Aneurisma aórtico e insuficiencia valvular severa por sífilis terciaria en paciente joven, una enfermedad desatendida / Aortic aneurysm and severe valvular insufficiency due to tertiary syphilis in a young patient, a neglected disease / Aneurisma da aorta e insuficiência valvular grave devido à sífilis terciária em um paciente jovem, uma doença negligenciada

La sífilis es causada por Treponema pallidum, es reconocida por la variedad de sus manifestaciones clínicas; compromete el sistema nervioso, tegumentario y cardiovascular. Las alteraciones cardiovasculares ocurren en 70% de los casos con sífilis no tratada, el 71% de las aortitis sifilíticas desarrollan aneurismas aórticos y la complicación más frecuente es la insuficiencia aórtica. El tratamiento va dirigido a la enfermedad subyacente, con manejo antibiótico para la sífilis terciaria y las complicaciones tromboembólicas y si requiere reparación quirúrgica. Presentamos un caso poco frecuente de un paciente diagnosticado de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y complicaciones cardiovasculares típicas de la sífilis terciaria, que precisó tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, que fue exitoso. Destacamos la pericia clínica de los profesionales de nuestra institución para diagnosticar e identificar las complicaciones cardiovasculares de la sífilis terciaria.

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and is recognized by the variety of its clinical manifestations; it involves the nervous, integumentary and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular alterations occur in 70% of cases with untreated syphilis, 71% of syphilitic aortitis develop aortic aneurysms and the most frequent complication is aortic insufficiency. Treatment is directed at the underlying disease, with antibiotic treatment for tertiary syphilis and thromboembolic complications and if necessary surgical repair. We present a rare case of a patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection and cardiovascular complications typical of tertiary syphilis, who required medical and surgical treatment, which was successful. We highlight the clinical experience of our institution's professionals in the diagnosis and identification of cardiovascular complications of tertiary syphilis.

A sífilis é causada pelo Treponema pallidum e é reconhecida pela variedade de suas manifestações clínicas; ela afeta os sistemas nervoso, tegumentar e cardiovascular. As alterações cardiovasculares ocorrem em 70% dos casos de sífilis não tratada, 71% dos casos de aortite sifilítica desenvolvem aneurismas aórticos e a complicação mais frequente é a insuficiência aórtica. O tratamento é direcionado para a doença subjacente, com tratamento antibiótico para sífilis terciária e complicações tromboembólicas e, se necessário, reparo cirúrgico. Apresentamos um caso raro de um paciente diagnosticado com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e complicações cardiovasculares típicas da sífilis terciária, que precisou de tratamento médico e cirúrgico, que foi bem-sucedido. Apresentamos um caso raro de um paciente com diagnóstico de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e complicações cardiovasculares típicas da sífilis terciária, que necessitou de tratamento médico e cirúrgico, o qual foi bem-sucedido. Destacamos a experiência clínica dos profissionais de nossa instituição no diagnóstico e na identificação das complicações cardiovasculares da sífilis terciária.

Aneurisma de seno de valsalva fistulizado a auricula derecha / Fístula of sinus of valsalva aneurysm to the right atrium

Resumen: Los aneurismas de seno de Valsalva son una malformación rara de observar en la práctica clínica. Se presentan a cualquier edad y pueden ser de origen congénito o adquirido. La importancia de su estudio radica en que potencialmente pueden complicarse con rotura y fistulización a otra estructura cardíaca o extracardíaca, con una alta mortalidad asociada. El diagnóstico muchas veces puede ser complejo, pero existen algunos elementos clínicos inespecíficos que pueden orientarnos en su detección y rápido manejo, lo que puede marcar una diferencia en el pronóstico del paciente. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 49 años con un aneurisma de seno de Valsalva complicado y a continuación una breve revisión del tema.

