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Studium of the clinical impact of different forms of cardiac resynchronization therapy by patients with chronic heart failure MUDr. Lucie Burianová ABSTRACT: Introduction: Biventricular (BiV) pacing decreases mortality and improves quality of life of patients with severe heart failure. Haemodynamic and short time clinical studies suggest that isolated leftventricular pacing could have the same effect. Aims: Compare the effect of BiV and leftventricular pacing by subjects with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure with the attention to signs of dyssynchrony and remodelation of the left chamber. In methodical substudy compare the results of left chamber volumes and ejection fraction (EF LK) measured by CT angiography and 2-dimensional echocardiography with use of contrast agent (K-ECHO). Methods: Patients indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy were randomized for either BiV or leftventricular pacing. After implantation of the device they were examinated clinically and by echocardiography every 3 months in the period of one year. Four years from the onset of the study the major adverse events in both groups were evaluated. The results of left chamber volumes and EF LK measured by K-ECHO and CT angiography were compared. Results: We enrolled 33 patients. We found clinical improvement in both...

Presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB), regardless of evidence of heart disease, increases cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Isolated LBBB induces ventricular septal asynchrony, it can cause repercussions in left ventricular (LV) function and diameter, which may evolve into ventricular remodeling and heart failure. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a noninvasive diagnostic method and physiological, that simultaneously evaluates cardiovascular and respiratory functions, fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of exercise limitation.. This study sought to evaluate the implications of isolated LBBB to cardiovascular performance in patients with preserved LV systolic function and absence of myocardial ischemia. This is an observational, cross-sectional analysis, which evaluated 02 groups: LBBB (26 patients) and control (23 patients). All patients showed LV systolic function > 50% and myocardial ischemia was excluded through the physical stress echocardiography. They underwent CPET. At statistical analysis, we chose the general linear model, specifically multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in which the dependent variables were the parameters of CPET and fixed factors were the LBBB and sedentary lifestyle. The results showed that the percentage of predicted peak oxygen pulse (O2P) in the LBBB group was 98.6 ± 18.6% versus 109.9 ± 13.5% (p = 0.02); the percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2) in patients with LBBB was 87.2 ± 15.0% versus 105.0 ± 15.6% (p <0.0001); the percentage of predicted anaerobic threshold VO2 in LBBB group was 67.9 ± 13.6 % versus 70.2 ± 12.8% (p = 0.55); in the LBBB group, ΔVO2/Δwork rate was 15.5 ± 5.5 ml.min-1.watts-1 versus 20.7 ± 7.3 ml.min-1.watts-1 (p = 0.006); the VE/VCO2 slope in LBBB group was 29.8 ± 2.9 versus 26.2 ± 2.9 (p = 0.0001) and T1/2 VO2 was the LBBB group of 85.2 ± 11.8 seconds versus 71.5 ± 11.0 seconds (p = 0.0001). By MANCOVA, adjusting the intervention of sedentary lifestyle and covariates, it was showed that patients with LBBB with preserved left systolic function and absence of myocardial ischemia, showed increase in the VE/VCO2 slope, but the LBBB did not affect aerobic performance. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether the VE/VCO2 slope will be an earlier marker of ventricular dysfunction in patients with LBBB. / A presença de bloqueio do ramo esquerdo (BRE), independente da evidência de cardiopatia, está associado ao aumento da mortalidade e morbidade cardiovascular. O BRE isolado provoca assincronia do septo interventricular, causando repercussões nos diâmetros e na função do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), que podem progredir para o remodelamento ventricular e insuficiência cardíaca. O teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TECP) é um método diagnóstico não invasivo e fisiológico, avalia simultaneamente as funções cardiovascular e pulmonar, permitindo entender melhor as causas da limitação ao exercício. O presente estudo buscou avaliar as implicações do BRE isolado no desempenho cardiovascular de pacientes com função sistólica do VE preservada e na ausência de isquemia miocárdica. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, que avaliou 02 grupos: BRE (26 pacientes) e controle (23 pacientes). Todos os pacientes apresentavam fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) > 50%, pelo método Simpson e a pesquisa de isquemia do miocárdio foi realizada por meio da ecocardiografia sob estresse físico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao TECP. Na análise estatística, optou-se pelo modelo linear geral, particularmente análise multivariada de covariância (MANCOVA), em que as variáveis dependentes foram os parâmetros do TECP e os fatores fixos foram o BRE e o sedentarismo. Os resultados revelaram que a percentagem atingida do pulso de oxigênio (PO2) pico predito no grupo BRE foi de 98,6 ± 18,6% versus 109,9 ± 13,5%, (p = 0,02); a percentagem do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) pico predito nos portadores de BRE foi de 87,2 ± 15,0% versus 105,0 ± 15,6% (p < 0,0001); a percentagem do VO2 predito limiar anaeróbico no grupo BRE foi de 67,9 ± 13,6 % versus 70,2 ± 12,8% (p = 0,55); o ΔVO2/Δcarga no grupo BRE foi de 15,5 ± 5,5 ml.min-1.watts-1 versus 20,7 ± 7,3 ml.min-1.watts-1(p = 0,006); a relação Ve/VCO2 slope no grupo BRE foi de 29,8 ± 2,9 versus 26,2 ± 2,9 (p = 0,0001) e o T1/2 VO2 no grupo BRE foi de 85,2 ± 11,8 segundos versus 71,5 ± 11,0 segundos (p = 0,0001). Através da MANCOVA, ajustando-se a intervenção do sedentarismo e das co-variáveis, mostrou-se que os portadores de BRE, com FEVE preservada e na ausência de isquemia miocárdica, apresentaram aumento do Ve/VCO2 slope, porém o BRE não provocou alteração da capacidade aeróbica. Novos estudos serão necessários para elucidar se o Ve/VCO2 slope será marcador precoce de disfunção ventricular nos portadores de BRE.

FUNDAMENTOS: Na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) a disfunção diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) é causada por hipertrofia dos miócitos e fibrose intersticial. A Angiotensina II (Ang II) pode promover hipertrofia, fibrose e alteração de relaxamento miocárdico. Na hipertrofia secundária a hipertensão o bloqueio dos receptores tipo 1 (AT1) da Ang II diminui a hipertrofia e a fibrose e, em animais com CMH losartan causou reversão da fibrose miocárdica. Os efeitos do antagonismo da Ang II na CMH humana não são conhecidos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos do losartan, um bloqueador dos receptores AT1 da Ang II, sobre a hipertrofia e a função diastólica do VE em pacientes com CMH não obstrutiva. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Foram estudados 27 pacientes consecutivos portadores de CMH na forma não obstrutiva, com média de idade de 34,4 anos, sendo 14 homens, que receberam losartan 100 mg/dia durante 6 meses. Antes do tratamento e ao final do mesmo foram avaliadas: a classe funcional (CF), a hipertrofia e a função diastólica do VE esquerdo pela ecocardiografia (modo-M, Doppler mitral, venoso pulmonar e Doppler tecidual do anel mitral) e a concentração plasmática do fragmento amino-terminal do pro-peptídeo natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP). Valores bi-caudais de p<0,05 em testes pareados foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. v RESULTADOS: CF - dos 19 pacientes sintomáticos antes do tratamento, 8 (42%) tornaram-se assintomáticos (p=0,008). A CF média passou de 2,04±0,81 para 1,48±0,64 (p=0,0001). Doppler ecocardiografia - redução do diâmetro atrial esquerdo de 43,3±6,2 mm para 40,5±6,1 mm (p<0,0001), diminuição da velocidade da onda atrial reversa do fluxo venoso pulmonar de 36,4±9,7 cm/s para 32,2±6,2 cm/s (p=0,008), aumento da velocidade diastólica inicial (Ea) do anel mitral de 10,7±3,2 cm/s para 11,95±3,01 cm/s (p=0,004), aumento da razão Ea/Aa de 1,11±0,36 para 1,33±0,48 (p=0,009), e diminuição da razão E/Ea de 8,37±5,4 para 6,46±3,2 (p=0,004). Não ocorreram modificações nas espessuras parietais nem nos diâmetros do VE. NT-proBNP - diminuição do valor mediano de 652 pg/ml