Predictors of Conversion from Radial Into Femoral Access in Cardiac Catheterization

Background: Fewer bleeding complications and early ambulation make radial access a privileged route for cardiac catheterization. However, transradial (TR) approach is not always successful, requiring its conversion into femoral access. Objectives: To evaluate the rate of conversion from radial into femoral access in cardiac catheterization and to identify its predictors. Methods: Prospective dual-center registry, including 7632 consecutive patients undergoing catheterization via the radial access between Jan/2009 and Oct/2012. We evaluated the incidence of conversion into femoral access and its predictors by logistic regression analysis. Results: The patients’ mean age was 66 ± 11 years, and 32% were women. A total of 2969 procedures (38.4%) were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and the most used first intention arterial access was the right radial artery (97.6%). Radial access failure rate was 5.8%. Independent predictors of conversion from radial into femoral access were the use of short introducer sheaths (OR 3.047, CI: 2.380-3.902; p < 0.001), PCI (OR 1.729, CI: 1.375-2.173; p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.569, CI: 1.234-1.996; p < 0.001), multivessel disease (OR 1.457, CI: 1.167-1.819; p = 0.001), body surface area (BSA) ≤ 1.938 (OR 1.448, CI: 1.120-1.871; p = 0.005) and age > 66 years (OR 1.354, CI: 1.088-1.684; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization has a high success rate and the need for its conversion into femoral access in this cohort was low. Female sex, older age, smaller BSA, the use of short introducer sheaths, multivessel disease and PCI were independent predictors of conversion into femoral access.

Thoracic radionecrosis following repeated cardiac catheterization

Radiodermatitis is a known complication in patients having undergone radiotherapy. It usually appears 2 to 5 years after irradiation. We are reporting on a case of radiodermatitis that occurred within months after coronary dilatation and stenting. It started with painful swelling, followed by a typical appearance on the skin surface. Histological finding confirmed the diagnosis. However, magnetic resonance imaging showed changes in the subcutaneous tissue extending into the ribs. A radical debridement was performed including removal of a partially necrotic 4th rib. The defect was closed with a latissimus dorsi transposition flap. Our findings are compared with the literature reports.

Resuscitated sudden cardiac death caused by left main coronary artery compression by an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva.

A 49-year-old woman, without known cardiovascular risk factors. Hoarseness of voice caused by a paralysis of left vocal cord. She was admitted to hospital because of acute coronary syndrome, associated to resuscitated cardiac arrest (asystolia documented) without later neurology sequels. Physical examination was anodyne. Echocardiographic study demonstrated a compatible image with a large left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) (Panel A) and mild aortic regurgitation. Cardiac catheterization confirmed the presence of left SVA (Panel B) that produced extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery (Panels C and D). Repair surgery was made by means of closing the aneurysmal orifice with a patch of dacron. Intra-operatory echocardiographic control study found severe aortic regurgitation, so valvular replacement with 19 mm mechanical prosthesis and extension of the valve annulus with patch of dacron was performed, associated with bypass with safena vein graft to left coronary artery. SVA is a very infrequent cardiac anomaly, generally with silent clinical course until it ruptures. Myocardial ischaemia caused by coronary artery compression is unusual. We described the case of a patient diagnosed of left SVA, whose initial clinical manifestation was the appearance of resuscitated sudden cardiac death in the context of an acute coronary syndrome.

