A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva médio-ventricular é uma variante rara (1%) da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva. Neste relato de caso, apresentamos uma paciente encaminhada para realização de cateterismo cardíaco eletivo por angina e dispneia aos moderados esforços, sem obstrução coronariana significativa e com ventriculografia esquerda, demostrando cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva médio-ventricular com um gradiente pressórico intraventricular de 130 mmHg.

Mid-ventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a rare variant form (1%) of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. In this case, we report a patient referred for elective cardiac catheterization due to angina and dyspnea on moderate exertion, with no significant coronary obstruction, and left ventriculography indicating the presence of mid-ventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with an intraventricular pressure gradient of 130 mmHg.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos anatomopatológicos sugerem a associação de remodelamento vascular positivo e placas coronárias vulneráveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se existe correlação entre o grau de remodelamento vascular positivo e o porcentual de núcleo necrótico em lesões ateroscleróticas coronárias. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 270 cortes transversais obtidos pela Histologia Virtual® de 30 pacientes, os quais apresentavam remodelamento positivo em segmento de artéria coronária com lesão > 50%, identificada pela angiografia coronária. Foram avaliados 7 cortes transversais por segmento de artéria coronária, incluindo o corte transversal com o maior índice de remodelamento arterial, denominado corte transversal de interesse (corte transversal 4). RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 60,8 ± 8,8 anos, 80% eram do sexo masculino e 30% diabéticos. Angina instável foi a apresentação clínica mais frequente (56,6%) e a artéria descendente anterior foi o vaso mais analisado (43%). A área de referência do vaso foi de 15,5 ± 4,9 mm² e o índice de remodelamento no corte transversal 4 foi de 1,2 ± 0,1. Análise de variância de medidas repetidas mostrou maior porcentual de núcleo necrótico no corte transversal de interesse (P < 0,001). Observamos correlação positiva do remodelamento arterial coronário com o núcleo necrótico (r = 0,79; P < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O remodelamento positivo da artéria coronária está associado à presença de núcleo necrótico, o qual caracteriza placas ateromatosas vulneráveis. A pesquisa de remodelamento arterial positivo pode ser estratégia útil para a detecção de placas vulneráveis antes de sua ruptura.

BACKGROUND: Anatomopathological studies suggest an association of positive vascular remodeling and vulnerable coronary plaques. The objective of this study was to verify whether there is a correlation between positive vascular remodeling and necrotic core in atherosclerotic coronary lesions. METHODS: We studied 270 cross sections obtained by Virtual Histology® in 30 patients who had positive remodeling in coronary artery segments with lesions > 50%, identified by coronary angiography. Seven cross sections were assessed per segment of coronary artery, including the cross section with the highest remodeling index, denominated cross section of interest (cross section 4). RESULTS: Mean age was 60.8 ± 8.8 years, 80% were male and 30% were diabetic. Unstable angina was the most frequent clinical presentation (56.6%) and the left anterior descending artery was the most analyzed vessel (43%). The vessel reference area was 15.5 ± 4.9 mm² and the remodeling index in cross section 4 was 1.2 ± 0.1. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a higher percentage of necrotic core in the cross section of interest (P < 0.001). We observed a positive correlation of coronary artery remodeling and necrotic core (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Positive coronary artery remodeling is associated to the presence of necrotic core, which characterizes vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The search for positive arterial remodeling may be a useful strategy for detecting vulnerable plaques before rupture.

