Brazilian Registry of Interventional Cardiology during the COVID-19 Pandemic (RBCI-COVID19). / Registro Brasileiro de Cardiologia Intervencionista durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 (RBCI-COVID19).

BACKGROUND: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) took longer to present to hospitals because of fear of contamination and health care access difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To assess interventional cardiology procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for MI approach. METHODS: Prospective registry of 24 cardiac catheterization laboratories in Brazil, with adult patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures between May 26 and November 30, 2020. The outcomes were cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV complications, death, and MI. Concomitant COVID-19 was confirmed using RT-PCR. Machine learning techniques were used with nonparametric Classification Trees models, and Simple Correspondence Analysis, with R statistical software package. Significance level adopted of 5%. RESULTS: This study included 1282 patients, 435 of whom (33.9%) had MI as follows: ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), 239 (54.9%); and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI), 196 (45.1%). Of the 1282 patients, 29 had CV complications, 47 had non-CV complications, and 31 died. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed in 77 patients (6%), with 15.58% mortality and non-CV complications in 6.49%. Most patients had significant coronary artery disease (63%), and an intracoronary thrombus was more often found in the presence of STEMI (3.4%) and COVID-19 (4%). A door-to-table time longer than 12 hours in NSTEMI was associated with 30.8% of complications, 25% in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: All deaths were preceded by CV or non-CV complications. The presence of COVID-19 was associated with death and non-fatal complications of patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures during the pandemic.

FUNDAMENTO: No início da pandemia de COVID-19, os pacientes com infarto do miocárdio (IM) demoraram para procurar um hospital por medo de contágio ou dificuldades no acesso aos serviços de saúde. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista realizados durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e implicações na abordagem do IM. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo de 24 centros de hemodinâmica no Brasil, com pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista entre 26 de maio e 30 de novembro de 2020. Os desfechos foram complicações cardiovasculares (CV) e não CV, morte e IM. A concomitância de COVID-19 foi confirmada com RT-PCR. Técnicas de machine learning foram usadas com modelos não paramétricos de árvores de classificação. Usou-se análise de correspondência simples com o software R. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Este estudo incluiu 1.282 pacientes, 435 dos quais (33,9%) apresentaram IM: IM com supra de ST (IMCSST), 239 (54,9%); e IM sem supra de ST(IMSSST), 196 (45.1%). Dos 1.282 pacientes, 29 tiveram complicações CV, 47 tiveram complicações não CV e 31 morreram. O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi confirmado em 77 pacientes (6%), com 15,58% de mortalidade e 6,49% de complicações não CV. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou significativa doença arterial coronariana (63%). Trombo intracoronariano foi mais frequente na presença de IMCSST (3,4%) e COVID-19 (4%). Tempo porta-mesa superior a 12 horas no IMSSST associou-se a 30,8% de complicações, 25% em pacientes com COVID-19. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os óbitos foram precedidos por complicações CV ou não CV. A presença de COVID-19 foi associada a óbito e complicações não fatais dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista durante a pandemia.

Clinical Profile and its Associations with Coronary Angiography Results in a Public University Hospital

Abstract Background: Ischemic heart disease is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. There are few data in the literature about the association of clinical profile and coronary angiography results in the Brazilian population. Objectives: To assess clinical variables and their associations with the results of coronary angiography and to evaluate the safety of coronary angiography in a public university hospital. Methods: From August 2015 to April 2018, 1 844 patients submitted to coronary angiography at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE, acronym in Portuguese) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. They were evaluated by their clinical variables, angiographic results, and procedure complications. Logistic regression was used, and the criterion for determining significance was set at 5%. Results: The median age was 62 years, and most of the population (71%) were outpatients. Stable angina was the most common indication (62.9%). Only 19.7% underwent noninvasive cardiac testing. Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent (88.2%), followed by dyslipidemia (60.2%). Most patients (65%) had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis was found in 8.1% of patients. Older age, male sex, quantity of risk factors (RF), and peripheral artery disease were risk predictors for CAD. Death occurred only in 0.16% of the population, and acute coronary artery occlusion in 0.2%. Conclusion: Classic RF showed an association with CAD. The low incidence of complications suggests that coronary angiography is a safe procedure to be conducted in a public university hospital.

