Surgical treatment of paravalvular abscess: long-term results

Aortic Root Replacement Versus Patch Repair for Aortic Valve Endocarditis With Root Abscesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Complex aortic valve infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition requiring surgical intervention. The optimal surgical approach remains a topic of debate. We sought to evaluate and compare the immediate and long-term results of aortic root replacement (ARR) versus patch repair (PR) in patients with aortic valve IE and root abscess.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was completed to identify relevant studies published from inception to April 2023. We included studies reporting outcomes of ARR and PR in patients with aortic valve IE complicated by root abscess. Primary endpoints were short and long-term mortality and re-operation rates. Secondary endpoints included permanent pacemaker implantation, single-arm pooled incidence of mortality, recurrence, and re-operation.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria (n=2,554). We found no difference in short-term mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-1.80; I2=34%). The PR group had superior long-term survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69; 95% CI 0.52-0.90; I2=25%), however, they also had a significantly increased need for re-operation (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.11-2.88; I2=0%). There were no differences in postoperative permanent pacemaker insertion (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.34-1.12; I2=0%). Using a meta-analysis of proportions, the pooled rate of documented IE recurrence following was 5% after ARR and 8% after PR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review shows a long-term survival benefit associated with PR for aortic root abscesses. This benefit is offset by a higher incidence of re-operations and IE recurrence. ARR appears to confer better protection against recurrence. However, based on the available weak evidence, individualised approaches should still be considered until further robust data is available to guide treatment decisions.

Understanding Surgical Management and Outcomes in Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Objectives: Surgical patients with mitral valve endocarditis can be treated with valve reconstruction or valve replacement. Although valve repair should be preferred, the decision between the two options is nuanced. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we included all patients who underwent surgery for native mitral valve endocarditis between February 2001 and June 2019. We analyzed the surgical outcomes, survival, and factors leading to valve repair versus replacement. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize treatment assignment bias and improve comparability between the two groups. Results: This study included 281 consecutive patients with mitral valve endocarditis, of whom 46 (16.4%) underwent mitral valve repair and 235 (83.6%) underwent mitral valve replacement. The mean follow-up was 5.2 ± 5.1 years. Cases with bileaflet endocarditis (p < 0.001), subvalvular apparatus involvement (p = 0.008), and abscess formation (p = 0.047) were more likely to require valve replacement. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.1% (n = 34). Patients who underwent repair had significantly better survival than those who underwent replacement (92.7% ± 4.1% vs. 59.4% ± 3.4% at 5 years; p < 0.001), even after propensity score matching (92.6% ± 5.0% vs. 62.4% ± 9.0% at 5 years; p = 0.034). Conclusions: In patients with mitral valve endocarditis, mitral valve repair had better long-term survival, even after propensity score matching, highlighting the potential benefit of valve preservation techniques.

Transapical Mitral Valve Implantation After Closure of Posterior Mitral Annulus Cavity With a Nitinol Occluder

Mitral valve infective endocarditis involves a mitral annular abscess in approximately 15% of cases, and surgery is the treatment of choice for this scenario. An 80-year-old comorbid man with eradicated infective endocarditis had an emptied abscess cavity of the posterior mitral valve annulus (with left ventricular-left atrial connections) and had severe paravalvular and coexistent relevant transvalvular mitral regurgitation. He was not a surgical candidate. Successful management was with cavity closure, using a Nitinol occluder device, and transcatheter mitral valve implantation. This case demonstrates a novel transcatheter management approach to treat coexistent postendocarditis paravalvular and relevant transvalvular mitral regurgitation in a patient whose surgical risk was prohibitively high because of comorbidities.

Complicated infective endocarditis of the bioprosthetic mitral valve following the transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve procedure: a case report and literature review

Background

Since the transcatheter valve-in-valve (ViV) procedure was introduced in 2007, a few cases of infective endocarditis (IE) following the ViV procedure have been reported, which can be predisposed by older age, pre-existing medical conditions, and procedural techniques. Paravalvular abscesses constitute a rare complication of IE, resulting from extending IE beyond the valve annulus, less commonly caused by Klebsiella species. This complication is more common in prosthetic valves, particularly bioprosthetic valves.

Case summary

We describe a 75-year-old woman with Churg-Strauss syndrome and diabetes mellitus who underwent surgical replacement of bioprosthetic aortic and mitral valves 11 years ago. One year ago, she had a transcatheter mitral ViV procedure due to bioprosthetic mitral valve degeneration. The patient was referred to our centre with fatigue and fever, alongside elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. Blood and urine cultures tested positive for Klebsiella oxytoca. Echocardiographic assessments revealed a paravalvular abscess (13 × 8 mm) in the posterolateral side of the bioprosthetic mitral valve, fistulized into the left ventricle. The patient received treatment with vancomycin, meropenem, and colistin and was a candidate for surgery. Eleven days after the patient's admission, she passed away.

Discussion

This study underscores the novelty of IE complicated with paravalvular abscess following the ViV procedure. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach and timely surgical interventions are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Case report: pseudoaneurysm of left ventricle secondary to infective endocarditis complicated by cardiac rupture-a multimodality imaging approach

Background

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) of the left ventricle (LV) is a rare peri-annular complication of infective endocarditis (IE), and it is associated with high risk of free wall rupture. The diagnosis is challenging because the exact incidence and the pathogenesis are still unclear.

Case summary

A 69-year-old lady underwent prosthetic mitral valve replacement for IE secondary to Staphylococcus aureus sepsis complicated by multiple embolizations. In the post-operative period, the patient developed persistent low-grade fever with negative blood culture. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) revealed complete posterior valve detachment and a PSA sac arising from the antero-lateral commissure; the colour flow Doppler showed massive mitral regurgitation. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the echo data and the exact localization of the cardiac rupture. The patient underwent reoperation, a pericardial patch was sutured to exclude the PSA sac, and a mechanical prosthesis valve was finally implanted. A follow-up TOE revealed the exclusion of the PSA; two leakages with mild peri-valvular mitral regurgitation were found, with no haemodynamic impact.

Discussion

In our case, the patient developed a PSA of the LV as a consequence of peri-annular extension of IE on the mitral valve. Pseudoaneurysm is a potentially lethal complication, if not promptly treated. Multimodality imaging including echocardiography and CT scan is recommended, in order to plan surgery ad hoc.

Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Annular Abscess: Antibiotics in the Abscess Cavity

OBJECTIVES

Infective endocarditis of the aortic valve complicated by annular abscess is a challenging problem and often requires patch reconstruction after surgical debridement of the abscess cavity. Filling the remaining cavity with antibiotics is advocated to prevent recurrent endocarditis. This study aimed at evaluating the role of local antibiotics in patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and December 2021, all consecutive patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess undergoing cardiac surgery and annular patch reconstruction were included. Patients receiving local antibiotics were compared with patients without local antibiotics. The primary endpoints were the incidence of recurrent endocarditis, re-operation, and mortality during two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess underwent surgical patch reconstruction after radical debridement. In total, 20 patients received local antibiotics in the abscess cavity and 21 patients were treated without local antibiotics. The most common causative microorganisms were the staphylococci species and the most common location of the abscess was the non-coronary annulus. During two-year follow-up, one patient in each group developed recurrent endocarditis (p > 0.99) and both patients were reoperated (p > 0.99). Two-year mortality was 30% in the local antibiotic group and 24% in the control group (p = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Radical debridement and patch reconstruction of the aortic annulus in patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess is an effective surgical strategy. Filling of the remaining abscess cavity with antibiotic seems not to affect the rate of recurrent endocarditis, reoperation, and mortality during two-year follow-up.

Outcomes after surgery for infective endocarditis

The role of surgery in infective endocarditis is becoming established the world over. In spite of all recent advances, endocarditis remains a lethal disease following surgery. With the emergence of more difficult-to-treat microorganisms, sicker and older patients with multiple co-morbidities, and an increase in healthcare-associated infections, the need for surgery in the management of infective endocarditis is only bound to increase. Data on the use of surgery in endocarditis till date is largely from observational data due to the relative rarity of the disease and variable practice patterns around the world. Hopefully, with increasing awareness and more inter-institutional and international collaborations, more robust data will emerge to further establish the role of surgery. For the time being, individual patient management will require the active multi-disciplinary approach of an endocarditis team to provide the best possible outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-023-01647-9.

Surgical outcomes and optimal approach to treatment of aortic valve endocarditis with aortic root abscess - systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Data on the postoperative outcomes for patients with infective endocarditis complicated by an aortic root abscess is sparse due to the condition's low incidence and high mortality rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate existing data on the impact of aortic root abscesses on the postoperative outcomes and to inform optimal surgical approach.

METHODS

The online databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library were searched from 1990 to 2022 for studies comparing cohorts of surgically managed infective endocarditis patients with and without an aortic root abscess. Data was extracted by two independent investigators and aggregated in a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Six clinical studies were included in the meta-analysis (n 1982). The abscess group was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 1.74 95%: CI 1.18-2.56) and late mortality (HR 1.27 95% CI:1.03-1.58). The reoperation meta-analysis was complicated by high rates of heterogeneity (I2 = 59%) and found no significant differences in reoperation between abscess and no abscess groups (HR=1.48: 95% CI:0.92-2.40). Post-hoc scatter graph showed a strong linear relationship (r 0.998), suggesting hospitals with higher rates of aortic root replacement achieve lower rates of reoperation for aortic root abscess patients compared with patch reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an aortic root abscess in aortic valve endocarditis is associated with elevated early and late mortality despite modern standards of care. Additionally, aortic root replacement should be considered to have a favourable postoperative profile for use in this context.

Prognosis and follow-up of patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis treated conservatively in relation to WBC-SPECT imaging

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) treated conservatively, the prognostic value of white blood cell (WBC) signal intensity on SPECT and to describe the evolution of the WBC signal under antibiotics.

METHODS

Patients with PVE treated conservatively and positive WBC-SPECT imaging were identified retrospectively. Signal intensity was classified as intense if equal to or higher, or mild if lower, than the liver signal. Clinical, biological, imaging and follow-up information were collected from medical files.

RESULTS

Among 47 patients, WBC signal was classified as intense in 10 patients and as mild, in 37. The incidence of the primary composite endpoint (death, late cardiac surgery, or relapse) was significantly higher in patients with intense vs. mild signal (90% vs. 11%). Twenty-five patients underwent a second WBC-SPECT imaging during follow-up. The prevalence of WBC signal decreased progressively from 89% between 3 and 6 weeks to 42% between 6 and 9 weeks and 8% more than 9 weeks after initiation of antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PVE treated conservatively, intense WBC signal was associated with poor outcome. WBC-SPECT imaging appears as an interesting tool for risk stratification and to monitor locally the efficacy of antibiotic treatment.

Surgery for paravalvular abscess in children

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of surgery in children with paravalvular abscess at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery for paravalvular abscess was performed.

Results

Between 1989 and 2020, 30 patients underwent surgery for paravalvular abscess, of whom 5 (16.7%) had an intracardiac fistula and 6 (20.0%) had a pseudoaneurysm. Aortic annulus abscesses were most common, occurring in 23 patients (76.7%). Aortic root replacement was performed in 17 patients (56.7%), root reconstruction was performed in 4 (13.3%), and reconstruction of the central fibrous body was required in 5 (16.7%). Postoperatively, 7 patients (23.3%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and 1 patient (3.3%) required permanent pacemaker insertion. There were 6 early deaths, 5 of whom were on ECMO, and no late deaths, with a 15-year survival of 79.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.2%-90.3%). Deaths were from sudden cardiac arrest resulting in brain death in 3 patients, inability to wean from ECMO due to severe cardiac dysfunction in 2 patients, and cerebral mycotic aneurysm and hemorrhage in 1 patient. Freedom from reoperation was 40.0% (95% CI, 17.0%-62.3%) at 15 years Reoperation due to recurrence was rare, occurring in only 2 patients (6.7%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (hazard ratio [HR], 9.2; 95% CI, 1.6-51.7) and preoperative shock (HR, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.3-32.0) were associated with mortality. Central fibrous body reconstruction was associated with reoperation (HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.2-16.1).

Conclusions

Although paravalvular abscess in children is associated with high early mortality, hospital survivors have good long-term survival. Reoperation is frequent, but is rarely due to recurrence of endocarditis.

A Literature Review on the Use of Aortic Allografts in Modern Cardiac Surgery for the Treatment of Infective Endocarditis: Is There Clear Evidence or Is It Merely a Perception?

Infective valve endocarditis is caused by different pathogens and 60% of those involve the aortic valve with valve failure. Although S. aureus is recognized as the most frequently isolated causative bacterium associated with IE in high-income countries, Gram-positive cocci nevertheless play a crucial role in promoting infection in relation to their adhesive matrix molecules. The presence of pili on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria such as in different strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus spp., grants these causative pathogens a great offensive capacity due to the formation of biofilms and resistance to antibiotics. The indications and timing of surgery in endocarditis are debated as well as the choice of the ideal valve substitute to replace the diseased valve(s) when repair is not possible. We reviewed the literature and elaborated a systematic approach to endocarditis management based on clinical, microbiological, and anatomopathological variables known to affect postoperative outcomes with the aim to stratify the patients and orient decision making. From this review emerges significant findings on the risk of infection in the allograft used in patients with endocarditis and no endocarditis etiology suggesting that the use of allografts has proved safety and effectiveness in patients with both pathologies.

