Aortic valve replacement in small aortic root- Bi-leaflet mechanical valve is superior to a Mono-leaflet mechanical valve.

Background: Patient prosthetic mismatch is a serious but avoidable complication of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) complicated by a small aortic annulus. This study aims to compare early and midterm outcomes following aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mono-leaflet (ML) valve and a bi-leaflet (BL) valve in a small aortic root. Methods and selection: From January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2019, 98 patients diagnosed with small aortic root underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with either TTK Chitra valve (Mono-leaflet/ ML group) or St. Jude medical valve (Bi-leaflet/ BL group) of size 17/ 19 mm. Echocardiography was analyzed from medical records and telephonic follow-up. Results: Baseline parameters were comparable. The ML group had 42 patients and the BL group had 56 patients. Aortic cross-clamp time, the incidence of severe patient prosthetic mismatch (p = 0.002) and mean, peak pressure gradients were high in the ML group. Duration of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the incidence of stroke, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, permanent pacemaker, dialysis, and left ventricular mass index in echocardiography were comparable between the two groups postoperatively. There was no early mortality in both group. Survival at the end of 5 years was 57 ± 14.4% in the ML group; 91.8 ± 4% in the BL group (p = 0.005). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed elderly age as a risk factor for mortality. Conclusion: We conclude that aortic valve replacement without any root widening procedure, using a small-sized mechanical valve provides acceptable early outcomes. Bi-leaflet mechanical valves provide better hemodynamics and survival percentage.

Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor in a Pulmonary Vascular Malformation With Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

Placental site trophoblastic tumor, a rare variety of gestational trophoblastic disease, is traditionally limited to the uterus, found within the placental implantation site where it can lead to arteriovenous malformations. Gestational trophoblastic diseases are known to metastasize to the lungs, of which choriocarcinomas are the most common. However arteriovenous malformations related to such metastatic lesions are extremely rare. The occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax in pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, under any circumstances, is rarely reported. Herein we report a rare case of metastatic placental site trophoblastic tumor found within pulmonary arteriovenous malformations uniquely presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax.