Tuberculose latente em pacientes psoriásicos tratados com imunobiológicos do estado da Paraíba / Latent tuberculosis in psoriatic patients treated with immunobiologics from the state of Paraíba / Tuberculosis latente en pacientes psoriásicos tratados con inmunobiológicos del estado de Paraíba

Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência e os riscos para tuberculose (TB) em pacientes com psoríase em uso de imunobiológicos tratados em centro de referência na Paraíba. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com psoriásicos registrados no Centro de Referência de Psoríase de um Hospital Universitário em parceria com o Centro Especializado de Dispensação de Medicamentos Excepcionais, com idade ≥ 18 anos, tratados com imunobiológicos de setembro/2021 a agosto/2022. Resultados: A amostra de 185 pacientes, foram 94 (50.8%) mulheres, com média de idade de 51,8 ± 16,0 anos,147 (79.4%) eram da capital da Paraíba. A forma de psoríase mais prevalente foi do tipo Vulgar em placas, com 181 (45.9%) pacientes. Todos os pacientes estavam usando imunobiológicos, sendo o inibidor do fator de necrose tumoral o mais utilizado. Observou-se Teste de Mantoux reativo em 12 (6.5%) pacientes e fortemente reativo em 5 (2.7%), e alteração na radiografia de tórax em 6 pacientes. Os 17 pacientes com TB- latente foram tratados com isoniazida por 9 meses, e nenhum desenvolveu a TB-doença. Conclusão: Este estudo foi imperioso para conhecer o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com psoríase em uso de imunobiológicos e que estão expostos a um risco maior em desenvolver a TB-doença.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risks of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with psoriasis using immunobiologics treated at a referral center in Paraíba. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with psoriatic individuals registered at the Psoriasis Reference Center at the University Hospita in partnership with the Specialized Center for the Dispensation of Exceptional Medicines, aged ≥ 18 years, treated with immunobiologics from September/2021 to August/2022. Results: The sample of 185 patients who met the criteria were 94 (50.8%) women, with a mean age of 51.8 ± 16.0 years,147 (79.4%) were from the capital of Paraíba. The most prevalent form of psoriasis was the vulgar plaque type, with 181 (45.9%) patients. All patients were using immunobiologicals, and the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor was the most widely used. Reactive Mantoux test was observed in 12 (6.5%) patients and strongly reactive in 5 (2.7%), and chest X-ray changes were observed in 6 patients. The 17 patients with latent TB were treated with isoniazid for 9 months, and none developed TB-disease. Conclusion: This study was imperative to know the epidemiological profile of patients with psoriasis using immunobiologics and who are exposed to a higher risk of developing TB-disease.

Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia y los riesgos de tuberculosis (TB) en pacientes con psoriasis utilizando inmunobiológicos tratados en un centro de referencia en Paraíba. Métodos: Estudio transversal con individuos psoriásicos registrados en el Centro de Referencia de Psoriasis del Hospital en asociación con el Centro Especializado para la Dispensación de Medicamentos Excepcionales, con edad ≥ 18 años, tratados con productos inmunobiológicos desde septiembre/2021 hasta agosto/2022. Resultados: La muestra de 185 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios fueron 94 (50,8%) mujeres, con edad promedio de 51,8 ± 16,0 años, 147 (79,4%) eran de la capital de Paraíba. La forma más prevalente de psoriasis fue el tipo de placa vulgar, con 181 (45,9%) pacientes. Todos los pacientes usaban productos inmunobiológicos, y el inhibidor del factor de necrosis tumoral fue el más utilizado. Se observó teste de Mantoux reactiva en 12 (6,5%) pacientes y fuertemente reactiva en 5 (2,7%), y se observaron cambios en la radiografía de tórax en 6 pacientes. Los 17 pacientes con TB latente fueron tratados con isoniazida durante 9 meses, y ninguno desarrolló enfermedad de TB. Conclusión: Este estudio fue imprescindible para conocer el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con psoriasis que utilizan productos inmunológicos y que están expuestos a un mayor riesgo de desarrollar la enfermedad de TB.

Software for Post-Processing Analysis of Strain Curves: The D-Station. / Apresentação de Software para Pós-processamento de Curvas de Deformação Cardíaca: D-Station.