Perioperative Complications in Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a challenging condition to manage, requiring collaboration among various medical professionals. Interdisciplinary teamwork within endocarditis teams is essential. About half of the patients diagnosed with the disease will ultimately have to undergo cardiac surgery. As a result, it is vital for all healthcare providers involved in the perioperative period to have a comprehensive understanding of the unique features of infective endocarditis, including clinical presentation, echocardiographic signs, coagulopathy, bleeding control, and treatment of possible organ dysfunction. This narrative review provides a summary of the current knowledge on the incidence of complications and their management in the perioperative period in patients with infective endocarditis.

Mid-term outcomes following the Hemi-Commando procedure for complex infective endocarditis involving the aortomitral junction

OBJECTIVES

Perivalvular abscesses with destruction of the aortomitral junction (AMJ) are a severe complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and are associated with high mortality and complex management. The Hemi-Commando procedure is a mitral valve-sparing alternative to the Commando procedure in suitable patients with complex IE and paravalvular destruction. This study reviews the mid-term outcomes in patients undergoing the Hemi-Commando procedure for treating IE with destruction of the AMJ.

METHODS

The clinical outcomes of patients with IE and AMJ involvement who underwent the Hemi-Commando procedure between 2015 and 2021 at the Leipzig Heart Center were retrospectively analysed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 1-year survival. Secondary outcome was 1-year freedom from reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients underwent the Hemi-Commando procedure during the study period. The patients' mean age was 59.8 ± 18.3 years. The study population was predominantly male (86.4%). Preoperative sepsis was present in 6 (27.3%) patients, and the median EuroSCORE II was 28.5%. Almost two-thirds (N = 14; 63.6%) of the patients presented with native IE. Streptococci were the most common pathogens (N = 8; 36.4%). Paravalvular abscess was found intraoperatively in 16 (72.7%) patients. The 30-day mortality was 13.6%. The estimated 1- and 3-year survival rates were 77.5% and 66.4%, respectively. The estimated freedom from reoperation at 1 and 3 years was 92.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hemi-Commando procedure offers an acceptable mid-term survival chance with low reoperation rates and is, therefore, a reasonable mitral valve-sparing alternative to the Commando procedure in suitable patients with extensive IE and perivalvular involvement.

The Use of the Cryopreserved Aortic Homograft for Aortic Valve Replacement: Is It Still an Option?

The indications for cryopreserved allografts in aortic valve replacement are still debatable. We aim to identify factors influencing early and long-term durability of the aortic homograft and to define subgroups of patients with an improved long-term quality of life, survival, and freedom from structural valve degeneration (SVD). We evaluated our series of 210 patients who underwent allograft implantation with a retrospective cohort study design over a period of 20 years. Endpoints were overall mortality, cardiac mortality related to SVD, the incidence of SVD, reoperation, and a composite endpoint comprising major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), which includes cardiac death both related and not related to SVD, subsequent aortic valve surgery, new or recurrent infection of implanted allograft, recurrent aortic regurgitation, rehospitalization for heart failure, an increase in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class of ≥1, or cerebrovascular events. The primary indication for surgery was endocarditis (48%), which was also a predisposing factor for increased cardiac mortality. Overall mortality was 32.4% with a 27% incidence of SVD and mortality associated with SVD of 13.8%. Reoperation occurred in 33.8% and MACCEs in 54.8%. Long-term NYHA functional class and echocardiographic parameters improved over time. Statistical analysis demonstrated that root replacement technique and adult age were protective factors for SVD. We found no statistically significant difference in the clinical outcomes analyzed between women of childbearing age who had children after surgery and the rest of the women. The cryopreserved allograft is still a valid option in aortic valve replacement, providing acceptable durability and clinical outcomes with optimal hemodynamic performance. SVD is influenced by the implantation technique. Women of childbearing age might have additional benefits from this procedure.

Aortic allograft infection risk

OBJECTIVE

Intrinsic risk of infection of cryopreserved allograft aortic root replacements remains poorly understood despite their long history of use. The objective of this study was to determine this intrinsic risk of allograft infection and its risk factors when allografts are implanted for both nonendocarditis indications and infective endocarditis.

METHODS

From January 1987 to January 2017, 2042 patients received 2110 allograft aortic valves at a quaternary medical center, 1124 (53%) for nonendocarditis indications and 986 (47%) for endocarditis indications (670 [68%] prosthetic valve endocarditis). Staphylococcus aureus caused 193 of 949 cases of endocarditis (20%), 71 (7.3%) in persons who injected drugs. Periodic surveillance and cross-sectional follow-up achieved 85% of possible follow-up time. The primary end point was allograft infection in patients with nonendocarditis and endocarditis indications. Risk factors were identified by hazard function decomposition and machine learning.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 30 allografts (26 explanted) became infected in patients in the nonendocarditis group and 49 (41 explanted) in patients with endocarditis. At 20 years, the probability of allograft infection was 5.6% in patients in the nonendocarditis group and 14% in patients with endocarditis. Risk factors for allograft infection in patients in the nonendocarditis group were younger patient age and older donor age. Risk factors for allograft infection in patients with endocarditis were earlier implant year, injection drug use, and younger age. In patients with endocarditis, 18% of allograft infections were caused by the original organism.

CONCLUSIONS

The low infection rates, both in patients without and with endocarditis, support continued use of allografts in the modern era, in particular for the treatment of invasive endocarditis of the aortic root.

Surgical outcomes and optimal approach to treatment of aortic valve endocarditis with aortic root abscess

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of aortic root abscess (ARA) on the postoperative outcomes of surgically managed infective endocarditis (IE) and to inform optimal surgical approach.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2020, 143 consecutive patients who underwent surgical management for aortic-valve IE were included in a retrospective cohort study. Multivariable and propensity-weighted analyses were used to adjust for demographic imbalances between those without (n = 93; NARA) and with an ARA (n = 50). Additionally, empirical subgroup analysis appraised the two most used surgical techniques; patch reconstruction (PR) and aortic root replacement (ARR).

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics were similar between ARA and NARA except for logistic EuroSCORE, previous valve surgery, and multivalvular infection. In-hospital mortality was 8% and 12% in NARA and ARA, respectively (p = .38), with mortality rates consistently nonsignificantly higher in ARA across all time periods. The overall reoperation rate was also higher in ARA (27% vs. 14%; p = .09) and ARA was shown to be associated with late reoperation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-6.36). Patients treated with an ARR showed a 16% increase in late mortality when compared with PR (40% vs. 24%; p = .27) and a 17% lower reoperation rate (14% vs. 31%; p = .24). Propensity-weighted analysis identified ARR as a significant protective factor for reoperation (hazard ratio = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.01-0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an ARA in aortic valve endocarditis was not associated with significantly higher early and late mortality but is linked with a higher reoperation rate at our institution. ARR in ARA is protective from reoperation so should be considered best practice in this setting.

