[Multidisciplinary management of esophageal affections: Two challenging cases]. / Manejo multidisciplinario de la enfermedad esofágica: dos casos complejos.

Esophageal pathologies can exhibit extremely low incidence and prevalence rates. Therefore, it is essential to have multidisciplinary teams including surgeons specialized in esophageal pathology, with a high caseload, to ensure proper diagnosis and management. This manuscript presents a series of esophageal pathology cases with favorable outcomes and atypical resolution for non-specialized groups. However, failure to refer to specialists in a timely manner can result in missed diagnoses or poor quality of life for patients. These findings underscore the importance of having surgeons specialized in esophageal pathology and multidisciplinary teams to provide the best possible care for patients. Lusoria dysphagia (LD) is a condition caused by vascular compression of the esophagus, resulting from the most common embryological vascular abnormality of the aortic arch: the aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) or lusoria artery (LA). This variant occurs in 0.5 to 2.5% of individuals. Necrosis of the gastric tube following an esophagectomy is a rare complication with a high mortality rate. Esophageal replacement with coloplasty is the preferred technique for a second attempt at reconstruction. However, this remains a complex surgery with a high rate of complications.

Las enfermedades del esófago pueden presentar una incidencia y prevalencia extremadamente baja. Por lo tanto, es fundamental contar con equipos multidisciplinarios que incluyan cirujanos especializados en afecciones esofágicas, con un alto volumen de casos, para garantizar un diagnóstico y manejo adecuados. En este estudio, se analizan casos de enfermedad esofágica con resultados satisfactorios y una resolución atípica. La falta de derivación a especialistas a tiempo puede llevar a una ausencia de diagnóstico o una baja calidad de vida para los pacientes. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de disponer de cirujanos especializados en esófago y equipos multidisciplinarios para asegurar la mejor atención posible para los pacientes.

Surgical Treatment of Constrictive Pericarditis.

INTRODUCTION: The mainstay of the treatment of constrictive pericarditis is pericardiectomy. However, surgery is associated with high early morbidity and mortality and low long-term survival. The aim of this study is to describe our series of pericardiectomies performed over 30 years. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, and retrospective analysis of all pericardiectomies performed at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery of the Favaloro Foundation was performed. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients underwent pericardiectomy between June 1992 and June 2022, mean age was 52 years (standard deviation ± 13.9 years), and 73.3% were men. Idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was the most prevalent (46.6%). The variables significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization were preoperative advanced functional class (incidence of 38.4%, P<0.04), persistent pleural effusion (incidence of 81.8%, P<0.01), and although there was no statistical significance with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a trend in this association is evident (P<0.07). We found that 100% of the patients with an onset of symptoms greater than six months had a prolonged hospital stay. In-hospital mortality was 6.6%, and 30-day mortality was 8.8%. The preserved functional class is 17 times more likely to improve their symptomatology after pericardiectomy (odds ratio 17, 95% confidence interval 2.66-71; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Advanced functional class at the time of pericardiectomy is the variable most strongly associated with mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Onset of the symptoms greater than six months is also a poor prognostic factor mainly associated with prolonged hospitalization; based on these data, we strongly support the recommendation of early intervention.

Surgical Treatment of Constrictive Pericarditis

ABSTRACT Introduction: The mainstay of the treatment of constrictive pericarditis is pericardiectomy. However, surgery is associated with high early morbidity and mortality and low long-term survival. The aim of this study is to describe our series of pericardiectomies performed over 30 years. Methods: A descriptive, observational, and retrospective analysis of all pericardiectomies performed at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery of the Favaloro Foundation was performed. Results: A total of 45 patients underwent pericardiectomy between June 1992 and June 2022, mean age was 52 years (standard deviation ± 13.9 years), and 73.3% were men. Idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was the most prevalent (46.6%). The variables significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization were preoperative advanced functional class (incidence of 38.4%, P<0.04), persistent pleural effusion (incidence of 81.8%, P<0.01), and although there was no statistical significance with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a trend in this association is evident (P<0.07). We found that 100% of the patients with an onset of symptoms greater than six months had a prolonged hospital stay. In-hospital mortality was 6.6%, and 30-day mortality was 8.8%. The preserved functional class is 17 times more likely to improve their symptomatology after pericardiectomy (odds ratio 17, 95% confidence interval 2.66-71; P<0.05). Conclusion: Advanced functional class at the time of pericardiectomy is the variable most strongly associated with mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Onset of the symptoms greater than six months is also a poor prognostic factor mainly associated with prolonged hospitalization; based on these data, we strongly support the recommendation of early intervention.

