[Ebstein's anomaly: results of the conic reconstruction of the tricuspid valve]. / Anomalia de Ebstein: resultados com a reconstrução cônica da valva tricúspide.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of a technical modification of tricuspid valvuloplasty in Ebstein's anomaly. METHODS: From November 1993 to August 2002, 21 patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, with ages ranging from 20 months to 37 years (mean, 23 years), underwent a new technique of tricuspid valvuloplasty. This technique consisted of total or almost total detachment of the anterior tricuspid megaleaflet from the ventricular wall and valvular ring, transforming it into a cone, whose vertex remained fixed in the right ventricular tip, and the base was sutured to the tricuspid ring, after its plication, adjusting it to the size of the base of the cone (tricuspid ring), including the septal region. RESULTS: One (4.7%) patient with cardiomyopathy caused by chronic hypoxia died in the hospital due to low cardiac output. The mean follow-up lasted 4 years, and the recent echocardiograms showed good morphology of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve with mild or minimal insufficiency in 18 patients and moderate insufficiency in 2 patients. In 2 of the 3 patients with an anomalous bundle, it could be located and sectioned during surgery. No atrioventricular block occurred. CONCLUSION: The technique used was efficient in repairing tricuspid insufficiency and restoring right ventricular morphology, being applicable to all anatomic types of Ebstein's anomaly, except for Carpentier classification type D.

Heart retransplantation in children without the use of blood product.

This article reports a case of a cardiac retransplantation without the use of blood products, in a 6 year old, with severe dilated cardiomyopathy after chronic graft rejection and refractory to clinical treatment. To avoid a blood transfusion in this surgery a multidisciplinary approach was planned, which involved the use of preoperative erythropoietin, acute normovolemic hemodilution and intraoperative cell savage with autologous blood recovery system, as well as a meticulous hemostasis and reduced postoperative phlebotomy.

Atypical truncus arteriosus operated at 28 years of age: importance of differential diagnosis.

This is the case of 28 year-old adult with suspected congenital heart disease since birth, not treated in childhood at the his family's choice. At 27 years old, he was diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and systemic-pulmonary collaterals, where surgery was contraindicated. A new review in our department showed that it was an atypical form of truncus arteriosus. The fact that a common arterial trunk with left-right shunt was viewed by echocardiography was a crucial fact for the indication of new catheterization, opening the prospect of surgical correction. Currently, the patient is well, with 7 years of postoperative outcome.

The hypoplastic left heart syndrome is not a risk factor for Fontan operation.

OBJECTIVE: To show the mortality rate of children undergoing to Fontan operation and determine whether the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a risk factor for hospital mortality. METHODS: From August 2001 to June 2008, 76 patients underwent Fontan operation and were divided into two groups: group A with 54 patients, 31 (40.7%) patients with tricuspid atresia and variants, six (7.8%) of double-inlet left ventricle, four (5.3%) and atrioventricular septal defect and total 13 (17.1%) of other complex congenital heart disease and group B all patients with HLHS a total of 22 (28.9%) patients. RESULTS: Group A patients had a mean age of 6.47 years ± 4.83 and group B of 2.08 years ± 0.24 P <0.001, the average weight was 22.42 ± 11.04 against 12.99 ± 1.2 P = 0.016, the mean CPB time was 119.5 min versus 113.3 min P = 0.0, with a mean clamping time of 74.8 min and 73.5 min p = 0.75. The mean ICU stay was 4.1 days for group A versus 7.52 days for group B p = 0.0003. In total (group A + B) three patients died, with hospital mortality of 3.9%, and one patient with HLHS (4.54%) (P <0.001, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.228). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite higher morbidity in HLHS is not a risk factor for hospital mortality.

Cardiogenic shock due to cytomegalovirus myocarditis: successful clinical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) systemic disease and myocarditis in healthy persons is infrequently reported in the literature, although in increasing numbers in recent years. The importance of the recognition of the syndrome that usually has an initial picture of a mononucleosis like infection in an otherwise healthy person, is the available therapeutic agent, ganciclovir, that can cure the infectious disease. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical result of pulsotherapy with steroids in a patient with CMV myocarditis after 7 days of etiological treatment, with ganciclovir, intravenous vasodilators, and the conventional treatment for congestive heart failure. RESULTS: The clinical condition of the patient improved accordingly to the better function of the left ventricle, and the ganciclovir was kept for 21 days, most of it in an out patient basis. The patient was dismissed from the hospital, with normal myocardial function. CONCLUSION: Potentially curable forms of myocarditis, like M pneumoniae and CMV, for example, can have an initial disproportionate aggression to the myocardium, by the acute inflammatory reaction, that can by itself make worse the damage to the LV function. In our opinion, the blockade of this process by pulsotherapy with steroids can help in the treatment of these patients. We understand that the different scenario of immunosuppressive treatments for the possible auto immunity of the more chronic forms of the presumably post viral cardiomyopathy has been in dispute in the literature, and has stolen the focus from the truly acute cases.

[Experience with heterotopic heart transplantation in patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance: late follow-up].

BACKGROUND: Along the past few years the number of papers on heterotopic cardiac transplant has been very scarce in the medical literature, including at the international level; this is particularly true in reference to the long term follow-up of these patients and the reason which led to the presentation of our report. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial clinical experience and late evolution of 4 patients undergoing heterotopic heart transplantation, indications for this procedure and its major complications. METHODS: The surgeries were performed between 1992 and 2001, and all had as indication for heterotopic transplantation the PVR, which ranged from 4.8 WU to 6.5 WU, with a transpulmonary gradient above 15 mmHg. In the 3rd patient, a direct anastomosis between the pulmonary arteries was performed without the use of a prostetic tube, and a mitral valvuloplasty and a LV aneurysmectomy were performed in the native heart. The immediate immunosuppressive regimens were double, with cyclosporine and azathioprine in the first 3 patients, and cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil in the 4th patient. RESULTS: One immediate death occurred from graft failure, one death occurred after 2 (1/2) years, from endocarditis in an intraventricular thrombus in the native heart, and a third death occurred 6 years after transplantation, from post-operative complications of the aortic valve surgery in the native heart. The remaining patient is well, 15 years after the transplantation. This patient is in functional class II (NYHA), 6 years after a surgical occlusion of the native heart aortic valve. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic heart transplantation results are inferior to those of orthotopic heart transplantation because they present higher RVP. The intraventricular thrombi, in the native heart, which require prolonged anticoagulation, and aortic valve complications, also in the native heart, may require surgical treatment. However, a patient's 15-year survival has demonstrated a long-term effectiveness of this option for selected patients.

Balloon atrial septostomy guided by echocardiography in a neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: The bedside two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D ECHO) has been successfully used to guide the balloon atrial septostomy, speeding up the procedure and preventing the risks of transportation to the hemodynamics laboratory. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of the bedside balloon atrial septostomy in cyanotic neonates. METHODS: Between January/1997 and July/2008, 102 atrioseptostomies by balloon catheter guided by echocardiography were carried out and saturation levels, defect diameter, oxygen saturation, clinical-laboratory response and complications related to the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 102 cases of bedside Rashkind septostomy, 98 met the inclusion criteria, with 90 neonates in Group A (Rashkind procedure in the preoperative phase) and 8 in Group B (procedure at the postoperative phase). There was a predominance of the male sex (75%), mean age was 8.3 ± 9.3 days and the mean weight was 3,100 ± 1,100 g; the transposition of the great arteries was the most frequent congenital heart disease (n = 74). When comparing the levels of saturation pre and post-procedure (65.9 ± 19.5% and 86 ± 9.7%) and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect pre and post-procedure (2.3 ± 1.0 mm and 5.5 ± 1.3 mm) there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). When comparing the levels of saturation and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect between the group of survivors vs non-survivor, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The balloon atrial septostomy guided by the echocardiography reduces the risks by allowing the effective palliative procedure to be carried out promptly in cyanotic neonates, in addition to presenting lower hospital costs.

Heart transplantation in primary amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a disease with a gloom life expectancy after the beginning of the symptomatic phase, usually with sudden death as the final event. The aggression to other organs, although, can make heart transplantation a disputable form of treatment taking into consideration the shortage of donor organs. The aim is to report the evolution with a survival of seven years after heart transplantation and in very fair condition of a patient with amyloidosis. One year after the heart transplantation, there was indication of renal transplantation also from the aggression from the disease. This patient compares' favorable with three other patients also from our service, who died early after de diagnosis. Even considering the multi systemic nature of amyloidosis, we can accept that in peculiar patients justified the heart transplantation, taking in the consideration the very bad prognosis of the disease.

