P598T1 mapping and myocardial extracellular volume assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance in diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background

T1 mapping is a quantitative technique of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) increasingly used for characterization of the myocardium. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may impact myocardial tissue structure, however studies that assessed this association using non-invasive methods have conflicting results.

Purpose

We sought to compare the tissue characteristics of the non-infarcted myocardium of patients with and without diabetes with multivessel CAD.

Methods

Patients with stable multivessel CAD and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), included in the MASS V trial, underwent contrast-enhanced CMR before revascularization procedures. Patients were stratified according to the T2DM diagnosis at baseline. Values of myocardial native T1, post-contrast T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Only myocardial tissue without late gadolinium enhancement were assessed.

Results

Of 155 patients studied, 67 (43%) were diabetic and 88 (57%) non-diabetic. Baseline characteristics were similiar between groups (age 70±10 vs 69±11; 69% vs 68% males; LVEF 65±13 vs 67±9). Mean Syntax score was 21.2±8.5 and 20.4±8.5 (p=0.52) in diabetic and non-diabetic, respectively. Myocardial native T1 values showed no diference in diabetic and non-diabetic (1013±67.9 vs 1015±61.4, p=0.72). However, in diabetic patients values of post-contrast T1 were significantly lower (482.2±43.8 vs 499.4±47.2, p=0.024) and ECV were higher (29.62±6.61 vs 27.08. ± 4.22, p=0.004). Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, BMI, hypertension and Syntax score showed no differences in the results.

Figure1

Conclusion

In this study, T2DM was associated with higher ECV and lower post-contrast T1 values in the myocardial tissue. These findings suggest an increase in the myocardial intersticial matrix in patients with diabetes and stable multivessel CAD.

P1832Myocardial injury assessed by T1 mapping after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. a pre-specified analysis of mass V trial

Background

Myocardial structural damage may occur during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and is identified by the significant release of cardiac biomarkers. However, the evidence of these structural myocardial changes after CABG by current imaging methods remains unknown. To evaluate myocardial structure, we used the T1 mapping of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before and after on-pump and off-pump CABG.

Methods

Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and preserved ventricular function were included and underwent on or off-pump CABG. CMR and T1 mapping were performed using the MOLLI technique (modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery). Values of native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were compared before and after on and off-pump procedures.

Results

Of 110 eligible patients, 34 were excluded due to the presence of new late enhancement or edema. Of 76 patients remained, 32 (42%) underwent on-pump (Group A) and 44 (58%) off-pump CABG (Group B). All baseline characteristics were similar between groups, besides the Syntax Score that was higher in Group A (25 × 21, p=0.002). For group A, native T1 before and after procedures was 1013 ms (998–1043) and 1004 ms (793–1048), p=0.19, and ECV was 26.4 (23.9–27.6) and 31.2 (27.6–33.9), p<0.001. For group B, native T1 before and after procedures was 1015 ms (970–1044) and 992 ms (867–1051), p=0.003, and ECV 27.5 (25.3–29.9) and 30.3 (26.5–34.3), p=0.02. The comparison of native T1 difference before and after procedures between groups A and B was not significant (Delta T1 −9.8 (−102 to 51.8) × −25.4 (−119 to 51,2), p=0.87. However, the difference of ECV between groups was statistically significant (ECV Delta 3.8 (2.2 to 7.1) × 1.3 (−1.1 to 4.9), p=0.039, respectively, for groups A and B.

Figure 1

Conclusion

In this sample, T1 mapping identified significant myocardial structural changes in both surgical revascularization procedures. Additionally, a marked myocardial injury generated by ECV changes were observed after on-pump CABG.

P1835Application of SYNTAX score I, II and residual SYNTAX as predictors of long-term clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

The evaluation of coronary disease by SYNTAX score I (SSI) is used to grade coronary complexity. Following SSI, two other scores were developed: SYNTAX score II (SSII) and residual SYNTAX score (rSS). Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evidence about the prognostic significance of these scores among patients undergoing CABG.

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the relation of the SSI, SSII and rSS score with outcomes in a long-term follow-up after elective CABG.

Methods

This is a single center, registry-based study. Baseline SSI was calculated from patients undergoing CABG by interventional cardiologists. SSI results were considered as usual: <23, 23–32 and >32. SSII and rSRR were then calculated and categorized in tertiles: <21.4, 21.4–29.4 and >29.4 for SSII and 0, 1–5 and >5 for rSS. Primary outcome was a composite of overall death, myocardial infarction, additional revascularization, or stroke (MACCE).

Results

Data were obtained from 559 patients. Median follow-up was 6 years (IQR: 4.9–9.8) and 170 events were documented. The Kaplan-Meier curves (figure 1) showed significant differences of MACCE in higher SSI, SSII and rSS (p=0.039, 0.033, <0.001 respectively). After multivariate adjustment, rSS, ejection fraction (EF) and age were found to be independent predictors of MACCE (p<0.001, 0.034 and 0.006, respectively).

