Abstract Background: Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR) is defined by mitral annular dilation and functional alterations without structural impairment of the leaflets or subvalvular apparatus. It is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality, being often characterized as an exclusion diagnosis due to the absence of more precise diagnostic criteria. Therefore, it is crucial to identify markers that distinguish it from other Mitral Regurgitation (MR) types. Objective: To assess the accuracy of the intercommissural diameter of the mitral annulus and its value […]

Abstract Background: The Noonan syndrome (NS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by manifestations such as short stature, a webbed neck, micrognathia, and hypertelorism. Although NS predisposes to cardiac disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), it has only rarely been associated with noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM), an embryonic anomaly defined by excessive trabeculation and formation of deep myocardial recesses. The clinical presentation of NCCM ranges from asymptomatic to severe thromboembolic events. This study aims to describe cardiovascular changes and outcomes in […]

Abstract Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) leads to abnormal myocardial structure and function in the absence of cardiac risk factors. Screening in the pre-clinical phase is not well established. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been measured as an important echocardiography parameter in asymptomatic patients. Objective: To describe the presence of early parameters of DCM in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without cardiovascular disease and to compare results against 2 control groups (CT groups). Methods: A total of 58 patients were […]

Abstract Background: The rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly improved lung cancer outcomes; however, there is a lack of response prediction protocols. Furthermore, preclinical studies have indicated a promising association between metformin, β-blockers (BBs), and improved cancer patient outcomes. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate metformin’s impact on survival outcomes. The secondary objectives included assessing myocardial FDG uptake variation (change in standardized uptake value [ΔSUV]) during ICI treatment and evaluating the effects of smoking, […]

Abstract Background: Transthyretin (TTR) amyloid cardiomyopathy associated with the VAL142Ile variant typically presents in patients in their sixth or seventh decades of life. It is among the most common hereditary forms of cardiac amyloidosis. This study aims to characterize the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features observed in patients with the VAL142Ile variant, contributing to a deeper understanding of the phenotypic expression of this genetic variant. Method: Cross-sectional study of 31 patients diagnosed with HF due to transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) VAL142IIe. […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular involvement in COVID-19 has been extensively studied. Echocardiography is an important technique in identifying cardiac involvement, serving as an excellent tool for prognostic variables. Objectives: Analyze the prognostic impact of speckle tracking in analyzing the left ventricle in patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU underwent an echocardiographic examination within the first 48 hours of hospitalization and were divided into two groups according to hospital outcome […]

Abstract Background: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a malformation of the heart and/or great vessels and is the third leading cause of neonatal death. It can be detected in utero by Morphological Ultrasound/Morphology Scan (MUS) and confirmed by Fetal Echocardiography (FE). Objective: This study aims to determine whether heart disease identified by MUS in pregnant women at a maternal referral center in a southern Brazilian city is confirmed by FE. Methods: This observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted from […]

Abstract Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the traditional parameter for assessing cardiac function, but it has limitations in the early detection of dysfunction. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) are promising alternatives, the latter being less influenced by load conditions. The calculation of MW depends on valvular event times (VET), obtained by methods that may generate divergent results. Objectives: To compare the impact of different methods of VET measurement – visual analysis (VA), tissue Doppler imaging […]

Abstract Background: Although it is frequently a benign condition, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) may be associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), a condition known as arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (AMVP). Objectives: To present diverse manifestations of AMVP by means of clinical cases that illustrate these patients’ symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter, transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) findings and to discuss the decisions made in relation to different clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective, […]

Abstract Introduction The “DIC Mulheres” working group was created to research and discuss the role of women working in cardiovascular imaging in Brazil. Objectives: to map the challenges faced by women in the Cardiovascular Imaging Department of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (DIC-SBC) in managing their careers and families. Methods A questionnaire with 29 questions on careers and family was made available between March and April 2024, inviting women from DIC-SBC to participate anonymously. The questions addressed age, medical training, […]