Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrium reverse remodeling after mitral regurgitation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Left atrium enlargement has been associated with cardiac events in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). Left atrium reverse remodeling (LARR) occur after surgical correction of MR, but the preoperative predictors of this phenomenon are not well known. It is therefore important to identify preoperative predictors for postoperative LARR. METHODS: We enrolled 62 patients with chronic severe MR (prolapse or flail leaflet) who underwent successful mitral valve surgery (repair or replacement); all with pre- and postoperative echocardiography. LARR was defined as a reduction in left atrium volume index (LAVI) of ≥ 25%. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of LARR. RESULTS: LARR occurred in 46 patients (74.2%), with the mean LAVI decreasing from 85.5 mL/m2 to 49.7 mL/m2 (p <0.001). These patients had a smaller preoperative left ventricular systolic volume (p =0.022) and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p =0.034). LVEF was identified as the only preoperative variable significantly associated with LARR (odds ratio, 1.086; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.178). A LVEF cutoff value of 63.5% identified patients with LARR of ≥ 25% with a sensitivity of 71.7% and a specificity of 56.3%. CONCLUSIONS: LARR occurs frequently after mitral valve surgery and is associated with preoperative LVEF higher than 63.5%.

Independent Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Restenosis After Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy in a Large, Consecutive Cohort Followed for 24 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To enlighten preprocedural risk factors of mitral valve restenosis in a large, single-center cohort of patients submitted to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) for the treatment of mitral stenosis (MS) secondary to rheumatic heart disease. METHODS: This is a database analysis of a single-center, high-volume tertiary institution involving all consecutive PMBC procedures performed in the mitral valve (MV). Restenosis was diagnosed when MV area was <1.5 cm² and/or loss of 50% or more of the immediate procedural result aligned with the return/worsened symptoms of heart failure. The primary endpoint was to determine the preprocedural independent predictors of restenosis after PMBC. RESULTS: Among a total of 1921 PMBC procedures, 1794 consecutive patients without previous intervention were treated between 1987 and 2010. Throughout 24 years of follow-up, MV restenosis was observed in 483 cases (26%). Mean age was 36 years and most (87%) were female. Median follow-up duration was 9.03 years (interquartile range, 0.33-23.38). Restenosis population, however, presented a significantly lower age at the procedure time as well as a higher Wilkins-Block score. At multivariate analysis, independent preprocedure predictors of restenosis were left atrium diameter (hazard risk [HR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.05; P<.04), preprocedure maximum gradient (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P=.04), and higher Wilkins-Block score (>8) (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14-1.67; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: At long-term follow-up, MV restenosis was observed in a quarter of the population undergoing PMBC. Preprocedure echocardiographic findings, including left atrial diameter, maximum MV gradient, and Wilkins-Block score were found to be the only independent predictors.

Very Long Term Follow-Up After Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess very long term outcomes after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). BACKGROUND: PBMV remains the preferred treatment for patients with severe symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis and suitable anatomy. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent successful PBMV between 1987 and 2010 were included. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, need for mitral surgery, or repeat PBMV up to 23 years. RESULTS: Among all 1,582 consecutive patients undergoing PBMV, acute success was achieved in 90.9% (n = 1,438). Independent predictors of acute success included left atrial size (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to 0.99; p = 0.045), Wilkins score ≤8 (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.93; p = 0.02) and age (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99; p = 0.006). Very long term follow-up (median 8.3 years, mean 15.6 years) was obtained in 79.1% of successful cases. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 19.1% (95% CI: 17.0% to 21.1%). The rates of overall mortality, need for mitral valve surgery, or repeat PBMV were 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3% to 1.2%), 8.3% (95% CI: 7.0% to 9.9%), and 10.0% (95% CI: 8.5% to 11.7%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (hazard ratio: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.09; p < 0.001), higher age (hazard ratio: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.98; p = 0.028), and mitral valve area ≤1.75 cm2 after the procedure (hazard ratio: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.11; p = 0.028) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: In very long term follow-up, more than 75% of patients exhibited sustained results. Prediction of late favorable results is multifactorial and strongly determined by age, previous symptoms and post-procedural mitral valve area.

