Background Defects affecting the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) are considered major congenital heart defects accounting for 6 out of 10,000 live births. Subaortic stenosis accounts for approximately 1% of all congenital heart defects and 15% to 20% of all LVOT obstruction defects. Subaortic membrane stenosis (SMS) is the most common type of subaortic stenosis, although it is a rare condition scarcely reported in the medical literature., Previous studies have reported its association in some cases with other congenital heart […]

Abstract Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing refers to a set of methods used to create solid 3D objects, based on digital files. The use of 3D models can improve understanding and knowledge about congenital heart diseases. Their usefulness has been demonstrated in preoperative planning, simulation of interventional procedures, and in surgical decision-making. The objective of this study is to offer a review of the literature on the various rapid prototyping methods and their applicability in medical practice, especially in congenital heart […]

Abstract Congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries is a potentially lethal disease, especially in young people. Currently, non-invasive cardiovascular imaging tests have shown better definition of the origin and course of the coronary arteries. Surgical treatment should be indicated in symptomatic patients, while the ideal management of asymptomatic patients remains controversial. We report a case of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right coronary sinus with an interarterial course, in an asymptomatic patient treated with revascularization surgery.

Abstract Echocardiography is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Assessing left ventricle diastolic function is a major challenge, and several well-known ultrasound techniques, such as pulsed Doppler for mitral flow, tissue Doppler, and myocardial strain, are used to non-invasively estimate left atrial filling pressure. Although widely available, this approach has several limitations and does not truly represent the intrinsic properties of the cardiac muscle. However, cardiac elastography can be studied non-invasively by estimating myocardial stiffness through shear […]

A 59-year-old female patient, with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, was referred to a tertiary care service for investigation of an irritating, non-productive cough that had onset two months prior. She denied symptoms of reflux or postprandial stuffiness, as well as nasal congestion or signs of allergic rhinitis. She denied smoking, alcohol consumption, and contact with individuals with tuberculosis and did not report previous pneumonic events.   […]

Introduction Papillary fibroelastoma (PF) is a rare, benign primary cardiac neoplasm, initially described as an incidental finding in autopsies or surgeries, and ranks third among the most common cardiac tumors. It mainly affects the heart valves, accounting for 75% of all tumors in this region and is often diagnosed incidentally. Its clinical presentation can vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to situations in which systemic embolization occurs, caused by adherent thrombi as well as by fragmentation of the tumor itself. […]

The experience as president of the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (DIC/SBC) for the 2022/23 administration was enriching. I am immensely thankful and have no complaints. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people, visit spectacular places, participate in brilliant discussions, and so much more… […]

Dear colleagues, We have reached the end of the 2022-2023 administration with great joy and fulfillment regarding our journal, ABC Imagem Cardiovascular. Over the past two years, there has been a significant effort by the directors of the Cardiovascular Imaging Department (DIC) to constantly grow our journal and make progress with indexations. This required everyone involved, including editors, reviewers, and especially authors who submitted incredible papers on all subjects, to demonstrate unwavering commitment to this cause. […]

Introduction Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, is a condition whose pathophysiology is not well established, but which results from multiple factors that act synergistically in a setting of stress perception and cardiocirculatory response. It was first described in 1990, and the disproportionate and excessive increase in serum catecholamines is known to play a central role in its pathogenesis by favoring the occurrence of complications. Although rare, TTS deserves attention due to its inherent […]

Abstract Introduction: Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) is considered to occur if a prosthetic heart valve has a high transvalvular pressure gradient and a reduced indexed valve area, despite normally functioning discs. PPM may have clinical and hemodynamic repercussions for patients. Objective: To analyze the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of PPM in patients with prosthetic aortic valves. Methods: Patients aged 18 years or over with a biological or mechanical aortic valve undergoing follow-up since February 2010 were included. PPM was considered mild […]

Abstract Sarcoidosis is a systemic condition, of unclear etiology, associated with the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas in several organs, and thoracic involvement in 90% of the cases. Cardiac impairment is detected in approximately 10% of the patients, reaching 25% in autopsy studies. It is in charge of about half the deaths in patients with sarcoidosis, and an important prognostic factor. Interventricular septum and the left ventricle free wall are the most affected regions, especially in the subepicardial portion. The development […]

Abstract Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a pathological condition common to several primary and secondary heart diseases. Diffuse MF is a common feature in nearly all heart diseases, playing a crucial role in the progression of heart failure (HF). Several studies have indicated that the existence of MF serves as a prognostic factor for adverse outcomes across a range of heart conditions, underscoring the significance of this factor in clinical settings. Consequently, diagnostic approaches for MF, whether in subclinical phases or […]

Abstract Mitral regurgitation is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and surgical mitral valve repair continues to be the treatment of choice when feasible. We use three-dimensional echocardiography associated with three-dimensional printing to create surgical models that allow trainees to practice or improve surgical techniques in order to improve the outcomes of surgical repairs, contributing to more advanced medical training.

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 Chagas disease is recognized as a global public health issue, capable of causing cardiac, digestive, and neurological manifestations. The echocardiogram is a fundamental complementary exam in assessing patients with cardiac involvement, evaluating various parameters of cardiac structure and function. This review aims to discuss the use of three-dimensional echocardiography in analyzing ventricular function in patients with Chagas disease.

Abstract Background: Ultrasonography has been increasingly used in teaching basic medicine. The simultaneous observation of the echocardiographic image and the electrocardiogram allows students to understand the physiological process of the heart and its function within the cardiovascular system. Objective: Evaluate the acquisition and retention of knowledge among medical students during the study of cardiac anatomy and physiology through the use of echocardiography. Methods: Thirty-four (34) students in the third semester took a pre-test (assessment 1) consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions, […]

Introduction The prevalence of anomalous chordae in the aortic valve is rare in clinical practice. These anomalies, although uncommon, can have significant clinical implications, including valve insufficiency, arrhythmias and/or embolic risk. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of its pathophysiology are essential for adequate patient management. The uncommon nature of anomalous chordae in the aortic valve means that their presence can often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. Medical literature presents few reports on these structures of probable embryonic origin, leaving gaps in clinical […]

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly named February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This date has been celebrated since 2016, with the aims of raising awareness of women’s excellence in science and reminding the international community that science and gender equality must advance hand in hand. Data from the United Nations and UNESCO indicate that women represent less than 30% of researchers worldwide and demonstrate how barriers and underrepresentation of women and girls still […]

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and their clinical management is complicated by 3 main pathophysiological factors: a) a long onset period, often decades before a clinical event; b) a silent clinical course; and c) a multifactorial and heterogeneous pathogenesis among different population subgroups. Coronary CT angiography is the best available tool for diagnosing and phenotyping coronary artery disease, whether obstructive or non-obstructive. This allows early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease, which is essential for […]

Transesophageal echocardiography is a fundamental diagnostic method for evaluating complex heart diseases. It provides essential data for therapeutic definition and, in some cases, assists in evaluation of percutaneous or surgical interventions. Transesophageal echocardiography exams are performed on outpatients or inpatients, who might be in wards, intensive care units, or even in surgery, with heterogeneous scenarios that need to be individually assessed, not only regarding the exam routine, but also always following precise clinical indications, weighing the risks and benefits for […]