Eisenmenger syndrome in adults: ventricular septal defect, truncus arteriosus, univentricular heart

Clinical features of adult patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome in Japan and Korea

BACKGROUND

There are few articles on mortality and morbidity of adult patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome (ES) in the current era when disease targeting therapy (DTT) has been available.

METHODS AND RESULTS

198 patients (a median age 35 years, 64% female) with ES who visited the 16 participating institutes in Japan and Korea from 1998 to 2009 were enrolled. Clinical data during adulthood were collected from each institutional chart and analyzed centrally. During a median follow-up of 8 years, 30 patients died including 14 sudden deaths. 89 patients took oral medication of DTT and clinical improvement was observed in 54 of them. However, survival rate in patients taking DTT was not different from those without (87% vs 84%, p=0.55). When the clinical data in between first and last clinic visits were compared in 85 patients, the patients with NYHA >/=III increased from 24% to 48% (p<0.001), SpO2 decreased from 89% to 85% (p=0.008) and hematocrit increased from 51.4% to 52.9% (p=0.04). Non-survivors had poorer NYHA function class, lower body weight (BW), lower body mass index (BMI), and higher serum level of Cr at the first visits than survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Long term survival and clinical status of adult patients with ES remains unsatisfactory even in the current era of DTT. Poor NYHA functional class, low BW, low BMI and high serum level of Cr were related to mortality. DTT therapy improved clinical status in many patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome, but no significant impact on survival could be shown.

Cyanotic congenital heart disease the coronary arterial circulation

Background:

The coronary circulation in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) includes the extramural coronary arteries, basal coronary blood flow, flow reserve, the coronary microcirculation, and coronary atherogenesis.

Methods:

Coronary arteriograms were analyzed in 59 adults with CCHD. Dilated extramural coronaries were examined histologically in six patients. Basal coronary blood flow was determined with N-13 positron emission tomography in 14 patients and in 10 controls. Hyperemic flow was induced by intravenous dipyridamole pharmacologic stress. Immunostaining against SM alpha-actin permitted microcirculatory morphometric analysis. Non-fasting total cholesterols were retrieved in 279 patients divided into four groups: Group A---143 cyanotic unoperated, Group B---47 rendered acyanotic by reparative surgery, Group C---41 acyanotic unoperated, Group D---48 acyanotic before and after operation.

Results:

Extramural coronary arteries were mildly or moderately dilated to ectatic in 49/59 angiograms. Histologic examination disclosed loss of medial smooth muscle, increased medial collagen, and duplication of internal elastic lamina. Basal coronary flow was appreciably increased. Hyperemic flow was comparable to controls. Remodeling of the microcirculation was based upon coronary arteriolar length, volume and surface densities. Coronary atherosclerosis was absent in both the arteriograms and the necropsy specimens.

Conclusions:

Extramural coronary arteries in CCHD dilate in response to endothelial vasodilator substances supplemented by mural attenuation caused by medial abnormalities. Basal coronary flow was appreciably increased, but hyperemic flow was normal. Remodeling of the microcirculation was responsible for preservation of flow reserve. The coronaries were atheroma-free because of the salutory effects of hypocholesterolemia, hypoxemia, upregulated nitric oxide, low platelet counts, and hyperbilirubinrmia.

Giant aorto-pulmonary collaterals in pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect: long-term survival in unoperated adults

The association of pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) can be considered the most severe form of tetralogy of Fallot. The main feature of this congenital heart disease is represented by discontinuity between the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk or its branches; the anatomy of central pulmonary arteries is often abnormal, consequently the type and the amount of sources of pulmonary blood flow are variable. Due to evolution in surgical techniques, definitive correction is now also considered in more complex cases. A small rate of unoperated patients with PA/VSD can survive until adulthood and the arterial blood supply to the lungs, provided by major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs), is one of the main determinants of survival. We report two unoperated cases of PA/VSD and MAPCAs with long-term survival. Giant MAPCAs can occasionally be found by chest radiography in adults with unrepaired PA/VSD. Moreover, non-invasive assessment of the pulmonary arterial bed with computer tomography or MRI is helpful in these patients during follow-up. Finally, we discuss the use of oral anticoagulants and/or 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors in these patients.

