Acute dissection of a syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch in a hypertensive patient - a rare phenomenon

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 77-year-old male who suffered from hypertension and died suddenly. At autopsy, he was found to have hypertensive cardiomegaly and a dissecting syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch with tamponade. Chronic aortic regurgitation, which is often seen in syphilitic aortitis, produces an additive effect to the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy seen in hypertension.

Relação da Ascensão Matinal da Pressão Arterial com a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Obesos / Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients

Resumo Fundamento O aumento do peso frequentemente desencadeia mecanismos que elevam a pressão arterial. A obesidade causa mudanças estruturais no miocárdio, incluindo aumento da massa ventricular, dilatação atrial, bem como disfunções diastólicas e sistólicas. Além disso, variações pressóricas nos hipertensos obesos, como a ascensão matinal (AM), podem ter relevância clínica na prevenção dos eventos cardiovasculares. A AM da pressão arterial é um fenômeno fisiológico, que quando elevada pode ser considerada um fator de risco independente para eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo Avaliar valores da elevação da AM e sua associação com a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) e com o Descenso do Sono (DS) em obesos e não obesos hipertensos. Métodos Estudo transversal que avaliou medidas pressóricas à monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) e a presença de HVE, avaliada pela ecocardiografia, em 203 pacientes hipertensos em tratamento ambulatorial, separados em dois grupos: 109 não obesos e 94 hipertensos obesos. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05 em testes bicaudais. Resultados A AM acima de 20 mmHg à MAPA foi detectada em 59,2% dos pacientes do grupo "não obesos" e em 40,6% no grupo "obesos". A HVE foi encontrada em 18,1% no grupo dos não-obesos e em 39,3% no grupo de obesos, p<0,001. No grupo "obesos" foi observado que AM >16 mmHg esteve associada à HVE, com [razão de prevalência: 2,80; IC95% (1,12-6,98), p=0,03]. Para o grupo dos "não obesos", o ponto de corte da AM para essa associação foi >22 mmHg. Conclusão A AM elevada associou-se positivamente com HVE, com comportamento peculiar na população de hipertensos e obesos.

Abstract Background Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Objective To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. Methods A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests. Results A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg. Conclusion High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

Analysis of changes in cardiac structure and function in 363 patients with maintenance hemodialysis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of cardiac structure and function changes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.Methods:The information of 363 MHD patients with dialysis age ≥3 months who were registered in Huadu District People′s Hospital of Guangzhou City before January 2020 was collected, and the echocardiographic screening was performed to analyze the changes in cardiac structure and function.Results:The most common abnormal changes of heart structure and function in MHD patients were valve regentation (69.7%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (51.8%), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (29.8%), valve calcification (11.6%), and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (10.2%). With the increase of age, the left ventricular ejection fraction of MHD patients decreased, and the proportion of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement and pulmonary hypertension increased (all P<0.05). Among 363 MHD patients, 188(51.8%) had LVH. It was found that LVH patients had higher average single ultrafiltration volume, higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, more type 2 diabetes, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (all P<0.05), and were more prone to chest tightness, chest pain, post activity shortness of breath, heart failure and other symptoms compared with the non-LVH patients (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Most MHD patients have different degrees of cardiac structural changes. Early intervention, reduction of single ultrafiltration volume and control of blood glucose are beneficial to improve the dialysis quality of MHD patients and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Flutter Atrial na Síndrome do PRKAG2: Características Clínicas e Eletrofisiológicas / Atrial Flutter in PRKAG2 Syndrome: Clinical and Electrophysiological Characteristics

