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The Strategic Plan for Cardiovascular Health in Portugal is an initiative of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, aligned with efforts by the European Society of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation to develop national plans, at a local level within the cultural and socio-economic contexts, focused on cardiovascular health. The overarching goal is to promote and ensure the continuous and sustained improvement of cardiovascular health in the Portuguese population.The methodology identified key challenges and opportunities for the medium term, highlighted priority areas for intervention, and proposed strategic lines of action. This article outlines the project's design and establishes a guiding framework for the proposed actions, which will be drawn up by designated expert groups and communicated subsequently. Resumo: O Plano Estratégico para a Saúde Cardiovascular em Portugal é um projeto da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia alinhado com o movimento propulsionado pela Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia e pela World Heart Federation para a elaboração de planos nacionais, à escala e no contexto cultural e socio-económico locais, focados na abordagem da saúde cardiovascular. O objetivo alargado é impulsionar e contribuir para a melhoria contínua e sustentada da saúde cardiovascular da população portuguesa. A metodologia envolvida passou pela identificação dos principais desafios e oportunidades a enfrentar no médio prazo, nomear e destacar áreas de intervenção prioritária e propor linhas estratégicas de intervenção. Este artigo define a conceptualização do projeto e traça as linhas orientadoras para as propostas de atuação a ser elaboradas por grupos designados de peritos e que serão objeto de divulgação subsequente.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the major cause of premature death and disability; effective cardiovascular (CV) risk prevention is fundamental. The World Heart Federation (WHF) Cholesterol Roadmap provides a framework for national policy development and aims to achieve ASCVD prevention.At the invitation of the WHF, a group of experts from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC), addressed the cholesterol burden at nationally and discussed possible strategies to include in a Portuguese cholesterol roadmap. The literature review showed that the cholesterol burden in Portugal is high and especially uncontrolled in those with the highest CV risk. An infographic scorecard was built to include in the WHF collection, for a clear idea about CV risk and cholesterol burden in Portugal, which would also be useful for health policy advocacy.The expert discussion and preventive strategies proposal followed the five pillars of the WHF document: awareness improvement; population-based approaches for CV risk and cholesterol; risk assessment/population screening; system-level approaches; surveillance of cholesterol and ASCVD outcomes. These strategies were debated by all the expert participants, with the goal of creating a national cholesterol roadmap to be used for advocacy and as a guide for CV prevention.Several key recommendations were outlined: include all stakeholders in a multidisciplinary national program; create a structured activities plan to increase awareness in the population; improve the quality of continuous CV health education; increase the interaction between different health professionals and non-health professionals; increment the referral of patients to cardiac rehabilitation; screen cholesterol levels in the general population, especially high-risk groups; promote patient self-care, engage with patients’ associations; use specific social networks to spread information widely; create a national database of cholesterol levels with systematic registry of CV events; redefine strategies based on the evaluation of results; create and involve more patients’ associations – invert the pyramid order.In conclusion, ASCVD and the cholesterol burden remain a strong global issue in Portugal, requiring the involvement of multiple stakeholders in prevention. The Portuguese cholesterol roadmap can provide some solutions to help urgently mitigate the problem. Population-based approaches to improve awareness and CV risk assessment and surveillance of cholesterol and ASCVD outcomes are key factors in this change. A call to action is clearly needed to fight hypercholesterolemia and ASCVD burden. Resumo: A doença aterosclerótica cardiovascular (DACV) mantém-se a maior causa de morte prematura e de incapacidade, sendo uma prevenção eficaz de risco cardiovascular (CV) fundamental. O WHF Cholesterol Roadmap fornece enquadramento para o desenvolvimento de políticas nacionais, tendo como objetivo a prevenção de DACV. A convite da WHF, um grupo de peritos da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia (SPC) avaliou a carga do colesterol a nível nacional e discutiu possíveis estratégias para um Roadmap português.A revisão da literatura mostrou uma carga elevada de colesterol em Portugal, sobretudo em pessoas de alto risco CV. Uma infografia, Scorecard, foi construída pela WHF, para mostrar claramente o risco CV e o peso do colesterol em Portugal, sendo útil para advocacia em políticas de saúde.A discussão de peritos e proposta das estratégias preventivas seguiram os cinco pilares do documento da WHF: Melhoria da consciencialização; Abordagens do risco CV e do colesterol nas populações; Avaliação de risco/screening das populações; abordagens a nível do sistema; Seguimento do colesterol e complicações da DACV.Várias recomendações chave foram definidas: incluir todos os stakeholders em programa multidisciplinar nacional; criar plano de atividades estruturadas para aumentar a consciencialização da população; aumentar qualidade da educação contínua em saúde CV; aumentar interação entre profissionais de saúde e outros profissionais; aumentar referenciação de doentes para reabilitação cardiovascular; avaliar níveis de colesterol na população geral, especialmente em alto risco; promover autocuidado dos doentes, envolvendo associações de doentes; usar redes sociais específicas para disseminar informação; criar base nacional de níveis de colesterol com registo sistemático de eventos CV; redefinir estratégias baseadas na avaliação de resultados; criar e envolver mais doentes em associações – inverter a ordem da pirâmide!Em conclusão, a DACV e o peso de colesterol permanecem uma questão global forte em Portugal, necessitando o envolvimento de múltiplos stakeholders na prevenção. O Roadmap de colesterol português pode fornecer algumas soluções para urgentemente mitigar o problema. Abordagens a nível das populações para melhorar a consciencialização e avaliar o risco CV, seguimento do colesterol e das complicações de DACV são fatores chave nesta mudança. Uma call to action é claramente necessária para combater a carga da hipercolesterolemia e DACV.

ABSTRACT Purpose The Achilles tendon is a common injury site, but anatomical risk factors for injury are relatively unexplored in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in free tendon length would influence the results of a simulated rupture of the Achilles tendon. Methods Using a previously validated 3D finite element model of the free and aponeurotic Achilles tendon as a basis, two additional finite element models with 25% decreased and increased free tendon lengths were created. The finite element models were sequentially loaded from 2500 to 3500N in 100N increments, and the total volume of elements exhibiting a maximal principal strain above 10% was recorded. An Achilles tendon rupture was considered to have occurred when a continuous group of elements with a volume of at least 3 mm3 exhibited a maximum principal strain above 10%. Models were compared regarding the smallest load that met the rupture criterion and plots of the percentage of elements exhibiting maximum principal strains above 10% across the loading range. Sensitivity analyses assessed the influence of subtendon division variations and subtendon sliding restriction on the results. Results Rupture loads and plots of the percentage of elements with maximum principal strains above 10% were similar between models, regardless of the free tendon length. No models met the rupture criterion when simulations were run without subtendon sliding. Rupture loads in the subtendon division variation models were correlated with the subtendon cross‐sectional areas. Conclusions The simulated rupture results of the Achilles tendon were sensitive to variations in subtendon cross‐sectional areas but not in free tendon length. Level of Evidence Level V.

