Ana Viana-Tejedor

Hypothermia in Comatose Survivors From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Pilot Trial Comparing 2 Levels of Target Temperature

Background— It is recommended that comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32° to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours. However, the optimal level of cooling is unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain initial data on the effect of different levels of hypothermia. We hypothesized that deeper temperatures will be associated with better survival and neurological outcome. Methods and Results— Patients were eligible if they had a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from March 2008 to August 2011. Target temperature was randomly assigned to 32°C or 34°C. Enrollment was stratified on the basis of the initial rhythm as shockable or asystole. The target temperature was maintained during 24 hours followed by 12 to 24 hours of controlled rewarming. The primary outcome was survival free from severe dependence (Barthel Index score ≥60 points) at 6 months. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in the trial (26 shockable rhythm, 10 asystole), with 18 assigned to 34°C and 18 to 32°C. Eight of 18 patients in the 32°C group (44.4%) met the primary end point compared with 2 of 18 in the 34°C group (11.1%) (log-rank P =0.12). All patients whose initial rhythm was asystole died before 6 months in both groups. Eight of 13 patients with initial shockable rhythm assigned to 32°C (61.5%) were alive free from severe dependence at 6 months compared with 2 of 13 (15.4%) assigned to 34°C (log-rank P =0.029). The incidence of complications was similar in both groups except for the incidence of clinical seizures, which was lower (1 versus 11; P =0.0002) in patients assigned to 32°C compared with 34°C. On the contrary, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of bradycardia (7 versus 2; P =0.054) in patients assigned to 32°C. Although potassium levels decreased to a greater extent in patients assigned to 32°C, the incidence of hypokalemia was similar in both groups. Conclusions— The findings of this pilot trial suggest that a lower cooling level may be associated with a better outcome in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to a shockable rhythm. The benefits observed here merit further investigation in a larger trial in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with different presenting rhythms. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov][1]. Unique identifier: [NCT01155622][2]. # Clinical Perspective {#article-title-25} [1]: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. [2]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01155622&atom=%2Fcirculationaha%2F126%2F24%2F2826.atomBackground—It is recommended that comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32° to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours. However, the optimal level of cooling is unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain initial data on the effect of different levels of hypothermia. We hypothesized that deeper temperatures will be associated with better survival and neurological outcome. Methods and Results—Patients were eligible if they had a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from March 2008 to August 2011. Target temperature was randomly assigned to 32°C or 34°C. Enrollment was stratified on the basis of the initial rhythm as shockable or asystole. The target temperature was maintained during 24 hours followed by 12 to 24 hours of controlled rewarming. The primary outcome was survival free from severe dependence (Barthel Index score ≥60 points) at 6 months. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in the trial (26 shockable rhythm, 10 asystole), with 18 assigned to 34°C and 18 to 32°C. Eight of 18 patients in the 32°C group (44.4%) met the primary end point compared with 2 of 18 in the 34°C group (11.1%) (log-rank P=0.12). All patients whose initial rhythm was asystole died before 6 months in both groups. Eight of 13 patients with initial shockable rhythm assigned to 32°C (61.5%) were alive free from severe dependence at 6 months compared with 2 of 13 (15.4%) assigned to 34°C (log-rank P=0.029). The incidence of complications was similar in both groups except for the incidence of clinical seizures, which was lower (1 versus 11; P=0.0002) in patients assigned to 32°C compared with 34°C. On the contrary, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of bradycardia (7 versus 2; P=0.054) in patients assigned to 32°C. Although potassium levels decreased to a greater extent in patients assigned to 32°C, the incidence of hypokalemia was similar in both groups. Conclusions—The findings of this pilot trial suggest that a lower cooling level may be associated with a better outcome in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to a shockable rhythm. The benefits observed here merit further investigation in a larger trial in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with different presenting rhythms. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01155622.

