[Long-term results after surgery for acute aortic endocarditis]

Late results after surgery for acute infectious aortic endocarditis using allografts are compared with those achieved with bioprostheses or mechanical heart valves. Cryopreserved allografts were used in 74 (22 %) and prosthetic heart valve in 262 out of 336 (78 %) patients presenting acute aortic endocarditis. Prosthetic (p = 0.001) and destructive endocarditis (p = 0.001) were more frequent in patients receiving allografts. Mean follow-up time was 6.6 ± 4 years (range, 3 to 28 years). The 30-daymortality was 19 % for allograft patients and 6 % for those receiving prosthetic heart valves (p = 0.002). Early reoperation, postoperative renal failure and sepsis did not differ between groups. After 20 years, actuarial survival was 60 % for mechanical heart valves, 44 % for bioprosthesis and 38 % for allografts (p = 0.003), reoperation was unnecessary in 52 % of mechanical heart valves and 10 % of bioprostheses and allografts (p = 0.0007). Acute infection at the time of operation (p = 0.0001), redo surgery (p = 0.0006), staphylococci (p = 0.0003), older age (p = 0.004) and mitral valve involvement (p = 0.004) were risk factors for late death, irrespective of preoperative antibiotic treatment and type of prosthesis used. A longer bypass and aortic cross-clamp time predicted early (p = 0.0001) and late survival (p = 0.0001), independently. Destructive aortic endocarditis has a poor long-term outcome irrespective of the use of allografts. Acute infection at the time of surgery predicted early and late death; however, surgery is indicated prior to secondary involvement of the mitral valve. The duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment did not affect outcome. A thorough surgical technique directly influences early and late survival.