A artéria radial (AR) constitui valiosa opção de enxerto na revascularização do miocárdio (RM), desde a retomada de seu uso, nos anos 1990. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar perviedade e remodelamento dos enxertos de AR e sua relação com lesão obstrutiva pré-operatória e parede miocárdica revascularizada, observando-se também os enxertos de artéria torácica interna (ATI). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Entre 1994 e 2007, 3.964 pacientes foram operados com uso da AR, no InCor/HCFMUSP. Foram selecionados os reestudos angiográficos (12 meses) de 100 pacientes, sendo 11 deles reestudados em duas épocas diferentes. Em 92 pacientes foi utilizada a ATI. Foram determinados os diâmetros médios de AR e ATI, através do software CASS-II®. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de reestudo foi de 70,53 ±33,18 meses. Em 82 casos (82,0%), a AR revascularizou uma única coronária, mais freqüentemente (50,83%) os ramos marginal esquerdo (ME) ou ventricular posterior (VP/CX). As obstruções pré-operatórias entre 90 e 99% foram as mais prevalentes (39,0%). A perviedade observada foi de 80 casos para AR (80,0%) e 80 para ATIE (86,96%). Houve correlação entre as maiores obstruções pré-operatórias e maior perviedade da AR (p=0,024). Os diâmetros médios dos enxertos foram de 2,302mm ±0,479 (AR) e 2,262mm ±0,409 (ATI). Observaram-se AR maiores do que a média (>2,30mm) nas obstruções pré-operatórias de 100%, em comparação com as demais (p=0,017). As AR que revascularizaram a parede lateral apresentaram os maiores diâmetros, em comparação às demais (p=0,04). Nos 11 pacientes com 2 reestudos, os diâmetros médios das AR foram de: 2,482mm ±0,424 (primeiro reestudo) e 2,599mm ±0,532 (segundo reestudo)(p=n/s). Para as ATIE, observaram-se: 2,308mm ±0,459 (primeiro reestudo) e 2,326mm ±0,531 (segundo reestudo) (p=n/s). No segundo reestudo, observou-se maior número de AR com diâmetros maiores, relacionados às obstruções entre 90-100% (p=0,013). A parede miocárdica revascularizada não interferiu nos diâmetros dos enxertos. CONCLUSÕES: A obstrução pré-operatória interfere na perviedade e nos diâmetros dos enxertos de AR, especialmente nas obstruções de 90% ou mais. A parede miocárdica revascularizada não interfere na perviedade da AR, porém interfere nos diâmetros dos enxertos. Foi observado remodelamento dos enxertos de AR, estando as obstruções mais graves relacionadas aos maiores aumentos de diâmetros dos enxertos comportamento semelhante às ATI. / The radial artery (RA) is an invaluable option for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), since its re-introduction in the late 1990 s.The objective of this study was to assess patency and remodeling of RA grafts regarding the interference of pre-operative coronary obstruction and grafted myocardial wall, also observing the internal thoracic artery grafts (ITA). METHODS: Between 1994 and 2007, 3,964 patients were operated with RA grafts, at Heart Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Post-operative coronary angiographies (12 months)of 100 patients were obtained, including 11 patients with two post-op exams, at different periods. In 92 patients the ITA was also used.The grafts medium diameters were obtained using the CASS-II® software. RESULTS: Mean time of post-op angiography was 70,53 ±33,18 months. In 82 cases (82,0%) the RA grafted a single coronary, more frequently (50,83%) the left marginal (LM) or posterior ventricular (PV) branches. Pre-op obstructions between 90 and 99% were more prevalent (39,0%). Patency was of 80 cases for the RA (80,0%) and 80 cases for the ATI grafts (86,96%). There was a correlation between more severe pre-op obstructions and greater patency of the RA grafts (p=0,024). The mean diameters were 2,302mm ±0,479 (RA) and 2,262mm ±0,409 (ITA). RA diameters were above the mean value (>2,30mm) in pre-op obstructions of 100%, compared to the rest (p=0,017). The RA grafting the lateral wall showed the larger diameters, compared to the rest (p=0,04). For the 11 patients with 2 post-op angiographies, mean diameters of RA grafts were: 2,482mm ±0,424 (first) and 2,599mm ±0,532 (second)(p=n/s). For ITA grafts, mean diameters were: 2,308mm ±0,459 (first) and 2,326mm ±0,531 (second)(p=n/s). For the second angiographies, RA grafts exhibited larger diameters, related to pre-op obstructions between 90 and 100% (p=0,013). The grafted myocardial wall showed no interference with graft diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-op coronary obstruction interferes in patency and diameters of RA grafts, more evidently for obstructions of 90% or greater. The grafted myocardial wall does not interfere with RA patency, although it does interfere with graft diameter. Remodeling was observed in RA grafts, correlating greater pre-op coronary obstructions and more evident increase in graft diameter similarly to the ITA grafts.