Immediate and long-term follow-up of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in pregnant patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV) can be performed during pregnancy without significant maternal risk or fetal morbidity or mortality. However, little is known about long-term follow-up results after PMV in populations of pregnant women. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine the immediate and long-term outcomes after PMV in a large cohort of pregnant patients with severe mitral stenosis. The patient population consisted of 71 consecutive pregnant women with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis admitted to the hospital with severe congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association class III and IV) for PMV. All patients underwent clinical and obstetric evaluations, electrocardiography, and 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. PMV was successful in all patients, resulting in a significant increase in mitral valve area from 0.9 +/- 0.2 to 2.0 +/- 0.3 cm2 (p <0.001). At the end of pregnancy, 98% of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. At a mean follow-up of 44 +/- 31 months, the total event-free survival rate was 54%. The mean gestational age at delivery time was 38 +/- 1 weeks. Preterm deliveries occurred in 9 patients (13%), including 2 twin pregnancies. The remaining 66 of 75 newborns (88%) had normal weight (mean 2.8 +/- 0.6 kg) at delivery. At long-term follow-up of 44 +/- 31 months after birth, the 66 children exhibited normal growth and development and did not show any clinical abnormalities. In conclusion, PMV is safe and effective, has a low morbidity and mortality rate for the mother and the fetus, and has favorable long-term results in pregnant women with rheumatic mitral stenosis in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV.

Fibrinolytic therapy for thrombosis in cardiac valvular prosthesis short and long term results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short- and long-term results of the use of streptokinase (SK) for the treatment of thromboses in cardiac valvular prostheses. METHODS: Seventeen patients with cardiac prosthetic thrombosis diagnosed by clinical, echocardiographic, and radioscopic findings underwent fibrinolytic treatment with a streptokinase bolus of 250,000 U followed by 100.000 U/hour. Short- and long-term results were assessed by radioscopy and echocardiography. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, 12 had mechanical double-disk prostheses (4 aortic, 6 mitral, 2 tricuspid), 4 had single-disk prostheses (2 aortic, 1 mitral, and 1 tricuspid), and 1 had a tricuspid bioprosthesis. The success rate was 64.8%, the partial success rate was 17.6%, and the nonsuccess rate was 17.6%. All patients with a double-disk prosthesis responded, completely or partially, to the treatment. None of the patients with a single-disk prosthesis had complete resolution of the thrombosis. The time of streptokinase infusion ranged from 6 to 80 hours (mean of 56 h). The mortality rate due to the use of streptokinase was 5.8% and was secondary to cerebral bleeding. During streptokinase infusion, 3 (17.6%) embolic episodes occurred as follows: 1 cerebral, 1 peripheral, and 1 coronary. The rethrombosis index was 33% in a mean follow-up of 42 months. CONCLUSION: The use of fibrinolytic agents was effective and relatively safe in patients with primary thrombosis of a double-disk prosthesis. A fatal hemorrhagic complication occurred in 1 (5.8%) patient, and embolic complications occurred in 3 (17.6%) patients. In a mean 42-month follow-up, 67% of the patients were free from rethrombosis.

Aspergillus infection in the ascending aorta of a patient with aortic and mitral valve prostheses.

We report the case of implantation of metallic mitral and aortic valve prostheses 6 months earlier, with subsequent multiple embolic episodes. The anatomicopathological examination of the thrombus of the third embolic episode was compatible with Aspergillus sp, which was treated with amphotericin B, followed by oral itraconazole. On the fourth embolism, vegetations were visualized in the ascending aorta on echocardiography and resonance imaging, and the patient underwent replacement of the aortic segment by a Haemashield tube and exploration of the aortic prosthesis, which was preserved, because no signs of endocarditis were found. Four months later, the patient died due to cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction caused by probable coronary embolism and partial dysfunction of the aortic prosthesis.

