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BACKGROUND Intracardiac blood cysts are an exceedingly rare occurrence in adulthood. Detailed imaging modalities aid in the diagnosis of such incidental lesions and procedure planning. METHODS We report the case of a 51-year-old male accusing dyspnea on exertion as a sole symptom which led to the discovery of multiple cardiac anomalies, namely, severe aortic valve insufficiency on a bicuspid aortic valve, ascending aortic aneurysm, a cystic mass on the tricuspid valve, patent foramen ovale, and an occluded right coronary artery. RESULTS The disorders were managed in a single surgical intervention, the resected mass being confirmed as a blood cyst. CONCLUSIONS Our case presents a unique association of cardiac disorders, including a highly uncommon intracardiac blood-filled cyst, and underlines the importance of multimodality imaging and interdisciplinary approach in the successful management of such complex cases.

Összefoglaló. Az aortadissectio krónikus stádiumában kialakuló thoracoabdominalis tágulatok megoldása multidiszciplináris megközelítést, nagy felkészültséget és fejlett technológiát igényel. A jellemzően többlépcsős műtétsorozat mortalitása és morbiditása az endovascularis technológia fejlődésével csökkent, de még mindig jelentős. A fenesztrált endovascularis aortaműtét a thoracoabdominalis nyitott műtét alternatívája, mely kisebb mortalitással és morbiditással, rövidebb kórházi tartózkodással jár. Aortadissectio esetén történő alkalmazása az aorta lumenében lévő membrán miatt kihívást jelent. Esetbemutatásunkban egy 56 éves nőbeteget demonstrálunk, aki tíz évvel korábban A-típusú dissectio miatt aorta ascendens rekonstrukción esett át. A követés során csaknem a teljes aorta tágulata alakult ki, melynek megoldása három lépésben történt. Az első lépésben a disszekált aortaív nyitott műtétjét végeztük ’frozen elephant trunk’ technikával, majd az aorta descendens tágulatának endovascularis kezelése történt sztentgraft-implantációval. A műtétsorozat záró lépése egy fenesztrált endovascularis aortaműtét volt, mely egyben ezen technikának az aortadissectio esetében történt első hazai alkalmazását jelenti. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(31): 1260–1264. Summary. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms developing in the chronic phase of an aortic dissection require multidisciplinary approach, experienced operators and advanced technology. The mortality and morbidity rate of these multistage operations were reduced with the latest technical achievements in endovascular repair, but they are still significant. Fenestrated endovascular aortic repair, an alternative of thoracoabdominal open repair, is associated with less mortality and morbidity, shorter hospital stay. Using fenestrated devices in aortic dissection is usually technically demanding due to the dissection membrane. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman, who underwent ascending aortic repair due to type A aortic dissection. During the follow-up, a large thoracoabdominal aneurysm developed involving also the arch. We performed a three-stage operation starting with the open repair of the aortic arch using a ‘frozen elephant trunk’ device followed by a thoracic endovascular aortic repair of the descending aorta. The final stage was a fenestrated endovascular aortic repair, which is the first use of this technique in aortic dissection in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(31): 1260–1264.

We present a complex Marfan case, with previous type A aortic dissection, subsequent progressing aortic arch aneurysm, type B chronic aortic dissection, and Barlow disease with severe mitral regurgitation, all expressions of the same phenotype, all needing staged complex surgical therapies. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Graphical abstract

Background Mycotic aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after heart transplantation (HTX) with remarkable mortality. Intrathoracic infection is a well-documented predisposing factor for this disease. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida species are commonly isolated from resected specimens of the pseudoaneurysms. We demonstrate a unique case of mycotic pseudoaneurysm caused by presumably donor-derived Pseudomonas infection in a heart transplant recipient. Case presentation Our 67-year-old male patient treated with diabetes mellitus underwent HTX. The donor suffered from epiglottic abscess and pneumonia with known microorganisms including Pseudomonas, therefore both the donor and recipient received targeted antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis. Five months after the uneventful HTX, lab test of the asymptomatic patient showed moderate, increasing C-reactive protein level without obviuos source of infection. Chest computed tomography showed a large (90 mm) saccular dilatation of the tubular portion of ascending aorta. Urgent surgical intervention identified a pseudoaneurysm, histological examinations and cultures of the resected aorta verified Pseudomonas aeruginosa aortitis, while all blood cultures remained negative. Retrospective interrogation of other transplanted organs of the donor supported donor-derived infection as the transport fluid of the right kidney grew Pseudomonas. The patient received 3 weeks of ceftazidime followed by 7 months of oral ciprofloxacin therapy. One year after the operation the patient was asymptomatic with normal inflammatory markers. Conclusions Donor-derived infection is a rare but potential cause of aortitis. Early diagnosis, surgical intervention and adjuvant antibiotic therapy seem to be the keys to successful management of mycotic pseudoaneurysms after HTX.

