Prosthetic Valve Dehiscence Research Articles

Microbiological and echocardiography characteristics in the prosthetic valve endocarditis patients

Objectives: The goal of the study was description the status of describe microbiological and cardiac injury characteristics through echocardiographic images in prosthetic valve endocarditis patients.
 Methods & Results: Cross-sectional description of 64 prosthetic valve endocarditis patients at Hanoi Heart Hospital and Cardiology Institute - Bach Mai Hospital from June 2016 to August 2018. Aged 54.01±17.25 (18-84) years old, (60.9% male). Bacterial endocarditis was found in 50% of cases, the most common causative pathogens were Gr(+) bacteria 81.25% (26/32), Gr(-) bacteria 18.75%, multi drug resistant 22.73%. The results of antibiogram showed that Staphylococcus aureus and the group of Gr (-) bacteria had the highest antibiotic resistance. Echocardiographic characteristics of infective endocarditis mitral valve 57.8%, aortic valve 34.4%, in many valve sites very few (3.1%). Biological aortic valve (27.6%) lower than mechanical aortic valve (63.6%). The aortic valve had multiple vegetations (45.65%), size of vegetations was 11.3±4.26 (mm), periprosthetic aortic abscess and dehiscence at the lateral annulus (17.39%). Biological mitral valve (48.7%), mechanical mitral valve (51.3%). Mitral valve had multiple vegetations (60.66%), size of vegetations was 8.99±5.6 (mm), prosthetic valve with dehiscence at the lateral annulus (11.48%). Early infectious endocarditis postop was characterized by heart failure, reoperation and mortality higher than lated infective endocarditis (p>0.05).
 Conclusions: The half of prosthetic valve endocarditis had bacterial evidence, common causative pathogens were Gram positives. Multi drug resistant due to staphylococcus aureus and Gram negatives. Prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis had the highest rate, followed by prosthetic aortic valve, endocarditis lesions in many valve sites were few. The Characteristics of prosthetic aortic valve werre periprosthetic aortic abscess and dehiscence at the lateral annulus, the mitral valve had multiple vegetations.

Contemporary Review of Multi-Modality Cardiac Imaging Evaluation of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains to be a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, which can affect native valves, prosthetic valves, and intra-cardiac devices, in addition to causing systemic complications. The combination of clinical, laboratory, and cardiac imaging evaluation is critical for early diagnosis and risk stratification of IE. This can facilitate timely medical and surgical management to improve patient outcomes. Key imaging findings for IE include vegetations, valve perforation, prosthetic valve dehiscence, pseudoaneurysms, abscesses, and fistulae. Transthoracic echocardiography continues to be the first-line imaging modality of choice, while transesophageal echocardiography subsequently provides an improved structural assessment and characterization of lesions to facilitate management decision in IE. Recent advances in other imaging modalities, especially cardiac computed tomography and 18F-fluorodeox-yglucose positron emission tomography, and to a lesser extent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and other nuclear imaging techniques, have demonstrated important roles in providing complementary IE diagnostic and prognostic information. This review aims to discuss the individual and integrated utilities of contemporary multi-modality cardiac imaging for the assessment and treatment guidance of IE.

Mitral prosthetic valve dehiscence: Role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram in management

Mitral prosthetic valve dehiscence: Role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram in management

Abstract 9991: Index Case of Prosthetic Mitral Valve Dehiscence Secondary to SARS CoV 2 Virus: Histopathologic Evidence of T-cell Mediated Injury

Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 virus has been shown to inflict damage on native cardiac valvular tissue. We present the index case of prosthetic mitral valve (MV) dehiscence secondary to SARS-Cov-2 virus as evidenced by histopathologic analysis of peri-valvular annular tissue . Case: 63-year-old male with history of MV replacement 2 years ago presented with complaint of dyspnea for 2 weeks. He was asymptomatic on a cardiology appointment a month ago and had an unremarkable transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at that time. On arrival, he was hypoxic to 80% on room air and chest exam revealed bibasilar crackles. Complete blood count and electrolytes were within normal ranges. He tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 virus RNA and had a recent family history of COVID-19. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral pulmonary vascular congestion. He was given supplemental oxygen through nasal cannula with improvement in pulse oximetry. Repeat TTE revealed mitral paravalvular leak with suspicion for prosthetic dehiscence. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed multiple jets of severe paravalvular regurgitation and disruption of the MV apparatus. No vegetations were detected on echocardiography. He underwent a pre-operative right heart catheterization which confirmed severe MV regurgitation with pulmonary artery (PA) capillary wedge pressure of 45mmHg (Normal: <12) and a PA pressure of 40mmHg (Normal:<20). Intra-operatively, we found near-complete dehiscence of prosthetic MV with surrounding annular calcifications. Our patient underwent surgical MV replacement with a biosynthetic valve. Histopathologic analysis of the annular tissue revealed myxomatous degeneration and an inflammatory infiltrate of CD4 T helper cells consistent with subacute to chronic inflammation. Of note, neutrophils were not detected which usually signify acute bacterial endocarditis. Tissue and blood cultures remained sterile. Our patient improved hemodynamically after MV replacement and was discharged home in stable condition. Conclusion: We propose that SARS-Cov-2 virus may cause prosthetic MV dehiscence through CD4 T cell-mediated damage to annular tissue. Such cases would require surgical valve replacement to manage the resulting hemodynamic compromise.

Infektivni endokarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) was first described more than 350 years ago. It is a disease of the endocardial surface of the heart. Infection typically involves the cardiac valves (native or prosthetic) or an indwelling cardiac device. The cardiac manifestations could include valvular vegetation, abscess, periannular extension of infection. The clinical manifestations of IE are protean and can involve all organic system. Early clinical suspicion and rapid diagnosis are crucial for adequate treatment and reduction of complications and mortality. Integrating clinical results, imaging, and biomarkers are traditionally applied in suspected IE modified Duke criteria. New imaging technologies, such as multi-slice computed tomography, photon-emission computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, might add value to conventional echocardiography in diagnosis and management of IE. Complications from IE are common, and include congestive heart failure, embolism, septic shock, invasive infection, prosthetic valve dehiscence, heart block, and mycotic aneurysm. Intravenous antibiotics are first-line therapy with cardiac surgery being reserved for certain complications of IE and/or for clinical situations in which there is a high risk of complications. Longstanding controversies such as the timing of surgery or the role of antibiotic prophylaxis have not been resolved.

Aortic root abscess – a deadly complication of UTI-induced infective endocarditis

Aortic root abscess and endocarditis should be suspected in patients with bradycardia and sepsis. We present a case of a 76 year old male who presented with urinary tract infection and sepsis and developed bradycardia and ventricular stand still during hospital admission. Transthoracic echocardiogram was unrevealing; transesophageal echocardiogram showed prosthetic valve dehiscence and aortic root abscess, intracardiac fistula, and tricuspid valve endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of suspecting endocarditis in patients with sepsis and known source of infection, especially if blood cultures do not clear or conduction abnormalities develop.

Diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography versus transesophageal echocardiography in infective endocarditis: A contemporary comparative meta-analysis

