Factores asociados con mortalidad intrahospitalaria en falla cardíaca aguda: un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Factors Associated with in-hospital Mortality in Acute Heart Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study / Fatores associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar na insuficiência cardíaca aguda: estudo retrospectivo

Introducción: La falla cardiaca es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia mundial y de gran interés para la salud pública. En Colombia constituye una de las principales causas de mortalidad de origen cardiovascular, por lo cual es importante determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria en estos pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó a 260 pacientes con diagnóstico de falla cardiaca aguda atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Tunja (Colombia) entre enero de 2019 y enero de 2022. Con un análisis univariado y bivariado se construyó un modelo de regresión de Cox para determinar los factores asociados con mortalidad intrahospitalaria, y como desenlaces secundarios se determinó la incidencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 10 días, el reingreso y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: La incidencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria a los 10 días fue del 10 %, el reingreso hospitalario se presentó en el 21,2 % de los pacientes, la media de estancia hospitalaria fue de 9,31 días. Los factores de riesgo para mortalidad intrahospitalaria estadísticamente significativos fueron la clasificación clínica de Stevenson C o L (HR: 3,2; IC: 1,12-9,39; p = 0,03) y la clase funcional del paciente a su ingreso NYHA III o IV (HR: 2,76; IC: 1,02-7,53; p = 0,04). Conclusiones: La clasificación clínica de Stevenson C o L y la clase funcional según NYHA III o IV demostraron ser factores de riesgo independientes de mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Se sugiere identificar tempranamente a estos pacientes, ya que podría asegurar una mayor supervivencia

Introduction: Heart failure is an illness of high prevalence at world level, and therefore one of great interest for public health. In Colombia, it is one of the leading causes of death from cardiovascular cause. For this reason, it is important to determine the risk factors associated to intrahospital morta-lity in these patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study that included 260 patients diagnosed with acute heart failure treated in San Rafael University Hospital in Tunja between January 2019 and January 2022. A univariate and a bivariate analysis were carried out calculating Hazard Ratio and p values. With these results, a Cox regression model was made to determine the associated factors in intrahos-pital mortality; in addition, the incidence of intrahospital mortality 10 days after admission; readmis-sions; and length of hospital stay were determined as secondary outcomes. Results: The incidence of intrahospital mortality 10 days after admission was of 10%; hospital read-missions occurred for 21.2% of the patients; the mean in hospital stay was of 9.31 days; the statis-tically significant risk factors for intrahospital mortality were Stevenson's clinical classification C or L (HR: 3.2; IC: 1.12-9.39; p = 0.03] and the patient's functional class at the time of admission NYHA III or IV (HR: 2.76; IC: 1.02-7.53; p = 0.04]. Conclusion: Stevenson's clinical classification C or L and the functional class NYHA III or IV emerge as independent risk factors for intrahospital mortality. Early identification of these patients is suggested for an increased rate of survival.

Introdução: a insuficiência cardíaca é uma doença de elevada prevalência em todo o mundo e que suscita grades preocupações em termos de saúde pública. Na Colômbia, esta é uma das principais causas de mortalidade cardiovascular, pelo que é importante determinar os fatores de risco associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar nestes pacientes. Materiais e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que inclui 260 pacientes com diagnostico de insuficiência cardíaca aguda tratados no Hospital Universitário San Rafael da cidade de Tunja (Colômbia) entre janeiro de 2019 e janeiro de 2022. Foi construído um modelo de regressão de Cox utilizando análises univariada e bivariada para determinar os fatores associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar. A inci-dência de mortalidade intra-hospitalar aos 10 dias, a readmissão e a duração do internamento foram determinados como resultados secundários. Resultados: A incidência de mortalidade intra-hospitalar aos 10 dias foi de 10%, a readmissão ocorreu em 21,2% dos pacientes e o tempo médio de internamento foi de 9,31 dias. Os fatores de risco estatis-ticamente significativos para a mortalidade intra-hospitalar foram a classificação clínica de Stevenson C ou L (HR: 3,2; IC: 1,12-9,39; p = 0,03) e a classe funcional do paciente na admissão NYHA III ou IV (HR: 2,76; IC: 1,02-7,53; p = 0,04). Conclusões: A classificação clínica C ou L de Stevenson e a classe funcional III ou IV da NYHA provaram ser fatores de risco independentes para a mortalidade intra-hospitalar. A identificação precoce destes pacientes é sugerida, uma vez que pode assegurar uma sobrevivência mais longa

Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Ventricular Esquerda Supranormal - Estado da Arte / Heart Failure with Supra-normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction - State of the Art

Resumo Em 2019, um artigo publicado no European Heart Journal reconheceu pela primeira vez a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) ≥ 65% como um novo fenótipo de IC, ou a insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção supranormal (ICFEsn), com o objetivo principal de promover a investigação desta nova categoria. Eles analisaram a mortalidade em pessoas com IC e descobriram que havia uma relação em forma de U entre a mortalidade e a FEVE. Sendo assim, os pacientes com ICFEsn tinham uma mortalidade geral mais alta em comparação com outros pacientes diagnosticados com IC com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEp). Este artigo descreve a situação atual da ICFEsn e discute as perspectivas futuras com base nos resultados preliminares de nosso grupo. Para melhor tratar os pacientes com ICFEsn, é fundamental que cardiologistas e médicos entendam as diferenças e semelhanças desse novo fenótipo.

