Trajectory of Diastolic Function after Heart Transplantation as Assessed by Left Atrial Deformation Analysis.

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is a prevalent and clinically significant complication after heart transplantation (HTX). We aimed to characterize the diastolic function of HTX recipients with both short-term and long-term follow-ups by applying left atrial (LA) deformation analysis. We consecutively enrolled and followed up with 33 HTX patients. Three assessments were performed one month, 3-5 months, and 3-5 years after surgery. Beyond conventional echocardiographic measurements, apical four-chamber views optimized for speckle tracking analysis were acquired and post-processed by dedicated software solutions (TomTec AutoStrain LA and LV). Left atrial phasic functions were characterized by reservoir, conduit, and contraction strains. We categorized diastolic function according to current guidelines (normal diastolic function, indeterminate, DD). At the first assessment, nine (27%) patients were in the DD category, and eleven (33%) were indeterminate. At the second assessment, only one patient (3%) remained in the DD category and six (18%) were indeterminate. At the third assessment, 100% of patients were categorized as having normal diastolic function. LA reservoir strain gradually increased over time. LA contraction strain significantly improved from the second to the third assessment. We found a correlation between the LA reservoir strain and NT-proBNP (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). DD is prevalent immediately after HTX but rare until the end of the first postoperative quarter. Speckle tracking analysis enables the characterization of LA phasic functions that may reflect both short- and long-term changes in diastolic function and correlate with NT-proBNP.

The role of 3D technology in the practical education of congenital coarctation and its treatment-a feasibility pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital disease with an incidence of 4 out of 10,000 live births, therefore proper education of its treatment is essential. Understanding the disease and the wide array of treatment options is often difficult. Additive manufacturing technology can be used to produce 3D printed hands-on surgical training tools (HOSTT), which can be used for the education and practical training of CoA. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 3D printable HOSTT for the simulation of coarctation surgery, and it' possible role in practical education. METHODS: Participants were medical students of Semmelweis University between the second and sixth academic year. A virtual 3D model of an aorta with CoA was generated from a computed tomography angiography scan. Each participant received a 3D-printed aorta phantom and performed either one of four surgical treatment modalities. The simulated surgeries included end-to-end anastomosis, end-to-side anastomosis, prosthetic patch, and subclavian flap aortoplasty. Participants provided feedback, evaluating their understanding of the disease and its treatment by the four surgical reconstruction modalities on a seven-point Likert scale before and after the sessions. RESULTS: 21 medical students participated in this study. Participants' average rating of their understanding of CoA disease and it treatment options before practical training was 4.62 ± 1.07. After training, their average rating increased to 6.19 ± 1.08, showing statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Within this study's limitations, the applied HOSTT, manufactured using 3D printing, was effective for the practical training of CoA's surgical treatment methods for medical students.

Disparities in donor heart acceptance between the USA and Europe: clinical implications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Given limited evidence and lack of consensus on donor acceptance for heart transplant (HT), selection practices vary widely across HT centres in the USA. Similar variation likely exists on a broader scale-across countries and HT systems-but remains largely unexplored. This study characterized differences in heart donor populations and selection practices between the USA and Eurotransplant-a consortium of eight European countries-and their implications for system-wide outcomes. METHODS: Characteristics of adult reported heart donors and their utilization (the percentage of reported donors accepted for HT) were compared between Eurotransplant (n = 8714) and the USA (n = 60 882) from 2010 to 2020. Predictors of donor acceptance were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Additional analyses estimated the impact of achieving Eurotransplant-level utilization in the USA amongst donors of matched quality, using probability of acceptance as a marker of quality. RESULTS: Eurotransplant reported donors were older with more cardiovascular risk factors but with higher utilization than in the USA (70% vs. 44%). Donor age, smoking history, and diabetes mellitus predicted non-acceptance in the USA and, by a lesser magnitude, in Eurotransplant; donor obesity and hypertension predicted non-acceptance in the USA only. Achieving Eurotransplant-level utilization amongst the top 30%-50% of donors (by quality) would produce an additional 506-930 US HTs annually. CONCLUSIONS: Eurotransplant countries exhibit more liberal donor heart acceptance practices than the USA. Adopting similar acceptance practices could help alleviate the scarcity of donor hearts and reduce waitlist morbidity in the USA.