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in diagnosing infective endocarditis (IE). TEE is a mainstay imaging modality for IE, while the use of CCT is becoming increasingly prevalent. Data directly comparing the diagnostic performance of these two imaging modalities for IE are limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature in Embase, PubMed and Cochrane databases through October 1, 2020 for studies comparing diagnostic performance of CCT and TEE for the diagnosis of IE in the same patient populations. A meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy was performed using the bivariate model based on studies that used surgical pathology as a reference standard for defining endocarditis. From a total of 10 studies included in the meta-analysis, a total of 872 patients were evaluated. The pooled sensitivities and specificities of TEE for detecting vegetations were 96% and 83% respectively, whereas for CCT, they were 85% and 84%, respectively. In the prosthetic valve sub-group, the pooled sensitivities and specificities of TEE for detecting vegetations were 89% and 74% respectively, whereas for CCT, they were 78% and 94%, with CCT being more specific than TEE (p<0.05). The pooled sensitivities and specificities of TEE for detecting periannular complications were 70% and 96% respectively, whereas for CCT, they were 88% and 93%, respectively. CCT showed a trend (p=0.06) towards higher sensitivity than TEE for detection of periannular complications. The pooled sensitivities and specificities of TEE for detecting leaflet perforation were 79% and 93% respectively, whereas for CCT, they were 48% and 93% respectively, with TEE being more sensitive (p<0.05). The two modalities also showed comparable diagnostic performance for detecting fistulae, paravalvular leaks and prosthetic valve dehiscence. In a contemporary comparative meta-analysis, TEE and CCT demonstrated both good diagnostic accuracy for detecting valvular involvement and complications of IE. TEE performed better for detecting leaflet defects, whereas CCT performed better in cases of prosthetic valve involvement, and showed a trend towards improved detection of periannular complications. Appropriate, complementary use of both TEE and CCT in a multimodality imaging approach in clinical practice may achieve the highest diagnostic performance.

P639 Dehiscence of Bio-Bentall aortic graft after repeated staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). It is characterised by a lower incidence of vegetations and a higher incidence of perivalvular complications, including valve dehiscence and must be suspected in case of a new periprosthetic regurgitation, even without vegetation or abscess. Multimodality approach is mandatory to detect penetration of the process into the valve ring, aortic root or ascending aorta for complete operative preparation. Case presentation A 22-year old male, with history of Bio-Bentall procedure due to Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infective endocarditis on the mechanical aortic valve (AV) two years priorly, presented to the emergency department with sudden dyspnea without fever. He was treated for pneumonia due to increased inflammatory parameters and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on X-Ray. Due to complete regression of infiltrates over the night, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed, revealing almost complete dehiscence of the AV graft with most of the antegrade and retrograde flow through the pseudoaneurismatic sac, communicating with the ascending aorta at the distal graft dehiscence, no clear vegetation was seen. With clearly visible valve and supravalvular pathology of the AV on TTE, we proceeded to computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracic aorta, which showed dissection and delineated rupture of Bio-Bentall graft. The pseudoaneurismatic sac surrounding bulbar portion of Bentall graft, communicating with the left outflow tract and sinus Valsave was seen, compressing ostial portion of the left main and right coronary artery. Re-Bio-Bentall procedure and venous grafting of the left anterior descendant and right coronary artery were performed. Intraoperative transthoracic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the findings, already provided by TTE and CTA. Hemocultures as well as sonication of the removed graft remained negative for bacteria. Postoperatively, left ventricular failure developed, requiring VA ECMO. On postoperative CTA, changes were consistent with usual postprocedural changes. After prolonged rehabilitation, the patient was released home, clinically stable, but with severely reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricle, severe diastolic dysfunction and mild mitral regurgitation. Conclusion TTE is a very useful, non-invasive imaging method in diagnosing PVE and its complications, which can be upgraded with TEE or CTA to provide additional information on the ascending aorta. In a patient, with the past history of repetitive S. aureus infective endocarditis, presenting with Bio-Bental dehiscence, PVE cannot be excluded completely. Even though the timing for follow-up imaging is not well defined in current guidelines, patients with dehiscence of prosthetic valve or graft present a high risk group, demanding individual follow-up planning and lower threshold for imaging referral. Abstract P639 Figure. Dehiscence of aortic valve graft

