-
Indian Journal of Thoracic and... Jul 2023Mitral valve prolapse in the young is the most common cause of mitral regurgitation (MR). Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a chronic and end-stage manifestation of the...
Mitral valve prolapse in the young is the most common cause of mitral regurgitation (MR). Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a chronic and end-stage manifestation of the inflammatory process of the pericardium. Apart from equalization of diastolic pressure of the chambers as well as increased ventricular interdependence, the thickened pericardial sheath in end-stage pericarditis fails to accommodate the intrathoracic venous return due to restricted cardiac chamber filling. Intracardiac valvular pathologies might co-exist in CP. This report presents a case in which effusive CP was associated with MR and highlights the pivotal role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the decision-making of such co-existent lesions.
PubMed: 37346447
DOI: 10.1007/s12055-023-01503-w -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023A 77-year-old man underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the right coronary artery, which was complicated by coronary artery perforation (CAP). After...
A 77-year-old man underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the right coronary artery, which was complicated by coronary artery perforation (CAP). After prolonged balloon tamponade proximal to the CAP there was no more contrast extravasation, and the CAP was thought to have resolved. Computed tomography (CT) and echocardiography the following day did not find evidence of continued bleeding, and the patient was discharged. Echocardiograms and chest CT scans obtained one week and two months after PCI detected no remarkable interval change. The patient complained of progressive dyspnea and abdominal distension seven months after PCI however, and echocardiography found an increased amount of pericardial effusion and constrictive physiology. The patient underwent pericardiectomy due to congestive hepatopathy, and progressive dyspnea. The pericardium was thickened and adhesive, and a dark bloody effusion was found. Pathology was unremarkable except for thick fibrosis. After the operation the patient made full recovery, and is stable three years after surgery.
PubMed: 37346286
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1208376 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia May 2023
Topics: Humans; Pericardiectomy; Pericardium; Echocardiography
PubMed: 37341300
DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230290 -
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Aug 2023Thoracoscopy pericardiotomy consists of endoscopic access to the thoracic cavity to perform the opening of the pericardial sac, described in the equine species only...
Thoracoscopy pericardiotomy consists of endoscopic access to the thoracic cavity to perform the opening of the pericardial sac, described in the equine species only through the intercostal access, and there are no studies addressing the singleport transdiaphragmatic access, so the objective was to develop the pericardiotomy technique by transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopy using a single port. The technique was performed using six cadavers of adult horses, positioned in dorsal decubitus, making it possible to initiate access with an incision in the region proximal to the xiphoid process, for the introduction of an 11 mm endotip trocar, which through the diaphragm reached the thoracic cavity. After accessing the thorax, a rigid endoscope with a working portal was entered, proceeding with the introduction of endoscopic scissors, used to open the pericardium. Pericardiotomy was initiated through the phrenic-pericardial ligament. After the procedure, the corpses were sent for necropsy for evaluation of inadvertent injuries and examination of the diaphragm and pericardium. The access allowed the visualization of the structures of the caudal portion of the thorax, in addition to the visualization and manipulation of the pericardium. The mean surgical time was 24.16 ± 7.03, allowing extensive pericardiotomy. It was concluded that transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopy is an adequate procedure for the visualization and access of the pericardium, as well as the structures present in the caudal region of both hemithoraxes. Therefore, the proposed technique, pericardiotomy by thoracoscopy using a singleport transdiaphragmatic approach, was promising, proving to be a viable alternative for pericardial procedures in the equine species.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Pericardiectomy; Thoracoscopy
PubMed: 37295758
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104846 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Jun 2023Previous cardiac surgery is an increasingly common etiology of constrictive pericarditis, but there is a paucity of data on clinical presentation and outcome of surgical...
OBJECTIVES
Previous cardiac surgery is an increasingly common etiology of constrictive pericarditis, but there is a paucity of data on clinical presentation and outcome of surgical treatment.
METHODS
We reviewed data of 263 patients who underwent pericardiectomy for postoperative constriction from January 1, 1993, through July 1, 2017. Outcomes of interest were early and late mortality, as well as features of clinical presentation.
