[Evaluating the quality of life of 42 heart transplant patients and candidates: a cross-sectional study]. / Evaluation de la qualité de la vie de 42 greffés et candidats à la greffe cardiaque: une étude transversale.

OBJECTIVE: Although evaluation of heart transplant candidates and recipients is usually based on objective clinical variables, self-assessment has been proved to be an important component of treatment evaluation. Quality of life is a multidimensional concept, a mix of objective and subjective measures, that could reflect the adjustment to the illness and its treatment. Few studies have reported on quality of life in heart transplantation candidates. This exploratory study, conducted in Bordeaux (France), was designed to assess both objectively and subjectively the quality of life in heart transplant candidates and recipients and to determine the relationships between subjective and objective variables. METHOD: The assessment was cross-sectional; 21 candidates evaluated at an average of 10 (Sd 21.4) months into the waiting period, were matched with 21 recipients at 29.5 months post operative. Subjective evaluation of the quality of life was self-assessed by the Tableau d'évaluation assistée de la qualité de la vie (TEAQV) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). A semi structured psychiatric interview, and the NYHA (New York Heart Association) cardiac insufficiency score provided objective measurements. RESULTS: The NHP and TEAQV mean scores were not not significantly different between the two groups: candidates (C) and recipients (R) reported similar subjective data regarding positive quality of life experience. The objective data indicated significant disadvantages for the candidate group: the cardiac insufficiency score was worse in the candidates [(NYHA mean score: (C) = 2.7 Sd 0.56 vs (R) = 0.7 Sd 0.8, t de Student p < 0.01)] and the DSM III-R axis 1 diagnoses were more frequent in the candidates [(C) = 16/21 vs (R) = 9/21 Chi2 p < 0.05)]. There was a prevalence of adjustment disorders in the candidates. Significant correlations were found between NYHA and NHP mean scores (r = 0.6, p < 0.01) and NYHA and physical and psychological dimensions of the TEAQV (r = -0.65 and r = -0.55, p < 0.01) in the recipient group. In the candidate group, no correlation was found between these scores. CONCLUSION: In the recipient group, objective and subjective assessment showed greater concordance than in the candidate group. Despite more objective physical and moderate yet frequent psychiatric complications, the candidate group reported as positively as did the recipients upon the quality of their life experience. This could be the result of psychological adaptation to the stressful situation. These data were in accordance to several earlier reports. However, the literature has remained controversial upon the evaluation of the quality of life of the candidates. The results of this study, limited by some methodological bias (the small number of patients assessed), need to be confirmed in a prospective study.

Predictive factors of maximal aerobic capacity after cardiac transplantation.

Exercise capacity in cardiac transplanted patients has been reported to remain decreased in some studies; however, functional results after transplantation may vary, ranging from modest to spectacular improvement. The aim of the study was to quantify exercise capacity in a large series of transplanted patients and to search for factor predictive of a good functional result. Eighty-five patients (mean 52.1 +/- 11.8 years) underwent exercise testing with respiratory gas exchange measurements 1 to 100 months after transplantation. Mean performance was 112.4 +/- 33 W with a peak VO2 of 21.1 +/- 6 ml.min-1.kg-1. Heart rate was 103 +/- 14 at rest, reaching 142 +/- 22 beats.min-1 at the end of exercising. In univariate analysis, maximal or submaximal aerobic capacity parameters were strongly correlated with chronotropic reserve (r = 0.63; P < 0.001) without correlation with cold ischaemic time, number of rejection episodes or right bundle branch block. In multiple regression analysis, chronotropic reserve, time from transplantation, age of donor and age of patient were proved to be the variables best correlated with peak VO2. Our study confirms the persistence of a large decrease in aerobic functional capacity despite cardiac transplantation; limited exercise capacity does not improve over time, and is limited not only by the patient's age but by that of the donor, and especially by chronotropic reserve.

Evaluation of plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 as rejection markers in a cohort of 142 heart-grafted patients followed by endomyocardial biopsy.

The rejection reaction after cell or organ transplantation has to be detected as early as possible in order to conduct optimal immunosuppressive treatment. Among the numerous events leading to rejection, cytokine production, especially of tumour necrosis factor alpha, is particularly important. Interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha were investigated in 142 heart-grafted patients in order to define an early peripheral non-invasive marker of an acute rejection that could fit well with myocardial biopsy results. Cytokines were immunoenzymatically measured in blood specimens collected on the day of the endomyocardial biopsy. The values were compared to the grade of heart graft rejection established according to pathological criteria. Plasma interleukin-6 and especially tumour necrosis factor alpha determined on the day of the rejection diagnosis were significantly increased in the patient sample with moderate or severe rejection when compared with mean values of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha in the patient sample without rejection or with mild rejection (P = 0.04 and 0.001 respectively). Because high levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha may appear before histological signs, this biological marker could be useful in the follow-up of heart-grafted patients.

Surgical experience of coronary artery-right ventricular fistula in a heart transplant patient.

Routine follow-up catheterization 4 years after heart transplantation in a 55-year-old revealed a fistula from the main left anterior descending artery (LAD) to the right ventricle. The left anterior descending artery was dilated and tortuous because of this fistula. As he had effort dyspnea and fatigue 3 months after this catheterization, we decided to operate on the fistula, and direct closure of this through the LAD and coronary artery bypass grafting from the proximal to distal LAD were performed. Surgery and the postoperative course were uneventful. We discuss the surgical indication and technique for coronary artery fistula acquired as a result of endomyocardial biopsy after heart transplantation.

[Early and long-term results of 233 heart transplant patients in University Bordeaux in France: quality of life following heart transplantations].

Between March 1986 and December 1993 we had 233 heart transplant patients who were 218 males and 15 females and had a mean age of 50.9 years (range, 2 to 65 years). We analyzed the actuarial survival for these patients and investigated the status of rehabilitation and return-to-work from the view point of quality of life after heart transplant. Actuarial survival (Kaplan-Meier) was 81.7% at 1 year, 76.3% at 3 years, and 72.2% at 5 years. In 57 dead patients 24 patients (42%) died in 1 month after heart transplant. In 176 living patients 165 patients (53%) returned to life. In 129 patients except 76 retired patients only 69 patients (53%) returned to work. In 60 patients, who didn't return to work, 38 patients (63%) were physically able to work.

[Relative value of attenuation and negativation of systolic pulmonary venous flow in severe mitral insufficiency. Transesophageal echocardiographic study]. / Valeur relative de l'atténuation et de la négativation du flux veineux pulmonaire systolique dans l'insuffisance mitrale sévère. Etude échocardiographique transoesophagienne.

The aim of this study was to analyse the velocity profile of the systolic fraction of the pulmonary venous flow (PVF) in mitral regurgitation (MR). Three velocity profiles were identified in left superior pulmonary vein. Inversion of the systolic fraction of the PVF was specific for angiographic grade 4 MR (specificity 97%, sensitivity 100%). On the other hand, a decrease in this wave is much less specific for mild MR and depends on severe factors such as left atrial pressure, size and ejection fraction and the lack of atrial systole (as in atrial fibrillation or atrioventricular block). Therefore, inversion of PVF has a good positive predictive value for severe MR, but the interpretation of attenuation of this wave should take into consideration not only the MR but also left atrial pressure and compliance.

[Complementary transthoracic and transesophageal echo-doppler in the diagnosis of rupture of the sinus of Valsalva in right heart. Apropos of 4 cases]. / Complémentarité de l'écho-Doppler transthoracique et transoesophagien dans le diagnostic das ruptures du sinus de Valsalva dans les cavités droites. A propos de quatre cas.

Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare and usually present with rupture communicating with the right heart cavities. Echocardiography is a powerful diagnostic tool in ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms, especially the Color Doppler mode which shows abnormal, continuous flow as a mosaic of colour extending from the aortic root to the right heart cavities. The four case reports describe rupture of the right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium (2 cases) and the right ventricle (2 cases). Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in two cases and provided valuable information by confirming the site of rupture and the length of the diverticulum. The results illustrate the accuracy of Doppler echocardiographic techniques by the transthoracic and transoesophageal approaches in the diagnosis of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms.

