The Usefulness of Microcirculatory Assessment After Cardiac Surgery: Illustrative Case Report.

Cardiac surgery causes a series of disturbances in human physiology. The correction of systemic hemodynamic variables is frequently ineffective in improving microcirculatory perfusion and delivering oxygen to the tissues. We present the case of a 52-year-old male submitted to mitral valve replacement (metallic valve) and subaortic membrane resection. Sublingual microcirculatory density and perfusion were evaluated using a handheld CytoCam camera before surgery and in the early postoperative period. In this case, systemic hemodynamic variables were compromised despite an actual improvement in the microcirculatory parameters in comparison to the preoperative evaluation, possibly due to the correction of the structural cardiac defects.

Fechamento percutâneo do refluxo paraprotético: análise clínica e ecocardiográfica em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico - resultados e desafios / Percutaneous closure of paraprosthetic regurgitation: clinical and echocardiographic analysis in high surgical risk patients - results and challenges

INTRODUÇÃO O refluxo paraprotético (RPP) é uma complicação que afeta entre 1,9% e 17% dos pacientes submetidos à troca da valva mitral e em menor proporção, entre 2% e 12% dos casos de troca da valva aórtica, sendo mais comum em pacientes que recebem próteses mecânicas. Os pacientes que cursam com regurgitação importante, insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e anemia hemolítica, refratários ao tratamento clínico têm indicação de correção do defeito por tratamento cirúrgico ou percutâneo. OBJETIVO O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a evolução clínica e ecocardiográfica dos pacientes portadores de RPP sintomáticos, de elevado risco cirúrgico, submetidos a fechamento percutâneo. MÉTODOS Estudo prospectivo e observacional em hospital terciário, que incluiu pacientes com RPP mitral ou aórtico sintomáticos, com repercussão clínica, (IC ou hemólise) submetidos a fechamento percutâneo entre junho 2014 e abril 2024. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 25 pacientes, média das idades 62,8±10,5 anos, 53% dos pacientes eram mulheres. O número de cirurgias prévias variou de 1 a 4, com média de 2,38±1,07 cirurgias por paciente. A maioria apresentava um único orifício regurgitante (17 pacientes). Seis pacientes tinham prótese biológica (4 mitrais e 2 aórticos) e 19 prótese mecânica (15 mitrais, 6 mitro-aórticos e 4 aórticos). A indicação da oclusão do RPP foi predominantemente por IC. O dispositivo utilizado foi Amplatzer Vascular Plug, o número de plugs variou de 1 a 4 (média de plugs utilizados foi de 1,6±0,91 por paciente). A via de acesso percutâneo foi a femoral em 22 dos procedimentos e transapical em 3. Foi possível implantar o plug em 20 pacientes (80%). Dentro desta amostra, 12 ficaram com RPP residual discreto ou ausente, enquanto 8 continuaram com RPP moderado a importante, dos quais 2 faleceram em decorrência do procedimento, 3 foram encaminhados para cirurgia (1 óbito) e 3 ficaram em tratamento clínico. Não foi possível implantar o plug, por dificuldade técnica, em 20% dos pacientes (2 permaneceram em tratamento clínico, 3 evoluíram para óbito). CONCLUSÃO Os resultados do estudo demonstram que o fechamento percutâneo do RPP em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico é uma opção viável. O implante do plug foi possível em 20 dos 25 pacientes. RPP residual, discreto ou ausente, foi encontrado em 12 pacientes (60%). Futuros estudos prospectivos e randomizados são necessários para melhor avaliação de segurança e eficácia do fechamento percutâneo do refluxo paraprotético.

Avanços terapêuticos na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica: o papel do mavacanteno / Therapeutic advances in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the role of mavacantene

INTRODUÇÃO: A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) é uma doença de causa geneticamente determinada que acarreta intenso aumento da massa do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). A obstrução da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE) tem comportamento dinâmico e pode causar sintomas, como dispneia, dor torácica e síncope. Destacamos aqui um caso tratado com o mavacanteno, o primeiro da uma classe de inibidor seletivo, alostérico e reversível da miosina cardíaca, específico para a fisiopatologia da CMH. RELATO DE CASO: MR, sexo feminino, 77 anos, hipertensa e dislipidêmica. Dispneia classe funcional III associado a episódios de tontura e palpitação de início há 1 ano, com piora progressiva. Ao exame: sopro sistólico em foco aórtico com aumento pós manobra de valsava, pressão arterial de 120x70mmHg e frequência cardíaca (FC) de 82bpm. NTpro-BNP de 486 e eletrocardiograma com ritmo sinusal, hipertrofia do VE e aumento de átrio esquerdo. Ecocardiograma (ECO): septo de 16mm, fração de ejeção (FE) de 59%, gradiente VSVE de 75mmHg no repouso e 120mmHg com manobra de valsava, insuficiência mitral moderada com presença de movimento sistólico anterior da valva mitral. Teste genético negativo. Ressonância magnética: discreto edema miocárdico com realce tardio juncional de 5% da massa de VE. Diagnosticada com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, foi iniciado o uso de selozok 50mg com bom controle da FC para 58bpm, porém paciente sem melhora dos sintomas. Foi então associado o Mavacanteno 5mg. Paciente evoluiu após 2 meses de uso da medicação com resolução completa da queixa de dispneia e no ECO com GVSVE máximo de 13mmHg. Paciente com titulação da medicação, com resultados mantidos após 8 meses de uso do remédio, como evidenciado na tabela 1. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO: O uso de mavacanteno demonstrou ser uma abordagem promissora, não invasiva, no tratamento da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, proporcionando significativa melhora dos sintomas e redução do gradiente VSVE.

Eficácia e segurança da nova geração de Mitraclip G4 versus gerações mais precoces para reparo transcateter borda a borda em pacientes com regurgitação mitral: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise / Efficacy and safety of new generation Mitraclip G4 versus earlier generations for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUÇÃO: O reparo transcateter borda a borda utilizando o dispositivo MitraClip é uma ótima alternativa para tratar pacientes com insuficiência mitral e com alto risco cirúrgico. No entanto, a eficácia e segurança da nova geração de MitraClip versus as gerações anteriores não estão bem estabelecidas. OBJETIVO: Portanto, nosso objetivo foi realizar uma meta-análise explorando as gerações de MitraClip no reparo borda a borda da valva mitral por transcateter. MÉTODOS: Pesquisamos no PubMed, Embase e Cochrane Central estudos comparando dispositivos MitraClip de quarta geração com as gerações mais precoces em pacientes com regurgitação mitral (RM) tratados com reparo transcateter borda a borda. Os desfechos foram grau de RM, RM residual >2+, sucesso técnico, sucesso do dispositivo, número de clipes, NYHA III ou IV e mortalidade por todas as causas. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o programa R (versão 4.3.2). A heterogeneidade foi avaliada com estatística I2. RESULTADOS: Incluímos 2.123 pacientes de 6 estudos observacionais. Os resultados agrupados não revelaram diferença estatisticamente significativa no grau de RM ≤ 2+ após o procedimento (95,9% vs 95,7%; OR 1,05; IC 95% 0,68 - 1,62; p=0,839; I2 =0%), grau de RM ≤ 1+ após procedimento (OR 0,97; IC 95% 0,71 - 1,32; p=0,857; I2 =42%), sucesso do dispositivo (OR 1,20; IC 95% 0,87 - 1,68; p=0,275; I2 =0%), sucesso técnico (OR 0,98; IC 95% 0,66 - 1,46; p=0,919; I2 =0%) entre grupos de quarta geração e gerações iniciais. Entretanto, a opção pelo MitraClip de quarta geração em pacientes com insuficiência mitral foi associada a um maior número de pacientes que necessitaram de apenas 1 clipe durante o procedimento (OR 2,06; IC 95% 1,23 - 3,46; p = 0,007; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados desta meta-análise revelaram que não houve diferença significativa na redução da regurgitação mitral, na taxa de pacientes com NYHA III e IV e na mortalidade por todas as causas entre as gerações de MitraClip. Embora o uso da quarta geração estivesse associado a uma menor necessidade de clipes durante o procedimento.

