Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Objectives To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher’s test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane’s T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients < 60 years of age, 5.7% in patients between 60 and 70 years, and 5.2% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) apresenta elevada morbimortalidade, além de exercer grande impacto sobre a qualidade de vida (QV). O Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) é um escore que avalia a QV dos pacientes portadores dessa síndrome, no qual uma maior pontuação reflete uma menor QV. Objetivo. Avaliar a QV dos pacientes com IC após três anos de seguimento em um serviço ambulatorial especializado de um hospital-escola. Métodos. Estudo unicêntrico, descritivo e prospectivo em que se aplicou o MLHFQ, de modo voluntário e sigiloso, a pacientes com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida acompanhados ambulatorialmente na clínica de IC. Foram analisados os resultados dos MLHFQ dos pacientes comparando-se o momento da inclusão no estudo, em 2014, e após o seguimento de três anos, em 2017/18. Resultados. Dos 76 pacientes inicialmente entrevistados, 74 (97,4%) responderam ao questionário e foram incluídos no estudo, em 2014. Após seguimento de três anos, 39,2% (29/74) dos pacientes responderam novamente ao questionário e em 59,8% (45/74) não se pôde aplicar o MLHFQ pela segunda vez (óbitos: 11; perda de acompanhamento no serviço: 21; não localizados: 13). O escore médio obtido pelo MLHFQ foi de 40,3 ± 21 pontos no momento da inclusão e 31,6 ± 23 pontos após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço (p=0,001). Conclusão. Observou-se baixa QV em pacientes com IC incluídos no estudo, havendo melhora significativa após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço especializado. As clínicas de IC podem aumentar expressivamente a QV dos pacientes portadores de IC, proporcionando potencial benefício prognóstico.

Background. Heart failure (HF) presents high morbidity and mortality, besides having great impact on quality of life (QoL). The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is a score that assesses the QoL of patients with this syndrome, in which the higher scores indicates lower QoL. Objective. To analyze the QoL of HF patients after three years of follow-up at the specialized outpatient service of a teaching hospital. Methods. Unicentric, descriptive, prospective study that voluntarily and confidentially applied MLHFQ in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction followed at the HF clinic. The results of the patients MLHFQ compared at the time of inclusion in the study in 2014 and after the three-year follow-up in 2017/18 were analyzed. Results. Of 76 interviewed patients, 74 (97.4%) answered the questionnaire and were included in the study in 2014. After three years, 39.2% (29/74) answered the questionnaire again and in 59.8% (45/74) cannot apply MLHFQ a second time (deaths: 11; loss of follow-up at the service: 21; not found: 13). The mean score reached by the MLHFQ was 40.3 ± 21 points after inclusion and 31.6 ± 23 points after three years of follow-up at the service (p=0.001). Conclusion. We observed low QoL in the patients with HF included on this study, providing improvement of QoL after three years of follow-up at the specialized service. The HF clinics may significantly increase the QoL of HF patients, providing potential prognostic benefit.

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan has proven its efficacy to reduce cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality and sudden death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Thus, it becomes important to evaluate the safety profile of the medication in clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to assess safety outcomes on the use of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with HFrEF attended in a Brazilian specialized service. Methods: Prospective observational study that included patients with HFrEF from a specialized ambulatory service, in functional class II-IV, initiated on sacubitril/valsartan as per clinical indication, with a four-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of symptomatic arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia and reduction of renal function. Serum potassium values, blood pressure and creatinine clearance were analyzed at inclusion and at the end of follow-up. A 5% significance level was considered for comparisons. Results: Twenty-six patients were analyzed, 57.7% male, mean age 57.8 ± 10 years, average left ventricle ejection fraction 29.9 ± 7.7%. Symptomatic hypotension occurred in 53.8%, hyperkalemia in 19.2% and reduction of renal function in 6.7%. There was significant difference from initial to final systolic (122 ± 24mmHg versus 109 ± 15mmHg; p=0.024) and diastolic (76 ± 18mmHg versus 66 ± 12mmHg; p=0.022) blood pressure, but no difference in serum potassium (4.8 ± 0.4mEq/L versus 5.0 ± 0.3mEq/L; p=0.07) and creatinine clearance (65 ± 23mL/min/1.73m² versus 66 ± 29mL/min/1.73m²; p=0.89). Conclusions: Symptomatic hypotension was the most frequent side-effect of sacubitril/valsartan. Reduction of blood pressure was observed at the end of follow-up, but no reduction of renal function or significant increase of serum potassium.

