Mechanical Circulatory Assistance in Children: Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: In countries where organ donation is scarce, mortality in the pediatric heart transplant waiting list is high, and ventricular assist devices (VADs) are therapeutic alternatives in these situations. Berlin Heart EXCOR is currently 1 of the few VADs specific for children. METHODS: This retrospective study includes pediatric patients who underwent Berlin Heart EXCOR placement in a Brazilian hospital between 2012 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory data at the time of VAD implantation and the occurrence of complications and outcomes (success as a bridge to transplant or death) were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients, from 8 months to 15 years, were included: 6 with cardiomyopathy and 2 with congenital heart disease. Six were on Intermacs 1 and 2 on Intermacs 2. The most common complications observed were stroke and right ventricular dysfunction. Six were transplanted, and 2 died. Those submitted to transplant had a higher mean weight than those who died, with no statistically significant difference. The underlying disease had no impact on the outcome. The group undergoing transplant had lower brain natriuretic peptide and lactate values, but no laboratory variable showed a statistically significant difference in the outcome. CONCLUSION: A VAD is an invasive treatment with potentially serious adverse effects and is still poorly available in Brazil. However, as a bridge to transplant, it is a useful treatment for children in progressive clinical decline. In this study, we did not observe any clinical or laboratory factor at the time of VAD implantation that implied better outcomes.

Ecocardiografia transesofágico intraoperatório na avaliação de gradientes residuais após correção cirúrgica das obstruções das vias de saída ventriculares direita e esquerda / Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of residual gradients after surgical correction of right and left ventricular outflow tract obstructions

Fundamento: O Ecocardiograma Transesofágico (ETE) intraoperatório tem sido muito utilizado durante as correções das cardiopatias congênitas; entretanto, em obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos, as informações são limitadas. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade do ETE em detectar gradientes residuais em pacientes com obstruções de vias de saída dos ventrículos. Pacientes e Método: Os gradientes sistólicos após circulação extracorpórea ao ETE de 127 pacientes (idade média de 7 anos), sendo 79 com obstrução direita e 48 com obstrução esquerda, foram comparados ao Ecocardiograma Transtorácico (ETT) após cirurgia. Gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg foram considerados de significância hemodinâmica.Resultados: Nas obstruções esquerdas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios maiores que o ETT (30 mmHg vs 24mmHg; p = 0,014). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 75% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 97%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 33%. Nas obstruções direitas o ETE mostrou gradientes médios semelhantes ao ETT (28 mmHg vs 25 mmHg; p = 0,21). Os gradientes ao ETE foram menores que 40 mmHg em 88% dos pacientes e houve concordância com o ETT em 91,5%. Nos demais, o gradiente ao ETE foi maior que 40 mmHg e houve concordância com o ETT em 60%. Conclusão: O ETE mostrou-se útil na detecção de gradientes residuais nas vias de saída dos ventrículos nos pacientes estudados. Entretanto, em gradientes maiores que 40 mmHg, o ETE sugere maior severidade das obstruções, particularmente no lado esquerdo.

Background: Despite the large use of intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in congenital heart surgery, limited information is available regarding ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the post-bypass TEE to detect residual gradients in patients with ventricular outflow obstruction. Patients and Methods: Post-bypass TEE peak systolic gradients of 127 patients (mean age of 7 years), being 79 with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and 48 with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, were compared with the postoperative TTE. Postoperative lesions were considered of hemodynamic significance when peak systolic gradient was higher than 40 mmHg. Results: In patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE showed mean peak systolic gradients higher than TTE (30 mmHg versus 24 mmHg; p= 0,014). In 75%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 97%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agree with TTE in 33%. In patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction TEE mean gradients agreed with TTE (28 mmHg versus 25 mmHg; p= 0.21). In 88%, TEE gradients were lower than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 91.5%. In the remaining patients, TEE gradients were higher than 40 mmHg and agreed with TTE in 60%.Conclusion: TEE showed to be a reliable technique to detect residual ventricular outflow tract obstructions in the majority of patients. However, when considered gradients higher than 40 mmHg, TEE suggested a greater severity of obstructions, particularly on the left side.

