Huge Candida albicans normal native tricuspid valve endocarditis

Fungal endocarditis has become an important infection associated with medical progress and the modern lifestyle. In particular, Candida spp. is a rare but important cause of infective endocarditis. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman­quadriplegic and bedridden from birth­who died after repeated episodes of pneumonia treated with different regimens of intravenous antibiotics. A medico legal autopsy was performed, which diagnosed severe Candida native valve infective endocarditis (CIE). This case report illustrates the prolonged use of antibiotic treatment as a possible risk factor for the development of CIE. We also considered how the bedridden condition and the presence of a central venous catheter may be additional risk factors for the development of this entity. Finally, we examined the absence of peripheral embolization in the setting of endocarditis of the right side of the heart.

Hemangiosarcoma at the base of the left atrium of a dog with mitral and tricuspid valve degeneration ­ case report / Hemangiossarcoma na base do átrio esquerdo de um cão com degeneração da válvula mitral e tricúspide ­ relato de caso

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant neoplasm originating from the vascular endothelium, with high metastatic power and commonly described in the spleen, liver, and right atrium. Thus, the objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of HSA at the base of the left atrium of a male, elderly, Lhasa Apso dog, treated with cyanosis, orthopedic position, cough. In the physical examination, the presence of crackling was observed in pulmonary lobes, murmur in focus of mitral and tricuspid grade IV\VI. The recommended emergency therapy was performed until the clinical improvement of the animal. After echocardiography, mitral and tricuspid valvular degeneration was confirmed, as well as the presence of an irregular, mixed echocardiogram, extra-cardiac, immobile at the base of the left atrium, measuring 2.9 x 1.44 cm in diameter. The clinical therapy established stabilized the clinical picture for 128 days, with recurrence of pulmonary edema and severe hemorrhagic pleural effusion, with the owners opting for euthanasia of the animal and necropsy confirming the definitive diagnosis of extrahepatic SAH at the base of the left atrium.(AU)

O hemangiossarcoma (HSA) é uma neoplasia maligna originada no endotélio vascular, com alto poder metastático e comumente descrito no baço, fígado e átrio direito. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a ocorrência do HSA na base do átrio esquerdo de um cão, macho, idoso, da raça Lhasa Apso, atendido apresentando cianose, posição ortopneica e tosse. No exame físico foi observado presença de crepitação em lobos pulmonares e sopro em foco de mitral e tricúspide grau IV\VI. Foi realizada terapia emergencial preconizada até a melhora clínica do animal, e após a ecocardiografia confirmou-se a degeneração valvular mitral e tricúspide, bem como a presença de uma imagem irregular, de ecogenicidade mista, extracardíaca e imóvel na base do átrio esquerdo, medindo 2,9 x 1,44 cm de diâmetro. A terapia clínica instituída estabilizou o quadro clínico por 128 dias, havendo recidiva do edema pulmonar e efusão pleural hemorrágica grave, com os proprietários optando pela eutanásia do animal e a necropsia, confirmando o diagnóstico definitivo do HSA extracardíaco na base do átrio esquerdo.(AU)

Endocardite aórtica e tricúspide em pacientes de hemodiálise com embolia sistêmica e pulmonar / Aortic and tricuspid endocarditis in hemodialysis patient with systemic and pulmonary embolism

