Background: Studies have demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of physical stress echocardiography in coronary artery disease. However, the prediction of mortality and major cardiac events in patients with exercise test positive for myocardial ischemia is limited. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of physical stress echocardiography in the prediction of mortality and major cardiac events in patients with exercise test positive for myocardial ischemia. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort in which 866 consecutive patients with exercise test positive for myocardial ischemia, and who underwent physical stress echocardiography were studied. Patients were divided into two groups: with physical stress echocardiography negative (G1) or positive (G2) for myocardial ischemia. The endpoints analyzed were all-cause mortality and major cardiac events, defined as cardiac death and non-fatal acute myocardial infarction. Results: G2 comprised 205 patients (23.7%). During the mean 85.6 ± 15.0-month follow-up, there were 26 deaths, of which six were cardiac deaths, and 25 non-fatal myocardial infarction cases. The independent predictors of mortality were: age, diabetes mellitus, and positive physical stress echocardiography (hazard ratio: 2.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.20 - 6.01; p = 0.016). The independent predictors of major cardiac events were: age, previous coronary artery disease, positive physical stress echocardiography (hazard ratio: 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 - 6.53; p = 0.022) and absence of a 10% increase in ejection fraction. All-cause mortality and the incidence of major cardiac events were significantly higher in G2 (p < 0. 001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Physical stress echocardiography provides additional prognostic information in patients with exercise test positive for myocardial ischemia.

Introdução: O implante por cateter de prótese aórtica (TAVI, do inglês transcatheter aortic valve implantation) constitui tratamento alternativo para pacientes com estenose aórtica de alto risco cirúrgico ou inoperáveis. Para adquirir competência, o grupo multidisciplinar deve receber treinamento específico e acumular experiência na execução do TAVI. Contudo, sua curva de aprendizado não está bem estabelecida. Nosso objetivo foi analisar o impacto da curva de aprendizado na seleção de pacientes, nos aspectos técnicos e nos resultados clínicos do TAVI. Métodos: Estudo observacional e prospectivo dos primeiros 150 pacientes submetidos a TAVI por via femoral, entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2013 divididos em tercis (n = 50) de acordo com a data do procedimento. Os desfechos foram definidos conforme os critérios Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2). Resultados: A idade foi de 82,5 ± 6,7 anos, sendo 44% homens e 75% em classe NYHA III/IV. O EuroSCORE (24,2 ± 13% vs. 21,2 ± 10,8% vs. 23,4 ± 14,3%) e o STS Score (5,9 ± 2,9% vs. 6,7 ± 4,3% vs. 5,8 ± 3,1%) foram similares entre os grupos. Observou-se redução gradativa nos tempos do procedimento (107,2 ± 48,1 minutos vs. 90,3 ± 42,2 minutos vs. 76,6 ± 37,7 minutos; p < 0,01) e de fluoroscopia (31,3 ± 9,6 minutos vs. 25,4 ± 8,7 minutos vs. 17,2 ± 6,2 minutos; p = 0,01), e no volume de contraste (145,5 ± 70,9 mL vs. 123,2 ± 87,8 mL vs. 101,1 ± 50 mL; p = 0,01). A mortalidade reduziu-se de forma progressiva (20% vs. 10% vs. 4%; p = 0,047), e menores taxas de sangramentos e de refluxo paraprotético de grau moderado/grave foram observadas no terceiro tercil (14% e 4%, respectivamente). Não ocorreram casos de reintervenção, acidente vascular cerebral e nem outros eventos clínicos entre a alta hospitalar e o 30º dia pós-implante. Conclusões: A competência para o TAVI aumentou progressivamente com o número de pacientes tratados, associando-se a melhores desfechos clínicos.

