Early reduction of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients using a long-term mechanical ventricular assistance device: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a contraindication for heart transplantation (HT). It has been correlated with increased early and late mortality, mainly associated with right ventricular failure. Ventricular assistance devices (VADs) can promote reduction of intracardiac pressures and consequent reduction of PAH over the medium and long terms, thus enabling future candidature for HT. The diminution of early pulmonary pressure within this scenario remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reduction of PAH and correlate data from right catheterization with the earliness of this reduction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis on the medical records of patients undergoing VAD implantation in a single hospital. Patients for whom VAD had been indicated as a bridge to candidature for HT due to their condition of constant PAH were selected. RESULTS: Four patients with VADs had constantly severe PAH. Their mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) before VAD implantation was 66 mmHg. Over the 30-day period after the procedure, all the patients evolved with a drop in PASP to below 60 mmHg. Their new average was 36 mmHg, which was a drop of close to 50% from baseline values. The one-year survival of this sample was 100%. CONCLUSION: VAD implantation can reduce PAH levels. Early reduction occurred in all patients. Thus, use of VAD is an important bridge tool for enabling candidature for HT among patients with constantly severe PAH.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: This prospective single arm study included 19 CTEPH patients (7 male, age(56.3±12.5)years) admitted to Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from January 2017 to June 2019 and received PTPA interventional therapy. Baseline data, including age, sex, WHO functional class, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization values, were collected. Patients received single or repeated PTPA. Number of dilated vessels from each patient was analyzed, patients were followed up for 24 weeks and right heart catheterization was repeated at 24 weeks post initial PTPA. All-cause death, perioperative complications, and reperfusion pulmonary edema were reported. WHO functional class, 6MWD, NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization values were compared between baseline and at 24 weeks follow up. Results: Nineteen CTEPH patients received a total of 56 PTPA treatments. The pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) decreased from (40.11±7.55) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (27.53±4.75) mmHg (P<0.001), and the total pulmonary resistance (TPR) decreased from (13.00±3.56) Wood U to (5.48±1.56) Wood U (P<0.001), cardiac output increased from (3.19±0.63) L/min to (5.23±0.94) L/minutes (P<0.01) at 24 weeks post PTPA. The WHO functional class improved significantly (P<0.001), 6MWD increased from (307.08±129.51) m to (428.00±112.64) m (P=0.002), the NT-proBNP decreased at 24 weeks post PTPA (P=0.002). During the follow-up period, there was no death; hemoptysis occurred in 4 patients during the operation, none of which resulted in serious adverse clinical consequences. One patient developed reperfusion pulmonary edema and recovered after treatment. Conclusion: PTPA treatment is safe and can significantly improve the hemodynamics and WHO functional class of patients with CTEPH.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: the impact of advances in perioperative techniques in patient outcomes / Hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crônica: o impacto dos avanços nas técnicas perioperatórias nos resultados dos pacientes

ABSTRACT Objectives Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the gold standard treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study aimed at reporting outcomes of CTEPH patients undergoing PEA within 10 years, focusing on advances in anesthetic and surgical techniques. Methods We evaluated 102 patients who underwent PEA between January 2007 and May 2016 at the Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Changes in techniques included longer cardiopulmonary bypass, heating, and cooling times and mean time of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and shortened reperfusion time. Patients were stratified according to temporal changes in anesthetic and surgical techniques: group 1 (January 2007-December 2012), group 2 (January 2013-March 2015), and group 3 (April 2015-May 2016). Clinical outcomes were any occurrence of complications during hospitalization. Results Groups 1, 2, and 3 included 38, 35, and 29 patients, respectively. Overall, 62.8% were women (mean age, 49.1 years), and 65.7% were in New York Heart Association functional class III-IV. Postoperative complications were less frequent in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2: surgical complications (10.3% vs. 34.2% vs. 31.4%, p=0.035), bleeding (10.3% vs. 31.5% vs. 25.7%, p=0.047), and stroke (0 vs. 13.2% vs. 0, p=0.01). Between 3 and 6 months post-discharge, 85% were in NYHA class I-II. Conclusion Improvements in anesthetic and surgical procedures were associated with better outcomes in CTEPH patients undergoing PEA during the 10-year period.

