Morphological characteristics and outcomes of aortic repair of acute type A aortic dissection occurring in patients with aortic arch branching variants.

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphological characteristics and operative outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) in patients with aortic arch variants. METHODS: Of 616 patients with ATAAD, 97 (15.7%) had aortic arch variants, including bovine aortic arch (BAA, n = 66), isolated left vertebral artery (ILVA, n = 25), and aberrant subclavian artery (ASA, n = 6). The characteristics and outcomes were compared between the normal branching group (control, n = 519) and the total/individual arch variant groups. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, arch entry was more prevalent in the BAA (18.5% vs. 31.8%) and ILVA groups (44%) (both, P < 0.05), and right common carotid arterial occlusion was less common in the arch variant group (6.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.017). The in-hospital mortality (9.2% vs. 9.3%), new-onset stroke (7.3% vs. 7.2%), and 5-year survival (81.7% vs. 78.8%) did not differ markedly between the control and arch variant groups. Arch repair was performed in 28.9% (28/97) of the arch variant group using 3-4 vessel antegrade cerebral perfusion, with 3.8% in-hospital mortality and a 15.4% stroke rate, which were comparable to those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic arch variants may influence tear location and involvement of the supra-arch vessels but may not affect postoperative outcomes.

[Coagulation Management During Open Heart Surgery Based on a Heparin Dose Sensitivity Test for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome].

A 63-year-old woman with severe aortic regurgitation was admitted to our hospital due to congestive heart failure. She also had antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), necessitating strict coagulation management. Given her history of cerebellar infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and recurrent miscarriages, her thrombosis risk was higher, with all three types of antiphospholipid antibodies testing positive. Before the surgery, we created a heparin-activated clotting time (ACT) titration curve using the patient's blood, and the calculated ACT corresponding to the target heparin concentration of 3 U/ml was 650 seconds. We planned to administer heparin according to this target during cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient underwent an aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a bioprosthesis and was discharged without complications.

[Primary Cardiac Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma in the Left Atrium:Report of a Case].

A rare case of primary cardiac undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is reported. A 77-yearold female was admitted to the authors' hospital with complaints of palpitation and dyspnea on effort. Echocardiography revealed a mobile tumor arising from the atrial septum of the left atrium. The tumor obstructed the mitral valve and the patient experienced acute heart failure. Emergent open-heart surgery was performed to resect the tumor. Although she was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 14 in a satisfactory condition, local recurrence in the left atrium was observed 16 months after surgery. Repeated tumor resection was performed, and histological examination confirmed UPS. The patient did not agree to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy and died of local recurrence 27 months after the first surgery.

[Incidentally Detected Right Atrial Blood Cyst].

A 48-year-old man underwent computed tomography for the examination of lower back pain, which incidentally detected a cardiac tumor in the right atrium. On echocardiography, the tumor was identified as a 30 mm round mass with a thin wall and iso- and hyper-echogenic contents that originated from the atrial septum. The tumor was successfully removed under cardiopulmonary bypass, and the patient was discharged in good health. The cyst was filled with old blood, and focal calcification was observed. Pathological examination revealed that the cystic wall was composed of thin-layered fibrous tissue lined with endothelial cells. Regarding a treatment, it is reported that early surgical removal is preferable to avoid embolic complications, however it is controversial. Furthermore, it needs to discuss about the difference between fetal/neonatal and adult cases.

[Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Complicated by Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy:Report of a Case].

No case report about takotsubo cardiomyopathy with Stanford type A acute dissection is present in the literature. Here we report a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy that was diagnosed following Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. A 65-year-old man was admitted with dyspnea. He had experienced acute chest pain 10 days prior. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed Stanford type A aortic dissection and primary entry tear in the proximal aortic arch with a thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta. Echocardiography revealed takotsubo-like wall motion, with an ejection fraction (EF) of 20%. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed ST-segment elevation in V2-V3. Subsequently, coronary artery disease was excluded by coronary CT. After 1 month, ECG findings and EF appeared normal. Thirty-five days after admission, aortic arch replacement was performed with the frozen elephant trunk technique. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered as a possible complication of acute aortic dissection with ST-segment elevation.

[Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism Using a Surgical Endoscope;Report of a Case].

Despite advances in medical and surgical therapeutic techniques, acute massive pulmonary embolism has a high mortality rate. Complete clot extraction without arterial wall injury is essential to save critically ill patients. Herein, we present a case of a 72-year-old woman who was treated by surgical pulmonary embolectomy using a surgical fiberscope. The patient was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of dyspnea. Computed tomography demonstrated a massive pulmonary embolism, and echocardiography revealed a floating thrombus in the right atrium and severe right heart failure. As she suffered from circulatory collapse, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was immediately introduced and emergency surgical embolectomy was performed. Surgery was performed under circulatory arrest, and complete clot extraction was achieved using a surgical endoscope. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital on day 48, with good health.

Outcomes of Early-Onset Acute Type A Aortic Dissection　- Influence of Etiologic Factors.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of early-onset acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) associated with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are known, but not with other etiologies. Methods and Results: ATAAD patients from 2 centers (n=1,001) were divided into 2 groups: age ≤45 years (n=93) and age >45 years (n=908). Although in-hospital death and 10-year survival were similar (12% vs. 7% and 62.6% vs. 67.3%), the 10-year aortic event-free survival differed (50.0% vs. 80.2%; P<0.01). ATAAD patients from 3 centers (n=132), all aged ≤45 years, were divided into 5 groups: lone hypertension (HTN, n=71), MFS (n=23), non-syndromic familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (NS-FTAAD, n=16), bicuspid aortic valve (BAV, n=11), and no known etiologic factor (n=11). The incidence of severe aortic insufficiency varied between groups (HTN: 11%, MFS: 39%, NS-FTAAD: 38%, BAV: 55%, no known factor: 46%; P<0.01), whereas in-hospital death did not (14%, 22%, 0%, 0%, and 9%; P=0.061). The 10-year survival was 52.2%, 64.7%, 83.6%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively, and 10-year aortic event-free survival was 55.6%, 36.3%, 77.5%, 90.0%, and 30.0%. Median descending aorta growth (mm/year) was 1.1 (0.1-3.4), 2.3 (0.3-5.3), 1.9 (1.3-2.7), 0.9 (-0.1-2.0), and 1.0 (-0.2-2.9) (P=0.15), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Late aortic events are common in young ATAAD patients. Known etiologic factors, though not BAV, negatively influence late outcomes in these patients.

The psoas muscle index as a predictor of long-term survival after cardiac surgery for hemodialysis-dependent patients.

Sarcopenia represented by skeletal muscle depletion is closely related to frailty and predicts prognoses in the general population. However, its predictive value for hemodialysis (HD)-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery has not been fully investigated. We aimed to clarify the impact of sarcopenia on the outcomes of HD-dependent patients after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 138 HD-dependent patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 2006 and December 2017. Sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI), which was calculated using values measured on preoperative computed tomography images and the following formula: cross-sectional area of bilateral psoas muscle/height2. Patients were divided into two groups according to the PMI: the sarcopenia group (≤ 443 mm2/m2 for men and ≤ 326 mm2/m2 for women; n = 35) and the non-sarcopenia group (> 443 mm2/m2 for men and > 326 mm2/m2 for women; n = 103). Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared. Overall in-hospital mortality did not differ between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. However, the patients with sarcopenia had significantly decreased long-term survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that low PMI was a significant independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% confidential interval, 1.19-3.17; p < 0.01). Long-term survival rates in HD-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery are severely affected by the presence of preoperative sarcopenia defined by PMI. Preoperative risk analysis using the PMI might contribute to risk stratification of and decision-making for HD-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

[Right Atrium Thrombus Due to Cardiac Amyloidosis;Report of a Case].

