Considerations for prostheses choice in multiple valve surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The prosthesis type for multiple valve surgery (replacement of two or more diseased native or prosthetic valves, replacement of two diseased valves with repair/reconstruction of a third, or replacement of a single diseased valve with repair/reconstruction of a second valve) remains inadequately evaluated. The clinical performance of multiple valve surgery with bioprostheses (BP) and mechanical prostheses (MP) was assessed to compare patient survival and composites of valve-related complications. METHODS: Between 1975 and 2000, 1245 patients had multiple valve surgery (BP 785, mean age 62.0 ± 14.7 years; and MP 460, mean age 56.9 ± 12.9 years). There were 1712 procedures performed [BP 969(56.6%) and MP 743(43.4%). Concomitant coronary artery bypass (conCABG) was BP 206(21.3%) and MP 105(14.1%) (p = 0.0002). The cumulative follow-up was BP 5131 years and MP 3364 years. Independent predictors were determined for mortality, valve-related complications and composites of complications. RESULTS: Unadjusted patient survival at 12 years was BP 52.1 ± 2.1% and MP 54.8 ± 4.6% (p = 0.1127), while the age adjusted survival was BP 48.7 ± 2.3% and MP 54.4 ± 5.0%. The predictors of overall mortality were age [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.051, p < 0.0001], previous valve (HR 1.366, p = 0.028) and conCABG (HR 1.27, p = 0.021). The actual freedom from valve-related mortality at 12 years was BP 85.6 ± 1.6% and MP 91.0 ± 1.6% (actuarial p = 0.0167). The predictors of valve-related mortality were valve type (BP > MP) (2.61, p = 0.001), age (HR 1.032, p = 0.0005) and previous valve (HR 12.61, p < 0.0001). The actual freedom from valve-related reoperation at 12 years was BP 60.8 ± 1.9% and MP85.6 ± 2.1% (actuarial p < 0.001). The predictors of valve-related reoperation were valve type (MP > BP) (HR 0.32, p < 0.0001), age (HR 0.99, p = 0.0001) and previous valve (HR 1.38, p = 0.008) CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival (age adjusted) is differentiated by valve type over 10 and 12 years and valve-related mortality and valve-related reoperation favours the use of mechanical prostheses, overall for multiple valve surgery.

WITHDRAWN: After a motor vehicle accident is it neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome or ulnar entrapment syndrome? How to make the correct diagnosis.

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The enigma of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome following motor vehicle collisions.

BACKGROUND: The concept of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (N-TOS) including upper and lower plexus syndromes secondary to soft tissue neck injury after motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) has been contentious. We considered that analysis of objective data from this group of patients could provide insight into this controversial type of N-TOS. METHODS: During the 10-year period January 2001 through December 2010 we examined patients who had received a diagnosis of N-TOS following an MVC. We graded the principal diagnosis based on the objective data from our physical examination. RESULTS: In total 263 patients received a diagnosis of N-TOS during the study period. At the highest accuracy level of diagnosis there were 56 patients with ulnar entrapment syndrome (UES), 40 with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 55 with nonorganic disease (NOD), for a total of 151 (57.4%) cases in which the diagnosis of N-TOS was brought into question. The elevated arm stress test (EAST) reproduced the symptoms of UES in 33 of the 56 patients of UES (58.9%) and reproduced the symptoms of CTS in 18 of the 40 patients with CTS (45.0%). CONCLUSION: There appears to be a high incidence of misdiagnosis of N-TOS following MVCs. The EAST is not a prime test for N-TOS.

BACKGROUND: Il n'y a pas consensus sur le concept de syndrome du défilé thoraco-brachial (SDTB) neurogène comprenant des syndromes du plexus brachial inférieur et supérieur consécutifs à une blessure aux tissus mous du cou découlant d'une collision de véhicules motorisés. Nous avons pensé que l'analyse de données objectives sur les patients touchés pourrait aider à comprendre ce type controversé de SDTB neurogène. METHODS: Durant une période de 10 ans, soit de janvier 2001 à décembre 2010, nous avons examiné des patients ayant reçu un diagnostic de SDTB neurogène après une collision de véhicules motorisés. Nous avons coté le diagnostic principal selon les données objectives de notre examen physique. RESULTS: Au total, 263 patients ont reçu un diagnostic de SDTB neurogène durant la période à l'étude. Au degré le plus précis de diagnostic, 56 patients étaient atteints de syndrome canalaire du nerf cubital, 40, de syndrome du canal carpien et 55, de maladies non organiques, pour un total de 151 patients, ou 57,4 % des cas pour lesquels le diagnostic de SDTB neurogène avait été envisagé. La manoeuvre du chandelier (test de Roos) a reproduit les symptômes du syndrome canalaire du nerf cubital chez 33 des 56 patients atteints (58,9 %) et ceux du syndrome du canal carpien chez 18 des 40 patients atteints (45,0 %). CONCLUSION: Il semble y avoir une forte incidence de mauvais diagnostics de SDTB neurogène après des collisions de véhicules motorisés. Le test de Roos n'est pas un test de premier choix pour ce syndrome.