Eduard Quintana

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF 18F-FDG PET/CT IN INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS AND IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC ELECTRONIC DEVICE INFECTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Early diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) is based on the yielding of blood cultures and echocardiographic findings. However, they have limitations and sometimes the diagnosis is inconclusive, particularly in patients with prosthetic valves (PVs) and implantable cardiac electronic devices (ICEDs). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected IE and ICED infection. Methods: A prospective study with 80 consecutive patients with suspected IE and ICED infection (65 men and 15 women with a mean age of 68 ± 13 y) between June 2013 and May 2015 was performed in our hospital. The inclusion criteria were clinically suspected IE and ICED infection at the following locations: native valve (NV) (n = 21), PV (n = 29), or ICED (n = 30) (automatic implantable defibrillator [n = 11] or pacemaker [n = 19]). Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT with a myocardial uptake suppression protocol with unfractionated heparin was performed in all patients. The final diagnosis of infection was established by the IE Study Group according to the clinical, echocardiographic, and microbiologic findings. Results: A final diagnosis of infection was confirmed in 31 patients: NV (n = 6), PV (n = 12), and ICED (n = 13). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for 18F-FDG PET/CT were 82%, 96%, 94%, and 87%, respectively. 18F-FDG PET/CT was false-negative in all cases with infected NV. 18F-FDG PET/CT was able to reclassify 63 of 70 (90%) patients initially classified as possible IE by modified Duke criteria. In 18 of 70 cases, 18F-FDG PET/CT changed possible to definite IE (26%) and in 45 of 70 cases changed possible to rejected IE (64%). Additionally, 18F-FDG PET/CT identified 8 cases of septic embolism and 3 of colorectal cancer in patients with a final diagnosis of IE. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in suspected IE and ICED infection and should be included in the diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis. 18F-FDG PET/CT is not useful in the diagnosis of IE in NV but should be also considered in the initial assessment of this complex scenario to rule out extracardiac complications and possible neoplasms.

Alpha-synuclein aggregates in epicardial fat tissue in living subjects without parkinsonism

BACKGROUND In Parkinsons disease (PD), alpha-synuclein (AS) aggregates occur frequently in peripheral autonomic nervous system (pANS). Their presence in asymptomatic subjects suggests incidental Lewy-body disease (iLBD) that is thought to reflect pre-clinical PD. Cardiac involvement has been detected in post-mortem studies in both, PD and also in iLBD. In vivo documentation of cardiac AS pathology is lacking. OBJECTIVE To prospectively assess the presence of AS aggregates in epicardial fat tissue from living subjects without parkinsonism undergoing elective cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Epicardial fat tissue obtained during cardiac surgery from 91 subjects was studied by histology and immunohistochemistry. Areas more likely to contain pANS elements were selected. PD-related motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) were assessed immediately before or after surgery. RESULTS Small autonomic nerves, ganglia and/or tyrosine-hydroxylase positive fibres were identified in epicardial fat in each of the 91 subjects (62 male/29 female, mean age 67 years). AS aggregates were detected in 7 subjects (7.7%), and were more frequent in those aged above 70 years. In AS-positive subjects constipation and acting dreams were significantly more frequent than in the AS-negative ones. CONCLUSION AS aggregates occur in epicardial pANS in subjects without parkinsonism, suggesting the diagnosis of iLBD. The presence in some of these subjects of non-motor symptoms such as acting dreams and constipation known to occur in premotor PD supports this interpretation. Adequate follow-up of the subjects in this study will indicate the time, if any, to progression to motor PD.

Residual and recurrent gradients after septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - Mechanisms of obstruction and outcomes of reoperation

OBJECTIVE The aims of the present study were to identify the mechanisms of residual or recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients undergoing repeat septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and to assess the early and late results of reoperation. METHODS From January 1980 to June 2012, we performed 52 repeat myectomies in 51 patients. We reviewed the medical records and preoperative transthoracic echocardiograms to evaluate the adequacy of the previous resection and mechanism of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The complications of previous and repeat myectomy, New York Heart Association class, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS The mean interval from previous myectomy to reoperation was 43 ± 51 months. In 6 patients (12%) residual or recurrent gradients were caused by isolated midventricular obstruction. In the remaining 46 operations, the mechanism of residual or recurrent gradients was identified as systolic anterior motion of mitral valve-related subaortic obstruction caused by inadequate length of previous subaortic septal excision in 31 patients (59% of the total), both an inadequate length and an inadequate depth of septectomy in 13 patients (25%), and both residual subaortic obstruction due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and midventricular obstruction in 2 patients (4%). Preoperatively, 96% of patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV; postoperatively, 93.8% were in class I or II (P < .001). The 10-year survival after reoperation was 98% and similar to that of an age- and gender-matched Minnesota population (P = .46). CONCLUSIONS The most common cause of recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and symptoms in patients undergoing septal myectomy has been an inadequate length of septal excision. Reoperation is safe, with excellent long-term survival and functional improvement.

Thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation and failed percutaneous ablation.

OBJECTIVE Pulmonary vein isolation is indicated in patients with symptomatic isolated atrial fibrillation not controlled with antiarrhythmic therapy. We describe our surgical experience with thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation in patients in whom percutaneous ablation has failed. METHODS Thirty-four adult patients with unsuccessful catheter ablations (range 1-4, mean 2 +/- 1) underwent thoracoscopic bipolar-radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation. Seventeen patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, 12 with persistent and 5 with long-standing persistent fibrillation, for a mean of 6 years (range 3-10 years), 13 years (5-25 years), and 9 years (3-15 years), respectively. RESULTS There was no mortality during the procedure or follow-up (mean 16 +/- 11 months). Two patients needed conversion to thoracotomy owing to hemorrhage, and ablation could not be completed. Antiarrhythmic therapy was withdrawn 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative sinus rhythm was maintained in 82% of those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (13/15 at 6 months, 9/11 at 12 months), 60% had persistent atrial fibrillation (8/12 at 6 months and 6/10 at 12 months), and 20% had long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (1/5 at 6 and 12 months). Preoperative left atrial diameter significantly differed between patients with paroxysmal fibrillation (mean 42 +/- 6 mm) and those with persistent and long-standing persistent fibrillation (means 50 +/- 4 and 47 +/- 2 mm). Left atrial size greater than 45 mm and atrial fibrillation type were preoperative factors that significantly influenced outcome in the univariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation in patients with previously unsuccessful catheter ablations demonstrates satisfactory sinus rhythm maintenance rates in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation, but not in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. As with other minimally invasive surgical techniques, there is an important learning curve.

Septal myectomy after failed alcohol ablation: Does previous percutaneous intervention compromise outcomes of myectomy?

OBJECTIVE The impact of prior alcohol septal ablation in patients who require septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is unknown. METHODS Thirty-one patients with unsuccessful alcohol septal ablation who underwent septal myectomy were matched 1:2 to patients having had a myectomy as the only invasive procedure for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Study outcomes were cardiac death, advanced heart failure, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator discharge. The results of surgery, echocardiograms, and pathology specimens were compared between groups. RESULTS Patients with previous alcohol septal ablation had increased diastolic dysfunction in preoperative echocardiography, as well as more implantable cardioverter defibrillators implanted (32% vs 11%, P = .01), more arrhythmias in preoperative Holter monitoring (43% vs 13%, P = .02), and a higher incidence of postoperative complete heart block (19.4% vs 1.6%, P < .01). Two patients died early postoperatively in the prior alcohol septal ablation group, and no patients died in the primary myectomy group. One patient in each group had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (P = .52). At a mean follow-up of 3.2 years, 7 of 31 patients and 6 of 62 patients progressed to advanced heart failure in the prior alcohol septal ablation group and the primary myectomy group, respectively (P = .1) Histopathologic analysis demonstrated greater interstitial (70% vs 26%, P < .01) and endocardial fibrosis (87% vs 67%, P = .04) in the alcohol septal ablation group. CONCLUSIONS Patients with prior alcohol septal ablation undergoing surgical septal myectomy may have an increased risk of cardiac death, advanced heart failure, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator discharges. This supports septal myectomy as the preferred treatment for septal reduction therapy, avoiding scarring and diastolic dysfunction inherent to alcohol septal ablation.

Aortic arch surgery after previous type A dissection repair: results up to 5 years

OBJECTIVES Open aortic arch surgery after type A dissection repair is challenging. We sought to review our surgical experience to analyse the causes and timing, establish the risk profile for this patient population, and better define outcomes. METHODS From 2000 to 2014, we identified 55 patients who required aortic arch surgery after a previous type A dissection repair. Medical records were available for review including computerized tomographic angiograms, cerebral protection strategies and follow-up. RESULTS The mean interval from previous type A dissection repair to aortic arch surgery was 5.7 ± 5.4 years. At reoperation 36 patients (65%) had total arch replacement and 19 (35%) had hemiarch replacement. Indications for reoperations were: enlarging aneurysm in 27 (49%), impending rupture in 12 (22%), chronic dissection in 10 (18%) and aneurysms in 6 (11%). Arterial peripheral cannulation was used in 80% of patients. Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in 35 patients (64%) and retrograde perfusion in 2 (4%). There were 3 perioperative deaths (5%) and 4 cases of permanent stroke (7%). Survival rates were 90, 85 and 77% at the 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-up, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 10% lower than that of an age- and sex-matched population (P < 0.001). The only predictor of the follow-up mortality was older age (odds ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Aortic arch surgery after previous type A dissection repair can be performed with satisfactory early and mid-term results and acceptable risk of stroke. Cerebral perfusion strategies likely contribute to positive outcomes. Favourable mid-term survival justifies performing such difficult reoperations.

