Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement in Children and Adolescents: Experience and Outcomes in a Public Institution in Argentina

pp. 217-221

Abstract

Background: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) with reimplantation technique is indicated in patients with aortic root aneurysm. We evaluated the mid-term outcomes of this surgical technique in children and adolescents in our institution.

Methods: Retrospective study. Twenty-one patients who underwent VSARR surgery were included between July 2006 and July 2022. The relationship between baseline variables and progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) was assessed.

Results: The median age was 13 years. Seventeen patients had connective tissue disorders (3 with bicuspid aortic valve), 2 operated congenital heart disease, 1 isolated bicuspid aortic valve and 1 Turner syndrome. Thirteen patients had mild AR and 5 had moderate AR preoperatively.

Three patients underwent early aortic replacement, 2 due to endocarditis and 1 due to severe acute AR. The median follow-up was 4.1 years. Of 17 patients at follow-up, 2 developed mild-moderate AR, 2 moderate AR and 3 severe AR. One of them underwent Bentall surgery. No association was found between the degree of preoperative AR or the presence of bicuspid aortic valve and the progression of postoperative AR. There was no association between the type of postoperative valve coaptation and the development of AR greater than mild at follow-up.

Conclusions: VSARR with reimplantation is a feasible surgical technique with favorable mid-term outcomes and low reoperation rate in pediatric patients.

How to cite this article:

Sepúlveda S, Torrillas J, Martín A, Medina J, Blando J, Moreno G, y cols. Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement in Children and Adolescents: Experience and Outcomes in a Public Institution in Argentina. Rev Argent Cardiol 2024;92:217-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.v92.i3.20768