2009;92(1) – ABC CARDIOL

Página do Presidente

ABC Award – a golden end to the year 2008 of the archives

Antonio Carlos Palandri Chagas

THE PRESIDENT´S PAGE

ABC Award – a golden end to the year 2008 of the archives

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Artigo Original

Physical exercise attenuates the cardiac autonomic deficit induced by nitric oxide synthesis blockade

Bruno Rafael Orsini Rossi et al. Denise Mazer Larissa Christina Rossit Silveira Cynthia Pelegrino Jacinto … Thaísa Helena Roseli Di Sacco João Henrique Dutra Blanco Evandro José Cesarino Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza

BACKGROUND: The nitric oxide (NO) synthesis blockade is characterized by an increase in the cardiac sympathetic activity and the physical training promotes the decrease in the sympathetic activity. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of the NO synthesis blockade on the autonomic cardiovascular control in rats submitted to aerobic exercises during a 10-week period. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: control rats, treated with chow food and water ad libitum for 10 weeks (CR); control rats, treated with N G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) during the last week (CRL); rats trained during 10 weeks on an electrical treadmill (TR); rats trained for 10 weeks and treated with L-NAME during the last week (TRL). The autonomic cardiovascular control was investigated in all groups with the use of a double blockade with methylatropine and propranolol and analysis of variability. RESULTS: The CRL and TRL groups presented hypertension. The CRL group presented tachycardia and predominance of the sympathetic tonus in heat rate (HR) measurement after the pharmacological autonomic blockade. The TR group presented bradycardia and lower intrinsic HR when compared to the others. The evaluation of the HR variability showed lower absolute and normalized values in the low frequency (LF) band in the CRL group. On the other hand, the TRL presented an increase in the LF band in absolute values. The analysis of variability of the systemic arterial pressure (SAP) showed that the CRL and TRL groups presented higher values in the LF band. CONCLUSION: The previous physical exercise prevented the deficit in the autonomic cardiac control induced by the treatment with L-NAME, but did not prevent the increase in the SAP variability.

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Artigo Original

Pharmacological stent deployment in the left anterior descending artery: late event indicators

Marcelo de Freitas Santos et al. Sergio Gustavo Tarbine Costantino Ortiz Costantini Maria do Rocio Peixoto Oliveira … Marcos Henrique Bubna Luiz Cesar Guarita-Souza Chiu Yun Yu Braga Francisco de Paula Stella Costantino Roberto Costantini Luiz Antonio Rivetti

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pharmacological stents in decreasing the incidence of cardiac events is not homogeneous for all lesions or patient subgroups. OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the late clinical evolution of patients submitted to pharmacological stent implantation in atherosclerotic lesions of the left anterior descending artery; 2) to identify, among the clinical, angiographic and intravascular ultrasonographic characteristics, the ones predictive of cardiac event risk. METHODS: From May 2002 to August 2005, 205 patients were treated with 236 pharmacological stent implants, guided by the intravascular US (IVUS). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 711 days, the rate of stent thrombosis was 0.48%, the same observed for acute myocardial infarction or revascularization surgery. The revascularization rate of the treated lesion was 7.31% and the general event rate was 10.24%. The event indicators, according to the multivariate analysis were the implant of more than one stent in the same artery, concentric lesions and the minimal intra-stent area measured by IVUS 3.88 mm² obtained in the small reference-diameter segments is an independent indicator of event-free evolution.

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Review Article

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in clinical practice

Felipe Maia et al. Francisco Carleal Feijó de Sá Fausto Feres

REVIEW ARTICLE

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Case Report

Spine subdural hematoma: a rare complication associated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA)

Uri Adrian Prync Flato et al. Paulo Sérgio Rheder Helio Penna Guimarães Elias Silva Flato Paulo Cretella

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a rare condition, which is difficult to diagnose, related to Vitamin K Antagonist. This a case report of a life-threatening situation in a octogenarian patient with a history of recent atrial fibrillation that received K-Vitamin Antagonist (KVA) therapy. The history and the clinical assessment were normal at the admission, associated with increase in the coagulation parameters (INR >10). Twenty-four hours after the admission, the patient developed progressive tetraparesis and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed, disclosing the evidence of a SSDH (Figure 1). An emergency neurosurgical intervention was performed associated with normalization of the coagulation parameters. After the procedure, the patient presented improvement of the neurological symptoms.

