2007;89(1) – ABC CARDIOL

Anatomopathological Session

Case 4/2007: a 21 year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who presented hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation following oophorectomy due to ovarian cyst rupture

Márcio Silva Miguel Lima et al. Antônio Laurinavicius Mauro Canzian

ANATOMOPATHOLOGICAL SESSION

Case 4/2007 – A 21 year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who presented hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation following oophorectomy due to ovarian cyst rupture

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Case Report

Pseudoaneurysm of left ventricle

José Luiz Balthazar Jacob et al. Graziele Buzelli Nilton Carlos Spinola Machado Pedro G. A. Garzon Sérgio A. C. Garzon

Left ventricular free wall rupture is a dramatic but not always fatal complication from myocardial acute infarction. However, if proper diagnosis is delayed, surgical treatment may be compromised. The authors report a case of large pseudoaneurysm in left ventricular inferior wall diagnosed on angiography study.

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Artigo Original

Comparative study of a portable system for prothrombin monitoring using capillary blood against venous blood measurements in patients using oral anticoagulants: correlation and concordance

Tiago Luiz Luz Leiria et al. Lúcia Campos Pellanda Eros Magalhães Gustavo Glotz de Lima

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are widely used in cardiology and are mainly indicated in cases of atrial fibrillation and prosthetic heart valves. Regular prothrombin time (PT) control is required for patients using OAC. New portable monitoring systems for measuring prothrombin time, eliminate the need to collect blood by venous puncture and facilitate daily life for these patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare PT measurements using the Coaguchek S™ system with capillary blood and the standard method in venous blood. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients from the Cardiology Institute’s anticoagulation clinic underwent conventional blood collection and capillary blood collection via a finger prick for measurements using the Coaguchek S™ system. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 ± 14 years and 90% of the patients were white. OAC indications were atrial fibrillation (49.6%) and prosthetic heart valves (37.0%). The correlation coefficient, r s , was 0.90 (p<0.0001; CI:95% 0.87-0.93) between the Coaguchek S™ system and the control method. The Kappa measure of agreement among the patients with INR 3.5 was 73.5%. The Coaguchek S™ system overestimated INR by 0.15±0.85 units. A great deal of discrepancy was found between the two techniques for INR values higher than 3.5 units. CONCLUSION: The Coaguchek S™ system when compared to the control method revealed good correlation and a high degree of agreement for results lower than 4 units. However, confirmation is required for INR values above 3.5 using the standard method.

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Artigo Original

Postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft: clinical factors associated with in-hospital death

Dinaldo Cavalcanti de Oliveira et al. Carlos Romério Ferro João Bosco de Oliveira Guilherme Jose Prates … Audrey Torres Enilton Sergio Tabosa do Egito Magali Santos Arraes Luis Carlos Bento de Souza Adib Domingos Jatene Leopoldo Soares Piegas

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with a higher likelihood of in-hospital death in patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) who developed atrial fibrillation (AF) postoperatively. METHODS: The authors analyzed data from 397 consecutive patients submitted to CABG that developed AF postoperatively between 2000 and 2003. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (G1) comprised patients who survived (n=369); and group 2 (G2) comprised patients who died during hospital stay (n=28). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t test and chi-square test, and p values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A comparative analysis between G1 and G2 showed that there was no difference between the groups as regards age (67.3 ± 8.4 versus 69.3 ± 9.6; p = 0.4), male gender (75.9% versus 64.3%; p = 0.1), systemic arterial hypertension (75.3% versus 85.7%; p = 0.2) and congestive heart failure (17% versus 17%; p = 1). Group 2 presented higher rates for previous acute myocardial infarction (14.6% versus 28.6%; p = 0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% (12.2% versus 32.1%; p = 0.003), previous cerebrovascular accident (0.8% versus 17.9%; p = 0.03), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (19.5% versus 39.3%; p = 0.01) and previous CABG (19.3% versus 35.7%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Clinical history of acute myocardial infarction, CABG, percutaneous coronary intervention, cerebrovascular accident and severe ventricular dysfunction were significantly more frequent in the group that died during hospital stay, which suggests a possible association of these factors with a higher likelihood of death following CABG.

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Artigo Original

Comparison of the inoue and single balloon techniques during long term percutaneous balloon mitral valvoplasty follow-up: analysis of risk factors for death and major events

Ivana Picone Borges et al. Edison Carvalho Sandoval Peixoto Rodrigo Trajano Sandoval Peixoto Paulo Sergio de Oliveira … Mario Salles Netto Ricardo Trajano Sandoval Peixoto Marta Labrunie Pierre Labrunie Ronaldo de Amorim Villela Aristarco Gonçalves Siqueira-Filho

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long term evolution of patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvoplasty comparing the Inoue and Balt single balloon methods, and to identify predictors of death and major events (death, repeat balloon mitral valvoplasty or mitral valve surgery). METHODS: The follow-up for the single and Inoue balloon groups were 54 ± 31 (1 to 126) months and 34 ± 26 (2 to 105) months, respectively (p 50 years and an echocardiographic score > 8 were independent predictors of death; and an echocardiographic score > 8 and post operative mitral valve area 50 years, echocardiographic score > 8 and mitral valve area < 1.50 cm² after the procedure.

