Effect of direct intramyocardial autologous stem cell grafting in the sub-acute phase after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and safety of intramyocardial autologous bone marrow mononuclear stem cells (BMMNC) grafting combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on ventricular remodeling and global and regional wall motion after acute transmural myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial including 20 patients with non-revascularized transmural AMI, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) lower than 50% and surgical indication for CABG. The stem cell group was treated with BMMNC grafting by direct intramyocardial injection between the 10th and 15th days after AMI (subacute phase) combined with CABG under cardiopulmonary bypass; the control group was only treated with CABG. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium and stress echocardiography were performed presurgery and 9 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Seventeen patients completed the follow-up. The baseline characteristics of both groups were homogeneous. No significant differences were found in the increase in LVEF (control: 6.99±4.60, cells: 7.47±6.61, P=0.876) or in the decrease in global (control: 0.28±0.39, cells: 0.22±0.28, P=0.759) or regional (control: 0.52±0.38, cells: 0.74±0.60, P=0.415) wall motion indices between the control and stem cell groups of AMI patients. No differences were found in the recovered non-viable segments (control: 1.29±1.11, cells: 2.50±1.41, P=0.091) or in the decrease in end-diastolic (control: 14.05±19.72, cells: 18.40±29.89, P=0.725) or end-systolic (control: 15.42±13.93, cells: 23.06±25.03, P=0.442) volumes. No complications from stem cell grafting were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results from our study reported herein suggest that intramyocardial BMMNC administration during CABG in patients with AMI causes no medium- to long-term improvement in ventricular remodeling.

Inter- and intra-observer variability in the echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular systolic function remains subject to debate because of the anatomic peculiarities of the right ventricle. Several methods have been developed for quantifying right ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and reproducibility of a number of echocardiographic parameters by evaluating their inter-observer and intra-observer variability. METHODS: The study included 30 patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy scheduled for heart surgery. All underwent echocardiography, which was performed independently by two echocardiographers within 24 hours. The intra-observer analysis was carried out using the recorded images at least 1 month after they had been obtained. The parameters studied were the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity on tissue Doppler imaging, right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening, fractional shortening of right ventricular diameters, and fractional shortening of right ventricular areas. Variability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The degree of concordance on TAPSE and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity measurement was good in the inter-observer analysis and excellent in the intra-observer analysis. However, concordance was poor on measurements of the fractional shortening of the right ventricular outflow tract, areas and diameters on both inter-observer and intra-observer analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The most reliable and reproducible echocardiographic parameters for evaluating right ventricular systolic function in patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy were the TAPSE and the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity.

Variabilidad inter e intraobservador en la valoración ecocardiográfica de la función del ventrículo derecho / Inter- and intra-observer variability in the echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function