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Artigo Original

Myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling in severe chronic aortic regurgitation

Nelson Elias et al. Flávio Tarasoutchi Guilherme Sobreira Spina Roney O. Sampaio … Pablo M. A. Pomerantzeff Francisco Rafael Laurindo Max Grinberg

BACKGROUND: Significant symptomatic chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) leads to considerable left ventricular remodeling at the expense of myocyte hypertrophy and extracellular matrix remodeling. The relevance of interstitial fibrosis concentration in these patients is unknown. We analyzed the degree of fibrosis in the left ventricle (LV) in symptomatic patients with AR submitted to surgical treatment, and its relationship with functional and anatomical characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate myocardical fibrosis in chronic severe aortic regurgitation. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with chronic symptomatic AR (16 with normal LV function and 12 with LV dysfunction) were selected and assessed pre- and postoperatively by echocardiography. Functional capacity was measured using maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) through the cardiopulmonary test. Myocardial fibrosis volume fraction (MFV) was quantified through endomyocardial biopsy performed in all patients during surgery. We compared the histopathologic results with a nine-patient control group. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 ± 12 years, 75% of the patients were male, and the rheumatic etiology accounted for 84% of the cases. Twenty-five patients remained in FC l and ll at the end of the study, and there was a significant reduction of the LV diameters between the preoperative and late postoperative timepoints. Three deaths occurred but they were not related to postoperative ventricular dysfunction. The parameters of the cardiopulmonary test were similar between pre- and postoperative timepoints. MFV in patients with AR was significantly higher than in the control group (3.47 ± 1.9% vs 0.82 ± 0.96%, respectively, p=0.001). There was no statistical correlation among LV fibrosis and LV diameters, LVEF and MVO2. CONCLUSION: In patients with significant symptomatic AR, the presence of limited myocardial fibrosis was not associated with clinical, echocardiographic or functional complications.

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Point of view

The Brazilian cardiology trainee: guidelines and freedom

Max Grinberg

POINT OF VIEW

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Relatório Breve

October 2008 issue, vol. 91 (4), pages e38-e40

ERRATA

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Artigo Original

Validation of the omron HEM 742 blood pressure monitoring device in adolescents

Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro et al. Rômulo Araújo Fernandes Aline Mendes Gerage Marcelo José Alves … Marcos Doederlein Polito Arli Ramos de Oliveira

BACKGROUND: Accurate blood pressure measurement is fundamental for scientific investigation or clinical decision-making. In this sense, it is important to verify the values provided by electronic devices. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Omron HEM 742 blood pressure monitoring device in adolescents according to criteria suggested by the British Hypertension Society. METHODS: A total of 150 adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years participated in the study. The automated Omron HEM 742 monitor was connected in Y to the mercury column auscultatory device, then three simultaneous measurements were taken, and the differences between the readings of the two devices were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot (agreement) were used to verify the relationship between both devices. Specificity and sensitivity of the device were determined by using the ROC curve. RESULTS: The comparison between the measurements showed an equal to or lower than 5mmHg difference in 67.3% of the systolic values, and 69.3% of the diastolic values; an equal to or lower than 10mmHg difference occurred in 87.3% and 90.6% of the systolic and diastolic values, respectively; an equal to or lower than 15mmHg difference was found in 96.6% of the systolic values and 97.3% of the diastolic values. These findings are consistent with a grade A according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. A marked consonance was observed between the values obtained by the automated monitor and this device was proven to be capable of identifying the presence or absence of high blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The Omron HEM 742 monitor was proved valid for blood pressure measurement in adolescents according to the criteria suggested by the British Hypertension Society.

