Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Three Case Reports and Literature Review.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupture (SOVAR) into the right cardiac chambers is an uncommon complication with unusual presentation, high morbidity and mortality, and unique hemodynamics as well as cardiac imaging findings. Here, we present three SOVAR cases (two with rupture into the right atrium and one with rupture into the right ventricle) that were initially confused for ventricular septal defects and describe their initial presentation, cardiac imaging studies, invasive hemodynamics, as well as treatment options. Some of the unique findings of SOVAR patients include an acute presentation, often with hemodynamic decompensation, the presence of a continuous murmur on examination, and also hemodynamics that include wide pulse pressure and right heart volume overload.

Atrial fibrillation in adults with congenital heart disease following cardiac surgery in a single center: Analysis of incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of our work is to determine the incidence of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease. Secondary aims include identifying risk factors predictive of developing early postoperative atrial fibrillation and morbidities associated with early postoperative atrial fibrillation. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Single center, quaternary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: This review included patients at least 18 years of age with known congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery requiring a median sternotomy at our congenital heart center from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. INTERVENTIONS: None. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was early postoperative atrial fibrillation. Secondary outcomes included preoperative comorbidities, preoperative echocardiographic findings, operative details, and postoperative morbidities, such length of stay, reintubation, stroke, and death. RESULTS: The incidence of early postoperative atrial fibrillation was 21%. Those who developed early postoperative atrial fibrillation were older (50 years vs 38 years, P =< .001), had a history of atrial fibrillation prior to surgery, had preoperative pulmonary hypertension, and had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (103 minutes vs 84 minutes, P = .025) when compared to those who did not develop postoperative atrial fibrillation. Multivariate analysis identified age greater than 60, preoperative pulmonary hypertension, mitral valve intervention, and the need for postoperative inotropic support as being independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Those who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation remained in the hospital longer (9 days vs 7 days, P =< .001). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation is a common complication following cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease. Age, preoperative comorbidities, type of surgical intervention, and the need for perioperative inotropic infusions may predict the risk of atrial fibrillation in this unique patient population.

Recurrent nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis: A novel therapeutic approach.

We present the case of a 29-year-old male with a history of Mizuho hemolytic anemia, a rare form of unstable hemoglobinopathy, who presented with congestive heart failure secondary to recurrent valve thrombosis despite appropriate oral anticoagulation. He subsequently required mitral and aortic valve replacement. Pathologic examination revealed extensive nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Due to recurrent thrombosis despite therapeutic anticoagulation, we elected to treat him with red blood cell exchange transfusions and hydroxyurea. He has remained free of symptoms for almost two years with this treatment regimen without side effects. .

The use of left ventricular assist devices in the treatment of class IV heart failure patients: what the non-heart failure specialist needs to know.

The New York Heart Association class IV heart failure patient represents a very sick patient population with a poor 6-month survival rate. With appropriate selection and timing, left ventricular assist devices can provide improved outcomes while these patients are supported for bridge to heart transplant or destination therapy. As the number of heart failure patients supported by left ventricular assist devices increases, physicians will need to be familiar with postoperative chronic issues (such as right ventricular failure, infection, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, bleeding, and thromboembolic events) that can affect the function of these devices.