RESUMO Este artigo relata o caso de um homem caucasiano de 43 anos de idade com nefropatia terminal em tratamento com hemodiálise e apresentando endocardite infecciosa das válvulas aórtica e tricúspide. O quadro clínico foi dominado pelo comprometimento neurológico, devido à embolia cerebral e a componentes hemorrágicos. Uma tomografia computadorizada tóraco-abdominal revelou um êmbolo séptico pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido à antibioticoterapia empírica utilizando ceftriaxona, gentamicina e vancomicina, sendo o tratamento modificado para flucloxacilina e gentamicina após o isolamento de S. aureus nas hemoculturas. A equipe multidisciplinar determinou que o paciente deveria ser submetido à substituição de válvulas após estabilização da hemorragia intracraniana; contudo, no oitavo dia após a hospitalização, o paciente entrou em parada cardíaca causada por embolia séptica pulmonar maciça, vindo a falecer. Apesar do risco de agravamento da lesão hemorrágica cerebral, em pacientes de alto risco deveria ser considerado realizar precocemente uma intervenção cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a 43-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage renal disease being treated with hemodialysis and infective endocarditis in the aortic and tricuspid valves. The clinical presentation was dominated by neurologic impairment with cerebral embolism and hemorrhagic components. A thoracoabdominal computerized tomography scan revealed septic pulmonary embolus. The patient underwent empirical antibiotherapy with ceftriaxone, gentamicin and vancomycin, and the therapy was changed to flucloxacilin and gentamicin after the isolation of S. aureus in blood cultures. The multidisciplinary team determined that the patient should undergo valve replacement after the stabilization of the intracranial hemorrhage; however, on the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient entered cardiac arrest due to a massive septic pulmonary embolism and died. Despite the risk of aggravation of the hemorrhagic cerebral lesion, early surgical intervention should be considered in high-risk patients.

Left ventricular posterior wall thickness is an independent risk factor for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation / El grosor de la pared posterior ventricular izquierda es un factor de riesgo independiente para la fibrilación atrial paroxística

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common significant cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice, but its risk factors remain to be clarified. We have hypothesized that left ventricular posterior wall thickness is an independent risk factor for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). METHODS: A total of 166 consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were included in this study. Another 166 healthy check-up people, strictly age and sex-matched, were enrolled as controls in the same period. Univariable analysis and multivariable conditional logistic stepwise regression analysis were conducted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on those significant indices obtained from the multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The multivariable stepwise analysis identified left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left atrial diameter, tricuspid insufficiency and residence (countryside) as independent predictors for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the cut-off values of those risk factors aforementioned. CONCLUSIONS: In this strictly age and sex-matched population-based sample, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left atrial diameter, tricuspid insufficiency and residence were predictive risks for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This study offers novel information therapeutically beyond that provided by traditional clinical atrial fibrillation risk factors.

ANTECEDENTES: La fibrilación atrial o auricular, es la arritmia cardíaca significativa más común en la práctica clínica, pero sigue siendo aún necesario poner en claro sus factores de riesgo. El presente trabajo asume la hipótesis de que el grosor de la pared posterior ventricular izquierda constituye un factor de riesgo independiente para la fibrilación atrial paroxística (FAP). MÉTODOS: El estudio abarca un total de 166 pacientes consecutivos con fibrilación atrial paroxística. Otras 166 personas saludables según el reconocimiento médico, pareadas estrictamente por edad y sexo, fueron registradas como controles en el mismo periodo. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística condicional multivariante paso a paso y un análisis univariante. El análisis de la curva característica de la operación del receptor (ROC) se realizó sobre los índices significativos obtenidos a partir del análisis de regresión logística multivariante. RESULTADOS: El análisis multivariante paso a paso identificó el grosor de la pared posterior ventricular izquierda, el diámetro atrial izquierdo, la insuficiencia tricúspide y la residencia (el campo) como predictores independientes de la fibrilación atrial paroxística. El análisis de la curva característica de la operación del receptor demostró los valores límites de los factores de riesgo mencionados arriba. CONCLUSIONES: En esta muestra basada estrictamente en una población pareada por edad y género, el grosor de la pared posterior ventricular izquierda, el diámetro atrial izquierdo, la insuficiencia tricús-pide y la residencia, fueron riesgos predictivos de la fibrilación atrial paroxística. Este estudio ofrece información novedosa, terapéuticamente más allá de la proporcionada por los factores de riesgo clínicos tradicionales de la fibrilación atrial.

Tumor amorfo calcificado do coração: relato de caso / Calcified amorphous tumor of the heart: case report

Tumor amorfo calcificado do coração consiste em uma massa cardíaca de natureza não-neoplásica, rara, que pode simular malignidade e causar sintomas por causar obstrução ou embolização de fragmentos calcificados. Apresentamos um caso de tumor em jovem de 17 anos, sexo masculino, em valva tricúspide, com achados patológicos clássicos. Preferiu-se abordar por esternotomia mediana clássica, instalação do circuito de circulação extracorpórea e atriotomia direita, exérese do tumor, plastia de DeVega na valva tricúspide e bicuspidização da mesma. O estudo anatomopatológico demonstrou presença de extensa calcificação e áreas de metaplasia óssea. O paciente evoluiu bem no pós-operatório, recebendo alta hospitalar no 8º dia pós-operatório.