Open aortic arch reconstruction after previous cardiac surgery: Outcomes of 168 consecutive operations

OBJECTIVE Open arch interventions after previous cardiac surgery are considered high risk. We reviewed our outcomes in patients requiring aortic arch reconstruction after previous cardiovascular surgery. METHODS From March 2000 to March 2014, the data from 168 patients with previous sternotomy requiring aortic arch replacement were reviewed. The indications for surgery, perioperative data, and outcomes of reoperation were analyzed. RESULTS The mean age was 61 ± 14 years, and 119 were men (70%). The indications for reoperation were aneurysm (57%), valvular disease (13%), impending rupture (12%), aortic dissection (9.0%), and endocarditis (7.7%). The median time from the previous operation to reoperation was 7 years. The mean aortic diameter was 55 mm. Total or partial arch replacement was performed in 38% and 62% of patients, respectively. Fifty-five patients (32.7%) had undergone previous ascending dissection repair and 45 (26.8%) had previous coronary bypass surgery. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in all. Selective cerebral perfusion was used in 39% and retrograde cerebral perfusion in 14%. The incidence of permanent stroke was 5.4%. Operative mortality (30-day) was 8.3%. Older age (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.10; P = .04), New York Heart Association class III/IV (odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-9.86; P = .04), and extracorporeal circulation time (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.02; P = .001) were predictors of perioperative death. The median follow-up was 3.0 years. Survival was 85%, 78%, and 68% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Reoperations to address the aortic arch have acceptable mortality and morbidity. Open repair under circulatory arrest is the benchmark to which endovascular therapies should be compared.

Transapical Myectomy for Septal Hypertrophy Not Accessible Through the Aortic Root

Exposure of the basal and midventricular septum through the aortic root to relieve obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be challenging. Inadequate myectomy will lead to persistent symptoms and disability. Adequate exposure of the obstructive left ventricular septum is of paramount importance in primary and redo myectomy. In selected patients, either at primary myectomy or at redo myectomy, septal excision can be approached through a left ventricular transapical incision when transaortic exposure is inadequate.

Surgery for biventricular obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in children and young adults: technique and outcomes

OBJECTIVES Biventricular obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is uncommon, and some clinicians believe that, when symptoms are refractory to medical treatment, this severe form of HCM is best treated by transplantation. We describe our conventional surgical approach and outcomes to treat biventricular obstruction in HCM. METHODS From 1993 to 2013, we treated 11 symptomatic patients with biventricular outflow obstruction. Relief of left ventricular (LV) obstruction was obtained by performing a transaortic extended septal myectomy and/or a left apical ventriculotomy. Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction was relieved with patch enlargement in all patients and selective resection of muscle bundles. RESULTS The mean age at surgery was 13 years (2 months-28 years); of the total, 7 (63%) were males. All were symptomatic with shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance or failure to thrive. All patients had preserved biventricular systolic function and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve (9 patients had ≥ moderate mitral regurgitation). Preoperative RVOT and LV outflow tract gradients were 60 ± 18 and 78 ± 24 mmHg, respectively. There were no early deaths. Mitral regurgitation secondary to SAM resolved following LV myectomy. The median follow-up time was 4.6 years (maximum 16.3 years). Eight patients (72%) were in NYHA class I. There have been no late ventricular arrhythmias, sudden deaths, reoperations or heart transplantations at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Biventricular obstruction is rare in HCM. Surgical relief of left- and right-sided obstruction can be achieved with good early outcomes. Symptoms are improved at intermediate-term follow-up and sudden death is rare.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis due to Abiotrophia Species and Granulicatella Species: Report of 76 Cases, 2000–2015

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Abiotrophia (ABI) and Granulicatella (GRA) species is poorly studied. This work aims to describe and compare the main features of ABI and GRA IE. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 12 IE institutional cases of GRA or ABI and of 64 cases published in the literature (overall, 38 ABI and 38 GRA IE cases). Results ABI/GRA IE represented 1.51% of IE cases in our institution between 2000 and 2015, compared to 0.88% of HACEK (Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, Kingella)-related IE and 16.62% of Viridans group streptococci (VGS) IE. Institutional ABI/GRA IE case characteristics were comparable to that of VGS, but periannular complications were more frequent (P = .008). Congenital heart disease was reported in 4 (10.5%) ABI and in 11 (28.9%) GRA cases (P = .04). Mitral valve was more frequently involved in ABI than in GRA (P < .001). Patient sex, prosthetic IE, aortic involvement, penicillin susceptibility, and surgical treatment were comparable between the genera. New-onset heart failure was the most frequent complication without genera differences (P = .21). Five (13.2%) ABI patients and 2 (5.3%) GRA patients died (P = .23). Factors associated with higher mortality were age (P = .02) and new-onset heart failure (P = .02). The genus (GRA vs ABI) was not associated with higher mortality (P = .23). Conclusions GRA/ABI IE was more prevalent than HACEK IE and approximately one-tenth as prevalent as VGS; periannular complications were more frequent. GRA and ABI genera IE presented similar clinical features and outcomes. Overall mortality was low, and related to age and development of heart failure.