Clinical Impact of Assessment of Myocardial Flow Reserve in Identifying the Cause of Chest Discomfort. / Impacto Clínico da Avaliação da Reserva de Fluxo Miocárdico na Identificação da Causa do Desconforto Torácico.

BACKGROUND: Gamma cameras with cadmium-zinc telluride (CZT) detectors allowed the quantification of myocardial flow reserve (MBF), which can increase the accuracy of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) to detect the cause of chest discomfort. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical impact of MBF to detect the cause of chest discomfort. METHODS: 171 patients with chest discomfort who underwent coronary angiography or coronary CT angiography also underwent MPS and MBF in a time interval of <30 days. The acquisitions of dynamic imaging of rest and stress were initiated simultaneously with the 99mTc injection sestamibi (10 and 30mCi, respectively), both lasting eleven minutes, followed by immediately acquiring perfusion images for 5 minutes. The stress was performed with dipyridamole. A global or per coronary territory MBF <2.0 was classified as abnormal. RESULTS: The average age was 65.9±10 years (60% female). The anatomical evaluation showed that 115 (67.3%) patients had coronary obstruction significant, with 69 having abnormal MPs and 91 having abnormal MBF (60.0% vs 79.1%, p<0.01). Among patients without obstruction (56 - 32.7%), 7 had abnormal MPS, and 23 had reduced global MBF. Performing MBF identified the etiology of the chest discomfort in 114 patients while MPS identified it in 76 (66.7% vs 44.4%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MBF is a quantifiable physiological measure that increases the clinical impact of MPS in detecting the cause of chest discomfort through greater accuracy for detecting obstructive CAD, and it also makes it possible to identify the presence of the microvascular disease.

FUNDAMENTO: Gama-câmaras com detectores de telureto-cádmio-zinco (CZT) permitiram a quantificação da reserva de fluxo miocárdico (RFM), podendo aumentar a acurácia da cintilografia miocárdica de perfusão (CMP) para detectar a causa do desconforto torácico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto clínico da RFM para detectar a causa do desconforto torácico. MÉTODOS: 171 pacientes com desconforto torácico que foram submetidos a coronariografia ou angiotomografia de coronárias também realizaram CMP e RFM num intervalo de tempo <30 dias. As aquisições das imagens dinâmicas de repouso e estresse foram iniciadas simultaneamente à injeção de 99mTc sestamibi (10 e 30mCi, respectivamente), ambas com duração de onze minutos, seguidas imediatamente pela aquisição das imagens de perfusão durante 5 minutos. O estresse foi realizado com dipiridamol. Uma RFM global ou por território coronariano <2,0 foi classificada como anormal. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 65,9±10 anos (60% do sexo feminino). A avaliação anatômica mostrou que 115 (67,3%) pacientes apresentavam obstrução coronariana significativa, sendo que, 69 apresentavam CMP anormal e 91 apresentavam RFM anormal (60,0% vs. 79,1%, p<0,01). Dentre os pacientes sem obstrução (56 ­ 32,7%), 7 tinham CMP anormais e 23 tinham RFM global reduzida. A realização da RFM identificou a etiologia do desconforto torácico em 114 pacientes enquanto a CMP identificou em 76 (66,7% vs. 44,4%, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A RFM é uma medida fisiológica quantificável que aumenta o impacto clínico da CMP na detecção da causa do desconforto torácico através de uma maior acurácia para detecção de DAC obstrutiva e ainda possibilita identificar a presença de doença microvascular.

Chest pain.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a common symptom in the community, with underlying causes ranging from benign musculoskeletal pain to life-threatening cardiac events. It is a challenging presentation for healthcare providers, because the aetiology is not always immediately apparent. Chest pain can also cause significant anxiety for patients, leading to increased healthcare utilisation and costs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this discussion is to emphasise the importance of accurately describing the nature of chest discomfort and using appropriate terminology to facilitate an appropriate diagnostic work-up. The discussion also highlights the differences between typical and atypical chest pain and provides information about the aetiology of chest pain and management in the community. DISCUSSION: Accurately describing the nature of chest discomfort by using appropriate terminology is crucial in identifying the underlying cause of the symptom. Healthcare providers should be aware of the different terms patients might use to describe their chest discomfort and use precise and informative terms to describe the potential underlying cause of the chest pain. Atypical chest pain is often used to describe non-cardiac chest pain, but it lacks specificity. Using the terms 'cardiac,' 'possibly cardiac' or 'non-cardiac' is the preferred terminology.