Effect of mitral valve repair on cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with chronic Mitral Regurgitation (MR). The good early and late results allow surgical indication before symptom onset. The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) can objectively assess functional capacity, but little is known about the effect of surgery on their variables. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of mitral repair on CPET variables in patients with chronic MR. METHODS: A total of 47 patients with severe MR were selected; these patients underwent mitral valve repair and were submitted to CPET ± 30 days before surgery, as well as six to 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: There was predominance of functional class I or II NYHA in 30 (63.8%) and 34 patients (72.3%), respectively. A significant decrease in oxygen consumption (VO2) was observed after surgery, from 1,719 ± 571 to 1609 ± 428 mL min-1, p = 0.036. There was a decrease in Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) from 1,857 ± 594 to 1763 ± 514, p = 0.073 and oxygen pulse (O2) increased after surgery, from 11.1 ± 3.2 to 11.9 ± 3, 2 mL.beat-1 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The mitral valve repair did not increase peak VO2 and OUES despite positive cardiac remodeling observed seven months after surgery. However, O2 pulse increased postoperatively, suggesting improved LV systolic performance. The CPET is a useful tool to assist in the medical management of patients with MR.

Efeito da plástica mitral nas variáveis do teste cardiopulmonar em pacientes com insuficiência mitral crônica / Effect of mitral valve repair on cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation

FUNDAMENTO: A plástica valvar mitral é o procedimento cirúrgico de escolha para pacientes com Insuficiência Mitral (IM) crônica. Os bons resultados imediatos e tardios permitem a indicação cirúrgica antes do início dos sintomas. O teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE) pode avaliar objetivamente a capacidade funcional, mas pouco se conhece o efeito da cirurgia em suas variáveis. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos da plástica mitral nas variáveis do TCPE em pacientes com IM crônica. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 47 pacientes com IM grave e submetidos plástica da valva mitral, sendo nestes, realizado TCPE ± 30 dias antes da cirurgia, e de seis a 12 meses após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Houve predominância da classe funcional I ou II pela NYHA em 30 pacientes (63,8%) e 34 pacientes (72,3%), respectivamente. Após a cirurgia foi observado uma diminuição significativa do consumo de oxigênio (VO2), de 1.719 ± 571 para 1.609 ± 428 mL.min-1, p = 0,036. Houve redução do Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES), de 1.857 ± 594 para 1.763 ± 514, p = 0,073 e o pulso de oxigênio (O2) aumentou após a cirurgia, de 11,1 ± 3,2 para 11,9 ± 3,2 mL.bat-1 (p = 0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A plástica da valva mitral, não determinou aumento do VO2 pico e do OUES apesar do remodelamento cardíaco positivo observado após sete meses de cirurgia. Entretanto, o pulso de O2 aumentou no pós-operatório, sugerindo melhora do desempenho sistólico do VE. O TCPE é uma ferramenta útil, podendo auxiliar na conduta médica em pacientes com IM.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with chronic Mitral Regurgitation (MR). The good early and late results allow surgical indication before symptom onset. The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) can objectively assess functional capacity, but little is known about the effect of surgery on their variables. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of mitral repair on CPET variables in patients with chronic MR. METHODS: A total of 47 patients with severe MR were selected; these patients underwent mitral valve repair and were submitted to CPET ± 30 days before surgery, as well as six to 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: There was predominance of functional class I or II NYHA in 30 (63.8%) and 34 patients (72.3%), respectively. A significant decrease in oxygen consumption (VO2) was observed after surgery, from 1,719 ± 571 to 1609 ± 428 mL min-1, p = 0.036. There was a decrease in Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) from 1,857 ± 594 to 1763 ± 514, p = 0.073 and oxygen pulse (O2) increased after surgery, from 11.1 ± 3.2 to 11.9 ± 3, 2 mL.beat-1 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The mitral valve repair did not increase peak VO2 and OUES despite positive cardiac remodeling observed seven months after surgery. However, O2 pulse increased postoperatively, suggesting improved LV systolic performance. The CPET is a useful tool to assist in the medical management of patients with MR. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2013; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Evolução muito tardia da valvotomia percutânea por balão na estenose mitral grave / Very late follow-up of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in severe mitral stenosis

