Evaluación de la función ventricular en la hipertensión pulmonar por resonancia magnética cardíaca / Evaluation of ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension by cardiac magnetic resonance

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la función del ventrículo derecho (VD) e izquierdo (VI) en la hipertensión pulmonar (HP) mediante resonancia magnética cardíaca (RMC). Material y métodos: En pacientes con (grupo HP; n = 9) y sin (grupo control; n = 9) HP se evaluó volumen telediastólico (VTD) y telesistólico (VTS) y fracción de eyección (FE) de ventrículo derecho (VD) e izquierdo (VI), área de aurícula derecha (AD) e izquierda y diámetro de arteria pulmonar (AP). Resultados: En HP, el VD presentó mayor VTD y VTS y menor FE (HP 52 ± 5% vs. control 64 ± 2%; p < 0,05). Solo en HP se observó movimiento anormal del tabique interventricular y realce tardío en los puntos de inserción del VD en VI. En HP aumentó el área de AD y el diámetro de AP. En VD, solo en HP, la FE se correlacionó negativamente con VTD (Pearson r: –0,8290; p < 0,01) y VTS (Pearson r: –0,7869; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La evaluación de pacientes con HP mediante RMC demuestra alteraciones fisiológicas y anatómicas de las cavidades derechas con disminución de la FE del VD que también afecta la interrelación VD/VI. Se recalca la importancia de una evaluación temprana y secuencial del VD con RMC para valorar la mejor estrategia terapéutica para cada caso en particular.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the function of the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Material and method: In patients with (PH group; n = 9) and without PH (control group; n = 9), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF) of right (RV) and left (LV) ventricle, area of the right (RA) and left (LA) atrium and diameter of the pulmonary artery (PA) were evaluated. Results: In PH, the RV increased EDV and ESV and decreased EF (PH: 52 ± 5% vs. control: 64 ± 2%; p < 0.05). Abnormal movement of the interventricular septum and late enhancement in the insertion points of the RV in the LV were only observed in HP. HP increased the area of RA and the diameter of PA. In LV, only in HP, EF was negatively correlated with EDV (Pearson r: –0.8290; p < 0.01) and ESV (Pearson r: –0.7869; p < 0.05). Conclusions: CMR evaluation of patients with PH demonstrates physiological and anatomical alterations of the right cavities with decreased EF in RV that also affects the RV/LV interrelationship. The importance of an early and sequential evaluation of the RV with CMR is emphasized to assess the best therapeutic strategy for each particular case.

Utilidad de la resonancia magnética cardíaca en pacientes con distrofias neuromusculares (distrofia neuromuscular de Duchene/ Becker) / Usefulness of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Neuromuscular Dystrophies (Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy)

RESUMEN Introducción: La Resonancia Magnética Cardíaca (RMC) es cada vez más frecuentemente utilizada en pacientes con Distrofia Neuromuscular de Duchene y Becker (DMD y DMB). Por la capacidad de demostrar realce tardío con gadolinio (RTG), que identifica zonas de fibrosis de la pared media y subepicárdica, subendocárdica o global, y el cálculo de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI), se considera el patrón oro en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la afección cardíaca de estas distrofias. Objetivos: Determinar por medio de RMC la presencia de fibrosis cardíaca en pacientes con distrofia neuromuscular. Determinar el compromiso neuromuscular y cardiaco. Definir la evolución cardiovascular de estos pacientes Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de 16 pacientes consecutivos desde marzo de 2021 a julio de 2022 en el Área de imagen cardiaca de CEMET (Centro Médico Tafi Viejo) y Diagnóstico Médico Dr. Gaya de la provincia de Tucumán. Resultados: Se evaluaron 16 pacientes, todos con diagnóstico confirmado de DMD/DMB por laboratorio, enzimas, y test genéticos. La edad promedio fue 19 años. Todos tenían estadio grave de la escala de Vignos y tratamiento neurológico. Todos tenían tratamiento con betabloqueantes o inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina. La RMC evidenció que 4 pacientes tenían deterioro grave de la FEVI (<35%); 8 pacientes tenían trastornos segmentarios o globales de la motilidad parietal del VI y en 12 se observó RTG, de distribución variable: difusa, mesocárdica, subendocárdica y subepicárdica. En 6 pacientes se observó miocardio no compacto y en 2 derrame pericárdico leve. Conclusión: La RMC debe ser incluida como método de cribaje para pacientes con distrofias neuromusculares. Su aporte para la estadificación clínica y terapéutica es de suma importancia.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is commonly used in patients with Duchene (DMD) and Becker (DMB) Neuromuscular Dystrophies. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) identifies areas of middle, subepicardial, or subendocardial wall fibrosis, and volumetric left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis and prognosis of these dystrophies. Myocardial fibrosis occurs in patients with neuromuscular dystrophies. The purposes of our study were to determine the presence of cardiac fibrosis using CMR, to determine neuromuscular and cardiac involvement, and to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of these patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 16 consecutive patients was conducted from March 2021 to July 2022 in the Cardiac Imaging Service of Diagnóstico Médico and CEMET- Tucumán. Results: A total of 16 patients were evaluated, 100% of them with confirmed diagnosis of DMD/DMB by laboratory, enzymes and genetic tests. Mean age was 19 years. All patients had severe stage of the Vignos Scale and were under neurological treatment. All patients were also treated with beta-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. CMR revealed severe LVEF impairment <35% in 4 patients, segmental or global left ventricular (LV) wall motion disorders in 8 patients, and variable distribution pattern (diffuse, mesocardial, subendocardial and subepicardial patterns) of LGE in 12 patients. Non-compacted myocardium was observed in 6, and mild pericardial effusions in 2 patients. Conclusion: CMR should be included as a screening method in patients with neuromuscular dystrophies. Its contribution to clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic staging is of utmost importance.

