Project description:Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) techniques are rapidly evolving, and results of published trials suggest that TAVR is emerging as the standard of care in certain patient subsets and a viable alternative to surgery in others. As TAVR is a relatively new procedure and continues to gain its acceptance, rare procedural complications will continue to appear. Our case is about an 89-year-old male with extensive past medical history who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and angina secondary to severe aortic stenosis. Patient got TAVR and his postoperative course was complicated by complete heart block, aorto-RV fistula, and ventricular septal defect (VSD) formation as a complication of TAVR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of aorto-RV fistula following TAVR as a procedural complication but the first one to show three complications all together in one patient.
Project description:Background Aorto-right-atrial fistula in native valve endocarditis is very rare. Case Description A 45-year-old woman was referred with an endocarditis with a perforated right cusp of the aortic valve with at least moderate insufficiency and an affected tricuspid annulus with vegetations. In addition to this, an aorto-cavitary fistula from the aortic sinus to the right atrium with a holodiastolic left-right shunt had been detected. Streptococci viridans were found as underlying pathogen. Complete replacement of the aortic root and resection of the fistula were performed with good result. Conclusion Endocarditis with fistula formation is rare and has to be treated aggressively.
Project description:BackgroundThe role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has evolved and is now firmly established as a mainstay of therapy for acute complicated type B aortic dissection (acTBAD). However, several important issues remain unresolved including the optimal timing, sizing, graft selection, coverage length and utilization of adjunctive therapies to address false lumen perfusion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide a contemporary perspective on the management and results for TEVAR of acTBAD.MethodsAll TEVAR patients (N.=159) with acTBAD from a single high-volume, academic medical center were analyzed. Comparative results across time-dependent cohorts (2005-2009 [N.=43] vs. 2010-2014 [N.=56] vs. 2015-2020 [N.=60]) are presented.Results30-day mortality was 13%(N.=21) with a trend towards improvement over time (2005-2009, 18% vs. 2010-2020, 12%; P=0.1). Similarly, incidence of postoperative complications also declined: 2005-2009, 70% vs. 2010-2020, 36%(P-trend=0.08). One and 2-year freedom from aorta-related reintervention was 78±7% and 73±9% and did not differ across cohorts (log-rank P=0.5). Respective one and 5-year survival was 75±3% and 64±7%, but significantly improved with time (log-rank P<0.001). The corresponding one and five-year freedom from aorta-related mortality was 82±4% and 78±7% but did not change during the study interval (log-rank P=0.3).ConclusionsOutcomes for TEVAR of acTBAD continue to improve over time. This time-dependent analysis delineates how results have changed due to increasing experience, technologic evolution, and maturation of the peer reviewed evidence. These results along with the evidence-based review provided herein, provide an update on the management and results of TEVAR of acTBAD while highlighting specific controversies unique to the management of this challenging clinical problem.
Project description:IntroductionAlarming outcomes have been reported following infected endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) device explantation. Infected fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) exposes patients to even worse procedural risks.ReportA 67 year old man with a prior history of FEVAR presented with impaired general condition, abdominal and back pain, and increased C reactive protein. Computed tomography angiography revealed a collection around the aortic graft bifurcation and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed increased FDG uptake at this level, confirmed by labelled white blood cells, all favouring graft infection. A thoracophrenolumbotomy was performed and revealed an aorto-enteric fistula which was treated by small bowel resection. The left renal artery was transected at the distal end of the bridging stent and a thoracorenal bypass was performed. The thoracic aorta was cross clamped above the coeliac trunk for complete graft excision. Meanwhile, the right kidney was perfused with 4°C Ringer lactate solution. In situ reconstruction was accomplished with a bifurcated antimicrobial graft sutured below the superior mesenteric artery with re-implantation of the right renal artery. The patient was left with a laparostomy for definitive abdominal closure, restoration of the digestive tract, and omental wrap 72 hours later. Broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated peri-operatively and reduced to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for a total duration of six weeks after one sample was positive for Moraxella osloensis. Eleven months later, the patient was free from re-infection, with no fever or inflammatory syndrome.DiscussionTotal explantation of stent grafts with tissue debridement and post-operative antibiotic therapy is the gold standard when dealing with infected EVAR. As with type IV thoraco-abdominal aneurysm open repair, FEVAR device explantation requires additional protective measures to prevent visceral ischaemia and renal impairment. In agreement with the European Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines, such patients should be referred to dedicated vascular centres with expertise in surgical repair, anaesthetics, and post-operative intensive care.
Project description:An 88-year-old woman with a prior history of aortic stenosis and history of valvuloplasty presented with worsening symptoms of heart failure and dizziness. She underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) without complications. Follow-up echocardiograms revealed a small fistula connecting aorta to the right ventricle. The patient was initially asymptomatic but 3 months later developed overload of the right ventricle and heart failure and chose to continue medical therapy. She died of progressive heart failure at 9 months from onset of fistula. Aorto-right ventricular fistula is a rare complication of TAVR with only four cases reported in literature thus far.
Project description:Acquired aorto-left atrial fistula is uncommon. A rare case of aorto-left atrial fistula following mitral valve replacement is reported with echocardiographic, computed tomograpic and angiographic images.
Project description:Highlights•Aorto-right ventricular fistula is a rare diagnosis and is on the spectrum of aortic periannular rupture.•Multimodality imaging is crucial in identifying aortic periannular rupture, defining its course, and for preprocedural planning.•We describe a case of aorto-right ventricular fistula, which was successfully treated using an Amplazter vascular plug intravenous device (St. Jude Medical) and is to our knowledge the first reported case of using a plugging device for this type of disorder.
Project description:A 41-year-old African male presented with worsening dyspnea and cachexia concerning for congestive heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large mass attached to the aortic valve leaflet, mass attached to the flail anterior mitral valve leaflet, severe pulmonary hypertension and dilatation of the aortic root along with fistula between the right coronary aortic cusp and the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract. Blood cultures grew Abiotrophia Defectiva (AD) sensitive to vancomycin. Patient underwent emergent surgical closure of aorto RV fistula and aortic root replacement along with pulmonary and mitral valve replacement. Endocarditis caused by AD has been reported to result in heart failure, septic embolization and destruction of the valve despite use of appropriate antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the only case of AD endocarditis without any identified entrance route; requiring replacement of pulmonary, mitral and aortic valve due to extensive valvular damage and large vegetations.