Concomitant valve-sparing pulmonic root replacement and valve-sparing aortic root replacement for giant cell...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting medium and large arteries.
• Aneurysms of the aortic and pulmonary roots are infrequent manifestations of GCA.
• Concomitant aneurysms in both the aortic and pulmonary roots due to GCA are exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of concomitant aortic and pulmonary root aneurysms secondary to giant cell arteritis.
• To describe the surgical management of this complex presentation.
• To emphasize the importance of considering GCA in patients with unexplained aortic and pulmonary root dilation.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a patient diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
• Surgical intervention involving concomitant valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) and valve-sparing pulmonary root replacement (VSPRR).
• Concurrent tricuspid valve repair was performed during the same operative session.

Main Results:

• Successful simultaneous VSARR and VSPRR were achieved.
• Tricuspid valve repair was completed successfully.
• The patient tolerated the complex surgical procedure well, with no immediate complications reported.

Conclusions:

• Giant cell arteritis can lead to rare but serious cardiovascular complications, including concomitant aortic and pulmonary root aneurysms.
• Valve-sparing techniques for both aortic and pulmonary roots are feasible in select cases of GCA.
• Multidisciplinary management involving rheumatology and cardiothoracic surgery is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.