Introduction: Reperfusion therapy is generally recommended in acute high-risk pulmonary embolism (HR-PE), but several population-based studies report that it is underused. Data on epidemiology, management and outcomes of HR-PE in Portugal are scarce. Objective: To determine the reperfusion rate in HR-PE patients, the reasons for non-reperfusion, and how it influences outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of consecutive HR-PE patients admitted to a thromboembolic disease referral center between 2008 and 2018, independent predictors for non-reperfusion were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. PE-related mortality and long-term MACE (cardiovascular mortality, PE recurrence and chronic thromboembolic disease) were calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences stratified by reperfusion were assessed using the log-rank test. Results: Of 1955 acute PE patients, 3.8% presented with hemodynamic instability. The overall reperfusion rate was 50%: 35 patients underwent systemic thrombolysis, one received first-line percutaneous embolectomy and one rescue endovascular treatment. Independent predictors of non-reperfusion were: age, with >75 years representing 12 times the risk of non-treatment (OR 11.9, 95% CI 2.7–52.3, p=0.001); absolute contraindication for thrombolysis (31.1%), with recent major surgery and central nervous system disease as the most common reasons (OR 16.7, 95% CI 3.2–87.0, p 75 anos associou-se a 12 vezes mais risco de NR (OR 11,9, 95%CI 2,7-52,3, p=0,001); contraindicações absolutas para trombólise (31,1%), sendo a cirurgia major recente e a doença do sistema nervoso central as causas mais comuns (OR 16,7, IC95% 3,2-87,0, p

Introduction and Objectives: The true prevalence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary embolism (PE) in the Portuguese population remains unknown. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of CTEPH two years after a symptomatic high- (HR) or intermediate-high risk (IHR) PE. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with PE between 2014 and 2019 to a Portuguese referral center for pulmonary hypertension. Results: In this single-center registry of 969 patients admitted with PE (annual incidence of 46/100 000 population), 194 had HR (5.4%) and IHR (14.7%) PE. After excluding patients who died or had no follow-up in the first three months, 129 patients were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of suspected CTEPH by clinical assessment, Doppler echocardiography and V/Q lung scan was 6.2% (eight patients). CTEPH was confirmed by right heart catheterization in four of these (3.1%). Increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) at admission (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04–1.22; p=0.005) and the presence of varicose veins in the lower limbs (OR 7.47; 95% CI 1.53–36.41; p=0.013) were predictors of CTEPH. PASP >60 mmHg at admission identified patients with CTEPH at follow-up with sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 76.3%, respectively. All patients diagnosed with CTEPH had at least two radiological findings suggestive of CTEPH at the index event. Conclusions: In our cohort, the prevalence of CTEPH in survivors of severe forms of acute PE was 6.2%. PASP above 60 mmHg and supporting radiological findings on the index computed tomography scan are highly suggestive of acute-on-chronic CTEPH. Resumo: Introdução e objetivo: A prevalência da hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) após embolia pulmonar aguda (EP) na população portuguesa permanece desconhecida. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores de risco de HPTEC dois anos após uma EP sintomática de alto risco (A) e risco intermédio-alto (IA). Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospetivo que inclui doentes admitidos com EP entre 2014-2019 num centro de referência nacional para hipertensão pulmonar. Resultados: Dos 969 doentes admitidos com EP (incidência anual de 46/100.000 habitantes), 194 foram estratificados como EP de risco A (5,4%) e IA (14,7%). Após exclusão dos doentes que faleceram ou sem seguimento nos primeiros três meses, 129 doentes foram incluídos na análise. A prevalência geral de HPTEC suspeita por avaliação clínica, ecocardiograma com Doppler e cintigrafia pulmonar de ventilação/perfusão foi de 6,2% (8 doentes). HPTEC foi confirmada por cateterismo cardíaco direito em quatro desses doentes (3,1%). A elevação da pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PAPs) na admissão (OR 1,12; IC95% 1,04-1,22; p=0,005) e a presença de varizes nos membros inferiores (OR 7,47; IC95% 1,53-36,41; p=0,013) foram preditores de HPTEC. PAPs na admissão >60 mmHg identificou doentes com HPTEC no seguimento com valor de sensibilidade e especificidade de 83,3% e 76,3%, respetivamente. Todos os doentes diagnosticados com HPTEC tiveram pelo menos dois achados radiológicos sugestivos de HPTEC no evento índice. Conclusões: Na nossa coorte, a prevalência de HPTEC nos sobreviventes de formas graves de EP aguda foi de 6,2%. Uma pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica acima de 60 mmHg e achados radiológicos de suporte na tomografia computadorizada do evento índice são altamente sugestivos da presença de HPTEC preexistente no momento do diagnóstico de EP aguda.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed an unprecedented burden on healthcare systems worldwide, changing the profile of interventional cardiology activity. Objectives: To quantify and compare the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed for acute and chronic coronary syndromes during the first COVID-19 outbreak with the corresponding period in previous years. Methods: Data on PCI from the prospective multicenter Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology (RNCI) were used to analyze changes in PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The number of PCIs performed during the initial period of the COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal, from March 1 to May 2, 2020, was compared with the mean frequency of PCIs performed during the corresponding period in the previous three years (2017–2019). Results: The total number of PCIs procedures was significantly decreased during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal (−36%, p

Abstract Background Pregnancy is associated with both new-onset and exacerbation of pre-existing arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular tachycardia, with increased maternal and fetal risks and with added concerns on the safety of the available drug therapy and catheter ablation techniques. These are often withheld, with worse outcomes, and lead to challenging decisions in the approach to pregnant women with refractory supraventricular arrhythmias. Case presentation We present a case of a 28-year-old 37-weeks pregnant woman with symptomatic, almost incessant, atrial tachycardia causing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, refractory to medical therapy, that evolved in acute cardiac failure and needed emergency cesarian delivery. The patient was afterward submitted to catheter ablation therapy, with an electrical isolation of the ectopic foci on the lower left pulmonary vein with radiofrequency and total suppression of the arrhythmia. The patient and infant were discharged clinically well and during follow-up the patient was asymptomatic, without recurrence of tachycardia and with complete recovery of left ventricle function. Conclusions This case highlights the challenges in the treatment of this special population with a stepwise medical approach that proved ineffective and clinical deterioration requiring termination of pregnancy and catheter ablation in the postpartum period, with a successful maternal and fetal outcome.

Introduction: This study describes the experience of a reference center using continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy for acute high- and intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with acute central PE (48.3% high-risk PE; 82.8% in class >III from the original Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index score; median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4) were treated with the Indigo® Mechanical Thrombectomy System between March 2018 and March 2020. Technical success was defined as successful placement of the device and initiation of aspiration thrombectomy. Clinical success was defined as any improvement in hemodynamic and/or oxygenation parameters, pulmonary hypertension or right heart strain at 48 hours, and survival to hospital discharge. Safety was defined as freedom from severe adverse events potentially related to the procedure. Three-month follow-up results were collected. Results: Technical success was 96.6%. Miller index and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were significantly reduced after the procedure (-5.5±3.0, and -10.2±11.5 mmHg, respectively, both pIII do score PESI; mediana 4 do índice de comorbilidades de Charlson) com o sistema de trombectomia mecânica Indigo entre março/2018 e março/2020. Definiu-se sucesso técnico como colocação bem-sucedida do dispositivo e início da trombectomia. Definiu-se sucesso clínico como melhoria hemodinâmica, da oxigenação, hipertensão pulmonar e/ou da sobrecarga cardíaca direita às 48 horas; e sobrevivência hospitalar. Definiu-se segurança como ausência de eventos adversos graves relacionados com o procedimento. Registou-se seguimento clínico a três meses. Resultados: O sucesso técnico foi 96,6%. O índice de Miller e a pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica reduziram-se significativamente (-5,5±3,0 e -10,2±11,5 mmHg, respetivamente, p