Muscularization of the chordae tendinea of the mitral anterior papillary muscle.

The chordae tendineae, described as fibro-collagenous structures, support the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves of the heart in various ways. The chordae tendineae are composed of collagen and elastic fibers. They connect to the ventricular side of the valve leaflets' free border and hinder the leaflets from swinging back into the atrial cavity during systole. Mitral valve chordae tendineae have been classified using a variety of classification systems. To our knowledge, we report a variant chordae tendinea that has yet to be described in the literature. The variant, present only on the mitral anterior papillary muscle, did not show the characteristic appearance of the chorda tendineae. Muscular fibers were observed extending from a larger than usual mitral anterior papillary muscle, inserting into the rough zone of the anterior leaflet. Several tendinous primary and secondary true leaflet chordae emerge from the apical portion of the anterior papillary muscle, inserting into the anterior leaflet's free edge and rough zone. Contraction of this muscular chorda during systole could disrupt the mechanics of valvular closure and result in possible regurgitation across the mitral valve. Additionally, this structure may be subject to rupture during myocardial infarction, leading to valvular dysfunction. The developmental connection between the chordae and papillary muscles could explain the anomalous muscularization of the chordae tendineae observed in this case.

Clinical outcome of patients with rheumatic tricuspid valve disease: matched cohort study.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still a major health problem, especially in low- to mid-income countries, leading premature deaths owing to valvular disease. Although left-sided valvular involvement is most commonly seen in RHD, the tricuspid valve can also be affected. However, there is a lack of information about the prognostic value of primary tricuspid valve (TV) disease in RHD. This study aimed to determine the impact of TV disease on clinical outcome in RHD. This prospective study enrolled patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease (MVD) referred to a tertiary center for management of heart valve disease. Primary rheumatic TV disease was defined by echocardiographic features including thickening of leaflets associated with some degree of restricted mobility. Patients with rheumatic TV disease were matched to patients with MVD using 1:1 genetic matching algorithm that maximized balance of baseline covariates prior to exploring outcome differences. The main outcome was either need for MV replacement or death. Among 694 patients eligible for the study, age of 47 ± 13 years, 84% female, 39 patients (5.6%) had rheumatic TV disease. After excluding patients with incomplete data, 33 patients with TV disease were matched to 33 controls based on age, right-sided heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and MV area. During a mean follow-up of 42 months (median 28, IQR 8 to 71 months), 32 patients (48.5%) experienced adverse events, including 6 cardiovascular deaths and 26 patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve replacement. The adjusted analysis demonstrated a significant association between TV disease and the outcome, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.386 (95% CI 1.559-7.353; P = 0.002) in the genetic matched cohort with balance on baseline covariates of interest. The model exhibited good discriminative ability, as indicated by a C-statistic of 0.837. In patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease, rheumatic TV disease significantly increased risk of adverse events compared with matched controls. The involvement of TV may express overall disease severity that adversely affects clinical outcome.

Successful Case of Double Valve Replacement Surgery Using Autologous Blood Transfusion: A Patient's Autonomy Preserved with Excellent Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND A blood cell saver, or autotransfusion system, is used to collect, wash, and return autologous blood collected from the surgical patient. This report describes a 55-year-old man who underwent combined mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and had a successful outcome following intraoperative and postoperative autologous blood transfusion using a blood cell saver. CASE REPORT The patient did not accept blood transfusion for reasons of religious conscience and was in a critical condition, receiving palliative care. He needed combined mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery. The surgery was conducted using a cell saver (Sorin Xtra Autotransfusion System) in the intraoperative and postoperative periods for 24 h, to resolve this challenging case, from a technical and ethical point of view. The volume of red blood cells recovered intraoperatively was 1430 mL, with a hematocrit level of 40%, and 690 mL, with a hematocrit of 35%, in the postoperative period. Therefore, a significant volume of autologous blood was recovered. The autologous blood transfusion resulted in an excellent clinical outcome for the patient, who was discharged on the ninth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that the use of a blood cell saver in cardiac surgery, in both intra- and postoperative periods, resulted in the maintenance of adequate hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, no infection postoperatively, and rapid and complete recovery of the patient. Thus, the use of the blood cell saver guaranteed the individual's autonomy to refuse blood products safely, with good clinical results, and without dependence on allogeneic blood transfusions.

Dissecção da parede do átrio esquerdo: rara complicação de cirurgia mitral associada à leak paraprotético / Left atrial wall dissection: rare complication of mitral surgery associated with paraprosthetic leak

APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente feminina, 41 anos, submetida a troca valvar biológica mitral em novembro de 2023 devido à estenose mitral reumática. O ecocardiograma transtorácico (ECOTT) antes da alta hospitalar confirmou prótese normofuncionante. No retorno após 01 mês da cirurgia, foi evidenciado sopro sistólico intenso em foco mitral com irradiação difusa, sem sintomas. Realizado novo ECOTT em fevereiro de 2024 que detectou aparente leak paraprotético lateral com fluxo direcionado para o apêndice atrial esquerdo de grau importante. Na complementação transesofágica, observou-se delaminação do assoalho do anel mitral, formando uma neocavidade pulsátil de 21x10 mm, justaposta ao apêndice atrial esquerdo, associado a um leak paraprotético situado às 10 horas (visão en face), que fistuliza do ventrículo esquerdo para o átrio esquerdo através dessa neocavidade. Análise da prótese mostrou gradiente diastólico máximo de 13 mmHg e médio de 06 mmHg, com orifício efetivo de fluxo = 2,5 cm2. O caso foi discutido em Heart Team e optado por tratamento cirúrgico. DISCUSSÃO: Dissecção do átrio esquerdo é uma complicação rara, mais frequentemente associada a cirurgias da valva mitral, mas também descrita em casos pós trauma e terapias de ablação. A manipulação cirúrgica é o principal fator de risco associado à dissecção do átrio esquerdo. Mecanismos como tração excessiva da sutura no anel mitral posterior e desbridamento de tecidos calcificados foram relacionados à essa complicação, mais frequentemente localizada na parede posterior. Cerca de 25% dos casos relatados foram diagnosticados durante o procedimento, completando quase 70% até o primeiro mês, como neste paciente. A dispneia é o sintoma mais frequente, porém, a apresentação inicial pode ser instabilidade hemodinâmica, exigindo tratamento precoce. COMENTÁRIOS FINAIS: Descrevemos um caso de dissecção do átrio esquerdo diagnosticada 01 mês após troca valvar mitral, em paciente oligossintomático, com suspeita clínica devido ao achado de novo sopro em exame físico. O ecocardiograma transesofágico foi essencial para definição diagnóstica e terapêutica.

Fistula of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa in a patient with bacterial endocarditis: a case report and systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: A fistulous tract in the mitro-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) is a rare entity, which presents as a complication of endocarditis or surgical trauma. Generally, it is associated to a pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF (p-MAIVF) or aortic abscesses. MAIVF fistulas could potentially lead to devastating complications and a high mortality rate. This condition is managed surgically, either by a percutaneous closure or an open surgical approach. Herein we report the complex case of a patient with a MAIVF fistula secondary to bacterial endocarditis. Further clinical deterioration was caused by severe aortic valve insufficiency and hemodynamic compromise, requiring surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old male patient was admitted to a primary care center with complaints of malaise, asthenia, adynamia, hyporexia, and lower limb edema over the past eight days. His past medical history is positive for arterial hypertension and being monorenal. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed, exhibiting a 56% left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and complicated aortic valve endocarditis. Surgical management through an open approach included vegetation resection, valve replacement, and closure of the MAIVF fistula. After completing antibiotic therapy, the patient was discharged without complications. During postoperative follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, and the control echocardiogram showed no signs of MAIVF fistula.4. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical case of a patient with a MAIVF fistula secondary to endocarditis by Streptococcus Anginous was presented. The fistulous tract was not associated to p-MAIVF or aortic abscess, findings which further deteriorate the patient's condition and increase the likelihood of fatality. This case reinforces the importance of a prompt diagnosis through cardiac imaging and timely surgical closure of the defect.