Calcified amorphous tumor of the heart consists of a cardiac mass of rare nonneoplastic nature that mimics malignancy and causes symptoms due to obstruction or embolization of calcific fragments. We present a case of tumor 17-year-old young, male, in tricuspid valve, with classic pathological findings. It was preferred to approach for classic median esternotomy, installation of the circuit of extracorporal circulation and right atriotomy, exereses of tumor, DeVega's plasty in tricuspid valve and bicuspidization. The amatomopathological study demonstrated presence of extensive calcification and metaplastic bone areas. The patient had an uneventful hospitalization.

Coronary sinus dilatation a simple additional echocardiographic indicator of severe rheumatic mitral and tricuspid valve disease

To evaluate the usefulness of examining the coronary sinus [CS] anatomic diameter as an additional surrogate marker of severity in chronic rheumatic valve disease [RVD]. In this cross-sectional observational study, we echocardiographically analyzed 88 patients with RVD, and 104 normal subjects in the Department of Cardiology, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Gaziantep, Turkey between February 2007 and April 2007. Echocardiographically all valve regurgitation, stenosis, left ventricular function, left/right atrial volume, and pulmonary artery pressure were obtained. Coronary sinus was assessed as a sonolucency in the posterior atrioventricular groove. Strong positive correlation was present between CS measurements and mitral mean gradient, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation grade, tricuspid stenosis gradient, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, left and right atrial volume, and New York Heart Association class. A statistically negative correlation was present between CS measurements and mitral valve area and ejection fraction. Only the mitral valve area, tricuspid regurgitation grade, and the right atrial volume were predictors of body surface area adjusted mean CS dilatation. In this preliminary study, we showed that echocardiographic assessment of dilated CS may provide useful additional information in predicting the severity of mitral/tricuspid RVD. Findings of this study needs to be confirmed in further studies

Perivalvular abscess of tricuspid valve: a rare complication of infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a serious complication of intravenous [IV] drug abuse, with a reported mortality of 5 to 10%. A 21-year-old man, who was an intravenous drug abuser, presented with fever and dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a highly mobile, large vegetation on the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Despite antibiotic therapy for ten days, the patient remained febrile. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation and an echo-lucent space between the tricuspid and aortic valves. Color Doppler demonstrated a flow within the echo-lucent space and a connection between that and the left ventricle, suggesting a perivalvular abscess of the tricuspid valve opening in the left ventricle. The patient was transferred to the operating room, where he unfortunately expired

Análise do comportamento biológico de heteroenxertos descelularizados e homoenxertos criopreservados: estudo em ovinos / Decellularized heterografts versus cryopreserved homografts: experimental study in sheep model