Abstract: Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are. They occur at any age, either as a congenital or an acquired malformation. They may rupture and form a fístula to other cardiac structures, with a high mortality rate. The clinical case of a 49 year-old patient with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva an a fístula to the right atrium is presented. A brief review of the subject is included.

Fluidodinâmica Computacional na Avaliação do Risco Futuro de Aneurismas de Aorta Ascendente / Computational Fluid Dynamics to Assess the Future Risk of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms

Resumo Fundamentos Uma metodologia para identificação de pacientes portadores de aneurisma de aorta ascendente (AAAs) sob alto risco de remodelamento aórtico não está completamente definida. Objetivo Esta pesquisa objetiva caracterizar numericamente o fluxo sanguíneo aórtico, relacionando a distribuição do estresse mecânico resultante com o crescimento de AAAs. Métodos Estudo analítico, observacional, unicêntrico, em que um protocolo de fluidodinâmica computacional (CFD - Computacional Fluid Dynamics) foi aplicado a imagens de angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) de aorta de pacientes portadores de AAAs. Duas ATC de aorta com pelo menos um ano de intervalo foram obtidas. Dados clínicos dos pacientes foram registrados e, a partir das imagens de ATC, foram gerados modelos tridimensionais. Foram realizados estudos do campo de velocidade e estruturas coerentes (vórtices) com o objetivo de relacioná-los ao crescimento ou não do aneurisma e, posteriormente, compará-los com os dados clínicos dos pacientes. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi utilizado para avaliar a normalidade da amostra e o teste não-paramétrico Wilcoxon signed-rank foi aplicado para comparações de dados pareados entre os ângulos aórticos. A significância estatística foi fixada em 5%. Resultados Para o grupo que apresentou crescimento do aneurisma, a incidência do jato na parede aórtica gerou áreas de recirculação posterior ao jato, induzindo à formação de vórtices complexos, ocasionando um incremento na pressão média no endotélio aórtico. O grupo sem crescimento do aneurisma apresentou diminuição na pressão média. Conclusão Este estudo piloto mostrou que a CFD baseada em ATC pode, em um futuro próximo, ser uma ferramenta auxiliar na identificação dos padrões de fluxo associados ao processo de remodelamento de AAAs.

Abstract Background A methodology to identify patients with ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA) under high risk for aortic growth is not completely defined Objetive This research seeks to numerically characterize the aortic blood flow by relating the resulting mechanical stress distribution with AsAA growth. Methods Analytical, observational, single-center study in which a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) protocol was applied to aortic computed tomography angiogram (CTA) images of patients with AsAA. Two CTA exams taken at a minimum interval of one year were obtained. From the CTA-gathered images, three-dimensional models were built, and clinical data were registered. Study of velocity field and coherent structures (vortices) was performed aiming to relate them to the presence or absence of aneurysm growth, as well as comparing them to the patients' clinical data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normality of the distribution, and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, for non-normal distribution, was used to compare the paired data of the aortic angles. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results The incident jet in the aortic wall generated recirculation areas in the posterior region of the jet, inducing complex vortices formation in the group with aneurysm growth, leading to an average pressure increase in the ascending aortic wall between exams. In the group without aneurysm growth, the average pressure decreased. Conclusion This pilot study showed that CFD based on CTA may in the near future be a tool to help identify flow patterns associated with AsAA remodeling process.

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio may be a predictor for ascending aortic aneurysm

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio has been evidenced in coronary artery disease. Available data demonstrated that inflammation and oxidative stress are the relevant mechanisms of ascending aortic aneurysm formation and dilatation. The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio reflects oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the correlation between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and ascending aortic aneurysm. METHODS: A total of 250 consecutive patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and 250 consecutive patients with normal ascending aortic diameter were included in the study using comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. All data and fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio levels were significantly higher in ascending aortic aneurysm group compared with normal ascending aortic diameter group (p<0.001). Also, there was significantly positive correlation between the diameter of the ascending aorta and the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio is associated with ascending aortic aneurysm and may serve as blood marker for identifying high-risk patients.

