Feasibility of distal transradial access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: an observational and prospective study in a Latin-American Centre.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial access (dTRA) as a refinement of the conventional transradial access (TRA) has advantages in terms of risk of radial artery occlusion (RAO). In order to evaluate the real-world feasibility and safety of dTRA as the default access site for routine coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a Latin-American centre, this prospective observational registry was conducted. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a prior assessment for CAG and/or PCI were enrolled in this single-centre prospective registry from October 2018 to March 2019. The primary endpoints were the success rate of CAG and PCI. Secondary endpoints included the success rate of puncture of the distal radial artery, complications at the puncture site and puncture time. RESULTS: The success rates of CAG and PCI were 100% (155/155) and 97% (69/71), respectively. Puncture time and fluoroscopic time were 52 ± 19 seconds and 16.3 ± 35.4 minutes, respectively. Haemostasis time was 142 ± 45 min. A total of 19 (12.5%) puncture site complications occurred, including 18 (11.6%) minor haematomas and one (0.6%) arterial perforation, in which the artery was patent at the one-month follow-up. Five patients complained of left thumb numbness at a one-month follow-up. No distal radial artery occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The success and complication rates of ldTRA support the feasibility and safety of this procedure using the appropriate materials in previously selected patients.

Preoperative Use of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support Reduced 30-Day Mortality in a Population with LVEF >35% and High Surgical Risk after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used to prevent complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, although some results are controversial and basal ventricular function may play a role. This study assessed the benefit of preoperative use of IABP, as stratified by the ventricular function, in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. METHODS: Patients >18 years old, with multiple coronary artery disease and thus candidates for CABG, were included. Cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute ventricle mechanical dysfunction, severe aortic regurgitation, tachyarrhythmia, massive pulmonary embolism, coagulopathy, or low life expectancy were exclusion criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients aged 65 years old with hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 46% constituted the study population. No difference was observed at 30-day mortality endpoint (IABP vs. no IABP, 17 vs. 24%, OR 0.63, p = 0.20; AMI 25 vs. 31%, OR 0.75, p = 0.29). After LVEF stratification, the subgroup of 48 (75%) patients under IABP support and LVEF >35% had a reduced 30-day mortality risk (LVEF ≤35% vs. LVEF >35%, 37.5 vs. 10.4%, OR 0.3, p = 0.03), independently from potential confounders and showing an interaction with European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation-II (EuroSCORE-II). At secondary endpoints, IABP use was associated with a lower prevalence of acute renal failure and renal replacement therapy, but with a longer stay in the intensive care unit and longer hospitalization time. CONCLUSION: The preoperative use of IABP was associated with an independent reduction of 30-day mortality risk in cases with LVEF >35% in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. Likewise, the use of IABP was associated with a lower risk of postoperative renal complications.

TAVI in Intermediate-risk patients: a review in purpose of a case / TAVI en pacientes de riesgo intermedio: una revisión a propósito de un caso

Abstract: Background: Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide. The prognosis is adverse without a valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has proven to be an effective treatment in high-surgical risk patients. Recent trials have highlighted the non-inferiority of TAVI compared with open surgery in patients with intermediate surgical risk. Case report: A 76-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis and intermediate surgical risk (STS-PROM 4.8%) who underwent TAVI with no complications. Results: Hospital discharge was decided five days after the procedure and continued outpatient follow-up. After two years remains in NYHA functional class I with a normofunctional percutaneous prosthesis. Conclusion: As this clinical case shows, TAVI has proven to be an effective treatment in patients with aortic stenosis and intermediate surgical risk. This is the first experience in this type of patients reported in our country.(AU)

Resumen: Antecedentes: La estenosis aórtica es la valvulopatía más común en todo el mundo. El pronóstico es sombrío sin reemplazo valvular. La implantación valvular aórtica transcatéter (TAVI) ha demostrado ser un tratamiento eficaz en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico. Ensayos muy recientes destacaron la no-inferioridad de TAVI en comparación con la cirugía abierta en pacientes con riesgo quirúrgico intermedio. Caso clínico: Se presenta un hombre de 76 años de edad con estenosis aórtica severa y riesgo quirúrgico intermedio (STS-PROM 4.8%), al que se realiza TAVI sin complicaciones. Resultados: El alta hospitalaria se decide cinco días después del procedimiento para continuar el seguimiento ambulatorio. Después de dos años, el seguimiento permanece en la clase funcional I de la NYHA con una prótesis percutánea normofuncional. Conclusión: Como muestra este caso clínico, TAVI ha demostrado ser un tratamiento eficaz en pacientes de riesgo quirúrgico intermedio. Ésta es la primera experiencia en el uso de esta tecnología en este tipo de pacientes reportada en nuestro país.(AU)

