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OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a Brazil nut-enriched diet on the wall thickness and the left ventricular chamber diameter of the heart, and lipid peroxidation in a CKD-induced model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats at 12 weeks of age were divided into two groups (n=16/group): the Nx group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy, and the Sham group, as a control. After 5 weeks, the groups were subdivided according to diet (n=8/group): the Nx and Sham groups received a control diet; the Nx5% and Sham5% groups received a diet enriched with 5 % Brazil nuts for 8 weeks. The left ventricular thickening and chamber diameter were determined. Plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzyme activity was performed in the plasma and the left ventricle (LV). LV mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The Nx5% group showed a remodeled LV wall with decreased thickness compared to the Nx group (p=0.016). Furthermore, LV TBARS concentration was reduced in the Nx5% group (p=0.0064). In addition, the Nx5% group showed an increase in plasma GPx activity (p=0.0431). No significant results were found concerning the LV mRNA expression of NF-κB and Nrf2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: A Brazil nut-enriched diet decreased LV thickness and LV TBARS concentration and increased GPx activity in a 5/6 nephrectomy experimental model, making it a promising adjuvant therapy to improve antioxidant status and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

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BACKGROUND: Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) accounts for more than 60% of congestive heart failure cases and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Myocardial revascularization in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% aims to improve survival and quality of life and reduce complications associated with heart failure and coronary artery disease. The majority of randomized clinical trials have consistently excluded those patients, resulting in evidence primarily derived from observational studies. MAIN BODY: We performed a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley methodology in five stages: 1) formulating the research question; 2) locating relevant studies; 3) choosing studies; 4) organizing and extracting data; and 5) compiling, summarizing, and presenting the findings. This literature review covers primary studies and systematic reviews focusing on surgical revascularization strategies in adult patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or lower. Through an extensive search of Medline and the Cochrane Library, a systematic review was conducted to address three questions regarding myocardial revascularization in these patients. These questions outline the current knowledge on this topic, current surgical strategies (off-pump vs. on-pump), and graft options (including hybrid techniques) utilized for revascularization. Three independent reviewers (MAE, DP, and AM) applied the inclusion criteria to all the included studies, obtaining the full texts of the most relevant studies. The reviewers subsequently assessed these articles to make the final decision on their inclusion in the review. Out of the initial 385 references, 156 were chosen for a detailed review. After examining the full articles were examined, 134 were found suitable for scoping review. CONCLUSION: The literature notes the scarcity of surgical revascularization in LVD patients in randomized studies, with observational data supporting coronary revascularization's benefits. ONCABG is recommended for multivessel disease in LVD with LVEF < 35%, while OPCAB is proposed for older, high-risk patients. Strategies like internal thoracic artery skeletonization harvesting and postoperative glycemic control mitigate risks with BITA in uncontrolled diabetes. Total arterial revascularization maximizes long-term survival, and hybrid revascularization offers advantages like shorter hospital stays and reduced costs for significant LAD lesions.

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Objective: To determine the factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in adults residing in a region of the Andes in Peru. Method: A case-control study was conducted on adults living at an altitude of more than 3000 meters in Peru. Cases consisted of patients diagnosed with LVDD through echocardiography, whereas controls were adults without LVDD, as confirmed by echocardiography. Results: A total of 50 cases and 100 controls were included in the study. Among them, 38.7% had high blood pressure, and 41.3% were overweight. Upon adjusted analysis, age 60 or older (aOR: 4.06; 95%CI: 1.29-12.8), female sex (aOR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.01-4.96) and left ventricular hypertrophy (aOR: 3.17; 95%CI: 1.41-7.17) were identified as statistically significant factors associated with LVDD. Conclusions: The risk of LVDD is associated with older adults, female gender, and left ventricular hypertrophy among individuals residing above 3000 meters altitude in a region of the Andes, in Peru.

Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados con la disfunción diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI) en adultos de una región de los Andes, en Perú. Método: Estudio de casos y controles en adultos residentes a más de 3000 metros de altitud en Perú. Los casos fueron pacientes adultos diagnosticados con DDVI por ecocardiografía, y los controles fueron adultos sin DDVI por ecocardiografía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 50 casos y 100 controles. El 38.7% tuvieron hipertensión arterial y el 41.3% sobrepeso. En el análisis ajustado, la edad de 60 o más años (ORa: 4.06; IC95%: 1.29-12.8), el sexo femenino (ORa: 2.24; IC95%: 1.01-4.96) y la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (ORa: 3.17; IC95%: 1.41-7.17) fueron factores estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: El riesgo de DDVI estuvo asociado a los adultos mayores, las mujeres y los pacientes con hipertrofia ventricular izquierda que viven por encima de los 3000 metros de altitud en una región de los Andes, en Perú.

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RESUMEN Introducción: El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) puede generar perturbaciones funcionales y eléctricas del corazón. Las características y mecanismos subyacentes no están completamente elucidados. Objetivo: Evaluar si la isquemia (I) y reperfusión (R) cerebral agudas ocasionan disfunción cardíaca y alteraciones electrocardiográficas en un modelo experimental en ratones. Material y Métodos: Ratones macho sometidos a isquemia y reperfusión cerebral (I/R) fueron evaluados mediante electrocardiografía (ECG) y ecocardiografía. Se analizó la frecuencia cardíaca, el intervalo QT corregido (QTc) y el intervalo entre el pico de la onda T - fin de la onda T (Tp-Te), la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI), la fracción de acortamiento (FA) y el tiempo de relajación isovolumétrica (TRIV). Se cuantificó el tamaño del infarto cerebral (TI), y el déficit neurológico se evaluó con la escala de Longa (EL). Resultados: Encontramos una disminución estadísticamente significativa de la FEVI a las 24 horas de R (I/R: 66,5 ± 1,5% vs. sham: 74,3 ± 0,9%; p=0,002) y la FA (I/R: 42,9 ± 1,7% vs. sham: 52,3 ± 1,7%; p=0,004). Se observó una prolongación del QTc durante la I/R (basal: 125,1 ± 4,3 ms; 60 min I: 143,8 ± 5,2 ms; 24 horas R: 170,3 ± 5,8 ms; p=0,002), sin una prolongación del Tp-Te en la I (basal: 25,9 ± 1,3 ms vs. 60 min I: 23,8 ± 1,4 ms; p=0,999) pero sí en la R (24 horas R: 32,0 ± 2,3 ms; p=0,049. El tamaño del infarto cerebral fue de 34,9 ± 2,5% y la supervivencia del grupo I/R fue del 43,3%. Conclusión: La isquemia cerebral aguda induce una disfunción ventricular izquierda leve y trastornos en la repolarización ventricular que se intensifican en las primeras 24 horas de reperfusión.

ABSTRACT Background: Stroke may produce functional and electrical heart disturbances. The underlying characteristics and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Objectives: To evaluate whether acute cerebral ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R) may cause cardiac dysfunction and electrocardiographic alterations in an experimental mice model. Methods: Male mice that underwent cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) were evaluated by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Heart rate, corrected QT (QTc) interval, T-wave peak to T-wave end (Tp-Te) interval, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), shortening fraction (SF) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) were analyzed. Cerebral infarct size was calculated, and neurological deficit was assessed with the Longa scale. Results: Twenty-four hours after R, a statistically significant decrease in LVEF (I/R: 66.5±1.5% vs. sham: 74.3±0.9%; p=0.002) and in SF (I/R: 42.9±1.7% vs sham: 52.3±1.7%; p=0.004) was observed. QTc interval prolongation was observed during I/R (baseline: 125.1±4.3 ms; 60 min after I: 143.8±5.2 ms; 24 h after R: 170.3±5.8 ms; p=0.002). Tp-Te interval was not prolonged during I (baseline: 25.9±1.3 ms vs. 60 min after I: 23.8±1.4 ms; p=0.999) but it was prolonged during R (24 h after R: 32.0±2.3 ms; p=0.049). Cerebral infarct size was 34.9±2.5% and survival in the I/R group was 43.3%. Conclusion: Acute cerebral ischemia induces mild left ventricular dysfunction and disturbances in ventricular repolarization which intensify within the first 24 hours after reperfusion.

