A perda precoce do diâmetro luminal após angioplastia coronária e sua influência no fenômeno da reestenose

OBJETIVO: Analisar a perda do diâmetro luminal mínimo (DLM) nos primeiros 15min após angioplastia coronária por balão (AC), quantificando sua influência na reestenose coronária. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas, prospectivamente, 86 AC em 86 pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois subgrupos de acordo com a presença ou ausência de reestenose; o 1º grupo compreendendo as 31 lesões com reestenose e o 2º, as 55 lesões sem reestenose. RESULTADOS: A análise univariada mostrou que a relação balão/artéria foi menor no grupo com reestenose (0,92±0,01 vs 1,00±0,11, P= .003). O grupo com reestenose apresentou maior recolhimento elástico absoluto e relativo no 1°min (0,79±0,54 vs 0,68±0,59mm; P= 0,007 e 32,04±14,27 vs 22,15±16,65%; P= 0,006.) e no controle angiográfico do 15°min (1,25±0,59 vs 0,90±0,65mm, P= 0,017 e 46,75±15,69 vs 29,18±17,84%, P<0,00001) do que o grupo sem reestenose. O DLM no 1°min foi menor no grupo com reestenose (2,15±0,42 vs 2,43±0,58mm; P=0,022). O grupo com reestenose apresentou uma maior perda precoce no DLM (0,46±0,34 vs 0,22±0,35mm, P= 0,004). Este decréscimo na luz do vaso determinou que o DLM do 15°min fosse ainda menor no grupo com reestenose (1,69±0,48 vs 2,20±0,61; P= 0,0001). Da análise multivariada, entretanto, identificou-se apenas a relação balão/artéria e o DLM do 15°min como os dois fatores independentes mais relacionados à reestenose. CONCLUSÃO: O recolhimento elástico e a perda do DLM ao longo dos 15min são fatores diretamente relacionados à reestenose. Entretanto, a análise multivariada mostrou que a relação balão/artéria e o DLM de 15min são os dois fatores independentes mais fortemente preditores de reestenose.

Utilização de stent para tratamento de dissecção coronária iatrogênica

A dissecção coronária iatrogênica é rara, entretanto, apresenta alta mortalidade e morbidade. Diante de uma oclusão coronária aguda é fundamental a restauração imediata da perviabilidade do vaso e, com isso, limitar a extensão e a duração da isquemia. Neste contexto o procedimento usual tem sido a revascularização miocárdica de emergência, precedido pela colocação de um balão intra-aórtico. A principal desvantagem desta abordagem é o tempo necessário para reunir uma equipe cirúrgica. Os autores apresentam caso de uma paciente com dissecção iatrogênica da artéria circunflexa durante o cateterismo diagnóstico, que foi solucionada através da implantação de um stent coronário, com ótimo resultado. Esta técnica apresenta vantagens em termos de velocidade de reperfusão e disponibilidade em centros que realizarão o cateterismo diagnóstico sem cobertura cirúrgica local.

Evolução intra-hospitalar e seguimento pós-alta de pacientes idosos atendidos com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva na unidade de emergência

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a evolução intra-hospitalar (IH) e pós-alta (PA) de uma população predominantemente idosa, com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) na unidade de emergência (UE). MÉTODOS: Durante 11 meses, foram selecionados 57 pacientes consecutivos com ICC, atendidos em EU, com idade média de 69+15 (27 a 94) anos, sendo 39 (68,4%) homens. O diagnóstico de ICC baseou-se nos critérios de Boston. Avaliou-se a evolução IH e PA num período médio de 5,7+2,7 (1 a 12) meses, procurando-se identificar variáveis que se correlacionassem com a mortalidade e o mecanismo de morte, avaliado pelo sistema ACME . RESULTADOS: Oito (14%) pacientes faleceram na fase IH, sendo 7 por falência circulatória (FC), e 1 em pós-operatório (PO). Durante o seguimento ocorreram 9 (18,4%) óbitos, sendo 5 por FC, 2 mortes súbitas e 2 em PO (troca valvar mitral e ventriculectomia). A sobrevida dos pacientes que tiveram alta foi de 82% e 66%, aos 6 meses e 1 ano, respectivamente. Sódio sérico <135mEq/l (p= 0,004) e sexo feminino (p= 0,038) foram preditores independentes de mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes idosos com ICC atendidos em UE apresentam mortalidade IH e PA elevadas e alta taxa de reinternação hospitalar. A maioria morre por falência circulatória decorrente da progressão da ICC.