Trasplante cardíaco en miocardiopatía chagásica: 23 años de experiencia en un centro de referencia / Heart Transplantation in Chagas Cardiomyopathy: 23-Year Follow-Up in a Referral Center

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad de Chagas afecta aproximadamente a 6 millones de personas en América Latina. El 25 a 35% evoluciona hacia la Miocardiopatía Chagásica (MCh). Una opción terapéutica en sus estadios avanzados es el trasplante cardíaco (TxC). Objetivos: Comparar la supervivencia de pacientes con TxC por MCh frente a otras etiologías. Analizar la incidencia de la reactivación (Ra) de enfermedad de Chagas y su impacto en la supervivencia en este subgrupo de pacientes. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente pacientes con TxC entre agosto 1998 y marzo 2021. Se analizó la supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y log rank test. El diagnóstico de Ra se realizó mediante métodos moleculares, prueba de Strout en sangre periférica, tejido miocárdico y/o cutáneo. Resultados: De 606 pacientes con TxC, 39 (6,4%) presentaban MCh. Seguimiento medio 4,4 años (Rango Intercuartilo 1,2-8,6). Edad subgrupo MCh 51 años (RIC 45-60). Hombres 28 (72%). Se documentó Ra en el 38,5% de los pacientes. Supervivencia a 1, 5 y 10 años en TxC por MCh con Ra versus no Ra: 85%, 76% y 61% versus 72%, 55% y 44% (p = 0,3). Supervivencia a 1, 5 y 10 años en TxC por MCh versus TxC por otras causas: 79%, 65% y 50% versus 79%, 62% y 47% (p = 0,5). Conclusión: En nuestra serie no se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la supervivencia de los pacientes trasplantados cardíacos por MCh en comparación con aquellos trasplantados por otras causas; así como tampoco entre los pacientes que reactivaron la enfermedad de Chagas y los que no lo hicieron.

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease affects about 6 million people in Latin America, and 25 to 35% progress to Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM). Heart transplantation (HTx) is a therapeutic option in advanced stages. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare survival of patients with HTx due to ChCM versus those transplanted for other etiologies and to analyze the incidence of Chagas disease reactivation (Ra) and its impact on survival in this group of patients. Methods: Patients undergoing HTx between August 1998 and March 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. The diagnosis of Ra was performed by molecular methods, Strout's test in peripheral blood, myocardial tissue or skin tissue. Results: Of 606 patients with Htx, 39(6,4%) presented ChCM. Median follow up was 4.4 years (interquartile range 1.2-8.6). Median age of the subgroup with ChCM was 51 years (IQR 45-60) and 28 were men (72%). Reactivation was documented in 38.5% of the patients. Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years in HTx recipients due to ChCM and Ra versus no Ra was 85%, 76% and 61% versus 72%, 55% and 44%, respectively (p = 0.3). Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years in HTx recipients due to ChCM versus HTx for other causes was 79%, 65% and 50% versus 79%, 62% and 47%, respectively (p = 0.5). Conclusion: In our series we did not find statistically significant differences in survival of heart transplant recipients due to ChCM versus those transplanted due to other reasons. Survival in patients with Chagas disease reactivation and those without reactivation was also similar.

Prevalencia de infecciones asociadas al donante en receptores de trasplante pulmonar

Resumen La complicación infecciosa es la más frecuente posterior a un trasplante. Existe una limitada descripción respecto a la prevalencia de infecciones asociadas al donante (IAD) en receptores de trasplante de pulmón (TxP). Hay reportes de dicha situación de un 7,6%, con documentación de fracaso profiláctico de 5,6%. Objetivo: estimar la frecuencia de infecciones asociadas al donante tras el TxP y su desenlace en términos de supervivencia global (SG). Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, llevado a cabo en un centro trasplante de Argentina entre los meses de enero 2018 a junio 2020. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes trasplantados en dicho intervalo, y se contabilizaron a todos aquellos con IAD definida/probada. Resultados: en el periodo antedicho se realizaron 65 TxP en 64 individuos (un caso se realizó trasplante y posterior retrasplante en el mismo periodo de estudio). La mediana de edad fue de 39 (12 - 72) años. La fibrosis quística constituyó el principal motivo de TxP (26,2%). En 61/65 (94%) se aislaron gérmenes de muestras biológicas procedentes del donante: en el líquido de conservación 78,6%, secreciones del donante 73,7%, muestras quirúrgicas 21,3% y en hemocultivos 4,9%. Se identificaron IAD en 2/61 casos (prevalencia de 3,1%; IC 95% 0,4-10,7%), con una mediana de SG postrasplante de 12 meses, y una SG del 98,4% (IC 95% 91,7 - 99,9%). Conclusión: la prevalencia de IAD en receptores de TxP en la presente serie fue del 3,1%, superior a lo documentado en trasplantes de órganos sólidos en general (< 1%), aunque menor a la encontrada en los pocos reportes publicados (7,6%).