Pulmonary arterial thrombosis in a patient with an atrial septal defect and eisenmenger syndrome

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and secondary right ventricular failure. A thromboembolic occlusion of the proximal or distal pulmonary vasculature results in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We report an uncommon case that presented to our hospital with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion over 2 years. The patient had been treated for profound pulmonary thrombosis and right ventricular failure with adequate anticoagulation and sildenafil. Our echocardiography disclosed a large atrial septal defect with severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. A diagnosis of Eisenmenger syndrome with pulmonary artery thrombosis was made. Although Eisenmenger syndrome with pulmonary thrombosis is well described in western societies, a huge pulmonary thrombosis is seldom reported in eastern countries. Profound pulmonary thrombosis may obfuscate the actual diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension with underlying congenital heart disease. A physical examination and echocardiography are essential in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension

Many patients with congenital heart disease and systemic-to-pulmonary shunts develop pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), particularly if the cardiac defect is left unrepaired. A persistent increase in pulmonary blood flow may lead to obstructive arteriopathy and increased pulmonary vascular resistance, a condition that can lead to reversal of shunt and cyanosis (Eisenmenger syndrome). Cardiac catheterization is crucial to confirm diagnosis and facilitate treatment. Bosentan is the only medication to date to be compared with placebo in a randomized controlled trial specifically targeting congenital heart disease-associated PAH. Lung transplantation with repair of the cardiac defect or combined heart-lung transplantation is reserved for recalcitrant cases.

Truncus arteriosus: A major cause of proteinuria in children

Background:

There are many studies about the association of nephropathy with congenital heart diseases (CHD), and the risk factors such as cyanosis and pulmonary hypertension have been evaluated. In our study, we have considered the relation of CHD associated nephropathy with other newer factors and the type of the structural heart defect.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cross sectional study was carried out. 48 children were selected on the basis of specific inclusion criteria, and reviewed over a period of 9 months. Nine different simple and complex structural heart defects were evaluated and compared after obtaining the imaging, blood and urine test results.

Results:

Significant proteinuria occurred in 8 patients included in the study. More severe forms of pulmonary hypertension were observed in patients suffering from truncus arteriosus (TA); while the least values were detected in cases of pulmonary stenosis (PS) and tetralogy of fallot (TOF). The highest values of protein excretion were seen in patients of TA; and, the lowest values were observed in patients of PS and aortic stenosis (AS). Renal insufficiency was uncommon in infants and children with CHD.

Conclusion:

TA is an important cause of proteinuria among the infants and children suffering from CHD, probably because of the associated severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cyanosis. Also, proteinuria occurred at an earlier age in patients of TA as compared to other conditions, and was also found to be more severe if the TA was associated with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Echocardiographic Predictors of Outcome in Eisenmenger Syndrome

Background—

Eisenmenger syndrome differs significantly from other types of pulmonary arterial hypertension in its physiology and prognosis. We sought to assess the relationship between the echocardiographic characteristics of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and mortality.

Methods and Results—

Clinical and echocardiographic variables were assessed in 181 consecutive patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, excluding those with complex congenital heart disease. Patients' mean age was 39.1±12.8 years, 59 (32.6%) were male, 122 (67.4%) were in functional class III or higher, and 74 (40.9%) were on advanced therapies. Mean oxygen saturation at rest was 85.1±7.8%, and median B-type natriuretic peptide was 55.4 ng/L. Over a median follow-up of 16.4 months, 19 patients died; the strongest predictors of mortality were tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and peak systolic velocity, myocardial performance (expressed as total isovolumic time and ratio of systolic to diastolic duration), and elevated central venous pressure (expressed as right atrial [RA] area, RA pressure, and ratio of RA to left atrial area), even after we accounted for advanced therapies. A composite score based on the strongest echocardiographic predictors of outcome, including 1 point for each of the following: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <15 mm, ratio of right ventricular effective systolic to diastolic duration ≥1.5, RA area ≥25 cm 2 , ratio of RA to left atrial area ≥1.5, was highly predictive of clinical outcome (area under the curve 0.90±0.01), with no improvement when B-type natriuretic peptide and resting saturations were added into the model.

Conclusions—

Echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function and RA area predict mortality in Eisenmenger patients. A new composite echocardiographic score, described herewith, may be incorporated into the noninvasive, periodic assessment of these patients.

Right ventricular performance in congenital heart disease: a physiologic and pathophysiologic perspective

Underappreciated is the fact that the right ventricle is often the primary determinant of long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease. Right ventricular performance in these patients depends on a unique set of physiologic and pathophysiologic factors that are rarely considered in acquired heart disease. This article explores this unique physiology and pathophysiology in the hope that it will enhance understanding of a wide variety of congenital cardiac anomalies.

The Adult Patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Medical Update after Dana Point Part III: Specific Management and Surgical Aspects

Eisenmenger syndrome is the most severe form of pulmonary arterial hypertension and arises on the basis of congenital heart disease with a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. Due to the chronic slow progressive hypoxemia with central cyanosis, adult patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome suffer from a complex and multisystemic disorder including coagulation disorders (bleeding complications and paradoxical embolisms), renal dysfunction, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, heart failure, reduced quality of life and premature death.

For a long time, therapy has been limited to symptomatic options or lung or combined heart-lung transplantation. As new selective pulmonary vasodilators have become available and proven to be beneficial in various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, this targeted medical treatment has been expected to show promising effects with a delay of deterioration also in Eisenmenger patients. Unfortunately, data in Eisenmenger patients suffer from small patient numbers and a lack of randomized controlled studies.