para 349 pg/ml, assim como dos quartis e dos valores máximo e mínimo (p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com CMH não obstrutiva o antagonismo da angiotensina II com losartan 100 mg/dia durante 6 meses resultou em melhora bioquímica e da função diastólica do VE, sem evidente regressão de hipertrofia ao ecocardiograma. Esses resultados são promissores e indicam possíveis benefícios que podem ser obtidos com medicamentos que atuam inibindo o sistema renina-angiotensina em pacientes com CMH. / BACKGROUND: In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) is caused by myocite hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has trophic and profibrotic effects on the heart, and may impair myocardial relaxation. In hypertensive LV hypertrophy Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors blockade can reverse hypertrophy and fibrosis, and in animals with HCM, losartan reversed myocardial fibrosis. The effects of Ang II antagonism in humans with HCM are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of losartan, an AT1 blocker, in patients with non-obstructive HCM, with emphasis on LV diastolic function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 27 consecutive patients, mean age 34.4 years, 14 males, were treated with losartan 100 mg/day during 6 months. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at 6 months, as follows: functional class (FC), left atrium diameter (LAD), LV hypertrophy and LV diastolic function (M-mode echocardiography, mitral flow and pulmonary venous flow Doppler, mitral annulus tissue Doppler), and plasma concentrations of the amino-terminal fragment of proBNP (NT-proBNP). RESULTADOS: FC - of the 19 symptomatic patients before the treatment, 8 (42%) were free of symptoms at 6 months (p=0.008). There were no changes in LV wall and cavity measures. LAD decreased from 43.3±6.2 mm to 40.5±6.1 mm (p<0.0001), and pulmonary venous atrial reverse velocity decreased from 36.4±9.7 cm/s to 32.2±6.2 cm/s (p=0.008). Tissue Doppler: mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (Ea) increased from 10.7±3.2 cm/s to 11.95±3.01 cm/s (p=0.004), Ea/Aa ratio increased from 1.11±0.36 to 1.33±0.48 (p=0.009), and E/Ea ratio decreased from 8.37±5.4 to 6.46±3.2 (p=0.004). NT-proBNP - there was a decrease in the median value from 652 pg/ml to 349 pg/ml, as well as a decrease in quartiles, maximum and minimum values (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: In patients with non-obstructive HCM, treatment with losartan 100 mg/day during 6 months resulted in Doppler echocardiographic and biochemical changes indicative of LV diastolic function amelioration, in the absence of evident LV hypertrophy regression. These preliminary results are promising and suggest that inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system may be benefic in human HCM

INTRODUÇÃO: O implante transcateter de prótese valvar aórtica (TAVI) surge nos dias atuais como uma opção terapêutica para os pacientes sintomáticos portadores de estenose aórtica grave. Cerca de 200 mil pacientes em todo o mundo já foram submetidos ao TAVI. Não há grandes estudos que tenham avaliado a correlação prognóstica entre parâmetros ecocardiográficos antes do TAVI e eventos cardiovasculares a longo prazo. É relevante analisar se o strain pré-procedimento e outros parâmetros se comportam como fatores preditores independentes de eventos após o procedimento. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, de novembro de 2009 a outubro de 2016, 86 pacientes, submetidos a avaliação ecocardiográfica antes do TAVI e 30 dias após o procedimento, com análise do strain do ventrículo esquerdo pelo speckle tracking bidimensional e outros parâmetros ecocardiográficos. Esses pacientes foram acompanhados clinicamente e avaliados quanto aos desfechos: mortalidade global, mortalidade cardiovascular, classe funcional de insuficiência cardíaca e necessidade de reinternação cardiovascular. RESULTADOS: O strain global longitudinal pré-TAVI reduzido (valor absoluto) aumentou a chance de reinternação cardiovascular (OR: 0,87; 0,77 ±0,99; P= 0,038). A redução da relação E/e´ em 30 dias após o TAVI associou-se à queda da mortalidade global (OR: 0,97; 0,95 ±0,99; P = 0,006), bem como valores elevados pré procedimento dessa relação se associaram a maiores taxas de insuficiência cardíaca classe funcional III ou IV da New York Heart Association após a intervenção (OR: 1,08; 1±1,18; P = 0,049). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que o strain global longitudinal pré-procedimento demonstrou ser um preditor de reinternação cardiovascular pós-intervenção a longo prazo. A relação E/e´ pré-procedimento apresentou correlação diretamente proporcional com o desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca classe funcional III ou IV a longo prazo, assim como sua queda acentuada 30 dias após o procedimento correlacionou-se com menor mortalidade global. / INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a therapeutic option for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis. Approximately 200,000 patients around the world have already undergone TAVR. No large studies have evaluated prognostic correlation between echocardiographic parameters before TAVR and long-term cardiovascular events. It is relevant to analyze strain before procedure and how other parameters work as independent predictors of events after the procedure. METHODS: A total of 86 patients were evaluated from November 2009 to October 2016. They underwent echocardiographic evaluation before TAVR and 30 days after the procedure with analysis of strain of the left ventricle by bidimensional speckle tracking and other echocardiographic parameters. Patients were followed clinically and evaluated in relation to outcomes: global mortality, cardiovascular mortality, functional class of heart failure and need for cardiovascular readmissions. RESULTS: Global longitudinal strain before reduced TAVR (absolute value) increased the chance of cardiovascular readmission (odds ratio: 0.87; 0.77 ± 0.99; p = 0.038). Reduction of E/e´ relationship 30 days after TAVI was associated with a drop in global mortality (odds ratio: 0.97; 0.95 ± 0.99; p = 0.006). In addition, high values for this relation before the procedure were associated with higher rates of New York Heart Association functional class III or IV heart failure after the intervention (odds ratio: 1.08; 1.00 ± 1.18; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that global longitudinal strain before the procedure is a predictor of cardiovascular readmission after TAVR. The E/e´relationship before the procedure presented a correlation directly proportional to the development of long-term functional class III or IV heart failure as well as its accentuated drop 30 days after the procedure was correlated with lower global mortality.

Die chirurgische Mitralklappenrekonstruktion (MKR) ist der konservativen Therapie bei signifikanter Mitralklappeninsuffizienz (MI) überlegen. Bisher fehlen sensitive präoperative Parameter zur Detektion latenter linksventrikulärer Funktionsstörungen. Aufgrund der pathophysiologisch bedingten Nachlastreduktion und Vorlaststeigerung bei MI bergen die konventionell verwendeten Ejektionsindices, Ejektionsfraktion (EF) und Fractional Area Change (FAC), die Gefahr der Überschätzung der effektiven Pumpfunktion des linken Ventrikels (LV). Der dopplersonographisch erhobene Tei Index gilt als ein Marker globaler myokardialer Funktion. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, mit dem Tei Index (bzw. dem Myokardialen Performance Index, MPI) einen sensitiveren präoperativen Parameter zur Prädiktion der postoperativen linksventrikulären Funktion zu finden. Hierzu wurden im Rahmen einer prospektiven klinischen Studie 130 Patienten mit signifikanter MI am Herzzentrum Leipzig entsprechend den ASE/SCA Leitlinien vor und nach kardiopulmonaler Bypass-Operation mittels transösophagealer echokardiographischer (TEE) Bildgebung untersucht. Die Quantifizierung der MI erfolgte durch Messung der Vena contracta (VC). Die FAC wurde in der transgastrischen midpapillären kurzen Achse und die EF im midösophagealen Zwei- sowie Vier-Kammer-Blick erfasst. Die Zeitintervalle zur Berechnung des Tei Index wurden im tiefen transgastrischen und midösophagealen Vier-Kammer-Blick erfasst. Eine statistische Korrelation zwischen präoperativen Tei Index und postoperativer EF und FAC konnte zur Validierung unserer Hypothese nicht detektiert werden. Folgend kann der Tei Index nicht als Prädiktor der effektiven linksventrikulären Funktion vor MKR gewertet werden.