Introducción y objetivos. La valoración ecocardiográfica de la función sistólica ventricular derecha es actualmente una cuestión pendiente de resolver, dadas las peculiaridades anatómicas del ventrículo derecho. Se han desarrollado diversos métodos para su cálculo. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la fiabilidad y reproducibilidad de diferentes parámetros ecocardiográficos estudiando su variabilidad inter e intraobservador. Métodos. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes con valvulopatía mitral aislada candidatos a cirugía cardiaca. Se realizó un ecocardiograma a todos los pacientes por dos investigadores de forma independiente en un periodo de 24 h. El análisis intraobservador se obtuvo a partir del primer mes desde imágenes grabadas. Los parámetros utilizados fueron la TAPSE (elevación sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo), la velocidad pico sistólica del anillo tricuspídeo por Doppler tisular, la fracción de acortamiento del tracto de salida ventricular derecho, la fracción de acortamiento de los diámetros del ventrículo derecho y la fracción de acortamiento de las áreas del ventrículo derecho. La variabilidad fue analizada mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Resultados. La fuerza de concordancia de la TAPSE y la velocidad pico del anillo tricuspídeo es buena en el análisis interobservador y excelente en el análisis intraobservador. Sin embargo, la fracción de acortamiento del tracto de salida, de las áreas y de los diámetros muestran una pobre concordancia en el análisis inter e intraobservador Conclusiones. Las medidas ecocardiográficas más fiables y reproducibles en la valoración de la función sistólica ventricular derecha en pacientes con valvulopatía mitral aislada son la TAPSE y la velocidad pico del anillo tricuspídeo (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular systolic function remains subject to debate because of the anatomic peculiarities of the right ventricle. Several methods have been developed for quantifying right ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and reproducibility of a number of echocardiographic parameters by evaluating their inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Methods. The study included 30 patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy scheduled for heart surgery. All underwent echocardiography, which was performed independently by two echocardiographers within 24 hours. The intra-observer analysis was carried out using the recorded images at least 1 month after they had been obtained. The parameters studied were the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity on tissue Doppler imaging, right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening, fractional shortening of right ventricular diameters, and fractional shortening of right ventricular areas. Variability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results. The degree of concordance on TAPSE and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity measurement was good in the inter-observer analysis and excellent in the intra-observer analysis. However, concordance was poor on measurements of the fractional shortening of the right ventricular outflow tract, areas and diameters on both inter-observer and intra-observer analyses. Conclusions. The most reliable and reproducible echocardiographic parameters for evaluating right ventricular systolic function in patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy were the TAPSE and the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (AU)

Impact of preoperative anemia on cardiac surgery in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative anemia has been related with adverse outcomes in elective valve replacement and CABG surgery. Impact of preoperative anemia on outcome in octogenarians submitted to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has not yet been precisely described. METHODS: We analyzed association between preoperative hemoglobin level, minimum intraoperative and immediate postoperative hematocrit (HCT), and other co-morbidities and occurrence of adverse outcomes in 227 octogenarians who underwent cardiac surgery. RESULTS: Frequency of preoperative anemia was 41.9% (40.4% in male and 43.5% in female patients). Postoperative mortality was 13.2% (9% in non-anemic patients vs. 18.9% in anemic). 44.5% of patients suffered at least one postoperative adverse outcome (43.1% non-anemic vs. 46.3% anemic). In multivariate analysis (after adjusting independent preoperative risk factors for operative mortality and EuroSCORE) preoperative creatinine level [odds ratio (OR), 2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-4.98; P=0.035], immediate postoperative HCT <24% (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.04-7.38; P=0.039), perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.24-2.00; P=0.0001), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 4.92; 95% CI, 1.45-16.69; P=0.012) and urgent surgery (OR, 10.57; 95% CI, 2.54-43.91; P=0.0001) were identified as independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality and adverse postoperative outcome increase in anemic octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery. Although mortality is directly related to immediate postoperative anemia, adverse outcomes mainly depend on associated co-morbidities.

In-hospital prognosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis after urgent surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prosthetic valve endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly when urgent surgery is needed. The identification of factors that predict a poor prognosis is the first step in improving outcomes. The study objectives were to characterize patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis who need urgent surgery and to identify factors that predict in-hospital mortality in this high-risk group. METHODS: From a database of 648 consecutive patients with infective endocarditis diagnosed between 1996 and 2006 at four tertiary-care centers with cardiac surgery facilities, 46 patients with left-sided prosthetic valve endocarditis who needed urgent surgery were identified. A retrospective study was carried out to determine these patients' main characteristics and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The main indications for urgent surgery were heart failure (57%) and persistent infection (33%). In-hospital mortality was 41%. Factors significantly associated with a poor prognosis were fever at admission, persistent infection, positive blood cultures, persistently positive cultures, and echocardiographic evidence of vegetations (P< .05). No specific microorganism was associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic valve endocarditis was associated with high mortality when urgent surgery was needed. Although heart failure was the principle reason for urgent surgery, it did not lead to a worse in-hospital prognosis. The presence of vegetations and uncontrolled infection were the main factors associated with higher in-hospital mortality in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis who needed urgent surgery.