[The role of 3D technology in the support of mechanical circulation therapy.] / A 3D technológia szerepe a muszívterápiában.

INTRODUCTION: Successful mechanical circulatory support is influenced by various factors, which are difficult or impossible to control. For ideal functioning of the left ventricular assist device inflow-cannula, its axis should be close to parallel with the septum, facing the mitral valve within the left ventricle. Numerous international publications discuss that deviation from optimal implantation can lead to inadequate functioning and serious complications. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to developing a method, which, using 3D technology, anatomical and hydrodynamic data, makes optimal surgical implantation of the left ventricular assist device possible. METHOD: Data of 57 patients, receiving mechanical circulatory support at Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Center, were analyzed retrospectively. Results of operations performed with the patented novel navigation device (exoskeleton) were compared with results of operations performed conventionally, without navigation (control group). Following pairing based on estimated participation probability, postoperative data of 7-7 patients were compared. DICOM files from CT angiography images were used to create virtual geometries of individual hearts. Optimal inflow-cannula angle was determined through hydrodynamic simulation. Exoskeletons were printed using synthetic resin suitable for surgical purposes. Exoskeleton templates guided punch knife positioning and inflow-cannula implantation. RESULTS: Evaluation of postoperative CT angiography images showed that the angle between inflow-cannula and interventricular septum significantly differed in the exoskeleton and control groups (10.13° ± 2.69° vs. 22.87° ± 12.38°, p = 0.0208). Hydrodynamic tests found significantly lower turbulence in the exoskeleton group. Simulated turbulent kinetic energy was significantly lower in the exoskeleton group, which was 11.7 m2/s2 ± 9.39 m2/s2 vs. 49.59 m2/s2 ± 7.61 m2/s2 on average. CONCLUSION: The results suggest left ventricular assist device implantation with patented exoskeleton to be a standardizable, safe and effective method. Preliminary results suggest, that the method may facilitate individualized care, reduce surgical time and incidence of serious complications. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(26): 1026-1033.

Association between Hepatic Venous Congestion and Adverse Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic venous flow patterns reflect pressure changes in the right ventricle and are also markers of systemic venous congestion. Fluid management is crucial in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: Our goal was to determine which factors are associated with the increased congestion of the liver as measured by Doppler ultrasound in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This prospective, observational study included 41 patients without preexisting liver disease who underwent cardiac surgery between 1 January 2021 and 30 September 2021 at a tertiary heart center. In addition to routine echocardiographic examination, we recorded the maximal velocity and velocity time integral (VTI) of the standard four waves seen in the common hepatic vein (flow profile) using Doppler ultrasound preoperatively and at the 20-24th hour of the postoperative period. The ratios of the retrograde and anterograde hepatic venous waves were calculated, and the waveforms were compared to the baseline value and expressed as a delta ratio. Demographic data, pre- and postoperative echocardiographic parameters, intraoperative variables (procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass time), postoperative factors (fluid balance, vasoactive medication requirement, ventilation time and parameters) and perioperative laboratory parameters (liver and kidney function tests, albumin) were used in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 41 patients, 20 (48.7%) were males, and the median age of the patients was 65.9 years (IQR: 59.8-69.9 years). Retrograde VTI growth showed a correlation with positive fluid balance (0.89 (95% CI 0.785-0.995) c-index. After comparing the postoperative echocardiographic parameters of the two subgroups, right ventricular and atrial diameters were significantly greater in the "retrograde VTI growth" group. The ejection fraction and decrement in ejection fraction to preoperative parameters were significantly different between the two groups. (p = 0.001 and 0.003). Ventilation times were longer in the retrograde VTI group. The postoperative vs. baseline delta VTI ratio of the hepatic vein correlated with positive fluid balance, maximum central venous pressure, and ejection fraction. (B = -0.099, 95% CI = -0.022-0.002, p = 0.022, B = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.001-0.021, p = 0.022, B = 0.091, 95% CI = 0.052-0.213, p = 0.002, respectively.) Conclusion: The increase of the retrograde hepatic flow during the first 24 h following cardiac surgery was associated with positive fluid balance and the decrease of the right ventricular function. Measurement of venous congestion or venous abdominal insufficiency seems to be a useful tool in guiding fluid therapy and hemodynamic management.