Cirurgia valvar em gestantes. Experiência em oito casos

OBJETIVO: Analisar, em gestantes, os resultados da cirurgia cardíaca e as conseqüências da circulação extracorpórea (CEC) nas gestantes e fetos. MÉTODOS: Estudo de 8 gestantes submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca valvar entre janeiro/86 e dezembro/96. Idade média de 31,4±8,9 anos, e idade gestacional entre 12 a 31 (média de 26,6±7,1) semanas. Em todas as pacientes foi realizada monitorização fetal. Durante a CEC manteve-se sempre o fluxo elevado e a temperatura acima de 34°C. Foram realizadas 4 cirurgias da valva aórtica e 4 da valva mitral, sendo duas reoperações. RESULTADOS: Não houve mortalidade materna. Ocorreram dois partos prematuros e em uma criança houve comprometimento neurológico. As demais crianças não apresentaram nenhum comprometimento em seu desenvolvimento. CONCLUSÃO: Os cuidados com o fluxo durante a CEC e a monitorização fetal no intra-operatório foram fundamentais para a obtenção de resultados bastante satisfatórios.

Intervenções percutâneas para revascularização do miocárdio no Brasil em 1996 e 1997 comparadas às do biênio 1992 e 1993. Relatório do registro CENIC (Central Nacional de Intervenções Cardiovasculares)

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados das intervenções coronárias percutâneas, no Brasil, no biênio 1996-97, comparando-os com os do biênio 1992-93. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados relativos a angioplastia com balão (ATC), aterectomia direcionada (AD), aterectomia rotacional (AR), angioplastia com laser (L) e stents coronários (ST). Estes dados foram comparados aos equivalentes, do Registro 1992-93. RESULTADOS: Participaram do registro atual 79% dos sócios titulares da SBHCI, de 127 hospitais, em 1996-97. Foram incluídos 22.025 pacientes, sendo 60,67% submetidos à ATC; 36,57% a ST; 2,3% a AR; 0,06% à AD e 0,4% ao L. A ATC foi o procedimento mais executado, observando-se um aumento relativo do implante de ST, de 1996 para 1997 de 35% (31,1 para 42,1%, p= 0,0001), com concomitante queda na utilização do balão (65,7% para 55,8%, p= 0,0001). A despeito da população de coronarianos tratados, em 1996-97 ser de maior complexidade clínica e anatômica, que a de 1992-93, verificaram-se maiores índices de sucesso do procedimento (89,7% x 92,8%, p= 0,000001), com menor lesão residual (22% x 19%, p= 0,001). Além disto, houve menores índices de complicações maiores: infarto agudo (2,5% x 1,2%, p<0,01), cirurgia de emergência (0,8% x 0,5%, p= 0,002) e óbito (1,8% x 1,4%, p= 0,0003). CONCLUSÃO: Os procedimentos mais executados no último biênio foram: o balão (60,67%) e os stents coronários (36,57%); verificam-se elevados índices de sucesso (92,3%) e baixas taxas de complicações maiores, confirmando o desempenho de excelência da Cardiologia Intervencionista brasileira.

Avaliação morfo-funcional cardíaca em jovens normotensos, filhos de hipertensos. Estudo Doppler-ecocardiográfico prospectivo

OBJETIVO: Avaliar pelo Doppler-ecocardiograma alterações cardíacas, estrutural e/ou funcionais, que podem surgir nos jovens normotensos com história familiar de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado com 62 jovens normotensos entre 15 e 30 anos, sendo 32 filhos de hipertensos (grupo 1) e 30 filhos de normotensos (grupo 2) comparáveis quanto à pressão arterial, superfície corporal, freqüência cardíaca, idade e sexo. Após exame clínico, todos realizaram Doppler-ecocardiograma para avaliar as estruturas cardíacas e a função ventricular esquerda (sistólico e diastólica). RESULTADOS: A fração de encurtamento sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) foi significativamente maior no grupo 1 - valor médio de 38,03±4,95% - do que no grupo 2 - 34,7±4,48 % (p<0,01). O tempo de desaceleração mitral (TD) variou de 85 a 160ms - médio de 116,47±16,99ms - no grupo 1 e de 100 a 220ms - médio de 126,73±26,66ms - no grupo 2 (p<0,05). Houve correlação entre o índice de massa do VE e o diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (AE) no grupo 1 (r= 0,514, p<0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os filhos de hipertensos, quando comparados com filhos de normotensos, exibem exacerbação da função sistólica do VE, semelhante ao que ocorre na fase inicial da HAS ou na HAS "borderline", mesmo que não haja hipertrofia do VE ou aumento dos níveis pressóricos. O TD mitral (mais curto no grupo 1) foi o único parâmetro de função diastólica do VE que diferiu nos 2 grupos analisados. A correlação entre o índice de massa do VE e o diâmetro do AE nos filhos de hipertensos sugere que o AE se modifica de acordo com as alterações funcionais e hemodinâmicas do VE.