Figure 1

Conclusion

In this sample SSI, II and residual were associated with the occurrence of events. However, just the rSS remained an independent predictor of MACCE together with age and EF.

Association Between Stress Testing-Induced Myocardial Ischemia and Clinical Events in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

IMPORTANCE

The long-term prognostic implications of myocardial ischemia documented during stress testing in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether documented stress testing-induced myocardial ischemia is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events or ventricular function changes in patients with stable multivessel CAD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from a single-center randomized clinical trial (Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study [MASS] II) to examine the association of myocardial ischemia documented during stress testing at baseline with cardiovascular events and ventricular function changes during follow-up. Participants were previously randomized (May 1, 1995, to May 31, 2000) to medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention with bare metal stents, or coronary artery bypass grafting. Event-free survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox regression models were calculated to assess the association between ischemia and the primary composite end point. The vital status was determined on February 28, 2011. Data were analyzed from February 1, 2016, to April 1, 2017.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Cardiovascular events (overall mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization for refractory angina) were tracked from the time of randomization to the end of the 10-year follow-up (mean [SD] duration, 11.4 [4.3] years). Myocardial ischemia was assessed at baseline and at 1-year intervals by exercise stress testing, and ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction) was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and after 10 years. Patients with documented ischemia were compared with those without ischemia regarding the outcomes and changes in ventricular function.

RESULTS

Of 611 participants, 535 underwent exercise stress testing at baseline: 270 with documented ischemia and 265 without. Of these 535 patients, 373 (69.7%) were men, and the mean (SD) age for the entire cohort was 59.7 (9.2) years. No association was found between the presence of ischemia at baseline and survival free of combined cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80-1.27; P = .95) after multivariable adjustment that included CAD initial randomized treatments. In addition, among 320 patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluation, the slight decline in left ventricular ejection fraction after 10 years was similar in both groups (median [SD] difference, -4.9% [18.7%] vs -6.6% [20.0%], respectively, for groups with and without ischemia; P = .97).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, regardless of the therapeutic strategy applied, the presence of documented myocardial ischemia did not appear to be associated with an increased occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events or changes in ventricular function in patients with multivessel CAD during a long-term follow-up.

Platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with previous coronary and cerebrovascular ischemic events

OBJECTIVES

Ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) history is present in 4-17% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This subgroup of patients is at high risk for both ischemic and bleeding events. The aim of this study was to determine the role of platelet aggregability, coagulation and endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with CAD and previous IS or TIA.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study that included 140 stable CAD patients divided into two groups: the CASE group (those with a previous IS/TIA, n=70) and the CONTROL group (those without a previous IS/TIA, n=70). Platelet aggregability (VerifyNow Aspirin® and VerifyNow P2Y12®), coagulation (fibrinogen and thromboelastography by Reorox®) and endogenous fibrinolysis (D dimer and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients in the CASE group presented significantly higher systolic blood pressure levels (135.84±16.09 vs 123.68±16.11, p<0.01), significantly more previous CABG (25.71% vs 10%, p=0.015) and significantly higher calcium channel blocker usage (42.86% vs 24.29%, p=0.02) than those in the control group. In the adjusted models, low triglyceride values, low hemoglobin values and higher systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with previous IS/TIA (CASE group). Most importantly, platelet aggregability, coagulation and fibrinolysis tests were not independently associated with previous cerebrovascular ischemic events (CASE group).

CONCLUSION

Platelet aggregability, coagulation and endogenous fibrinolysis showed similar results among CAD patients with and without previous IS/TIA. Therefore, it remains necessary to identify other targets to explain the higher bleeding risk presented by these patients.

A cohort study of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established procedure for patients with heart failure. However, trials evaluating its efficacy did not include patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). We aimed to assess the role of CRT in a cohort of patients with CCC.

Methods and results

This retrospective study compared the outcomes of CCC patients who underwent CRT with those of dilated (DCM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathies (ICM). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoints were the rate of non-advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 12 months after CRT and echocardiographic changes evaluated at least 6 months after CRT. There were 115 patients in the CCC group, 177 with DCM, and 134 with ICM. The annual mortality rates were 25.4%, 10.4%, and 11.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that the CCC group had a two-fold [hazard ratio 2.34 (1.47-3.71), P < 0.001] higher risk of death compared to the DCM group. The rate of non-advanced NYHA class 12 months after CRT was significantly higher in non-CCC groups than in the CCC group (DCM 74.0% vs. ICM 73.9% vs. 56.5%, P < 0.001). Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and ICM patients had no improvement in the echocardiographic evaluation, but patients in the DCM group had an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction and a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.

Conclusion

This study showed that CCC patients submitted to CRT have worse prognosis compared to patients with DCM and ICM who undergo CRT. Studies comparing CCC patients with and without CRT are warranted.