Pronóstico hospitalario de la endocarditis protésica tras cirugía urgente / In-hospital prognosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis after urgent surgery

Introducción y objetivos. La endocarditis protésica conlleva una alta morbimortalidad, más aún si precisa cirugía urgente. Determinar los factores predictores de mal pronóstico es el primer paso para disminuirla. Nuestro objetivo es definir el perfil de los pacientes con endocarditis protésica que precisan cirugía urgente e identificar los factores predictores de mortalidad hospitalaria en este grupo de alto riesgo. Métodos. De una base de datos que incluye un total de 648 casos de endocarditis infecciosa diagnosticados consecutivamente en cuatro centros terciarios con cirugía cardiaca entre 1996 y 2006, 46 fueron endocarditis protésicas izquierdas y precisaron cirugía urgente. Hemos realizado un estudio retrospectivo de las principales características de estos pacientes y un análisis para determinar los factores asociados a una mayor mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados. Las principales indicaciones de cirugía urgente fueron la insuficiencia cardiaca (57%) y la infección persistente (33%). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 41%. Los factores asociados a un peor pronóstico (p < 0,05) fueron: fiebre al ingreso, infección persistente, hemocultivos positivos y persistentemente positivos y vegetaciones en el ecocardiograma. Ningún microorganismo se asoció a peor pronóstico. Conclusiones. La endocarditis protésica es una enfermedad con una alta mortalidad cuando precisa cirugía urgente. Aunque la insuficiencia cardiaca es la principal causa de cirugía urgente, no empeora el pronóstico hospitalario. Las vegetaciones y la falta de control de la infección son los factores asociados a mortalidad hospitalaria en los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa izquierda intervenidos urgentemente (AU)

Introducción y objetivos. La endocarditis protésica conlleva una alta morbimortalidad, más aún si precisa cirugía urgente. Determinar los factores predictores de mal pronóstico es el primer paso para disminuirla. Nuestro objetivo es definir el perfil de los pacientes con endocarditis protésica que precisan cirugía urgente e identificar los factores predictores de mortalidad hospitalaria en este grupo de alto riesgo. Métodos. De una base de datos que incluye un total de 648 casos de endocarditis infecciosa diagnosticados consecutivamente en cuatro centros terciarios con cirugía cardiaca entre 1996 y 2006, 46 fueron endocarditis protésicas izquierdas y precisaron cirugía urgente. Hemos realizado un estudio retrospectivo de las principales características de estos pacientes y un análisis para determinar los factores asociados a una mayor mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados. Las principales indicaciones de cirugía urgente fueron la insuficiencia cardiaca (57%) y la infección persistente (33%). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 41%. Los factores asociados a un peor pronóstico (p < 0,05) fueron: fiebre al ingreso, infección persistente, hemocultivos positivos y persistentemente positivos y vegetaciones en el ecocardiograma. Ningún microorganismo se asoció a peor pronóstico. Conclusiones. La endocarditis protésica es una enfermedad con una alta mortalidad cuando precisa cirugía urgente. Aunque la insuficiencia cardiaca es la principal causa de cirugía urgente, no empeora el pronóstico hospitalario. Las vegetaciones y la falta de control de la infección son los factores asociados a mortalidad hospitalaria en los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa izquierda intervenidos urgentemente (AU)

