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.

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.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by schistosomiasis are indistinguishable from other etiologies.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious pulmonary circulation disease caused by several etiologies, including schistosomiasis. The present study retrospectively evaluated the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with schistosomal PAH (PAH-Sch) compared to those of non-Sch PAH patients (non-Sch PAH). METHODS: Patients treated at the Pronto-Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco and diagnosed by right cardiac catheterization were divided into PAH-Sch and non-Sch PAH groups. Their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among the included 98 patients (mean age, 45 ± 14 years; 68 women [69.4%]), we found 56 PAH-Sch and 42 non-Sch PAH. The age distribution was heterogeneous in the PAH-Sch group, with patients predominantly ranging from 50-59 (p <0.004). Dyspnea was the most common symptom, reported by 92 patients (93.8%), and commonly present for over two years prior to diagnosis. Clinical symptoms were similar in both groups, with no differences in functional class, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p = 0.102), 6-minute walk test score (p = 0.234), NT-proBNP serum levels (p = 0.081), or hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAH-Sch present clinical, laboratory, and hemodynamic profiles similar to those with PAH resulting from other etiologies of poor prognosis. PAH is an important manifestation of schistosomiasis in endemic regions that is often diagnosed late.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by schistosomiasis are indistinguishable from other etiologies

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious pulmonary circulation disease caused by several etiologies, including schistosomiasis. The present study retrospectively evaluated the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with schistosomal PAH (PAH-Sch) compared to those of non-Sch PAH patients (non-Sch PAH). METHODS: Patients treated at the Pronto-Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco and diagnosed by right cardiac catheterization were divided into PAH-Sch and non-Sch PAH groups. Their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among the included 98 patients (mean age, 45 ± 14 years; 68 women [69.4%]), we found 56 PAH-Sch and 42 non-Sch PAH. The age distribution was heterogeneous in the PAH-Sch group, with patients predominantly ranging from 50-59 (p <0.004). Dyspnea was the most common symptom, reported by 92 patients (93.8%), and commonly present for over two years prior to diagnosis. Clinical symptoms were similar in both groups, with no differences in functional class, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p = 0.102), 6-minute walk test score (p = 0.234), NT-proBNP serum levels (p = 0.081), or hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAH-Sch present clinical, laboratory, and hemodynamic profiles similar to those with PAH resulting from other etiologies of poor prognosis. PAH is an important manifestation of schistosomiasis in endemic regions that is often diagnosed late.

Coronary Angioplasty with Stent in Woman with Active Vaginal Bleeding

Uterine leiomyoma and coronary artery disease are two common diseases in women. However, the association of uterine bleeding caused by leiomyoma with unstable coronary syndrome is not frequent. Here we describe a case of a patient with active vaginal bleeding and unstable angina who underwent a unique approach by performing percutaneous procedures. The report demonstrates that new interventional options can be used to control active bleeding in patients in need of coronary angioplasty

Predictors of coronary stent thrombosis: a case-control study.

To verify the frequency and predictors associated with stent thrombosis (ST) in a developing country. Observational, case-control study including 2535 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in two reference hospitals in Brazil, from October 2013 to December 2015. ST patients were matched to controls in a 1:3 ratio for gender, age, procedure indication, and performing hospital. From the total sample, 65 (2.5%) ST occurred and were matched with 195 controls (age 64.9 ± 11.8 years; hypertension, 78.8%; diabetes, 30%). Clopidogrel and aspirin early withdrawal (OR 19.25; 95% CI 1.66-23.52; p < 0.01 and OR 4.36; 95% CI 1.81-10.50; p = 0.001, respectively), hypertension (OR 3.64; 95% CI 1.38-9.61; p = 0.006), dyslipidemia (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.48-5.45; p = 0.002), smoking (OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.28-7.43; p = 0.02), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.02-4.49; p = 0.012), previous myocardial infarction (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.14-7.47; p < 0.001), bifurcation lesion (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.05-5.67; p = 0.03), and ≥ 3 stents (OR 3.90; 95% CI 1.78-8.52; p = 0.002) were associated with ST. Stent type, diameter or length, severity of coronary artery disease, calcified lesions, and thrombus were not associated with ST. We found a similar frequency of ST from developed countries and identified strong predictors (clopidogrel and aspirin withdrawal, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, previous myocardial infarction, bifurcation lesion, number of stents), which are in line with reports from developed countries.