Studium of the clinical impact of different forms of cardiac resynchronization therapy by patients with chronic heart failure MUDr. Lucie Burianová ABSTRACT: Introduction: Biventricular (BiV) pacing decreases mortality and improves quality of life of patients with severe heart failure. Haemodynamic and short time clinical studies suggest that isolated leftventricular pacing could have the same effect. Aims: Compare the effect of BiV and leftventricular pacing by subjects with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure with the attention to signs of dyssynchrony and remodelation of the left chamber. In methodical substudy compare the results of left chamber volumes and ejection fraction (EF LK) measured by CT angiography and 2-dimensional echocardiography with use of contrast agent (K-ECHO). Methods: Patients indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy were randomized for either BiV or leftventricular pacing. After implantation of the device they were examinated clinically and by echocardiography every 3 months in the period of one year. Four years from the onset of the study the major adverse events in both groups were evaluated. The results of left chamber volumes and EF LK measured by K-ECHO and CT angiography were compared. Results: We enrolled 33 patients. We found clinical improvement in both...

<p>Cilj: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se utvrde promene koje arterijska hipertenzija dvojakim mehanizmima (dnevno-noćnim ritmom i svojim trajanjem) ostavlja na funkciju i geometriju leve pretkomore i komore srca. Ispitanici i metode: u ovo istraživanje bilo je uključeno 180 ispitanika koji su bili podeljeni u ispitivane grupe u odnosu na dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska tokom 24-časovnog monitoringa arterijskog krvnog pritiska i to na sledeći način: grupa ispitanika sa očuvanim dnevno-noćnim ritmom arterijskog krvnog pritiska sastojala se od ukupno 90 ispitanika, a grupu onih sa naru&scaron;enim dnevno-noćnim ritmom arterijskog krvnog pritiska takođe je činilo 90 ispitanika. U svakoj od ovih grupa izvr&scaron;ena je dodatna podela ispitanika prema dužini trajanja arterijske hipertenzije na one kod kojih je arterijska hipertenzija trajala do 5 godina, one kod kojih je trajala od 5 do 10 godina i na one sa trajanjem arterijske hipertenzije vi&scaron;e od 10 godina. Svim ispitanicima rađen je incijalno 24-časovni ambulantni monitoring arterijskog krvnog pritiska, a nakon toga i ehokardiografski pregled radi određivanja parametara morfologije leve pretkomore i komore, kao i dijastolne funkcije leve komore. Rezultati i diskusija: nakon statističke obrade podataka dobijeni su rezultati koji ukazuju da se dijastolna disfunkcija stepena većeg od I statistički značajno če&scaron;će (p=0,011) uočava kod onih ispitanika koji nemaju očuvan dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska. Naru&scaron;en dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska takođe dovodi do povećanja indeksirane mase miokarda leve komore prema povr&scaron;ini tela ispitanika (LVM/BSA) &ndash; p=0,001; do zadebljanja zidova leve komore (IVS/PLW) &ndash; p=0,025, kao i do smanjenja sistolne brzine miokarda na nivou septalnog dela mitralnog anulusa (s&rsquo;) - p&lt;0,0005. Pored ovoga, u grupi onih sa naru&scaron;enim dnevno-noćnim ritmom arterijskog krvnog pritiska primećeno je če&scaron;će prisustvo ekscentrične hipertrofije miokarda leve komore (p=0,027). U odnosu na geometriju i funkciju leve pretkomore, naru&scaron;en dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska dovodi do promena u smislu povećanja antero-posteriornog dijametra leve pretkomore (LA)-p=0,003; maksimalnog volumena leve pretkomore u komorskoj sistoli (LAVs) &ndash;p=0,007; indeksiranog LAVs prema povr&scaron;ini tela ispitanika (LAVs/BSA)-p&lt;,0005; E/e&rsquo; odnosa &ndash;p=0,040; rezervoarnog strain-a leve pretkomore (PLAS)- p=0,004; krutosti leve pretkomore (stiffness)-p=0,047, kao i brzine propagacije talasa kroz mitralni otvor (Vp)-p=0,029. Sa povećanjem dužine trajanja arterijske hipertenzije takođe su pokazane promene u morfologiji i funkciji leve pretkomore i leve komore srca. Dijastolna disfunkcija stepena većeg od I retko je bila uočena u grupi onih koji su arterijsku hipertenziju lečili kraće od 5 godina, a njeno prisustvo u ispitivanim grupama trajanja