Registro Brasileiro de Cardiologia Intervencionista durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 (RBCI-COVID19) / Brazilian Registry of Interventional Cardiology during the COVID-19 Pandemic (RBCI-COVID19)

Resumo Fundamento No início da pandemia de COVID-19, os pacientes com infarto do miocárdio (IM) demoraram para procurar um hospital por medo de contágio ou dificuldades no acesso aos serviços de saúde. Objetivos Avaliar procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista realizados durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e implicações na abordagem do IM. Métodos Registro prospectivo de 24 centros de hemodinâmica no Brasil, com pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista entre 26 de maio e 30 de novembro de 2020. Os desfechos foram complicações cardiovasculares (CV) e não CV, morte e IM. A concomitância de COVID-19 foi confirmada com RT-PCR. Técnicas de machine learning foram usadas com modelos não paramétricos de árvores de classificação. Usou-se análise de correspondência simples com o software R. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Este estudo incluiu 1.282 pacientes, 435 dos quais (33,9%) apresentaram IM: IM com supra de ST (IMCSST), 239 (54,9%); e IM sem supra de ST(IMSSST), 196 (45.1%). Dos 1.282 pacientes, 29 tiveram complicações CV, 47 tiveram complicações não CV e 31 morreram. O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi confirmado em 77 pacientes (6%), com 15,58% de mortalidade e 6,49% de complicações não CV. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou significativa doença arterial coronariana (63%). Trombo intracoronariano foi mais frequente na presença de IMCSST (3,4%) e COVID-19 (4%). Tempo porta-mesa superior a 12 horas no IMSSST associou-se a 30,8% de complicações, 25% em pacientes com COVID-19. Conclusões Todos os óbitos foram precedidos por complicações CV ou não CV. A presença de COVID-19 foi associada a óbito e complicações não fatais dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista durante a pandemia.

Abstract Background At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) took longer to present to hospitals because of fear of contamination and health care access difficulties. Objectives To assess interventional cardiology procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for MI approach. Methods Prospective registry of 24 cardiac catheterization laboratories in Brazil, with adult patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures between May 26 and November 30, 2020. The outcomes were cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV complications, death, and MI. Concomitant COVID-19 was confirmed using RT-PCR. Machine learning techniques were used with nonparametric Classification Trees models, and Simple Correspondence Analysis, with R statistical software package. Significance level adopted of 5%. Results This study included 1282 patients, 435 of whom (33.9%) had MI as follows: ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), 239 (54.9%); and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI), 196 (45.1%). Of the 1282 patients, 29 had CV complications, 47 had non-CV complications, and 31 died. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed in 77 patients (6%), with 15.58% mortality and non-CV complications in 6.49%. Most patients had significant coronary artery disease (63%), and an intracoronary thrombus was more often found in the presence of STEMI (3.4%) and COVID-19 (4%). A door-to-table time longer than 12 hours in NSTEMI was associated with 30.8% of complications, 25% in COVID-19 patients. Conclusions All deaths were preceded by CV or non-CV complications. The presence of COVID-19 was associated with death and non-fatal complications of patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures during the pandemic.

Left Atrial Septal Pouch and Acute Thromboembolic Ischemia of the Upper Limb.

BACKGROUND A left atrial septal pouch (LASP) was first described in 2010 as a new anatomical entity with potential for embolic events. The prevalences of left, right, and double septal pouches are 40.8%, 5.1%, and 3.7%, respectively. There is a concern about the risk of embolic events due to formation of thrombi in a LASP (especially stroke). CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man presented with sudden onset of right arm pain associated with sweating and neck pain radiating to his left upper extremity. On physical examination, his right arm was cyanotic and he had pain, paresthesia, and no radial pulse. The patient was diagnosed with acute arterial occlusion of his right upper extremity. An arterial embolectomy was performed with a Fogarty catheter at the level of the brachial artery, which resulted in immediate reperfusion. The patient had an embolic event and after efforts to identify the possible etiology, only an LASP was found. Therefore, we hypothesized that he experienced an embolic event in which a thrombus had formed at the site of the LASP. CONCLUSIONS The present case report is designed to raise awareness of the thrombogenic potential of LASP and the possibility of an embolic event to the upper limb of patients with it. LASP can be the source of a thrombus in a patient with a non-stroke embolic event.

