Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Liver Elastography in Heart Failure

Abstract Background: Hepatic congestion is a frequent finding in patients with heart failure (HF). Physical examination has limitations in quantifying systemic congestion and requires correlation with echocardiographic and laboratory data (usually B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP, or N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP). Hepatic elastography evaluates liver stiffness using a transducer that transmits low-frequency vibrations (50 Hz), and the speed of shear waves propagating through the tissues is measured by ultrasound. The faster the vibrations propagate in the hepatic parenchyma, the stiffer the liver, which, in case of HF, can be correlated with hepatic congestion. Objective: In this systematic review, case-controls, cohort studies, and randomized clinical trials were searched in MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, to evaluate the use of elastography in the detection of hepatic congestion in patients with HF. Methods: From the 49 articles retrieved, seven were selected for review, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most used methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of HF were echocardiography combined with BNP and NT-proBNP measurements. Results: Elastography performed at bedside was able to establish a significant correlation between increased liver stiffness and increased venous capillary pressure. In addition, liver elastography performed at hospital discharge was able to predict rehospitalization and mortality. Conclusion: Liver elastography is a non-invasive method that can be useful in predicting prognosis and mortality of individuals with HF, contributing to the clinical management of these patients.

Cardiac magnetic resonance and amyloidosis: review / Ressonância magnética cardíaca e amiloidose: revisão

Amyloidosis is a disease caused by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein fibrils, that results in changes in tissue architecture and consequently modification of the organ structure. Cardiac involvement is common in amyloidosis. Two major types of systemic amyloidosis affect the myocardium ­ immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis ­ each leading to different prognosis. Early detection and diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis are the main objectives in the assessment of the disease. New techniques of magnetic resonance imaging have minimized the need for biopsies for the diagnosis. Late gadolinium enhancement technique, and more recently T1 mapping, have allowed a simplified evaluation of amyloid deposits and extracellular volume. The aim of this review was to describe basic concepts and updates of the use of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis amyloidosis and evaluation of its severity

Tortuosidade Coronariana e seu Papel na Isquemia Miocárdica em Pacientes sem Obstruções Coronarianas / Coronary tortuosity and its role in myocardial ischemia in patients with no coronary obstructions

Este trabalho faz uma revisão sobre o tema de tortuosidade coronariana abordando várias situações na prática clínica aonde a tortuosidade coronariana pode desempenhar um papel relevante e procura avaliar se há correlação entre tortuosidade coronariana e a presença de isquemia miocárdica em pacientes sem obstruções coronarianas fazendo uma busca na literatura das evidências científicas. Livro-texto de Fisiologia em Cardiologia com estudo da circulação coronariana, artigos teóricos com estudos de Hemodinâmica, Dinâmica de Fluidos e de Mecânica e artigos experimentais com simulação em computadores serviram de sustentação para a formulação da hipótese a ser verificada

Elevated Heart Rate is Associated with Cardiac Denervation in Patients with Heart Failure: A 123-Iodine-MIBG Myocardial Scintigraphy Study / Frequência Cardíaca Elevada está Associada com Desnervação Cardíaca em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca: Um Estudo com Cintilografia Miocárdica com 123-Iodo-MIBG

Abstract Background: In the Systolic Heart Failure Treatment With the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial (SHIFT), heart rate (HR) reduction with ivabradine was associated with improved survival and reduced hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF). The mechanisms by which elevated HR increases mortality are not fully understood. Objective: To assess the relationship of baseline HR with clinical, neurohormonal and cardiac sympathetic activity in patients with chronic HF and elevated HR. Method: Patients with chronic HF who were in sinus rhythm and had resting HR>70 bpm despite optimal medical treatment were included in a randomized, double-blind study comparing ivabradine versus pyridostigmine. This report refers to the baseline data of 16 initial patients. Baseline HR (before randomization to one of the drugs) was assessed, and patients were classified into two groups, with HR below or above mean values. Cardiac sympathetic activity was assessed by 123-iodine-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy. Results: Mean HR was 83.5±11.5 bpm (range 72 to 104), and seven (43.7%) patients had HR above the mean. These patients had lower 6-min walk distance (292.3±93 vs 465.2±97.1 m, p=0.0029), higher values of N-Terminal-proBNP (median 708.4 vs 76.1, p=0.035) and lower late heart/mediastinum rate, indicating cardiac denervation (1.48±0.12 vs 1.74±0.09, p<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated resting HR in patients with HF under optimal medical treatment was associated with cardiac denervation, worse functional capacity, and neurohormonal activation.

