Characteristics of deceased subjects transported to a postmortem imaging center due to unusual death related to epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with epilepsy have high risk of experiencing uncommon causes of death. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent unusual deaths related to epilepsy and identify factors that may contribute to these deaths and may also include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). METHODS: We analyzed 5291 cases in which a postmortem imaging (PMI) study was performed using plane CT, because of an unexplained death. A rapid troponin T assay was performed using peripheral blood samples. Clinical information including the cause of death suspected by the attending physician, body position, place of death, medical history, and antiseizure medications was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 132 (2.6%) patients had an obvious history of epilepsy, while 5159 individuals had no history of epilepsy (97.4%). Cerebrovascular disease was the cause of death in 1.6% of patients in the group with epilepsy, and this was significantly lower than that in the non-epilepsy group. However, drowning was significantly higher (9.1% vs. 4.4%). Unspecified cause of death was significantly more frequent in the epilepsy group (78.0% vs. 57.8%). Furthermore, the proportion of patients who demonstrated elevation of troponin T levels without prior cardiac disease was significantly higher in the epilepsy group (37.9% vs. 31.1%). At discovery of death, prone position was dominant (30.3%), with deaths occurring most commonly in the bedroom (49.2%). No antiseizure medication had been prescribed in 12% of cases, while 29.5% of patients were taking multiple antiseizure medications. SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals experiencing unusual death was higher than in the general population. Despite PMI studies, no definitive cause of death was identified in a significant proportion of cases. The high troponin T levels may be explained by long intervals between death and examination or by higher incidence of myocardial damage at the time of death. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study investigated unusual deaths in epilepsy patients, analyzing 5291 postmortem imaging cases. The results showed that 132 cases (2.6%) had a clear history of epilepsy. In these cases, only 22% cases were explained after postmortem examination, which is less than in non-epilepsy group (42.2%). Cerebrovascular disease was less common in the epilepsy group, while drowning was more common. Elevated troponin T levels, which suggest possibility of myocardial damage or long intervals between death and examination, were also more frequent in the epilepsy group compared to non-epilepsy group.

RISK SCORE MODEL FOR PREDICTING CARDIOTOXICITY IN BREAST CANCER: DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF HIGH-SENSITIVITY CARDIAC TROPONIN T. / ШКАЛА РИЗИКУ КАРДІОТОКСИЧНОСТІ У ХВОРИХ НА РАК ГРУДНОЇ ЗАЛОЗИ: ДІАГНОСТИЧНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ВИСОКОЧУТЛИВОГО СЕРЦЕВОГО ТРОПОНІНУ Т.

Cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death among breast cancer (BC) patients. Prediction of cardiovascular toxicity (CT) is an important part of the successful treatment and survival of patients. OBJECTIVE: to develop a risk score model for cardiovascular toxicity (CT) predicting, based on cardiovascular risk factors (RFs), RFs associated with cancer therapy, and troponin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 76 BC patients with a prospective analysis of their clinical and treatment data, RFs, echocardiographic indicators before the start of treatment and after 6 months, and an increase in troponin level. Among all RFs, the most significant RFs of CT were: radiation therapy, treatment with anthracyclines, and cardiovascular diseases. Based on the obtained results, a combined CT risk score was developed and proposed.According to the sum of points, patients were divided into groups: group 1 - with a low risk of CT development, the sum of points < 5; group 2 - moderate risk, 6-7 points; group 3 - high risk, > 8 points. RESULTS: In a pilot prospective study, an analysis of the RFs of CT was provided, compared to echocardiography data and the degree of troponin increase in dynamic observation; the risk score model for the CT prediction was developed for BC patients stratification. According to the developed score, BC patients with a total of > 8 points are considered to have a high risk of CT complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the proposed risk model score with calculation of the RFs of CT along with high-sensitivity troponin increase during cancer treatment allows predicting the risk of CT developing at the early stages - before the onset of clinical manifestations. Accordingly, these BC patients have a high risk of CT, and the use of personalized cardiac monitoring together with cardioprotective therapy can prevent cardiovascular complications.