Peripheral microvascular dysfunction is also present in patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA).

BACKGROUND: In patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA), coronary microvascular dysfunction is associated with higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate if microvascular dysfunction present in coronary microcirculation of patients with INOCA may be detected noninvasively in their peripheral circulation. METHODS: 25 patients with INOCA and 25 apparently healthy individuals (controls) were subjected to nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP) to evaluate peripheral microvascular function and blood collection for biomarkers analysis, including soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Red blood cell velocity (RBCV) before and after ischemia (RBCVmax) were significantly lower in patients with INOCA (p = 0.0001). Time to reach maximal red blood cell velocity (TRBCVmax) was significantly longer in INOCA group (p = 0.0004). Concerning VOP, maximal blood flow (p = 0.004) and its relative increment were significantly lower in patients with INOCA (p = 0.0004). RBCVmax showed significant correlations with sVCAM-1 (r = -0.38, p < 0.05), ET-1 (r = -0.73, p < 0.05) and CRP (r = -0.33, p < 0.05). Relative increment of maximal post-ischemic blood flow was significantly correlated with sVCAM-1 (r = -0.42, p < 0.05) and ET-1 (r = -0.48, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The impairment of microvascular function present in coronary microcirculation of patients with INOCA can be also detected in peripheral microcirculation.

TIger II vs JUdkins Catheters for Transradial Coronary Angiography (TIJUCA Study): A Randomized Controlled Trial of Radiation Exposure.

BACKGROUND: In high-expertise transradial (TR) centers, the radiation exposure to patients during coronary angiography (CAG) is equivalent to transfemoral use. However, there is no definitive information during TR-CAG regarding the use of a single, dedicated catheter to impart less radiation exposure to patients. OBJECTIVE: We compare the radiation exposure to patients during right TR-CAG with Tiger II catheter (Terumo Interventional Systems) vs Judkins right (JR) 4.0/Judkins left (JL) 3.5 catheters (Cordis Corporation). METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, and prospective trial included 180 patients submitted to right TR-CAG, with the primary objective of observing radiation exposure to patients through the measurement of fluoroscopy time, air kerma (AK), and dose-area product (DAP) using Tiger II (group 1) vs JR 4.0 and JL 3.5 Judkins catheters (group 2). Secondary outcomes included contrast volume usage and the need to use additional catheters to complete the procedure (the crossover technique). RESULTS: Group 1 demonstrated reduced fluoroscopy time (2.47 ± 1.05 minutes in group 1 vs 2.68 ± 1.26 minutes in group 2; P=.01) and non-significant reduction of AK (540.9 ± 225.3 mGy in group 1 vs 577.9 ± 240.1 mGy in group 2; P=.34) and DAP (3786.7 ± 1731.7 µGy•m² in group 1 vs 4058.0 ± 1735.4 µGy•m² in group 2; P=.12). Contrast volume usage (53.46 ± 10.09 mL in group 1 vs 55.98 ± 10.43 mL in group 2; P=.13) and the need for additional catheters (5.56% in group 1 vs 4.44% in group 2; P>.99) were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The Tiger II catheter was able to reduce radiation exposure to patients submitted to TR-CAG through a significant reduction in fluoroscopy time.