Introduction Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting the connective tissue. Changes in lung tissue might influence respiratory function; however, a detailed respiratory functional assessment according to the need for major thoracic surgery is missing. Methods Comprehensive pulmonary examinations were performed in 55 Marfan patients including respiratory symptoms, lung function (LF) testing using European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) reference values, TLCO and quality of life measurements. Groups included patients who did not need surgery (Mf, n = 32) and those who underwent major thoracic surgery (Mfop, n = 23). Results Respiratory symptoms affected 20% of patients. Scoliosis was significantly more frequent in the Mfop group. LF demonstrated in all Marfan patients a tendency towards airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC = 0.77 ± 0.10), more prominent in Mfop patients (0.74 ± 0.08 vs. Mf: 0.80 ± 0.11; p = 0.03). Correction of LF values using a standing height modification by arm span (Hcorrected) revealed additional changes in FVC and FEV1. TLCO and quality of life did not differ between groups. Conclusions Marfan syndrome is associated with airway obstruction, especially in patients who have undergone major thoracic surgery, indicative of more severe connective tissue malfunction. The use of arm span for height correction is suitable to evaluate LF changes in this special patient group including patients with significant scoliosis.

Background Behçet’s disease is an auto-inflammatory disorder categorized as a primer systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Genetic factors, infectious agents and the irregularity of T-cell homeostasis are presumed to be responsible for the emergence of Behçet’s disease. Characteristic symptoms are multisystemic. Although cardiovascular involvement is rare, it should be noted due to the difficulty of surgical treatment options. Case presentation Our 44-year-old male patient underwent aortic valve replacement due to aortic regurgitation. At the 15-month follow-up, echocardiography showed detachment of the prosthetic valve and in the aortic root, multiple pseudo-aneurysms were identified. We performed an aortic root reconstruction with a Bentall procedure using a special „skirted” conduit to reduce strain in the suture line between the conduit and the extremely dilated left ventricular outflow tract. Conclusions The surgical treatment of cardiovascular manifestations of Behçet’s disease remains challenging. This new technique may be beneficial in well-selected cases where the annulus of the aorta is extremely dilated or annular tissue disorder is present.

Introduction Hungary joined Eurotransplant International (ET) to improve the chance of transplantation for Hungarian patients and patient outcomes, including access and graft and patient survival. After 5 years of full membership, the evaluation of numbers and quality indicators is possible. Method A comparison was made between 5 years prior to a preliminary cooperation agreement (2007-2011) and 5 years after full ET membership (2014-2018). During the 2 study periods, we analyzed numbers and circumstances of deceased organ donors, multiorgan donors, donated organs, and transplantations in Hungary and development of waiting lists along with international organ exchanges. Result The number of actual organ donors increased by 22.09% (729 vs 890), an additional 823 organ removals represents an increase of 42.71% (1927 vs 2750). There were 46.51% more transplants managed in the selected periods (1561 vs 2287). The number of new patients on the waiting list increased (2305 vs 3247; 40.87%). The mean kidney mismatch number decreased from 3.21 to 2.96. Conclusion Joining ET has been an effective and efficient in terms of increasing access to organs and the lives of patients on the Hungarian waiting list posttransplant. It is also a benefit for patients with special needs because the number of organ transplants is greater than the increased number of donors.

Background Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an uncommon cardiac anomaly, with an incidence of less than 1% of open heart surgery cases. Its evolution is most frequently silent, being found incidentally or discovered in the event of its acute rupture. Non-ruptured giant SVAs may cause unusual clinical manifestations, as a consequence of their protrusion into the heart chambers or compression of the coronary vessels and are frequently associated with aortic insufficiency of various degrees of severity. The gold standard treatment for SVAs consists of complete replacement of the aortic root and valve. However, in certain cases, valve-sparing procedures may prove to be a more suitable alternative. Case presentation A 68-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea as symptom caused by a large (> 5 cm) right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The aneurysm was occupying most of the right ventricle and was associated with severe aortic regurgitation. The surgical treatment of the condition involved valve-sparing root reconstruction procedure (remodeling technique), completed with external stabilization of the aortic valve annulus via running suture annuloplasty. Following the uneventful intervention, the patient did well and his status improved. The follow-up transthoracic echocardiography obtained 1 month after surgery showed a fully competent aortic valve with no regurgitation. Conclusions Despite complete aortic root and valve replacement being considered the safest approach to large SVAs complicated with aortic insufficiency, valve-sparing procedures should not be overlooked in case of a dilated aortic root with uncalcified aortic valve. Performing valve-sparing by applying a remodeling technique operation completed with annuloplasty reduces aortic valve insufficiency, avoiding side-effects related to implanted valves.