FUNDAMENTO: O envelhecimento e a aterosclerose estão relacionados à hipertensão renovascular em indivíduos idosos. Independentemente das comorbidades, a estenose de artéria renal é, por si só, importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: Definir a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e o valor preditivo negativo dos exames não invasivos utilizados no diagnóstico de estenose da artéria renal. MÉTODOS: Um grupo de 61 pacientes recrutados permitiram a análise de 122 artérias e a definição de sensibilidade, especificidade e da contribuição relativa de cada exame realizado (Doppler, cintilografia e angiotomografia, comparados a arteriografia renal). RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi de 65,43 (desvio padrão: 8,7) anos. Das variáveis relacionadas à população do estudo e comparadas à arteriografia, duas estiveram correlacionadas à estenose da artéria renal, à disfunção renal e aos triglicerídeos. A mediana do ritmo de filtração glomerular foi de 52,8 mL/min/m². O Doppler identificou sensibilidade de 82,90%, especificidade de 70%, valor preditivo positivo de 85% e valor preditivo negativo de 66,70%. Para a tomografia, encontraram-se sensibilidade de 66,70%, especificidade de 80%, valor preditivo positivo de 87,50% e valor preditivo negativo de 55,20%. Esses achados permitiram identificar os exames que melhor detectavam a estenose. CONCLUSÃO: A tomografia e o Doppler mostraram qualidade e grande possibilidade no diagnóstico de estenose da artéria renal, com vantagem para o segundo, pois não há necessidade do uso de meio de contraste na avaliação de uma doença que, frequentemente, ocorre em diabéticos e associa-se à disfunção renal e à disfunção ventricular esquerda grave.

BACKGROUND: Aging and atherosclerosis are related to renovascular hypertension in elderly individuals. Regardless of comorbidities, renal artery stenosis is itself an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To define the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of noninvasive imaging tests used in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis. METHODS: In a group of 61 patients recruited, 122 arteries were analized, thus permitting the definition of sensitivity, specificity, and the relative contribution of each imaging study performed (Doppler, scintigraphy and computed tomographic angiography in comparison to renal arteriography). RESULTS: The mean age was 65.43 years (standard deviation: 8.7). Of the variables related to the study population that were compared to arteriography, two correlated with renal artery stenosis, renal dysfunction and triglycerides. The median glomerular filtration rate was 52.8 mL/min/m². Doppler showed sensitivity of 82.90%, specificity of 70%, a positive predictive value of 85% and negative predictive value of 66.70%. For tomography, sensitivity was 66.70%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 87.50% and negative predictive value 55.20%. With these findings, we could identify the imaging tests that best detected stenosis. CONCLUSION: Tomography and Doppler showed good quality and efficacy in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis, with Doppler having the advantage of not requiring the use of contrast medium for the assessment of a disease that is common in diabetics and is associated with renal dysfunction and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

INTRODUÇÃO: A heparina não-fracionada (HNF) é terapia anticoagulante clássica na intervenção percutânea, prevenindo complicações trombóticas agudas. Estudos sugerem que as heparinas de baixo peso molecular podem ser uma alternativa segura e eficaz. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a segurança e a efetividade da enoxaparina (ENO) versus HNF em pacientes tratados por intervenção percutânea eletiva nas fases hospitalar (FH) e tardia (FT). MÉTODO: No período de outubro a novembro de 2004, incluímos 57 pacientes consecutivos tratados com ENO 0,75 mg/kg (G2) versus grupo controle de 143 pacientes tratados com HNF 100 UI/kg (G1) nos três meses prévios. Todos receberam stents não-farmacológicos e foram pré-tratados com aspirina + ticlopidina. Analisamos as complicações vasculares (CV) e hemorrágicas (CH) e os eventos combinados (EC) morte, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e revascularização de urgência (RU) na FH e EC morte, IAM, AVE e nova revascularização na FT. No G2-ENO, mensuramos o fator anti-Xa 10 minutos após bolus EV e no fim da intervenção percutânea. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 59,8 ± 9,8 anos, 30% eram diabéticos, e as características clínicas/angiográficas não diferiram entre os dois grupos. O sucesso da intervenção percutânea ocorreu em 100% e não houve CH maiores ou CV nos dois grupos. Houve aumento de CH menores no G2-ENO (p = 0,15) e CKMB > 3 vezes ocorreu em 2 pacientes, ambos no G2-ENO (p = 0,25). Não ocorreram morte, AVE ou RU nos dois grupos. Os níveis do fator anti-Xa no G2-ENO revelaram boa anticoagulação (AC) nas duas fases: após 10 minutos, a média foi de 1,21 ± 0,23 UI/ml (0,73-1,68 Ul/ml) e no final da intervenção percutânea, foi de 1,04 ± 0,23 UI/ml (0,56-1,61 UI/ml). Na FT, 24% dos pacientes do G1-HNF e 31,5% dos pacientes do G2ENO apresentaram EC (p = 0,12). CONCLUSÕES: A utilização da ENO durante intervenção percutânea eletiva foi tão segura e eficaz quanto a HNF tanto na FH como na FT. Os níveis de AC da ENO aferidos pelo fator anti-Xa foram obtidos rapidamente, mantendo-se estáveis e na faixa adequada durante a intervenção percutânea.

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the classic anticoagulant therapy used during percutaneous intervention (PCI) to prevent acute thrombotic events. Preliminary studies with low molecular weight heparin have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this alternative regimen during PCI. Our objective was to evaluate in-hospital and long-term safety and efficacy of enoxaparin (ENO) compared to UFH in patients (P) undergoing elective PCI. METHODS: From 10/2004-11/2004, 57 P treated with ENO 0.75 mg/kg IV (G2) were enrolled and compared to a control group of 143 consecutive P treated with UFH 100 IU/kg IV (G1) during the preceding 3 months. All P received a bare-metal stent and were pre-treated with ASA + ticlopidine. We analyzed the in-hospital vascular and bleeding complications as well as in-hospital and long-term composite clinical outcome of death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or target-vessel revascularization (TVR). Anti-Xa levels were measured in G2-ENO at the beginning (10 minutes after IV bolus) and at the end of PCI. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.8 ± 9.8 years, 30% were diabetics, and clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Procedure success ocurred in 100% without in-hospital major bleedings nor vascular complications in both groups; a non-significant increase in minor bleedings in G2-ENO (p = 0.15) was observed and CKMB > 3x occurred in 2 P in G2-ENO (p = 0.25); no death, stroke, or urgent TVR was observed. The anti-Xa levels in G2-ENO were within the ideal range: 1.21 ± 0.23 UI/ml (0.73-1.68 UI/ml) 10 minutes after bolus and 1.04 ± 0.23 UI/ml (0.56-1.61 UI/ml) at the end of PCI. At 3-year follow-up 24% of G1-UFH and 31.5% of G2-ENO presented death, MI, stroke or TVR (p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The use of IV ENO in elective PCI was shown to be as safe and effective as UFH both in-hospital and at late follow-up. Anticoagulant levels of ENO were quickly obtained and remained stable throughout the PCI.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da fragmentação percutânea do trombo (FPT) no tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) maciço em pacientes com contra-indicação à administração de trombolíticos. MÉTODOS: Entre julho de 1999 e agosto de 2005, 10 pacientes (7 homens, 3 mulheres, idade média de 57±18 anos) com TEP maciço e contra-indicação à administração de trombolíticos foram submetidos a FPT. A saturação arterial de oxigênio (Sat.O2), índice de Walsh (IW), pressão arterial pulmonar média (PAP), pressão arterial sistêmica média (PAS) e função ventricular direita (FVD) ao ecocardiograma Doppler transtorácico foram avaliados pré e pós-procedimento. Foi realizada análise estatística por meio do teste de Wilcoxon pareado, sendo p significativo quando < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento por FPT houve melhora da Sat. O2 [87,4±1,3% vs 92,3±3,1% (p<0,001)], do IW [6,4±1,07 vs 4,4±1,42 (p=0,003), PAP [31,8±4,6 mmHg vs 25,5±3,4 mmHg (p<0,001)] e PAS [73,9±8,7 vs 85±8,3 (p=0,001). A FVD pré-procedimento percutâneo era grave nos 10 pacientes, porém até o 10º dia após a FPT passou a ser normal ou discreta em 8 e moderada em 1. Não houve complicações técnicas ou do sítio vascular de acesso relacionadas a FPT. Houve 1 óbito hospitalar (10%). O paciente em questão foi o único em quem não se obteve sucesso com o procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A FPT mostrou-se segura pela ausência de complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. A melhora na Sat.O2, no IW, na PAP, na PAS e na FVD em 90% dos casos, revelaram a eficácia do procedimento, sugerindo ser esse uma alternativa no tratamento do TEP maciço em pacientes com contra-indicação à trombolíticos sistêmicos.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous thrombus fragmentation (PTF) for massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with contraindications to the administration of thrombolytics. METHODS: Between July 1999 and August 2005, 10 patients (7 males, 3 females, age 57±18 years) with massive PE and contraindications to the administration of thrombolytics underwent PTF. A transthoracic doppler echocardiogram was used to evaluate arterial oxygen saturation (Sat O2), the Walsh index (WI), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), mean systemic blood pressure (SBP) and right ventricular function (RVF) before and after the procedure. Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired Wilcoxon test, of which p was significant when < 0.05. RESULTS: After the PTF treatment there was an improvement in Sat. O2 [87.4 ± 1.3% vs 92.3 ± 3.1% (p < 0.001)], WI [6.4 ± 1.07 vs 4.4 ± 1.42 (p = 0.003)], PAP [31.8 ± 4.6 mmHg vs 25.5 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.001)] and SBP [73.9 ± 8.7 vs 85 ± 8.3 (p = 0.001). The ten patients had severe RVF before the percutaneous treatment; however, within 10 days after PTF, 8 presented normal or discrete function and 1 presented mitigated function. There were no technical or vascular access site complications related to PTF. One patient died in the hospital (10%). The procedure was successful for the other nine patients. CONCLUSION: The lack of adverse complications related to the procedure, proves that PTF is safe. The improvement in Sat O2, WI, PAP, SBP and RVF in 90% of the cases demonstrates the efficacy of the procedure, indicating that it is an alternative treatment for massive PE in patients with contraindications for the administration of systemic thrombolytics.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) de atletas competitivos de resistência (maratonistas) representa processo adaptativo, puramente fisiológico, ou se pode envolver aspectos patológicos em suas características anatômicas e funcionais. MÉTODOS: De novembro de 1999 a dezembro de 2000, foram separados consecutivamente de 30 maratonistas em atividade esportiva plena, idade inferior a 50 anos, com HVE, previamente documentada, e sem cardiopatia subjacente. Foram submetidos aos exames: clínico, eletrocardiograma, ecodopplercardiograma, e teste ergométrico (TE). Quinze foram sorteados para realizar, também, teste ergoespirométrico e ressonância magnética (RM) do coração. RESULTADOS: Nos TE, todos apresentavam boa capacidade física cardiopulmonar, sem evidências de resposta isquêmica ao exercício, sintomas ou arritmias. No ecodopplercardiograma, os valores do diâmetro e espessura diastólica da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), do septo interventricular, massa do VE e diâmetro do átrio esquerdo, foram significativamente maiores que os do grupo de não atletas, com idades e medidas antropométricas semelhantes. A média da massa do VE dos atletas indexada à superfície corpórea (126 g/m2) foi significativamente maior que a do grupo controle (70 g/m2) (p<0,001). A RM mostrou que não havia prejuízo da força contrátil ou da performance ventricular esquerda e valores de volume diastólico final, volume sistólico final e fração de ejeção dentro dos limites da normalidade. Por outro lado, a massa do VE média, 162,93±17,90 g, e a espessura parietal ventricular, 13,67±2,13 mm, ao final da diástole no grupo atleta, diferiu significativamente do controle: 110±14,2 g (p=0,0001) e 8±0,9 mm, respectivamente (p=0,0001). O mesmo ocorreu na média da espessura ao final da sístole, que foi 18,87±3,40 mm (controle: 10± 1,80 mm, p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitiram concluir que a HVE de maratonistas em período de atividade esportiva plena, avaliada por métodos não invasivos, representa resposta adaptativa ao treinamento físico intensivo e prolongado, com características fisiológicas.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of elite competition athletes (marathoners) represents a purely physiological, adaptative process, or it may involve pathological aspects in its anatomical and functional characteristics. METHODS: From November 1999 to December 2000, consecutive samples from 30 under 50-year-old marathoners in full sportive activity, with previously documented LVH and absence of cardiopathy were selected. They were submitted to clinical exams, electrocardiogram, color Doppler echocardiogram and exercise treadmill test (ETT). Fifteen were assorted to be also submitted to ergoespirometric test and heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: In ETT, all of them showed good physical pulmonary capacity, with no evidences of ischemic response to exercise, symptoms or arrhythmias. In Doppler echocardiogram, values of diameter and diastolic thickness of LV posterior wall, interventricular septum, LV mass and left atrium diameter, were significantly higher when compared to non-athlete control group, with similar ages and anthropometric measurements. The mean of LV mass of athletes indexed to body surface (126 g/m2) was significantly greater than the one in control group (70 g/m2) (p<0.001). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed there was not impairment of contractile strength or LV performance, and values of end diastolic volume, end systolic volume and EF within limits of normality. On the other hand, average ventricular parietal mass, 162.93±17.90 g, and LV parietal thickness, 13.67±2.13 mm, at the end of diastole in athlete group, differed significantly from control group: 110±14.2 g (p=0.0001) and 8±0.9 mm, respectively (p=0.0001). The same happened to the thickness at the end of systole, which was 18.87±3.40 mm (control group: 10±1.80 mm, p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Results allowed for concluding that LVH in marathoners in full sportive activity period, assessed by non-invasive methods, represents an adaptative response to intensive and prolonged physical training, with purely physiological characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the results after the performance of primary coronary angioplasty in Brazil in the last 4 years. METHODS: During the first 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction onset, 9,434 (12.2%) patients underwent primary PTCA. We analyzed the success and occurrence of major in-hospital events, comparing them over the 4-year period. RESULTS: Primary PTCA use increased compared with that of all percutaneous interventions (1996=10.6% vs. 2000=13.1%; p<0.001). Coronary stent implantation increased (1996=20% vs. 2000=71.9%; p<0.001). Success was greater (1998=89.5% vs. 1999=92.5%; p<0.001). Reinfarction decreased (1998=3.9% vs. 99=2.4% vs. 2000=1.5%; p<0.001) as did emergency bypass surgery (1996=0.5% vs. 2000=0.2%; p=0.01). In-hospital deaths remained unchanged (1996=5.7% vs. 2000=5.1%, p=0.53). Balloon PTCA was one of the independent predictors of a higher rate of unsuccessful procedures (odds ratio 12.01 [CI=95%] 1.58-22.94), and stent implantation of lower mortality rates (odds ratio 4.62 [CI=95%] 3.19-6.08). CONCLUSION: The success rate has become progressively higher with a significant reduction in reinfarction and urgent bypass surgery, but in-hospital death remains nearly unchanged. Coronary stenting was a predictor of a lower death rate, and balloon PTCA was associated with greater procedural failure.

OBJECTIVE - This study compared the early and late results of the use of one single stent with those of the use of multiple stents in patients with lesions longer than 20mm. METHODS - Prospective assessment of patients electively treated with stents, with optimal stent deployment and followed-up for more than 3 months. From February '94 to January '98, 215 patients with lesions >20mm were treated. These patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: Group A - 105 patients (49%) with one stent implanted; Group B - 110 patients (51%) with multiple stents implanted. RESULTS - The mean length of the lesions was 26mm in group A (21-48mm) versus 29mm in group B (21-52mm) (p=0.01). Major complications occurred in one patient (0.9%) in group A (subacute thrombosis, myocardial infarctionand death) and in 2 patients (1.8%) in group B (one emergency surgery and one myocardial infarction) (p=NS). The results of the late follow-up period (>6 months) were similar for both groups (group A = 82% vs group B = 76%; p=NS), and we observed an event-free survical in 89% of the patients in group A and in 91% of the patients in group B (p=NS). Angina (group A = 11% vs group B = 7%) and lesion revascularization (group A = 5% vs group B = 6%; p=NS) also occurred in a similar percentage. No infarction or death was observed in the late follow-up period; restenosis was identified in 33% and 29% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively (p=NS). CONCLUSION - The results obtained using one stent and using multiple stents were similar; the greater cost-effectiveness of one stent implantation, however, seems to make this strategy the first choice.