Circulating interleukin-17A in patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is produced by Th17 and other cells. It is debatable whether IL-17 is atherogenic or atheroprotective. The role of this interleukin in the development and progression of coronary artery disease is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate if there were differences in serum IL-17A levels according to to clinical presentation of coronary artery disease. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 101 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 100 patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), and 70 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected from patients and controls (within 48 h) to analyze IL-17A levels. Clinical characteristics were recorded using questionnaires. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Comparisons of the clinical characteristics between patients with ACS and CCS revealed the following: mean age (62 ± 12.4 years vs. 63.3 ± 9.8 years, P = 0.4), male (63.4% vs. 58%, P = 0.4), hypertension (85.1% vs. 79%, P = 0.1), dyslipidemia (48% vs. 31%, P = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (47.5% vs. 41%, P = 0.3), previous myocardial infarction (57.4% vs. 40%, P = 0.01), and smoking (29.7% vs. 38%, P = 1). The peripheral concentrations of IL-17A in ACS, CCS and controls were 5.36 ± 8.83, 6.69 ± 17.92, and 6.26 ± 11.13, respectively, with P = 0.6. In addition, the comparison between ACS and CCS showed: 5.36 ± 8.83 vs. 6.69 ± 17.92%, P = 0.3. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was that circulating IL-17 levels were similar in patients with ACS, CCS, and healthy volunteers. In addition, there was no difference between patients with ACS and those with CCS. Therefore, in patients with ACS and CCS, circulating IL-17A concentrations are low and there were no differences between patients with coronary artery disease and healthy individuals.

Cost-effectiveness of Drug-Eluting Stents in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Brazil's Unified Public Health System (SUS). / Custo-efetividade do Stent Farmacológico na Intervenção Coronariana Percutânea no SUS.

Background The use of drug-eluting stents (DESs), compared with bare-metal stents (BMSs), in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has reduced the rate of restenosis, without an impact on mortality but with an increase in costs. Medical literature lacks randomized studies that economically compare these 2 stent types within the reality of the Brazilian Unified Public Health System (SUS). Objective To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between DES and BMS in SUS patients with single-vessel coronary artery disease. Methods Over a 3-year period, patients with symptomatic single-vessel coronary artery disease were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to receive a DES or BMS during PCI, with a 1-year clinical follow-up. The evaluation included in-stent restenosis (ISR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse events, and cost-effectiveness for each group. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results In the DES group, of 74 patients (96.1%) who completed the follow-up, 1 developed ISR (1.4%), 1 had TLR (1.4%), and 1 died (1.4%), with no cases of thrombosis. In the BMS group, of 141 patients (91.5%), ISR occurred in 14 (10.1%), TLR in 10 (7.3%), death in 3 (2.1%), and thrombosis in 1 (0.74%). In the economic analysis, the cost of the procedure was R$ 5,722.21 in the DES group and R$ 4,085.21 in the BMS group. The effectiveness by ISR and TLR was 8.7% for DES and 5.9% for BMS, with an ICER of R$ 18,816.09 and R$ 27,745.76, respectively. Conclusions In the SUS, DESs were cost-effective in accordance with the cost-effectiveness threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):80-89).

Custo-efetividade do Stent Farmacológico na Intervenção Coronariana Percutânea no SUS / Cost-effectiveness of Drug-Eluting Stents in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Brazils Unified Public Health System (SUS)

Resumo Fundamento O uso do stent farmacológico (SF) comparado ao stent não farmacológico (SNF) na intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) reduziu o percentual de reestenose, porém sem impacto na mortalidade, com aumento no custo. A literatura carece de estudos randomizados que comparem economicamente esses dois grupos de stents na realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Objetivo Estimar a razão custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) entre SF e SNF na coronariopatia uniarterial em pacientes do SUS Métodos Pacientes com coronariopatia uniarterial sintomática foram randomizados em 3 anos para uso de SF ou SNF durante a ICP, na proporção de 1:2, com seguimento clínico de 12 meses. Foram avaliados reestenose intrastent (RIS), revascularização da lesão-alvo (RLA), eventos adversos maiores e custo-efetividade (CE) de cada grupo. Os valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados No grupo SF, dos 74 pacientes (96,1%) que completaram o acompanhamento, ocorreu RIS em 1(1,4%), RLA em 1 (1,4%), óbito em 1 (1,4%), sem trombose. No grupo SNF, dos 141 pacientes (91,5%),ocorreu RIS em 14 (10,1%), RLA em 10 (7,3%), óbito em 3 (2,1%) e trombose em 1 (0,74%). Na análise econômica, o custo do procedimento foi de R$ 5.722,21 no grupo SF e de R$4.085,21 no grupo SNF. A diferença de efetividade a favor do grupo SF por RIS e RLA foi 8,7% e 5,9%, respectivamente, com RCEI de R$ 18.816,09 e R$ 27.745,76. Conclusões No SUS, o SF foi custo-efetivo, em concordância com o limiar de CE preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):80-89)

