Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) systolic diastolic function is prognostic in cardiovascular diseases and can be assessed via global longitudinal strain (GLS) on echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). However, GLS by CMR requires the use of expensive software. Longitudinal linear displacement (LLD) may be a simple and inexpensive alternative to GLS, but the two have not been systematically compared. Objective To compare LLD with GLS and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in aortic valve disease patients and controls. Methods We […]

Abstract Background: The combination of doxorubicin (DOX) with paclitaxel (PTX) effectively treats breast cancer (BC). However, DOX-associated cardiotoxicity (CTX) is aggravated by the use of PTX. Consensus is lacking about which drug sequence involves the most CTX. Objectives: To evaluate whether DOX followed by PXT or the reverse sequence has the greatest cardiotoxic potential in the treatment of BC. Methods: Prospective study of women with primary BC who received four cycles of DOX and 12 infusions of PTX. Participants were […]

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the greatest risk factor for coronary artery disease. In addition to a long duration of diabetes, the presence of peripheral arterial disease and smoking are strong predictors of abnormalities on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). This study aimed to assess the impact of risk factors in diabetic patients on MPS results and compare them with those of non-diabetic patients in a nuclear medicine clinic. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed through the analysis of the medical […]

Abstract Background: Pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) can be used as a parameter in the evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and aids left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) analyses. Objective: To assess whether there is a correlation between PAAT and LVDF parameters in individuals with a preserved left ventricular systolic function and by sex, age, and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. One hundred nineteen patients were selected (59 women [49.6%]). The subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography including measurements of PAAT, E […]

Abstract Introduction: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and mitral annular systolic excursion are parameters used to assess the systolic function of the right ventricle and left ventricle, respectively. Little is known about its relationship with left ventricular diastolic function. Objective: To assess whether the values of mitral annular systolic excursion and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion correlate with parameters used in the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. Method: Observational cross-sectional study. Two hundred nine individuals were selected, 116 women, […]

Abstract Background Elevation of left ventricular filling pressures secondary to diastolic dysfunction plays a central role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, international guidelines still fail to diagnose diastolic dysfunction in some cases. Objective To evaluate left atrial reservoir function in indeterminate diastolic function Method Observational study with individuals in sinus rhythm and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, submitted to echocardiogram and divided into three groups according to the combined analysis of E/e´ ratio and indexed left atrium volume: […]

Abstract Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic functions influence the outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. However, right chamber size and function have not been uniformly assessed by age and sex. Objective: To evaluate RV diastolic function by age and sex in an outpatient population with preserved left ventricular (LV) and RV systolic function using transthoracic echocardiography. Method: This observational cross-sectional study included a total of 97 patients (56 women) aged 61.5 ± 12.5 years. The assessed parameters included RV E/A […]

Abstract Background Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may play a crucial role in the evaluation of cardiac manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective We aimed to report the prevalence of the main echocardiographic abnormalities of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods We performed a prospective multicenter observational study in patients with COVID-19 who underwent TTE during hospitalization. Patients with pre-existing heart failure, coronary artery disease, or atrial fibrillation were categorized as having previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical and echocardiographic data about cardiac structure […]

Abstract Introduction The Echo WISELY Trial is a controlled randomized multicenter investigator-blinded study that evaluated an educational intervention based on the criteria for appropriate use of echocardiography to reduce the proportion of rarely appropriate outpatient echocardiograms performed. Objective To describe the prevalence and identify predictors of the responsiveness of responding physicians subjected to an educational intervention in the Echo WISELY Trial. Methods The intervention group physicians received a multifaceted educational program. A responding physician was defined as one who had […]

Abstract Background Chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with serious cardiovascular complications such as heart failure. The left ventricular ejection fraction is the main parameter used to assess systolic function in these patients. However, the occurrence of diastolic dysfunction may precede that of systolic dysfunction. Objectives To evaluate left ventricle diastolic and systolic functions in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy using anthracyclines. Methods This observational, longitudinal, analytical, and prospective study included 62 women with breast cancer aged 21–75 years […]