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma of the right ventricle secondary to acute myocardial infarction. Case report / Hematoma intramiocárdico disecante del ventrículo derecho secundario a infarto agudo de miocardio. Reporte de caso

Abstract: Background: Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma is a rare form of cardiac rupture that can occur as a complication following acute myocardial infarction or during the remodelling process, with very scarce reports in medical literature. Usually caused by a haemorrhagic dissection among the spiral myocardial fibres. Case report: Here we report the case of a 60-year-old man with a previous infarction in the inferior wall extended to the right ventricle, in whom a dissecting intramyocardial haematoma in the free wall of the right ventricle was identified using transthoracic and contrast echocardiography, corroborated with cardiac magnetic resonance. Results: By this imaging modalities, it was possible to see the various acoustic densities of the progressive clotting of the hematoma, its extension through the haemorrhagic dissection, as well as its independency in relation to ventricular cavities and extracardiac space by confirming intact epicardial and endocardial layers. Conclusion: The patient presented a gradual improvement and hemodynamic stability, and basing on the existent medical literature, it was decided the medical treatment as the therapeutic option, maintaining asymptomatic after three months of follow-up.

Resumen: Antecedentes: El hematoma intramiocárdico disecante es una forma rara de ruptura cardiaca que puede ocurrir como una complicación posterior al infarto agudo de miocardio o durante el proceso de remodelación del mismo, con informes muy escasos en la literatura médica. Generalmente causada por una disección hemorrágica entre las fibras espirales del miocardio. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 60 años con infarto previo en la pared inferior extendido al ventrículo derecho, en el que se identificó un hematoma intramiocárdico disecante en la pared libre del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica y contrastada, corroborado con resonancia magnética cardiaca. Resultados: Por medio de estas modalidades de imagen se pudieron observar las distintas densidades acústicas de la coagulación progresiva del hematoma, su extensión a través de la disección hemorrágica, así como su independencia en relación con las cavidades ventriculares y el espacio extracardiaco, confirmando las capas epicárdicas y endocárdicas indemnes. Conclusión: El paciente presentó una mejoría gradual y estabilidad hemodinámica, y basándose en la literatura médica existente, se decidió el tratamiento médico como opción terapéutica, manteniéndose asintomático después de tres meses de seguimiento.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds in anomalous origin of right coronary artery: case report / Intervención coronaria percutánea con stents bioabsorbibles en origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria derecha: reporte de caso

Abstract: Introduction: A case report describing the use of bio-absorbable vascular scaffolds in a patient with rare anomalous origin of right coronary artery. Case report: Male 71 years, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the inferior region wall, thrombolysis with tenecteplase, with reperfusion criteria. Coronary angiography: left coronary system without angiographic lesions, right coronary artery with a significant lesion in the middle segment. An elective percutaneous coronary intervention was performed using 2 bio-absorbable vascular scaffolds (Absorb 3.5 x 28 mm joined in proximal segment with an Absorb 3.5 x 23 mm), posterior review with optical coherence tomography. Results: Discharged 24 hours later, remaining asymptomatic at 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: In this case, the significant stenosis of the artery involved was treated with the implantation of two bio-absorbable vascular scaffolds, obtaining an appropriate outcome after six months follow-up. This is the first report of a patient with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery treated with bio-absorbable vascular scaffolds in Mexico.

Resumen: Introducción: Se trata de un caso clínico que describe el uso de stents bioabsorbibles en un paciente con origen anómalo de arteria coronaria derecha de rara presen­tación. Caso clínico: Hombre de 71 años, con antecedente de infarto del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST en la cara inferior, sometido a trombolisis con tenecteplase, presentando criterios de reperfusión. El angiograma coronario reporta el sistema coronario izquierdo sin lesiones significativas, así como la arteria coronaria derecha con una lesión significativa en el segmento proximal a medio. Se realizó una intervención coronaria percutánea electiva con dos stents bioabsorbibles (Absorb 3.5 x 28 mm el cual se empalmó en el segmento proximal con un Absorb 3.5 x 23 mm), revisión posterior con tomografía de coherencia óptica con adecuada aposición. Resultados: Egresado 24 horas más tarde, permaneciendo asintomático a los seis meses de seguimiento. Conclusión: En este caso, la estenosis significativa de la arteria involucrada fue tratada con la implantación de dos stents bioabsorbibles, con la obtención de un resultado clínico apropiado después de seis meses de seguimiento. Éste es el primer informe de un paciente con un origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria derecha tratado con stents bioabsorbibles en México.

