Abstract

BAHAMONDES, Juan Carlos et al. Surgery for bacterial endocarditis: Retrospective study of 32 patients. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2008, vol.136, n.1, pp.31-37. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872008000100004.

Background: Surgery for active endocarditis is indicated in cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), persistent sepsis, systemic embolization and paravalvular involvement. Aim: To assess and report the long term results of surgery in adult patients. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of clinical records and operative procedures of 32 patients aged 43± 13 years (28 women) subjected to reparative surgery for complications of endocarditis between 1993 to 2005. Results: In 25% of cases, endocarditis presented as a prolonged sepsis syndrome and in 31% as a CHF or both. The causative bacteria was Gram (+) in 53% and blood cultures were negative in 47%. Preoperative echocardiography showed vegetations in 56% of cases. An annular abscess, aortic valve rupture and bicuspid valve, was observed in 13% of patients. Post operative mortality was due to persistent sepsis and multiorganic dysfunction in 16%. Mean long term follow up was 43.8±47.2 months. Actuarial survival was 78% at 146 months. Conclusion: Surgical management of active endocarditis provides a good symptomatic recovery, with an excellent long term actuarial survival (Rev Méd Chile 2008; 136: 31-7)

Keywords : Endocarditis, bacterial; Heart valve diseases; Thoracic surgery.

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