Life-Threatening Electrical Storm Following Liver Transplantation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Electrical storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome characterized by recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. Liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing electrical storms due to conditions that prolong QT intervals, such as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. However, limited information exists on electrical storms in this specific population. This case report presents a patient who experienced 13 cardiac arrests during ventricular fibrillation following liver transplantation. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old woman with a medical history of diabetes, obesity, and cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease underwent liver transplantation using a deceased donor's liver. Following the procedure, she developed a deterioration in her respiratory function, necessitating orotracheal intubation. Approximately 21 hours post-surgery, she experienced cardiac arrest during ventricular fibrillation, which was rapidly reversed with electrical defibrillation. However, the patient entered a state of electrical storm. Management involved antiarrhythmic medications and temporary transvenous cardiac pacing. She remained stable for 40 hours, but a dislodgment of the device triggered another episode of ventricular fibrillation, leading to her death. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights the clinical presentation and challenges in managing electrical storms in liver transplant recipients. We hypothesize that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy could be the cause of her recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and risk factors of this life-threatening syndrome in this population, which may enhance risk stratification and enable earlier intervention.

Muerte súbita cardíaca por fibrilación ventricular asociada a isquemia miocárdica, tratada por desfibrilador automático implantable / Sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation associated with myocardial ischemia, treated by implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Resumen: Reportamos el caso de un hombre de 67 años, con múltiples factores de riesgo cardiovascular, quien en el año 2015 presentó muerte súbita por fibrilación ventricular sin lesiones coronarias significativas, tras lo cual se implantó un desfibrilador automático. En el año 2019 presentó un nuevo episodio de fibrilación ventricular en relación con síndrome coronario agudo con supradesnivel del ST localizado en pared anterior, registrado y adecuadamente resuelto por el dispositivo. Se demostró una oclusión aterotrombótica en la porción proximal de la arteria descendente anterior. Fue precoz y exitosamente manejado con angioplastía coronaria percutánea e implante de stent fármaco activo, guiado por tomografía por coherencia óptica intracoronaria. A las 48 horas post angioplastía, presentó episodio de taquicardia ventricular polimorfa reconocido y tratado por el cardiodesfibrilador, sin consecuencias. Electivamente se efectuó angioplastía e implante de stent metálico en arteria coronaria derecha distal, con buen resultado angiográfico. La posterior evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria, sin manifestaciones de insuficiencia cardíaca, angina ni arritmias.

Abstract: A 67-year-old man, with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who in 2015 presented sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation without significant coronary lesions, after which an implantable automatic defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. In 2019, he presented a new episode of ventricular fibrillation adequately resolved by the device, in relation to an acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation in the anterior wall of the left ventricle, due to atherothrombotic occlusion in the proximal portion of the anterior descending artery. He was early and successfully managed with percutaneous coronary angioplasty by the insertion of a drug eluting stent, implanted guided by intracoronary optical coherence tomography. Forty eight hours later, he presented an episode polymorphic ventricular tachycardia recognized and treated by the ICD. Angioplasty with a bare metal stent implantation were performed in the distal right coronary artery, with good angiographic results. The subsequent course was satisfactory, with no manifestations of heart failure, angina or arrhythmias.

Síndrome de brugada en el paciente quirúrgico de urgencia. Reporte de caso / Brugada syndrome in the emergency surgical patient. Case report.

Introducción: El síndrome de Brugada es una condición genética rara, el diagnóstico se establece por un patrón electrocardiográfico en particular que se asocia a un riesgo de fibrilación ventricular y muerte súbita; Objetivo: Presentar un caso interesante de un paciente joven quién ingreso a quirófano con la impresión clínica de apendicitis aguda para realizar apendicetomía video laparoscópica. Durante el procedimiento presento múltiples episodios de taquiarritmias; desencadenando Fibrilación Ventricular de difícil manejo trans y post operatorio, debido a los medicamentos peri-operatorios, agresión quirúrgica y fiebre. Material y Métodos: Se documento y presentó un caso interesante; Presentación de Caso: Paciente masculino de 26ª, sin antecedentes médicos, con impresión clínica de apendicitis aguda ingresa a quirófano, durante el acto quirúrgico presenta arritmias, documentándose Fibrilación Ventricular con inestabilidad hemodinámica que amerito desfibrilación externa, revirtió a ritmo sinusal. Al concluir el acto quirúrgico, se realiza EKG, evidenciando supradesnivel del segmento ST en V1 y V2 e inversión de la onda T por lo que pasa a unidad de cuidados intensivos, sin reversión anestésica y con tubo orotraqueal. Paciente se monitoriza en UTI, se realiza EKG evidencia ritmo nodal. Se extuba a las 12h post operatorias y se traslada a cardiología en 48h donde establecen que paciente cursa con patrón de Brugada. Conclusiones: Con el creciente número de pacientes con trastornos de conducción heredadas que se presentan para cirugía no cardiaca que están en riesgo de muerte súbita; el éxito en el manejo peri, trans y post operatorio depende de un conocimiento detallado de estas condiciones. (AU)

