Risk prediction in patients with classical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis undergoing surgical intervention.

Introduction: Classical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG-AS) is an advanced stage of aortic stenosis, which has a poor prognosis with medical treatment and a high operative mortality after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). There is currently a paucity of information regarding the current prognosis of classical LFLG-AS patients undergoing SAVR and the lack of a reliable risk assessment tool for this particular subset of AS patients. The present study aims to assess mortality predictors in a population of classical LFLG-AS patients undergoing SAVR. Methods: This is a prospective study including 41 consecutive classical LFLG-AS patients (aortic valve area ≤1.0 cm2, mean transaortic gradient <40 mmHg, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%). All patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), 3D echocardiography, and T1 mapping cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Patients with pseudo-severe aortic stenosis were excluded. Patients were divided into groups according to the median value of the mean transaortic gradient (≤25 and >25 mmHg). All-cause, intraprocedural, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were evaluated. Results: All of the patients had degenerative aortic stenosis, with a median age of 66 (60-73) years; most of the patients were men (83%). The median EuroSCORE II was 2.19% (1.5%-4.78%), and the median STS was 2.19% (1.6%-3.99%). On DSE, 73.2% had flow reserve (FR), i.e., an increase in stroke volume ≥20% during DSE, with no significant differences between groups. On CMR, late gadolinium enhancement mass was lower in the group with mean transaortic gradient >25 mmHg [2.0 (0.0-8.9) g vs. 8.5 (2.3-15.0) g; p = 0.034), and myocardium extracellular volume (ECV) and indexed ECV were similar between groups. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 14.6% and 43.8%, respectively. The median follow-up was 4.1 (0.3-5.1) years. By multivariate analysis adjusted for FR, only the mean transaortic gradient was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio: 0.923, 95% confidence interval: 0.864-0.986, p = 0.019). A mean transaortic gradient ≤25 mmHg was associated with higher all-cause mortality rates (log-rank p = 0.038), while there was no difference in mortality regarding FR status (log-rank p = 0.114). Conclusions: In patients with classical LFLG-AS undergoing SAVR, the mean transaortic gradient was the only independent mortality predictor in patients with LFLG-AS, especially if ≤25 mmHg. The absence of left ventricular FR had no prognostic impact on long-term outcomes.

Postoperative myocardial fibrosis assessment in aortic valvular heart diseases-a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