Microcirculatory dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with chest pain assessed by angiography-derived microcirculatory resistance.

Chest pain, a common initial symptom in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, is closely linked to myocardial ischemia, despite the absence of significant coronary artery stenosis. This study explored microvascular dysfunction in HCM patients by employing angiography-derived microcirculatory resistance (AMR) as a novel tool for comprehensive assessment. This retrospective analysis included HCM patients with chest pain as the primary symptom and control patients without cardiac hypertrophy during the same period. The AMR was computed through angiography, providing a wire-free and adenosine-free index for evaluating microcirculatory function. Propensity score matching ensured balanced demographics between groups. This study also investigated the correlation between the AMR and clinical outcomes by utilizing echocardiography and follow-up data. After matching, 76 HCM patients and 152 controls were analyzed. While there was no significant difference in the incidence of epicardial coronary stenosis, the AMR of three epicardial coronary arteries was markedly greater in HCM patients. The criterion of an AMR ≥ 250 mmHg*s/m was that 65.7% of HCM patients experienced coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Independent risk factors for CMD included increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (OR = 1.209, 95% CI 1.013-1.443, p = 0.036). Furthermore, an AMR_LAD ≥ 250 mmHg*s/m had an increased cumulative risk of the endpoint (log-rank p = 0.023) and was an independent risk factor for the endpoint (HR = 11.64, 95% CI 1.13-120.03, p = 0.039), providing valuable prognostic insights.

Late Outcomes of Patients in the Emergency Department With Acute Chest Pain Evaluated With Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve.

Computed tomography (CTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) guides the need for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Late outcomes after FFRCT are reported in stable ischemic heart disease but not in acute chest pain in the emergency department (ACP-ED). The objectives are to assess the risk of death, myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, and ICA after FFRCT. From 2015 to 2018, 389 low-risk patients with ACP-ED (negative biomarkers, no electrocardiographic ischemia) underwent CTA and FFRCT and were entered into a prospective institutional registry; patients were followed up for 41 ± 10 months. CTA stenosis ≥50% was present in 81% of the patients. Positive (FFRCT ≤0.80) and negative FFRCT were observed in 124 (32%) and 265 patients (68%), respectively. ICA was performed in 108 of 124 patients (87%) with positive FFRCT and 89 of 265 patients (34%) with negative FFRCT (p <0.00001). Revascularization was performed in 87 of 124 (70%) patients with positive FFRCT and in 22 of 265 (8%) with negative FFRCT (p <0.00001). Appropriateness of revascularization was established by blinded adjudication of ICA and invasive FFR using practice guidelines; revascularization was appropriate in 81 of 124 (65%) and 6 of 265 (2%) of FFRCT-positive and -negative patients, respectively (p <0.00001). At follow-up, for patients with positive versus negative FFRCT, the rates were 0.8% versus 0% for death (p = 0.32) and 1.6% versus 0.4% for MI (p = 0.24). In conclusion, in low-risk patients with ACP-ED who underwent CTA and FFRCT, the risk of late death (0.2%) and MI (0.7%) are low. Negative FFRCT is associated with excellent long-term prognosis, and positive FFRCT predicts obstructive disease requiring revascularization. FFRCT can safely triage patients with ACP-ED and reduce unnecessary ICA and revascularization.