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OBJECTIVES: To describe the scope of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and left heart hypoplasia (LHH) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), to determine associations with CDH severity, and to evaluate the odds of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and death with categories of left heart disease. STUDY DESIGN: Demographic and clinical variables were collected from a single-center, retrospective cohort of patients with CDH from January 2017 through May 2022. Quantitative measures of LV function and LHH were prospectively performed on initial echocardiograms. LHH was defined as ≥2 of the following: z score ≤ -2 of any left heart structure or LV end-diastolic volume <3 mL. LV dysfunction was defined as shortening fraction <28%, ejection fraction <60%, or global longitudinal strain <20%. The exposure was operationalized as a 4-group categorical variable (LV dysfunction +/-, LHH +/-). Logistic regression models evaluated associations with ECMO and death, adjusting for CDH severity. RESULTS: One hundred eight-two patients (80.8% left CDH, 63.2% liver herniation, 23.6% ECMO, 12.1% mortality) were included. Twenty percent demonstrated normal LV function and no LHH (LV dysfunction-/LHH-), 37% normal LV function with LHH (LV dysfunction-/LHH+), 14% LV dysfunction without LHH (LV dysfunction+/LHH-), and 28% both LV dysfunction and LHH (LV dysfunction+/LHH+). There was a dose-response effect between increasing severity of left heart disease, ECMO use, and mortality. LV dysfunction+/LHH + infants had the highest odds of ECMO use and death, after adjustment for CDH severity [OR (95% CI); 1.76 (1.20, 2.62) for ECMO, 2.76 (1.63, 5.17) for death]. CONCLUSIONS: In our large single-center cohort, patients with CDH with LV dysfunction+/LHH + had the highest risk of ECMO use and death.

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RESUMEN Introducción: El estudio gatillado de perfusión miocárdica con tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único, o gated-SPECT (por su denominación en inglés) es un método apropiado para cuantificar la magnitud de la escara necrótica y establecer su territorio. El análisis de pacientes con infartos de pequeña y mediana extensión que evolucionan con deterioro de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI), podría arrojar luz acerca de los factores que influyen en la presencia de remodelado adverso y la consiguiente evolución a disfunción ventricular. Objetivos: a) evaluar la prevalencia de FEVI disminuida y factores asociados en una población de pacientes derivados para estudios de gated-SPECT, y b) definir la prevalencia de remodelado adverso y factores asociados en el subgrupo de pacientes con carga necrótica intermedia a baja. Material y métodos: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos que se realizaron gated-SPECT durante el año 2017. Se excluyeron los pacientes con enfermedad valvular significativa o arritmias que produjeran alteración del gatillado. Se consideró remodelado adverso a la conjunción de FEVI disminuida (FEVI < 50%) y porcentaje de miocardio necrótico menor que 20 %. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1902 pacientes. La prevalencia de FEVI disminuida fue del 8 % (n =148). En el análisis multivariado, las variables independientes asociadas a disfunción ventricular fueron el género masculino (OR 2,50; IC 95% 1,30-4,90, p = 0,005), la diabetes (OR 1,83; IC 95% 1,12-3, p = 0,01), y compromiso necrótico mayor que 6,6 % (OR 39 IC 95% 25-61,28, p = 0,00001). En el subgrupo de pacientes con carga necrótica menor que 20% (n =197), la prevalencia de remodelado adverso fue del 25% (n =50). El análisis multivariado arrojó que la diabetes (OR 2,83; IC 95% 1,31 - 6,10 p = 0,007) y el género masculino (OR 5; IC 95% 1,10 - 22,9 p = 0,007) presentaron asociación independiente con el remodelado adverso. Conclusión: La gated-SPECT podría utilizarse en la valoración del remodelado adverso y factores asociados. Dicha valoración surge de la combinación de variables que no requieren un software adicional y se usan en la práctica diaria.