Aortic valve replacement with different types of prosthesis: are there differences in the outcomes during hospital phase?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze intraoperative data and possible differences in clinical evolution during postoperative hospital phase for aortic valve replacement surgery using different types of prosthesis. METHODS: Analysis of 60 patients divided into three groups. Valve replacement with bioprosthesis (20), mechanical prosthesis (20) and homologous valve (20). The mean age was 51.1, 60% were male and 40% female patients; 86.7 % were in NYHA II or III; 63.3% presented arterial hypertension and 18.3% had diabetes. Aetiology of valve disease was degenerative for 39%, rheumatic for 36% and endocarditis for 15%. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 5%; there were no differences in the incidence of septic or cardiogenic shock, acute renal failure, rhythms disorders during surgery or intensive care, neither for total time in intensive care and mechanical ventilation. However, there was statistical differences as regards the cardiopulmonary bypass total time (P=0.02) and the aortic clamping time (P<0.0001) unfavorable to homograft valve group. The ward admission time was greater for mechanical valve group (P=0.05) as well as for total admission time, but without statistical significance. It was observed that patients with preoperative hematocrit smaller than 38.1% used 2.73 units of blood components, and with postoperative hematocrit smaller than 32% used 1,79 units of blood components. Echocardiography control showed minimal evolutional differences. CONCLUSION: The use of different types of prosthesis for this study does not cause differences in the results of postoperative hospital phase. The use of homograft valve is a feasible option with good clinical applicability.

Retransplante cardíaco em criança sem o uso de hemoderivados / Heart retransplantation in children without the use of blood product

Este artigo relata um caso de retransplante cardíaco sem o uso de hemoderivados, em uma criança de 6 anos, com miocardiopatia dilatada grave, após rejeição crônica do enxerto e refratária ao tratamento clínico. Para evitar transfusão sanguínea nessa cirurgia, foi realizado planejamento multidisciplinar, que envolveu o uso de eritropoietina no pré-operatório, hemodiluição normovolêmica aguda e recuperação de sangue autólogo no intraoperatório (cell saver), bem como hemostasia meticulosa e redução de flebotomias no pós-operatório.

This article reports a case of a cardiac retransplantation without the use of blood products, in a 6 year old, with severe dilated cardiomyopathy after chronic graft rejection and refractory to clinical treatment. To avoid a blood transfusion in this surgery a multidisciplinary approach was planned, which involved the use of preoperative erythropoietin, acute normovolemic hemodilution and intraoperative cell savage with autologous blood recovery system, as well as a meticulous hemostasis and reduced postoperative phlebotomy.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: the report of a surgical strategy and comparative results of Norwood x Norwood-Sano approach.

OBJECTIVES: To report a surgical strategy for the Norwood procedure in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) that enables short hypothermic circulatory arrest time and aortic arch reconstruction with autologous pericardium patch. To compare the results of the modified Blalock-Taussig (mBT) shunt and the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit procedures as the source of pulmonary blood flow. METHOD: Retrospective study of 78 newborns consecutively operated between March, 1999 and June 2006. One technique for reconstruction of the neoaorta and two different techniques for reestablishment of the pulmonary blood flow: the mBT shunt in the first 37 newborns and RV-PA conduit in the last 41. Cannulation of the ductus arteriosus for systemic perfusion was the main part of the surgical strategy to reduce the hypothermic circulatory arrest time. RESULTS: In-hospital survival for the entire cohort was 74,35%, or 67.57% for the mBT shunt and 80,49% for RV-PA conduit groups (p=0,21). Hypothermic circulatory arrest times were 45.79+/-1.99 min and 36,8+/-1,52 min (p=0,0012), respectively. Mortality rates between first and second stages were 40% for the mBT shunt and 6,9% for RV-PA conduit groups (p=0,007). Late coarctation of the aorta occurred in five patients Actuarial survival curves(Kaplan-Meier) comparison showed better results with VD-AP conduit (p=0,003). CONCLUSIONS: This surgical strategy resulted in short circulatory arrest time, low mortality and low incidence of aortic coarctation. Although the higher rate of survival to first palliation stage with the RV-PA conduit was not significant, the lower interstage mortality and superior medium-term survival in RV-AP group were statistically advantageous.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: the influence of surgical strategy on outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To report a surgical strategy for the Norwood procedure in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) that enables short hypothermic circulatory arrest time and aortic arch reconstruction with autologous pericardium patch, and to compare the results of the modified Blalock-Taussig (mBT) shunt with the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit procedures as the source of pulmonary blood flow. METHODS: Retrospective study of 71 newborns with HLHS consecutively operated between March, 1999 and February, 2006. One technique for reconstruction of the neoaorta and two different techniques for reestablishment of the pulmonary blood flow were used: the mBT shunt in the first 37 newborns and RV-PA conduit in the last 34. Cannulation of the ductus arteriosus for arterial perfusion was the main part of the surgical strategy to reduce the hypothermic circulatory arrest time. RESULTS: In-hospital survival for the entire cohort was 74.64%, or 67.57% and 82.35% for the mBT shunt and RV-PA conduit groups, respectively (p=0.1808). Mortality rates between the first and second palliation stages were 40% and 4.4% for the mBT shunt and RV-PA conduit groups, respectively (p=0.0054). Hypothermic circulatory arrest times were 45.79+/-1.99 min and 36.62+/-1.62 min (p=0.0012), respectively. Late coarctation of the aorta occurred in five patients (7.2%). CONCLUSION: This surgical strategy resulted in short circulatory arrest time, low mortality and favorable morphology of the neoaorta, with low incidence of late coarctation of the aorta. The higher rate of survival to first palliation stage with the RV-PA conduit was not significant, but interstage mortality was statistically lower when compared with the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure.

