Fungal infective endocarditis of polytetrafluoroethylene pulmonary valve with Paecilomyces species following tetralogy of Fallot correction

Fungal infective endocarditis of the prosthetic pulmonary valve in non immunocompromised host is growing phenomena attributed to the increased use of prosthetic materials. High mortality and neurovascular sequalae is commonly seen in such case if treatment is delayed. Often misdiagnosed as bacterial endocarditis due to closely resembling clinical features and lack of inexpensive and readily available laboratory tests, the diagnosis is often delayed. High index of suspicion and early surgical intervention is needed for early diagnosis and management

Diaphragmatic fenestration an effective treatment for refractory postoperative chylothorax: a case report

Postoperative chylothorax remains a clinical challenge to the surgeon with substantial morbidity and risk of mortality. Though an uncommon complication, it is known to complicate cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgeries. Conservative measures are first employed in managing this. Surgical options are adopted when the effusion is protracted, most recent of which includes diaphragmatic fenestration. A 9-year-old girl is presented who developed recurrent right chylothorax following thoracoscopic excision of a cystic lymphangioma. Following failed conservative therapy, she had thoracic duct ligation and right diaphragmatic fenestration (using fenestrated polytetrafluoroethylene patch) with satisfactory outcome. Aetio-pathologic mechanisms implicated in postoperative chylothorax have been classified into traumatic (iatrogenic injury to the thoracic duct or its branches) and non-traumatic. With initial conservative measures (repeated pleural aspirations and intercostal drainage, medium chain triglyceride/ low fat feeds or alternatively, fasting and total parenteral nutrition) spontaneous closure remains unpredictable. Diaphragmatic fenestration when employed resulted in faster resolution of effusion and earlier commencement of enteral feeding with no significant complication. Diaphragmatic fenestration is effective and safe for treating refractory post-operative chylothorax.

Adult Form of Scimitar Syndrome Presenting as Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in a Child.

Background: Scimitar syndrome is a rare association of congenital cardiopulmonary anomalies; the adult form is not usually is associated with pulmonary hypertension. Case characteristics: 6-year-old girl with recurrent episodes of cough and breathlessness, along with features of right heart enlargement. Computed tomography angiogram revealed right pulmonary veins draining into inferior vena cava with dextroposition of heart. Outcome: Successfully managed with surgical correction. Message: Scimitar syndrome should be considered in any child with unexplained pulmonary hypertension and dextroposed heart.