Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation reduces myocardial and mitochondrial damage in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cardiovascular disease with a high fatality rate once accompanied by cardiogenic shock. The efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in treating myocardial infarction is controversial. METHODS: MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending artery in adult male rats. Groups were defined as follows: MI group, reperfusion for 90 min after 30 min of left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion; MI + ECMO group, reperfusion and ECMO were performed for 90 min immediately after 30 min of LAD occlusion; prolonged MI + ECMO group, ECMO was used immediately after 30 minutes of occlusion with persistent occlusion of the LAD for an additional 30 minutes, followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion. The myocardial infarct size and mitochondrial morphology and function data were collected and compared of each group. RESULTS: The ECMO groups had a smaller myocardial infarct size and larger percentage ejection fraction. Compared with the prolonged MI + ECMO group, the immediate reperfusion group had a lower percentage of infarct size (63.28% versus 17.97% versus 31.22%, MI versus MI + ECMO versus prolonged MI + ECMO). Mitochondria isolated from the ischemic zone showed an intact mitochondrial structure, including fewer voids and broken crists, and preserved activity of mitochondrial complex II and complex IV in ECMO groups. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO support in myocardial infarction can reduce myocardial injury despite delayed coronary reperfusion.

The association between tea consumption and non-malignant digestive system diseases: A Mendelian randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Tea consumption might be closely related to non-malignant digestive diseases. Nevertheless, this correlation remains inadequately comprehended. Therefore, our objective was to elucidate the essence of these connections. METHODS: This study employed a Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the impact of tea consumption on specific digestive disorders. Genetic data associated with tea consumption were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB), encompassing 447,485 participants. We chose a gene-wide association study with no sample overlap and UKB as our data source for all outcomes. The primary analytical method utilized was inverse variance weighting, and multiple analytical models were employed to enhance the analysis's reliability and ensure robust results. RESULT: Our investigation revealed that tea consumption was linked to an elevated susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there was a lack of substantial evidence suggesting an association between tea intake and Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the excessive consumption of tea may heighten the likelihood of GERD. These results hold potential significance in guiding dietary pattern modifications for individuals with GERD. Furthermore, there may be value in implementing GERD monitoring and preventive measures in populations with elevated tea consumption.

The Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Mediating the Effect of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on nonmalignant Digestive System Diseases: A Multivariable Mendelian Randomized Study.

Background: While observation studies have shown a positive correlation between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of nonmalignant digestive system diseases, a definitive causal relationship has not yet been clearly established. Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to investigate the potential causal association between genetic susceptibility to IBD and nonmalignant gastrointestinal diseases. Genetic variants were extracted as instrumental variables (IVs) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis, which included 12,194 cases of Crohn's disease (CD) and 28,072 control cases of European ancestry. The GWAS for ulcerative colitis (UC) included 12,366 UC and 33,609 control cases of European ancestry. All IVs reached genome-wide significance (GWAS p value <5 × 10-8). Summary-level data for acute pancreatitis (AP), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease, cholelithiasis, and CeD (celiac disease) were obtained from the GWAS meta-analysis and the FinnGen dataset. Summary-level data on relevant inflammatory factors were provided by the International Genetic Consortium. Univariate MR analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighting as the primary method for estimating causal effects. Multivariate MR analyses were also performed to detect possible mediators. Results: Genetic susceptibility to UC was associated with an increased risk of AP (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03-1.13; p=0.002) and IBS odds ratio (OR] = 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI] = 1.03-1.11; (p < 0.001). In terms of potential mediators, interleukin 6 (IL-6) had a driving effect on the association between UC and AP. There was no apparent evidence of increased risk with CD. Meanwhile, genetic susceptibility to CD increases the risk of CeD (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.03-1.25; p=0.01). Conclusions: The evidence suggests that UC is associated with an elevated risk of AP and IBS, and IL-6 may be responsible in AP. CD is associated with an increased risk of developing CeD. Implementing a proactive monitoring program for assessing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases in UC patients, particularly those with elevated IL-6 levels, may be of interest. In addition, the presence of AP and IBS may indicate the presence of UC. Preventing CeD is an essential consideration in the therapeutic management of patients with CD.