Silent Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Pacemaker Users: A Randomized Trial Using Home Monitoring

BACKGROUND

Pacemaker with remote monitoring (PRM) may be useful for silent atrial fibrillation (AF) detection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of silent AF, the role of PRM, and to determine predictors of silent AF occurrence.

METHODS

Three hundred elderly patients with permanent pacemaker (PPM) were randomly assigned to the remote group (RG) or control group (CG). All patients received PPM with remote monitoring capabilities. Primary end point was AF occurrence rate and the secondary end points were time to AF detection and number of days with AF.

RESULTS

During the average follow-up of 15.7±7.7 months, AF episodes were detected in 21.6% (RG = 24% vs CG = 19.3%, P = 0.36]. There was no difference in the time to detect the first AF episode. However, the median time to detect AF recurrence in the RG was lower than that in the CG (54 days vs 100 days, P = 0.004). The average number of days with AF was 16.0 and 51.2 in the RG and CG, respectively (P = 0.028). Predictors of silent AF were left atrial diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.3; P < 0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (OR 4.8; 95% CI = 1.6-14.0; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of silent AF is high in elderly patients with pacemaker; left atrial diameter and diastolic dysfunction were predictors of its occurrence. AF monitoring by means of pacemaker is a valuable tool for silent AF detection and continuous remote monitoring allows early AF recurrence detection and reduces the number of days with AF.

Predictors of Arrhythmic Events Detected by Implantable Loop Recorders in Renal Transplant Candidates

BACKGROUND

The recording of arrhythmic events (AE) in renal transplant candidates (RTCs) undergoing dialysis is limited by conventional electrocardiography. However, continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring seems to be more appropriate due to automatic detection of arrhythmia, but this method has not been used.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of AE in RTCs using an implantable loop recorder (ILR).

METHODS

A prospective observational study conducted from June 2009 to January 2011 included 100 consecutive ambulatory RTCs who underwent ILR and were followed-up for at least 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to define predictors of AE.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 424 ± 127 days, AE could be detected in 98% of patients, and 92% had more than one type of arrhythmia, with most considered potentially not serious. Sustained atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation occurred in 7% and 13% of patients, respectively, and bradyarrhythmia and non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred in 25% and 57%, respectively. There were 18 deaths, of which 7 were sudden cardiac events: 3 bradyarrhythmias, 1 ventricular fibrillation, 1 myocardial infarction, and 2 undetermined. The presence of a long QTc (odds ratio [OR] = 7.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01-26.35; p = 0.002), and the duration of the PR interval (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; p < 0.001) were independently associated with bradyarrhythmias. Left ventricular dilatation (LVD) was independently associated with non-sustained VT (OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 1.01-7.96; p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

In medium-term follow-up of RTCs, ILR helped detect a high incidence of AE, most of which did not have clinical relevance. The PR interval and presence of long QTc were predictive of bradyarrhythmias, whereas LVD was predictive of non-sustained VT.

Do Diabetic Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Have a Higher Threshold for Ischemic Pain?

Background:

Data from over 4 decades have reported a higher incidence of silent infarction among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but recent publications have shown conflicting results regarding the correlation between DM and presence of pain in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Objective:

Our primary objective was to analyze the association between DM and precordial pain at hospital arrival. Secondary analyses evaluated the association between hyperglycemia and precordial pain at presentation, and the subgroup of patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset.

Methods:

We analyzed a prospectively designed registry of 3,544 patients with ACS admitted to a Coronary Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. We developed multivariable models to adjust for potential confounders.

Results:

Patients with precordial pain were less likely to have DM (30.3%) than those without pain (34.0%; unadjusted p = 0.029), but this difference was not significant after multivariable adjustment, for the global population (p = 0.84), and for subset of patients that presented within 6 hours from symptom onset (p = 0.51). In contrast, precordial pain was more likely among patients with hyperglycemia (41.2% vs 37.0% without hyperglycemia, p = 0.035) in the overall population and also among those who presented within 6 hours (41.6% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.001). Adjusted models showed an independent association between hyperglycemia and pain at presentation, especially among patients who presented within 6 hours (OR = 1.41, p = 0.008).

Conclusion:

In this non-selected ACS population, there was no correlation between DM and hospital presentation without precordial pain. Moreover, hyperglycemia correlated significantly with pain at presentation, especially in the population that arrived within 6 hours from symptom onset.

The bleeding risk score as a mortality predictor in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

It is well known that the occurrence of bleeding increases in-hospital mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and there is a good correlation between bleeding risk scores and bleeding incidence. However, the role of bleeding risk score as mortality predictor is poorly studied.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this paper was to analyze the role of bleeding risk score as in-hospital mortality predictor in a cohort of patients with ACS treated in a single cardiology tertiary center.

METHODS

Out of 1655 patients with ACS (547 with ST-elevation ACS and 1118 with non-ST-elevation ACS), we calculated the ACUITY/HORIZONS bleeding score prospectively in 249 patients and retrospectively in the remaining 1416. Mortality information and hemorrhagic complications were also obtained.