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. Marcadores prognósticos clínicos e laboratoriais foram identificados, porém a influência precoce da hemoglobina (Hb) e do sódio (Na) séricos é pouco conhecida. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características clínicas e desfechos em pacientes internados por IC descompensada, conforme dosagem sérica de Hb e Na nas primeiras 24 horas. Material e métodos. Estudo prospectivo observacional que avaliou pacientes adultos internados por IC descompensada acompanhados por até 30 dias após a alta. Os grupos analisados foram: Hb e Na iniciais normais (grupo 1), Hb inicial < 10,0 mg/dl (grupo 2), Na inicial < 135 mEq/l (grupo 3), ou ambas as alterações (grupo 4). O desfecho primário avaliado foi óbito hospitalar ou até 30 dias após a alta. Resultados. Da amostra total de 40 pacientes, 37,5% eram do grupo 1, 35,0% do grupo 2, 7,5% do grupo 3 e 20,0% do grupo 4. A média de idade nos grupos foi de 67,2 ±15 vs 66,4 ±13 vs 59,0 ±11 vs 55,7 ±14 anos (p=0,08). Eram do sexo masculino 60,0%, 35,7%, 100% e 62,5% (p=0,08). Os desfechos observados para cada grupo foram, respectivamente, mortalidade de 6,7% vs 21,4% vs 0% vs 37,5% (p=0,007), reinternação em 30 dias 6,7% vs 28,6% vs 0% vs 12,5% (p=0,12), insuficiência renal aguda 20,0% vs 42,8% vs 33,3% vs 25,0% (p=0,04), necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva 13,3% vs 7,1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0,41) e tempo de internação 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 dias (p=0,03). Conclusões. Nos pacientes com IC descompensada, Hb < 10 mg/dl nas primeiras 24 horas da internação associou-se à ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda. A combinação de Hb < 10 mg/dl e Na < 135 mEq/l associou-se a maior mortalidade hospitalar e a aumento do tempo de internação.