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevalência da fibrilação atrial, os gastos com o sistema de saúde e a elevada morbidade e mortalidade associados a ela, têm justificado a procura por um melhor entendimento de suas bases fisiopatológicas e por novas abordagens terapêuticas. O objetivo deste manuscrito é avaliar a exeqüibilidade, a segurança e os resultados em três meses da cirurgia vídeo-assistida para a ablação da fibrilação atrial com radiofreqüência bipolar. MÉTODOS: Dez pacientes (90% homens) com fibrilação atrial sintomática e refratária à terapia medicamentosa foram submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico proposto no Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia, Rio de Janeiro, no período de Maio 2007 a Maio de 2008. Foram analisadas variáveis de peri e pós-operatório. Além da avaliação clínica dos sintomas, todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um ecocardiograma e Holter de 24horas antes e três meses após a cirurgia. Realizou-se também uma angiotomografia de veias pulmonares no terceiro mês de seguimento pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado conforme planejado em todos os pacientes. Cem por cento das veias pulmonares direitas e 90% das esquerdas tiveram o isolamento elétrico confirmado. Não houve lesão iatrogênica de estruturas intra-torácicas ou óbitos. Dois pacientes apresentaram pneumonia pós-operatória e longo tempo de permanência hospitalar no início da experiência clínica. Nove dos dez pacientes saíram do centro cirúrgico em ritmo sinusal. Houve uma recorrência da fibrilação atrial em três meses (11,1%). No total, 80% dos pacientes estão livres de fibrilação atrial em três meses. Houve melhora significativa da função diastólica avaliada ecocardiograficamente pela relação E/E após a cirurgia (9,0 ± 2,23 para 7,7 ± 1,07; p=0,042) que se associa a uma melhora dos sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca classe funcional da New York Heart Association (2,4 ± 0,5 para 1,6 ± 0,7; p=0,011). Não houve evidência de estenose de veias pulmonares à angiotomografia nesta série. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia torácica vídeo-assistida para o tratamento da fibrilação atrial é exeqüível e segura mas a incorporação desta nova técnica à prática clínica requer uma curva de aprendizado da equipe envolvida. A melhora dos sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca está relacionada à melhora da função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo / BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation prevalence, its health system cost and the high morbidity and mortality associated with it have justified the search for a better understanding of its pathophysiology and new therapeutic management. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, the safety and the three months results of the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the ablation of atrial fibrillation using bipolar radiofrequency. METHODS: Ten patients (90% male) with symptomatic and refractory atrial fibrillation underwent the proposed surgical procedure at the National Institute of Cardiology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from May 2007 to May 2008. Peri and post-operative data were collected for analysis. Besides clinical evaluation, all patients have been submitted to an echocardiogram and a 24h Holter monitoring before and three months after the procedure. A pulmonary veins angiotomography was also performed three months after surgery. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was done as planned in all patients and 100% of the right pulmonary veins were isolated. Ninety per cent of the left pulmonary veins were confirmed to be electrically isolated. There was no surgical injury to any intra thoracic organ or death in this series. Two patients had post-operative pneumonia that required prolonged in hospital stay early in the experience. Nine of ten patients were in sinus rhythm just after surgery. There was one recurrence of atrial fibrillation within the three months follow up (11,1%). In general, eighty per cent (80%) of the patients are free of atrial fibrillation three months after surgery. There was a significant improvement in diastolic function measured by the relation E/E on the echocardiogram before and after the procedure (9,0 ± 2,23 to 7,7 ± 1,07; p=0,042). This was associated to an improvement of heart failure symptoms of New York Heart Association (2,4 ± 0,5 to 1,6 ± 0,7; p=0,011). There was no pulmonary vein stenosis in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is feasible and safe although it requires a learning curve to incorporate this new technique to clinical practice. The improvement on heart failure symptoms is associated to an improvement on diastolic left ventricular function

Orientadores: Celso Darío Ramos, João Augusto Lima / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T22:27:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Godoy_GustavoKhattarde_D.pdf: 2269934 bytes, checksum: b16ad3f63241f0e2537f807b8c45d497 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Este trabalho consiste na comparação de diferentes métodos de imagem utilizados na prática clínica para a detecção da doença coronariana isquêmica, umas das maiores causas de mortalidade nos países desenvolvidos, utilizando como base o estudo multicêntrico Internacional, Core 64. Através de uma análise retrospectiva foram selecionados 63 pacientes de um total de 405 do estudo principal Core 64 que tinham realizado, além da Tomografia Computadorizada e da Cinecoronariografia, a Cintilografia de Perfusão Miocárdica com o objetivo principal de avaliar a correlação anatomofisiológica entre os diferentes métodos de imagem na avaliação da patologia coronariana de causa obstrutiva. Para isto, foram identificados através da avaliação anatômica quantitativa, tanto pela tomografia quanto pela cinecoronariografia, a presença de estenoses coronarianas causando obstruções entre 30 e 80% do lúmen arterial e correlacionados com a presença de defeitos perfusionais quantificados pela cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica equivalentes ao mesmo território coronariano. Após a análise estatística constatou-se que tanto a tomografia como a cinecoronariografia apresentam sensibilidade e especificidade apenas moderadas para prognosticar as alterações perfusionais detectadas pela cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica, no entanto, ambos os métodos são complementares e de fundamental importância na prática clínica para a manejamento diagnóstico e terapêutico dos pacientes portadores da doença coronariana isquêmica / Abstract: This work is related to a comparison between different modalities of imaging in the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease causing myocardial ischemia one of the biggest cause of death in developed countries using as base a multicenter trial Core 64. A retrospective analysis was performed using a subgroup of 63 patients of a total of 405 to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Angiography (MDCTA) and Conventional Coronary Angiography in detecting myocardial ischemia identified by Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (SPECT). Threshold of 30-80% of coronary artery stenosis identified by MDCTA and conventional coronary angiography were settled and correlated to the presence of myocardial ischemia of the same coronary artery territory. After statistical analyses a similar modest accuracy for quantitative coronary arterial stenosis assessment by both QCTA and QCA for identifying patients with myocardial perfusion were found, however either MDCTA, conventional coronary angiography and SPECT are complementary methods and play an import roll not only diagnosing but guiding clinical treatment in patients with coronary artery disease / Doutorado / Clinica Medica / Doutor em Clínica Médica

Les malformations artérioveineuses (MAV) cérébrales sont une pathologie rare et hétérogène dont l’imagerie est complexe du fait de leur caractère dynamique et la prise en charge controversée notamment du fait des risques liés aux traitements proposés.La première partie de cette thèse porte sur l’imagerie des MAVs, axée sur une nouvelle technique, l’angiographie en 4 dimensions. Initialement, nous avons étudié sa faisabilité et validé cette technique en la comparant à l’angiographie cérébrale conventionnelle. Puis nous l’avons comparé à une autre modalité dynamique, l’angiographie par résonance magnétique en 4 dimensions, dans l’analyse des caractéristiques angio-architecturales des MAVs. Enfin, nous avons utilisé cette technique comme aide au planning pré et peropératoire dans la chirurgie des micro-MAVs.La seconde partie de cette thèse porte sur la prise en charge des patients porteurs d’une MAV dans le cadre d’études cliniques. Face à l’absence de consensus et aux hétérogénéités des pratiques sur la prise en charge de cette pathologie, la réflexion de ce travail a été conduite en plusieurs temps : un état des lieux basé sur une revue systématique des critiques faites à un essai randomisé sur les MAVs non rompues ; puis la conception d’une nouvelle étude pragmatique en soins courant, randomisée et intégrant le jugement clinique du praticien et de l’équipe multidisciplinaire ; l’évaluation de l’applicabilité de cette conception aux différentes pratiques via l’interrogation des praticiens par questionnaires ; la mise en place de cette étude multicentrique internationale TOBAS (Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation) ; et enfin, l’analyse des résultats de la phase pilote montrant la faisabilité de l’étude. / Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare and heterogeneous pathology. Imaging anAVM is complex because of their temporal dynamic feature. The management is controversial in particular due to the risks associated with the proposed treatments.The first part of this work is about imaging AVMs. We focused on a new technique, 4-Dimensional digital substraction angiography (4D DSA). Initially, we studied its feasibility and validated this technique in comparison with conventional cerebral angiography. Then we compared 4D DSA with another dynamic modality, 4-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (4D MRA), in the analysis of angio-architectural characteristics of AVMs. Finally, we used this technique as a supplementary tool in the pre- and intraoperative planning of micro-AVM surgery.The second part deals with the management of AVMs patients in clinical studies. Given the lack of consensus, and the heterogeneity of practices in the management of this pathology, the conduct of this work was done in several stages: a systematic review and a critical analysis of a randomized trial recently published on unruptured brain AVMs; the design of a new pragmatic randomized trial incorporating the clinical judgment of the multidisciplinary team, the evaluation of the applicability of this design to the different practices using questionnaires; the implementation of this international multi-center study called TOBAS (Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation); and finally, the analysis of the pilot phase of the study.

Abstract Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in hemodilution, systemic inflammatory response, activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and microembolisation, which may all contribute to postoperative organ dysfunction. As an attempt to attenuate these side effects, the use of minimized cardiopulmonary bypass (MCPB) systems has increased. Compared to conventional CPB (CCPB), they are characterized with reduced artificial surface area and blood-air interface. The goal of these alterations has been to reduce systemic inflammation, preserve coagulation function and minimize the need for blood tranfusions. This study was aimed at determining whether or not MCPB attenuates the adverse effects of CPB. In study I, the safety, feasibility and effect on transfusion requirements of MCPB was investigated in unselected coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) patients. In studies II and III, the incidence of retinal microembolism after CABG and aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery with MCPB was compared to that of CCPB by means of fluorescein angiography. Furthermore, in studies II and III, the effect of MCPB on systemic inflammation, coagulation, endothelial activation and injury, as well as on platelet activity, was compared to those of CCPB. In study IV, the effect of MCPB on intestinal mucosal damage following CPB was compared to CCPB in a porcine model of prolonged CPB. MCPB appeared as safe and feasible as CCPB in unselected CABG patients (Study I). MCPB was associated with decreased retinal microembolism compared to CCPB in CABG patients (Study II). Conversely, the difference in