RESUMO Objetivo A endarterectomia pulmonar (EAP) é o tratamento padrão ouro para hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crônica (HPTEC). O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a evolução de pacientes com HPTEC submetidos a EAP em 10 anos, com foco nos avanços nas técnicas anestésicas e cirúrgicas. Métodos Foram avaliados 102 pacientes submetidos à EAP entre janeiro de 2007 e maio de 2016 no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Mudanças nas técnicas incluíram circulação extracorpórea, tempos de aquecimento e resfriamento mais longos e tempo médio de hipotermia profunda com parada circulatória e tempo de reperfusão reduzido. Os pacientes foram estratificados de acordo com as mudanças temporais nas técnicas anestésicas e cirúrgicas: grupo 1 (janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2012), grupo 2 (janeiro de 2013 a março de 2015) e grupo 3 (abril de 2015 a maio de 2016). Os desfechos clínicos foram qualquer ocorrência de complicações durante a hospitalização. Resultados Os grupos 1, 2 e 3 incluíram 38, 35 e 29 pacientes, respectivamente. No geral, 62,8% eram mulheres (idade média, 49,1 anos) e 65,7% estavam em classe funcional III-IV da New York Heart Association. As complicações pós-operatórias foram menos frequentes no grupo 3 do que nos grupos 1 e 2: complicações cirúrgicas (10,3% vs. 34,2% vs. 31,4%, p=0,035), sangramento (10,3% vs. 31,5% vs. 25,7%, p=0,047) e acidente vascular cerebral (0 vs. 13,2% vs. 0, p=0,01). Entre 3 e 6 meses após a alta, 85% estavam na classe I-II da NYHA. Conclusão Melhorias nos procedimentos anestésicos e cirúrgicos foram associadas a melhores resultados em pacientes com HPTEC submetidos a EAP durante o período de 10 anos.

Hipertensión pulmonar crónica tromboembólica tromboendarterectomía pulmonar / Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

A nivel mundial, la tercera causa de muerte por causa cardiovascular es el Tromboembolismo Pulmonar (TEP), después del Infarto agudo de Miocardio y el Accidente cerebrovascular, con una incidencia anual estimada de 40 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. Se comunica el caso clínico de un paciente de 44 años con diagnóstico de TEP recurrente con Hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (CTPH) que fue sometido a tromboendarterectomía pulmonar bilateral (PTE) bajo paro circulatorio con hipotermia profunda. Se informa de los resultados de los medios de diagnóstico y del tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la tromboendarterectomía. Se discute el tema en el contexto de la experiencia internacional y nacional.

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution decreases mortality and morbidity in high-risk patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with complex congenital heart disease: an 11-year experience from a single institution

Cardioplegic reperfusion during a long term ischemic period interrupts cardiac surgery and also increases cellular edema due to repeated solution administration. We reviewed the clinical experiences on myocardial protection of a single perfusion with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) for high-risk patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with complex congenital heart disease. This retrospective study included 101 high-risk patients undergoing arterial switch operation between March 2001 and July 2012. We divided the cohort into two groups: HTK group, myocardial protection was carried out with one single perfusion with HTK solution; and St group, myocardial protection with conventional St. Thomas' crystalloid cardioplegic solution. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass did not differ between the two groups. The mortality, morbidity, ICU stay, post-operative hospitalization time, and number of transfusions in HTK group were lower than those in St group (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that HTK is a statistically significant independent predictor of decreased early mortality and morbidity (P<0.05). In conclusion, HTK solution seems to be an effective and safe alternative to St. Thomas' solution for cardioplegic reperfusion in high-risk patients with complex congenital heart disease.

Palliative Senning in the Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension / Senning Paliativo no Tratamento de Cardiopatias Congênitas com Hipertensāo Pulmonar Grave

Background:Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cyanotic cardiopathy, with an incidence ranging between 0.2 and 0.4 per 1000 live births. Many patients not treated in the first few months of life may progress with severe pulmonary vascular disease. Treatment of these patients may include palliative surgery to redirect the flow at the atrial level.Objective:Report our institutional experience with the palliative Senning procedure in children diagnosed with TGA and double outlet right ventricle with severe pulmonary vascular disease, and to evaluate the early and late clinical progression of the palliative Senning procedure.Methods:Retrospective study based on the evaluation of medical records in the period of 1991 to 2014. Only patients without an indication for definitive surgical treatment of the cardiopathy due to elevated pulmonary pressure were included.Results:After one year of follow-up there was a mean increase in arterial oxygen saturation from 62.1% to 92.5% and a mean decrease in hematocrit from 49.4% to 36.3%. Lung histological analysis was feasible in 16 patients. In 8 patients, pulmonary biopsy grades 3 and 4 were evidenced.Conclusion:The palliative Senning procedure improved arterial oxygen saturation, reduced polycythemia, and provided a better quality of life for patients with TGA with ventricular septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension, and poor prognosis.

