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Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... May 2024In a 39-year-old male with mitral valve endocarditis, after 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, echocardiography confirmed multiple vegetations on both leaflets, a flail...
In a 39-year-old male with mitral valve endocarditis, after 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, echocardiography confirmed multiple vegetations on both leaflets, a flail posterior leaflet flail and contained perforation of the anterior leaflet in a windsock-like morphology. All vegetations, diseased and ruptured chords and the windsock-like contained rupture of the anterior leaflet were carefully resected via a right minithoracotomy and with femoral cannulation. Three repair techniques were blended to reconstruct the valve: (1) A large, infected portion of the prolapsing posterior leaflet was resected in a triangular fashion, and the edges were re-approximated using continuous 5-0 polypropylene sutures. (2) The anterior leaflet defect was repaired with a circular autologous pericardial patch that had been soaked in glutaraldehyde. (3) A set of artificial chords for P2 was created using CV-4 polytetrafluoroethylene sutures and adjusted under repeated saline inflation. A 38-mm Edwards Physio-I annuloplasty ring was implanted. The artificial chords were adjusted again after annuloplasty and then tied. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the absence of residual mitral regurgitation and systolic anterior motion and a mean pressure gradient of 3 mmHg. The patient was discharged after 5 days with a peripherally inserted central catheter to complete an additional 4 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and had an uneventful recovery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Mitral Valve; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Mitral Valve Annuloplasty; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Suture Techniques; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Endocarditis; Pericardium
PubMed: 38712707
DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2023.089 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Apr 2024The microbiome likely plays a role in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. We evaluated the site-of-disease microbiome and predicted metagenome in people with presumptive...
BACKGROUND
The microbiome likely plays a role in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. We evaluated the site-of-disease microbiome and predicted metagenome in people with presumptive tuberculous pericarditis, a major cause of mortality, and explored for the first time, the interaction between its association with C-reactive protein (CRP), a potential diagnostic biomarker and the site-of-disease microbiome in extrapulmonary TB.
METHODS
People with effusions requiring diagnostic pericardiocentesis (n=139) provided background sampling controls and pericardial fluid (PF) for 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysed using QIIME2 and PICRUSt2. Blood was collected to measure CRP.
RESULTS
PF from people with definite (dTB, n=91), probable (pTB, n=25), and non- (nTB, n=23) tuberculous pericarditis differed in β-diversity. dTBs were, vs. nTBs, and enriched. Within dTBs, HIV-positives were , , and -enriched vs. HIV-negatives and HIV-positive dTBs on ART were - and -depleted vs. those not on ART. Compared to nTBs, dTBs exhibited short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and mycobacterial metabolism microbial pathway enrichment. People with additional non-pericardial involvement had differentially PF taxa (e.g., -enrichment and -depletion associated with pulmonary infiltrates). reads were in 34% (31/91), 8% (2/25) and 17% (4/23) of dTBs, pTBs, and nTBs, respectively. β-diversity differed between patients with CRP above vs. below the median value ( -depleted). There was no correlation between enriched taxa in dTBs and CRP.
CONCLUSIONS
PF is compositionally distinct based on TB status, HIV (and ART) status and dTBs are enriched in SCFA-associated taxa. The clinical significance of these findings, including mycobacterial reads in nTBs and pTBs, requires evaluation.
PubMed: 38712063
DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.24306431 -
Texas Heart Institute Journal May 2024A 62-year-old woman who had undergone mitral valve replacement 24 years ago was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. She needed heart transplantation...
A 62-year-old woman who had undergone mitral valve replacement 24 years ago was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. She needed heart transplantation for stage D heart failure. Preoperative cardiac computed tomographic scans showed a severely calcified left atrium and a large right atrium. Given that the left atrium's calcification was too severe to suture, the calcified left atrial wall was broadly resected, and the resected left atrial wall was reconstructed with a bovine pericardial patch for anastomosis with the donor's left atrial wall. The operation was completed without heavy bleeding, and the patient was discharged from the hospital with no complications.
Topics: Humans; Female; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Heart Transplantation; Middle Aged; Calcinosis; Heart Atria; Heart Failure; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Pericardium
PubMed: 38711341
DOI: 10.14503/THIJ-23-8286 -
Cureus Apr 2024Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a vascular disorder primarily caused by atherosclerosis, resulting in intestinal ischemia. While endovascular treatment has become...
Antegrade Aorto-Mesenteric Bypass Using a Prefabricated Bovine Pericardium Tube Graft for the Treatment of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia Complicated With Intestinal Necrosis and Biliary Peritonitis.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a vascular disorder primarily caused by atherosclerosis, resulting in intestinal ischemia. While endovascular treatment has become the primary modality for most patients, open mesenteric revascularization remains crucial for complex cases. We present a case of CMI in a patient with critical ischemia, leading to small bowel necrosis, where the endovascular recanalization failed and a surgical approach was needed. A supraceliac antegrade aortomesenteric bypass was performed, and successful revascularization of intestinal circulation was achieved. A novel prefabricated bovine pericardium tube was used as a graft, and the bypass was placed behind the pancreas to ensure maximal isolation from the contaminated abdominal cavity. Despite the intestinal revascularization, in the early postoperative period, the overall condition of the patient worsened with obvious signs of peritonitis. The second look operation revealed a ruptured gallbladder with severe biliary peritonitis, likely caused by the preceding splanchnic ischemia. A cholecystectomy, lavage, and drainage were performed. No further intestinal necrosis was observed, and the bowel passage was restored with latero-lateral jejuno-lejunostomy. The follow-up of the patient showed no signs of graft infection. Despite the complications, the patient's postoperative period was stable, and he was discharged on day sixteen. Regular follow-ups confirmed an excellent patency of the bypass.
PubMed: 38707110
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57530 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Thymomas are rare tumors originating from thymic tissue and rarely metastasize. They can be diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically when compressing or invading...
Thymomas are rare tumors originating from thymic tissue and rarely metastasize. They can be diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically when compressing or invading nearby structure. A 36-year-old man presented with significant high-grade fever, chest pain that worsens upon lying down, and dyspnea. A chest X-Ray and computed tomography followed by biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of thymoma. The management included chemotherapy cycles, followed by surgery. Pericardiectomy was performed with en-bloc thymectomy and partial resection of the infiltrating lung. Venous drainage was restored by 8/16 mm inverted bifurcated brachiocephalic-superior vena cava Dacron bypass. The pericardium was reconstructed by a synthetic Dacron patch, and the right diaphragm metastasis was resected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. After 3 months of follow-up, no recurrence was evidenced by computed tomography.
PubMed: 38706480
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae263 -
Clinical Imaging Jun 2024In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), up to one third have recurrence after a first catheter ablation (CA). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been considered to...
INTRODUCTION
In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), up to one third have recurrence after a first catheter ablation (CA). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been considered to be closely related to AF, with a potential role in its recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the association between the volume of EAT measured by cardiac computed tomography (CT) and AF recurrence after CA.
METHODS
Consecutive AF patients underwent a standardized cardiac CT protocol for quantification of EAT, thoracic adipose volume (TAV) and left atrium (LA) volume before CA. An appropriate cut-off of EAT was determined and risk recurrence was estimated.
RESULTS
305 patients (63.6 % male, mean age 57.5 years, 28.2 % persistent AF) were followed for 24 months; 23 % had AF recurrence at 2-year mark, which was associated with higher EAT (p = 0.037) and LAV (p < 0.001). Persistent AF was associated with higher EAT volumes (p = 0.010), TAV (p = 0.003) and LA volumes (p < 0.001). EAT was predictive of AF recurrence (p = 0.044). After determining a cut-off of 92 cm, survival analysis revealed that EAT volumes > 92 cm showed higher recurrence rates at earlier time points after the index ablation procedure (p = 0.006), with a HR of 1.95 (p = 0.008) of AF recurrence at 2-year. After multivariate adjustment, EAT > 92 cm remained predictive of AF recurrence (p = 0.028).
CONCLUSION
The volume of EAT measured by cardiac CT can predict recurrence of AF after ablation, with a volume above 92 cm yielding almost twice the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in the first two years following CA. Higher EAT and TAV are also associated with persistent AF.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Male; Female; Adipose Tissue; Middle Aged; Catheter Ablation; Pericardium; Recurrence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Predictive Value of Tests; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Epicardial Adipose Tissue
PubMed: 38696998
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2024.110170 -
Experimental Gerontology Jul 2024Muscular strength and muscle mass are considered key factors for healthy ageing. Modification of body composition and redistribution of adipose tissue has been described...