Aim: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in countries participating in the Stent-Save a Life (SSL) global initiative. Methods and Results: We conducted a multicenter observational survey to collect data on patient admissions for ACS, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and PPCI in participating SSL member countries through a period during the COVID-19 outbreak (March and April 2020) compared with the equivalent period in 2019. Of the 32 member countries of the SSL global initiative, 17 agreed to participate in the survey (three in Africa, five in Asia, six in Europe and three in Latin America). Overall reductions of 27.5% and 20.0% were observed in admissions for ACS and STEMI, respectively. The decrease in PPCI was 26.7%. This trend was observed in all except two countries. In these two, the pandemic peaked later than in the other countries. Conclusions: This survey shows that the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a significant reduction in hospital admissions for ACS and STEMI as well as a reduction in PPCI, which can be explained by both patient- and system-related factors. Resumo: Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da pandemia COVID-19 nas admissões de doentes com síndromes coronárias agudas (SCA) e angioplastia coronária primária (PPCI) em países que participam da iniciativa global Stent-Save a Life (SSL). Métodos e resultados: Realizámos estudo observacional multicêntrico para coletar dados sobre admissões de doentes por ACS, STEMI e PPCI nos países participantes no SSL durante um período do surto COVID-19 (março e abril de 2020) em comparação com o período homólogo de 2019. Dos 32 países membros da iniciativa global SSL, 17 aceitaram participar no estudo (3 de África, 5 da Ásia, 6 da Europa e 3 da América Latina (LATAM)). Observámos uma redução global de 27,5% e 20,0% nos internamentos com SCA e STEMI, respetivamente. A diminuição do PPCI foi de 26,7%. Essa tendência foi observada em todos os países, exceto dois. Nestes dois países, a pandemia atingiu o pico mais tarde do que nos restantes. Conclusões: Este estudo mostra que o surto de COVID-19 foi associado a uma redução significativa de admissões hospitalares por SCA e STEMI, bem como uma redução de PPCI, o que pode ser explicado por fatores relacionados com o doente e com o sistema.

BackgroundDuring Stent for Life Initiative in Portugal lifetime, positive changes in ST elevation myocardial infarction treatment were observed, by the increase of Primary Angioplasty numbers and improvements in patients' behaviour towards myocardial infarction, with an increase in those who called 112 and the lower proportion attending non primary percutaneous coronary intervention centres. Despite public awareness campaigns and system educational programmes, patient and system delay did not change significantly over this period. The aim of this study was to address the public awareness campaign effectiveness on peoples' behaviour facing STEMI, and how Covid-19 has affected STEMI treatment.MethodsData from 1381 STEMI patients were collected during a one-month period each year, from 2011 to 2016, and during one and a half month, matching first lockdown in Portugal 2020. Four groups were constituted: Group A (2011); Group B (2012&2013); Group C (2015&2016) and group D (2020).ResultsThe proportion of patients who called 112, increased significantly (35.2% Group A; 38.7% Group B; 44.0% Group C and 49.6% Group D, p = 0.005); significant reduction was observed in the proportion of patients who attended healthcare centres without PPCI (54.5% group A; 47.6% Group B; 43.2% Group C and 40.9% Group D, p = 0.016), but there were no differences on groups comparison. Total ischemic time, measured from symptoms onset to reperfusion increased progressively from group A [250.0 (178.0-430.0)] to D [296.0 (201.0-457.5.8)] p = 0.012, with statistically significant difference between group C and D (p = 0.034).ConclusionsDuring the term of SFL initiative in Portugal, patients resorted less to primary health centres and called more to 112. These results can be attributed the public awareness campaign. Nevertheless, patient and system delays did not significantly change over this period, mainly in late years of SFL, probably for low efficacy of campaigns and in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Irreversible pulmonary arterial hypertension is considered a contraindication for surgical or percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) due to risk of right heart failure. We present a case of 37 years-old woman who was referred to our center due to progressive worsening fatigue and high probability of pulmonary hypertension on a transthoracic echocardiogram. The diagnostic work-up revealed the presence of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect and severe pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension on right heart cathetherization (RHC). The patient was considered inoperable and started medical therapy with sildenafil and bosentan. After one year of treatment, she repeated RHC that showed a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance making her eligible for closure. Surgical closure of ASD with a fenestra was performed with success. Our case emphasizes the importance of individual assessment even if cases where initial evaluation is unfavorable to closure in accordance with the guidelines.

Resumo: Introdução: A angioplastia pulmonar por balão (BPA) constitui uma alternativa terapêutica na hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) inoperável ou hipertensão pulmonar (HP) residual/recorrente após cirurgia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança a curto prazo do programa de BPA. Métodos: Estudo prospetivo em centro único, que incluiu todas as sessões de BPA em doentes com HPTEC entre 2017 a 2019. Realizou‐se avaliação da classe funcional da OMS, biomarcadores plasmáticos, teste de marcha de 6 minutos (TM6 M) e cateterismo cardíaco direito no início e seis meses após a última sessão. Resultados: Foram realizadas 57 sessões de BPA em 11 doentes com HPTEC (64% doença inoperável, 82% sob terapêutica vasodilatadora pulmonar). O programa de BPA foi concluído com um seguimento mínimo de seis meses em nove doentes. Houve uma melhoria significativa na classe funcional OMS (p = 0,004), no TM6 M (aumento médio de 42 metros; p = 0,050) e uma tendência para melhoria hemodinâmica significativa: queda de 25% na pressão da artéria pulmonar média (PAPm; p = 0,082) e 42% na resistência vascular pulmonar (RVP; p = 0,056). No subgrupo de doentes que apresentavam critérios hemodinâmicos de gravidade (três doentes com PAPm > 40 mmHg), a redução foi significativa: 51% na PAPm (p = 0,013) e 67% na RVP (p = 0,050). Foram suspensos os análogos da prostaciclina e a oxigenoterapia de longa duração em todos os doentes. Foram registadas complicações minor em 25%. Não foram registadas complicações major ou mortes. Conclusões: Uma estratégia de BPA em doentes sob terapêutica vasodilatadora pulmonar melhora os sintomas, a capacidade de exercício e a hemodinâmica com uma relação risco‐benefício aceitável em doentes com HPTEC inoperável ou HP residual/recorrente após cirurgia. Abstract: Introduction: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an alternative therapy in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or residual/recurrent pulmonary hypertension (PH) after surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the short‐term efficacy and safety of a BPA program. Methods: This prospective single‐center study included all BPA sessions performed in CTEPH patients between 2017 and 2019. Clinical assessment including WHO functional class, plasma biomarkers, 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and right heart catheterization was performed at baseline and six months after the last BPA session. Results: A total of 57 BPA sessions were performed in 11 CTEPH patients (64% with inoperable disease, 82% under pulmonary vasodilator therapy). Nine patients completed both the BPA program and a minimum six‐month follow‐up period. There were significant improvements in WHO functional class (p=0.004) and 6MWT (mean increase of 42 m; p=0.050) and a trend for significant hemodynamic improvement: 25% decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (p=0.082) and 42% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p=0.056). In the group of patients with severely impaired hemodynamics (three patients with mPAP >40 mmHg), the reduction was significant: 51% in mPAP (p=0.013) and 67% in PVR (p=0.050). Prostacyclin analogs and long‐term oxygen therapy were withdrawn in all patients. Minor complications were recorded in 25% of patients. There were no major complications or deaths. Conclusions: A BPA strategy on top of pulmonary vasodilator therapy further improves symptoms, exercise capacity and hemodynamics with an acceptable risk‐benefit ratio in patients with inoperable CTEPH or residual/recurrent PH after surgery.