RESULTS

Among the mean age of 64.3 ± 12.6 years, the mean bleeding score was 18 ± 7.7. The correlation between bleeding and mortality was highly significant (p < 0.001, OR = 5.296), as well as the correlation between bleeding score and in-hospital bleeding (p < 0.001, OR = 1.058), and between bleeding score and in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR = 1.121, p < 0.001, area under the ROC curve 0.753, p < 0.001). The adjusted OR and area under the ROC curve for the population with ST-elevation ACS were, respectively, 1.046 (p = 0.046) and 0.686 ± 0.040 (p < 0.001); for non-ST-elevation ACS the figures were, respectively, 1.150 (p < 0.001) and 0.769 ± 0.036 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding risk score is a very useful and highly reliable predictor of in-hospital mortality in a wide range of patients with acute coronary syndromes, especially in those with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

The New Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care—Cardiocerebral Resuscitation

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Prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in different forms of coronary disease

BACKGROUND

Several infectious agents have been investigated since the association between atherosclerosis and infection was demonstrated; however, the results of these studies are contradictory.

OBJECTIVE

To test the association between serum titers of anti-Chlamydia and anti-Mycoplasma antibodies in different forms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-six patients were divided in 4 groups: ACS with ST-segment elevation (32 patients), ACS without ST-segment elevation (30 patients), chronic coronary artery disease (30 patients) and blood donors without known coronary disease (34 patients--control group). In the two first groups, serum samples were collected at hospital admission (first 24 hours of hospitalization) and after a 6-month follow-up. In the other two groups, only a basal sample was collected. Anti-Chlamydia and anti-Mycoplasma antibodies were measured by indirect immunofluorescence in all samples.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between the basal sample and the one measured after a 6-month follow-up in patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation for Chlamydia (650+/-115.7 versus 307+/-47.5, p=0.0001) as well as Mycoplasma (36.5+/-5.0 versus 21.5+/-3.5, p=0.0004). The groups with ACS had higher anti-Chlamydia and anti-Mycoplasma serum antibody levels in the basal measurement, when compared to the patients with chronic coronary disease and the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed an association between the serum titers of anti-Chlamydia and anti-Mycoplasma antibodies in the acute phase of patients with unstable angina or myocardial infarction.

Obesity, estrone, and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

The link between obesity and endogenous estrogen with coronary artery disease (CAD) in postmenopausal women is uncertain. In this prospective study we analyzed the association of body mass index (BMI) and blood levels of estrone in postmenopausal women with known CAD or with a high risk factor score for CAD.

METHODS

Participants were 251 female clinic patients aged 50-90 years who were postmenopausal and not using estrogen therapy. Clinical and behavioral characteristics and fasting blood for estrone and heart disease risk factors were collected at baseline, and again at 1 and 2 years. Women were grouped according to their BMI (kg/m2) as normal (18.5< or =BMI<25), overweight (25< or =BMI<30) or obese (BMI > or =30), and by low and high estrone levels (<15 and > or =15pg/mL, respectively). Fatal and nonfatal events were recorded for 2 years after baseline.

RESULTS

Women with a low estrone level were older, thinner, and had less hypertension, diabetes, and lower triglyceride and glucose levels. BMI was positively associated with estrone levels, hypertension, and diabetes and inversely associated with HDL cholesterol. There were 14 deaths, 8 attributed to CAD. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a nonsignificant trend (p=0.074) of greater all cause mortality in women with low estrone levels (<15mL). In this model, adjusted for BMI, age [OR=1.08; p=0.03], C-reactive protein [OR=1.24; p=0.024] and hypertension [OR=6.22; p=0.003] were independent predictors of all cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal women with low estrone levels (<15pg/mL) had a trend for increased mortality over the next 2 years. Larger, longer studies are needed.

Gender Differences in Chronotropic and Hemodynamic Responses during Dobutamine-Atropine Stress Echocardiography

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of gender on chronotropic and hemodynamic response during dobutamine stress echocardiography with early injection of atropine (EA-DSE).

METHODS

From January 2000 to June 2003, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent EA-DSE for known or suspected coronary artery disease. We studied 494 patients, 243 men and 251 women, who were not under beta-blocker or calcium channel-blocker therapy (Group A) and 326 patients, 157 men and 169 women, using these medications (Group B). Differences on chronotropic and hemodynamic responses during EA-DSE were assessed by gender in the two groups. Predictors of need for higher doses of dobutamine were determined by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

In Group A, higher proportion of women achieved test end points at the stage of 20 mcg/kg per minute. Dobutamine and atropine doses were lower in women than in men (29 +/- 5 versus 31 +/- 6 mcg/kg per minute; P = 0.001 and 0.61 +/- 0.32 versus 0.78 +/- 0.43 mg; P = 0.006). Cardiac chronotropism and systolic blood pressure response patterns differed by gender. In Group B, there was no difference in the proportion of patients who achieved test end points at each stage of dobutamine. The independent predictors of the need for higher doses of dobutamine in Group A were gender [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.99, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.19-3.32; P = 0.008], age (OR = 0.91,CI = 0.89-0.93; P < 0.001), and baseline heart rate (OR = 0.95,CI = 0.93-0.98; P < 0.001). Independent predictors in the total population were age (OR = 0.92,CI = 0.90-0.94; P < 0.001), baseline heart rate (OR = 0.95,CI = 0.93-0.97; P < 0.001), and beta-blocker therapy (OR = 0.42,CI = 0.18-1.51; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Gender has influence on heart rate and blood pressure response to the EA-DSE in patients without use of drugs with negative chronotropic effects.

