Factores relacionados con la supervivencia en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica grave a largo plazo: relación con la capacidad aeróbica / Related Factors for Survival in a Cohort of Patients with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Long-Term of Follow-Up: Relationship with Aerobic Capacity

Introducción: Sólo Oga et al. (AJRCCM 2003) relacionaron supervivencia y capacidad aeróbica en pacientes EPOC, pero en hombres y seguimiento a 5 años. Objetivos: Evaluar la supervivencia de una cohorte de pacientes EPOC grave según el consumo de oxígeno pico (VO2p) ajustado al peso. Material y Métodos: Se evaluó la supervivencia a largo plazo desde el diagnóstico de pacientes con EPOC (GOLD). Se midió el VO2p ajustado por peso en prueba cicloergo- métrica máxima (gases espirados). Se usaron técnicas estadísticas convencionales y análisis de supervivencia de LogRank (Mantel-Cox). Resultados: 70 pacientes (27% femenino); edad 68 años (RIQ 63-73); %FEV1 postBD: 39,95±2,09; VO2p: 9,25 ± 3,17 ml/kg/min. GOLD D/B/A 84,3/14,2/1,5%; GOLD II/III/IV: 15,7/61,4/22,9%. A 14 años de seguimiento, 75% había fallecido. Supervivencia: primer cuartilo de VO2p (ml/kg/min) fue 38,5 meses (RIQ 18,25-58,5) y para el cuarto cuartilo 68 meses (RIQ 48-93). A 103 meses, la diferencia en supervivencia fue: primer cuartilo vs. cuarto cuartilo de VO2p (p<0,01) y segundo vs. cuarto cuartilo (p<0,03); a 145 meses entre segundo vs. cuarto cuartilo (p=0,049). En el análisis multivariado, el VO2p alto es un factor protector sobre la mortalidad. En cambio, otras variables independientes como sexo masculino, edad >70, grado de obstrucción bronquial severo y fenotipo exacerbador frecuente se asociaron a mortalidad. Conclusión: A largo plazo, en una cohorte de pacientes hombres y mujeres EPOC grave, en análisis multivariado, el VO2p alto es factor protector sobre la mortalidad. En cambio, otras variables independientes como sexo masculino, edad >70, grado de obstrucción bronquial severo y exacerbador frecuente se asociaron a mortalidad.

Introduction: Only Oga et al. (AJRCCM 2003) related survival and aerobic capacity, but only in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) men with 5 years of follow-up. Objective: To determine survival in a cohort of patients with severe COPD due to aerobic capacity (VO2max) adjusted by weight. Methods: Survival of COPD patients was evaluated to long-term (GOLD definition). Patients performed maximal exercise test in cicloergometry (expired gases) evaluating (VO2max). Conventional statistics and Log-Rank survival analysis (Mantel-Cox) were used. Results: We included 70 patients (27% female) followed up 60.77 months (RIQ 29- 87.85); age 68 years (RIQ 63-73); %FEV1 postBD: 39.95±2.09; VO2p: 9.25± 3.17 ml/kg/ min. GOLD D/B/A 84.3/14.2/1.5%; GOLD II/III/IV: 15.7/61.4/22.9%. After 14 years of follow-up, 75% of patients died. Survival: VO2p (ml/kg/min) first quartil was 38.5 months (RIQ 18,25-58,5); second quartil 66 months (RIQ 35-84.5); third quartil 70 months (RIQ 15-96) and fourth quartil 68 months (RIQ 48-93). After 103 months of follow-up, survival was compared: 1st vs 4rd quartil of VO2p (p<0.01) and 2nd vs. 4rd quartil (p<0.03); comparing at 145 months: 2nd vs. 4rd quartil (p=0.049). In a multivariate analysis, high VO2p is a protective factor on mortality, nevertheless other independent variables as male gender, age >70, severe airway obstruction and frequent exacerbators were associated to mortality. Conclusion: At long term of follow-up, a cohort of severe COPD patients (males and fe- males), in multivariate analysis, high VO2p is a protective factor of mortality, nevertheless other independent variables as male gender, age >70, severe airway obstruction and frequent exacerbators were associated to mortality.

¿Cómo llega el paciente asmático al servicio de emergencias? Datos del estudio multicéntrico SABINA EMERGENCIAS / How Does the Asthmatic Patient Arrive at the Emergency Department? Data from the SABINA EMERGENCIAS Multicenter Study

Introducción: Los objetivos del control del asma son prevenir la aparición de síntomas y reducir el riesgo de exacerbaciones y mortalidad mediante educación médica, técnica inhalatoria, adherencia a medicación controladora e indicación de planes de acción (PA); pero los pacientes enfrentan exacerbaciones de diversa gravedad. Objetivos: El objetivo principal del estudio SABINA EMERGENCIAS fue describir la forma en que los pacientes concurren al servicio de emergencias (SE), considerando la frecuencia y uso de medicación de rescate. Objetivos secundarios: consultas al SE; uso de corticoides sistémicos (CS), agonistas beta-2 de acción corta (SABA) y tratamiento controlador; disponibilidad de PA. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional, descriptivo, en cuatro hospitales del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires en adultos con asma. Resultados: n=323 (edad: 43,7±16,8 años; mujeres: 66,6%): 61,3% no eran seguidos por especialistas; 90,1% utilizaron SABA como rescate (mediana:10 inhalaciones; rango 0-100) la semana previa; 75,9% tuvieron ≥1 consulta al SE el año previo (mediana:2 [0-100]); 29,4% habían sido hospitalizados; 59,1% recibieron ≥1 ciclo de CS; mediana de consumo de SABA: 3 envases/año (0-23); 51,7% habían utilizado ≥3 envases; 30% no empleaban tratamiento de mantenimiento (23% usaba SABA); 75,9% no efectuaban terapia regular de mantenimiento; 77,1% no contaban con PA. Conclusión: Una reducida proporción de pacientes asmáticos que concurren al SE son seguidos por médicos especialistas, con alto consumo y elevada frecuencia de aplicación de SABA como rescate y baja adherencia al tratamiento de mantenimiento. Se remarca la necesidad de optimizar el manejo, con énfasis en la derivación al especialista, adherencia al tratamiento y prescripción de PA.

Introduction: The objectives of asthma control are to prevent the onset of symptoms and reduce the risk of exacerbations and mortality through medical education, inhaler technique, adherence to controller medication and indication of action plans (AP); but patients experience exacerbations of varying severity. Objective: The main objective of the SABINA EMERGENCIAS study was to describe how patients attend the emergency department (ED), considering the frequency and use of rescue medication. Secondary objectives: ED visits; use of systemic corticosteroids (SC), short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA) and controller therapy; availability of AP. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study in 4 hospitals in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires in adults with asthma. Results: n=323 (age:43.7±16.8 years; women:66.6%): 61.3% were not followed by specialists; 90.1% used SABA as rescue medication (median:10 puffs; range 0-100) the previous week; 75.9% had ≥1 visit to the ES the previous year (median: 2 [0-100]); 29.4% had been hospitalized; 59.1% received ≥1 cycle of CS; median SABA consumption: 3 cannisters/year (0-23); 51.7% had used ≥3 cannisters; 30% did not use maintenance therapy (23% used SABA); 75.9% did not perform regular maintenance therapy; 77.1% did not have an AP. Conclusion: A small proportion of asthmatic patients attending the ES are followed by specialist physicians, with high consumption and high frequency of SABA application as rescue medication and low adherence to maintenance treatment. The need to optimize management is highlighted, with emphasis on referral to specialists, adherence to treatment and prescription of APs.

Sarcoma de Ewing extraesquelético: reporte de caso / Extraskeletal Ewing's Sarcoma: a Case Report

Introducción: El sarcoma de Ewing es un tumor maligno de alto grado con localización principalmente ósea; se han reportado aproximadamente 12% con presentación extra-esquelética. Actualmente, existen alrededor de 20 casos descritos en la literatura con origen mediastinal y 10 casos con origen pulmonar. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 25 años con un mes de disnea y dolor torácico, con el hallazgo de derrame pleural masivo y tumoración mediastinal en hemitórax derecho. Se le realiza toracotomía anterior bilateral con esternotomía transversa de Clamshell, con resección parcial que demuestra, por patología, sarcoma monomórfico de alto grado e inmunohistoquímica concluyente de sarcoma de Ewing. Conclusión: Este caso es una entidad rara y conlleva un reto diagnóstico para el clínico; sin embargo, debe sospecharse considerando la presentación clínica y radiológica del paciente, buscando incrementar la tasa de supervivencia mediante el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

Introduction: Ewing's sarcoma is a high-grade malignant tumor with mainly bony lo-calization; approximately 12% have been reported with extraskeletal presentation. Currently, there are about 20 cases described in the literature with mediastinal origin and 10 pulmonary cases. Case Report: We present the case of a 25-year-old woman with one month of dysp-nea and chest pain, with massive pleural effusion and mediastinal tumor in the right hemithorax who underwent bilateral anterior thoracotomy with Clamshell transverse sternotomy, with partial resection demonstrating, by pathology, high-grade monomorphic sarcoma and conclusive immunohistochemistry of Ewing's sarcoma. Conclusion: This case is a rare entity and involves a diagnostic challenge for the clinician; however, it should be suspected considering the clinical and radiological presentation of the patient, seeking to increase the survival rate through timely diagnosis and treatment.

Feasibility of a telehealth breathing intervention for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a restrictive chronic lung disease that results in scarring of the tissue due to an unknown cause. Dyspnea is experienced by 90 % of patients and is correlated with reduced quality of life and survival times. Breathing techniques can improve perceived dyspnea, however, are not readily taught outside of inpatient hospital settings and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, the latter being accessed by only 3 % of patients with chronic lung disease. Telehealth may be an option to increase access to this imperative symptom management education to improve symptom management and patient outcomes. AIMS: 1) To determine the feasibility of a telehealth breathing intervention for patients living with IPF; 2) To determine the usability of the telehealth system; 3) To describe within-group changes in dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. DESIGN: A single-group, pre-post intervention. METHODS: Study participants were recruited from community-dwelling patients living with IPF. Pre-intervention data was collected on symptoms using standardized questionnaires. Participants enrolled in one telehealth Zoom session per week over the course of four weeks and practiced breathing exercises 10-minutes per day. Following the intervention, participants completed post-intervention, feasibility, and usability questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: All feasibility benchmarks were met. Following the intervention, mean symptom scores improved, however were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that a telehealth breathing intervention is a feasible option to increase access to the symptom management strategy of breathing techniques to manage perceived dyspnea to positively influence symptoms experienced by patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Exploring perceptions and expectations of COPD patients: A grounded theory approach for personalized therapeutic interventions.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the dynamic patterns of perception and expectations among COPD patients. Methods: Conducted at the Heart-Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, in Milan, Italy, the research involved 28 participants (16 males; mean age 72.8 ± 9.9) in face-to-face interviews. Utilizing a Grounded Theory approach, complemented by clinical data, recorded, and transcribed interviews underwent enhancement through the integration of two pictorial tools. Results: The central theme that emerged was a profound sense of responsibility toward their condition, perceived as a significant threat to life. Key symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coupled with negative expectations about their condition, contributed to depressive mood and avoidance behaviors. A notable proportion (N = 17; 60.71%) of participants struggled to envision a positive future, expressing a pervasive sense of hopelessness, which significantly influenced their health behaviors and adherence to medical recommendations. Conversely, individuals who felt supported and optimistic about treatment efficacy exhibited more positive expectations and adopted proactive coping strategies. Discussion: Recognizing the dynamic nature of patients' perceptions and negative illness expectations is essential to create personalized therapeutic interventions and meet the specific needs of COPD patients, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of their care journey.