Chest pain score: a novel and practical approach to angina pectoris. A diagnostic accuracy study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The chest pain classifications that are currently in use are based on studies that are several decades old. Various studies have indicated that these classifications are not sufficient for determining the origin of chest pain without additional diagnostic tests or tools. We describe a new chest pain scoring system that examines the relationship between chest pain and ischemic heart disease (IHD). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary-level university hospital and two public hospitals. METHODS: Chest pain scores were assigned to 484 patients. These patients then underwent a treadmill stress test, followed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy if necessary. Coronary angiography was then carried out on the patients whose tests had been interpreted as positive for ischemia. Afterwards, the relationship between myocardial ischemia and the test score results was investigated. RESULTS: The median chest pain score was 2 (range: 0-7) among the patients without IHD and 6 (1-8) among those with IHD. The median score of patients with IHD was significantly higher than that of patients without IHD (P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the score had sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 87.5% for detecting IHD. CONCLUSION: We developed a pre-test chest pain score that uses a digital scoring system to assess whether or not the pain was caused by IHD. This scoring system can be applied easily and swiftly by healthcare professionals and can prevent the confusion that is caused by other classification and scoring systems.

Varón de 81 años con dolor y tumefacción en región pectoral derecha / 81-year-old man with pain and swelling in the right side of the chest

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La perspectiva del cardiólogo sobre la evaluación del dolor torácico agudo mediante ecocardiografía de ejercicio y tomografía computarizada multidetectores / Cardiologist point of view on the exercise echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography for the evaluation of acute chest pain

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Do Diabetic Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Have a Higher Threshold for Ischemic Pain? / Pacientes Diabéticos com Síndromes Coronárias Agudas têm um Limiar Maior para a Dor Isquêmica?

Background: Data from over 4 decades have reported a higher incidence of silent infarction among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but recent publications have shown conflicting results regarding the correlation between DM and presence of pain in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective: Our primary objective was to analyze the association between DM and precordial pain at hospital arrival. Secondary analyses evaluated the association between hyperglycemia and precordial pain at presentation, and the subgroup of patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We analyzed a prospectively designed registry of 3,544 patients with ACS admitted to a Coronary Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. We developed multivariable models to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Patients with precordial pain were less likely to have DM (30.3%) than those without pain (34.0%; unadjusted p = 0.029), but this difference was not significant after multivariable adjustment, for the global population (p = 0.84), and for subset of patients that presented within 6 hours from symptom onset (p = 0.51). In contrast, precordial pain was more likely among patients with hyperglycemia (41.2% vs 37.0% without hyperglycemia, p = 0.035) in the overall population and also among those who presented within 6 hours (41.6% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.001). Adjusted models showed an independent association between hyperglycemia and pain at presentation, especially among patients who presented within 6 hours (OR = 1.41, p = 0.008). Conclusion: In this non-selected ACS population, there was no correlation between DM and hospital presentation without precordial pain. Moreover, hyperglycemia correlated significantly with pain at presentation, especially in the population that arrived within 6 hours from symptom onset. .

Fundamento: Dados de mais de 4 décadas relataram maior incidência de infarto silencioso entre os pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM), mas publicações recentes mostraram resultados conflitantes quanto à correlação entre DM e presença de dor em pacientes com síndromes coronárias agudas (SCA). Objetivo: Nosso objetivo principal foi analisar a associação entre dor precordial e DM na chegada ao hospital. Análises secundárias avaliaram a associação entre hiperglicemia e dor precordial na apresentação, e o subgrupo de pacientes que se apresentaram em até 6 horas após o início dos sintomas. Métodos: Analisamos um registro prospectivo de 3.544 pacientes com SCA internados em unidade coronária de um hospital terciário. Desenvolvemos modelos multivariados para ajustar potenciais fatores de confusão. Resultados: Os pacientes com dor precordial eram menos propensos a ter DM (30,3%) do que aqueles sem dor (34,0 %, p não ajustado = 0,029), mas essa diferença não foi significativa após ajuste multivariado, para a população global (p = 0,84), e para o subgrupo de pacientes que se apresentaram dentro do período de 6 horas após o início dos sintomas (p = 0,51). Em contraste, a dor precordial era mais provável entre os pacientes com hiperglicemia (41,2% vs. 37,0% sem hiperglicemia, p = 0,035) na população total, e também entre aqueles que se apresentaram no período de 6 horas (41,6% vs. 32,3%, p = 0,001). Modelos ajustados mostraram uma associação independente entre hiperglicemia e dor na apresentação, especialmente entre os pacientes que se apresentaram no período de até 6 horas (OR = 1,41, p = 0,008). Conclusão: Nesta população não-selecionada com SCA, não houve correlação entre DM e a ...

Fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral y troponina ultrasensible en el dolor torácico agudo de origen incierto. Un subestudio del estudio PITAGORAS / N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide and High-sensitivity Troponin in the Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain of Uncertain Etiology. A PITAGORAS Substudy

Introducción y objetivos. La troponina ultrasensible ha mejorado el diagnóstico del síndrome coronario agudo en los pacientes que se presentan con dolor torácico y troponina convencional normal. Nuestro objetivo es analizar si la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral aporta información adicional. Métodos. Se estudió a 398 pacientes, incluidos en el estudio PITAGORAS, que acudieron a urgencias por dolor torácico con troponina convencional normal en dos muestras seriadas (a la llegada y a las 6-8 h). Se midió de forma centralizada la troponina T ultrasensible en las dos muestras y la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral en la segunda. Los objetivos fueron diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo y evento compuesto de revascularización o evento cardiaco a los 30 días. Resultados. Se diagnosticó síndrome coronario agudo a 79 pacientes (20%), y 59 (15%) presentaron el evento compuesto. A superior cuartil de la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral se incrementan las frecuencias de diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo (el 12, el 16, el 23 y el 29%; p = 0,01) y del evento compuesto (el 6, el 13, el 16 y el 24%; p = 0,004). La elevación de la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral (> 125 ng/l) se asoció con ambos objetivos (riesgo relativo = 2,0; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,2-3,3; p = 0,02; riesgo relativo = 2,4; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,4-4,2; p = 0,004). Sin embargo, en los modelos multivariables ajustados por datos clínicos y el electrocardiograma, la troponina T ultrasensible mostró valor predictivo, pero no la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral. Conclusiones. En el dolor torácico de origen incierto y bajo riesgo evaluado mediante troponina T ultrasensible, la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral carece de valor predictivo adicional para el diagnóstico o el pronóstico a corto plazo (AU)

Introduction and objectives. High-sensitivity troponin assays have improved the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest pain and normal troponin levels as measured by conventional assays. Our aim was to investigate whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide provides additional information to troponin determination in these patients. Methods. A total of 398 patients, included in the PITAGORAS study, presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and normal troponin levels as measured by conventional assay in 2 serial samples (on arrival and 6 h to 8 h later) were studied. The samples were also analyzed in a central laboratory for high-sensitivity troponin T (both samples) and for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (second sample). The endpoints were diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and the composite endpoint of in-hospital revascularization or a 30-day cardiac event. Results. Acute coronary syndrome was adjudicated to 79 patients (20%) and the composite endpoint to 59 (15%). When the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide quartile increased, the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome also increased (12%, 16%, 23% and 29%; P=.01), as did the risk of the composite endpoint (6%, 13%, 16% and 24%; P=.004). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide elevation (>125 ng/L) was associated with both endpoints (relative risk= 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.3; P=.02; relative risk=2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.2; P=.004). However, in the multivariable models adjusted by clinical and electrocardiographic data, a predictive value was found for high-sensitivity T troponin but not for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Conclusions. In low-risk patients with chest pain of uncertain etiology evaluated using high-sensitivity T troponin, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide does not contribute additional predictive value to diagnosis or the prediction of short-term outcomes (AU)

Subxyphoid pleural drain confers lesser impairment in respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and lower chest pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial / Dreno pleural subxifoide confere menor comprometimento da força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e menor dor torácica após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea: estudo controlado randomizado