Surgical Techniques and Outcomes in Patients With Intra-Cardiac Abscesses Complicating Infective Endocarditis

Background

An intra-cardiac abscess is a serious complication of both native (NV-IE) and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PV-IE). Despite being an accepted indication for surgery, controversies remain regarding the optimal timing and type of operation. We aimed to report the outcomes of patients managed for intra-cardiac abscesses over more than a decade.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years managed for intra-cardiac abscess between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospectively collected IE database. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality in operated patients and secondary outcomes were freedom from re-infection, re-operation and long-term mortality comparing those patients with aortic root abscess who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and those who received aortic root replacement (ARR).

Results

Fifty-nine patients developed an intra-cardiac abscess, and their median age was 55 (43-71) years; among them, 44 (75%) were men, and 10 (17%) were persons who injected drugs. Infection with beta-haemolytic streptococci was associated with NV-IE (p = 0.009) and coagulase-negative staphylococci with PV-IE (p = 0.005). Forty-four (75%) underwent an operation, and among those with aortic root abscess, 27 underwent AVR and 12 ARR. Thirty-day mortality was associated with infection with S. aureus (p = 0.006) but not the type or timing of the operation. Survival in operated patients was 66% at 1 year and 59% at 5 years. In operated patients, none had a relapse, although six developed late recurrence. Freedom from infection, re-operation and long-term mortality were similar in patients undergoing AVR compared to ARR.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with intra-cardiac abscess who were not operated on had very poor survival. In those who underwent an operation, either by AVR or ARR based upon patient factors, imaging and intra-operative findings outcomes were similar.

Modification of Reconstruction of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract, Aortic Root and the Intervalvular Fibrous Body for Extensive Infective Endocarditis: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Extensive infective endocarditis stays a serious life-threatening disease with high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze our experience with our modified surgical technique for extensive infective endocarditis during the last 4 years.

METHODS

Between March 2017 and February 2021, all patients with extensive infective endocarditis required our modified technique consisting of a radical surgical resection of all infected cardiac tissues, the replacement of infected valves, and a reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous body, the aortic root and the left ventricular outflow tract with modified elephant trunk were included in this study.

RESULTS

Our modified technique was performed on 41 patients during the study period. The age median was 74 (IQR: 66.5 - 76.5) and 61.0% (n = 25) were female. 33 patients (80.5%) were in New York Heart Association Class III-IV and 7 patients (17.1%) in cardiogenic shock. The median logistic EuroSCORE II as predicted risk of mortality was 35% (IQR: 28% - 78%). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamping time were 126 (IQR: 86.5-191) min and 78 (IQR: 55.5-108) min, respectively. Intraoperative mortality and 30-day mortality were 4.8% (2 patients) and 19.5% (8 patients), respectively. Low cardiac output with necessity for mechanical support, stroke and new renal dialysis developed in 9.8% (4 patients), 17.1% (7 patients), and 22.0% (9 patients), respectively. New pacemaker implantation was noted in 39.0% (16 patients). Intensive care stay and hospital stay had medians of 6 (IQR: 5-12) and 14 (IQR: 12.5-20.5) days, respectively. One-year mortality and 4-years mortality were 34.1% (14 patients) and 39.0% (16 patients), respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 60.3% (95% CI: 46.2 - 78.6%) at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our modified technique can be performed in patients with extensive infective endocarditis with acceptable early and mid-term morbidity and mortality. We believe that this technique is an available option for this ill-fated group of patients.

Repair of Gerbode defect and aortic neocuspidization by using bovine pericardium in aortic valve endocarditis

Aortic valve endocarditis may be destructive and cause an acquired Gerbode-type defect. The use of biological material in the closure of the Gerbode defect and reconstruction of the aortic valve is essential for both early and long-term survival. Herein, we present a 62-year-old male patient whose Gerbode defect was repaired with bovine pericardium. Additionally, the aortic valve was reconstructed by using bovine pericardium with Ozaki neocuspidization technique.

Homograft Versus Valves and Valved Conduits for Extensive Aortic Valve Endocarditis with Aortic Root Involvement/Destruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aortic valve infective endocarditis is a life-threatening condition. Patients frequently present profoundly unwell and extensive surgery may be required to correct the underlying anatomical deficits and control sepsis. Periannular involvement occurs in more than 10% of patients with aortic valve endocarditis. Complex aortic valve endocarditis has a mortality rate of 10 to 40%. Longstanding surgical dogma suggests homografts represent the optimal replacement option in complex aortic valve endocarditis; however, there is a paucity of evidence and lack of consensus on the optimal replacement choice. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed utilizing EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane databases to review articles describing homografts versus aortic valve replacement and/or valved conduit graft implantation for complex aortic valve endocarditis. The outcomes of interest were mortality, reinfection, and reoperation. Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis, contributing 810 episodes of complex aortic valve endocarditis. All included reports were cohort studies. There was no statistically significant difference in overall mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–1.59; p  = 0.95), reinfection (RR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.45–1.78; p  = 0.74), or reoperation (RR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.38–2.14; p  = 0.87) between the homograft and valve replacement/valved conduit graft groups. Overall, there was no difference in mortality, reinfection, or reoperation rates between homografts and other valve or valved conduits in management of complex aortic endocarditis. However, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence in the area, and comparison of valve types warrants further investigation.

Application of the Konno procedure for infective endocarditis in native bicuspid aortic valve with annular abscess extending into the interventricular septum

Annular abscess is a serious complication of infective endocarditis, which often requires complex surgery and has a very high post-operative mortality rate. The Konno procedure involves valve annuloplasty for a narrow aortic annulus or left ventricular outflow tract stenosis in children; it is also performed for various cardiac conditions in adults. Here, we report a case of the Konno procedure performed in a patient with aortic valve infective endocarditis, with an annular abscess extending into the interventricular septum (IVS). A 58-year-old man who presented to our hospital with fever was diagnosed with aortic valve infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus saccharolyticus. On echocardiography, an annular abscess in the direction of the IVS was detected, and surgery was planned. The Konno procedure was performed to secure an adequate surgical field and to debride and reconstruct the cavity created by the interventricular septal abscess. The patient was discharged uneventfully 29 days after surgery.

Outcomes of surgery for extensive infective endocarditis

OBJECTIVE

Extensive infective endocarditis (EIE) involving the valve annulus or the intervalvular fibrous body (IFB) is a treatment challenge. We sought to clarify the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for EIE.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all 197 consecutive patients who underwent an operation for infective endocarditis (IE) between 2005 and 2016 in the Helsinki University Hospital. Thirty-five (18%) patients had EIE, of which 17 (9%) infection extended to IFB.

RESULTS

Patients with EIE had higher EuroSCORE II (24.4% vs. 12.4% p < .001), higher frequency of diabetes (29% vs. 13% p = .017), more often NYHA Class IV (83% vs. 56% p = .02), aortic (97% vs. 45% p < .001), multivalve (40% vs. 11% p < .001), and prosthetic valve IE (37% vs. 9% p < .001), and underwent more often emergency surgery (46% vs. 29% p = .042). Thirty-day mortality was 9% in the EIE group and 7% in the non-EIE group (p = .720). Survival of patients with EIE at 5 years was 60% and with non-EIE 71% (p = .029). The frequency of complications was higher in EIE (54%) than in non-EIE patients (25%) (p < .001), due to the higher need for permanent pacemaker implantations (34% vs. 4% p < .001). Freedom from re-operations at 5 years was 91% in the EIE group and 97% in the non-EIE group (p = .203).

CONCLUSIONS

Early mortality of surgery for EIE was comparable with non-EIE. Midterm survival was lower after surgery for EIE than after surgery for non-EIE but there was no difference in survival of patients with IE limited to the valve annulus amenable to patch repair and patients with endocarditis requiring IFB reconstruction.

Mechanical Prosthetic Valve Sparing for Aortic Root Abscess Complicated by Infective Endocarditis

Aortic root abscess complicated by infective endocarditis of a mechanical prosthetic valve is associated with morbidity and death. We retrospectively report our experience with a valve-sparing technique for managing this condition. From October 2014 through November 2017, 41 patients at our center underwent surgery for aortic root abscess complicated by infective endocarditis of a mechanical prosthetic valve. Twenty (48.7%) met prespecified criteria for use of our valve-sparing technique after careful assessment of the mechanical valve and surrounding tissues. Our technique involved draining the abscess, aggressively débriding all infected and necrotic tissues, and then repairing the resulting defect by suturing a Gelweave patch to the healthy aortic wall and to the cuff of the valve. We successfully preserved the mechanical aortic valve in all 20 patients. Two (10%) died early (≤30 d postoperatively) of low cardiac output syndrome with progressive heart failure, superadded septicemia, and multisystem organ failure. At 1-year follow-up, the 18 surviving patients (90%) were symptom free and had a well-functioning mechanical aortic valve with no paravalvular leak. We conclude that, in certain patients, our technique for managing aortic root abscess and sparing the mechanical aortic valve is a safe and less time-consuming approach with relatively low mortality and encouraging midterm follow-up outcomes.

Surgical Aortic Mitral Curtain Replacement: Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Early and Long-Term Results

The Commando procedure is challenging, and aims to replace the mitral valve, the aortic valve and the aortic mitral curtain, when the latter is severely affected by pathological processes (such as infective endocarditis or massive calcification). Given the high complexity, it is seldomly performed. We aim to review the literature on early (hospitalization and up to 30 days) and long-term (at least 3 years of follow-up) results. Bibliographical research was performed on PubMed and Cochrane with a dedicated string. Papers regarding double valve replacement or repair in the context of aortic mitral curtain disease were included. The metaprop function was used to assess early survival and complications (pacemaker implantation, stroke and bleeding). Nine papers (540 patients, median follow-up 41 (IQR 24.5–51.5) months) were included in the study. Pooled proportion of early mortality, stroke, pacemaker implant and REDO for bleeding were, respectively 16.2%, 7.8%, 25.1% and 13.1%. The long-term survival rate ranged from 50% to 92.2%. Freedom from re-intervention was as high as 90.9% when the endocarditis was not the first etiology and 78.6% in case of valvular infection (one author had 100%). Freedom from IE recurrences reached 85% at 10 years. Despite the high mortality, the rates of re-intervention and infective endocarditis recurrences following the Commando procedure are satisfactory and confirm the need for an aggressive strategy to improve long-term outcomes.

Repair of Isolated Native Mitral Valve Endocarditis: A Propensity Matched Study

In the setting of chronic primary mitral regurgitation, the benefit of mitral valve repair over replacement is well established. However, data comparing outcomes for mitral valve surgery for endocarditis is limited. We sought to determine whether mitral valve repair offers traditional advantages over replacement in the endocarditis population. Retrospective review of our institutional mitral valve database (N = 8,181) was performed between 1998 and 2019 for all adult patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery for endocarditis. Patients were stratified by mitral valve repair or replacement and propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and degree of valve damage. Overall, 267 surgeries (124 repair, 153 replacement) met inclusion criteria during the study period. Following propensity matching, the repair cohort was associated with shorter initial ventilator times (5.6 vs 7.9 hours, p = 0.05), shorter ICU (28 vs 52 hours, p = 0.03), and hospital lengths of stays (7 vs 11 days, p < 0.01). Thirty-day mortality (0% vs 2.1%, p = 0.01) and 10-year survival (88% vs 86%, p = 0.55) were similar between cohorts. Patients in the repair cohort were less likely to require repeat mitral valve intervention at our institution for recurrent endocarditis than those in the replacement cohort (0% vs 10.6%, p = 0.03). Mitral valve repair is safe, when feasible, in the setting of isolated native valve endocarditis and may provide patients faster recovery. Experienced mitral surgeons should approach this patient population with a "repair if feasible" methodology.

Five-year outcomes following complex reconstructive surgery for infective endocarditis involving the intervalvular fibrous body

OBJECTIVES

Destruction of the intervalvular fibrous body (IFB) due to infective endocarditis (IE) warrants a complex operation involving radical debridement of all infected tissue, followed by double valve replacement (aortic and mitral valve replacement) with patch reconstruction of the IFB. This study assesses the 5-year outcomes in patients undergoing this complex procedure for treatment of double valve IE with IFB involvement.

METHODS

A total of 127 consecutive patients underwent double valve replacement with reconstruction of the IFB for active complex IE between January 1999 and December 2018. Primary outcomes were 3-year and 5-year survival, as well as 5-year freedom from reoperation.

RESULTS

Patients' mean age was 65.3 ± 12.9 years. Preoperative cardiogenic shock and sepsis were present in 17.3% and 18.9%, respectively. The majority of patients (81.3%) had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Overall, 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were 28.3% and 37.0%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year survival rates for all patients were 45.3 ± 5.1% and 41.8 ± 5.8%, and for those who survived the first 90 postoperative days 75.8 ± 6.1% and 70.0 ± 8.0%, respectively. The overall 5-year freedom from reoperation was 85.1 ± 5.7%. Preoperative predictors for 30-day mortality were Staphylococcus aureus [odds ratio (OR) 1.65; P = 0.04] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% (OR 12.06; P = 0.03), for 90-day mortality acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (OR 6.2; P = 0.02) and LVEF <35% (OR 9.66; P = 0.03) and for long-term mortality cardiogenic shock (hazard ratio 2.46; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Double valve replacement with reconstruction of the IFB in patients with complex IE is a challenging operation associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first 90 days after surgery. Survival and freedom from reoperation rates are acceptable thereafter, particularly considering the severity of disease and complex surgery.