Introduction: Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic condition, the diagnosis is established by a particular electrocardiographic pattern and is associated with a risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death; Objective: To present an interesting case of a young patient who enters the operating room with the clinical impression of acute appendicitis to perform laparoscopic appendectomy and that during the procedure present multiple episodes of tachyarrhythmias; triggering Ventricular Fibrillation, what causes him difficult trans and postoperative management, due to peri-operative medications, surgical aggression and fever. Material and Methods: An interesting case was documented and presented; Case Presentation: Male patient of 26 years old, without medical history, with clinical impression of acute appendicitis was admitted to the operating room, during the surgical act it presents arrhythmias, showing Ventricular Fibrillation with hemodynamic instability that warrants external defibrillation, reversed at sinus pace, EKG is performed showing elevation gain of the ST segment in V1 and V2 and inversion of the T wave at the end of the surgical act, so it goes to intensive care unit, without anesthetic reversal and with orotracheal tube. Patient is monitored in ICU, EKG shows nodal rhythm, extubates at 12h post op and at 48h was transferred to cardiology where they establish that patient studies suggest Brugada pattern; Conclusions: With the increasing number of patients with inherited driving disorders who present the thee for non-cardiac surgery who are at risk of sudden death; success in peri, trans and postoperative management depends on a detailed knowledge of these conditions. (AU)

Riesgo coronario en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica tributarios de tratamiento quirúrgico / Coronary risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing surgical treatments

Introducción: Los pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica sometidos a cirugía vascular no cardíaca programada presentan un riesgo significativo de complicaciones cardiovasculares, debido a la enfermedad cardíaca sintomática o asintomática subyacente. Objetivo: Valorar el riesgo coronario en los pacientes tributarios de cirugía vascular no cardíaca. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 35 pacientes del Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. El período de estudio osciló entre octubre de 2013 y mayo de 2016. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Se evaluó la asociación entre las variables mediante el test de Fischer, se usó el coeficiente de Pearson para relacionar los valores del índice de presiones tobillo brazo y los niveles del calcio score. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino y la edad menor de 60 años. El tabaquismo y la hipertensión arterial fueron los factores de riesgo de mayor frecuencia. A pesar de no existir diferencia significativa (p = 0,563) al asociar el calcio score y el índice de presiones tobillo-brazo, sí existió una correlación lineal negativa entre ellos. Las complicaciones perioperatorias presentadas en el grupo de moderado-alto riesgo quirúrgico fueron la fibrilación ventricular, el infarto agudo de miocardio y el paro cardíaco. Conclusiones: La valoración del riesgo coronario es una herramienta útil en la detección de lesiones coronarias significativas que pueden favorecer la aparición de complicaciones perioperatorias en los pacientes que son tributarios de tratamiento quirúrgico revascularizador no cardíaco(AU)

Introduction: Patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing scheduled non-cardiac vascular surgery present a significant risk of cardiovascular complications due to underlying symptomatic or asymptomatic heart disease. Objective: To assess coronary risk in patients eligible for non-cardiac vascular surgery. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was carried out in 35 patients of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery service in Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The study was conducted between October 2013 and May 2016. Qualitative variables were summarized as absolute and relative frequencies. It was assessed the association between the variables using the Fischer´s test; Pearson´s coefficient was used to relate the values of the index of ankle- arm pressure and the levels of calcium score. Results: Male sex predominated; and ages less than 60 years. Smoking habit and high blood pressure were the most common risk factors. Although there is no significant difference (p= 0,563) when associating the calcium score and the ankle-brachial pressure index, there was a negative linear correlation between them. The peri-operative complications presented in the moderate to high surgical risk group were ventricular fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. Conclusions: Identification of coronary risk is a useful tool in the detection of significant coronary lesions that may favor the emergence of peri-operative complications in patients who are scheduled for non-cardiac revascularization's surgical treatment(AU)