Correlación del espesor íntima-media de arterias carótidas con parámetros ecocardiográficos, factores de riesgos y eventos cardiovasculares

Introducción. La medición del espesor íntima-media (EIM) carotídeo por ultrasonido es un método no invasivo que nos permite identificar a aquellos pacientes de alto riesgo a realizar eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivos. Establecer una correlación entre el EIM carotídeo con factores de riesgo cardiovascular y hallazgos ecocardiográficos. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años de edad, a los que se les realizó un ecocardiograma Doppler transtorácico y eco-Doppler de arterias carótidas. En cada paciente se tuvo en cuenta el antecedente de hipertensión arterial, dislipemia, diabetes, tabaquismo, cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebro vascular. Resultados. Se estudiaron 102 pacientes, encontrándose un aumento significativo del EIM carotídeo en aquellos con alteraciones en el ecocardiograma Doppler, en especial los que presentaron hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo y esclerosis aórtica. La presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovasculares también se asoció con un incremento del EIM. Los pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares previos, en especial con cardiopatía isquémica, también mostraron un aumento significativo del EIM carotídeo. Conclusión. La asociación entre el aumento del EIM con la presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, con alteraciones del ecocardiograma Doppler y con antecedentes cardiovasculares previos, justificaría el uso del eco-Doppler carotídeo en asociación con el eco-Doppler cardíaco para una mejor y más completa estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular.

Correlation of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries by echocardiography, risk factors and cardiovascular events Introduction. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement by ultrasound is a noninvasive method that allows us to identify those patients at high risk for cardiovascular events performing. Objectives. To establish a correlation between carotid IMT with cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic findings. Material and methods. Patients were included of both sexes, aged 18 years old, who underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and Doppler ultrasound of carotid arteries. In each patient was considered a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, coronary heart disease and stroke. Results. We studied 102 patients being significantly increase in carotid IMT in those with abnormal Doppler echocardiography, especially those who had left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic sclerosis. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors was also associated with increased IMT. Patients with previous history of cardiovascular disease, especially ischemic heart disease, also showed a significant increase in carotid IMT. Conclusion. The association between increased IMT in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, with abnormal Doppler echocardiography and previous cardiovascular history, justify the use of carotid Doppler ultrasound in association with cardiac Doppler for a better and more complete stratification cardiovascular risk.

Correlação da espessura íntima-média das artérias carótidas com os parâmetros ecocardiográficos, fatores de risco e eventos cardiovasculares Introdução. A medida da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIM) por ultra-sonografia é um método não invasivo que permite identificar os pacientes de alto risco para realizar eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivos. Estabelecer uma correlação entre o EIM da carótida com fatores de risco cardiovascular e ecocardiográficos. Material e métodos. Foram incluídos pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade de 18 anos, submetidos a ecocardiografía Doppler transtorácica e eco-Doppler das artérias carótidas. Em cada paciente foi considerado uma história de hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, diabetes, tabagismo, doenças isquêmica do coração e acidente vascular cerebral. Resultados. Foram estudados 102 pacientes encontrando-se um aumento significativo na EIM da carótida em indivíduos com alteração do Doppler, especialmente aqueles com hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e esclerose aórtica. A presença de fatores de risco cardiovascular também foi associada com o aumento da EIM. Pacientes com história prévia de doença cardiovascular, especialmente doenças isquêmicas, também mostrou um aumento significativo na EIM da carótida. Conclusão. A associação entre o aumento da EIM com a presença de fatores de risco cardiovascular, com ecocardiograma Doppler anormal e história cardiovascular prévia, justifica o uso de eco-Doppler da carótida em associação com eco-Doppler cardíaco para uma melhor e mais completa estratificação do risco cardiovascular.