Sildenafil vs. Sodium Nitroprusside for the Pulmonary Hypertension Reversibility Test Before Cardiac Transplantation

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with a worse prognosis after cardiac transplantation. The pulmonary hypertension reversibility test with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is associated with a high rate of systemic arterial hypotension, ventricular dysfunction of the transplanted graft and high rates of disqualification from transplantation. Objective: This study was aimed at comparing the effects of sildenafil (SIL) and SNP on hemodynamic, neurohormonal and echocardiographic variables during the pulmonary reversibility test. Methods: The patients underwent simultaneously right cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, BNP measurement, and venous blood gas analysis before and after receiving either SNP (1 - 2 mu g/kg/min) or SIL (100 mg, single dose). Results: Both drugs reduced pulmonary hypertension, but SNP caused a significant systemic hypotension (mean blood pressure - MBP: 85.2 vs. 69.8 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Both drugs reduced cardiac dimensions and improved left cardiac function (SNP: 23.5 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.02; SIL: 23.8 vs. 26%, p < 0.001) and right cardiac function (SIL: 6.57 +/- 2.08 vs. 8.11 +/- 1.81 cm/s, p = 0.002; SNP: 6.64 +/- 1.51 vs. 7.72 +/- 1.44 cm/s, p = 0.003), measured through left ventricular ejection fraction and tissue Doppler, respectively. Sildenafil, contrary to SNP, improved venous oxygen saturation, measured on venous blood gas analysis. Conclusion: Sildenafil and SNP are vasodilators that significantly reduce pulmonary hypertension and cardiac geometry, in addition to improving biventricular function. Sodium nitroprusside, contrary to SIL, was associated with systemic arterial hypotension and worsening of venous oxygen saturation. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;99(3):848-856)

TCF7L2 Polymorphism rs7903146 Is Associated with Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Mortality

Background: TCF7L2 polymorphisms have been consistently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in different populations and type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially coronary artery disease. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TCF7L2 polymorphism rs7903146 and coronary artery disease in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Methods and Results: two populations were studied in order to assess severity of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events incidence. Eight-hundred and eighty nine subjects who were referred for cardiac catheterization for coronary artery disease diagnosis were cross-sectionally evaluated for coronary lesions (atherosclerotic burden) and 559 subjects from the MASS-II Trial were prospectively followed-up for 5 years and assessed for major cardiovascular events incidence. As expected, rs7903146 T allele was associated with diabetes. Although diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of coronary lesions, no association between TCF7L2 genotype and coronary lesions was found in this subgroup. However, non-diabetic individuals carrying the T allele were associated with a significantly higher frequency of coronary lesions than non-diabetic non-carriers of the risk allele (adjusted OR = 2.32 95% CI 1.27-4.24, p = 0.006). Moreover, presence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease was also associated with the CT or TT genotypes in non-diabetics. Similarly, from the prospective sample analysis, non-diabetics carrying the CT/TT genotypes had significantly more composite cardiovascular end-points events than CC carriers (p = 0.049), mainly due to an increased incidence of death (p = 0.004). Conclusions: rs7903146 T allele is associated with diabetes and, in non-diabetic individuals, with a higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. name of registry site (see list below), registration number, trial registration URL in brackets.

Myocarditis in children and detection of viruses in myocardial tissue: Implications for immunosuppressive therapy

Background: There is scarce information on the potential benefits of immunosuppression in children with myocarditis and viral genomes in myocardium. We investigated the occurrence of myocarditis in children with a preliminary diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, the frequency of cardiotropic viruses in the myocardium, and the response to immunosuppression. Methods: Thirty patients (nine months to 12 years) with left ventricular ejection fraction of 22.8 +/- 4.1% were subjected to right cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy. Specimens were analyzed for the presence of inflammatory elements (Dallas criteria) and viral genome (polymerase chain reaction). Patients with active myocarditis received immunosuppressants (azatioprine and prednisone) and were recatheterized nine months later. A historical control group of nine patients with myocarditis who did not receive immunosuppressants was included. Results: Active myocarditis was diagnosed in ten patients (five with viral genomes detected). Immunosuppression resulted in a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction from 25.2 +/- 2.8% to 45.7 +/- 8.6% (versus 20.0 +/- 4.0% to 22.0 +/- 9.0% in historical controls, p < 0.01) and cardiac index from 3.28 +/- 0.51 L/min/m(2) to 4.40 +/- 0.49 L/min/m(2) (versus 3.50 +/- 0.40 L/min/m(2) to 3.70 +/- 0.50 L/min/m(2) in controls, p < 0.01), regardless of the presence of viral genomes (p - 0.98 and p - 0.22, respectively for the two variables). No relevant clinical events were observed. Non-inflammatory cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 20 patients (seven with viral genomes). While on conventional therapy, there were four deaths and three assignments to transplantation, and no improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in the remaining ones (22.5 +/- 3.6% to 27.5 +/- 10.6%). Conclusion: Children with chronic myocarditis seem to benefit from immunosuppressive therapy, regardless of the presence of viral genome in the myocardium. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perfil dos pacientes revascularizados do miocárdio no período de 2004 a 2008 em um Hospital Universitário do Espírito Santo

Objetivo: Caracterizar os pacientes submetidos à Revascularização do miocárdio (RM); descrever o perfil clínico dos pacientes submetidos a RM e descrever o fluxo intra e extra hospitalar no perioperatório desses pacientes. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo analítico de dados secundários de 147 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a RM em Hospital de ensino, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil, no período entre 2004 a 2008. Para a análise dos dados foi realizado o método descritivo. Resultados: A pesquisa apontou como perfil de maior incidência para RM a predominância do sexo masculino, com faixa etária entre 50 e 69, a maioria dos pacientes tinha de uma a duas doenças associadas. Ocorrência de óbito em 11,6%. O fluxo intra-hospitalar apresentou um tempo total de espera entre o CATE (cateterismo cardíaco) e a RM com mediana de 55 dias; Houve suspensão da RM por problemas relacionados à estrutura e administração e ao paciente. O motivo mais freqüente relacionada à estrutura foi a falta de leitos no Centro de Tratamento Intensivo (CTI). Conclusão: Percebeu-se que a análise das variáveis clínicas propostas apontou para resultados compatíveis com o panorama nacional nesta área. Contudo no aspecto da trajetória foi identificada a influência de questões relacionadas à gestão de recursos humanos e de estrutura para o desenvolvimento das atividades hospitalares, tendo como resultado, a dificuldade de atendimento da demanda pela capacidade instalada, assim como a fragmentação de atividades relacionadas ao planejamento assistencial, de registros e da organização dos prontuários. Com o estudo dessas variáveis foi possível a construção de uma ficha para a coleta de dados em RM, de forma que estes oferecem subsídios para a implantação de banco de dados construído pela autora e para a implementação de ações interdisciplinares no serviço de cirurgia cardíaca do local de estudo.

Volumoso Pseudoaneurisma do Ventrículo Esquerdo após Cirurgia Cardíaca

A 75-year old female patient, with previous inferior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in December 2000, was admitted in April 2001 with angina and heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was suggestive of a postero-inferior pseudoaneurysm (PA) of the left ventricle (LV), with 61x49 mm. of size and mitral regurgitation. Cardiac catheterization was suspected of a PA of the LV and revealed a three vessels coronary artery disease. On 20th April she was submitted to cardiac surgery with resection of a large LV aneurysm (AN) and triple coronary artery bypass surgery. Afterwards, she was on NYHA class III and subsequent TTE and transesophagic echocardiography (TEE) were suggestive of a 90x60 mm LV posterior PA (confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance) and severe mitral regurgitation, with good LV systolic function. She underwent a new cardiac surgery on 31st May 2002, with resuturing of the LV postero-inferior wall patch and removal of the PA. The patient is in good condition and on NYHA functional class I-II.

Ecocardiografia em «Cor Triatriatum Dexter»

"Cor triatriatum dexter" (CTD) is an unusual cyanotic cardiac defect in which the right atrium is subdivided into two distinct chambers due to the persistence of the "sinus venosus" valve. Two patients with CTD ho were evaluated and treatment in 1979 and 1992 are described: the first one, had total anomalous pulmonary venous return to the coronary sinus or "cor triatriatum sinister" as preoperative diagnosis based on M-mode echocardiographic findings. The presence of a membrane inside the right atrium was suspected on cineangiogram. The other one had a preoperative diagnosis of CTD. Anatomic relationships and physiological effects were established by two dimensional and Doppler ultrasonography and confirmed at cardiac catheterization and surgery. High resolution two dimensional echocardiography coupled with Doppler ultrasonography has a definite role in the study of this heart defect.

