Multimodality Imaging of Intimal Sarcoma Causing Both Severe Mitral Stenosis and Mitral Regurgitation.

Intimal sarcomas (IS) are rare, malignant, rapidly progressive mesenchymal tumors that typically occur in the tunica intima of larger vessels, and they rarely involve the heart. IS are frequently misdiagnosed during the initial clinical presentation. This case report describes an uncommonly located IS, highlighting specific findings obtained through multimodality imaging.

Spontaneous embolization of an atrial septal defect occluder device into the left ventricular outflow tract in a patient with pulmonary stenosis.

A 24-year-old man was admitted to our outpatient clinic for his routine checkup of consecutively percutaneously treated atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary valvular stenosis 45 days ago. A 24 mm ASD occluder device was implanted under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance and 80 mm Hg peak-to-peak pulmonary valvular gradient decreased to 20 mm Hg gradient after pulmonary valve dilatation with 23 mm NUMED II transluminal valvuloplasty catheter balloon. Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is now routinely performed using a percutaneous approach under echocardiographic guidance especially transthoracic echocardiography (TEE). Centrally located, ostium secundum type and less than 3.5 cm in size are considered ideal for device closure. Although there is considerable variation in size and location of the defects, TEE guidance is quite important for this proportion of ASDs. The selection of patients for percutaneous transcatheter closure of a secundum ASD requires accurate information regarding the anatomy of the defect such as its maximal diameter and the amount of circumferential tissue rims.

Pulmonary artery sarcoma masquerading as chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

We describe the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with pulmonary artery sarcoma, a very rare tumor of the cardiovascular system. Her tumor was initially misdiagnosed as chronic pulmonary thromboembolism, and she underwent pulmonary endarterectomy. Early diagnosis of primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is crucial. That alternative should always be considered before settling on a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Suspicion should be aroused by the failure of anticoagulant treatment to alleviate pulmonary perfusion abnormalities and systemic symptoms. Surgical resection of the tumor-preferably by pulmonary endarterectomy, followed by reconstruction as needed-is currently the most promising treatment for pulmonary artery sarcoma.

Levosimendan improves renal outcome in cardiac surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of levosimendan on renal function in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing mitral valve surgery was investigated. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary teaching and research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Of a total of 147 patients, 128 patients completed the study. In the levosimendan group (n = 64), levosimendan was administered in addition to standard inotropic support; whereas, in the control group (n = 64), only standard inotropic support was given. INTERVENTIONS: In the levosimendan group, a loading dose of levosimendan (6 µg/kg) was administered after removal of the aortic cross-clamp, followed by an infusion (0.1 µg/kg/min) in addition to standard inotropic therapy for 24 hours. In the control group, only standard inotropic therapy was administered. Preoperative characteristics, serum creatinine (sCr) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 3, and 10. Independent risk factors for renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement were investigated with stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was the effect of levosimendan on postoperative renal clearance (sCr and eGFR). The secondary endpoint was the effect of levosimendan on clinical outcomes (length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, need for RRT). Preoperative characteristics and eGFR were similar between the groups (p>0.05). On postoperative days 1 and 3, sCr values were lower and eGFR values were higher in the levosimendan group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.0001, p = 0.009, respectively). Six patients (9.4%) in the levosimendan group and 10 patients (15.6%) in the control group required RRT therapy (p = 0.284). Independent risk factors for need of RRT include preoperative sCr value between 1.2 to 2.09 mg/dL and≥2.1 mg/dL (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative treatment with levosimendan in addition to standard inotropic therapy in patients with a low ejection fraction undergoing mitral valve surgery improved immediate postoperative renal function and reduced need for RRT.

Pulmonary embolism: a late complication of pectus excavatum repair.

The Ravitch operation is frequently performed to correct pectus excavatum with few and minor complications. We present a case of pulmonary embolism with pulmonary endarterectomy in a patient undergoing Ravitch repair for pectus excavatum 2 years ago.

The relation between location of paravalvular leakage and time to reoperation after mitral valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: A relation between the location of the paravalvular leakage (PVL) and time to reoperation after mitral mechanical valve replacement was investigated. METHODS: In an observational retrospective study plan, from 59 patients who underwent reoperation only 47 patients having clinical and echocardiographic follow-up for five years were included into study. Depending on echocardiographic evaluation of location of leak, patients were divided into Group 1 (Leaflet) and Group 2 (Commissural). Demographics, preoperative variables, causes of reoperation, the time period between diagnosis of PVL and reoperation were recorded. Unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparison of variables between groups. RESULTS: A PVL was diagnosed after a median time of 180 days (range: 1 day-28 years) after the first mitral valve replacement. The median follow-up period was 5 years (range; 1-16 years). Age, gender, left ventricular ejection function, number and size of leaks did not differ between groups (p>0.05). The time period between diagnosis and reoperation time was longer in Group 1 in comparison to Group 2 (39.0 ± 9.9 vs. 19.5 ± 12.8 months, p=0.002). The 30-day mortality for valve reoperation was 4.3% (2/47). In Group 1, 2 patients (2/21, 9.8%) died whereas, no death was observed in Group 2 (0/26, 0%) (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The time period between diagnosis and reoperation was longer in leaflet leak group in comparison to commissural leak group. We suggest echocardiographic evaluation should include location of the paravalvular leakage during follow-up of patients with PVL after mitral valve replacement.

Ischaemic mitral regurgitation: The effects of ring annuloplasty and suture annuloplasty repair techniques on left ventricular re-remodeling.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mid-term results of patients on whom a coronary revascularization as well as a mitral ring and suture annuloplasty have been performed due to coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). METHODOLOGY: Totally 73 patients on whom a revascularization and a mitral valve repair due to CAD and IMR had been performed in our clinic between 2000-2008 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups one of which included 38 patients (52.05%) on whom a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and a ring annuloplasty on the mitral valve had been performed (Group 1) and the other one 35 patients (47.95%) on whom only suture annuloplasty as well as a CABG had been performed (Group 2). The study was planned retrospectively and study data have been obtained by screening the hospital registries retrospectively. In the mid-term, patients were invited for a check and their intragroup and intergroup echocardiographic parameters and functional capacities were assessed statistically. RESULTS: In pre-operational and post-operational intragroup assessment in terms of echocardiographic findings; although LVEDD, LVESD, EDV, PAP and the degree of recurrent MR have been decreased in both groups, the decrease in LVESD and PAP and the low degree of recurrent MR were statistically significant in Group 1 patients (p=0.047, p=0.023, p=0.01, respectively). When the mid-term intergroup echocardiograpic findings were assessed; PAP and recurrent MR have been determined statistically lower in Group 1 patients (p=0.005, p=0.08, respectively). The length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospitalization and length of detachment from respiratory support were statistically significantly longer in ring annuloplasty performed group (p=0.012, p=0.033, p=0.029, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In moderate to severe IMR patients, a positive contribution can be provided to ventricular remodeling by a ring annuloplasty through a significant decrease in left ventricular diameter and a low recurrent MR and PAP.

Pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension: an institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to review our initial experience since the implementation of our program. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PEA between March 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (20 male, 29 female, mean age 47.7 years) underwent surgery. The preoperative New York Heart Association class distribution showed the majority to be in class III or IV (n = 40). Mortality rate was 14.2% (n = 7) and the morbidity rate was 26.5% (n = 13). After PEA, the durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care stay and hospital stay before discharge were 49.7 ± 46.1 h, 6.5 ± 5.0 days and 12.9 ± 7.5 days, respectively. The systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) fell significantly from 87.0 ± 26.6 mmHg and 53.8 ± 14.5 before, to 41.5 ± 12.4 mmHg and 28.5 ± 10.5 after surgery (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) also improved significantly from 808 ± 352.0 to 308 ± 91 dyn•s•cm(-5) (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative systolic PAP, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right atrial volume, right atrial pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, preoperative PVR, postoperative PVR, the duration of circulatory arrest and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05). According to multivariate analyses, only prolonged mechanical ventilation was selected as predictive risk factor for morbidity (P = 0.005). After a median follow-up of 6.1 months, two patients died due to cerebrovascular disease and one patient needed targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy. The rest of the 39 patients showed marked improvements in their clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Starting a pulmonary endarterectomy program with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and satisfactory early-term outcomes increases awareness of the CTEPH and surgery. Preoperative factors can primarily predict postoperative outcome after PEA. Identifying the risk factors in order to achieve a good result is important for the success of a PEA program. Therefore all patients diagnosed with CTEPH should be referred for consideration of PEA in a specialized centre.