Inhibition of Taurine-upregulated Gene 1 Upregulates MiR-34a-5p to Protect against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion via Autophagy Regulation.

BACKGROUND: Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been identified on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA); however, its function in myocardial cells following ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the role of LncTUG1 in I/R injury by focusing on its relationship with autophagy induction by regulating miR-34a-5p expression. METHODS: We established a myocardial I/R model and H9C2 hypoxia-ischemic and reoxygenation (HI/R) conditions to induce I/R injury. TTC, Western blot, CCK-8 assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy were used to assess the size of myocardial infarct, level of some apoptotic-related and autophagy-associated proteins, cell viability, the level of LncRNA TUG1, apoptosis, and autophagy, respectively. RESULTS: The results revealed that a TUG1 knockdown protected against I/R-induced myocardial injury by decreasing the impairment in cardiac function. LncRNA TUG1 expression was increased in a myocardial I/R model and HI/R in H9C2 cells. Moreover, inhibition of LncTUG1 enhanced H9C2 cell viability and protected the cells from HI/R-induced apoptosis. Silencing LncRNA TUG1 promoted HI/R-induced autophagy. Furthermore, TUG1 siRNA upregulated the level of miR-34a-5p compared to the HI/R group. The protective effect of LncRNA TUG1 inhibition on H9C2 cells following HI/R was eliminated by blocking autophagy with an miR-34a-5p inhibitor. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that inhibiting TUG1 may reduce the extent of myocardial I/R injury by regulating miR-34a-5p. Taken together, these results suggest that LncRNA TUG1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury.

Can Posterior Pericardial Incision Truly Improve Postoperative Complications After Cardiac Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and pericardial effusion are important factors affecting prognosis after cardiac surgery. Recently, it has been reported that posterior pericardiotomy (PP) can effectively prevent the occurrence of POAF and pericardial effusion. To validate these conclusions and guide clinical practice, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for manuscripts published before July 2022 on the use of PP to prevent POAF and pericardial effusion and included only randomized controlled trials. The main outcome was atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, and secondary outcomes were included. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2275 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery in the PP group was significantly lower than that in the control group (risk ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval=0.33~0.69; P<0.00001). PP effectively reduced postoperative pericardial effusion (risk ratio=0.34, 95% confidence interval=0.21-0.55; P<0.00001). CONCLUSION: PP has shown good results in preventing POAF, pericardial effusion, and other complications, which indicates that PP is a safe and effective surgical method, but attention still needs to be paid to the potential risk of coagulation dysfunction caused by PP.

Deficiency of GDF-11 Accelerates TAC-Induced Heart Failure by Impairing Cardiac Angiogenesis.

The role of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-11 in cardiac diseases has not been fully determined. Our study revealed that GDF-11 is not essential for myocardial development and physiological growth, whereas its absence exacerbates heart failure under pressure overload condition via impairing the responsive angiogenesis. GDF-11 induced VEGF expression in CMs by activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. The effect of endogenous GDF-11 on the heart belongs to local self-regulation of myocardial tissue, rather than a way of systemic regulation.

Can Posterior Pericardial Incision Truly Improve Postoperative Complications After Cardiac Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and pericardial effusion are important factors affecting prognosis after cardiac surgery. Recently, it has been reported that posterior pericardiotomy (PP) can effectively prevent the occurrence of POAF and pericardial effusion. To validate these conclusions and guide clinical practice, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: We searched multiple databases for manuscripts published before July 2022 on the use of PP to prevent POAF and pericardial effusion and included only randomized controlled trials. The main outcome was atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, and secondary outcomes were included. Results: This meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2275 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery in the PP group was significantly lower than that in the control group (risk ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval=0.33~0.69; P<0.00001). PP effectively reduced postoperative pericardial effusion (risk ratio=0.34, 95% confidence interval=0.21-0.55; P<0.00001). Conclusion: PP has shown good results in preventing POAF, pericardial effusion, and other complications, which indicates that PP is a safe and effective surgical method, but attention still needs to be paid to the potential risk of coagulation dysfunction caused by PP.

