Abstract
Background: The surgical treatment of cardiovascular disorders caused by inflammatory diseases
presents many difficulties, including suture detachment and progression of vascular
lesions. We here report the various surgical procedures used to treat these disorders
and their long-term outcomes. Methods: We operated on 14 patients: eight with Takayasu's disease, three with systemic lupus
erythematosus, two with rheumatoid arthritis, and one with Behcet's disease. Patients
were divided into three groups as follows; patients (n = 7) requiring aortic valve
replacement; patients (n = 4) requiring reconstruction of the coronary artery; and
patients (n = 3) requiring aortic aneurysm repair. Results: There were no early or late deaths in the postoperative follow-up period of 70 ±40
months, but there was one operative death. Three patients received postoperative steroids
due to progression of the inflammation. However, there were no major complications
such as valve detachment, pseudoaneurysmal formation, or occlusion of the bypass conduit.
Conclusions: We conclude that it is crucial to reduce inflammation pre- and postoperatively, to
reinforce the suture line, and to carefully select the operative procedures when treating
cardiovascular disorders caused by inflammatory diseases.
Key words
Systemic inflammatory diseases - Steroid therapy - Suture line reinforcement