ABSTRACT Background: Gated single-photon emission computed tomography (gated-SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging is a suitable technique for measuring the infarct scar size and defining its territory. Analyzing patients with small and medium myocardial infarctions that develop reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could provide additional information of the factors that contribute to adverse remodeling and its outcome. Objectives: a) To evaluate the prevalence of reduced LVEF and associated factors in a population of patients referred for gated-SPECT imaging, and b) to define the prevalence of adverse remodeling and associated factors in the subgroup of patients with intermediate to low necrotic burden. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing gated-SPECT imaging during 2017. Patients with significant valvular heart disease or arrhythmias that could difficult adequate ECG gating were excluded from the study. Adverse remodeling was considered as the combination of reduced LVEF (LVEF < 50%) with percent myocardium scar < 20%. Results: A total of 1902 patients were included. The prevalence of reduced LVEF was 8% (n = 148). On multivariate analysis, the variables with independent association with ventricular dysfunction were male sex (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.30-4.90, p = 0.005), diabetes (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.12-3, p = 0.01), and percent myocardium scar > 6.6 % (OR 39; 95% CI 25-61.28, p = 0.00001). In the subgroup of patients with scar burden < 20 % (n = 197), the prevalence of adverse remodeling was 25 % (n = 50). On multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.31 - 6.1 p = 0.007) and male sex (OR 5; 95% CI 1.1 - 22.9, p = 0.007) showed an independent association with adverse remodeling. Conclusion: Gated-SPECT could be used to assess adverse remodeling and its associated factors. This assessment is the result of combining variables used in daily practice which do not require any additional software.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in heart failure (HF), and it has a significant impact on the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Additionally, COPD is independently associated with lower adherence to first-line HF therapies. In this review, we outline the challenges of identifying and managing HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction with coexisting COPD. RECENT FINDINGS: Spirometry is necessary for COPD diagnosis and prognosis but is underused in HF. Therefore, misdiagnosis is a concern. Also, disease-modifying drugs for HF and COPD are usually safe but underprescribed when HF and COPD coexist. Patients with HF-COPD are poorly enrolled in clinical trials. Guidelines recommend that HF treatment should be offered regardless of COPD presence, but modern registries show that undertreatment persists. Treatment gaps could be attenuated by ensuring an accurate and earlier COPD diagnosis in patients with HF, clarifying the concerns related to pharmacotherapy safety, and increasing the use of non-pharmacologic treatments. Acknowledging the uncertainties, this review aims to provide key clinical resources to support better physician-patient co-decision-making and improve collaboration between health professionals.

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The effects of exercise training (ET) on the heart of aortic stenosis (AS) rats are controversial and the mechanisms involved in alterations induced by ET have been poorly clarified. In this study, we analyzed the myocardial proteome to identify proteins modulated by moderate-intensity aerobic ET in rats with chronic supravalvular AS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary aortic stenosis (AS-Sed), and exercised AS (AS-Ex). ET consisted of five treadmill running sessions per week for 16 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and Goodman tests. Results were discussed at a significance level of 5%. At the end of the experiment, AS-Ex rats had higher functional capacity, lower blood lactate concentration, and better cardiac structural and left ventricular (LV) functional parameters than the AS-Sed. Myocardial proteome analysis showed that AS-Sed had higher relative protein abundance related to the glycolytic pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and lower relative protein abundance related to beta-oxidation than C-Sed. AS-Ex had higher abundance of one protein related to mitochondrial biogenesis and lower relative protein abundance associated with oxidative stress and inflammation than AS-Sed. Proteomic data were validated for proteins related to lipid and glycolytic metabolism. Chronic pressure overload changes the abundance of myocardial proteins that are mainly involved in lipid and glycolytic energy metabolism in rats. Moderate-intensity aerobic training attenuates changes in proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation and increases the COX4I1 protein, related to mitochondrial biogenesis. Protein changes are combined with improved functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and LV function in AS rats.

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Abstract Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can lead to progressive heart failure (HF) by depositing insoluble amyloid fibrils within the myocardial extracellular space, resulting in an infiltrative and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Although CA was previously perceived as rare and incurable, recent advances in diagnostics and emerging therapies have been changing this outlook. It is crucial to spread awareness about CA to facilitate earlier diagnosis and proper therapeutic interventions, enhancing patient prognosis and survival. Currently, there is an estimated delay of 2 years from symptom onset to diagnosis, typically involving consultation with an average of 5 different professionals. Advances in cardiovascular imaging have facilitated earlier and more accurate diagnosis, reducing the necessity for invasive procedures, such as endomyocardial biopsy. Presently, tafamidis is the only drug that has been shown to offer prognostic benefits in ATTR-CA. Tafamidis is a highly specific medication targeting the circulating TTR protein, stabilizing the TTR tetramer to prevent its dissociation into amyloidogenic monomers that deposit in the myocardium. Alongside specific amyloidosis therapy, supportive HF treatment may be required; however, managing CA with medications typically used for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) can be challenging due to potential intolerance. The effectiveness of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) remains undetermined and still requires evaluation through randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs). Thus, the treatment cornerstone remains the judicious use of loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to control volume overload. Due to the safety profile, not adversely affecting hemodynamics or renal function, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may be an effective treatment for CA, but they also still require evaluation through RCCTs.

