Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Georgios P Georghiou.
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an inflammatory arteritis involving large vessels, predominantly the aorta and its main branches. Angina pectoris or myocardial infarction may occur in 3-5% of patients. Symptomatic coronary artery disease may be in rare case the first sign of TA. We describe a case of a young woman in whom acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock and stroke were the initial presentations of TA.
BACKGROUND: Intradepartmental and interdepartmental benchmarking requires scoring systems with reliability (calibration) and stability over the complete spectrum of periprocedural risk. The aim of this single-center study was to assess the performance of the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet risk stratification model in cardiac surgery, by itself and against the EuroSCORE. METHODS: A prospective observational design was used. The study group consisted of 1,639 consecutive patients of mean age 64.6 +/- 12.04 years who underwent elective or emergency cardiac surgery from January 2003 to June 2004. The probabilities of hospital death were estimated with the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet and EuroSCORE algorithms. The correlation of predicted and observed mortality was compared between the two models, and score validity was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The patients were stratified into five risk groups according to their scores in the two models. For the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet model, findings were as follows: score 0-10: predicted mortality 0%-2.2%, observed mortality 0.6%; score 10.5-20: predicted 2.3%-4.7%, observed 2.3%; score 20.5-30: predicted 4.8%-10%, observed 6.7%; score 30.5-40: predicted 10.1%-23%, observed 11.5%; and score greater than 40: predicted 23.1%-80%, observed 29.9%. For the EuroSCORE, findings were as follows: score 0%-2%: predicted mortality 1.1%, observed mortality 0.6%; score 3%-5%: predicted 2.1%, observed 3.0%; score 6%-8%: predicted 4.1%, observed 3.5%; score 9-11: predicted 7.6%, observed 6.6.%; and score greater than 12: predicted 13.8%, observed 14.0%. There was good agreement between the observed and expected number of deaths, with both models. The area under the ROC curve was higher for the Bernstein-Parsonnet model (0.83, odds ratio [OR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-2.31, p < 0.0001) than for the EuroSCORE (0.73, OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.07, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet model is a simple, objective system for the estimation of hospital mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with slightly higher calibration and discrimination than the EuroSCORE additive model.
Early extubation after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery was assessed retrospectively in 545 of 779 patients treated by the same surgical team over one year. All underwent extubation within 10 hr of arrival at the cardiothoracic intensive care unit: 343 in < 6 hr and 202 in 6-10 hr. Operative mortality was 2.2%. Group comparisons revealed that patients who had earlier extubation were younger (61 vs. 66 years; p < 0.001), more likely to be male (72.5% vs. 61.3%; p < 0.05), with a shorter aortic crossclamp time (49.2 +/- 15.0 vs. 53.3 +/- 14.0 min; p < 0.05), cardiopulmonary bypass time (65 +/- 18.4 vs. 72.2 +/- 19.2 min; p < 0.05), intensive care unit stay (18.8 +/- 5.6 vs. 22.4 +/- 3.2 hr; p < 0.05) and postoperative hospital stay (5.2 +/- 2.2 vs. 6.0 +/- 2.4 days; p = 0.01). Extubation < 6 hr after cardiopulmonary bypass may accelerate recovery. The finding of no significant differences in clinical parameters between the groups suggests that efforts to further reduce the time to extubation might be worthwhile.
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We present a 3-year-old boy born with anomalous hepatic venous drainage into the left atrium and a small sinus venosus atrial septum defect, in whom pulmonary arteriovenous malformations developed with progressive cyanosis. Surgical redirection of the hepatic venous drainage to the right atrium and closure of the atrial septal defect led to regression of the pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. However, in contrast to other reports, progressive pulmonary hypertension developed postoperatively.
BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopy with the creation of a pericardial window is a noninvasive method of pericardial drainage. It also allows an excellent view of both the pleural cavity and pericardium and the precise selection of biopsy sites. We review our 3-year experience with this technique. METHODS: Between January 2001 and February 2004, 18 patients (10 men, 8 women; mean age 57 years) with echocardiographically diagnosed pericardial effusion underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy at our center. Pericardial windows were created under general anesthesia and single-lung ventilation using 2 to 3 trocars. Mean operating time was 46 minutes. A right thoracic approach was used in 16 patients and a left thoracic approach in 2. RESULTS: Microbiology and virology cultures of the pericardial fluid were negative. Histologic findings were compatible with tuberculosis in 2 cases and granulocytic sarcoma, infiltrating breast carcinoma, and infiltrating nonsmall cell carcinoma in 1 case each. In the remaining patients, the histologic diagnosis was chronic or subacute nonspecific pericarditis. Talc pleurodesis was performed in 3 patients for concomitant malignant pleural effusion. In 4 patients, the pericardial effusion occurred secondary to cardiac surgery; 3 were receiving anticoagulants after valve replacement, and 1 had a heart transplant. There were no complications of the thoracoscopy technique. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic fenestration is an effective technique for pericardial drainage and biopsy. Apart from its diagnostic value, it allows the physician to fashion a pleuropericardial window for effective drainage while avoiding the complications of classic surgical procedures. Concomitant pleural and pulmonary disorders may be managed simultaneously.
