Abstract Background: The management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has advanced with the use of invasive hemodynamic markers such as cardiac power output (CPO) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI). Simultaneously, interest has grown in noninvasive prognostic indicators, especially the left ventricular outflow tract velocity–time integral (LVOT-VTI). Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between invasive and echocardiographic parameters, particularly CPO, PAPI, and LVOT-VTI, in patients with HFrEF. Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center study included inpatients and […]

Abstract Background: Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors (CMIs), including mavacamten and aficamten, represent a novel class of targeted therapies for obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (oHCM). Their effects on echocardiographic parameters and cardiopulmonary performance across Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) have not yet been systematically synthesized. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Methods: Primary echocardiographic outcomes included Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI), Interventricular Septal Thickness (IVST), E/e’ septal ratio, and […]

Abstract Background: The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has increased substantially, especially among young adults seeking aesthetic enhancement and improved physical performance. Scientific evidence demonstrates a significant association between the abuse of these substances and severe cardiovascular events, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), often occurring in individuals without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: To describe the adverse effects of AAS on the cardiovascular system and the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of AMI through the analysis of a […]

Abstract Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) may negatively influence cardiovascular prognosis, increasing the morbidity and mortality of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, the psychometric assessment of these individuals may contribute to understanding how mental health impacts the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of MDD in patients with CAD undergoing stress and rest myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using the psychometric instrument Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). As secondary objectives, to correlate quality of life (QoL) data […]

Abstract Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by echocardiography is a widely used parameter in clinical practice for the assessment of ventricular function. More recently, global longitudinal strain (GLS) has emerged as a complementary method, as has the assessment of LVEF by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). However, regional evidence evaluating the concordance among these three techniques remains limited. Objectives: To assess the concordance between echocardiographic and CMR measurements in patients treated at a cardiovascular clinic in the city of […]

Abstract Background: Traditional volumetric parameters have limitations in detecting subtle left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) allow a more sensitive assessment of ventricular mechanics. Objectives: To evaluate changes in GLS and MW indices during isometric handgrip exercise compared with resting conditions. Methods: A total of 30 healthy individuals (29.3 ± 6.1 years; 50% male) were included in the sample. Echocardiography was performed at rest and during handgrip exercise (30%-40% of maximal strength). GLS, […]

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 […]

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical and transcatheter techniques represent the two principal approaches for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Although both are widely used, comparative evidence regarding their mid-term effects on cardiac remodeling and right ventricular (RV) function remains limited. Objectives: To compare mid-term cardiac structural remodeling and right ventricular functional recovery after surgical versus transcatheter ASD closure in pediatric patients using serial color Doppler echocardiographic assessment. Additionally, to determine whether either technique leads to faster or greater improvement in right heart […]

Abstract Background Identifying atrial etiology in patients with mitral regurgitation remains challenging because the diagnosis is often established by exclusion. The use of a multivariable model may enhance diagnostic accuracy in the context of atrial functional mitral regurgitation. Objective To develop and validate a multivariable logistic regression model based on clinical and echocardiographic characteristics to predict atrial functional mitral regurgitation. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients with significant mitral regurgitation diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. The dataset was randomly divided into […]