Time de resposta rápida e atendimento de paradas cardíacas extra-hospitalares / Rapid response Team and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Times de Resposta Rápida (TRR) são equipes multidisciplinares treinadas para atender indivíduos com intercorrências agudas e graves, incluindo parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) súbita, nas unidades de internação. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir as particularidades do emprego de um TRR hospitalar no atendimento de PCRs extra-hospitalares, utilizando a experiência do time do Instituto Central do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICHC-FMUSP) para elucidação. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, utilizando o banco de dados do TRR do ICHC-FMUSP. Foram levantados todos os casos classificados como PCR súbita atendidos em ambiente extra-hospitalar, nos anos de 2014 a 2016. Dados globais de cinco pacientes que evoluíram com alta hospitalar e nível neurológico preservado foram descritos e analisados em detalhes. Resultados: Entre 11 atendimentos, oito tiveram retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE) na cena (72,2%) e três morreram no local. Dos oito pacientes admitidos com vida no Departamento de Emergência, cinco tiveram alta hospitalar após o evento (45,5%). A média de tempo de resposta foi 3 ± 1,2 minutos e o intervalo chamada-choque foi de 7,25 ± 3,2 minutos. Os ritmos de parada foram fibrilação ventricular (80%) e atividade elétrica sem pulso (20%). Dois pacientes foram diagnosticados com doença coronariana grave e quatro receberam um cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) para profilaxia secundária de morte súbita. Um paciente, entre os cinco que tiveram alta, faleceu em outro serviço. Conclusão: Apesar de pouco usual, o emprego de um TRR hospitalar no atendimento de PCRs extra-hospitalares pode ser benéfico. Os desfechos favoráveis provavelmente decorreram do treinamento da equipe e da rapidez na realização do atendimento. A investigação cardiológica dos sobreviventes identificou pacientes com doenças graves, que, portanto, mais se beneficiariam da assistência de um time especializado

Introduction: Rapid Response Teams (RRT) are multidisciplinary groups trained to treat individuals with severe and acute events, including sudden cardiac arrest (CA), in in-patient units. The aim of this report is to discuss the singularities of deploying a hospital RRT for out-of-hospital CA assistance, using the experience of the team at the Instituto Central of Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (ICHC-FMUSP) as illustration. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted, using the RRT database of the ICHC-FMUSP. All cases classified as sudden CA treated outside of the hospital between 2014 and 2016 were surveyed. Global data for five patients who progressed to discharge from hospital free of neuro - logical impairment were described and analyzed in detail. Results: Of the 11 cases, 8 had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at the scene (72.2%), and 3 died on site. Of the 8 patients admitted to the Emergency Department, 5 were discharged from the hospital after the event (45.5%). The average response time was 3±1.2minutes, and the call-to-shock time interval was 7.25±3.2minutes. The cardiac arrest rhythms were ventricular fibrillation (80%) and pulseless electrical activity (20%). Two patients were diagnosed with severe coronary disease and four received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prophylaxis of sudden death. One patient, of the 5 discharged, died in another unit. Conclusion: Although unusual, the use of a hospital RRT for out-of-hospital CA assistance can be beneficial. The favorable outcomes likely resulted from the team's training and the speed with which the treatment was given. Cardiovascular evaluation of the survivors identified patents with severe diseases, which would, therefore, most benefit from the care of a specialized team

Incidência e fatores associados à parada cardiorrespiratória nas primeiras 24 horas de internação em unidades de terapia intensiva / Incidence and factors associated with cardiorespiratory arrest in the first 24 hours of hospitalization in intensive care unit

Identificar a incidência de parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) nas primeiras 24 horas de internação em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) e seus fatores associados; verificar se a maior gravidade admissional está associada à maior ocorrência de PCR em pacientes internados em UTI. Métodos: Em um estudo secundário, foram analisados 530 prontuários completos de indivíduos pertencentes à casuística do estudo primário "Caracterização Clínica de Adultos e Idosos em UTI". Foram extraídos dados demográficos, clínicos, gravidade (Simplified Acute Physiology Score ­ SAPS II) e ocorrência de PCR (eventos/24 horas; tempo; ritmo; medida de reversão e desfecho). Para as análises foram utilizados testes de comparação de médias e de associação. Foi feita correlação ponto bisserial e regressão logística com análise da capacidade preditiva por meio da curva ROC. O valor de p foi fixado em 0,05 e as análises foram feitas por meio do software SPSS (versão 22) e Medcalc. Resultados: A incidência de PCR nas primeiras 24 horas de internação foi de 3,6% (n = 19). Cada indivíduo teve em média 1,61 ± 0,97 eventos de PCR com tempo médio de 7,68 ± 10,59 minutos. Os ritmos mais frequentes foram: AESP (42,1%), AS 21,1%); TV sem pulso (5,3%). A única comorbidade que se associou à PCR foi o choque (p = 0,003). Os métodos de reversão mais utilizados foram: químico (31,6%), químico+elétrico (10,5%) e apenas elétrico (5,3%). Não houve retorno da circulação espontânea em 57,9% dos casos. A SpO2 (p < 0,001), o nível de consciência (p < 0,001) e a gravidade (p = 0,032) associaram­se à ocorrência de PCR. A gravidade admissional foi um preditor independente de ocorrência de PCR (OR = 1,032; p = 0,034), com boa capacidade preditiva (AUC = 0,618). O ponto de corte do SAPS2 que melhor prediz a PCR é 38,0 pontos (sensibilidade: 52,6; especificidade: 72,4). Conclusões: A incidência de PCR nas primeiras 24 horas de internação em UTI foi de 3,6%. Os fatores associados à PCR foram: saturação de oxigênio, nível de consciência e gravidade. A gravidade admissional é um preditor de ocorrência de PCR com boa capacidade preditiva

To identify the incidence of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) in the first 24 hours of hospitalization in Intensive Therapy Units (ITU) and its associated factors; to determine whether greater severity on admission is associated with a higher occurrence of CRA in patients admitted to the ITU. Methods: In a secondary study, 530 complete patient records of individuals that comprised the case series of the primary study "Clinical Characterization of Adults and Elderly Patients in ITU" were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were extracted, and also data on severity (Simplified Acute Physiology Score ­ SAPS II) and the occurrence of CRA (events/24 hours; time; rhythm; reversion measure and outcome). For the analyses, comparisons of means and association tests were used. Biserial point correlation and logistical regression were carried out with analysis of predictive capacity by means of the ROC curve. A p value was fixed at 0.05 and the analyses were performed using the software programs SPSS (version 22) and Medcalc. Results: The incidence of CRA in the first 24 hours of hospitalization was 3.6% (n = 19). Each individual had a mean of 1.61 ± 0.97 CRA events, with a mean time of 7.68 ± 10.59 minutes. The most frequent rhythms were: PEA (42.1%), AS (21.1%); pulseless VT (5.3%). The only comorbidity that was associated with CRA was shock (p = 0.003). The reversion methods most used were: chemical (31.6%), chemical+electrical (10.5%) and only electrical (5.3%). There was no spontaneous return-of-circulation in 57.9% of cases. The SpO2 (p < 0.001), level of consciousness (p < 0.001) and severity (p = 0.032) were associated with the occurrence of CRA. The severity on admission was an independent predictor of the occurrence of CRA (OR = 1.032; p = 0.034), with good predictive capacity (AUC = 0.618). The SAPS2 cutoff point that best predicts CRA is 38.0 points (sensitivity: 52.6; specificity: 72.4). Conclusions: The incidence of CRA in the first 24 hours of hospitalization in the ITU was 3.6%. The factors associated with CRA were: oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, and severity. Severity on admission is a predictor of the occurrence of CRA with good predictive capacity

Nuevas áreas de vida ­ Revisión muerte súbita 2018 / New areas of life ­ Sudden death review 2018