To optimize the quality of life and the outcome, referral of Eisenmenger patients to spezialized centers is required. In such centers, specific interdisciplinary management strategies of physicians specialized on congenital heart diseases and PAH should be warranted.

This medical update emphasizes the current diagnostic and therapeutic options for Eisenmenger patients with particularly focussing on specific management and surgical aspects.

Chronic cyanosis and vascular function: implications for patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease

In patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease, chronic hypoxaemia leads to important changes in blood vessel function and structure. Some of these alterations are maladaptive and probably contribute to impaired cardiopulmonary performance and an increased incidence of thrombotic and embolic events. Recent evidence suggests that deranged endothelial function, a sequel of chronic cyanosis, could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of cyanosis-associated cardiovascular risk. In this article, we discuss the physiological and mechanical consequences of compensatory erythrocytosis and possible pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in chronic cyanosis.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2009 Consensus Conference on the management of adults with congenital heart disease: complex congenital cardiac lesions

With advances in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, the population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased. In the current era, there are more adults with CHD than children. This population has many unique issues and needs. They have distinctive forms of heart failure and their cardiac disease can be associated with pulmonary hypertension, thromboemboli, complex arrhythmias and sudden death. Medical aspects that need to be considered relate to the long-term and multisystemic effects of single ventricle physiology, cyanosis, systemic right ventricles, complex intracardiac baffles and failing subpulmonary right ventricles. Since the 2001 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference report on the management of adults with CHD, there have been significant advances in the field of adult CHD. Therefore, new clinical guidelines have been written by Canadian adult CHD physicians in collaboration with an international panel of experts in the field. Part III of the guidelines includes recommendations for the care of patients with complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Fontan operations and single ventricles, Eisenmenger's syndrome, and cyanotic heart disease. Topics addressed include genetics, clinical outcomes, recommended diagnostic workup, surgical and interventional options, treatment of arrhythmias, assessment of pregnancy risk and follow-up requirements. The complete document consists of four manuscripts, which are published online in the present issue of The Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The complete document and references can also be found at www.ccs.ca or www.cachnet.org.

Lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension in children

Lung and heart-lung transplantation are accepted treatments for children with end-stage pulmonary vascular disease. This is a review of the current literature and our own experience with lung and heart-lung transplantation for children with pulmonary hypertension of a variety of causes. I reviewed the pertinent literature and our lung transplant database to acquire information and data regarding this subject. The patients include those at St. Louis Children's Hospital as well as those reported from other institutions. The major operative complications include those related to the surgical procedure itself (vascular and airway anastomotic stenoses) and those related to graft dysfunction. The 3- and 5-yr survival is approximately 60% and 50%, respectively, for children undergoing lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension.Although these survival statistics are somewhat poor, transplantation remains the only viable alternative for children with end-stage pulmonary vascular disease failing to respond to medical therapy.

Improved Survival Among Patients With Eisenmenger Syndrome Receiving Advanced Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background— Advanced therapy (AT) for pulmonary arterial hypertension in the context of congenital heart disease (Eisenmenger syndrome) improves pulmonary hemodynamics, functional class, and the 6-minute walk test. We examined the potential effect of AT on survival in this population.

Methods and Results— Data on all Eisenmenger patients attending our center over the past decade were collected. Survival rates were compared between patients on and off AT with the use of a modified version of the Cox model, which treats AT as a time-varying covariate. Baseline differences were adjusted for the use of propensity scores. A total of 229 patients (aged 34.5±12.6 years; 35.4% male) were included. The majority had complex anatomy, and 53.7% were in New York Heart Association class ≥III at baseline assessment. Mean resting saturations were 84.3%. Sixty-eight patients (29.7%) either were on AT or had AT initiated during follow-up. During a median follow-up of 4.0 years, 52 patients died, only 2 of them while on AT. Patients on AT were at a significantly lower risk of death, both unadjusted and after adjustment for baseline clinical differences by propensity score regression adjustment ( C statistic=0.80; hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.71; P =0.015) and propensity score matching (hazard ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.78; P =0.028).

Conclusions— AT for pulmonary arterial hypertension in a contemporary cohort of adults with Eisenmenger syndrome was associated with a lower risk of death. Survival benefits should be considered together with improved hemodynamics and functional class when decisions are made about AT in this population.

Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy: use of Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) and epidural analgesia for elective cesarean section

We describe the successful anesthetic management of cesarean section in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome secondary to an atrial septal defect. Although conception is discouraged in women with Eisenmenger's syndrome, in inevitable circumstances, careful and meticulous planning of anesthesia can help the parturient survive the ordeal of a cesarean section. The cardiac output must be maintained and systemic vascular resistance must not be allowed to fall. This should ensure that there is minimal change in the right to left shunt. In our patient, the scenario of Eisenmenger's syndrome was complicated by biventricular hypertrophy. We achieved the goals in our patient by using general anesthesia with the Proseal laryngeal mask airway, a combination of ketamine and propofol, and epidural analgesia.

Pulmonary arterial thrombosis in eisenmenger syndrome is associated with biventricular dysfunction and decreased pulmonary flow velocity

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine what factors are associated with pulmonary artery thrombi in Eisenmenger patients.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary artery thrombosis is common in Eisenmenger syndrome, although its underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood.

METHODS

Adult patients with Eisenmenger syndrome underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography. Measurement of ventricular function, pulmonary artery size, and pulmonary artery blood flow were obtained. Hypercoagulability screening and platelet function assays were performed.

RESULTS

Of 55 consecutive patients, 11 (20%) had a detectable thrombus. These patients were older (p = 0.032), but did not differ in oxygen saturation, hemoglobin, or hematocrit from those without thrombus. Right ventricular ejection fraction by magnetic resonance imaging was lower in those with thrombus (0.41 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.53 +/- 0.13, p = 0.017), as was left ventricular ejection fraction (0.48 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.09, p = 0.002), a finding corroborated by tissue Doppler and increased brain natriuretic peptide. Those with thrombus also had a larger main pulmonary artery diameter (48 +/- 14 mm vs. 38 +/- 9 mm, p = 0.007) and a lower peak systolic velocity in the pulmonary artery (p = 0.003). There were no differences in clotting factors, platelet function, or bronchial arteries between groups. Logistic regression showed pulmonary artery velocity to be independently associated with thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary arterial thrombosis among adults with Eisenmenger syndrome is common and relates to older age, biventricular dysfunction, and slow pulmonary artery blood flow rather than degree of cyanosis or coagulation abnormalities. Further work to define treatment efficacy is needed.

Predictive factors for long-term prognosis in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease — Japanese multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

Adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) are associated with a significant incidence of morbid events and premature deaths that may be predicted during childhood. We aimed to identify predictive factors related to long-term prognosis through a Japanese multi-center cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 253 adults with CCHD (126 men; age 28 (18 to 56) years) from 15 participating centers between 1998 and 2003. Laboratory data such as cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), hematocrit levels (Ht) and platelet counts (Pl-c) at the age of 15 years were collected for predictive factor analysis for death and cardiovascular and systematic events. Predictive factors were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 21 (0-42) years, 23 patients died with a median age of 29 (18-54) years (heart failure in 8, sudden in 6 and systematic complications in 9). Survival since 18 years of age was 91% and 84% at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Significant predictive factor for death was Pl-c<130x10(9)/l and for renal failure (n=7) was Ht>65%. 162 patients were hospitalized and predictors for hospitalization due to heart failure (n=45) were common atrioventricular canal CTR>60% and Pl-c<100x10(9)/l and that due to arrhythmias (n=44) were systematic right ventricle and CTR>60%.

CONCLUSIONS

This multi-center study provides an objective basis of assessing the long-term prognosis in patients with CCHD. These data are useful in making decisions regarding medical management and in favorably altering the non-operative course of the disease.

Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension of variable degree is commonly associated with adult congenital heart disease. Depending on size and location of the underlying cardiac defect as well as on repair status, pulmonary arterial hypertension may present with or without reversed shunting and associated cyanosis (ie, Eisenmenger syndrome). We review available data on etiology, clinical presentation, prognosis, and management strategies of pulmonary arterial hypertension in adult patients with congenital heart disease. In addition, we discuss the numerous complications associated with Eisenmenger syndrome, representing a multisystem disorder. Finally, we present general management strategies and emerging disease-targeting therapies.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults born with a heart septal defect: the Euro Heart Survey on adult congenital heart disease

AIM

To investigate the role of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adult patients born with a cardiac septal defect, by assessing its prevalence and its relation with patient characteristics and outcome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From the database of the Euro Heart Survey on adult congenital heart disease (a retrospective cohort study with a 5-year follow-up), the relevant data on all 1877 patients with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a ventricular septal defect (VSD), or a cyanotic defect were analysed. Most patients (83%) attended a specialised centre. There were 896 patients with an ASD (377 closed, 504 open without and 15 with Eisenmenger's syndrome), 710 with a VSD (275, 352 and 83, respectively), 133 with Eisenmenger's syndrome owing to another defect and 138 remaining patients with cyanosis. PAH was present in 531 (28%) patients, or in 34% of patients with an open ASD and 28% of patients with an open VSD, and 12% and 13% of patients with a closed defect, respectively. Mortality was highest in patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome (20.6%). In case of an open defect, PAH entailed an eightfold increased probability of functional limitations (New York Heart Association class >1), with a further sixfold increase when Eisenmenger's syndrome was present. Also, in patients with persisting PAH despite defect closure, functional limitations were more common. In patients with ASD, the prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction increased with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (OR = 1.073 per mm Hg; p<0.001). Major bleeding events were more prevalent in patients with cyanosis with than without Eisenmenger's syndrome (17% vs 3%; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this selected population of adults with congenital heart disease, PAH was common and predisposed to more symptoms and further clinical deterioration, even among patients with previous defect closure and patients who had not developed Eisenmenger's physiology.

