Inter-observer variation of Syntax score among cardiac surgeons, clinical and interventional cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: Despite the complexity of SYNTAX score (SS), guidelines recommend this tool to help choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main of three-vessel coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to compare the inter-observer variation in SS performed by clinical cardiologists (CC), interventional cardiologists (IC), and cardiac surgeons (CS). METHODS: Seven coronary angiographies from patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease chosen by a heart team were analyzed by 10 CC, 10 IC and 10 CS. SS was calculated via SYNTAX website. RESULTS: Kappa concordance was very low between CC and CS (k = 0.176), moderate between CS and IC (k = 0.563), and moderate between CC and IC (0.553). There was a statistically significant difference between CC, who classified more cases as low complexity (70%), and CS, who classified more cases as moderate complexity (80%) (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Concordance between SS analyzed by CC, CS and IC is low. The usefulness of SS in decision-making of revascularization strategy is undeniable and evidence supports its use. However, this study highlights the importance of well-trained professionals on calculating the SS. It could avoid misclassification of borderline cases.

Long-term Pattern of Red Cell Distribution Width in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an indirect marker of inflammation and an independent predictor of long-term mortality. The aim of this study was to determine RDW values in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and evaluate its association with adverse outcomes. We measured RDW in STEMI patients before undergoing primary PCI and divided into low and high RDW. Patients were followed up to 3 years after their discharge for the occurrence of in-hospital, 30-days, and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and mortality. We included 485 patients with a mean age of 61.1(±12.5) years, 62.9% were male. In multivariate analysis, RDW remained independent predictor of long-term mortality and MACE [relative risk (RR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.11-2.05; P = 0.007 and RR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.30-1.82; P = 0.004. Area under the curve for long-term mortality was 0.65 (95% CI = 0.61-0.69; P < 0.0001). RDW < 13.4 had a negative predictive value of 87.4% for all-cause mortality. Patients who had worse outcomes remained with higher values of RDW during the follow-up. In conclusion, high RDW is an independent predictor of long-term mortality and MACE in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. A low RDW has an excellent negative predictive value for long-term mortality. Patients with sustained elevated levels of RDW have worse outcomes at long-term follow-up.

An overview of care change in the last 6 year in primary PCI in ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a Tertiary University Brazilian Hospital / Panorama da mudança do cuidado nos últimos 6 anos na ICP primária em infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST em hospital universitário de nível terciário

Background: Although new studies and guidelines can be considered useful tools, it does not necessarily mean they are put into clinical practice. Objective: The aim of the current analysis was to assess the changes in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mortality in a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil during a six-year period .Methods: We have included consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary PCI between March 2011 and February 2017. Previous clinical history, characteristics of the procedure, and reperfusion strategies were collected. In-hospital, short and long-term mortalities were also evaluated. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5%. Results: There was an increase in the use of radial access in patients from 20.0% in 2011 to 62.7% in 2016 (ptrend < 0.0001). Moreover, thrombus aspiration decreased significantly from 66.7% in 2011 to less than 3.0% in 2016 (ptrend < 0.0001). In-hospital, short and long-term mortalities remained reasonably stable from 2011 to 2016 (ptrend > 0.05). However, a lower in-hospital mortality was observed in patients treated through radial access (p < 0.001). Cardiogenic shock occurred in 11.1%, without statistical differences in the period (ptrend = 0.39), while long-term mortality rate decreased from 80.0% in 2011 to 27.3% in 2016 in this patient group (ptrend = 0.29). Conclusions: During a 6-year follow-up period, primary PCI characteristics underwent important modifications. Radial access became widely used, with a decrease in mortality with the use of this route, while aspiration thrombectomy became a rare procedure. The incidence of cardiogenic shock remained stable, but has shown a reduction in its mortality

Comparison of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in the prediction of adverse events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are indirect inflammatory markers. There is some evidence that both are associated with worse outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to compare the capacity of NLR and MPV to predict adverse events after primary PCI. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 625 consecutive patients with STEMI, who underwent primary PCI, were followed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for the occurrence of procedural complications, mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: Mean age was 60.7 (±12.1) years, 67.5% were male. The median of NLR was 6.17 (3.8-9.4) and MPV was 10.7 (10.0-11.3). In multivariate analysis, both NLR and MPV remained independent predictors of no-reflow (relative risk [RR] = 2.26; 95%confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.16-4.32; p = 0.01 and RR = 2.68; 95%CI = 1.40-5.10; p < 0.01, respectively), but only NLR remained an independent predictor of in-hospital MACE (RR = 1.01; 95%CI = 1.00-1.06; p = 0.02). The AUC for in-hospital MACE was 0.57 for NLR (95%CI = 0.53-0.60; p = 0.03) and 0.56 for MPV (95%CI = 0.52-0.60; p = 0.07). However, when AUC were compared with DeLong test, there was no statistically significant difference for these outcomes (p > 0.05). NLR had an excellent negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.7 for no-reflow and 89.0 for in-hospital MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no difference in the ROC curve comparison with MPV, only NLR remained an independent predictor for in-hospital MACE. A low NLR has an excellent NPV for no-reflow and in-hospital MACE, and this could be of clinical relevance in the management of low-risk patients.

Comparação de escores anatômicos e clínicos na predição de desfechos em intervenções coronárias percutâneas primárias / Comparison of anatomical and clinical scores in predicting outcomes in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Fundamento: Diferentes escores baseados em variáveis anatômicas e/ou clínicas têm sido desenvolvidos para estratificação de risco em pacientes submetidos à intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP). Estudos comparando a capacidade desses modelos na predição de eventos cardíacos e cerebrovasculares adversos maiores (ECCAM) em pacientes submetidos à ICP primária são escassos. Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi o de comparar os escores SYNTAX (SS), Clinical SYNTAX (CSS), ACEF e ACEF modificado (ACEF Mod ) na predição de ECCAM em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdico com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à ICP primária. Métodos: Foram analisados 311 pacientes consecutivos com IAMCSST submetidos a ICP primária entre abril/2011 e dezembro/2015. As áreas sob a curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foram calculadas para avaliar a habilidade desses escores em predizer ECCAM. O nível de significância adotado em todos os testes foi de 5%. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram idade média de 60,2 ± 12,0 anos, 35,4% eram do sexo feminino e 22,5% eram diabéticos. A ocorrência de ECCAM foi observada em 23,8% dos participantes. A área sob a curva ROC foi 0,586 (p = 0,028) para ACEF, 0,616 (p = 0,003) para SS, 0,623 (p = 0,002) para ACEF Mod e 0,658 (p < 0,001) para CSS. Na análise multivariada, apenas SS (p = 0,011) e CSS (p = 0,002) foram preditores independentes de ECCAM. Conclusões: SS e CSS elevados foram preditores independentes de ECCAM. Em nossa coorte de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária, o SS calculado à cineangiocoronariografia inicial mostrou-se uma ferramenta útil para predizer ECCAM

Background: Different scores based on anatomical and/or clinical features have been developed for risk stratification of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Studies comparing the ability of these different models in predicting major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients submitted to primary PCI are limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the ability of the scores SYNTAX (SS), Clinical SYNTAX (CSS), age, creatinine and ACEF, and modified ACEF (ACEF Mod ) to predict MACCE in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary PCI. Methods: We analyzed 311 consecutive patients with STEMI submitted to primary PCI between April/2011 and December/2015. The area under the ROC curve was calculated to evaluate the ability of these scores in predicting MACCE. P-values were considered significant at < 0.05. Results: Mean age of the patients was 60.2 ± 12.0 years, 35.4% were females, and 22.5% had diabetes. MACCE occurred in 23.8% of the patients. The area under the ROC curve was 0.586 (p = 0.028) for ACEF, 0.616 (p = 0.003) for SS, 0.623 (p = 0.002) for ACEF Mod , and 0.658 (p < 0.001) for CSS. In multivariate analysis, only high SS (p = 0.011) and CSS (p = 0.002) were independent predictors of MACCE. Conclusions: High SS and CSS were independent predictors of MACCE. In our cohort of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, pure anatomical SS calculated at the baseline coronary angiography was a useful tool to predict MACCE