retinal microembolism in AVR patients was not statistically significant (Study III). MCPB was associated with a decrease in neutrophil activation in CABG and AVR patients as compared to CCPB. However, there were no differences in coagulation, endothelial activation and injury, or in platelet activity (Studies II, III). There were no differences in markers of intestinal mucosal damage between MCPB and CCPB following prolonged CPB in the experimental model (Study IV). The results of this study suggest that MCPB may be used safely with CABG patients, with beneficial effects on hematocrit, and attenuated neutrophil activation. In CABG patients, MCPB is associated with reduced retinal microembolism, suggesting a decreased embolic load to the brain. The clinical feasibility of MCBP requires further technical evolution in the management of valve surgery. The results of the animal model support previous concerns regarding intestinal mucosal damage during CPB. / Tiivistelmä Sydänkeuhkokoneen käyttö aiheuttaa elimistössä hemodiluution, yleistyneen tulehdusvasteen ja hyytymisjärjestelmän aktivoitumisen sekä mikroembolisaatiota. Ilmiöt ovat yleensä lieviä ja ohimeneviä, mutta voivat johtaa elintoimintahäiriöihin ja pitkittyneeseen toipumiseen sydänleikkauksen jälkeen. Haittojen lievittämiseksi sydänkeuhkokonetta on pyritty kehittämään fysiologisemmaksi. Miniperfuusiolaitteistoissa kiertävän veren kontakti pintamateriaalien ja ilman kanssa jää pienemmäksi ja veren laimenemista tapahtuu vähemmän. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää voidaanko miniperfuusiolla lievittää sydänkeuhkokoneen haittoja. Ensimmäisessä osatyössä selvitettiin miniperfuusion käyttökelpoisuutta ja vaikutusta verensiirtotarpeeseen ohitusleikkauspotilailla valikoimattomassa aineistossa. Toisessa ja kolmannessa osatyössä selvitettiin silmänpohjan mikroembolioiden ilmaantuvuutta miniperfuusion ja perinteisen sydänkeuhkokoneen käytön jälkeen ohitusleikkauspotilailla ja aorttaläppäleikkauspotilailla. Toisessa ja kolmannessa osatyössä selvitettiin lisäksi miniperfuusion vaikutuksia yleistyneen tulehdusvasteen voimakkuuteen, hyytymisjärjestelmään sekä endoteelin aktivaatioon perinteiseen sydänkeuhkokoneeseen verrattuna. Neljännessä osatyössä verrattiin kokeellisessa mallissa miniperfuusion ja perinteisen sydänkeuhkokoneen vaikutuksia suoliston limakalvon eheyteen. Miniperfuusio ilmeni yhtä käyttökelpoiseksi kuin perinteinen sydänkeuhkokone ohitusleikkauspotilaiden hoidossa. Ohitusleikkauspotilailla ilmeni vähemmän silmänpohjan mikroembolioita miniperfuusion jälkeen, mutta aorttaläppäleikkauspotilailla ero ei ollut tilastollisesti merkitsevä. Miniperfuusion käyttöön liittyi vähemmän neutrofiilien aktivaatiota. Tekniikoiden välillä ei ilmennyt eroa hyytymisjärjestelmän eikä endoteelin aktivaatiota osoittavissa merkkiaineissa. Sydänkeuhkokoneen käyttö aiheutti saman tasoisen suoliston limakalvon vaurion miniperfuusiolla ja perinteisellä sydänkeuhkokoneella. Tutkimuksen perusteella miniperfuusiotekniikkaa voidaan käyttää turvallisesti ohitusleikkauspotilaiden hoidossa ja sen käyttö vähentää hemodiluutiota ja neutrofiilien aktivaatiota verrattuna perinteiseen sydänkeuhkokoneeseen. Miniperfuusiolla voidaan vähentää sydänkeuhkokoneen käytön aiheuttamaa silmänpohjan mikroembolisaatiota, joka saattaa viitata vähäisempään aivoverenkierron mikroembolisaatioon. Miniperfuusiotekniikoiden tulee edelleen kehittyä hyödyttämään enemmän myös aorttaläppäleikkauspotilaita. Löydökset koskien sydänkeuhkokoneen aiheuttamia suoliston limakalvovaurioita vahvistavat aiempaa olettamusta suoliston haavoittuvuudesta sydänleikkauksen jälkeen.

Les maladies coronariennes constituent l'ensemble des troubles affectant les artères coronaires. Elles sont la première cause mondiale de mortalité. Par conséquent, la détection précoce de ces maladies en utilisant des techniques peu invasives fournit un meilleur résultat thérapeutique, et permet de réduire les coûts et les risques liés à une approche interventionniste. Des études récentes ont montré que la tomodensitométrie peut être utilisée comme une alternative non invasive et fiable pour localiser et quantifier ces lésions. Cependant, l'analyse de ces examens, basée sur l'inspection des sections du vaisseau, reste une tâche longue et fastidieuse. Une haute précision est nécessaire, et donc seulement les cliniciens hautement expérimentés sont en mesure d'analyser et d'interpréter de telles données pour établir un diagnostic. Les outils informatiques sont essentiels pour réduire les temps de traitement et assurer la qualité du diagnostic. L'objectif de cette thèse est de fournir des outils automatisés de traitement d'angiographie CT, pour la visualisation et l'analyse des artères coronaires d'une manière non invasive. Ces outils permettent aux pathologistes de diagnostiquer et évaluer efficacement les risques associés aux maladies cardio-vasculaires tout en améliorant la qualité de l'évaluation d'un niveau purement qualitatif à un niveau quantitatif. Le premier objectif de ce travail est de concevoir, analyser et valider un ensemble d'algorithmes automatisés utiles pour la détection et la quantification de sténoses des artères coronaires. Nous proposons un nombre de techniques couvrant les différentes étapes de la chaîne de traitement vers une analyse entièrement automatisée des artères coronaires. Premièrement, nous présentons un algorithme dédié à l'extraction du cœur. L'approche extrait le cœur comme un seul objet, qui peut être utilisé comme un masque d'entrée pour l'extraction automatisée des coronaires. Ce travail élimine l'étape longue et fastidieuse de la segmentation manuelle du cœur et offre rapidement une vue claire des coronaires. Cette approche utilise un modèle géométrique du cœur ajusté aux données de l'image. La validation de l'approche sur un ensemble de 133 examens montre l'efficacité et la précision de cette approche. Deuxièmement, nous nous sommes intéressés au problème de la segmentation des coronaires. Dans ce contexte, nous avons conçu une nouvelle approche pour l'extraction de ces vaisseaux, qui combine ouvertures par chemin robustes et filtrage sur l'arbre des composantes connexes. L'approche a montré des résultats prometteurs sur un ensemble de 11 examens CT. Pour une détection et quantification robuste de la sténose, une segmentation précise de la lumière du vaisseau est cruciale. Par conséquent, nous avons consacré une partie de notre travail à l'amélioration