Abstract Background The use of drug-eluting stents (DESs), compared with bare-metal stents (BMSs), in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has reduced the rate of restenosis, without an impact on mortality but with an increase in costs. Medical literature lacks randomized studies that economically compare these 2 stent types within the reality of the Brazilian Unified Public Health System (SUS). Objective To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between DES and BMS in SUS patients with single-vessel coronary artery disease. Methods Over a 3-year period, patients with symptomatic single-vessel coronary artery disease were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to receive a DES or BMS during PCI, with a 1-year clinical follow-up. The evaluation included in-stent restenosis (ISR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse events, and cost-effectiveness for each group. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results In the DES group, of 74 patients (96.1%) who completed the follow-up, 1 developed ISR (1.4%), 1 had TLR (1.4%), and 1 died (1.4%), with no cases of thrombosis. In the BMS group, of 141 patients (91.5%), ISR occurred in 14 (10.1%), TLR in 10 (7.3%), death in 3 (2.1%), and thrombosis in 1 (0.74%). In the economic analysis, the cost of the procedure was R$ 5,722.21 in the DES group and R$ 4,085.21 in the BMS group. The effectiveness by ISR and TLR was 8.7% for DES and 5.9% for BMS, with an ICER of R$ 18,816.09 and R$ 27,745.76, respectively. Conclusions In the SUS, DESs were cost-effective in accordance with the cost-effectiveness threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):80-89)

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of FFR Compared with Angiography in Multivessel Disease Patient / Impacto Clínico e Custo-Efetividade da FFR em Comparação à Angiografia em Pacientes com Doenças Multiarteriais Submetidos à ICP

Abstract Background: In multivessel disease patients with moderate stenosis, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the analysis of the lesions and guides treatment, and could contribute to the cost-effectiveness (CE) of non-pharmacological stents (NPS). Objectives: To evaluate CE and clinical impact of FFR-guided versus angiography-guided angioplasty (ANGIO) in multivessel patients using NPS. Methods: Multivessel disease patients were prospectively randomized to FFR or ANGIO groups during a 5 year-period and followed for < 12 months. Outcomes measures were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis and CE. Results: We studied 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) men, aged 62.0 ± 9.0 years, 34 (49.2%) in FFR group and 53 (50.7%) in ANGIO group, with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. In FFR, there were 26 patients with biarterial disease (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) with triarterial disease, and in ANGIO, 24 (68.6%) with biarterial and 11 (31.4%) with triarterial disease. Twelve MACEs were observed - 3 deaths: 2 (5.8%) in FFR and 1 (2.8%) in ANGIO, 9 (13.0%) angina: 4(11.7%) in FFR and 5(14.2%) in ANGIO, 6 restenosis: 2(5.8%) in FFR and 4 (11.4%) in ANGIO. Angiography detected 87(53.0%) lesions in FFR, 39(23.7%) with PCI and 48(29.3%) with medical treatment; and 77 (47.0%) lesions in ANGIO, all treated with angioplasty. Thirty-nine (33.3%) stents were registered in FFR (0.45 ± 0.50 stents/lesion) and 78 (1.05 ± 0.22 stents/lesion) in ANGIO (p = 0.0001), 51.4% greater in ANGIO than FFR. CE analysis revealed a cost of BRL 5,045.97 BRL 5,430.60 in ANGIO and FFR, respectively. The difference of effectiveness was of 1.82%. Conclusion: FFR reduced the number of lesions treated and stents, and the need for target-lesion revascularization, with a CE comparable with that of angiography.