Origem Anómala da Artéria Coronária Esquerda a Partir da Artéria Pulmonar

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and severity of the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (ALCA) from the pulmonary artery (PA). DESIGN OF THE STUDY: Prospective study of case series between March 1991 and December 1994. SETTING: Referral-based Paediatric Cardiology Department of a Tertiary Care Center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five consecutive patients (pts) with anomalous origin of the LCA from the PA; there were three infants aged 4 months and two children one 8 year and one 9 year old. There were three girls and two boys. All pts had clinical and 2D-echo and Doppler investigation prior to cardiac catheterization (CC). Indication for CC was based in the association of symptoms and signs of myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy of acute or subacute onset and electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of ischemia in infants. In older patients (pts) diagnosis was suspected mainly from ECG. During CC in all pts, aortograms and when necessary selective coronary angiograms were performed. Surgical correction was performed in all children. In two pts stress exercise ECG and stress Thallium studies before and after surgery were performed. RESULTS: two pts had "adult" an three had "infantile" type of ALCA from the PA. CC was performed and diagnosis was confirmed at surgery in all cases. In one child, correct diagnosis was made by ECO prior to CC and in one case LCA to PA fistula was suspected on Colour-Doppler study. No complications were attributed to CC. Several types of surgery were performed: reimplantation of the ALCA from the PA to the aorta (three pts); tunnel connection of the aorta to the ALCA via the PA (one pt) and left internal mammary to LCA anastomosis (one pt). Two infants died intraoperatively due to extensive myocardial infarction and poor left ventricular function. All the three survivors are asymptomatic after a mean follow up of 34 months. Two oldest pts are currently in New York Heart Association functional class I with normal ECG and improved myocardial perfusion on Thallium scan despite almost total occlusion of LCA at the site of implantation in the aorta as diagnosed on coronary angiogram. CONCLUSIONS: ALCA from PA is associated with major morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis should be suspected in pts with unexplained myocardial ischemia on ECG and even more if it is associated to clinical signs of dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Careful assessment on ECO and pulsed Doppler and colour flow mapping should make the diagnosis in most cases. Although surgery can be performed based only on ECO diagnosis, we strongly advise for angiography in all cases as in our experience there are false negative diagnosis by ECO. Preoperative Thallium studies can be useful for the selection of the type of surgery as pts with very little viable myocardium will not survive the establishment of a direct systemic to coronary blood flow and may be candidates for heart transplantation.

Mitral restenosis in the early postoperative period of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

A forty eight year old woman, who had undergone mitral comissurotomy and subsequently developed early restenosis, presented with major comissural fusion and verrucous lesions on the cuspid edges of the mitral valve, with normal subvalvar apparatus. Patient did well for the first six months after surgery when she began to present dyspnea on light exertion. A clinical diagnosis of restenosis was made, which was confirmed by an echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization. She underwent surgery, and a stenotic mitral valve with verrucous lesions suggesting Libman-Sacks' endocarditis was found. Because the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had not been confirmed at that time, a bovine pericardium bioprosthesis (FISICS-INCOR) was implanted. The patient did well in the late follow-up and is now in NYHA Class I .

Diagnosis and therapeutics of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in childhood. Case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a 3-year-old female patient, who, since birth, had cyanosis difficult to explain with usual diagnostic tests. The only findings on physical examination were cyanosis and clubbing of her fingers. Chest computerized tomography showed images of excessive attenuation in the right lung, which resembled arteriovenous fistulae that were later confirmed on cardiac catheterization. The fistulous trajectories were then embolized with 7 Gianturco coils, which resulted in an immediate increase in the arterial saturation of blood oxygen.