Long-term outcome after tricuspid valvectomy in a neonate with Candida endocarditis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Tricuspid valvectomy is a rare pediatric cardiac surgery.
• Limited data exists on the long-term outcomes of tricuspid valvectomy in children.
• Understanding long-term results is crucial for managing these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the long-term outcome of tricuspid valvectomy performed in early infancy.
• To assess the need for subsequent cardiac interventions after pediatric tricuspid valvectomy.
• To highlight the lack of specific re-intervention criteria and limitations of adult guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient undergoing tricuspid valvectomy in infancy.
• Follow-up assessment over 11 years.
• Review of existing literature and guidelines for tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation.

Main Results:

• Favorable clinical outcome 11 years post-tricuspid valvectomy.
• No subsequent cardiac surgeries or interventions were required.
• Current adult guidelines for tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation show limitations when applied to pediatric cases.

Conclusions:

• Tricuspid valvectomy in infancy can lead to favorable long-term outcomes.
• Further research is needed to establish specific criteria for re-intervention in pediatric patients.
• Adaptation of adult guidelines for pediatric tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation requires careful consideration.