Cholinergic stimulation with pyridostigmine, hemodynamic and echocardiographic analysis in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: Growing evidence suggests that sudden death after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) correlates with autonomic nervous system imbalance. Parasympathomimetic drugs have been tested to reverse these changes. However, their effects on ventricular function need specific evaluation. Our objective was to analyze pyridostigmine's (PYR) effect on hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables of ventricular function. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers underwent Doppler echocardiographic evaluations, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) assessment at rest, before and 120 min after ingestion of 30 mg PYR or placebo, according to a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed and randomized protocol, on different days. RESULTS: PYR was well tolerated and did not cause alterations in BP or in ventricular systolic function. A reduction in HR of 10.9±1.3% occurred (p<0,00001). There was an A wave reduction in the mitral flow (p<0.01) and an E/A ratio increase (p<0.001) without changes in the other diastolic function parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: PYR reduces HR and increases E/A ratio, without hemodynamic impairment or ventricular function change.

Dynamic three-dimensional reconstruction of the heart by transesophageal echocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate echocardiography accuracy in performing and obtaining images for dynamical three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction was obtained in 20 consecutive patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. A multiplanar 5 MHz transducer was used for 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: Twenty patients were studied consecutively. The following cardiac diseases were present: valvar prostheses-6 (2 mitral, 2 aortic and 2 mitral and aortic); mitral valve prolapse- 3; mitral and aortic disease - 2; aortic valve disease- 5; congenital heart disease- 3 (2 atrial septal defect- ASD - and 1 transposition of the great arteries -TGA); arteriovenous fistula- 1. In 7 patients, color Doppler was also obtained and used for 3D flow reconstruction. Twenty five cardiac structures were acquired and 60 reconstructions generated (28 of mitral valves, 14 of aortic valves, 4 of mitral prostheses, 7 of aortic prostheses and 7 of the ASD). Fifty five of 60 (91.6%) reconstructions were considered of good quality by 2 independent observers. The 11 reconstructed mitral valves/prostheses and the 2 reconstructed ASDs provided more anatomical information than two dimensional echocardiography (2DE) alone. CONCLUSION: 3D echocardiography using a transesophageal transducer is a feasible technique, which improves detection of anatomical details of cardiac structures, particularly of the mitral valve and atrial septum.

Rheumatic carditis treated with high doses of pulsetherapy methylprednisolone. Results in 70 children over 12 years

PURPOSE: To report the result of patients treated with IV methylprednisolone divided into three groups and compare their follow-up during the last 12 years. METHODS: Seventy children with active rheumatic carditis (76 episodes) in heart failure Class III and IV (NYHA) were studied. The diagnosis was based on modified Jones' criteria. After ruling out infections and strongyloidiasis, treatment with IV methylprednisolone bolus was started three times a week until the laboratory tests became negative. Patients were divided into 3 groups, according to the time of hospital admittance: Groups 1, 2 and 3, comprising of 40, 18 and 12 children, respectively. RESULTS: Eighteen children in Group 1 (45%) were in their 1st attack: 2 series of pulsetherapy were used in 10 (25%), 3 in 9 (23%) and 4 in 21 (52%). In Group 2, 14 cases (77%) were in their 1st attack: 2 series were used in 7 (39%), 4 in 9 (50%) and 5 in 2 (11%). The echocardiogram showed a flail mitral valve in 12 (66%) of these patients (1 death occurred after mitral valvoplasty). In Group 3, 6 patients needed 5 or more series of pulsetherapy and a flail mitral valve was present in 5 (41%). One child underwent mitral valve replacement while still in the active phase, after 8 series of pulsetherapy, and another died. The number of patients who needed 5 or more series was significantly higher in Group 3. CONCLUSION: There were variations in the presentation and evolution of the cases during these 12 year. The established pulsetherapy protocol continues to be useful to treat severe cases.