P1458 Recurrent endocarditis on mitral valve prosthesis

Abstract Patient Presentation and initial work up A 72 years old man with history of hypertension was admitted to our hospital due to acute pulmonary oedema. He had no fever at that time and he had an history of known mitral valve prolapse but with no reported mitral valve regurgitation (MR). Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) was performed and it showed a severe MR. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) showed prolapse of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve with suspicion of cordal rupture and the presence of an aneurysm of the anterior mitral valve leaflet with perforation of it (panel A and B). Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis of severe MR as the result of previous endocarditis was made. Blood cultures were negative, as well as there were no signs of active endocarditis. However, since there were heart failure and signs of uncontrolled infection, the patient underwent surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR) with bioprosthesis. Moreover, it was started antibiotic therapy with vancomycin, rifampin and ceftriaxone, which was continued for two weeks and then stopped since the microbiological culture of the valve was negative. Follow-up After two months he was re-admitted to the hospital due to a new onset of breathlessness. TTE showed a dehiscence of the mitral prosthetic valve in the inferolateral zone with rocking movement, subvalvular pseudoaneurysm and moderate paravalvular leak (panel C and D). Blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus Aureus. Consequently, the patient underwent a new surgical MVR. Furthermore, six weeks of antibiotic therapy were carried out with daptomycin and rifampin. However, after another three months, he was admitted once again to the hospital for heart failure with a new evidence of abruption of the mitral prosthesis, again in the inferolateral region and, this time, with the evidence of a vegetation on the atrial side of the prosthesis (panel E and F). Again, blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus Aureus, and the patient underwent the third surgical intervention of MVR. Another six weeks of antibiotic therapy with daptomycin and rifampin were performed. The patient was then discharged and he is now strictly followed clinically. Conclusion In conclusion, we reported the case of a recurrent relapse of endocarditis on mitral valve prosthesis due to Staphylococcus Aureus infection. Interestingly, the mitral prosthesis was involved always in the same zone (inferolateral area) with abruption of the prosthesis and significant paravalvular regurgitation. At the second relapse there was also a vegetation on it and both times blood cultures were positive. Moreover, antibiotic therapy was conducted for six weeks both times, but the recurrence of endocarditis showed us that he was a sensitive patient and that in cases of relapses like this it should be performed a more careful clinical follow up, involving frequent laboratory tests and clinical and echocardiographic evaluations. Abstract P1458 Figure.

Infective Endocarditis: Echocardiographic Imaging and New Imaging Modalities.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease with a significant impact and an increasing mortality despite earlier diagnosis and surgical intervention. It is related to several and the main etiological agents are the Gram-positive cocci. The new guidelines propose new diagnostic criteria that consider the potentiality on integrated multimodality imaging. Echocardiography (TTE) plays a key role for the diagnosis of IE and must be performed as soon as IE is suspected. It allows to identify vegetation, abscess, new dehiscence of prosthetic valve and assesses the number, size, shape, location, echogenicity and mobility of vegetations so it also useful for prediction embolic risk. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is indicated when TTE is positive or non diagnostic, in case of suspected complications and when intracardiac device leads are present. We underline the increasing role of three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography in overcoming the limit of 2DTEE in selecting the maximum true diameter of irregular masses (ie, vegetation). We also underline the diagnostic value of multislice computed tomograpfy (MSCT), cerebral magnetic resonance (RMI) and nuclear imaging and also emphasize the emerging role of particular types of endocarditis specially Lead Endocarditis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the imaging techniques useful for the diagnosis and identification of any complications. In our opinion, the management of IE is complex, based on an “Endocarditis team “ composed by several specialist and an integrated multimodality imaging is essential for the diagnostic approach.

Near‐complete aortic mechanical valve dehiscence due to endocarditis reinfection

Prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the most serious postimplantation complications. Prosthetic aortic valve IE constitutes 1%-6% of all prosthetic valve IE cases. We present a dramatic echocardiographic case of prosthetic aortic valve IE leading to near-complete valve dehiscence. Echocardiographic evidence of prosthetic aortic valve rocking motion is indicative of significant dehiscence. Aside from IE, other causes and risk factors for prosthetic aortic valve dehiscence include inflammatory and autoimmune vasculitides, concomitant ascending aorta aneurysm, and aortic root calcification.

Comparison of Cardiac Computed Tomography With Transesophageal Echocardiography for Identifying Vegetation and Intracardiac Complications in Patients With Infective Endocarditis in the Era of 3-Dimensional Images.