BACKGROUND: The use of speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluation of cardiac function has great applicability in different scenarios. The broad use of this method requires tools that allow the extraction of relevant data from strain curves and inclusion of these data in traditionally used parameters. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to present and validate a free software, called D-station, for analysis of strain curves. METHODS: From raw data files, the D-Station determines the phases of the cardiac cycle, and simultaneously exhibits the strain and strain rate curves of different cardiac chambers. Validation of the software was done by global longitudinal strain (GLS), and the analyses were performed: 1) graphical comparison of EchoPAC and D-Station paired measurements in relation to equality line; 2) by coefficient of correlation of these measurements; 3) test of hypothesis (p > 0.05); and 4) Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient indicated a strong correlation between the measurements. Results of the test of hypothesis showed a p-value = 0.6798 >> 0.05, thus also indicating an equivalence between the softwares. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias ≤ 1% and dispersion ≤ 2% between the measurements. The tests showed that, for GLS values lower than 10%, there was a trend for higher percentage difference between the values, although the absolute values remained low. CONCLUSION: The D-Station software was validated as an additional tool to the EchoPAC, which uses the raw data from the strain and strain rate curves exported from a proprietary software. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):496-506).

FUNDAMENTO: O emprego de Speckle Tracking para estudo da função cardíaca tem grande aplicabilidade em diversos cenários. A expansão do uso deste método requer ferramentas que permitam a extração de dados relevantes das curvas de deformação cardíaca e que sejam adicionais aos parâmetros habitualmente utilizados. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho visa apresentar e validar um software de uso livre, denominado D-station, para análise das curvas de deformação cardíaca. MÉTODOS: A partir de arquivos raw data, o D-Station realiza a separação das fases do ciclo cardíaco, exibe simultaneamente curvas de Strain e Strain Rate de diferentes câmaras cardíacas. Para validação do software utilizamos o parâmetro Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) avaliando-o: 1) Graficamente, a partir da comparação das Medidas emparelhadas de GLS no EchoPAC e D-Station frente à linha de igualdade; 2) pelo Coeficiente de Correlação dessas medidas; 3) pelo Teste de Hipóteses (p > 0,05); e 4) pelo Método Gráfico de Bland-Altman. RESULTADOS: O Coeficiente rho de Spearman apontou forte correlação entre as medidas, o Teste de Hipóteses retornou um p-value = 0.6798 >> 0,05, que também indicou a equivalência entre elas; o Método gráfico de Bland-Altman mostrou um viés ≤ 1% e dispersão ≤ 2% entre as medidas. Os testes mostraram que para valores de GLS inferiores à 10% há a tendência de aumento das diferenças percentuais, mas seus valores absolutos ainda são baixos. CONCLUSÃO: O D-Station foi validado como uma aplicação suplementar ao EchoPAC que utiliza o raw data das curvas de Strain e Strain Rate obtidos por software proprietário. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):496-506).

Comparison of spatial temporal representations of the vectorcardiogram using digital image processing

INTRODUCTION: The vectorcardiography (VCG) is a method of representing the heart's electrical activity in three dimensions that is not frequently used in clinical practice due to the higher complexity compared to electrocardiography (ECG). A way around this problem was the development of regression techniques to obtain the VCG from the 12 lead ECG and the evaluation of these techniques is done by comparing the parameters obtained by the gold standard method and by the VCG obtained by the alternative methods. In this paper it is proposed instead a comparison between the images of the VCG planes using the values returned by digital image processing metrics such as PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM. METHODS: The signals used were obtained from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Diagnostic ECG Database, which contains both the VCGs obtained by the gold standard method and the 12 lead ECG signals. They were divided into five groups that contained a control group and according to the region of the wall infarction. The ECG signals were then filtered using a Butterworth Finite Impulse Response bandpass filter, with cutoff frequencies of 3 Hz and 45 Hz and then the VCGs were by a computer application using the Kors inverse matrix method, the Kors quasi-orthogonal method and the Dower Inverse Matrix method. The reconstructed signals were then compared using the PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM methods. The returned values were presented in tables for each group containing the average value and standard deviance for each method in each VCG plane. RESULTS: Using image processing techniques, it was possible to perceive that the alternative methods to obtain the VCG have a high confiability that could be compared to the gold standard in signals from healthy subjects. However, signals from pathological subjects present variations that could be caused by a deficit of these alternative methods to represent the pathology in these cases. Considering the PW-SSIM, the frontal plane by the reconstructions was considered the most similar to the gold standard, having PW-SSIM values higher than 0.93 and for the horizontal plane two groups had PW-SSIM values lower than 0.90 and for the Sagittal plane all groups had values lower than this value. DISCUSSION: The values yielded by the PSNR and SSIM had low variance, worsening the perception of the effect of the reconstruction method used or the infarction effect over the reconstruction. The values lower than 0.90 could indicate that these planes have their generation most affected by the infarction. CONCLUSION: The three methods of obtaining the VCG Frank leads, the Kors Quasi-Orthogonal method, the Kors Linear Regression method and the Dower Inverse Matrix, presented differences in the metrics: PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM in normal subjects according to the planes frontal, horizontal and sagittal and in subjects with Myocardial Infarction according to its topography: anterior, inferolateral, inferior or multiarterials. Considering only the PW-SSIM, the QO method had the best performance in different signals, followed by the Dower method. (AU)

Comparison of spatial temporal representations of the vectorcardiogram using digital image processing.

