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Saudi Medical Journal Jun 2024To evaluate the relationship between severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and pulmonary hypertension.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the relationship between severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and pulmonary hypertension.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study of 118 patients with pulmonary hypertension was carried out at a single center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2018-2021. Patients who had pulmonary or tricuspid valves organic diseases, previously undergone tricuspid or pulmonary valve surgeries, had permanent pacemakers or critically ill were excluded.
RESULTS
A high proportion of patients were women (n=100, 85%) and obese (n=57, 48%). Patients with more than mild TR had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) than those with trivial or mild regurgitation (<0.001). There was a significant association between severity of TR (<0.001) and right chambers size (=0.001). Furthermore, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was significantly higher in patients with mild right ventricular impairment (=0.001).
CONCLUSION
Increase in degree of TR and right atrial size were predictors of elevated sPAP. Our findings highlight the interplay among TR, right heart size, ventricular function, and PAP. Understanding these associations can aid in risk stratification, monitoring disease progression, and potentially guiding treatment in those patients.
Topics: Humans; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Female; Male; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Adult; Saudi Arabia; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Aged; Heart Atria; Obesity; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38830663
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.6.20240071 -
Indian Journal of Thoracic and... May 2024is a well-known cause of blood culture-negative endocarditis; however, pulmonary valve involvement is rare. The case of a 40-year-old African male who presented to the...
UNLABELLED
is a well-known cause of blood culture-negative endocarditis; however, pulmonary valve involvement is rare. The case of a 40-year-old African male who presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, cardiac failure, and a 2-week history of fever is presented. Transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed an atrial septal defect, severe pulmonary insufficiency with large vegetations, severe mitral regurgitation due to anterior leaflet prolapse, and right ventricular dysfunction. Empirical antibiotic therapy was started, and urgent surgical intervention was decided. There were vegetations on the three pulmonary valve leaflets and the mitral valve. Closure of the atrial septal defect, mitral and tricuspid valve repair, pulmonary valve replacement with a biological prosthesis, and infundibuloplasty of the right ventricle were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Preoperative blood cultures were negative, and was detected through 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing in mitral and pulmonary implants. Serology showed positive titers of 1/1260 for both and . Ceftriaxone and gentamicin were administered for 10 days, followed by oral doxycycline for 12 weeks. A one-year echocardiogram showed normal functioning of the pulmonary prosthesis and the mitral and tricuspid repair. Infection caused by is a rare cause of endocarditis with negative blood cultures, and multivalvular and pulmonary valve involvement is exceptional.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-024-01727-4.
PubMed: 38827541
DOI: 10.1007/s12055-024-01727-4 -
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and... 2024To calculate the shock index (SI) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to evaluate its use to predict the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF).
Retrospective evaluation of the utility of shock index to determine the presence of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (2019-2021): 98 cases.
OBJECTIVES
To calculate the shock index (SI) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to evaluate its use to predict the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF).
DESIGN
Retrospective study.
SETTING
Small animal university veterinary teaching hospital.
ANIMALS
Ninety-eight dogs with MMVD and 20 healthy dogs as part of a control group.
INTERVENTIONS
Heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were recorded, and SI was calculated by dividing HR by SBP for each dog.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The mean (SD) HR, SBP, and SI were 123/min (32.6), 147 mm Hg (21.5), and 0.86 (0.3), respectively, for dogs with MMVD and 98/min (20.9), 145 mm Hg (18.7), and 0.68 (0.13), respectively, for control dogs. Dogs with MMVD had a significantly higher HR compared with control dogs (P < 0.01), and an elevation in HR was seen as the severity of MMVD increased. Dogs in stage B2 and C/D MMVD had a significantly higher SI value compared with control dogs (P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively). SI was significantly higher in dogs in stage C/D MMVD compared with dogs in stage B2 MMVD (P < 0.01). Ten of 98 (10%) dogs had an arrhythmia. HR, SBP, and SI were not significantly different between dogs with and without arrhythmias (P = 0.13, P = 0.57, and P = 0.07, respectively), but significantly more dogs with CHF had an arrhythmia (P = 0.01). SI (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.98) and HR (AUC: 0.95) were excellent indicators for the presence of CHF. An optimal SI cutoff value ≥1.1 had 92% sensitivity and 95% specificity for predicting the presence of CHF, and an optimal HR cutoff value of ≥157/min had 92% sensitivity and 93% specificity for the prediction of CHF.
CONCLUSIONS
When there are compatible clinical signs, SI values ≥1.1 may suggest the presence of CHF in dogs with MMVD.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Heart Failure; Male; Female; Heart Rate; Blood Pressure; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38809224
DOI: 10.1111/vec.13379 -
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Jun 2024Surgical atrial ablation is evaluated by surgeons in relation to the estimated surgical risk. We analyze whether high-risk patients (HRPs) experience risk escalation...
BACKGROUND
Surgical atrial ablation is evaluated by surgeons in relation to the estimated surgical risk. We analyze whether high-risk patients (HRPs) experience risk escalation by ablation procedures.
METHODS
The CASE-Atrial Fibrillation (AF) registry is a prospective, multicenter, all-comers registry of atrial ablation in cardiac surgery. We analyzed the 1-year outcome regarding survival and rhythm endpoints of 1,000 consecutive patients according to the operative risk classification (EuroSCORE II ≤ 2 vs. >2).
RESULTS
Higher NYHA (New York Heart Association) score, ischemic heart failure, status poststroke, renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus were strongly represented in HRPs. HRPs exhibit more left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% (19.2 vs. 8.8%; < 0.001) but identical left atrial diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared with low-risk patients (LRPs). CHA2DS-Vasc-score (2.4 ± 1 vs. 3.6 ± 1.5; < 0.001), sternotomies, combination surgeries, coronary artery bypass graft, and mitral valve procedures were increased in HRPs. LRPs underwent stand-alone ablations as well. Ablation energy did not differ. Left atrial appendage closure was performed in up to 86.1% (mainly cut-and-sew procedures). Mortality corresponded to the original risk class without an escalation that may be related to ablation, stroke rate, or myocardial infarction. A total of 60.6% of HRPs versus 75.1% of LRPs were discharged in sinus rhythm. Long-term EHRA (European Heart Rhythm Association) score symptoms were lower in HRPs. Repeated rhythm therapies were rare. Additional antiarrhythmics received a minority without group dependency. A total of 1.6 versus 4.1% of HRPs ( = 0.042) underwent long-term stroke; excess mortality was not observed. Anticoagulation remained common in HRPs.
CONCLUSION
Surgical risk and long-term mortality are determined by the underlying disease. In HRPs, freedom from AF and symptom relief can be achieved. Preoperative risk scores should not lead to withholding an ablation procedure.
PubMed: 38806162
DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-9039 -
Journal of Biomechanics Jun 2024To better understand the impact of valvular heart disease (VHD) on the hemodynamics of the circulatory system, investigations can be carried out using a model of the...
To better understand the impact of valvular heart disease (VHD) on the hemodynamics of the circulatory system, investigations can be carried out using a model of the cardiovascular system. In this study, a previously developed hybrid (hydro-numerical) simulator of the cardiovascular system (HCS) was adapted and used. In our HCS Björk-Shiley mechanical heart valves were used, playing the role of mitral and aortic ones. In order to simulate aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR), special mechanical devices have been developed and integrated with the HCS. The simulation results proved that the system works correctly. Namely, in the case of AS - the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was increased due to increased preload of the left ventricle and the decrease in right ventricular preload was caused by a decrease in systemic arterial pressure. The severity of AS was performed based on the transaortic pressure gradient as well as using the Gorlin and Aaslid equations. In the case of severe AS, when the mean gradient was above 40 mmHg, the aortic valve orifice area was 0.5 cm, which is in line with ACC/AHA guidelines. For the case of MR - with increasing severity of MR, there was a decrease in the left ventricular pressure and an increase in left atrial pressure. Using mechanical heart valves to simulate VHD by the HCS can be a valuable tool for biomedical research, providing a safe and controlled environment to study and understand the pathophysiology of VHD.
