss several issues that need to be considered for the prevention, control and treatment of cardiotoxicity due to chemotherapeutic agents.

Fibrilación auricular en una paciente con megaorejuela auricular izquierda / Atrial fibrillation in a patient with a giant left atrial appendage

La FA constituye una de las arritmias sostenidas más frecuentes que motivan la consulta. El sustrato comprende diferentes mecanismos, entre los que se encuentra el agrandamiento auricular izquierdo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años con antecedentes de palpitaciones, que ingresó en la guardia por FA de alta respuesta ventricular. En la radiografía de tórax se observó una deformación del borde izquierdo de la silueta cardíaca. Posteriormente, el ecocardiograma transesofágico y la resonancia magnética nuclear evidenciaron una megaorejuela aneurismática debida, probablemente, a un defecto pericárdico. La conducta fue anticoagulación oral y tratamiento con atenolol, con evolución favorable.

Among sustained arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation is one of the most common causes of patient consultation. Its substrate comprises various mechanisms, including left atrial enlargement. In this report, we present the case of a 33 yearold woman with a history of palpitations, who was admitted to the emergency room due to atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. In the chest X-ray, the left border of the cardiac silhouette was deformed. Subsequently, both the transesophageal echocardiogram and the magnetic resonance images showed a giant aneurysmal left atrial appendage, probably due to a pericardial defect. Treatment consisted of oral anticoagulation and atenolol, with a favorable patient outcome.

Introducción a las complicaciones graves de la quimioterapia que debe enfrentar un cardiólogo / Severe cardiac complications of chemotherapy: a review

La aplicación de diferentes esquemas farmacológicos para el tratamiento oncológico ha tenido en los últimos años un gran crecimiento, en muchos casos con efectos curativos o clara mejoría de la sobrevida y la calidad de vida. Algunos esquemas incluyen drogas que puedenprovocar efectos cardiotóxicos graves, lo que motiva la consulta a los cardiólogos que en la mayor parte de los casos no hemos tenido entrenamiento en esta complicación. En esta revisión se resumen mecanismos de acción y efectos adversos de diferentes drogas de usofrecuente en patología oncológica y se exponen casos clínicos con reacciones adversas graves, con dificultades en la toma de decisiones. Finalmente, se discuten los aspectos para tener en cuenta para la prevención, el control y el tratamiento de la cardiotoxicidad por agentes quimioterapéuticos.(AU)

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of various pharmacological protocols for the treatment of oncological disorders, often with curative effects or a clear improvement in survival and quality of life. Some schemes include drugs that may cause severe cardiotoxic effects. Such effects prompt patients to consult the cardiologist, who generally has no previous experience in dealing with these complications. Hence, in this review, we summarize the mechanisms of action and adverse effects of various drugs that are frequently used in neoplastic diseases, and we also present clinical cases with serious adverse reactions, which complicate the decision-making process. Finally, we discuss several issues that need to be considered for the prevention, control and treatment of cardiotoxicity due to chemotherapeutic agents.(AU)

Fibrilación auricular en una paciente con megaorejuela auricular izquierda / Atrial fibrillation in a patient with a giant left atrial appendage

La FA constituye una de las arritmias sostenidas más frecuentes que motivan la consulta. El sustrato comprende diferentes mecanismos, entre los que se encuentra el agrandamiento auricular izquierdo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años con antecedentes de palpitaciones, que ingresó en la guardia por FA de alta respuesta ventricular. En la radiografía de tórax se observó una deformación del borde izquierdo de la silueta cardíaca. Posteriormente, el ecocardiograma transesofágico y la resonancia magnética nuclear evidenciaron una megaorejuela aneurismática debida, probablemente, a un defecto pericárdico. La conducta fue anticoagulación oral y tratamiento con atenolol, con evolución favorable.(AU)

Among sustained arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation is one of the most common causes of patient consultation. Its substrate comprises various mechanisms, including left atrial enlargement. In this report, we present the case of a 33 yearold woman with a history of palpitations, who was admitted to the emergency room due to atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. In the chest X-ray, the left border of the cardiac silhouette was deformed. Subsequently, both the transesophageal echocardiogram and the magnetic resonance images showed a giant aneurysmal left atrial appendage, probably due to a pericardial defect. Treatment consisted of oral anticoagulation and atenolol, with a favorable patient outcome.(AU)