Truncus arteriosus operado aos 28 anos: importância do diagnóstico diferencial / Atypical truncus arteriosus operated at 28 years of age: importance of differential diagnosis / Truncus arteriosus operado a los 28 años: importancia del diagnóstico diferencial

Descrevemos um caso de adulto de 28 anos com suspeita de cardiopatia congênita desde o nascimento, não tratada na infância por opção da família. Aos 27 anos, foi feito diagnóstico de atresia pulmonar com comunicação interventricular e colaterais sistêmico-pulmonares, sendo contraindicada a cirurgia. Uma nova reavaliação em nosso serviço demonstrou tratar-se de um truncus arteriosus atípico. O fato de um tronco arterial comum com shunt esquerda-direita ter sido visualizado ao ecocardiograma foi um dado crucial para a indicação de novo cateterismo, abrindo perspectiva de correção cirúrgica. No momento, o paciente encontra-se bem, com 7 anos de evolução pós-operatória.

This is the case of 28 year-old adult with suspected congenital heart disease since birth, not treated in childhood at the his family's choice. At 27 years old, he was diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and systemic-pulmonary collaterals, where surgery was contraindicated. A new review in our department showed that it was an atypical form of truncus arteriosus. The fact that a common arterial trunk with left-right shunt was viewed by echocardiography was a crucial fact for the indication of new catheterization, opening the prospect of surgical correction. Currently, the patient is well, with 7 years of postoperative outcome.

Describimos un caso de adulto de 28 años con sospecha de cardiopatía congénita desde el nacimiento, no tratada en la niñez por opción de la familia. A los 27 años, se hizo diagnóstico de atresia pulmonar con comunicación interventricular y colaterales sistémico-pulmonares, y se contraindicó la cirugía. Una nueva reevaluación en nuestro servicio reveló tratarse de un truncus arteriosus atípico. El hecho de un tronco arterial común con shunt izquierdaderecha haber sido visualizado al ecocardiograma fue un dato crucial para la indicación de nuevo cateterismo, abriendo perspectiva de corrección quirúrgica. Al momento, el paciente se encuentra bien, con 7 años de evolución posoperatoria.

Terapia de ressincronização cardíaca em portador de coração univentricular para correção de dissincroniomiopatia causada por mudança do sítio de estimulação / Cardiac resynchronization therapy in severe systolic dysfunction in a univentricular heart patient to correct dyssynchrony cardiomyopathy caused by change of stimulation site

Paciente com 6 anos de idade, do sexo masculino, portador de coração univentricular decorrente deatresia tricúspide com hipoplasia de ventrículo direito tipo IIC e submetido a implante de marcapasso por bloqueio atrioventricular total no pós-operatório de cirurgia de Fontan, em 2012. Houve necessidade de troca do sistema de estimulação em decorrência de infecção de loja logo após a troca do marcapasso, em 2014. Seis meses após amudança do sítio de estimulação, começou a apresentar quadro de insuficiência cardíaca refratária e disfunção sistólica grave, e o transplante cardíaco foi indicado. O paciente foi submetido a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca orientada por eletrocardiografia triaxial como ponte para transplante e apresentou melhora clínico-estrutural após10 semanas, recebendo alta hospitalar...