Cirugía cardíaca en pacientes octogenarios: Factores predictores de mortalidad y evaluación de la supervivencia y la calidad de vida a largo plazo

Fundamento y objetivo Debido al aumento de la esperanza de vida en los paises occidentales, el numero de octogenarios con enfermedades cardiacas susceptibles de tratamiento quirurgico se ha incrementado considerablemente. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido identificar los factores predictores de mortalidad y determinar la supervivencia y la calidad de vida a largo plazo de los octogenarios a quienes se realiza cirugia cardiaca. Pacientes y metodo En los ultimos 26 anos se ha intervenido en nuestro centro a un total de 150 pacientes de 80 anos o mas, con una media (desviacion estandar) de edad de 82,7 (2,5) anos. Analizamos las variables cinicas y epidemiologicas incluidas en el euroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation), la mortalidad hospitalaria, la supervivencia a largo plazo y la calidad de vida despues de la cirugia cardiaca. Resultados La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 30,1%, con una estancia media de 16,5 dias (intervalo intercuartilico, 13-27). La cirugia emergente, la reparacion de una rotura cardiaca, la clase funcional IV de la New York Heart Association, la insuficiencia renal cronica y la presencia de un infarto de miocardio previo fueron predictores independientes de la mortalidad hospitalaria. El seguimiento medio fue de 72,2 (9,9) meses, con tasas de supervivencia del 87,3 y del 57% a 1 y 5 anos, respectivamente. La calidad de vida en los 53 que continuan con vida en la actualidad es significativamente mejor que la que presentaban antes de la cirugia, con una mejoria de la clase funcional desde 2,52 a 1,48. La mayoria de los supervivientes (97,7%) se sienten satisfechos con su calidad de vida actual. Conclusiones La cirugia cardiaca en octogenarios se asocia con un aumento de la mortalidad y de la estancia media hospitalarias. Nuestros resultados apoyan el hecho de que en una poblacion seleccionada de pacientes ancianos la cirugia cardiaca puede llevarse a cabo con aceptables resultados y buena calidad de vida a largo plazo.

Do patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in Killip class I need intensive cardiac care after a successful primary percutaneous intervention

Background and objective: There are limited data regarding the need for intensive care or the appropriate length of hospital stay for patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). In order to optimize resources, we tried to determine the need of coronary care unit (CCU) admission for patients with STEMI who remained in Killip class I after a successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: From August of 2006 till June of 2008, we analyzed data from all patients admitted in our CCU who met these criteria, a total of 278. We prospectively recorded all in-hospital adverse events and event-free survival at 30 and 90 days (all cause death, stroke, new acute coronary syndrome or re-hospitalization due to heart failure). Medical treatment was optimized according to the current guidelines. Results: A coronary stent was implanted in 96% of the patients. None of the patients had any adverse event that could not be resolved in a step-down unit. Survival at 30 and at 90 days was 99.6% and 98.3% respectively. Event-free survival was 97.3% at 30 days and 94.3% at 90 days. The median length of stay was three days in the CCU and five days in the hospital. Conclusion: Patients with STEMI treated with PPCI who remained in Killip class I after the procedure and receive optimal pharmacological treatment have an excellent prognosis. All of them can probably be admitted safely to a step-down unit. Wide application of this management strategy may result in substantial cost savings.

Cause and Long-Term Outcome of Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition, whose current specific cause and outcome are unknown. Our purpose was to analyze it. We performed a retrospective observational study with prospective follow-up data including 136 consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of cardiac tamponade, from 2003 to 2013. We thoroughly recorded variables as clinical features, drainage/pericardiocentesis, fluid characteristics, and long-term events (new cardiac tamponade ± death). The median age was 65 ± 17 years (55% men). In the baseline characteristics, 70% were no smokers, 12% were on anticoagulation, and 13 had suffered a previous myocardial infarction. In the preceding month, 15 patients had undergone a cardiac catheterization, 5 cardiac surgery, and 5 pacemaker insertion. Fever was observed in 16% of patients and 21% displayed other inflammatory symptoms. In 81% of patients, pericardiocentesis was needed. The fluid was hemorrhagic or a transudate in the majority, with positive cytology in 15% and bacteria in 3.7%. Main causes were malignancy (32%), infection (24%), idiopathic (16%), iatrogenic (15%), postmyocardial infarction (7%), uremic (4%), and other causes (2%). After a maximum follow-up of 10.4 years, cardiac tamponade recurred in 10% of the cases (62% in the neoplastic group) and the 48% of patients died (89% in the neoplastic cohort). In conclusion, most cardiac tamponades are due to malignancy, having this specific cause a poorer outcome, probably as a manifestation of an advanced disease. The rest of causes, after an aggressive intensive management, have a good prognosis, especially the iatrogenic.

Electrocardiographic changes during induced therapeutic hypothermia in comatose survivors after cardiac arrest.