Aortopulmonary window. Clinical and surgical assessment of 18 cases

OBJECTIVE: Aortopulmonary window (APW) is an uncommon congenital malformation. Its clinical presentation is dependent on the size of the defect and on the associated lesions. We evaluated our experience with this anomaly and compared it with 296 cases reported in the literature. METHODS: Retrospective study of 18 patients diagnosed as having APW (age range from 13 days to 31 years, 13 (72.2%) females), divided into two groups: Group A (GA): 10 patients with isolated APW, and Group B (GB): 8 patients with associated lesions. RESULTS: Heart failure occurred in 14 patients, and cyanosis in 3: 2 from GB (tetralogy of Fallot - TF, and double outlet right ventricle - DORV), and one from GA with pulmonary hypertension. In 5 patients from GA the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation was made based on a systolic murmur and LV hypertrophy on the EKG. In GB, clinical findings were determined by the associated defect. Diagnosis was established by echocardiography in 11 (61.2%) of the patients. In 3 patients, a wrong diagnosis of mitral regurgitation was made, in 1 a patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed and in 3 others, the diagnosis of APW was masked by other important associated defects (2 cases of DORV and 1 case of TF). The diagnosis was made by catheterization in 3 (16.6%) patients, by surgery in 3 (16.6%) and by necropsy in 1 (5.5%). Corrective surgery was performed in 14 (77.7%) patients, with one immediate death and good long-term follow-up in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: APW can be confused with other defects. Clinical findings, associated with an adequate echocardiogram can provide the information for the correct diagnosis.

Results of the surgical treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: Report clinical experience in surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) by Cox-maze procedure. METHODS: 61 patients underwent surgical treatment for AF. Two had primary AF and 59 AF secondary to heart disease (2 atrial septal defects, 57 mitral). Ages ranged from 20 to 74 years (mean = 49). There were 44 females (72%). The surgical technique employed was Cox 3 without cryoablation. The patients were follow-up in specific at patient clinics and underwent periodical ECG, exercise tests, echocardiogram and Holter monitoring. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 4.9% and late mortality 1.6%. A temporary pacemaker was used in 28 (46%) and a definitive in 7 patients (11.4%). On hospital discharge, AF remained in 17%; 63.9% had sinus rhythm, 6.9% atrial rhythm, 1.7% junctional rhythm, and 10.3% had pacemaker rhythm. In the last evaluation, AF was present in 19.5%; (70.5% sinus rhythm, 4% atrial rhythm, 2% atrial tachycardia, and 4% pacemaker rhythm). There was no report of thromboembolic episodes. Chronotropic response was considered adequate in 19%, intermediate in 29%, and inadequate in 42%. In Holter monitoring, the mean heart rate was 82±8 bpm, with a minimum of 57±7 bpm and maximum of 126±23 bpm, with supraventricular extrasystoles in 2.3±5.5% of the total heartbeats and ventricular extrasystoles in 0.8±0.5%. In the echocardiogram, the A wave was present in the left atrium in 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Maze procedure is effective and has acceptable surgical risk. Atrial or sinus rhythms remain stable with a small but remarkable frequency of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Left atrial contraction is present, although attenuated, as well as the chronotropic response to exercise.

Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of HIV-positive patients in different stages of the disease

OBJETIVE: To evaluate by Doppler echocardiography (DE) early abnormalities of ventricular function in HIV-positive patients, as well as other cardiac abnormalities that can be detected by this method, with special emphasis on mitral valve flow. METHODS: 84 HIV- positive patients, 59 with CD4 cell count >500/mm³ (Group A) and 25 with CD4 cell count <500/mm³ (Group B), were analyzed. CD4 cells were counted and matched with structural data and systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV), as analyzed by DE. The results were compared with those obtained in 47 healthy individuals (Group C). RESULTS: 8% of patients in Group B had mild pericardial effusion; 31.5% showed decreased systolic function of the LV, and 12% had moderate mitral regurgitation. A wave velocity from the mitral inflow was different among the 3 groups, being higher in Group B, where the deceleration time of the E wave of the mitral inflow and the E/A ratio were significantly lower with a normal value of the isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). CONCLUSION: HIV-positive patients with a CD4 cell count >500/mm³ had no abnormalities by DE. Patients with a more advanced infection (those with a CD4 cell count <500/mm³), had a significantly abnormal LV systolic function and a higher incidence of pericardial effusion and mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve inflow by Doppler did not indicate diastolic dysfunction.

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery with intramural aortic trajectory. Clinicosurgical diagnostic implications

OBJECTIVE: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery (AOLCARPA), is a rare entity that is usually associated with other defects. Of the 20 cases of AOLCARPA reported in the literature, 14 (70%) had associations. We describe four patients with AOLCARPA without associated defects, but with a peculiar intramural aortic trajectory. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery were operated upon at INCOR-FMUSP. Four of the patients had the anomalous origin from the right pulmonary artery (RPA) without associated defects but with intramural aortic trajectory. Clinical and laboratory examinations were analyzed, as well as surgical findings. RESULTS: All patients had congestive heart failure (CHF) and 3 also had angina pectoris. Two patients had a murmur of mitral regurgitation, signs of myocardial infarction on the ECG and cardiomegaly. The shortening fraction varied from 9% to 23%. The hemodynamic study confirmed the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the coronary artery, but the intramural trajectory and the origin from the RPA were established only at surgery. In 3 patients, the technique of side-to-side anastomosis was performed with a good outcome. One patient, who underwent end-to-side anastomosis, died 6 months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Association with other defects usually occurs in the AOLCARPA, and the intramural aortic trajectory is difficult to clinically diagnose but easy to surgically correct.

Immediate and long term evolution of valve replacement in children less than 12 years old

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was the follow-up and evaluation of valve replacement in children under 12 years of age. METHODS: Forty-four children less than 12 years old were underwent valve replacement at INCOR-HCFMUSP between January 1986 and December 1992. Forty (91%) were rheumatic, 39 (88.7%) were in functional classes II or IV, 19 (43.2%) were operated upon on an emergency basis, and 6 (13.6%) had atrial fibrillation. Biological prostheses (BP) were employed in 26 patients (59.1%), and mechanical prostheses (MP) in 18 (40.9%). Mitral valves were replaced in 30 (68.7%), aortic valves in 8 (18.2%), a tricuspid valve in 1 (2.3%), and double (aortic and mitral) valves in 5 (11.4) of the patients. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was of 4.5% (2 cases). The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years. Re-operations occurred in 63.3% of the patients with BP and in 12.5% of those with MP (p=0.002). Infectious endocarditis was present in 26.3% of the BP, but in none of the cases of MP (p=0.049). Thrombosis occurred in 2 (12.5%) and hemorrhage in one (6.5%) of the patients with a MP. Delayed mortality occurred in 5 (11.9%) of the patients over a mean period of 2.6 years; four had had BP and one had a MP (NS). Actuarial survival and re-operation-free curves after 10 years were respectively, 82.5±7.7 (SD)% and 20.6±15.9%. CONCLUSION: Patients with MP required fewer re-operation, had less infectious endocarditis and lower late mortality rates compared with patients with bioprostheses. The former, therefore, appear to be the best valve replacement for pediatric patients.

Doppler echocardiographic study in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell anemia

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical and functional assessment of the heart through Doppler and echocardiography in patients with cell anemia (SCA). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with SCA and ages ranging from 14 to 45 years were prospectively studied in a comparison with 25 healthy volunteers. All of them underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation and Doppler echocardiography as well.The measurements were converted into body surface indices. RESULTS: There were increases in all chamber diameters and left ventricle (LV) mass of the SCA patients. It was characterised an eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. The preload was increased (left ventricle end-diastolic volume) and the afterload was decreased (diastolic blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance and end-systolic parietal stress ESPS). The cardiac index was increased due to the stroke volume. The ejection fraction and the percentage of the systolic shortening , as well as the systolic time intervals of the LV were equivalent. The isovolumetric contraction period of the LV was increased. The mitral E-septum distance and the end-systolic volume index (ESVi) were increased. The ESPS/ESVi ratio,a loading independent parameter, was decreased in SCA, suggesting systolic dysfunction. No significant differences in the diastolic function or in the pulmonary pressure occurred. CONCLUSION: Chamber dilations, eccentric hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction confirm the evidence of the literature in characterizing a sickle cell anemia cardiomyopathy.