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Resumo Fundamento: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca podem estar expostos à hipoperfusão tecidual e metabolismo anaeróbico. Objetivo: Verificar se os biomarcadores de hipoperfusão tecidual têm valor preditivo para permanência prolongada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda submetidos à cirurgia de bypass da artéria coronária. Métodos: Após aprovação pelo comitê de ética institucional e assinatura do termo de consentimento, 87 pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda (fração de ejeção <50%) submetidos à cirurgia de bypass coronário foram incluídos. Biomarcadores hemodinâmicos e metabólicos foram coletados em cinco momentos: após anestesia, ao final da cirurgia, na admissão na UTI, e a seis e 12 horas depois. Uma análise de variância para medidas repetidas seguida de um teste post-hoc de Bonferroni foi usado para variáveis contínuas repetidas (variáveis metabólicas e hemodinâmicas) para determinar diferenças entre os dois grupos ao longo do estudo. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Trinta e oito pacientes (43,7%) que apresentaram desfechos adversos eram mais velhos, apresentaram um Euroscore mais alto (p<0,001), e gradiente venoarterial de CO2 (ΔPCO2) elevado, analisados 12 horas após a admissão na UTI (p<0,01), enquanto uma concentração de lactato arterial aumentada seis horas após a cirurgia foi um fator preditivo negativo (p<0,01). Conclusões: EuroSCORE, lactato arterial seis horas após a cirurgia, ΔPCO212 horas após a cirurgia e QRe são preditores independentes de desfechos adversos em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda após cirurgia cardíaca.

Abstract Background: Cardiac surgery patients may be exposed to tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Objective: To verify whether the biomarkers of tissue hypoperfusion have predictive value for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with left ventricular dysfunction who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: After approval by the institution's Ethics Committee and the signing of informed consent, 87 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled. Hemodynamic and metabolic biomarkers were collected at five time points: after anesthesia, at the end of the surgery, at ICU admission, and at six and twelve hours after. An analysis of variance for repeated measures followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for repeated, continuous variables (hemodynamic and metabolic variables) to determine differences between the two groups over the course of the study period. The level of statistical significance adopted was 5%. Results: Thirty-eight patients (43.7%) who presented adverse outcomes were older, higher Euro score (p<0.001), and elevated ΔpCO2 as analyzed 12 hours after ICU admission (p<0.01), while increased arterial lactate concentration at 6 hours postoperatively was found to be a negative predictive factor (p<0.01). Conclusions: Euro SCORE, six-hour postoperative arterial lactate, 12-hour postoperative ΔPCO2, and eRQ are independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

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BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due tocoronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection has a unique phenotype generating a growing need to determine the existing differences that can alter existing evidence-based management strategies for ARDS. RESEARCH QUESTION: What differences does the clinical profile of patients with ARDS due to COVID 19 and Non-COVID 19 have? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a comparative, observational, retrospective study in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)of a third-level hospital in Mexico City, from March 2020 through March 2022. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were compared between patients with ARDS due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and those due to other etiologies. RESULTS: We enrolled 140 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. The study group of COVID-19 etiology were younger males, higher body mass index, progressed to organ dysfunction, required more frequently renal replacement therapy, and higher SOFA score. There was no difference in rates of right ventricular dysfunction. INTERPRETATION: COVID-19 ARDS exhibit much greater severity that led to higher admission and mortality rates, whilst being younger and less comorbid.