Resumo Fundamento: No SHIFT (Systolic Heart Failure Treatment With the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial, ou Estudo do Tratamento da Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica com o Inibidor de If Ivabradina), a redução da frequência cardíaca (FC) com ivabradina associou-se com melhor sobrevida e redução das hospitalizações em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os mecanismos pelos quais a FC elevada aumenta a mortalidade não são totalmente compreendidos. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação da FC basal com atividade clínica, neuro-hormonal e simpática cardíaca em pacientes com IC crônica e FC elevada. Método: Pacientes com IC crônica em ritmo sinusal e FC≥70 apesar de tratamento adequado foram incluídos em um estudo duplo-cego, randomizado, que comparou ivabradina com piridostigmina. Este artigo refere-se a dados basais dos primeiros 16 pacientes. A FC basal (antes da randomização para um dos medicamentos) foi avaliada, e os pacientes classificados em dois grupos, com FC abaixo ou acima dos valores médios. A atividade simpática cardíaca foi avaliada por cintilografia com metaiodobenzilguanidina marcada com iodo 123. Resultados: A FC média foi 83,5±11,5 bpm (intervalo 72 a 104), e sete pacientes (43.7%) tinham FC acima da média. Esses pacientes apresentaram menor distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (292,3±93 vs 465,2±97,1 m, p=0,0029), valores mais altos de N-terminal do pró-BNP (mediana 708,4 vs 76,1, p=0,035) e menor relação coração/mediastino tardia, indicando desnervação cardíaca (1,48±0,12 vs 1,74±0,09, p<0,001). Conclusão: A FC de repouso elevada em pacientes com IC em tratamento médico adequado associou-se com desnervação cardíaca, pior capacidade funcional e ativação neuro-hormonal.

Infarto do miocárdio e mixoma em átrio esquerdo / Myocardial infarction and myxoma in the left atrium / Infarto del Miocardio y Mixoma en Aurícula Izquierda

Os mixomas são os tumores cardíacos primários benignos mais comuns, sendo que a grande maioria localiza-se no átrio esquerdo; 80 por cento têm sua origem no septo interatrial e 5 por cento deles são biatrial. Clinicamente, apresentam-se, quase sempre, com sinais e sintomas de doença valvular mitral ou de eventos tromboembólicos. Este relato ilustra um caso de mixoma em átrio esquerdo, projetando-se através da valva mitral para o ventrículo esquerdo e simulando uma estenose mitral, que evoluiu com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), como complicações tromboembólicas. O ecocardiograma continua a ser uma ferramenta valiosa no diagnóstico e o tratamento cirúrgico imediato é necessário para evitar desfechos fatais.

Myxomas are the most common benign primary cardiac tumors, the vast majority located in the left atrium and 80 percent originates in the atrial septum and 5 percent of them are biatrial.Usually present, often with signs and symptoms of mitral valve disease or thromboembolic events. This report illustrates a case of myxoma in left atrium protrudind through the mitral valve into the left ventricle, simulating stenotic mitral valve disease, which evolved with ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (MI) as thromboembolic events. Echocardiography continues to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and surgical treatment is immediately necessary to prevent fatal outcomes.

Los mixomas son los tumores cardíacos primarios benignos más comunes, siendo que la gran mayoría se localiza en la aurícula izquierda; el 80% tiene su origen en el septo interauricular y el 5% de ellos son biauriculares. Clínicamente, se presentan, casi siempre, con señales y síntomas de enfermedad valvular mitral o de eventos tromboembólicos. Este relato ilustra un caso de mixoma en aurícula izquierda, proyectándose a través de la válvula mitral hacia el ventrículo izquierdo y simulando una estenosis mitral, que evolucionó con accidente vascular cerebral isquémico (AVCi) e infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM), con complicaciones tromboembólicas. El ecocardiograma continua siendo una herramienta valiosa en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento quirúrgico inmediato es necesario para evitar desenlaces fatales.