RESULTS
Median patient age was 64 (56-72) years, and the median interval between previous operation and pericardiectomy was 2.7 years (range, 0-54 years). Previous operations included coronary artery bypass grafting in 114 (43%), valve surgery in 85 (32%), combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery in 33 (13%), and other procedures in 31 (12%). Common presentations were symptoms of right heart failure in 221 (84%) or dyspnea in 42 (16%). Moderate-to-severe tricuspid valve regurgitation was present in 108 (41%) patients. There were 14 (5.5%) deaths within 30 days postoperatively, and survival at 5 and 10 years postoperatively was 61% and 44%. On multivariate analysis, older age (P = .013), diabetes (P = .019), and nonelective pericardiectomy within 2 years of cardiac surgery (P < .001) were associated with decreased long-term survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Pericardial constriction after cardiac surgery can present at any interval postoperatively. Symptoms and signs of right heart failure in patients with previous cardiac surgery should alert physicians to the possibility of pericardial constriction followed by a correct diagnosis. Pericardiectomy performed urgently following cardiac operation has poor long-term outcomes.
PubMed: 37295645
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.05.032 -
BMC Anesthesiology Jun 2023Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon disease that limits both cardiac relaxation and contraction. Patients often present with right-sided heart failure as the...
BACKGROUND
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon disease that limits both cardiac relaxation and contraction. Patients often present with right-sided heart failure as the pericardium thickens and impedes cardiac filling. Pericardiectomy is the treatment of choice for improving hemodynamics in CP patients; however, the procedure carries a high morbidity and mortality, and the anesthetic management can be challenging. Acute heart failure, bleeding and arrhythmias are all concerns postoperatively.
METHODS
After IRB approval, we performed the retrospective analysis of 66 consecutive patients with CP who underwent pericardiectomy from July 2018 to May 2022.
RESULTS
Most patients had significant preoperative comorbidities, including congestive hepatopathy (75.76%), New York Heart Association Type III/IV heart failure (59.09%) and atrial fibrillation (51.52%). Despite this, 75.76% of patients were extubated within the first 24 h and all but 2 of the patients survived to discharge (96.97%).
CONCLUSIONS
Anesthetic management, including a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of CP, the use of advanced monitoring and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance, all played an important role in patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pericardiectomy; Retrospective Studies; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Heart Failure; Anesthesia
PubMed: 37264299
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-023-02155-4 -
Acta Chirurgica Belgica Apr 2024Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a pericardial disease characterized by the pericardium becoming calcified or fibrotic as a result of chronic inflammation, which... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a pericardial disease characterized by the pericardium becoming calcified or fibrotic as a result of chronic inflammation, which impairs diastolic filling by compressing the cardiac chambers. Pericardiectomy is a promising surgical option for treating CP. In this study, we reviewed over 10 years of preoperative, perioperative, and short-term postoperative follow-ups of patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis at our clinic.
METHODS
Between January 2012 and May 2022, 44 patients were diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis. Twenty-six patients underwent pericardiectomy for CP. Median sternotomy is the surgical approach of choice because it provides easy access for complete pericardiectomy.
RESULTS
The patient median age was 56 (min: 32, max: 71), and 22 out of 26 patients (84.6%) were male. Twenty-one patients (80.8%) complained of dyspnea, which was the most common reason for admission. Twenty-four patients (92.3%) were scheduled for elective surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used during the procedure in six patients (23%). The duration of intensive care stay was two days (min: 1, max: 11), and the total hospitalization was six days (min: 4, max: 21). No in-hospital mortality was observed.
CONCLUSION
The median sternotomy approach provides a critical advantage in terms of performing a complete pericardiectomy. Although CP is a chronic condition, early diagnosis and planning of pericardiectomy before irreversible deterioration of cardiac function leads to a notable reduction in mortality and morbidity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Pericardiectomy; Chronic Disease; Postoperative Period; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37232347
DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2023.2216377 -
Innovations (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2023Barbed nonabsorbable sutures have been widely adopted for tissue closure in noncardiac robotic surgery to improve intraoperative efficiency. Here, we examine the profile...
OBJECTIVE
Barbed nonabsorbable sutures have been widely adopted for tissue closure in noncardiac robotic surgery to improve intraoperative efficiency. Here, we examine the profile in robotic mitral valve repair (rMVR), which utilized barbed nonabsorbable sutures. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe clinical outcomes for rMVR with barbed nonabsorbable sutures.
