ObjectiveTo systematically review the short term and long term efficacy of early surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) patients. MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, WanFang Data and CNKI databases for cohort studies concerning the efficacy of early surgery for IE patients from inception to October 2014. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsSixteen cohort studies including 8 141 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that early surgery could reduce the short term mortality (OR=0.57, 95%CI 0.42 to 0.77, P=0.000 4) and long term mortality (OR=0.57, 95%CI 0.43 to 0.77, P=0.000 7) in IE patients. Subgroup analysis showed that early surgery could significantly reduce the short term mortality and long term mortality in patients with native valve endocarditis (NVE). ConclusionEarly surgery can reduce IE patients' short term mortality and long term mortality. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more large-scale high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo investigate clinical outcomes of mitral valvuloplasty (MVP)for the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE)and mitral regurgitation (MR). MethodsFrom March 2002 to January 2012, 33 patients with IE and MR underwent MVP in Fu Wai Hospital. There were 23 male and 10 female patients with their age of 10-67 (35.7±17.8)years. Thirteen patients had previous cardiac anomalies. Preoperatively, there were 5 patients with mild MR, 15 patients with moderate MR and 13 patients with severe MR. There were 5 patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA)functional classⅠ, 23 patients in classⅡ, 4 patients in classⅢ and 1 patient in classⅣ. All the patients received MVP including 14 patients received MVP in active phase of IE. Concomitantly, 6 patients received aortic valve replacement, 5 patients received tricuspid valvuloplasty, 1 patient received coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 patient received resection of left atrial myxoma and 1 patient received repair of aortic sinus aneurysm. Surgical procedures included pericardial patch closure of leaflet perforation in 5 patients, leaflet excision and suturing in 17 patients, double-orifice method in 3 patients, chordae transfer and artificial chordae implantation in 5 patients, and annuloplastic ring implantation in 15 patients. ResultsOne patient died of acute myocardial infarction 7 days after the operation. All other 32 patients were successfully discharged. Echocardiography before discharge showed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, 48.9±7.6 mm)and left atrial diameter (LAD, 31.7±7.4 mm)were significantly smaller than preoperative values (P=0.000). Thirty-two patients were followed up for 6-125 (73.0±38.6)months. There was no death, IE recurrence, bleeding or thromboembolism during follow-up. One patient received mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis 3 years after discharge. There were 25 patients in NYHA func-tional classⅠ, 5 patients in classⅡand 2 patients in classⅢ. There were 4 patients with mild MR, 1 patient with moderate MR, and 26 patients had no MR. One patient had faster mitral inflow at diastolic phase (1.7 m/s). One patient had moderate aortic regurgitation. LVEDD and LAD during follow-up were not statistically different from those before discharge. Left ventricular ejection fraction during follow-up was significantly higher than that before discharge (60.9%±6.6% vs. 57.5%±6.7%, P=0.043). ConclusionMVP is a reliable surgical procedure for patients with IE and MR, and can significantly reduce left atrial and left ventricular diameter and improve cardiac function postoperatively.
Objective To investigate clinical diagnosis，timing of surgery and perioperative therapeutic strategies for blood culture-negative infective endocarditis （IE）. Methods Clinical data of 240 IE patients who were admitted tWuhan Asia Heart Hospital between July 2008 and July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. According to their blood cultureresults，all the patients were divided into blood culture-negative group and blood culture-positive group. In the blood culture-negative group，there were 158 patients including 88 male and 70 female patients with their age of 51.3±10.1 years. In the blood culture-positive group，there were 82 patients including 45 male and 37 female patients with their age of 48.9±9.8 years. All the patients underwent surgical treatment，and the surgical procedures included complete vegetations excision，debridement of infected valves，removal of necrotic tissue around the annulus，and concomitant heart valve replacement or intracardiac repair. Postoperatively，all the patients received routine monitoring in ICU，cardiac glycosides，diuretics，other symptomatic treatment and adequate dosages of antibiotics for 4-6 weeks. Results Four patients died postoperatively in this study including 1 patient for low cardiac output syndrome and 3 patients for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome，1 patient in the blood culture-positive group and 3 patients in the blood culture-negative group respectively. There was no statistical difference in surgical mortality between the 2 groups （χ2=0.15，P=0.70）. All the other patients were discharged successfully and followed up for 6 to 36 months with the median follow-up time of 22 months. During follow-up, 2 patients died including 1 patient for cerebral infarction 2 years after surgery and another patient for cerebral hemorrhage 3 yearsafter surgery. Conclusion Patients with blood culture-negative IE should receive adequate dosage and duration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to control the infection rapidly, and aggressive surgical therapy to decrease in-hospital mortality and improve their quality of life and prognosis.
Objective To summarize the clinical features of infectious intracranial aneurysm (IIA) related to infective endocarditis (IE) and share our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of IIA. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 554 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for IE at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from September 2018 to August 2023. Patients with secondary IIA were included and reviewed. Based on the treatment strategies, patients were stratified into two groups: an antibiotic-only group and an endovascular treatment group. Results The cohort comprised 21 males and 10 females, with a median age of 33 years (IQR 26-53). Fifteen (48.4%) patients showed no significant neurological symptoms before IIA diagnosis. Seven patients received antibiotic therapy alone, while 24 underwent additional endovascular embolization, achieving technical success in 23 (95.8%) patients. The median interval between endovascular embolization and cardiac surgery was 2 days (IQR 0-6), with 9 patients undergoing concurrent procedures. In the antibiotic-only group, 3 (42.9%) patients suffered fatal IIA rupture. In contrast, only 1 (4.2%) death due to aneurysm rupture occurred in the endovascular treatment group. All surviving patients recovered well without new neurological deficits. Conclusion Routine neuroimaging screening for IIA is critical in IE patients. For those requiring cardiac surgery, endovascular embolization combined with antimicrobial therapy represents a reasonable strategy to mitigate rupture risks and improve outcomes.
The patient underwent prostatectomy before two months. After the operation, he suffered from intermittent fever, chest tightness, and suffocation. Combined with the history, symptoms, signs, laboratory examination, echocardiography, imaging examination (CT), and the positive blood culture for Enterococcus faecalis, the admitting diagnosis was aortic stenosis and insufficiency, mitral insufficiency, cardiac function grade Ⅲ (New York Heart Association grade), infective endocarditis, and aneurysm of aortic sinus. After 4-week antimicrobial drug treatment, the patient was in a stable condition with normal body temperature, multiple negative blood cultures, and normal laboratory-related examinations. After careful and sufficient preparation, transcatheter aortic valve replacement operation was performed in the hybrid operating room with 32 mm Venus-A valve. The operation was successful and the patient was discharged on the seventh day after operation. He continued to be treated with antimicrobial drugs for 4 weeks after surgery, and his temperature was normal. He had no chest tightness, asthma, or other symptoms. One, three, and six months after operation, blood tests and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were normal, electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, and echocardiography showed a maximum aortic valve pressure difference of 7 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), no perivalvular leak and no pericardial effusion.
Objective To investigate the knowledge level of Chinese cardiac surgeons regarding the management of infective endocarditis (IE), in order to identify the gap between clinical practices and the latest guidelines, and provide evidence-based support for improving the clinical management of IE. Methods A nationwide survey was conducted through an online questionnaire from December 5, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Descriptive analysis of the survey data was performed. Results A total of 67 valid responses were received from 18 provincial-level administrative divisions across China. While 56.7% (38/67) of respondents demonstrated familiarity with the modified Duke criteria, only 43.3% (29/67) comprehended the 2023 Duke- International Society of Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases criteria. Conversely, 43.3% (29/67) exhibited limited understanding of the former, and 56.7% (38/67) showed deficient knowledge of the latter diagnostic standards. Only 46.3% (31/67) reported proficiency in current IE management guidelines/consensus. Regarding surgical timing, 26.9% (18/67) advocated intervention within 7-14 days of antimicrobial therapy, 22.4% (15/67) during 14-28 days, and 10.5% (7/67) beyond 28 days. Notably, a significant proportion of respondents opted for delayed surgical intervention beyond guideline recommendations when managing patients with heart failure, uncontrolled infection, or neurological complications. Conclusion A knowledge gap and practice discrepancies exist among Chinese surgeons regarding the management of IE. There is an urgent need to promote updated concepts regarding surgical indications and timing for IE in order to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient prognosis.
Abstract：?Objective?To analyze surgical procedures and clinical outcomes for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy （HOCM） complicated by infective endocarditis.?Methods?We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 7 patients with HOCM complicated by infective endocarditis who underwent modified Morrow procedure，removal of intracardiac vegetation，and valve replacement in Fu Wai Hospital from Sep. 2006 to Feb. 2012. There were 5 male patients and 2 female patients with their mean age of 39.80±13.60 years（ranging 21-55）. Postoperative clinical outcomes were observed. Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular outflow tract （LVOT） gradients， left atrium （LA） diameter，left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and heart function were compared.?Results?There was no in-hospital death and perioperative survival rate was 100% in this group. Bacteria vegetations were multiply detected on the mitral valve leaflet （7 cases）， aortic valve leaflet （4 cases） and ventricular septum （1 case） with their diameter of 2-19 mm. Blood culture showed Staphylococcus aureus （3 cases），Squirrel aureus （1 case） . Postoperatively， first-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 2 patients， complete left bundle branch block in 1 patient， left anterior division block in 2 patients， and all these complications were not treated. Postoperative LVOT gradient and LA diameter were significantly lower than preoperative values （P＜0.05）， and cardiac function was significantly improved in these patients. All the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at a mean follow-up of 13.00±17.19 （1-49） months in outpatient service. The clinical symptoms of all these patients were diminished or significantly ameliorated and their quality of life was considerably improved. All the patients had NYHA classⅠorⅡ without any reintervention or death during follow-up.?Conclusion?Modified Morrow procedure and valve replacement is a good surgical strategy for patients with HOCM complicated by infective endocarditis with satisfactory early and mid-term clinical outcomes.