Takotsubo syndrome associated with myasthenic crisis. A case report / Síndrome de takotsubo asociado a crisis miasténica. Presentación de un caso

Abstract: Introduction: The takotsubo syndrome is a rare clinical entity commonly associated with elderly women (ratio 6:1), easily confused with an acute ischemic syndrome, strangely associated with a myasthenic crisis. It is characterized with chest pain, elevated biomarkers, ST segment elevation, absence of coronary flow obstruction, and a characteristic deformity (anteroapical dyskinesia) of the left ventricle; these changes associated with a stressor. Case report: A woman of 69 years, diagnosed with myasthenia gravis six years ago, who entered in the intensive care unit with a suspected diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and respiratory failure which required mechanical ventilation. Coronary angiography discarded a coronary disease. Ventriculography revealed a systolic anteroapical deformation. Treatment was initiated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and plasmapheresis with partial response, it required the use of vasoactive amines, with a suitable progressive cardiovascular and neurological outcome, with echocardiographic resolution. Conclusions: The takotsubo syndrome can be associated with myasthenia gravis and myasthenic crisis. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis, appropriate differential diagnosis, immediate treatment of myasthenic crisis, and management of the hemodynamic consequences of the takotsubo syndrome.

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de takotsubo es una entidad clínica poco frecuente asociada comúnmente con las mujeres de edad avanzada (relación 6:1), puede fácilmente confundirse con un síndrome isquémico agudo, extrañamente asociado con una crisis miasténica. Se caracteriza por dolor torácico, biomarcadores elevados, elevación del segmento ST, ausencia de obstrucción del flujo coronario, y una deformidad característica (discinesia anteroapical) del ventrículo izquierdo; estos cambios asociados con un factor de estrés. Caso clínico: Una mujer de 69 años, con diagnóstico de miastenia gravis hace seis años, que ingresó en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos con un diagnóstico de sospecha de síndrome coronario agudo e insuficiencia respiratoria que requirió de ventilación mecánica. La angiografía descartó una enfermedad coronaria. La ventriculografía reveló una deformación anteroapical sistólica. Se inició el tratamiento con inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa y plasmaféresis con respuesta parcial, se requirió el uso de aminas vasoactivas, con un resultado progresivo cardiovascular y neurológico adecuado, con resolución ecocardiográfica. Conclusiones: El síndrome de takotsubo puede estar asociada con miastenia gravis y la crisis miasténica. El pronóstico depende del diagnóstico precoz, el diagnóstico diferencial adecuado, el tratamiento inmediato de la crisis miasténica, y la gestión de las consecuencias hemodinámicas del síndrome takotsubo.

Transcatheter transapical mitral valve-in-valve implantation: case report / Implantación transapical transcatéter de válvula protésica mitral (valve-in-valve): reporte de caso

Abstract: Introduction: The transcatheter mitral valve replacement has recently emerged as a new therapeutic tool in the field of structural interventionism, the experience is in an early stage of development and previously was nonexistent in our country. Case report: Woman of 85 years old, with mitral and aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis 9 years ago, progresive deterioration of functional class, mitral dysfunction by pannus, with very high surgical risk, transcatheter transapical mitral "valve-in-valve" implantation is performed, being successful, with total remission of symptoms. Conclusions: This procedure can be performed with minimal morbidity and low mortality, clinical and hemodynamic results are favorable in the short and medium term, this is the first case reported in Mexico.

Resumen: Introducción: La sustitución de la válvula mitral percutánea ha surgido recientemente como una nueva herramienta terapéutica en el campo del intervencionismo estructural, la experiencia está en una etapa temprana de desarrollo y anteriormente era inexistente en nuestro país. Caso clínico: Mujer de 85 años de edad, con reemplazo valvular aórtico y mitral, con prótesis biológica hace nueve años, con deterioro progresivo de clase funcional. La mitral con disfunción de pannus, con muy alto riesgo quirúrgico. Se lleva a cabo la implantación mitral transapical transcatéter (valve-in-valve), exitosamente, con remisión total de síntomas. Conclusiones: Este procedimiento se puede realizar con una mínima morbilidad y baja mortalidad, los resultados clínicos y hemodinámicos son favorables en el corto y mediano plazos, este es el primer caso reportado en México.