AIM To assess the safety of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) concerning arrhythmias we analyzed serial electrocardiograms (ECG) during TH. METHODS All patients recovered from a cardiac arrest with Glasgow < 9 at admission were treated with induced mild TH to 32-34 °C. TH was obtained with cool fluid infusion or a specific intravascular device. Twelve-lead ECG before, during, and after TH, as well as ECG telemetry data was recorded in all patients. From a total of 54 patients admitted with cardiac arrest during the study period, 47 patients had the 3 ECG and telemetry data available. ECG analysis was blinded and performed with manual caliper by two independent cardiologists from blinded copies of original ECG, recorded at 25 mm/s and 10 mm/mV. Coronary care unit staff analyzed ECG telemetry for rhythm disturbances. Variables measured in ECG were rhythm, RR, PR, QT and corrected QT (QTc by Bazett formula, measured in lead v2) intervals, QRS duration, presence of Osborns J wave and U wave, as well as ST segment displacement and T wave amplitude in leads II, v2 and v5. RESULTS Heart rate went down an average of 19 bpm during hypothermia and increased again 16 bpm with rewarming (P < 0.0005, both). There was a non-significant prolongation of the PR interval during TH and a significant decrease with rewarming (P = 0.041). QRS duration significantly prolonged (P = 0.041) with TH and shortened back (P < 0.005) with rewarming. QTc interval presented a mean prolongation of 58 ms (P < 0.005) during TH and a significant shortening with rewarming of 22.2 ms (P = 0.017). Osborn or J wave was found in 21.3% of the patients. New arrhythmias occurred in 38.3% of the patients. Most frequent arrhythmia was non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (19.1%), followed by severe bradycardia or paced rhythm (10.6%), accelerated nodal rhythm (8.5%) and atrial fibrillation (6.4%). No life threatening arrhythmias (sustained ventricular tachycardia, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) occurred during TH. CONCLUSION A 38.3% of patients had cardiac arrhythmias during TH but without life-threatening arrhythmias. A concern may rise when inducing TH to patients with long QT syndrome.

Hypothermia in Comatose Survivors From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background— It is recommended that comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32° to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours. However, the optimal level of cooling is unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain initial data on the effect of different levels of hypothermia. We hypothesized that deeper temperatures will be associated with better survival and neurological outcome. Methods and Results— Patients were eligible if they had a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from March 2008 to August 2011. Target temperature was randomly assigned to 32°C or 34°C. Enrollment was stratified on the basis of the initial rhythm as shockable or asystole. The target temperature was maintained during 24 hours followed by 12 to 24 hours of controlled rewarming. The primary outcome was survival free from severe dependence (Barthel Index score ≥60 points) at 6 months. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in the trial (26 shockable rhythm, 10 asystole), with 18 assigned to 34°C and 18 to 32°C. Eight of 18 patients in the 32°C group (44.4%) met the primary end point compared with 2 of 18 in the 34°C group (11.1%) (log-rank P =0.12). All patients whose initial rhythm was asystole died before 6 months in both groups. Eight of 13 patients with initial shockable rhythm assigned to 32°C (61.5%) were alive free from severe dependence at 6 months compared with 2 of 13 (15.4%) assigned to 34°C (log-rank P =0.029). The incidence of complications was similar in both groups except for the incidence of clinical seizures, which was lower (1 versus 11; P =0.0002) in patients assigned to 32°C compared with 34°C. On the contrary, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of bradycardia (7 versus 2; P =0.054) in patients assigned to 32°C. Although potassium levels decreased to a greater extent in patients assigned to 32°C, the incidence of hypokalemia was similar in both groups. Conclusions— The findings of this pilot trial suggest that a lower cooling level may be associated with a better outcome in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to a shockable rhythm. The benefits observed here merit further investigation in a larger trial in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with different presenting rhythms. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov][1]. Unique identifier: [NCT01155622][2]. # Clinical Perspective {#article-title-25} [1]: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. [2]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01155622&atom=%2Fcirculationaha%2F126%2F24%2F2826.atomBackground—It is recommended that comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32° to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours. However, the optimal level of cooling is unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain initial data on the effect of different levels of hypothermia. We hypothesized that deeper temperatures will be associated with better survival and neurological outcome. Methods and Results—Patients were eligible if they had a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from March 2008 to August 2011. Target temperature was randomly assigned to 32°C or 34°C. Enrollment was stratified on the basis of the initial rhythm as shockable or asystole. The target temperature was maintained during 24 hours followed by 12 to 24 hours of controlled rewarming. The primary outcome was survival free from severe dependence (Barthel Index score ≥60 points) at 6 months. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in the trial (26 shockable rhythm, 10 asystole), with 18 assigned to 34°C and 18 to 32°C. Eight of 18 patients in the 32°C group (44.4%) met the primary end point compared with 2 of 18 in the 34°C group (11.1%) (log-rank P=0.12). All patients whose initial rhythm was asystole died before 6 months in both groups. Eight of 13 patients with initial shockable rhythm assigned to 32°C (61.5%) were alive free from severe dependence at 6 months compared with 2 of 13 (15.4%) assigned to 34°C (log-rank P=0.029). The incidence of complications was similar in both groups except for the incidence of clinical seizures, which was lower (1 versus 11; P=0.0002) in patients assigned to 32°C compared with 34°C. On the contrary, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of bradycardia (7 versus 2; P=0.054) in patients assigned to 32°C. Although potassium levels decreased to a greater extent in patients assigned to 32°C, the incidence of hypokalemia was similar in both groups. Conclusions—The findings of this pilot trial suggest that a lower cooling level may be associated with a better outcome in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to a shockable rhythm. The benefits observed here merit further investigation in a larger trial in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with different presenting rhythms. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01155622.

Intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery: diagnostic value of different imaging techniques.

1. Sharma SK, Bagga RS, Kini AS. Debulking approaches prior to stenting in interventional cardiology. In: Ellis SG, Holmes DR, editors. Strategic approaches in coronary intervention. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. p. 116-24. 2. Alexiou K, Kappert U, Knaut M, Matschke K, Tugtekin SM. Entrapped coronary catheter remnants and stents: must they be surgically removed? Tex Heart Inst J. 2006;33:139-42. Intimal Sarcoma of the Pulmonary Artery: Diagnostic Value of Different Imaging Techniques

Coronary angiography findings in cardiac arrest patients with non-diagnostic post-resuscitation electrocardiogram: A comparison of shockable and non-shockable initial rhythms

AIM To investigate the impact of coronary artery disease in a cohort of patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest with non-diagnostic electrocardiogram. METHODS From March 2004 to February 2016, 203 consecutive patients resuscitated from in or out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest and non-diagnostic post-resuscitation electrocardiogram (defined as ST segment elevation or pre-sumably new left bundle branch block) who underwent invasive coronary angiogram during hospitalization were included. For purpose of analysis and comparison, patients were classified in two groups: Initial shockable rhythm (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation; n = 148, 72.9%) and initial non-shockable rhythm (n = 55, 27.1%). Baseline characteristics, coronary angiogram findings including Syntax Score and long-term survival rates were compared. RESULTS Sudden cardiac arrest was witnessed in 95.2% of cases, 66.7% were out-of-hospital patients and 72.4% were male. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups except for higher mean age (68.1 years vs 61 years, P = 0.001) in the non-shockable rhythm group. Overall 5-year mortality of the resuscitated patients was 37.4%. Patients with non-shockable rhythms had higher mortality (60% vs 29.1%, P < 0.001) and a worst neurological status at hospital discharge based on cerebral performance category score (CPC 1-2: 32.7% vs 53.4%, P = 0.02). Although there were no significant differences in global burden of coronary artery disease defined by Syntax Score (mean Syntax Score: 10.2 vs 10.3, P = 0.96) there was a trend towards a higher incidence of acute coronary lesions in patients with shockable rhythm (29.7% vs 16.4%, P = 0.054). There was also a higher need for ad-hoc percutaneous coronary intervention in this group (21.9% vs 9.1%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Initial shockable group of patients had a trend towards higher incidence of acute coronary lesions and higher need of ad-hoc percutaneous intervention vs non-shockable group.

Infective Endocarditis of Unusual Location Following Surgical Correction of a Complex Congenital Heart Disease

A 40‐year‐old woman from Ecuador diagnosed with a complex congenital heart disease was admitted complaining of fever chills, night sweats, and productive cough 6 months after surgical correction of the anomalies. An echocardiography showed vegetations located on the interatrial pericardium patch. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of postoperative infective endocarditis on this location. Copyright

Angiographic characteristics and long-term prognostic impact of coronary artery disease in survivors after sudden cardiac arrest with a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram

Our purpose was to describe the prevalence, distribution, extension, and prognostic value of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with non‐diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG).