Causa inusual de insuficiencia cardiaca a edad avanzada / Unusual cause of heart failure in an elderly patient

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Hepatopulmonary syndrome: which blood gas analysis criteria and position should we use for diagnosis?

Introduction: Different blood gas criteria have been used in the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Patients and methods: Arterial blood gases were prospectively evaluated in 194 cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation (LT) in the supine and seated position. Three blood gas criteria were analyzed: classic (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] < 70 mmHg and/or alveolar-arterial gradient of oxygen [A-a PO2] ≥ 20 mmHg), modern (A-a PO2 ≥ 15 mmHg or ≥ 20 mmHg in patients over 64) and the A-a PO2 ≥ threshold value adjusted for age. Results: The prevalence of HPS in the supine and seated position was 27.8% and 23.2% (classic), 34% and 25.3% (modern) and 22.2% and 19% (adjusted for age), respectively. The proportion of severe and very severe cases increased in a seated position (11/49 [22.4%] vs 5/66 [7.6%], p = 0.02). No difference was observed in the pre-LT, post-LT and overall mortality in patients with HPS, regardless of the criteria used. Conclusion: Obtaining blood gas measurements in the supine position and the use of modern criteria are more sensitive for the diagnosis of HPS. Blood gas analysis with the patient seated detects a greater number of severe and very severe cases. The presence of HPS was not associated with an increase in mortality regardless of blood gas criterion used (AU)

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Hepatopulmonary syndrome: which blood gas analysis criteria and position should we use for diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION: Different blood gas criteria have been used in the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Arterial blood gases were prospectively evaluated in 194 cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation (LT) in the supine and seated position. Three blood gas criteria were analyzed: classic (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] < 70 mmHg and/or alveolar-arterial gradient of oxygen [A-a PO2] ≥ 20 mmHg), modern (A-a PO2 ≥ 15 mmHg or ≥ 20 mmHg in patients over 64) and the A-a PO2 ≥ threshold value adjusted for age. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPS in the supine and seated position was 27.8% and 23.2% (classic), 34% and 25.3% (modern) and 22.2% and 19% (adjusted for age), respectively. The proportion of severe and very severe cases increased in a seated position (11/49 [22.4%] vs 5/66 [7.6%], p = 0.02). No difference was observed in the pre-LT, post-LT and overall mortality in patients with HPS, regardless of the criteria used. CONCLUSION: Obtaining blood gas measurements in the supine position and the use of modern criteria are more sensitive for the diagnosis of HPS. Blood gas analysis with the patient seated detects a greater number of severe and very severe cases. The presence of HPS was not associated with an increase in mortality regardless of blood gas criterion used.

The utility of the macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome in cirrhotic patients candidates for liver transplantation

Background: The macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan (99mTc-MAA) is a diagnostic method for hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Aim: To determine the sensitivity of 99mTc-MAA in diagnosing HPS, to establish the utility of 99mTc-MAA in determining the influence of HPS on hypoxemia in patients with concomitant pulmonary disease and to determine the correlation between 99mTc-MAA values and other respiratory parameters. Methods: Data from 115 cirrhotic patients who were eligible for liver transplantation (LT) were prospectively analyzed. A transthoracic contrast echocardiography and 99mTc-MAA were performed in 85 patients, and 74 patients were diagnosed with HPS. Results: The overall sensitivity of 99mTc-MAA for the diagnosis of HPS was 18.9% (14/74) in all of the HPS cases and 66.7% (4/6) in the severe to very severe cases. In HPS patients who did not have lung disease, the degree of brain uptake of 99mTc-MAA was correlated with the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-a PO2) (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) and estimated oxygen shunt (r = 0.41, p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) while breathing 100% O2 (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). The 99mTc-MAA was positive in 20.6% (7/36) of the patients with HPS and lung disease. The brain uptake of 99mTc-MAA was not associated with mortality and normalized in all cases six months after LT. Conclusions: The 99mTc-MAA is a low sensitivity test for the diagnosis of HPS that can be useful in patients who have concomitant lung disease and in severe to very severe cases of HPS. It was not related to mortality, and brain uptake normalized after LT (AU)