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avalia o comportamento biológico dos heteroenxertos porcinos descelularizados (Grupo Desc) comparados com os homoenxertos criopreservados (Grupo Crio) implantados em carneiros jovens. MÉTODOS: Foram implantados em cinco animais heteroenxertos pulmonares porcinos descelularizados e em outros cinco, homoenxertos pulmonares criopreservados. Os animais apresentaram seguimento médio de 280 ± 14 dias. O diâmetro valvar foi medido por ecocardiografia, a qual foi realizada no 30º pós-operatório e antes do explante. As valvas foram também avaliadas macroscopicamente. A avaliação histológica foi realizada utilizando-se coloração de H.E., Gomori e Weigert e imunohistoquímica (Fator VIII, CD3, Vimentina e CD68). A quantificação de cálcio foi realizada utilizando-se espectrometria de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: Houve um óbito no Grupo Desc por endocardite. As valvas do Grupo Crio apresentaram decréscimo na celularidade, enquanto que as valvas do Grupo Desc demonstraram repovoamento da matriz com células endoteliais e intersticiais. No grupo Crio, observou-se perda na densidade e desarranjo da arquitetura das fibras colágenas. A espectrometria de absorção atômica demonstrou maior calcificação no conduto e nas cúspides dos enxertos criopreservados quando comparados aos descelularizados (P=0,016). O diâmetro médio valvar no explante foi significantemente maior no Grupo Desc (P=0,025). CONCLUSÃO: Heteroenxertos descelularizados apresentam um comportamento biológico diferente quando comparados aos homoenxertos criopreservados, tornando-se repovoados por células com características de fibroblastos e células endoteliais. A matriz permaneceu bem preservada, o que possibilitou um processo de regeneração celular.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the biological behaviour of porcine decellularized heterografts (Desc group) compared with cryopreserved homografts (Crio group) implanted in juvenile sheep. METHODS: Decellularized porcine pulmonary heterografts were implanted in five animals and cryopreserved pulmonary homografts in another five. The animals were followed-up for a mean of 280 ± 14 days. The valve diameter was measured by echocardiography, which was performed at the 30th postoperative day, and before the explantation. The valves were also assessed macroscopically. Histological evaluation was performed using H.E., Gomori and Weigert staining. Immunohistochemistry specified different cell types (Factor VIII, CD3, Vimentin and CD68). Calcium quantity was analyzed using atomic absortion spectometry. RESULTS: There was one death in the Desc group due to endocarditis. The valves of Crio group showed decrease in the cellularity whereas the valves of Desc group showed matrix repopulation with endothelial and interstitial cells. Loss of collagen density and disarrangement of the normal fiber architecture was observed in Crio group. Calcium content demonstrated higher levels on the cusps and conduits in Crio group comparatively with Desc group. (P=0.016). The mean valvular diameter at the explantation was significantly increased (P=0.025) in the Desc group. CONCLUSIONS: Decellularized heterografts had a different biological behaviour when compared to cryopreserved homografts and become repopulated by cells with fibroblasts and endothelial cells characteristics. The matrix was preserved and some regenerative potential was present

Morbilidad en la clínica de enfermedad valvular cardíaca del Centro Cardiovascular Regional Ascardio: Barquisimeto-Venezuela / Morbidity in the clinic of valvular heart disease of the Regional Cardiovascular Center Ascardio: Barquisimeto-Venezuela

Se presentan los resultados de la revisión sistemática de 414 historias médicas de la Clínica de Enfermedad Valvular Cardíaca del Centro Cardiovascular Regional-Ascardio, en el período octubre 2002-julio 2008. Los casos fueron evaluados por el grupo de trabajo que integra la unidad. La enfermedad valvular cardíaca fue dividida según su presentación topográfica como lesión única o predominante, según su grado de severidad y repercusión hemodinámica. La válvula más frecuentemente comprometida fue la mitral (87,4%), seguida por la tricúspide (76,3%), aórtica (72,9%) y pulmonar (8,6%). 72,5% presenta al menos una lesión (insuficiencia o estenosis) severa. La etiología más frecuente fue la degenerativa (40,6 %). Según etiología, el promedio de edad es 41 años para la congénita, 47 años para la reumática y 64 años para la degenerativa. Se observa una importante limitación en el registro de factores de riesgo coronario, a pesar de ser un centro especializado. Se divide el análisis en patología valvular mitral única o predominante, aórtica predominante, doble lesión aórtica y mitral severas, patología valvular tricuspídea y pulmonar. Finalmente se presenta una discusión sobre la interpretación de los resultados.

It presents in this article the results of a sistematic review of 414 Medical History of the Clinic of Cardiovascular Heart Disease of the Cardiovascular Regional Center-Ascardio in the period October 2002-July 2008. The totality of the Clinic. The Valvular Heart Disease has been divided by its topography, as unique or predominant damage, grade of severity and hemodinamic repercusión. The heart valve more frecuently compromised was the mitral (87,4%), followed by the tricuspide (76,3%), aortic (72,9%) and pulmonar (8,6%). 72,5% presents at least one valvular damage (Regurgitation or stenosis) severe. The most frequent ethiology is Degenerative (40, 6%). According to the ethiology, the average age is 41 years for the congenital ethiology, 47 years for the reumathic and 64 years for the degenerative. It has been reported a limitation in the report of the coronary risk factors, despite is a specialized center. The analysis was divided in Mitral Valve Pathology unique or predominant, Aortic Valve Pathology unique or predominant, Doble severe damage of Mitral and Aortic Valves, Tricuspid and Pulmonar valve pathology. Finally it presents a discussion about the results.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography: technology and clinical application