de l'étape de segmentation de la lumière, basée sur des statistiques propres au vaisseau. La validation avec l'outil d'évaluation en ligne du challenge de Rotterdam sur la segmentation des coronaires, a montré que cette approche présente les mêmes performances que les techniques de l'état de l'art. Enfin, le cœur de cette thèse est consacré à la problématique de la détection et la quantification des sténoses. Deux approches sont conçues et évaluées en utilisant l'outil d'évaluation en ligne de l'équipe de Rotterdam. La première approche se base sur l'utilisation de la segmentation de la lumière avec des caractéristiques géométriques et d'intensité pour extraire les sténoses coronaires. La seconde utilise une approche basée sur l'apprentissage. Durant cette thèse, un prototype pour l'analyse automatisée des artères coronaires et la détection et quantification des sténoses a été développé. L'évaluation qualitative et quantitative sur différents bases d'examens cardiaques montre qu'il atteint le niveau de performances requis pour une utilisation clinique / Coronary heart diseases are the group of disorders that affect the coronary artery vessels. They are the world's leading cause of mortality. Therefore, early detection of these diseases using less invasive techniques provides better therapeutic outcome, as well as reduces costs and risks, compared to an interventionist approach. Recent studies showed that X-ray computed tomography (CT) may be used as an alternative to accurately locate and grade heart lesions in a non invasive way. However, analysis of cardiac CT exam for coronaries lesions inspection remains a tedious and time consuming task, as it is based on the manual analysis of the vessel cross sections. High accuracy is required, and thus only highly experienced clinicians are able to analyze and interpret the data for diagnosis. Computerized tools are critical to reduce processing time and ensure quality of diagnostics. The goal of this thesis is to provide automated coronaries analysis tools to help in non-invasive CT angiography examination. Such tools allow pathologists to efficiently diagnose and evaluate risks associated with CVDs, and to raise the quality of the assessment from a purely qualitative level to a quantitative level. The first objective of our work is to design, analyze and validate a set of automated algorithms for coronary arteries analysis with the final purpose of automated stenoses detection and quantification. We propose different algorithms covering different processing steps towards a fully automated analysis of the coronary arteries. Our contribution covers the three major blocks of the whole processing chain and deals with different image processing fields. First, we present an algorithm dedicated to heart volume extraction. The approach extracts the heart as one single object that can be used as an input masque for automated coronary arteries segmentation. This work eliminates the tedious and time consuming step of manual removing obscuring structures around the heart (lungs, ribs, sternum, liver...) and quickly provides a clear and well defined view of the coronaries. This approach uses a geometric model of the heart that is fitted and adapted to the image data. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of results obtained on a 114 exam database shows the efficiency and the accuracy of this approach. Second, we were interested to the problem of coronary arteries enhancement and segmentation. In this context, we first designed a novel approach for coronaries enhancement that combines robust path openings and component tree filtering. The approach showed promising results on a set of 11 CT exam compared to a Hessian based approach. For a robust stenoses detection and quantification, a precise and accurate lumen segmentation is crucial. Therefore, we have dedicated a part of our work to the improvement of lumen segmentation step based on vessel statistics. Validation on the Rotterdam Coronary Challenge showed that this approach provides state of the art performances. Finally, the major core of this thesis is dedicated to the issue of stenosis detection and quantification. Two different approaches are designed and evaluated using the Rotterdam online evaluation framework. The first approach get uses of the lumen segmentation with some geometric and intensity features to extract the coronary stenosis. The second is using a learning based approach for stenosis detection and stenosis. The second approach outperforms some of the state of the art works with reference to some metrics. This thesis results in a prototype for automated coronary arteries analysis and stenosis detection and quantification that meets the level of required performances for a clinical use. The prototype was qualitatively and quantitatively validated on different sets of cardiac CT exams

Introdução: Segmentos coronários com doença aterosclerótica manifesta podem coexistir no mesmo paciente com artérias normais à angiografia. Porém as características desses vasos angiograficamente normais permanecem pouco estudadas. O presente estudo visa a descrição in vivo, através do ultrassom intravascular com histologia virtual, da presença, grau de acometimento e composição da doença coronária aterosclerótica em artérias normais ou quase normais (irregularidades parietais) do ponto de vista angiográfico, em pacientes com doença coronária obstrutiva em outros territórios. Métodos: Pacientes com doença coronária obstrutiva foram selecionados de forma prospectiva e foram submetidos a estudo ultrassonográfico com histologia virtual de múltiplos vasos. Artérias epicárdicas principais foram classificadas em quatro grupos baseado na sua aparência angiográfica: 1) vasos completamente normais, 2) vasos com irregularidades parietais, 3) vasos com pelo menos uma estenose discreta, 4) vasos com pelo menos uma estenose moderada ou importante. Para os vasos com estenoses luminais (grupos 3 e 4 acima), apenas segmentos que não possuíam lesão maior ou igual a 30% (não obstrutivos) foram incluídos na análise. Resultados: Um total de 60 pacientes (154 vasos) foram incluídos no estudo. Vasos angiograficamente normais apresentaram menor carga de placa, menos componente necrótico, menor densidade de lesões e quase nenhuma placa com características de alto risco. Entretanto, em vasos com irregularidades parietais encontramos uma maior carga de placa com elevada densidade de lesões