Rationale, design, and methods for the early surgery in infective endocarditis study (ENDOVAL 1): a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial comparing the state-of-the-art therapeutic strategy versus early surgery strategy in infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of infective endocarditis is poor and has remained steady over the last 4 decades. Several nonrandomized studies suggest that early surgery could improve prognosis. METHODS: ENDOVAL 1 is a multicenter, prospective, randomized study designed to compare the state-of-the-art therapeutic strategy (advised by the international societies in their guidelines) with the early-surgery strategy in high-risk patients with infective endocarditis. Patients with infective endocarditis without indication for surgery will be included if they meet at least one of the following: (1) early-onset prosthetic endocarditis; (2) Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis; (3) periannular complications; (4) new-onset conduction abnormalities; (5) new-onset severe valvular dysfunction. A total of 216 patients will be randomized to either of the 2 strategies. Stratification will be done within 3 days of admission. In the early surgery arm, the surgical procedure will be performed within 48 hours of randomization. The only event to be considered will be death within 30 days. The study will be extended to 1 year. In the follow-up substudy, death and a new episode of endocarditis will be regarded as events. CONCLUSION: ENDOVAL 1, the first randomized study on endocarditis, will provide crucial information regarding the putative benefit of early surgery over the state-of-the-art therapeutic approach in high-risk patients with infective endocarditis.

Analysis of inflammatory response and utility of N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide in cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits an inflammatory response. During and after cardiac surgery, we examined the pattern of cytokine release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, to investigate inflammatory response. We analyzed N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a marker of ventricular function. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 58) undergoing elective cardiac surgery with extra-corporeal circulation were recruited into the study. Blood samples for analysis of the biochemical markers were taken at seven time points for cytokines and TNF, and three for Nt-proBNP. RESULTS: All markers increased significantly after CPB. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were higher in men. IL-8 was related to a need for inotropic support. IL-6 was related to the time of CPB (P = 0.004), aortic clamping (P = 0.013), length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (P = 0.004) and mechanical ventilation for more than 12 h (P = 0.006). The levels of NT-proBNP were higher in cases of ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.003) and functional class III/IV (P = 0.001). The postoperative values were related to age (P < 0.05), creatinine values (P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation time (P < 0.001) and stay in the ICU (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate a relationship between cytokine levels and sex, time of CPB and aortic clamping, The increase of cytokines correlates with a need for inotropic support, mechanical ventilation and length of stay in ICU. We confirmed the predictive role, and its utility in the risk stratification of the NT-proBNP, and its importance in early diagnosis of postoperative ventricular dysfunction.

[Cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation in cancer patients: influence on surgical morbidity and mortality and on survival]. / Cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea en pacientes oncológicos: influencia en la morbimortalidad quirúrgica y la supervivencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Morbimortality related to cardiac surgery may be superior in patients with malignant neoplastic disease. Inflammatory phenomena and immunologic changes secondary to extracorporeal circulation use can also increase tumor recurrence. We evaluate characteristics and results of cardiac surgery in our neoplastic patients. METHODS: Out of 2146 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, 89 (4.2%) had been previously affected by cancer. Cancer was active (recent diagnosis or under treatment) in 33 patients (group A) and 56 (group B) were in remission. Both groups were matched with 165 patients with no tumor, according to age, gender, type of surgery, and comorbidity (group C). We retrospectively evaluated incremental risk factors for surgical morbimortality, survival and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Median interval between cancer diagnosis and surgery was 60 months and mortality and morbidity were 4.5% and 36%, respectively, vs 5,4% and 32,7% in group C. During follow-up, 12 patients died (8 due to cancer), 16 suffered cancer recurrence and 2 new tumors were diagnosed. Statistical analysis did not permit us to identify any incremental risk factor for mortality. Postoperative morbidity was increased in case of preoperative renal failure. During follow-up, survival was significantly decreased in group A, in case of preoperative left ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary obstructive disease, and when interval between cancer diagnosis and cardiac surgery was under 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: We have not observed an increase in cardiac surgery morbimortality in cancer patients. Anyway, survival is decreased in case of active or recently diagnosed cancer.

Cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea en pacientes oncológicos: influencia en la morbimortalidad quirúrgica y la supervivencia / Cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation in cancer patients: influence on surgical morbidity and mortality and on survival

Introducción y objetivos. La morbimortalidad de la cirugía cardiaca parece ser mayor en los pacientes neoplásicos. Los fenómenos inflamatorios y las reacciones inmunitarias secundarias a la circulación extracorpórea pueden favorecer la recidiva tumoral. Evaluamos las características y los resultados de la cirugía cardiaca en nuestros pacientes oncológicos. Métodos. De 2.146 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a circulación extracorpórea, 89 (4,2%) presentaban una neoplasia. El cáncer estaba activo (recientemente diagnosticado o en tratamiento) en 33 pacientes (grupo A) y en remisión completa en 56 (grupo B). Se pareó ambos grupos con 165 pacientes sin tumor similares en edad, sexo, tipo de cirugía y comorbilidad (grupo C). Evaluamos retrospectivamente los factores de riesgo de morbimortalidad quirúrgica, supervivencia y recidiva tumoral. Resultados. La mediana del intervalo entre diagnóstico del cáncer y cirugía fue de 60 meses, con mortalidad y morbilidad hospitalarias del 4,5 y el 36%, respectivamente, frente al 5,4 y el 32,7% en el grupo C. Durante el seguimiento, fallecieron 12 pacientes (8 por causa tumoral), 16 sufrieron recidiva y 2, tumores nuevos. El análisis estadístico no permitió identificar ningún factor de riesgo de mortalidad. La morbilidad postoperatoria aumentó en pacientes con insuficiencia renal. Durante el seguimiento, la supervivencia disminuyó significativamente en el grupo A en caso de disfunción ventricular izquierda preoperatoria y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y cuando el intervalo entre diagnóstico de cáncer y cirugía fue < 2 años. Conclusiones. No hemos observado un incremento en la morbimortalidad de la cirugía cardiaca en pacientes oncológicos. No obstante, la supervivencia disminuye en neoplasias activas o de diagnóstico reciente

Introduction and objetives. Morbimortality related to cardiac surgery may be superior in patients with malignant neoplastic disease. Inflammatory phenomena and immunologic changes secondary to extracorporeal circulation use can also increase tumor recurrence. We evaluate characteristics and results of cardiac surgery in our neoplastic patients. Methods. Out of 2146 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, 89 (4.2%) had been previously affected by cancer. Cancer was active (recent diagnosis or under treatment) in 33 patients (group A) and 56 (group B) were in remission. Both groups were matched with 165 patients with no tumor, according to age, gender, type of surgery, and comorbidity (group C). We retrospectively evaluated incremental risk factors for surgical morbimortality, survival and tumor recurrence. Results. Median interval between cancer diagnosis and surgery was 60 months and mortality and morbidity were 4.5% and 36%, respectively, vs 5,4% and 32,7% in group C. During follow-up, 12 patients died (8 due to cancer), 16 suffered cancer recurrence and 2 new tumors were diagnosed. Statistical analysis did not permit us to identify any incremental risk factor for mortality. Postoperative morbidity was increased in case of preoperative renal failure. During follow-up, survival was significantly decreased in group A, in case of preoperative left ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary obstructive disease, and when interval between cancer diagnosis and cardiac surgery was under 2 years. Conclusions. We have not observed an increase in cardiac surgery morbimortality in cancer patients. Anyway, survival is decreased in case of active or recently diagnosed cancer

Plasma troponins as markers of myocardial damage during cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

All types of cardiac surgery involve considerable injury to the myocardium. However, it is difficult to differentiate, in the immediate post-operative state, between ischemic alterations associated with the cardiac surgery itself and the pathological alterations of a peri-operative myocardial infarction. The diagnosis of damaged myocardium, classically performed with the enzymatic markers creatine kinase (CK) and its muscle fraction (CK-MB), has become more precise with the option of measuring cardiac troponins T and I. We measured these markers in 58 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with extra-corporeal circulation (ECC). The patients included 37 cases undergoing valve surgery, 14 for coronary revascularization, 6 for mixed procedures, and 1 for closure of an inter-atrial communication. The markers were measured in plasma at baseline (at anesthesia initiation), 5 min post-ECC commencement, following aorta de-clamping, during the surgical closure, and 6, 18 and 42 hrs after surgery. All the markers were increased significantly relative to the baseline values. Troponin I, CK and CK-MB values peaked between 6 and 18 hrs after surgery, troponin T between 18 and 42 hrs, and myoglobin at the surgical closure. The values of all markers were higher in patients undergoing coronary surgery compared to those in patients undergoing valve surgery. In the evaluation of myocardial damage after surgery, the measurement of classical markers such as CK and myoglobin remain valid, but other markers such as troponins provide significant additional diagnostic benefit and, thus, need to be included in the routine biochemical measurements for monitoring myocardial damage associated with the surgical procedure.

[Myocardial revascularization in the female population]. / Revascularización miocárdica en la población femenina.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors that influence outcomes of surgical myocardial revascularization in the female population. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study in which 128 woman, subjected to GABC[IBM1] from January to September 2004, were enrolled in an univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 69.19 +/- 9.05 [IBM2] years, the most frequent pathologies, comorbilities, were dyslipemia, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Unestable angina was found in 63.28% patients and stenosis in the left main coronary artery 42.96%; NYHA III-IV in 23.43%. The EuroSCORE mean preoperative risk was [IBM3] 5.57. Twelve surgeries were emergencies. Mean of grafts was 2.57. Mortality corresponded to 5.4% in programmed surgeries, 7% global. Univariate analysis identified this risk factors releated to mortality (p < 0.05): age older than 67 years, NYHA III-IV and emergency surgery, complicated in 25.2%. Follow-up was kept in 90.8% of patients, mean follow-up time was 17.11 (+/- 14.94) months; 115 patients did not present angina. The risk factor for angina during follow-up, in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05) was not having used the left internal thoracic artery as graft for the anastomosis of the anterior descending artery. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery, age older than 67 years, and NYHA III-IV, were independent risk factors associated with mortality in this group. The use of artery grafts associated to reduced angina during follow-up.

Revascularización miocárdica en la población femenina / Myocardial revascularization in the female population

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors that influence outcomes of surgical myocardial revascularization in the female population. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study in which 128 woman, subjected to GABC[IBM1] from January to September 2004, were enrolled in an univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality. Results: The mean age was 69.19 +/- 9.05 [IBM2] years, the most frequent pathologies, comorbilities, were dyslipemia, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Unestable angina was found in 63.28% patients and stenosis in the left main coronary artery 42.96%; NYHA III-IV in 23.43%. The EuroSCORE mean preoperative risk was [IBM3] 5.57. Twelve surgeries were emergencies. Mean of grafts was 2.57. Mortality corresponded to 5.4% in programmed surgeries, 7% global. Univariate analysis identified this risk factors releated to mortality (p < 0.05): age older than 67 years, NYHA III-IV and emergency surgery, complicated in 25.2%. Follow-up was kept in 90.8% of patients, mean follow-up time was 17.11 (+/- 14.94) months; 115 patients did not present angina. The risk factor for angina during follow-up, in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05) was not having used the left internal thoracic artery as graft for the anastomosis of the anterior descending artery. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery, age older than 67 years, and NYHA III-IV, were independent risk factors associated with mortality in this group. The use of artery grafts associated to reduced angina during follow-up.

Clinical and prognostic profile of patients with infective endocarditis who need urgent surgery.

AIMS: Surgery in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) can be elective (upon completion of antibiotic treatment) or urgent (before antibiotic treatment has ended) when the clinical course is unfavourable. However, urgent surgery for left-sided endocarditis is associated with high mortality. The aims of this study were to describe the profile of patients with left-sided endocarditis who underwent urgent surgery and to analyse the factors that predicted mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 508 consecutive episodes of IE, 391 were left-sided and 89 required urgent surgery. The main reasons for urgent surgery were heart failure that did not respond to medication (72%) and persistent infection despite appropriate antibiotic treatment (31%). Thirty-two patients (36%) died during their hospital stay. Univariate analysis identified renal failure, septic shock, Gram-negative bacteria, persistent infection, and surgery for persistent infection as factors associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis confirmed only persistent infection and renal insufficiency as factors independently associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with IE who need urgent surgery have a poor clinical course. Heart failure, the main cause of urgent surgery, was not associated with higher mortality. However, persistent infection and renal failure were factors associated with higher post-surgical mortality.