INTRODUÇÃO: A reestenose coronária é um fenômeno pouco compreendido e que permanece como um desafio mesmo na era dos stents farmacológicos. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar genes envolvidos na síntese de proteínas estruturais e funcionais de células musculares lisas com expressão aumentada em placas ateromatosas de humanos associados a hiperplasia neointimal após o implante de stents não-farmacológicos. MÉTODOS: Placas ateromatosas foram obtidas mediante aterectomia direcionada, previamente ao implante do stent. A análise da expressão dos genes foi realizada utilizando-se o sistema Affymetrix GeneChip. Os pacientes foram submetidos a ultrassom intracoronário 6 meses após o procedimento para análise volumétrica intrastent. Foi avaliada a correlação entre a expressão gênica de placas ateromatosas e o porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (85,7%), com 60,2 ± 11,4 anos de idade, 35,7% eram diabéticos e o porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent foi de 29,9 ± 18,7%. Não houve variação do porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent entre os pacientes com ou sem diabetes (29,5% vs. 30,7%; P = 0,89). Não houve correlação entre a extensão do stent e o porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent (r = -0,26; P = 0,26) ou entre o diâmetro do stent e o porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent (r = 0,14; P = 0,56). Oito genes envolvidos na síntese de proteínas estruturais e funcionais de células musculares lisas apresentaram correlação positiva com o porcentual de hiperplasia intimal intrastent. CONCLUSÕES: As lesões coronárias de novo apresentam expressão aumentada de genes relacionados com a síntese de proteínas estruturais e funcionais de células musculares lisas associados a futura hiperplasia neointimal intrastent significativa, surgindo como novos alvos terapêuticos.

BACKGROUND: Coronary restenosis is a poorly understood phenomenon that remains a challenge even in the drug-eluting stent era. This study is aimed at identifying the genes involved in structural and functional protein synthesis of smooth muscle cells with increased expression in human atheromatous plaques associated to neointimal hyperplasia after bare-metal stent implantation. METHODS: Atheromatous plaques were obtained by directional atherectomy prior to stenting. Gene expression analysis was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip system. Patients were submitted to intravascular ultrasound 6 months after the procedure for in-stent volumetric analysis. We evaluated the correlation between gene expression in atheromatous plaques and the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia. RESULTS: Most patients were male (85.7%), with 60.2 ± 11.4 years of age, 35.7% were diabetic and the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia was 29.9 ± 18.7%. There was no change in the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia in patients with or without diabetes (29.5% vs. 30.7%; P = 0.89). There was no correlation between stent length and the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia (r = -0.26; P = 0.26) or between stent diameter and the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia (r = 0.14; P = 0.56). Eight genes related to smooth muscle cell structural and functional protein synthesis had a positive correlation with the percentage of in-stent intimal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: De novo coronary lesions show increased expression of genes related to smooth muscle cell structural and functional protein synthesis associated to future significant in-stent neointimal hyperplasia, emerging as novel therapeutic targets.

Tratamento endovascular de pseudoaneurismas da aorta ascendente com o implante de stents coronários no mesmo procedimento foi factível, embora seja necessário um maior seguimento.

Endovascular treatment of ascending aorta pseudoanerysms with coronary stents implantation at the same procedure was feasable, although longer followup is necessary.

INTRODUÇÃO: O infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) persiste como importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade. Este estudo visa a delinear o panorama nacional da intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) no cenário do IAM, analisando diferentes períodos e regiões do Brasil, com enfoque na ICP primária e nos tratamentos adjuntos farmacológicos e mecânicos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de 20.004 pacientes com diagnóstico de IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) e submetidos a ICP, provenientes do Registro CENIC (Central Nacional de Intervenções Cardiovasculares), de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2010. Esses dados são oriundos de 252 centros localizados em 22 Estados das cinco regiões do País. RESULTADOS: A ICP primária correspondeu a 57,8% das ICPs realizadas no contexto do IAM, seguida de ICP eletiva pós-IAMCSST (35,7%), ICP de resgate (6,1%) e ICP facilitada (0,4%). A evolução ao longo dos anos evidencia aumento progressivo do número de ICPs primárias no Brasil, partindo de 56,7% do total em 2006 para 71,6% em 2010. O tempo médio porta-balão da ICP primária no Brasil nesse período foi de 2 horas. A aspiração de trombos aumentou de 0,4% em 2006 para 8,2% dos casos em 2010. A taxa média de sucesso do procedimento foi de 93,8%, enquanto a de óbito hospitalar foi de apenas 2,8%. CONCLUSÕES: A ICP no cenário do IAMCSST vem apresentando avanços de 2006 a 2010, embora de maneira heterogênea nas diferentes regiões do Brasil, mediante aumento das taxas de ICP primária e maior utilização de dispositivos de aspiração de trombo, os quais ainda não foram incorporados na rotina. Investimentos em recursos humanos e implementação de protocolos de atendimento constituem elementos essenciais para a otimização do tempo porta-balão e para a melhora dos resultados clínicos.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to outline the national profile of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of AMI, analyzing different time periods and geographic regions, with focus on primary PCI and adjunctive pharmacological and mechanical treatments. METHODS: Data from 20,004 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PCI and included in the CENIC Registry (National Center of Cardiovascular Interventions) from January 2006 to December 2010 were included in this study. Data were obtained from 252 centers located in 22 states from five different geographic regions in the country. RESULTS: Primary PCI accounted for 57.8% of PCI performed in the setting of AMI, followed by elective PCI after STEMI (35.7%), rescue PCI (6.1%) and facilitated PCI (0.4%). The evolution over time showed a progressive increase in the number of primary PCIs in Brazil, from 56.7% in 2006 to 71.6% in 2010. The mean door-to-balloon time of primary PCI in Brazil during this period was 2 hours. Thrombus aspiration increased from 0.4% in 2006 to 8.2% of cases in 2010. Procedural success rate was 93.8%, while in-hospital mortality was only 2.8%. CONCLUSIONS: PCI in the setting of STEMI has improved from 2006 to 2010, although heterogeneously in the different regions of Brazil, due to increased primary PCI rates and higher use of thrombus aspiration devices, which have not been incorporated in the routine practice. Investments in staff training and implementation of clinical protocols are essential to optimize the door-to-balloon time and improve clinical outcomes.

INTRODUÇÃO: Há múltiplos modelos experimentais em animais, entretanto o modelo suíno é o que apresenta características anatômicas e funcionais mais próximas às humanas. Assim sendo, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de desenvolver e implementar um protocolo experimental de indução de hiperproliferação neointimal em suínos, visando à criação de técnicas de lesão vascular simulando a reestenose. MÉTODO: De agosto de 2006 a março de 2009, 69 suínos jovens da raça Large White foram submetidos a cinecoronariografia seguida de lesão vascular com implante de 102 stents sobredimensionados, guiados por ultrassom intracoronário. Em 28 dias foi realizado reestudo com nova cinecoronariografia e ultrassom intracoronário. RESULTADOS: O diâmetro luminal mínimo e a área luminal mínima imediatamente após o implante de stent no grupo stent sobredimensionado foram maiores em comparação ao grupo controle (3,5 ± 0,3 mm vs. 3 ± 0,2 mm, P < 0,0001 e 40,7 ± 0,3 mm² vs. 30,2 ± 0,2 mm², P < 0,0001). A taxa de reestenose binária no grupo submetido a implante de stent sobredimensionado foi de 92% (69/75 stents), enquanto no grupo controle foi de 12% (3/25 stents), com diferença estatisticamente significante (P < 0,0001). O volume de hiperplasia neointimal foi maior no grupo submetido a implante de stent sobredimensionado, em comparação ao grupo controle (5,9 ± 0,8 mm³/mm de stent vs. 1,8 ± 0,7 mm³/mm de stent; P < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: O modelo experimental proposto de indução de proliferação neointimal em suínos é eficaz na indução de hiperplasia intrastent, portanto pode ser utilizado tanto para o estudo dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos da reestenose intrastent quanto para aplicações terapêuticas, como testes de novos fármacos, novos dispositivos e novos stents farmacológicos para prevenção e tratamento da reestenose intrastent.