The aim of the study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of the Harmonic Scalpel for reducing spasm caused by thermal injury during radial artery harvesting. The study sample included 100 candidates undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. In half the patients, radial artery harvesting was performed using the ultrasonic Harmonic Scalpel equipped with coagulating curved shears and a 14 cm scissor-grip handle and in the other half, hemostatic clips, scissors, and minimal electrocautery were employed. Comparison of outcome between the groups showed that radial artery harvesting with the Harmonic Scalpel was associated with a shorter harvesting time, lower frequency of spasm, larger internal diameter of the radial artery graft, and a significantly reduced need for clips to control bleeding than the standard method. In addition, there were no cases of hematoma or superficial wound infection in the arm, and no postoperative reduction in soft touch sensation or objective pin-prick sensation. In conclusion, the Harmonic Scalpel provides excellent control of bleeding without the need for potentially damaging electrocautery, and with a markedly decreased use of hemostatic clips. Harvesting time is also shorter. The minimized thermal injury decreases the rate of radial artery spasm. Further studies using additional objective measures are currently underway to confirm these findings.
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BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare and histologically benign tumor, but it may have malignant propensity for life-threatening complications. Herein are described four cases of PFE which reflect the clinical diversity of this lesion. The diagnostic and surgical approach utilized is also briefly reviewed. METHODS: The files of four patients with cardiac valvular PFE treated at the authors' center between January 2002 and November 2003 were reviewed. The diagnosis was strongly suggested by echocardiography. Tumors were noted in aortic (n = 2), mitral (n = 1) and tricuspid (n = 1) sites. Indications for surgery were myocardial infarction (both aortic tumors), previous stroke (mitral tumor), and preventive (tricuspid tumor). RESULTS: Surgical excision with a conservative, valve-sparing approach was performed in all cases. For the first aortic tumor, the aortic valve was reconstructed with a patch of autologous pericardium. None of the patients had evidence of valvular regurgitation after excision on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, and all had an uneventful recovery. There were no cases of recurrence or regurgitation on follow up echocardiography. CONCLUSION: PFE is an uncommon but increasingly recognized cause of embolic phenomena. Prompt identification allows for surgical excision, which seems to be curative, safe and well-tolerated. A conservative valve-sparing approach is recommended because of the absence of recurrence after total excision.
BACKGROUND: The number of patients awaiting heart transplantation is increasing in proportion to the waiting period for a donor. Studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a beneficial effect on patients with heart failure. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was to assess the effect of CoQ10 on patients with end-stage heart failure and to determine if CoQ10 can improve the pharmacological bridge to heart transplantation. METHODS: A prospective double-blind design was used. Thirty-two patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting heart transplantation were randomly allocated to receive either 60 mg U/day of Ultrasome--CoQ10 (special preparation to increase intestinal absorption) or placebo for 3 months. All patients continued their regular medication regimen. Assessments included anamnesis with an extended questionnaire based partially on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, 6-min walk test, blood tests for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and echocardiography. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed the study. The study group showed significant improvement in the 6-min walk test and a decrease in dyspnea, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, nocturia, and fatigue. No significant changes were noted after 3 months of treatment in echocardiography parameters (dimensions and contractility of cardiac chambers) or ANF and TNF blood levels. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of CoQ10 to heart transplant candidates led to a significant improvement in functional status, clinical symptoms, and quality of life. However, there were no objective changes in echo measurements or ANF and TNF blood levels. Coenzyme Q10 may serve as an optional addition to the pharmacologic armamentarium of patients with end-stage heart failure. The apparent discrepancy between significant clinical improvement and unchanged cardiac status requires further investigation.
Acute massive pulmonary embolism is associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory for a successful outcome. Although thrombolysis is effective, it is associated with a high rate of bleeding complications. This report describes the use of emergent pulmonary embolectomy as an effective and aggressive therapeutic approach to a massive saddle pulmonary embolism in a 66-year-old woman. With the application of specific surgical techniques and good interdisciplinary cooperation, pulmonary embolectomy may serve as more than a last resort for the management of this clinically unstable and dangerous condition.