High on-treatment platelet reactivity predicts cardiac events in patients with drug-eluting stents.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelet reactivity (PR) tests in the prediction of long-term events in Latin-American patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of PR tests in the prediction of events after DES implantation. METHODS: From May 2006 through January 2008, 209 Brazilian patients who underwent elective treatment with DES were included. PR was assessed 12 to 18h after the procedure by light transmittance aggregometry with 5µM of ADP. Patients were prospectively followed for up to 4.8 years. Seventeen (8%) individuals were lost to follow-up and the final cohort comprised 192 patients. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to determine the best 5µM of ADP cutoff to predict events. The primary endpoint was a combination of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, and target-artery revascularization. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the variables independently associated with the time to the first event. RESULTS: The best ADP 5µM cutoff was 33%. One hundred and seven (55.7%) patients had ADP 5µM >33%. Event-free survival rate at 1,800 days was 55% vs. 70% for individuals with ADP5 above and below such cutoff, respectively (p=0.001). Independent predictors of time to first event were current smoking (HR 3.49; 95% CI 1.76-6.9; p=0.0003), ADP 5µM >33% (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.09-3.51; p=0.025) and age (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.0-1.06; p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 55.7% of the patients had high on-treatment platelet reactivity. ADP 5µM >33% was an independent predictor of long-term events.

Alta reatividade plaquetária durante tratamento é preditora de eventos cardíacos em pacientes com stents farmacológicos / High on-treatment platelet reactivity predicts cardiac events in patients with drug-eluting stents

FUNDAMENTO: O papel dos testes de reatividade plaquetária (RP) na predição de eventos em longo prazo em pacientes latino-americanos tratados com stents farmacológicos (SF) não foi estabelecido. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o papel dos testes de RP na predição de eventos após a implantação de SF. MÉTODOS: De maio de 2006 a janeiro de 2008, foram incluídos 209 pacientes brasileiros que se submeteram a tratamento eletivo com SF. A RP foi avaliada 12 a 18 horas após o procedimento, por agregometria de transmitância de luz com 5µM de ADP. Os pacientes foram acompanhados prospectivamente por até 4,8 anos. Dezessete (8%) dos indivíduos foram perdidos durante o acompanhamento e a coorte final foi composta de 192 pacientes. A curva ROC foi utilizada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte de 5µM de ADP para prever eventos. O endpoint primário foi uma combinação de morte cardiovascular, infarto agudo do miocárdio, trombose definitiva de stent, e revascularização de artéria alvo.Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram utilizados para determinar as variáveis independentemente associadas com o tempo até o primeiro evento. RESULTADOS: O melhor ponto de corte de 5µM de ADP foi de 33%. Cento e sete (55,7%) pacientes apresentaram 5mM de ADP > 33%. A taxa de sobrevivência livre de eventos em 1.800 dias foi de 55% contra 70% para os indivíduos com ADP5 acima e abaixo desse ponto de corte, respectivamente (p = 0,001). Preditores de tempo independentes para o primeiro evento foram tabagismo atual (HR 3,49, IC95%: 1,76-6,9, p = 0,0003), ADP 5mM > 33% (HR 1,95, IC95%: 1,09-3,51, p = 0,025) e idade (HR 1,03 IC 95%: 1,0-1,06, p = 0,041). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, 55,7% dos pacientes apresentaram alta reatividade plaquetária durante tratamento. 5µM de ADP > 33% foi um preditor independente de eventos em longo prazo.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelet reactivity (PR) tests in the prediction of long-term events in Latin-American patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of PR tests in the prediction of events after DES implantation. METHODS: From May 2006 through January 2008, 209 Brazilian patients who underwent elective treatment with DES were included. PR was assessed 12 to 18h after the procedure by light transmittance aggregometry with 5µM of ADP. Patients were prospectively followed for up to 4.8 years. Seventeen (8%) individuals were lost to follow-up and the final cohort comprised 192 patients. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to determine the best 5µM of ADP cutoff to predict events. The primary endpoint was a combination of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, and target-artery revascularization. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the variables independently associated with the time to the first event. RESULTS: The best ADP 5µM cutoff was 33%. One hundred and seven (55.7%) patients had ADP 5µM >33%. Event-free survival rate at 1,800 days was 55% vs. 70% for individuals with ADP5 above and below such cutoff, respectively (p=0.001). Independent predictors of time to first event were current smoking (HR 3.49; 95% CI 1.76-6.9; p=0.0003), ADP 5µM >33% (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.09-3.51; p=0.025) and age (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.0-1.06; p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 55.7% of the patients had high on-treatment platelet reactivity. ADP 5µM >33% was an independent predictor of long-term events.