od 5 do 10 godina i duže od 10 godina bilo je statistički značajno če&scaron;će (p&lt;0,0005). Takođe, sa trajanjem arterijske hipertenzije statistički značajno se menjaju i parametri leve komore za koje smo pokazali da su pogor&scaron;ani kada dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska nije očuvan, s tim &scaron;to smo ovde uočili i značajne promene u smislu postojanja lo&scaron;ijih vrednosti strain-a leve komore (LVGS)-p&lt;0,0005. Na sličan način kao i u odnosu na dnevno-noćni ritam arterijskog krvnog pritiska, menjao se predominantni oblik hipertrofije miokarda leve komore, te je uočeno značajno če&scaron;će (p=0,017) prisustvo ekscentrične hipertrofije kod ispitanika koji su duže lečili arterijsku hipertenziju. Uz ove promene, sa trajanjem arterijske hipertenzije, uočene su i promene sledećih ehokardiografskih parametara leve pretkomore (p&lt;0,0005): LA, LAVs, LAVs/BSA, E/e&rsquo;, PLAS, stiffness, Vp. Na kraju, formiran je i model za dijagnostiku dijastolne disfunkcije stepena većeg od I koji je testiran na 30 novih ispitanika i koji se pokazao kao kvalitetan uz visoku senzitivnost i specifičnost. Zaključak: arterijska hipertenzija dnevno-noćnim oscilacijama (ritmom), ali i svojim trajanjem dovodi do promena u funkciji i geometriji leve pretkomore i komore srca. Noviji ehokardiografski parametri (PLAS, LVGS, stiffness) su dobri pokazatelji ranih promena na nivou leve pretkomore i komore srca kod pacijenata sa arterijskom hipertenzijom.</p> / <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Author>Vukadin Milankov</o:Author> <o:Version>16.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> 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Introdução: A doença valvar aórtica grave é caracterizada por um processo de acúmulo progressivo de fibrose intersticial no tecido miocárdico. No contexto da sobrecarga mecânica crônica do VE característica dessa condição, a quantidade de fibrose intersticial pode exercer um papel importante na indesejável transição entre hipertrofia ventricular esquerda compensada e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva clinicamente manifesta. Entretanto, a avaliação quantitativa da fibrose intersticial só tem sido possível através da análise histopatológica de fragmentos miocárdicos obtidos por biopsia endomiocárdica. Objetivos: Avaliar se a ressonância magnética (RM) cardíaca com técnica do realce tardio permite a quantificação não-invasiva da fibrose miocárdica quando comparada à análise histopatológica em pacientes portadores de doença valvar aórtica grave. Adicionalmente, avaliou-se a relação entre a quantidade de fibrose miocárdica e parâmetros prognósticos importantes, tais como mortalidade e recuperação funcional do VE após cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica. Métodos: Entre Maio de 2001 e Dezembro de 2003 foram incluídos 54 pacientes com indicação de cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica. Antes da cirurgia, todos os pacientes foram submetidos a RM cardíaca com técnicas de cine-RM e realce tardio miocárdico. A quantificação da fibrose miocárdica pela RM baseou-se na análise das imagens de realce tardio utilizando um novo algoritmo semi-automático. As regiões de fibrose miocárdica foram definidas como o somatório de todos os pixels do tecido miocárdico com intensidade de sinal acima de um limiar definido como: intensidade de sinal média do miocárdio + 2 desvios padrão da intensidade de sinal média da área remota + 2 desvios padrão da intensidade de sinal média do ar. Amostras de tecido miocárdico obtidas por miectomia durante o ato cirúrgico foram submetidas a coloração pelo picrosírius para quantificação da fibrose intersticial. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um segundo exame de RM cardíaca 6 meses após a cirurgia para se avaliar as alterações evolutivas dos parâmetros funcionais do VE e todos foram acompanhados por pelo menos 24 meses quanto à sobrevida após a cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica. Resultados: O percentual de fibrose miocárdica pela RM apresentou boa correlação com os valores obtidos pela histopatologia (r=0,69; y=3,10x+13,0; p<0,0001). A quantidade de fibrose miocárdica, tanto pela histopatologia como pela RM, apresentou correlação inversa significativa com a FE ventricular esquerda basal (r=-0,63 e -0,67 