Background. Acute decompensated heart failure (HF) has high morbidity and mortality. Clinical and laboratory prognostic markers have been identified, although the early influence of serum hemoglobin (Hb) and sodium (Na) is not precisely known. This study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes in patients with decompensated HF, according to serum dosage of Hb and Na within the first 24 hours of admission. Material and methods. Prospective observational study that included hospitalized patients with decompensated HF followed for up to 30 days after discharge. Groups were analyzed as follows: normal Hb and Na (group 1), initial Hb < 10.0 mg/dl (group 2), initial Na < 135 mEq/l (group 3), or both alterations (group 4). The primary outcome was in-hospital or 30-days death. Results. From the total 40 patients sample, 37.5% were in group 1, 35.0% group 2, 7.5% group 3, and 20.0% group 4. Average age was 67.2 ±15 vs 66.4 ±13 vs 59.0 ±11 vs 55.7 ±14 (p=0.08). Male subjects were 60.0%, 35.7%, 100% and 62.5% (p=0.08). Outcomes for each respective group were: mortality 6.7% vs 21.4% vs 0% vs 37.5% (p=0.007), 30-days re-admission 6.7% vs 28.6% vs 0% vs 12.5% (p=0.12), acute renal failure 20.0% vs 42.8% vs 33.3% vs 25.0% (p=0.04), invasive mechanical ventilation 13.3% vs 7.1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0.41), and length of hospitalization 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 days (p=0.03). Conclusions. In patients with acute decompensated HF, Hb < 10 mg/dl within the first 24 hours of admission was associated to the occurrence of acute renal failure. The combination of Hb < 10 mg/dl and was associated to higher mortality and higher length of hospitalization.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o papel dos betabloqueadores na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade induzida pelas antraciclinas em adultos. MÉTODOS Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática em bases de dados eletrônicos, incluindo os estudos relevantes que analisaram fármacos betabloqueadores como agentes cardioprotetores antes do início do uso de antraciclinas por pacientes oncológicos adultos. RESULTADOS Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade e seleção, foram obtidos oito artigos considerados de boa qualidade, que se adequavam à temática proposta, sendo todos ensaios clínicos, quatro placebo-controlados, totalizando 655 pacientes incluídos. Destes, 281 (42,9%) fizeram uso de algum betabloqueador como intervenção, sendo o carvedilol o mais utilizado (167 pacientes – 25,5%). Seis estudos foram considerados positivos quanto à cardioproteção exercida pelos betabloqueadores, porém apenas quatro demonstraram diferença na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo após a quimioterapia nos grupos que usaram betabloqueadores em relação aos grupos controle. O carvedilol e o nebivolol, mas não o metoprolol, tiveram resultados positivos quanto à cardioproteção. Outros betabloqueadores não foram avaliados nos estudos incluídos. CONCLUSÕES Apesar de haver um potencial efeito cardioprotetor dos betabloqueadores, conforme demonstrado em ensaios clínicos pequenos e unicêntricos, sua utilização rotineira na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade associada às antraciclinas requer maiores comprovações científicas.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES This study aimed at assessing the role of beta-blockers on preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in adults. METHODS A systematic review was performed on electronic databases, including relevant studies that analysed beta-blockers as cardioprotective agents before the use of anthracyclines by adult oncologic patients. RESULTS After application of eligibility and selection criteria, eight articles were considered as high quality, complying with the proposed theme; all eight clinical trials, four of them placebo-controlled, with a total number of 655 patients included. From this sample, 281 (42.9%) used beta-blocker as intervention, and carvedilol was the most frequent (167 patients – 25.5%). Six studies were considered positive regarding the cardioprotection role played by beta-blockers, although only four demonstrated significant difference on left ventricle ejection fraction after chemotherapy on groups that used beta-blockers compared to control groups. Carvedilol and nebivolol, but not metoprolol, had positive results regarding cardioprotection. Other beta-blockers were not analysed in the selected studies. CONCLUSIONS Despite the potential cardioprotective effect of beta-blockers, as demonstrated in small and unicentric clinical trials, its routine use on prevention of anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity demands greater scientific evidence.

OBJETIVO: Estudar a reatividade vascular mediante a análise do fluxo sangüíneo e da resistência vascular periférica em repouso e estresse mental na gravidez de mulheres com estenose mitral. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 22 mulheres portadoras de estenose mitral, 13 grávidas (GE) e 9 não-grávidas (EM), e 9 gestantes saudáveis voluntárias (GN). Na gestação, 9 (GEB) das 13 do GE necessitaram de betabloqueador e 4 restantes (GESB) evoluíram sem medicação. A plestimografia em repouso e sob estresse mental analisou o fluxo sangüíneo muscular, resistência vascular periférica (RVP), pressão arterial média (PAM) e freqüência cardíaca (FC) na gestação e no puerpério. RESULTADOS: Na gestação do GESB, os valores do fluxo sangüíneo muscular e da FC foram maiores em 1,6% e 20,5% (p = 0,05), e os da RVP e da PAM foram menores em 19,3% e 4,4%, respectivamente, em comparação ao puerpério; no estresse mental, o fluxo sangüíneo muscular aumentou em 55,9%, a FC reduziu em 30,2% e houve semelhança da RVP e PAM. No GEB, os valores do fluxo e da FC foram maiores em 5,9% e 14,9% (p = 0,001) e os da PAM e da RVP menores em 10,3% e 9,1%, respectivamente, quando comparados ao puerpério; no estresse mental o fluxo e a PAM aumentaram em 69,8% e 174,1%, respectivamente, a FC foi semelhante e a RVP reduziu em 53,7%. O estudo comparativo mostrou que no grupo GN o fluxo sangüíneo muscular foi maior, a RVP menor e houve semelhança na PAM e FC em relação ao grupo GE e que os grupos GE, GN, EM apresentaram semelhança na resposta ao estresse mental. CONCLUSÕES: A reatividade vascular na gestação de mulheres com estenose mitral foi preservada e a análise das medidas mostrou valores menores de fluxo sangüíneo muscular e maiores da RVP quando comparados às gestantes saudáveis.

