Native Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Secondary to Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to a microbial infection affecting either a heart valve or endocardium, resulting in tissue damage and the formation of vegetation. Native aortic valve endocarditis in children is rare and is associated with serious complications related to valvular insufficiency and systemic embolizations. As reports about community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) native aortic valve endocarditis in children are very scarce, we report this case along with a literature review about its complications and management. Here, we report the case of a seven-month-old infant who was previously healthy and presented with signs and symptoms of shock and systemic embolizations secondary to native aortic valve IE. His blood culture showed MRSA. He developed aortic valve insufficiency heart failure and multiorgan septic emboli that progressed to fatal refractory multiorgan failure. The management of complicated aortic valve endocarditis in children is challenging and needs a multidisciplinary team approach and prompt intervention.

Effectiveness of intraoperative endoscopic evaluation in aortic valve repair with valve-sparing aortic root replacement: A comparison of short-and mid-term results.

OBJECTIVES: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement requires expertise to predict repair results and prevent secondary aortic clamping for valve repair or replacement secondary to aortic valve insufficiency. Thus, intraoperative evaluation of the aortic valve using diastolic pressure at the aortic root may be helpful. This retrospective study aimed to compare the early- and mid-term results of aortic valve repair with those of valve-sparing aortic root replacement using intraoperative endoscopic evaluation. METHODS: We included 158 patients who underwent aortic valve repair with valve-sparing aortic root replacement at our hospital between December 2003 and January 2022. The patients were divided into a non-endoscopic evaluation group (Group NE, n = 97; mean age 55 years) and an endoscopic evaluation group (Group E, n = 61; mean age 51 years). RESULTS: The incidence of a second aortic clamping for aortic valve insufficiency was significantly greater in Group NE (17.5%) than in Group E (1.6%; p = 0.002). The presence of none or trivial aortic valve insufficiency on transthoracic echocardiography at discharge in Group E (87.6%) was significantly lower than in Group NE (98.4%; p = 0.017). No significant difference in the cumulative incidence of recurrence of moderate AI (P = 0.47), hospitalization for heart failure (P = 0.84), and reoperation (P = 0.25) between Groups NE and E. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative endoscopic evaluation during aortic valve repair with valve-sparing aortic root replacement correlated with a lower incidence of second aortic clamping because of aortic valve insufficiency and effective aortic valve insufficiency control.

[Catheter-based and surgical treatment for aortic valve diseases]. / Katheterbasierte und operative Therapie bei Aortenvitien.

The pathophysiology of aortic valve diseases is of predominantly degenerative nature, characterized by calcific aortic valve stenosis, which is associated with a reduction in prognosis. The prevalence of aortic valve insufficiency also increases with advancing age. Timely causal treatment is crucial in the management of aortic valve diseases. Following the indication for intervention, the heart team plays a central role in evaluating the results and making therapeutic decisions that consider the patient's preferences. In the assessment of treatment options, considerations regarding the long-term perspective are particularly crucial, especially in younger patients. The most common therapeutic approach for aortic valve diseases is the introduction of a new valve prosthesis. In the majority of cases, this is now achieved through catheter-based implantation of a bioprosthetic heart valve, known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Open surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is favored in younger patients with low surgical risk or in the case that TAVI is not feasible. In AVR, both biological and the longest-lasting mechanical prosthesis types are used. Surgical repair techniques are primarily applied in cases of aortic valve regurgitation. Notably, TAVI, as well as surgical procedures for the treatment of aortic valve diseases, have undergone significant advancements in recent years, including expanded indications for TAVI and, on the surgical side, in particular the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

[Conservative treatment of valvular heart disease in adults]. / Konservative Therapie von Herzklappenvitien im Erwachsenenalter.

Currently, there is no specific medication approved for the treatment of valvular heart disease per se. Except for secondary mitral valve insufficiency and tricuspid valve insufficiency in pulmonary hypertension, drug therapy for higher-grade valvular heart disease is limited to diuretic therapy for symptom control. Conservative therapy for comorbidities and potential heart failure can be beneficial regardless of the specific valve lesion. In cases of aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency, controlling arterial hypertension is important. Patients with mitral valve stenosis benefit from rhythm and rate control. Diuretics can help reduce regurgitant volume in patients with primary mitral valve insufficiency and tricuspid valve insufficiency. In addition to drug therapy, maintaining functional capacity is crucial for the outcome of patients. Therefore, it is recommended to engage in active physical activity whenever possible, despite the presence of valvular heart disease.