Computer-Assisted Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation for Valve-in-Valve Procedures.

Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve is an alternative to high-risk reoperation on a failing bioprosthesis. It entails specific challenges such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We propose a patient-specific augmented imaging based on preoperative planning to assist the procedure. Valve-in-valve simulation was performed to represent the optimal level of implantation and the neo-left ventricular outflow tract. These data were combined with intraoperative images through a real-time 3D/2D registration tool. All data were collected retrospectively on one case (pre and per-procedure imaging). We present for the first time an intraoperative guidance tool in transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve procedure.

Our 10-Year Experience with Atrial Myxomas: Is Concurrent Valve Intervention Really Warranted?

INTRODUCTION: Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor movement across the valve, functional obstruction across the valve, and severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstruction. A common belief among surgeons is that excision of myxoma leads to abatement of symptoms, and further valve intervention may not be warranted. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was designed to analyze patients who underwent excision of cardiac myxoma at our center. Data was analyzed regarding presenting features, echocardiographic findings of myxoma and valve morphology, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative outcome with/without valve repair/replacement in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent surgery for myxoma. Six patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty, two had moderate mitral regurgitation, three had severe mitral regurgitation, and one patient had no mitral regurgitation on preoperative assessment, but moderate mitral regurgitation was found intraoperatively. Four of these patients had no residual mitral regurgitation in follow-up period while two had mild residual mitral regurgitation. One patient had severe mitral stenosis of concurrent rheumatic etiology and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement. CONCLUSION: Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve should be assessed intraoperatively after excision of mass as preoperative assessment might often be insufficient. Concomitant mitral valve intervention might be needed with a case-specific tailored approach, and mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty offers best surgical outcome in such cases.

Comparison of Early and Mid-Term Outcomes After Classic and Modified Morrow Septal Myectomy in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to compare the early and mid-term outcomes of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent classic and modified Morrow septal myectomy. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2019, 48 patients (24 males; mean age 49.27±16.41 years) who underwent septal myectomy were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups - those who underwent classic septal myectomy (n=28) and those who underwent modified septal myectomy (n=20). RESULTS: Mitral valve intervention was higher in the classic Morrow group than in the modified Morrow group, but there was no significant difference (P=0.42). Mortality was found to be lower in the modified Morrow group than in the classic Morrow group (P=0.01). In both groups, the mean immediate postoperative gradient was significantly higher than the mean of the 3rd and 12th postoperative months. The preoperative and postoperative gradient difference of the modified Morrow group was significantly higher than of the classic Morrow group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Classic Morrow and modified Morrow procedures are effective methods for reducing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The modified Morrow procedure was found to be superior to the classic Morrow procedure in terms of reducing the incidence of mitral valve intervention with the reduction of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient.

Fibroelastoma, an Incidentaloma Disease? - Image Cases of Fibroelastomas as Incidental Findings in Four Patients, Four Different Valves. / Fibroelastoma, uma Doença Incidentaloma? ­ Imagem de Casos de Fibroelastomas como Achados Incidentais em Quatro Pacientes, Quatro Valvas Diferentes.