Patient with unicuspid aortic valve and ascending aorta aneurysm treated with ozaki procedure and ascending aorta replacement

Abstract Although aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard treatment for aortic valve diseases like stenosis (AS) or insufficiency, new surgical methods have been developed with a focus in the reconstruction of the aortic valve rather than replacing it. The Ozaki procedure involves a tailored replacement of each individual valvular leaflet with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and aims to reproduce the normal anatomy of the aortic valve. Cases of patients with unicuspid aortic valve treated with the Ozaki procedure are uncommon in the litrature and become even more rare when it comes to concomitant diseases like AS and ascending aorta aneurysm. We present the case of a 21-year-old, fit and asymptomatic male, with unicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and ascending aorta dilatation, surgically treated with tricuspidization of the aortic valve with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and replacement of the ascending aorta with a straight synthetic graft. Postoperative studies showed a fully functional, neo-tailored tricuspid aortic valve with trivial regurgitation. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery, stayed in the intensive care unit for 2 days and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.

The largest reported giant ascending aortic aneurysm presented with superior vena cava syndrome

Abstract Giant ascending aortic aneurysm is a rare condition. In this paper, we present an uncommon case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with a maximal diameter of 14 cm in a 77-year-old woman presenting with unusual symptoms. The patient underwent a successful surgery involving ascending aortic replacement, and was discharged without any complication. After discharge, she was followed regularly and no major problem was observed in her control visits. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the largest ascending aortic aneurysm reported to date in the existing literature.

Giant aneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva

Abstract Aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva are defined as dilatation of the aortic root region between the aortic annulus and the sinotubular junction. Isolated aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare cardiovascular pathologies. They may be congenital, especially secondary to connective tissue disorders or in conjunction with congenital cardiac defects, or acquired such as secondary to infections or trauma. Small sized aneurysm without rupture in asymptomatic patients may be followed; however, latter cases require intervention and surgery is the gold standard treatment modality. In this report, a 41-year-old male patient was reported with giant aneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva whom underwent aortic root sparing surgical aortic sinus of Valsalva reconstruction.

Surgical management of left sinus of valsalva aneurysm presenting with exertional chest pain

Abstract Left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a very infrequent clinical entity. Valsalva aneurysms are often asymptomatic in right and non-coronary sinuses and the diagnosis is often incidental. A left SVA which presents with exertional chest pain due to compression of left coronary system arteries is extremely rare. In this case, we present a successful surgical repair of left SVA without aortic regurgitation or myocardial infarction in a 59-year-old male patient.

Surgery for acute type a aortic dissection in a pregnant woman at 28 weeks' gestation

Abstract A 27-year-old woman with sudden back pain was transported to our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed pregnancy of 28 weeks' gestation. Computed tomography demonstrated a type A aortic dissection. Because of progressive fetal deterioration, an emergency cesarean section was forced to perform. The next day, simple hysterectomy followed by an aortic procedure was completed. Valve-sparing aortic replacement and total arch replacement were employed as central operations. The mother and baby are well 9 months postoperatively. Although the strategy for acute type A aortic dissection during pregnancy is controversial, collaborations among neonatologists, obstetricians, and cardiovascular surgeons can ensure mother and infant survival.

Mal-positioning of dialysis catheter in anomalous left superior pulmonary vein in a patient with acute type a dissection, a case report

Abstract The partial anomalous pulmonary vein drainage is a rare congenital defect. The pulmonary vein drains in to a systemic vein instead of draining in to the left atrium. In this rare birth defect, the right sided pulmonary vein involvement is more prevalent than the left sided pulmonary veins. We present a case where the anomalous left superior pulmonary vein was diagnosed when a renal dialysis catheter (size = 12F x 16cm) was mal-positioned in to the Anomalous left superior pulmonary vein, demonstrating confusing blood results. We describe how a systematic multidisciplinary approach and use of advanced imaging techniques can recognise and deal with this rare clinical dilemma.

