Post pericardiotomy syndrome: a new perspective

The incidence of postpericardiotomy syndrome [PPS] was assessed in 50 patients undergoing open heart surgery. All patients were assessed daily during their hospital stay and at regular every three months for one year. The assessment included clinical criteria of PPS and laboratory investigations. None of the patients had shown manifestations of PPS. There was no correlation between the antiheart antibodies and the clinical course of the patients. It is concluded that the PPS is new a rare post operative complication, however, further study including a larger number of patients is required to assess its true incidence

Tricuspid annuloplasty versus conservative management for rheumatic tricuspid incompetence

Fifty five patients having rheumatic tricuspid incompetence were operated upon for concomitant mitral valve from March 1981 to March 1987. Final assessment of the tricuspid valve was done by finger palpation prior to bypass. Thirty eight patients were found to have moderate to severe tricuspid incompetence [Group 1]. They had tricuspid valve annuloplasty. De Vega semicircular annulopasty was performed for the majority of them [35 patients], while original Carpenteir ring was inserted in three. Seventeen patients [Group II] were evaluated to have mild to moderate T.I. And were conservatively managed. Follow up of both groups for periods ranging from 6 m to 6 y showed significant improvement in group A. It was concluded that tricuspid valve repair is indicated for any patient with any degree of T.I felt at operation