Una de cada cinco muertes en adultos en países desarrollados se debe a causas cardiovasculares; la mitad de esas muertes se produce de forma súbita y un gran porcentaje en el ámbito extrahospitalario. Las medidas de prevención se dividen en: aquellas destinadas a prevenir en primer lugar que el evento de muerte súbita cardíaca suceda, y aquellas cuyo objetivo es actuar en el momento en que el evento de muerte súbita está sucediendo. Las primeras tienen como objetivo disminuir las principales causas de muerte súbita en países desarrollados: las cardiopatías estructurales (cuya principal causa es la enfermedad coronaria). En este sentido, con el fin de intentar paliar el desarrollo de una cardiopatía que predisponga a la aparición de arritmias fatales y la MSC, se implementan medidas de prevención primarias higiénico-dietéticas y farmacológicas (con el objetivo de disminuir y el controlar los factores de riesgo) y, en aquellos con enfermedad cardiovascular ya establecida, se implementan las estrategias secundarias farmacológicas y/o quirúrgicas (revascularización, reemplazo valvular, etc.). El segundo abordaje surge del hecho de que, a pesar de todas estas medidas, un gran número de pacientes presentará eventos arrítmicos en el ámbito extrahospitalario (MSCEH), ya sea porque aunque recibieron el tratamiento óptimo presentan aún un elevado riesgo de MSC, porque no fueron diagnosticados a tiempo o porque a pesar de haber hecho estudios complementarios el diagnóstico es muy dificultoso. Existen dos estrategias: la primera son los dispositivos de cardiodesfibrilación implantables (o, más recientes, los chalecos vestibles). Estos aparatos están indicados para una población seleccionada, sea por haber presentado ya un episodio de muerte súbita abortado, o por presentar una cardiopatía (estructural o genética) que predisponga a una mayor probabilidad de sufrir un evento. La segunda estrategia es la educación y el desarrollo de programas de salud pública que permitan capacitar a la población general en la realización de RCP y el uso de desfibriladores automáticos externos (DEAs), los cuales deberían estar disponibles en cualquier lugar público. Múltiples estudios demostraron que el acceso de la población general al aprendizaje de maniobras de RCP sencillas y pragmáticas y la presencia de DEAs se traduce en un gran aumento de sobrevida sin secuelas en víctimas de MSCEH. (AU)

One of every five deaths in adults is due to cardiovascular causes, in developed countries, and half of these deaths will occur suddenly. A large percentage occur in the out of hospital setting, so measures to prevent it are divided into: those designed to prevent, in the first place, the sudden cardiac death event from happening and those whose purpose is to act when the sudden death event that has already occurred and it´s ongoing. The first aims to reduce the main causes of sudden death in developed countries: structural heart disease (with coronary heart disease as its main cause). In this regard, with the purpose to mitigate the development of a heart disease that predisposes the occurrence of fatal arrhythmias and SCD, we have primary prevention measures, like healthy life style conduct with or without pharmacological treatment, (whose objective is the reduction and control of cardiovascular risk factors) and, in those with cardiovascular disease already established, there is an implementation of pharmacological and / or surgical strategies (Revascularization, valve replacement, etc.). The second objective arises from the fact that, despite all these preventive and therapeutic measures, a large number of patients will present out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) either because although they received optimal treatment they still remain in high risk of SCD, even because they were not diagnosed on time, or because despite having complementary studies made the diagnosis is very difficult. There are two well strategies: the first are implantable cardio-defibrillation devices (or, more recently, wearable vests). These are indicated for a selected population, either because they have already presented an episode of sudden aborted death, or because they have heart disease (structural or genetic), which predisposes to a greater probability of suffering an event. The second strategy is the education and development of public health programs that enable the general population to be trained in CPR and the use of external automatic defibrillators. (AEDs) should be available in any public place. Multiple studies showed that access to the general population for learning simple and pragmatic CPR maneuvers and the presence of AEDs is making an impact on a significant increase in survival without consequences in OHCA victims. (AU)

Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Early Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator had been increasing the survival of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator was developed to mitigate the complications inherent to lead placement into cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial experience of 18 consecutive cases of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation showing the indications, potential pitfalls and perioperative complications. METHODS: Between September 2016 and March 2017, 18 patients with indication for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, with no concomitant indication for artificial cardiac pacing, were included. RESULTS: The implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator successfully performed in 18 patients. It was difficult to place the subcutaneous lead at the parasternal line in two patients. One patient returned a week after the procedure complaining about an increase in pain intensity at pulse generator pocket site, which was associated with edema, temperature rising and hyperemia. Two patients took antialgic medication for five days after surgery. A reintervention was necessary in one patient to replace the lead in order to correct inappropriate shocks caused by myopotential oversensing. CONCLUSION: In our initial experience, although the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is a less-invasive, simple-accomplishment procedure, it resulted in a bloodier surgery perhaps requiring an operative care different from the conventional. Inappropriate shock by oversensing is a reality in this system, which should be overcame in order not to become a limiting issue for its indication.