A case report of a round cystic tumor in the left ventricular outflow tract.

We report a case of a patient who was admitted to our hospital complaining of angina pectoris. On auscultation, a systolic ejection murmur was heard at the right upper sternal border. Transthoracic echocardiography displayed regional wall motion abnormalities and detected a mobile mass in the left ventricular outflow tract, causing mild obstruction during systole. The mass appeared as an unilocular cystic tumor. Coronary angiography showed a significant lesion in the left anterior descending artery. Surgical treatment was indicated for coronary artery disease and for the unpredictable behaviour of the neoplasm. The mass was identified as arising from the top of the anterior papillary muscle. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was a cavernous hemangioma. Cardiac hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors of the heart. This is an unusual case of left ventricular hemangioma incidentally discovered, which raised an interesting differential diagnosis.

Disección espontánea de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior tratada mediante cirugía sin circulación extracorpórea / Surgical treatment of a spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass

Se presenta un caso de disección espontánea de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior en una mujer de 51 años, sin relación con factores desencadenantes conocidos. El inicio clínico fue un IAM no Q anterior, controlado con tratamiento médico y buena evolución clínica. El cateterismo cardíaco evidenció la disección de la arteria descendente anterior, que producía deterioro de la función sistólica. Se realizó revascularización arterial urgente mediante injerto de mamaria interna izquierda a descendente anterior sin CEC. El posoperatorio cursó sin complicaciones y a 25 meses del procedimiento la paciente se encuentra asintomática. Se realiza, además, una exposición de las consideraciones clínicas relacionadas con esta patología.

Disección espontánea de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior tratada mediante cirugía sin circulación extracorpórea / Surgical treatment of a spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass

Se presenta un caso de disección espontánea de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior en una mujer de 51 años, sin relación con factores desencadenantes conocidos. El inicio clínico fue un IAM no Q anterior, controlado con tratamiento médico y buena evolución clínica. El cateterismo cardíaco evidenció la disección de la arteria descendente anterior, que producía deterioro de la función sistólica. Se realizó revascularización arterial urgente mediante injerto de mamaria interna izquierda a descendente anterior sin CEC. El posoperatorio cursó sin complicaciones y a 25 meses del procedimiento la paciente se encuentra asintomática. Se realiza, además, una exposición de las consideraciones clínicas relacionadas con esta patología. (AU)

[Cardiac surgery in octogenarians: current situation and future perspectives]. / Cirugía cardíaca en octogenarios: situación actual y perspectivas de futuro.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Increasing life expectancy makes cardiac surgery in octogenarians not very uncommon. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients aged over 80 undergoing cardiac surgery in our centre. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed preoperative risk factors, in-hospital morbimortality, and long term survival in 120 patients aged 80 years--mean age (standard deviation): 81.53 (1.83)--who underwent cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2005, in comparison with 2425 younger patients referred to our center during the same period. RESULTS: Preoperatively, octogenarians presented arterial hypertension, renal failure, unstable angina, left main coronary stenosis and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV more frequently than younger patients. Combined cardiac surgery procedures (valvular plus coronary) were also significatively higher (20% vs. 9.85%). Hospital mortality (15.8%) was twice as higher as in the non octogenarian population and postoperative intensive care units and hospital stay was longer. 45% suffered some postoperative complication. In the multivariate analysis, urgent procedure, mitral valve surgery and presentation of any postoperative complication were identified as predictors of mortality, and female sex was identified as a risk factor for postoperative morbidity. Survival at one, 3 and 5 years was 91.20%, 80.73% and 69.20%, respectively. 98.7% of the patients were in I-II NYHA functional class and 92.5% satisfied with overall surgery outcome when they were interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite more preoperative co-morbidity and worse functional class, cardiac surgery in octogenarians can be performed with an acceptable mortality. Our patients have a satisfactory quality of life and would undergo a cardiac surgery procedure again. Specific measurements in preoperative and immediate postoperative periods, in order to reduce higher morbidity rates, are advisable.