Prevalence of Donor-Associated Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients

Abstract The infectious complication is the most common condition after a transplantation. There is a limited description regarding the preva lence of donor-associated infections (DAIs) in lung transplant (LTx) recipients. There are reports of DAIs in LTx recipients of 7.6%, with documented prophylactic failure of 5.6%. Objective: to estimate the frequency of donor-associated infections after lung transplantation and their outcome in terms of overall survival (OS). Methodology: an observational, descriptive study, carried out in a transplant center in Argentina between January 2018 and June 2020. The study included all the patients who underwent a transplantation within such period and those with defined/proven DAIs. Results: during the aforementioned period, 65 LTx were performed in 64 individuals (one patient underwent transplantation and subsequent retransplantation in the same study period). The median age was 39 (12-72) years. Cystic fibrosis was the main reason for transplantation (26.2%) In 61/65 cases (94%), germs were isolated from biological samples collected from the donor: 78.6% in the preservation liquid, 73.7% in donor secretions, 21.3% surgical samples, and 4.9% blood cultures. Donor-associated infections were identified in 2/61 cases (prevalence of 3.1%; 95% CI: 0.4-10.7%), with a median posttransplant OS of 12 months, and an OS of 98.4% (95% CI: 91.7-99.9%). Conclusion: the prevalence of DAIs in LTx recipients in the present series was 3.1%: higher than the figures documented for solid organ transplants in general (< 1%), but lower than the numbers found in the few published reports (7.6%).

[Ischemic cardiogenic shock and short-term mechanical circulatory support as bridge to transplantation]. / Shock cardiogénico en infarto agudo de miocardio y soporte circulatorio puente al trasplante.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) has a high mortality rate and often requires advanced therapies such as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and heart transplantation (HT). Those patients who presented an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with CS and required support through MCS as bridge to HT were retrospectively analyzed in a single Center. Between January 1997 and June 2020, 524 patients received HT, 203 for ischemic-cardiomyopathy, 103 were in emergency waiting list. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age 53 ± 11 years old; men 73%). Five primary angioplasties and 2 emergency myocardial revascularization surgeries were performed. Four patients had coronary anatomy not subject to revascularization. All received inotropic and vasopressor treatment and required intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Subsequently, two required support with a left univentricular centrifugal pump (BioMedicus®, Medtronic) and two with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) (Maquet®, Getinge Group). The median between AMI and HT was 15 days (range 7-21) and the mean age of the donors 28 ± 11 years. All had extensive AMI (necrotic amount 35 ± 5%) with histopathological signs of transmural necrosis and reperfusion injury. The median follow-up was 9 years (range 1-15). None died in hospitalization or during the first year after transplantation. Survival at 5 and 10 years was 73% and 55%. Emergency HT may be the best option for selected patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy.

El shock cardiogénico (SC) presenta una elevada mortalidad y puede requerir de terapéuticas avanzadas como la asistencia circulatoria mecánica (ACM) y el trasplante cardíaco (TC). Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva, en un único centro, aquellos pacientes que presentaron un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), SC y requirieron ACM puente al TC. Entre enero 1997 y junio 2020, 524 pacientes recibieron un TC, 203 por cardiopatía isquémica, 103 en lista de emergencia. Se incluyeron once pacientes con los criterios mencionados (edad media 53 ± 11 años; hombres 73%). Se realizaron 5 angioplastias primarias y 2 cirugías de revascularización miocárdica de urgencia. Cuatro pacientes presentaban anatomía coronaria no pasible de revascularización. Todos recibieron tratamiento inotrópico y vasopresor y requirieron soporte con balón de contrapulsación intra aórtico (BCIA). Dos requirieron el implante de bomba centrífuga univentricular izquierda (BioMedicus®, Medtronic) y 2 de oxigenador de membrana extracorpóreo veno-arterial (ECMO-VA) periférico (Maquet®, Getinge Group). La mediana entre IAM y TC fue 15 días (rango 7-21) y la edad de los donantes 28 ± 11 años. Todos presentaron un IAM extenso (monto necrótico 35 ± 5%) con signos histopatológicos de necrosis transmural e injuria de reperfusión. La mediana de seguimiento fue 9 años (rango 1-15). Ninguno falleció en la internación ni durante el primer año post trasplante. La supervivencia a los 5 y 10 años fue 73% y 55%. El TC en situación de emergencia ha demostrado ser, en nuestro medio, la mejor opción en aquellos pacientes con IAM y SC refractario a la terapia convencional.