BACKGROUND: Aortopulmonary window is a rare congenital heart defect commonly associated with other cardiac anomalies. Although single institutional experience is low, several surgical techniques have been reported. The purpose of this study is to describe our approach to the management of aortopulmonary window and its associated lesions. METHODS: Between February 1996 and November 2002, 13 patients underwent repair of aortopulmonary window. The age range went from 4 days to 5.5 months (mean 42 +/- 52 days), with 9 patients younger than 1 month old. The weight range was from 1.9 to 6.7 kg (mean 3.5 +/- 1.2 kg). Concomitant cardiac anomalies were present in 11 patients. The major additional anomalies were interruption of aortic arch in 4 patients and tracheal stenosis in 1 patient. Initial diagnoses were made using two-dimensional echocardiography only. RESULTS: There was one postoperative death. In general, patients with aortopulmonary window and additional major defects had a prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay when compared with the other patients. Follow-up time ranged from 2 months to 6.8 years (mean of 2.5 +/- 2.2 years). There were no reoperations and no late deaths. Transcatheter balloon dilatation of the repaired aortic arch was required in 1 patient and of the right pulmonary artery in another. All other patients had good flow to both pulmonary arteries. No residual shunts were detected at the aortopulmonary window site, and pulmonary pressures were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Aortopulmonary window may be effectively diagnosed with echocardiography. Early surgical treatment (neonatal period, if possible) is safe and associated with the best long-term results, even in the presence of other cardiac anomalies. Complete separation and reconstruction of both aorta and pulmonary arteries under direct vision may prevent recurrence and distortion of adjacent structures.
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The authors' experience is reported of aortic valve replacement (AVR) using the pulmonary autograft in patients with active aortic valve endocarditis, including an urgent Ross procedure in infants with the acute condition. METHODS: Nine patients aged between 8 months and 38 years, with a diagnosis of aortic valve endocarditis, have undergone AVR using the Ross procedure at the authors' institution since October 1997. The diagnosis was established by clinical and echocardiographic findings. Indications for surgery were severe aortic insufficiency and congestive heart failure in all patients, with the addition of thromboembolic events (n = 3), persistent hyperpyrexia (n = 3) and vegetations (n = 5). Four infants with no history of congenital cardiac malformation underwent urgent surgery because of acute bacterial endocarditis and rapid hemodynamic deterioration. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae in three patients, and Kingella kingi and Staphylococcus aureus in one patient each. Four patients were culture-negative. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics for four to six weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no perioperative or late deaths, and no recurrent endocarditis at the implanted valves. Echocardiographic evaluation at discharge showed trivial to mild aortic insufficiency, with no stenosis at the left ventricular outflow tract. Similar findings were found across the right ventricular outflow tract. At follow up (range: 4 months to 5.5 years), none of the patients showed progression of aortic valve insufficiency or developed stenosis; three had mild and moderate homograft stenosis (Doppler gradient 20-40 mmHg), and all children had moderate homograft insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The Ross procedure is an excellent therapeutic option for active aortic valve endocarditis in young patients, and demonstrates low morbidity and mortality. Early surgery may be indicated in patients with acute aortic valve endocarditis because of the rapidly progressive nature of this disease.
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Concern has been raised regarding the late effects of tissue glues. Herein is described the authors' experience with a new bioadhesive (BioGlue; Cryolife) for repair of the aortic root in acute dissection. METHODS: BioGlue is composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde exposure causes the lysine molecules of BSA, extracellular proteins and cell surfaces to bind to each other, creating a strong scaffold. Between January 2001 and January 2003, BioGlue was used to repair the aortic root in 22 patients with acute aortic dissection. Moderate or severe insufficiency was present in 16 cases, and mild insufficiency in six. The mechanism of insufficiency was commissure detachment in 15 cases, penetration of the intimal flap into the valve in three, and dilatation of the sinotubular junction in four. The aortic valve was resuspended to the aortic wall using pledgeted sutures. BioGlue was used to glue the dissected layers of the aortic root and create stronger tissue for sewing. Two patients required complete resection of the sinuses and aortic root remodeling with a Dacron graft. RESULTS: There were two operative deaths. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed mild or no aortic insufficiency in 18 patients, and moderate insufficiency in two. During follow up (mean 16 months), none of the patients required reoperation for proximal redissection, delayed rupture, or aortic insufficiency. CONCLUSION: BioGlue is useful for aortic valve repair in aortic dissection. It is less toxic and has a stronger adhesive effect than the older surgical glues, and is expected to have better long-term results.
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Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare solid tumor that most often affects children and young adults. Although benign, the tumor may be very aggressive locally. We describe a 9-year-old boy with primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the left upper lobe involving the left atrium.