We report the case of a 6-year-old male patient with univentricular heart due to tricuspid atresia with right ventricular hypoplasia (IIc), who had a pacemaker implanted for complete heart block after a Fontan surgery in 2012. The stimulation system had to be exchanged due to a pocket infection soon after the pacemaker was exchanged in 2014. Six months after the stimulation site was exchanged he presented refractory heart failure and severe systolic dysfunction and a heart transplantation was indicated. He was submitted to cardiac resynchronization therapy guided by triaxial electrocardiography as a bridge for transplantation. The patient presented clinical and structural improvement after 10 weeks and was discharged...

A síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico não constitui fator de risco para operação de Fontan / The hypoplastic left heart syndrome is not a risk factor for Fontan operation

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a mortalidade hospitalar de crianças submetidas à operação de Fontan e determinar se a síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SCEH) constitui fator de risco para mortalidade. MÉTODOS: De agosto 2001 a junho 2008, 76 pacientes foram submetidos à operação de Fontan, sendo divididos em dois grupos: grupo A com 54 pacientes, sendo 31 (40,7 por cento) portadores de atresia tricúspide e variantes, seis (7,8 por cento) de dupla via de entrada ventrículo esquerdo, quatro (5,3 por cento) de defeito do septo atrioventricular total e 13 (17,1 por cento) de outras cardiopatias congênitas complexas; e grupo B constituído por portadores de SCEH, num total de 22 (28,9 por cento) pacientes. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do grupo A tiveram média de idade de 6,47 anos ± 4,83 e do grupo B de 2,08 anos ± 0,24 P<0,001; a média de peso foi de 22,42 ± 11,04 contra 12,99 ± 1,2 P=0,016; o tempo médio de CEC foi de 119,5 min contra 113,3 min P=0,0, com tempo médio de pinçamento aórtico de 74,8 min e 73,5 min P= 0,75. O tempo médio de permanência em UTI foi 4,1 dias para o grupo A contra 7,52 dias para o grupo B P= 0,0003. No total (grupo A + B), três pacientes foram a óbito, com mortalidade hospitalar de 3,9 por cento, sendo um paciente portador de SHCE (1,3 por cento) (P<0,001; IC95 por cento 0,001 - 0,228). CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo evidencia que, apesar de maior morbidade, a SCEH não constitui um fator de risco para mortalidade hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: To show the mortality rate of children undergoing to Fontan operation and determine whether the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a risk factor for hospital mortality. METHODS: From August 2001 to June 2008, 76 patients underwent Fontan operation and were divided into two groups: group A with 54 patients, 31 (40.7 percent) patients with tricuspid atresia and variants, six (7.8 percent) of double-inlet left ventricle, four (5.3 percent) and atrioventricular septal defect and total 13 (17.1 percent) of other complex congenital heart disease and group B all patients with HLHS a total of 22 (28.9 percent) patients. RESULTS: Group A patients had a mean age of 6.47 years ± 4.83 and group B of 2.08 years ± 0.24 P <0.001, the average weight was 22.42 ± 11.04 against 12.99 ± 1.2 P = 0.016, the mean CPB time was 119.5 min versus 113.3 min P = 0.0, with a mean clamping time of 74.8 min and 73.5 min p = 0.75. The mean ICU stay was 4.1 days for group A versus 7.52 days for group B p = 0.0003. In total (group A + B) three patients died, with hospital mortality of 3.9 percent, and one patient with HLHS (4.54 percent) (P <0.001, 95 percent CI 0.001 to 0.228). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite higher morbidity in HLHS is not a risk factor for hospital mortality.