Resumo Fundamentos: Em pacientes multiarteriais e lesões moderadas, a reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) avalia cada lesão e direciona o tratamento, podendo ser útil no custo-efetividade (CE) de implante de stents não farmacológicos (SNF). Objetivos: Avaliar CE e impacto clínico da angioplastia + FFR versus angioplastia + angiografia (ANGIO), em multiarteriais, utilizando SNF. Métodos: pacientes com doença multiarteriais foram randomizados prospectivamente durante ±5 anos para FFR ou ANGIO, e acompanhados por até 12 meses. Foram avaliados eventos cardíacos maiores (ECAM), reestenose e CE. Resultados: foram incluídos 69 pacientes, 47(68,1%) homens, 34(49,2%) no FFR e 35(50,7%) no ANGIO, idade 62,0 ± 9,0 anos, com angina estável e Síndrome Coronariana Aguda estabilizada. No FFR, havia 26 com doença (76,5%) biarterial e 8 (23,5%) triarterial, e no grupo ANGIO, 24(68,6%) biarteriais e 11(31,4%) triarteriais. Ocorreram 12(17,3%) ECAM - 3(4,3%) óbitos: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 1(2,8%) no ANGIO, 9(13,0%) anginas, 4(11,7%) no FFR e 5(14,2%) no ANGIO, 6 reestenoses: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 4 (11,4%) no ANGIO. Angiografia detectou 87(53,0%) lesões no FFR, 39(23,7%) com ICP e 48(29,3%) com tratamento clínico; e 77(47,0%) lesões no ANGIO, todas submetidas à angioplastia. Quanto aos stents, registrou-se 39(33,3%) (0,45 ± 0,50 stents/lesão) no FFR e 78(66,6%) (1,05 ± 0,22 stents/lesão) no ANGIO (p = 0,0001); ANGIO utilizou 51,4% a mais que o FFR. Análise de CE revelou um custo de R$5045,97 e R$5.430,60 nos grupos ANGIO e FFR, respectivamente. A diferença de efetividade foi 1,82%. Conclusões: FFR diminuiu o número de lesões tratadas e de stents e necessidade de revascularização do vaso-alvo, com CE comparável ao da angiografia.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of FFR Compared with Angiography in Multivessel Disease Patient.

BACKGROUND: In multivessel disease patients with moderate stenosis, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the analysis of the lesions and guides treatment, and could contribute to the cost-effectiveness (CE) of non-pharmacological stents (NPS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate CE and clinical impact of FFR-guided versus angiography-guided angioplasty (ANGIO) in multivessel patients using NPS. METHODS: Multivessel disease patients were prospectively randomized to FFR or ANGIO groups during a 5 year-period and followed for < 12 months. Outcomes measures were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis and CE. RESULTS: We studied 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) men, aged 62.0 ± 9.0 years, 34 (49.2%) in FFR group and 53 (50.7%) in ANGIO group, with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. In FFR, there were 26 patients with biarterial disease (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) with triarterial disease, and in ANGIO, 24 (68.6%) with biarterial and 11 (31.4%) with triarterial disease. Twelve MACEs were observed - 3 deaths: 2 (5.8%) in FFR and 1 (2.8%) in ANGIO, 9 (13.0%) angina: 4(11.7%) in FFR and 5(14.2%) in ANGIO, 6 restenosis: 2(5.8%) in FFR and 4 (11.4%) in ANGIO. Angiography detected 87(53.0%) lesions in FFR, 39(23.7%) with PCI and 48(29.3%) with medical treatment; and 77 (47.0%) lesions in ANGIO, all treated with angioplasty. Thirty-nine (33.3%) stents were registered in FFR (0.45 ± 0.50 stents/lesion) and 78 (1.05 ± 0.22 stents/lesion) in ANGIO (p = 0.0001), 51.4% greater in ANGIO than FFR. CE analysis revealed a cost of BRL 5,045.97 BRL 5,430.60 in ANGIO and FFR, respectively. The difference of effectiveness was of 1.82%. CONCLUSION: FFR reduced the number of lesions treated and stents, and the need for target-lesion revascularization, with a CE comparable with that of angiography.

Microcirculation and biomarkers in patients with resistant or mild-to-moderate hypertension: a cross-sectional study.

