Abstract A vasoplegic syndrome is a state of hypotension that develops due to low systemic vascular resistance and is associated with a high mortality rate. Methylene blue is known to improve hypotension and reduce vasopressor requirements by increasing resistance in vasoplegia by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase. Here, we aimed to report on the use and effectiveness of methylene blue to treat severely hypotensive five vasoplegic syndrome cases despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We concluded that Methylene blue can be used as […]

To the editor Anticoagulation is a standard therapeutic approach for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), requiring careful consideration of the balance between antithrombotic efficacy and the risk of hemorrhagic complications. The authors examined the rate of anticoagulant prescriptions among patients admitted to the emergency department with symptomatic AF, revealing a higher prevalence of non-prescription in women compared to men. This observation raises several important concerns. […]

Abstract Background Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is an alternative to surgical myectomy for patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and significant left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Although widely studied worldwide, data on ASA outcomes in Brazil are still limited. Objective To assess the safety and effectiveness of ASA in symptomatic HOCM patients receiving optimal medical therapy using current techniques across multiple centers in Brazil. Methods Patients with HOCM and angina (classified by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS]) […]

To editor The identification of an optimal modality to monitor the severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains imperative. The authors demonstrated that a prolonged RS interval on the electrocardiogram was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in this cohort, under the hypothesis that right heart electrical conduction is compromised in patients with severe PAH. Nonetheless, several concerns merit consideration. […]

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 The H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores were developed to support the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and may also help predict cardiovascular outcomes. Objective To assess the prognostic value of these scores in a cohort of individuals with HFpEF. Methods This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Brazil between March 2019 and December 2021. After clinical evaluation, echocardiography, and exercise testing, the H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores were calculated. Patients were classified into […]

Dear Editor, We read with great interest the article by Carvalho et al. titled “Potentially Inappropriate Cardioverter Defibrillator Implants in Secondary Prevention of Death”, which highlights the critical role of socioeconomic and psychosocial markers (EPSM) in predicting early mortality post-implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. While the study provides valuable insights into multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessments, we would like to address two significant limitations that could refine future research and clinical practice. […]

To Editor The ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) using cryoablation has emerged as a viable alternative to radiofrequency (RF) ablation due to its reduced risk of inducing permanent atrioventricular block. However, this technique necessitates specific procedural considerations to minimize the recurrence of arrhythmias. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between cryoablation and conventional RF ablation, demonstrating that cryoablation was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time and was non-inferior to RF ablation in terms of efficacy and […]

Abstract Background Although the clinical features of chronic Chagas’ cardiomyopathy (CCC) have been well established, clinical data about the patients are scarce. Objectives The current analysis reports the results of the I Brazilian Heart Failure Registry (BREATHE) assessing baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute heart failure due to CCC. Methods BREATHE enrolled a total of 3,013 adult patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. We analyzed comparatively 261 (8.7%) patients with chronic CCC and 2,752 (91.3%) patients with […]

Abstract Background New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a typical complication in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Previous studies have investigated inflammation as a NOAF predictor. The Naples prognostic score (NPS) is a novel marker of inflammation and nutritional status. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive power of the NPS for NOAF. Methods This study enrolled 1537 consecutive STEMI who underwent pPCI. The patients who presented NOAF […]