Abstract In 2019, an article published in the European Heart Journal recognized for the first time heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≥ 65% as a new HF phenotype, heart failure with supra-normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFsnEF), with the main purpose of promoting research on this new category. They analyzed mortality in people with HF and found that there was a u-shaped relationship between mortality and LVEF. Accordingly, HFsnEF patients had a higher all-cause mortality compared with other patients diagnosed with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This article describes the current situation of HFsnEF and discusses future perspectives based on the preliminary results of our group. To better treat patients with HFsnEF, it is fundamental that cardiologists and physicians understand the differences and similarities of this new phenotype.

Epidemiología de la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada: resultados del Registro RICA / Epidemiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Results from the RICA Registry

Introducción y objetivos: La caracterización de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con fracción de eyección preservada (IC-FEp) sigue teniendo interés. El objetivo fue conocer la prevalencia, las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la IC-FEp, y sus cambios en los últimos años.MétodosAnalizamos el Registro RICA, de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna; estudio de cohorte multicéntrico y prospectivo de pacientes ingresados por IC, consecutivamente en servicios de medicina interna, durante un periodo de 11 años (2008-2018).ResultadosSe incluyeron 4.752 pacientes, 2957 (62,2%) con IC-FEp, proporción que se mantuvo constante durante todo el periodo. En comparación con los pacientes con IC y fracción de eyección reducida (IC-FEr), los pacientes con IC-FEp tienen: mayor edad, predominio de sexo femenino, etiología hipertensiva y valvular, distinto perfil de comorbilidades y peor capacidad funcional (menor índice de Barthel). La mayoría de pacientes recibía un tratamiento similar al de la IC-FEr (inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona y betabloqueantes). La mortalidad global al año de seguimiento fue del 24% en la IC-FEp y del 30% en la IC-FEr. En el análisis multivariante el riesgo de muerte fue superior en los pacientes con IC-FEr (HR: 1,84; IC 95%: [1,43-2,36]); la estancia hospitalaria fue inferior en la IC-FEp y no hubo diferencias en las re-hospitalizaciones. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: There is great interest in better characterizing patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, progression over time and to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HF-PEF.MethodsFrom the National Registry of Heart Failure (RICA, prospective multicentre cohort study) we analysed patients consecutively admitted for HF in Internal Medicine wards over a period of 11 years (2008-2018).Results4752 patients were included, 2957 (62.2%) with preserved ejection fraction. This prevalence remained constant from 2008 to 2019. Compared to patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF) patients with HF-PEF are older, more are female, there is a higher prevalence of hypertensive and valvular aetiology, they have a profile of different comorbidities and worse functional status. A high proportion of patients receive disease-modifying treatment for IC-REF (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and beta-blockers). The overall mortality after one-year follow-up was 24% and 30% in the HF-PEF and the HF-REF, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients with HF-REF compared to HF-PEF (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: [1.43-2.36]). The length of hospital stay was also lower in the HF-PEF patients but there were no differences in re-hospitalizations. (AU)

Utilidad pronóstica de la ecografía a pie de cama previa al alta en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y fracción de eyección preservada / Prognostic utility of bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Antecedentes y objetivo: La utilidad de la ecografía como herramienta pronóstica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda es conocida, pero la mayoría de estudios han sido realizados en grupos mixtos de pacientes con fracción de eyección preservada y reducida. Si bien algunos análisis de subgrupos sugieren ausencia de diferencias en función de la fracción de eyección, no existen estudios específicos que lo confirmen. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la utilidad pronóstica de la ecografía a pie de cama en pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca y fracción de eyección preservada.Material y métodoEstudio de cohortes prospectivo con seguimiento a 3meses tras realización de ecografía pulmonar previa al alta en pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y fracción de eyección preservada. Se determinan las líneasB presentes al alta. Se constituyen dos grupos: con menos de 15líneasB (no expuestos) y con 15 o más (expuestos). Se comparan en términos de reingreso y muerte debidos a insuficiencia cardíaca.ResultadosEl grupo expuesto tiene mayor riesgo de reingreso (HR: 2,39; IC95%: 1,12-5,12; p=0,024), incluso tras ajuste multivariable (HR: 2,46; IC95%: 1,11-5,46; p=0,03). No se ha encontrado asociación con mortalidad por insuficiencia cardíaca (HR: 1,28; IC95%: 0,23-6,98).ConclusiónLa congestión subclínica evaluada con ecografía pulmonar al alta se asocia con peor pronóstico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y fracción de eyección preservada. Los pacientes con 15 o más líneasB tienen un riesgo 2,5 mayor de reingreso que los pacientes menos congestivos. (AU)