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To measure left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) patients and to determine whether the LV GLS predicts outcomes in those patients. Prospective study consisted of a cross-sectional phase with 61 IIM patients and 32 individuals without IIM and longitudinal phase, in which patients were divided into two subgroups: 26 with reduced LV GLS and 35 with normal LV GLS; patients were followed for a mean of 25 months, and the occurrence of cardiovascular events and criteria for IIM activity were compared. The mean LV GLS (18.5 ± 2.9% vs. 21.6 ± 2.5%; p < 0.001) and right ventricle free wall strain (21.9 ± 6.1% vs. 27.5 ± 4.7%; p < 0.001) were lower in patients than in controls. The mean N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide level was higher in patients than in controls. There were no differences regarding other cardiac involvement. Anti-Jo1 antibody was associated with general electrocardiographic abnormality and LV diastolic dysfunction. The subgroup with reduced GLS progressed with higher mean creatine phosphokinase, myositis disease activity assessment visual analogue scales, the physician's and patient's visual analogue scales, the health assessment questionnaire, and a higher proportion of relapses than the subgroup with normal GLS. There was no difference between the subgroups regarding cardiovascular events. The LV GLS appears to be useful for evaluating patients with IIM. Abnormal values are associated with more frequent relapses and increased disease activity during follow-up.

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OBJECTIVES: To assess whether there is an association between abnormal common femoral vein (CFV) Doppler waveform and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis were included. Pulsed-wave Doppler was performed by examining the CFV in the short axis without angle correction and in the long axis with angle correction. An abnormal CFV Doppler waveform was determined by a retrograde velocity peak (RVP) > 10 cm/s in the long axis or RVP > 50% of the antegrade velocity peak in the short axis. TAPSE < 17 mm was defined as right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients were included. There was no association between abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms in the long (p = 0.709) and short axes (p = 0.171) and ICU mortality. TAPSE measurements were performed in 16 patients. RV dysfunction was identified in 8 (50.0%) patients. There was no association between the diagnosis of RV dysfunction based on TAPSE measurement and the identification of abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms in the long axis (p = 1.000) and in the short axis (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms were not associated with ICU mortality in patients with sepsis. Furthermore, in the exploratory analysis, these alterations were not useful in identifying RV dysfunction in these patients.

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The role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a possible causal risk factor for atherosclerotic artery disease and aortic valve stenosis has been well established. However, the information on the association between Lp(a) levels and heart failure (HF) is limited and controversial. The main objective of the present study was to assess the association between Lp(a) levels and HF. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed to detect studies that evaluated the association between Lp(a) levels and HF. Eight studies, including 73,410 patients, were eligible for this research. Seven prospective or retrospective cohorts and one cross-sectional study were analyzed. Five studies analyzed populations without HF; another three included patients with HF or left ventricular dysfunction. The endpoints evaluated varied according to the study analyzed, including incident HF, HF hospitalizations, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Lp(a) levels were also analyzed in different ways, including analysis of Lp(a) as a continuous or categorical variable (distinct cut-off points or percentiles). Globally, the studies included in this review found predominantly positive results. Data on some relevant subgroups, such as HF of ischemic or non-ischemic etiology or HF with or without left ventricular dysfunction, was poorly reported. This systematic review suggests that there would be a positive relationship between Lp(a) levels and HF. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of HF, new studies should be developed to clarify this topic.

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Gerbode defect is a rare left ventricle to right atrium shunt that can be acquired or congenital. The incidence of acquired defects has been growing and is caused by previous cardiac surgery, endocarditis, trauma and myocardial infarct. It can be challenging and the anesthesiologist should maintain a suspicion when there is circulatory failure after a cardiac surgery. It can be diagnosed by trans-esophageal echocardiography. In this case we presented the anesthetic management and the successful surgical correction of an acquired ventricular-atrial defect secondary to a previous mitral valve replacement.