pelo ultrassom intravascular similar a segmentos \"não obstrutivos\" de vasos com estenoses luminais evidentes pela angiografia em outro ponto. Conclusão: Artérias coronárias completamente normais pela angiografia parecem apresentar pouca doença aterosclerótica. Entretanto, vasos com irregularidades parietais estão associados com um maior acometimento aterosclerótico e elevada densidade placas de alto risco, achado este que não pode ser rapidamente obtido com o uso apenas da angiografia coronária / Background: Extensively diseased arteries may co-exist, in the same patient, with coronary vessels with a normal appearance by angiography. Thus far, however, the characteristics of the latter remain poorly described. The present study aims to evaluate in vivo, using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with radiofrequency backscatter analysis (RF), the presence, degree, and composition of atherosclerosis in arteries with angiographically normal or near-normal appearance, in patients with diagnosed coronary disease in other territories. Methods: Patients with diagnosed obstructive coronary disease were prospectively selected and underwent protocol-mandated multi-vessel IVUS-RF. Major epicardial branches were classified into four groups based on their angiographic appearance: 1) completely normal-looking; 2) near-normal; 3) at least one mild stenosis; 4) at least one severe or moderate stenosis. For vessels with lumen stenosis (groups 3 and 4 above), only \"non-stenotic\" portions were included in the IVUS analysis. Results: A total of 60 patients (154 vessels) comprised the study population. Completely normal-looking vessels had lower plaque burden, lower necrotic component, lower density of lesions, and almost null high-risk plaques. Conversely, a nearnormal aspect, with only subtle lumen irregularities by angiography, was associated with increased disease burden, with an elevated density of plaques with high-risk features, similar to \"non-stenotic\" portions of vessels with obvious atherosclerosis elsewhere. Conclusions: Coronary vessels with a completely normal-looking appearance by angiography appear to have little atherosclerosis. Conversely, yet mild luminal irregularities by angiography are associated with increased disease burden and elevated density of high-risk plaques by IVUS, which cannot be readily assessable by angiography alone. Descriptors: angiography; atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease; plaque, atherosclerotic; ultrasonography, interventional; coronary vessels.Background: Extensively diseased arteries may co-exist, in the same patient, with coronary vessels with a normal appearance by angiography. Thus far, however, the characteristics of the latter remain poorly described. The present study aims to evaluate in vivo, using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with radiofrequency backscatter analysis (RF), the presence, degree, and composition of atherosclerosis in arteries with angiographically normal or near-normal appearance, in patients with diagnosed coronary disease in other territories. Methods: Patients with diagnosed obstructive coronary disease were prospectively selected and underwent protocol-mandated multi-vessel IVUS-RF. Major epicardial branches were classified into four groups based on their angiographic appearance: 1) completely normal-looking; 2) near-normal; 3) at least one mild stenosis; 4) at least one severe or moderate stenosis. For vessels with lumen stenosis (groups 3 and 4 above), only \"non-stenotic\" portions were included in the IVUS analysis. Results: A total of 60 patients (154 vessels) comprised the study population. Completely normal-looking vessels had lower plaque burden, lower necrotic component, lower density of lesions, and almost null high-risk plaques. Conversely, a nearnormal aspect, with only subtle lumen irregularities by angiography, was associated with increased disease burden, with an elevated density of plaques with high-risk features, similar to \"non-stenotic\" portions of vessels with obvious atherosclerosis elsewhere. Conclusions: Coronary vessels with a completely normal-looking appearance by angiography appear to have little atherosclerosis. Conversely, yet mild luminal irregularities by angiography are associated with increased disease burden and elevated density of high-risk plaques by IVUS, which cannot be readily assessable by angiography alone

A cintilografia do miocárdio com radioisótopos e associada à administração de vasodilatadores coronários, é método estabelecido para o diagnóstico e estratificação de risco da coronariopatia aterosclerótica obstrutiva, utilizando a angiografia coronária como padrão. As capacidades diagnóstica e prognóstica ótimas são habitualmente obtidas na presença de lesões graves, sendo que para para graus menores de obstrução, de caracterização mais difícil pela própria angiografia coronária, observa-se menor acurácia da prova cintilográfica. Para testar a hipótese de que a cintilografia com adenosina correlaciona-se com os diâmetros e áreas da luz arterial, estabelecidos pela angiografia coronária quantitativa (ACQ) e o ultra-som intracoronário (UIC), avaliando a repercussão funcional das lesões, optamos por avaliar o método em portadores de doença arterial coronária caracterizada como de difícil manejo dentro do processo de decisão clínica. Desta forma, submetemos 70 pacientes (P) consecutivos à cintilografia do miocárdio com 99mTc-MIBI associada à injeção de adenosina, com média de idades de 60,6 anos, sendo 55,7% do sexo masculino, excluindo-se aqueles com angina instável, infarto do miocárdio de evolução recente, bloqueio do ramo esquerdo e outras condições inerentes à realização da prova farmacológica. Estabelecemos como objetivos: 1) a associação dos resultados da prova com as variáveis obtidas da ACQ e UIC; 2) a determinação da acurácia da prova, definida em relação a valores de estenose porcentual do diâmetro da luz, iguais a 50% e obtidos à análise visual da angiografia (%E) e ACQ (%Est); do diâmetro mínimo da luz (DML) e da área mínima da luz (AML) no local de maior estreitamento, iguais a 1,5 mm e 4 mm2 respectivamente, obtidos à ACQ e ao UIC; e da área porcentual de obstrução (AO%), igual a 70%, ao UIC; 3) avaliar a segurança do método pela análise das respostas clínicas, hemodinâmicas e eletrocardiográficas (ECG) ao estímulo farmacológico. A angiografia de admissão evidenciou 105 lesões obstrutivas