Association between Preoperative Retrograde Hepatic Vein Flow and Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery.

Key questions: Is there a predictive value of hepatic venous flow patterns for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery? Key findings: In patients who underwent cardiac surgery, retrograde hepatic venous waves (A, V) and their respective ratio to anterograde waves showed a strong association with postoperative AKI, defined as the percentage change of the highest postoperative serum creatinine from the baseline preoperative concentration (%ΔCr). The velocity time integral (VTI) of the retrograde A wave and the ratio of the retrograde and anterograde waves' VTI were independently associated with AKI after adjustment for disease severity. Take-home message: A higher ratio of retrograde/antegrade waves in hepatic venous retrograde waves, which are related to hepatic stasis, may predict AKI after cardiac surgery. Introduction: Hepatic venous flow patterns reflect pressure changes in the right ventricle and are also markers of systemic venous congestion. Pulsatility of the inferior caval vein was used to predict the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. Aims: Our objective was to evaluate the association between preoperative hepatic venous flow patterns and the risk of AKI in patients after cardiac surgery. Methods: This prospective, observational study included 98 patients without preexisting liver disease who underwent cardiac surgery between 1 January 2018, and 31 March 2020, at a tertiary heart center. In addition to a routine echocardiographic examination, we recorded the maximal velocity and velocity time integral (VTI) of the standard four waves in the common hepatic vein with Doppler ultrasound. Our primary outcome measure was postoperative AKI, defined as the percentage change of the highest postoperative serum creatinine from the baseline preoperative concentration (%ΔCr). The secondary outcome was AKI, defined by KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. Results: The median age of the patients was 69.8 years (interquartile range [IQR 25−75] 13 years). Seventeen patients (17.3%) developed postoperative AKI based on the KDIGO. The VTI of the retrograde A waves in the hepatic veins showed a strong correlation (B: 0.714; p = 0.0001) with an increase in creatinine levels after cardiac surgery. The velocity time integral (VTI) of the A wave (B = 0.038, 95% CI = 0.025−0.051, p < 0.001) and the ratio of VTI of the retrograde and anterograde waves (B = 0.233, 95% CI = 0.112−0.356, p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increase in creatinine levels. Conclusions: The severity of hepatic venous regurgitation can be a sign of venous congestion and seems to be related to the development of AKI.

Blood-filled cyst of the tricuspid valve: Multiple cardiac disorders, one surgical case.

BACKGROUND: Intracardiac blood cysts are an exceedingly rare occurrence in adulthood. Detailed imaging modalities aid in the diagnosis of such incidental lesions and procedure planning. METHODS: We report the case of a 51-year-old male accusing dyspnea on exertion as a sole symptom which led to the discovery of multiple cardiac anomalies, namely, severe aortic valve insufficiency on a bicuspid aortic valve, ascending aortic aneurysm, a cystic mass on the tricuspid valve, patent foramen ovale, and an occluded right coronary artery. RESULTS: The disorders were managed in a single surgical intervention, the resected mass being confirmed as a blood cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Our case presents a unique association of cardiac disorders, including a highly uncommon intracardiac blood-filled cyst, and underlines the importance of multimodality imaging and interdisciplinary approach in the successful management of such complex cases.

Clinical significance of the aortic arch and its malformations from fetus to adulthood / Az aortaív-anomáliák klinikai jelentosége a magzattól a felnottkorig.

Összefoglaló. Az intrauterin echokardiográfiás és MR-diagnosztika fejlodése napjainkban jelentos szerepet tulajdonít már az elso trimeszter idejében kimutatható aortaív-fejlodési rendellenességeknek. Célunk volt részletezni a vascularis gyuruk megjelenési formáit, ezek különbözo életkorokban jelentkezo tüneteit, sebészi kezelését, hogy hozzájárulhassunk a helyes felvilágosításhoz, mely alapveto lehet a szülés helyének megválasztásában, így meghatározhassák a magzat sorsát, perinatalis ellátását. A situs inversustól eltekintve a jobb oldali aortaív jelenléte mindig felhívja a figyelmet vascularis gyuru, társuló szívhibák, genetikai betegségek, kromoszómaanomáliák jelenlétére, tehát a magzat további vizsgálata szükséges. Kettos aortaív esetén jelentkezhetnek olyan súlyos tünetek, melyek a megszületés után, kora csecsemokorban sebészi beavatkozást igényelhetnek (szükséges lehet a szülés helyének megválasztása!). Az aberráns jobb arteria subclavia önállóan nem alkot érgyurut, a ritkán társuló truncus caroticusszal csak késobbi életkorban okozhat sebészi beavatkozást igényló enyhe tüneteket. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(48): 1920-1923. Summary. Nowadays, the development of intrauterine echocardiography and MR diagnostics plays a significant role in aortic arch malformations detected during the first trimester. Our aim was to detail the manifestations of vascular rings, their symptoms at different ages and their surgical treatment options in order to determine the fate of the fetus and its perinatal care. Apart from situs inversus, the presence of the right aortic arch always draws the attention to the possible presence of vascular rings, associated heart defects, genetic diseases, or chromosomal abnormalities, therefore further examinations of the fetus are necessary. In the case of a double aortic arch, severe symptoms may occur, which may require surgery after birth and in early infancy (it may be necessary to choose the place of birth!). The right aberrant subclavian artery does not form a ring and may cause mild symptoms requiring surgery at a later age with rarely associated truncus carotid. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(48): 1920-1923.

Mitral valve surgery in the treatment of atrioventricular septal defect / A mitralis billentyu sebészete atrioventricularis septumdefektusban.

Összefoglaló. A veleszületett szívbetegségek egyik gyakori formáját jelento atrioventricularis septumdefektus korrekciós mutétjének kritikus pontja a közös atrioventricularis szájadék elválasztásával a mitralis billentyu kialakítása. A korrekció sikere számos anatómiai variáns függvénye, ezért nem lehet minden esetben a tökéletes anatómiai viszonyokat kialakítani. A fennmaradó billentyustenosisok, regurgitatiók a késobbi életkorban progressziót mutatva olyan hemodinamikai kórképeket, keringési elégtelenséget okozhatnak, melyek további beavatkozásokat igényelhetnek. A mitralis billentyunek az atrioventricularis septumdefektushoz társuló betegsége koraszülöttkortól aggkorig minden életkorban elofordul, más-más mutéti megoldást igényelve. A szerzok részletezik a különbözo életkorokra vonatkozóan a napjainkban lehetséges és szükséges mutéti megoldásokat, sebészi kihívásokat. A mitralis billentyu mubillentyure történo cseréjében a klasszikus sebészi megoldások mellett napjainkban új beavatkozásokként jelentos számban jelentkeznek a katéteres intervenciós és hibrid megoldások. A felnottkort egyre nagyobb számban megélo betegek fokozott odafigyelést, speciális ellátást igényelnek a kardiológusoktól, szívsebészektol. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(35): 1397-1401. Summary. The critical point of the atrioventricular septal defect correction is to separate the common atrioventricular orifice, which results in the reconstruction of the mitral valve. The success of the correction depends on many anatomical aspects, therefore a perfect anatomical outcome is not always possible. The remaining valvular stenoses and regurgitations, showing progression at a later age, may result in hemodynamic disorders and circulatory insufficiency that may require further interventions. Mitral valve disease associated with atrioventricular septal defect occurs at all ages from preterm to adulthood, requiring different surgical solutions. The authors detail the possible and necessary surgical solutions and surgical challenges at different ages. In addition to the classic surgical solutions, a significant number of catheter interventional and hybrid solutions are emerging as new interventions in the replacement of the mitral valve with an artificial valve. An increasing number of patients living in adulthood require increased attention and special care from cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(35): 1397-1401.

Left ventricular rotational abnormalities in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot following different surgical procedures (Results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

BACKGROUND: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). Abnormal aortic dimensions and elasticity parameters have been long described for corrected TOF (cTOF) together with left ventricular (LV) rotational abnormalities, but results are conflicting. The present study focuses on investigating LV rotational mechanics in cTOF, and possible correlation of these parameters with aortic elasticity. It was also aimed to be examined whether different surgical strategies have any effect on these results. METHODS: The study involved 26 adult cTOF patients, from which 14 had palliative surgery first and a late total correction (pcTOF), while early total correction was the treatment of choice in 12 patients (etrTOF). Their results were compared to those of 37 age- and gender-matched healthy adults. Routine transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with assessment of aortic elastic properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) was performed in all cTOF patients and controls. RESULTS: Sixteen out of 26 cTOF patients showed normally directed LV rotational mechanics, while apical or basal LV rotations were in the same clockwise or counterclockwise directions in 7 and 3 cTOF cases, respectively (LV 'rigid body rotation', RBR). Significantly reduced LV apical rotation and twist could be demonstrated in all cTOF patients with preserved LV basal rotation regardless of previous procedure. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Significant correlations could be demonstrated between LV apical rotation and aortic stiffness index (r=-0.55, P=0.03) and aortic distensibility (r=0.52, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Significant LV rotational abnormalities could be demonstrated in cTOF with the high prevalence of LV-RBR. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Unexpected abnormal physiologic response of LV rotational mechanics to increased aortic stiffness can be detected in cTOF patients without LV-RBR.

Changing strategies in aortic root reconstruction in Marfan syndrome / Stratégiai szemléletváltás a Marfan-szindrómás betegeken végzett aortagyök-rekonstrukciókban.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A Marfan-szindróma autoszomális domináns módon öröklodo, szisztémás kötoszöveti betegség. A hosszú távú túlélés szempontjából fontos a nagyérkatasztrófák megelozése. Szívsebészeti szempontból a legfontosabb elváltozás az aortagyök tágulata. Aortagyök-rekonstrukciós beavatkozásaink Bentall-DeBono-, David I. és módosított Yacoub-mutétek, melyek mind preventív jelleggel, mind dissectio esetén jó eredménnyel végezhetok. Célkituzés: A marfanos betegeknél eltéro technikával végzett aortagyök-rekonstrukciós mutéteink összehasonlítása. Módszer: A Semmelweis Egyetem Városmajori Szív- és Érgyógyászati Klinikáján 1993 és 2020 között Marfan-szindrómásoknál elvégzett Bentall-DeBono-, David I. és módosított Yacoub-féle aortagyök-rekonstrukciókat elemeztük. A mutét szerinti csoportok életkora a beavatkozás idején 29,69 (21,98-41,25) év, 29,15 ± 11,99 év és 35,29 ± 14,14 év volt, a fenti sorrendben. Az adatok forrásául a Magyar Marfan Regiszter és az Aortagyök-rekonstrukciós Regiszter szolgált. Eredmények: Az utánkövetési ido 132 ± 81,04 hónap volt a Bentall-, 76 ± 27,77 hónap a David-, valamint 4,5 (0,75-11,75) hónap a Yacoub-mutét esetén. A David- és a Yacoub-beavatkozások gyakrabban voltak profilaktikusak, mint a Bentall-operációk (p = 0,0153; p = 0,0085). A Bentall-mutéteknél ritkább volt a primer mutét esetleges késobbi elégtelenségébol fakadó reoperáció, mint a David-operációknál (p<0,001). David-beavatkozásnál a Bentall-mutéthez képest hosszabb volt a cardiopulmonaris bypass (p = 0,0013) és az aortalefogás ideje (p = 0,0048), valamint David- és Yacoub-mutét esetén gyakrabban lépett fel korai posztoperatív szövodmény, mint Bentall-operációnál (p = 0,0005; p = 0,0037). A késoi szövodmények és a túlélés tekintetében a csoportok nem különböztek. Következtetés: Marfan-szindrómában a leggyakrabban halált okozó szövodmény az akut aortaruptura, illetve akut aortadissectio. Eredményeink alapján mindhárom profilaktikus aortagyök-rekonstrukciós mutéti típus jól reprodukálható és jó eredménnyel végezheto Marfan-szindrómában. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(18): 696-704. INTRODUCTION: Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant, systemic connective tissue disorder. Preventing vascular complications is essential for long-term survival. Aortic dilation is the main cardiac surgical manifestation. Bentall-DeBono, David I and modified Yacoub aortic root reconstructions treat and prevent aortic dissections with great outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Comparing results of aortic root reconstructions in Marfan syndrome. METHOD: We analysed the data of Bentall-DeBono, David I and modified Yacoub operations performed in Marfan syndrome at the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University between 1993 and 2020. Ages of surgical groups at the time of operation were 29.69 (21.98-41.25) years, 29.15 ± 11.99 years and 35.29 ± 14.14 years, respectively. Data were obtained from the Hungarian Marfan Register and the Aortic Root Reconstruction Register. RESULTS: Follow-up time was 132 ± 81.04 months for Bentall, 76 ± 27.77 months for David and 4.5 (0.75-11.75) months for Yacoub groups. David and Yacoub operations were prophylactic more frequently than Bentall ones (p = 0.0153; p = 0.0085). Freedom from reoperation after primary surgery insufficiency was more common for Bentall than for David procedure (p<0.001). Compared to Bentall, David surgeries required longer cardiopulmonary bypass (p = 0.0013) and aortic cross clamp time (p = 0.0048), more early postoperative complications occurred after David and Yacoub, than after Bentall operations (p = 0.0005; p = 0.0037). Late complications and survival did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSION: In Marfan syndrome, acute aortic rupture and dissection are the main contributors to mortality. Based on our results, the prophylactic aortic root reconstructions are reproducible and can be performed with great outcomes. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(18): 696-704.