Ventricular Septal Defects

Ventricular septal defects are the most common congenital heart defect. They vary greatly in location, clinical presentation, associated lesions, and natural history. The present article describes the clinical aspects of ventricular septal defects and current management strategies.

Anaesthetic management for hip arthroplasty in a 46-yr-old patient with uncorrected truncus arteriosus type IV

In modern adult anaesthetic practice uncorrected complex congenital heart lesions are rare. Persistent truncus arteriosus accounts for only 1.2-3% of all congenital heart malformations. If not corrected, fewer than 20% of these patients survive the first year of life. Here we report the successful management of an adult patient with uncorrected truncus arteriosus who presented for hip arthroplasty.

Pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in cyanotic congenital heart disease

Although a significant minority of patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) are thrombocytopenic, the pathogenesis and prevalence have not been established. This study was designed to address these 2 issues. We included 105 patients with CCHD (60 men and 45 women; aged 21 to 54 years). Systemic arterial oxygen saturations were 69% to 78%. Hematocrits were 62% to 74% with normal iron indexes. In 26 of 105 patients (25%), platelet counts were <100x10(9)/L. The diagnosis was Eisenmenger syndrome in all 26 patients with thrombocytopenia. Platelet production was determined by flow cytometric reticulated platelet counts. Megakaryocyte mass was determined indirectly by thrombopoietin levels. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was based on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimers. Platelet activation was determined by levels of platelet factor 4 and beta thromboglobulin. Reference ranges were derived from 20 normal acyanotic controls. A reduction in absolute reticulated platelet counts implied decreased platelet production (p<0.001). Normal thrombopoietin levels implied normal megakaryocyte mass. Normal prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimers excluded disseminated intravascular coagulation. Normal platelet factor 4 and beta thromboglobulin indicated absent or minimal platelet activation. Twenty-five percent of the patients with CCHD were thrombocytopenic because platelet production was decreased despite normal megakaryocyte mass. We hypothesized that right-to-left shunts deliver whole megakaryocytes into the system arterial circulation, bypassing the lungs where megakaryocytic cytoplasm is fragmented into platelets, thus reducing platelet production. In conclusion, platelet counts in CCHD appear to represent a continuum beginning with low normal counts and ending with thrombocytopenia.

Long-term behavior of endothelial and coagulation markers in Eisenmenger syndrome

The long-term behavior of endothelial markers was studied in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome who were subjected to conventional therapy (no vasodilators) and observed for 18 months. Biochemical markers were analyzed comparatively in patients with class II or III symptoms (group 1, n=10) and patients with class IV symptoms (group 2, n=7). Plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), thrombomodulin, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1), and D-dimer were determined by immunoenzymatic assay at baseline, and at 6, 12, and 18 months. At baseline, the main clinical difference between groups was a decreased peripheral oxygen saturation in group 2 versus group 1 (77+/-5% and 86+/-4%, respectively, p=0.001). Basal vWF:Ag and t-PA were increased and thrombomodulin was decreased in both groups in comparison with controls (p<0.0001), while D-dimer was increased in group 2 only (p=0.0003). In response to treatment, there was a decrease in vWF:Ag in both groups (19% and 23%, respectively in groups 1 and 2, at 18 months vs. baseline, p<0.0001) and t-PA in group 1 (38% vs. baseline, p=0.0485). Plasma vWF:Ag tended to be higher in group 2 in comparison with group 1 during the whole follow-up. Levels of PAI-1 greater than 38.4 ng/mL (upper 90% limit for normals) and D-dimer greater than 500 ng/mL were detected in individual patients (both groups) during the follow-up period. Thrombomodulin remained decreased in both groups. Thus, severity of symptoms in the Eisenmenger syndrome appears to correlate with low oxygen saturation and higher vWF:Ag levels. Improvement of endothelial dysfunction may occur in response to treatment, although increased risk for thrombosis persists, in view of residual abnormalities.

Congenital heart diseases in aged patients: clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic indications based on the analysis of a twenty five-year Medline search

OBJECTIVES

The increasing aging of the population make congenital heart disease more likely to be found in aged patients. No systematic data exist on epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapy in this complex class of patients. The purpose of this study was to provide specific clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic information concerning patients over 65 with congenital heart disease (CHDs) and to identify the most frequent CHDs in such class of patients.

