Repair of isolated double-chambered right ventricle.

The finding of a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is exceptionally rare as an isolated anomaly. It is a congenital cardiac anomaly in which the right ventricle is separated into two chambers, a proximal high-pressure chamber and a distal low-pressure chamber, by anomalous muscles or fibrous tissues in the right ventricular cavity. We report the case of a 6-year-old infant who was admitted for growth retardation. The patient was diagnosed with an isolated DCRV without any other associated congenital anomalies. The patient underwent a successful cardiac surgical procedure of enlargement repair; he was discharged in good clinical condition with a normal cardiac function.

[Takayasu's arteritis revealed by aortic regurgitation with ascending aortic aneurysm (About 2 cases)]. / Maladie de Takayasu révélée par une fuite aortique massive associée à un anévrisme de l'aorte ascendante (A propos de deux cas opérés).

Aortic regurgitation caused by non-specific aortitis is relatively rare, and is now considered as an important risk factor related to mortality. Aortic valve replacement surgery is the only curative treatment. Aneurismal dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta associated with aortic regurgitation is a rare involvement in Takayasu, there are many difficult problems in surgical treatment of this lesion, because of its inflammatory nature, so steroid therapy before and after surgery is therefore vital. We report the cases of tow young Moroccans women (32-35 years-old) with an ascending aortic aneurism associated to aortic insufficiency. The subsequent evaluation of the entire aorta, demonstrated the presence of multiple steno-occlusive lesions. Aortic valve replacement was performed associated with graft replacement of the ascending aorta without coronary artery reimplantation. Histopathological examination of the ascending aorta and aortic valve, showed findings in favour Takayasu's arteritis.

[Results of the surgical closure of ventricular septal defects of various ages: report of 30 cases]. / Résultats de la fermeture chirurgicale des communications interventriculaires à tous les âges. A propos de 30 cas.

OBJECTIVE: To appreciate short and midterm results of patients after surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is retrospective and took place in the department of cardiovascular surgery "B", Ibn-Sina hospital, Rabat, Morocco. Between 1995 and 2005, 30 patients underwent a surgical closure of ventricular septal defect. Eighteen patients (60%) were males and twelve (40%) were females with a mean age of 10 years (18 months-36 years). Seven patients (23%) were older than 16 years. All of ventricular septal defects were type 2, unique and most of them perimembranous (70%). Four patients (13%), were older than 16 years, had a significant aortic insufficiency that has dictated the aortotomy for ventricular septal defect repair. The surgical approach through the right atriotomy was sufficient for complete repair in 22 patients (73%). Closure of the defect has been done using a pericardial autologous patch in 28 patients (93%). RESULTS: No operative mortality was observed. The mean follow-up was five years. Eight patients (26%) had a residual ventricular septal defect that progressed to spontaneous closure. Two patients (6%) had a residual pulmonary hypertension and two others a moderate aortic regurgitation. The four patients were older than 16 years. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular dimension and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. At last follow-up, 87% of the patients were in NYHA class 1. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that surgical closure of ventricular septal defect ensures a good outcome in short and midterm. Nevertheless, the risk of delayed complications justifies long-term and regular follow-up.

[Q fever: a rare cause of endocarditis]. / Fièvre Q: une cause rare d'endocardite A propos d'un cas.

Coxiella Burnetii endocarditis is very rare. It is the main complication of the chronic form of Q fever. Blood cultures are negative and clinical presentation very variable and diagnosis is essentially based on indirect immunofluorescence serum analysis. The authors report the case of a 19 year old patient with a history of rheumatic aortic regurgitation admitted for an episode of left ventricular failure in a context of long-term pyrexia without valvular vegetations or mutilation. The antiphase I Ig G antibody levels were significant. Treatment with doxycycline and fluoroquinolone was initiated. The clinical improvement was spectacular. Three months later, the patient underwent aortic valve replacement and histological examination of the valve showed subacute endocarditis on chronically fibrotic valvular disease. This is an interesting case by its rarity and its diagnostic and therapeutic problems.

[Reposition flap techniques in fingertip amputations: 6 cases]. / Reposition lambeau dans les amputations digitales distales: à propos de 6 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an alternative procedure for amputations distal to the distal interphalangeal joint: the reposition flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The reposition flap was used for 6 patients who underwent fingertip amputations in an emergency setting. Pulp was excised on the amputated segment and the remaining bone and nail bed were reattached to the proximal stump with a Kirschner wire. The pulp was reconstructed with a local advancement and sensitive flap. The patients were aged 18 to 44 years and had been victims of work accidents. All refused finger shortening. RESULTS: The fingers showed good scarring and good trophicity. Two-point discrimination was 6 mm. Bony fusion was constant but all distal interphalangeal joints remained stiff. Cosmetic results were correct except for two cases of claw nail formation. DISCUSSION: Fingertip amputations have been widely reported. Methods have varied from directed scarring to partial toe transfer. These situations present two types of challenge: insensitivity of the volar aspect or an overly sensitive pulp; cosmetic presentation and function of the dorsal aspect due to the complex role of the nail. Distal reimplantation remains the best technique, but the reposition flap offers an interesting alternative in case of failure or for patients who do not accept finger shortening. The advantage of the reposition flap is that it preserves finger length and the nail. Work stoppage and intolerance to cold can be an inconvenience due to the long time required for wound healing.