Transcoronary sinus repair of a severely dilated and tortuous right coronary artery fistulized to coronary sinus complicated with tricuspid valve insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Right coronary artery (RCA) fistulized to the coronary sinus is rare condition in adult cardiac anomalies, and the management and operative indication are controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 45-year female patient who presented with exertional dyspnea, accompanied by intermitted lower limbs and facial edema. She was diagnosed with severe tricuspid regurgitation second to a severely dilated RCA fistulized to the coronary sinus. After multidisciplinary discussion, she underwent surgery through routine medium sternotomy, the right atrium was opened under cardiopulmonary bypass. The coronary arteriovenous fistula from the distal portion of RC to a severely enlarged coronary sinus was found. Trans-coronary sinus closure of the fistula was performed with continuous stitching and a tricuspid ring annuloplasty was done. The patient recovered uneventful post operation. CONCLUSION: According to current literatures, surgical treatment was adopted for this case, instead of endovascular intervention. The optimal approach for these cases should consider the heart's anatomical characteristics. But we need to be aware of the occurrence of myocardial infarction and tricuspid regurgitation in the early and late stage after operation.

Causal relationship between tea intake and cardiovascular diseases: A Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Although studies suggest that tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is no unified conclusion about the potential relationship between tea drinking and CVD. We used a two-sample Mendelian randomized (MR) analysis to systematically explore the causal relationship between tea intake and CVD subtypes for the first time. Furthermore the mediating effect of hypertension was also explored by a two-step MR. Methods: Genetic instruments for tea intake were identified from a genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 447,485 people. Summary data on cardio-vascular disease came from different GWAS meta-analysis studies. In the first step we explored the causal effect of tea intake and CVD. In the second step, we examined the association of hypertension with heart failure and ischemic stroke and estimated the mediating effect of hypertension. Inverse variance weighted MR analysis was used as the primary method for causal analysis. A further sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure robustness of the results. Results: One standard deviation increase in tea intake was associated with a 25% (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.61-0.91, p = 0.003) lower risk of hypertension, a 28% (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.58-0.89, p = 0.002) lower risk of heart failure, and a 29% (OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.55-0.92, p = 0.008) lower risk of ischemic stroke, respectively. And the association between tea drinking and the risk of heart failure and ischemic stroke may be mediated by hypertension. Sensitivity analyses found little evidence of pleiotropy. Conclusion: Our two-sample MR analysis provided genetic evidence that tea intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic stroke, and that hypertension may be a potential mediator. Further large randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm the causal effect of tea consumption on cardiovascular disease risk.

False lumen patency status and outcomes after endovascular repair of uncomplicated chronic type B dissection.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains a controversial treatment for uncomplicated chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD). This study was performed to investigate the postoperative outcomes of TEVAR, such as survival and reintervention, and the risk factors for prognoses. METHODS: In total, 41 patients with uncomplicated cTBAD who underwent TEVAR from 2014 to 2021 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: those with false lumen complete thrombosis (FLCT) and false lumen partial thrombosis (FLPT) based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate survival and freedom from reintervention. Binary logistic analysis was performed to estimate risk factors for partial thrombosis. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 31 (1-78) months, five deaths and six reinterventions had occurred at 5 years. By 1 week, thoracic FLCT had occurred in 23 (56.1%) patients and thoracic FLPT had occurred in 18 (43.9%). The rate of freedom from reintervention was significantly lower in the FLCT than in the FLPT group (p = 0.04). The 5-year survival rate of the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). Risk factors for thoracic FLPT were the distance between the re-entry site and the graft (p = 0.02) and the proximal oversizing ratio (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR is an effective and safe treatment for uncomplicated cTBAD and has a low mortality rate. Thoracic FLCT is associated with less reintervention, but overall survival is not impacted by this difference. Patients treated with TEVAR without certain risk factors can have a good prognosis.