Shock cardiogénico en infarto agudo de miocardio y soporte circulatorio puente al trasplante / Ischemic cardiogenic shock and short-term mechanical circulatory support as bridge to Transplantation

Resumen El shock cardiogénico (SC) presenta una elevada mortalidad y puede requerir de terapéuticas avanzadas como la asistencia circulatoria mecánica (ACM) y el trasplante cardíaco (TC). Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva, en un único centro, aquellos pacientes que presentaron un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), SC y requirieron ACM puente al TC. Entre enero 1997 y junio 2020, 524 pacientes recibieron un TC, 203 por cardiopatía isquémica, 103 en lista de emergencia. Se incluyeron once pacientes con los criterios mencionados (edad media 53 ± 11 años; hombres 73%). Se realizaron 5 angioplastias primarias y 2 cirugías de revascularización miocárdica de urgencia. Cuatro pacientes presentaban anatomía coronaria no pasible de revascularización. Todos recibieron tratamiento inotrópico y vasopresor y requirieron soporte con balón de contrapulsación intra aórtico (BCIA). Dos requirieron el implante de bomba centrífuga univentricular izquierda (BioMedicus®, Medtronic) y 2 de oxigenador de membrana extracorpóreo veno-arterial (ECMO-VA) periférico (Maquet®, Getinge Group). La mediana entre IAM y TC fue 15 días (rango 7-21) y la edad de los donantes 28 ± 11 años. Todos presentaron un IAM extenso (monto necrótico 35 ± 5%) con signos histopatológicos de necrosis transmural e injuria de reperfusión. La mediana de seguimiento fue 9 años (rango 1-15). Ninguno falleció en la internación ni durante el primer año post trasplante. La supervivencia a los 5 y 10 años fue 73% y 55%. El TC en situación de emergencia ha demostrado ser, en nuestro medio, la mejor opción en aquellos pacientes con IAM y SC refractario a la terapia convencional.

Abstract Cardiogenic shock (CS) has a high mortality rate and often requires advanced therapies such as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and heart transplantation (HT). Those patients who presented an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with CS and required support through MCS as bridge to HT were retrospectively analyzed in a single Center. Between January 1997 and June 2020, 524 patients received HT, 203 for ischemic-cardiomyopathy, 103 were in emergency waiting list. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age 53 ± 11 years old; men 73%). Five primary angioplasties and 2 emergency myocardial revasculariza tion surgeries were performed. Four patients had coronary anatomy not subject to revascularization. All received inotropic and vasopressor treatment and required intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Subsequently, two required support with a left univentricular centrifugal pump (BioMedicus®, Medtronic) and two with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) (Maquet®, Getinge Group). The median between AMI and HT was 15 days (range 7-21) and the mean age of the donors 28 ± 11 years. All had extensive AMI (necrotic amount 35 ± 5%) with histopathological signs of transmural necrosis and reperfusion injury. The median follow-up was 9 years (range 1-15). None died in hospitalization or during the first year after transplantation. Survival at 5 and 10 years was 73% and 55%. Emergency HT may be the best option for selected patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy.

Retrasplante pulmonar con cross-match positivo en trasplante pulmonar primario complicado con rechazo mediado por anticuerpos / Lung Retransplantation with Positive Crossmatch in Primary Lung Transplantation Complicated by Antibody-Mediated Rejection