nos 70 P, com doença em um, dois e três ou mais vasos em 43 P (61,4%), 20 P (28,6%) e 7 P (10%) respectivamente, e envolvimento predominante da artéria descendente anterior. As médias dos valores de %E foram de 49,94% (DP 12,69) e de %Est de 44,20% (DP 10,37), com boa correlação entre os dois métodos (r=0,79). Os resultados da cintilografia foram expressos como variáveis dicotômicas, definindo provas normais e alteradas ou normais e isquêmicas, sendo então associados às médias das variáveis da angiografia e do UIC. Os achados de qualquer alteração da captação às imagens cintilográficas, de hipocaptação sugestiva de isquemia e de alterações do espessamento correlacionaram-se à maior AO% ao UIC. Adicionalmente, as respostas clínicas, do ECG e o resultado das imagens de perfusão foram considerados em conjunto, criando-se uma variável dicotômica para, da mesma forma, traduzir provas normais e alteradas ou isquêmicas. A presença de isquemia, avaliada pela análise global da prova, associou-se a menores DML e AML à ACQ e ao UIC: DML isquêmico x normal pela ACQ= 1,49 mm (DP 0,34) x 1,71 mm, (DP 0,49), p < 0,05; DML isquêmico x normal pelo UIC= 1,63 mm (DP 0,38) x 1,97 mm (DP 0,50), p < 0,05; AML isquêmica x normal pela ACQ= 3,74 mm2 (DP 1,78) x 5,00 mm2 (DP 2,65), p<0,05; e AML isquêmica x normal pelo UIC= 2,74 mm2 (DP 1,38) x 4,01 mm2 (DP 1,79), p < 0,05). A acurácia da prova, expressa pela sensibilidade (S), especificidade (E), valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) foi calculada em relação aos valores de corte estabelecidos das variáveis quantitativas. As respostas do ECG, discriminantes em relação à E%, mostraram S=37% e E=77%. As alterações da captação consideradas isquêmicas e associadas à AO% ao UIC evidenciaram S=75%; E=64%; VPP=43% e VPN=88%. Os resultados globais da prova que se mostraram discriminantes, apresentaram os seguintes índices: Método Variável S (%) E (%) VPP (%) VPN (%) ACQ DML 78 44 51 73 ACQ AML 71 43 65 50 UIC DML 93 39 50 90 UIC AML 83 56 86 50 Conclusões: Para a população estudada, a cintilografia com 99mTc-MIBI e injeção de adenosina correlaciona-se à AO% ao UIC, considerando-se as imagens de perfusão e de espessamento ventricular. Na avaliação dos resultados globais, caracterizados a partir da adição dos dados do ECG e das manifestações clínicas durante a injeção de adenosina às imagens, observa-se associação com os diâmetros e as áreas da luz nos locais de maior obstrução, obtidos à ACQ e ao UIC. Adicionalmente, pela análise das respostas clínicas, ECG e hemodinâmicas, o método mostrou-se seguro e factível / Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with 99mTechnetium - MIBI in combination with pharmacological vasodilation is used to detect ischemia and for the risk stratification of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), employing coronary angiography as gold standard. The best accuracy is found in presence of high-grade coronary stenosis, limited when less severity is seen. To test the hyphotesis that adenosine SPECT MPI correlates with coronary lesion lumen diameter and area dimensions by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), evaluating the functional significance of coronary stenosis, we intent to test the method in patients (P) with known coronary disease. Seventy consecutive P (55,7% male, mean age 60,6) were referred to adenosine SPECT 99mTc-MIBI. Were excluded those one with unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, left bundle branch block, and any other conditions that makes the pharmacological stress impossible. The objectives were: 1) to establish the association between the clinical, EKG and scintigraphic findings with the QCA and IVUS variables; 2) to determine the accuracy of the test, based upon defined discriminant values of 50% luminal diameter narrowing by visual analysis of coronary angiography and QCA; minimum luminal diameter (MLD) and minimum luminal area (MLA) of 1,5 mm and 4 mm2 respectively, derived from QCA and IVUS and luminal percent area stenosis (AS%) of 70% by IVUS; 3) to determine the safety and feasibility of the method, throughout clinical, hemodinamic and electrocardiographic (EKG) responses to pharmacological vasodilation. The coronary angiography revealed 105 native artery lesions in 70 P, with one, two and multivessel disease in 43 p (61,4%), 20 p (28,6%) and 7 p (10%) respectively. Left anterior descending artery disease was present in 58%, 70% and 86% of the patients, respectively. Mean percent diameter stenosis values were 49,94% (SD 12,69) by visual analysis of angiography and 44,20% (SD 10,37) by QCA. Myocardial scintigraphy findings were defined as dicotomic variables categorized as normal x abnormal uptake or normal x reversible uptake; these findings were associated with visual, QCA and IVUS variables through mean comparison (t test). Chest pain during adenosine infusion was not related with greater stenosis severity, but ischemic EKG abnormalities were associated with different mean values when percent diameter stenosis derived from visual analysis was compared (p < 0,05). Therefore, any myocardial uptake abnormality, reversible uptake or any tickening abnormalities were correlated with AS% by IVUS (p< 0,05). Finally, the clinical, electrocardiographic and scintigraphic findings were considered together and categorized into global abnormal x normal response or global ischemic x normal response. Global ischemic response was associated to smaller mean values of MLD and MLA by QCA and IVUS: ischemic x normal MLD by QCA = 1,49 ± 0,34 mm x 1,71 ± 0,49 mm, p< 0,05; ischemic x normal MLD by IVUS = 1,63 ± 0,38 mm x 1,97 ± 0,50 mm, p<0,05; ischemic x normal MLA by QCA = 3,74 ± 1,78 mm2 x 5,00 ± 2,65 mm2, p<0,05; and ischemic x normal MLA by IVUS = 2,74 ± 1,38 mm2 x 4,01 ± 1,79 mm2, p<0,05). Sensitivity (S), Specificity (Sp), Predictive positive (PPV) and negative values (PNV) were calculated based upon discriminate values from visual, QCA and IVUS. The EKG response, related to percent diameter luminal stenosis by visual analysis of angiography showed S=37% and Sp=77%. Reversible uptake had S=75%; Sp=64%; PPV=43% and PNV=88%. The global ischemic findings that were discriminant are described bellow: Method Variable S (%) Sp (%) PPV (%) PNV (%) QCA DML 78 44 51 73 QCA AML 71 43 65 50 IVUS DML 93 39 50 90 IVUS AML 83 56 86 50 Considering the studied population with known coronary artery disease, perfusion and thickening adenosine SPECT results are associated with AS% by IVUS. When Clinical, EKG and scintigraphic findings are considered together as a dicotomic variable (ischemia x normal), correlation is observed between MLD and MLA by QCA and IVUS. Also, the method is considered feasible and safe, when clinical, hemodinamic and EKG abnormalities are evaluated