The Association Between Psoriasis and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

Background: A large number of observational studies showed that patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but most studies did not fully adjust for confounding factors, so it is not clear whether the risk of CVD is directly attributed to psoriasis. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the potential causal relationship between psoriasis and CVD. Methods: We used genetic instruments from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European descent for psoriasis to investigate its relationship with CVD. Inverse variance-weighted (IVW) MR analyses were used for the primary analysis. In addition, a variety of other methods were used to replicate the analysis. Results: The fixed-effects IVW method indicated that genetic susceptibility to psoriasis was associated with a higher risk of heart failure (HF) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06, P = 2.72E-03], atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07, P = 3.27E-04), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12, P = 0.01), valvular heart disease (VHD) (OR = 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002, P = 1.85E-03), and large artery stroke (LAS) (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.18, P = 5.37E-04) but not with the other two subtypes of ischemic stroke (IS) [cardioembolic stroke (CES) (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.98-1.07, P = 0.27) and small vessel stroke (SVS) (OR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.95-1.07), P = 0.88)]. Sensitivity analysis found weak evidence of horizontal diversity and heterogeneity to ensure the stability of the results. Conclusion: Our study provided evidence for a potential causal link between psoriasis and CVD. These findings partly suggest that early monitoring of cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis is intentional.

30-Day Outcomes after Surgical or Transapical Aortic Valve Replacement in Symptomatic Aortic Regurgitation.

Background: We aimed to analyze the short-term clinical outcomes of transapical aortic valve replacement (TA-TAVR) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in symptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) patients to draw preliminary conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of TA-TAVR compared with SAVR and to provide evidence for future use of TA-TAVR in AR patients. Method: From September 2016 to September 2021, 69 patients undergoing TA-TAVR with J-valve implantation and 42 patients undergoing SAVR at the Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were analyzed for clinical data and 30-day follow-up outcomes to analyze and compare the differences in clinical endpoints between the two procedures. Results: At 30-day follow-up, there were no significant differences in mortality or neurological events between the two groups before and after the PSM. In secondary endpoints there were significant differences between the pre-match TAVR and SAVR groups, such as the incidence of paravalvular leaks (33.8% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.05), which also remained after the PSM (37.5% vs. 0, p < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of major bleeding was 7.4% in the TAVR group and 26.2% in the SAVR group before matching (p < 0.05). After matching, the statistical difference still remained. In longitudinal comparison, significant improvements in postoperative cardiac ultrasound indices and NYHA classification occurred in both groups. Conclusion: The TA-TAVR approach is safe and reliable, with similar clinical efficacy to SAVR, and has advantages in bleeding rate and speed of recovery.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Cardiovascular Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Previous studies have shown that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) tend to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the potential causal relationship between genetic susceptibility to SLE and CVD risk is not clear. This study systematically investigated the potential association between genetically determined SLE and the risk of CVD. Methods: The genetic tools were obtained from genome-wide association studies of SLE and CVD, with no overlap between their participating populations. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting as the primary method. Simultaneously, a series of repeated analyses, sensitivity analyses, and instrumental variable strength evaluations were performed to verify the reliability of our results. Results: MR analysis showed that genetic susceptibility to SLE was associated with a higher risk of heart failure (OR=1.025, 95% CI [1.009-1.041], P=0.002), ischemic stroke (OR=1.020, 95% CI [1.005-1.034], P=0.009), and venous thromboembolism (OR=1.001, 95% CI [1.000-1.002], P=0.014). However, genetic susceptibility to SLE was negatively correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (OR=0.968, 95% CI [0.947-0.990], P=0.004). Sensitivity analysis found no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Conclusion: Our MR study explored the causal role of SLE in the etiology of CVD, which would help improve our understanding of the basic disease mechanisms of SLE and provide comprehensive CVD assessment and treatment for SLE patients.