CARDIOTOXICITY IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: RELATIONSHIP OF HS-TROPONIN T CHANGES AND HEART FUNCTION IN CANCER TREATMENT. / KARDIOTOKSYChNIST' U KhVORYKh NA RAK GRUDNOÏ ZALOZY: VZAIeMOZVIaZOK ZMIN TROPONINU T TA FUNKTsIÏ SERTsIa NA FONI KOMPLEKSNOÏ PROTYPUKhLYNNOÏ TERAPIÏ.

Breast cancer patients (BC) have a high risk of cardiotoxicity (CT) due to a combination of cancer treatments.Cardiovascular (CV) complications lead to delay or withdrawal of BC therapy and worsen the survival. Therefore, it isimportant to detect CT at the early stages before the occurrence of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure (HF) signs. OBJECTIVE: to study the dynamic changes of high-sensitivity (hs) troponin (Tn) T (hs-TnT) level in BC patients during cancer treatment with the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) to predict and prevent CV complications during individualized management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 BC patients were included in the pilot study. The analysis of the dynamic changes of hs-TnT and ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricle (LV) was performed before and within 6 months of cancer treatment. Based on the data analysis, a definition of a significant increase in hs-TnT was developed and proposed. Therise of hs-TnT was calculated by the difference (%) between its baseline level and in the 6 months of cancer treatment. BC patients are grouped into tertiles according to the hs-TnT increase: group 1 - low level (0-50 %), group 2 -moderate level (> 50-100 %), and group 3 - high level (> 100 %). RESULTS: Before the start of cancer treatment, LVEF did not differ significantly between groups (mean EF (62.6 ± 1.0) %)and the hs-TnT level was also within normal values (0.008±0.001 ng/ml). In 6 months of cancer treatment, LVEF waswithin the normal ranges and did not differ significantly in patients of group 1. However, in patients of groups 2and 3 - LVEF drop (δLV EF) was 5.7 % (р < 0.01) and 10.8 % (р < 0.01), consequently. According to the correlationanalysis, the percentage of increase in hs-TnT (δhs-TnT) was associated with δEF LV (r = 0.39, р < 0.05) and the useof anthracyclines (AC) (r = 0.37, р < 0.05). Using logistic regression and ROC analysis, the diagnostic threshold valueof the hs-TnT increase > 165 % was defined, which can be considered as a reliable marker of early biochemical CT,with a sensitivity of 99 % and a specificity of 56 %. CONCLUSIONS: In BC patients, based on the level of hs-TnT increase, proposed a new early biochemical CT detectionmethod. Under the new approach, BC patients with hsTnT increase of > 165 % from baseline can be considered as areliable marker of early biochemical CT, with a sensitivity of 99 % and a specificity of 56 %.

High-sensitivity troponin T use in non-chest pain presentations in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To explore troponin testing yield in patients who present to the ED without chest pain. METHODS: A retrospective medical record audit of all patients who presented to ED in November 2018 and had troponin measured. RESULTS: A total of 1124 troponin assays were performed in 763 patients, 48.7% had no documented chest pain; 8.8% of these met high-risk criteria and 1.1% were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Despite ED troponin testing in the absence of chest pain being common practice, it rarely assisted in a meaningful diagnosis. Consequences of testing may include delays to patient discharge and additional downstream testing.

Disfunción del ventrículo derecho en la embolia pulmonar aguda: NT-proBNP frente a troponina T / Right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism: NT-proBNP vs. troponin T

Introducción y objetivos: La disfunción del ventrículo derecho (VD) es un parámetro de gravedad en la embolia pulmonar (EP) aguda. La valoración ecocardiográfica no siempre es posible en urgencias, de ahí la necesidad de predecir la presencia de disfunción de VD mediante parámetros de fácil medición. Analizar el valor de NT-proBNP y troponina T como marcadores de disfunción del VD en los pacientes con EP aguda. Como objetivo secundario, valorar la relación entre fallo de VD y diferentes parámetros clínicos relacionados con la EP. Material y método: Estudio analítico, observacional, transversal y retrospectivo que compara los valores de NT-proBNP, troponina T y síntomas de presentación de EP entre pacientes con fallo de VD y sin fallo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 172 pacientes (52 con fallo de VD, 120 sin fallo de VD). Todos los síntomas se presentaron con similar frecuencia entre ambos grupos, salvo la disnea y el síncope (más frecuentes en el grupo con fallo de VD). Tanto el NT-proBNP como la troponina T presentaron valores significativamente mayores en el grupo de pacientes con fallo de VD. Sin embargo, el valor explicativo de fallo de VD fue mayor para el NT-proBNP en al análisis multivariante. Conclusión: El NT-proBNP se muestra como un parámetro diagnóstico de fallo de VD con mayor sensibilidad en el contexto de EP aguda (AU)

Background and objective: Dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) is a parameter of severity in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echocardiographic assessment is not always possible in accident and emergency, hence the need to predict the presence of RV dysfunction using easily measurable parameters. To analyse the value of NT-proBNP and troponin T as markers of RV dysfunction in patients with acute PE. Secondarily, to assess the relationship between RV failure and clinical parameters related to PE. Material and method: Analytical, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study comparing the values NT-proBNP, troponin T and presenting symptoms of PE among patients with and without RV dysfunction. Results: One hundred seventy-two patients (52 with RV failure,120 without) were included. All symptoms occurred with similar frequency between the 2groups except dyspnea and syncope (more common in the group with RV failure). Both NT-proBNP and troponin T had significantly higher values in the group of patients with RV dysfunction. However, in the multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP had a higher explanatory value for RV failure than troponin T. Conclusion: NT-proBNP is a diagnostic parameter of RV dysfunction with higher sensitivity in the context of acute PE (AU)

Utilidad de la resonancia magnética cardiaca en el diagnóstico de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo y coronarias normales / The value of cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal coronary arteries

Introducción y objetivos. Diferentes enfermedades pueden presentar síntomas similares a los del síndrome coronario agudo (SCA): dolor torácico, cambios en el ECG y elevación de marcadores de daño miocárdico. Incluso después de realizar una coronariografía, a veces es difícil establecer el diagnóstico. El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la utilidad de la resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) en el diagnóstico de los procesos que se presentan como un SCA y tienen coronarias normales. Métodos. Estudiamos a 80 pacientes con sospecha de SCA y coronarias normales. La media de edad fue 48 ± 15 años. La troponina T media fue 1,8 ± 0,9 ng/ml. Realizamos un estudio de RMC incluyendo secuencias potenciadas en T2 para detectar edema y secuencia I-R de realce tardío (RT) a los 10 min de la administración de gadolinio. Resultados. El diagnóstico final fue miocarditis aguda en 51 pacientes (63%). En todos estos casos observamos RT localizado en el subepicardio y las porciones medias de miocardio. En 12 pacientes (15%) el diagnóstico final fue infarto agudo de miocardio, todos ellos con RT subendocárdico o transmural. En 9 pacientes (11%) con alteraciones de la contractilidad en el ecocardiograma basal y normalización posterior, el estudio con RMC no mostró RT de contraste y se les diagnosticó síndromes de tako-tsubo. En 4 pacientes el diagnóstico final fue pericarditis aguda y en 4 no se pudo establecer un diagnóstico. Conclusiones. La miocarditis aguda y el síndrome de tako-tsubo pueden presentarse en la clínica de forma similar al SCA. La presencia y el patrón de RT de contraste en el estudio de RMC nos ayudan de forma importante a establecer el diagnóstico (AU)

