Abstract Backgound Outpatient assessment of pulmonary congestion in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) can minimize hospitalizations due to decompensation and optimize the use of diuretics. Objective To compare the remote dielectric sensor (REDS), a validated device for detecting pulmonary extravascular fluid, with clinical parameters, transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and lung ultrasound (ULSP). Methods We included 38 patients from heart failure clinic (63±12 years; 21 men). All were submitted within 24 hours to clinical evaluation with description of […]

Abstract Background: Intense continuous exercise provokes adaptive remodeling phenotypes in athletes, the parameters of which can be evaluated through conventional echocardiography and myocardial deformation. We compared myocardial remodeling in female athletes (athlete group) with sedentary women of the same age range (control group) and between older and younger athletes. Methods: A total of 57 female soccer players and 25 healthy sedentary women were selected. The athlete group was subdivided into a main group and those under 17 years of age […]

Abstract Introduction Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) are shown to be a predictive factor of cardiovascular diseases. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with a low-dose acquisition protocol is accurate in identifying CAC and provides incidental findings of these calcifications, which are commonly overlooked. This study will analyze the prevalence of incidental findings of calcification in coronary arteries in non-cardiac individuals undergoing chest CT. Methods Consecutive cross-sectional study of an analytical and descriptive nature. Individuals of both genders who underwent chest […]

Abstract Background The evaluation of mitral valve area through multiplanar reconstruction in 3-dimensional echocardiography is restricted to specific software and to the experience of echocardiographers. They need to manually select the video frame that contains the maximum mitral valve opening area, as this dimension is fundamental to identification of mitral stenosis. Objective To automate the process of determining the maximum mitral valve opening area, through the application of digital image processing (DIP) in echocardiography tests, developing an open algorithm with […]

Abstract Background: Echocardiography is part of the routine investigation of most heart diseases. However, its operator-dependent nature and the quality of the image obtained can cause significant variability in measurements and impair their interpretation. The method has advanced on its path of standardization and incorporation of new technologies in an attempt to reduce its deficiencies. Recently, part of this advancement was due to the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI). Objectives: The objective of this work was to investigate the use […]

Abstract Background Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (ChC) is an important complication among patients receiving anthracyclines. Biomarkers and imaging parameters have been studied for their ability to identify patients at risk of developing ChC. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) is a sensitive parameter for detecting systolic dysfunction despite the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Objective To evaluate the role of the LV-GLS as a predictor of ChC. Methods This was a post-hoc analysis of the Carvedilol for Prevention of […]

Abstract Introduction The assessment of global myocardial work indices under baseline conditions may be useful for the clinical stratification of patients with suspected coronary obstruction. Objective To correlate the value of global myocardial work indices and the presence of significant obstructive coronary lesions. Method Cross-sectional study, with patients referred for elective coronary angiography. An echocardiogram was performed to obtain measurements to calculate the value of myocardial work and evaluated the presence or presence of significant obstructive coronary lesions at coronary […]

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a serious clinical condition, can lead to right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) with prognostic implications. Patients with suspected PH should undergo transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for diagnosis and evaluation as the main screening and follow-up exam. Objective To verify the associations of and agreement between measurements of mean pressure in the right atrium (RA) and RVSD with TTE Method Individuals diagnosed with PH were included. All patients underwent TTE and RCC. The following were evaluated by […]

Abstract Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune tissue connective disease that courses with fibrosis and microvascular dysfunction. Involvement of the visceral organs, including the lungs and heart, is the main cause of death among patients with SSc. In this context, here we analyzed the relationship between right ventricle (RV) parameters assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography and lung involvement in patients with SSc. Methods Patients fulfilling the 2013 SSc Classification Criteria underwent tissue Doppler echocardiography for the assessment of left […]

Abstract Background Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC), heart failure (HF) and worsening left atrial function (LAF). Patients with DC and FMR may present left atrial dysfunction resulting from both ventricular dysfunction and valve disease, but it is unknown whether the presence of valve disease will lead to greater LAF impairment. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LAF parameters and FMR degree in patients with DC. Methods This cross-sectional observational study included 214 […]