Abstract: The mechanical circulatory support (MCS) program of the Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Centre has become established over the last five years. The main requirements of our MCS program to be developed first were the Heart Transplantation and Heart Failure Intensive Care Unit and a well trained medical team. The wide range of mechanical circulatory support devices provides suitable background for the adequate treatment of our patients in all indications. In this review, we present our results related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supports performed in the last five years. Between 2012 and 2017, we applied MCS support in 140 cases, among them 111 patients received ECMO support. The leading indications of ECMO support were the following: primary graft failure after heart transplantation (33 cases), postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (18 patients), acute decompensation of end-stage heart failure (14 patients), acute myocardial infarction complicated with refractory cardiogenic shock (37 patients), cardiogenic shock developed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (3 patients), malignant arrhythmia due to drug intoxication (1 patient) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (4 cases). The mortality of patients receiving ECMO support was 46%. The analysis of the results of ECMO support needs to change our approach. The mortality results show that we lost the half of our patients. However, the mortality in the conventionally treated patients would have been 100% without ECMO. In fact, we could save the life of half of these patients. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(46): 1876–1881.

Background Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease, presenting with dysfunction of connective tissues leading to lesions in the cardiovascular and skeletal muscle system. Within these symptoms, the most typical is weakness of the connective tissue in the aorta, manifesting as aortic dilatation (aneurysm). This could, in turn, become annuloaortic ectasia, or life-threatening dissection. As a result, life-saving and preventative cardiac surgical interventions are frequent among Marfan syndrome patients. Aortic aneurysm could turn into annuloaortic ectasia or life-threatening dissection, thus life-saving and preventive cardiac surgical interventions are frequent among patients with Marfan syndrome. We hypothesized that patients with Marfan syndrome have different level of anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life compared to that of the non-clinical patient population. Methods Patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome were divided into 3 groups: those scheduled for prophylactic surgery, those needing acute surgery, and those without need for surgery (n = 9, 19, 17, respectively). To examine the psychological features of the patients, Spielberger’s anxiety (STAI) test, Beck’s Depression questionnaire (BDI), the Berne Questionnaire of Subjective Well-being, and the Satisfaction with Life scale were applied. Results A significant difference was found in trait anxiety between healthy individuals and patients with Marfan syndrome after acute life-saving surgery (p 0.1). Finally, a significant, medium size effect was found between patient groups on the Joy in Living scale (F (2.39) = 3.51, p = 0.040, η2 = 0.15). Conclusions Involving psychiatric and mental-health care, in addition to existing surgical treatment interventions, is essential for more successful recovery of patients with Marfan syndrome.

Purpose The key goal of cold storage is to maintain cell viability for a prolonged time during solid organ transplantation. Methane (CH4) has been recognized as novel therapeutic gas exerting anti-inflammatory effects in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries. We aimed to investigate whether cold storage of donor hearts in CH4-enriched Custodiol preservation solution could protect against IR and preserve myocardial function in a rat model of heterotopic heart transplantation (HTX). Methods The hearts of donor Lewis rats were explanted and stored for 1 h in cold Custodiol (CS group, n=12) or in CH4-saturated (0.054 mg/100 ml) Custodiol (CS-CH4 group, n=12). 60 min after HTX left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume relations and coronary blood flow (CBF) were assessed to evaluate early post-transplant graft function. At the end of haemodynamic measurements, samples were taken for qPCR of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondria-related apoptosis markers (CHOP, GRP78, GSK3β, VLDR, Caspase 3 and 9, Bcl2, Bax), biochemical parameters and mitochondrial functional analysis with high-resolution respirometry (Oxygraph2K, Austria). Results LV contractility (LV systolic pressure at 120µl of LV volume: 86±6 vs. 57±7mmHg, p=0.01; dP/dtmax: 2326±167 vs. 1583±139mmHg, p=0.007) and active relaxation (dP/dtmin at 120µl of LV volume: -1660±185 vs. -1043±169mmHg, p=0.04) improved significantly after an hour of reperfusion, while alteration of CBF standardized to heart weight (2.11±0.35 vs. 1.13±0.2ml/min/g, p=0.04) was also significantly improved following pretreatment. CS-CH4 storage significantly reduced the transcription of pro-apoptotic proteins and Bcl2/Bax ratios as compared to CS grafts. Increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, reduced leak respiration and cytochrome c release were demonstrated in response to CS-CH4 preservation. Conclusion These results might provide reliable evidence for the benefit of CH4-enriched preservation solution during HTX, through a mechanism which involves the inhibition of pro-apoptotic signals. Hence CH4-enriched preservation solution could be a potential cardioprotective agent in the inventory of heart transplantation surgery and other cardiac surgical procedures requiring prolonged cardioplegia.