Recurrent tricuspid insufficiency: is the surgical repair technique a risk factor?

This study compares the medium-term results of De Vega, modified De Vega, and ring annuloplasty techniques for the correction of tricuspid insufficiency and investigates the risk factors for recurrent grades 3 and 4 tricuspid insufficiency after repair. In our clinic, 93 patients with functional tricuspid insufficiency underwent surgical tricuspid repair from May 2007 through October 2010. The study was retrospective, and all the data pertaining to the patients were retrieved from hospital records. Functional capacity, recurrent tricuspid insufficiency, and risk factors aggravating the insufficiency were analyzed for each patient. In the medium term (25.4 ± 10.3 mo), the rates of grades 3 and 4 tricuspid insufficiency in the De Vega, modified De Vega, and ring annuloplasty groups were 31%, 23.1%, and 6.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction, < 0.50), pulmonary artery pressure ≥60 mmHg, and the De Vega annuloplasty technique were risk factors for medium-term recurrent grades 3 and 4 tricuspid insufficiency. Medium-term survival was 90.6% for the De Vega group, 96.3% for the modified De Vega group, and 97.1% for the ring annuloplasty group. Ring annuloplasty provided the best relief from recurrent tricuspid insufficiency when compared with DeVega annuloplasty. Modified De Vega annuloplasty might be a suitable alternative to ring annuloplasty when rings are not available.

Reoperative coronary artery bypass surgery: the role of on-pump and off-pump techniques on factors affecting hospital mortality and morbidity.

PURPOSE: Short term results of on-pump and off-pump techniques in patients undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (redo CABG) were investigated in this study. METHODS: A total of 14.430 patients have undergone isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in our clinic from 1998 to 2010. Of these patients, 105 patients who have undergone redo CABG, 53 (50.5%) were operated with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump) and 52 (49.5%) without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump). Early results for which on or off-pump techniques were independent risk factors were determined with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall mortality in patients undergoing redo CABG was 12.3% with a 11.5% mortality in the off-pump group and 13.2% mortality in the on-pump group and the difference was not statistically significant (p >0.05). Blood product transfusion requirement (p <0.05, OR: 3.620, 95% CI: 1.295-10.119), new onset atrial fibrillation rhythm (AFR) (p <0.05, OR: 13.357, 95% CI: 1.656-107.721), prolonged ventilation (p <0.05, OR: 9.066, 95% CI: 1.091-75.323) and duration of hospitalization (p <0.01, OR: 5.252, 95% CI: 1.784-15.459) were significantly higher in the on-pump group. The number of patients with postoperative low cardiac output was significantly higher in the off-pump group (p <0.05, OR: 5.337, 95% CI: 1.094-26.043). The ratio of complete bypass was significantly higher in the on-pump group compared to the off-pump group (p <0.05, OR: 2.913, 95% CI: 1.204-7.046). CONCLUSION: Despite the lower morbidity and mortality in the off-pump group, the rate of target vessel bypass grafting was lower. Off-pump technique may be considered as a safer option for cardiopulmonary bypass in the high risk population.

Thoracic aortobifemoral bypass in treatment of juxtarenal Leriche syndrome (midterm results).

