Abstract Background Dyspnoea is a common clinical symptom that frequently prompts hospital admission and is associated with significant morbidity. While it most often results from prevalent cardiopulmonary conditions, rare congenital cardiovascular anomalies can also manifest with dyspnoea. Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (PAPVC) and Coronary Artery Fistulas (CAFs) are uncommon congenital malformations of the cardiovascular system, and their simultaneous presence is exceedingly rare. Early recognition of such anomalies is critical to avoid progressive hemodynamic compromise and to guide appropriate management […]

Introduction Aneurysms of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are a rare occurrence in the cardiovascular system and can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. In many cases, patients remain asymptomatic, which makes diagnosis difficult. Venous aneurysms are defined as an abnormal and persistent dilation of a vein in a specific area, with a diameter at least twice that considered normal. An IVC aneurysm is a specific type of venous aneurysm. This case report is relevant because this condition […]

Abstract Background: Echocardiography plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite prior investigation in the literature, studies focusing on cardiovascular manifestations among patients from the Brazilian Legal Amazon region remain scarce. Objectives: To identify cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 in patients admitted to a hospital in the North Region of Brazil and their potential association with mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 25 medical records of adults diagnosed with COVID-19. These […]

Abstract Background: The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score has been proposed as an ultrasonographic method for assessing systemic venous congestion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the relationship between VExUS and the biomarker N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) remains unclear in literature. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between the VExUS score and serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with ADHF. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 117 patients hospitalized with ADHF. Systemic venous congestion was assessed using the […]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has become the most common inherited myocardial disease, with an estimated global prevalence between 1:200 and 1:500. Despite its relatively high frequency in the general population, the disease remains significantly underdiagnosed. Only about 15% of affected individuals are clinically identified, due mainly to the wide variability of phenotypes and clinical manifestations., Slightly more than half of patients may develop progressive symptoms or experience adverse events throughout their lifetime. Early identification, risk stratification, and cardiovascular therapies and interventions […]

Abstract Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that primarily involves the aorta and its major branches and predominantly affects women of reproductive age. We report the case of a woman who experienced an ischemic stroke at age 20 and a transient ischemic attack at age 53, with TA diagnosed only after the second cerebrovascular event. Although ischemic stroke is an uncommon initial manifestation of TA, early recognition and timely management are essential to prevent further complications and improve […]

Abstract Constrictive Pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon but potentially curable condition, typically presenting with right-sided heart failure and impaired ventricular filling. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a structured approach that integrates various cardiovascular imaging modalities. This article offers a practical guide, based on evidence and clinical experience, for the step-by-step recognition of Constrictive Pericarditis, highlighting echocardiographic findings.

Introduction Over the past decade, nuclear cardiology has undergone a profound transformation.– What was once primarily a diagnostic tool focused on ischemia detection has evolved into a comprehensive platform for physiological understanding, risk stratification, and precision cardiovascular care.,- In this context, the field has shifted from simply identifying disease to elucidating its underlying mechanisms, echoing Marie Curie’s insight that “nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” The year 2025 did not stand out for […]

Abstract Fundamento: Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare form of infiltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of proteins in the myocardium, resulting in increased wall thickness, impaired ventricular function, and possible progression to heart failure. Diagnosis is challenging due to the low prevalence of the disease and the nonspecific nature of its clinical manifestations. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to the analysis of medical tests emerges as a promising strategy for early detection, more accurate diagnosis, and timely initiation of […]

ABSTRACT Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a potentially severe manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis, associated with advanced atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. Diagnosis remains challenging due to phenotypic variability and the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. Advances in imaging techniques, especially the combination of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18F-FDG and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), have revolutionized the diagnostic approach and therapeutic monitoring of CS. This article reviews current concepts of CS and its diagnosis, with […]