Bioimpedância transtorácica comparada à ressonância magnética na avaliação do débito cardíaco / Transthoracic impedance compared to magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of cardiac output

FUNDAMENTO: A ressonância magnética cardíaca é considerada o método padrão-ouro para o cálculo de volumes cardíacos. A bioimpedância transtorácica cardíaca avalia o débito cardíaco. Não há trabalhos que validem essa medida comparada à ressonância. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho da bioimpedância transtorácica cardíaca no cálculo do débito cardíaco, índice cardíaco e volume sistólico, utilizando a ressonância como padrão-ouro. MÉTODOS: Avaliados 31 pacientes, com média de idade de 56,7 ± 18 anos, sendo 18 (58%) do sexo masculino. Foram excluídos os pacientes cuja indicação para a ressonância magnética cardíaca incluía avaliação sob estresse farmacológico. A correlação entre os métodos foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de Pearson, e a dispersão das diferenças absolutas em relação à média foi demonstrada pelo método de Bland-Altman. A concordância entre os métodos foi realizada pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasses. RESULTADOS: A média do débito cardíaco pela bioimpedância transtorácica cardíaca e pela ressonância foi, respectivamente, 5,16 ± 0,9 e 5,13 ± 0,9 L/min. Observou-se boa correlação entre os métodos para o débito cardíaco (r = 0,79; p = 0,0001), índice cardíaco (r = 0,74; p = 0,0001) e volume sistólico (r = 0,88; p = 0,0001). A avaliação pelo gráfico de Bland-Altman mostrou pequena dispersão das diferenças em relação à média, com baixa amplitude dos intervalos de concordância. Houve boa concordância entre os dois métodos quando avaliados pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasses, com coeficientes para débito cardíaco, índice cardíaco e volume sistólico de 0,78, 0,73 e 0,88, respectivamente (p < 0,0001 para todas as comparações). CONCLUSÃO: A bioimpedância transtorácica cardíaca mostrou-se acurada no cálculo do débito cardíaco quando comparada à ressonância magnética cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is considered the gold-standard method for the calculation of cardiac volumes. Transthoracic impedance cardiography assesses the cardiac output. No studies validating this measurement, in comparison to that obtained by magnetic resonance imaging, are available. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of transthoracic impedance cardiography in the calculation of the cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume using magnetic resonance imaging as the gold-standard. METHODS: 31 patients with a mean age of 56.7 ± 18 years were assessed; of these, 18 (58%) were males. Patients whose indication for magnetic resonance imaging required pharmacologic stress test were excluded. Correlation between methods was assessed using the Pearson's coefficient, and dispersion of absolute differences in relation to the mean was demonstrated using the Bland-Altman's method. Agreement between methods was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean cardiac output by transthoracic impedance cardiography and by magnetic resonance imaging was 5.16 ± 0.9 and 5.13 ± 0.9 L/min, respectively. Good agreement between methods was observed for cardiac output (r = 0.79; p = 0.0001), cardiac index (r = 0.74; p = 0.0001) and stroke volume (r = 0.88; p = 0.0001). The analysis by the Bland-Altman plot showed low dispersion of differences in relation to the mean, with a low amplitude of agreement intervals. Good agreement between the two methods was observed when analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, with coefficients for cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume of 0.78, 0.73 and 0.88, respectively (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Transthoracic impedance cardiography proved accurate in the calculation of the cardiac output in comparison to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Transthoracic impedance compared to magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of cardiac output.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is considered the gold-standard method for the calculation of cardiac volumes. Transthoracic impedance cardiography assesses the cardiac output. No studies validating this measurement, in comparison to that obtained by magnetic resonance imaging, are available. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of transthoracic impedance cardiography in the calculation of the cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume using magnetic resonance imaging as the gold-standard. METHODS: 31 patients with a mean age of 56.7 ± 18 years were assessed; of these, 18 (58%) were males. Patients whose indication for magnetic resonance imaging required pharmacologic stress test were excluded. Correlation between methods was assessed using the Pearson's coefficient, and dispersion of absolute differences in relation to the mean was demonstrated using the Bland-Altman's method. Agreement between methods was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean cardiac output by transthoracic impedance cardiography and by magnetic resonance imaging was 5.16 ± 0.9 and 5.13 ± 0.9 L/min, respectively. Good agreement between methods was observed for cardiac output (r = 0.79; p = 0.0001), cardiac index (r = 0.74; p = 0.0001) and stroke volume (r = 0.88; p = 0.0001). The analysis by the Bland-Altman plot showed low dispersion of differences in relation to the mean, with a low amplitude of agreement intervals. Good agreement between the two methods was observed when analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, with coefficients for cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume of 0.78, 0.73 and 0.88, respectively (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Transthoracic impedance cardiography proved accurate in the calculation of the cardiac output in comparison to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Testes de agregação plaquetária ajudam na minha decisão? / Do platelet reactivity tests help my decisions?

