Abstract Introduction: The interest in Expert systems has increased in the medical area. Some of them are employed even for diagnosis. With the variability of transcatheter prostheses, the most appropriate choice can be complex. This scenario reveals an enabling environment for the use of an Expert system. The goal of the study was to develop an Expert system based on artificial intelligence for supporting the transcatheter aortic prosthesis selection. Methods: The system was developed on Expert SINTA. The rules were created according to anatomical parameters indicated by the manufacturing company. Annular aortic diameter, aortic area, aortic perimeter, ascending aorta diameter and Valsalva sinus diameter were considered. After performing system accuracy tests, it was applied in a retrospective cohort of 22 patients with submitted to the CoreValve prosthesis implantation. Then, the system indications were compared to the real heart team decisions. Results: For 10 (45.4%) of the 22 patients there was no concordance between the Expert system and the heart team. In all cases with discordance, the software was right in the indication. Then, the patients were stratified in two groups (same indication vs. divergent indication). The baseline characteristics did not show any significant difference. Mortality, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, aortic regurgitation and prosthesis leak did not present differences. Therefore, the maximum aortic gradient in the post-procedure period was higher in the Divergent Indication group (23.9 mmHg vs. 11.9 mmHg, P=0.03), and the mean aortic gradient showed a similar trend. Conclusion: The utilization of the Expert system was accurate, showing good potential in the support of medical decision. Patients with divergent indication presented high post-procedure aortic gradients and, even without clinical repercussion, these parameters, when elevated, can lead to early prosthesis dysfunction and the necessity of reoperation.

In this paper we comprehensively review published quantitative research on the relationship between religion, spirituality (R/S), and cardiovascular (CV) disease, discuss mechanisms that help explain the associations reported, examine the clinical implications of those findings, and explore future research needed in Brazil on this topic. First, we define the terms religion, spirituality, and secular humanism. Next, we review research examining the relationships between R/S and CV risk factors (smoking, alcohol/drug use, physical inactivity, poor diet, cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, and psychosocial stress). We then review research on R/S, cardiovascular functions (CV reactivity, heart rate variability, etc.), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IFN-γ, CRP, fibrinogen, IL-4, IL-10). Next we examine research on R/S and coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, dementia, cardiac surgery outcomes, and mortality (CV mortality in particular). We then discuss mechanisms that help explain these relationships (focusing on psychological, social, and behavioral pathways) and present a theoretical causal model based on a Western religious perspective. Next we discuss the clinical applications of the research, and make practical suggestions on how cardiologists and cardiac surgeons can sensitively and sensibly address spiritual issues in clinical practice. Finally, we explore opportunities for future research. No research on R/S and cardiovascular disease has yet been published from Brazil, despite the tremendous interest and involvement of the population in R/S, making this an area of almost unlimited possibilities for researchers in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade do metoprolol na prevenção de fibrilação e flutter atrial clinicamente detectáveis após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico, randomizado e aberto, para tratar 200 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica isolada com circulação extracorpórea, randomizados para receber metoprolol, por via oral, ou para não receber a medicação no pós-operatório. Os desfechos de interesse eram a detecção de fibrilação e flutter atrial sustentados, sintomáticos ou que requeressem tratamento. Excluídos do estudo os pacientes com fração de ejeção basal do ventrículo esquerdo < 35%, fibrilação atrial prévia, história de broncoespasmo, bloqueios atrioventriculares de 2º e 3º grau, baixo débito cardíaco e insuficiência cardíaca. RESULTADOS: Arritmias ocorreram em 11 de 100 pacientes do grupo metoprolol e em 24 de 100 pacientes do grupo controle (p=0,02). O risco relativo (RR) foi 0,46 (IC de 95%= 0,24-0,88) e o número necessário para tratar (NNT) e evitar o desfecho foi de 8 pacientes. A fibrilação atrial foi a arritmia mais freqüentemente observada (30/35). Em 38 pacientes com idade > 70 anos, as arritmias ocorreram em 2 de 19 pacientes do grupo metoprolol e em 10 de 19 do grupo controle (c2 Yates: p=0,01). O risco relativo foi 0,20 (IC de 95%= 0,05-0,79) e o número necessário para tratar foi de 2 pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O metoprolol é efetivo na prevenção de fibrilação e flutter atrial no PO de cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica, sendo esse efeito mais marcante no grupo de pacientes idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of metoprolol in preventing clinically detectable atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery . METHODS: An open, randomized study was carried out to treat 200 patients who had undergone isolated CABG surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The patients were randomized to either receive metoprolol orally or not to receive the medication in the postoperative period. The outcomes were the detection of sustained atrial AF and flutter, which were symptomatic or required treatment. The patients with the following characteristics were excluded from the study: baseline left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%; previous AF; history of bronchospasm; second- and third-degree atrioventricular blocks, low cardiac output, and heart failure. RESULTS: Arrhythmias occurred in 11 out of 100 patients in the metoprolol group and in 24 out of 100 patients in the control group (P=0.02). The relative risk (RR) was 0.46 (95% CI = 0.24-0.88), and the number necessary to treat (NNT) and avoid the outcome was 8 patients. AF was the arrhythmia most frequently observed (30/35). In 38 patients aged 70 years or more, the arrhythmias occurred in 2 out of 19 patients in the metoprolol group and in 10 out of 19 patients in the control group (c2 Yates: P=0.01). The relative risk was 0.20 (95% CI = 0.05-0.79) and the number necessary to treat was 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Metoprolol is effective in preventing AF and flutter in the postoperative period of CABG surgery, and this effect was more evident in the group of elderly patients.

