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Biomedical subjects

F Pileggi

Publications and source records attributed to F Pileggi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[The relationship between conventional ECG and the culprit coronary artery in acute myocardial infarct].

PURPOSE: To evaluate electrocardiogram (ECG) in detecting acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the first 12 hours of symptoms and its relationship to the culprit coronary artery. METHODS: We studied 68 patients aged 55.6 (30 to 76) years, 61 males, with AMI confirmed by elevated CKMB isoenzyme and cinecoronariography (CINE). In all of them we obtained two ECG: first (i), with < 12 hours of symptoms and a second, > or = 5 days during evolution. ECG were analyzed in order to disclose up and downward ST-T segments > or = 1 mm, new Q waves > or = 0.04 s and R/S > or = 1 plus downward ST-T segment in leads V1 and V2. Then we have done correlation between these and the culprit coronary lesions at CINE. RESULTS: The culprit coronary lesions were: right coronary artery (RCA) in 16, left circumflex (LC) in 26 and left anterior descending (LAD) in 31 cases. According to the ECG, the RCA determined inferior AMI in all patients and the LC only in 62% of cases. Posterior AMI due to LC was seen in 81% of cases at ECG and, associated with lateral AMI, in 52%. Lone lateral AMI was seen in 5% and true posterior in 14% of cases, all of them due to LC. CONCLUSION: False negative ECG (i) in AMI is in fact due to LC occlusion which, frequently, causes posterior wall more then inferior wall myocardial infarction at ECG.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The pseudo-pacemaker syndrome].

We describe three cases of the pseudo-pacemaker syndrome. One of them due to selective fast pathway fulguration of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and two others have occurred in spontaneous form. All cases were related with the presence of first-degree atrioventricular block and sinus node tachycardia. The treatment was done with complete atrioventricular block induction catheter ablation and permanent pacemaker implantation in two patients. In conclusion, the procedure of radiofrequency ablation to control AV nodal reentry tachycardia must preserve the fast nodal pathway in order to avoid the pseudo-pacemaker syndrome and this syndrome can spontaneously occur and must be considered during investigation of etiology of syncope.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The role of hypertrophy and left ventricular function on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in arterial hypertension].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular systolic function an other clinical parameters on prevalence and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias in hypertension. METHODS: Ventricular arrhythmias were studied in 39 hypertensives by 24 hours ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Frequency and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias were compared among 3 groups: A and B, respectively without and with LVH, both with normal left ventricular function; and C with LVH and systolic dysfunction. LVH and systolic dysfunction were established echocardiographically. Linear regression analysis was performed in order to identify an independent correlation between clinical parameters and presence of arrhythmias. RESULTS: Group C patients were older and had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, greater mass index, diastolic posterior wall thickness and end-systolic stress and increased prevalence of electrocardiographic strain. Left ventricular diastolic diameter in C group patients was increased only when compared to A group. Frequencies of cases with more than 10 ectopic ventricular beats/hour, pairs and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia episodes were all significantly increased in C when compared to B and to A. However, only left ventricular mass index or diastolic posterior wall thickness identified independently patients with ventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular hypertrophy is the main predictor of potential high risk rhythm disturbances in hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Radiofrequency catheter ablation of type I atrial flutter].

PURPOSE: To verify the efficacy and safety of the creation of a barrier with radiofrequency (RF) in the tricuspid annulus and the vena cava ostium (TA-IVC). METHODS: Nine consecutive patients, 7 males, with age ranging from 36 to 76 years, with paroxysmal (7 patients) or permanent (2) type I atrial flutter (negative P wave in lead II, III and F) were submitted to RF ablation of TA-IVC istmo. One deflectable catheter with 4mm size tip was introduced into the right ventricle apex and pulled back to the inferior vena cava. When the atrial electrogram was detected the RF application was started. The RF was applied (20 watts during 60s) up to the proximity of inferior vena cava ostium. The end point was to stop atrial flutter. Then a vigorous atrial stimulation protocol, including isoproterenol infusion was used. In the next day, patients were submitted to transesophageal stimulation with the same protocol. RESULTS: Atrial flutter was interrupted in all patients (100%) with 4 to 28 (mean 16.7 +/- 7.7) applications. Eight patients (88.8%) with one session and 1 (11.1%) with two sessions. The mean time spent to stop the atrial flutter with one application was 30.5 +/- 18.5s. There were no complications. After a mean follow up of 3 +/- 1.6 month all patients (100%) are asymptomatic. Two of them are taking propranolol to control symptomatic atrial and ventricular ectopic beats. CONCLUSION: RF ablation of the TA-IVC istmo is efficient and safe in a short term follow up to interrupt and prevent re-induction and recurrence of type I atrial flutter.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Acute liver failure secondary to cardiogenic shock in patients with congestive heart failure].

