Pedro Azevedo

Substantia nigra neuromelanin-MR imaging differentiates essential tremor from Parkinson's disease.

Essential tremor (ET) is a very common movement disorder that has no diagnostic markers. Differentiation with Parkinsons disease (PD) can be clinically challenging in some cases, with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have been able to identify neuromelanin changes in the substantia nigra (SN) of PD patients, but they have thus far not been investigated in ET. In this study, we aimed to characterize neuromelanin‐MR signal changes in ET and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in the differential diagnosis with PD.

New-onset atrial fibrillation during acute coronary syndromes: Predictors and prognosis

INTRODUCTION New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently complicates myocardial infarction, with an incidence of 6-21%. OBJECTIVE To assess the predictors and prognosis of new-onset AF during acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS We performed a retrospective observational cohort study including 902 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 77.5% male) admitted to a single center over a two-year period, with a six-month follow-up. RESULTS AF rhythm was identified in 13.8% patients, of whom 73.3% presented new-onset AF and 26.8% pre-existing AF. New-onset AF was more frequent in older (p<0.001) and hypertensive patients (p=0.001) and in those with previous valvular heart disease (p<0.001) and coronary artery bypass grafting (p=0.049). During hospitalization, patients with new-onset AF more often had respiratory infection (p=0.002) and heart failure (p<0.001), and higher values of NT-proBNP (p=0.007) and peak creatinine (p=0.001). On echocardiography they had greater left atrial (LA) diameter (p<0.001) and more frequent significant mitral regurgitation (p<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% (p<0.001) and were less likely to have significant coronary lesions (p=0.009) or to have undergone coronary revascularization (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.06, p=0.021), LVEF ≤40% (OR 4.91, p=0.002) and LA diameter (OR 1.14, p=0.008) remained independent predictors of new-onset AF. Together with age, diabetes and maximum Killip class, this arrhythmia was an independent predictor of overall mortality (OR 3.11, p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Age, LVEF ≤40% and LA diameter are independent predictors of new-onset AF during ACS. This arrhythmia is associated with higher overall mortality (in-hospital and in follow-up).

Multimarker approach with cystatin C, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein and red blood cell distribution width in risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes

INTRODUCTION AND AIM Biomarkers have emerged as interesting predictors of risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the combined measurement of cystatin C (CysC), C-reactive protein (CRP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in the risk stratification of patients with ACS. METHODS In this prospective study including 682 patients consecutively admitted to a coronary care unit for ACS, baseline measurements of CysC, CRP, NT-proBNP and RDW were performed. Patients were categorized on the basis of the number of elevated biomarkers at presentation. The primary outcome was 6-month mortality. RESULTS The number of biomarkers elevated on admission (study score) was an independent predictor of 6-month mortality; patients with four biomarkers elevated on admission had a significantly higher risk of 6-month mortality compared with patients with none or one. In addition, in patients with high risk defined by the GRACE score, our multimarker score was able to further categorize their risk of 6-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS A multimarker approach using CysC, NT-proBNP, CRP and RDW was an independent predictor of 6-month mortality and added prognostic information to the GRACE risk score in patients with ACS and high risk defined by GRACE, with increasing mortality in patients with a higher number of elevated biomarkers on admission.

Recommendations for aetiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis

The number of bronchiectasis diagnoses has increased in the last two decades due to several factors. Research carried out over the last years showed that an aetiological diagnosis could change the approach and treatment of a relevant percentage of patients and consequently the prognosis. Currently, systematic investigation into aetiology, particularly of those disorders that can be subject to specific treatment, is recommended. Given the complexity of the aetiological diagnosis, the Pulmonology Portuguese Society Bronchiectasis Study Group assembled a working group which prepared a document to guide and standardize the aetiologic investigation based on available literature and its own expertise. The goal is to facilitate the investigation, rationalize resources and improve the delivery of care, quality of life and prognosis of patients with bronchiectasis.

An unusual trigger causing Takotsubo Syndrome

Article history: Received 18 July 2016 Accepted 7 August 2016 Available online 09 August 2016 subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement in the mid and distal inferolateral segments, as well as an area of low signal intensity suggestive of microvascular obstruction. Data compatible with acute phase of coronary syndrome in obtuse marginal territory and Takotsubo Syndrome (Fig. 1 panels E–I, Video 3). Therewere no in hospital complications. Shewas discharged asymp-

Impact of atrial fibrillation type during acute coronary syndromes: Clinical features and prognosis

INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely recognized as an adverse prognostic factor during acute myocardial infarction, although the impact of AF type - new-onset (nAF) or pre-existing (pAF) - is still controversial. OBJECTIVES To identify the clinical differences and prognosis of nAF and pAF during acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS We performed a retrospective observational cohort study including 1373 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 77.3% male) admitted to a single center over a three-year period, with a six-month follow-up. RESULTS AF rhythm was identified in 14.5% patients, of whom 71.4% presented nAF and 28.6% pAF. When AF types were compared, patients with nAF more frequently presented with ST-elevation ACS (p=0.003). Patients with pAF, in turn, were older (p=0.032), had greater left atrial diameter (p=0.001) and were less likely to have significant coronary lesions (p=0.034). Regarding therapeutic strategy, nAF patients were more often treated by rhythm control during hospital stay (p<0.001) and were less often anticoagulated at discharge (p=0.001). Compared with the population without AF, nAF was a predictor of death during hospital stay in univariate (p<0.001) and multivariate analysis (OR 2.67, p=0.047), but pAF was not. During follow-up, pAF was associated with higher mortality (p=0.014), while nAF patients presented only a trend towards worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS AF during the acute phase of ACS appears to have a negative prognostic impact only in patients with nAF and not in those with pAF.

Modified shock index: A bedside clinical index for risk assessment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction at presentation

INTRODUCTION Prompt identification of higher-risk patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is crucial to pursue a more aggressive approach. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess whether the modified shock index (MSI), the ratio of heart rate to mean arterial pressure, could predict six-month mortality among patients admitted with STEMI. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in a single center including 1158 patients diagnosed with STEMI, without cardiogenic shock on admission, between July 2009 and December 2014. They were divided into two groups: group 1 - patients with MSI<0.93 (72%); group 2 - patients with MSI≥0.93 (28%). The primary endpoint was six-month all-cause mortality. RESULTS MSI≥0.93 identified patients who were more likely to have signs of heart failure (p=0.002), anemia (p<0.001), renal insufficiency (p=0.014) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (p=0.045). They more often required inotropic support (p<0.001), intra-aortic balloon pump (p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Regarding in-hospital adverse events, they had a higher prevalence of malignant arrhythmias (p=0.01) and mechanical complications (p=0.027). MSI≥0.93 was an independent predictor of overall six-month mortality (adjusted HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20-3.34, p=0.008). CONCLUSION MSI was shown to be a valuable bedside tool which can rapidly identify high-risk STEMI patients at presentation.

APOLO I: controlo da hipocoagulação na fibrilhação auricular

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Anticoagulation control as assessed by time in therapeutic range (TTR) correlates positively with the safety and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation. We set out to assess TTR in our unit and to investigate determinants of better control. METHODS This was a case series study of atrial fibrillation patients anticoagulated with warfarin or acenocoumarol at the Family Health Unit of Fânzeres. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and TTR was calculated by the Rosendaal method, based on international normalized ratio tests performed in external laboratories in the preceding six months. SPSS 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis, with descriptive statistics, Spearmans correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS Of the 106 eligible patients, 70% participated in the study. Median TTR was 65.3% (P25=48.3%, P75=86.8%). We found a positive association between this variable and duration of atrial fibrillation (ρ=0.477, p<0.001, r(2)=0.116) and with duration of anticoagulation (ρ=0.5, p<0.001, r(2)=0.087). No association was found with age, gender, educational level or existence of a caregiver (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Median TTR in our unit is similar to that in southern European countries and close to the good control threshold (70%) proposed by the European Society of Cardiology. The duration of atrial fibrillation and of anticoagulation explains only a small part of the measures variability. Other determinants of anticoagulation control must be investigated in future studies and comparative studies should be carried out in family health units monitoring anticoagulation on the premises.

The ominous side of a coronary fistula

Coronary artery fistulas are rare and estimated to occur in 0.002% of the overall population.1 Most patients remain asymptomatic, but angina, dyspnoea, arrhythmias or sudden death may arise.2 We report the case of a 65-year-old man with previous hypertension, angina and obesity, who presented to accident and emergency department with oppressive central chest pain initiated whilst driving. During initial observation he had a cardiac arrest in ventricular fibrillation, which was promptly treated. His cardiovascular physical examination did not show any abnormal signs. The 12 lead ECG showed sinus rhythm, Q waves in III and aVF, and T-wave inversion in I, aVL and V4–V6 …

Chest stab wound—A rare cause of late ventricular tachycardia

A 67-year-old man with a history of systemic arterial hypertension and a chest stab trauma with emergent cardiothoracic surgery 38 years previously was admitted to our cardiology department for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. At admission to the emergency department the patient complained of palpitations, sweating and general malaise. He was hemodynamically stable. The admission electrocardiogram showed regular wide complex tachycardia with right bundle branch block pattern consistent with ventricular tachycardia (Figure 1A). Chemical cardioversion with amiodarone was successfully performed. The baseline ECG demonstrated sinus rhythm with Q waves in DI, aVL and V3--V6. Laboratory tests, including troponin, were unremarkable. The transthoracic echocardiogram revealed normal global left ventricular systolic function with anterolateral hypokinesia. Coronary angiography excluded