Topics: Humans; Models, Cardiovascular; Computer Simulation; Hemodynamics; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Mitral Valve
PubMed: 38805856
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112173 -
Comparative Medicine May 2024Domestic swine () are important translational models for cardiovascular transplant studies. This can be attributed to the anatomic and physiologic similarities of their...
Domestic swine () are important translational models for cardiovascular transplant studies. This can be attributed to the anatomic and physiologic similarities of their cardiovascular system to humans. Transplant studies frequently employ clinically relevant immunosuppression regimens to prevent organ rejection postoperatively. Immunosuppression can lead to opportunistic infection, including presentations that are novel or poorly described in immunocompetent hosts. In this study, we describe the first case of -induced endocarditis affecting the pulmonary valve in a juvenile, immunosuppressed pig following a partial heart transplantation procedure. Clinical signs of infection began at 15 d postoperation, were consistent with a variety of infectious agents, including , and included lethargy, respiratory signs, and elevated white blood cell counts. By 28 d post procedure, lameness and soft tissue swelling around the left tarsus developed. Joint fluid obtained by arthrocentesis was PCR positive for and negative for other tested pathogens. Despite antimicrobial treatment, the transplanted pulmonary valve developed leaflet thickening, stenosis, and insufficiency starting at 30 d after the procedure. At 86 d posttransplantation, the pig reached experimental endpoints and was humanely euthanized for necropsy and histopathology. The pulmonary valve had numerous dark red vegetative expansions of all 3 leaflets. Postmortem testing of a vegetative lesion was positive for , confirming the etiologic agent responsible for endocarditis. -induced endocarditis of an orthotopic transplanted pulmonary valve has yet to be described in swine. This case report demonstrates that infections following immunosuppression may present with novel or undercharacterized clinical signs.
PubMed: 38749668
DOI: 10.30802/AALAS-CM-23-000090 -
Heart and Vessels May 2024Various surgical approaches address complex heart disease with arch anomalies. Bilateral pulmonary artery banding (bPAB) is a strategy for critically ill patients with...
Bilateral pulmonary artery banding facilitates the systemic ventricular outflow tract growth for biventricular and univentricular repair candidates of complex arch anomaly.
Various surgical approaches address complex heart disease with arch anomalies. Bilateral pulmonary artery banding (bPAB) is a strategy for critically ill patients with complex arch anomalies. Some reports argued the potential effect of bPAB on the growth of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) during inter-stage after bPAB. This study aimed to analyze the LVOT growth for biventricular repair candidates with arch anomaly and systemic ventricular outflow tract (SVOT) for univentricular repair candidates with arch anomaly. This retrospective study analyzed 17 patients undergoing initial bPAB followed by arch repair. The Z-scores of LVOT and SVOT were compared between pre-bPAB and pre-arch repair. Patient characteristics, transthoracic echocardiogram data, and PAB circumferences were reviewed. The diameter of the minimum LVOT for biventricular repair (BVR) candidates, the pulmonary valve (neo-aortic valve, neo-AoV) and the pulmonary trunk (the neo-ascending aorta, neo-AAo) for univentricular repair (UVR) candidates, and the degree of aortic or neo-aortic insufficiency in each candidate was statistically analyzed. 17 patients were divided into the UVR candidates (group U) with 9 patients and the BVR candidates (group B) with 8 patients. In group B, the median value of the Z-score of the minimum LVOT increased from -3.2 (range: - 4.1 ~ - 1.0) at pre-PAB to -2.8 (range: - 3.6 ~ - 0.3) at pre-arch repair with a significant difference (p = 0.012). In group U, the median value of the Z-score of the neo-AoV increased from 0.5 (range: - 1.0 ~ 1.7) at pre-bPAB to 1.2 (range: 0.2 ~ 1.9) at pre-arch repair with a significant difference (p < 0.01). The median value of the Z-score of the neo-AAo was also increased from 3.1 (range: 1.5 ~ 4.6) to 4.3 (range: 3.1 ~ 5.9) with a significant difference (p = 0.028). The growth of the LVOT for BVR candidates and SVOT for UVR candidates during the inter-stage between bPAB and arch repair was observed. These results suggest the potential advantage of bPAB in surgical strategies. Further research is needed to validate these findings and refine surgical approaches.