A 51-year-old man complaining of exertional dyspnea and syncope was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography(CT) and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a mobile tumor-like lesion in the right atrium. Surgical resection was performed under cardioplegic arrest, which revealed an organized thrombus. Pathological examination revealed amyloid deposition in the myocardium, and bone marrow biopsy revealed CD138 (+) stem cells. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. Although he required percutaneous cardiopulmonary support for postoperative right heart failure for 3 days, he recovered well and was discharged from the hospital on day 44, in a good condition. He was treated with bortezomib for multiple myeloma after surgery. Thus, despite the maintenance of sinus rhythm, intra-cardiac thrombus could be formed with amyloidosis.

[Coronary Artery Perforation during Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty;Report of a Case].

Coronary perforation during excimer laser coronary angioplasty( ELCA) is a rare but life threatening complication. A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for management of acute coronary syndrome. ELCA was attempted for the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD);however, coronary perforation of LAD occurred during the procedure. The patient was transferred to the operation theater and emergency surgical repair was performed. LAD and the diagonal branch were ligated, an aorto-coronary bypass grafting for the distal LAD and the diagonal branch using the saphenous veins. His postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 23rd postoperative day. In case of coronary perforation complicated by ELCA, immediate surgical repair is essential.

[Hip Fracture Repair with Concomitant Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation;Report of a Case].

The incidences of hip fracture and aortic valve stenosis are increasing in the aging population. Operative repair for hip fracture contributes to excellent clinical results. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, which does not require cardiopulmonary bypass, represents a new era for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. We herein describe a patient with both hip fracture and severe aortic valve stenosis. A 93-year-old woman underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation for the valve stenosis immediately followed by open repair surgery for the fracture. She fully recovered without heart failure during the postoperative rehabilitation period. The performance of concomitant surgeries for hip fracture and aortic valve stenosis might increase in the future.

Risk analysis using the prognostic nutritional index in hemodialysis-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The prognostic nutritional index is an effective prognostic tool used in gastrointestinal surgeries. However, its value has not been verified in cardiovascular surgeries. This study aimed to investigate its utility in hemodialysis-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We retrospectively reviewed data of 110 hemodialysis-dependent patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 2006 and July 2016. 20 variables were evaluated for short- and long-term mortality prediction. Patients were divided into high and low prognostic nutritional index groups with values > 34 (n = 90) and ≤ 34 (n = 20), respectively. Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between both groups. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 9% (n = 10) and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year actual survival rates were 69%, 58%, and 40%, respectively. Univariate analysis for hospital death revealed age ≥ 70 years, body mass index ≤ 18 kg/m2, total cholesterol ≤ 120 mg/dl, concomitant procedures, albumin concentration ≤ 3.0 g/dl, and prognostic nutritional index ≤ 34 as risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed age ≥ 70 years and concomitant procedures as independent risk factors. Whereas ejection fraction ≤ 30% and prognostic nutritional index ≤ 34 were strong independent predictors of long-term death. Patients in the low prognostic nutritional index group had significantly longer postoperative hospitalization, higher incidence of complications, significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate, and significantly lower actual survival rate. The low prognostic nutritional index affected surgical outcomes in hemodialysis-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Perioperative nutrition management based on the prognostic nutritional index may improve surgical outcomes.

[Pseudo-false Aneurysm of the Left Ventricle after Acute Myocardial Infarction;Report of a Case].

A 77-year-old man was admitted to a regional hospital to undergo investigation of abnormal electrocardiographic findings. Coronary angiography revealed 99% stenosis of the right coronary artery(RCA) segment 3 and 75% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD)segment 7. Left ventriculography revealed an aneurysm at the inferior wall of the left ventricle. On computed tomography and echocardiography, a saccular aneurysm at the inferior wall, 15 mm in diameter, was observed. Under the suspicion of a ventricular false aneurysm resulting from myocardial infarction, aneurysmectomy, patch closure of the aneurysmal orifice and coronary artery bypass grafting to the LAD and RCA were performed. No pericardial adhesion to the ventricular aneurysm was observed. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from the hospital on the 28th postoperative day in good condition. The pathological examination revealed residual cardiomyocytes with the aneurysmal wall.