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in the neonate with birth weight lower than 1,500g.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with birth weight lower than 1,500g. METHODS: Retrospective study of 119 neonates in which clinical parameters (Prenatal: maternal age, risk of infection and chorioamnionitis, use of corticosteroid, mode of delivery and gestational age. Perinatal: weight, Apgar score, gender and birth weight/gestational age classification; Postnatal: use of surfactant, sepsis, fluid intake, heart murmur, heart rate, precordial movement and pulses, use of diuretics, oxygenation index, desaturation/apnea, ventilatory support, food intolerance, chest radiography, renal function, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic changes) and echocardiographic parameters (ductus arteriosus diameter, ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, left atrium/ aorta ratio, left ventricular diastolic diameter, and transductal flow direction, pattern and velocity) were analyzed. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters analyzed were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: In the 119 neonates, the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus was 61.3%; 56 received treatment (46 pharmacological and 10 surgical treatment), 11 had spontaneous closure, 4 died, and 2 were discharged with patent ductus arteriosus. A higher incidence of chorioamnionitis, use of surfactant, lower weight and gestational age, sepsis, heart murmur, ventilatory support and worse oxygenation indices were observed in the neonates receiving treatment. The group with spontaneous closure had a smaller ductus arteriosus diameter, lower ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, and higher transductal flow velocity. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters, the neonates with spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus could be differentiated from those who required treatment.

Características clínicas e ecocardiográficas associadas à evolução do canal arterial em recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento inferior a 1.500g / Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in the neonate with birth weight lower than 1, 500g

OBJETIVO: Identificar parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos associados à evolução do canal arterial em recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento <1.500g. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 119 recém-nascidos, no qual foram analisados parâmetros clínicos (pré-natais: idade materna, risco infeccioso e corioamnionite, uso de corticoide, tipo de parto e idade gestacional; perinatais: peso, Apgar, gênero e classificação peso/idade gestacional; pós-natais: surfactante, sepse, oferta hídrica, sopro cardíaco, frequência cardíaca, movimento precordial e pulsos, diurético, índice de oxigenação, queda de saturação/apneia, suporte ventilatório, intolerância alimentar, radiografia de tórax, função renal, instabilidade hemodinâmica e alterações metabólicas); parâmetros ecocardiográficos (diâmetro do canal arterial, relação canal arterial/peso, relação átrio esquerdo/ aorta, diâmetro diastólico ventrículo esquerdo, direção, padrão e velocidade de fluxo pelo canal arterial). Os parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos analisados foram considerados estatisticamente significantes quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Nos 119 recém-nascidos, a incidência de canal arterial foi de 61,3%, 56 receberam tratamento (46 medicamentoso e 10 cirúrgico), 11 tiveram fechamento espontâneo, 4 foram a óbito e 2 receberam alta com persistência do canal arterial. Houve maior incidência de corioamnionite, uso de surfactante, menor peso e idade gestacional, sepse, sopro cardíaco, ventilação e piores índices de oxigenação nos recém-nascidos tratados. O grupo com fechamento espontâneo apresentou menor diâmetro do canal arterial, menor relação canal arterial/peso e maior velocidade do fluxo pelo canal arterial. CONCLUSÃO: Com base em parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos, foi possível diferenciar os recém-nascidos com fechamento espontâneo do canal arterial daqueles com necessidade de tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the evolution of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with birth weight lower than 1,500g. METHODS: Retrospective study of 119 neonates in which clinical parameters (Prenatal: maternal age, risk of infection and chorioamnionitis, use of corticosteroid, mode of delivery and gestational age. Perinatal: weight, Apgar score, gender and birth weight/gestational age classification; Postnatal: use of surfactant, sepsis, fluid intake, heart murmur, heart rate, precordial movement and pulses, use of diuretics, oxygenation index, desaturation/apnea, ventilatory support, food intolerance, chest radiography, renal function, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic changes) and echocardiographic parameters (ductus arteriosus diameter, ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, left atrium/ aorta ratio, left ventricular diastolic diameter, and transductal flow direction, pattern and velocity) were analyzed. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters analyzed were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: In the 119 neonates, the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus was 61.3%; 56 received treatment (46 pharmacological and 10 surgical treatment), 11 had spontaneous closure, 4 died, and 2 were discharged with patent ductus arteriosus. A higher incidence of chorioamnionitis, use of surfactant, lower weight and gestational age, sepsis, heart murmur, ventilatory support and worse oxygenation indices were observed in the neonates receiving treatment. The group with spontaneous closure had a smaller ductus arteriosus diameter, lower ductus arteriosus/weight ratio, and higher transductal flow velocity. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters, the neonates with spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus could be differentiated from those who required treatment.