Aortic regurgitation is associated with African American and Asian race, smoking, renal disease, and numerous autoimmune diseases in addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors but has lower risk with alcohol intake.

BACKGROUND: Aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with increasing age, rheumatic heart disease, and a bicuspid aortic valve, but its association with other comorbidities and race is less known. The purpose of this study was to investigate any association between AR and comorbid conditions in older adults above 40. METHOD: The large Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was utilized for our study using uni- and multivariate analysis. Data were extracted from available ICD-10 codes for the years of 2016-2020. RESULTS: The NIS data included 112,982,565 patients. A total of 660,730 were found to have AR. AR was found to be associated with male gender (OR 1.15, CI 1.14-1.16, P < 0.001), smoking (OR 1.04, CI 1.02-1.05, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.65, CI 1.62-1.68, P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.36, CI 1.34-1.37, P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.22, CI 1.21-1.24, P < 0.001), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (OR 1.56, CI 1.33-1.83, P < 0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (OR 1.1, CI 1.06-1.14, P < 0.001), scleroderma (OR 1.49, CI 1.31-1.7, P < 0.001), systemic connective tissue disorders (OR 1.32, CI 1.25-1.4, P < 0.001), Raynaud's syndrome (OR 1.62, CI 1.47-1.77, P < 0.001), and systemic lupus erythematosus (OR 1.44, CI 1.34-1.54, P < 0.001) in add to known bicuspid aortic valve. CONCLUSION: Using a very large database, we found new associations between AR and many comorbid conditions, including many inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in addition to the known risk factors.

A Case of Gemella morbillorum Causing Multi-valvular Endocarditis.

This is the case of a 31-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department experiencing persistent fevers, chills, and malaise for the past 2-3 weeks. During this period, he had multiple urgent care visits for possible left-sided otitis media which was treated with short a course of Augmentin. While on antibiotics his symptoms would improve, but they would reappear once he had finished treatment. The patient also had significant dental carries with a chronic right molar infection. At the emergency department, blood cultures grew two out of two Gemella morbillorum. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a 1 cm x 0.5 cm mobile density on the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve with moderate-severe aortic insufficiency. The patient was started on empiric IV vancomycin. Further workup revealed that the source of infection was dental carries. While proceeding with a transesophageal echocardiogram, the patient went into flash pulmonary edema requiring ICU admission. Imaging revealed an elongated 1.7 cm x 0.6 cm vegetation attached to the base of the left coronary cusp on the left ventricular outflow tract side with severe aortic regurgitation and a small 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm vegetation on the atrial side of the anterior mitral leaflet at A2 associated with mitral leaflet perforation with severe mitral regurgitation. Oral surgery removed the infected teeth. Cardiothoracic surgery performed open heart valve replacement which revealed a completely destroyed aortic valve, droplet vegetation, and destruction of the mitral valve leading to mechanical valve replacement. The patient received a two-week course of gentamycin while in the ICU with meropenem. Once sensitivities were back, he was switched to IV penicillin therapy for a total of six weeks.

TABERNACL: Temporary Hemodynamic Stabilization In Vivo.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic regurgitation is life-threatening with few nonsurgical options for immediate stabilization. We propose Trans-Aortic Balloon to Ease Regurgitation Applying Counter-Pulsation (TABERNACL), a simple, on-table temporary valve using commercially available equipment to temporize acute severe aortic regurgitation. METHODS: We hypothesize that an appropriately sized commercial balloon dilatation catheter-straddling the aortic annulus and connected to a counterpulsation console-can serve as a temporizing valve to restore hemodynamic stability in acute aortic regurgitation. We performed benchtop testing of valvuloplasty, angioplasty, and sizing balloons as counterpulsation balloons. TABERNACL was assessed in vivo in a porcine model of acute aortic regurgitation (n=8). We also tested a static undersized, continuously inflated transvalvular balloon as a spacer intended physically to obstruct the regurgitant orifice. RESULTS: Benchtop testing identified that Tyshak II and PTS sizing (NuMed Braun) balloon catheters performed adequately as temporary valves (ie, complete inflation and deflation with each cycle) and resisted fatigue, in contrast to others. When TABERNACL was used in the acute severe regurgitation animals, there was immediate hemodynamic improvement, with a significant 35% increase in diastolic aortic pressure by 16 mm Hg ([95% CI, 7-25] P=0.0056), 34% reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by -7 mm Hg ([95% CI, -10 to -5] P=0.0006), improvement in the aortic diastolic index by 0.28 ([95% CI, 0.18-0.39] P=0.0009), and reversal of electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia. As an alternative, static balloon inflation across the aortic valve stabilized regurgitation hemodynamics at the expense of a new aortic gradient and caused excessive ectopy from balloon movement in the left ventricular outflow tract. CONCLUSIONS: TABERNACL improves hemodynamics and reduces coronary ischemia by electrocardiography in animals with acute severe aortic regurgitation. TABERNACL valves obstruct the diastolic regurgitant orifice without systolic obstruction. This may prove a lifesaving bridge to definitive valve replacement therapy.

