Introduction Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valve disease and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Echocardiography is the first-line method for its diagnosis, quantification of severity, prognosis, and determination of intervention timing. The association of maximum velocity (Vmax) ≥ 4m/s, aortic valve area (AVA) ≤ 1.0 cm², and mean gradient (MG) ≥ 40 mmHg defines the diagnosis of classic severe AS. However, MG and AVA are discrepant (AVA ≤ 1.0 cm², MG < 40 mmHg) [...]

Introduction Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process that affects the fibrous structure supporting the mitral valve. It is present in 8–15% of the general population; however, its prevalence can reach 40% in older people and 50% in patients with chronic kidney disease. Although it was previously classified as a degenerative pathophysiology associated with age or calcium metabolism, other etiological factors have been suggested, such as atherosclerotic disease and its risk factors (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking), […]

Echocardiographic assessment of anderson-fabry disease Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a rare lysosomal inborn metabolism error due to changes to the long arm of the X chromosome that result in deficiencies of the alpha-galactosidase enzyme, which is responsible for metabolizing glycosphingolipids. Systemic presentations result from the accumulation of these substances in the cells of organs such as the heart, central and peripheral nervous system, kidneys, eyes, skin, and others. This heart disease, which resembles a sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenocopy, is a […]

Echocardiographic assessment of PH probability Echocardiographic PH probability can be classified as low, intermediate, or high. This categorization is based on the assessment of peak tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity and the presence of indirect signs suggestive of increased pulmonary vascular bed pressure ( ). , Peak TR velocity is the key criterion and should be measured by continuous-wave Doppler during smooth respiration according to the following recommendations: , – ( ). […]

Introduction Muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of heterogeneous diseases genetically determined and characterized by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. Mutations in genes encoding muscle fiber proteins lead to the development of MD. MD types vary by deficient protein, each with its natural history and characteristic clinical presentation. As with other clinical aspects, cardiac involvement is also quite variable. , This article will review the most important aspects of the clinical-echocardiographic follow-up of MD types frequently associated with cardiomyopathies, including […]

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 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 Chagas disease represents an important public health problem, especially in endemic countries in Latin America. Chronic cardiomyopathy is its most frequent clinical presentation. Myocardial involvement has a multifactorial pathogenesis and can lead to heart failure, thromboembolic events, arrhythmias, and sudden death. In this context, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is an excellent noninvasive method for investigating myocardial damage and understanding the mechanisms and consequences of these injuries. CMR has high spatial resolution and tissue characterization capacity, enabling a highly […]

Introduction Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE), also known as marantic or verrucous endocarditis, is a form of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) that involves the presence of sterile vegetations in the heart valves. These vegetations may be associated with malignancy, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and although they are more commonly found in the mitral and aortic valves, other valves may be involved. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion when evaluating specific populations. […]

Abstract Background Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare, and a correct diagnosis is essential to planning the most appropriate treatment. Objective To demonstrate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up of cardiac fibroma. Case report Female 21-year-old patient with a myocardial mass detected on echocardiogram. CMR confirmed a diagnosis of cardiac fibroma. The patient chose to be followed up, and her condition remained stable after six years. Discussion Cardiac fibromas are the second most […]

Introduction Double aortic arch is the main cause of vascular ring in cardiovascular surgical case series records. This rare anomaly, caused by the non-involution of one of the embryonic aortic arches, is a challenge for the pediatric echocardiographer, often requiring other imaging methods such as computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance. This case report aimed to systematize echocardiographic findings to help diagnose double aortic arch. […]

Introduction After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), some cases progress with deep T wave inversions on electrocardiogram (ECG). This electrocardiographic abnormality can continue for a prolonged period, even if a coronary intervention within a short time of AMI progression results in successful myocardial reperfusion. However, these deep T wave inversions can raise management questions when the patient is already being followed up in an outpatient clinic, particularly in the absence of relevant symptoms to support the resurgence of an ischemic process. […]

A 49-year-old woman presented with a progressive history of bilateral buttock and calf intermittent claudication, reaching a walking distance of 10 m. She was a smoker and had hypertension. She had no history of venous thrombosis, leg edema, varicose veins, or signs of chronic venous disease. Her femoral pulses were absent. Computed tomography angiography showed occlusion of the infrarenal aorta with recanalization of both iliac arteries. Interestingly, the right common iliac artery compressed the left common iliac vein, which was […]

Intermittent mechanical prosthesis dysfunction is a rare and potentially serious complication1 – 4 that can affect prostheses in the aortic5 or mitral position. It causes obstruction or intermittent central regurgitation depending on the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the disk becomes stuck.3 The most common cause of this dysfunction is pannus formation,3 , 4 which may also occur due to thrombosis, mitral subvalvular tissue, suture material, vegetations, ventricular myocardium,3 or mechanical failure.2 Left untreated, transient mobility loss leads […]