BACKGROUND: There are several experimental animal models, but, the swine model is the most similar to human anatomic and physiologic characteristics. Therefore, this study was carried out to develop and implement an experimental protocol of vascular neointimal hyperplasia induction in swine, aiming at creating vascular injury techniques simulating restenosis. METHOD: From August 2006 to March 2009, 69 young Large White swine underwent coronary angiography followed by vascular injury and implantation of 102 oversized stents guided by intravascular ultrasound. After 28 days a new coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound was performed. RESULTS: The minimal luminal diameter and the minimal luminal area immediately after the stent deployment in the group treated with an oversized stent were significantly higher when compared to the control group (3.5 ± 0.3 mm vs. 3 ± 0.2 mm, P < 0.0001 and 40.7 ± 0.3 mm² vs. 30.2 ± 0.2 mm², P < 0.0001). The binary restenosis rate in the group treated with an oversized stent was 92% (69/75 stents), whereas it was 12% (3/25 stents) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). The neointimal hyperplasia volume was significantly higher in the group treated with an oversized stent in comparison to the control group (5.9 ± 0.8 mm³/stent mm vs. 1.8 ± 0.7 mm³/stent mm, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The proposed experimental model of neointimal proliferation induction in swine is effective in inducing instent hyperplasia, and therefore it may be used for the study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of in-stent restenosis as well as for therapeutic purposes, such as the evaluations of new drugs, new devices and new drug-eluting stents for the prevention and treatment of in-stent restenosis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a importância da interação entre a integrina Mac-1 dos leucócitos (a Mb 2) e a glicoproteína (GP) Iba das plaquetas para o recrutamento de leucócitos após a lesão vascular e o efeito da neutralização da interação Mac-1-GPIba sobre a proliferação celular e a hiperplasia neointimal desencadeadas por lesão vascular. MÉTODOS: Um peptídeo denominado M2 ou anticorpo anti-M2 foi desenvolvido para bloquear a interação Mac-1-GPIba . Esse peptídeo foi injetado e comparado com anticorpo-controle em camundongos C57B1/6J submetidos a lesão vascular da artéria femoral com corda-guia. Um, cinco ou 28 dias após a lesão vascular, as artérias femorais foram retiradas para a realização de morfometria e imuno-histoquímica. RESULTADOS: O bloqueio da interação Mac-1-GPIba promoveu uma redução estatisticamente significativa do número de leucócitos na camada média no primeiro dia após a lesão vascular (controle: 7,9±5,0% do total de células versus anti-M2: 2,0±1,6%, p=0,021), bem como determinou uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa do acúmulo de leucócitos na neoíntima em cinco e 28 dias (controle: 42,3±12,9% versus anti-M2: 24,6±10,8%, p=0,047 e controle: 7,9±3,0% versus anti-M2: 3,3±1,3%, p=0,012; respectivamente). A proliferação celular na camada média do vaso em cinco dias pós-lesão foi reduzida com o bloqueio da interação Mac-1-GPIba (controle: 5,0±2,9% do total de células versus anti-M2: 1,8±0,5%; p=0,043), assim como houve diminuição significativa da proliferação celular na camada íntima do vaso em 28 dias (controle: 3,8±1,7% versus anti-M2: 2,0±1,2%; p=0,047). O bloqueio da interação Mac-1-GPIba também determinou uma redução estatisticamente significativa do espessamento intimal em 28 dias pós-lesão (controle: 10.395±3.549 µm² versus anti-M2: 4.561±4.915 µm²; p=0,012). CONCLUSÃO: O recrutamento de leucócitos após a lesão vascular é dependente da interação Mac-1-GPIba e a neutralização dessa interação inibe a proliferação celular e a formação neointimal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of the interaction between leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (a Mb 2) and platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-a for leukocyte recruitment after vascular injury and the effect of the neutralization of the Mac-1-GPIba interaction on cell proliferation and the neointimal hyperplasia triggered by the vascular injury. METHODS: A peptide called M2 or anti-M2 antibody was developed to block the Mac-1-GPIba interaction. This peptide was injected and compared to a control-peptide in C57B1/6J mice submitted to vascular injury of the femoral artery with a guide wire. One, five or 28 days after the vascular injury, the femoral arteries were removed for morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: The blocking of the Mac-1-GPIba interaction promoted a statistically significant reduction in the number of leukocytes in the neointimal layer on the first day after the vascular injury (control: 7.9±5.0% of the cell total versus anti-M2: 2.0±1.6%, p=0.021), as well as determined a statistically significant decrease in leukocyte accumulation in the neointimal layer on days 5 and 28 (control: 42.3±12.9% versus anti-M2: 24.6±10.8%, p=0.047 and control: 7.9±3.0% versus anti-M2: 