Cardiogenic shock due to citomegalovirus myocarditis: successful clinical treatment / Choque cardiogênico devido à miocardite por citomegalovírus: terapêutica clínica com sucesso

OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) systemic disease and myocarditis in healthy persons is infrequently reported in the literature, although in increasing numbers in recent years. The importance of the recognition of the syndrome that usually has an initial picture of a mononucleosis like infection in an otherwise healthy person, is the available therapeutic agent, ganciclovir, that can cure the infectious disease. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical result of pulsotherapy with steroids in a patient with CMV myocarditis after 7 days of etiological treatment, with ganciclovir, intravenous vasodilators, and the conventional treatment for congestive heart failure. RESULTS: The clinical condition of the patient improved accordingly to the better function of the left ventricle, and the ganciclovir was kept for 21 days, most of it in an out patient basis. The patient was dismissed from the hospital, with normal myocardial function. CONCLUSION: Potentially curable forms of myocarditis, like M pneumoniae and CMV, for example, can have an initial disproportionate aggression to the myocardium, by the acute inflammatory reaction, that can by itself make worse the damage to the LV function. In our opinion, the blockade of this process by pulsotherapy with steroids can help in the treatment of these patients. We understand that the different scenario of immunosuppressive treatments for the possible auto immunity of the more chronic forms of the presumably post viral cardiomyopathy has been in dispute in the literature, and has stolen the focus from the truly acute cases.

OBJETIVO: Doença sistêmica por citomegalovírus (CMV) com miocardite em pessoas saudáveis é raramente referida na literatura, apesar de em maior número em anos recentes. A importância do reconhecimento da síndrome, que usualmente tem um quadro inicial "mononucleosis like" em uma pessoa sadia é a disponibilidade do agente terapêutico ganciclovir, que pode curar a infecção. MÉTODOS: Nós analisamos o resultado da pulsoterapia com esteróides em um paciente com miocardite por CMV, após 7 dias de tratamento etiológico com ganciclovir, vasodilatadores intravenosos e o tratamento convencional para insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. RESULTADOS: A condição clínica do paciente melhorou com a melhor função do ventrículo esquerdo e o ganciclovir foi mantido por 21 dias após alta hospitalar.A função miocárdica retornou ao normal. CONCLUSÃO: Formas curáveis de miocardites como M pneumonia e CMV, por exemplo, podem ter uma agressão grave ao miocárdio por uma ação inflamatória que pode piorar a função cardíaca. Em nossa opinião, o bloqueio deste processo pela pulsoterapia com esteróides pode auxiliar no tratamento destes pacientes. Entendemos que existe um cenário diferente de tratamento com imunossupressores para possível agressão auto-imune das formas mais crônicas de cardiomiopatias dilatadas e isso está em disputa na literatura, talvez mudando o foco dos casos realmente agudos.

Experiência com transplante cardíaco heterotópico em pacientes com resistência pulmonar elevada: seguimento tardio / Experiencia con trasplante cardíaco heterotópico en pacientes con resistencia pulmonar elevada: seguimiento tardío / Experience with heterotopic heart transplantation in patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance: late follow-up

FUNDAMENTO: Nos últimos anos o numero de artigos sobre transplante cardíaco heterotópico tem sido escasso na literatura, inclusive internacional, e em particular do seguimento de longo prazo destes pacientes, o que levou ao presente relato. OBJETIVO: Relatar a experiência clínica inicial e evolução tardia de quatro pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco heterotópico, sua indicação e principais complicações. MÉTODOS: As cirurgias ocorreram entre 1992 e 2001, sendo que a indicação de transplante heterotópico, em todas, foi pela RVP, variável de 4,8UW a 6.5UW, com gradiente transpulmonar acima de 15mmHg. No 3º paciente, foi realizada uma anastomose direta entre as artérias pulmonares sem emprego de tubo protético e, no coração nativo, foi realizada uma valvoplastia mitral e aneurismectomia de ventrículo esquerdo (VE). O esquema imunossupressor imediato foi duplo com ciclosporina e azatioprina nos três primeiros pacientes e ciclosporina e micofenolato mofetil no 4º paciente. RESULTADOS: Um óbito imediato por falência do enxerto, um óbito após dois anos e meio por endocardite em trombo intraventricular no coração nativo, e um terceiro óbito seis anos após o transplante, por complicações pós-operatórias de cirurgia na valva aórtica do coração nativo. O remanescente, 15 anos após o transplante, encontra-se bem, em classe funcional II (NYHA), seis anos após a oclusão cirúrgica da valva aórtica do coração nativo. CONCLUSÃO: O transplante cardíaco heterotópico é um procedimento com resultado inferior ao transplante cardíaco ortotópico, por apresentarem maior RVP. Os trombos intraventriculares no coração nativo, que exigem anticoagulação prolongada, bem como as complicações de válvula aórtica, também no coração nativo, podem exigir tratamento cirúrgico. Entretanto, em um paciente, a sobrevida de 15 anos mostrou a eficácia de longo prazo desse tipo de alternativa, para pacientes selecionados.