OBJECTIVE: To study vascular reactivity according to the analysis of blood flow and peripheral vascular resistance at rest and during mental stress in pregnant women with mitral stenosis. METHODS: Twenty two women with mitral stenosis, 13 of whom were pregnant (PS) and 9 were non-pregnant (MIS), and 9 healthy pregnant women (NP) were studied. During gestation, 9 out of the 13 patients of the PS group required a beta-blocker (PSB) and the remaining 4 progressed without medication (PSWB). Plethysmography at rest and during mental stress analyzed muscle blood flow, peripheral vascular resistance (PVR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) during gestation and puerperium. RESULTS: During gestation of PSWB, muscle blood flow and HR were higher in 1.6% and 20.5% (p = 0.05), and PVR and MAP were lower in 19.3% and 4.4%, respectively, in comparison to the puerperium; during mental stress, the muscle blood flow increased by 55.9%, HR decreased by 30.2% and PVR and MAP were similar. In PSB, muscle blood muscle blood flow and HR were greater in 5.9% and 14.9% (p= 0.001) and MAP and PVR were lower in 10.3% and 9.1%, respectively, when compared to the puerperium. During mental stress, muscle blood flow and MAP increased by 69.8% and 174.1%, respectively. HR was similar and PVR decreased by 53.7%. The comparative study showed that in the NP group the muscle blood flow was higher, PVR was lower, and MAP and HR were similar in relation to the PS group, and that the PS, NP, MIS groups had a similar response to mental stress. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular reactivity in pregnant women with mitral stenosis was preserved and the analysis of measurements showed lower values of muscle blood flow and higher values of PVR when compared to those of healthy pregnant women.

Aneurismas em átrio esquerdo são pouco comuns, podendo ocorrer na aurícula ou na parede do átrio esquerdo. Freqüentemente, são assintomáticos, podendo ocorrer arritmias, fenômenos tromboembólicos ou insuficiência cardíaca como complicação da sua evolução. Apresentamos paciente de 39 anos, do sexo feminino, com defeito do anel posterior da valva mitral levando a grande dilatação aneurismática da parede posterior do átrio esquerdo com insuficiência mitral. O diagnóstico foi feito pela radiografia de tórax (abaulamento de silhueta cardíaca esquerda) e ecocardiograma (grande aneurisma do átrio esquerdo posteriormente à parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo com insuficiência mitral). O estudo hemodinâmico sugeriu pseudo-aneurisma de ventrículo esquerdo. Submetida a tratamento cirúrgico com auxílio da circulação extracorpórea, realizou-se anuloplastia mitral e exclusão do aneurisma com reconstrução do assoalho do átrio esquerdo com retalho de pericárdio bovino. A paciente apresentou boa evolução pós-operatória, recebendo alta hospitalar no oitavo dia em boas condições clínicas.

Atrial aneurysm is a rare condition and can be found on the atrial appendage or on the atrial wall. Most patients are asymptomatic, but arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and heart failure are common complications. We present a 39 years old female patient with posterior mitral ring defect causing a great aneurysm of the left posterior atrial wall with mitral insufficiency. The diagnosis was achieved by chest roentgenogram (marked prominence of the upper left heart border) and echocardiography (great left atrial aneurysm behind the left posterior ventricular wall with mitral insufficiency). Left ventricular cineangiogram suggested the presence of a false aneurysm of the left ventricle. The patient subsequently underwent surgical treatment with cardiopulmonary bypass. Posterior mitral valve annuloplasty was performed with aneurysm exclusion and posterior left atrial wall reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged sympton-free on the eighth postoperative day.