La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) representa el 2,6% de los trasplantes pulmonares (TP), con una mediana de supervivencia condi cional (desde los 30 días del TP) de 9,8 años. Son frecuentes, el rechazo celular agudo (ACR) y la disfunción crónica del injerto (CLAD), mientras que es infrecuente el rechazo mediado por anticuerpos (AMR). El retrasplante pulmonar (RTP) constituye el 4% del TP mundial, debido a complicaciones en la vía aérea, disfunción primaria del injerto, ACR y CLAD. Mujer de 22 años, portadora de HAP idiopática (HAPI) desde el año 2013, trasplantada bipulmonar (TBP) en enero de 2018. A los 16 meses presentó neumonía adquirida en la comuni dad. En una internación posterior, presentó ACR y a pesar de pulsos de metilprednisolona, progresó a requerimientos de cánula de alto flujo y ventilación mecánica no invasiva hospitalaria, caída del VEF1, y tomografía de tórax con vidrio esmerilado difuso y engrosamiento irregular reticular del intersticio subpleural; interpretándose como CLAD a predominio de síndrome de bronquiolitis obliterante (BOS), con presencia de anticuerpos específicos contra el donante (DSA). En enero de 2020 se realizó nuevo TP y ante cross-match positivo, se realizó plasmaféresis y reposición de IgG. Al mes del egreso, no se observaron signos de rechazo en control de biopsias transbronquiales. Entre 2 y 10% de los pacientes con indicación primaria de TP por HAPI son sometidos a retrasplante pulmonar (RTP). La presencia de DSA y el miss-match de HLA, no son contraindicaciones para el RTP.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) represents 2.6% of lung transplantations (LT), with a conditional median survival (from 30 days after LT) of 9.8 years. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) are common; whereas the antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is not. Lung retransplantation (LR) accounts for 4% of global LTs for complications in the airways, primary allograft dys function, ACR and CLAD. 22-year-old woman with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) since 2013, who underwent a double-lung transplantation (DLT) in January 2018. 16 months after transplantation she presented community-acquired pneumonia. During a subsequent hospitalization, she presented ACR. Despite the fact that she received pulse methylprednisolone, she required high-flow cannula therapy and hospital non-invasive mechanical ventilation; the FEV1 was reduced and she underwent a chest tomography with diffuse ground glass opacities and irregular reticular thickening of the subpleural interstitium; interpreting the predominance of BOS (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) as CLAD, with presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA). In January 2020, she received a new DLT and due to a positive crossmatch, she was treated with plasmapheresis and IgG replacement. One month after hospital discharge, no signs of rejection were observed at the BTB (bone-patellar tendon-bone) control. Between 2 to 10% of patients with primary indication of LT for IPAH are subjected to lung retransplantation (LR). The presence of DSA and HLA (human leucocyte antigen) mismatch aren't contraindications to LR.

Primer implante exitoso de asistencia ventricular izquierda HeartMate 3TM como terapia de destino en Argentina. Revisión de la literatura / First successful Heartmate 3TM left ventricular assist device implantation as destination therapy in Argentina

RESUMEN Se presenta el primer implante exitoso de asistencia ventricular izquierda como terapia de destino mediante el dispositivo de flujo continuo centrífugo con levitación magnética intracorpóreo HeartMate 3TM (Abbott) en la Argentina. El dispositivo se implantó en una paciente de 52 años portadora de miocardio no compacto con disfunción ventricular izquierda grave, hipertensión pulmonar, insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada en estadio INTERMACS 3 y contraindicación para trasplante cardíaco debido a títulos elevados de anticuerpos preformados contra el sistema HLA en crossmatch contra panel.

ABSTRACT First case of successful implantation of intracorporeal full magnetically levitated continuous centrifugal flow left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3 Abbott® as destination therapy in Argentina in a female patient, 52-years-old with non compaction cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, end-stage heart failure INTERMACS 3 and contraindication for heart transplantation due to high titers of preformed antibodies against the HLA system in panel reactive antibody assay.

Radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias after orthotopic heart transplantation: Long-term follow-up of a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs), commonly managed with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), may occur after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 514 consecutive patients (pts.) undergoing OHT between January 1990 and July 2016 in a single-center. Patients with SVAs managed with RFA were included. Mechanisms of genesis of SVAs, association with surgical techniques and outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 514 pts undergoing OHT, 53% (272 pts.) were managed with bicaval (BC) technique and 47% (242 pts.) with biatrial (BA) technique. Mean follow-up 10 ± 8.4 years. Nine pts. (1.7%) developed SVA requiring RFA. The BC technique was performed in 4 pts., 3 pts. presented cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (CTI AFL), and 1 pt. double loop AFL. Five pts. were managed with BA technique, 4 pts. presented CTI AFL, and 1 pt. atrial tachycardia (AT). Mean time between OHT and SVA occurrence was 6.6 ± 5.5 years. The procedure was successful in 89% (8 pts.). Arrhythmia recurrence was seen in 3 pts (37%), all with BA technique. CONCLUSION: Supraventricular arrhythmias in heart transplantation may be associated with the surgical scar. Identifying the mechanism is vital to choose the appropriate treatment with radiofrequency ablation.

Intravascular ultrasound for cardiac allograft vasculopathy detection.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation is a fibro-proliferative process affecting coronary arteries of the graft in up to 46.8% of the cases during the first 10 years post-transplantation. It is one of the main causes of graft loss and death. Due to graft denervation, CAV causing ischemia is usually clinically silent until the disease is far advanced. In this study, we compared coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for CAV detection. OUTCOMES: A total of 114 patients with HTx who underwent coronary angiography and IVUS between March 2018 and March 2019 were included. Mean follow-up was 87 ± 61 month. Lesions documented by coronary angiography were found in only 27 (24%) of the 114 patients. IVUS revealed ISHLT CAV 0 in 87 patients (76.3%); ISHLT CAV1 in 15 (13,1%) and ISHLT CAV2 and CAV3 in 6 patients (5.2%) each. Among 328 IVUS images, maximum intimal thickness (MIT) >0.5 mm was obtained in 60 vessels (52%) with 24 patients having three-vessel and 19 two-vessel involvement. CONCLUSION: As an adjunct to conventional coronary angiography to detect angiographically silent CAV in heart transplant patients, IVUS is a reliable and safe technique with a low complication rate. Large multicenter studies are necessary to confirm these findings and the potential long-term clinical impact of early detection in clinically and angiographically silent phase.