Background and objective: The utility of lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with acute heart failure is well known, but most studies have been conducted in mixed groups of patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. While some subgroup analysis suggests that lung ultrasound is useful regardless of ejection fraction, no specific studies have addressed this question. Our objective is to determine the utility of bedside lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with preserved ejection fraction, acute heart failure.Material and methodsProspective cohort study with 3-month follow-up after bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The number of Blines was determined. Two groups were formed: less than 15Blines (unexposed) and 15Blines or more (exposed). They were compared in terms of readmission and death attributable to worsening heart failure.ResultsThe exposed group was at higher risk of readmission (HR: 2.39; 95%CI: 1.12-5.12; P=.024), even after multivariable adjustment (HR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.11-5.46, P=.03). Differences between groups in terms of mortality were not statistically significant (HR: 1.28; 95%CI: .23-6.98).ConclusionSubclinical congestion evaluated with lung ultrasound before discharge is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 15Blines are 2.5times more likely to be readmitted for acute heart failure than less congestive patients. (AU)

O Papel da Ecocardiografia sob Estresse na Detecção Precoce de Disfunção Diastólica em Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica Não Grave / The Role of Stress Echocardiography in the Early Detection of Diastolic Dysfunction in Non-Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Resumo Fundamento A dispneia por esforço é uma queixa comum de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). A ICFEP é comum na DPOC e é um fator de risco independente para a progressão e exacerbação da doença. A detecção precoce, portanto, tem grande relevância clínica. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a frequência de ICFEP mascarada em pacientes com DPOC não grave com dispneia aos esforços, sem doença cardiovascular manifesta, e analisar a correlação entre ICFEP mascarada e os parâmetros do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE). Métodos Aplicamos o TCPE em 104 pacientes com DPOC não grave com dispneia aos esforços, sem doença cardiovascular evidente. A ecocardiografia foi realizada antes e no pico do TCPE. Os valores de corte para disfunção diastólica ventricular esquerda e direita induzida por estresse (DDVE/DDVD) foram E/e' >15; E/e' >6, respectivamente. A análise de correlação foi feita entre os parâmetros do TCPE e o estresse E/d'. Valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados 64% dos pacientes tinham DDVE induzida por estresse; 78% tinham DDVD induzida por estresse. Ambos os grupos com estresse DDVE e DDVD obtiveram carga menor, V'O2 e pulso de O2 mais baixos, além de apresentarem redução na eficiência ventilatória (maiores inclinações de VE/VCO2). Nenhum dos parâmetros do TCPE foram correlacionados com E/e' DDVE/DDVD induzida por estresse. Conclusão Há uma alta prevalência de disfunção diastólica induzida por estresse em pacientes com DPOC não grave com dispneia aos esforços, sem doença cardiovascular evidente. Nenhum dos parâmetros do TCPE se correlaciona com E/e' induzida por estresse. Isso demanda a realização de Ecocardiografia sob estresse por exercício (EES) e TCPE para detecção precoce e manejo adequado da ICFEP mascarada nesta população. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):259-265)

Abstract Background Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HFpEF is common in COPD and is an independent risk factor for disease progression and exacerbation. Early detection, therefore, has great clinical relevance. Objectives The aim of the study is to detect the frequency of masked HFpEF in non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease, and to analyze the correlation between masked HFpEF and the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters. Methods We applied the CPET in 104 non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography was performed before and at peak CPET. Cut-off values for stress-induced left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD/ RVDD) were E/e'>15; E/e'>6, respectively. Correlation analysis was done between CPET parameters and stress E/e'. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results 64% of the patients had stress-induced LVDD; 78% had stress-induced RVDD. Both groups with stress LVDD and RVDD achieved lower load, lower V'O2 and O2-pulse, besides showing reduced ventilatory efficiency (higher VE/VCO2 slopes). None of the CPET parameters were correlated to stress-induced left or right E/e'. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of stress-induced diastolic dysfunction in non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease. None of the CPET parameters correlates to stress-induced E/e'. This demands the performance of Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and CPET for the early detection and proper management of masked HFpEF in this population. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):259-265)

Prognostic utility of bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. / Utilidad pronóstica de la ecografía a pie de cama previa al alta en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y fracción de eyección preservada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The utility of lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with acute heart failure is well known, but most studies have been conducted in mixed groups of patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. While some subgroup analysis suggests that lung ultrasound is useful regardless of ejection fraction, no specific studies have addressed this question. Our objective is to determine the utility of bedside lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with preserved ejection fraction, acute heart failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study with 3-month follow-up after bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The number of Blines was determined. Two groups were formed: less than 15Blines (unexposed) and 15Blines or more (exposed). They were compared in terms of readmission and death attributable to worsening heart failure. RESULTS: The exposed group was at higher risk of readmission (HR: 2.39; 95%CI: 1.12-5.12; P=.024), even after multivariable adjustment (HR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.11-5.46, P=.03). Differences between groups in terms of mortality were not statistically significant (HR: 1.28; 95%CI: .23-6.98). CONCLUSION: Subclinical congestion evaluated with lung ultrasound before discharge is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 15Blines are 2.5times more likely to be readmitted for acute heart failure than less congestive patients.

Epidemiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Results from the RICA Registry. / Epidemiología de la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada: resultados del Registro RICA.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is great interest in better characterizing patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, progression over time and to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HF-PEF. METHODS: From the National Registry of Heart Failure (RICA, prospective multicentre cohort study) we analysed patients consecutively admitted for HF in Internal Medicine wards over a period of 11 years (2008-2018). RESULTS: 4752 patients were included, 2957 (62.2%) with preserved ejection fraction. This prevalence remained constant from 2008 to 2019. Compared to patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF) patients with HF-PEF are older, more are female, there is a higher prevalence of hypertensive and valvular aetiology, they have a profile of different comorbidities and worse functional status. A high proportion of patients receive disease-modifying treatment for IC-REF (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and beta-blockers). The overall mortality after one-year follow-up was 24% and 30% in the HF-PEF and the HF-REF, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients with HF-REF compared to HF-PEF (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: [1.43-2.36]). The length of hospital stay was also lower in the HF-PEF patients but there were no differences in re-hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Sixty percent of patients in the RICA registry have preserved ejection fraction. These patients have a higher comorbidity burden and a worse functional status, but lower mortality compared with HF-REF patients.

Diastolic dysfunction for nephrologists: diagnosis at the point of care

SUMMARY Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diastolic dysfunction (DD) may progress with the clinical manifestation of heart failure, known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a condition that precedes systolic dysfunction. The early identification of DD by echocardiography at the point-of-care before the appearance of symptoms and signs of pulmonary congestion and the implementation of appropriate treatment can improve the prognosis of CKD. This review article briefly addresses DD in kidney disease and presents a practical approach to the echocardiographic diagnosis of DD at the point of care.

SUMÁRIO As doenças cardiovasculares são causa importante de morbidade e mortalidade no curso da doença renal crônica (DRC). A disfunção diastólica (DD) pode evoluir com insuficiência cardíaca manifesta clinicamente, denominada insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada, e precede a disfunção sistólica. A identificação precoce da DD pela ecocardiografia "point of care", antes do aparecimento dos sintomas e sinais de congestão pulmonar, e a implementação de tratamento adequado podem melhorar o prognóstico da DRC. Este artigo de revisão aborda brevemente a DD na doença renal e apresenta uma abordagem prática para o diagnóstico ecocardiográfico da DD à beira do leito

Testosterona e doença cardiovascular: do tratamento ao uso abusivo / Testosterone and cardiovascular disease: from treatment to abuse

A testosterona, hormônio masculino com efeitos androgênicos e anabólicos, também exerce efeito sobre o leito vascular. Este hormônio promove vasodilatação através da liberação de óxido nítrico e modulação dos canais de cálcio que impacta a função endotelial. Em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e insuficiência cardíaca (IC), reduções nas concentrações de testosterona total (<300 ng/dL) estão relacionadas com maior mortalidade e severidade dessas doenças. Em pacientes com DAC, a reposição de testosterona (RT) tem relação com melhora do tônus vascular coronário e melhora do limiar de isquemia. Em pacientes com IC, os efeitos parecem estar mais relacionados à melhora da capacidade funcional, aumento na distância percorrida em testes funcionais, maior VO2máx, menor razão VE/VCO2, e melhora adicional da sensibilidade barorreflexa. No entanto, embora os efeitos da testosterona sobre o aumento de massa muscular e força muscular estejam bem estabelecidos na literatura, os efeitos dessa substância no sistema cardiovascular precisam ser elucidados. O aumento das concentrações de antígeno prostático específico da próstata tem sido constantemente discutido quando a RT é proposta no tratamento de pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares. Por se tratar de um hormônio com grande potencial anabólico, os efeitos do uso de quantidades suprafisiológicas de testosterona e seus análogos sobre as alterações cardiovasculares em jovens atletas têm sido estudados. Portanto, o objetivo dessa revisão é abordar os efeitos benéficos da RT em homens com hipogonadismo com DAC e IC, e mostrar os riscos relacionados com a prática indiscriminada do uso de anabolizantes em jovens sem deficiência de testosterona

Testosterone, the male hormone with androgenic and anabolic effects, also has an effect on the vascular bed. This hormone promotes vasodilation by releasing nitric oxide and calcium channel modulation that impacts endothelial function. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF), reductions in total testosterone concentrations (<300 ng/dL) are related to higher mortality and severity of these diseases. In patients with CAD, testosterone replacement (TR) is related to improved coronary vascular tone and improved ischemia threshold. In HF patients, the effects seem be more related to improved functional capacity, increased distance covered in functional tests, higher VO2max, lower LV/VCO2 ratio, and further improvement of baroreflex sensitivity. However, although the effects of testosterone on muscle mass gain and muscle strength are well established in the literature, the effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system need to be elucidated. Increased prostate-specific prostate antigen concentrations have been constantly discussed when TR is proposed in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Because it is a hormone with great anabolic potential, the effects of supraphysiological amounts of testosterone and its analogues on cardiovascular disorders in young athletes have been studied. Therefore, the objective of this review is to address the beneficial effects of TR in men with hypogonadism with CAD and HF, and to show the risks related to anabolic steroids abuse in young people without testosterone deficiency

Evaluación de la disfunción diastólica y consideraciones perioperatorias / As assessment of diastolic dysfunction and its influence on perioperative considerations