[Value of Doppler color echocardiography in the diagnosis of diastolic mitral insufficiency in severe aortic insufficiency. Report of 2 cases]. / Intérêt de l'écho-doppler couleur dans le diagnostic de l'insuffisance mitrale diastolique contemporaine d'insuffisances aortiques sévères. A propos de 2 cas.

The authors report the value of Doppler color flow mapping in the diagnosis of late diastolic mitral regurgitation in two patients with severe post-endocarditis aortic regurgitation requiring rapid surgical intervention. Doppler color flow mapping played an essential part in the management of these cases by helping in the diagnosis of late diastolic mitral regurgitation which is known to carry a very poor prognosis in this context.

[Cardiac echo-Doppler in the diagnosis and surveillance of the course of acute endocarditis]. / Apport de l'écho Doppler cardiaque dans le diagnostic et la surveillance évolutive des endocardites aiguës.

Infectious endocarditis is still currently a problem. Its frequency is not decreasing and new etiologies have developed, which are often responsible for acute endocarditis, resistant to hospital bacteria. The cardiac Doppler has a role in the positive diagnosis of endocarditis, especially on native valves. This examination permits an accurate evaluation of valvular and perivalvular lesions (abscess, mycotic aneurysms) and their repercussions on the ventricle. Studies in this last decade, have emphasized that the presence of vegetations is a factor of gravity. The Doppler permits an "active" monitoring in high risk forms: endocarditis of the aortic orifice, endocarditis with perivalvular abscess, endocarditis occurring on a prosthetic valve.

Accuracy of M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of aortic dissection: an experience with 128 cases.

The accuracy of combined M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of aortic dissection was evaluated in 673 patients with a clinical suspicion of aortic dissection, over a six-year period. In 128 cases, the diagnosis of aortic dissection was confirmed by angiographic, tomographic (CT scan), or autopsy findings, or during surgery. Two echocardiographic features were found to support a diagnosis of aortic dissection: a dilation of at least one segment of the aorta (sensitivity 95%, specificity 51%) and a typical abnormal linear intraluminal echo corresponding to the intimal flap (sensitivity 67%, specificity 100%). This pathognomonic intimal flap was observed in 86 cases, of which three types could be distinguished: (1) a long oscillating flap (n = 15), (2) a long but minimally mobile linear echo which was duplicated and parallel to one or two aortic walls (n = 64), (3) a short, double linear image with a rapid systolic motion and high frequency oscillations. These features were found to have a high sensitivity in type I aortic dissection (88%), although in types II and III the sensitivity was much lower. In some cases, a fourth type of abnormal image could be detected: a small intraluminal echo moving in parallel to the aortic wall. This feature should be interpreted with caution since its predictive value for a positive examination was low (48%). Out of 23 cases in which the diagnosis of aortic dissection was suspected on the basis of this doubtful abnormal echo, it was confirmed in only 11 patients. The results in these 128 cases of aortic dissection indicate that two-dimensional echocardiography, which is easily performed at the patient's bedside, could take priority in investigations of this condition. It is extremely sensitive in the diagnosis of ascending aortic dissection, but much less so in the diagnosis of descending aortic dissection.

[Recurrent thrombosis of an aortic valve prosthesis in a pregnant woman. Treatment with urokinase]. / Thrombose récidivante d'une prothèse valvulaire aortique chez une femme enceinte. Traitement par urokinase.

A 36 year old woman developed two thromboses on aortic valve prosthesis. The first thrombus at the 14th week of pregnancy was treated with urokinase (2,000 U/kg/h) plus heparin (700-1,000 U/h) over 24 hours and normal wing kinetics were obtained. The second thrombus developed at the 36 th week of pregnancy when the patient was receiving calciparin, and only transient improvement was obtained with similar doses of urokinase hourly over 72 hours. Progressive worsening resulted in higher doses (4,000 U/kg/h) being given without heparin and the thrombus then resolved. The use of urokinase for the first time in this indication allowed therefore, on two occasions and without hemorrhagic complications the cure of this recurrent thrombosis on aortic prosthesis, and the birth, by caesarean, of a healthy baby.

[Echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic dissection. Limits, pitfalls and difficulties]. / Diagnostic échocardiographique des dissections aortiques. Limites, pièges et difficultés.

In patients with suspected dissection of the aorta two-dimensional echocardiography has become a fundamental complementary examination which can easily be used in emergencies. In the light of our experience and of published data, a floating dissected intima is the pathognomonic sign. However, false-negative results have been recorded in about 30% of the cases, as against 10% with angiography, computerized tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. In spite of this drawback, two-dimensional echocardiography still is a good screening examination, since dissection can almost certainly be excluded when the aorta is of normal caliber. False-positive results also constitute a diagnostic pitfall which must be well known and carefully avoided. The mechanisms of these various problems and the way they can be solved are discussed.

[Thromboses of the right atrium: echocardiographic aspects, practical management. Apropos of 8 cases]. / Thromboses de l'oreillette droite: aspects échocardiographiques, conduite pratique. A propos de 8 cas.

Right atrial (RA) thrombosis is rare. The aim of this study was to determine their clinical and echocardiographic features and therapeutic implications. In the last 7 years, 16 RA masses were detected by 2D echocardiography. The diagnosis of thrombosis was made in 8 cases based on anatomo-pathological examination (6 cases) or their disappearance with medical treatment (2 cases). The clinical presentations were: pulmonary embolism (4 cases), anterior myocardial infarction (2 cases), Ebstein's anomaly (1 case), thrombosis of a Leveen catheter (1 case). Only 1 patient had atrial fibrillation. Two echocardiographic appearances were observed: 1) a long, very mobile thrombus floating between the RA and right ventricle (4 cases), 2) a relatively immobile mass (4 cases). The 4 patients with relatively immobile thrombi survived: 2 underwent surgery and 2 were treated medically. All cases of floating thrombi had pulmonary embolism: 2 patients underwent surgery but the postoperative course was complicated; 2 patients died suddenly before surgery. These cases show that 2D echo is the diagnostic method of choice for detection of RA thrombosis. The floating RA thrombus is a therapeutic emergency and has a poor prognosis.

[Prevalence, signification and prognosis of auricular arrhythmia in dilated myocardiopathies. Apropos of 236 cases]. / Prévalence, signification et pronostic des arythmies auriculaires dans les myocardiopathies dilatées. A propos de 236 cas.

A population of 236 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was studied and followed up for an average of 38.8 +/- 27 months. The most common atrial arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (AF) which was observed in 27 p. 100 of cases. Patients with AF (n = 43) and without it (n = 193) at the time of diagnosis were compared: the subjects with AF were older (p = 0.036), had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction and lower end diastolic pressures (p = 0.022). AF was associated with mitral valve prolapse (p = 0.007) and with signs of adiastole (p = 0.0015); the most significantly correlated variable was echocardiographic dilatation of the left atrium (p = 0.0012). AF was the presenting symptom of DCM in 13 cases (5.5 p. 100); in 10 cases (4 p. 100) it was the main clinical and therapeutic problem, realizing an arrhythmic form of DCM. Electrical conversion was successful in 7 out of 11 patients with a 2 year follow-up: 3 patients remained in sinus rhythm for over 6 years and have no clinical symptoms, posing the problem of the dominant if not exclusive underlying role of AF in these cases of DCM. An example illustrated by several echocardiographic examinations is presented. Embolic complications were observed in a quarter of the cases with AF and this arrhythmia was present in half the patients with embolic phenomena. However, the prognosis in the groups with and without AF was not significantly different.

[Critical study of the prognostic value of echocardiography in chronic aortic insufficiency]. / Etude critique de la valeur pronostique de l'échocardiogramme dans l'insuffisance aortique chronique.