Fundamento:A transposição das grandes artérias (TGA) é a cardiopatia cianogênica mais comum, com incidência variando de 0,2 a 0,4 por 1000 nascidos vivos. Muitos dos pacientes não tratados nos primeiros meses de vida podem evoluir com doença vascular pulmonar grave, e um método terapêutico para o tratamento desses pacientes pode ser realizado por meio de uma cirurgia paliativa para redirecionamento do fluxo em nível atrial.Objetivo:Relatar a experiência institucional com a cirurgia de Senning paliativo em crianças com diagnóstico de TGA e dupla via de saída do ventrículo direito com doença vascular pulmonar severa. Avaliar, também, a evolução clínica precoce e tardia da operação de Senning paliativo.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo, baseado na avaliação de prontuários no período de 1991 a 2014. Somente pacientes sem indicação para o tratamento cirúrgico definitivo da cardiopatia em razão de elevadas pressões pulmonares.Resultados:Evidenciou-se após um ano de evolução um aumento médio da saturação arterial de oxigênio de 62,1% para 92,5% e uma redução média do hematócrito de 49,4% para 36,3%. A análise da histologia pulmonar foi possível em 16 pacientes. Em oito pacientes foi evidenciada lesão pulmonar grau 3 e 4.Conclusão:A cirurgia de Senning paliativo melhorou a saturação de oxigênio arterial, reduziu a policitemia e proporcionou uma melhora da qualidade de vida em pacientes com TGA com comunicação interventricular, os quais possuíam hipertensão pulmonar severa com prognóstico fechado.

Evaluation of the influence of pulmonary hypertension in ultra-fast-track anesthesia technique in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery / Avaliação da influência da hipertensão pulmonar na técnica anestésica ultra-fast-track em pacientes adultos submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the influence of pulmonary hypertension in the ultra-fast-track anesthesia technique in adult cardiac surgery.Methods:A retrospective study. They were included 40 patients divided into two groups: GI (without pulmonary hypertension) and GII (with pulmonary hypertension). Based on data obtained by transthoracic echocardiography. We considered as the absence of pulmonary hypertension: a pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) <36 mmHg, with tricuspid regurgitation velocity <2.8 m/s and no additional echocardiographic signs of PH, and PH as presence: a sPAP >40 mmHg associated with additional echocardiographic signs of PH. It was established as influence of pulmonary hypertension: the impossibility of extubation in the operating room, the increase in the time interval for extubation and reintubation the first 24 hours postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed when necessary. Considered significant a P value <0.05.Results:The GI was composed of 21 patients and GII for 19. All patients (100%) were extubated in the operating room in a medium time interval of 17.58±8.06 min with a median of 18 min in GII and 17 min in GI. PH did not increase the time interval for extubation (P=0.397). It required reintubation of 2 patients in GII (5% of the total), without statistically significant as compared to GI (P=0.488).Conclusion:In this study, pulmonary hypertension did not influence on ultra-fast-track anesthesia in adult cardiac surgery.

ResumoObjetivo:Avaliar a influência da hipertensão pulmonar na técnica anestésica ultra-fast-track em cirurgia cardíaca de adultos.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo. Foram incluídos 40 pacientes divididos em dois grupos: GI (sem hipertensão pulmonar) e GII (com hipertensão pulmonar). Com base em dados obtidos por ecocardiograma transtorácico, considerou-se como ausência de hipertensão pulmonar: uma pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar 36 mmHg, com velocidade de regurgitação tricúspide <2,8 m/s e ausência de sinais ecocardiográficos adicionais de hipertensão pulmonar; e como presença de hipertensão pulmonar: uma PSAP >40 mmHg associada a sinais ecocardiográficos adicionais de hipertensão pulmonar. Foi estabelecida como influência da HP: a impossibilidade de extubação na sala cirúrgica, o aumento no intervalo de tempo para extubação e a necessidade de reintubação nas primeiras 24h de pós-operatório. Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada quando necessário. Foi considerado como significativo um valor de P<0,05.Resultados:O GI foi composto por 21 pacientes e o GII por 19. Todos os pacientes (100%) foram extubados na sala cirúrgica em um intervalo de tempo médio de 17,58±8,06 min, com uma mediana de 18 min no GI e 17 min no GII. A hipertensão pulmonar não aumentou o intervalo de tempo para extubação (P=0,397). Foi necessária a reintubação de 2 pacientes do GII (5% do total), estatisticamente sem significância em relação ao GI (P=0,488). Não houve óbitos durante a internação dos pacientes.Conclusão:Neste estudo a hipertensão pulmonar não teve influência na técnica anestésica ultra-fast-track em cirurgia cardíaca de adultos.

