Current views on acquired valvular heart disease and the results of treatment

The article deals with the problems of diagnosis of acquired valvular defects (AVD) and indication to surgical treatment of AVD in accordance with international recommendations and modern knowledge of this issue. The following AVD diagnosis methods are described: heart auscultation, echocardiography, tests with regulated load, angiographic and radionuclide methods. Among pathological conditions, more attention is placed on stenoses, aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency, IHD. Of importance is interpretation of the data obtained at diagnostic tests in terms of indications to cardiosurgical interventions, optimization of the terms and outcomes of the surgery. Statistics are provided on natural survival of patients and efficacy of surgical treatment.     

Understanding valvular heart disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

Specific systemic autoimmune diseases are associated with distict valvular heart disorders. We discuss the valvular disorders associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, the seronegative spondyloarthropathies, the systemic vasculitides, and scleroderma.     

术中经食管实时三维超声心动图在心脏瓣膜疾病中的应用价值

目的 探讨术中经食管实时三维超声心动图(RT-3D-TEE)在心脏瓣膜疾病诊治中的应用价值.方法 应用Philips iE33型超声诊断仪,X7-2t经食管多平面实时三维探头,对32例拟行手术治疗的心脏瓣膜病患者,在手术室分别于术前及术后即刻行RT-3D-TEE检查,对二尖瓣脱垂患者运用QLAB 7.0分析系统进行定量分析.结果 RT-3D-TEE能够实时、直观、清晰地显示心脏瓣膜的三维立体结构及功能状态,在评价病变部位、性质及程度上与术中直视所见基本一致.经RT-3D-TEE检查后补充诊断2例,调整手术方案3例,实施补救性手术1例.结论 RT-3D-TEE成像清晰,在术前诊断、手术方案制定及手术效果评价方面均具有独特优势,在心脏外科手术中应用前景广阔.