Fibroelastomas are the second most common benign cardiac tumor1. They are small avascular structures with a mean size of 9mm, ranging up to 70mm, usually attached to the heart valves' surface (aortic and mitral are the most affected, followed by tricuspid and pulmonary valves). Their etiology is unclear, but the hypothesis of coalescence of microthrombus at the coaptation margins of valves is the most widely accepted theory. On echocardiography, they are pedicled, mobile, with a filamentous surface, and usually have a speckled appearance with echolucencies and a stippled pattern near the edges. Clinically, they may be associated with embolic phenomena; however, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. We present a series of four clinical cases with an incidental diagnosis of fibroelastomas across the four cardiac valves as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (Video 1; Figure 1). Video 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient. Link: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figure 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient.

Os fibroelastomas são o segundo tumor cardíaco benigno mais comum. São estruturas pequenas, avasculares, com uma dimensão média de 9mm, podendo atingir até 70mm, habitualmente aderentes à superfície das válvulas cardíacas (válvulas aórtica e mitral são as mais comumente afetadas, seguidas das válvulas tricúspide e pulmonar). A etiologia não é clara, sendo a hipótese de formação de microtrombos nas margens de coaptação das válvulas a mais aceite. Na ecocardiografia apresentam aspeto pediculado, móvel, com superfície filamentosa, tipicamente com uma aparência pontilhada nas margens e ecolucente. Do ponto de vista clínico, podem estar associados a fenómenos embólicos, no entanto, na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é incidental. Apresentamos de seguida quatro casos de diagnóstico incidental de fibroelastomas nas quatro válvulas cardíacas, diagnosticados por ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) (Vídeo 1; Figura 1). Vídeo 1Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente. Em: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figura 1Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente.

Application of Cut-and-Sew Technique in Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery and Concomitant Maze Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is one of the common complications of mitral valve disease. Currently, in the absence of freezing equipment, it's still impossible to fully conduct a minimally invasive Cox-maze IV procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve full maze surgery in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2022; 13 patients were male and 15 were female, three suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 25 suffered from permanent atrial fibrillation; average age was 61.88±8.30 years, and mean preoperative left atrial diameter was 47.12±8.34 mm. Isolation of left atrial posterior wall (box lesion) was completed in all patients by cut-and-sew technique and bipolar clamp ablation. RESULTS: For these subjects, the median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 (109.75-202.75) minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 106 (77.75-125.50) minutes, and ventilator assistance time was 6.5 (0-10) hours. Among them, eight subjects had the endotracheal tubes removed immediately after surgical operation. Three subjects were in the blanking period; two subjects still had atrial fibrillation at three months after operation, one of whom resumed sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion therapy; and all the remaining 23 subjects had sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive cut-and-sew technique for electrical isolation of left pulmonary veins can improve sinus conversion rate of patients suffering from both mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation. In selected subjects, it is safe and has good results in the short-term postoperative period.

Clinical outcomes and progression rate of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study aimed to identify the impact of functional TR on clinical outcomes and predictors of progression in a large population of patients with RHD. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with RHD were enrolled, mean age of 47±12 years, 85% female. Functional TR was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. TR progression was defined either as worsening of TR degree from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram or severe TR at baseline that required surgery or died. Incidence of TR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks. RESULTS: Functional TR was absent in 3.4%, mild in 83.7%, moderate in 8.5% and severe in 4.3%. Moderate and severe functional TR was associated with adverse outcome (HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.2) for moderate, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.28 to 4.13) for severe TR, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Event-free survival rate at 3-year follow-up was 91%, 72% and 62% in patients with no or mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. During mean follow-up of 4.1 years, TR progression occurred in 83 patients (13%) with an overall incidence of 3.7 events (95% CI 2.9 to 4.5) per 100 patient-years. In the Cox model, age (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.17), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.30), right atrial area (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.84) were predictors of TR progression. By considering competing risk, the effect of RV dysfunction on TR progression risk was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RHD, functional TR was frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. TR may progress over time, mainly related to right-sided cardiac chambers remodelling.