Efeitos da associação da estimulação atrial dinâmica em duplo sítio atrial com atenolol na prevenção da fibrilação atrial recorrente

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effects of optimized atrial stimulation--OAS (dual-site atrial pacing, heart rate above the intrinsic rate, and specific functional algorithm), and the use of atenolol in preventing recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Primary endpoint: to quantify the rate of AF episodes. Secondary endpoints: assessment of quality of life, specific cardiovascular symptoms, rate of hospital admissions, rate of electrical and pharmacological cardioversions, and adverse cardiac events.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with recurrent episodes of paroxysmal AF and sinus node disease had dual-site atrial and ventricular pacemakers implanted, and were started on atenolol, 100 mg/day. Next, they were randomized to two groups: GROUP I: first three months with OAS and the specific pacing algorithm (DAO) turned on, and three more months with the algorithm off. GROUP II: the inverse sequence to GROUP I. The pacing mode chosen was DDDR, and after three months patients underwent clinical and electronic evaluations of the stimulation system by: automatic mode switch (AMS), 24-hour Holter monitoring, Doppler echocardiogram, and SF-36 questionnaire. Following, a crossover comparison took place, and a new assessment was performed six months later.

RESULTS

When compared to the group with the algorithm turned off, OAS patients had lower rates of: AF/week (p < 0.001); AMS activations (p < 0.01); hospitalizations (p < 0.001); cardioversions (p < 0.001), and higher scores on the physical and mental components of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The hybrid therapy adopted, OAS associated with the use of atenolol, reduced the rate of recurrent AF and improved the clinical-functional status of patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias.

Effects of estradiol alone and combined with norethisterone acetate on pulse-wave velocity in hypertensive postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension and postmenopausal reduction of estrogen levels may be involved in modifications of the stiffness of large arteries.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and indirectly the arterial stiffness in hypertensive postmenopausal women submitted to hormone therapy with estradiol alone or combined with norethisterone acetate.

SUBJECTS

Forty-five hypertensive postmenopausal women were double-blindly, randomly assigned to three arms of treatment: placebo (group I); estradiol 2 mg/day (group II); or estradiol 2 mg/day and norethisterone acetate 1 mg/day (group III).

METHODS

Arterial stiffness was assessed from PWV measurements of the common carotid and femoral arteries (CF-PWV) and the common carotid and radial arteries (CR-PWV) obtained using the automatic Complior(R) device, taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

After the 12-week treatment, values of CF-PWV and CR-PWV were not significantly different (p = 0.910 and p = 0.736, respectively) among the groups. Systolic blood pressure showed a positive correlation with CF-PWV in groups II and III (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PWV and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal hypertensive women did not reduce over a 12-week treatment with estradiol alone compared with the same period of treatment with estradiol combined with norethisterone acetate.

Análise de marcadores de estabilização da placa aterosclerótica após evento coronariano agudo

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the length of time required for atherosclerotic plaque stabilization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS), using inflammatory markers.

METHODS

In this prospective study, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were measured on admission, at discharge, and three and six months post-discharge in 40 patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) and 40 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher on admission and at discharge, but not at three and six months post-discharge, compared with the control group. Fibrinogen levels remained unchanged, except at six months, when they were significantly lower than in the control group. Factor VIII-c did not differ from that of the control group on admission, but it was significantly higher at discharge, with no differences at three and six months. Interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher than in the control group in all time points. However, they declined significantly between discharge and three months. In no time point was TNF-alpha significantly different from that of the control group. Only IL-6 correlated significantly and independently with future cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

With respect to CRP and factor VIIIc, plaque stabilization is suggested in up to three months; IL-6 analysis suggests stabilization as from the third month, although it remained higher than that of the control group for up to six months. Only IL-6 showed prognostic value for further events within a year.