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Artigo Original

Prevalence of primary hyperaldosteronism in a systemic arterial hypertension league

Maria Jacqueline Silva Ribeiro et al. José Albuquerque de Figueiredo Neto Edson Viriato Memória Maíra de Castro Lopes … Manuel dos Santos Faria Natalino Salgado Filho Thiara Castro de Oliveira

BACKGROUND: Until recently, primary hyperaldosteronism was considered a rare cause of secondary hypertension. However, in recent years, many studies have suggested that this disease can affect up to 20% of hypertensive individuals. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of primary hyperaldosteronism in hypertensive patients treated at the hypertension league of a university hospital. METHODS: Serum aldosterone and plasma renin activity levels were measured in 105 patients while they were undergoing standard antihypertensive treatment, with the exception of those using betablockers and spironolactone, in fasting condition and after rest in the supine position for 20 minutes. Those with an aldosterone/plasma renin activity ratio > 25 were submitted to the saline suppression test and, after the confirmation of the autonomy of aldosterone secretion, a computed tomography of the adrenals was performed. The results are presented as percentages and means and standard deviations. RESULTS: Of the 105 patients, 6.54% presented refractory hypertension. Nine presented an aldosterone/plasma renin activity ratio > 25 (8.5% of the total). Of these, 08 were submitted to the saline suppression test and 01 (with refractory hypertension) had the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism confirmed (0.96% of the total). A computed tomography of the adrenals was performed, which showed normal results. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of primary hyperaldosteronism in the studied sample was 0.96% of the total. However, when only the patients with refractory hypertension were evaluated, the prevalence was 14.3%.

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Correlação Clínico-Radiográfica

Case 1/2009: 21-month-old infant with partial atrioventricular septal defect, consisting of atrial septal defect and tricuspid insufficiency

Edmar Atik

CLINICORADIOLOGICAL SESSION

Case 1/2009 – 21-month-old infant with partial atrioventricular septal defect, consisting of atrial septal defect and tricuspid insufficiency

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Artigo Original

Correlation of myocardial interstitial collagen in the right ventricular septum with ventricular function of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

Marcelo Westerlund Montera et al. Cantídio Drumond Cristina Takiya Cláudio Tinoco Mesquita … Hans Fernando R. Dohmann Charles Mady

BACKGROUND: Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS: 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS: Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 ± 7.9% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3% vs. 15.8 ± 4.1% vs. 17.5±7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 ± 7.7% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = – 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.

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Artigo Original

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of Brazilian industry workers

Roberta Soares Lara Cassani et al. Fernando Nobre Antônio Pazin Filho André Schmidt

BACKGROUND: Determining the cardiovascular risk factors is essential for the primary and secondary prevention of circulatory system diseases. OBJECTIVE: To obtain the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of industry workers in Brazil. METHODS: Transversal cohort study, with a sociodemographic interview to identify cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements and capillary blood collection for blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride measurement in food industry workers of both sexes. RESULTS: A total of 1,047 workers were assessed, with 913 (87%) of them being males, with a mean age of 36 ± 8 years. The frequency of a sedentary lifestyle was 83% and of overweight, 63%. Systemic arterial hypertension was identified in 28% of the individuals and 45% were in the pre-hypertension range. Alterations in the blood glucose levels were identified in 49% of the participants, as well as high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in 7% and 11% of the population, respectively. The body mass index (BMI) levels were not associated to income, but there was an inverse association with the level of schooling. CONCLUSION: Overweight and a sedentary lifestyle are the main cardiovascular risk factors in a population of industry workers.

