Surgical repair of severe mitral valve regurgitation complicated by incomplete cor triatriatum

AbstractA 69-year-old woman with exertional dyspnea was referred emergently to our hospital for further evaluation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate tricuspid regurgitation, which were thought to be the main cause of her heart failure. An electrocardiogram showed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Mitral and tricuspid repair and pulmonary vein isolation were scheduled. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a fibromuscular diaphragm and multiple ostia in the left atrium, strongly suggesting cor triatriatum. After left atriotomy, an incomplete transverse membrane was identified in the chamber. The membrane was resected and the mitral valve was repaired; then a tricuspid annuloplasty was performed, and the pulmonary veins were isolated bilaterally. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital anomaly, and in some cases is associated with mitral regurgitation. In patients with severe mitral regurgitation, we recommend preoperative transesophageal echocardiography to obtain a correct diagnosis. We should evaluate carefully moderate to severe mitral regurgitation without pulmonary hypertension or left atrial dilatation taking cor triatriatum into consideration.<Learning objective: Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital anomaly and in some cases is associated with mitral regurgitation. In patients with severe mitral regurgitation, preoperative transesophageal echocardiography is recommended to get a correct diagnosis. We should evaluate carefully moderate to severe mitral regurgitation without pulmonary hypertension or left atrial dilatation taking cor triatriatum into consideration.

Influence of prevertebral soft tissue swelling on dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a rectangular titanium stand-alone cage

Background: Postoperative oropharyngeal complications such as dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery are some of the least discussed surgery-related complications. The purpose of this retrospective study is to investigate the incidence and possible risk factors for 30-day postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Materials and Methods: This study included 152 consecutive patients who underwent 1- or 2-level ACDF using a rectangular titanium stand-alone cage in our institutes. Surgery-related dysphagia early after surgery was analyzed based on hospital charts. Radiological evaluation of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) was performed by comparing plain lateral radiographs of the cervical spine before surgery with those after surgery. The percentage of PSTS (%PSTS) was defined by retropharyngeal soft tissue diameter divided by vertebral diameter. Positive %PSTS was determined when %PSTS exceeded its mean + 2 standard deviations. Results: Twelve patients (7.9%) demonstrated prolonged symptoms of dysphagia within 30-day postoperatively. All patients eventually demonstrated satisfactory or acceptable recovery late after surgery, except one case of hypoglossal nerve palsy. %PSTS was significantly highest early after surgery and returned to presurgical levels within 30 days after surgery. Statistical analysis suggested that the positive %PSTS at C3 or C4 level early after surgery was significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative dysphagia. Conclusions: Although the possible reasons for postoperative dysphagia may not only be multifactorial but also be highly surgeon-dependent, such a complication is still underestimated and needs to be carefully resolved. %PSTS appeared to be easy and reliable index to judge the possible risk of postoperative dysphagia