AIMS: Left ventricular remodelling occurs during the chronic course of aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortic stenosis (AS), leading to myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Several studies have shown that extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and indexed extracellular volume (iECV) are important surrogate markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis (MF). Postoperative data on these cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) extracellular expansion parameters for either AS or AR are scarce. This study aimed to demonstrate the postoperative changes that occur in diffuse MF, and the influence of preoperative MF on the reversal of LV remodelling, in patients with AR or AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with severe AR or AS and indications for surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative CMR, and ECV and iECV were quantified. Data from 99 patients were analysed (32 with AR and 67 with AS). After surgery, the left ventricle mass index decreased in both groups (AR: 110 vs. 91 g/m2; AS: 86 vs. 68 g/m2, both P < 0.001). The late gadolinium enhancement fraction (AR: preoperative 1.9% vs. postoperative 1.7%, P = 0.575; AS: preoperative 2.4% vs. postoperative 2.4%, P = 0.615) and late gadolinium enhancement mass (AR: preoperative 3.8 g vs. postoperative 2.5 g, P = 0.635; AS: preoperative 3.4 g vs. postoperative 3.5 g, P = 0.575) remained stable in both groups. Preoperative iECV and ECV were greater in the AR group (iECV: 30 mL/m2 vs. 22 mL/m2, P = 0.001; ECV: 28.4% vs. 27.2%, P = 0.048). Indexed extracellular volume decreased after surgery in both groups (AR: 30-26.5 mL/m2, AS: 22-18.2 mL/m2, both P < 0.001); it was still greater in the AR group (AR: 26.5 mL/m2 vs. AS: 18.2 mL/m2, P < 0.001). Postoperative ECV remained stable in the AR group (preoperative 28.4% vs. postoperative 29.9%; P = 0.617) and increased in the AS group (preoperative 27.2% vs. postoperative 28.6%; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Patients with both AR or AS presented reduction in iECV after surgery, unfolding the reversible nature of diffuse MF. In contrast to patients with AS, those with AR developed postoperative iECV regression with stable ECV, suggesting a balanced reduction in both intracellular and extracellular myocardial components.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Mitral Annular Dynamics after Mitral Valve Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze mitral annulus (MA) dynamics using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with degenerative mitral insufficiency who underwent mitral valve repair (MVR). METHODS: Mitral valve imaging was performed by CMR in twenty-nine patients with degenerative mitral insufficiency who underwent MVR between July 2014 and August 2016, with quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet without ring annuloplasty. They were prospectively followed up from the preoperative period up to 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in all measurements of the MA after surgery. The mean systolic circumference of the MA was reduced from 13.28±1.95 cm to 11.50±1.59 cm, and the diastolic circumference was reduced from 12.51±2.01 cm to 10.66±2.09 cm in the immediate postoperative period, measures that remained stable 2 years after MVR (p<0.001). The mean maximum area of the MA was significantly reduced from 14.34±4.03 to 10.45±3.17 cm2 when comparing the immediate postoperative period and the 2 year follow-up (p<0.001). The same occurred with the mean minimum area of the MA, which was reduced from 12.53±3.68 cm2 to 9.23±2.84 cm2 in the same period, and this reduction was greater in the antero-posterior diameter than in the mid-lateral diameter. The mobility of the MA was preserved after surgery, ranging between 19.6% and 25.7% at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: We observed a significant reduction in the MA size after MVR, with preservation of the MA mobility at the 2-year follow-up.

Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis of mitral annular dynamics after mitral valve repair

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze mitral annulus (MA) dynamics using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with degenerative mitral insufficiency who underwent mitral valve repair (MVR). METHODS: Mitral valve imaging was performed by CMR in twenty-nine patients with degenerative mitral insufficiency who underwent MVR between July 2014 and August 2016, with quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet without ring annuloplasty. They were prospectively followed up from the preoperative period up to 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in all measurements of the MA after surgery. The mean systolic circumference of the MA was reduced from 13.28±1.95 cm to 11.50±1.59 cm, and the diastolic circumference was reduced from 12.51±2.01 cm to 10.66±2.09 cm in the immediate postoperative period, measures that remained stable 2 years after MVR (p<0.001). The mean maximum area of the MA was significantly reduced from 14.34±4.03 to 10.45±3.17 cm2 when comparing the immediate postoperative period and the 2 year follow-up (p<0.001). The same occurred with the mean minimum area of the MA, which was reduced from 12.53±3.68 cm2 to 9.23±2.84 cm2 in the same period, and this reduction was greater in the antero-posterior diameter than in the mid-lateral diameter. The mobility of the MA was preserved after surgery, ranging between 19.6% and 25.7% at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: We observed a significant reduction in the MA size after MVR, with preservation of the MA mobility at the 2-year follow-up.

Myocardial Fibrosis in Classical Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis.

Background Few data exist on the degree of interstitial myocardial fibrosis in patients with classical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG-AS) and its association with left ventricular flow reserve (FR) on dobutamine stress echocardiography. This study sought to evaluate the diffuse interstitial fibrosis measured by T1 mapping cardiac magnetic resonance technique in LFLG-AS patients with and without FR. Methods Prospective study including 65 consecutive patients (41 LFLG-AS [mean age, 67.1±8.4 years; 83% men] and 24 high-gradient aortic stenosis used as controls) undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography to assess FR and cardiac magnetic resonance to determine the extracellular volume (ECV) fraction of the myocardium, indexed ECV (iECV) to body surface area and late gadolinium enhancement. Results Interstitial myocardial fibrosis measured by iECV was higher in patients with LFLG-AS with and without FR as compared with high-gradient aortic stenosis (35.25±9.75 versus 32.93±11.00 versus 21.19±6.47 mL/m2, respectively; P<0.001). However, both ECV and iECV levels were similar between LFLG-AS patients with and without FR ( P=0.950 and P=0.701, respectively). Also, FR did not correlate significantly with ECV (r=-0.16, P=0.31) or iECV (r=0.11, P=0.51). Late gadolinium enhancement mass was also similar in patients with versus without FR but lower in high-gradient aortic stenosis (13.3±10.2 versus 10.5±7.5 versus 4.8±5.9 g, respectively; P=0.018). Conclusions Patients with LFLG-AS have higher ECV, iECV, and late gadolinium enhancement mass compared with high-gradient aortic stenosis. Moreover, among patients with LFLG-AS, the degree of myocardial fibrosis was similar in patients with versus those without FR. These findings suggest that diffuse myocardial fibrosis may not be the main factor responsible for the absence of FR in LFLG-AS patients.