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Artigo Original

Effect of frequency of physical exercise on glycemic control and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients

Denise Maria Martins Vancea et al. José Nelson Vancea Maria Izabel Fernandes Pires Marco Antonio Reis … Rafael Brandão Moura Sergio Atala Dib

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and cardiovascular disease have emerged as key threats to human health, and the risk is increased in individuals with visceral obesity. The consensus is that physical exercise should be part of the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of guided and structured physical exercise programs (SPEP), three to five times per week, during a period of 20 weeks, on glycemic control and body composition of type 2 diabetic patients (DM2). METHODS: The research was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Federal University School of Medicine in São Paulo). At the clinical visit, patients from the Control Group (CG) n=17, mean age 55.8 years, were encouraged to engage in a physical exercise program. Patients from Group 3x (G3), n=14, mean age 57.4 years, were to engage in 1 hour of physical exercise, 3x/week, and Group 5x (G5), n=9, mean age 58.8 years, followed the same protocol but 5x/week. Mean of 5 years since diagnosis in all groups. Classes consisted of a 5-minute warm-up, 30-minute treadmill walk at 70% of maximum heart rate, and 10-minute relaxation. BMI, abdominal circumference (AC), percentage of body fat (BF), capillary glycemia (CG), fasting glycemia (FG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed. RESULTS: A comparison was made between the baseline time point (B) and the 20th week (20th). BMI in G3 (B:29.5±2.9 vs. 20th: 28.3 ± 2.2 Kg/sqm, p=0.005) and G5 (B:29.7±4.4 vs. 20th: 29.1 ± 4.3 Kg/sqm, p=0.025); abdominal circumference in G5 (B:100.5±11.9 vs. 20th: 933 ± 11.7 cm, p=0.001); BF in G3 (B:31±5.1 vs 20th: 26±5%, p=0.001) and G5 (B:32.4 ± 5.4 vs. 20th: 30.3 ± 6.9%, p=0.001); FG, G5 (B:150.8 ± 47.5 vs. 20th: 109.2± 30.5 mg/dL, p=0.034), showed statistically significant differences. CG did not show statistically significant differences for these variables. CG showed a tendency to drop after physical exercise in G5. HbA1c showed no statistically significant differences in the three groups. CONCLUSION: G5 did better than G3 in most parameters assessed. However, results failed to show a decrease of HbA1c in DM2 patients.

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Artigo Original

Microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography in heart failure: correlation with prognosis

Robinson Tadeu Munhoz et al. Carlos Eduardo Negrão Antonio Carlos Pereira Barretto Marcelo Eidi Ochiai … Juliano Novaes Cardoso Paulo Cesar Morgado Carlos Henrique Del Carlo José Antonio Franchini Ramires

BACKGROUND: Microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography can be considered methods of assessment of the sympathetic activity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intensity of the sympathetic activity through microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with heart failure (HF) and correlate this intensity with prognosis. METHODS: 52 patients with HF (ejection fraction < 45% at the echocardiogram): 12 with FCII and 40 with FCIV. After compensation, the muscular sympathetic nervous activity (MSNA) in the peroneal nerve (microneurography) and the muscular blood flow (MBF) in the forearm were evaluated (venous occlusion plethysmography). After an 18-month follow-up, the patients were divided in 3 groups: 12 with FCII, 19 with FCIV that did not die and 21 with FCIV that died. The intensity of the sympathetic activity was compared in the three different groups. RESULTS: Patients with FCII presented lower MSNA (p=0.026) and higher MBF (p=0.045) than the ones with FCIV that did not die. The patients with FCIV that died presented higher MSNA (p53.5 impulses/min for MSNA (S=90.55. E=73.68%) and < 1.81 ml/min/100gr for MBF (S=90.4%. E=73.7%). Kaplan-Meier curve: higher survival with MSNA < 53.5 impulses/min (p1.81 ml/min/100gr (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis: the higher the MSNA and the lower the MBF, the higher is the probability of death. CONCLUSION: The intensity of the MSNA and the MBF can be considered prognostic markers in advanced HF.

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