Tratamento cirúrgico da estenose do túnel das veias pulmonares após Senning modificado / Surgical treatment of pulmonary venous baffle obstruction after modified Senning procedure

Paciente de 13 anos de idade, sexo masculino, submetido à correção de estenose de túnel das veias pulmonares (ETVP) após cirurgia de Senning modificada realizada aos 5 meses. O quadro clínico era de congestão pulmonar e broncopneumonias de repetição e o ecocardiograma confirmou ETVP. Uma angioplastia com balão foi realizada previamente à correção cirúrgica com circulação extracorpórea. A placa de pericárdio bovino empregada para ampliação do átrio direito retraiu-se e calcificou, levando a ETVP. A placa foi removida e o átrio direito foi ampliado com um retalho de politetrafluoretileno. O ecocardiograma transesofágico intraoperatório demonstrou redução significativa da estenose.

A 13-year-old male was admitted to undergoing correction of a pulmonary venous baffle stenosis (PVBS) after a modified Senning procedure was performed by the age of five months. Recurrent Pulmonary congestion and pneumonia episodes were followed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization that confirmed PVBS. Previous catheter balloon angioplasty was attempted, and a surgical revision was done under cardiopulmonary bypass. The bovine pericardial patch used for augmentation of the right atrium, retracted and calcified producing PVBS. Stenotic area was excised and enlargement was done with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram showed relief of stenosis.

Relation between three-dimensional and two-dimensional echocardiography and biochemical analysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction percutaneously treated / Relação entre a análise bioquímica e ecocardiográfica tridimensional e bidimensional em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST tratados por via percutânea

Objective: The prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction depends on multiple features that can demonstrate myocardial injury degree (such as serum markers of cardiac necrosis), and also on adaptive mechanisms relative to the acute event. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between biochemical and echocardiographic findings from three-dimensional echocardiographic (3D Echo) analysis and echocardiographic two-dimensional (2D Echo) left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction , submitted to primary percutaneous treatment. Methods: A prospective study with 2D Echo and 3D Echo of 23 patients (17 males, mean age of 57 ± 13 years) with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, primarily percutaneously treated (stent). Serum cardiac markers (creatine kinase MB, Troponin I and Myoglobin) and serum brain natriuretic peptide were compared to echocardiographic parameters (volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular dyssynchrony index). The statistical analysis was performed using Pearson?s correlation coefficient, 95% CI, p < 0.05, linear regression equation and Bland & Altman test. Results: Pearsons correlation coefficient (r)relative to 3D left ventricular ejection fraction: 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.7427, p < 0.0001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.660, p = 0.001. Left ventricular ejection fraction 2D (r) : 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.5478, p = 0.001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.4800, p < 0.0277. Other associations were not significant. Conclusions: In this series, it was observed better correlation in regard to serum creatine kinase MB , brain natriuretic peptide and 3D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction, when compared to 2D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction.

Objetivo: O prognóstico dos pacientes portadores de infarto agudo do miocárdico depende de múltiplos aspectos que espelhem o grau de agressão ao miocárdio (como marcadores enzimáticos de necrose miocárdica), assim como dos mecanismos de adaptação ao evento agudo. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a associação entre os achados bioquímicos e ecocardiográficos derivados da análise ecocardiográfica transtorácica tridimensional (ECO 3D) com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (ECO 2D) em pacientes acometidos por infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, que tenham sido submetidos a tratamento primário percutâneo. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo com Eco 3D e 2D de 23 indivíduos (17 homens, 57 ± 13 anos), acometidos por infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST, primariamente tratados com implante de stent coronariano. Foi feita a dosagem sérica de creatina cinase fração MB, Troponina I, Mioglobina e peptídeo atrial natriurético e comparada com os parâmetros ecocardiográficos (volumes, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e índice de dissincronia ventricular). A análise estatística foi feita com a determinação do coeficiente de correlação (Pearson), IC = 95%, p < 0,05, com teste de regressão linear e teste de Bland & Altman. Resultados: Coeficiente de correlação (r) entre fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo 3D: 1- peptídeo atrial natriurético: r: - 0,7427, p < 0,0001; 2- creatina cinase fração MB: r: -0,660, p = 0,001. fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo 2D (r) : 1- peptídeo atrial natriurético: r: - 0,5478, p = 0,001; 2- creatina cinase fração MB: r: -0,4800, p < 0,0277. As demais associações entre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos e as dosagens séricas não foram significativas. Conclusões: Nesta série, foi observada correlação melhor entre a dosagem sérica de peptídeo atrial natriurético, de creatina cinase fração MB e a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo aferida por Eco 3D do que a correlação com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo aferida por Eco 2D.

Surgical treatment of pulmonary venous tunnel stenosis [corrected] after modified Senning procedure.

A 13-year-old male was admitted to undergoing correction of a pulmonary venous baffle stenosis (PVBS) after a modified Senning procedure was performed by the age of five months. Recurrent Pulmonary congestion and pneumonia episodes were followed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization that confirmed PVBS. Previous catheter balloon angioplasty was attempted, and a surgical revision was done under cardiopulmonary bypass. The bovine pericardial patch used for augmentation of the right atrium, retracted and calcified producing PVBS. Stenotic area was excised and enlargement was done with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram showed relief of stenosis.

Relation between three-dimensional and two-dimensional echocardiography and biochemical analysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction percutaneously treated.

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction depends on multiple features that can demonstrate myocardial injury degree (such as serum markers of cardiac necrosis), and also on adaptive mechanisms relative to the acute event. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between biochemical and echocardiographic findings from three-dimensional echocardiographic (3D Echo) analysis and echocardiographic two-dimensional (2D Echo) left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, submitted to primary percutaneous treatment. METHODS: A prospective study with 2D Echo and 3D Echo of 23 patients (17 males, mean age of 57 ± 13 years) with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, primarily percutaneously treated (stent). Serum cardiac markers (creatine kinase MB, Troponin I and Myoglobin) and serum brain natriuretic peptide were compared to echocardiographic parameters (volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular dyssynchrony index). The statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, 95% CI, p < 0.05, linear regression equation and Bland & Altman test. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation coefficient (r)relative to 3D left ventricular ejection fraction: 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.7427, p < 0.0001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.660, p = 0.001. Left ventricular ejection fraction 2D (r) : 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.5478, p = 0.001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.4800, p < 0.0277. Other associations were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, it was observed better correlation in regard to serum creatine kinase MB, brain natriuretic peptide and 3D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction, when compared to 2D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction.

Perinatal outcome of fetal atrioventricular block: one-hundred-sixteen cases from a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Fetal atrioventricular (AV) block is an uncommon lesion with significant mortality. Because of the rarity of this disorder, the natural course, extensive evaluation of untreated fetuses, and late follow-up remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the 116 consecutive cases of fetal AV block studied from 1988 to 2006, only 1 was terminated, and 75% were live births. Fifty-nine cases of AV block were associated with major structural heart disease, mainly left atrial isomerism (n=40), with only 26% of neonatal survivors. Of the 57 fetuses with normal cardiac anatomy, 41 (72%) were positive for maternal antinuclear antibodies, and 32 of these seropositive mothers did not receive any treatment. This untreated group had live-birth and 1-year infant survival rates of 93% and 90% [corrected], respectively. Five fetuses from seronegative mothers showed regression to sinus rhythm during pregnancy. The presence of major structural heart disease, hydrops, an atrial rate 90% of our untreated patients with isolated forms of AV block raises concerns about any decision to intervene with immunosuppressive agents.

Sincronia eletromecânica ecocardiográfica tridimensional: comparação com a fração de ejeção tridimensional e bidimensional para a análise da performance sistólica ventricular esquerda / Three-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of electromechanical synchrony: comparison with three threedimensional and two-dimensional ejection fraction for evaluation of left ventricular systolic performance

Objetivo: Comparar a análise da sincronia do ventrículo esquerdo (VE)aferida com a ecocardiografia (ECO) tridimensional com as medidasde fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) obtidas com ECO bidimensional(2D) e tridimensional (3D). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de 71indivíduos (41 homens, 49 ± 11 anos), 40 apresentando anatomiacardíaca (ECO) e eletrocardiografia (ECG) normais (Grupo N), 31pacientes portadores de cardiomiopatia dilatada (Grupo CMD). Forammedidos com a ECO 3D: FEVE, volumes e o índice de dissincronia(ID) % para 16 segmentos do VE; com o ECO 2D foram aferidos: FEVE (método de Simpson) e volumes. As informações foram analisadascom a aferição do coeficiente de correlação (Pearson), intervalo deconfiança (IC) de 95%, teste de regressão linear, teste de Bland-Altman, p < 0,05. Resultados: O ID% variou de 0,32 a 21,7% (5,94± 6,46), a FEVE 3D variou de 0,16 a 0,73 (0,51 ± 0,15); a FEVE 2Dvariou de 0,2 a 0,7 (0,47 ± 0,17). A correlação entre ID% e FEVE3D foi (r): -0,8203, p < 0,0001, IC = -0,8844 a -0,7259; a relaçãolinear entre ID% (x) e FEVE 3D (y) foi y = 63,4515 + (-2,0233)x, p < 0,0001. A correlação entre ID% e FEVE 2D foi (r): -0,7046,p < 0,0001, IC = -0,7675 a -0,5824. Conclusões: Neste estudo foiobservada boa correlação negativa entre a sincronia VE (ECO 3D) e aFEVE medida ao ecocardiograma (3D e 2D).