Several studies reported during recent years showed some new possible advantages of the three-dimensional echocardiography in daily practice. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography [RT3DE] is the only on-line 3D method based on real time volumetric scanning, as compared with other 3D imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are based on post-acquisition reconstruction and not on volumetric scanning. The aim of this study is to give a brief review of the development of the technology of RT3DE and its clinical application

Plastia tricúspide utilizando anuloplastia baseada na proporção entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide normal / Tricuspid valve repair using the proportion between segments of normal tricuspid annulus as a parameter for annuloplasty

OBJETIVO: Determinar a proporção existente entre os segmentos do anel da valva tricúspide (VT) normal e aplicála na realização da anuloplastia tricúspidea "in vitro" e "in vivo". MÉTODOS: Imagens digitais do anel tricuspídeo de 30 corações de cadáveres humanos, sem formolização e sem insuficiência tricúspide (IT), foram analisadas e a proporção entre os segmentos ântero-posterior e septal foi determinada. Esta proporção foi utilizada na anuloplastia da VT com anel maleável de pericárdio bovino (PB), em 15 corações de cadáveres com IT e dilatação do anel valvar. A mesma proporção e técnica foi utilizada na realização de anuloplastia tricuspídea, em 11 pacientes com IT funcional, entre os quais, sete possuíam IT importante e quatro, moderada; cinco apresentavam insuficiência cardíaca (IC) classe IV (NYHA) e seis, classe III. RESULTADOS: Nas valvas continentes de cadáveres, a razão média entre o segmento ântero-posterior e septal foi 2,43±0,212. O tamanho médio dos anéis maleáveis PB utilizados "in vitro" foi 71,5±5,2mm e mediana 70mm. Todas as valvas ficaram continentes após a anuloplastia tricuspídea "in vitro". O tamanho médio do anel maleável PB utilizado "in vivo" foi 73,4±6,5mm e mediana 72mm. Ocorreu um (9,1 por cento) óbito. Na avaliação com 6 meses de pós-operatório, sete pacientes não possuíam IT e três possuíam IT leve; seis pacientes apresentavam IC classe I, três, classe II e um, classe III. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da proporção de 2,43:1 entre os segmentos ântero-posterior e septal, como um parâmetro na anuloplastia da VT, utilizando anel maleável de pericárdio bovino, demonstrou resultados iniciais favoráveis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion between the segments of the normal human tricuspid valve (TV) annulus and its use as a parameter for ring annuloplasty "in vitro" and "in vivo". METHODS: Digital images of the tricuspid ring of 30 human cadaveric hearts, without fixation and without tricuspid regurgitation (TR), were analyzed and the proportion between the antero-posterior and septal segments was determined. This proportion was used for TV annuloplasty with bovine pericardium (BP) flexible rings on 15 hearts from adult cadavers with TR and ring dilatation. The same proportion and technique were used for TV repair on 11 patients with functional TR. Preoperatively, seven patients had severe and four moderate TR; five patients were class IV and six class III (NYHA). RESULTS:The mean ratio between the antero-posterior and septal segments was 2.43±0.212 in the 30 hearts without TR. The mean size of the BP flexible ring used for "in vitro" surgical procedure was 71.5±5.2 mm, median 70 mm, and there was no TR after that in all 15 hearts. The mean size of the orthesis used on the patients was 73.4±6.5 mm, median 72 mm. There was 1 hospital death. Six months after surgery, 7 patients had no TR and 3 had mild TR; 6 patients were in NYHA class I, 3 in class II and 1 in class III. CONCLUSION: The use of the ratio 2.43:1 between the anterior-posterior and septal segments as a parameter in tricuspid valve annuloplasty with a bovine pericardium flexible ring leads to satisfactory results.