Fulminant hepatic failure is a complication of severe cardiocirculatory failure, with high morbidity and mortality, and is frequently misdiagnosed as fulminant viral hepatitis. We report three cases of patients with chronic severe heart failure who developed cardiogenic shock complicated by elevation of aminotransferase levels above 1,000 soon after the most severe episode of hypotension. All the three patients presented regression of hepatic enzymes 72h after admission. Two patients developed hepatic encephalopathy and renal failure. One underwent the implantation of an artificial left ventricle, followed by orthotopic heart transplantation. One died of systemic multiple organ failure, after he had showed improvement on his hepatic profile, and one was sent to the ward, after 15 days with marked improvement on his clinical status and no signs of hepatic disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Role of blood pressure in rest and exercise conditions and importance of clinical factors in left ventricular hypertrophy in arterial hypertension].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of casual and exercise blood pressure as well as the importance of clinical factors on the presence and degree of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension. METHODS: Fifteen normotensives (control group) and 30 hypertensives, 14 of them with and 16 without left ventricular hypertrophy (groups with LVH and without LVH, respectively) were studied. LVH diagnosis was established when mass index was higher than 2 standard-deviations of the mean values calculated for each sex in control group. Resting, casual determined, and bicycle exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures along with age, body surface area, sex and race distribution were compared between groups. In addiction, their relation with mass index as independent variables were also tested. RESULTS: Hypertensives in group with LVH had higher diastolic septal, posterior wall, and relative wall thicknesses. No significant statistical difference was observed neither in sex and race distribution, nor in age and body surface area between groups. Otherwise, there were significant differences in both resting and exercise blood pressure. In the entire population studied, left ventricular mass index significantly correlated with age (r=0,33, p=0,03) as well as with both casual (systolic - r=0,72, p=0,0001; diastolic - r=0,69, p=0,0001) and exercise (systolic - r=0,62, p=0,0001; diastolic - r=0,66, p=0,0001) blood pressures. However, linear regression analysis demonstrated that only resting systolic (p=0,0001) and exercise diastolic (p=0,0303) blood pressures were significant and independent determinants of mass index. CONCLUSION: Resting and exercising blood pressures are the main determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Cardiopulmonary exercise test in the evaluation of healthy elderly men].

PURPOSE: To study methodological aspects and results of cardiopulmonary exercise tests in elderly. METHODS: Twenty-five men (mean age 65 +/- 5 years) performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test using a bicycle ergometer and a progressive continuous work load increase protocol was employed. A computadorized system (2001 CAD/Net System-MGC), which includes a gas analyser and a pneumotacograph, was used for on line monitoring of oxygen and carbon dioxide expired fraction and also of pulmonary flow. RESULTS: We observed the following values of oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation and respiratory gas exchange: rest=4 +/- 1 ml/kg-1/min-1, 11 +/- 2 l/min-1 and 0.80 +/- 0,1, respectively: anaerobic threshold=12 +/- 3 ml/kg-1/min-1, 29 +/- 6 l/min-1 and 0.90 +/- 0.1, respectively: respiratory compensation point=18 +/- 4ml/kg-1/min-1, 47 +/- 1 l/min-1 and 1.07 +/- 0.1, respectively, and peak of exercise = 13 +/- 5 ml/kg-1/min-1, 76 +/- 18 l/min-1 and 1.21 +/- 0.2, respectively. The anaerobic threshold and the respiratory compensation point were achieved at 53 +/- 11 and 77 +/- 9% of peak oxygen uptake respectively. The elderly shown slightly increased values of the relation volume dead/tidal volume at rest with a slightly smaller decrease of its values during exercise in comparison to data obtained from young healthy untrained subjects. The heart rate prescription for exercise based on the heart rate reserve was higher than that based on the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses (113-126bpm vs 96-114bpm). CONCLUSION: The cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses pattern in the elderly is quite heterogeneous. The heart rate prescription for exercise based on conventional stress tests seems to overestimate cardiorespiratory and metabolic capacity in healthy elderly men. The determination of anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensation point from cardiopulmonary exercise test data optimize exercise prescription for healthy elderly men.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Hemodynamic behavior of the right ventricle in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction: comparison between patients with and without cardiogenic shock].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hemodynamic profile of patients (pts) with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (AMI) and dysfunction of right ventricle (RV). METHODS: Ninety nine consecutive pts (aged 56.6 +/- 3.4 years), 47 men, with inferior AMI and RV dysfunction were studied. RV infarction was diagnosed based on ST segment elevation (> lmm) in precordial V4R lead and RV abnormalities found in echocardiography. All pts were undergone to bedside hemodynamic studies, by measuring mean right atrial (RAP), pulmonary artery (PAP), wedge pulmonary (PWP), and radial artery (AP) pressures and cardiac output (CO). Cardiac index (CI), pulmonary (PAR) and systemic arterial resistance (SAR) were calculated in dynes x sec x cm-5. Left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and RV-EF were obtained by contrast ventriculography. Cardiogenic shock was diagnosed based on AP < or = 70 mmHg, RAP > or = 7 mmHg, PWP < or = 20mm Hg, CI < or = 1.8l/min/m2 and oliguria. Pts were then subdivided in 2 groups: with cardiogenic shock (group A, n = 41) with a mean age of 55.4 +/- 2.1 and without shock (group B, n = 58) with a mean age of 57.2 +/- 1.7. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups regarding RAP, PWP, AP and LVEF were observed, but compared to group B, group A had lower CI (1.3 +/- 0.3 vs 2.6 +/- 0.5 l/min/m2, p < 0.05), higher SVR (2314 +/- 252 vs 1324 +/- 324 dynes.sec.cm-5, p < 0.01), and lower RVEF (0.27 +/- 0.08 vs 0.41 +/- 0.11%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pts with inferior AMI and RV dysfunction, cardiogenic shock depends on of RV failure and is independent of a preserved LV function.

Female↗
PubMed1994

[Hemodynamic evaluation during isotonic exercise of patients with orthotopic heart transplantation].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hemodynamic response of patients submitted to orthotopic heart transplantation during progressive isotonic exercise. METHODS: Eight patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation have been evaluated through invasive hemodynamic study during isotonic exercise. The mean right atrial pressure (RAP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), arterial blood pressure (ABP), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (CO) have been determined in three distinct situations: at rest in the supine position (R), at rest with the legs up (RU) and during progressive isotonic exercise (E). The hemodynamic results at rest have been compared to the ones before transplantation. Phase RU and E results have been compared with each other. RESULTS: Comparing to the phase before transplantation at the R phase we found normalization of mean PAP (34.9 +/- 14.0 to 17.0 +/- 3.5 mmHg), RAP (7.3 +/- 4.3 to 2.9 +/- 1.9 mmHg) and CO (2.9 +/- 0.98 to 5.7 +/- 0.99 l/min), otherwise there was an increase in HR (89 +/- 15 to 94 +/- 13 bpm) mean ABP (84 +/- 25 to 115 +/- 12 mmH) and SVR (30 +/- 15 to 22 +/- 7 units Wood), (p < 0.05). Comparing phase E to phase RU, there was a significant increase in RAP (3.1 +/- 1.8 to 9.4 +/- 3.9 mmHg), mean PAP (21.0 +/- 2.8 to 37.0 +/- 10.0 mmHg), PAWP (8.1 +/- 2.1 to 15.0 +/- 5.8 mmHg), CO (5.8 +/- 0.8 to 9.9 +/- 2.4 l/min), HR (93 +/- 8 to 116 +/- 18 bpm) and a decrease in SVR (22.0 +/- 3.0 to 13.3 +/- 3.8 units Wood), (p < 0.05), otherwise there was no statistically significant modifications in PVR (2.2 +/- 0.7 to 2.3 +/- 1.2 units Wood) and mean ABP (129 +/- 12 to 129 +/- 15 mmHg), (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to heart transplantation may improve cardiac output mainly from increasing in stroke volume, associated with an increase in RAP and PAP. Nevertheless, the improvement increase in CO is compatible to exercise capacity after heart transplantation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Thiocyanate toxicity arising from prolonged use of sodium nitroprusside in severe heart failure].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the toxicity of thiocyanate induced by the infusion of sodium nitroprusside in patients with severe congestive failure. METHODS: We studied 23 patients with congestive heart failure, in class IV (NYHA) under continuous infusion of sodium nitroprusside with doses varying between 0.5 and 5.5 micrograms/kg/min. Clinical evaluation, thiocyanate serum dosage and laboratorial evaluation of renal, hepatic and pulmonary functions were done. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (74%) presented toxic levels of thiocyanate (over 10 micrograms/ml), with the average of 29.9 +/- 4.4 micrograms/ml. Only renal function was related to the presence of intoxication. Clinical evaluation was not accurate to diagnose the thiocyanate toxicity in the patients. CONCLUSION: Sodium nitroprusside is potentially toxic, especially when the renal function is abnormal. Thiocyanate dosage is useful in diagnosing nitroprusside induced toxicity and then it contributes to an adequate treatment and prevention of clinical toxicity.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Primary hyperaldosteronism and adrenal tumors. Clinico-surgical experience with 9 patients].