Associations Between Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Heart Failure: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Although studies suggest that concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are lower in individuals with Heart Failure (HF), the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation are controversial. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between serum Vitamin D (VD) levels and HF. Methods: We obtained genetic instruments from the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European descent for 25(OH)D (443, 734 individuals) to investigate the association with HF (47,309 cases, 930,014 controls), and vice versa. Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was performed to infer the causality. In addition to the primary analysis using inverse variance-weighted (IVW) MR, we applied five additional methods to control for pleiotropy [MR-Egger, weighted median, Maximum-likelihood, MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS) and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO)] and compared their respective MR estimates. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to ensure that our results were robust. Results: Mendelian randomized analysis showed that increased serum 25(OH)D was associated with a lower risk of HF in the IVW method (odds ratio [OR] = 0. 81;95%CI, 0.70-0.94, P = 0.006). In the reverse MR analyses, the genetic predisposition to HF was negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D level (OR = 0. 89;95%CI, (0.82-0.97), P = 0.009). Conclusion: Our study revealed the possible causal role of 25(OH)D on decreasing the risk for HF. Meanwhile, reverse MR analysis suggested that HF may be associated with lower vitamin D levels, it could be the potential implications for dietary recommendations.

The dynamic changes in autophagy activity and its role in lung injury after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) can cause acute lung injury (ALI), and its pathogenesis mimics ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Autophagy is also involved in lung I/R injury. The present study aimed to elucidate whether DHCA induces natural autophagy activation and its role in DHCA-mediated lung injury. Here, rats were randomly assigned to the Sham or DHCA group. The sham group (n = 5) only received anaesthesia and air intubation. DHCA group rats underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) followed by the DHCA procedure. The rats were then sacrificed at 3, 6 and 24 h after the DHCA procedure (n = 5) to measure lung injury and autophagy activity. Chloroquine (CQ) was delivered to evaluate autophagic flux. DHCA caused lung injury, which was prominent 3-6 h after DHCA, as confirmed by histological examination and inflammatory cytokine quantification. Lung injury subsided at 24 h. Autophagy was suppressed 3 h but was exaggerated at 6 h. At both time points, autophagic flux appeared uninterrupted. To further assess the role of autophagy in DHCA-mediated lung injury, the autophagy inducer rapamycin and its inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) were applied, and lung injury was reassessed. When rapamycin was administered at an early time point, lung injury worsened, whereas administration of 3-MA at a late time point ameliorated lung injury, indicating that autophagy contributed to lung injury after DHCA. Our study presents a time course of lung injury following DHCA. Autophagy showed adaptive yet protective suppression 3 h after DHCA, as induction of autophagy caused worsening of lung tissue. In contrast, autophagy was exaggerated 6 h after DHCA, and autophagy inhibition attenuated DHCA-mediated lung injury.

The effect of in situ laser fenestration for total endovascular arch repair in redo aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of aortic arch pathologies in redo cases is technically challenging. In this study, we assessed early and mid-term outcomes of total endovascular arch repair combined with a new method of in situ laser fenestration. METHODS: Between January 2018 and March 2019, five patients with a history of cardiovascular surgery underwent in situ laser fenestration procedures using the "squid capture technique" for aortic arch pathologies with dissection. All patients were followed up regularly and imaging examinations were performed. The technical success, procedural complications, as well as the early and mid-term mortality and morbidity rates were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients survived the operation and fenestration was technically successful in all of the patients. There was no in-hospital mortality. No patients developed major complications, such as peri-operative strokes, transient ischemic attacks, or spinal cord ischemia. The 11-22 months follow-up (mean, 17 months) was completed by all patients. No endoleaks were discovered; false lumen thromboses and subsequent positive remodeling of the aorta were demonstrated and all in situ laser-fenestrated arteries were patent. CONCLUSIONS: In situ laser fenestration combined with "squid capture technique" was shown to may be an effective and safe option for reconstruction of aortic arch during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. In situ laser fenestration combined with "squid capture technology" was shown to be an effective treatment option for patients with prior history of cardiovascular surgery and who are at high risk for redo open operations.

Parachute mitral valve associated with reticular chordae tendineae in an adult: case report.

BACKGROUND: Parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae is an extremely rare anomaly. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of parachute mitral valve associated with distinctive reticular chordae tendineae in an adult. It was diagnosed from the echocardiogram. The patient was referred for surgery. Valve analysis showed thickened mitral valve leaflets and commissures. The chordae tendinae were lengthy and thick. All the chordae tendinae merged into a solitary papillary muscle. A distinctive reticular fibrous tissue was found on mitral valve apparatus as the chordae tendinae intermixed each other. The only functional communication between the left atrium and the left ventricle was through the reticular spaces. This anomaly was considered to be unrepairable and was replaced with a mechanical valve. CONCLUSIONS: An extremely rare and unique case of parachute mitral valve associated with reticular chordae tendineae was reported. Mitral valve replacement is a reasonable choice in patients with parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae.