Microcirculation influences peripheral vascular resistance and therefore contributes to arterial blood pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum markers of inflammation and microcirculatory parameters observed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) in patients with resistant (RH, 58 [50-63] years, n = 25) or mild-to-moderate hypertension (MMH, 56 [47-64] years, n = 25) compared to normotensive patients (control group (CG), 33 [27-52] years, n = 25). C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin, adiponectin, I-CAM and V-CAM levels were obtained by laboratory analysis. Functional capillary density (FCD; the number of capillaries with flowing red blood cells by unit tissue area), capillary diameters, maximum red blood cell velocity (RBCVmax) during the reactive hyperemia response/RBCVbaseline after 1 min of arterial occlusion at the finger base and time to reach RBCVmax were determined by NVC. A sub-analysis was also conducted on hypertensive patients not taking statins, with controlled/uncontrolled blood pressure. The RH group showed lower RBCV and RBCVmax values and longer TRBCVmax compared to MMH and CG patients, with worse values in those with uncontrolled blood pressure. FCD and diameters showed no significant differences among the three groups, with higher CRP values in the RH and MMH groups. An increase in endothelin was observed only in patients not taking statins in both hypertensive groups. Patients with severe hypertension and uncontrolled blood pressure levels presented more pronounced microvascular dysfunction, as well as higher serum values for CRP and endothelin (without statin treatment), suggesting that the use of statins decreases endothelin release.

Evaluation of endothelial function by VOP and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with arterial hypertension.

Hypertension is associated with microcirculatory impairment. Our objectives were to evaluate endothelial function and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with resistant (RH) and mild to moderate (MMH) arterial hypertension in comparison to normotensives (control group-CG). Three groups, 25 patients each, have been investigated, by anamnesis, venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP) and serum determination of adhesion molecules (VCAM, ICAM), adiponectin, endothelin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients not using statins and with or without blood pressure control were also analyzed. RH group showed smaller percentage increase of maximum forearm blood flow (FBF) (endothelial-dependent vasodilatation) than controls (p < 0.05), but no significant difference could be detected between MMH and CG groups on maximum FBF and minimum vascular resistance post-ischemia. RH and MMH groups showed higher resistance averages compared to controls (p < 0.05). Uncontrolled BP in hypertensive patients showed worse results for blood flow and resistance. Endothelial-independent vasodilatation was not affected. Endothelin levels were higher in RH and MMH groups (p < 0.05) not using statins. CRP was significantly higher only in RH compared to CG (p < 0.05). In conclusion patients with severe hypertension and lack of blood pressure control showed greater impairment of endothelial function with higher CRP and endothelin levels.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Long-Term Outcome / Oclusão Percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo com Amplatzer Cardiac Plug na Fibrilação Atrial não Valvar: Análise de Segurança e Resultados de Longo Prazo