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and chest pain in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) using internal thoracic artery grafts comparing pleural drain insertion site at the subxyphoid region versus the lateral region. METHODS: Forty patients were randomized into two groups in accordance with the pleural drain site. Group II (n = 19) -pleural drain exteriorized in the intercostal space; group (SI) (n = 21) chest tube exteriorized at the subxyphoid region. All patients underwent assessment of respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) on the pre, 1, 3 and 5 postoperative days (POD). Arterial blood gas analysis was collected on the pre and POD1. The chest pain sensation was measured 1, 3 and 5 POD. RESULTS: A significant decrease in respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) was seen in both groups until POD5 (P <0.05). When compared, the difference between groups remained significant with greater decrease in the II (P <0.05). The blood arterial oxygenation fell in both groups (P <0.05), but the oxygenation was lower in the II (P <0.05). Referred chest pain was higher 1, 3 and 5 POD in the II group (P <0.05). The orotracheal intubation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were higher in the II group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to subxyphoid pleural drainage showed less decrease in respiratory muscle strength, better preservation of blood oxygenation and reduced thoracic pain compared to patients with intercostal drain on early OPCAB postoperative.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e dor torácica em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM) sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) comparando o local de inserção do dreno pleural na região subxifoidea versus lateral. MÉTODOS: Quarenta pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos Grupo (II - n = 19) - dreno pleural exteriorizado na região intercostal; Grupo (SI - n = 21) dreno pleural exteriorizado na região subxifoidea. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da força muscular respiratória no pré, 1º, 3ºe 5º dias de pós-operatório (PO). Gasometria arterial foi coletada no pré e 1º dia do PO. A dor torácica foi avaliada no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de PO. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos apresentaram diminuição significante da força muscular respiratória até o quinto dia do PO (P <0,05). A diferença entre os grupos manteve-se significante com maior decréscimo no grupo II (P <0,05). Houve queda na pressão arterial de oxigênio em ambos os grupos (P <0,05), mas quando comparado à queda foi maior no grupo II (P <0,05). A dor torácica no 1º, 2º e 5º dia do PO foi maior grupo II (P <0,05). O tempo de intubação orotraqueal e permanência hospitalar no PO foram maiores no grupo II (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes submetidos a drenagem pleural subxifoidea apresentaram menor queda na força muscular respiratória, melhor preservação da oxigenação arterial e menos dor comparado aos pacientes com inserção do dreno na região intercostal no PO precoce de cirurgia de RM sem CEC.

Dolor torácico y ascenso del ST en cara anterior / Chest pain and ST elevation in anterior leads

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 79 años que ingresa en el servicio de Cardiología tras acudir a Urgencias con síntomas sugerentes de un síndrome coronario agudo, llegando a un diagnóstico cada vez más frecuente y quizá infradiagnosticado años atrás. El Síndrome de Takotsubo es una entidad clínica predominante en mujeres postmenopáusicas y se presenta típicamente tras un estrés físico o psíquico intenso. El cuadro clínico remeda el de un síndrome coronario agudo, sin embargo es característica la ausencia de lesiones angiográficas coronarias y un patrón ecocardiográfico de "balonización" del ventrículo izquierdo por hipercontractilidad de los segmentos basales y discinesia apical. Estas alteraciones suelen recuperarse completamente en el transcurso de unas semanas. Exponemos además una pequeña revisión sobre el estado actual del diagnóstico y tratamiento (AU)

We report a case of a 79 year old woman admitted to our Cardiology department for symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome, eventually reaching an increasingly common diagnosis of a syndrome that was perhaps under-diagnosed in previous years. Takotsubo syndrome is a clinical entity predominantly occurring in postmenopausal women typically after severe physical or psychological stress. The symptoms mimic an acute coronary syndrome, however the absence of coronary angiographic lesions and an echocardiographic pattern of "apical ballooning" in the left ventricle because of hyperkinesis of the basal segments and apical dyskinesia are characteristic of this syndrome. These symptoms are usually fully resolved within a few weeks. We also present a brief review of the current state of its diagnosis and treatment (AU)

Dolor precordial en atención primaria: a propósito de un caso / Precordial pain in primary care: presentation of a case