Absztrakt A szívtranszplantáció kiemelt projekt lett a Semmelweis Egyetemen belül. Ennek megfelelően a szívátültetés és a mechanikus keringéstámogatás finanszírozása is rendkívüli jelentőséget kapott. A szerzők a transzplantációs és műszíves betegek költségeinek összehasonlításáról végzett költséghatékonysági számítási modell felépítéséről számolnak be. A modell megalkotásánál direkt allokációs költségszámítást, döntésifa-modellt, inkrementális költséghatékonysági rátát és költséghatékonysági térképmódszert használtak. Módszerükkel össze tudják hasonlítani a műszívbeültetésen átesett és a szívtranszplantációs betegcsoportok kezdeti, perioperatív és utókezelési költségeit. Modelljük alkalmas lehet hosszú távú utánkövetés és kellő elemszámú beteg bevonásával költséghatékonysági elemzések elkészítésére, gazdasági döntéstámogató következtetések meghozatalára.

Introduction Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is a potentially fatal complication after heart transplantation (HTx). Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa as a pathogen is mainly seen in immunosuppressed patients. Possible symptoms are malaise, chest or thoracic back pain, dyspnea, dysphagia or fever. Occasionally asymptomatic cases are also reported. There is often a previous mediastinitis or other infection in the patient history. In our patient a P. aeruginosa pseudoaneurysm developed after HTx without any alarm symptoms. Case Report The 67-year-old male patient treated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure attended a regular visit five months after HTx. He was asymptomatic except of an unexplainable weight loss. Lab test showed a moderate C-reactive protein level elevation over the course of two months (4-7-24-57 mg/L), therefore further examinations were prepared to identify the source of infection. Transthoracic echocardiography, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound and urine culture revealed no abnormalities. Chest computed tomography (CT) however showed a significant (90 mm) saccular dilatation of the tubular portion of ascending aorta. No obvious concomitant infection was reported. An urgent surgical intervention was indicated. A pseudoaneurysm was identified intraoperatively starting at the aortic anastomotic suture line, it was successfully resected and the sinotubular junction was reconstructed with a vascular prosthesis. Cultures of the resected specimen grew P. aeruginosa while all blood cultures taken pre- and postoperatively remained negative. Histological examinations verified aortitis. The patient received 3 weeks of intravenous treatment with ceftazidim followed by long-term oral ciprofloxacin. 19 day postoperative CT revealed no sign of recurrent graft infection. 4 months after the operation the patient was asymptomatic with controlled blood pressure and normal inflammatory markers. Summary This case demonstrates the importance of considering a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in the etiology of unexplainable inflammation following HTx. P. aeruginosa can be a causative organism which may indicate a long-term antibiotic therapy. It is important to check regularly the physical status, blood pressure, aortic diameters and inflammatory markers of the patient, as well as the potential side effects of antibiotic treatment.

Internationally 3% of the donor hearts are distributed to re-transplant patients. In Eurotransplant, only patients with a primary graft dysfunction (PGD) within 1 week after heart transplantation (HTX) are indicated for high urgency listing. The aim of this study is to provide evidence for the discussion on whether these patients should still be allocated with priority. All consecutive HTX performed in the period 1981-2015 were included. Multivariate Cox' model was built including: donor and recipient age and gender, ischaemia time, recipient diagnose, urgency status and era. The study population included 18 490 HTX, of these 463 (2.6%) were repeat transplants. The major indications for re-HTX were cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) (50%), PGD (26%) and acute rejection (21%). In a multivariate model, compared with first HTX hazards ratio and 95% confidence interval for repeat HTX were 2.27 (1.83-2.82) for PGD, 2.24 (1.76-2.85) for acute rejection and 1.22 (1.00-1.48) for CAV (P < 0.0001). Outcome after cardiac re-HTX strongly depends on the indication for re-HTX with acceptable outcomes for CAV. In contrast, just 47.5% of all hearts transplanted in patients who were re-transplanted for PGD still functioned at 1-month post-transplant. Alternative options like VA-ECMO should be first offered before opting for acute re-transplantation. ispartof: TRANSPLANT INTERNATIONAL vol:31 issue:11 pages:1223-1232 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Introduction: Since the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first heart transplantation in Hungary in 2012 the emerging need for modern heart failure management via mechanical circulatory support has evolved. In May 2012 the opening of a new heart failure and transplant unit with 9 beds together with the procurement of necessary devices at Semmelweis University accomplished this need. Aim: The aim of the authors was to report their initial experience obtained in this new cardiac assist device program. Method: Since May, 2012, mechanical circulatory support system was applied in 89 cases in 72 patients. Indication for support were end stage heart failure refractory to medical treatment and acute left or right heart failure. Results: Treatment was initiated for acute graft failure after heart transplantation in 27 cases, for end stage heart failure in 24 cases, for acute myocardial infarction in 21 cases, for acute postcardiotomy heart failure in 14 cases, for severe respiratory insufficiency in 2 cases and for drug intoxication in one case. Among the 30 survivor of the whole program 13 patients were successfully transplanted. Conclusions: The available devices can cover all modalities of current bridge therapy from short term support through medium support to heart transplantation or long term support and destination therapy. These conditions made possible the successful start of a new cardiac assist device program. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(13), 521–527.