INTRODUÇÃO: A valvotomia mitral percutânea por balão é um procedimento seguro e eficaz em pacientes com estenose mitral grave sintomática selecionados, com resultados imediatos e a longo prazo semelhantes aos da intervenção cirúrgica. Este estudo tem o objetivo de descrever os resultados muito tardios das primeiras valvotomias mitrais percutâneas por balão realizadas em nossa instituição e identificar os fatores preditores de reestenose. MÉTODOS: No período de 1987 a 1991, 200 pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos a valvotomia mitral percutânea por balão. Avaliações clínica e ecocardiográfica foram realizadas antes do procedimento, 48 horas após e, então, anualmente. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 32 ± 12 anos, 86,5% eram do sexo feminino e 80,5% encontravam-se em classe funcional III ou IV da New York Heart Association. A média do escore de Wilkins foi de 7,6 ± 1,2 e o sucesso do procedimento ocorreu em 87,5% (175/200) dos pacientes. Durante o seguimento, foram acompanhados 129 pacientes (74%) por 140 ± 79 meses. Reestenose após o primeiro procedimento ocorreu em 46,5% (60/129) dos pacientes, sendo realizada uma segunda valvotomia mitral percutânea por balão em 25 pacientes, uma terceira em 4 pacientes, e uma quarta em 1 paciente. Em cinco anos, a probabilidade livre de reestenose foi de 85%, em 10 anos foi de 60% e em 20 anos, de 36%. O diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (P = 0,034) e o gradiente transvalvar mitral tanto pré (P = 0,013) como pós-procedimento (P = 0,038) foram preditores de reestenose. CONCLUSÕES: Em seguimento clínico muito tardio, a valvotomia mitral percutânea por balão mostrou que os resultados são duradouros em mais de um terço dos pacientes e que a repetição do procedimento pode ser realizada com segurança em pacientes selecionados. A identificação dos preditores de reestenose é útil para guiar a seleção de casos para o procedimento.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy is safe and effective in patients with severe symptomatic mitral stenosis with immediate and long-term results comparable to those of surgical intervention. This study was aimed at reporting the very late follow-up results of the first percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomies performed at our institution and at identifying predictive factors of restenosis. METHODS: From 1987 to 1991, 200 consecutive patients were submitted to percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed prior to the procedure, 48 hours after the procedure and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Mean age was 32 ± 12 years; 86.5% were female and 80.5% were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Mean Wilkins score was 7.6 ± 1.2 and procedure success was observed in 87.5% (175/200) of the patients. During follow-up, 129 patients (74%) were followed up for 140 ± 79 months. Restenosis was observed after the first procedure in 46.5% (60/129) patients and a second percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy was performed in 25 patients, a third one in 4 patients and a fourth one in 1 patient. The probability of being restenosis-free was 85% at 5 years, 60% at 10 years and 36% at 20 years. Left atrial diameter (P = 0.034), and preoperative (P = 0.013) and postoperative (P = 0.038) transvalvar gradient were predictors of restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: In a very late clinical follow-up, percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy provided long-lasting results in over one-third of the patients and showed that repeated procedures may be performed safely in selected patients. The identification of restenosis predictors is useful for patient selection.

Valvotomia mitral percutânea: quarta dilatação / Percutaneous mitral valvotomy: fourth dilatation

Paciente do sexo feminino, 37 anos, portadora de estenose mitral de etiologia reumática, submetida, com sucesso, a valvotomia mitral percutânea em 1996, 2000 e 2005. Após 41 meses do terceiro procedimento, além de episódios de fibrilação atrial paroxística, voltou a apresentar dispneia aos moderados esforços. O estudo ecocardiográfico demonstrou gradiente transvalvar médio de 8 mmHg, pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar de 55 mmHg, área valvar mitral de 1 cm² e escore de Wilkins de 10 pontos. Em decorrência da evidência de reestenose clínica e ecocardiográfica, indicou-se novo procedimento percutâneo, realizado sem intercorrências, porém obtendo-se resultado subótimo.