Cirugía cardíaca en octogenarios: situación actual y perspectivas de futuro / Cardiac surgery in octogenarians: current situation and future perspectives

Fundamento y objetivo: La mayor esperanza de vida incrementa la probabilidad de la cirugía cardíaca en octogenarios. Evaluamos las características, la evolución temporal, la comorbilidad asociada, los factores de riesgo y los resultados de estas intervenciones. Pacientes y método: Analizamos retrospectivamente los factores de riesgo de morbimortalidad y la supervivencia de 120 pacientes de 80 años de edad o más ­media (desviación estándar) de 81,53 (1,83) años­ intervenidos entre 2000 y 2005, comparando la comorbilidad preoperatoria y la mortalidad hospitalaria con las de un grupo de 2.425 pacientes de edad inferior a 80 años intervenidos en el mismo período. Resultados: Preoperatoriamente los octogenarios presentaron mayor incidencia de hipertensión arterial, insuficiencia renal, angina inestable, afectación de tronco de coronaria izquierda y peor grado funcional. La cirugía combinada (valvular más coronaria) fue significativamente mayor (el 20 frente al 9,85%) y un 45% presentó alguna complicación postoperatoria. La mortalidad (15,8%) se duplicó con respecto a la población de menor edad y las estancias hospitalarias y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos se prolongaron. En el análisis multivariante la cirugía urgente, la cirugía mitral y la presencia de alguna complicación postoperatoria fueron factores de riesgo de mortalidad. El sexo femenino fue factor de riesgo de morbilidad. La supervivencia a 1, 3 y 5 años fue del 91,2, el 80,73 y el 69,2%, respectivamente. Un 98,7% se hallaba en clase funcional I-II de la New York Heart Association (NYHA). El 92,5% de los pacientes se ratificó en su decisión de operarse. Conclusiones: A pesar de una mayor comorbilidad y peor clase funcional, la mortalidad de la cirugía cardíaca en octogenarios es aceptable y la calidad de vida es muy satisfactoria. Son aconsejables medidas para la reducción de la alta morbilidad asociada

Background and objective: Increasing life expectancy makes cardiac surgery in octogenarians not very uncommon. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients aged over 80 undergoing cardiac surgery in our centre. Patients and method: We retrospectively analyzed preoperative risk factors, in-hospital morbimortality, and long term survival in 120 patients aged 80 years ­mean age (standard deviation): 81.53 (1.83)­ who underwent cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2005, in comparison with 2425 younger patients referred to our center during the same period. Results: Preoperatively, octogenarians presented arterial hypertension, renal failure, unstable angina, left main coronary stenosis and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV more frequently than younger patients. Combined cardiac surgery procedures (valvular plus coronary) were also significatively higher (20% vs. 9.85%). Hospital mortality (15.8%) was twice as higher as in the non octogenarian population and postoperative intensive care units and hospital stay was longer. 45% suffered some postoperative complication. In the multivariate analysis, urgent procedure, mitral valve surgery and presentation of any postoperative complication were identified as predictors of mortality, and female sex was identified as a risk factor for postoperative morbidity. Survival at one, 3 and 5 years was 91.20%, 80.73% and 69.20%, respectively. 98.7% of the patients were in I-II NYHA functional class and 92.5% satisfied with overall surgery outcome when they were interviewed. Conclusions: Despite more preoperative co-morbidity and worse functional class, cardiac surgery in octogenarians can be performed with an acceptable mortality. Our patients have a satisfactory quality of life and would undergo a cardiac surgery procedure again. Specific measurements in preoperative and immediate postoperative periods, in order to reduce higher morbidity rates, are advisable