Cardiac angiosarcomas are malignant tumors that almost invariably have a short and fatal evolution. The therapeutic approach includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination. Heart transplantation is an attractive option in nonresectable tumors, even though the current experience is still limited. However, in most patients, the diagnosis is still established late, and survival is only slightly altered by the proposed treatments, mainly due to previously existing and undetected metastases. We report a case that illustrates the therapeutic dilemma faced with this neoplasia, and we discuss the case based on a literature review.

INTRODUÇÃO: O emprego de stents auto-expansíveis no tratamento das afecções da aorta descendente apresenta-se como uma nova alternativa, e o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o seu desempenho. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: No período de abril de 1998 a novembro de 2000 (32 meses), foram operados 144 pacientes com doenças da aorta, sendo 66 (45,83%) dissecções, 50 (34,72%) aneurismas e 28 (19,44%) outros procedimentos com operação da aorta associada. Implantamos 37 stents auto-expansíveis na aorta descendente com acesso transesternal, circulação extracorpórea, hipotermia profunda (18°C-20°C) e parada circulatória com perfusão cerebral retrógrada. Foram 21 (56,76%) dissecções agudas tipo B, 9 (24,32%) aneurismas e dissecções crônicas tipo B e 7 (18,92%) dissecções agudas tipo A. A idade média dos pacientes era de 57,95 ± 11,66 anos, sendo 64,86% do sexo masculino. O acompanhamento foi de 32 meses (16,36 ± 10,29 meses) em 87,5% dos pacientes com entrevistas aos médicos assistentes de regiões distantes, ecocardiograma e tomografia computadorizada a cada 12 meses no ambulatório da Santa Casa. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade cirúrgica (30 dias) foi de 13,51%, sendo 9,52% nas dissecções agudas tipo B, 28,57% nas dissecções agudas do tipo A e 11,22% nos aneurismas e dissecções crônicas tipo B. As curvas de sobrevivência em 12, 24 e 33 meses são, respectivamente, 87,92%, 82,75% e 74,48%. Estão livres de eventos 70,15% dos pacientes, ao final de 33 meses. Dois óbitos hospitalares não foram relacionados ao procedimento, se fossem excluídos teríamos uma mortalidade hospitalar de 8,10%, o mesmo acontecendo a 1 óbito tardio. O implante de stent isolado ocorreu em 40,5% dos pacientes, 3 apresentaram vazamentos distais pára-protéticos e vêm sendo acompanhados. CONCLUSÃO: Os implantes de stents intraluminais auto-expansíveis apresentaram uma mortalidade hospitalar de 13,51%, mortalidade em 12, 24 e 33 meses de 9,37%, 3,44% e 3,57%, com 70,15% dos pacientes livre de eventos em 33 meses de seguimento, tornando o método factível e diminuindo a mortalidade no tratamento cirúrgico das dissecções agudas e crônicas do tipo B.