Tromboendarterectomía en hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica: reporte del primer caso clínico en Uruguay / Thromboendarterectomy in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension of the first clinical case report in Uruguay

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es una entidad subdiagnosticada y de alta morbimortalidad si no se accede a un tratamiento adecuado.El centellograma V/Q confirma la naturaleza tromboembólica de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), pero es la arteriografía convencional el estudio que valora la topografía de los trombos y su accesibilidad a cirugía. El cateterismo cardíacoderecho confirma la HP, su severidad, y brinda parámetros de gran valor pronóstico. La HPTEC es la única etiología de hipertensión pulmonar con posibilidad de un tratamiento quirúrgico potencialmente curativo a través de la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar (TEE).Se reporta el primer caso de nuestro país de HPTEC tratada con TEE y evolución exitosa.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension ( CTEPH) is a delayed diagnosed disease with high morbidity and mortality, especially when untreated. Ventilation/perfusion lung scan confirms the thromboembolic etiology, but pulmonary angiography is still the gold standard diagnostic procedure for defining the extension and location of the disease and surgical indication. Right heart catheterization provides accurate prognostic and disease severity information. Pulmonary endarterectomy represents a potentially curative option in eligible patients.

Tromboendarterectomía pulmonar: tratamiento de elección para la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica / Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

La tromboendarterectomía pulmonar es la terapéutica de elección para pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica. Objetivos: Reportar la experiencia en tromboendarterectomía pulmonar a 18 años de seguimiento. Material y Métodos: Se analizaron retrospectivamente 41 pacientes entre Noviembre 1992 y Agosto 2010.Criterios de inclusión: presión arterial pulmonar media >30 mmHg y resistenciavascular pulmonar (RVP) >300 dinas/sg. cm-5. La angiografía pulmonar determinó la factibilidad quirúrgica. La supervivencia se calculó utilizando el método de Kaplan-Meier y para comparar 2 grupos log-rank test.Resultados: El 44% de los pacientes estaban en clase funcional IV. Los cambios hemodinámicos posteriores a la tromboendarterectomía fueron significativos p <0.001. La PAPm 53 ± 2 a 29 ± 2 mmHg, la RVP 857 ± 65 a 245 ± 25 dinas/sg. cm-5 y el IC 2,3 ± 0,1a 3 ± 0,1. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue 15%, en CF II-III 4% y en CF IV 33% (p=0.01). La mortalidad alejada fue 11%. El 93% de los pacientes mejoró su clase funcional. La supervivencia global a 1, 2, 5, 10 años fue del 85%, 82%, 75% y 71% respectivamente.La supervivencia por clase funcional mostró diferencias significativas (p=0.02). Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar mostró beneficios en esta población de alto riesgo.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Objective: To report our 18-years experience in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Material and Methods: Forty one patients were analyzed between November/1992 andAugust/2010. Inclusion criteria: mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) >30 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >300 dinas/sec.cm-5. Pulmonary angiography determined the surgical feasibility. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meiermethod and to compare the 2 groups log rank test. results: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with chronicthromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Objective: To report our 18-years experience in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Material and Methods: Forty one patients were analyzed between November/1992 andAugust/2010. Inclusion criteria: mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) >30 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >300 dinas/sec.cm-5. Pulmonary angiography determined the surgical feasibility. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meiermethod and to compare the 2 groups log rank test. Results: Forty four percent of the patients were classified in class IV. The hemodynamic changesafter pulmonary thromboendarterectomy were significant (p < 0.001). PAPm 53 ± 2 vs. 29 ± 2 mm Hg, PVR 857 ± 65 vs. 245 ± 25 dinas/sec. cm-5 and CI 2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 3 ± 0.1. In-hospital mortality was 15%; in classes II - III was 4%, and in class IV 33% (p = 0.01). Late mortality was 12%. Ninety three percent of the patients improved their functional class. Overall survival at 1,2, 5 and 10 years was 85%, 82%, 75% and 71% respectively. Survival according to functional class showed significant differences (p = 0.02).Conclusion: In our experience pulmonary thromboendarterectomy showed benefits even in thishigh risk population.

Pregnancy and non-valvular heart disease - Anesthetic considerations.

Non-valvular heart disease is an important cause of cardiac disease in pregnancy and presents a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist during labor and delivery. A keen understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, in addition to the altered physiology of pregnancy, is the key to managing such patients. Disease-specific goals of management may help preserve the hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters within an acceptable limit and a successful conduct of labor and postpartum period..

Postoperative management of pulmonary endarterectomy and outcome.

Pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy (PTE) has been regarded as a promising, potentially curative surgical procedure. However, PTE is associated with specific postoperative complications, such as reperfusion pulmonary edema and right heart failure leading to a considerable mortality of 7-24%. Despite its limitations PTE is a better surgical alternative to lung transplantation which carries high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to analyze the efficacy, safety, morbidity and survival associated in the postoperative period and quality of life after six months of PTE in Indian patients. Forty-one patients with surgically correctable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension underwent pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II, III or IV. Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure was 40.98 ± 9.29 mmHg and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 418.39 ± 95.88 dynes/sec/cm -5 . All patients were followed up to six months and a telephonic survey was conducted using a standard questionnaire. They were assessed and classified as per NYHA grading. There was a significant reduction in the mean pulmonary artery pressure (from 40.98 ± 9.29 mmHg to 24.13 ± 7.36 mmHg, P < 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (from 418.39 ± 95.88 dynes/sec/cm -5 to 142.45 ± 36.27 dynes/sec/cm -5 , P < 0.001) with a concomitant increase in the cardiac index (from 1.99 ± 0.20 L/min/m 2 to 3.28 ± 0.56 L/min/m 2 , P < 0.001) during the postoperative period. The mortality rate in our study was 12.19% (five patients). Ninety per cent of the patients reported a significant improvement in the quality of life and exercise tolerance after surgery compared to the preoperative state. Pulmonary endarterectomy is an effective and potentially curative surgical treatment for patients with severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The current techniques of operation make the procedure relatively safe and long-term survival, NYHA functional status and exercise capacity improve significantly.

Clinical and haemodynamic evaluation of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients scheduled for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: Is schistosomiasis hypertension an important confounding factor?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a disease affecting approximately 4,000 people per year in the United States. The incidence rate in Brazil, however, is unknown. The estimated survival for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension without treatment is approximately three years. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for select patients is a potentially curative procedure when correctly applied. In Brazil, the clinical and hemodynamic profiles of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients have yet to be described. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients scheduled for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in a referral center for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension treatment in Brazil. METHODS: From December 2006 to November 2009, patients were evaluated and scheduled for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. The subjects were classified according to gender, age and functional class and were tested for thrombofilia and brain natriuretic peptide levels. RESULTS: Thirty-five consecutive chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients were evaluated. Two patients tested positive for schistosomiasis, and 31 were enrolled in the study (19 female, 12 male). The majority of patients were categorized in functional classes III and IV. Hemodynamic data showed a mean pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 970.8 ± 494.36 dynas·s·cm-5 and a low cardiac output of 3.378 ± 1.13 L/min. Linear regression revealed a direct relation between cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance. Paradoxical septal movement was strongly correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac output (p=0.001). Brain natriuretic peptide serum levels were elevated in 19 of 27 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In a referral center for pulmonary hypertension in Brazil, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients evaluated for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy had a hemodynamically severe status and had elevated brain natriuretic peptide serum levels. There was a predominance of females in our cohort, and the prevalence of hematological disorders and schistosomiasis was low (less than 10 percent).

Reoperação de tromboendarterectomia pulmonar em recidiva de tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico hipertensivo / Repeat pulmonary thromboendarterectomy after recurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

A cirurgia de tromboendarterectomia tem se estabelecido como método padrão de tratamento do tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico hipertensivo, com excelentes resultados. Entretanto, a reoperação na recidiva do embolismo pulmonar não tem relato na literatura nacional, permanecendo obscuras a sua segurança e efetividade. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com recorrência de tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico hipertensivo ocorrido cinco anos após a primeira cirurgia de tromboendarterectomia pulmonar, e que necessitou de reoperação para resolução dos sintomas.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy has been established as the standard method for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with excellent results. However, repeat pulmonary thromboendarterectomy due to recurrence of pulmonary embolism has never been reported in the Brazilian literature. Its safety and effectiveness remain obscure. We report the case of a patient presenting recurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension five years after the first pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and requiring a second operation for resolution of the symptoms.