Se revisó la importancia del hallazgo de disfunción diastólica en el peri-operatorio como predictor de morbimortalidad debido a eventos cardiovasculares mayores. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos de PubMed, Cochrane, Scielo, Bireme, Lilacs y Google Scholar. Se revisaron 250 artículos y se seleccionaron 55 que por criterio de los autores están relacionados directamente con el tema. Se observó que gran porcentaje de los pacientes con falla cardiaca tienen función sistólica preservada y que tener disfunción diastólica es un factor de riesgo independiente para presentar eventos cardiovasculares mayores en el perioperatorio. La disfunción diastólica ha demostrado ser un factor de riesgo independiente para eventos cardiovasculares mayores en cirugía no cardiaca. La importancia del uso de la ecocardiografía en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la disfunción diastólica es cada vez mayor. La disfunción diastólica continúa siendo una entidad subdiagnosticada. El Manejo terapéutico debe ser estrecho y cauteloso evitando las variaciones hemodinámicas bruscas y adelantándose a la hipotensión con las medidas farmacológicas adecuadas y del manejo de líquidos, apoyados en un estricto control perioperatorio con medición de la presión arterial invasiva y ecocardiograma transesofágico

We assessed the presence of diastolic dysfunction during the perioperative period as a predictor of morbidity and mortality caused by major cardiovascular events. We did a literature search in specialized data bases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scielo, Bireme, Lilacs, and Google Scholar). Two hundred and fifty papers were found, and we chose 55 of them which complied with the selection criteria previously established by the authors. This review allowed us to find that a great proportion of patients with heart failure had preserved systolic function, and having diastolic dysfunction was an independent risk factor for developing major cardiovascular events in the perioperative period and in non-cardiac surgery; performing a cardiac ultrasonography is becoming more important for diagnosing and following diastolic dysfunction, being this still a misdiagnosed condition. Also, the therapy management should be well directed and cautious, avoiding sudden hemodynamic variations and preventing the occurrence of hypotension by using adequate pharmacological measures and proper fluid management, being supported by a strict perioperative control with invasive blood pressure monitoring and the use of transesophageal cardiac ultrasonography

Cardiac Amyloidosis and its New Clinical Phenotype: Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction / Amiloidose Cardíaca e seu Novo Fenótipo Clínico: Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Preservada

Abstract Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is now an emerging cardiovascular epidemic, being identified as the main phenotype observed in clinical practice. It is more associated with female gender, advanced age and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease. Amyloidosis is a clinical disorder characterized by the deposition of aggregates of insoluble fibrils originating from proteins that exhibit anomalous folding. Recently, pictures of senile amyloidosis have been described in patients with HFpEF, demonstrating the need for clinical cardiologists to investigate this etiology in suspect cases. The clinical suspicion of amyloidosis should be increased in cases of HFPS where the cardio imaging methods are compatible with infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Advances in cardio imaging methods combined with the possibility of performing genetic tests and identification of the type of amyloid material allow the diagnosis to be made. The management of the diagnosed patients can be done in partnership with centers specialized in the study of amyloidosis, which, together with the new technologies, investigate the possibility of organ or bone marrow transplantation and also the involvement of patients in clinical studies that evaluate the action of the new emerging drugs.

Resumo A insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) é hoje uma epidemia cardiovascular emergente, sendo identificada como o principal fenótipo observado na prática clínica. Está mais associado ao sexo feminino, idade avançada e a comorbidades como hipertensão arterial, diabetes, obesidade e doença renal crônica. A amiloidose é uma desordem clínica caracterizada pelo depósito de agregados de fibrilas insolúveis originadas de proteínas que apresentam dobramento anômalo. Recentemente, têm sido descritos quadros de amiloidose senil em pacientes com ICFEP, demonstrando a necessidade de os cardiologistas clínicos investigarem esta etiologia em casos suspeitos. Deve-se aumentar a suspeição clínica de amiloidose diante dos casos de ICFEP onde os métodos de cardioimagem sejam compatíveis com o quadro de cardiomiopatia infiltrativa. Os avanços nos métodos de cardioimagem aliados à possibilidade de realização de testes genéticos e identificação do tipo do material amiloide permitem a realização do diagnóstico. O manejo dos pacientes diagnosticados pode ser feito em parceria com centros especializados no estudo de amiloidose, que, aliados às novas tecnologias, investigam a possibilidade de transplante de órgãos ou medula óssea e também o envolvimento dos pacientes em estudos clínicos que avaliam a ação das novas drogas emergentes.

Association between ventricular filling patterns and the extent of late enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. / Asociación entre patrones de llenado ventricular y extensión del realce tardío por resonancia magnética en pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between ventricular filling curves and the extent of late enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients with suspected and/or confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a control group of patients matched for age and sex who underwent cardiac MRI with evaluation of late enhancement. Among other determinations, we evaluated the following parameters on cine sequences: peak filling rate, time to the first peak filling rate, and filling rate normalized to the filling volume. RESULTS: Late enhancement was observed in 29 (73%) of the 40 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The normalized peak filling rate was significantly lower in patients with late enhancement (4.9 ± 1.6 in those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy positive for late enhancement vs. 5.8 ± 2.2 in those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy negative for late enhancement vs. 6.3 ± 1.5 in controls, p = 0.008) and the time to peak filling was longer in patients with late enhancement (540.6 ± 89.7 ms vs. 505.5 ± 99.3 ms in those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy negative for late enhancement vs. 486.9 ± 86.3 ms in controls, p = 0.02). When the population was stratified into three groups in function of the normalized peak filling rate, significant differences were observed among groups for age (p = 0.002), mean wall thickness (p = 0.036), and myocardial mass (p = 0.046) and atrial dimensions, whereas no significant differences with respect to late enhancement were seen. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we found a significant association between ventricular filling patterns and age, wall thicknesses, and atrial dimensions, but not with the extent of late enhancement.