[Idiopathic Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm].

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is usually associated with congenital heart disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, and connective tissue abnormalities, but idiopathic PAA is a rare clinical entity. We experienced a surgical case of idiopathic PAA measuring 60 mm in diameter. A 72-year-old man had been admitted to a nearby hospital 5 years before because of an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray, and was diagnosed with an idiopathic PAA measuring 37 mm in diameter. The PAA gradually expanded during follow-up and surgery was scheduled. Aneurysmal resection and reconstruction with a 24 mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 11th postoperative day.

[Two-stage Surgery for Uterine Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Right Ventricular Extension;Report of a Case].

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare neoplastic condition characterized by the benign intravascular proliferation of smooth muscle cells originating from either the uterine venous wall or a uterine leiomyoma. In the present report, we describe the case of a 36-year-old woman, who was referred to our institution due to abdominal pain. Computed tomography indicated the presence of a giant intravenous leiomyoma originating from the uterus and extending to the right ventricle with complex pathways. The patient was successfully treated by tumor resection under circulatory arrest in two-stage operations in conjunction with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists therapy. She continued to recover and did not exhibit any recurrence at the 8-month follow-up.

[Rupture of an Aneurysm of the Right Sinus of Valsalva Into the Pericardium;Report of a Case].

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is an uncommon cardiac anomaly. The aneurysm usually ruptures into the cardiac cavity, and rupture into the pericardial cavity is unusual. A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after collapse due to cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography revealed a ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (5 cm) with massive pericardial effusion. The right coronary artery arose from the aneurysm. Severe aortic regurgitation due to the lack of coaptation of the valves was detected by echocardiography. Emergency patch closure of the aneurysm orifice, aortic valve replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting to the right coronary artery were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 28 in good health.

[Intravascular Hemolysis Caused by Stenosis of an Elephant Trunk;Report of a Case].

Symptomatic intravascular hemolysis after prosthetic aortic graft replacement is rare. It is primarily attributed to mechanical injury of red blood cells caused by stenosis of the vascular graft. A 50-year-old man presented with hemolytic anemia, 5 years after total arch replacement with an elephant trunk for type A aortic dissection. The hemolysis was caused by graft stenosis of the elephant trunk. Endovascular treatment for the stenotic elephant trunk was successfully performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the hemolysis was resolved immediately after operation.

[Aortic Valve Replacement Via a Partial Sternotomy in an Ankylosing Skeletal Hyperostosis Patient after Prophylactic Tracheostomy;Report of a Case].

A 77-year-old man presented with exertional dyspnea. The patient had a history of ankylosing skeletal hyperostosis and sleep apnea syndrome. Echocardiographic examination revealed severe aortic valve regurgitation. The patient underwent a prophylactic tracheostomy 2 weeks before cardiac surgery to decrease his risk of perioperative respiratory failure. He successfully underwent aortic valve replacement through a lower partial sternotomy. His postoperative course was uneventful, and the tracheostoma was closed 6 months after the cardiac surgery.

[Coronary Artery Perforation Secondary to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention;Report of a Case].

Stent perforation of a coronary artery during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare but life-threatening complication. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for management of acute coronary syndrome. PCI was attempted for the left circumflex artery(LCX);however, catheterization was complicated by perforation of the LCX by the stent. He developed cardiac tamponade and was resuscitated using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support. Emergency surgery( ligation of the LCX and aorto-coronary bypass grafting for the distal LCX) was performed. His postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 20th postoperative day. Collaboration between cardiologists and surgeons is essential to salvage such a critical patient.