On- vs. off-hours admission of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: data from a tertiary university Brazilian hospital

Introduction: Early reperfusion therapy is crucial in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Off-hours hospital presentation may increase the time from pain to coronary reperfusion, and it may be responsible for increased cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different times of presentation (on- and off-hours) on early mortality and major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We have included consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI between April 2011 and November 2016 in a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil. Patients were divided into on- and off-hours admission. In-hospital and 30-day outcomes were evaluated. Results: A total of 301 patients (57.4%) were admitted during off-hours, and 223 (42.5%) during on-hours. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Median door-to-balloon time was higher in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group: 75 min (IQR 60-95) vs. 60 min (IQR 50-73.7) respectively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was similar between groups (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.31-1.03; p = 0.06) and at 30-day follow-up (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.02-1.72 p = 0.14). In the matched cohort, no difference was found in the rates of in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 0.75-5.32; p = 0.16) and 30-day MACE (OR= 0.9; 95%CI 0.49-1.66; p = 0.75). Conclusions: In our center with PCI available 24/7 - without in-house staff - we did not observe any difference in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes, although a significant longer door-to-balloon time was found in patients treated during night shifts. Our results are consistent with those of other trials.

Síndrome coronariana aguda como apresentação atípica do fenômeno de roubo subclávio / Acute coronary syndrome as an atypical presentation of the phenomenon of subclavian steal

Roubo coronariano da subclávia (RCS) é um fenômeno raro que ocorre em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica com enxerto de artéria torácica interna esquerda (ATIE) e que causa estenose da artéria subclávia ipsilateral e proximal à origem da ATIE. Relatamos o caso de um paciente masculino de 65 anos que apresentou quadro atípico de síndrome do RCS, manifestando-se como síndrome coronariana aguda no pós-operatório de cirurgia vascular (AU)

Coronary subclavian steal (CSS) is a rare phenomenon that occurs in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) causing stenosis of the ipsilateral subclavian artery proximal to the origin of the LITA. We report the case of a 65-year-old male patient who presented with atypical CSS syndrome, manifesting as acute coronary syndrome after vascular surgery (AU)

Cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital guiado por ultrassonografia / Right heart catheterization through ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach

Introdução: As complicações no cateterismo cardíaco direito estão quase sempre relacionadas ao local de acesso. As veias do antebraço podem ser um alvo para reduzir tais complicações durante o procedimento. No entanto, dados relativos à ampla aplicação desta técnica são escassos. Métodos: Série de casos que relata nossas primeiras experiências com o cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital. Resultados: Tentamos realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito em 20 pacientes com abordagem antecubital em janeiro de 2016. A abordagem antecubital foi bem-sucedida em 19 casos (95,0%). Todos os acessos venosos foram obtidos guiados por ultrassonografia. Os cateterismos cardíacos direito e esquerdo foram realizados simultaneamente em 12 casos (60,0%). O cateterismo cardíaco esquerdo foi realizado através da artéria radial direita em 11 casos (91,7%), e da artéria braquial direita em 1 caso (8,3%). O acesso antecubital foi obtido pela veia basílica em 18 (94,7%) casos, e pela veia cefálica em 1 (5,3%) caso. Conclusões: O cateterismo cardíaco direito através das veias da prega antecubital parece ser viável e seguro. Outros estudos controlados são necessários para estabelecer o melhor local de acesso para realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito

Background: Complications in right heart catheterization are almost all access-site related. Forearm veins may be a target to reduce access-site complications during the procedure. However, data regarding wide application of this technique is scarce. Methods: This is a case-series that reports our first experiences in right heart catheterization through the antecubital approach. Results: We attempted to perform right heart catheterization in 20 patients using antecubital approach on January 2016. The antecubital approach was successful in 19 (95.0%) cases. All venous access were obtained with ultrasound guidance. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization was performed in 12 cases (60.0%). Left heart catheterization was performed through right radial artery in 11 cases (91.7%) and through the right brachial artery in 1 case (8.3%). Antecubital access was obtained through the basilic vein in 18 (94.7%) cases and through the cephalic vein in 1 (5.3%) case. Conclusions: Right heart catheterization through the antecubital fossa veins appears to be feasible and safe. Further controlled studies are required to establish the best access site to perform right heart catheterization

Volume Plaquetário Médio Como Preditor de Desfechos Cardiovasculares Maiores e Fluxo Coronariano Final em Pacientes Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária / Mean Platelet Volume as a Predictor of Major Cardiovascular Outcomes and Final Coronary Flow in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introdução: As plaquetas desempenham papel fundamental na fisiopatologia do infarto agudo do miocárdio. Existem evidências de que plaquetas de maior volume apresentem potencial pró- -trombótico aumentado. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o volume plaquetário médio pode predizer o fluxo coronariano do vaso tratado e os desfechos cardiovasculares adversos em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea primária. Métodos: Desfecho primário foi considerado como a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares adversos (morte, acidente vascular cerebral, infarto agudo do miocárdio, trombose de stent, angina e insuficiência cardíaca classes 3 ou 4) em 30 dias. Desfecho secundário foi avaliado por meio da análise angiográfica do fluxo TIMI pós-procedimento. Resultados: Dos 215 pacientes incluídos no registro de intervenção coronária percutânea primária, 168 (78,6%) tiveram volume plaquetário médio calculado antes do procedimento e foram analisados no presente estudo. Valores do volume plaquetário médio foram estratificados em tercis, sendo considerado um valor elevado > 11 fentolitros (fl). Volume plaquetário médio > 11 fl foi preditor independente de eventos cardiovasculares em 30 dias (p = 0,02). Observou-se que pacientes com fluxo final TIMI zero ou 1 demonstraram ...

Background: Platelets play a key role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction. There is evidence that higher platelet volumes may have increased prothrombotic potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mean platelet volume can predict culprit coronary vessel flow and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Primary endpoint was the composite of adverse cardiovascular events (death, stroke, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, class-III or IV angina and heart failure) at 30 days. The secondary endpoint was evaluated by the angiographic TIMI flow grade after the procedure. Results: Of the 215 patients included in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention registry, 168 (78.6%) had their mean platelet volume calculated before the procedure and were analyzed in the present study. Mean platelet volume values were stratified in tertiles, and a high value was considered as > 11 femtoliters (fL). Mean platelet volume > 11 fL was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events at 30 days (p = 0.02). It was observed that patients with final TIMI flow grade zero or 1 showed a trend towards higher mean platelet volume compared with those with final TIMI flow 2 or 3 (11.3 ± 0.9 fL vs. 10.5 ± 1.3 fL; p = 0.06). Conclusions: Baseline mean platelet volume is a simple, useful, and easy to measure marker to predict ...

Sangramento gastrintestinal por angiodisplasia e estenose aórtica: síndrome de Heyde / Gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia in a patient with severe aortic stenosis: Heyde's syndrome

Existe uma associação frequente entre estenose valvar aórtica e sangramento gastrintestinal, também conhecida como síndrome de Heyde. A base fisiopatológica dessa síndrome parece ser uma deficiência adquirida do fator de von Willebrand, que leva ao sangramento de malformações arteriovenosas angiodisplásicas. As alternativas de tratamento incluem a localização de pontos de sangramento e a cauterização, mas tal opção terapêutica está associada a alta recorrência. A substituição da válvula parece oferecer a melhor esperança de resolução a longo prazo do sangramento e deve ser considerada na maioria das vezes. Relatamos aqui o caso de uma paciente de 79 anos com estenose aórtica e sangramento gastrintestinal devido à angiodisplasia duodenal, tratada por implante transcateter de válvula aórtica.