Thirty-seven-year-old female, previously diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis due to rheumatic fever, who had successfully undergone percutaneous mitral valvotomy in 1996, 2000 and 2005. Forty-one months after the thirdprocedure, in addition to episodes of paroxystic atrial fibrillation, the patient had dyspnea after ordinary exertion.Echocardiographic evaluation revealed a mean transvalvular gradient of 8 mmHg, pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 55 mmHg, a mitral valve area of 1 cm², and a Wilkins score of 10 points. With the evidence of clinical and echocardiographicmitral restenosis, a new percutaneous procedure was performed, with no periprocedural complications, however, achieving suboptimal outcome.

Valvotomia mitral percutânea: da primeira à terceira dilatação / Percutaneous mitral ballon valvotomy: from the first to third dilatation

Introdução: As causas de reestenose pós-valvotomia mitral percutânea dependem principalmente das características da população submetida à técnica. O objetivo deste tra balho foi comparar os resultados imediatos e tardios dos pacientes submetidos a dois ou mais procedimentos de valvotomia mitral percutânea (VMP) a um grupo de pacientes submetidos apenas a uma dilatação para o tratamento da estenose mitral grave. Método: Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo A incluiu 90 pacientes submetidos a uma primeira VMP e que, em decorrência de reestenose ecocardiográfica e clínica, foram encaminhados a uma segunda intervenção, e 9 pacientes que, pelo mesmo motivo, foram submetidos a um terceiro procedimento; e grupo B, composto de 90 pacientes selecionados por amostra aleatória simples submetidos a apenas uma dilatação, todas com sucesso. As variáveis ecocardiográficas analisadas para comparação dos resultados dentro do mesmo grupo e entre os grupos A e B foram a área valvar mitral (AVM), os gradientes diastólicos máximo (GDM) e médio (GDm), o diâmetro do átrio esquerdo e a incidência de reestenose...

Background: The causes for restenosis following percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) vary according to the population undergoing this technique. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate and long-term results of patients undergoing a second and third PBMV to patients submitted to a single dilatation of the mitral valve for the treatment of severe mitral stenosis. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: group A with 90 patients who, due to clinical and echocardiographic restenosis, were submitted to more than one procedure, and group B with 90 patients, selected by a random sample who underwent a single successful procedure. The echocardiographic variables analyzed to compare the results in the same group and between groups A and B were mitral valve area (MVA), maximal and mean diastolic gradients, left atrial diameter and incidence and time to restenosis...

Influências da vitamina K em pacientes cardiopatas usuários de anticoagulantes orais e o gene CYP2C9 / Influence of vitamin K in cardiac patients taking oral anticoagulants and CYP2C9

As orientações nutricionais são restritivas quanto aos alimentos ricos em vitamina K com intuito de um controle adequado do International Normalized Ratio (INR). Avaliamos o consumo de alimentos ricos em vitamina K, sua relação com o nível sérico dessa vitamina e o INR de 66 pacientes cardiopatas usuários de varfarina. A idade média foi de 61 anos (DP = 11,71). O consumo de vitamina K foi abaixo do recomendado em 74% dos pacientes no RGA 7 dias. No QFA, o consumo de verduras e legumes verdes escuros era abaixo de três vezes por semana. Não encontramos relação no tipo de óleo consumido com os níveis séricos de vitamina K. A vitamina K plasmática observada foiu em média de 0,54 ng/mL. Não houve correlação entre a ingestão de vitamina K e o INR desses pacientes, assim como não houve diferença na ingestão ou dos níveis séricos em relação à idade. A orientação nutricional restritiva a alimentos ricos em vitamina K estava relacionada a níveis séricos abaixo dessa vitamina, sendo importante estabelecer a consequência dessa condição sobre outros aspectos da saúde desses pacientes. As variações observadas no INR desses pacientes foram independentes dos níveis séricos de vitamina K, sugerindo uma supervalorização da dieta como um fator desestabilizador. Confirmamos, no nosso estudo, que a proporção de pacientes com genótipo CYP2C9 é a esperada para a população. Porém, não encontramos diferença significativa na dose atual diária dos pacientes nos genótipos variantes do CYP2C9, assim como no INR.