METHODS
A retrospective review identified 90 patients who underwent rMVR using barbed nonabsorbable sutures at our center between 2019 and 2021. The primary outcome measure was dehiscence, while other relevant outcomes included 30-day readmission and 30-day mortality.
RESULTS
In addition to fixation of the mitral annuloplasty band, barbed nonabsorbable sutures were employed commonly in concomitant pericardiectomy closure (100.0%, 90 of 90), atriotomy closure (100.0%, 90 of 90), and left atrial appendage closure (if eligible; 98.8%, 83 of 84). One patient who underwent mitral valve annuloplasty using only barbed nonabsorbable suture required reoperation for annuloplasty ring dehiscence. Immediate postoperative ring dehiscence was not observed in any patients after the routine reinforcement of barbed nonabsorbable sutures with everting pledgeted polyester sutures, and no additional patients required reoperation for suture-related complications. Clinical signs of dehiscence were not observed after pericardiectomy, atriotomy, or left atrial appendage closure with barbed nonabsorbable sutures. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.3% (3 of 90), and 30-day mortality was 0% (0 of 90).
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest the initial feasibility of barbed nonabsorbable sutures in robotic cardiac surgery, specifically within rMVR. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term safety and efficacy profile of such approach.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Suture Techniques; Mitral Valve; Feasibility Studies; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Sutures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37227169
DOI: 10.1177/15569845231174228 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports May 2023Myocardial infiltration by primary cardiac neoplasm is a rare entity, providing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The pathological spectrum includes more frequently...
BACKGROUND
Myocardial infiltration by primary cardiac neoplasm is a rare entity, providing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The pathological spectrum includes more frequently benign forms. Refractory heart failure, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmias due to infiltrative mass are the most common clinical manifestations.
CASE SUMMARY
We describe the case of a 35-year-old man complaining of shortness of breath and weight loss in the last 2 months. A previous acute myeloid leukaemia treated with allogenic bone marrow transplant was reported. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an apical thrombus in the left ventricle, with inferior and septal hypokinesia conditioning a mildly reduced ejection fraction, circumferential pericardial effusion, and abnormal right ventricular thickening. Cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed diffuse thickening of the right ventricular free wall due to myocardial infiltration. Positron emission tomography showed the presence of neoplastic tissue with increased metabolic activity. A pericardiectomy was performed showing a widespread cardiac neoplastic infiltration. Histopathological analysis done on right ventricular pathological samples obtained during cardiac surgery revealed the presence of a rare and aggressive cardiac anaplastic T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Few days after the operation, the patient developed refractory cardiogenic shock and unluckily died before initiating an adequate antineoplastic therapy.
DISCUSSION
Primary cardiac lymphoma is not frequent, and the lack of specific symptoms makes the diagnosis extremely challenging and often limited to autopsy findings. Our case highlights the importance of an appropriate diagnostic algorithm, requiring non-invasive multimodality assessment imaging and then invasive cardiac biopsy. This approach may allow an early diagnosis and an adequate therapy for this otherwise fatal pathology.
PubMed: 37207106
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad234 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Sep 2023Calcific constrictive pericarditis is a very rare complication of systemic sclerosis. This is the first report of surgically treated calcific constrictive pericarditis... (Review)
Review
Calcific constrictive pericarditis is a very rare complication of systemic sclerosis. This is the first report of surgically treated calcific constrictive pericarditis in systemic sclerosis. A 53 years-old woman, affected by limited systemic sclerosis, had a diagnosis of calcific constrictive pericarditis. She had a medical history of congestive heart failure since 2022. The patient was treated with pericardiectomy. Via a median sternotomy, the pericardium was dissected and removed from the midline to the left phrenic nerve, thus freeing the heart. Three months after the pericardiectomy, there was a significant clinical improvement. The calcific evolution of chronic pericarditis is a rare complication of systemic sclerosis. This case represents, at best of our knowledge, the first report of calcific constrictive pericarditis, in systemic sclerosis, treated with pericardiectomy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Pericardiectomy; Pericardium; Pericarditis; Scleroderma, Systemic
PubMed: 37192678
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101796