First results of the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure / Primeiros Resultados do Registro Brasileiro de Oclusão Percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo

Abstract Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an effective alternative to oral anticoagulation (OA) for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Objective: To present the immediate results and late outcomes of patients submitted to LAAC and included in the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Methods: 91 patients with NVAF, high stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc score = 4.5 ± 1.5) and restrictions to OAC (HAS-BLED score = 3.6 ± 1.0) underwent 92 LAAC procedures using either the Amplatzer cardiac plug or the Watchman device in 11 centers in Brazil, between late 2010 and mid 2016. Results: Ninety-six devices were used (1.04 device/procedure, including an additional non-dedicated device), with a procedural success rate of 97.8%. Associated procedures were performed in 8.7% of the patients. Complete LAAC was obtained in 93.3% of the successful cases. In cases of incomplete closure, no residual leak was larger than 2.5 mm. One patient needed simultaneous implantation of 2 devices. There were 7 periprocedural major (5 pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 non-dedicated device embolization and 1 coronary air embolism without sequelae) and 4 minor complications. After 128.6 patient-years of follow-up there were 3 deaths unrelated to the procedure, 2 major bleedings (one of them in a patient with an unsuccessful LAAC), thrombus formation over the device in 2 cases (both resolved after resuming OAC for 3 months) and 2 strokes (2.2%). Conclusions: In this multicenter, real world registry, that included patients with NVAF and high thromboembolic and bleeding risks, LAAC effectively prevented stroke and bleeding when compared to the expected rates based on CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores for this population. Complications rate of the procedure was acceptable considering the beginning of the learning curve of most of the involved operators.

Resumo Fundamento: A oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo (OAAE) é uma alternativa eficaz à anticoagulação oral (ACO) para a prevenção de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não-valvular (FANV). Objetivo: Apresentar os resultados imediatos e o seguimento tardio de pacientes submetidos a OAAE e incluídos no Registro Brasileiro de Oclusão Percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo. Métodos: 91 pacientes com FANV, alto risco de AVC (escore CHA2DS2VASc = 4,5 ± 1,5) e restrição à AO (escore HAS-BLED = 3,6 ± 1,0) foram submetidos a 92 procedimentos de OAAE com as próteses Amplatzer Cardiac Plug e Watchman em 11 centros do Brasil, entre o final de 2010 e a metade de 2016. Resultados: Utilizaram-se 96 próteses no total (1,04 próteses/procedimento, incluindo-se o uso de 1 prótese não-dedicada adicional em um dos casos), obtendo-se sucesso em 97,8% dos procedimentos. Realizaram-se procedimentos associados à OAAE em 8,7% dos pacientes. Observou-se oclusão total do AAE em 93,3% dos casos com sucesso, e nos casos de oclusão incompleta, nenhum leak foi > 2,5 mm. Um paciente necessitou do implante simultâneo de 2 próteses. Houve 7 complicações maiores periprocedimento (5 derrames pericárdicos necessitando pericardiocentese, 1 embolização da prótese não-dedicada e 1 embolia aérea coronariana sem sequelas) e 4 menores. No seguimento de 128,6 pacientes-ano, houve 3 óbitos não relacionados ao procedimento, 2 sangramentos maiores (um deles em um dos casos de insucesso da OAAE), formação de trombo sobre a prótese em 2 casos (tratados com sucesso com reinstituição da ACO por 3 meses), e 2 AVCs (2,2%). Conclusões: Neste registro multicêntrico de mundo real, que incluiu pacientes com FANV e alto risco de sangramento e de eventos tromboembólicos, a OAAE foi eficaz na prevenção de AVC e sangramento quando comparada às taxas de AVC previstas pelos escores CHA2DS2VASc e HASBLED para esta população. O índice de complicações do procedimento foi aceitável, considerando se tratar do início da curva de aprendizado da maioria dos operadores envolvidos.