Avaliação da sincronia ventricular esquerda: análise comparativa entre a ecocardiografiatridimensional em tempo real e Doppler tecidual / Left ventricular synchrony assessment: a comparative analysis using real time three-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging

Objetivo: A análise da sincronia do ventrículo esquerdo pode serrealizada pela ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D), bem comocom o Doppler tecidual (DTI). O objetivo do estudo foi comparara análise da sincronia do ventrículo esquerdo observada pelosdois métodos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de 59 indivíduos (36homens, média etária de 50 ± 11 anos), 39 com anatomia cardíaca eeletrocardiogramas normais (grupo N), 20 com cardiomiopatia dilatada(grupo CMD) e aumento da duração do QRS. A análise foi realizada porECO 3D – fração de ejeção, volumes e índice de dissincronia (DI) para6, 12 e 16 segmentos do ventrículo esquerdo – e com o DTI. Foramaferidos os intervalos eletromecânicos (QS) dos segmentos basais dasparedes septal, lateral, anterior e inferior, e o índice de dissincroniatecidual (%). A estatística foi realizada pela aferição do coeficiente decorrelação (Pearson), IC: 95%, teste de regressão linear e teste de Blande Altman. Resultados: No grupo N, o coeficiente de correlação (r) paraDTI DI e 3D 6 DI foi de 0,5142, p = 0,001; para 3D 12 DI (r) foi de0,4110, p = 0,009, e para 3D 16 DI (r) foi de 0,3761, p = 0,018. Nogrupo CMD, (r) para DTI DI e 3D 6 DI foi de 0,3920, p = 0,047; para3D 12 DI (r) foi de 0,1344, p = 0,572; para 3D 16 DI (r) foi de 0,1105,p = 0,643. Conclusão: Nos dois grupos investigados foi observadapequena correlação entre a análise da sincronia ventricular esquerdaestudada pelo ECO 3D e pelo Doppler tecidual.

Objective: Left ventricular regional synchrony can be analyzed bythree-dimensional echocardiography (3D Echo) as well as by tissueDoppler imaging (TDI). The aim of the study was to compare leftventricular synchrony assessment by both methods. Methods: Aprospective study of 59 patients (36 males, mean age of 50 years ±11 years), 39 with normal cardiac anatomy and eletrocardiography(group 1), and 20 with dilated cardiomyopathy and wide QRS (group 2). Patients underwent 3D echocardiographic – quantification of ejection fraction (LVEF), volumes and percentage dyssynchrony index (DI)of left ventricular 6, 12 and 16 segments. By TDI we measured leftventricular QS electromechanical interval in the basal segment of themitral valve annulus of the septum, lateral, anterior and inferior walls,as well as tissue dyssynchrony index (%). The statistical analysis wasperformed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, 95% CI, p < 0.05,linear regression equation and Bland and Altman test. Results: In thenormal group, the correlation coefficient (r) for TDI DI and 3D 6 DIwas 0.5142, p = 0.001; for 3D 12 DI, r = 0.4110, p = 0.009, and for3D 16 DI, r = 0.3761, p = 0.018. In the dilated group, the correlationcoefficient (r) for TDI DI and 3D 6 DI was 0.3920, p = 0.047; for 3D 12DI, r = 0.1344, p = 0.572; and for 3D 16 DI, r = 0.1105, p = 0.643.Conclusion: In both groups, a poor correlation was observed in leftventricular synchrony assessment by 3D Echo and Tissue Doppler.