Introduction and objectives. A number of different conditions can present with symptoms similar to acute coronary syndrome (ACS): chest pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated levels of markers of myocardial damage. Even after coronary angiography has been performed, differential diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for diagnosing conditions that present like ACS but in which the coronary arteries are normal. Methods. The study involved 80 patients with suspected ACS and normal coronary arteries. Their mean age was 48 (15) years and their mean troponin-T (TnT) level was 1.8 (0.9) ng/mL. A CMR study, which involved T2 weighted imaging to detect edema and delayed contrast-enhancement (DCE) imaging 10 minutes after gadolinium administration, was performed. Results. In 51 patients (63%), the final diagnosis was acute myocarditis. In all these cases, DCE was observed in subepicardial and middle segments of the myocardium. The final diagnosis was acute myocardial infarction in 12 patients (15%), all of whom exhibited subendocardial or transmural DCE. In the 9 (11%) who exhibited abnormal contractility on baseline echocardiography with subsequent normalization, CMR did not show DCE, a finding that is characteristic of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In addition, 4 patients had a final diagnosis of pericarditis, while no diagnosis could be established in another 4. Conclusions. The clinical presentation of acute myocarditis and Takotsubo syndrome can be similar to that of ACS. The presence and distribution of DCE on CMR are of great help in establishing a diagnosis (AU)

Papel da dosagem seriada de troponina nos pacientes com suspeita de contusão miocárdica após trauma torácico fechado / The role of serial measurement of troponin in patients with a suspected myocardial injury after chest trauma

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A contusão miocárdica está freqüentemente associada ao trauma torácico fechado. Seu correto diagnóstico é um constante desafio aos profissionais que trabalham em unidades de emergência, devido aos seus sintomas inespecíficos e a ausência de exames subsidiários com precisão para fazer o diagnóstico. Dentre os diversos métodos diagnósticos estudados, tem-se destacado nos últimos anos o papel dos indicadores de necrose miocárdica troponina I e troponina T. Por serem proteíðnas constituintes do aparelho de regulação contrátil celular, são liberadas na corrente sanguínea somente após a perda da integridade de membrana dos miócitos e, portanto, são altamente específicas para detectar lesão miocárdica. CONTEUDO: Foi realizada uma revisão de estudos clínicos nas bases eletrônicas de dados MedLine e LILACS, no período de janeiro de 1980 a novembro de 2006, sobre a importância da dosagem seriada de troponina como instrumento diagnóstico e preditor de evolução clínica desfavorável nos pacientes com contusão miocárdica. CONCLUSÕES: Embora exista maior especificidade das troponinas I e T quando comparadas aos indicadores tradicionais, CKMB massa e CPK total, esses dois indicadores apresentarem sensibilidade e valor preditivo positivo baixos para diagnosticar contusão miocárdica. Pacientes que apresentam alterações eletrocardiográficas, elevação de troponinas, ou ambas, devem permanecer em observação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), por no mínimo 24 horas, período em que se desenvolve a maioria das complicações decorrentes da contusão miocárdica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Myocardial contusion is often associated with blunt chest trauma. Its diagnosis is challenging to the professionals who work in emergency department due to nonspecific symptoms and the lack of auxiliary exams with enough accuracy to diagnose. Among the available diagnostic tools, the biomarkers of myocardial injury troponin I and troponin T have stood out. Troponins are proteins of the citocellular apparatus, released into the bloodstream only after the disruption of myocytes cellular membrane. Therefore they are highly specific to detect myocardial injuries. CONTENTS: We performed a clinical review using the electronic databases MedLine and LILACS from January 1980 to November 2006 about the importance of a serial measurement of troponin I and T as a diagnostic tool as well as predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome in patients with myocardial contusion after a blunt chest trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Although troponins I and T are more specific than usual biomarkers CKMB and CK, these two first biomarkers show a low sensitivity and positive predictive value to diagnosis myocardial contusion. Patients with ECG abnormalities, troponins elevations or both should remain in an intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 hours, period in which they cam develop most of the complications related to myocardial contusion.