Active Infective Native and Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients after Surgical Treatment

Background: Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease associated with high mortality. The current study represents our experience over 18 years with surgical treatment for active infective native and prosthetic valve endocarditis (INVE, IPVE). Method: Analysis of 413 patients (171 with IPVE vs. 242 with INVE) who underwent cardiac surgery due to IE between 2002 and 2020. Results: Patients with IPVE were significantly older (64.9 ± 13.2 years vs. 58.3 ± 15.5 years; p < 0.001) with higher EuroSCORE II (21.2 (12.7; 41.8) vs. 6.9 (3.0; 17.0); p < 0.001)) and coronary heart disease (50.6% vs. 38.0%; p < 0.011). Preoperative embolization was significantly higher within INVE (35.5% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001) with high incidence of cerebral embolization (18.6% vs. 7.6%; p = 0.001) and underwent emergency curative surgery than the IPVE group (19.6% vs. 10.6%; p < 0.001). However, patients with IPVE were significantly represented with intracardiac abscess (44.4% vs.15.7%; p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, the duration of surgery was expectedly significantly higher in the IPVE group (356 min vs. 244 min.; p = 0.001) as well as transfusion of blood (4 units (0–27) vs. 2 units (0–14); p < 0.001). Post-operatively, the incidence of bleeding was markedly higher within the IPVE group (700 mL (438; 1163) vs. 500 mL (250; 1075); p = 0.005). IPVE required significantly more permanent pacemakers (17.6% vs. 7.5%: p = 0.002). The 30-day mortality was higher in the IPVE group (24.6% vs. 13.2%; p < 0.003). Conclusion: Patients with INVE suffered from a higher incidence of cerebral embolization and neurological deficits than patients with IPVE. Surgical treatment in INVE is performed mostly as an emergency indication. However, patients with IPVE were represented commonly with intracardiac abscess, and had a higher indication of pacemaker implantation. The short- and long-term mortality rate among those patients was still high.

Cardiac computed tomography in the contemporary evaluation of infective endocarditis

Increasing data have accumulated on the role of Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) in infective endocarditis (IE) with high accuracy for large vegetations, perivalvular complications and for exclusion of coronary artery disease to avoid invasive angiography. CCT can further help to clarify the etiology of infective prosthetic valve dysfunction (e.g. malposition, abscess, leak, vegetation or mass). Structural interventions have increased the relevance of CCT in valvular heart disease and have amplified its use. CCT may be ideally integrated into a multimodality approach that incorporates a central role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with 18-FDG PET and/or cardiac magnetic resonance in individually selected cases, guided by the Heart Team. The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in renewed attention to CCT as a safe alternative or adjunct to TEE in selected patients. This review article provides a comprehensive, contemporary review on CCT in IE to include scan optimization, characteristics of common IE findings on CCT, published data on the diagnostic accuracy of CCT, multimodality imaging comparison, limitations and future technical advancements.

Endocarditis in Patients with Aortic Valve Prosthesis: Comparison between Surgical and Transcatheter Prosthesis

The interventional treatment of aortic stenosis is currently based on transcatheter aortic valve implantation/replacement (TAVI/TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVE) is the most worrisome complication after valve replacement, as it still carries high mortality and morbidity rate. Studies have not highlighted the differences in the occurrence of PVE in SAVR as opposed to TAVR, but the reported incidence rates are widely uneven. Literature portrays different microbiological profiles for SAVR and TAVR PVE: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus are the pathogens that are more frequently involved with differences regarding the timing from the date of the intervention. Imaging by means of transoesophageal echocardiography, and computed tomography (CT) Scan is essential in identifying vegetations, prosthesis dysfunction, dehiscence, periannular abscess, or aorto-ventricular discontinuity. In most cases, conservative medical treatment is not able to prevent fatal events and surgery represents the only viable option. The primary objectives of surgical treatment are radical debridement and the removal of infected tissues, the reconstruction of cardiac and aortic morphology, and the restoration of the aortic valve function. Different surgical options are discussed. Fast diagnosis, the adequacy of antibiotics treatment, and prompt interventions are essential in preventing the negative consequences of infective endocarditis (IE).

ECG-gated CT in Aortic Perivalvular Abscess: Comparison with Transesophageal Echocardiography and Intraoperative Findings

Background The 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines acknowledged similar diagnostic performance of electrocardiography (ECG)-gated CT on perivalvular abscesses compared with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), but data on ECG-gated CT remain insufficient. Purpose To determine the diagnostic performance of ECG-gated CT for assessing aortic root perivalvular abscesses and to compare it with TEE. Materials and Methods Between January 2008 and June 2019, the imaging records of surgically confirmed infective endocarditis were retrospectively reviewed for presence of aortic perivalvular abscesses, their extension, fistulization, vegetations, and valvular destruction. The diagnostic performance of ECG-gated CT was analyzed in all patients (part A) and in an noninferiority analysis (part B; δ = -10%) in patients undergoing TEE. Results A total of 178 patients (median age, 54 years [interquartile range, 15 years]; 147 men) were evaluated (CT, n = 178; TEE, n = 35). In part A, the sensitivity and specificity of CT were 70 of 71 (99% [95% confidence interval (CI): 96%, 100%]) and 102 of 107 (95% [95% CI: 91%, 99%]) for abscess; 65 of 68 (96% [95% CI: 91%, 100%]) and 107 of 110 (97% [95% CI: 94%, 100%]) for extension, 36 of 36 (100% [95% CI: 100%, 100%]) and 139 of 142 (98% [95% CI: 96%, 100%]) for fistulization, 153 of 160 (96% [95% CI: 93%, 99%]) and five of 18 (28% [95% CI: 7%, 49%]) for vegetations, and 90 of 90 (100% [95% CI: 100%, 100%]) and 24 of 88 (27% [95% CI: 18%, 37%]) for valvular destruction. In part B, ECG-gated CT had noninferior sensitivity compared with TEE for detecting abscess (difference, 14 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: -4 percentage points]), extension (difference, 0 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: 0 percentage points]), fistulization (difference, 0 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: 0 percentage points]), and valvular destruction (difference, 5 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: -4 percentage points]). Specificity of CT was inferior for demonstrating perivalvular abscess (difference, 5 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: -11 percentage points]) and valvular destruction (difference, -62 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: -92 percentage points]). ECG-gated CT had inferior sensitivity in detecting vegetations (difference, -6 percentage points [lower one-sided 95% CI: -14 percentage points]). Conclusion Electrocardiography-gated CT had noninferior sensitivity compared with transesophageal echocardiography for identification of aortic perivalvular abscesses, extension of these abscesses, fistulization, and valvular destruction but had inferior sensitivity in detection of vegetations. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sakuma in this issue.