Thrombocytopenia After Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Implantation: Prognostic Marker or Mere Finding?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the behavior of platelets after transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for the treatment of degenerated bioprosthesis and how they correlate with adverse events upon follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 28 patients who received a valve-in-valve implant, 5 in aortic, 18 in mitral and 5 in tricuspid positions. Data were compared with 74 patients submitted to conventional redo valvular replacements during the same period, and both groups' platelet curves were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics(r) 20 for Windows. RESULTS: All patients in the valve-in-valve group developed thrombocytopenia, 25% presenting mild (<150.000/µL), 54% moderate (<100.000/µL) and 21% severe (<50.000/µL) thrombocytopenia. The platelet nadir was on the 4th postoperative day for aortic ViV, 2nd for mitral and 3rd for tricuspid patients, with the majority of patients recovering regular platelet count. However, the aortic subgroup comparison between valve-in-valve and conventional surgery showed a statistically significant difference from the 7th day onwards, where valve-in-valve patients had more severe and longer lasting thrombocytopenia. This, however, did not translate into a higher postoperative risk. In our study population, postoperative thrombocytopenia did not correlate with greater occurrence of adverse outcomes and only normal preoperative platelet count could significantly predict a postoperative drop >50%. CONCLUSION: Although thrombocytopenia is an extremely common finding after valve-in-valve procedures, the degree of platelet count drop did not correlate with greater incidence of postoperative adverse outcomes in our study population.

Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation: prognostic marker or mere finding?

Abstract Objective: To analyze the behavior of platelets after transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for the treatment of degenerated bioprosthesis and how they correlate with adverse events upon follow-up. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 28 patients who received a valve-in-valve implant, 5 in aortic, 18 in mitral and 5 in tricuspid positions. Data were compared with 74 patients submitted to conventional redo valvular replacements during the same period, and both groups' platelet curves were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics(r) 20 for Windows. Results: All patients in the valve-in-valve group developed thrombocytopenia, 25% presenting mild (<150.000/µL), 54% moderate (<100.000/µL) and 21% severe (<50.000/µL) thrombocytopenia. The platelet nadir was on the 4th postoperative day for aortic ViV, 2nd for mitral and 3rd for tricuspid patients, with the majority of patients recovering regular platelet count. However, the aortic subgroup comparison between valve-in-valve and conventional surgery showed a statistically significant difference from the 7th day onwards, where valve-in-valve patients had more severe and longer lasting thrombocytopenia. This, however, did not translate into a higher postoperative risk. In our study population, postoperative thrombocytopenia did not correlate with greater occurrence of adverse outcomes and only normal preoperative platelet count could significantly predict a postoperative drop >50%. Conclusion: Although thrombocytopenia is an extremely common finding after valve-in-valve procedures, the degree of platelet count drop did not correlate with greater incidence of postoperative adverse outcomes in our study population.

Predictive performance of six mortality risk scores and the development of a novel model in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing valve surgery secondary to rheumatic fever.