METHODS

A Medline search was performed to include articles related to congenital heart disease in patients over 65 in worldwide literature from January 1977 to January 2004. Follow-up studies of old, operated CHDs were excluded. The selected papers were divided and numbered on the basis of key words in the title and contents into general, diagnostic, and therapeutic topics.

RESULTS

One thousand ninety-five articles met the search criteria. Atrial septal abnormalities, coronary artery anomalies, bicuspid aorta and congenital aortic valve stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus resulted in the most cited CHDs in the elderly. Clinical manifestations included syncope, supraventricular/ventricular arrhythmias, symptoms of chronic pulmonary hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Echocardiography for the most frequent CHDs and computed tomography and magnetic resonance for complex cases were the main diagnostic tools (277, 104, and 110 citations, respectively). Catheterization plays a marginal role (68 articles). Age is not considered a contraindication to interventions; surgical and endovascular therapy appeared to be similarly useful in managing the most frequent CHDs (88 and 63 citations, respectively), whereas medical treatments were selected for most complex CHDs (71 citations).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CHDs, especially those with low mortality in childhood, are more frequently reaching old age. New imaging techniques and endovascular treatments seem useful in the challenging management of CHDs in aged patients.

Aortic root dilatation in tetralogy of Fallot long-term after repair—histology of the aorta in tetralogy of Fallot: evidence of intrinsic aortopathy

The ascending aorta or pulmonary trunk in congenital heart disease may dilate out of proportion to hemodynamic or morphogenetic expectations, may become aneurysmal, and may rupture. A bicuspid aortic valve and/or coarctation of the aorta are consistently associated with ascending aortic and para-coarctation medial abnormalities. Congenital heart diseases such as single ventricle, truncus arteriosus, transposition of the great arteries and tetralogy of Fallot are also associated with aortic medial abnormalities. Aortic regurgitation in unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot imposes volume overload on both ventricles. A significant subset of adults late after repair of tetralogy of Fallot exhibits progressive aortic root dilatation which may lead to regurgitation and predispose to dissection and rupture which can be fatal, and necessitating aortic valve and aortic root surgery. The aortic dilatation relates medial abnormalities coupled with previous long-standing volume overload of the ascending aorta. Risk factors for aortic dilatation and regurgitation in tetralogy of Fallot relate to specific hemodynamic abnormalities such as pulmonary atresia, right aortic arch and a history of an aorto-pulmonary shunt, and patient demographics such as male sex and the association of chromosome 22q11 deletion. There is no current consensus on beta-blocker administration for limiting progressive dilatation of the aortic root in patients with congenital heart disease and repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Aortic root surgery should be considered for these patients and address aortic regurgitation and or prevent the risk of aortic dissection. Meticulous follow-up of the aortic root after repair, tetralogy of Fallot are thus recommended.

Clinical presentations of unoperated and operated adults with congenital heart disease

The clinical presentation of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is exceptionally diverse. Operated, unoperated acyanotic, and cyanotic patients often have similar physiologic characteristics, and thus shared clinical symptomatology. Five illustrative cases are included to highlight important considerations in the diagnosis and management of ACHD. This article focuses on epidemiology, natural history, clinical outcomes, and use of ancillary studies in commonly encountered cardiac defects.

Designing therapeutic strategies for patients with a dominant left ventricle, discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, and unobstructed flow of blood to the lungs

The palliation of the cyanotic child with a dominant morphologically left ventricle, discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, and obstruction to the pulmonary outflow tract has continued to evolve and mature. The evolution began in the early days of surgical palliation with the Blalock-Taussig shunt, extended to construction of cavopulmonary shunts, if required, and then to the Fontan procedure and its subsequent modifications. This journey took nearly 30 years to complete. There is increasing clinical data to document the beneficial effects of this approach, with ever-improving outcomes. Some aspects of the history of the cavopulmonary shunt have been previously reviewed in this journal and elsewhere, as have analysis of outcomes for some groups of patients considered for surgical completion of the Fontan circulation. While there has been some ongoing interest in ventricular septation since the early success of Sakakibara et al., this approach has largely been abandoned. Considerably more challenges and debate resonate in the surgical algorithms defined for patients whose hearts are characterized by a dominant left ventricle, discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, and unobstructed flow of blood to the lungs. This latter group will be the focus of this review, as will the aetiology of the myocardial hypertrophy that is particularly frequent in this group of patients, its clinical recognition, indeed its anticipation, and the multiple surgical strategies designed to prevent or treat it. All these manoeuvres are considered to optimise suitability for, and outcome from, creation of the Fontan circulation.

Pulmonary thrombosis in adults with Eisenmenger syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the prevalence of pulmonary artery thrombosis in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and to identify individuals at highest risk.