INTRODUCTION: The authors describe the implantation of an endovascular self-expanding stents grafts at 33 months of follow-up. The use can be a new alternative for the treatment of descending aortic dissections and aneurysms disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From April 1998 to November 2000 (32 months), 37 endovascular stent grafts were implanted, 21 in acute dissections type B, 7 in acute dissections type A and 9 in chronic dissections type B and aneurysms ones. The age varied between 39 and 79 years (mean=57.94 ± 1.91 years), considering that 64.86% were male patients. The patients were submitted to median esternotomy, extracorporeal circulation (ECC), with deep hipothermia (18-20ºC), total circulatory arrest (TCA), and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). The transverse aorta was incised and the stent was implanted in the descending proximal aorta with the aid sometimes of aortoscopy. The times of ECC, aortic clamping, TCA, RCP, rewarming, mechanic ventilation, hospitalization, trans and post-operative bleeding, blood replacement, events curve and survival curve were analyzed. RESULTS: The hospital mortality (30 days) was 13.51%; 32 have been followed up from 1 to 33 months, 70.7% are free of events and survival curve with 63.19% (33 months). CONCLUSIONS: The implant of self-expanding intraluminal stent grafts presented has lower hospital mortality in the acute phase and follow-up in acute aortic dissections type B (10%) than clinical treatment (IRAD). In spite of the small sample the procedure is promising and needs longer follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados e a viabilidade da ventriculectomia parcial esquerda (VPE) como ponte para transplante cardíaco (TX). DELINEAMENTO: Estudo de coorte histórica e prospectivo. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e três pacientes (pts) foram submetidos a VPE em um período de 5 anos. Destes, 7 pts com contra-indicação inicial ao TX, idades variando de 37 a 64 anos, 5 homens e 2 mulheres, com miocardiopatia dilatada, foram subseqüentemente relistados e transplantados. Foram analisados a fração de ejeção (FE), o diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo esquerdo (DDFVE), a CF da NYHA, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2 máx) e os escores de qualidade de vida (QV) antes da VPE, aos 3 e 6 meses, e pré-transplante. RESULTADOS: Os valores expressos a seguir referem-se, respectivamente, àqueles obtidos antes da VPE, aos 3 e 6 meses e antes do TX. Variação da CF da NYHA: 3,71±0,49, 2,57±1,13 (p=0,011), 3,0±1,29 e 3,86±0,38. Evolução da FE: 25,17±6,15, 35,5±8,41 (p=0,013), 32,33±7,12 e 26,17±3,76. Variação do DDFVE: 79,16±10,85, 67,66±9,2, 65,83±9,57 e 64,25±8,99. O VO2 máx era de 8,12±3,47 antes da VPE e de 13,2±7,75 aos 6 meses (p=0,068). Variação dos escores de QV: 4,29±1,25, 3,0±1,41 (p=0,050), 3,29±1,8 e 4,57±1,13. Foram transplantados 7/53 pts (13,20%). A sobrevida, até a data do transplante, variou de 7 a 37 meses (18,71±11,78 meses). O seguimento foi de 100%. CONCLUSÃO: A curto prazo melhoraram a CF da NYHA, a QV, o VO2 máx, o DDFVE e a FE dos pts. Estes resultados sugerem a possibilidade da indicação da VPE como ponte para TX. Entretanto, a mortalidade elevada no primeiro semestre pós-operatório limita a sua indicação rotineira como ponte para TX. Estudos futuros poderão validar ou não esta possibilidade.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the suitability of Partial Left Ventriculectomy (PLV) as a bridge to transplantation. BACKGROUND: Cohort study, prospective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients were submitted to PLV in a time frame of 5 years. Seven out of 53 patients, ages ranging from 37 to 64 years old, 5 males and 2 females, all with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, were transplanted afterwards. Ejection fraction, NYHA functional classes, maximum oxygen consumption, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and Quality of Life Scores were analysed preoperatively and then at three and six months and immediately before transplantation. RESULTS: The numerical values mentioned below are referred to the data obtained pre-ventriculectomy, at 3 and 6 postoperative months and immediately before transplantation. NYHA functional classes: 3.71 ± 0.49, 2.57 ± 1.13 (p=0.011), 3.0 ± 1.29 and 3.86 ± 0.38. Ejection fraction: 25.17 ± 6.15, 35.5 ± 8.41 (p=0.013), 32.33 ± 7.12 and 26.17 ± 3.76. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter: 79.16 ± 10.85, 67.66 ± 9.2, 65.83 ± 9.57 e 64.25±8.99. Maximum VO2 was 8.12 ± 3.47 pre-VPE and increased to 13.2 ± 7.75 at six months (p=0.068). Quality of life scores: 4.29 ± 1.25, 3.0 ± 1.41 (p=0.050), 3.29 ± 1.8 e 4.57 ± 1.13. 7/53 patients (13.20%) were subsequently transplanted. Survival time, from PLV up to TX ranged from 7 to 33 months (18.71±11.78). Follow-up was 100%. CONCLUSION: Improvement in quality of life, NYHA functional classes and maximum VO2 consumption, as well as increase in ejection fraction and sustained decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, in short-term, can benefit patients previously excluded from TX and bring them back to the awaiting list. However, high immediate mortality rates in overall casuistry can limit its routine indication as a biological bridge to transplantation.