[The role of echocardiography as an isolated method for indicating surgery in patients with congenital heart disease]. / O papel do ecocardiograma como método isolado na indicação cirúrgica de pacientes portadores de cardiopatia congênita.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for indicating surgery without catheterization in patients with congenital heart disease through a prospective analysis and comparison of the echocardiographic diagnosis with the intraoperative findings, or invasive study, or both. METHODS: From February 2000 to January 2001, 493 patients with congenital heart diseases indicated for surgery were followed up. They underwent echocardiography with color-flow mapping for a therapeutic decision. The results were compared with the findings of surgery or catheterization, or both, when the latter were performed for diagnostic reasons. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 94.3% (465 cases) underwent congenital heart disease correction based only on echocardiographic findings, without a diagnostic catheterization. The invasive study was performed for diagnostic reasons in 28 (5.6%) patients, the surgical treatment was performed in more than 95% of the patients, and therapeutic catheterization was performed in 3.6%. The echocardiographic findings were confirmed in 464 (94.1%) patients, which showed the high accuracy of the method. False-positive findings occurred in 8 (1.6%) patients, and false-negative findings in 39 (7.9%). According to surgeons, no diagnostic error led to complications or adversely affected the surgical results. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography proved to be a sensitive and safe method for indicating surgery, making catheterization, often, unnecessary. The invasive study was restricted to diagnostic or therapeutic uses.

O papel do ecocardiograma como método isolado na indicação cirúrgica de pacientes portadores de cardiopatia congênita / The role of echocardiography as an isolated method for indicating surgery in patients with congenital heart disease

OBJETIVO: Determinar a acurácia diagnóstica do ecocardiograma, analisando prospectivamente, o valor do método na indicação cirúrgica sem cateterismo em portadores de cardiopatia congênita, através da comparação do diagnóstico ecocardiográfico com os achados intra-operatórios e/ou do estudo invasivo. MÉTODOS: De fevereiro/2000 a janeiro/2001, foram acompanhados 493 pacientes cardiopatas congênitos com indicação cirúrgica, submetidos a ecocardiograma com mapeamento de fluxo em cores para decisão terapêutica. Os resultados foram comparados aos achados cirúrgicos e/ou de cateterismo quando realizado para complementação diagnóstica. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes estudados, 94,3 por cento (465 casos) foram submetidos à correção da cardiopatia congênita apenas com o ecocardiograma e sem cateterismo diagnóstico. O estudo invasivo foi realizado para complementação diagnóstica em 28 (5,6 por cento) casos, o tratamento cirúrgico realizado em mais de 95 por cento dos casos e o cateterismo terapêutico em 3,6 por cento. Os achados do ecocardiograma se confirmaram em 464 (94,1 por cento) dos casos, demonstrando uma alta acurácia do método. Ocorreram 8 (1,6 por cento) casos de falso positivos e 39 (7,9 por cento) casos de falso negativos. Segundo os cirurgiões, nenhum dos erros diagnósticos levaram a complicações ou afetaram os resultados cirúrgicos adversamente. CONCLUSAO: O ecocardiograma se mostrou método sensível e seguro para indicação cirúrgica, dispensando, muitas vezes, a realização de estudo invasivo, ficando este, restrito aos casos de complementação diagnóstica ou terapêutica.

Diagnóstico ecocardiográfico de transposiçäo das grandes artérias associada à drenagem anômala de veias pulmonares / Echocardiographic diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries associated with anomalous pulmonary venous connection

We report 2 cases of transposition of the great arteries associated with anomalous pulmonary venous connection emphasizing the clinical findings, the diagnosis, and the evolution of the association. One of the patients had the anomalous pulmonary venous connection in its total infradiaphragmatic form, in the portal system, and the other patient had a partial form, in which an anomalous connection of the left superior lobar vein with the innominate vein existed. At the time of hospital admission, the patients had cyanosis and respiratory distress with clinical findings suggesting transposition of the great arteries. The diagnosis in 1 of the cases, in which the anomalous connection was partial, was established only with echocardiography, without invasive procedures that would represent risk for the patient; in the other case, in which the anomalous connection was total, the malformation was only evidenced with catheterization. The patients underwent surgery for anatomical correction of the heart disease. Only 1 patient had a good outcome

Aspectos fisiologicos da permeabilidade placentaria e riscos fetais pela exposicao materna / Phisiologic aspects of placental permeability and fetal risks caused by maternal exposition

Este artigo faz uma revisao da estrutura placentaria, seus mecanismos fisiologicos de transporte, e o reflexo sobre o feto da passagem de algumas substancias capazes de determinar alteracoes no seu bem estar e desenvolvimento.