Resumo Fundamento: Em doentes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), choque cardiogênico (CC) e doença multivaso (DMV) persistem dúvidas sobre a intervenção nas artérias não responsáveis. Objetivos: 1) caracterizar a amostra de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no Registo Nacional Português de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (RNSCA); 2) comparar os eventos associados a diferentes estratégias de revascularização; e 3) identificar preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospetivo de doentes com IAM, CC e DMV incluídos no RNSCA entre 2010 e 2018. Compararam-se duas estratégias de revascularização: completa durante o procedimento índice (grupo 1); e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento (grupo 2-3). O endpoint primário foi a ocorrência de reinfarto ou morte intra-hospitalar. A significância estatística foi definida por um valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Identificaram-se 127 doentes com IAM, CC e DMV (18,1% no grupo 1 e 81,9% no grupo 2-3), com idade média de 70 ± 12 anos e 92,9% com IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O endpoint primário ocorreu em 47,8% dos doentes do grupo 1 e em 37,5% do grupo 2-3 (p = 0,359). As taxas de mortalidade intra-hospitalar, reinfarto, acidente vascular cerebral e hemorragia major foram também semelhantes nos dois grupos. Os preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nesta amostra foram a presença na admissão de disfunção ventricular esquerda (OR 16,8), bloqueio completo de ramo direito (OR 7,6) e anemia (OR 5,2), (p ≤ 0,02). Conclusões: Entre os doentes com IAM, CC e DMV, incluídos no RNSCA, não se verificou diferença significativa entre revascularização completa no evento índex e completa diferida ou incompleta durante o internamento, relativamente à ocorrência de morte intra-hospitalar ou reinfarto. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):867-876)

Resumo Fundamento: Complicações neurológicas são comuns em pacientes com endocardite infecciosa (EI). Dados recentes sugerem que os eventos neurológicos são os principais determinantes do prognóstico e que a cirurgia é crítica para melhorar o resultado. Objetivo: Caracterizar pacientes com EI e complicações neurológicas e determinar preditores de embolização para o sistema nervoso central (SNC) e mortalidade. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes internados em centro terciário com diagnóstico de EI no período de 2006 a 2016. Significância estatística foi definida por um valor de p

Objective: To analyze changes in performance indicators five years after Portugal joined the Stent for Life (SFL) initiative. Methods: National surveys were carried out annually over one-month periods designated as study Time Points between 2011 (Time Zero) and 2016 (Time Five). In this study, 1340 consecutive patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent coronary angiography, admitted to 18 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers, were enrolled. Results: There was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients who attended primary healthcare centers (20.3% vs. 4.8%, p

Abstract Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with severe complications and high mortality. The assessment of mortality rates and predictors for fatal events is important to identify modifiable factors related to the pattern of treatment, in order to improve outcomes. Objectives: We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with IE and to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality. Methods: Retrospective single-center study including patients with IE admitted during a 10-year period (2006-2015). Data on comorbidities, clinical presentation, microbiology and clinical outcomes during hospitalization were evaluated. Risk factors of in-hospital death were analyzed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 134 cases were included (73% males, mean age of 61 ± 16 years-old). Half of them had previous valvular heart disease. Healthcare-associated IE and negative blood-cultures occurred in 22% and prosthetic IE in 25%. The aortic valve was the one most often affected by infection. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated microorganism. Forty-four (32.8%) patients underwent cardiac surgery. The in-hospital mortality rate was 31.3% (42 patients). The identified risk factors for in-hospital mortality were Staphylococcus aureus etiology (OR 6.47; 95% CI: 1.07-39.01; p = 0.042), negative blood-cultures (OR 9.14; 95% CI: 1.42-58.77; p = 0.02), evidence of valve obstruction in echocardiography (OR 8.57; 95% CI: 1.11-66.25; p = 0.039), clinical evolution with heart failure (OR 4.98; 95%CI: 1.31-18.92; p = 0.018) or septic shock (OR 20.26; 95% CI: 4.04-101.74; p < 0.001). Cardiac surgery was a protective factor of mortality (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03-0.65; p = 0.012). Conclusion: The risk factors for in-hospital mortality were clinical (heart failure, septic shock), evidence of valve obstruction in echocardiography, Staphylococcus aureus etiology or negative blood cultures. Invasive treatment by surgery significantly decreased the mortality risk.

Introduction: The standard of care for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) includes the activation of a STEMI care network, the administration of adjuvant medical therapy, and reperfusion through primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While primary PCI is nowadays the first option for the treatment of patients with STEMI, antithrombotic therapy, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents, is the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment to optimize their clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe contemporaneous real-world patterns of use of antithrombotic treatments in Portugal for STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Methods: An observational, retrospective cross-sectional study was performed for the year 2016, based on data from two national registries: the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS) and the Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology (PRIC). Data on oral antiplatelet and procedural intravenous antithrombotic drugs were retrieved. Results: In 2016, the ProACS enrolled 534 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, while the PRIC registry reported data on 2625 STEMI patients. Of these, 99.6% were treated with aspirin and 75.6% with dual antiplatelet therapy (mostly clopidogrel). GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (mostly abciximab) were used in 11.6% of cases. Heparins were used in 80% of cases (78% unfractionated heparin [UFH] and 2% low molecular weight heparin). None of the patients included in the registry were treated with cangrelor, prasugrel or bivalirudin. Missing data are one of the main limitations of the registries. Conclusions: In 2016, according to data from these national registries, almost all patients with STEMI were treated with aspirin and 76% with dual antiplatelet agents, mostly clopidogrel. GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in few patients, and UFH was the most prevalent parenteral anticoagulant drug. Resumo: Introdução: O tratamento do enfarte agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segment ST (EAMCSST) baseia-se na ativação da via verde coronária, na administração de terapêutica médica adjuvante e na reperfusão através de angioplastia primária percutânea. A angioplastia primária constitui o tratamento de primeira linha para o EAMCSST e a terapêutica antitrombótica, incluindo antiagregantes e anticoagulantes, a base do tratamento farmacológico, contribuindo para a melhoria do prognóstico. Objetivo: Descrever dados contemporâneos da vida real da utilização de terapêutica antitrombótica em Portugal, em doentes com EAMCSST submetidos a angioplastia primária. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional retrospetivo baseado nos dados de dois registos nacionais referentes ao ano de 2016: o Registo Nacional de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (RNSCA) e o Registo Português de Cardiologia de Intervenção (RPCI). Foram colhidos dados relativos à utilização de antiagregantes plaquetários e terapêutica antitrombótica endovenosa utilizada na angioplastia primária. Resultados: Durante o ano de 2016 foram incluídos 534 doentes no RNSCA e 2625 doentes no RNCI com o diagnóstico de EAMCSST submetidos a angioplastia primária. Aproximadamente 99,6% dos doentes foram tratados com ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) e 75,6% com terapêutica antiagregante dupla (principalmente clopidogrel). Os inibidores do recetor da GpIIbIIIa foram utilizados em 11,6% das angioplastias primárias (principalmente abxicimab). Relativamente à terapêutica anticoagulante, em 78% dos casos foi utilizada heparina não fracionada (HNF) e em 2% heparina de baixo peso molecular. Nenhum dos doentes incluído no registo foi tratado com cangrelor, prasugrel ou bivalirrudina. Os dados omissos são uma das principais limitações dos registos. Conclusões: Em 2016, de acordo com dados dos registos nacionais, quase todos os doentes foram tratados com AAS e 76% com terapêutica antiagregante dupla, na maioria dos casos incluindo o clopidogrel. Os inibidores dos recetors da GpIIbIIIa foram utilizados num número reduzido de doentes e a HNF foi o principal anticoagulante administrado. Keywords: Myocardial infarction, Antiplatelet, Anticoagulant, Antithrombotic, Adjuvant, Palavras-chave: Enfarte do miocárdio, Antiagregante, Anticoagulante, Antitrombótico, Adjuvante