Evolução tardia da valvoplastia mitral / Late evolution of mitral valvuloplasty

A valvotomia percutânea para tratamento da estenose mitral grave é um método difundido em todo o mundo, e cada vez mais aceito, à medida que o procedimento se aperfeiçoa com o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas. Ainda existem limitações, uma vez que nem todos os pacientes com estenose mitral podem se beneficiar do método; mas, apesar disso, é grande a parcela dos que o utilizam.A contribuição do ecocardiograma bidimensional é inestimável, com avaliação criteriosa do grau deestenose e do comprometimento valvar, o que facilita ao clínico a tomada de decisão quanto ao tipo deintervenção que melhor beneficiará o paciente.Os resultados imediatos são satisfatórios em grande porcentual de pacientes submetidos a dilatação percutânea da valva mitral, além de estudos terem revelado boa evolução a médio e longo prazos. Ultrapassada a curva de aprendizado do grupo, as complicações ocorrem com pequena freqüência. A insuficiência mitral é a mais temida, principalmente nos pacientes com maiores deformidadesvalvar e subvalvar. Pacientes idosos, gestantes e crianças estão entre os maiores beneficiados com o método, tendo em vista que essas condições elevam o risco de intervenção cirúrgica convencional. O seguimento tardio comprova que a dilatação percutânea tem evolução semelhante à da comissurotomia cirúrgica a céu aberto, reduzindo, assim, custos e permanência hospitalar para o paciente.Os fatores preditores da reestenose mitral variam conforme as características da população estudada,o que confere aos estudos randomizados grande valor na apreciação do método. Mesmo nos casos em que há reestenose sintomática da valva mitral, pode-se tentar uma segunda e até uma terceira dilatação, conforme avaliação ecocardiográfica dos aparelhos valvar e subvalvar...

Aspergillus infection in the ascending aorta of a patient with aortic and mitral valve prostheses

We report the case of implantation of metallic mitral and aortic valve prostheses 6 months earlier, with subsequent multiple embolic episodes. The anatomicopathological examination of the thrombus of the third embolic episode was compatible with Aspergillus sp, which was treated with amphotericin B, followed by oral itraconazole. On the fourth embolism, vegetations were visualized in the ascending aorta on echocardiography and resonance imaging, and the patient underwent replacement of the aortic segment by a Haemashield tube and exploration of the aortic prosthesis, which was preserved, because no signs of endocarditis were found. Four months later, the patient died due to cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction caused by probable coronary embolism and partial dysfunction of the aortic prosthesis

Comissurotomia mitral: como evoluem os pacientes a longo prazo? / Mitral comissurotomy: how is the long-term evolution of the patients?

Procurando saber qual a evoluçao a longo prazo daqueles pacientes submetidos a comissurotomia mitral há mais de 14 anos, analisamos 100 pacientes, operados entre 1962 e 1975 e que tiveram seu acompanhamento no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia. Muitos pacientes foram operados nesse intervalo, mas nao tiveram seu seguimento em nossa Instituiçao e nao foram considerados. Setenta e seis eram do sexo feminino e 24 do masculino, com idades variando de ll a 50 anos, com média de 30,8 anos. Sessenta e cinco pacientes foram reoperados, sendo que em 18 ocasioes realizou-se outra comissurotomia, em um fez-se a revascularizaçao, em um substituiçao da valva tricúspide; em 45 vezes a valva foi substituída (43 próteses biológicas e duas metálicas). O tempo médio entre a primeira e a segunda cirurgias foi de 13,6 anos. Nao houve óbitos na reoperaçao. Trinta e cinco pacientes continuam em evoluçao da primeirs cirurgia, com um tempo médio de 17,2 anos, com um mínimo de 14 anos e um máximo de 27 anos. Dez estao no grupo funcional I, 17 no II, sete no III e um no grupo IV. Desta forma, dos 100 pacientes iniciais, 52 ainda estao com suas valvas naturais, mostrando que, apesar de a evoluçao da doença poder levar a alteraçoes nas valvas operadas, a comissurotomia mitral consegue uma boa evoluçao a longo prazo.