INTRODUCTION: The vectorcardiography (VCG) is a method of representing the heart's electrical activity in three dimensions that is not frequently used in clinical practice due to the higher complexity compared to electrocardiography (ECG). A way around this problem was the development of regression techniques to obtain the VCG from the 12­lead ECG and the evaluation of these techniques is done by comparing the parameters obtained by the gold standard method and by the VCG obtained by the alternative methods. In this paper it is proposed instead a comparison between the images of the VCG planes using the values returned by digital image processing metrics such as PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM. METHODS: The signals used were obtained from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Diagnostic ECG Database, which contains both the VCGs obtained by the gold standard method and the 12 lead ECG signals. They were divided into five groups that contained a control group and according to the region of the wall infarction. The ECG signals were then filtered using a Butterworth Finite Impulse Response bandpass filter, with cutoff frequencies of 3 Hz and 45 Hz and then the VCGs were by a computer application using the Kors inverse matrix method, the Kors quasi-orthogonal method and the Dower Inverse Matrix method. The reconstructed signals were then compared using the PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM methods. The returned values were presented in tables for each group containing the average value and standard deviance for each method in each VCG plane. RESULTS: Using image processing techniques, it was possible to perceive that the alternative methods to obtain the VCG have a high confiability that could be compared to the gold standard in signals from healthy subjects. However, signals from pathological subjects present variations that could be caused by a deficit of these alternative methods to represent the pathology in these cases. Considering the PW-SSIM, the Frontal plane by the reconstructions was considered the most similar to the gold standard, having PW-SSIM values higher than 0.93 and for the Horizontal plane two groups had PW-SSIM values lower than 0.90 and for the Sagittal plane all groups had values lower than this value. DISCUSSION: The values yielded by the PSNR and SSIM had low variance, worsening the perception of the effect of the reconstruction method used or the infarction effect over the reconstruction. The values lower than 0.90 could indicate that these planes have their generation most affected by the infarction. CONCLUSION: The three methods of obtaining the VCG Frank leads, the Kors Quasi-Orthogonal method, the Kors Linear Regression method and the Dower Inverse Matrix, presented differences in the metrics: PSNR, SSIM and PW-SSIM in normal subjects according to the planes frontal, horizontal and sagittal and in subjects with Myocardial Infarction according to its topography: anterior, inferolateral, inferior or multiarterials. Considering only the PW-SSIM, the QO method had the best performance in different signals, followed by the Dower method.

Software for post-processing analysis of strain curves: the d-station

BACKGROUND: The use of speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluation of cardiac function has great applicability in different scenarios. The broad use of this method requires tools that allow the extraction of relevant data from strain curves and inclusion of these data in traditionally used parameters. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to present and validate a free software, called D-station, for analysis of strain curves. METHODS: From raw data files, the D-Station determines the phases of the cardiac cycle, and simultaneously exhibits the strain and strain rate curves of different cardiac chambers. Validation of the software was done by global longitudinal strain (GLS), and the analyses were performed: 1) graphical comparison of EchoPAC and D-Station paired measurements in relation to equality line; 2) by coefficient of correlation of these measurements; 3) test of hypothesis (p > 0.05); and 4) Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient indicated a strong correlation between the measurements. Results of the test of hypothesis showed a p-value = 0.6798 >> 0.05, thus also indicating an equivalence between the softwares. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias ≤ 1% and dispersion ≤ 2% between the measurements. The tests showed that, for GLS values lower than 10%, there was a trend for higher percentage difference between the values, although the absolute values remained low. CONCLUSION: The D-Station software was validated as an additional tool to the EchoPAC, which uses the raw data from the strain and strain rate curves exported from a proprietary software. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):496-506). (AU)

Apresentação de Software para Pós-processamento de Curvas de Deformação Cardíaca: D-Station / Software for Post-Processing Analysis of Strain Curves: The D-Station