BACKGROUND: The standard surgical treatment of infrarenal aortoiliac obstructive disease is abdominal aortobifemoral bypass (AABFB). However, alternative surgical procedures may be considered in cases of juxtarenal Leriche syndrome and previous aortofemoral graft obstruction. We present midterm results of 20 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic aortobifemoral bypass (TABFB) either as primary or secondary procedure. METHOD: Between 1999 and 2010, 20 patients who were diagnosed to have juxtarenal Leriche syndrome (n = 17) and failure of previous AABFB graft (n = 3) were enrolled. The patients were classified according to the Rutherford classification. Mean follow-up period was 60.9 ± 38.3 months. Mean preoperative ankle-brachial index on the left lower extremity was 0.18 and on the right lower extremity was 0.20. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with the diagnosis of juxtarenal Lercihe syndrome were primarily and three patients were secondarily (for treatment of failed previous AABFB graft) treated using TABFB procedure. The mean ankle-brachial index at last follow-up was 0.75 on the left lower extremity and 0.76 on the right. One-year patency rate was 100%, and 5-year patency rate was 94%. CONCLUSION: TABFB precludes the risk of renal artery embolization in cases of juxtarenal obstruction, without adding any risk of morbidity and mortality. Its long-term patency is similar or even superior to conventional surgical bypass techniques. We propose its use as an initial treatment in juxtarenal Leriche syndrome as well as a remedial procedure in cases with previous AABFB graft occlusion.

The dangerous fifth chamber: congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm.

Aneurysms of the left atrial appendage are extremely rare. Enlargement of the left atrial appendage can be congenital or acquired. Dysplasia of the left atrial muscles leads to congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm and usually presents as atrial tachyarrhythmia or embolic events in the second or third decade of life. We report a case of an asymptomatic 12-year-old child with a congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a large left atrial appendage aneurysm without thrombus or spontaneous echo-contrast. The patient was successfully treated with surgical resection of the aneurysm.

The quality of life after cardiac surgery in octogenarians and evaluation of its early and mid-term results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate our early and mid- term results and the qualities of life of the patients aged eighty years or older who underwent heart surgery. METHODS: Eighty- eight patients aged 80 years and older who underwent open-heart surgery at Göztepe Safak Hospital between May 2004 and December 2010 have been included to the study. This study was designed as two-stage: in the first stage, determinants of survival were analyzed retrospectively. In the second stage, the quality of life of survived patients was evaluated by using Short- Form 36 (SF-36), Turkish version in the cross-sectional study. The statistical analysis was performed using Fischer's exact, Pearson Chi-square test, Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the logistic regression analysis; the left ventricular ejection fraction as <50% (OR: 11.02, 95% CI: 2.6-46.6, p<0.05), application of redo surgery (OR: 8.3, 95% CI: 1.04-66.6, p<0.05), coronary bypass and mitral surgery procedures in the same session (OR: 9.2, 95% CI: 1.6-53.7, p<0.05), left main coronary lesion as >50% (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.1-17.7, p<0.05), preoperative creatinine as >1.8 mg/dl (OR: 14.1, 95% CI: 2.6-76.1, p<0.01), New York Heart Association class III-IV (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.2-20.1, p<0.05), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 10.3, 95% CI: 2.5-41.7, p<0.01) were found to be risk factors of hospital mortality. Physical functions, social functions and all sub-scales other than the role limitation depending on the emotional situation were evaluated as general population mean or above. CONCLUSION: We think that with a successful heart surgery in patients aged 80 years and older under appropriate conditions, their life qualities and mean life expectations can return to normal and they can lead a symptomless life.

Does the surgical technique used in the orthotopic heart transplant affect the results regarding the rhythm?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the requirement for temporary and permanent pacemaker insertion and the incidence of the problems regarding the rhythm following heart transplantation with the bicaval or biatrial technique in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation between the dates of September 1989 and December 2008 in our clinics were included to the study. The study was designed as retrospective analysis, and all data were collected from hospital records. The transplantation was performed by using standard biatrial method in 28 of the patients, by using bicaval anastomosis method in 33 of the patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square, Fischer's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Predictors of temporary and permanent pacemaker insertion were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the biatrial group, the temporary pacemaker requirement (p<0.05), left bundle branch block (LBBB) (p<0.01) and atrioventricular block (AV block) (p<0.05) were observed statistically significantly more than in bicaval anastomosis group. In addition, in the biatrial group, one patient needed implantation of permanent pacemaker and one patient-implantable cardioverter defibrillator. On the postoperative echocardiographic evaluation, in the patients operated with the bicaval technique, the tricuspid (p<0.01) and mitral insufficiency (p<0.01) were observed significantly less. In the logistic regression analysis, hypertension (OR: 1.053, 95% CI: 1.019-1.176, p<0.05), donor age (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 1.023-1.038, p<0.05) and application of the operation with the biatrial technique (OR: 10.287, 95% CI: 1.298-91.278, p<0.01) were determined as the risk factors requiring the temporary pacemaker usage. In the bicaval group, arrhythmia (ventricular and atrial premature beats) and atrioventricular valve insufficiency were observed less, the rhythm returned to normal in an earlier period. CONCLUSION: Biatrial surgical technique, donor age and hypertension were determined as significant predictors of temporary pacemaker insertion in the orthotopic heart transplantation. Atrioventricular block, left bundle branch block, and arrhythmia frequency was significantly less in the bicaval group. In terms of factors affecting morbidity, the bicaval technical results were found superior than biatrial technique.