Az epicardialis pacemakerek ritka, de akar eletet veszelyeztető szovődmenye a generatortelepnek a subcostalisan kialakitott zsebből a hasuregbe tortenő elvandorlasa. A szerzők 69 eves nőbeteguk esetet ismertetik, aki aspecifikus hasi panaszokkal jelentkezett a klinika surgőssegi osztalyan. Anamneziseből kiemelendő, hogy korabbi mitralisműbillentyű-műtetet kovetően kialakult III. foku atrioventricularis blokkja miatt epigastrialis pacemakert helyeztek be ugy, hogy a pacemakergeneratort a subcostalisan kialakitott intramuscularis zsebben helyeztek el. Mellkasatvilagitas igazolta, hogy a telep – eredeti helyetől messzire – a Douglas-uregbe vandorolt. A szokatlan helyre es tavolsagra vandorolt keszuleket hasi feltarasbol tavolitottak el, kozvetlenul azt kovetően, hogy uj endocardialis pacemakerrendszer kerult beultetesre. A beteg szovődmenymentesen, a 7. posztoperativ napot kovetően otthonaba tavozott. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(4), 154–157.

BACKGROUND: Decision-making when offered a donor heart for transplantation is complex, and supportive data describing outcomes according to acceptance or non-acceptance choices are sparse. Our aim was to analyze donor heart acceptance decisions and associated outcomes at a single center, and after subsequent acceptance elsewhere.METHODS: This investigation was a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the University of Vienna Medical Center and Eurotransplant centers for the period 2001 to 2015RESULTS: Our center accepted 31.8% (699 of 2,199) of donor hearts offered. Unlike other centers, the acceptance rate, with or without transplantation, did not increase over time. Of the donor hearts rejected by our center, 38.1% (572 of 1,500) were later accepted elsewhere. Acceptance rates were twice as high for donor hearts initially rejected for non-quality reasons (339 of 601, 56.4%) compared with initial rejection for quality reasons (233 of 899, 25.9%). Three-year patient survival rate was 79% at Vienna; for donor hearts initially rejected by Vienna for non-quality reasons or quality reasons, it was 73% and 63%, respectively (p CONCLUSIONS: A less restrictive policy for accepting donor hearts at our center, particularly regarding rejection for non-quality reasons or for positive virology, high catecholamine levels, longer ischemic time, or low ejection fraction, could expand our donor pool while maintaining good outcomes. (C) 2018 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.

Successful treatment of type A acute aortic dissection depends on the promptness of diagnostic evaluation and therapy. Fast diagnosis can be challenged by numerous complications such as myocardial ischemia, acute aortic insufficiency, and disturbances in organ perfusion and pericardial tamponade. The authors report the case history of a 72-year-old woman, who was admitted after resuscitation with ST segment elevation. Echocardiography revealed acute type A aortic dissection with signs of pericardial tamponade. An emergency operation consisting of the resection of the ascending aorta and the reconstruction of the aortic root was performed, which took six hours from admission until the end of the operation. Follow-up examinations demonstrated good left ventricular function and competent aortic valve. The authors propose that with the development of diagnostic and therapeutic options, faster and less invasive interventions will be introduced in near future for the treatment of acute aortic dissection, which may reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of this lethal illness. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(44), 1763–1767.

Although circular ventricular resection techniques are the gold standard of left ventricular (LV) restoration, these techniques can lead to suboptimal results. Postoperative systolic resection can be inadequate, because it must be planned on a heart stopped in diastole. Low cardiac output due to insufficient LV volume results in a potentially unstable condition, and cannot be corrected. Our aim was to find a preoperative method to minimize risk and maximize outcome with ventricular restoration.We created a novel method combining surgery with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance to construct a preoperative 3D systolic heart model. The model was utilized to determine resection points that could be intraoperatively used. According to our calculations with the predetermined resection line, the calculated percentage reduction in LV volume was above 30%, and LV volumes were predicted above normal values; thus, performing the operation using these resection points is likely to be safe and effective. We had a mixed, real-life patient group: mitral insufficiency or pulmonary hypertension were not exclusion criteria.Forty-one procedures (12 concomitant mitral valve plasty) were done on consecutive patients in a single-centre experience. The incidence rate of major adverse clinical events was 32% postoperatively (n = 13). Control MRI showed a significant improvement in ejection fraction (18.3 ± 4.3 vs 31.3 ± 3.3; P = 0.04). All patients improved their New York Heart Association (NYHA) class postoperatively (40 patients NYHA III/IV versus 40 NYHA I/II). During long-term follow-up, 1 patient died due to end-stage heart failure.Using this model, we were able to find the optimal resection line providing an excellent postoperative result, thus minimizing the risk of low cardiac output syndrome.