BACKGROUND: Mortality prediction after cardiac procedures is an essential tool in clinical decision making. Although rheumatic cardiac disease remains a major cause of heart surgery in the world no previous study validated risk scores in a sample exclusively with this condition. OBJECTIVES: Develop a novel predictive model focused on mortality prediction among patients undergoing cardiac surgery secondary to rheumatic valve conditions. METHODS: We conducted prospective consecutive all-comers patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) referred for surgical treatment of valve disease between May 2010 and July of 2015. Risk scores for hospital mortality were calculated using the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet, EuroSCORE II, InsCor, AmblerSCORE, GuaragnaSCORE, and the New York SCORE. In addition, we developed the rheumatic heart valve surgery score (RheSCORE). RESULTS: A total of 2,919 RHD patients underwent heart valve surgery. After evaluating 13 different models, the top performing areas under the curve were achieved using Random Forest (0.982) and Neural Network (0.952). Most influential predictors across all models included left atrium size, high creatinine values, a tricuspid procedure, reoperation and pulmonary hypertension. Areas under the curve for previously developed scores were all below the performance for the RheSCORE model: 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (0.876), EuroSCORE II (0.857), InsCor (0.835), Ambler (0.831), Guaragna (0.816) and the New York score (0.834). A web application is presented where researchers and providers can calculate predicted mortality based on the RheSCORE. CONCLUSIONS: The RheSCORE model outperformed pre-existing scores in a sample of patients with rheumatic cardiac disease.

Relation of mitral valve morphology to surgical repair results in patients with mitral valve prolapse: A three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: The identification of predictors of mitral valve (MV) repair results is important for quality improvement in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MV morphological quantification by three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography and mitral repair results. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with MV prolapse who were submitted to surgical repair were divided into 2 groups according to their postoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) degree (group 1, grade 0-I MR; group 2, ≥grade II MR). Morphological parameters related to the mitral ring, dimension of leaflets and prolapse, coaptation line, distance from papillary muscles to the leaflet border and valve angles were analyzed by 3D MV quantification. Cardiac remodeling and MR quantitative parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no correlation between 3D MV quantification and surgical results; a multivariate analysis did not show an association between morphological parameters and surgical outcome. The distance from the posteromedial papillary muscle to the leaflet border was higher (P = .038) in patients with ≥grade II postoperative MR. The left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were larger in patients with a significant residual MR (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional MV quantification did not predict the postoperative MR grade; however, the distance from the posteromedial papillary muscles to the leaflet border may be related to suboptimal repair results. Furthermore, excessive cardiac remodeling was related to postoperative MR ≥ grade II, what could suggest a potential benefit of early surgical treatment.

Do We Need to Personalize Renal Function Assessment in the Stratification of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery? / É Necessário Personalizar a Avaliação da Função Renal na Estratificação de Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardíaca?

Abstract Background: Renal dysfunction is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. For a better assessment of renal function, calculation of creatinine clearance (CC) may be necessary. Objective: To objectively evaluate whether CC is a better risk predictor than serum creatinine (SC) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: Analysis of 3,285 patients registered in a prospective, consecutive and mandatory manner in the Sao Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery (REPLICCAR) between November 2013 and January 2015. Values of SC, CC (Cockcroft-Gault) and EuroSCORE II were obtained. Association analysis of SC and CC with morbidity and mortality was performed by calibration and discrimination tests. Independent multivariate models with SC and CC were generated by multiple logistic regression to predict morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. Results: Despite the association between SC and mortality, it did not calibrate properly the risk groups. There was an association between CC and mortality with good calibration of risk groups. In mortality risk prediction, SC was uncalibrated with values > 1.35 mg /dL (p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that CC is better than SC in predicting both morbidity and mortality risk. In the multivariate model without CC, SC was the only predictor of morbidity, whereas in the model without SC, CC was not only a mortality predictor, but also the only morbidity predictor. Conclusion: Compared with SC, CC is a better parameter of renal function in risk stratification of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Resumo Fundamentos: Disfunção renal é preditor independente de morbimortalidade após cirurgia cardíaca. Para uma melhor avaliação da função renal, o cálculo do clearance de creatinina (CC) pode ser necessário. Objetivo: Avaliar objetivamente se o CC é melhor que a creatinina sérica (CS) para predizer risco nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Análise em 3285 pacientes do Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) incluídos de forma prospectiva, consecutiva e mandatória entre novembro de 2013 e janeiro de 2015. Foram obtidos valores de CS, CC (Cockcroft-Gault) e do EuroSCORE II. Análise de associações da CS e do CC com morbimortalidade foi realizada mediante testes de calibração e discriminação. Por regressão logística múltipla, foram criados modelos multivariados independentes com CS e com CC para predição de risco de morbimortalidade após cirurgia cardíaca. Resultados: Apesar da associação entre a CS e morbimortalidade, essa não calibrou adequadamente os grupos de risco. Houve associação entre o CC e morbimortalidade com boa calibração dos grupos de risco. Na predição do risco de mortalidade, a CS ficou descalibrada com valores >1,35 mg/dL (p < 0,001). A curva ROC revelou que o CC é superior à CS na predição de risco de morbimortalidade. No modelo multivariado sem CC, a CS foi a única preditora de morbidade, enquanto que no modelo sem a CS, o CC foi preditor de mortalidade e o único preditor de morbidade. Conclusão: Para avaliação da função renal, o CC é superior que a CS na estratificação de risco dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca.