respectivamente; p<0,0001). Adicionalmente, o percentual de fibrose miocárdica apresentou correlação inversa significativa com o grau de recuperação funcional do VE após a cirurgia de troca valvar (r=- 0,42, p=0,04 para a histopatologia; r=-0,47, p=0,02 para a RM). Mais importante, a análise de Kaplan-Meier revelou que o acúmulo de fibrose miocárdica associou-se a menor sobrevida 52±17 meses após a cirurgia de troca valvar (teste log-rank: 2=6,32; p=0,01 para histopatologia; 2=5,85; p=0,02 para RM). Conclusões: A RM cardíaca permite quantificar as regiões de fibrose miocárdica com boa acurácia quando comparada à análise histopatológica nos pacientes portadores de doença valvar aórtica grave. A magnitude de acúmulo de fibrose miocárdica está associada a pior recuperação funcional do VE e a menor sobrevida após a cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica. / Introduction: Severe aortic valve disease is characterized by a process of progressive accumulation of interstitial fibrosis in the myocardial tissue. It has been shown that the amount of interstitial myocardial fibrosis can play an important role in the transition from well-compensated hypertrophy to overt heart failure in the setting of chronic left ventricular mechanical overload typical of this condition. However, assessment of interstitial myocardial fibrosis has only been possible through histological analyses of myocardial fragments obtained from endomyocardial biopsies, which is a complex and invasive procedure and, therefore, with limited clinical applicability. Objectives: Determine whether delayedenhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the non-invasive quantification of myocardial fibrosis when compared against histopathological analyses in patients with severe aortic valve disease. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between the amount of myocardial fibrosis and important prognostic parameters, such as all-cause mortality and LV functional recovery after aortic valve replacement. Methods: Fifty-four patients scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery were enrolled between May 2001 and December 2003. Before surgery, all patients underwent cine and delayedenhancement MRI in a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Quantification of myocardial fibrosis by cardiac MRI was based on the assessment of the delayed-enhancement dataset using a novel semiautomatic algorithm. The regions of myocardial fibrosis were defined as the sum of pixels with signal intensity above a threshold value defined as: mean signal intensity of the myocardium + 2 standard deviations of mean signal intensity of a remote area + 2 standard deviations of mean signal intensity of air. During open-heart surgery, myectomy samples were acquired from the LV septum and later stained with picrosirius for interstitial myocardial fibrosis quantification. A second cardiac MRI study was performed 6 months after surgery to assess long-term changes in LV functional parameters, and all patients were followed for at least 24 months to evaluate survival after aortic valve replacement. Results: There was a good correlation between the values of myocardial fibrosis measured by MRI and those obtained by histopathological analyses (r=0.69; y=3.10x+13.0; p<0.0001). The amount of myocardial fibrosis, either by MRI or by histopathology, exhibited a significant inverse correlation with LV ejection fraction before surgery (r=-0.63 e -0.67 respectively; p<0.0001). Additionally, the amount of myocardial fibrosis displayed a significant inverse correlation with the degree of LV functional recovery after aortic valve replacement (r=-0.42, p=0.04 for histopathology; r=-0.47, p=0.02 for MRI). Most importantly, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses revealed that higher degrees of myocardial fibrosis accumulation were associated with worse survival 52±17 months after aortic valve replacement surgery (log-rank test: 2=6.32; p=0.01 for histopathology; 2=5.85; p=0.02 for MRI). Conclusions: Cardiac MRI allows for the non-invasive quantification of myocardial fibrosis with good accuracy when compared with histopathological analyses in patients with severe aortic valve disease. The degree of myocardial fibrosis accumulation is associated with impaired LV functional recovery and worse survival after aortic valve replacement surgery.