Resumo Fundamento A síndrome do PRKAG2 é uma rara doença genética autossômico dominante, fenocópia da miocardiopatia hipertrófica, caracterizada pelo acúmulo intracelular de glicogênio. Manifestações clínicas incluem pré-excitação ventricular, hipertrofia ventricular, distúrbio de condução cardíaca e arritmias atriais. Objetivo Comparar características clínicas e eletrofisiológicas observadas em pacientes com flutter atrial, com e sem síndrome do PRKAG2. Métodos Estudo observacional, comparativo de pacientes com flutter atrial: grupo A, cinco pacientes de família com síndrome do PRKAG2; e grupo B, 25 pacientes sem fenótipo da síndrome. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados Todos os pacientes do grupo A apresentaram pré-excitação ventricular e bloqueio de ramo direito; quatro tinham marca-passo (80%). Pacientes do grupo A tinham menor idade (39±5,4 vs. 58,6±17,6 anos, p=0,021), e maior espessura de septo interventricular (mediana=18 vs. 10 mm; p<0,001) e parede posterior (mediana=14 vs. 10 mm; p=0,001). Quatro do grupo A foram submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico, sendo observada via acessória fascículo-ventricular; em três foi realizada ablação do flutter atrial. Todos os do grupo B foram submetidos à ablação do flutter atrial, sem evidência de via acessória. Observado maior prevalência no grupo B de hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus, doença coronariana e apneia do sono, sem diferença estatisticamente significante. Conclusão Portadores da síndrome do PRKAG2 apresentaram flutter atrial em idade mais precoce, e menos comorbidades, quando comparados a pacientes com flutter atrial sem fenótipo da mutação. Importante suspeitar de miocardiopatia geneticamente determinada, como síndrome do PRKAG2, em jovens com flutter atrial, especialmente na presença de pré-excitação ventricular e hipertrofia ventricular familiar.

Abstract Background PRKAG2 syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease, a phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by intracellular glycogen accumulation. Clinical manifestations include ventricular preexcitation, cardiac conduction disorder, ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial arrhythmias. Objective To compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics observed in patients with atrial flutter, with and without PRKAG2 syndrome. Methods An observational study comparing patients with atrial flutter: group A consisted of five patients with PRKAG2 syndrome from a family, and group B consisted of 25 patients without phenotype of PRKAG2 syndrome. The level of significance was 5%. Results All patients in group A had ventricular preexcitation and right branch block, and four had pacemakers (80%). Patients in group A were younger (39±5.4 vs 58.6±17.6 years, p=0.021), had greater interventricular septum (median=18 vs 10 mm; p<0.001) and posterior wall thickness (median=14 vs 10 mm; p=0.001). In group A, four patients were submitted to an electrophysiological study, showing a fasciculoventricular pathway, and atrial flutter ablation was performed in tree. All patients in group B were submitted to ablation of atrial flutter, with no evidence of accessory pathway. Group B had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and sleep apnea, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Patients with PRKAG2 syndrome presented atrial flutter at an earlier age and had fewer comorbidities when compared to patients with atrial flutter without mutation phenotype. The occurrence of atrial flutter in young individuals, especially in the presence of ventricular preexcitation and familial ventricular hypertrophy, should raise the suspicion of PRKAG2 syndrome.

A importância do eletrocardiograma no diagnóstico da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda / The importance of the electrocardiogram in diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy

A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular independente de outras manifestações ou comorbidades. Consequentemente sua detecção por métodos diagnósticos de baixo custo e fácil acesso é extremamente relevante. Em pacientes hipertensos, a HVE é uma das manifestações pré-clínicas de lesão de órgão alvo mais frequente cuja identificação leva a mudança na estratificação do risco e maior agressividade no tratamento. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um exame de baixo custo que embora apresente baixa sensibilidade, tem alta especificidade e reprodutibilidade, e por isso é amplamente utilizado. Devido a sua alta disponibilidade do serviço público de saúde é de extrema importância a utilização deste exame como auxílio na triagem de pacientes hipertensos para a detecção HVE. Diversos critérios eletrocardiográficos, com sensibilidade baixa e especificidade alta, podem ser utilizados para a avaliação de uma possível HVE. Existe algum tipo de variabilidade dependendo da população estudada, e o aumento da faixa etária é a que mais influencia no aumento da sensibilidade e diminuição da especificidade (AU).

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor regardless of other manifestations or comorbidities. Consequently, its detection by low-cost and easily accessible diagnostic methods is extremely relevant. In hypertensive patients, LVH is one of the most frequent preclinical manifestations of target organ damage whose identification leads to a change in risk stratification and more aggressive treatment. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a low-cost test that, despite having low sensitivity, has high specificity and reproducibility, and therefore is widely used. Due to its high availability in the public health service, it is extremely important to use this test as an aid in the screening of hypertensive patients for LVH. Several electrocardiographic criteria, with low sensitivity and high specificity, can be used to evaluate a possible LVH. There is some type of variability depending on the population studied, and the increase in age is the one that most influences the increase in sensitivity and decrease in specificity (AU).