Bakgrund: Kranskärlsröntgen eller perkutan koronar intervention är en av de mest avancerade diagnostiska och interventionella verktyg som har förbättrat livet för miljontals patienter med hjärt- och kärlsjukdom. Ingreppet är dock kopplat till en viss mängd komplikationer eller oönskade biverkningar. Trots att det är låg risk för dödlighet finns det betydande problematik kring psykologiska besvär både inför, under och efter ingreppen. Icke-farmalogiska interventioner som kan minska psykiskt lidande för patienter som genomgår Kranskärlsröntgen eller PCI är en viktig del i sjuksköterskans arbete.  Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva interventioner för patientinformation med syfte att minska ångest hos patienter som ska genomgå kranskärlsröntgen eller perkutan koronar intervention. Metod: En litteraturstudie, där artikelsökningar utfördes i databaserna PubMed, CINAHL, samt genom manuella sökningar från Google Scholar. Femton empiriska originalartiklar inkluderades. Dessa granskades och analyseras genom en integrerad analys. Resultat: Videobaserade informationsinterventioner visade sig vara effektiva för att minska ångestnivån i samband med kranskärlsröntgen eller perkutan koronar intervention i sex av studierna. Det fanns sju studier som använde multimodal utbildningsintervention och de minskade patientens ångestnivå före proceduren kranskärlsröntgen eller perkutan koronar intervention. Även erfarenhetsutbyte interventioner har visat statistisk signifikant skillnad på att minska ångest hos patienterna före proceduren. Slutsats: Litteraturöversikten visade att videobaserad och multimodal information och per-leed undervisning användes som interventioner för patientinformation med syfte att minska ångest hos patienter som genomgick kranskärlsröntgen och PCI. Vidare ger litteraturöversikten stöd för att användningen av interventioner för patientinformation i form av videobaserad information, stödd av broschyrer och muntlig diskussion med sjuksköterskeledda inlärningstillfällen har en betydande minskning av ångestnivån innan kranskärlsröntgen eller PCI procedurer. / Background: Coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention is one of the most advanced diagnostic and interventional tools that has improved the lives of millions of cardiovascular patients. However, the procedure is linked to a certain amount of complications or unwanted side effects. Even though there is a low risk of mortality due to the procedure, there are significant problems regarding psychological distress both before, during and after the intervention. Non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce this psychological distress for patients undergoing angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention are an important part of the nurse's duty.  Aim: The aim was to describe interventions for patient information with the aim of reducing anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention.  Method: Three databases were chosen based on research by relevant scientific evidence identified during the pilot search test. PUBMED, CINAHL and Google Scholar are the databases used in the literature search. The selection resulted in a total of 15 articles on which this literature review is based.  Result: Video-based information interventions were found to be effective in reducing anxiety levels associated with coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention in six of the studies. There were seven studies that used multimodal educational intervention for patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention, which have shown a reduction in the anxiety level of patients prior to the procedure. Also, experience exchangeinterventions have shown statistically significant difference in reducing anxiety in patients prior to the procedure.  Conclusion: This literature review showed that video-based and multimodal information and per-leed instruction were used as interventions for patient information with the aim of reducing anxiety in patients who underwent coronary angiography and PCI. Furthermore, the literature review supports that the use of interventions for patient information in the form of video-based, supported by brochures and discussion with nurse-led learning opportunities has a significant reduction in anxiety levels before coronary angiography or PCI procedures.

Objective: A malignant profile of early brain ischemia has been demonstrated in the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) trial. Patients with a malignant profile had a low chance for an independent functional outcome despite thrombolysis within 3–6 h. We sought to determine whether CT angiography (CTA) could identify a malignant imaging profile within 3 h from symptom onset. Methods: We studied consecutive patients (04/02–09/07) with anterior circulation stroke who received CTA before intravenous thrombolysis within 3 h. We assessed the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on CTA source images (CTASI). Intracranial thrombus burden on CTA was assessed with a novel 10-point clot burden score (CBS). We analyzed percentages independent (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and fatal outcome at 3 months and parenchymal hematoma rates across categorized combined CTASI-ASPECTS + CBS score groups where 20 is best and 0 is worst. Results: We identified 114 patients (median age 73 years [interquartile range 61–80], onset-to-tPA time 129 min [95–152]). Among 24 patients (21%) with extensive hypoattenuation on CTASI and extensive thrombus burden (combined score ≤10), only 4% (1/24) were functionally independent whereas mortality was 50% (12/24). In contrast, 57% (51/90) of patients with less affected scores (combined score 11–20) were functionally independent and mortality was 10% (9/90; p < 0.001). Parenchymal hematoma rates were 30% (7/23) vs. 8% (7/88), respectively (p = 0.008). Conclusion: CTA identifies a large hyperacute stroke population with high mortality and low likelihood for independent functional outcome despite early thrombolysis. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.