Un caso exitoso de trasplante bipulmonar durante la pandemia por SARS CoV-2 en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / A Successful Case of Double-Lung Transplant During the SARS CoV-2 Pandemic in the City of Buenos Aires

Paciente masculino portador de hipertesión pulmonar severa refractaria a tratamiento médico, sometido a trasplante bipulmonar durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Para disminuir el riesgo de contagio se realizaron todas las medidas de prevención actualmente recomendadas, con especial énfasis en el uso del equipo de protección personal, contribuyendo de esta forma con el éxito terapéutico alcanzado.

Male patient with severe pulmonary hypertension refractory to medical treatment who underwent a double-lung transplant during the SARS-CoV-2 in the city of Buenos Aires. In order to reduce the risk of contagion all the currently recommended prevention measures were adopted, especially the use of personal protective equipment, thus contributing to the resultant therapeutic success.

Short-term mechanical circulatory support devices as bridge to heart transplantation: A prospective single-center experience in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cardiogenic shock may require hemodynamic stabilization with short-term mechanical circulatory support devices (ST-MCS) such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and centrifugal pump (CP) as bridge to transplantion (BTT). This study aimed to describe ECMO and CP during BTT and after heart transplant. METHODS: A cohort of patients on ECMO or CP as BTT between April 2006 and April 2018 in a single hospital. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with ECMO (n = 14) or CP (n = 23) were included. Acute kidney injury was more prevalent during CP (28.6% vs 69.6%, P = .02). There were no differences in stroke, thrombosis, sepsis, or vasoplegia. Bleeding (0% vs 56.5%, P = .0003) and reoperation (0% vs 47.8%, P = .002) were more frequent in CP group as well as mortality (0 vs 7 [30.4%], P = .03). The remaining 30 patients (81.1%) underwent heart transplantation, without differences in primary graft dysfunction, vasoplegia, reoperation for bleeding, or hospital stay. Mortality was 23.3% at 30 days, similar in both groups, with no further deaths at median follow-up of 44.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cardiogenic shock, ST-MCS with ECMO or CP as BTT are a lifesaving approach allowing successful transplantation in the majority of cases, with good short- and long-term survival.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Facilitates Donor Lung Preservation by Reducing Oxidative Damage during Ischemia.

Lung transplantation is a lifesaving therapy for people living with severe, life-threatening lung disease. The high mortality rate among patients awaiting transplantation is mainly due to the low percentage of lungs that are deemed acceptable for implantation. Thus, the current shortage of lung donors may be significantly reduced by implementing different therapeutic strategies which facilitate both organ preservation and recovery. Here, we studied whether the anti-inflammatory effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCPVCs) increases lung availability by improving organ preservation. We developed a lung preservation rat model that mimics the different stages by which donor organs must undergo before implantation. The therapeutic schema was as follows: cardiac arrest, warm ischemia (2 h at room temperature), cold ischemia (1.5 h at 4°C, with Perfadex), and normothermic lung perfusion with ventilation (Steen solution, 1 h). After 1 h of warm ischemia, HUCPVCs (1 × 106 cells) or vehicle was infused via the pulmonary artery. Physiologic data (pressure-volume curves) were acquired right after the cardiac arrest and at the end of the perfusion. Interestingly, although lung edema did not change among groups, lung compliance dropped to 34% in the HUCPVC-treated group, while the vehicle group showed a stronger reduction (69%, p < 0.0001). Histologic assessment demonstrated less overall inflammation in the HUCPVC-treated lungs. In addition, MPO activity, a neutrophil marker, was reduced by 41% compared with vehicle (p < 0.01). MSC therapy significantly decreased tissue oxidative damage by controlling reactive oxygen species production. Accordingly, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities remained at baseline levels. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory effect of MSCs protects donor lungs against ischemic injury and postulates MSC therapy as a novel tool for organ preservation.