Behçet's disease: successful aortic root reconstruction in severely dilated aortoventricular junction after aortic valve replacement with novel surgical method - case report.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease is an auto-inflammatory disorder categorized as a primer systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Genetic factors, infectious agents and the irregularity of T-cell homeostasis are presumed to be responsible for the emergence of Behçet's disease. Characteristic symptoms are multisystemic. Although cardiovascular involvement is rare, it should be noted due to the difficulty of surgical treatment options. CASE PRESENTATION: Our 44-year-old male patient underwent aortic valve replacement due to aortic regurgitation. At the 15-month follow-up, echocardiography showed detachment of the prosthetic valve and in the aortic root, multiple pseudo-aneurysms were identified. We performed an aortic root reconstruction with a Bentall procedure using a special "skirted" conduit to reduce strain in the suture line between the conduit and the extremely dilated left ventricular outflow tract. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of cardiovascular manifestations of Behçet's disease remains challenging. This new technique may be beneficial in well-selected cases where the annulus of the aorta is extremely dilated or annular tissue disorder is present.

Needle in the heart: a rare case of cardiac tamponade caused by a migrated foreign body and mimicking ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Pericardial tamponade is a serious condition which may eventually lead to severe haemodynamic disturbances and cardiac arrest. It is most often caused by the accumulation of fluid inside the pericardium, as a result of different aetiological factors such as pericarditis, neoplastic diseases, lymphatic dysfunctions, or idiopathic pericardial disease. Pericardial tamponade can develop after cardiac surgical procedures or as a complication of myocardial infarction. Collection of blood inside the pericardial sack can be the result of pericardial or cardiac trauma. It is exceedingly rare for the injury to be caused by a migrating foreign body. Although a typical picture of pericardial tamponade has been previously described, the disorder may clinically resemble an acute myocardial infarction. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient complaining of new onset thoracic pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiographic examination results were suggestive of an acute inferior myocardial infarction. However, echocardiography revealed significant pericardial tamponade. The cause was found to be a needle which remained inside the pelvis following a previous cesarean delivery, which the patient had undergone 18 years prior. In emergency setting, the needle was removed and the pericardial tamponade was resolved. Due to the prompt and efficient management, the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and presented no recurrence at the follow-up examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The migration of foreign bodies through tissues is exceedingly rare. If present, it may cause life-threatening complications. Since the aetiology of pericardial tamponade is vast, a thorough assessment is highly important. Therefore, echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice. We wish to highlight the possibility of migrating foreign bodies as probable cause for pericardial tamponade, as well as the importance of echocardiographic methods in the fast-track evaluation of such critical conditions.

Acute heart transplantation from mechanical circulatory support in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient with fulminant myocarditis.