BACKGROUND

Eisenmenger syndrome is associated with pulmonary arterial thrombus formation. Both the prevalence and the determinants of pulmonary arterial thrombosis are unknown.

METHODS

This is a review of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome seen at the Toronto Congenital Cardiac Centre for Adults, Canada. Patients underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan of the thorax.

RESULTS

Forty-nine consecutive patients with Eisenmenger syndrome were seen in our hospital. Fifteen patients did not undergo CT angiograms; therefore, 34 patients (mean age 42 +/- 10 years) were included in the study. Responsible shunts included ventricular septal defect (65%), atrial septal defect (15%), patent ductus arteriosus (9%), and other (11%). The prevalence of proximal pulmonary artery thrombus was 21% (7/34) of patients. Evidence of more distal vessel thrombosis was observed in 43% (3/7) of the patients who had visible thrombus in the proximal pulmonary arteries. Patients with thrombus were more likely to be female (86% vs. 37%, p = 0.04) and to have lower oxygen saturations (72% +/- 9% vs. 85% +/- 6%, p = 0.01). Differences in functional status did not identify patients at highest risk for thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Eisenmenger syndrome have a substantial risk of pulmonary artery thrombus formation. Women and patients with lower oxygen saturations are at the highest risk of developing thrombosis. In the context of an increased bleeding tendency in these patients, the role of anticoagulation treatment needs to be determined.

Proximal pulmonary arterial and intrapulmonary radiologic features of Eisenmenger syndrome and primary pulmonary hypertension

Extrapulmonary and intrapulmonary radiologic features of Eisenmenger syndrome and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and the clinical expressions that coincide with the radiologic features of these 2 forms of pulmonary hypertension have not previously been characterized. Computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) utilized GE High Speed Advantage or Siemens Evolution electron beam tomographic (EBT) scanners in 31 patients with cyanotic pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) (group A: 12 men and 19 women; mean age 38 +/- 4 years) and in 13 women with PPH-acyanotic PVD (group B: mean age 30 +/- 3 years). Ten group A and 3 group B patients underwent imaging twice, yielding 57 studies. Group A patients' extrapulmonary radiologic features included proximal pulmonary arteries that were consistently enlarged, and were aneurysmal in 13%, causing bronchial compression and atelectasis. Thromboses were uniformly present and mild in 71% and moderate to massive in 29% of patients. Massive proximal thromboses caused asphyxic death and augmented right-to-left shunts by increasing flow resistance. Mild to extensive mural calcific deposits occurred in 26% of patients. Intrapulmonary radiologic features included intrapulmonary embolic infarction, intrapulmonary hemorrhage, bronchial/systemic arterial collaterals, and neovascularity. Group B patients' extrapulmonary radiologic features included proximal pulmonary arteries that were consistently enlarged but not aneurysmal and devoid of thromboses. Mild to extensive mural calcific deposits occurred in 23% of these patients. Intrapulmonary radiologic features were confined to mosaic attenuation and bronchial/systemic collaterals.

Surgically induced unilateral pulmonary hypertension: time-related analysis of a new experimental model

OBJECTIVE

Patients with irreversible pulmonary vascular obstructive disease caused by pulmonary hypertension due to congenital heart defects are considered either inoperable or only candidates to lung transplantation. This study evaluated an experimental model of surgically induced unilateral pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

In eight pigs, 2-months-old, the left pulmonary artery was divided at the origin and end-to-side anastomosed to the descending thoracic aorta through a left thoracotomy. In this way, increased pulmonary blood flow in the right lung and systemic perfusion pressure and oxygenation in the left lung were obtained. After an interval of 6-12 weeks the animals underwent cardiac catheterization and were then sacrificed. Histological examination was done on both the lungs.

RESULTS

The mean left-to-right shunt through the left pulmonary artery diminished from 58.9+/-9.6% at the end of the procedure to 4.5+/-1.5% at the latest hemodynamic evaluation (P<0.01). Pressures and saturations remained identical in aorta and left pulmonary artery, without reduction (NS) with FiO(2)=1.0 ventilation; in the right pulmonary artery there was a mild elevation of the pressures, but still responsive (P<0.05) to FiO(2)=1.0 ventilation. Lung histology showed normal right pulmonary arteries, but irreversible vascular lesions like intimal fibrosis, medial hypertrophy, vascular occlusions, plexiform and dilatation lesions in all the left lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

The lung exposed to systemic pressure and oxygenation develops irreversible vascular lesions typical of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. The lung exposed to increased flow shows only mild elevation of the arterial pressure, remains responsive to oxygen vasodilatation, and displays normal histology.

