The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon · 2009 · 15 citations · 0 references
MedicineCardiologyInfectious DiseasesCardiothoracic RadiologyCardiothoracic SurgeryClinical CardiologyAortic Valve DiseaseCardiac Shunt EvaluationHeart FailureInfective EndocarditisTreatment Of EndocarditisValvular Heart DiseaseAortic Valve EndocarditisAortic Valve RegurgitationC-reactive Protein TestingCardiac Murmur EvaluationCardiothoracic RatioInfectious EndocarditisIntracardiac Shunt DetectionPersistent Fever Management
We report here on a surgical case of acquired left ventricular right atrial communication (LV-RA communication) and aortic regurgitation (AR) caused by infective endocarditis (IE). We successfully treated the patient with composite patches made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and autologous pericardium. In general, LV-RA communication is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly (Gerbode-type shunt). However, acquired LV-RA communications secondary to IE are occasionally reported.When repairing an acquired condition due to IE, particular care should be taken to avoid recurrence, persistent infection and iatrogenic atrioventricular block.