Do We Need to Personalize Renal Function Assessment in the Stratification of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. For a better assessment of renal function, calculation of creatinine clearance (CC) may be necessary. OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate whether CC is a better risk predictor than serum creatinine (SC) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: Analysis of 3,285 patients registered in a prospective, consecutive and mandatory manner in the Sao Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery (REPLICCAR) between November 2013 and January 2015. Values of SC, CC (Cockcroft-Gault) and EuroSCORE II were obtained. Association analysis of SC and CC with morbidity and mortality was performed by calibration and discrimination tests. Independent multivariate models with SC and CC were generated by multiple logistic regression to predict morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. RESULTS: Despite the association between SC and mortality, it did not calibrate properly the risk groups. There was an association between CC and mortality with good calibration of risk groups. In mortality risk prediction, SC was uncalibrated with values > 1.35 mg /dL (p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that CC is better than SC in predicting both morbidity and mortality risk. In the multivariate model without CC, SC was the only predictor of morbidity, whereas in the model without SC, CC was not only a mortality predictor, but also the only morbidity predictor. CONCLUSION: Compared with SC, CC is a better parameter of renal function in risk stratification of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The use of a high-power laser on swine mitral valve chordae tendineae.

Worldwide, rheumatic fever remains a significant cause of mitral valve insufficiency. It is responsible for approximately 90 % of early childhood valvular surgeries in Brazil. Elongated or flail chordae are frequently responsible and require surgical correction. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the histological tissues of the mitral valve chordae and the mechanical resistance generated by the chordae, both with and without the application of a high-power laser. Twenty normal porcine mitral valve chordae were measured and divided randomly into the following two groups: control group (not subjected to a high-power laser) and laser group (subjected to photonic irradiation). Laser surgery was performed under controlled conditions, using following parameters: λ = 980-nm wavelength, power = 3 W, and energy = 60 J. A mechanical test machine was used in combination with a subsequent histological study to measure chordae tensile properties. A histological analysis demonstrated a typical collagen bundle arrangement in the control group; however, under a particular reached temperature range (48), the collagen bundles assumed different arrangements in the laser group. Significant reductions in the chordae tendineae lengths and changes in their resistance in the laser group were observed, as these chordae exhibited less rigid fibers. The chordae tendineae of normal porcine valves subjected to a high-power laser exhibited its length reduction and less stiffness compared to the control group. A histological analysis of the laser treatment specimens demonstrated differences in collagen bundle spatial organization, following slight changes into tissue temperature.