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: early experience

Abstract Introduction: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator had been increasing the survival of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator was developed to mitigate the complications inherent to lead placement into cardiovascular system. Objective: To report the initial experience of 18 consecutive cases of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation showing the indications, potential pitfalls and perioperative complications. Methods: Between September 2016 and March 2017, 18 patients with indication for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, with no concomitant indication for artificial cardiac pacing, were included. Results: The implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator successfully performed in 18 patients. It was difficult to place the subcutaneous lead at the parasternal line in two patients. One patient returned a week after the procedure complaining about an increase in pain intensity at pulse generator pocket site, which was associated with edema, temperature rising and hyperemia. Two patients took antialgic medication for five days after surgery. A reintervention was necessary in one patient to replace the lead in order to correct inappropriate shocks caused by myopotential oversensing. Conclusion: In our initial experience, although the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is a less-invasive, simple-accomplishment procedure, it resulted in a bloodier surgery perhaps requiring an operative care different from the conventional. Inappropriate shock by oversensing is a reality in this system, which should be overcame in order not to become a limiting issue for its indication.

Tempestade elétrica em portadores de cardiodesfibriladores automáticos implantáveis / Electrical storm in patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators

A tempestade elétrica em portadores de cardiodesfibriladores implantáveis é a ocorrência de pelo menos três intervenções apropriadas, resultante de taquicardia ventricular ou fibrilação ventricular, em 24 horas. É preditor de mau prognóstico e a terapia varia de medicamentos até transplante cardíaco. Este estudo teve por objetivo revisar orientações de diagnóstico e prevenção, visando ao tratamento (farmacológico, intervencionista e cirúrgico) da tempestade elétrica em portadores desses dispositivos. Compilamos publicações no Medline/PubMed e em revistas nacionais. O tratamento das condições basais e desencadeantes, como insuficiência cardíaca e insuficiência coronária, reduziu a morte súbita. A miodarona, betabloqueadores, lidocaína e magnésio são a base terapêutica. A ablação por cateter reduz arritmias e choques, estabiliza o ritmo e melhora o prognóstico. A taquicardia ventricular com substrato permite a abordagem de um circuito estável. A compreensão dos mecanismos e as melhorias no mapeamento eletrofisiológico possibilitam seu uso na fibrilação ventricular. Diferentes condições necessitam de abordagem cirúrgica, eliminando focos arritmogênicos e/ou permitindo o remodelamento,utilizando ressincronização, tratamentos para coronariopatia, valvopatias e cardiopatias congênitas, ressecção endocárdica guiada por eletrofisiologia e transplante em pacientes refratários. Atuando no sistema nervoso, aneuromodulação é alternativa. Durante anestesia peridural torácica, a denervação simpática cardíaca tem efeitos consistentes e persistentes. De modo semelhante à denervação simpática renal, pode ser um novo horizonte. Concluímos que identificar a causa é fundamental. O tratamento dos fatores causais melhora o controle e o prognóstico. Amiodarona, bloqueadores beta-adrenérgicos, lidocaína e magnésio são opções. Procedimento ablativo deve ser ponderado para taquicardia e fibrilação ventricular. Abordagem cirúrgica e neuromodulação...

Electrical storm in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator is the occurrence of at least three appropriate interventions resulting from tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation within 24 hours. It a predictor of poor prognosis and its treatment may vary from drug therapy to heart transplantation. Our objectivewas to review diagnostic and prevention guidelines aiming at the treatment (drug therapy, interventional and surgical treatment) of electrical storm in patients using these devices. We analyzed publications from Medline/PubMed and Brazilian medical journals. The treatment of baseline conditions and triggers, such as heart failure and coronary insufficiency, reduced sudden death. Amiodarone, betablockers, lidocaine and magnesium are the therapeutic basis. Catheter ablation reduces shock and arrhythmia, stabilizes rhythm and improves prognosis. Ventricular tachycardia with substratum allows the approach of a stable circuit. Understanding the mechanismsand improvements in electrophysiological mapping enables the use of catheter ablation in ventricular fibrillation.Different conditions require a surgical approach, eliminating arrhythmogenic cores and/or allowing cardiac remodeling, using cardiac resynchronization therapy, treatment for coronary artery disease, valve disease,congenital heart disease, electrophysiology-guided endocardial resection and heart transplantation in refractory patients. Neuromodulation is an alternative that acts on the nervous system. During thoracic epidural anesthesia, cardiac sympathetic denervation has consistent and persisting effects. Similarly, renal denervation may be anotherfuture possibility. In conclusion, identifying the cause is essential. Treatment of baseline factors improves control and prognosis. Amiodarone, betablockers, lidocaine and magnesium are pharmacological options. Catheterablation may be considered for tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Surgical approach and neuromodulation...

Perfil dos pacientes chagásicos portadores de cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável (CDI) / Profile of chagasic patients with implantable cardioverter cefibrillators (ICD)

Fundamentos: A morte súbita é responsável por 55-65% dos óbitos na doença de Chagas, e o cardioversor desfibrilador implantável (CDI) é a terapêutica mais efetiva para evitar morte súbita em pacientes com taquiarritmias ventriculares. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico dos pacientes portadores de cardiopatia chagásica crônica com CDI internados em hospital de referência.Métodos: Foram avaliados 75 pacientes chagásicos, portadores de CDI, internados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Goiânia no período de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2013, mediante revisão de prontuários. Resultados: A amostra (n=75) se constituiu de 57 (76,0%) pacientes do sexo masculino e 18 (24,0%) do sexo feminino. As internações clínicas representaram 60,0% da amostra e as de causas cirúrgicas 40,0%. Das causas clínicas, 40 (89,0%) foram de origem cardíaca: insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com 13 (32,0%) pacientes e a tempestade elétrica (TE) com 12 (30,0%) pacientes. Das 30 causas cirúrgicas, 17 (56,66%) se deveram a desgaste da bateria.Conclusão: O perfil clínico encontrado em pacientes portadores de cardiopatia chagásica crônica com CDI apresenta as seguintes características: sexo masculino, faixa etária entre 51-60 anos, presença de dispositivos de dupla-câmara, uso adequado de antiarrítmico e beta bloqueador, presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) entre 35-45%, internações clínicas por causas cardíacas (em especial IC e TE), e número de internações pós-implante entre zero e três.

Background: Sudden death accounts for 55-65% of the deaths from Chagas disease, and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the most effective therapy to prevent sudden death in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Objective: To describe the clinical profile of patients with chronic Chagas disease with ICD admitted to a referral hospital. Methods: 75 chagasic patients with ICD, admitted to Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Goiânia, from January 2011 to December 2013, were evaluated by means of medical record review.Results: The sample (n=75) was composed of 57 (76.0%) male patients and 18 (24.0%) female patients. Clinical admissions accounted for 60.0% of the sample, while surgical ones accounted for 40.0%. Out of all clinical admissions, 40 (89.0%) were due to heart problems: heart failure (HF), with 13 (32.0%) patients, and electrical storm (ES), with 12 (30.0%) patients. Out of the 30 surgical admissions, 17 (56.66%) were due to battery depletion.Conclusion: The clinical profile of patients with chronic Chagas disease with CDI is characterized as follows: male, aged 51-60, presence of dual-chamber devices, appropriate use of antiarrhythmic drugs and beta-blockers, presence of systemic hypertension (SH),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35-45%, clinical admissions due to heart problems (particularly HF and ES), and zero to three post-implantation admissions.

Age, sex, and hospital factors are associated with the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospitalized patients who do not experience sustained return of spontaneous circulation.

BACKGROUND: Variability in the duration of attempted in­hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is high, but the factors influencing termination of CPR efforts are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the association between patient and hospital characteristics and CPR duration in 45 500 victims of in­hospital cardiac arrest who did not experience return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and who were enrolled in the Get With the Guidelines registry between 2001 and 2010. In a secondary analysis, we performed analyses in 46 168 victims of in­hospital cardiac arrest who experienced ROSC. We used ordered logistic regression to identify factors associated with CPR duration. Analyses were conducted by tertile of CPR duration (tertiles: ROSC group: 2 to 7, 8 to 17, and 18 to 120 minutes; no­ROSC group: 2 to 16, 17 to 26, 27 to 120 minutes). In those without ROSC, younger age (aged 18 to 40 versus >65 years; odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% CI 1.69 to 1.95; P<0.001), female sex (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09; P=0.005), ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.42 to 1.58; P<0.001), and the need to place an invasive airway (OR 2.59; 95% CI 2.46 to 2.72; P<0.001) were associated with longer CPR duration. In those with ROSC, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.93; P<0.001) and witnessed events (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.91; P<0.001) were associated with shorter duration. CONCLUSIONS: Age and sex were associated with attempted CPR duration in patients who do not experience ROSC after in­hospital cardiac arrest but not in those who experience ROSC. Understanding the mechanism of these interactions may help explain variability in outcomes for in­hospital cardiac arrest.

Trombo aortico intraluminal e hematoma intramural apos manobra de ressuscitacao cardiopulmonar / Aortic luminal thrombus and intramural hematoma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Descrevemos o caso de um paciente com hematoma intramural e trombo flutuante após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Esse homem, de 92 anos de idade, teve uma parada cardíaca causada por fibrilação atrial e testemunhas iniciaram imediatamente manobras manuais de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Ao ser admitido no hospital, o paciente apresentava-se em choque cardiogênico, sendo, então, imediatamente submetido a ecocardiografia transesofágica. Além de uma parede anterior acinética, o exame da aorta torácica descendente mostrou um hematoma intramural e um trombo intra-aórtico flutuante a uma distância de 40cm do arco dental. Não havia dissecção da aorta. O trombo foi atribuído à compressão aórtica durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Embora o trombo aórtico e o hematoma intramural não tenham se associado a qualquer complicação nesse paciente, a inserção de um balão intra-aórtico poderia ter levado a uma ruptura da aorta ou a eventos embólicos. Recomenda-se a realização de ecocardiografia transesofágica, quando disponível, antes da inserção de um balão intra-aórtico de contrapulsação em pacientes submetidos à ressuscitação cardiopulmonar.

We describe the case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and floating thrombus after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 92-year old man had a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and witnesses immediately initiated manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately on hospital admission because the patient was in cardiogenic shock. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the descending thoracic aorta demonstrated an intramural hematoma and a floating intra-aortic thrombus at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch. There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have led to aortic rupture or embolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of an intra-aortic balloon for counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Aortic luminal thrombus and intramural hematoma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

We describe the case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and floating thrombus after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 92-year old man had a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and witnesses immediately initiated manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately on hospital admission because the patient was in cardiogenic shock. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the descending thoracic aorta demonstrated an intramural hematoma and a floating intra-aortic thrombus at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch. There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have led to aortic rupture or embolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of an intra-aortic balloon for counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Use of beta-blockers for the treatment of cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced Life Support guidelines recommend the use of epinephrine during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as to increase coronary blood flow and perfusion pressure through its alpha-adrenergic peripheral vasoconstriction, allowing minimal rises in coronary perfusion pressure to make defibrillation possible. Contrasting to these alpha-adrenergic effects, epinephrine's beta-stimulation may have deleterious effects through an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption and a reduction of subendocardial perfusion, leading to postresuscitation cardiac dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The present paper consists of a systematic review of the literature regarding the use of beta-blockade in cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). METHODS: Studies were identified through MEDLINE electronic databases research and were included those regarding the use of beta-blockade during CPR. RESULTS: Beta-blockade has been extensively studied in animal models of CPR. These studies not only suggest that beta-blockade could reduce myocardial oxygen requirements and the number of shocks necessary for defibrillation, but also improve postresuscitation myocardial function, diminish arrhythmia recurrences and prolong survival. A few case reports described successful beta-blockade use in patients, along with two prospective human studies, suggesting that it could be safe and effectively used during cardiac arrest in humans. CONCLUSION: Even though the existing literature points toward a beneficial effect of beta-blockade in patients presenting with cardiac arrest due to VF/pulseless VT, high quality human trials are still lacking to answer this question definitely.