Relationship between peripheral blood microRNA-27b expression and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertensive / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between peripheral blood microRNA (miR)-27b expression and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with hypertensive.Methods:The clinical data of 120 patients with hypertension from February 2019 to February 2021 in Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, LVH occurred in 70 cases (LVH group), none in 50 cases (NLVH group). The ventricular septal thickness (VST), left ventricular posterior diastolic wall thickness (LVPWTd) and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were measured by echocardiography, the left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were calculated. The peripheral blood expression level of miR-27b was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Correlation was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the efficacy of peripheral blood miR-27b in diagnosing LVH in patients with hypertensive.Results:The peripheral blood expression level of miR-27b in LVH group was significantly higher than that in NLVH group (6.37 ± 0.23 vs. 3.42 ± 0.18), and there was statistical difference ( t = 9.58, P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis result showed that the peripheral blood expression of miR-27b was positively correlated with LVMI, VST, LVEDD and LVPWTd in hypertensive LVH patients ( r = 0.71, 0.63, 0.75 and 0.68; P<0.01). After eliminating risk factors (duration of hypertension, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, different medications, uric acid), multiple linear regression analysis result showed that the peripheral blood expression of miR-27b was positively correlated with LVMI, VST, LVEDD and LVPWTd in hypertensive LVH patients ( β = 0.07, 0.63, 0.42 and 0.48; P<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve of peripheral blood expression of miR-27b in predicted LVH in patients with hypertension was 0.905 (95% CI 0.854 to 0.957), the optimal cut-off value was 4.45, the sensitivity was 84.0%, and the specificity was 82.9%. Conclusions:The high peripheral blood expression of miR-27b in hypertension LVH patients is positively correlated with LVMI and other echocardiographic parameters, which has a good predictive value of LVH in patients with hypertension.

Desempenho do eletrocardiograma no diagnóstico da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda em hipertensos idosos e muito idosos / Performance of the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in older and very older hypertensive patients

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. Métodos: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. Resultados: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. Conclusão: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Abstract Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. Methods: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. Results: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. Conclusion: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

Transcatheter Interatrial Shunts for the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome, which accounts for about 50% of patients with heart failure (HF). The morbidity and mortality associated with HFpEF is similar to HFrEF. Clinical trials to date have failed to show a benefit of medical therapy for HFpEF, which may due to lack of uniform phenotypes and heterogeneous population. In addition, medical therapy proven for HFrEF may not address the pathophysiologic basis for HFpEF. Left atrial remodeling and dysfunction is central to HFpEF and accounts for secondary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular congestion that frequently occurs with exertion. Interatrial shunts represent a novel treatment modality for HFpEF. These shunts allow for left atrial decongestion and a reduction in pulmonary venous hypertension during exercise leading to improvements in hemodynamics, functional status and quality of life. Trials to date have demonstrated safety and short-term efficacy of these devices for HFpEF. The long-term benefits are currently being evaluated in ongoing trials. If effective, the use of interatrial shunts may be a new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of HFpEF.