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INTRODUCTION: Myocardial ischemia is common in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), but only recently clinical and experimental studies highlighted the involvement of this abnormality as contributing to the progression of myocardial damage. AREAS COVERED: Despite the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease at angiography, and limited evidence of abnormal flow regulation at the macrovascular level, remarkable functional and structural microvascular abnormalities are consistently reported by independent investigations of CCC. These derangements occur early and contribute to myocardial dysfunction. Recent research focused on reversing microvascular dysfunction as a target to positively impact the course of CCC. We conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature, aiming to summarize the role of coronary dysfunction causing myocardial ischemia in CCC, with a focus on implications for clinical management of individuals affected by this disease. EXPERT OPINION: Preclinical studies showed a clear correlation between perfusion defects and inflammation in viable but impaired dysfunctional myocardium. These findings provided further insight into the CCC complex pathophysiology and support the role of very few recent therapeutic interventions aiming to relieve myocardial ischemia. Further research is warranted to assess the efficacy of new interventions addressing reversal of microvascular ischemia and inflammation modulation and halting ventricular dysfunction progression in CCC.

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We examined postnatal echocardiograms for 62 infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia born from 2014 through 2020. Left and right ventricular dysfunction on D0 were sensitive, whereas persistent dysfunction on D2 was specific for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement. Biventricular dysfunction had the strongest association with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Serial echocardiography may inform prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

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BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion defect (MPD) is common in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) and is associated with inflammation and development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that pentoxifylline (PTX) could reduce inflammation and prevent the development of MPD in a model of CCC in hamsters. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated with echocardiogram and rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy at baseline (6-months after T. cruzi infection/saline) and post-treatment (after additional 2-months of PTX/saline administration), female Syrian hamsters assigned to 3 groups: T. cruzi-infected animals treated with PTX (CH + PTX) or saline (CH + SLN); and uninfected control animals (CO). At the baseline, all groups showed similar left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and MPD areas. At post-treatment evaluation, there was a significant increase of MPD in CH + SLN group (0.8 ± 1.6 to 9.4 ± 9.7%), but not in CH + PTX (1.9 ± 3.0% to 2.7 ± 2.7%) that exhibited MPD area similar to CO (0.0 ± 0.0% to 0.0 ± 0.0%). The LVEF decreased in both infected groups. Histological analysis showed a reduced inflammatory infiltrate in CH + PTX group (395.7 ± 88.3 cell/mm2), as compared to CH + SLN (515.1 ± 133.0 cell/mm2), but larger than CO (193.0 ± 25.7 cell/mm2). The fibrosis and TNF-α expression was higher in both infected groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged use of PTX is associated with positive effects, including prevention of MPD development and reduction of inflammation in the chronic hamster model of CCC.

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A análise da deformação miocárdica ventricular direita tem surgido como uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante na detecção de disfunção sistólica ventricular direita inicial não detectada pelas técnicas ecocardiográficas convencionais. Além disso, é capaz de trazer informações diagnósticas e prognósticas adicionais aos parâmetros tradicionais de avaliação da função sistólica ventricular direita em diversas patologias. O método ecocardiográfico de escolha para sua avaliação é o strain longitudinal derivado do speckletracking. Ele tem se mostrado mais sensível para pequenas mudanças na função sistólica quando comparado à excursão sistólica do plano do anel tricúspide, estudo da onda s´ ao Doppler tecidual do anel tricúspide e variação da área fracional do ventrículo direito. O avanço da inteligência artificial e a presença de softwares com análise automatizada entram neste cenário visando tornar a aplicabilidade do método mais simples, rápida e com menor variabilidade inter e intraobservador. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é demonstrar o passo a passo da técnica, desde a otimização e aquisição de imagens até a interpretação dos resultados, com figuras ilustrativas de casos selecionados.(AU)

Right ventricular strain analysis has emerged as an important diagnostic tool in the detection of early right ventricular systolic dysfunction not detected by conventional echocardiography techniques. Furthermore, it is capable of providing additional diagnostic and prognostic information to the traditional parameters for evaluating right ventricular systolic function in various pathologies. The echocardiography method of choice for its assessment is longitudinal strain derived from speckletracking. This method has been shown to be more sensitive for small changes in systolic function when compared to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tissue Doppler imaging of the tricuspid annular s' wave, and right ventricular fractional area change. Advances in artificial intelligence and software with automated analysis have been introduced to this scenario with the aim of making the method simpler and quicker to apply, with lower inter- and intra-observer variability. The objective of this review article is to demonstrate the technique step by step, from image optimization and acquisition to interpretation of results, with illustrative figures of selected cases.(AU)

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