Diastolic dysfunction in the critically ill patient.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a common finding in critically ill patients. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the relaxation and the compliance of the left ventricle. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography is a cornerstone in its diagnosis. Acute pulmonary edema associated with hypertensive crisis is the most frequent presentation of diastolic dysfunction critically ill patients. Myocardial ischemia, sepsis and weaning failure from mechanical ventilation also may be associated with diastolic dysfunction. The treatment is based on the reduction of pulmonary congestion and left ventricular filling pressures. Some studies have found a prognostic role of diastolic dysfunction in some diseases such as sepsis. The present review aims to analyze thoroughly the echocardiographic diagnosis and the most frequent scenarios in critically ill patients in whom diastolic dysfunction plays a key role.

Evidencia de miocardiopatía incipiente con strain en la enfermedad de Chagas / Evidence of Early Cardiomyopathy with Strain in Chagas Disease

Introducción: En la enfermedad de Chagas, la miocardiopatía es la afección más grave provocada por esta parasitosis; su lenta evolución ha llevado a numerosas investigaciones en búsqueda de parámetros que permitan detectar daño miocárdico incipiente. Actualmente, la incorporación del strain por speckle tracking abre un nuevo horizonte. Objetivo: Investigar el rol del strain bidimensional en la enfermedad de Chagas y en la detección de miocardiopatía incipiente. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado de diciembre de 2009 a marzo de 2011, en el que se incluyeron 93 pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas, 45 hombres, edad promedio 46 ± 12 años, que se dividieron en tres grupos (G): G1 (n = 40) sin cardiopatía demostrada, G2 (n = 17) con electrocardiograma anormal y G3 (n = 36) con miocardiopatía. Se conformó un grupo control de 35 sujetos, 19 hombres, edad promedio de 40 ± 10 años. Por eco-Doppler cardíaco se evaluaron: diámetros del ventrículo izquierdo, área auricular izquierda, fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (Simpson), excursión sistó-lica del plano de los anillos mitral y tricuspídeo. Por flujograma mitral: ondas E y A, tiempo de desaceleración de la onda E, relación E/A. Entre el grupo control y el grupo sin cardiopatía demostrada se compararon el Doppler pulsado tisular de los anillos mitral y tricuspídeo (ondas E', A', relación E'/A' y onda S') y el strain longitudinal pico sistólico global y segmentario. Resultados: El strain longitudinal pico sistólico global se correlacionó con la excursión sistólica del plano del anillo mitral (r: 0,75) en los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas tomados en conjunto. El análisis del strain longitudinal pico sistólico segmentario discriminó dos o más segmentos anormales (valor inferior -12%) en 10 pacientes del grupo sin cardiopatía demostrada. Este subgrupo (n = 10) mostró inferior strain longitudinal pico sistólico global (-19,78% vs. -22,28%; p = 0,009), menor valor E'/A' en los anillos mitral (1,23 ± 0,59; p = 0,021) y tricuspídeo (0,73 ± 0,3; p = 0,019), con inversión de la relación E'/A' tricuspídea respecto del resto del grupo (n = 30). Conclusiones: El strain longitudinal pico sistólico global se correlacionó con la excursión sistólica del plano del anillo mitral. El strain longitudinal pico sistólico segmentario discriminó en el grupo sin cardiopatía demostrada una subpoblación con segmentos anormales, valores inferiores de strain longitudinal pico sistólico global y disfunción diastólica biventricular por Doppler pulsado tisular; la implicación clínica de este hallazgo requiere seguimiento longitudinal.

Hallazgos ecocardiográficos en pacientes con preeclampsia en la Unidad de alta dependencia obstétrica en el Hospital Universitario de San José, 2012-2014 / Echographic findings in patients with pre-eclampsia see at the critical obstetrics unit of the San Jose Children's Teaching Hospital, 2012-2014

Objetivo: describir las alteraciones ecocardiográficas encontradas en pacientes con diagnóstico de preeclampsia severa.Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se describen los hallazgos ecocardiográficos en las pacientes con preeclampsia severa (PS), de acuerdo con los criterios del Congreso Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos, atendidas en un hospital universitario de referencia ubicado en Bogotá (Colombia), entre enero 1 de 2012 y junio 30 de 2014. Se excluyeron las pacientes con control adecuado de tensión arterial o con patología cardiaca estructural previa conocida. Se describen las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y los hallazgos ecocardiográficos más frecuentes, globalmente y por momento de aparición. Se presentan los datos mediante estadística descriptiva.Resultados: se diagnosticaron 228 pacientes con PS. A 124 se les realizó ecocardiograma: en 8 de ellas el informe de ecocardiografía fue no concluyente. Se hallaron 78 pacientes (67 %) con alguna alteración. Los principales hallazgos fueron: hipertensión pulmonar leve, n = 34 (29 %); hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo, n = 32 (27 %); hipertensión pulmonar moderada, n = 21 (18 %); disfunción diastólica, n = 16 (13 %). Las pacientes con PS pretérmino (69 %) presentaron alteraciones ecocardiográficas más frecuentes que las pacientes a término (20 %) y que las que comenzaron con PS en el puerperio (11 %). La disfunción diastólica se presentó más en pacientes con preeclampsia que comenzó en el puerperio.Conclusiones: la prevalencia de alteraciones ecocardiográficas en PS es del 67 %, con mayor frecuencia de hipertensión pulmonar e hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Se requieren más estudios que validen estos hallazgos regionalmente.