Recent evolution of cardiac computed tomography (CT) provides useful information about valvular and perivalvular structures. We compared the diagnostic performance of CT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with applications of 3-dimensional reconstruction in detecting vegetation and intracardiac complications in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Seventy-five patients (53 men; age, 58±15 years) with definite IE who underwent TEE and CT with 3-dimensional reconstruction within 3 days were analyzed. The diagnostic performances of the 2 modalities for vegetation and IE-related intracardiac complications (valve perforation, valve aneurysm, perivalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm, fistula, and prosthetic valve dehiscence) were compared. The detection rate of vegetation in TEE and CT was 97.3% and 72.0%, respectively. The maximum sizes of vegetation identified by TEE and CT were well correlated (r=0.593; P<0.001), especially in patients with large vegetation (≥10 mm), suggestive of a high risk of systemic embolism (r=0.608; P<0.001). However, small vegetation (<10 mm) was underdiagnosed by CT (52.8%) compared with TEE (94.4%), and the sizes of the 2 modalities were poorly correlated (r=0.187; P=0.445). Both modalities showed fair diagnostic performance for detecting IE-related intracardiac complications with excellent agreement. TEE was more useful for diagnosing valve perforation and intracardiac fistula, whereas CT was better for diagnosing perivalvular abscess. Cardiac CT shows a comparable diagnostic performance with TEE for large vegetation and several IE-related complications. TEE is better for detecting small vegetation, valve perforation, and intracardiac fistula, whereas CT is more useful for detecting perivalvular abscess and coronary artery disease.

Evaluation of prosthetic valve dysfunction by three-dimensional echocardiography

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (echo) and transesophageal echo images enable visualization of valvular anatomy from unique orientations with improved spatial relationships not previously seen with two-dimensional (2D) echo. Materials and Methods: Patients who fulfilled the criteria had undergone detailed evaluation of prosthetic valve dysfunction. Prosthetic valve dysfunction patients with stable hemodynamic were included and 3D echo findings were compared with 2D echo. Results: A total of 10 males and 25 females were evaluated in the study. Two females and one male had bioprosthetic, three males and two females had tilting disc valve, while 21 females and six males had bileaflet mechanical valve. 3D echo had shown abnormal motion of leaflets in seven male and 21 female patients compared to 2D echo. Abnormal valvular calcification was demonstrated in a total of 23 patients on 3D echo. Valve sewing-ring integrity and motion were found abnormal in two male and two female patients in 3D echo. Prosthetic valve dehiscence and thrombus were better seen in five and 15 patients, respectively, on 3D echo. On 3D echo, pannus was better seen in one male and two females. 3D echo defined exact site and size of vegetation better than 2D echo in two female patients. Conclusions: Real-time 3D imaging allows clinically useful visualization of prosthetic valve components such as leaflets, rings, and struts of all prosthetic valves, irrespective of position. “En face” view of the valve has proven useful in the assessment of prosthetic valve endocarditis, paravalvular regurgitation, and prosthesis dysfunction. 3D echo imaging plays an important role in device closure.

Multiple reoperations on the aortic valve: outcomes and implications for future potential valve-in-valve strategy†

Surgical mortality and long-term outcomes are important considerations when determining strategies for multiple reoperations on the aortic valve (AV). With the rise of percutaneous valve-in-valve, we sought to evaluate the current outcomes of conventional surgery for AV reoperation, focusing first on the effect of the number of previous AV interventions with a subsequent analysis of the risk factors for adverse outcomes. From January 2007 to December 2016, 316 consecutive patients underwent an open redo operation (replacement) on their AV at a single centre. It was the first AV reintervention in 263 patients (Group 1), second in 42 patients (Group 2) and third or more in 11 patients (Group 3). There were 230 men and 86 women, with a median age of 58 (Q1-Q3: 46-70) years. Structural valve deterioration (SVD) of the bioprosthesis (n = 136, 44%), endocarditis (n = 57, 18%) and prosthetic valve dehiscence (n = 41, 13%) were the most common reasons for reintervention. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 7.3%: 7.2% in Group 1, 4.76% in Group 2 and 18.2% in Group 3 (P = 0.233) and ranged from 3.7% for SVD to 14.0% when endocarditis was the reason for reintervention. Higher preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (III/IV) [odds ratio (OR) 15.9, P = 0.011], injury during re-entry (OR 16.9, P = 0.015), endocarditis (OR 3.7, P = 0.038) and concomitant mitral valve replacement (OR 5.6, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Survival at 8 years was 79.0 ± 3.0% for the entire cohort and 88.4 ± 3.2% for re-replacement after SVD. Multiple AV reoperations carry an acceptable risk of early postoperative mortality, particularly for isolated valve replacements of SVD.