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The utility of the macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome in cirrhotic patients candidates for liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan (99mTc-MAA) is a diagnostic method for hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). GOAL: To determine the sensitivity of 99mTc-MAA in diagnosing HPS, to establish the utility of 99mTc-MAA in determining the influence of HPS on hypoxemia in patients with concomitant pulmonary disease and to determine the correlation between 99mTc-MAA values and other respiratory parameters. METHODS: Data from 115 cirrhotic patients who were eligible for liver transplantation (LT) were prospectively analyzed. A transthoracic contrast echocardiography and 99mTc-MAA were performed in 85 patients, and 74 patients were diagnosed with HPS. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of 99mTc-MAA for the diagnosis of HPS was 18.9% (14/74) in all of the HPS cases and 66.7% (4/6) in the severe to very severe cases. In HPS patients who did not have lung disease, the degree of brain uptake of 99mTc-MAA was correlated with the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-a PO2) (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) and estimated oxygen shunt (r = 0.41, p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) while breathing 100% O2 (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). The 99mTc-MAA was positive in 20.6% (7/36) of the patients with HPS and lung disease. The brain uptake of 99mTc-MAA was not associated with mortality and normalized in all cases six months after LT. CONCLUSIONS: The 99mTc-MAA is a low sensitivity test for the diagnosis of HPS that can be useful in patients who have concomitant lung disease and in severe to very severe cases of HPS. It was not related to mortality, and brain uptake normalized after LT.

Clinical and echocardiographic course in tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy: Long-term follow-up from a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To jointly describe clinical characteristics, ECG and echocardiographic findings, and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) in the long-term. METHODS: Longitudinal multicenter study including retrospective analysis of clinical and ECG data, and follow-up evaluation with clinical interview, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. RESULTS: Data from 66 cases of TC were available for analysis of clinical and adverse cardiovascular events, and 56 of them completed the follow-up visit including electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Most patients (97%) were asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic (NYHA I [58%] or II [39%], respectively) at follow-up (median time: 3.7 [1.8-6.6] years). The vast majority of individual QRS complex and repolarization abnormalities had disappeared (87% with no ECG abnormalities at follow-up). On echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction was ≥50% in all patients (mean: 63±6%). Wall motion abnormalities were observed in 4 patients (7%; 3 with apical wall motion abnormalities and 1 with mild global hypokinesia). Long-term outcomes were as follows: 4 deaths (6%), 2 cardiovascular and 2 non-cardiovascular; no atrial fibrillation development; no stroke events; 5 acute recurrence events of TC (8%). Globally, 57 patients (86%) had a clinical course free from adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: After a long period following the admission event, patients discharged from TC remain asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, and feature a low prevalence of both ECG and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities; moreover, the latter lead to a very mild impairment of ejection fraction. Among cardiovascular adverse events, recurrence of the TC event appears to play the most significant role.

Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Anatomical Assessment of Isolated Parachute Mitral Valve in an Adult Patient.

Parachute mitral valve (PMV) is a rare congenital anomaly of the mitral valve apparatus usually evidenced in infants and young children. Adult presentation is extremely rare and is generally mild in terms of mitral stenosis. A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department due to progressive dyspnea, with NYHA functional class IV symptoms on presentation. The echocardiographic examination identified a PMV with moderate mitral stenosis and a secondary smaller subvalvular mitral orifice. The report shows the usefulness of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the detection and quantification of this rare anomaly.

Divertículo gigante de aurícula derecha: utilidad del contraste ultrasonográfico / Giant right atrial diverticulum: utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound

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Prognostic value of different serum biomarkers for left ventricular remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Mortality derived from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has decreased due to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Paradoxically, the incidence of heart failure secondary to left ventricular remodelling (LVR) is on the rise due to the survival derived from reperfusion strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value for LVR of biomarkers involved in several pathophysiological mechanisms activated during STEMI treated with primary PCI. METHODS: 112 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were evaluated. LVR was defined as a ≥20% increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6-month follow-up assessed using echocardiogram as compared with that at discharge. Blood samples were obtained for glucose, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponin T (TnT), matrix metalloproteinase 9, procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: 24 patients (21%) developed LVR. Higher levels of maximum TnT, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and hs-CRP at discharge, were detected as independent risk factors for LVR (OR 1.310, p=0.03; OR 1001, p=0.04; OR 1.040, p=0.04, respectively). Both TnT and hs-CRP showed significant ability to distinguish patients who developed LVR from those who did not, being the values that yielded the greatest sensitivity and specificity as follows: TnT 7.0 µg/l (73%, 84%), hs-CRP 30 mg/l (59%, 85%). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial necrosis, as measured by released TnT, and inflammation state evident due to circulating levels of CRP are factors that may play a major role in the development of LVR following STEMI treated with primary PCI.

Ecocardiografía transesofágica tridimensional en tiempo real en la valoración anatómica de la regurgitación mitral compleja secundaria a endocarditis / Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the anatomical assessment of complex mitral valve regurgitation secondary to endocarditis

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¿Cor triatriatum dexter en la edad adulta?. Respuesta / Response: Cor triatriatum dexter in adults?