Resección de nódulo pulmonar en pulmón trasplantado bajo asistencia con membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea / Resection of a pulmonary nodule in a transplanted lung under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

La utilización de soporte perioperatorio con sistema de oxigenación a través de membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) es un concepto novedoso en cirugía torácica general. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con trasplante pulmonar derecho por fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) que requirió la resección de un nódulo pulmonar homolateral con soporte de ECMO veno-venoso (VV). El soporte a través de ECMO VV es una opción viable cuando se prevén dificultades con la ventilación unipulmonar en casos seleccionados.

The use of perioperative support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems is a novel concept in general thoracic surgery We report the case of a male patient with a history of right lung transplant due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who required resection of a right pulmonary nodule under veno-venous (VV) ECMO support. The use of VV-ECMO is a feasible option in selected cases when complications are expected to occur with one lung ventilation.

Trasplante pulmonar en Uruguay: avances en curso para la consolidación del programa / Lung transplant in Uruguay: progress in motion for the consolidation of the program / Transplante pulmonar no Uruguai: avanços atuais para a consolidação del programa

Introducción: en Uruguay funciona desde el año 2003 un programa de trasplante pulmonar (TP) mediante un convenio binacional con la República Argentina, con Fundación Favaloro, centro regional de referencia. Objetivos: describir los resultados del programa y herramientas en curso para mejorar la procuración pulmonar en Uruguay. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, entre 2003 y 2017. Recopilación de datos del registro electrónico y análisis mediante SPSS. Resultados: ingresaron a lista 70 pacientes, 27 fueron trasplantados, 95% se reinsertaron a actividades sociales o laborales. Las etiologías fueron enfisema (33%), fibrosis quística (26%) y fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (11%). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron infecciones respiratorias y alteraciones de la vía aérea. La mortalidad postrasplante es 34% y la supervivencia mediana condicional supera los ocho años. La elevada mortalidad en lista (32%) impulsó el establecimiento de nuevas estrategias de procuración pulmonar. Destacamos: seguimiento longitudinal de pacientes, modificación de umbral de convocatoria, realización de maniobras de reclutamiento alveolar, realización sistemática de fibrobroncoscopía; minimización de tiempos de traslado y entrenamiento de equipo quirúrgico uruguayo para ablación. La procuración pulmonar pasó de 0 por millón de población (pmp) en 2014 y 2015 a 1,8 pmp en 2017. Conclusiones: el Programa Uruguayo de Trasplante Pulmonar ha tenido importantes avances. Los últimos dos años han sido claves para el crecimiento de la procuración pulmonar. Los resultados, la sobrevida y la morbimortalidad son comparables a los descritos internacionalmente. Las perspectivas a futuro serán consolidar el programa en un centro de referencia y realización de ablación e implante en nuestro territorio. (AU)

Introduction: a program for Lung Transplant (LT) has been operative in Uruguay since 2003, by means of a bi-national agreement with Fundación Favaloro, a regional reference center in Argentina. Method: descriptive, retrospective study performed between 2003 and 2017. Data in the electronic register was compiled and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Results: 70 patients were entered in the list, 27 of which underwent transplant surgery, 95% of them resumed social like and/or work. Etiologies included emphysema (33%), cystic fibrosis (26%) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (11%). The most frequent complications were respiratory infections and alterations in the airway. Post-transplant mortality is 34% and conditional median survival is higher than 8 years. The increased mortality in the list (32%) encouraged development of new strategies for lung procurement. The following facts are pointed out: longitudinal follow-up of patients, modification of the calling threshold, the performance of alveolar recruitments maneuvers, the systematic performance of fibrobroncoscopy, minimization of transport times and training of the Uruguayan surgical team for ablation. Lung procurement increased from 0 per million of population (pm) in 2014 to 1.8 pmp in 2017. Conclusions: the Uruguayan program for LT has evidenced significant progress. The last two years have been essential for the increase of lung procurement. Results, survival and morbi-mortality are comparable to those described globally. Future perspectives will focus on consolidating the program in a reference center and performing ablation and implants in our country.