A avaliação da função plaquetária é capaz de predizer eventos cardíacos e pode ser utilizada em casosselecionados, se essa informação for utilizada para mudar a estratégia terapêutica. Seu uso rotineiro, no entanto, não é recomendado, até que os estudos em andamento sejam publicados.

Platelet function tests can predict major cardiac events, and may be useful in selected cases if this information isused to guide treatment strategies. However, their routine use is not recommended until ongoing studies arepublished.

Summary of the II Brazilian Guideline update on Acute Heart Failure 2009/2011.

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Antiagregantes plaquetários e testes de função plaquetária na era dos stents coronarios / Antiplatelet therapy and platelet reactivity tests in the era of coronary stents

Em pacientes portadores de stents coronarianos é obrigatória a utilização de dupla antiagregação plaquetária com ácido acetilsalicílico e clopidogrel. Umnúmero considerável de pacientes portadores de stents em uso de clopidogrel apresenta alta reatividadeplaquetária, caracterizando uma resposta deficiente a esse fármaco. Esses pacientes apresentam risco maiselevado não apenas de trombose de stents, mas também de morte cardiovascular, infarto agudo do miocárdio e reestenose intra-stent. Dobrar a dose de manutenção doclopidogrel não se mostrou uma estratégia eficaz. A utilização de drogas mais potentes, como prasugrel eticagrelor parece ser uma estratégia válida, principalmente no contexto de síndrome coronariana aguda, mas não hátrabalhos confirmando os benefícios em pacientes estáveis. Nos pacientes crônicos em uso de clopidogrel, não há recomendações na literatura para realização de rotina dos testes de função plaquetária, mas esses podemser realizados em casos selecionados.

Hipertensão arterial pulmonar: dificuldades diagnósticas / Pulmonary hypertension: diagnostic difficulties

Mulher, 54 anos, relatou episódio de tromboembolismo pulmonar em 2007 que evoluiu para cor pulmonalecrônico. A partir de julho de 2011, apresentou piora progressiva da dispneia, estase jugular, hepatopatiacongestiva e edema de membros inferiores. O ecocardiograma evidenciou disfunção importante do ventrículo direito associado à grave hipertensãopulmonar. A paciente evoluiu com choque cardiogênico, hipoxemia refratária e óbito. Objetiva-se discutir ospossíveis mecanismos fisiopatológicos relacionados à ocorrência de hipertensão pulmonar, suas dificuldadesdiagnósticas, bem como suas implicações clínicas e abordagens terapêuticas.

Cardiomiopatia por doxorrubicina em pacientes com câncer de mama: a propósito de dois casos / Doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in patients with breast cancer: two case studies

As lesões cardiovasculares secundárias ao tratamento do câncer têm aumentado, com destaque para as cardiomiopatias (CMP). A doxorrubicina (DX) é quimioterápico (QT) amplamente utilizado e relacionado ao desenvolvimento de CMP. Relatam-se dois casos de pacientes com câncer de mama admitidas por insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada e cardiopatia em fase dilatada, após QT com DX, sem evidência de IC ou CMP prévias. Trombose venosa profunda, trombo cavitário, derrame pleural ocorreram no curso clínico. Ambas evoluíram com compensação do quadro de IC e a causa atribuída da CMP foi a cardiotoxicidade da DX.

Cardiovascular lesions due to cancer treatment have increased, especially cardiomyopathies (CMP). Widelyused in chemotherapy, doxorubicin (DX) is related to the development of CMP. Two case studies are presented ofbreast cancer patients admitted for decompensated heart failure (HF) and dilated CMP attributed to DX chemotherapy, with no evidence of previous HF or CMP. Deep venous thrombosis, cavitary thrombus and pleural effusion occurred during treatment. Both patients progressed to compensated HF, with DX cardiotoxicitybeing the cause of the CMP.