Objective: To describe echographic abnormalities found in patients diagnosed with severe preeclampsia.Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study describing ultrasound findings in patients with severe preeclampsia (SP) in accordance with the criteria of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The patients were seen in a referral teaching hospital in Bogota (Colombia), between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014. Patients with adequate blood pressure control or with known pre-existing structural heart disease were excluded. Social, demographic and clinical variables are described, as well as the most frequent global echographic findings, also by time of onset. The data are presented using descriptive statistics.Results: Overall, 228 patients were diagnosed with SP. An echographic examination was performed in 124 and in 8 of them the echographic report was non-conclusive. Some form of abnormality was found in 78 patients (67 %). Mild pulmonary hypertension [n=34 (29 %)], left-ventricular hypertrophy [n=32 (27 %)], moderate pulmonary hy per tension [n=21 (18 %)] and diastolic dysfunction [n= 16 (13 %)] were the main findings observed. Echographic abnormalities were found more frequently in patients with pre-term SP (69 %) than in term patients (20 %) or those who developed SP during the post-partum period (11 %). Diastolic dysfunction was found to occur more frequently in patients who developed preeclampsia in the post-partum period.Conclusions: The prevalence of echographic abnormalities in SP is 67 %, the most frequent being pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. More studies are needed in order to validate these findings regionally.

Spironolactone in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. / Espironolactona en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección preservada.

OBJECTIVES: Aldosterone inhibitors have been shown to be beneficial for patients with systolic heart failure. However, the evidence from patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is limited. We evaluated the role of spironolactone in the prognosis of a cohort of patients with HFPEF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the outcomes of patients hospitalized for HFPEF in 52 departments of internal medicine of the Spanish RICA registry according to those who did and did not take spironolactone. We recorded the posthospital mortality rate and readmissions at 1 year and performed a multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: We included 1212 patients with HFPEF, with a mean age of 79 years (standard deviation, 7.9), (64.1% women), the majority of whom had hypertensive heart disease (50.7%). The patients treated with spironolactone, compared with those who were not treated with this diuretic, had a more advanced functional class, a higher number of readmissions (44.3 vs. 29.1%; p<0.001) and a higher rate in the combined variable of readmissions/mortality (39.0 vs. 29.0%; p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the administration of spironolactone was associated with an increase in readmissions (RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.16-1.78; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with HFPEF, the administration of spironolactone was associated with an increase in all-cause readmission, perhaps due to the higher rate of hyperpotassemia.

Influencia de la etiología sobre la mortalidad en la insuficiencia cardíaca con función sistólica preservada en una población con alta prevalencia de cardiopatía chagásica / Influence of Etiology on Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function Mortality in a Population With High Prevalence of Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Introducción La insuficiencia cardíaca con función sistólica preservada es un síndrome clínico con los mismos signos y síntomas de la insuficiencia cardíaca clásica. La enfermedad de Chagas es una causa importante de insuficiencia cardíaca en América Latina, que se asocia con miocardiopatía dilatada y deterioro progresivo de la función sistólica. No existen estudios previos que hayan evaluado pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca y función sistólica preservada de una zona endémica en la cual la enfermedad de Chagas es la causa principal de insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo Comparar las características clínicas y la evolución de la insuficiencia cardíaca en pacientes con disfunción sistólica y con función sistólica preservada en una población con alta prevalencia de enfermedad de Chagas. Material y métodos Se realizó una evaluación prospectiva de los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de insuficiencia cardíaca que ingresaron a un centro de referencia en Salvador, Bahía (Brasil). Se consideró función sistólica preservada a una fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo mayor del 45% por ecocardiograma. Se realizó seguimiento al año a través de contacto telefónico o entrevista personal en el consultorio de insuficiencia cardíaca. Resultados Se incluyeron 383 pacientes durante un período de 16 meses; el 52,5% eran hombres y la edad media fue de 54,2 años. La función sistólica estuvo preservada en 138 pacientes (36%). La enfermedad de Chagas fue la principal etiología de ambos tipos de insuficiencia cardíaca (45,3% con disfunción sistólica y 44,2% con función sistólica preservada). El 93,5% (358) de los pacientes completaron un año de seguimiento. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada tuvieron menor mortalidad que los pacientes con disfunción sistólica (10% vs. 23,6%; p = 0,039). En los pacientes sin enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada, la mortalidad fue similar a la de aquellos con disfunción sistólica (10,4% vs. 15,8%; p = 0,307). Conclusiones La función sistólica preservada fue muy frecuente en nuestra población. La enfermedad de Chagas es la principal etiología de insuficiencia cardíaca independientemente de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada tienen mejor pronóstico que aquellos con disfunción sistólica, probablemente porque se encuentran en la fase inicial del compromiso cardíaco.