Bioeffects of albumin-encapsulated microbubbles and real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography in an experimental canine model

Myocardial contrast echocardiography has been used for assessing myocardial perfusion. Some concerns regarding its safety still remain, mainly regarding the induction of microvascular alterations. We sought to determine the bioeffects of microbubbles and real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) in a closed-chest canine model. Eighteen mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. Nine were submitted to continuous intravenous infusion of perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin (PESDA) plus continuous imaging using power pulse inversion RTMCE for 180 min, associated with manually deflagrated high-mechanical index impulses. The control group consisted of 3 dogs submitted to continuous imaging using RTMCE without PESDA, 3 dogs received PESDA alone, and 3 dogs were sham-operated. Hemodynamics and cardiac rhythm were monitored continuously. Histological analysis was performed on cardiac and pulmonary tissues. No hemodynamic changes or cardiac arrhythmias were observed in any group. Normal left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial perfusion were maintained throughout the protocol. Frequency of mild and focal microhemorrhage areas in myocardial and pulmonary tissue was similar in PESDA plus RTMCE and control groups. The percentages of positive microscopical fields in the myocardium were 0.4 and 0.7% (P = NS) in the PESDA plus RTMCE and control groups, respectively, and in the lungs they were 2.1 and 1.1%, respectively (P = NS). In this canine model, myocardial perfusion imaging obtained with PESDA and RTMCE was safe, with no alteration in cardiac rhythm or left ventricular function. Mild and focal myocardial and pulmonary microhemorrhages were observed in both groups, and may be attributed to surgical tissue manipulation.

Exercise stress testing before and after successful multivessel percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Controversy exists regarding the diagnostic accuracy, optimal technique, and timing of exercise testing after percutaneous coronary intervention. The objectives of the present study were to analyze variables and the power of exercise testing to predict restenosis or a new lesion, 6 months after the procedure. Eight-four coronary multi-artery diseased patients with preserved ventricular function were studied (66 males, mean age of all patients: 59 +/- 10 years). All underwent coronary angiography and exercise testing with the Bruce protocol, before and 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention. The following parameters were measured: heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product (heart rate x systolic blood pressure), presence of angina, maximal ST-segment depression, and exercise duration. On average, 2.33 lesions/patient were treated and restenosis or progression of disease occurred in 46 (55%) patients. Significant increases in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.022), rate-pressure product (P = 0.045) and exercise duration (P = 0.003) were detected after the procedure. Twenty-seven (32%) patients presented angina during the exercise test before the procedure and 16 (19%) after the procedure. The exercise test for the detection of restenosis or new lesion presented 61% sensitivity, 63% specificity, 62% accuracy, and 67 and 57% positive and negative predictive values, respectively. In patients without restenosis, the exercise duration after percutaneous coronary intervention was significantly longer (460 +/- 154 vs 381 +/- 145 s, P = 0.008). Only the exercise duration permitted us to identify patients with and without restenosis or a new lesion.

Left ventricular free wall impeding rupture in post-myocardial infarction period diagnosed by myocardial contrast echocardiography: case report

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular free wall rupture occurs in up to 10% of the in-hospital deaths following myocardial infarction. It is mainly associated with posterolateral myocardial infarction and its antemortem diagnosis is rarely made. Contrast echocardiography has been increasingly used for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, with important prognostic implications. In this case, we reported its use for the detection of a mechanical complication following myocardial infarction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 50-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in the third day post-infarction. A perfusion defect was detected in lateral and inferior walls as well as the presence of contrast extrusion from the left ventricular cavity into the myocardium, forming a serpiginous duct extending from the endocardium to the epicardial region of the lateral wall, without communication with the pericardial space. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of impending rupture of the left ventricular free wall. While waiting for cardiac surgery, patient presented with cardiogenic shock and died. Anatomopathological findings were consistent with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall and a left ventricular free wall rupture at the infarct site.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the early diagnosis of left ventricular free wall rupture by contrast echocardiography. Due to its ability to be performed at bedside this modality of imaging has the potential to identify this catastrophic condition in patients with acute myocardial infarction and help to treat these patients with emergent surgery.

Assessment of the cardiovascular effects of electroconvulsive therapy in individuals older than 50 years

To evaluate the impact of electroconvulsive therapy on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and the occurrence of ischemia or arrhythmias, 38 (18 men) depressive patients free from systemic diseases, 50 to 83 years old (mean: 64.7 +/- 8.6) underwent electroconvulsive therapy. All patients were studied with simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring, starting 18 h before and continuing for 3 h after electroconvulsive therapy. Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, arrhythmias, and ischemic episodes were recorded. Before each session of electroconvulsive therapy, blood pressure and heart rate were in the normal range; supraventricular ectopic beats occurred in all patients and ventricular ectopic beats in 27/38; 2 patients had non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. After shock, systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure increased 29, 25, and 24% (P < 0.001), respectively, and returned to baseline values within 1 h. Maximum, mean and minimum heart rate increased 56, 52, and 49% (P < 0.001), respectively, followed by a significant decrease within 5 min; heart rate gradually increased again thereafter and remained elevated for 1 h. Analysis of heart rate variability showed increased sympathetic activity during shock with a decrease in both sympathetic and parasympathetic drive afterwards. No serious adverse effects occurred; electroconvulsive therapy did not trigger any malignant arrhythmias or ischemia. In middle-aged and elderly people free from systemic diseases, electroconvulsive therapy caused transitory increases in blood pressure and heart rate and a decrease in heart rate variability but these changes were not associated with serious adverse clinical events.

[Comparative study between the therapeutic effects of surgical myocardial revascularization and coronary angioplasty in equivalent ischemic situations: analysis through myocardial scintigraphy with 99mTc-Sestamibi]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the myocardial ischemic load to previous and after myocardial revascularization.

METHODS

Ninety-six randomized patients, carriers of multivessel coronary artery disease, stable angina, preserved left ventricular function, and exercise-induced myocardial ischemia treated with revascularization (SMR) or coronary angioplasty (TCA). Myocardial scintigraphy with 99mTc-Sestamibi was performed prior to and 6 months after myocardial revascularization.

RESULTS

The SMR determined a significant greater index of complete revascularization (p=0.001), an increase in the number of maximum ergometric tests (p=0.001) and reduction in the number of positive ergometric tests with exercise angina (p=0.018). Both procedures provided an important improvement in the functional class of angina (p=0.001), an increase in the average value of double peak product (p=0.009), and the time of exercise tolerance (p<0.001), besides the reduction in the average value of the summed of exercise score (p<0.001) and the difference of the summed of scores (p<0.001) in both groups.

CONCLUSION

TCA and SMR did not differ significantly concerning the reduction of myocardial ischemic load 6 months after the procedure. The myocardial revascularization was more complete with the SMR than the TCA, but it did not represent a significant factor for the reduction myocardial ischemic load.

[Comparative study of the results of coronary artery bypass grafting and angioplasty for myocardial revascularization in patients with equivalent multivessel disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relative efficacy of different therapeutic strategies in patients with symptomatic multivessel coronary artery disease with preserved ventricular function. The primary objectives were defined as a combination of death of cardiac origin, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and refractory angina that required revascularization, and the secondary objectives were defined as anginal state and exercise-induced ischemia.

METHODS

Of the 20,769 patients assessed on cine coronary angiography at InCor, 210 were chosen for this study and were randomized either for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 105) or transluminal coronary angioplasty (TCA, n = 105).

RESULTS

A mean of 3.2 +/- 0.8 vessels received anastomoses and 2.1 +/- 0.8 were successfully dilated in the CABG and TCA groups, respectively. In a 5-year follow-up, the rates of events in the CABG and TCA groups were, respectively: mortality, 9.52% and 12.38%; acute myocardial infarction, 2.85% and 8.57% (P = 0.0668); and additional intervention, 2.85% and 24.76% (P < 0.001). The survival rate was 88.39% for CABG and 84.93% for TCA; the respective AMI-free percentages were 84.40% and 77.40%. In the CABG and TCA groups, 62% and 60% of the patients had no angina, respectively. The exercise tests were considered nonischemic in 62.5% and 62.1% of the patients in the CABG and TCA groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In multivessel patients, compared with angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with a lower incidence of long-term events and a reduced need for new interventions (P = 0.001).

Effect of sexual steroids on the calcium content of aortic atherosclerotic plaque of oophorectomized rabbits

We determined the effect of conjugated equine estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on calcium content of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in oophorectomized adult New Zealand rabbits submitted to a cholesterol rich diet. Five groups of 10 animals each were studied: G1 = control, G2 = cholesterol diet only, G3 = diet plus conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day); G4 and G5 = diet, conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 and 10 mg/day, respectively). Mean weight varied from 2.7 +/- 0.27 to 3.1 +/- 0.20 kg (P = 0.38) between groups at the beginning and 3.1 +/- 0.27 to 3.5 +/- 0.20 kg (P = 0.35) at the end of the experiment. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined at the time of oophorectomy, 21 days after surgery (time 0), and at the end of follow-up of 90 days. The planimetric method was used to measure plaque and caryometric method for histopathologic examination of the aorta. Calcium content was determined by the method of von Kossa. A similar increase in cholesterol occurred in all treated groups without differences between them at the end of the study. Groups G4 and G5 had smaller areas of atherosclerotic lesions (2.33 +/- 2.8 and 2.45 +/- 2.1 cm(2), respectively) than the groups receiving no progestogens (G2: 5.6 +/- 4 and G3: 4.6 +/- 2.8 cm(2); P = 0.02). The relation between lesion area and total aorta area was smaller in groups treated with combined drugs compared to the groups receiving no progesterone (G4: 14.9 +/- 13 and G5: 14.2 +/- 13.4 vs G2: 35.8 +/- 26 and G3: 25 +/- 8 cm(2), respectively; P = 0.017). Oral conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 or 10 mg/day) provoked a greater reduction in atherosclerotic plaque area and calcium content in treated groups, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.