BACKGROUND
Muscular strength and muscle mass are considered key factors for healthy ageing. Modification of body composition and redistribution of adipose tissue has been described in advanced age. Muscle strength has an important predictive role for health outcomes. However, little is known regarding the relationship between muscle strength and epicardial fat.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
In a cohort of healthy adults following physical capacity evaluations, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength (HGS), echocardiography and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) were performed. Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation and regression analysis adjusted for confounders were applied.
RESULTS
A total population of 226 adults, age range 18-83 years, were included. Epicardial fat thickness resulted significantly associated with age p < 0.001, HGS (p < 0.001). Regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed an independent relationship between handgrip strength and epicardial fat thickness: regression coefficient: -1.34; R2 = 0.27 and p = 0.044.
CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between epicardial fat and muscle strength is inverse and independent. Implementation of HGS measurement may be useful for the identification of subjects with excessive epicardial fat and cardiovascular risk. Measurement of epicardial fat could be helpful in the early detection of physical decline associated to ageing.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Aged; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Young Adult; Pericardium; Adolescent; Hand Strength; Adipose Tissue; Electric Impedance; Echocardiography; Body Composition; Aging; Muscle Strength; Epicardial Adipose Tissue
PubMed: 38692441
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112447 -
Neurology India Mar 2024Dural closure is an important part of neurosurgery, failure which may lead to wound infection, pseudomeningoceles, meningitis, severe morbidity to a patient, and even...
INTRODUCTION
Dural closure is an important part of neurosurgery, failure which may lead to wound infection, pseudomeningoceles, meningitis, severe morbidity to a patient, and even mortality. In cases where primary dura closure is not possible, a bovine pericardial patch is a good alternative with the benefits of suturability and the ability to provide watertight closure, hence preventing Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak. The present study demonstrates the use of the bovine pericardial patch in both cranial and spinal disorders for dural closure as well as for transposition technique in microvascular decompression.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of our study is to understand the advantages and feasibility of a bovine pericardial patch in various neurosurgical procedures.
MATERIAL METHODS
Fifty-one patients were analyzed prospectively and followed up in which glutaraldehyde-free bovine pericardial patch was used in various cranial and spinal disorders.
RESULTS
The most common indications where a bovine pericardial patch was used, in decreasing order of frequency, were meningioma excision surgery (47%), followed by Chiari malformation operated for foramen magnum decompression (17.6%), meningomyelocele (7.8%), spinal dural defects (7.8%), trigeminal neuralgia (5.8%), traumatic decompression with lax duraplasty (4%), glioma (4%), encephalocele (4%), and skull base defects (2%). Two patients had complications, one with CSF leak and the other had superficial wound infection, which were managed appropriately.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a bovine pericardial patch as a dural substitute in various cranial and spinal disorders is feasible with good outcomes, and it can be considered an ideal dural substitute.
Topics: Humans; Pericardium; Cattle; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Animals; Dura Mater; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Prospective Studies; Child
PubMed: 38691472
DOI: 10.4103/ni.ni_327_22 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Apr 2024Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by a variable clinical presentation.
BACKGROUND
Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by a variable clinical presentation.
CASE SUMMARY
A 32-year-old man was sent by an occupational health physician to our health care centre because of pathological electrocardiogram (ECG). On transthoracic echocardiogram, we had some difficulty to obtain a good quality of four-chamber apical view that was shifted upper and laterally towards the left anterior axillary line. Nonetheless, an abnormal diastolic expansion of the apex of the left ventricle (LV) that had an otherwise normal systolic function was detected. A chest X-ray confirmed the leftward shift of the heart, with the elongation of the left border of cardiac silhouette and cardiac MRI, finally revealed the absence of left-sided pericardium associated with a leftward dislocation of the heart and a dysmorphism of the LV apex that appeared rounded and curved. The non-invasive work-up was completed with 48 h long Holter ECG that was unremarkable. The exercise test was also negative for both inducible myocardial ischaemia and arrhythmias. Patient was scheduled for loop-recorder implantation, and a 6-month clinical follow-up was advised.
DISCUSSION
Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and type A aortic dissection, however its clinical course could be also completely unremarkable. The diagnosis is challenging, and cardiac MRI remains the gold standard imaging modality. In complete left-sided and asymptomatic forms, no treatment is needed. Prognosis is not well established due to both the rarity of disease and extreme variability of clinical presentation.
PubMed: 38690557
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae200