Introduction Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy, particularly prevalent in tropical regions. This condition is commonly associated with peripheral blood hypereosinophilia, though it may also occur in the absence of such finding. In this report, we describe an unusual case of EMF linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma without hypereosinophilia, accompanied by a rapidly developing intracardiac thrombus. […]

Abstract Background Impaired left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular functions are important predictors of cardiovascular risk. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) provides superior sensitivity for assessing systolic function compared to traditional parameters, enhancing diagnostic accuracy in various cardiac conditions. However, GLS reference values in diverse populations are lacking. Objectives To establish reference values for LVGLS and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) in a Brazilian multiethnic population without cardiovascular risk factors or disease. We also explore how clinical and echocardiographic […]

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presents echocardiographic abnormalities that are important for diagnosis and prognosis. Data are scarce in the Brazilian literature. Objective To assess clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and disease progression in a Brazilian cohort of patients with HCM. Methods This retrospective cohort included patients with HCM aged ≥ 18 years. Patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis and those undergoing septal reduction were excluded. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results The study included […]

Abstract Background Complementary diagnostic examinations have replaced the importance of Physical Examination (PE) in Clinical Decision-making (CDM). Objective To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular PE in scenarios of cardiac valvular diseases. Methods An interventional study with volunteers’ patients having or not having the opportunity to perform PE in scenarios of valvopathies. The PE was simulated in a high-fidelity cardiopulmonary simulator. Volunteers received questions about CDM before and after receiving an ECHO Concordant or ECHO Discordant report. Cohen´s kappa coefficient and […]

Introduction Cardiac masses encompass a wide spectrum of etiologies, including primary tumors, both benign and malignant, metastatic tumors, and non-neoplastic lesions., The differential diagnosis of cardiac masses is challenging due to overlapping clinical presentations, diverse imaging characteristics, heterogeneity among different mass types, limited clinical experience, and the rarity of some of these conditions., This clinical case presents an intriguing scenario involving a cardiac mass, highlighting the complexities in its diagnosis and management. […]

Abstract Background Echocardiography is essential for the assessment of patients with heart transplants. However, normal values in such individuals are not clearly defined. Objectives To compare conventional echocardiographic and speckle tracking variables between patients with unrejected heart transplants and healthy individuals. Methods :A prospective study was conducted with adult patients having undergone heart transplantation at least one year earlier and submitted to endomyocardial biopsy followed by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Conventional TTE measures and mechanical heart strain assessments using speckle tracking […]

Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a progressive medical condition that affects approximately 1-3% of adults, with a significant increase in prevalence in older age groups. More than half of HF patients have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥ 50%, known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While the overall number of HF cases seems to be stable or even declining, the incidence of HFpEF continues to rise. HFpEF patients differ significantly from those with reduced ejection […]

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients commonly report exertional dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension should be first suspected, as the prevalence in these patients is reported to be 5-19% and it is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Additional differential diagnosis includes congenital left-to-right shunt and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) when right ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction are present. Our case concerns an elderly lady with SSc who was initially diagnosed with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. […]