Treatment of aortic valve endocarditis with stented or stentless valve

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to provide evidence for choosing a bioprosthesis in treating patients with active aortic valve endocarditis.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2017, 265 patients with active aortic valve endocarditis underwent aortic valve replacement with a stented valve (n = 97, 37%) or a stentless valve (n = 168, 63%) with further breakdown into inclusion technique (n = 142, 85%) or total root replacement (n = 26, 15%). Data were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database aided with chart review, surveys, and National Death Index data.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 53 years (43-56) in the stented group and 57 years (44-66) in the stentless group. The stented and stentless groups had high rates of heart failure (54% and 40%), liver disease (16% and 7.7%), prosthetic valve endocarditis (14% and 48%), root abscess (38% and 70%), and concomitant ascending aorta procedures (6.2% and 22%), respectively. The stentless group required permanent pacemakers in 11% of cases. Operative mortality was similar between groups (6.2% and 7.1%). The 5-year survival was 52% and 63% in the stented and stentless groups, respectively. Significant risk factors for long-term mortality included liver disease (hazard ratio, 2.38), previous myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.64), congestive heart failure (hazard ratio, 1.63), and renal failure requiring dialysis (hazard ratio, 4.37). The 10-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was 12% and 3.4% for the stented and stentless groups, respectively. The 10-year freedom from reoccurrence of aortic valve endocarditis was 88% for the stented and 98% for the stentless groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both stented and stentless aortic valves are appropriate conduits for replacement of active aortic valve endocarditis for select patients.

Root abscess in the setting of infectious endocarditis: Short- and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of an aortic root abscess on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival in patients with active infectious endocarditis that was treated surgically.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2017, 336 consecutive patients were treated with aortic valve or root replacement for infective endocarditis, including patients with (n = 179) or without (n = 157) a root abscess. Data were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons data warehouse, through chart review, patient surveys, and National Death Index data.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics were similar between groups except the root abscess group had a significantly lower prevalence of congestive heart failure and higher rates of prosthetic valve endocarditis. The abscess group had significantly more aortic root replacements as well as longer cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times. Operative mortality was 8.4% and 3.8% (P = .11) for the abscess and no abscess groups, respectively. Nevertheless, the root-abscess group had prolonged ventilation and longer intensive care unit stays. Kaplan-Meier survival was similar between root abscess and no abscess groups (10-year survival 41% vs 43%; P = .35). Significant risk factors for all-time mortality included age greater than 70 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55, 5.24), the presence of a root abscess (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.96), intravenous drug use (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.13, 2.89), congestive heart failure (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.22, 2.42), renal failure requiring dialysis (HR, 3.26; 95% CI, 2.30, 4.64), liver disease (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.65, 5.60), and postoperative sepsis (HR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.30, 6.93). The 10-year rate of reoperation was also similar between groups (5.9% vs 7.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Thorough and extensive debridement is critical for successful treatment of active endocarditis with root abscess. Bioprosthetic stented and stentless valves are valid conduits to treat endocarditis with root abscess.

Modified Danielson Technique for Prosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis and Aortoventricular Discontinuity

Endocarditis is a devastating complication of prosthetic aortic valve replacement. The infective process can destroy aortic annulus tissue, making conventional surgical valve replacement difficult or impossible and causing aortoventricular discontinuity. Several treatment techniques have been proposed. One of these, the Danielson technique, involves translocating the aortic valve to the native ascending aorta, débriding the abscess cavity, closing the coronary ostia, and bypassing the coronary arteries with a Y anastomosis between 2 vein grafts. We describe our use of a modified Danielson technique in a 68-year-old man with advanced prosthetic valve endocarditis that was associated with aortic annulus destruction and aortoventricular discontinuity. This modified technique enables safer, more secure anchoring of a replacement valve, reduces the risks and concerns associated with bypass grafts, and successfully treats aortoventricular discontinuity.

Surgical treatment and long-term outcome of aortic valve endocarditis with periannular abscess

Objectives

Aortic valve endocarditis is occasionally complicated by periannular spreading of the infection and abscess formation, leading to a more aggressive course of the disease and life-threatening complications. This retrospective observational study investigated the long-term outcomes of patients with this complication, which was surgically managed with annular reconstruction and aortic valve replacement.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2018, 69 patients were identified with aortic valve endocarditis complicated by periannular abscess formation. All patients were treated with debridement of the infected tissue, gentamicin filling of abscess cavities, annulus reconstruction with bovine pericardium, and valve replacement. Long-term follow-up was performed to detect the rate of recurrence of endocarditis, aortic valve reoperation and survival.

Results

Mean age was 58 ± 15 years, 81% of patients were male, and the infected valve was native in 51% of all patients. The overall mortality was 36%, with a 30-day mortality of 13% and 120–day mortality of 16%. Five- and 10-year survival was 69.4 ± 12.0% and 55.7 ± 14.3%, respectively. Ten-year freedom from recurrent endocarditis was 83.5 ± 13.3%.

Conclusion

Endocarditis with annular abscess remains associated with high morbidity and mortality and aggressive treatment of the infected tissue and abscess cavities is crucial. Compared with earlier literature, long-term outcome of annular reconstruction in this series is comparable to that of aortic root replacement.

Local administration of the powder minocycline during surgical intervention for active infective endocarditis

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively assessed the initial clinical impact of the locally administered bacteriostatic antibiotic, powder minocycline, during surgery for active infective endocarditis (AIE).

METHODS

Among 38 surgical AIE patients, 36 patients who underwent surgical intervention for AIE using local administration of powder minocycline between January 2008 and August 2017 in our institute were enrolled. During surgery, the local administration and dispersion of powder minocycline at not only the valvular annulus and perivalvular cavity, but also the prosthetic cuff and ring were performed following the complete resection and aggressive debridement of infectious tissues. Early clinical outcomes, including survival, postoperative co-morbidities, and freedom from re-intervention or significant paravalvular leakage (PVL), were assessed.

RESULTS

Early mortality within 30 days was 5.6% and hospital death was 13.9%. There was no reoperation within 30 days and only one patient (3.8%) developed recurrent infection, which improved with additional antibiotic treatments. More than moderate PVL within 30 days was detected in one patient only (3.8%). Over a median follow-up period of 38.3 ± 35.5 months, a Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 1- and 5-year survival rates were 75.7 and 66.8%, respectively, and freedom from reoperation was 100% at 5 years. Freedom from significant PVL at 5 years was 91.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The local administration of powder minocycline may be a simple and effective manipulation during surgical intervention for AIE without extensive reconstruction; however, the surgical management of AIE remains challenging.

Surgical results for prosthetic versus native valve endocarditis: A multicenter analysis

OBJECTIVES

Prosthetic valve endocarditis is associated with worse outcomes compared with native valve endocarditis. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of native valve endocarditis versus prosthetic valve endocarditis on postoperative outcomes and long-term survival and to identify preoperative risk factors in a large cohort of 4300 patients with infective endocarditis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in 5 German Cardiac Surgery Centers: the Clinical Multicenter Project of Analysis of Infective Endocarditis in Germany. Data of 4300 patients undergoing valve surgery for native valve endocarditis and prosthetic valve endocarditis were retrospectively analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used for risk stratification, Kaplan-Meier analysis for long-term survival. In addition, we performed Cox proportional hazards regression with multivariable adjustment.

RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2016, 3143 patients (73.1%) underwent surgery for native valve endocarditis and 1157 patients (26.9%) underwent surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis. Patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis were older (69 [60-75] vs 63 [52-72] years; P < .001) and had more comorbidities, such as hypertension (55% vs 46%; P < .001), diabetes (28% vs 25%; P = .020), coronary artery disease (32% vs 23%; P < .001), and preoperative acute kidney injury (41% vs 32%; P < .001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly decreased long-term survival of patients undergoing surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis compared with native valve endocarditis (P < .001). However, after multivariable adjustment, there was no significant difference in long-term survival between patients undergoing cardiac surgery with prosthetic valve endocarditis compared with native valve endocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for preoperative comorbidities, long-term survival for prosthetic valve endocarditis and native valve endocarditis is comparable. Thus, our large cohort study provides evidence that prosthetic valve endocarditis alone should not be a contraindication for redo operations.

Prognostic factors of mortality after surgery in infective endocarditis: systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is a lack of consensus about which endocarditis-specific preoperative characteristics have an actual impact over postoperative mortality. Our objective was the identification and quantification of these factors.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of all the studies which reported factors related to in-hospital mortality after surgery for acute infective endocarditis, conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. A search string was constructed and applied on three different databases. Two investigators independently reviewed the retrieved references. Quality assessment was performed for identification of potential biases. All the variables that were included in at least two validated risk scores were meta-analyzed independently, and the pooled estimates were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with their confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The final sample consisted on 16 studies, comprising a total of 7484 patients. The overall pooled OR were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for: age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), female sex (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.35-1.81), urgent or emergency surgery (OR 2.39 95% CI 1.91-3.00), previous cardiac surgery (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.84-2.61), NYHA ≥ III (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.33-2.55), cardiogenic shock (OR 4.15, 95% CI 3.06-5.64), prosthetic valve (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.68-2.33), multivalvular affection (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.82), renal failure (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.15-3.06), paravalvular abscess (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.77-3.22) and S. aureus infection (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.89-2.73).

CONCLUSIONS

After a systematic review, we identified 11 preoperative factors related to an increased postoperative mortality. The meta-analysis of each of these factors showed a significant association with an increased in-hospital mortality after surgery for active infective endocarditis. Graph summary of the Pooled Odds Ratios of the 11 preoperative factors analyzed after the systematic review and meta-analysis.

Outcome for surgical treatment of infective endocarditis with periannular abscess

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with aortic periannular abscess (PA) is a challenging issue with high mortality and morbidity rate in the current era. The present study is to review the results of surgical treatment for IE-PA based on an anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for either aortic valve replacement (AVR) or aortic root reconstruction (ARR).

METHODS

Patients with IE-PA received surgical treatment in National Taiwan University Hospital during the years 2001-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The selection of surgical procedure was based on the intraoperative anatomical finding. The AVR group consisted of isolated AVR or AVR with patch repair if PA involved less than one cusp of the annulus. The ARR group included aortic root replacement if PA involved more than one cusp, causing commissural/sub-commissural destruction. In-hospital mortality and mid-term outcome and the risk factors were examined.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 13% in the AVR group (24 patients) and 25% in the ARR group (8 patients) (p = 0.578). The composite adverse events (cardiac death, valve reoperation, or paravalvular leak) rate was 31% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at one year; 48% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at five years; 55% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at ten years.

CONCLUSION

Anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for IE-PA is feasible. With the appropriate selection, ARR may be associated with fewer adverse events in mid-term follow-up. Careful intraoperative judgment and management and long-term follow-up are warranted for these patients.

The great debate series: surgical treatment of aortic valve abnormalities in children

This article is the latest in an EJCTS series entitled 'The Great Debates'. We have chosen the topic of aortic valve (AoV) surgery in children, with a focus on infants and neonates. The topic was selected due to the significant challenges that AoV problems in the young may present to the surgical team. There are many areas of active controversy, despite the vast accumulated world experience. We have tried to incorporate many of these issues in the questions posed, not claiming to be all-inclusive. The individuals invited to this debate are experts in paediatric valve surgery, with broad and successful clinical experiences on multiple continents. We hope that the facts and opinions presented in this debate will generate interest and discussion and perhaps prove useful in decision-making for future complex valve cases.

Long-term prognosis after surgery for infective endocarditis: Distinction between predictors of early and late survival

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac surgery is a life-saving procedure in patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). There are several validated risk scores developed to predict early-mortality; nevertheless, long-term survival has been less investigated. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of IE-specific risk factors for early and long-term mortality.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study was conducted that included all patients who underwent surgery for IE from 2002 to 2016. Median follow-up time after surgery was 53.2 months (IQI 26.2-106.8 months). In-hospital mortality was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Long-term survival was analyzed after one, two and five years. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to identify risk factors related to long-term mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 180 patients underwent cardiac surgery, 133 were discharged alive (in-hospital mortality was 26.11%). 6 variables were identified as independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality, most of them closely related to the severity of IE: age, multivalvular involvement, critical preoperative status, preoperative mechanical ventilation, abscess and thrombocytopenia. Long-term survival in patients discharged alive was 89.1%, 87.4% and 77.6% after one, two and five years. Long-term mortality was independent of specific IE factors and 86.51% of deaths were not related to cardiovascular or infectious diseases.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high perioperative mortality rate after surgical treatment for active IE, long-term survival after hospital discharge was acceptable, regardless of the severity of the endocarditis episode. Although in-hospital survival depended mainly on several IE factors, long-term survival was not related to the severity of endocarditis baseline affection.

Predictors of surgical outcome in isolated prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis

Background Most previous studies dealing with predictors of surgical outcome in prosthetic valve endocarditis included patients with aortic and/or mitral valve prostheses. Here, we concentrate on isolated prosthetic mitral endocarditis due to heterogeneity of epidemiological data, anatomical factors, and surgical techniques between mitral, prosthetic mitral, and aortic endocarditis between prosthetic mitral and prosthetic aortic endocarditis. Methods Data of 40 patients reoperated upon due to isolated prosthetic mitral endocarditis between July 2015 and March 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results Independent predictors of major postoperative complications on multivariate analysis were: no blood cultures before referral (odds ratio 6.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.44-28.15), inadequate response to medical treatment (odds ratio 11.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-100.25), and serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg·dL^-1 (odds ratio 4.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-19.36). Independent predictors of hospital mortality were: congestive heart failure (odds ratio 30.91, 95% confidence interval: 2.02 to 473.87), embolization (odds ratio 18.24, 95% confidence interval:1.94-171.91), peri-annular extension of infection (odds ratio 12.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-123.43), serum creatinine on admission > 2 mg·dL^-1 (odds ratio 9.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.97-47.48), and early prosthetic valve endocarditis (odds ratio 7.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-45.00). EuroSCORE II > 5.93% was associated with the highest predictive value for hospital mortality (area under the curve 0.813). Conclusion Certain factors can predict morbidity and mortality in surgery for isolated mitral prosthetic valve endocarditis. EuroSCORE II has a good ability to predict hospital mortality in surgery for mitral prosthetic valve endocarditis.