Resumo: Introdução: A ecografia intravascular coronária tem ganhado importância nos laboratórios de hemodinâmica pela evidência de impacto prognóstico positivo para os doentes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caraterizar a utilização de ecografia intravascular em intervenções coronárias percutâneas em Portugal. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospetivo com base no Registo Nacional de Cardiologia de Intervenção da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. De 2002 a 2016 caraterizou‐se o perfil clínico e angiográfico dos doentes submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea, a percentagem de utilização de ecografia intravascular e as artérias coronárias avaliadas. Resultados: Foram incluídas 118 706 intervenções coronárias percutâneas, com utilização de ecografia intravascular em 2266 (1,9%). A evolução temporal caraterizou‐se por ausência em 2002 e uma utilização maioritariamente crescente de 2003 (0,1%) a 2016 (2,4%). O grupo de doentes com utilização de ecografia intravascular coronária tinha idade semelhante ao grupo de doentes sem utilização de ecografia intravascular coronária, com uma menor prevalência de doentes do sexo masculino e uma maior prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovasculares (hipertensão arterial, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes), enfarte agudo do miocárdio prévio, intervenção coronária percutânea prévia, doença coronária multivaso, lesões coronárias do tipo C ou em bifurcação e reestenose intra‐stent. A ecografia intravascular foi utilizada em 54,8% das intervenções coronárias percutâneas eletivas e em 19,15% das intervenções coronárias percutâneas do tronco comum. Conclusão: A ecografia intravascular coronária teve uma utilização crescente em Portugal desde 2003, ocorre preferencialmente em intervenções coronárias percutâneas eletivas, de doentes com maior risco cardiovascular, com lesões coronárias mais complexas e lesões do tronco comum. Abstract: Introduction: Coronary intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is increasingly important in catheterization laboratories due to its positive prognostic impact. This study aims to characterize the use of IVUS in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Portugal. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed based on the Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. The clinical and angiographic profiles of patients who underwent PCI between 2002 and 2016, the percentage of IVUS use, and the coronary arteries assessed were characterized. Results: A total of 118 706 PCIs were included, in which IVUS was used in 2266 (1.9%). Over time, use of IVUS changed from none in 2002 to generally increasing use from 2003 (0.1%) to 2016 (2.4%). The age of patients in whom coronary IVUS was used was similar to that of patients in whom IVUS was not used, but in the former group there were fewer male patients, and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes), previous myocardial infarction, previous PCI, multivessel coronary disease, C‐type or bifurcated coronary lesions, and in‐stent restenosis. IVUS was used in 54.8% of elective PCIs and in 19.15% of PCIs of the left main coronary artery. Conclusion: Coronary IVUS has been increasingly used in Portugal since 2003. It is used preferentially in elective PCIs, and in patients with higher cardiovascular risk, with more complex coronary lesions and lesions of the left main coronary artery. Palavras‐chave: Ecografia intravascular, Intervenção coronária percutânea, Doença coronária, Cardiologia, Keywords: Intravascular ultrasound, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Coronary disease, Cardiology

Introduction: Timely reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves patient outcomes. In recent years, the Stent for Life (SFL) initiative in Portugal developed an action plan to improve timely access to PPCI. This study aims to evaluate performance indicators in high-risk populations (elderly, female, and diabetic patients). Methods: Data on 1340 patients with suspected STEMI who were admitted to 18 Portuguese interventional cardiology centers were collected during a one-month period every year from 2011 to 2016. The risk of longer patient and system delay in elderly, female, and diabetic patients was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: Patient and system delays were longer in elderly patients (incremental median 32 and 40 min; p=0.001 and p90 min (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.84-4.72; p 90 min» (OR 2,95; IC95% 1,84-4,72; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Os idosos apresentaram maior atraso do doente e do sistema, independentemente do género e da presença de diabetes mellitus. Esses dados sugerem que o subgrupo dos idosos deve ser alvo de uma nova ação da Iniciativa SFL. Keywords: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, Stent for Life, Patient and system delay, Elderly, Women, Diabetes, Palavras-chave: Enfarte agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, Stent for Life, Atraso do doente e do sistema, Idosos, Mulheres, Diabéticos

This article reviews the major pharmacologic features of, and clinical evidence on, adjuvant medical therapy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. These drugs include oral antiplatelets (aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors such as clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor), intravenous antiplatelet agents (the P2Y12 inhibitor cangrelor, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors such as abciximab, eptifibatide and tirofiban), and intravenous anticoagulant agents (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin and bivalirudin). Resumo: Neste artigo foram analisadas as principais características farmacológicas e a evidência clínica do uso de terapêutica médica adjuvante em doentes com enfarte do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST tratados com angioplastia primária. Esses fármacos incluem antiagregantes orais (ácido acetilsalicílico e inibidores de P2Y12, tais como clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor), antiagregantes endovenosos (o inibidor P2Y12 cangrelor, inibidores GpIIbIIIa, como o abciximab, eptifibatide e tirofiban) e agentes anticoagulantes de uso endovenoso (heparina não fracionada, heparina de baixo peso molecular e bivalirudina). Keywords: Myocardial infarction, Antiplatelet, Anticoagulant, Antithrombotic, Adjuvant, Palavras-chave: Enfarte do miocárdio, Antiagregante, Anticoagulante, Antitrombótico, Adjuvante

Background. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is an uncommon cardiac disorder characterized by the presence of one or more accessory pathways that predispose patients to frequent episodes of arrhythmias. The prognosis is usually good, but there is a lifetime risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Case Summary. A 25-year-old male presented a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation rhythm. Due to rapid initiation of prehospital advanced life support, return of spontaneous circulation was observed. During the transport to the hospital, an irregular wide complex tachycardia suggestive of preexcited atrial fibrillation with haemodynamic instability was also observed and a synchronized shock was applied. Baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram was compatible with sinus rhythm and ventricular preexcitation pattern. After clinical stabilization, an electrophysiological study was performed confirming the presence of a left anterolateral accessory pathway with a short antegrade effective refractory period. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was achieved. Discussion. The reported clinical case recalls fundamental features of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and outlines the increasing evidence and importance of the invasive risk stratification and even catheter ablation in asymptomatic patients who suffer from this uncommon disease that may have a dramatic and fatal initial clinical manifestation.

Introduction and Aims: System delay (time between first medical contact and reperfusion therapy) is an indicator of quality of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. This study aimed to assess changes in system delay between 2011 and 2015, and to identify its predictors. Methods: The study included 838 patients admitted to 18 Portuguese interventional cardiology centers suspected of having STEMI with less than 12 hours’ duration who were referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Data were collected for a one-month period every year from 2011 to 2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of system delay. Results: No significant changes in system delay were observed during the study. Only 27% of patients had a system delay of ≤90 min. Multivariate analysis identified four predictors of system delay: age ≥75 years (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.50-4.59; p=0.001), attending a center without pPCI (OR 4.08; 95% CI 2.75-6.10; p75 anos», «entrada num centro sem P-PCI», não «ligar para o 112-SEM» e «Região Centro» foram identificados como fatores preditores para maior atraso no sistema. O conhecimento destes fatores permitirá programar intervenções que visem reduzir o atraso do sistema e melhorar os resultados dos doentes com STEMI. Keywords: Predictive factors, System delay, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, Stent for Life, Palavras-chave: Fatores preditivos, Atraso do sistema, Enfarte do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, Stent for Life

Introduction and Aims: Shorter patient delays are associated with a better prognosis for patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to identify predictors of patient delay in the Portuguese population. Methods: Data on 994 patients with suspected STEMI of less than 12 hours’ duration and referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and admitted to 18 Portuguese interventional cardiology centers were collected for a one-month period every year from 2011 to 2015. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of patient delay. Results: No significant differences were observed in patient delay over the course of the survey. The multivariate analysis identified five predictors of patient delay: age ≥75 years (exp[beta] 1.28; 95% CI 1.10-1.50; p=0.001), symptom onset between 0:00 and 8:00 a.m. (exp[beta] 1.26; 95% CI 1.10-1.45; p=0.001), and attending a primary care unit before first medical contact (exp[beta] 1.75; 95% CI 1.41-2.16; p

Abstract Orthopaedic disorders are very frequent, globally found and often partially unresolved despite the substantial advances in science and medicine. Their surgical intervention is multifarious and the most favourable treatment is chosen by the orthopaedic surgeon on a case-by-case basis depending on a number of factors related with the patient and the lesion. Numerous regenerative tissue engineering strategies have been developed and studied extensively in laboratory through in vitro experiments and preclinical in vivo trials with various established animal models, while a small proportion of them reached the operating room. However, based on the available literature, the current strategies have not yet achieved to fully solve the clinical problems. Thus, the gold standards, if existing, remain unchanged in the clinics, notwithstanding the known limitations and drawbacks. Herein, the involvement of regenerative tissue engineering in the clinical orthopaedics is reviewed. The current challenges are indicated and discussed in order to describe the current disequilibrium between the needs and solutions made available in the operating room. Regenerative tissue engineering is a very dynamic field that has a high growth rate and a great openness and ability to incorporate new technologies with passion to edge towards the Holy Grail that is functional tissue regeneration. Thus, the future of clinical solutions making use of regenerative tissue engineering principles for the management of orthopaedic disorders is firmly supported by the clinical need.