First results of the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an effective alternative to oral anticoagulation (OA) for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). OBJECTIVE: To present the immediate results and late outcomes of patients submitted to LAAC and included in the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure. METHODS: 91 patients with NVAF, high stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc score = 4.5 ± 1.5) and restrictions to OAC (HAS-BLED score = 3.6 ± 1.0) underwent 92 LAAC procedures using either the Amplatzer cardiac plug or the Watchman device in 11 centers in Brazil, between late 2010 and mid 2016. RESULTS: Ninety-six devices were used (1.04 device/procedure, including an additional non-dedicated device), with a procedural success rate of 97.8%. Associated procedures were performed in 8.7% of the patients. Complete LAAC was obtained in 93.3% of the successful cases. In cases of incomplete closure, no residual leak was larger than 2.5 mm. One patient needed simultaneous implantation of 2 devices. There were 7 periprocedural major (5 pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 non-dedicated device embolization and 1 coronary air embolism without sequelae) and 4 minor complications. After 128.6 patient-years of follow-up there were 3 deaths unrelated to the procedure, 2 major bleedings (one of them in a patient with an unsuccessful LAAC), thrombus formation over the device in 2 cases (both resolved after resuming OAC for 3 months) and 2 strokes (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter, real world registry, that included patients with NVAF and high thromboembolic and bleeding risks, LAAC effectively prevented stroke and bleeding when compared to the expected rates based on CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores for this population. Complications rate of the procedure was acceptable considering the beginning of the learning curve of most of the involved operators.

Stent farmacológico autoexpansível miniaturizado em coronárias de pequeno calibre: eficácia tardia / Miniaturized self-expanding drug-eluting stent in small coronary arteries: late effectiveness

FUNDAMENTO: Na angioplastia coronária percutânea (ACP), os vasos de fino calibre representam um fator de risco para reestenose. O stent farmacológico (SF) autoexpansível Sparrow®, de perfil menor que os sistemas atuais, nunca foi testado nesse cenário. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia tardia do SF Sparrow®, com relação à perda luminal tardia intrastent (PLT intrastent) aos oito meses. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, em P com doença arterial coronária (DAC) sintomática ou com isquemia documentada, submetido à ACP em vasos de calibre < 2,75 mm, dividido em dois grupos quanto ao tipo de stent Sparrow®: grupo 1, SF; grupo 2, stent não farmacológico (SNF). O seguimento clínico foi de 12 meses. De imediato e aos oito meses, avaliação pela angiografia coronária quantitativa (ACQ). Para o cálculo da amostra estimou-se diminuição de mais de 65% de PLT intrastent com o SF. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa IBM SPSS Statistics® versão 19 (Chicago, Illinois, EUA). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 24 p, 12 em cada grupo. Os grupos SF e SNF foram semelhantes quanto à idade (63,25 ± 10,01 versus 64,58 ± 11,54, p = 0,765), sexo masculino (58,3% versus 33,3%, p = 0,412), fatores de risco e todos os aspectos angiográficos. Os resultados imediatos foram satisfatórios em ambos os grupos. Aos oito meses, a PLT intrastent foi significativamente menor no SF do que no SNF (SF 0,25 ± 0,16 versus SNF 0,97 ± 0,76, p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Em ACP de vasos de calibre < 2,75 mm, o SF Sparrow® determinou significativa redução da PLT intrastent, em comparação ao SNF Sparrow®.