PURPOSE: To report seven patients with diagnosis of primary aldosteronism, five of them due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and two due to idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA), and two patients with adrenal non-producing tumors in order to discuss our experience on differential diagnosis and treatment of this hypertensive disease. METHODS: Hypokalemia and higher values of urinary potassium in the absence of diuretics were useful to the screening diagnosis of primary aldosteronism, reinforced by suppressed plasma renin activity either at rest and after deambulation and by higher values of plasma aldosterone. Computerized tomography in all patients and selenium-cholesterol scintigraphy were used to make the localization of tumors and differential diagnosis between APA and IHA. RESULTS: The patients with adrenal tumors were submitted to surgical treatment and the two patients with IHA were submitted to spironolacone therapy. After 1 to 5 years of follow-up, we observed cure of hypertension and hypokalemia in three patients after surgery and improvement of blood pressure control and normalization of serum potassium in the six others. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism is important, besides its rarity, because surgical or appropriated clinical treatment provide cure of hypertension or improvement of blood pressure control in most of patients.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

[Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty after orthotopic heart transplantation].

We report the case of 22 year-old male who developed coronary artery disease two years after orthotopic cardiac transplantation, manifested as congestive heart failure NYHA functional class III. The left ventricular radioisotopic evaluation at rest revealed worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction from 50% to 39% (normal value > or = 55%) and septal hypokinesia. The hemodynamic and coronariographic study showed two subocclusive lesions at the mid portion and distal portion of the left descending coronary artery and the patient underwent PTCA of both lesions, successfully reducing them to 30%. A new radionuclide and echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function at rest, showed marked improvement of global function no regional abnormalities, increasing the ejection fraction from 39% to 45%. The patient showed improvement of NYHA functional class, passing to functional class II and was discharged home. We conclude that PTCA could be performed in a successful manner in this patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Laser coronary angioplasty. Critical analysis of the first patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate and complications, as well as the technical difficulties involved catheter laser coronary angioplasty, making evident the unsuccessful cases. METHODS: Twenty eight patients were treated with laser from August to November, 1993. The treatment was complemented with balloon angioplasty. Lesions were complex: 10 (36%) were type B and 18 (64%), type C. Concerning the obstruction grade, 18 (64%) were > or = 95%. Laser generator CVX 300(TM) Spectranectics as well as Extreme(TM) and Vitesse(TM) catheters with 1.4, 1.7 and 2.0mm in diameter, concentric and excentric, were used. Laser procedure success was defined as a reduction > 20% in the obstruction grade. The procedure success was attended when the residual stenosis was < 50% after a 15-minute observation, after balloon complementation. RESULTS: The unsuccess rate with laser catheter (Lc) was 34% (10 lesions) of which 3 cases were solved by other methods, 5 were not successful because of anatomic difficulties in surpassing the lesion and, in the two others the success criterium in the reduction of the obstruction grade of the coronary artery was not achieved, although the lesion surpassing was possible with the use of balloon catheter. The final success reached 89% (21 lesions). The procedure complications were a case of thrombosis, a perforation accompanied by a myocardial infarction and another myocardial infarction (non-Q wave), all with good outcome. CONCLUSION: The use of laser in the treatment of coronary artery obstructive lesions is a viable method. Nonetheless, more experience is necessary to demonstrate its actual value, optimizate the results and may be reduce restenosis rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Reproducibility of head-up tilt test in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope].

PURPOSE: In order to identify the reproducibility of head-up tilt test, a second test one week later in 22 patients with a positive first test, was performed. METHODS: The test was performed in a fasting state during the morning. The heart rate and blood pressure were monitored during 20 minutes in the supine position and then at 60 degrees for up to 40 minutes. The test were considered positive if the patient experienced syncope or pre-syncope with fall in systolic blood pressure > 30mmHg. The following aspects were evaluated: reproducibility of the positive response; the type of response (hypotension, asystole or hypotension plus bradycardia) and the time interval between tilt and the beginning of symptoms. RESULTS: Eighteen (82%) patients had a second positive response; 14 (77.8%) of then had the same type of response; and 17 (94%) had syncope in similar time interval after tilt. CONCLUSION: The head-up tilt testing has good reproducibility, although its use in the therapeutic management needs a longer period of evaluation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Arrhythmias following orthotopic heart transplantation].

PURPOSE: To correlate the incidence of arrhythmias to the degree of allograft rejection on endomyocardial biopsy. METHODS: Seventeen patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation were submitted to ambulatory Holter monitoring 24h prior to endomyocardial biopsy. The biopsy results were compared to Holter monitoring results. RESULTS: The mean study period was 252 +/- 166 days (15 to 515). We found a high incidence of ventricular premature beats (> 70%), except in patients with severe rejection (25%), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with no rejection, mild and moderate rejection. Atrial premature beats were more common in patients with mild and moderate rejection (53% and 70%, respectively) when compared to patients with no rejection (33%) and patients with severe rejection (9%), (p < 0.05). Sinus bradycardia was present in 50% of patients with severe rejection, but only in 9% of moderate, 3% of mild and 5% of the patients with no rejection (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supraventricular tachycardia and atrial premature beats are related to moderate rejection. Ventricular premature beats are not related to degree of rejection. Sinus bradycardia occurring in the first year after transplantation should suggest severe cardiac allograft rejection.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed1994

[Hypertension and complex ventricular arrhythmias. Evolution following a long-term blood pressure treatment].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of long-term antihypertensive treatment in the frequency as well as in the complexity of ventricular arrhythmias in arterial hypertension. METHODS: Twenty three patients, 14 males and 11 whites, with mean age of 46 years, were submitted to 24 hours ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and echocardiographic studies before and 9 months after antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant serum potassium level alteration, but significant reductions of both systolic (from 192 +/- 29mmHg to 161 +/- 25mmHg) and diastolic (from 122 +/- 17mmHg to 99 +/- 16mmHg) blood pressure. Left ventricular percent of fiber shortening significantly increased, even though only from 26 +/- 9% to 30 +/- 9%, and end-systolic wall stress did not change at all (before 258 +/- 94 10(3) dyn/cm2, after 255 +/- 101 10(3) dyn/cm2). Left ventricular mass index showed significant but also a discrete reduction from 211 +/- 75g/m2 to 196 +/- 70g/m2. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring did not show any significant decrease in neither ventricular ectopic beats nor in couplets. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia episodes remained unchanged too. Four out of 8 patients with more than 30 ventricular ectopic beats per hour reduced it by more than 70%. On the other hand, the number of patients with couplets was reduced from 10 to 8 whilst those with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia increased from 5 to 7. Furthermore, in 7 patients reevaluated 24 months thereafter results were not expressively dissimilar. CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with either severe degree of left ventricular hypertrophy or myocardial dysfunction, long-term blood pressure treatment that produce no impressive changes in these abnormalities also do not modify complex ventricular arrhythmias, in spite of a great reduction in the increase blood pressure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Coronary angioplasty in chronic occlusion of 9 and half years. Use of laser with a new catheter for recanalization].

A chronic total occlusion lasting 9.5 years, was successfully treated with a Prima (TN) Laser catheter, of Spectranectics. The authors report a case of a fifty seven year old male that suffered an inferior myocardial infarction 9.5 years ago. Although the morphological characteristics of the lesion seemed easy to pass through the obstruction with the guide wire, the balloon dilatation was not possible because of the hardness of a chronic lesion lasting that long. The intervention was concluded successfully in another opportunity using the laser catheter with certain facility. This case, reported as the first one in Latin America, rises new possibilities and increases the success rate of coronary angioplasty of total chronic occlusions. We hope that in the following cases we will be able to reach the same result, widening the indications of coronary angioplasty.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