Treatment protocol and relapses of brucella endocarditis; cotrimoxazole in combination with the treatment of brucella endocarditis.

Antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention and postoperative antibiotic regimens are recommended for the treatment of brucella endocarditis (BE). Our clinical antibiotic regimens involve a triple antibiotic regimen for treating BE before the operation. The combination of three antibiotics is continued for at least six months and until the titres of the Wright serologic test are diminished to 1:160 levels. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of combined medical and surgical treatments on survival and relapse rates in the periods of mid to late terms. We investigated 13 patients who were treated between January 1993 and June 2009. Our clinical observations led us to use a combination of rifampicin (900 mg twice a day), streptomycin (12 to 16 mg/kg/24 h intramuscularly) and doxycycline (200 mg/kg twice a day); rifampicin, tetracycline (8 mg/kg three times a day) and cotrimoxazole (15 mg/kg twice a day) or rifampicin, doxycycline and cotrimoxazole regimen for treating BE before the operation. This treatment should be continued for at least six months after surgery in order to prevent relapses.

Effects of patient-prosthesis mismatch on postoperative early mortality in isolated aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Small valve size and patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) generate high postoperative transvalvular gradients and may decrease both early and long-term survival. The study aim was to evaluate whether mismatch affected early mortality after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for isolated aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: A total of 701 patients (437 males, 264 females; mean age 53.3 +/- 15.1 years; range: 14-84 years) with pure AS underwent AVR at the authors' institution between 1985 and 2005. The majority of patients (92%) received a mechanical valve. PPM was considered severe if the indexed effective orifice area was < or =0.65 cm2/m2, and moderate if > 0.65 but < or = 0.85 cm2/m2. RESULTS: Moderate-severe PPM was present in 47% of patients, and severe PPM in 13%. The early mortality was 5.4% (n=38). Multivariate analysis revealed age > or = 70 years (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.04) and severe PPM (p = 0.003) as independent predictors of early mortality. Moderate mismatch was not a predictor of early mortality on both univariate and multivariate analysis. Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < or = 40%) was a risk factor for early mortality only in patients with severe PPM. CONCLUSION: Patient-prosthesis mismatch should be prevented in patients undergoing AVR for isolated AS, especially in those with left ventricular dysfunction.

Second and third cardiac valve reoperations: factors influencing death and long-term survival.

We retrospectively investigated preoperative and postoperative characteristics in order to determine factors that affected hospital death in patients who underwent 3 or 4 separate cardiac valvular surgeries. The hospital records of 53 such patients who were operated upon from 1985 through 2006 were obtained. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether their initial operation was a closed mitral commissurotomy (group C, n = 33) or open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (group O, n = 20). In group C, all patients who had initially undergone 1 or 2 closed mitral commissurotomy procedures underwent subsequent reoperations that entailed median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass had been used in valvular operations of all group O patients. The total early mortality rate was 11.3% (6 of 53 patients). Multivariate analysis revealed that longer aortic cross-clamp times and double valve replacement at last operation significantly increased the risk of death. Herein, we discuss our conclusion that 3rd or 4th cardiac valvular operations incurred acceptable early postoperative mortality rates.