Terapia fibrinolítica para trombose de próteses valvares cardíacas: resultados imediatos e tardios / Fibrinolytic therapy for thrombosis in cardiac valvular prosthesis short and long term results

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short- and long-term results of the use of streptokinase (SK) for the treatment of thromboses in cardiac valvular prostheses. METHODS: Seventeen patients with cardiac prosthetic thrombosis diagnosed by clinical, echocardiographic, and radioscopic findings underwent fibrinolytic treatment with a streptokinase bolus of 250,000 U followed by 100.000 U/hour. Short- and long-term results were assessed by radioscopy and echocardiography. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, 12 had mechanical double-disk prostheses (4 aortic, 6 mitral, 2 tricuspid), 4 had single-disk prostheses (2 aortic, 1 mitral, and 1 tricuspid), and 1 had a tricuspid bioprosthesis. The success rate was 64.8 percent, the partial success rate was 17.6 percent, and the nonsuccess rate was 17.6 percent. All patients with a double-disk prosthesis responded, completely or partially, to the treatment. None of the patients with a single-disk prosthesis had complete resolution of the thrombosis. The time of streptokinase infusion ranged from 6 to 80 hours (mean of 56 h). The mortality rate due to the use of streptokinase was 5.8 percent and was secondary to cerebral bleeding. During streptokinase infusion, 3 (17.6 percent) embolic episodes occurred as follows: 1 cerebral, 1 peripheral, and 1 coronary. The rethrombosis index was 33 percent in a mean follow-up of 42 months. CONCLUSION: The use of fibrinolytic agents was effective and relatively safe in patients with primary thrombosis of a double-disk prosthesis. A fatal hemorrhagic complication occurred in 1 (5.8 percent) patient, and embolic complications occurred in 3 (17.6 percent) patients. In a mean 42-month follow-up, 67 percent of the patients were free from rethrombosis

Evolução tardia de pacientes com prótese aórtica pequena (19 e 21 mm) / Late evolution of patients with small aortic prostheses (19 - 21 mm)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar pacientes submetidos a troca valvar aórtica por próteses pequenas (19 e 21 mm) no seguimento pré e pós-operatório, para verificar a sua viabilidade. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: No período de janeiro de 1989 a novembro de 1997, 1497 pacientes foram submetidos a troca valvar aórtica, em nosso Serviço. Cem apresentaram anel aórtico pequeno, sendo utilizada prótese pequena. Houve, neste grupo, um predomínio do sexo feminino com 74 porcento dos casos, com superfície corpórea média de 1,57 m2. Empregou-se prótese biológica em 33 porcento dos casos. Estes pacientes foram acompanhados com eco Doppler e avaliação clínica no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Este grupo de doentes apresentou melhora na classe funcional, sendo que 86,3 porcento deles estão na classe I e o restante na classe II. O gradiente VE-Ao teve uma diminuição significativa, com média de 30,9 mmHg no pós-operatório. Foi necessário procedimento associado em 64 porcento dos casos, tendo, como mais comum, a troca da valva mitral. A sobrevida deste grupo, em 101 meses de acompanhamento, é de 83 porcento. CONCLUSÃO: Em função da melhoria clínica acentuada dos pacientes, com a maioria estando assintomática e com gradiente trans-protético aceitável, acreditamos que as próteses pequenas possam ser utilizadas com segurança, levando em consideração a relação entre o número da prótese e a superfície corpórea do paciente