Introduction Lutembacher syndrome (LS) is defined by the simultaneous presence of an atrial septal defect (ASD) and mitral stenosis (MS). Although it is a rare condition, its clinical significance lies in the considerable hemodynamic impact and the potential for early progression to irreversible pulmonary hypertension (PH). The exact prevalence of LS remains unknown. However, for estimation purposes, MS is considered the most frequent manifestation of rheumatic fever (RF) in young women, and the prevalence of RF in developing countries ranges […]

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a global disease and is increasingly present in echocardiography laboratories, given the progressive rise in its prevalence with population aging. Previously diagnosed only through invasive methods, echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary pressures has become fundamental in screening and monitoring patients with PH. This topic was revisited by the American Society of Echocardiography in a new guideline published in March 2025, reinforcing the importance of echocardiography in clinical stratification, considering recent updates in the definition of PH. […]

Abstract Background: Considering that the effect of right ventricular (RV) failure on the right atrium (RA) is an essential part of the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), the assessment of RA function seems to have prognostic value in the course of the disease, but there are still few studies on this subject. Objective: To evaluate myocardial strain of the RA in patients with precapillary PH. Methods: This is an observational, longitudinal, prospective study involving 36 patients with precapillary PH, in […]

Abstract Echocardiographic assessment of preterm infants, why do it? The incidence of premature births has been increasing worldwide and already affects about 10% of live births. Extremely preterm newborns (PTNB) are at increased risk of developing pulmonary immaturity, leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH), in addition to cardiovascular immaturity and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).Hemodynamic monitoring of this population is challenging and differs from critically ill pediatric patients due to hemodynamic lability. Thus, minimal manipulation is essential to avoid complications. In this […]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex multiorgan system disease defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg. The etiologies related to pathological changes in pulmonary vasculature leading to PH are wide. Hemodynamic categorization considers precapillary PH, represented by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 3 Woods units (WU), and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure < 15 mmHg. Postcapillary PH, represented by left heart disease, involves PVR > 3 WU and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure > 15 […]

Abstract Introduction Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni, associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), causes cardiac chamber remodeling. Little is known about its long-term evolution. Objective To evaluate the alterations caused by PAH in patients with schistosomiasis and analyze the clinical and echocardiographic evolution over a period of 10 years. Methods The study included 60 patients with PAH due to schistosomiasis and 50 healthy control patients. Clinical and echocardiographic data were evaluated, including dimensions, parietal thickness, function of the right and left chambers, […]

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is recognized as a global problem in public health, characterized by the alteration in the red blood cells to the sickle form. Moreover, chronic anemia can also be observed through the change in the rheology of the red blood cells, leading to a scenario of inflammation and oxidative stress, making SCD a multisystem disease. Cardiac output (CO) proved to be high, leading to an overall increase in the heart chambers and an eccentric myocardial hypertrophy. […]