BACKGROUND: Along the past few years the number of papers on heterotopic cardiac transplant has been very scarce in the medical literature, including at the international level; this is particularly true in reference to the long term follow-up of these patients and the reason which led to the presentation of our report. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial clinical experience and late evolution of 4 patients undergoing heterotopic heart transplantation, indications for this procedure and its major complications. METHODS: The surgeries were performed between 1992 and 2001, and all had as indication for heterotopic transplantation the PVR, which ranged from 4.8 WU to 6.5WU, with a transpulmonary gradient above 15mmHg. In the 3rd patient, a direct anastomosis between the pulmonary arteries was performed without the use of a prostetic tube, and a mitral valvuloplasty and a LV aneurysmectomy were performed in the native heart. The immediate immunosuppressive regimens were double, with cyclosporine and azathioprine in the first 3 patients, and cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil in the 4th patient. RESULTS: One immediate death occurred from graft failure, one death occurred after 2 ½ years, from endocarditis in an intraventricular thrombus in the native heart, and a third death occurred 6 years after transplantation, from post-operative complications of the aortic valve surgery in the native heart. The remaining patient is well, 15 years after the transplantation. This patient is in functional class II (NYHA), 6 years after a surgical occlusion of the native heart aortic valve. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic heart transplantation results are inferior to those of orthotopic heart transplantation because they present higher RVP. The intraventricular thrombi, in the native heart, which require prolonged anticoagulation, and aortic valve complications, also in the native heart, may require surgical treatment. However, a patient's 15-year survival has demonstrated ...

FUNDAMENTO: En los últimos años el número de artículos sobre trasplante cardíaco heterotópico y, en particular, del seguimiento a largo plazo de estos pacientes, ha sido escaso en la literatura, inclusive internacional, lo que llevó al presente relato. OBJETIVO: Relatar la experiencia clínica inicial y la evolución tardía de cuatro pacientes sometidos a trasplante cardíaco heterotópico, su indicación y principales complicaciones. MÉTODOS: Las cirugías se realizaron entre 1992 y 2001, y la indicación de trasplante heterotópico, en todas, fue mediante RVP, variable de 4,8 UW; a 6.5 UW, con gradiente transpulmonar superior a 15 mmHg. En el tercer paciente, se realizó una anastomosis directa entre las arterias pulmonares sin empleo de tubo prostético, y, en el corazón nativo, se realizó una valvuloplastia mitral y aneurismectomía de VI. El esquema inmunosupresor inmediato fue doble, con ciclosporina y azatioprina en los tres primeros pacientes y ciclosporina y micofenolato mofetil en el cuarto paciente. RESULTADOS: Un óbito inmediato por falla del injerto, un óbito luego de dos años y medio por endocarditis en trombo intraventricular en el corazón nativo, y un tercer óbito seis años después del trasplante, por complicaciones postoperatorias de una cirugía en la válvula aórtica del corazón nativo. El restante, 15 años después del trasplante, se encuentra bien, en clase funcional II (NYHA), seis años después de una oclusión quirúrgica de la válvula aórtica del corazón nativo. CONCLUSIÓN: El trasplante cardíaco heterotópico es un procedimiento con resultado inferior al trasplante cardíaco ortotópico, por presentar mayor RVP. Los trombos intraventriculares en el corazón nativo, que exige anticoagulación prolongada, así como las complicaciones de válvula aórtica, también en el corazón nativo, pueden exigir tratamiento quirúrgico. Sin embargo, en un paciente, la sobrevida de 15 años mostró la eficacia a largo plazo de este tipo de alternativa, ...