Absztrakt Esetismertetés: A szerzők 53 éves vesetranszplantált férfi betegről számolnak be, akinél fulladás és nehézlégzés miatt készült mellkasröntgen, majd mellkasi CT-angiographia bal oldali haemothoraxot okozó, rupturált aortaív-descendens aneurysmát igazolt. Acut műtét során sternotomiából ascendo-anonymo-caroticus Y-áthidalást, majd femoralis feltárásból stentgraft-implantációt végeztek. A bal mellkasfélben kialakult, a tüdő kompressziós atelectasiáját okozó haematomát és a szervülő fibrines felrakódásokat második lépésben, thoracotomiából távolították el. A kontroll során a beteg panaszmentes, a bifurcatiós protézis és a stentgraft jó helyzetben rögzült, az aneurysmazsák megkisebbedett, a tüdők expandáltak. Megbeszélés: Az aortaív-aneurysmák ellátásában a hagyományos műtét cardiopulmonalis bypass védelmében és teljes keringésleállítás mellett történik. A műtét alatt kialakuló cerebralis szövődmények magas kockázatát – a mély hypothermia cerebroprotektív hatásán túl – újabban az izolált cerebralis perfusio létesítésével tudták eredményesen csökkenteni. A tisztán sebészi megoldás alternatíváját jelentik a hybrid műtétek, amelyek során a supraaorticus ágak keringésének biztosítása (debranching) után történik stentgraft-implantáció. E beavatkozások kisebb megterhelést jelentenek, ugyanakkor állandó utánkövetést igényelnek, és hosszú távú eredmények még nem állnak rendelkezésre. Acut esetben az aortaív hybrid rekonstrukciója kis számban végzett beavatkozás, azonban a feltételek megléte esetén a magas kockázatú betegek ellátásának valós alternatívája. Jelen esetben fontos további szempont, hogy e metódus alkalmazásával a jól működő transzplantált vese keringése mindvégig biztosítva volt.

In 2016 the focus was, by all means, on the transplantation on thoracic organs. More than 50 heart transplantations were performed in this year. With this achievement, the Hungarian Heart Transplantation Program became one of the leading programs in the world. In the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the National Institute of Oncology and the Thoracic Surgery Department of Semmelweis University the first successful lung transplantation was carried out on December 12, 2015 when the Hungarian Lung Transplantation Program was launched.

Background The pathway from viral myocarditis to end-stage heart failure is commonly accepted, but diagnosis of virus-mediated myocardial injury remains challenging. Virus persistency in the myocardium may accelerate ventricular failure; thus, a precise diagnosis of virus persistency may prevent the development of end-stage heart failure. Methods We performed a systematic investigation on the sampling error of viral diagnostics in heart transplant recipients: Transmural samples from 5 regions of the explanted hearts from recipients during heart transplantation were amplified using entero-, adeno-, and herpesvirus sequences and histologic examinations performed. Results We examined 175 myocardial samples from dilated cardiomyopathy and 100 samples from 20 forensic medicine patients. Seven patients were positive for the examined viruses: 10 positive regions for adenovirus, and 1 positive region for herpes virus DNA, but none for enterovirus. A focal myocardial pattern was detected for adenovirus. Conclusion Our results with the patchy myocardial viral persistence may explain possible false-negative results related to virus-mediated etiology among end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Therefore, repeated endomyocardal biopsies, and multiple cardiac samples are recommended to be obtained to evaluate the etiology of heart failure, thus reducing the occurrence of end-stage heart failure and decreasing the number of patients requiring heart transplantation.

Absztrakt A Semmelweis Egyetem Ér- és Szívsebészeti Klinikáján 2006. szeptember 28-án megtörtént a 100. szívátültetés, majd 15 évvel a magyar szívátültetési program 1992. évi elindítását követően. Ez adja az aktualitását az elmúlt 15 év eredményei áttekintésének. A viszonylag magas műtéti halálozás (15,68%) leggyakoribb oka az akut graft elégtelenség. A Kaplan-Meier túlélési görbe alapján 56%-os 5 éves, és 46%-os 10 éves túlélés találtak. A jelenleg is élő 63 beteg 95% a New York Heart Assotiation (NYHA) I. stádiumban van. A késői halálokok sorában a rosszindulatú betegségek előfordulása a leggyakoribb. Szerzők megállapítása szerint a műtéti szám emelkedésének legfőbb akadálya a várólistára kerülő kevés beteg.