Correlación del espesor íntima-media de arterias carótidas con parámetros ecocardiográficos, factores de riesgos y eventos cardiovasculares

Introducción. La medición del espesor íntima-media (EIM) carotídeo por ultrasonido es un método no invasivo que nos permite identificar a aquellos pacientes de alto riesgo a realizar eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivos. Establecer una correlación entre el EIM carotídeo con factores de riesgo cardiovascular y hallazgos ecocardiográficos. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años de edad, a los que se les realizó un ecocardiograma Doppler transtorácico y eco-Doppler de arterias carótidas. En cada paciente se tuvo en cuenta el antecedente de hipertensión arterial, dislipemia, diabetes, tabaquismo, cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebro vascular. Resultados. Se estudiaron 102 pacientes, encontrándose un aumento significativo del EIM carotídeo en aquellos con alteraciones en el ecocardiograma Doppler, en especial los que presentaron hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo y esclerosis aórtica. La presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovasculares también se asoció con un incremento del EIM. Los pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares previos, en especial con cardiopatía isquémica, también mostraron un aumento significativo del EIM carotídeo. Conclusión. La asociación entre el aumento del EIM con la presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, con alteraciones del ecocardiograma Doppler y con antecedentes cardiovasculares previos, justificaría el uso del eco-Doppler carotídeo en asociación con el eco-Doppler cardíaco para una mejor y más completa estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular.(AU)

Correlation of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries by echocardiography, risk factors and cardiovascular events Introduction. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement by ultrasound is a noninvasive method that allows us to identify those patients at high risk for cardiovascular events performing. Objectives. To establish a correlation between carotid IMT with cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic findings. Material and methods. Patients were included of both sexes, aged 18 years old, who underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and Doppler ultrasound of carotid arteries. In each patient was considered a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, coronary heart disease and stroke. Results. We studied 102 patients being significantly increase in carotid IMT in those with abnormal Doppler echocardiography, especially those who had left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic sclerosis. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors was also associated with increased IMT. Patients with previous history of cardiovascular disease, especially ischemic heart disease, also showed a significant increase in carotid IMT. Conclusion. The association between increased IMT in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, with abnormal Doppler echocardiography and previous cardiovascular history, justify the use of carotid Doppler ultrasound in association with cardiac Doppler for a better and more complete stratification cardiovascular risk.(AU)

CorrelaþÒo da espessura íntima-média das artérias carótidas com os parÔmetros ecocardiográficos, fatores de risco e eventos cardiovasculares IntroduþÒo. A medida da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIM) por ultra-sonografia é um método nÒo invasivo que permite identificar os pacientes de alto risco para realizar eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivos. Estabelecer uma correlaþÒo entre o EIM da carótida com fatores de risco cardiovascular e ecocardiográficos. Material e métodos. Foram incluídos pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade de 18 anos, submetidos a ecocardiografía Doppler transtorácica e eco-Doppler das artérias carótidas. Em cada paciente foi considerado uma história de hipertensÒo arterial, dislipidemia, diabetes, tabagismo, doenþas isquÛmica do coraþÒo e acidente vascular cerebral. Resultados. Foram estudados 102 pacientes encontrando-se um aumento significativo na EIM da carótida em indivíduos com alteraþÒo do Doppler, especialmente aqueles com hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e esclerose aórtica. A presenþa de fatores de risco cardiovascular também foi associada com o aumento da EIM. Pacientes com história prévia de doenþa cardiovascular, especialmente doenþas isquÛmicas, também mostrou um aumento significativo na EIM da carótida. ConclusÒo. A associaþÒo entre o aumento da EIM com a presenþa de fatores de risco cardiovascular, com ecocardiograma Doppler anormal e história cardiovascular prévia, justifica o uso de eco-Doppler da carótida em associaþÒo com eco-Doppler cardíaco para uma melhor e mais completa estratificaþÒo do risco cardiovascular.(AU)

Hospital outcome of moderate to severe pericardial effusion complicating ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Hospital prognosis of moderate to severe pericardial effusion (MPE; ≥10 mm) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction is largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from 446 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients, 228 with MPE-88 with cardiac tamponade (CT) and electromechanical dissociation (EMD), 44 with CT without EMD (w/oEMD), and 96 without initial CT-and 218 with small PE (5 to 9 mm), were compared. Patients with MPE without initial CT were also compared with 96 patients without PE. CT patients showed larger PE (P<0.001) than those without initial CT; 85% of those with CT+EMD and 86% with CTw/oEMD were treated with pericardiocentesis and 10% and 21% were treated with a surgical repair, respectively. Among MPE patients, 30-day mortality was 43% and was higher in those with CT+EMD (operated, 89%; and nonoperated, 85%) than in those with CTw/oEMD (22% and 11%, respectively; P<0.001) and those without initial CT (17%; P<0.001). It was also higher than in patients with small PE (10%; P<0.001) or those without PE (6%; P=0.001). Death was attributable to cardiac rupture in 83% of patients with CT+EMD, 7% with CTw/oEMD, and 8% with MPE without initial CT and occurred late (≥7 days) in 14%, 67%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MPE carries an increased mortality that is highest in patients with CT+EMD. In those with CTw/oEMD, however, mortality is considerably low after pericardiocentesis, and subsequent management may be individualized because a conservative approach is often successful. Importantly, MPE patients without initial CT are not free from late rupture and deserve further investigation.