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Artigo Original

Evaluation of respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in heart failure patients

Luiz Alberto Forgiarini Junior et al. Angélica Rubleski Garcia Douglas Juliana Tieppo … Rafael Vercelino Adriane Dal Bosco Mariane Borba Monteiro Alexandre Simões Dias

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to supply the necessities of the body. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscles can be affected and typical symptoms presented by the patients include discomfort at a minimal exertion. OBJECTIVE: To verify pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with class II and III HF as defined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA). METHODS: The study was descriptive and observational, and comprised 12 class II and III HF patients in follow-up at the out-patient. Pulmonary function assessments [Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)] were performed using microspirometry and respiratory muscle strength [Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEPmax) and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIPmax)] were evaluated using a pressure transducer (Globalmed™). RESULTS: Differences were found between the functional classes II and III in relation to pulmonary function: FEV1 (II: 91.17±19.87; III: 68.17±21.78); FVC (II: 68.17±21.78; III: 73.67±22.94); and respiratory muscle strength: MIPmax (II: 71.67±40.70; III: 53.33±29.27) and MEPmax (II: 98.83±34.56; III: 58.33±15.06). The class II were higher for all study parameters, only MEPmax revealed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are impaired in heart failure patients class III patients, particularly in relation to MEPmax.

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Artigo Original

Prevention of atrial fibrillation with moderate doses of amiodarone in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery is safe and effective in patients with high risk for developing this arrhythmia

Renato Jorge Alves et al. Glaucylara Reis Geovanini Gisele de Brito Gabriel A. S. Miguel … Valéria A. Glauser Kenji Nakiri

OBJECTIVE: To assess if prophylaxis with moderate doses of amiodarone in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery), reduces the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with high risk for developing this arrhythmia. METHODS: A randomized and prospective clinical study involving 68 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery. Mean age was 64 years and 59% of participants were males. Patients with three or more risk factors for atrial fibrillation, according to the literature, were randomized into two groups to receive or not prophylaxis with amiodarone in the first postoperative day. The dose administered ranged from 600 mg/day to 900 mg/day, intravenously, on the first postoperative day, followed by 400 mg/day orally until hospital discharge or until completing seven days. The other patients, who presented two or fewer risk factors, were followed up until hospital discharge. All patients were evaluated by means of cardiac and/or electrocardiographic monitoring. RESULTS: In the group treated with amiodarone, 7% of patients presented atrial fibrillation, whereas in the control group 70% of patients developed arrhythmia. Among the non-randomized individuals (with two or fewer risk factors), only 24% presented atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of amiodarone was effective in the prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients with three or more risk factors for this arrhythmia. This treatment can be useful to reduce stay at the Intensive Care Unit and, consequently, the complications originating from longer hospitalization.

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Comunicação Breve

Topical betablocker use can result in inconclusive dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with glaucoma

Adriana Cordovil et al. Fernando Q. Matos Orlando Campos Filho Augusto Paranhos Jr. … Ana Clara T. Rodrigues Márcia V. Albernaz Angelo A. V. de Paola Antonio Carlos C. Carvalho

Dobutamine stress echocardiography is a well-established method to assess coronary artery disease, of which sensitivity has been enhanced by adding atropine at the end of the protocol. Individuals with glaucoma, a disease with a high prevalence in patients with cardiac diseases older than 40 years, cannot benefit from the use of atropine as it is contraindicated for this group of patients. Additionally, these individuals are often treated with topical betablockers (eye drops), which can have systemic effects by decreasing cardiac frequency, blood pressure and pulmonary capacity. The aim of our study was to verify whether a possible systemic effect caused by the use of these eye drops, yielding a low chronotropic response, could result in inconclusive dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with glaucoma.

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Clinical Update

Surgical wound infection following heart surgery

Cláudio Léo Gelape

CLINICAL UPDATE

Surgical wound infection following heart surgery

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Artigo Original

Congenital heart diseases in the newborn: from the pediatrician's request to the cardiologist's evaluation

Ivan Romero Rivera et al. Maria Alayde Mendonça da Silva José Maria Gonçalves Fernandes Ana Claire Pimenteira Thomaz … Cláudio Fernando Rodrigues Soriano Maria Goretti Barbosa de Souza

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the importance of symptoms as a reason for referral to pediatric cardiologists in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases (CHD) in the newborn (NB). METHODS: Prospective study on live NB referred for cardiac evaluation, with performance of electrocardiogram, chest radiography and echocardiography. Cardiology consultation was requested by means of a multiple-choice form including signs and symptoms suggestive of CHD. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) without clinical and/or hemodynamic consequences was not considered a heart disease. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2002, 358 out of 3716 NB were studied, and 49 cases of CHD and 128 of PDA were found. The prevalence of CHD was 13.2:1000 NB. The main reason for referral to the cardiologist was heart murmur in 256 (72%) NB, of which 39 (15%) had CHD, and in 91% of the 128 cases of PDA. In 14 (4%) NB, the reason for referral was cyanosis, and eight of these patients (57%) had a CHD. Heart failure was the reason for referral in 37 (10%) NB, of whom 17 (46%) had CHD. Arrhythmia, associated congenital malformations, or chromosome disorders were the reasons for referral in 14% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The main reason for referral was detection of a heart murmur on cardiac auscultation. Although cyanosis and heart failure were uncommon reasons for referral, their presence indicated a high probability of the diagnosis of heart disease. Pediatric screening plays a key role in this diagnosis.