Accessory mitral valve tissue: a differential diagnosis of an obstructive mass on the left ventricular outflow tract.

Accessory mitral valve tissue is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly that is typically discovered incidentally during echocardiographic evaluation prompted by an asymptomatic murmur. This pathology has characteristic echocardiographic elements and is usually associated with other CHD. The decision to perform surgical resection depends on factors such as the degree of obstruction, presence of symptoms, presence of other CHDs, and risk of thrombosis. The researchers hereby present a case of an asymptomatic paediatric patient with accessory mitral valve tissue that produced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Clinical Effects of Surgical Left Atrial Reduction and Concomitant Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with Giant Left Atrium.

INTRODUCTION: A giant left atrium may cause respiratory dysfunction and hemodynamic disturbance postoperatively. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate clinical effects of surgical left atrial reduction in concomitant cardiac valves operations. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients with heart valve diseases and giant left atriums from January 2004 to July 2021 were enrolled into this research. They were divided into the folded group (n=63) and the unfolded group (n=72). Patients in the folded group had undergone cardiac valve operations concomitantly with left atrial reductions. The perioperative characteristics were compared between both groups, and subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: There were five deaths in the folded group and 25 deaths in the unfolded group (P<0.001). Complications including pneumonia, sepsis, multiple organs dysfunction syndrome, low cardiac output syndrome, and the use of continuous renal replacement therapy were significantly fewer in the folded group. The receiver operating characteristic curve of left atrial max. diameter predicting mortality was significant (area under the curve=0.878, P=0.005), and the cutoff point was 96.5 mm. The stratified analysis for sex showed that more female patients died in the unfolded group. Logistic regression for mortality showed that the left atrium unfolded, left atrial max. diameter, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and mechanical ventilation time increased the risk of death. CONCLUSION: Surgical left atrial reduction concomitantly with valves replacement could decrease mortality and was safe and effective in giant left atrium patients.

Sex-Based Differences in One-Year Outcomes After Mitral Valve Repair for Infective Endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed to evaluate the sex-based differences in baseline characteristics and one-year outcomes of men and women undergoing mitral valve repair for infective endocarditis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at Imam Ali Hospital affiliated with the Kermanshah University of Medical Science. From March 21, 2014, to October 21, 2021, all patients who underwent mitral valve repair for infective endocarditis were enrolled in this study. Data were obtained using a checklist developed based on the study's objectives. Independent samples t-tests, paired samples t-tests, and chi-squared test (or Fisher's exact test) were used to assess the differences between subgroups. RESULTS: Of 75 patients, 26 were women (34.7%) and 49 were men (65.3%). Women were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (20.4% vs. 57.7%, P=0.0001), hypertension (49% vs. 80.8%, P=0.007), and hypercholesterolemia (55.1% vs. 80.8%, P=0.027). Conversely, men were more likely to have a history of smoking (38.8% vs. 7.7%, P=0.004). After one year, women had significantly higher mortality (0% vs. 7.7%, P=0.049), major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (51.0 vs. 76.9, P=0.029), mitral valve reoperation (8.1% vs. 34.6%, P=0.003), and treatment failure (30.6% vs. 61.5%, P=0.009) rates than men. CONCLUSION: Mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, mitral valve reoperation, and treatment failure rates were higher in women than in men. The worse outcomes in women may be explained by their more adverse clinical risk profile.

Ablación con RF de arritmia ventricular en paciente con disyunción anular mitral y QT prolongado / Radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmia in a patient with mitral annular disjunction and prolonged QT

Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven con arritmia ventricular compleja, disyunción anular mitral y QT largo. Se muestran los aspectos más relevantes de su presentación clínica, estudio, tratamiento y evolución. Se acompaña una revisión de la literatura.

We present the case of a young woman with complex ventricular arrhythmia, mitral annular disjunction and long QT. The most relevant aspects of its clinical presentation, study, treatment and evolution are shown. A review of the literature is included.