PubMed: 38733397
DOI: 10.1007/s00380-024-02412-7 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Despite many advances in surgical repair during the past few decades, the majority of tetralogy of Fallot patients continue to experience residual hemodynamic and... (Review)
Review
Despite many advances in surgical repair during the past few decades, the majority of tetralogy of Fallot patients continue to experience residual hemodynamic and electrophysiological abnormalities. The actual issue, which has yet to be solved, is understanding how this disease evolves in each individual patient and, as a result, who is truly at risk of sudden death, as well as the proper timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Our responsibility should be to select the most appropriate time for each patient, going above and beyond imaging criteria used up to now to make such a clinically crucial decision. Despite several studies on timing, indications, procedures, and outcomes of PVR, there is still much uncertainty about whether PVR reduces arrhythmia burden or improves survival in these patients and how to appropriately manage this population. This review summarizes the most recent research on the evolution of repaired tetralogy of Fallot (from adolescence onwards) and risk factor variables that may favor or delay PVR.
PubMed: 38731211
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092682 -
Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia Jan 2024The quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital anomaly, usually associated with aortic regurgitation requiring surgical intervention. It may be associated with other...
The quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital anomaly, usually associated with aortic regurgitation requiring surgical intervention. It may be associated with other congenital anomalies such as coronary anomalies, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and subaortic stenosis. The diagnosis is generally established by either transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography. Herein, we report a case of a 52-year-old woman who was diagnosed to have quadricuspid aortic valve by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aortic Valve; Middle Aged; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Heart Defects, Congenital
PubMed: 38722121
DOI: 10.4103/aca.aca_110_23 -
BMJ Open May 2024The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up.
Morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients requiring isolated tricuspid valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 537 patients in New South Wales between 2002 and 2018.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
New South Wales public and private hospital admissions between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2018.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx during the study period.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary outcome was all-cause mortality tracked from the death registry to 31 December 2018. Secondary morbidity outcomes, including admission for congestive cardiac failure (CCF), new atrial fibrillation (AF), infective endocarditis (IE), pulmonary embolism (PE) and insertion of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), were tracked from the Admitted Patient Data Collection database. Independent mortality associations were determined using the Cox regression method.
RESULTS
A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx (46% male): median age (IQR) was 63.5 years (43.9-73.8 years) with median length of stay of 16 days (10-31 days). Main cardiovascular comorbidities were AF (54%) and CCF (42%); 67% had rheumatic tricuspid valve. In-hospital and total mortality were 7.4% and 39.3%, respectively (mean follow-up: 4.8 years). Cause-specific deaths were evenly split between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. Predictors of mortality included a history of CCF (HR=1.78, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.38, p<0.001) and chronic pulmonary disease (HR=2.66, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.33, p<0.001). In-hospital PPM rate was 10.0%. At 180 days, 53 (9.9%) patients were admitted for CCF, 25 (10.1%) had new AF, 7 (1.5%) had new IE and <1% had PE, post-discharge PPM or ICD insertion.
CONCLUSION
Open isolated TVSx carries significant mortality risk, with decompensated CCF and new AF the most common morbidities encountered after surgery. This report forms a benchmark to compare outcomes with newer percutaneous tricuspid interventions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Tricuspid Valve; New South Wales; Adult; Postoperative Complications; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency
PubMed: 38719314
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080804