Because previous studies revealed that high levels of antibody to the group A streptococcal carbohydrate (A-antibody) persist in the serum of patients with chronic rheumatic valvular disease, the effect of valvular surgery on the level of this antibody was examined in the present study. Streptococcal antibody titers (ASO, anti-DNAse B, and A-antibody) were determined on 73 patients admitted for...

THE DEVELOPMENT of mitral and aortic prostheses has allowed surgery for patients with pathology of multiple valves not otherwise correctable.1' 2 Experience with this type of surgery culminated in replacement of the tricuspid, mitral, and aortic valves during one operation in certain patients with severe rheumatic heart disease.3 The present report will describe the hemodynamic findings in eigh...

Forty-two cases of bacterial endocarditis with pathologic confirmation are reviewed. Infection was restricted to one or both left-sided valves in 31 cases, right-sided valves in five cases, and valves in both sides of the heart in six cases. In those specimens available for review, underlying valvular disease was identifiable in 24 of 38 cases (63%). The common underlying diseases, in order of ...

Objective: Mitral valve repair in rheumatic patients is still a challenge. The aim of this study is to assess the results of mitral valve repair in rheumatic patients with rheumatic mitral insufficiency. Methods: 330 patients with rheumatic mitral insufficiency who had undergone mitral valve repair in the Heart Institute HC-FMUSP were assessed retrospectively, between 1985 and 2005. The mean ag...