Since the establishment of highly active antiretroviral therapy, survival rates have improved among patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection giving them the possibility to become transplant candidates. Recent publications revealed that human immunodeficiency virus-positive heart transplant recipients' survival is similar to non-infected patients. We present the case of a 40-year-old human immunodeficiency virus infected patient, who was hospitalized due to severely decreased left ventricular function with a possible aetiology of acute myocarditis, that has later been confirmed by histological investigation of myocardial biopsy. Due to rapid progression to refractory cardiogenic shock, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation had been initiated, which was upgraded to biventricular assist device later. On the 35th day of upgraded support, the patient underwent heart transplantation uneventfully. Our clinical experience confirms that implementation of temporary mechanical circulatory support and subsequent cardiac transplantation might be successful in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients even in case of new onset, irreversible acute heart failure.

Coarctatio aortae: management from infancy to adulthood. / A coarctatio aortae kezelése újszülöttkortól a felnottkorig.

The surgical management of congenital heart defects is changing continuously due to technical development. Aortic coarctation is one of the most frequent congenital heart diseases often with serious symptoms. The authors review the different surgical techniques (end-to-end anastomosis, pathplasty, interposition) and present the up-to-date procedures from infancy to adulthood. We assess the results, the benefits and disadvantages of the different procedures based on our and international experiences. The greatest surgical challenges are the management of the serious hypoplastic aortic arch in infancy and later evolving restenosis and complications (aneurysm, dissection). Nowadays, the management of aortic coarctation is very difficult because the surgical procedures are different in infancy, childhood and adult age. In the latter two cases, it is necessary to apply catheter interventions, too, the correct timing of which also present great challenges nowadays. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(21): 861-866.

Perioperative Low Tetraiodothyronine Levels and Adverse Outcomes After Heart Transplantation: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid dysfunction has been shown to be associated with increased all-cause mortality and severity of chronic heart failure in critical illness and severe cardiac diseases. The present study was conducted to ascertain the relationship between perioperative free triiodothyronine and free tetraiodothyronine (fT4) levels and postoperative adverse outcomes after heart transplantation (HTX). DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Single-center study in a quaternary care university clinical center. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised adult patients who underwent HTX between 2015 and 2019 and had at least 1 perioperative thyroid hormone laboratory test on the day of surgery or in the 24 hours before/after the procedure (free triiodothyronine, fT4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone). INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were applied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was primary graft dysfunction (PGD), defined by the consensus conference of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. A total of 151 patients were included in the final analyses. Twenty-nine (19.2%) patients had PGD. Fourteen (9.3%) patients had low fT4 levels. An independent association was found between fT4 and PGD (odds ratio 6.49; 95% confidence interval 2.26-18.61; p = 0.001), with adjusted multivariate Cox regression models. CONCLUSION: The perioperative fT4 level could be a prognostic marker of adverse outcomes in HTX. The authors suggest appropriate perioperative monitoring of fT4 levels. Additional research is warranted to examine the optimal timing, dosage, and method of replacement.

Left Atrial Volumetric and Deformation Analysis in Adult Patients with Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (Insights from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

BACKGROUND: In complete or dextro-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA), the aorta and the pulmonary artery are transposed. The present study was designed to examine dTGAassociated left atrial (LA) volumetric and functional abnormalities in adult patients late after repair and to compare their results to those of healthy controls. METHODS: The present study consisted of 15 dTGA patients (30.3 ± 8.1 years, 9 males), the patients had Mustard (n = 8) or Senning (n = 7) procedure performed. Their results were compared to those of 36 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (28.7 ± 1.5 years, 24 males). RESULTS: Increased maximum LA volume and reduced LA emptying fractions respecting the cardiac cycle could be demonstrated in our dTGA patients. LA stroke volumes representing all LA functions were significantly reduced. Peak LA circumferential, longitudinal, and area strains and LA circumferential, longitudinal, and area strains measured at atrial contraction were reduced in our dTGA patients. Most LA strains were reduced in patients having Mustard surgery compared to controls and patients undergoing Senning operation. CONCLUSIONS: Significant LA volumetric and functional abnormalities could be demonstrated in adult patients with dTGA late after repair. Senning procedure seems to have more beneficial long-term effects on LA volumetric and functional features as compared to the Mustard procedure.

Giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm successfully managed with valve-sparing procedure - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an uncommon cardiac anomaly, with an incidence of less than 1% of open heart surgery cases. Its evolution is most frequently silent, being found incidentally or discovered in the event of its acute rupture. Non-ruptured giant SVAs may cause unusual clinical manifestations, as a consequence of their protrusion into the heart chambers or compression of the coronary vessels and are frequently associated with aortic insufficiency of various degrees of severity. The gold standard treatment for SVAs consists of complete replacement of the aortic root and valve. However, in certain cases, valve-sparing procedures may prove to be a more suitable alternative. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea as symptom caused by a large (> 5 cm) right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The aneurysm was occupying most of the right ventricle and was associated with severe aortic regurgitation. The surgical treatment of the condition involved valve-sparing root reconstruction procedure (remodeling technique), completed with external stabilization of the aortic valve annulus via running suture annuloplasty. Following the uneventful intervention, the patient did well and his status improved. The follow-up transthoracic echocardiography obtained 1 month after surgery showed a fully competent aortic valve with no regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite complete aortic root and valve replacement being considered the safest approach to large SVAs complicated with aortic insufficiency, valve-sparing procedures should not be overlooked in case of a dilated aortic root with uncalcified aortic valve. Performing valve-sparing by applying a remodeling technique operation completed with annuloplasty reduces aortic valve insufficiency, avoiding side-effects related to implanted valves.

[Innovation in medicine: opportunities of 3D modeling and printing for perioperative care of cardio and thoracic surgical patients. Experiences in Hungary]. / Innovációs lehetoségek a medicinában: 3D tervezési és 3D nyomtatási lehetoségek a felnott szív- és mellkassebészeti betegellátásban. Magyarországi tapasztalatok.

Use of 3D planning and 3D printing is expanding in healthcare. One of the common applications is the creation of anatomical models for the surgical procedure from DICOM files. These patient-specific models are used for multiple purposes, including visualization of complex anatomical situations, simulation of surgical procedures, patient education and facilitating communication between the different disciplines during clinical case discussions. Cardiac and thoracic surgical applications of this technology development include the use of patient-specific 3D models for exploration of ventricle and aorta function and surgical procedural planning in oncology. The 3D virtual and printed models provide a new visualization perspective for the surgeons and more efficient communication between the different clinical disciplines. The 3D project was started at the Semmelweis University with the cooperation of the Thoracic Surgery Department of the National Institute of Oncology in 2018. The authors want to share their experiences in 3D designed medical tools. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(50): 1967-1975.

[Pediatric coronary artery surgery. A new area in cardiac surgery?] / Coronariasebészet csecsemo- és gyermekkorban. A szívsebészet új ága?

Introduction and aim: Pediatric coronary artery surgery for congenital heart disease has become increasingly important in newborns and infants. It is life-saving in unsuccessful coronary transfer surgery, injury of coronary artery during surgery, in pediatric coronary artery bypass surgery (PCABS) due to acquired Kawasaki disease. Method: We review the current surgical role of congenital and acquired coronary artery diseases in newborns and infants. Results: The 7 main challenges are: 1) anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery; 2) different variations of the origins of the coronary arteries in transposition of the great arteries (TGA); 3) acute and late coronary events in the arterial switch operation for TGA; 4) complications after coronary transfer procedures: Ross-, Nikaidoh operation; 5) inadvertent coronary artery injury during heart surgery; 6) Kawasaki disease; 7) coronary artery procedures in premature infants. Direct coronary reimplantation in most, surgical angioplastic procedures in selected patients is the first choice; however, PCABS with internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts can be life-saving in emergency or severe myocardial hypoperfusion conditions. Since the patency of saphenous vein grafts is poorer than that of ITA grafts, their use should be avoided in growing children. The procedures can be performed safely in neonates and infants, using high-power magnifying glasses or a surgical microscope. Conclusion: Pediatric coronary artery surgery technique is now established as the standard safety surgical choice, as a new area in cardiac surgery. Congenital heart surgeons after proper training are able to use coronary transfer and bypass surgery safely even in premature babies. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(49): 1935-1940.