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Infective endocarditis of the native or a prosthetic aortic valve may be complicated by abscess cavity development in the aortic root, and successful treatment depends upon early diagnosis, clear anatomical definition preoperatively, and maintaining sterility of the second implant. Homograft valves offer many advantages in this setting. Timing of surgery and the choice of the particular technique depends on accurate characterization of the anatomical details of the abscess. Five cases of paravalvular aortic root abscess in the setting of prosthetic valve endocarditis are described. In each case the diagnosis was made with transesophageal echocardiography, and the information was used in planning the operative procedure of homograft valve replacement. This strategy is proposed as optimal management of this potentially lethal condition.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/clc.4960180612

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Cardiol

Publication Date

06/1995

Volume

18

Pages

353 - 359

Keywords

Abscess, Adult, Aged, Aortic Valve, Echocardiography, Transesophageal, Endocarditis, Bacterial, Female, Heart Valve Prosthesis, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prosthesis-Related Infections, Sensitivity and Specificity, Treatment Outcome