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Artigo Original

Prevalence of white coat hypertension in primary health care

Leila Maria Marchi Alves et al. Maria Suely Nogueira Simone de Godoy Miyeko Hayashida Evelin Capellari Cárnio

OBJECTIVE: Assess the prevalence of white coat hypertension in the municipality of Dumont, in São Paulo State, and map study participants’ demographics, and physiologic and metabolic changes. METHODS: One hundred and nine (109) users of the Municipal Health Service were selected and then divided into three groups: normotension, essential hypertension, and white coat hypertension after blood pressure was measured through oscilometry and blood pressure monitoring exam at outpatient unit. Variables found between the groups were compared based on interview, data measurements, and laboratory exams. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical data. Results were expressed as means ± standard error of means. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of white coat hypertension was 34.1%. Females were predominant: mean age 45.3 years, increased body mass index, waist/hip ratio, plasma glucose level and creatinine when compared to hypertensives and/or normotensives. No correlation was found between white coat hypertension and demographic variables. CONCLUSION: The differences found between the groups and clinical and biochemical variations lead to the conclusion that white coat hypertension is a condition that should be investigated in normotensive and hypertensive individuals distinctively.

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Artigo Original

The association between metabolic syndrome and its components and heart failure in patients referred to a primary care facility

Flávio Augusto Colucci Coelho et al. Marco Aurélio Espósito Moutinho Verônica Alcooforado de Miranda Leandro Reis Tavares … Maurício Rachid Maria Luiza Garcia Rosa Evandro Tinoco Mesquita

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by a collection of risk factors that are associated with elevated rates of cardiovascular events and the risk of developing heart failure (HF). In our field, the association of MS in stable chronic HF patients has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of MS in relation to gender and HF type in patients treated at a Primary Care Facility. METHODS: Between January 2005 and August 2006, 144 patients were included in a cross sectional study. An echocardiogram, using the modified criteria of the EPICA study, was performed to determine whether or not the patient had HF, and of which type. Statistical analysis was conducted using the software SAS™ System, version 6.04, and statistical significance was established as 5%. RESULTS: MS was observed in 111 patients (77%), of which 73 (66%) were females: odds ratio (OR) 0.195 – (confidence interval – CI = 0.08 – 0.46) and p< 0.0001. HF was identified in 102 patients (71%) with a great correlation between females and the presence of MS: 51 patients (65%); OR 0.116 (CI = 0.36- 0.37) and p < 0.0001. Among the HF patients, 61 (42%) presented HF with preserved systolic function and 41 (29%) with systolic dysfunction; p = ns. HF with preserved systolic function was associated with the presence of MS in 53 (87%) of the 61 patients, p = 0.022. CONCLUSION: In our community, MS is closely related to HF with preserved systolic function and to the female gender.

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Artigo Original

Off-pump total myocardial revascularization in patients with left ventricular dysfunction

Rodrigo Milani et al. Brofman Paulo José Augusto Moutinho Barboza Laura … Guimarães Maximiliano Barbosa Alexandre Zitynski Lidia Précoma Dalton Varela Alexandre Marcel Rogers Ravanelli Francisco Maia

OBJECTIVE: To assess off-pump myocardial revascularization in patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: Four hundred and five patients with an ejection fraction less than 35% underwent myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation. The procedure was performed with the aid of a suction stabilizer and the LIMA stitch. The distal anastomoses were performed first. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were evaluated whose mean age was 63.4±9.78 years. Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were men (68.8%). With regard to risk factors, 347 patients were hypertensive, 194 were smokers, 202 were dyslipidemic, and 134 had diabetes. Two hundred and sixty patients were classified as NYHA functional class III and IV. Twenty patients suffered from chronic renal disease and were under dialysis. Fifty-one underwent emergency surgery, and 33 had been previously operated on. The mean ejection fraction was 27.2±3.54%. The mean EuroSCORE was 8.46±4.41. The mean number of anastomoses performed was 3.03±1.54 per patient. Forty-nine patients (12%) needed an intra-aortic balloon inserted after induction of anesthesia, whereas 73 (18%) needed inotropic support during the perioperative period. As to complications, 2 patients (0.49%) had renal failure, 2 had mediastinitis (0.49%), 7 (1.7%) needed to be reoperated because of bleeding, 5 patients (1.2%) suffered acute myocardial infarction, and 70 patients (17.3%) experienced atrial fibrillation. Eighteen (4.4%) patients died. CONCLUSION: Based on the data above, we concluded that myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation in patients with left ventricular dysfunction is a safe and effective technique, and an alternative for high-risk patients. Results obtained were better than those predicted by EuroSCORE.

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