Background According to previous studies, aortic diameter alone seems to be insufficient to predict the event of aortic dissection in Marfan syndrome (MFS). Determining the optimal schedule for preventive aortic root replacement (ARR) aortic growth rate is of importance, as well as family history, however, none of them appear to be decisive. Thus, the aim of this study was to search for potential predictors of aortic dissection in MFS. Methods A Marfan Biobank consisting of 79 MFS patients was established. Thirty-nine MFS patients who underwent ARR were assigned into three groups based on the indication for surgery (dissection, annuloaortic ectasia and prophylactic surgery). The prophylactic surgery group was excluded from the study. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) serum levels were measured by ELISA, relative expression of c-Fos, matrix metalloproteinase 3 and 9 (MMP-3 and −9) were assessed by RT-PCR. Clinical parameters, including anthropometric variables - based on the original Ghent criteria were also analyzed. Results Among patients with aortic dissection, TGF-β serum level was elevated (43.78 ± 6.51 vs. 31.64 ± 4.99 ng/l, p

AbsztraktFelkartörések ellátásánál használt tűződrótok dislocatióját és elvándorlását találták az első kontrollvizsgálaton mindössze 13 nappal a traumatológiai ellátást követően. Észleléskor az egyik tűződrót a lateralis mellkasfal izomzatában helyezkedett el, míg a másik, hegyével a szívcsúcs izomzatába fúródva, a szívkontrakciókkal szinkron mozgott. Eltávolításukra szívsebészeti műtőben, bal oldali anterolateralis thoracotomiából került sor.

Objectives. The eversion endarterectomy of the internal carotid artery was introduced in Hungary in 1991. The aim of this study was to define the long-term restenosis rate of this procedure. Patients and Methods. Between 1991 and 1993, 171 operations, on 151 patients, were performed by single surgeon: with long-term follow up of 109 patients, which included annual physical and ultrasound examinations. Restenosis rate and plaque morphology were defined. Survival and patency rate were analysed by life-tables. Results. The combined perioperative stroke morbidity and mortality rate was 0.8%. The 5-year patient survival rate was 85%, the recurrent stenosis free rate was 88% at 5 years. Only 9% of the patients had carotid restenosis of more than 70% during this period. Ultrasound plaque morphology showed calcification in one case. Two patients had re-operations, with plaque histology showed myointimal hyperplasia in each case. Conclusions. Our results for restenosis are compare favourably with the 2–34% restenosis rate reported in the literature. Ultrasound and histological findings suggest that atherosclerosis does not play a significant role in the development of restenosis after the eversion carotid endarterectomy.

Since the first successful repair of aortic coarctation by Dr Clarence Crafoord in 1945, there are few data regarding late follow-up of homografts in this position. Between 1957 and 1959, 7 patients underwent surgical correction of aortic coarctation by Professor József Kudász at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Semmelweis University, using freeze-dried aortic homograft. We were able to locate 4 of these patients and found no significant complications due to the operation. We report on this 40-year follow-up of implanted aortic homograft.

Aims Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS), which is often intolerable for the patient, is a known complication of resynchronization therapy. We describe a new, minimal invasive method for treating PNS. Methods and results Untreatable PNS was found in nine cardiac resynchronization therapy patients with distal coronary sinus (CS) lead position 6 ± 6 (0.5–17) months after the implantation. Ablation catheter and Amplatz Left 2 type guiding catheter were introduced into the right atrium via the right femoral vein. Coronary sinus was cannulated with the Amplatz catheter, and on a normal guide wire, a coronary stent was introduced beside the lead into the side branch in seven cases or a bigger stent into the CS in two patients. The ablation catheter was looped around the CS lead in the atrium with bent tip and was drawn backward together with the CS electrode. New lead positions were evaluated with electrophysiological measurements, and the suitable position was stabilized with inflation of the stent. Pericardial effusion was not detected on post-operative echocardiography. After repositioning, suitable pacing parameters were registered (threshold: 1.6 ± 1.1 V; 0.5 ms, impedance: 565 ± 62 ohm). Phrenic nerve stimulation was not found with 7.5 V; 1.5 ms pacing. During follow-up (7.7 ± 4.6 months), stable pacing threshold and impedance values were measured; transient and reprogrammable PNS was present in only one patient. Conclusion Coronary sinus electrode reposition using the femoral approach seems to be a safe and effective procedure, which means smaller burden for the patients compared with the established reposition operation. The technique can be used successfully if the CS lead is in a distal position.

A 57-year-old man complaining of chest pain presented with signs of lower limb ischemia 1 year after implantation of a stent graft at the aortoiliac bifurcation. A computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a type A aortic dissection and complete collapse of the stent graft by bulging of the false lumen. The patient underwent emergency surgical reconstruction of the aortic root and arch, which allowed reexpansion of the previously collapsed stent graft. Stenting of residual stenoses distal to the stent graft and of an occluded left renal artery was also successful.