Background: The ageing process not only increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) but also complicates its diagnosis and treatment. It is therefore important to understand the newer concepts of cardiovascular ageing physiology as well as methods of predicting the outcomes of therapeutic options available for the elderly with severe CAD. Studies of atrioventricular (AV) ring or plane motion have attracted considerable interest in the last few years as a means of assessing ventricular and atrial function. As the displacement of AV rings towards the ventricular apex is a direct reflection of longitudinal fibre contraction, its measurement by echocardiography provides additional information regarding global and regional systolic and diastolic function. Left ventricular (LV) long axis amplitude of motion, referred to as mitral valve annular (MA) motion, is reduced in CAD and to some extent in the elderly as part of the normal ageing process. Objectives &amp; Methods: The aim of the present study was two-fold. First, to investigate the relationship between the timing of MA motion and transmitral and pulmonary venous flow in healthy subjects, and to define the physiological significance of that relationship including its potential diagnostic utility. Second, to investigate the relationship between the clinical outcome and the behaviour of long axis function in patients with severe ischaemic LV dysfunction (SLVD) after percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Transmitral early (E) and late (A) filling, and pulmonary venous flow reversal (Ar) were studied by Doppler echocardiography, while at the left lateral AV ring, the MA motion in early (Em) and late (Am) diastole were recorded by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and M-mode echocardiography. Results: Healthy subjects – In early diastole the onsets of LV filling (E) and relaxation (Em) were simultaneous, and peak Em preceded peak E by 26 msec in all age groups, constituting a time interval referred to as early diastolic temporal discordance (EDTD). Similarly, the onsets of Am, A and Ar were simultaneous at onset and began approximately 84 msec after the electrocardiographic P wave. Peak Am preceded peak A by 23 msec in the young and by 13 msec in the elderly, a time interval referred to as late diastolic temporal discordance (LDTD). Peak Ar, on the other hand, coincided with peak Am in all age groups. With increasing age and sequential prolongation of isovolumic relaxation time, the peaks of Am, Ar and A converged. This point of convergence is described as atrial mechanical alignment (AMA). Patients – MA total amplitude of motion, rates of shortening and lengthening were all reduced in patients with SLVD. At mid-term, 3-6 months after PTCA, there was improvement in all these variables. A pre-procedure long axis cut off value of ≥5 mm was associated with favourable symptomatic outcome. Overall angiographic success was 95.2%, and event-free survival was 78.4% at one month and declined steadily to 62.3% at one year with 2.5% mortality. Conclusions: EDTD, which reflects ventricular restoring forces (suction) is age independent while the narrowing of LDTD leading to AMA provides a novel method to identify healthy subjects at increased dependency on left atrial contraction for late diastolic filling. Peak atrial contraction (Am) coincides with peak Ar, thus the timing of regional atrial contraction by DTI can be used to estimate corresponding measurements of Ar, which is often difficult to image by transthoracic echocardiography. In patients with SLVD long axis total amplitude of at least 5 mm at the left MA suggests a significant potential for segmental function recovery after PTCA. Keywords: Echocardiography, Doppler tissue imaging, ageing, coronary disease, left ventricular dysfunction, atrial contraction, electromechanical function, coronary angioplasty.