Holt-Oram syndrome was first described in 1960 as an association of familial heart disease and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The most important findings include atrial septal defects, atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, vascular hypoplasia, and upper limb musculoskeletal deformities. We report two patients with this syndrome in the same family and discuss the variability of the musculoskeletal abnormalities and their association with the cardiac morphologic defects. Both patients in this study had associated eosinophilia, which has not been reported in the literature.

O tratamento clínico das dissecções agudas da aorta do tipo B tem mortalidade em torno de 25% menor que a mortalidade cirúrgica. O tratamento cirúrgico das dissecções crônicas também produz uma morbidade e mortalidade elevadas. A utilização de "stents"auto-expansíveis endovasculares pode ser uma nova alternativa no tratamento destas lesões. De abril a dezembro de 1998 foram implantados 15 "stents" endovasculares, 10 em dissecções agudas e 5 em crônicas. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 48 e 75 anos (média=60,53±9,73 anos) com 66,6% do sexo masculino. Os pacientes foram submetidos à esternotomia mediana, circulação extracorpórea (CEC) com hipotermia profunda (18° - 20°C), parada circulatória total (PCT) e perfusão cerebral retrógrada (PCR). A aorta transversa foi incisada e implantado o "stent" na aorta descendente sob auxílio de aortoscopia. Foram analisados os tempos de CEC, pinçamento aórtico, PCT, PCR, reaquecimento, ventilação mecânica, internação, sangramento trans e pós-operatório, reposição sangüínea, gasometria, curva de eventos e sobrevida. A mortalidade hospitalar (30 dias) foi de 6,6%; 2 pacientes foram reoperados com 3 e 6 meses após a operação com dissecção da aorta ascendente e aneurisma roto distal ao "stent". Quatorze vêm sendo acompanhados com 1 a 8m de evolução, sendo que 85,7% estão livres de eventos e curva de sobrevida de 93,1%(240 dias). Concluímos que o implante de "stent"intraluminais auto-expansíveis apresentou mortalidade menor na fase aguda da doença (6,6%) comparada à nossa experiência anterior com o tratamento clínico (30%). Apesar da amostra ser pequena, o procedimento parece ser promissor e necessita mais acompanhamento.

The clinical treatment of acute type B aortic dissection has a mortality of about 25%, therefore, less than surgical mortality. The surgical treatment of chronic dissections also produces a high morbidity and mortality. The use of self-expanding endovascular stents offers a new alternative for the treatment of this disease. From April to December 1998, 15 endovascular stent grafts were implanted, 10 in acute dissections and 5 in chronic aneurysms. Ages ranged from 48 to 75 years (mean = 60.53±9.73 years), with 66.6% males. The patients were submitted to medium sternotomy, extracorporeal circulation (ECC), with deep hipothermia (18°-20°C), total circulatory arrest (TCA), and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). The transverse aorta was incised and the stent was implanted in the descending proximal aorta with the aid of aortoscopy. The times of ECC, aortic clamping, TCA, RCP, rewarming, mechanic ventilation, hospitalization, trans and post-operative bleeding, blood replacement, arterial samples, event curve and survival curve were analysed. The hospital mortality (30 days) was 6.6%; two patients were reoperated 3 and 6 months after surgery with aortic ascending dissection and new distal aneurysm to the stent, 14 have been followed up from 1 to 8 months post-operative, 85.7% are free of events with a survival curve of 93.1% (240 days). We conclude that the self-expanding intraluminal stents implant presented a lower mortality during the acute stage of the disease (6.6%) compared to our previous experience with clinical treatment (30%). In spite of the small sample the procedure seems to be promising and needs more follow up.

Objetivos: Avaliar a indicação, sobrevida, qualidade de vida e arritmias após Ventriculectomia Parcial Esquerda (VPE) e relatar seu uso como ponte para transplante. Casuística e Métodos: Quarenta e um pacientes (pt) operados no período de dezembro de 1994 a dezembro de 1997,com idades de 32 a 70 anos, com miocardiopatia dilatada, classe funcional IV-92,6% e III-7,3% com contra-indicação para transplante e má qualidade de vida. Ecocardiogramas e estudos eletrofisiológicos (EEF) pré e pós-operatórios foram realizados. Clinicamente, agrupados pela NYHA e pelo Protocolo de Qualidade de Vida (QV). Resultados: Em 15 pacientes examinados aos 30 e 90 dias de pós-operatório por ecocardiograma obtivemos os dados da tabela abaixo: Sobrevida de 66%, 53%, 40% e 36,6% aos 3, 6, 12 e 24 meses, respectivamente. Aos 3 anos a mortalidade imediata e tardia é de 21,5 % e 42,1%,com total de 63,6 %. Menor mortalidade relacionada a arritmia quando não se conseguiu induzí-la no pós-operatório. A qualidade de vida melhorou (72,7 % em NYHA I e II e 81,8% em QV I e II) e dois foram transplantados posteriormente. Conclusões: Melhoraram a dinâmica cardíaca, a QV e a classe funcional (NYHA).O EEF identificou pacientes com maior risco de arritmias pós-operatórias. A sobrevida de 36% em 3 anos é encorajadora, levando-se em conta a gravidade dos casos. A seleção de pacientes não tem ainda critérios inequívocos.

Background: Batista Partial Left Ventriculectomy has been used as a surgical alternative in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. However as a novel procedure it ensues many questions and answers. Objectives: To evaluate surgical indication, survival, quality of life and the incidence of lifethreatening or fatal arrhythmias after partial left ventriculectomy and report its availability as a biological bridge to transplantation. Material and Methods: Forty-one patients were operated on from December 1994 to December 1997, ages ranging from 32 to 70 years, in whom a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was established. NYHA functional class IV (92.6%) and III (7.3%), contraindication to heart transplantation and poor quality of life were part of the inclusion criteria. Echocardiograms and electrophysiologic studies (EPS) were performed. They were clinically grouped according to their NYHA functional class and categorized concerning our own quality of life protocol. Results: A group of 15 patients showed sustained decrease in heart dimensions and functional parameters at 30 and 90 postoperative days, as follows: where FE = fractional shortening, EF = ejection fraction, LVED = left ventricular end-dimensions both diastolic and systolic. Survival was 66%, 53%, 40% and 36.6% at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. At the conclusion of this 3 year period the immediate and late mortalities are 21.5 % and 42.1 %, with an overall mortality of 63.6%. EPSs probably can predict less mortality rate due to ventricular arrhythmias when those are not induced postoperatively. Quality of life was better postoperatively (72.7 % in NYHA classes I and II and 81.8% in QOL I and II) and two patients were transplanted after primary PLVs. Conclusions: Cardiac dynamics, Quality of Life and NYHA functional classes improved in all survivors. EPSs can provide useful information concerning the probability of fatal ventricular arrhythmias and the need for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Survival is encouraging if we keep in mind the seriousness of this cohort of patients. Patient selection is still controversial.