El dolor precordial es un síntoma bastante frecuente, la importancia de su correcto abordaje radica en las implicaciones que conlleva, ya que no hay ningún dato que por sí solo determine el correcto diagnóstico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente diabético que acude a la consulta refiriendo un dolor precordial atípico, que pese a un diagnóstico de sospecha inicial correcto, precisó de valoración hospitalaria por el riesgo cardiovascular implícito en este tipo de pacientes, así como por la variabilidad de la presentación de los cuadros coronarios en los diabéticos (AU)

Precordial pain is a fairly common symptom. The importance of it correct approach lies in the implications it may have, since there is no data as such to determine a correct diagnosis. We present the case of a diabetic patient who was seen due to having an unusual precordial pain, who despite a correct initial suspected diagnosis, required a hospital assessment due to the implicit cardiovascular risk in this type of patient, and to the variety of ways coronary symptoms are presented in diabetics (AU)

Hiperaldosteronismo primario / Primary hyperaldosteronism

El hiperaldosteronismo primario se caracteriza por una hiperproducción de aldosterona por la glándula suprarrenal, con supresión de la actividad de la renina plasmática. Los hallazgos clínicos son poco específicos y en algunos pacientes cursan de forma asintomática aunque en casi todos los casos se encuentra una HTA moderada o grave difícil de controlar y síntomas neuromusculares como astenia y parestesias. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 33 años que consulta en el servicio de urgencias por dolor torácico y cortejo vegetativo (AU)

Primary hyperaldosteronism is characterised by an excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland, with suppression of plasma renin activity. Clinical findings are not very specific and in some patients it is asymptomatic although in almost all cases there is moderately to severely high blood pressure that is difficult to control and neuromuscular symptoms such as asthenia and paresthesia. We present the case of a 33 year old patient who came to the emergency department due to chest pain and symptoms related to the parasympathetic nervous system (AU)

Prevalencia, características clínicas y riesgo de infarto de miocardio en pacientes con dolor torácico y consumo de cocaína / Prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk of myocardial infarction in patients with cocaine-related chest pain

Introducción y objetivos. Analizar la prevalencia de consumo reciente de cocaína entre los pacientes atendidos en urgencias por dolor torácico, estudiar las características clínicas de los pacientes y estimar la incidencia de síndromes coronarios agudos en esta población. Métodos. Estudio de cohortes observacional en el que se utilizó un cuestionario estándar que incluía el interrogatorio sobre consumo de cocaína. Resultados. Durante un periodo de 1 año, 1.240 pacientes de menos de 55 años consultaron por dolor torácico. De ellos, 63 (5%) lo sufrieron en relación con consumo de cocaína (el 7% de los varones y el 1,8% de las mujeres). Estos pacientes eran más jóvenes (35 ± 10 frente a 39 ± 10 años; p = 0,002) y más frecuentemente varones (el 87 frente al 62%; p < 0,001) y fumadores (el 59 frente al 35%; p < 0,001). Los pacientes consumidores de cocaína tuvieron una mayor incidencia de infarto de miocardio (el 16 frente al 4%; p < 0,001), especialmente con elevación del ST (el 11,1 frente al 1,6%; p < 0,01). Tras ajustar por los factores de riesgo coronario, los antecedentes cardiovasculares y el tratamiento previo, el consumo reciente de cocaína se asoció a una odds ratio de infarto de 4,3 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2-9,4). Conclusiones. El dolor torácico asociado al consumo de cocaína es un problema frecuente en los servicios de urgencias, especialmente en los varones de menos de 55 años, y se asocia a un riesgo 4 veces mayor de infarto de miocardio. Se debería preguntar sobre el consumo de cocaína a todos los varones de menos de 55 años con dolor torácico (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To investigate the frequency of recent cocaine use in patients attending an emergency department for acute chest pain, to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients, and to estimate the incidence of acute coronary syndrome in this population. Methods. Observational cohort study using a standard questionnaire that includes items on recent cocaine consumption. Results. During a 1-year period, 1240 patients aged under 55 years presented with chest pain. Of these, 63 (5%) had cocaine-related chest pain (7% of men and 1.8% of women). These patients were younger (35±10 years vs. 39±10 years; P=.002), were more frequently male (87% vs. 62%; P < .001), and were more frequently smokers (59% vs. 35%; P < .001). Patients who had used cocaine recently had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (16 vs. 4%; P < .001), especially ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (11.1% vs. 1.6%; P < .01). After adjusting for coronary risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease and previous treatment, the odds ratio for myocardial infarction with recent cocaine consumption was 4.3 (95% confidence interval, 2-9.4). Conclusions. Cocaine-related chest pain is often encountered in emergency departments, especially in men aged under 55 years. It is associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of acute myocardial infarction. All male patients aged under 55 years with acute chest pain should be asked about cocaine use (AU)