The Ross Procedure in a Case of Baraitser-Winter Syndrome: A Case Report.

Baraitser-Winter syndrome (BRWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ACTB and ACTG1 genes. It is characterized by intellectual disability, physical malformations, and dysmorphic craniofacial features. Additionally, cardiovascular abnormalities may also be present. We present a case of a 15-year-old boy with BRWS associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve and severe aortic insufficiency which was managed successfully with Ross procedure.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Endocarditis Caused by Streptococcus sanguinis: A Case Report.

Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental work in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients is currently a matter of debate. The American Dental Association does not require those with native BAV to receive antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental work as BAV is considered an "intermediate" risk for infective endocarditis (IE). We present the case of a 63-year-old male, with a medical history of BAV, who acquired Streptococcus sanguinis IE after a routine dental cleaning four months prior to initial onset of symptoms. He exhibited new-onset and severe aortic regurgitation at presentation, requiring urgent aortic valve replacement to restore valve function. BAV patients are at high risk of IE, emphasizing the need for prophylactic antibiotics in dental cleaning as well as invasive dental procedures in those with BAV.

Mid-term outcomes of total neointima implantation in surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

Total neointima implantation (patch neointima technique + triple-branched stent graft placement) has been performed in proximal aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) for more than 10 years at a center. However, there is no report on the mid-term outcomes with a control group of the surgical procedure. Consequently, the authors aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in this study. Patients who underwent the total neointima implantation were classified as Group A, and those who underwent the conventional aortic root reconstruction with the "sandwich" technique and the total aortic arch replacement were classified as Group B. Furthermore, the authors described the preoperative characteristics, operative data, and patient outcomes. Group A patients experienced a shorter surgery duration, lower volumes of perioperative bleeding, and fewer red blood cell transfusions. The incidence of neurological complications was significantly reduced in Group A. All patients maintained a normal range of proximal aortic sizes after surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant differences between the patients in the two groups regarding cumulative mortality and the incidence of moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency. In well-selected patients, total neointima implantation is an alternative procedure for the surgical repair of ATAAD.

Aortic valve resuspension using the Florida sleeve technique with replacement of the aortic arch by stent grafting the thoracic aorta with the hybrid prosthesis E-Vita Open Plus in a patient with DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection.

Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection is highly challenging, even in expert hands. The goal in such emergency circumstances is primarily to save the patient's life. To minimize the perioperative risk, surgeons often choose surgery involving only supracoronary ascending aortic and hemiarch replacement. However, to achieve a successful repair, the extremely fragile dissected aortic layers must be reconstructed proximally and distally. Most of the surgical procedures for patients with acute type A aortic dissection are supracoronary ascending aortic replacements. Thereby, the Florida sleeve procedure is an attractive alternative for reimplanting the entire aortic root into a Dacron graft. This approach has overcome most of the technical problems associated with composite valve graft or valve-sparing procedures. The frozen elephant trunk procedure is particularly appealing for treating acute type A aortic dissection because of its ability to treat malperfusion by encouraging true lumen expansion and potentially reducing longer-term adverse remodelling within the descending aorta.

Predictors of outcome in patients with moderate mixed aortic valve disease.