Introdução: desde 2003 funciona no Uruguai um programa de Transplante Pulmonar (TP) através de um convenio binacional com Argentina, com Fundación Favaloro, centro regional de referência. Objetivos: descrever os resultados do programa e as ferramentas que estão sendo utilizadas para melhorar a procuração pulmonar no Uruguai. Materiais e métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo do período 2003-2017. Coleta de dados do registro eletrônico e análise com o programa SPSS. Resultados: ingressaram à lista 70 pacientes; 27 foram transplantados dos quais 95% voltaram a atividades sociais e/ou de trabalho. As etiologias foram enfisema (33%), fibrose cística (26%) e fibrose pulmonar idiopática (11%). As complicações mais frequentes foram as infecções respiratórias e alterações da via aérea. A mortalidade pós-transplante foi de 34% e a sobrevida mediana condicional foi superior a 8 anos. Dada la elevada mortalidade na lista de espera (32%) novas estratégias de procuração pulmonar foram estabelecidas. Destacamos: seguimento longitudinal dos pacientes, modificação do umbral de convocatória, realização de manobras de recrutamento alveolar, realização sistemática de fibrobroncoscopia, minimização dos tempos de traslado e capacitação da equipe uruguaia de cirurgia em ablação. A procuração pulmonar passou de 0 por milhão de habitantes (pmp) em 2014 e 2015 a 1.8 pmp em 2017. Conclusões: o Programa Uruguaio de TP mostrou importantes avanços. Os últimos 2 anos foram fundamentais para o crescimento da procuração pulmonar. Os resultados, a sobrevida e a morbimortalidade são comparáveis aos descritos na literatura internacional. As perspectivas para o futuro são consolidar o programa em um centro de referência e a realização de ablação e implante no nosso território.

Lobectomía pulmonar: ¿Qué beneficios ofrece la videotoracoscopía? / Pulmonary Lobectomy. What are the Benefits of Video-assisted Thoracoscopy?

Introducción: A pesar del creciente uso de la lobectomía por videotoracoscopía, este abordaje resulta aún controvertido en algunos aspectos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es comparar los resultados quirúrgicos de la lobectomía pulmonar por videotoracoscopía y por toracotomía. Material y métodos: En el Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, entre los años 2008 y 2017, fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente 153 pacientes (n = 89 masculinos). Resultados: Se realizó lobectomía por videotoracoscopía a 39/89 pacientes. Los pacientes intervenidos por videotoracoscopía y con diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón, tenían predominantemente tumores en estadío I (25/39 pacientes). La incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias y mortalidad fueron similares en ambos grupos. En el grupo intervenido por videotoracoscopía la permanencia del drenaje pleural fue significativamente menor (4 versus 3 días, p = 0.004) y, también resultó más breve la estadía hospitalaria (6 versus 4 días de internación, p = 0.03). El número de estaciones ganglionares exploradas durante la cirugía fue mayor en los pacientes operados por toracotomía (4 versus 3.5 estaciones ganglionares, p < 0.001). Conclusión: La lobectomía por videotoracoscopía resultó al menos equivalente a la cirugía por toracotomía en términos de complicaciones postoperatorias. Los principales beneficios del abordaje por videotoracoscopía fueron una menor permanencia del drenaje pleural y menor estadía hospitalaria. Se recomienda tener especial cuidado con el muestreo ganglionar cuando la cirugía se realiza por videotoracoscopía.

Introduction: Despite the widespread adoption of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, this surgical approach still remains controversial. The objective of this paper is to compare the surgical results of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy to open thoracotomy lobectomy, performed at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro between 2008 and 2017. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and fifty three patients (n = 89 males) had surgery during the study period; 39/153 had video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. Results: Patients that had video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy were more likely to have stage I lung cancer (25/39). Postoperative complications and mortality rates were similar in both groups. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy patients had a shorter chest tube drainage time (4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.004) and length of hospital stay (6 vs. 4 days of stay, p = 0.03). The median number of lymph node stations sampled at surgery was significantly higher in the patients that had open thoracotomy lobectomy (4 vs. 3.5 lymph node stations, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is at least equivalent to open thoracotomy lobectomy in terms of postoperative complications and mortality. The main benefits of the video-assisted thoracoscopic approach are a shorter chest tube drainage time and length of hospital stay. Special attention should be taken at the time of nodal sampling when the surgery is performed by the video-assisted thoracoscopic approach.

Pulmonary Lobectomy: What are the Benefits of Video-assisted Thoracoscopy?

Introduction: Despite the increasing use of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, this surgical approach is still controversial in certain aspects. The purpose of this study is to compare the surgical results of video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy to pulmonary lobectomy via thoracotomy. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2017, 153 patients (n = 89 males) had surgery at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. Results: 39/89 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. Patients who had video-assisted thoracoscopy and were diagnosed with lung cancer mostly had stage I tumors (25/39 patients). Postoperative complications and mortality rates were similar in both groups. Video-assisted thoracoscopy patients had a significantly shorter pleural drainage time (4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.004) and a shorter length of hospital stay (6 vs. 4 days of stay, p = 0.03). The number of lymph node stations sampled during surgery was higher in the patients operated via thoracotomy (4 vs. 3.5 lymph node stations, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy was at least equivalent to surgery by means of thoracotomy in terms of postoperative complications. The main benefits of the video-assisted thoracoscopy approach were shorter pleural drainage time and length of hospital stay. Special attention should be paid to nodal sampling when the surgery is performed via video-assisted thoracoscopy.