Atriosseptostomia por cateter balão guiada pela ecocardiografia em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Balloon atrial septostomy guided by echocardiography in a neonatal intensive care unit

FUNDAMENTO: A ecocardiografia bidimensional à beira do leito tem sido utilizada com sucesso para guiar a atriosseptostomia com cateter balão, agilizando o procedimento e evitando os riscos do transporte para o laboratório de hemodinâmica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da atriosseptostomia com cateter balão à beira do leito em neonatos cianóticos. MÉTODOS: Entre jan/1997 e jul/2008, foram realizados 102 procedimentos de atriosseptostomia com cateter balão guiados pela ecocardiografia, sendo avaliados níveis de saturação, diâmetro da comunicação, saturação de oxigênio, resposta clínico-laboratorial e complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. RESULTADOS: De um total de 102 casos de Rashkind realizados à beira do leito, 98 preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 90 neonatos do Grupo A (procedimento de Rashkind em fase pré-operatória) e 8 do Grupo B (procedimento em fase pós-operatória). Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (75 por cento), a idade média foi de 8,3 ± 9,3 dias, o peso médio foi de 3.100 ± 1.100 g e a transposição das grandes artérias foi a cardiopatia congênita mais frequente (n = 74). Comparando-se os valores das saturações pré e pós-procedimento (65,9 ± 19,5 por cento e 86 ± 9,7 por cento) e o diâmetro da comunicação interatrial pré e pós-procedimento (2,3 ± 1,0 mm e 5,5 ± 1,3 mm) houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Comparando-se os valores das saturações e o diâmetro da comunicação interatrial nos grupos de sobreviventes e não sobreviventes não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A atriosseptostomia com cateter guiada pela ecocardiografia reduz os riscos por possibilitar a efetiva paliação sem perda de tempo em neonatos cianóticos, além de apresentar menores custos hospitalares.

BACKGROUND: The bedside two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D ECHO) has been successfully used to guide the balloon atrial septostomy, speeding up the procedure and preventing the risks of transportation to the hemodynamics laboratory. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of the bedside balloon atrial septostomy in cyanotic neonates. METHODS: Between January/1997 and July/2008, 102 atrioseptostomies by balloon catheter guided by echocardiography were carried out and saturation levels, defect diameter, oxygen saturation, clinical-laboratory response and complications related to the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 102 cases of bedside Rashkind septostomy, 98 met the inclusion criteria, with 90 neonates in Group A (Rashkind procedure in the preoperative phase) and 8 in Group B (procedure at the postoperative phase). There was a predominance of the male sex (75 percent), mean age was 8.3 ± 9.3 days and the mean weight was 3,100 ± 1,100 g; the transposition of the great arteries was the most frequent congenital heart disease (n = 74). When comparing the levels of saturation pre and post-procedure (65.9 ± 19.5 percent and 86 ± 9.7 percent) and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect pre and post-procedure (2.3 ± 1.0 mm and 5.5 ± 1.3 mm) there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). When comparing the levels of saturation and the diameter of the interatrial septal defect between the group of survivors vs non-survivor, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The balloon atrial septostomy guided by the echocardiography reduces the risks by allowing the effective palliative procedure to be carried out promptly in cyanotic neonates, in addition to presenting lower hospital costs.

Transplante cardíaco em amiloidose primária / Heart transplantation in primary amyloidosis

A amiloidose cardíaca é doença altamente limitante da sobrevida, por morte súbita na maioria dos pacientes. Pela agressão contra outros órgãos, particularmente rins e sistema nervoso central, o transplante cardíaco tem sido opção questionável, face à escassez de órgãos. O objetivo é relatar a evolução, com sobrevivência de 7 anos, da paciente após transplante cardíaco por amiloidose, em boas condições. Um ano após o transplante cardíaco, houve indicação de transplante renal, também pela agressão da doença. Esta paciente contrasta com outros três pacientes de nosso serviço que foram a óbito, ainda na fase de avaliação. Apesar de sua natureza multisistêmica, a amiloidose cardíaca pode, em pacientes selecionados, justificar o transplante cardíaco, pela gravidade do seu potencial evolutivo após o início dos sintomas

Cardiac amyloidosis is a disease with a gloom life expectance after the beginning of the symptomatic phase, usually with sudden death as the final event. The aggression to other organs, although, can make heart transplantation a disputable form of treatment taking into consideration the shortage of donor organs. The aim is to report the evolution with a survival of seven years after heart transplantation and in very fair condition of a patient with amyloidosis. One year after the heart transplantation, there was indication of renal transplantation also from the aggression from the disease. This patient compares' favorable with three other patients also from our service, who died early after de diagnosis. Even considering the multi systemic nature of amyloidosis, we can accept that in peculiar patients justified the heart transplantation, taking in the consideration the very bad prognosis of the disease