OBJECTIVES: Grading the severity of moderate mixed aortic stenosis and regurgitation (MAVD) is challenging and the disease poorly understood. Identifying markers of haemodynamic severity will improve risk stratification and potentially guide timely treatment. This study aims to identify prognostic haemodynamic markers in patients with moderate MAVD. METHODS: Moderate MAVD was defined as coexisting moderate aortic stenosis (aortic valve area (AVA) 1.0-1.5 cm2) and moderate aortic regurgitation (vena contracta (VC) 0.3-0.6 cm). Consecutive patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 were included from a multicentre registry. The primary composite outcome of death or heart failure hospitalisation was evaluated among these patients. Demographics, comorbidities, echocardiography and treatment data were assessed for their prognostic significance. RESULTS: 207 patients with moderate MAVD were included, aged 78 (66-84) years, 56% male sex, AVA 1.2 (1.1-1.4) cm2 and VC 0.4 (0.4-0.5) cm. Over a follow-up of 3.5 (2.5-4.7) years, the composite outcome was met in 89 patients (43%). Univariable associations with the primary outcome included older age, previous myocardial infarction, previous cerebrovascular event, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association >2, worse renal function, tricuspid regurgitation ≥2 and mitral regurgitation ≥2. Markers of biventricular systolic function, cardiac remodelling and transaortic valve haemodynamics demonstrated an inverse association with the primary composite outcome. In multivariable analysis, peak aortic jet velocity (Vmax) was independently and inversely associated with the composite outcome (HR: 0.63, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.93; p=0.021) in an adjusted model along with age (HR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08; p<0.001), creatinine (HR: 1.002, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.003; p=0.005), previous cerebrovascular event (85% vs 42%; HR: 3.04, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.99; p=0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99; p=0.007). Patients with Vmax ≤2.8 m/s and LVEF ≤50% (n=27) had the worst outcome compared with the rest of the population (72% vs 41%; HR: 3.87, 95% CI 2.20 to 6.80; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with truly moderate MAVD have a high incidence of death and heart failure hospitalisation (43% at 3.5 (2.5-4.7) years). Within this group, a high-risk group characterised by disproportionately low aortic Vmax (≤2.8 m/s) and adverse remodelling (LVEF ≤50%) have the worst outcomes.

Filamin A heart valve disease as a genetic cause of inherited bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: Variants in the FLNA gene have been associated with mitral valve dystrophy (MVD), and even polyvalvular disease has been reported. This study aimed to analyse the aortic valve and root involvement in FLNA-MVD families and its impact on outcomes. METHODS: 262 subjects (37 (18-53) years, 140 male, 79 carriers: FLNA+) from 4 FLNA-MVD families were included. Echocardiography was performed in 185 patients and histological analysis in 3 explanted aortic valves. The outcomes were defined as aortic valve surgery or all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Aortic valve alterations were found in 58% of FLNA+ compared with 6% of FLNA- (p<0.001). 9 (13.4%) FLNA+ had bicuspid aortic valve compared with 4 (3.4%) FLNA- (p=0.03). Overall, the transvalvular mean gradient was slightly increased in FLNA+ (4.8 (4.1-6.1) vs 4.0 (2.9-4.9) mm Hg, p=0.02). The sinuses of Valsalva and sinotubular junction diameters were enlarged in FLNA+ subjects (all p<0.05). 8 FLNA+ patients underwent aortic valve surgery (0 in relatives; p<0.001). Myxomatous remodelling with an infiltration of immune cells was observed. Overall survival was similar between FLNA+ versus FLNA- subjects (86±5% vs 85±6%, p=0.36). There was no statistical evidence for an interaction between genetic status and sex (p=0.15), but the survival tended to be impaired in FLNA+ men (p=0.06) whereas not in women (p=0.71). CONCLUSION: The patients with FLNA variants present frequent aortic valve disease and worse outcomes. Bicuspid aortic valve is more frequent in patients carrying the FLNA-MVD variants. These unique features should be factored into the management of patients with dystrophic and/or bicuspid aortic valve.

Treatment For Infected Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis Caused by Propionibacterium acnes: A Surgical Challenge

ABSTRACT In this article, we present the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent Bentall-Bono procedure and frozen elephant trunk prosthesis implantation due to severe aortic regurgitation and aortic dilatation with a second-time endovascular stent-graft repair in descending aorta. Over eight years, a subacute graft infection by Propionibacterium acnes was developed, culminating in cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic regurgitation due to a complete aortic root dehiscence because of multiple aortic pseudoaneurysms. The patient underwent emergency surgery in which the replacement of the graft by a biological valve tube was performed accompanied by a complete debranching of the three supra-aortic vessels.

Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case of Aortic Valve Insufficiency Secondary to Infective Endocarditis.

Acute aortic valve insufficiency (AAVI) is a pathologic medical condition that has a presentation on a spectrum of severity and is attributable to numerous etiologies. Most often, it is caused by infective endocarditis, which depending on the patient's clinical status may require treatment with either surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This case presents a patient with acute aortic valve insufficiency secondary to infective endocarditis, requiring intervention. Further, it also provides real-time use of the general guidelines used in the determination of SAVR vs. TAVR candidacy. This case will further help providers in the cardiology realm to identify this presentation and increase comfort in referring to existing guidelines, as well as highlight where the current guidelines appear limited.

Ross procedure with personalized external aortic root support.