Impact of a multimodal effort re-education programme on functionality, physical performance, and functional capacity in cancer patients with dyspnoea: a randomised experimental study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the survival rates of cancer patients. However, this has also led to an increase in side effects, such as dyspnoea, which can negatively impact of patients. We propose a programme for re-educating effort. The main objective is to test the effectiveness of this programme in improving respiratory symptoms and functionality in cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: Experimental, prospective, longitudinal, randomised study with a parallel fixed-assignment scheme (CG-IG). The patients were selected from the Medical Oncology Service of the University Hospital Complex of Salamanca (CAUSA), Spain. Two parallel intervention programmes were designed for the two study groups (Conventional Clinical Practice-Effort Re-education Programme). Primary variables: dyspnoea (MRC), functionality (Barthel); secondary variables: physical performance (SPPB) and functional capacity (ECOG) and the socio-demographic variables (age, sex, anatomopathological diagnosis, and number of treatment lines). RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 182 patients, with 12 excluded, resulting in a final sample size of n = 170. Sex distribution (CG: 52.9% male and 47.1% female; IG: 49.4% male and 50.6% female). The primary oncological diagnosis was lung cancer, and the most frequent tumour stages were III and IV. Statistically significant differences were found between the IG and CG scores (p < 0.001, d = 0.887, 95% CI) and between the IG and CG scores (p = 0.004, d = 0.358, 95% CI), indicating that the IG performed better. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the beneficial effects of an exercise re-education programme, carried out by an interdisciplinary team in improving the autonomy of oncology patients with dyspnoea. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04186754). (03 September 2019).

Association of physical symptoms with accelerometer-measured movement behaviors and functional capacity in individuals with Long COVID.

Long COVID has been linked to a decline in physical activity and functional capacity. However, it remains unclear which physical symptoms are associated with specific aspects of movement behaviors and functional capacity. We aimed to investigate the associations of fatigue, dyspnea, post-exertional malaise, myalgia, and the co-occurrence of symptoms with movement behaviors and functional capacity in individuals with Long COVID. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted. Questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, dyspnea, post-exertional malaise, and myalgia. Accelerometry was employed to assess sedentary time, steps per day, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The six-minute walk test, 30-s chair stand test, and timed up and go were used to assess functional capacity. One hundred and two community-dwelling individuals who had been living with Long COVID for 15 ± 10 months participated in the study. Fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and the co-occurrence of physical symptoms showed a negative association with step count, while post-exertional malaise was also negatively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Dyspnea showed a negative association with the functional score, including all tests. Our findings suggest that fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and the co-occurrence of physical symptoms are negatively associated with physical activity, while dyspnea is negatively associated with functional capacity in individuals with Long COVID.

A 76-Year-Old-Man With Dyspnea and Abnormal Oximetry Run.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old male Vietnam veteran with a medical history of OSA on CPAP, mild COPD, Parsonage-Turner syndrome (a rare neurologic syndrome manifesting with shoulder and arm pain), hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, and prior endocarditis presented with 1 year duration progressive exertional dyspnea with minimal activity by referral from an outside pulmonologist. The patient reported possible exposure to Agent Orange during his service but was otherwise without significant occupational or environmental exposures. His exercise tolerance was well-maintained up until the last 12 months. Aside from marginal cigarette use, he denied any recreational drug use or any anorectic use. The patient provided records from a recent right heart catheterization (RHC) months earlier for review.

Dysphagia as a manifestation in superior vena cava syndrome.

The differential diagnosis of dysphagia and dyspnoea with cervicofacial oedema is wide and includes diseases with variable prognosis that may require an urgent approach. This article presents the case of a middle-aged man who came to the emergency room referring to the symptoms described, with a history of central venous access established approximately 4 years ago. The patient was diagnosed with superior vena cava syndrome and treated with anticoagulants and removal of the catheter. After a week of admission with anticoagulation, the patient clinically improved with a considerable decrease in thrombus and pharyngolaryngeal and subcutaneous mucosal oedema. In the differential diagnosis of dysphagia and dyspnoea, we must also consider systemic diseases, and more specifically, these symptoms such as those described, and think about this entity because of its severity.

Coexistence of pulmonary thromboembolism and pulmonary tuberculosis: a diagnostic dilemma.

A man in his early 50s with previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) presented with a 3-month history of cough, expectoration and progressive breathlessness, accompanied by significant weight loss. Examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypoxaemia and unilateral diminished breath sounds. Investigations showed anaemia, leucocytosis and a homogeneous opacity on the left side of the CXR. ECG and echocardiography suggested pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). A CT pulmonary angiogram confirmed a chronic embolus and a severely fibrosed left lung. A comprehensive thrombophilia workup yielded normal results and the PTE was attributed to his history of TB. Sputum analysis confirmed reactivated TB, leading to the initiation of antitubercular therapy. The patient improved clinically with plans for a repeat CT pulmonary angiography to assess the need for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy after completing TB treatment. This case highlights the possible association of TB and PTE, its management and why it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with a history of TB presenting with exacerbated breathlessness.

Hot Dab Associated Pneumonitis - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Dabbing is recently getting popular among young adults. It is a new method of using the most active form of marijuana where large amounts of concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol are inhaled. Tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with a feeling of 'High' which makes the user feel joyous and relaxed. With increasing use of such techniques, dabbing becomes an important differential for evaluation of acute respiratory failure with pneumonitis especially in the adult population. CASE PRESENTATION: A Fifty-one years old Caucasian man presented to the hospital with chest pressure and shortness of breath. The patient was noted to be hypoxic, desaturating down to 82-83% on nasal cannula oxygen. Imaging revealed bilateral lung infiltrates. Patient was started on high flow oxygen, broad spectrum antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids. The patient gradually improved and was able to come off oxygen completely. He was discharged home on prednisone taper. CONCLUSIONS: Dabbing is a newer technique which has been gaining popularity for marijuana usage. With the legalization of marijuana, newer techniques are getting popular. Our case report emphasizes the importance of keeping dabbing as a differential when a patient presents with respiratory failure and has concerns for pneumonitis. Patients might not reveal until specifically asked about their practices.

TAVI-in-TAVI de salvamento por fratura de folheto: relato de caso / Salvage TAVI-in-TAVI for leaflet fracture: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: A longa experiência em troca valvar cirúrgica nos ensinou acerca da durabilidade limitada de biopróteses. E assim como estas, as próteses implantadas via transcateter degeneram com o tempo, requerendo intervenção adicional. O desafio torna-se ainda maior quando a indicação do procedimento deveu-se ao alto risco cirúrgico, sendo o reimplante transcateter de válvula aórtica (TAVI-in-TAVI) a única opção viável. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Homem, 87 anos, idoso não frágil, foi submetido a primeira TAVI em 2016 com implante de bioprótese Acurate TF Symetis M devido à estenose aórtica grave (etiologia bicúspide e calcífica). O ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) pósprocedimento mostrava a bioprótese normofuncionante, orifício efetivo de fluxo (OEF) 1,8 cm², gradiente sistólico médio 8 mmHg, refluxo paraprotético discreto e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) de 45%. Paciente manteve-se em classe funcional (CF) I até 2024, quando foi internado por piora da dispneia, evoluindo para CF III. Realizado ETT com imagem sugestiva de fratura de folheto e disfunção biventricular importante (FEVE=35% e FAC= 22%). Como consequência de risco cirúrgico proibitivo (EUROSCORE II de 30%), optou-se pela realização de TAVI-in-TAVI após compensação clínica, porém evoluiu com choque cardiogênico e necessidade de inotrópico. Devido à instabilidade clínica não foi possível realizar tomografia computadorizada para planejamento do implante, decidido prosseguir com procedimento monitorizado por ETT. Procedimento realizado sob sedação, com angiografia para visualização de coronárias e TAVI prévia, seguido de implante de bioprótese MyVal (Meril Lifesciences) n° 24.5mm com pós-dilatação. Injeção de controle demonstrava prótese aórtica bem posicionada, refluxo paravalvar discreto com coronárias pérvias e bom fluxo. ETT pós-procedimento: endoprótese bem posicionada, abertura e mobilidade preservadas, OEF 2,1 cm², gradiente sistólico médio 3 mmHg, FEVE 36%, FAC 26%, mantendo refluxo paraprotético discreto. Recebeu alta 8 dias após TAVI-in-TAVI em CF NYHA I. CONCLUSÃO: Sabemos que TAVI-in-TAVI em pacientes selecionados, apresentam bons resultados, porém em nosso paciente foi realizado em caráter de urgência demonstrando efetividade. A intervenção percutânea TAVI-in-TAVI de urgência, mostrou-se factível diante de paciente com instabilidade hemodinâmica e resultou em melhora clínica e ecocardiográfica substanciais do paciente.

Mixoma atrial esquerdo: um relato de caso / Left atrial myxoma: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO Os mixomas são tumores primários cardíacos correspondendo em sua grande maioria de natureza benigna e de constituição sólida, sendo a prevalência mais comum no lado esquerdo (75 a 80% dos casos), com predomínio no sexo feminino. Apesar da histogênese mais comum ser benigna deve-se prosseguir com exérese precoce devido às possíveis complicações, em especial morte súbita e acidentes vasculares. O ecocardiograma é o exame diagnóstico de escolha pois caracteriza tamanho, localização e mobilidade da tumoração assim como a capacidade de obstrução e/ou de formação de êmbolos. Outra opção é a ressonância magnética cardíaca pois além das características anatômicas nos fornece dados de características do microambiente do tumor. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO Paciente do sexo feminino, 40 anos, proveniente de São Paulo (SP). Deu entrada neste Serviço referenciada de hospital secundário com história de palpitações em precórdio associada a dispneia e astenia intensa com duração de 20 minutos há cerca de 3 meses. Nega queixas durante o período interepisódio assim como nega dor torácica. Como antecedentes patológicos possui fibrilação atrial (FA) paroxística com controle de frequência cardíaca com propranolol 40mg/dia e hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) em uso de losartana 50mg/dia. Nega internações prévios devido o quadro supracitado. Em ECOTT realizado no serviço de origem presença de imagem hiperecoica, homogênea, aderida ao septo interatrial em átrio esquerdo medindo em seus maiores diâmetros aproximadamente 2,6x2,2cm sugestiva de mixoma atrial esquerdo. Prosseguindo investigação realizou novo ECOTT no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia (IDPC) onde observou-se imagem sugestiva de linha de dissecção que se inicia logo após a emergência da artéria subclávia esquerda que se estende até a aorta abdominal proximal. Atualmente recebendo propranolol 40mg/dia e losartana 50mg/dia, evoluindo com bons controles pressóricos e frequência cardíaca sendo programado a exérese de mixoma localizado em atrial esquerdo pela equipe do miocárdio do IDPC e posterior acompanhamento no ambulatório da equipe. CONCLUSÃO Apesar de se tratar de tumores raros e possuírem histologia benigna, os mixomas devem ser investigados e prosseguir com ressecção tumoral com brevidade, devido aos riscos de embolização. Idealmente a investigação deve ser iniciada com o ecocardiograma, seja o transesofágico ou transtorácico, como foi no caso relatado acima onde flagrou-se o mixoma em átrio esquerdo.

Cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo associada a feocromocitoma: um caso atípico e complexo / Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with pheochromocytoma: an atypical and complex case

INTRODUÇÃO Cardiomiopatia (CMP) induzida por estresse, como a cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo, pode ter características clínicas semelhantes à isquemia miocárdica, como elevação de troponinas, alterações no Eletrocardiograma (ECG), mas sem obstrução coronariana ou lesões isquêmicas. Semelhante, a CMP induzida por Feocromocitoma possui sintomas também semelhantes a CMP hipertrófica, hipertensão e edema pulmonar devido a fatores cardiogênicos ou não cardiogênicos. Ambas supracitadas podem ter associação com excesso de catecolaminas, mas raramente estão associadas. RELATO DO CASO Paciente masculino, 46 anos, diabético, com história de estresse por situações familiares importantes, recentemente. Chega no serviço de emergência, com queixas de dispnéia, náuseas e êmese, iniciados há 1 dia, associado a retenção urinária e parestesia em mãos e paraparesia de membros inferiores. Refere também tratamento com Amoxicilina + Clavulanato há um mês por Colecistite Aguda. Na chegada, paciente se encontrava taquicárdico, taquipneico e saturando 98% em uso de óculos nasal a 2l/min, além de acidose metabólica. Realizou-se uma tomografia computadorizada de abdome, que evidenciou uma massa em Adrenal, sugestivo de Feocromocitoma, bem como metanefrinas urinárias e catecolaminas positivas. Ainda na emergência, evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória aguda por edema agudo de pulmão, necessitando de manejo com Nitroglicerina e 03 ampolas de Furosemida e uso de máscara não reinalante a 10l/min. Foi encaminhado para Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, onde foi realizado um ECG com alterações primárias da repolarização, seguido de alterações nos valores de Troponina e alterações no Ecocardiograma (ECO) de acinesia apical, hipocinesia de todos os segmentos médios e contratilidade preservada em segmentos basais. Cateterismo cardíaco com achados semelhantes ao ECO e presença de balonamento na ventriculografia, além de ausência de lesões obstrutivas em coronárias. CONCLUSÃO A excepcionalidade desse caso diz respeito ao quadro de síndrome coronariana aguda com dois motivos plausíveis e evidenciados na condução do caso, sendo eles: CMP de Takotsubo e a induzida por Feocromocitoma. Fica evidente, pela evolução do quadro, a gravidade do mesmo e a importância de considerar diagnósticos diferenciais, inclusive os menos comuns.

Endomiocardiofibrose associada a hipereosinofilia: desafio diagnóstico / Endomyocardial fibrosis associated with hypereosinophilia: a diagnostic challenge

INTRODUÇÃO A endomiocardiofibrose (EMF) é uma cardiomiopatia restritiva, caracterizada por envolvimento fibrótico do endocárdio e miocárdio normalmente na região apical, levando a disfunção diastólica, porém, preservando função sistólica. É uma doença de etiologia desconhecida e ainda muito relacionada a países subdesenvolvidos com forte relação às síndromes hipereosinofilicas. Seu diagnóstico pode ser aventado através do ecodopplercardiograma e ressonância magnética cardíaca, podendo muitas vezes ser confundida com trombo em região apical ventricular. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO Paciente de 38 anos, feminina, proveniente de São Paulo capital. Relata internação anterior há 4 meses em serviço externo por quadro de dor torácica com alteração de enzimas cardíacas, porém, sem evidência de coronariopatia isquêmica na Cinecoronariografia. Evidenciado em ecocardiograma transtorácico (ECOTT) uma hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) com imagem hiperecogênica em região apical de 19mm podendo corresponder a trombo. Prosseguindo a investigação, realizada uma ressonância magnética cardíaca descrevendo trombo aderido à parede do ventrículo esquerdo, medindo 2,3 cm, além de hipocinesia dos segmentos apicais e realce miocárdico tardio subendocárdico não transmural nos segmentos apicais. A mesma comparece ao serviço com novo episódio de dispneia e dor precordial, agora com sinais de hipervolemia e hipereosinofilia (>1500). Em novo ECOTT realizado evidenciou-se aumento biatrial, disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direito, hipertensão pulmonar, refluxo de grau importante em valva mitral e tricúspide associado a uma obliteração do ápice em parede endocárdica até base do VE, poupando demais paredes, sugestivo de EMF. Com base nos exames iniciais, configurou-se o diagnóstico de EMF pela ressonância magnética e sua correlação com hipereosinofilia. Dessa forma, após o diagnóstico a paciente evolui com melhora clínica e seguirá tratamento em ambulatório do miocárdio. CONCLUSÕES Relatamos um caso de EMF associada a hipereosinofilia ainda em investigação etiológica. O caso supracitado traz uma paciente jovem proveniente de um país em desenvolvimento com diagnóstico de uma doença ainda pouco compreendida e de difícil diagnóstico, podendo muitas vezes passar-se como um trombo em região apical cardíaca, gerando subdiagnósticos e manejo incorreto.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in a case of traumatic chondronecrosis of the cricoid cartilage.