Resumo Fundamento O emprego de Speckle Tracking para estudo da função cardíaca tem grande aplicabilidade em diversos cenários. A expansão do uso deste método requer ferramentas que permitam a extração de dados relevantes das curvas de deformação cardíaca e que sejam adicionais aos parâmetros habitualmente utilizados. Objetivos O presente trabalho visa apresentar e validar um software de uso livre, denominado D-station, para análise das curvas de deformação cardíaca. Métodos A partir de arquivos raw data, o D-Station realiza a separação das fases do ciclo cardíaco, exibe simultaneamente curvas de Strain e Strain Rate de diferentes câmaras cardíacas. Para validação do software utilizamos o parâmetro Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) avaliando-o: 1) Graficamente, a partir da comparação das Medidas emparelhadas de GLS no EchoPAC e D-Station frente à linha de igualdade; 2) pelo Coeficiente de Correlação dessas medidas; 3) pelo Teste de Hipóteses (p > 0,05); e 4) pelo Método Gráfico de Bland-Altman. Resultados O Coeficiente rho de Spearman apontou forte correlação entre as medidas, o Teste de Hipóteses retornou um p-value = 0.6798 >> 0,05, que também indicou a equivalência entre elas; o Método gráfico de Bland-Altman mostrou um viés ≤ 1% e dispersão ≤ 2% entre as medidas. Os testes mostraram que para valores de GLS inferiores à 10% há a tendência de aumento das diferenças percentuais, mas seus valores absolutos ainda são baixos. Conclusão O D-Station foi validado como uma aplicação suplementar ao EchoPAC que utiliza o raw data das curvas de Strain e Strain Rate obtidos por software proprietário. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):496-506)

Abstract Background The use of speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluation of cardiac function has great applicability in different scenarios. The broad use of this method requires tools that allow the extraction of relevant data from strain curves and inclusion of these data in traditionally used parameters. Objectives The present study aimed to present and validate a free software, called D-station, for analysis of strain curves. Methods From raw data files, the D-Station determines the phases of the cardiac cycle, and simultaneously exhibits the strain and strain rate curves of different cardiac chambers. Validation of the software was done by global longitudinal strain (GLS), and the analyses were performed: 1) graphical comparison of EchoPAC and D-Station paired measurements in relation to equality line; 2) by coefficient of correlation of these measurements; 3) test of hypothesis (p > 0.05); and 4) Bland-Altman analysis. Results The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient indicated a strong correlation between the measurements. Results of the test of hypothesis showed a p-value = 0.6798 >> 0.05, thus also indicating an equivalence between the softwares. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias ≤ 1% and dispersion ≤ 2% between the measurements. The tests showed that, for GLS values lower than 10%, there was a trend for higher percentage difference between the values, although the absolute values remained low. Conclusion The D-Station software was validated as an additional tool to the EchoPAC, which uses the raw data from the strain and strain rate curves exported from a proprietary software. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):496-506)

Gerando modelos cardíacos virtuais: uma experiência brasileira com o Circadapt / Generating virtual cardiac models: a brazilian experience with Circadapt

INTRODUÇÃO: Modelos computacionais permitem, na pesquisa científica, a simulação de diversas condições que podem não estar disponíveis aos pesquisadores ou uma análise hipotética da variação de parâmetros fisiológicos que podem ser úteis na elaboração da pergunta científica. Dentre tais modelos, o CircAdapt Human Heart and Circulation Model associado ao MultiPatch Module permite a simulação do sistema circulatório numa ampla gama de condições com possibilidade de remodelamento a partir da carga de trabalho envolvida e a geração de curvas de strain desses modelos, sendo já usado em pesquisas de ponta sobre mecânica cardíaca. Apesar disso, não há relatos de seu uso no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Gerar modelos virtuais de pacientes com diferentes graus de dissincronia interventricular. Mensuração dos parâmetros de função do ventrículo esquerdo (VE): Fração de Ejeção, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Mechanical Dispersion (MD), bem como a obtenção das curvas do Strain dos 18 segmentos. MÉTODOS: Utilizando o CircAdapt, a partir de um paciente virtual considerado normal, foram realizadas simulações de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, débito cardíaco reduzido, contratilidade reduzida em 62% e área da parede média aumentada em 26% no VE, sem regurgitação mitral. Tempos de ativação obtidos a partir de um paciente real com bloqueio de ramo esquerdo foram atribuídos a cada um dos 18 segmentos do VE. Levando à uma dissincronia interventricular de 75,2ms, sendo ela agravada para 95,2ms e 115,2ms. Foram então obtidos os valores de fração de ejeção e o raw data desses modelos. Com um software próprio foi calculado o GLS, MD e exibidas as curvas de Strain. RESULTADOS: Para os pacientes simulados foram obtidos os valores de GLS, MD e fração de ejeção que podem ser vistos na tabela da Figura 1. As curvas de strain obtidas para os pacientes da Figura 1 podem ser vistas na Figura 2. Figura 2 - Curvas de strain para as simulações com dissincronia apresentadas na Figura 1. Onde AVC = Aortic Valve Closure ou, em português, fechamento da valva aórtica e VD = Ventrículo direito. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do CircAdapt pôde ser demonstrado para uma simulação de insuficiência cardíaca com dissincronia, uma fração mínima do que o modelo é capaz de fazer. Aplicações em outros cenários como infarto, valvopatias e hipertrofia são outras possibilidades para fins educacionais e de pesquisa cardiovascular no Brasil. (AU)