Effects of estradiol on myocardial global performance index in hypertensive postmenopausal women

The objective of this study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of estradiol on the myocardial performance index (MPI) in hypertensive postmenopausal women. There are conflicting reports on the effects of estrogen on left ventricular function in postmenopausal women, and we are unaware of any study on the myocardial performance index in the postmenopausal state. We undertook a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 34 women, distributed into an estradiol group or a placebo group. After 90 min and at 12 weeks of administration of 1 mg of oral estradiol we evaluated, by Doppler echocardiography, its effects on the MPI. The estradiol group showed no alteration in the MPI after 90 min of the administration of estradiol. On the other hand, after 12 weeks of treatment we observed a statistically significant decrease of isovolumic relaxation time, from 127+/-23 ms to 106+/-16 ms (p < 0.001 and of the MPI from 0.63+/-0.13 to 0.48+/-0.09 (p < 0.01) and an increase in ejection time, from 297+/-32 ms to 330+/-31 ms (p < 0.01). In conclusion, estrogen replacement therapy over a period of 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in the MPI in hypertensive postmenopausal women, whereas the acute administration did not have any effect.

Temperature, air pollution, and mortality from myocardial infarction in São Paulo, Brazil

An increase in daily mortality from myocardial infarction has been observed in association with meteorological factors and air pollution in several cities in the world, mainly in the northern hemisphere. The objective of the present study was to analyze the independent effects of environmental variables on daily counts of death from myocardial infarction in a subtropical region in South America. We used the robust Poisson regression to investigate associations between weather (temperature, humidity and barometric pressure), air pollution (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and inhalable particulate), and the daily death counts attributed to myocardial infarction in the city of São Paulo in Brazil, where 12,007 fatal events were observed from 1996 to 1998. The model was adjusted in a linear fashion for relative humidity and day-of-week, while nonparametric smoothing factors were used for seasonal trend and temperature. We found a significant association of daily temperature with deaths due to myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), with the lowest mortality being observed at temperatures between 21.6 and 22.6 degrees C. Relative humidity appeared to exert a protective effect. Sulfur dioxide concentrations correlated linearly with myocardial infarction deaths, increasing the number of fatal events by 3.4% (relative risk of 1.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.05) for each 10 microg/m(3) increase. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of important associations between daily temperature and air pollution and mortality from myocardial infarction in a subtropical region, even after a comprehensive control for confounding factors.

Acute and chronic effects of oestradiol on left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive postmenopausal women with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular function changes in the postmenopausal state. However, there are conflicting reports about the effects of oestrogen on left ventricular diastolic function in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the acute and chronic effects of oestradiol in physiological doses on diastolic heart function in hypertensive postmenopausal women with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS

A prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the effects of oestradiol in 34 hypertensive women with left ventricular dysfunction. The acute effects of a single 1 mg oral dose of oestradiol or placebo were determined after 90 minutes. The chronic effects of 1 mg oestradiol orally/day or placebo were determined after 12 weeks. Diastolic functional indices (mitral flow and pulmonary venous flow) were assessed by Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

Though an appropriate serum concentration was achieved, no acute effect of oestradiol administration on left ventricular diastolic function was identified. After 12 weeks of treatment the following changes (mean (SD)) were identified in the oestradiol group: a decrease in isovolumic relaxation time from 127 (23) to 106 (16) ms (p < 0.001), and in the deceleration time of the mitral E wave from 260 (42) to 238 (20) ms (p < 0.05); and an increase in the E/A ratio from 0.8 (0.2) (basal) to 1.0 (0.2) after 12 weeks (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertensive postmenopausal women who had hormone replacement therapy over a period of 12 weeks had significant improvement in left ventricular diastolic function. No changes were identified following acute administration.

Secular trends in a population with ischemic heart disease admitted to the Instituto do Coração in São Paulo

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical and demographic characteristics of a population with ischemic heart disease admitted in the final decades of the 20th century.

METHODS

This study retrospectively assessed patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease divided into the following 2 groups: acute group - 11.181 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted from 1/1/82 to 12/31/94; and chronic group - 4.166 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery from 1/1/84 to 12/31/94.

RESULTS

In the acute group, an increase in the percentage of females (from 22.7% to 27.7%, P<0.001) and diabetic individuals (from 12.4% to 17.5%, P<0.001) was observed, as was an increase in age (from 57.4 +/- 11.5 to 59.9 +/- 12.1 years, P<0.05). In-hospital mortality was greater among females (27.8% and 15.7%, P=0.001), among diabetic individuals (24.2% and 17.8%, P=0.001), and among the elderly (60.9 +/- 15.2 and 57.7 +/- 11.8 years, P=0.0001). In the chronic group, an increase in the percentage of females (from 17.5% to 27.2%, P=0.001) was observed, as was an increase in age (from 56.3 +/- 8.6 to 60.5 +/- 9.6 years, P=0.0001). In-hospital mortality was greater among females (8.3% and 5.8%, P<0.05) and among the elderly (58.1 +/- 9.1 and 62.1 +/- 7.9 years, P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of the population studied with ischemic heart disease point towards a worse prognosis, due to the greater percentages of females, older patients, and diabetic patients, groups known to have greater in-hospital mortality.