A novel solution to prosthetic valve dehiscence after aortic valve surgery in Behçet's disease.

Prosthetic valve dehiscence after aortic valve surgery in Behçet's disease patients is common. We aimed to validate the usefulness of our new technique 'subannular endomyocardial implantation of valve prosthesis' designed to prevent prosthetic valve dehiscence. Subannular endomyocardial implantation of valve prosthesis involves suturing the sewing cuff of the valve prosthesis in the endomyocardium below the aortic annulus, which is based on the idea that annular tissue should be excluded from the suture line in Behçet's disease patients. Medical records of 7 patients in whom the new technique was performed between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Five men and two women were included (median age, 44 years). Aortic root replacement was performed in 6 cases, and aortic valve replacement in 1. No operative mortality occurred. Postoperatively, complete atrioventricular block developed in 3 cases, and permanent pacemakers were implanted in 2. No reoperation was performed for prosthetic valve dehiscence during the median 7.8-year follow-up. One late death occurred due to sudden cardiac arrest 8.4 years after surgery. One additional permanent pacemaker was implanted for complete atrioventricular block, which developed at 4.2 years postoperatively. The last echocardiography (median, 6.7 years after surgery) revealed no paravalvular leakages. Subannular endomyocardial implantation of valve prosthesis seems useful for preventing prosthetic valve dehiscence after aortic valve surgery for Behçet's disease. It poses a risk of complete atrioventricular block, but considering the high reoperation rate and mortality due to prosthetic valve dehiscence after conventional aortic valve surgery, this risk seems reasonable.

Abstract 11654: Surgical Versus Medical Therapy for Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 32 Studies

Background: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) after valve replacement surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Whether a surgical or medical treatment strategy is preferable has not been clearly defined. Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify studies that compared re-operative valve surgery versus medical therapy for PVE. A meta-analysis was conducted on the outcomes of 30-day mortality, and follow-up survival and recurrent PVE. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated utilizing the Mantel-Haenszel method under a fixed or random effects model, as appropriate. Continuous and categorical variables were compared utilizing an independent t-test and a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, respectively. Results: A total of 32 studies were identified, which included 2636 patients (Surgery=1320, Medical=1316), with a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 3-120). Patients undergoing valve reoperation were younger (58 ± 20 years versus 63 ± 22 years, p&lt;0.0001), with a higher incidence of heart failure (38% versus 28%, p=0.0001) and paravalvular complications (paravalvular leak, prosthetic valve dehiscence, and/or paravavular abscess; 43% versus 19%, p&lt;0.0001), while patients treated with medical therapy alone experienced more Staphylcoccus aureus PVE (32% versus 24%, p=0.0003). When compared with medical therapy, a valve reoperation was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality (25% versus 34%; RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64-0.82, p&lt;0.00001), and a greater survival at follow-up (69% versus 58%; RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.53, p=0.01), which was driven by the 15 studies published in the year 2000 or later. In patients with left-sided PVE, valve reoperation was also associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality (25% versus 33%; RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64-0.86, p&lt;0.0001), and a greater survival at follow-up (71% versus 58%; RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.73, p=0.02), as compared with medical therapy. There was no difference in the incidence of recurrent PVE with regard to surgical versus medical therapy. Conclusions: Compared with medical therapy, reoperative valve surgery results in lower 30-day mortality and a greater survival at follow-up, and may be preferable for patients with PVE.

Surgical decision-making in aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis: the influence of electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) in the surgical decision-making and preoperative evaluation in patients with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Sixty-eight prosthetic valves in 67 patients with aortic PVE were prospectively evaluated with ECG-gated CT and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Imaging findings considered indications for surgery were as follows: (i) abscess/pseudoaneurysm formation; (ii) prosthetic valve dehiscence; (iii) valve destruction with valvular regurgitation; (iv) large vegetations (>1.5 cm). The coronary arteries were evaluated with ECG-gated CT. Clinical data including surgical reports and mortality data were collected. Fifty-eight of 68 cases had indication for surgery based on imaging findings (ECG-gated CT/TEE). In 8 of these cases (14%), there was indication for surgery based on CT but not on TEE findings (all had perivalvular pseudoaneurysms). In 11 cases (19%), there was indication for surgery based on TEE but not on CT findings [non-drained abscess (n = 5), prosthetic valve dehiscence (n = 4), large vegetation (n = 1), valve destruction (n = 1)]. In 31 of 32 patients with indication for preoperative coronary angiography, ECG-gated CT coronary angiography was diagnostic. In 1 patient, ECG-gated CT coronary angiography was inconclusive and invasive coronary angiography was performed. In patients with aortic PVE, ECG-gated CT provides additional information over TEE regarding perivalvular extension of infection, which can influence surgical decision-making. Furthermore, ECG-gated CT provides a non-invasive coronary angiogram and can in most cases replace invasive coronary angiography in the preoperative evaluation.

Mitral Valve Surgery in Patients With Severe Mitral Annular Calcification

Mitral valve surgery in patients with severe mitral annular calcification can be challenging. We investigated surgical outcomes of mitral valve surgery with complete annular decalcification and reconstruction. Between January 2004 and December 2013, 2,104 patients underwent mitral valve surgery at our institution. Of these, 61 patients (mean age 70 years) with severe mitral annular calcification were reviewed. Valve lesions were stenosis in 20 patients (32.8%), regurgitation in 16 (26.2%), mixed in 19 (31.1%), and prosthetic valve dehiscence in 6 (9.8%). Calcified annulus was resected completely and reconstructed with equine pericardium in 48 patients (78.7%), autologous pericardium in 10 (16.4%), and polytetrafluoroethylene felt pledgets in 3 (4.9%). Mitral valve repair was attempted in 4 patients (6.6%) and mitral valve replacement in 57 (93.4%). One patient (1.6%) had conversion from repair to replacement due to cardiac rupture. Concomitant procedures included aortic valve replacement in 36 patients (56.3%), tricuspid valve surgery in 28 (43.8%), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 18 (28.1%). Mean follow-up was 3.5 ± 2.5 years. There was no 30-day hospital death. Early complications were left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient, pericardial patch dehiscence in 1, severe arrhythmia in 6, and stroke in 2. At 5 years, rates of survival and freedom from cardiac death and major adverse valve-related events were 75.6%, 79.7%, and 72.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated coronary artery disease as an independent predictor of cardiac death. In patients with severe mitral annular calcification undergoing mitral valve surgery, complete annular decalcification and reconstruction yields favorable outcomes.

Prosthetic mitral valve dehiscence caused by infective endocarditis

Prosthetic mitral valve dehiscence caused by infective endocarditis

Reconstruction and Replacement of the Aortic Root in Destructive Endocarditis

Surgical treatment of endocarditis causing destruction of the aortic root is challenging, requiring surgical expertise and a repertoire of techniques. The major goals of surgery are to achieve drainage of abscess cavities, radical annular debridement and aortic valve replacement without abnormal mechanical stress on the suture line. This approach can help avoid some major complications that may occur postoperatively: recurrence or persistence of infection and prosthetic valve dehiscence. A number of procedures are available to manage a wide spectrum of pathology that may be encountered. We have outlined a number of surgical techniques that can be used for aortic root reconstruction in the setting of extensive destruction.