BACKGROUND: Small vessels represent a risk factor for restenosis in percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA). The Sparrow® self-expanding drug-eluting stent, which has a lower profile than the current systems, has never been tested in this scenario. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the late effectiveness of the Sparrow® drug-eluting stent, regarding in-stent late lumen loss (LLL). METHODS: Patients with ischemia, symptomatic or documented, were submitted to PCA in vessels with reference diameter < 2.75 mm, divided into two groups regarding Sparrow® stent type: group 1: Sparrow® drug-eluting stent (DES), group 2: Sparrow® bare metal stent (BMS). Clinical follow-up duration was 12 months. Evaluation using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed immediately and at 8 months. A decrease of over 65% of in-stent LLL with DES was estimated to calculate sample size. IBM® SPSS software, release 19 (Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were randomized, 12 in each group. The DES and BMS groups were similar in age (63.25 ± 10.01 vs. 64.58 ± 11.54, p = 0.765), male gender (58.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.412), risk factors and all angiographs aspects. Immediate results were satisfactory in both groups. At 8 months in-stent late lumen loss was significantly lower in DES than in BMS group (DES vs. BMS 0.25 ± 0.16 0.97 ± 0.76, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In small-vessel PCA, the Sparrow® DES determined significant reduction in in-stent LLL, when compared to Sparrow® BMS.

Miniaturized self-expanding drug-eluting stent in small coronary arteries: late effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Small vessels represent a risk factor for restenosis in percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA). The Sparrow® self-expanding drug-eluting stent, which has a lower profile than the current systems, has never been tested in this scenario. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the late effectiveness of the Sparrow® drug-eluting stent, regarding in-stent late lumen loss (LLL). METHODS: Patients with ischemia, symptomatic or documented, were submitted to PCA in vessels with reference diameter < 2.75 mm, divided into two groups regarding Sparrow® stent type: group 1: Sparrow® drug-eluting stent (DES), group 2: Sparrow® bare metal stent (BMS). Clinical follow-up duration was 12 months. Evaluation using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed immediately and at 8 months. A decrease of over 65% of in-stent LLL with DES was estimated to calculate sample size. IBM® SPSS software, release 19 (Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were randomized, 12 in each group. The DES and BMS groups were similar in age (63.25 ± 10.01 vs. 64.58 ± 11.54, p = 0.765), male gender (58.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.412), risk factors and all angiographs aspects. Immediate results were satisfactory in both groups. At 8 months in-stent late lumen loss was significantly lower in DES than in BMS group (DES vs. BMS 0.25 ± 0.16 0.97 ± 0.76, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In small-vessel PCA, the Sparrow® DES determined significant reduction in in-stent LLL, when compared to Sparrow® BMS.

Intravascular ultrasound comparison of small coronary lesions between novel guidewire-based sirolimus-eluting stents and conventional sirolimus-eluting stents

The Sparrow stent system (Biosensors International) consists of a self-expanding, ultra-thin nitinol stent mounted within a 0.014½ guidewire designed for small or tortuous coronary lesions. We compared the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings between the novel self-expanding sirolimus-eluting stent (Sparrow-SES) and a conventional balloon-expandable sirolimus-eluting stent (Cypher-SES) in patients with small coronary disease. Methods. We examined 14 lesions treated with the Sparrow-SES from CARE II, compared with 22 small vessel lesions treated with Cypher-SES. IVUS examination was performed post-procedure and 8 months later. Volumetric data were standardized by length as volume index (VI; mm3/mm). Results. While baseline stent VI trended smaller in Sparrow-SES, follow-up stent VI became similar between the 2 groups due to a significant increase of stent VI in self-expanding Sparrow-SES during the follow-up period. At 8 months, Sparrow-SES showed greater neointima than Cypher-SES (0.8 ± 0.6 mm3/mm vs 0.2 ± 0.2 mm3/mm; P<.001). However, the decrease in lumen VI was only 0.3 ± 0.7 mm3/mm in Sparrow-SES, as compared to 0.1 ± 0.3 mm3/mm in Cypher-SES (P=.259), since the late loss due to neointimal hyperplasia was partly counterbalanced by the chronic stent expansion in Sparrow-SES. Conclusion. While 8-month follow-up of Sparrow-SES revealed greater amounts of neointimal hyperplasia compared with conventional Cypher-SES, chronic stent expansion preserved the lumen by increasing stent volume. This novel, guidewire-based, self-expanding stent system designed to be delivered through complex anatomies may be useful to treat patients with small-caliber coronary lesions by offering sufficient lumen preservation at follow-up.

Dosimetria de pacientes e médicos em intervenções coronárias percutâneas em Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Radiation dosimetry in patients and physicians during percutaneous coronary angioplasty in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar os valores de doses de radiação recebidas por médicos e pacientes em procedimentos intervencionistas cardíacos realizados em um hospital público na cidade de Recife, Pernambuco. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: As medidas foram determinadas em 31 pacientes adultos, dos quais 22 tiveram acompanhamento clínico após o procedimento, e em dois cardiologistas com mais de dez anos de experiência. Parâmetros de irradiação para cada procedimento foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Os valores obtidos para a dose absorvida máxima na pele do paciente variaram entre 612 e 8.642 mGy, sendo que 53 por cento foram maiores que 2.000 mGy, valores estes que podem causar efeitos determinísticos. Com relação aos médicos, a dose efetiva média por procedimento foi de 11 µSv e os valores médios do equivalente de dose nas extremidades, mais altos, foram: 923 µSv no pé esquerdo, 514 µSv no pé direito, 382 µSv na mão esquerda e 150 µSv no olho esquerdo. Dependendo do número de procedimentos, as doses recebidas pelos médicos podem exceder os valores limites de doses estabelecidos pelas normas nacionais e internacionais. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos sinalizam a necessidade de adoção de estratégias para otimização da proteção radiológica tanto de pacientes quanto de médicos.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at estimating the values of radiation doses received by physicians and patients during interventional cardiology procedures performed at a public hospital in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements were made in two cardiologists with more than ten years of experience and in 31 adult patients, with 22 of them being clinically followed-up after the procedure. The individual irradiation parameters were documented. RESULTS: The values for maximum patients skin dose ranged between 612 and 8,642 mGy, achieving more than 2,000 mGy in 53 percent of the patients; such dose values may cause deterministic effects. As regards the physicians, the mean effective dose per procedure was 11 µSv, and the highest mean equivalent doses in the limbs were 923 µSv in the left foot, 514 µSv in the right foot, 382 µSv in the left hand, and 150 µSv in the left eye. Depending on the number of procedures, the doses received by the physician may exceed the dose limits established by the Brazilian and international standards. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate the necessity of adopting strategies for optimizing the radiological protection for both patients and physicians.

[Pulmonary hypertension associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: presentation of five cases and review of the literature]. / Hipertensão pulmonar associada à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida: apresentação de cinco casos e revisão da literatura.

Several cardiorespiratory diseases may complicate the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare clinical disorder with a poor prognosis. We describe this syndrome in five patients seen at our service who presented infection with the acquired immunodeficiency virus, and we review the literature.

Hipertensão pulmonar associada à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida: apresentação de cinco casos e revisão da literatura / Pulmonary hypertension associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: presentation of five cases and review of the literature

Diversas doenças cardiorespiratórias podem complicar a síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. A hipertensão pulmonar é uma rara doença com um pobre prognóstico. Nós descrevemos esta síndrome em cinco pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida em nosso serviço com revisão da literatura.

Several cardiorespiratory diseases may complicate the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare clinical disorder with a poor prognosis. We describe this syndrome in five patients seen at our service who presented infection with the acquired immunodeficiency virus, and we review the literature.