The Ross-Personalized External Aortic Root Support procedure is a surgical aortic valve replacement technique in which the autologous pulmonary valve is transposed in the aortic position to replace the malfunctioning aortic valve and a homograft is implanted in the pulmonary position. To prevent autograft dilatation, a Personalized External Aortic Root Support prosthesis is included in the proximal autograft anastomosis and wrapped around the ascending aorta. The aorta is transected transversely, the aortic valve is resected, and the coronary arteries are mobilized and cut out of the sinuses, leaving a rim. The pulmonary autograft is harvested by transecting the pulmonary artery and part of the right ventricular outflow tract. The autograft is approximated to the aortic root and inverted inside the ventricle. The proximal anastomosis is performed including the prosthesis between the aortic root and the autograft. The coronary buttons are threaded through appropriately positioned and sized holes in the prosthesis and reimplanted into the autograft. The ascending aorta is appropriately adapted and anastomosed with the distal autograft. When the patient is off cardiopulmonary bypass, the prosthesis can be closed longitudinally and is anchored to the distal aortic adventitia.

Treatment For Infected Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis Caused by Propionibacterium acnes: A Surgical Challenge.

In this article, we present the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent Bentall-Bono procedure and frozen elephant trunk prosthesis implantation due to severe aortic regurgitation and aortic dilatation with a second-time endovascular stent-graft repair in descending aorta. Over eight years, a subacute graft infection by Propionibacterium acnes was developed, culminating in cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic regurgitation due to a complete aortic root dehiscence because of multiple aortic pseudoaneurysms. The patient underwent emergency surgery in which the replacement of the graft by a biological valve tube was performed accompanied by a complete debranching of the three supra-aortic vessels.

Rare association between giant-cell aortitis and giant-cell aortic valvulitis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a type of chronic vasculitis that affects medium and large-caliber arteries, frequently related to aortic involvement and, consequently, to aneurysm formation. However, associated valvulitis with giant cells is uncommon. We describe the case of a 50-year-old female patient with aortic aneurysm and valvular insufficiency, whose anatomopathological examination revealed giant-cell aortic valvulitis associated with giant cell aortitis.

Predictors of Mid-Term AVNeo Insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease and the most common indication for aortic valve replacement in adults. Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) with fixed autologous pericardium, also known as the Ozaki procedure, is a possible alternative treatment of AS. Autopericardial valves save the dynamics and physiological anatomy of the aortic root, however, the service life of autopericardial leaflets is limited. There is no data about factors that may influence the development of AVNeo insufficiency. Here, we assessed the effect of autopericardial leaflet symmetry on the development of aortic insufficiency after Ozaki procedure. METHODS: This study included 381 patients with AS who underwent Ozaki procedure. Patients were divided into group 1 (171 patients with symmetric aortic root) and group 2 (210 patients with asymmetric aortic root). RESULTS: The maximum observation period was up to 65 months. Sixteen cases of aortic insufficiency were detected in group 1, and 33 cases were detected in group 2. Based on the results of Cox regression, the predictors of aortic insufficiency in the late postoperative period are age and asymmetry of neocusps. According to results of Kaplan-Meier analysis, insufficiency of AVNeo in the maximum follow-up period after surgical correction of AS for group 1 patients was significantly lower than for group 2 patients (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Asymmetric neocusps increase the risk of aortic insufficiency in the mid-term period after Ozaki procedure. And the older the patients at the time of surgery, the less likely they develop AVNeo insufficiency.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement 23 years after heart transplant for aortic insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians continue to expand the availability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients who historically would have been ineligible for surgical aortic valve replacement. Historically, reoperative aortic valve surgery after transplant was immensely complicated and high risk due to the repeat sternotomy approach, and the immunosuppression in transplant patients. As heart transplant patients continue to live longer, patients are beginning to develop novo aortic pathology of the transplanted organ. In these patients, TAVR may be a valuable rescue therapy for those with de-novo aortic valve disease. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a single case of a 70-year-old man with a history of heart transplant 23 years prior complicated by severe sternal infection and subsequent removal of his sternum. Additionally, this patient had a recent history of kidney transplant due to renal cell carcinoma necessitating nephrectomy. He subsequently developed progressive symptomatic aortic insufficiency and underwent a successful TAVR to treat his new aortic disease. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this represents only the second case report of TAVR for severe aortic insufficiency and one of the first reports of TAVR in a multiple organ recipient. TAVR may represent an important rescue therapy for post-transplant valve pathologies instead of high-risk reoperative surgical aortic valve replacement.