Infective endocarditis is one of the severest valvar diseases, commonly affecting the mitral valve. Currently, valvuloplasty and replacement are the main surgical options for mitral infective endocarditis. However, the complexity of the infectious lesions has caused a raging debate on which surgical approach offers more benefits. With the development of surgical treatment for endocarditis, mitral valvuloplasty may be a superior solution. It can preserve the integrity of the valve structure, avoiding complications caused by replacement. However, there is a lack of evidence from randomized clinical trials and other evidence-based medical supports. Furthermore, issues regarding the timing of surgery, repair methods, and material choices for mitral valvuloplasty in these patients have not been standardized. Therefore, this article summarizes existing literature to assist clinicians in making appropriate treatment decisions.
ObjectiveTo analyze the risk factors of the death associated with infective endocarditis, and to evaluate the timing of surgical treatment of infective endocarditis. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 62 patients with infective endocarditis in our hospital between August 2015 and August 2017. There were 43 males and 19 females at age of 19–75 (46.1±16.6) years. The clinical data were divided into a death group and a survival group, a paravalvular leakage group and a no periannular leakage group, an emergency operation group and a non-emergency operation group.The risk factors of infective endocarditis and the choice of operation time were analyzed. ResultsThree of the 62 patients (4.8%) died after surgery. Postoperative perivalvular leakage (regurgitation over 2 mm) in 8 patients, accounting for 12.9% of the total. Univariate analysis showed that albumin content, creatinine level, total cardiopulmonary bypass time and ascending aorta occlusion time were significantly associated with early postoperative mortality (P<0.05). The results of logistic analysis showed that age, preoperative albumin level, creatinine level, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and ascending aorta occlusion time were significantly associated with early postoperative perivascular leakage (P<0.05), and long ascending aorta occlusion time is an independent risk factor for early death (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in early death and the perivalve leakage between the emergency operation and the non emergency operation. ConclusionPatients with infective endocarditis should accept early surgical treatment. The choice of surgical approach should be selected according to the actual situation of patients. And we should pay more attention to albumin and creatinine levels in preoperative patients. In the operation, to shorten extracorporeal circulation time and aortic clamping time can improve the prognosis of patients.
ObjectiveTo analyze the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 40 patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis in our hospital from 2001 to 2016. There were 25 males and 15 females, aged 20-62 (39.92±11.16) years. They were divided into two groups according to the duration from admission to surgery: a group A (an early operation group whose surgery was performed within 7 days after admission) and a group B (a conventional treatment group with the duration from admission to surgery>7 days). Among them, there were 27 patients in the group A including 15 males and 12 females with an average age of 39.56±11.80 years, and 13 patients in the group B including 10 males and 3 females with an average age of 40.69±10.13 years. All patients were examined by echocardiogram and blood bacterial culture to investigate their etiology, echocardiogram results and treatment status. And the clinical data of the two groups were compared.ResultsTwo patients died before operation in the group B, one died of heart failure, and one cerebral infarction. No reoperation during hospitalization, cerebral infarction, thromboembolism or other complications occurred. The ventilation time in the group A was significantly shorter than that in the group B (18.00±14.85 h vs. 31.00±29.57 h, P=0.015). There was no statistical difference in the extracorporeal circulation time, myocardial block time, or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After discharge, the patients continued antibiotic therapy for 3-6 weeks. Patients were followed up for 12-127 (75.74±6.01) months, 1 died of malignant tumors in the group A, 1 developed atrial fibrillation and 1 developed cardiac insufficiency in the group B, and the rest of patients did not complain of obvious discomfort. There was no residual shunt, recurrence of infective endocarditis, reoperation, postoperative stroke or thromboembolism.ConclusionPreoperative echocardiography and blood bacteriological culture are helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis. Early surgery is safe and effective for these patients, and can improve the long-term survival rate.