Severe pulmonary hypertension without right ventricular failure: the unique hearts of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome

Why adults with the Eisenmenger syndrome fare so much better than other patients with severe pulmonary hypertension is not known, but may be related to unique hemodynamics found only in these patients and in normal fetuses. We used echocardiography to evaluate ventricular morphology and function in 80 subjects: 45 cyanotic adults and 5 cyanotic adolescents with Eisenmenger syndrome, 10 infants with nonrestrictive ventricular septal defect and left-to-right shunt flow (pre-Eisenmenger phase), and 20 fetuses with structurally normal hearts. Cross-sectional morphology of the hearts was the same in all 4 groups with a flat ventricular septum throughout the cardiac cycle and equal thickness of the right and left ventricular free walls (regression slope 0.98, r = 0.97, p <0.0001). This morphology was the same in patients independent of age, defect type, and ventricular function. Right ventricular fractional area change was slightly inferior to that of the left ventricle but normal in most patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (0.47 +/- 0.14 vs 0.51 +/- 0.13, p <0.01). Overall, there was a highly significant linear relation between right and left ventricular function (r = 0.81, p <0.0001). The hearts of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome are more like normal fetal hearts than normal adult hearts. Because of the unique cardiovascular hemodynamics, regression of right ventricular wall thickness does not occur and is likely the reason that patients with Eisenmenger syndrome fare so much better than other adults with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Persistent truncus arteriosus type 4 with survival to the age of 54 years

We describe a case of persistent truncus arteriosus type 4 in an unrepaired 54-year-old woman with the peculiarities of long survival, absence of pulmonary arteries and good clinical status.

Diagnosis and treatment of severe pediatric pulmonary hypertension

Advances in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension during the past decade have dramatically improved patient survival. Many of these advances are based on improved understanding of the vascular biology of the normal and hypertensive pulmonary circulations. Pulmonary hypertension is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in patients with many pediatric diseases, including congenital heart disease. This article describes current diagnostic strategies and treatments for patients with primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Eisenmenger Syndrome

The incidence of congenital cardiovascular malformation is unknown but is estimated to be approximately 0.8% of live births. This figure does not include preterm infants (all of whom have a patent ductus arteriosus [PDA]) or stillborn infants (who have a high incidence of cardiovascular abnor malities). Approximately 9% of patients with congenital car diac disease and 11% of those with uncorrected left-to-right intracardiac shunts will develop the Eisenmenger syndrome (ES). ES develops at different rates, depending on the size and location of the cardiac lesion and the amount of in creased pulmonary blood flow and pressure. Onset in in fancy is common in patients with PDA or a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). ES is seen in up to 50% of patients with VSD larger than 1.5 cm in diameter, whereas there is only a 3% incidence in those with defects that are less than 1.5 cm in diameter. Children with Down syndrome and a VSD or atrioventricular canal defect are prone to early development of ES. They have abnormal upper airways that predispose them to chronic upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea, both of which promote hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and early development of pulmonary hypertension. ES develops early in nearly all patients with uncorrected transposition of the great arteries and truncus arteriosus, whereas most patients with uncorrected ASD who develop the syndrome do so in the second decade of life. The prognosis for survival through childhood with ES is relatively good. Patients usually lead remarkably active lives until shortly before they die. The goal of this article is to provide a detailed overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and medical and sur gical management of these patients. Particular focus on the anesthetic management of patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgery is provided.

Structural abnormalities of great arterial walls in congenital heart disease: light and electron microscopic analyses

BACKGROUND

Great arteries in congenital heart disease (CHD) may dilate, become aneurysmal, or rupture. Little is known about medial abnormalities in these arterial walls. Accordingly, we studied 18 types of CHD in patients from neonates to older adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Intraoperative biopsies from ascending aorta, paracoarctation aorta, truncus arteriosus, and pulmonary trunk in 86 patients were supplemented by 16 necropsy specimens. The 102 patients were 3 weeks to 81 years old (average, 32+/-6 years). Biopsies were examined by light (LM) and electron (EM) microscopy; necropsy specimens by LM. Positive aortic controls were from 15 Marfan patients. Negative aortic controls were from 11 coronary artery disease patients and 1 transplant donor. Nine biopsies from acquired trileaflet aortic stenosis were compared with biopsies from bicuspid aortic stenosis. Negative pulmonary trunk controls were from 7 coronary artery disease patients. A grading system consisted of negative controls and grades 1, 2, and 3 (positive controls) based on LM and EM examination of medial constituents.

CONCLUSIONS

Medial abnormalities in ascending aorta, paracoarctation aorta, truncus arteriosus, and pulmonary trunk were prevalent in patients with a variety of forms of CHD encompassing a wide age range. Aortic abnormalities may predispose to dilatation, aneurysm, and rupture. Pulmonary trunk abnormalities may predispose to dilatation and aneurysm; hypertensive aneurysms may rupture. Pivotal questions are whether these abnormalities are inherent or acquired, whether CHD plays a causal or facilitating role, and whether genetic determinants are operative.