Caracterización de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en pacientes hipertensos / Characteristics of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar las características de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) en hipertensos. Materiales y métodos Estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo desarrollado en el Laboratorio de Ecocardiografía del Hospital Regional Docente Clínico Daniel Alcides Carrión de Huancayo, Perú. La muestra fue de 226 pacientes (determinada con fórmula) que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. El muestreo fue no probabilístico intencional. El diagnóstico de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) se realizó con un estudio ecocardiográfico. Para el análisis estadístico se emplearon pruebas de Chi cuadrado, t de Student y odds ratio (IC al 95 %). Resultados Se estudió a 226 (100,00 %) pacientes hipertensos. La edad promedio fue 67 años (rango entre 30 y 94). Como características sociodemográficas más significativas encontramos que 168 pacientes (74,33 %) tenían de 60 años a más y que 140 (61,95 %) eran mujeres. En el aspecto clínico, 96 participantes (42,47 %) tenían sobrepeso y 45 eran obesos (19,9 %). La HVI se encontró en el 73,89 % (167 pacientes). Todos presentaban una de las categorías de la enfermedad: 85 (37,61 %) tenía la clase severa; 43 (19,03 %), la forma moderada; y 39, el tipo leve (17,25 %). Según el patrón geométrico ventricular izquierdo, la hipertrofia concéntrica se encontró en 57,52 % (130) y la hipertrofia excéntrica, en 16,37 % (37). El 73,89 % (167 pacientes hipertensos) presentó disfunción diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI). La HVI se asoció a una mayor frecuencia de DDVI en el 68,26 % (114), mientras que en los pacientes sin HVI solo se encontró en el 42,37 % (p < 0,001). Existe casi tres veces más riesgo de DDVI en pacientes hipertensos con HVI en comparación a los que no la presentan (OR=2,92; IC 95%: 1,58 -5,38). Conclusiones En pacientes hipertensos, la HVI severa se presentó en un elevado porcentaje, más de la mitad presentaron patrón geométrico ventricular concéntrico y existe mayor riesgo de disfunción diastólica.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the characteristics of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive people. Materials and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study conducted in the echocardiography laboratory of the Hospital Regional Docente Clínico Daniel Alcides Carrión in Huancayo, Peru. The sample consisted of 226 patients (calculated by formula) who met the inclusion criteria. A purposive non-probability sampling was used. LVH was diagnosed with an echocardiographic study. For the statistical analysis, chi square test, Student's t-test and odds ratio (95 % CI) were used. Results The study population consisted of 226 (100 %) hypertensive patients. The average age was 67 years (range: 30 - 94). The most significant sociodemographic characteristics were being 60 years old and older (168 patients; 74.33 %) and female (140 patients; 61.95 %). Clinically, 96 subjects were overweight (42.47 %) and 45 were obese (19.9 %). LVH was found in 73.89 % (167) of the patients. Severe, moderate and mild LVH were reported in 85 (37.61 %), 43 (19.03 %) and 39 (17.25 %) patients, respectively. According to the left ventricular geometric pattern, concentric hypertrophy was found in 57.52 % (130) and eccentric hypertrophy in 16.37 % (37) of the patients. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was found in 73.89 % (167) of the hypertensive patients. LVH was associated with a higher frequency of LVDD in 68.26 % (114) of the patients, while only 42.37 % (P < 0.001) of the patients without LVH had LVDD. Hypertensive patients with LVH have almost three times more risk of developing LVDD than those who do not have it (OR = 2.92; 95 % CI = 1.58 - 5.38). Conclusions The hypertensive patients showed high rates of severe LVH, more than half presented a concentric ventricular geometric pattern, and they also had an increased risk of developing diastolic dysfunction.

Coarctation of The Aorta: A Case-Series from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital segmental narrowing of the aortic arch with severe hemodynamic repercussions and increased cardiovascular mortality. Early surgical correction and life-time echocardiographic follow-up must be performed to improve prognosis. However, this goal has been challenged by high rates of underdiagnosis, which delay surgical correction, and by recoarctation in up to one third of operated patients. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (i) to register the frequency of common clinical signs at diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta; (ii) to describe the course of echocardiographic parameters before and during the follow-up of coartectomized subjects; (iii) to analyze the clinical prognosis of patients according to baseline characteristics, occurrence of recoarctation and associated malformations. Methods: Case-series of 72 patients coarctectomized between June 1996 and November 2016 in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical, echocardiographic and surgical variables were considered. All patients were submitted to coarctectomy by posterolateral thoracotomy and end-to-end anastomosis. Data were classified as parametric or non-parametric by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Parametric data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, and non-parametric data as median and interquartile range. Continuous variables were analyzed using paired t-tests, and categorical variables were compared by chi-square test. For all analysis, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 20.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The mean follow-up time was 5.8 years (range: 0-20 years). At diagnosis, most patients had heart murmur (88%), non-palpable pulse in the lower limbs (50%), left ventricular hypertrophy (78%), and bicuspid aortic valve (33%), with a mean aortic peak gradient of 55 mmHg. After surgical correction, those without recoarctation were less symptomatic (60 vs 4.5%; p < 0.001), had lower aortic peak gradient (54 ± 3.8 vs 13 ± 0.8; p = 0.01) and left ventricle mass (95 ± 9.2 vs. 63 ± 11; p = 0.01), and the most common complications were late hypertension (39.2%), and recoarctation (27.6%). Recoarcted patients did not show improvement of neither clinical nor echocardiographic variables. Age at repair and bicuspid aortic valve groups had comparable results with controls. Surgical procedure was safe; mean time of hospitalization was 10 days and mean surgery time 2.3 hours. Conclusions: Coarctectomy improves cardiac symptoms and left ventricular hypertrophy, with a slight effect on the incidence of hypertension. Recoarctation occurs in one-third of patients and draws attention for the need of lifelong surveillance by echocardiography.