Hipoplasia ventricular derecha: estudios morfométrico y morfológico / Morphometric and morphologic studies in right ventricular hypoplasia

In hypoplastic right ventricle the dysplasia of the tricuspid valve (TV) has repercussions on the development of the right ventricle. This paper documents the results of an anatomopathologic and morphometric studies of the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle in 25 hearts with this cardiopathy, which were morphologically analyzed using the segmentary sequential system. The following measurements were made: the annulus of the tricuspid valve, the thickness of the walls of the right ventricle, the ventricular septum and the distances from the atrioventricular-apex (AV-A) and from the apex-pulmonary valve (A-PV). The values obtained were compared with those of normal hearts of equivalent ages; the morphologic features of the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle were described. The thickness of the anterior and posterior walls of righ ventricle was between 2 and 10 times greater than normal. The tickness of the ventricular septum was 1 to 3 times greater than normal and the anterior wall of the infundibulum from 1 to 4 times greater than normal; the AV-A and A-PV distances were reduced in a half of the normal length. The great reduction of the right ventricular cavity was found to be related to the great hypertrophy of the right ventricular walls. The TV was dysplastic with Ebstein's anomaly (72%). The size of the tricuspid valve was small and it was a good indicator for the size of the right ventricle. Morphometric studies are useful because they quantitatively document alterations in the dimensions of valves, walls and diameters of the cardiac chambers in congenital heart disease.

Valvular heart disease: diagnosis and management.

Valvular heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India. Advances in both surgical and percutaneous techniques and a better understanding of timing for intervention accounts for the current increased rates of survival. Echocardiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis and periodic assessment of patients with valvular heart disease. Generally, patients with stenotic valvular lesions can be monitored clinically until symptoms appear and most can now benefit from percutaneous techniques. In contrast, patients with regurgitant valvular lesions require careful echocardiographic monitoring for left ventricular function and may require surgery even if no symptoms are present. Percutaneous therapy of valvular regurgitant lesions is yet to evolve fully.

Estudo comparativo das avaliações clínica e ecocardiográfica Doppler na evolução das lesões valvares em crianças e adolescentes portadores de febre reumática / Comparative study of clinical and Doppler echocardiographic evaluations of the progression of valve diseases in children and adolescents with rheumatic fever

OBJETIVO: Comparar os exames clínico e ecocardiográfico Doppler na avaliação das lesões valvares em crianças e adolescentes com febre reumática, bem como investigar a evolução da doença segundo essas avaliações. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo observacional longitudinal que englobou 258 crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de febre reumática, baseado nos critérios de Jones. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante o período de 2 a 15 anos. A presença e a quantificação das lesões valvares nas fases aguda e crônica foram determinadas pelas avaliações clínica e ecocardiográfica Doppler. Utilizou-se a estatística de Kappa para estimar a concordância entre as avaliações, e as evoluções clínica e ecocardiográfica Doppler da cardite e valvite, respectivamente, foram comparadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou de Fisher, p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dos 109 pacientes submetidos à avaliação ecocardiográfica Doppler na fase aguda, 31 não apresentavam clínica de cardite, mas 17 (54,8 por cento) deles mostravam lesão valvar ao ecocardiograma Doppler (valvite subclínica). Na fase crônica, 153 dos 258 tinham exame cardiovascular normal, mas 85 (55,5 por cento) desses mostravam lesão valvar ao ecocardiograma Doppler (valvopatia crônica subclínica). A involução das lesões valvares segundo a avaliação ecocardiográfica Doppler foi menos freqüente, ocorrendo em 10 (25,0 por cento) dos pacientes com valvite leve e em apenas 1 (2,5 por cento) daqueles com valvite moderada, e em nenhum com valvite grave. CONCLUSAO: A identificação de lesões valvares na febre reumática é maior se a avaliação clínica for acrescida do exame ecocardiográfico Doppler, que também mostra menor índice de regressão das lesões valvares. O diagnóstico de valvite e valvopatia subclínicas tem implicação quanto às profilaxias secundária da febre reumática e da endocardite.