There is a frequent association between aortic valve stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding, also known as Heyde's syndrome. The pathophysiologic basis for this syndrome seems to be an acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency, leading to bleeding of angiodysplastic arteriovenous malformations. Treatment options include the location and cauterization of bleeding points, which is associated to high recurrence rates. Valve replacement appears to offer the best hope of long-term resolution of bleeding, and should be considered in most cases. We report a 79 year-old patient with aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding due to duodenal angiodysplasia treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Perfil da intervenção coronária percutânea no infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST no Brasil de 2006 a 2010: Registro CENIC / National profile of percutaneous coronary intervention in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction in Brazil from 2006 to 2010: the CENIC Registry

Introdução: O infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) persiste comoimportante causa de morbidade e mortalidade. Este estudo visa a delinear o panorama nacional da intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) no cenário do IAM, analisando diferentes períodos e regiões do Brasil, com enfoque na ICP primária e nos tratamentos adjuntos farmacológicos e mecânicos.Métodos: Foram analisados dados de 20.004 pacientes com diagnóstico de IAM com supradesnivelamento dosegmento ST (IAMCSST) e submetidos a ICP, provenientes do Registro CENIC (Central Nacional de Intervenções Cardiovasculares), de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2010. Esses dados são oriundos de 252 centros localizados em22 Estados das cinco regiões do País. Resultados: A ICP primária correspondeu a 57,8% das ICPs realizadas no contexto do IAM, seguida de ICP eletiva pós-IAMCSST (35,7%), ICP de resgate (6,1%) e ICP facilitada (0,4%). A evolução ao longo dos anos evidencia aumento progressivo do número de ICPs primárias no Brasil, partindo de 56,7% do total em 2006 para 71,6% em 2010. O tempo médio porta-balão da ICP primária no Brasil nesse período foi de 2 horas. A aspiração de trombos aumentou de 0,4%em 2006 para 8,2% dos casos em 2010. A taxa média de sucesso do procedimento foi de 93,8%, enquanto a de óbito hospitalar foi de apenas 2,8%. Conclusões: A ICP no cenário do IAMCSST vem apresentando avanços de 2006 a 2010, embora de maneira heterogênea nas diferentes regiões doBrasil, mediante aumento das taxas de ICP primária e maior utilização de dispositivos de aspiração de trombo, osquais ainda não foram incorporados na rotina. Investimentos em recursos humanos e implementação de protocolos de atendimento constituem elementos essenciais para a otimização do tempo porta-balão e para a melhora dos resultados clínicos.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to outline the national profile of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in the setting of AMI, analyzing different time periods and geographic regions, with focus on primary PCI and adjunctive pharmacological and mechanical treatments. Methods: Data from 20,004 patients with ST elevationmyocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PCI and included in the CENIC Registry (National Center of Cardiovascular Interventions) from January 2006 to December 2010 wereincluded in this study. Data were obtained from 252 centers located in 22 states from five different geographic regions in the country. Results: Primary PCI accounted for 57.8% of PCI performed in the setting of AMI, followed by elective PCI after STEMI (35.7%), rescue PCI (6.1%) and facilitated PCI (0.4%). The evolution over time showed a progressiveincrease in the number of primary PCIs in Brazil, from 56.7% in 2006 to 71.6% in 2010. The mean door-to-balloon timeof primary PCI in Brazil during this period was 2 hours. Thrombus aspiration increased from 0.4% in 2006 to 8.2%of cases in 2010. Procedural success rate was 93.8%, while in-hospital mortality was only 2.8%. Conclusions: PCI in the setting of STEMI has improved from 2006 to 2010, althoughheterogeneously in the different regions of Brazil, due to increased primary PCI rates and higher use of thrombusaspiration devices, which have not been incorporated in the routine practice. Investments in staff training and implementation of clinical protocols are essential to optimize the door-to-balloon time and improve clinical outcomes.

Associação de ictiose adquirida, linfoma de Hodgkin e Hepatite B / Combination of acquired ichthyosis, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hepatitis B

Ictiose adquirida é um distúrbio raro da queratinização, associado a diversas doenças, como neoplasias. Aqui relatamos o caso de uma paciente que se apresentou com ictiose de início recente e no decorrer da investigação foi descoberta hepatite B crônica e linfoma de Hodgkin. Não encontramos relatos da associação destas três entidades na literatura.

Acquired Ichthyosis is a rare disorder of keratinization associated with several diseases such as neoplasias. Here we report the case a patient presenting with ichthyosis of recent onset, and along the investigation chronic hepatitis B and Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. No previous report of the combination of these three entities was found in the literature.