3.3±1.3%, p=0.012; respectively). Cell proliferation in the neointimal layer of the vessel five days post-injury was reduced with the blocking of the Mac-1-GPIba interaction (control: 5.0±2.9% of the cell total versus anti-M2: 1.8±0.5%; p=0.043), along with a significant decrease in cell proliferation in the vessel neointimal layer 28 days post-injury (control: 3.8±1.7% versus anti-M2: 2.0±1.2%; p=0.047). The blocking of the Mac-1-GPIba interaction also determined a statistically significant decrease of the intimal thickening 28 days post-injury (control: 10,395±3,549 µm² versus anti-M2: 4,561±4,915 µm²; p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Leukocyte recruitment after a vascular injury depends on the Mac-1-GPIba interaction and the neutralization of this interaction inhibits cell proliferation and neointimal formation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the use, prior to the procedure, of injectable diltiazem to prevent complications. METHODS: Between September 2000 and July 2001, 50 patients underwent transradial coronary angiography and were randomized to receive placebo (GI) or diltiazem (GII) through a catheter inserted into the radial artery. All patients received isosorbide mononitrate. Ultrasound analyses of the radial artery were performed before examination, 30 minutes afterwards, and 7 days afterwards to evaluate the flow, the diameter, and the artery output. RESULTS: The radial artery diameter of GI was 2.4± 0.5 mm before the procedure and 2.3±0.5 mm after 30 minutes (NS), whereas in GII the diameter was 2.2±0.3 mm before the examination and 2.5±0.4 mm 30 minutes after it (P<0.001). Radial artery output in group 1 was 7.3±5.l2 mL/min before the examination and 6.1±3.5 mL/min 30 minutes after the examination (NS), and GII had an increase of 5.9±2.5 mL/min before examination to 9.05± 7.78 mL/min after the examination (P=0.04). Complications (spasm, occlusion, and partial obstruction) occurred in 4 patients (17.4%) in GI and did not occur in GII (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The study suggests a decrease in vascular complications through the transradial access for coronary angiography with the use of diltiazem as an antispasmodic drug, resulting in the significant increase in the diameter of the radial artery and radial artery output.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the in-hospital results, in progressively elderly patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first 24 hours of AMI. METHODS: The patients were divided into three different age groups (60/69, 70/79, and > or = 80 years) and were treated from 7/95 until 12/99. The primary success rate and the occurrence of major clinical events were analyzed at the end of the in-hospital phase. Coronary stent implantation and abciximab use were employed at the intervencionist discretion. RESULTS: We analyzed 201 patients with age ranging from 60 to 93 years, who underwent primary PCI. Patients with ages above 70 were more often female (p=.015). Those with ages above 80 were treated later with PCI (p=.054), and all of them presented with total occlusion of the infarct-related artery. Coronary stents were implanted in 30% of the patients. Procedural success was lower in > or = 80 year old patients (p=.022), and the death rate was higher in > or = 70 years olds (p=.019). Reinfarction and coronary bypass surgery were uncommon events. A trend occurred toward a higher combined incidence of major in-hospital events according to increased age (p=.064). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients ( > or = 70 years) presented with adverse clinical and angiographic profiles and patients > or = 80 years of age obtained reduced TIMI 3 flow success rates after primary PTCA, and those > or = 70 years had a higher death rate.

Cardiopulmonary arrest is a medical emergency in which the lapse of time between event onset and the initiation of measures of basic and advanced support, as well as the correct care based on specific protocols for each clinical situation, constitute decisive factors for a successful therapy. Cardiopulmonary arrest care cannot be restricted to the hospital setting because of its fulminant nature. This necessitates the creation of new concepts, strategies and structures, such as the concept of life chain, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation courses for professionals who work in emergency medical services, the automated external defibrillator, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and mobile intensive care units, among others. New concepts, strategies and structures motivated by new advances have also modified the treatment and improved the results of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the hospital setting. Among them, we can cite the concept of cerebral resuscitation, the application of the life chain, the creation of the universal life support algorithm, the adjustment of drug doses, new techniques - measure of the end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and of the coronary perfusion pressure - and new drugs under research.