InsCor: a simple and accurate method for risk assessment in heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Risk scores show difficulties to attain the same performance in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To create a simple and accurate risk assessment model for patients submitted to surgery due to coronary and/or valvular disease at Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor-HCFMUSP). METHODS: Between 2007 and 2009, 3,000 patients were submitted to surgical procedure due to coronary artery and/or valvular disease at InCor-HCFMUSP. From this record, data of 2/3 of the patients were used for model development (bootstrap technique), and 1/3 for internal validation of the model. The performance of the model (InsCor) was compared to the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) and EuroSCORE (ES) complexes. RESULTS: Only 10 variables were selected: age > 70 years, female sex; coronary revascularization + valve, myocardial infarction < 90 days; reoperation; surgical treatment of aortic valve; surgical treatment of tricuspid valve; creatinine < 2mg/dL; ejection fraction < 30%, and events. The Hosmer Lemeshow test for the InsCor was 0.184, indicating excellent calibration. The area under the ROC curve was 0.79 for the InsCor, 0.81 for the ES and 0.82 for 2000BP, confirming that the models are good and have similar discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: The InsCor and ES performed better than 2000BP at all stages of validation, but the new model, in addition to showing identification with the local risk factors, is simpler and more objective for mortality prediction in patients undergoing surgery due to coronary and/or valvular disease at InCor-HCFMUSP.

InsCor: um método simples e acurado para avaliação do risco em cirurgia cardíaca / InsCor: a simple and accurate method for risk assessment in heart surgery

FUNDAMENTO: Escores de risco apresentam dificuldades para obter o mesmo desempenho em diferentes populações. OBJETIVO: Criar um modelo simples e acurado para avaliação do risco nos pacientes operados de doença coronariana e/ou valvar no Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor-HCFMUSP). MÉTODOS: Entre 2007 e 2009, 3.000 pacientes foram operados consecutivamente de doença coronariana e/ou valvar no InCor-HCFMUSP. Desse registro, dados de 2/3 dos pacientes foram utilizados para desenvolvimento do modelo (técnica de bootstrap) e de 1/3 para validação interna do modelo. O desempenho do modelo (InsCor) foi comparado aos complexos 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) e EuroSCORE (ES). RESULTADOS: Apenas 10 variáveis foram selecionadas: Idade > 70 anos; sexo feminino; cirurgia de revascularização coronariana + valva; infarto de miocárdio < 90 dias; reoperação; tratamento cirúrgico da valva aórtica; tratamento cirúrgico da valva tricúspide; creatinina < 2mg/dL; fração de ejeção < 30%; e eventos. O teste de Hosmer Lemeshow para o InsCor foi de 0,184, indicando uma excelente calibração. A área abaixo da curva ROC foi de 0,79 para o InsCor, 0,81 para o ES e 0,82 para o 2000BP, confirmando que os modelos são bons e similares na discriminação. CONCLUSÕES: O InsCor e o ES tiveram melhor desempenho que o 2000BP em todas as fases da validação; pórem o novo modelo, além de se identificar com os fatores de risco locais, é mais simples e objetivo para a predição de mortalidade nos pacientes operados de doença coronariana e/ou valvar no InCor-HCFMUSP.

BACKGROUND: Risk scores show difficulties to attain the same performance in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To create a simple and accurate risk assessment model for patients submitted to surgery due to coronary and/or valvular disease at Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor-HCFMUSP). METHODS: Between 2007 and 2009, 3,000 patients were submitted to surgical procedure due to coronary artery and/or valvular disease at InCor-HCFMUSP. From this record, data of 2/3 of the patients were used for model development (bootstrap technique), and 1/3 for internal validation of the model. The performance of the model (InsCor) was compared to the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) and EuroSCORE (ES) complexes. RESULTS: Only 10 variables were selected: age > 70 years, female sex; coronary revascularization + valve, myocardial infarction < 90 days; reoperation; surgical treatment of aortic valve; surgical treatment of tricuspid valve; creatinine < 2mg/dL; ejection fraction < 30%, and events. The Hosmer Lemeshow test for the InsCor was 0.184, indicating excellent calibration. The area under the ROC curve was 0.79 for the InsCor, 0.81 for the ES and 0.82 for 2000BP, confirming that the models are good and have similar discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: The InsCor and ES performed better than 2000BP at all stages of validation, but the new model, in addition to showing identification with the local risk factors, is simpler and more objective for mortality prediction in patients undergoing surgery due to coronary and/or valvular disease at InCor-HCFMUSP.

CXCL9/Mig mediates T cells recruitment to valvular tissue lesions of chronic rheumatic heart disease patients.

Rheumatic fever (RF) is an autoimmune disease triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes infection frequently observed in infants from developing countries. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), the major sequel of RF, leads to chronic inflammation of the myocardium and valvular tissue. T cells are the main population infiltrating cardiac lesions; however, the chemokines that orchestrate their recruitment are not clearly defined. Here, we investigated the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in cardiac tissue biopsies obtained from chronic RHD patients. Our results showed that CCL3/MIP1α gene expression was upregulated in myocardium while CCL1/I-309 and CXCL9/Mig were highly expressed in valvular tissue. Auto-reactive T cells that infiltrate valvular lesions presented a memory phenotype (CD4(+)CD45RO(+)) and migrate mainly toward CXCL9/Mig gradient. Collectively, our results show that a diverse milieu of chemokines is expressed in myocardium and valvular tissue lesions and emphasize the role of CXCL9/Mig in mediating T cell recruitment to the site of inflammation in the heart.

Aortic root reconstruction through valve-sparing operation: critical analysis of 11 years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The composite mechanical valve conduit replacement is the standardized operation for aneurysms of the aortic root. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term surgical results of aortic valve-preserving procedures to the root reconstruction. METHODS: From 1996 to 2008, 54 consecutive patients underwent two different techniques of valve-sparing aortic root operation (40 Yacoub operations and 14 David operations). Mean age was 48 +/- 14 years (range 17 to 74). 36 patients (66.7%) were male and 16 (29.6%) experienced Marfan's syndrome. The mean Euroscore was 4 +/- 1.25. The mean follow up time was 4.1 years (from 49 days to 10.9 years). Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analysed. T-Student paired test, the McNemar Non Parametric test and the Kaplan-Meyer Outcome Curves have been used. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 5.6% and the average hospitalization time was 9+/-4 days. One non related late death (2%) was reported. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation were respectively 94.4% and 96% within 11 years of follow-up. There were benefits in reduction of functional class (P=0.002; 78% CF I), in reduction of aortic regurgitation (P<0.001; 78% with or without discrete reflux), in reduction of systolic and diastolic diameters, end-sytolic and end-diastolic volumes of left ventricle (respectively P=0.004; P<0.0001; P=0.036 and P<0.001). Two (3.9%) patients required aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic regurgitation during this same period. No thromboembolic, endocarditis or bleeding events were reported during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The valve-sparing operation for aortic root aneurysms is an effective alternative to the use of a mechanical valve conduit replacement.

[Evolution of cardiovascular surgery at the Instituto do Coração: analysis of 71,305 surgeries].

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular surgery has been undergoing transformations due to the advancement of percutaneous techniques, clinical treatment and primary prevention. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of incidence and mortality of heart surgeries performed at the Instituto do Coração (InCor-HCFMUSP). METHODS: Using database from the Instituto do Coração, analysis was carried out on cardiovascular surgeries performed between 1984 and 2007, taking into consideration trends of main procedures and of mortality rates. RESULTS: In 24 years, 71,305 heart surgeries were performed, with an annual average of 2971 procedures. The number of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, which in the 1980s had an average of 856/year, is currently around 1.106/year. Heart valve procedures increased from 400 to 597 surgeries per year, growing 36.7%, when compared to the 1990s. Repair of congenital heart disease also had a significant increase of 50.8% in relation to the last decade. Global mortality average rate, which at baseline was 7.5%, is currently at 7.0% and 4.9% among elective procedures. In coronary artery bypass graft surgery, current average mortality rate is 4.8% and 8.5% in valve surgery. Repair of congenital heart disease accounts for 5.3%. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular surgery continues increasing. The coronary artery bypass graft is still the most commonly performed surgery. However, profile of procedures has been undergoing changes with the largest increase of approach to cardiac valves and congenital heart disease. Mortality rates are higher when compared to international rates, reflecting the high complexity presented in tertiary service of national reference.