The aim of this study was to assess whether, as previously reported series have suggested, aortic valve replacement is too late when echocardiography shows a left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVS) greater than or equal to 55 mm, a left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) less than or equal to 25%, and a ratio of left ventricular radius to wall thickness (R/H) greater than or equal to 4. Sixty-seven patients with pure chronic aortic regurgitation were operated in the period between 1979 and June 1981. All had at least one good quality preoperative M mode recording. Using the above mentioned parameters, the patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 41) "good surgical candidates" with LVS less than or equal to 55 mm, FS greater than 25%, and/or R/H less than 4; and Group II (n = 26) "high risk candidates" with LVS greater than 55 mm, FS less than or equal to 25% and/or R/H greater than or equal to 4. The clinical improvement was spectacular in both groups after surgery (mean follow-up 28 +/- 8 months). There were no operative deaths but 5 patients out of each group died secondarily. An echocardiogram was recorded in the immediate post-operative period in 55 cases; there was a significant reduction in LV diameters in both groups but the values in Group II remained higher. A control echocardiogram was recorded 17,5 +/- 8,9 months later 46 cases. The LV diameters had returned to normal in Group I but remained at the upper limit of normal in Group II. We conclude that patients with echocardiographic indices of " high risk " usually have a favourable postoperative course. However, although the echocardiographic parameters to improve, they do not return completely to normal.

Diagnosis of dissecting aortic aneurysm by two dimensional echocardiography: experience with 58 patients.

UNLABELLED: Recent improvements in surgical technics have dramatically changed the outcome of patients with aortic dissection (AD). The aim of this work is to evaluate the reliability of two dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in the diagnosis of AD. The 2DE was recorded in all patients with a systematic approach in order to visualize the entire aorta (Ao). 58 cases were studied in a three years period. At the beginning of this study we validate 2DE by comparison with angiography (angio) in 14 of our first patients: the 2 angio criteria (dilatation, abnormal intraluminal image) have been found on 2DE in 12 pts (92%), with intraluminal image) have been found on 2DE in 12 pts (92%), with no significant difference between internal diameter of Ao on angio and 2DE. In our experience with 58 pts a positive diagnosis was possible in 90% of AD type I and only 18% of AD type III. IN CONCLUSION: 2DE is a practical and valuable method for the assessment of type I and II AD. Two 2DE criteria must be present at the same anatomical level (dilatation, abnormal intraluminal echo). In these conditions we have been able to avoid aortography in 26 of our last patients with type I and II.

[Outcome of echocardiographic vegetations in bacterial endocarditis during and after anti-infective therapy]. / Devenir des végétations échocardiographiques dans l'endocardite bactérienne au cours et après traitement anti-infectieux.

Echocardiography is a practical and reliable method of detecting endocardial vegetations. The aim of this study was to assess the course of echocardiographic vegetations in bacterial endocarditis under anti infectious therapy and to assess the prognostic significance of the vegetations. Twenty four patients with echocardiographic signs of vegetations were included in a standardised protocol: M mode and 2D examination at the beginning and at the end of medical treatment and when possible after bacteriological cure (average period of follow-up 16 +/- 6 weeks). Special attention was paid to the volume (assessed I to III) and acoustic density of the vegetations. Fifteen patients underwent surgery (62.5%). The size of the vegetations did not differ significantly from that observed in the other patients. The size of the vegetations remained constant during medical therapy and after bacteriological cure in 2/3 of cases. The vegetations grew during medical therapy (even when the patients were apyrexic) in 29% of cases, and even after a 40 day course of anti infectious therapy in 2 cases. The size of the vegetations decreases in 3 cases during treatment (2 cases of embolisation) and in 2 cases after bacteriological cure (without embolisation). No correlations could be drawn between the acoustic density of the vegetations and the outcome. In conclusion, the presence of a large vegetation in bacterial endocarditis does not in itself mean a poor prognosis. However, these large vegetations are often associated with severe mutilating lesions (62.5% in our series). The size of the vegetations remained unchanged during and after medical treatment in two thirds of cases.