Hypoxic hepatitis in an extensive aortic disecction: case report / Hepatitis hipóxica en una disección aórtica extensa: reporte de caso

Hypoxic hepatitis is an uncommon cause of hepatic damage characterized by a centrolobular necrosis. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Aortic dissection is a rare but frequently catastrophic event. It is caused by an aortic intimal tear with propagation of a false channel in the media. Depending on the site and extension, it can cause hypoperfusion of any organ leading to cellular ischemia and necrosis. We are presenting a case of hypoxic hepatitis in a patient with an extensive aortic dissection who present to the emergency department.

La hepatitis hipóxica es una causa poco frecuente de daño hepático caracterizada por una necrosis centrolobular. Su fisiopatología sigue siendo poco clara. La disección aórtica es un evento raro pero con frecuencia catastrófico. Dependiendo del sitio y la extensión, puede causar hipoperfusión de cualquier órgano lo que conduce a una isquemia celular y necrosis. Nosotros presentamos un caso de hepatitis hipóxica en un paciente con disección aórtica extensa que se presenta al servicio de emergencia.

Aneurisma del seno de valsalva: presentación de tres casos / Aneurysm of sinus of valsalva: report of 3 cases and review

Se presentan 3 casos de Aneurisma de Seno de Valsalva. Se describen las características clínicas y los métodos diagnósticos. Se discute el manejo clínico y, especialmente, la indicación quirúrgica.

Three cases of Aneurysm of Sinus of Valsalva are reported. The clinical character-istics and diagnostic methods are described, Clinical management, mainly the indication for surgery is discussed.

Silent rupture of aortic aneurysm mimicking lung malignancy.

Extra-pulmonary diseases may mimic pulmonary lesions on chest radiography. We report a case of a silent rupture of an atherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysm with peripheral thrombus formation, that closely mimicked a complicated lung malignancy.

Transesophageal echocardiaography evaluation of thoracic aorta.

Trans-esophageal echocardiaography is a sensitive, minimally invasive, diagnostic tool which gives real time functional image of the aorta. It helps in the diagnosis of pathologies of aorta like atherosclerosis, aneurysm and aortic dissection.

Incidental Non-Cardiac Findings of a Coronary Angiography with a 128-Slice Multi-Detector CT Scanner: Should We Only Concentrate on the Heart?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the spectrum, prevalence, and significance of incidental non-cardiac findings (INCF) in patients referred for a non-invasive coronary angiography using a 128-slice multi-detector CT (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects included 1,044 patients; 774 males (mean age, 59.9 years) and 270 females (mean age, 63 years), referred for a coronary CT angiography on a 128-slice MDCT scanner. The scans were acquired from the level of the carina to just below the diaphragm. To evaluate INCFs, images were reconstructed with a large field of view (> 300 mm) covering the entire thorax. Images were reviewed in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, using the mediastinal, lung, and bone windows. The INCFs were classified as severe, indeterminate, and mild, based on their clinical importance, and as thoracic or abdominal based on their locations. RESULTS: Incidental non-cardiac findings were detected in 56% of patients (588 of 1,044), including 435 males (mean age, 65.6 years) and 153 females (mean age, 67.9 years). A total of 729 INCFs were observed: 459 (63%) mild (58% thoracic, 43% abdominal), 96 (13%) indeterminate (95% thoracic, 5% abdominal), and 174 (24%) severe (87% thoracic, 13% abdominal). The prevalence of severe INCFs was 15%. Two severe INCFs were histologically verified as lung cancers. CONCLUSION: The 128-slice MDCT coronary angiography, in addition to cardiac imaging, can provide important information on the pathology of the chest and upper abdomen. The presence of severe INCFs is not rare, especially in the thorax. Therefore, all organs in the scan should be thoroughly evaluated in daily clinical practice.