True cost of surgical aortic valve replacement and implications for price setting and diagnosis-related groups: evidence from a tertiary hospital in Eastern China.

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has long been the standard treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis in China, but the costs of SAVR from a hospital perspective in China have not been thoroughly researched. Currently, diagnosis-related groups in China are based on historical expenses that are closely related to the unit charges set by the official pricing department and are frequently inaccurate compared with actual resource consumption. Materials & methods: Through a retrospective empirical study on the costs and charges of SAVR cases in a tertiary hospital, this study aimed to compare the costs and charges of service items. We collected clinical information from patients undergoing SAVR (isolated or concomitant procedures) and financial information from the hospital in 2015 and 2016. Top-down full cost accounting and step-allocation were the main methods used in this study. Result: This research selected 203 SAVR cases in 2015 and 214 cases in 2016. The median length of hospital stay was 15.92 days (6.07 days pre surgery and 9.57 days post surgery). The average human resource cost of care per day per bed in the cardiovascular surgery department, including doctors and nurses, was US $62.22 in 2015 and $66.17 in 2016, but the corresponding charge was no more than $24. For operation, the cost of isolated SAVR was $665 in 2015 and $1015 in 2016, while the charge was $820. For anesthesiology, the cost of isolated SAVR was $400 in 2015 and $526 in 2016, while the average charge was $192. For examination service items, some costs did not exceed charges. The average total cost of a case was $19,299 ± 8954, while the average total charge was $18,923 ± 9194. Conclusion: SAVR is associated with significant resource utilization and hospital stay duration. The fees for human resources and services associated with SAVR do not reflect the true costs of SAVR in a Chinese hospital setting. This study may assist in future budget planning and price setting for policy makers in China.

Conservative treatment of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after mitral valve replacement due to early left ventricular rupture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm due to early left ventricle rupture is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Urgent surgery is recommended in most cases with a high mortality rate. Conservative treatment of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm due to early left ventricle rupture is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 61-year-old woman with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after mitral valve replacement due to early left ventricle rupture. This patient was treated in a conservative approach. This patient had an uneventful recovery. She was in good condition and remained asymptomatic 3.5 years after mitral valve surgery. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that medical treatment left ventricular pseudoaneurysm patients has a limited but acceptable role in selected and unusual circumstances.

Spindle cell sarcoma of the right atrium causing right atrial pseudoaneurysm: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Spindle cell sarcomas of the right atrium are extremely rare primary cardiac tumours, with very few cases reported in the medical literature. Pseudoaneurysms caused by cardiac spindle cell sarcoma have never been reported worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for recurrent pericardial haemorrhagic effusion and pleural effusion. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram, contrast chest CT, and contrast MRI revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the right side of the right atrium with a thrombus. There was a defect between the pseudoaneurysm and the right atrium. PET-CT suggested that FDG metabolism inhomogeneity increased in the mass in the right atrium. Exfoliative cytology detection of massive pericardial effusion and pleural effusion revealed no tumour cells. Spindle cell sarcoma of the right atrium was not confirmed until the patient underwent right thoracic exploration and biopsy. Before a confirmed diagnosis, symptomatic treatment, such as chest effusion and pericardium effusion drainage, and transfusion of red blood cells were mainly used to relieve the patient's symptoms. Unfortunately, the patient was lost to optimal treatments and passed away 20 days after the pathological diagnosis was made. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of spindle cell sarcomas remains poor due to delays in diagnosis, early metastasis and few available therapeutic options. Recurrent pericardial effusion and pleural effusion, especially in the nature of haemorrhagic effusion, and/or right atrial pseudoaneurysm shown on the transthoracic echocardiogram must be considered and highly suspected as malignancy by patients and physicians. If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, histopathology should be performed as soon as possible to avoid losing the best treatment opportunity.