[Konno aortoventriculoplasty: indications and results. 13 cases].

Background: Konno procedure is used to enlarge the aortic root and increase the size of the aortic valve implanted.

Aim: The aim of this study is to present the indications of the Konno procedure in congenital and acquired aortic lesions, in young patients with normal or hypoplastic aortic annulus or adults with small aortic annulus.

Methods: We reported our experience of this technique with a retrospective study of 13 patients operated on between 1998 and 2004.

[Imaging cardiac hydatid cysts: 8 cases].

Background: Early diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis is required because this uncommon disease may lead to serious complications. We report 8 cases of cardiac hydatidosis, review the modes of diagnosis, and stress the contribution of modern imaging techniques.

Methods: This retrospective study describes 8 patients with cardiac echinococcosis.

[Predictive factors of mortality in combined coronary and vascular surgery. Report of 46 cases].

From 1994 and 2003, 46 patients underwent surgical myocardial revascularisation associated to valvular surgery. Surgical indications were for valvular disease in 13 cases (28%), for coronary disease in 16 cases (35%) and associated coronary and valvular disease in 17 cases (37%); Isolated conservative mitral repair was performed in 22 cases (48%); mitral valve replacement in 10 cases (41%), aortic valve replacement in 11 cases (46%) associated mitral and aortic surgery in 3 cases (13%). Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 4 patients (9%).