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Value of NT-ProBNP level and echocardiographic parameters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty: relationships between these variables and their usefulness as predictors of ventricular remodeling.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and echocardiography for predicting ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and to investigate relationships between the NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters at discharge and in the medium term. METHODS: The study involved 159 patients with myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty. The NT-proBNP level was measured on admission, at discharge and after 6 months. Echocardiography was performed at discharge and after 6 months. RESULTS: Overall, 31 patients (19.5%) demonstrated remodeling. At discharge, the variables associated with remodeling were: mitral inflow E-wave-to-A-wave velocity ratio (E/A), systolic mitral annulus velocity (Sm), early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Em), the mitral inflow E wave to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/ Em), left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and discharge NT-proBNP level. Only E/Em was an independent predictor of ventricular remodeling (odds ratio [OR]=1.143; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039-1.258; P=.006). At discharge, correlations were observed between the NT-proBNP level and LVEDV, LVESV, ejection fraction (EF) and E/Em. At 6 months, correlations with ventricular volumes and EF were unchanged, the correlation with E/Em was better (r=0.47 vs. r=0.69), and a modest correlation with LAV developed (r=0.43; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: The E/Em ratio was the best echocardiographic predictor of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. The NT-proBNP level had no additional predictive value over echocardiography. Correlations between the NT-proBNP level and ventricular volumes and EF at discharge and 6 months were similar, while correlations with E/Em and LAV were better at 6 months.

NT-proBNP y variables ecocardiográficas en el infarto con elevación del ST tratado con angioplastia primaria: relación entre ambos y utilidad como predictores de remodelado ventricular / Value of NT-ProBNP Level and Echocardiographic parameters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty: relationships between these variables and their usefulness as predictors of ventricular remodeling

Introducción y objetivos. Estudiar el valor del fragmento aminoterminal del péptido natriurético cerebral (NT-proBNP) y del ecocardiograma para predecir remodelado tras infarto y relacionar el NT-proBNP con el ecocardiograma al alta y en fase crónica. Métodos. Estudiamos a 159 pacientes con infarto tratados con angioplastia primaria. Se determinó el NT-pro-BNP al ingreso, al alta y al sexto mes. Se hizo ecocardiograma al alta y al sexto mes. Resultados. Treinta y un pacientes (19,5%) sufrieron remodelado. Al alta se asociaron con remodelado: el cociente entre velocidades E y A del llenado mitral (E/A), la velocidad sistólica del anillo mitral (Sm), la velocidad diastólica precoz del anillo mitral (Em), el cociente entre onda E del llenado mitral y velocidad diastólica precoz del anillo mitral (E/Em), el volumen auricular izquierdo (VAI), los volúmenes telediastólico (VTD) y telesistólico (VTS) ventriculares izquierdos y el NT-proBNP al alta. De ellas, sólo el E/Em fue predictor independiente de remodelado (odds ratio [OR] = 1,143; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,039-1,258; p = 0,006). Al alta, el NT-pro-BNP se correlacionó con el VTD, el VTS, la fracción de eyección (FE) y el E/Em. Al sexto mes, había similar correlación con volúmenes ventriculares y FE, mejoró la correlación con el E/Em (r = 0,47 frente a r = 0,69) y apareció correlación modesta con el VAI (r = 0,43; p = 0,001). Conclusiones. El cociente E/Em es el mejor predictor ecocardiográfico de remodelado tras infarto. El NT-pro-BNP pierde valor predictor al considerarlo junto con el ecocardiograma. El NT-proBNP se correlaciona igualmente con volúmenes ventriculares y FE al alta y al sexto mes, mientras que la correlación con el cociente E/Em y el VAI es más relevante al sexto mes (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To assess the value of N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and echocardiography for predicting ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and to investigate relationships between the NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters at discharge and in the medium term. Methods. The study involved 159 patients with myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty. The NT-proBNP level was measured on admission, at discharge and after 6 months. Echocardiography was performed at discharge and after 6 months. Results. Overall, 31 patients (19.5%) demonstrated remodeling. At discharge, the variables associated with remodeling were: mitral inflow E-wave-to-A-wave velocity ratio (E/A), systolic mitral annulus velocity (Sm), early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Em), the mitral inflow E wave to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/ Em), left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and discharge NT-proBNP level. Only E/Em was an independent predictor of ventricular remodeling (odds ratio [OR]=1.143; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039-1.258; P=.006). At discharge, correlations were observed between the NT-proBNP level and LVEDV, LVESV, ejection fraction (EF) and E/Em. At 6 months, correlations with ventricular volumes and EF were unchanged, the correlation with E/Em was better (r=0.47 vs. r=0.69), and a modest correlation with LAV developed (r=0.43; P=.001). Conclusions. The E/Em ratio was the best echocardiographic predictor of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. The NT-proBNP level had no additional predictive value over echocardiography. Correlations between the NT-proBNP level and ventricular volumes and EF at discharge and 6 months were similar, while correlations with E/Em and LAV were better at 6 months (AU)