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia with high risk for thromboembolic events, specially stroke. Objective: To assess the safety of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular AF. Methods: This study included 15 patients with nonvalvular AF referred for LAAC, 6 older than 75 years (mean age, 69.4 ± 9.3 years; 60% of the male sex). Results: The mean CHADS2 score was 3.4 ± 0.1, and mean CHA2DS2VASc , 4.8 ± 1.8, evidencing a high risk for thromboembolic events. All patients had a HAS-BLED score > 3 (mean, 4.5 ± 1.2) with a high risk for major bleeding within 1 year. The device was successfully implanted in all patients, with correct positioning in the first attempt in most of them (n = 11; 73.3%). Conclusion: There was no periprocedural complication, such as device migration, pericardial tamponade, vascular complications and major bleeding. All patients had an uneventful in-hospital course, being discharged in 2 days. The echocardiographic assessments at 6 and 12 months showed neither device migration, nor thrombus formation, nor peridevice leak. On clinical assessment at 12 months, no patient had thromboembolic events or bleeding related to the device or risk factors. In this small series, LAAC with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug proved to be safe, with high procedural success rate and favorable outcome at the 12-month follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Resumo Fundamento: Fibrilação atrial (FA) é uma arritmia cardíaca que submete os pacientes a alto risco de eventos tromboembólicos, particularmente o acidente vascular encefálico. Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança da oclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo (OAAE) com o dispositivo Amplatzer Cardiac Plug na prevenção de fenômenos embólicos em pacientes com FA de origem não valvar. Métodos: Este estudo de OAAE incluiu 15 pacientes, sendo 6 (40%) acima de 75 anos (idade média, 69,4 ± 9,3 anos; 60% do sexo masculino). Resultados: A média do escore CHADS2 foi 3,4 ± 0,1. Quando se aplicou o CHA2DS2VASc, a média foi de 4,8 ± 1,8, mostrando alto risco de eventos tromboembólicos. Todos os pacientes tinham o escore HAS-BLED > 3 (média 4,5 ± 1,2) com alto risco de sangramentos maiores em 1 ano. Houve sucesso no implante do dispositivo em todos os pacientes, com posicionamento correto na primeira tentativa na maioria deles (n = 11; 73,3%). Conclusão: Não houve complicações periprocedimento, como migração do dispositivo, tamponamento pericárdico, complicações vasculares e hemorragias maiores. Na fase intra-hospitalar, os pacientes evoluíram favoravelmente, obtendo alta em até 2 dias. Nas avaliações ecocardiográficas do seguimento em 6 e 12 meses, não houve migração do dispositivo, presença de trombos e nem vazamentos peridispositivo. Na evolução clínica aos 12 meses, nenhum dos pacientes apresentou eventos tromboembólicos ou sangramentos relacionados aos fatores de risco ou ao dispositivo. Nesta pequena série, a OAAE mostrou-se segura, com uma alta taxa de sucesso do procedimento e evolução favorável dos pacientes aos 12 meses. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Long-Term Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia with high risk for thromboembolic events, specially stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular AF. METHODS: This study included 15 patients with nonvalvular AF referred for LAAC, 6 older than 75 years (mean age, 69.4 ± 9.3 years; 60% of the male sex). RESULTS: The mean CHADS2 score was 3.4 ± 0.1, and mean CHA2DS2VASc , 4.8 ± 1.8, evidencing a high risk for thromboembolic events. All patients had a HAS-BLED score > 3 (mean, 4.5 ± 1.2) with a high risk for major bleeding within 1 year. The device was successfully implanted in all patients, with correct positioning in the first attempt in most of them (n = 11; 73.3%). CONCLUSION: There was no periprocedural complication, such as device migration, pericardial tamponade, vascular complications and major bleeding. All patients had an uneventful in-hospital course, being discharged in 2 days. The echocardiographic assessments at 6 and 12 months showed neither device migration, nor thrombus formation, nor peridevice leak. On clinical assessment at 12 months, no patient had thromboembolic events or bleeding related to the device or risk factors. In this small series, LAAC with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug proved to be safe, with high procedural success rate and favorable outcome at the 12-month follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Angioplastia no tronco calcificado com suporte biorreabsorvível por limitação para antiagregação / Bioresorbable device implantation in left main in patients with limitation for long-term using of dual

Homem com angina instável e lesão grave, calcificada no tronco de coronária esquerda (TCE). Antecedentes:revascularização e anemia. A intenção de tratamento era angioplastia com stent farmacológico (SF) no TCE.Apresentou hemorragia digestiva e piora da anemia, que foram tratadas. Angina refratária à terapêutica clínica. Devido à limitação para antiagregação foi implantado o dispositivo biorreabsorvível (BVS) no TCE. Este relato discute o uso do BVS em lesão complexa, proporcionando absorção do dispositivo, possibilitando melhor manuseio da antiagregação e o seguimento futuro da obstrução tratada, através de métodos de imagem não invasivos.

Male patient with unstable angina and critical calcified lesion in the left main coronary artery (LMCA). Background: coronary artery bypass grafting and anemia. The intention to treat was angioplasty with drug-eluting stents (DES) in the LMCA. The patientpresented gastrointestinal bleeding and worsening of anemia, which were treated. Angina was refractory to medical therapy. Because of antiplatelet therapy limitation, bioresorbable vascular support (BVS) was implanted in the LMCA. This case report discusses theuse of BVS in complex lesion, enabling absorption of the device and better management of antiplatelet therapy and future follow-up of the obstruction treated using by non-invasive imaging methods.