Background Heart failure with preserved systolic function is a clinical syndrome with the same signs and symptoms of classic heart failure. Chagas disease is a major cause of heart failure in Latin America, associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and progressive deterioration of systolic function. There are no previous assessment studies of patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function in an endemic area in which Chagas disease is the leading cause of heart failure. Objective The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and evolution of heart failure in patients with systolic dysfunction and with preserved systolic function in a population with high prevalence of Chagas disease. Methods A prospective assessment was performed in patients with clinical diagnosis of heart failure admitted to a referral center in Salvador, Bahia (Brazil). Left ventricular ejection fraction > 45% by echocardiogram was considered as preserved systolic function. A one year follow-up was conducted through telephone or personal interview at the heart failure clinic. Results Three hundred and eighty three patients, 52.5% of whom were male, with an average age of 54.2 years, were included in this study over a period of 16 months. Systolic function was preserved in 138 patients (36%). Chagas disease was the main etiology of both types of heart failure (45.3% with systolic dysfunction and 44.2% with preserved systolic function). One year follow-up was completed by 93.5% (358) of patients. Patients with Chagas disease and preserved systolic function had lower mortality than patients with systolic dysfunction (10% vs. 23.6%; p=0.039). In patients without Chagas disease and preserved systolic function, mortality was similar to that of those with systolic dysfunction (10.4% vs. 15.8%; p=0.307). Conclusions Preserved systolic function was very common in our population. Chagas' disease is the leading cause of heart failure irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with Chagas disease and preserved systolic function have a better prognosis than those with systolic dysfunction, probably because they are in the initial phase of cardiac involvement.

Influencia de la etiología sobre la mortalidad en la insuficiencia cardíaca con función sistólica preservada en una población con alta prevalencia de cardiopatía chagásica / Influence of Etiology on Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function Mortality in a Population With High Prevalence of Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Introducción La insuficiencia cardíaca con función sistólica preservada es un síndrome clínico con los mismos signos y síntomas de la insuficiencia cardíaca clásica. La enfermedad de Chagas es una causa importante de insuficiencia cardíaca en América Latina, que se asocia con miocardiopatía dilatada y deterioro progresivo de la función sistólica. No existen estudios previos que hayan evaluado pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca y función sistólica preservada de una zona endémica en la cual la enfermedad de Chagas es la causa principal de insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo Comparar las características clínicas y la evolución de la insuficiencia cardíaca en pacientes con disfunción sistólica y con función sistólica preservada en una población con alta prevalencia de enfermedad de Chagas. Material y métodos Se realizó una evaluación prospectiva de los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de insuficiencia cardíaca que ingresaron a un centro de referencia en Salvador, Bahía (Brasil). Se consideró función sistólica preservada a una fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo mayor del 45% por ecocardiograma. Se realizó seguimiento al año a través de contacto telefónico o entrevista personal en el consultorio de insuficiencia cardíaca. Resultados Se incluyeron 383 pacientes durante un período de 16 meses; el 52,5% eran hombres y la edad media fue de 54,2 años. La función sistólica estuvo preservada en 138 pacientes (36%). La enfermedad de Chagas fue la principal etiología de ambos tipos de insuficiencia cardíaca (45,3% con disfunción sistólica y 44,2% con función sistólica preservada). El 93,5% (358) de los pacientes completaron un año de seguimiento. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada tuvieron menor mortalidad que los pacientes con disfunción sistólica (10% vs. 23,6%; p = 0,039). En los pacientes sin enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada, la mortalidad fue similar a la de aquellos con disfunción sistólica (10,4% vs. 15,8%; p = 0,307). Conclusiones La función sistólica preservada fue muy frecuente en nuestra población. La enfermedad de Chagas es la principal etiología de insuficiencia cardíaca independientemente de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas y función sistólica preservada tienen mejor pronóstico que aquellos con disfunción sistólica, probablemente porque se encuentran en la fase inicial del compromiso cardíaco.(AU)

Background Heart failure with preserved systolic function is a clinical syndrome with the same signs and symptoms of classic heart failure. Chagas disease is a major cause of heart failure in Latin America, associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and progressive deterioration of systolic function. There are no previous assessment studies of patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function in an endemic area in which Chagas disease is the leading cause of heart failure. Objective The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and evolution of heart failure in patients with systolic dysfunction and with preserved systolic function in a population with high prevalence of Chagas disease. Methods A prospective assessment was performed in patients with clinical diagnosis of heart failure admitted to a referral center in Salvador, Bahia (Brazil). Left ventricular ejection fraction > 45% by echocardiogram was considered as preserved systolic function. A one year follow-up was conducted through telephone or personal interview at the heart failure clinic. Results Three hundred and eighty three patients, 52.5% of whom were male, with an average age of 54.2 years, were included in this study over a period of 16 months. Systolic function was preserved in 138 patients (36%). Chagas disease was the main etiology of both types of heart failure (45.3% with systolic dysfunction and 44.2% with preserved systolic function). One year follow-up was completed by 93.5% (358) of patients. Patients with Chagas disease and preserved systolic function had lower mortality than patients with systolic dysfunction (10% vs. 23.6%; p=0.039). In patients without Chagas disease and preserved systolic function, mortality was similar to that of those with systolic dysfunction (10.4% vs. 15.8%; p=0.307). Conclusions Preserved systolic function was very common in our population. Chagas disease is the leading cause of heart failure irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with Chagas disease and preserved systolic function have a better prognosis than those with systolic dysfunction, probably because they are in the initial phase of cardiac involvement.(AU)