Objective: Aprotinin is a widely used serine protease inhibitor during cardiopulmonary bypass to reduce blood loss and preserve platelet function. However, the bovine-derived aprotinin can induce hypersensitivity reaction with fatal complications. Furthermore, vascular effects of aprotinin are not completely elucidated. The current study is designed to investigate the effects of recently developed recombinant aprotinin on blood loss and coronary vascular function in a clinically relevant canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass without aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegia. Methods: Twenty-four dogs underwent cardiopulmonary bypass without aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegia. Dogs were divided into three groups in a blinded fashion: control animals (n = 8) received placebo, aprotinin treatment groups received bovine (n =8 ) or recombinantaprotinin(n = 8)accordingtotheHammersmithmethod.Thedosesofbovineandrecombinantaprotininwerethesame.Coagulation parameters and blood loss were measured regularly at different time points. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation were investigated in isolated left anterior descendent coronary arterial rings by using acetylcholine and bradykinin or sodium nitroprusside and adenosine, respectively. Results: Postoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the aprotinin-treated groups in comparison to control and there was no significant difference between the two aprotinin-treated groups. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries to acetylcholine and bradykinin was unaffected in the aprotinin treatment groups. Both types of aprotinin significantly increased vasorelaxation to adenosine when compared with controls, but did not affect that to sodium nitroprusside. Conclusions: The effectiveness of recombinant aprotinin on blood loss was equivalent to bovine-derived aprotinin. Neither types of aprotinin impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in a canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

of these excellent results is even more contrasted the 49% five year survival rate in the AAD group, not mentioned it’s 21% hospital lethality. The only conclusion might be taken out of these results: the prophylactic aortic root reconstruction is a safe and useful method, connected with excellent long term survival to prevent the occurrence of AAD.

Background We retrospectively analyzed 25 years of experiences with the button Bentall procedure in patients with aortic root pathologies. Even though this procedure has become widespread, there are only a few very long term follow-ups available in the clinical literature, especially regarding single surgeon results. Methods Between 1988 and 2013, a total of 147 patients underwent the Bentall procedure by the same surgeon. Among them there were 62 patients with Marfan syndrome. At the time of the surgery the mean age was 46.5 ± 17.6 years. The impact of surgical experience on long-term survival was evaluated using a cumulative sum analysis chart. Results The Kaplan-Meier estimated overall survival rates for the 147 patients were 91.8 ± 2.3 %, 84.3 ± 3.1 %, 76.3 ± 4.9 % and 59.5 ± 10.7 % at 1,5,10 and 20 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified EuroSCORE II over 3 % (OR 4.245, 95 % CI, 1.739–10.364, p = 0.002), acute indication (OR 2.942, 95 % CI, 1.158–7.480, p = 0.023), use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (OR 3.267, 95 % CI, 1.283–8.323, p = 0.013), chronic kidney disease (OR 6.865, 95 % CI, 1.339–35.189, p = 0.021) and early complication (OR 3.134, 95 % CI, 1.246–7.883, p = 0.015) as significant risk factors for the late overall death. The survival rate for freedom from early complication was 94.3 ± 2.2 %, 88.0 ± 3.3 %, 82.9 ± 4.7 % and 69.2 ± 8.4 % at 1,5,10 and 20 years. The main pathological findings of the aortic wall were cystic medial degeneration in 75 %, fibrosis in 6 %, atherosclerosis in 13 % and no pathological alteration in 6 % of the samples. The overall survival rate was significantly lower in patients operated in first 15 years compared to patients operated in the last decade (log-rank p = 0.011). Conclusion According to our long-term follow-up the Bentall operation provides an appropriate functional result by resolving the lesions of the ascending aorta. Based on our results, 25–30 operations done is necessary to gain such a level of confidence and experince to aquire better results on long-term survival. In addition, we discussed that there were no co-morbidities affecting on the survival of Marfan patients and prophylactic aortic root replacement ensures a longer survival among patients with Marfan syndrome.

Background Approximately 300.000 patients might be treated in Hungary because of heart failure. Out of this 900-1000 might be affected by end stage heart failure. These patients should be potentially treated by heart transplantation (HTX). The etiologic reasons of heart failure among transplanted patient are mainly cardiomyopathic or ischemic in origin (48%-44%). The valvular or congenital origin is rear (4%-2%). The prevalence of Marfan syndrome is 1-2/ 10.000; it means that we can calculate with 1000-2000 Marfan patients (MP) in Hungary. As it is mentioned in the literature MPs are often affected by a left ventricle dysfunction due to the characteristic Marfan cardiomyopathy, which may show a rapid progression in case of concomitant longstanding aortic or/and mitral regurgitation.