Cricoid chondronecrosis is a rare entity and is scarcely reported in the literature. Its prevalence is increasing in the form of chondroradionecrosis among the survivorship of head and neck carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy. We have reported a case of cricoid chondronecroisis caused by trauma from repeated tracheostomy. The patient presented with hoarseness and dyspnoea. Radiological findings in multidetector computed tomography showed disintegration of the cricoid and confirmed the diagnosis. Conservative treatment was given in the form of antibiotics, steroids and nebulised anticholinergics and bronchodilators. However, the patient did not improve and his condition worsened throughout two months of hospitalisation. He was referred for hyperbaric oxygen treatment, which was given over 30 sessions. This was associated with improvement in his condition and he was able to be decannulated from tracheostomy. Six monthly follow up of the patient showed a well-healed tracheostomy scar.

Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) and the Urgent Need to Identify Diagnostic Biomarkers and Risk Factors.

Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as post-COVID-19 condition or post-COVID syndrome, can affect anyone infected with SARS-CoV-2, regardless of age or the severity of the initial symptoms of COVID-19. Long COVID/PASC is the continuation or development of new symptoms after three months from the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, which lasts for at least two months and has no other identifiable cause. Long COVID/PASC occurs in 10-20% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive impairment (brain fog), and shortness of breath. However, more than 200 symptoms have been reported. No phenotypic or diagnostic biomarkers have been identified for developing long COVID/PASC, which is a multisystem disorder that can present with isolated or combined respiratory, hematological, immunological, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There is no cure. Therefore, individualized patient management requires a multidisciplinary clinical approach. Because millions of people have had and continue to have COVID-19, even in the era of vaccination and antiviral therapies, long COVID/PASC is now and will increasingly become a health and economic burden that the world must prepare for. Almost five years from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article aims to review what is currently known about long COVID/PASC, the anticipated increasing global health burden, and why there is still an urgent need to identify diagnostic biomarkers and risk factors to improve prevention and treatment.

The role of corticosteroids in preventing invasive procedures in patients with parapneumonic effusion in the exudative phase: An observational study.

The aim of the study was investigate the effect of corticosteroid use on the need for invasive procedure like tube thoracostomy with underwater seal drainage (TT-UWSD) and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in adult patients diagnosed with parapneumonic effussion in the exudative phase. A retrospective cohort study was performed in a chest diseases hospital. A total of 65 patients were included in the study. While 30 patients received only medical treatment, 35 patients underwent invasive procedures. Data on characteristics, vital signs, and laboratory parameters were recorded from electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify corticosteroid and other predictors of the need for invasive procedures. The outcomes of the multivariate regression analysis revealed that an longer duration of symptoms (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21, P < .033) and the presence of dyspnea (OR = 5.44, 95% CI: 1.26-23.50, P < .023) independently associated with an increased need for invasive procedures, while corticosteroid treatment (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.81, P < .028) was observed to be associated with a reduced necessity for invasive procedures. Treatment with metilprednisolone, together with the absence of dyspnea and shorter symptom duration may independently decrease the need for invasive procedure in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion in the exudative phase.