[Influence of anatomo-pathological involvement of the aorta on results of Bentall's operation]. / Influence de l'atteinte anatomo-pathologique de l'aorte sur les résultats de l'intervention de Bentall.

The results of 51 patients undergoing the Bentall procedure for aneurysmal pathology of the ascending aorta during the last 10 years are analysed with respect to the nature of the pathology of the lesions of the arterial wall. The study population comprised 39 men and 12 women with a mean age of 47 +/- 17 years (range 2-76 years). They were divided into two groups, Group I (n = 38) with degenerative cystic medianecrosis, Group II (n = 13) with atheromatous lesions. The overall results were satisfactory with a hospital mortality of 3.9% and 5 and 10 year survival rates of 94 and 74% respectively. No difference in results was observed with respect to the anatomical site of the aneurysm, the presence of dissection or the technique used for repair. The results in degenerative lesions (Group I) were excellent but the accent should be placed on prevention to reduce the number of patients operated in a context of acute dissection. The presence of atheromatous lesions identifies a high risk group (Group II) due to advanced age, hypertension and associated vascular and coronary lesions. The hospital mortality in this group was 15.4% compared to almost nil when the aneurysmal pathology was due to degenerative lesions of the media. The extramortality of this group is directly related to the presence of atheromatous lesions (mesenteric infarction due to atheromatous embolism) and incites special attention to the mesenteric sphere in the postoperative period. The preoperative work-up should include transoesophageal echocardiography of the thoracic aortic wall, probably the source of the postoperative emboli.

Technical modification for anastomosis of low-lying coronary ostia in Bentall procedure.

Bentall procedure is not advisable when the origins of the coronary artery ostia cannot reach the composite valve graft at a satisfactory level for direct reimplantation. The other alternatives to coronary artery ostia reimplantation have some disadvantages. A technical modification of the Bentall procedure, successfully used in 3 patients and allowing direct coronary reimplantation without any tension on the suture line, is described.

[Incomplete chronic duodenal stenosis caused by compression by the aorta and mesenteric artery]. / Stenoza duodenala cronica incompleta prin pensa aorticomezenterica

In the light of data from the literature, as well as on the personal observations made in 5 cases of chronic, imcomplete duodenal stenosis through aortic-mesenteric pincers that have been hospitalized and operated, the authors stress: the complexity of the syndrome, the difficulties encountered in the establishment of the diagnosis, the severe consequences of the evolution, the necessity to apply surgical treatment as soon as possible.