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate the impact of thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) in ‘real-world’ settings. Methods We performed a retrospective study, using data from the National Registry of Interventional Cardiology (RNCI 2006–2012, Portugal) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with P-PCI. The primary outcome, in-hospital mortality, was analysed through adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results We assessed data for 9458 STEMI patients that undergone P-PCI (35% treated with TA). The risk of in-hospital mortality with TA (aOR 0.93, 95%CI:0.54–1.60) was not significantly decreased. After matching patients through the propensity score, TA reduced significantly the risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.58, 95%CI:0.35–0.98; 3500 patients). Conclusions The whole cohort data does not support the routine use of TA in P-PCI, but the results of the propensity-score matched cohort suggests that the use of selective TA may improve the short-term risks of STEMI.

Resumo: Introdução: Nos doentes internados com enfarte agudo do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento de ST (EAM‐NST), o momento mais apropriado para a realização de coronariografia não está completamente definido, embora esteja estabelecido que, nos doentes de alto risco, se deverá realizar nas primeiras 24 horas. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a evolução temporal da utilização de uma estratégia invasiva. Adicionalmente, pretende‐se discutir se haverá benefício em estabelecer sistema organizacional similar àquele que já existe para o enfarte com supra de ST. Métodos: Análise retrospetiva dos doentes admitidos com EAM‐NST, incluídos no Registo Nacional de Síndromas Coronárias Agudas, entre 2002‐2015. Avaliou‐se a percentagem de doentes submetidos a coronariografia e o tempo desde a admissão até à coronariografia, de acordo com o ano da admissão, género e idade, assim como a evolução da mortalidade e do tempo de internamento. Resultados: A análise incluiu 18 639 doentes. Entre 2002‐2015, observou‐se um significativo aumento percentual das coronariografias (52,0 versus 83,6%) e angioplastias (23,3 versus 53,0%), assim como nas coronariografias realizadas nas primeiras 24 horas (21,0 versus 48,1%). A mortalidade intra‐hospitalar diminuiu ao longo do período de análise, particularmente nos doentes com mais de 74 anos (9,5 para 3,7%) e no género masculino. Conclusões: A adoção progressiva da estratégia invasiva, em particular da estratégia invasiva precoce, foi acompanhada temporalmente por uma diminuição da mortalidade. Como metade dos doentes de alto risco continua a realizar a coronariografia tardiamente, considera‐se que o EAM‐NST poderia beneficiar com um sistema organizacional como a iniciativa Stent for Life. Abstract: Introduction: In patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the best timing for coronary angiography is not definitely established, although it is recognized that in high‐risk patients it should be performed within the first 24 hours. The aim of this work was to describe the evolution over time of the use of an invasive strategy in the treatment of NSTEMI and in‐hospital mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with NSTEMI included in the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS) between 2002 and 2015. The annual proportion of patients undergoing coronary angiography and the time from admission to coronary angiography were assessed, as were changes in mortality and length of stay. Results: A total of 18 639 patients with NSTEMI were included in the ProACS registry between 2002 and 2015. Over this period there were significant increases in the proportion of patients undergoing coronary angiography (from 52.0 to 83.6%) and angioplasty (from 23.3 to 53.0%), as well as in the proportion of patients who underwent coronary angiography within 24 hours of admission (from 21.0 to 48.1%). In‐hospital mortality decreased in those aged over 74 years (from 9.5 to 3.7%) and in males. Conclusions: The progressive adoption of an invasive strategy, particularly an early one (within 24 hours), was accompanied by a reduction in in‐hospital mortality. Since coronary angiography is performed late (> 24 hours) in half of NSTEMI patients, these patients could benefit from initiatives similar to Stent for Life. Palavras‐chave: Enfarte agudo do miocárdio sem supra de ST, Evolução temporal no tratamento, Estratégia invasiva precoce, Mortalidade intra‐hospitalar, Stent for Life, Keywords: Non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, Temporal trends, Early invasive strategy, In‐hospital mortality, Stent for Life

A 24-year-old woman who was 11 weeks pregnant and had a mechanical mitral valve presented at the emergency department with ischemic stroke. Although treatment with aspirin and unfractionated heparin was initially successful, subsequent management was almost impossible, as she eventually suffered a right hemispheric stroke, requiring percutaneous intervention and an emergency cesarian; prosthetic valve thrombosis with hemodynamic instability; and multiple bleeding complications. This case demonstrates how difficult it can be to select the appropriate treatment strategy for prosthetic valve thrombosis. Resumo: Uma mulher de 24 anos, grávida de 11 semanas, com uma prótese mecânica em posição mitral, foi admitida no serviço de urgência com um acidente vascular cerebral isquémico. Apesar de a terapêutica com aspirina e heparina não fracionada ter sido inicialmente bem-sucedida, a gestão subsequente da doente foi dificultada por várias intercorrências: acidente vascular cerebral hemisférico direito com necessidade de intervenção percutânea e realização de cesariana emergente; trombose obstrutiva de prótese com instabilidade hemodinâmica; múltiplas complicações hemorrágicas. Este caso permite ilustrar as dificuldades na seleção do tratamento da trombose de prótese. Keywords: Pregnancy and cardiovascular disease, Embolism and thrombosis, Heart valve prosthesis, Palavras-chave: Gravidez e doença cardiovascular, Trombose e embolia, Prótese valvular cardíaca

The authors report a rare clinical case of myocardial bridging of the three major coronary arteries, which manifested in an unusual way with severe biventricular dysfunction in the context of tachycardia. For the diagnosis, the authors relied on non-invasive multimodality cardiac imaging, including cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography angiography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The implementation of targeted medical and neurohormonal therapy resulted in the recovery of ventricular function and clinical improvement. Resumo: Os autores descrevem um caso clínico raro de bridging miocárdico dos três territórios coronários, que se apresentou de forma invulgar com disfunção biventricular grave em contexto de taquicardia. Para o diagnóstico os autores basearam-se em exames de imagem cardíaca não invasivos, como a ressonância magnética cardíaca, a angiografia tomográfica computorizada e a cintigrafia de perfusão miocárdica. A instituição de terapêutica médica dirigida e neuro-hormonal permitiu a recuperação da função ventricular e a melhoria clínica. Keywords: Myocardial bridging, Myocardial stunning, Heart failure, Palavras-chave: Bridging miocárdico, Atordoamento miocárdico, Insuficiência cardíaca

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: Foi nosso objetivo reportar a evolução da angioplastia coronária no tratamento do enfarte agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (EAMCST), entre 2002‐2013. Métodos: Os dados prospetivos multicêntricos do Registo Nacional de Cardiologia de Intervenção (RNCI) e os dados oficiais da Direção Geral de Saúde (DGS) foram conjugados para estudar os procedimentos no EAMCST entre 2002 e 2013. Resultados: Em 2013 realizaram‐se 3524 angioplastias primárias (ICP‐P), representando um crescimento de 315% relativamente ao ano de 2002. Em 2002 a ICP‐P representava 16% do total de angioplastias coronárias, passando a representar 25% nos anos de 2012‐2013. Entre 2002‐2013 o número de procedimentos por milhão de habitantes aumentou de 106 para 338 e a angioplastia de recurso decresceu de 70,7 para 2%. Durante o período em análise, a utilização de stents eluidores de fármaco cresceu de 9,9 para 69,5%. Após 2008, observou‐se uma utilização crescente da trombectomia de aspiração, atingindo 46,7% em 2013. Os inibidores das glicoproteínas IIb/IIIa registaram um decréscimo no seu uso, sendo de 73,2% em 2002 e de 23,6% em 2013. O acesso radial cresceu de 8,3% em 2008 até 54,6% em 2013. Conclusões: Durante o período em análise, a taxa de angioplastia coronária por milhão de habitantes triplicou. A angioplastia de recurso foi ultrapassada pela angioplastia primária a partir de 2006. Observaram‐se novas tendências no tratamento do enfarte agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, salientando‐se a utilização de stents eluidores de fármacos e o acesso radial. Abstract: Introduction and Objectives: The aim of the present paper was to report trends in coronary angioplasty for the treatment of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Portugal. Methods: Prospective multicenter data from the Portuguese National Registry of Interventional Cardiology (RNCI) and official data from the Directorate‐General for Health (DGS) were studied to analyze percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures for STEMI from 2002 to 2013. Results: In 2013, 3524 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p‐PCI) procedures were performed (25% of all procedures), an increase of 315% in comparison to 2002 (16% of all interventions). Between 2002 and 2013 the rate increased from 106 to 338 p‐PCIs per million population per year. Rescue angioplasty decreased from 70.7% in 2002 to 2% in 2013. During this period, the use of drug‐eluting stents grew from 9.9% to 69.5%. After 2008, the use of aspiration thrombectomy increased, reaching 46.7% in 2013. Glycoprotein IIb‐IIIa inhibitor use decreased from 73.2% in 2002 to 23.6% in the last year of the study. Use of a radial approach increased steadily from 8.3% in 2008 to 54.6% in 2013. Conclusion: During the reporting period there was a three‐fold increase in primary angioplasty rates per million population. Rescue angioplasty has been overtaken by p‐PCI as the predominant procedure since 2006. New trends in the treatment of STEMI were observed, notably the use of drug‐eluting stents and radial access as the predominant approach. Palavras‐chave: Registo, Cardiologia de intervenção, Enfarte do miocárdio, Coronariografia, Angioplastia primária, Stent, Keywords: Registry, Interventional cardiology, Myocardial infarction, Coronary angiography, Primary angioplasty, Stent

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: Foi nosso objetivo estudar as tendências da intervenção coronária percutânea entre 2004‐2013 e comparar Portugal com outros países europeus. Métodos: Análise dos procedimentos coronários efetuados entre 2004‐2013 com base num registo prospetivo, multicêntrico, voluntário, doente a doente – Registo Nacional de Cardiologia de Intervenção (RNCI) da Associação Portuguesa de Intervenção Cardiovascular da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia (APIC‐SPC) – e dos dados oficiais publicados pela Direção Geral de Saúde (DGS). Resultados: Em 2013 realizaram‐se 36 810 cateterismos diagnósticos (3529 coronariografias por milhão de habitantes), representando um aumento significativo de 34% relativamente ao ano de 2007 (p

Resumo: Nomeado em conjunto pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Cirurgia Cardio‐Torácica e Vascular (SPCCTV) e pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia (SPC), o Grupo de Trabalho sobre Tempos de Espera para Cirurgia Cardíaca constituiu‐se com a missão de elaborar recomendações práticas acerca dos tempos de espera clinicamente aceitáveis para o largo espetro de patologias cardíacas do adulto que necessitam de cirurgia, ou de intervenção nas três fases críticas do seu tratamento: consulta de especialidade, ato de diagnóstico e terapêutica invasiva.A cirurgia cardíaca detém uma especificidade própria, não comparável às outras especialidades cirúrgicas e, como tal, assume‐se de especial importância a redução significativa dos seus tempos de espera máximos, assim como uma maior eficácia nos sistemas de monitorização e rastreabilidade do doente.A informação presente neste manuscrito baseou‐se, predominantemente, na informação clínica existente. A metodologia usada para estabelecer os critérios baseou‐se em estudos de história natural da doença, em estudos clínicos que compararam o tratamento médico com a intervenção, em análises retrospetivas ou prospetivas de doentes em lista de espera e na opinião de peritos ou de grupos de trabalho.Após esta primeira etapa, assinalada por esta publicação, a SPCCTV e a SPC devem ser consideradas como as interlocutoras naturais da tutela sobre esta matéria e comprometem‐se a colaborar de forma decisiva para a definição de estratégias de atuação, através da adequação da evidência clínica com a realidade e com os recursos disponíveis. Abstract: Appointed jointly by the Portuguese Society of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (SPCCTV) and the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC), the Working Group on Waiting Times for Cardiac Surgery was established with the aim of developing practical recommendations for clinically acceptable waiting times for the three critical phases of the care of adults with heart disease who require surgery or other cardiological intervention: cardiology appointments; the diagnostic process; and invasive treatment.Cardiac surgery has specific characteristics that are not comparable to other surgical specialties. It is important to reduce maximum waiting times and to increase the efficacy of systems for patient monitoring and tracking.The information in this document is mainly based on available clinical information. The methodology used to establish the criteria was based on studies on the natural history of heart disease, clinical studies comparing medical treatment with intervention, retrospective and prospective analyses of patients on waiting lists, and the opinions of experts and working groups.Following the first step, represented by publication of this document, the SPCCTV and SPC, as the bodies best suited to oversee this process, are committed to working together to define operational strategies that will reconcile the clinical evidence with the actual situation and with available resources. Palavras‐chave: Cirurgia cardíaca, Cardiologia, Diagnóstico, Listas de espera, Sistemas de saúde beveridgianos, Recomendações, Grupo de trabalho, Peritos, Consenso, Keywords: Cardiac surgery, Cardiology, Diagnosis, Waiting lists, Beveridge‐type health systems, Recommendations, Working group, Experts, Consensus

Recentemente, o Brasil aderiu ao Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, que realiza expedições científicas em todo o mundo. Isso permitiu que cientistas brasileiros pudessem participar na exploração do fundo do oceano nas imediações de uma fossa oceânica ao largo da Costa Rica. A perfuração do fundo do oceano para fins científicos foi proposta pela primeira vez em 1957 e começou na década de 60 do século XX. Em 1968, naquela que foi apenas a sua terceira expedição, o “Glomar Challenger” recuperou amostras de rochas e sedimentos dos dois lados da dorsal média-oceânica no Atlântico Sul, e revelou a expansão dos fundos oceânicos. Antes da capacidade de perfurar o fundo do oceano a grandes profundidades, os cientistas apenas tinham à sua disposição testemunhos obtidos com amostradores de tipo “pistão”. Os microfósseis obtidos a partir desses testemunhos têm permitido fazer muitas descobertas sobre as oscilações climáticas da Terra. Nas expedições realizadas atualmente pelo “JOIDES Resolution”, pelo “Chikyu”, e pelas plataformas de perfuração das missões específicas, continuam a surgir descobertas impressionantes que têm contribuído para melhorar a compreensão da história geológica do nosso planeta. Nos últimos anos, vários educadores têm acompanhado os cientistas durante as expedições, e criaram vários materiais educativos e de divulgação destinadas a estudantes e ao público em geral.

Resumo: A melhoria de parâmetros hemodinâmicos justifica o uso do balão intra‐aórtico (BIA) em doentes com enfarte agudo do miocárdio (EAM) complicado por choque cardiogénico. Esta revisão sistemática da Cochrane avaliou o potencial impacto desta intervenção na mortalidade. Foram avaliados sete ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados com um total de 790 doentes (quatro estudos utilizando a terapêutica médica como comparador e três estudos compararam o BIA com outros dispositivos de assistência ventricular). O uso de BIA não reduziu significativamente a mortalidade a curto ou a longo prazo nos doentes com EAM e choque cardiogénico. Não existe evidência que suporte o seu uso sistemático nestes doentes. Abstract: Improvement of hemodynamic parameters is the rationale for the use of intra‐aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) in patients with cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction (MI). This Cochrane systematic review evaluated the impact of this intervention in reducing mortality. Seven randomized controlled trials with a total of 790 patients were included (four using medical therapy as a comparator, and three comparing IABP with other ventricular assist devices). IABP did not reduce mortality in either the short or long term. Therefore, the systematic use of IABP in patients with cardiogenic shock following MI cannot be recommended. Palavras‐chave: Choque cardiogénico, Enfarte agudo do miocárdio, Balão intra‐aórtico, Dispositivo de assistência ventricular, Keywords: Cardiogenic shock, Myocardial infarction, Intra‐aortic balloon pump, Left ventricular assist device

Autologous mosaicplasty has been widely used for the treatment of focal, full-thickness, articular cartilage lesions of the knee and ankle joints. Commonly, the autografts are harvested from non–weight-bearing areas of the knee joint, leading to associated donor-site morbidity and representing a considerable disadvantage. This Technical Note presents a mosaicplasty procedure for harvesting autologous osteochondral plugs from the upper tibiofibular joint to repair articular cartilage defects. With this technique, it is possible to achieve low or no risk of donor-site morbidity, being therefore a safe and favorable option to treat large cartilage defects. Because of its minimal size-related restrictions, it enables harvesting larger plugs (filling an area up to 5 cm2) without any additional iatrogenic complications. Hence, mosaicplasty using the upper tibiofibular joint autografts can overcome many of the reported complications associated with osteochondral autograft harvesting. Thus, the upper tibiofibular joint articular surface should be considered as a safe and reliable autograft source for harvesting osteochondral plugs.

We describe the case of a 62-year-old female patient with bilateral subclavian vein occlusion, in whom a cardiac resynchronization system was implanted via a femoral vein. Resumo: Os autores descrevem a implantação de sistema de ressincronização ventricular por via femoral, em doente do sexo feminino, 62 anos, com oclusão bilateral da veia subclávia. Keywords: Cardiac resynchronization system, Femoral approach, Heart failure, Palavras-chave: Sistema de ressincronização ventricular, Via femoral, Insuficiência cardíaca

Resumo: Objetivos: A mortalidade na mulher após angioplastia primária (ICP‐P) é superior à do homem. Contudo, permanece contraditório o papel do sexo poder ser fator de risco independente para mortalidade no contexto de enfarte agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST (EAMST). Com base no Registo Nacional de Cardiologia de Intervenção (RNCI), pretendemos avaliar como é que o género feminino influencia o prognóstico a curto prazo nos doentes com EAMST submetidos a ICP‐P a nível nacional. Métodos: De 60 158 doentes incluídos prospetivamente no RNCI de 2002‐2012, incluímos na análise 7544 doentes com EAMST tratados por ICP‐P, dos quais 25% foram mulheres. Utilizámos modelos de regressão logística e ajustamento por propensity score para avaliar o impacto do sexo na mortalidade hospitalar. Resultados: As mulheres foram mais idosas (68 ± 14 versus 61 ± 13, p

Aims: Portugal has one of the lowest rates of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) in Western Europe. This study assessed the progress of Portuguese p-PCI performance indicators one year after Portugal joined the Stent for Life (SFL) initiative. Methods and Results: Two national surveys were carried out, each covering a period of one month: the first when Portugal joined the SFL in 2011 (Moment Zero), and the second one year later (Moment One). A total of 397 consecutive patients with probable ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were enrolled (201 at Moment Zero and 196 at Moment One) from 15 centers. During this period, the number of patients who arrived at a local hospital without p-PCI decreased (62–47%; p=0.004) and transportation to a p-PCI hospital by the National Institute for Medical Emergencies (INEM) increased significantly (13–37%; p

Introduction and Aim: Right ventricular function is a major determinant of prognosis in pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess and compare right ventricular contractile reserve in healthy subjects (controls) and in subjects with pulmonary hypertension (cases). Methods: In this prospective study of seven cases and seven controls undergoing treadmill stress echocardiography, right ventricular S-wave velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) and stroke volume index were assessed at rest and with exercise. The increase in each parameter between rest and exercise for cases and controls was analyzed and the magnitude of change in each parameter with exercise between cases and controls was compared. Results: A significant increase in S-wave velocity was observed in cases (rest: 9.4±3.1; exercise: 13.7±4.8 cm/s [p

Resumo: Introdução: Os suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios (sVRT) foram recentemente aprovados para intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) na Europa e possuem propriedades muito inovadoras. O objetivo desta declaração de posição é rever criticamente a informação e os estudos com os sVRT disponíveis e contribuir para uma reflexão científica que promova o seu uso racional com orientações estruturadas para a sua aplicação inicial em Portugal. Métodos e resultados: Foi constituído um grupo de trabalho para alcançar um consenso com base na evidência científica conhecida, na discussão de casos clínicos modelo e na experiência individual. A evidência reunida sugere que os sVRT disponíveis podem produzir uma melhoria fisiológica e clínica em doentes selecionados. Os dados relativos à sua durabilidade e segurança a longo prazo são animadores. As indicações iniciais foram agrupadas em três categorias: a) consensuais e apropriadas – jovens, diabéticos, descendente anterior, lesões longas, doença difusa; b) menos consensuais mas possíveis – lesões com pequeno colateral, síndromas coronárias agudas estabilizadas; c) inapropriadas – tronco comum, tortuosidade, calcificação grave. Conclusão: Os suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios constituem uma terapêutica válida pela evidência científica encorajadora da sua aplicabilidade, da melhoria fisiológica e clínica. Devemos privilegiar as indicações aconselhadas e adequar as técnicas de angioplastia coronária, bem como monitorizar e avaliar os resultados para evitar uma adoção inapropriada. É recomendável o desenvolvimento expedito de normas de orientação clínica pelas sociedades científicas apoiada em registos de elevada qualidade. Abstract: Background: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were recently approved for percutaneous coronary intervention in Europe. The aim of this position statement is to review the information and studies on available BVS, to stimulate discussion on their use and to propose guidelines for this treatment option in Portugal. Methods and Results: A working group was set up to reach a consensus based on current evidence, discussion of clinical case models and individual experience. The evidence suggests that currently available BVS can produce physiological and clinical improvements in selected patients. There are encouraging data on their durability and long-term safety. Initial indications were grouped into three categories: (a) consensual and appropriate - young patients, diabetic patients, left anterior descending artery, long lesions, diffuse disease, and hybrid strategy; (b) less consensual but possible - small collateral branches, stabilized acute coronary syndromes; and (c) inappropriate - left main disease, tortuosity, severe calcification. Conclusion: BVS are a viable treatment option based on the encouraging evidence of their applicability and physiological and clinical results. They should be used in appropriate indications and will require technical adaptations. Outcome monitoring and evaluation is essential to avoid inappropriate use. It is recommended that medical societies produce clinical guidelines based on high-quality registries as soon as possible. Palavras-chave: Suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios, Angioplastia coronária, Intervenção coronária percutânea, Diabetes, Stent, Keywords: Bioersorbable vascular scaffolds, Coronary angioplasty, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Diabetic, Stent

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: No laboratório de cardiologia de intervenção é possível efetuar avaliação do significado funcional de lesões coronárias com recurso à determinação da fração do fluxo de reserva coronária por guia de pressão (FFR) e assim ultrapassar uma das limitações principais da angiografia convencional.O objetivo foi analisar a evolução clínica a longo prazo de doentes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco no qual se detetaram estenoses coronárias de gravidade intermédia (50-70%) e nas quais a intervenção foi diferida com base no resultado de FFR