Troponinas ultrasensibles en el dolor torácico y los síndromes coronarios agudos. ¿Un paso hacia delante? / High sensitivity troponin in chest pain and acute coronary syndromes. A step forward?

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Dor torácica não-cardiogênica: [revisão] / Non-cardiac chest pain: [review]

CONTEXTO: Dor torácica não-cardiogênica ou dor torácica funcional é síndrome clínica com elevada prevalência no mundo ocidental, podendo estar presente entre 15 por cento a 30 por cento dos pacientes com coronariografias normais. Tem importante impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e associa-se com considerável aumento da utilização dos serviços de saúde. FONTES DE INFORMAÇÃO: Para esta revisão, foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: Medline, the Cochrane Library, LILACS e livros nacionais. Das publicações dos últimos 5 anos foram selecionadas fontes relevantes como artigos originais, artigos de revisão, consensos, diretrizes e revisões sistemáticas de literatura com meta-análise. Publicações relevantes anteriores ao período de tempo analisado, foram também incluídas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas 44 publicações, sendo 28 artigos originais, 12 trabalhos de revisão, 2 diretrizes, 1 meta-análise e 1 consenso. CONCLUSÕES: A dor torácica não-cardiogênica abrange a investigação do trato digestório, do aparelho musculoesquelético, do aparelho respiratório e de distúrbios psicológicos. O objetivo do tratamento é o alívio ou eliminação do sintoma e deve estar voltado para o principal mecanismo gerador. A base do tratamento é medicamentosa, entretanto, pode ser necessária intervenção de natureza psicológica e, nos pacientes com acalásia a terapia endoscópica ou cirúrgica. Considerando-se que a maioria dos pacientes apresentarão causas relacionadas ao esôfago, sendo as principais, a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e distúrbios motores, as principais medicações utilizadas no controle da dor torácica não-cardiogênica são os inibidores da bomba de prótons e os antidepressivos tricíclicos. Recentemente, novas modalidades diagnósticas e também formas de tratamento, tais como, a injeção por endoscopia de toxina botulínica no esôfago e a hipnose, estão em investigação e algumas poderão ocupar lugar no cenário do tratamento destes pacientes.

CONTEXT: Non-cardiac chest pain or functional chest pain is a syndrome with high prevalence in ocidental world. Findings on 15 percent-30 percent of coronary angiograms performed in patients with chest pain are normal. Causes significant impact in quality of life of patients and is associated with increased use of the health care facilities. DATA SOURCES: To this review the following data base were accessed: Medline, the Cochrane Library, LILACS. The limit was the last 5 years publications and were selected relevant original articles, reviews, consensus, guidelines and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four papers were selected, 28 original articles, 12 reviews, 2 guidelines, 1 consensus and 1 meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusion of cardiac disease is of crucial importance. On the other hand non-cardiac chest pain could be related to gastrointestinal, muscular and respiratory causes and/or psychological disturbances. Treatment aims to attack mechanism generator in order to relieve or to eliminate symptoms. Drugs are the cornerstone of treatment, exception to achalasia patients because those have better response to dilation of the esophagus or surgery, and to those who need intensive pyschological therapy. The most important drugs used are proton pump inhibitors and triciclic antidepressants, the latter, to modulate central signal process (visceral hypersensitivity) and autonomic response. Recently, new diagnostic facilities, and also therapeutic modalities, such as esophageal botulin toxin injection and hypnosis are under investigations. In the near future, maybe some of them would take a place in the therapeutic scenario of these patients.