Published online Jun 26, 2018. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v10.i6.38
Peer-review started: February 25, 2018
First decision: March 7, 2018
Revised: March 15, 2018
Accepted: April 1, 2018
Article in press: April 1, 2018
Published online: June 26, 2018
Processing time: 122 Days and 15.9 Hours
Over the years there has been substantial advanced in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex thoracic aortic disease and complex endocarditis. As these therapies are being offered to a growing segment of patients-and more and more patients are felt to potentially benefit from such therapies, the long-term consequences of these interventions is sometimes poorly understood. While traditional medical complications, such as stroke, renal failure, respiratory failure, and even death are often the focus of outcomes studies, little is known on the impact of these diseases and therapies on mental health. This commentary emphasizes the importance of better understanding the psychologic impact of endocarditis and thoracic aortic pathology as reviewed by Dr. Bagnasco.
Core tip: Dr. Bagnasco’s review emphasizes the importance of considering the psychologic implications of the diagnosis and therapies associated with thoracic aortic pathology and endocarditis.