Clinical course and potential complications of small ventricular septal defects in adulthood: Late development of left ventricular dysfunction justifies lifelong care

Effects of 6-month customized home-based exercise on motor development, bone strength, and parental stress in children with simple congenital heart disease: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

New "noncardiac" problems in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), such as developmental delay or long-term neurodevelopmental impairments, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. It is hypothesized that exercise might attenuate CHD-associated neurodevelopmental impairments; however, this has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled experiment was to evaluate the impact of customized home-based exercise for children with CHD.

METHODS

Children aged 0-5 years with echocardiography-confirmed simple CHD subtypes who were scheduled to undergo cardiac catheterization were screened for enrolment. Among 420 screened CHD children, 192 were enrolled and randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive a 6-month intervention (30 min daily customized home-based exercise program with supervision for no less than 5 days per week, combined with home-based exercise education) or control treatment (home-based education). The primary outcome was motor development (gross motor quotient (GMQ), fine motor quotient (FMQ), and total motor quotient (TMQ)). The secondary outcomes were cardiac function and structure, bone quality, physical development, parental anxiety, caregiver burden, and quality of life. Children and their families were assessed before and 1, 3, and 6 months after catheterization; 183 (95.3%) children were included in the primary analysis.

RESULTS

After 6-month treatment, the intervention group significantly increased their motor quotient, which was consistently higher than that of the control group (GMQ p < 0.0001, FMQ p = 0.02, TMQ p < 0.001). The physical developments in height, weight, and circumferences of the upper-arm, chest, and head were also significantly improved by exercise (all p < 0.017). No significant improvements in the bone strength or the cardiac structure and function were found among patients in the intervention group (all p > 0.017). For parents, higher quality of life level (total score p = 0.016) was observed in the intervention group; while effects of exercise on the anxiety (rude score p = 0.159, standard score p = 0.159) or the Zarit caregiver burden scale score (p = 0.404) were non-significant. No adverse events occurred during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Customized home-based exercise improved motor development in children with CHD. While the long-term effects of parent training in home-based exercise are unknown, the study results suggest positive outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

A home-based exercise program in congenital heart disease children with cardiac catheterization: a randomized controlled trial. ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/ , ChiCTR-IOR-16007762, January 14, 2016).

Echocardiographic Comparison of Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Aortic Blood Flow Velocimetry in Children with Ventricular Septal Defect

BACKGROUND

The assessments of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic dynamics in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) have achieved a major milestone in the evaluation of LV systolic function.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the LV function, LV mass (LVM), and the descending aorta blood flow in children with VSD compared to that obtained in age and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

The mean LVM of the control, 113.5 ± 123.9 was higher than that of those who had VSD, 75.8 ± 83.9, and the difference in mean was found to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U = 2.322, P = 0.022). The mean EF of the control, 67.9 ± 10.3 was comparable to that of those with VSD, 65.6 ± 13.9, (Student's t = 1.223, P = 0.223). Similarly, the mean descending aorta blood flow of control, 1.6 ± 2.2 was comparable to that of those with VSD, 3.9 ± 16.1, (Mann-Whitney U = 1.002, P = 0.321). There was a very weak positive correlation between LVM and descending aorta blood flow among the subjects (n = 85, r = 0.117, P = 0.425). There was a very weak negative correlation between LVM and descending aorta blood flow among control. (n = 85, r = -0.065, P = 0.609).

CONCLUSION

The LVM among children with VSD is lower than controls but there is no difference between LV function in subjects and controls. There is a linear increase of LVM with descending aorta blood flow.

NT-proBNP levels as a predictor of higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect

INTRODUCTION

The decision to close small ventricular septal defect is still controversial. Previous study showed that ventricular dysfunction in adulthood is correlated with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a neurohormone secreted primarily from the ventricles in response to increased left and right ventricular pressure and volume load. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure will reflect ventricular performance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the NT-proBNP in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Level of NT-proBNP in 41 patients with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect was measured before transcatheter closure procedure. We also measured the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in each patients during catheterisation. We investigated the value of NT-proBNP in patients with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect and its correlation with the level of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

RESULT

We found positive correlation between NT-proBNP and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.278, p = 0.046). The median of NT-proBNP at left ventricular end-diastolic pressure < 10 was lower than at left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥ 10 (0.87 ng/ml versus 1.83 ng/ml, p = 0.023). The results of the NT-proBNP diagnostic test for predicting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥ 10 using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under the curve value of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.546-0.849). The cut-off value >0.99 ng/ml of NT-proBNP has 75.0% sensitivity and 72.2% specifity.

CONCLUSION

Level of NT-proBNP higher than 0.99 ng/ml was correlated significantly with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥10 in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

Comparative outcomes of two competitive devices for retrograde closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects

Background

Retrograde closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs) is a well-established procedure. However, interventionists are still looking for the best closure device.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective review of 5-year-experience (from July 2015 to July 2020) with retrograde closure of pmVSDs using AmplatzerTM Duct Occluder II (ADOII) and KONAR-MF™ VSD occluder (MFO). Deficient sub-aortic rim (SAR) (≤2.5 mm for MFO and ≤3 mm for ADOII) was an exclusion criterion in defects with a diameter ratio (right-side exit/left-side entry) > 0.5.

Results

We identified 77 patients (57.1% males) with a median age of 4.3 years (IQR, 2.2-8.3) and a median weight of 16 kg (IQR, 11.2-24.5). 44 (57.1%) defects (22.7% with deficient SARs) with a median left-side defect diameter of 8.7 mm (IQR, 5.7-10) were closed with ADOIIs. 33 (42.9%) defects (51.5% with deficient SARs) with a median left-side defect diameter of 10.8 mm (IQR, 8.8-13.5) were closed with MFOs. One 7/5 MFO was removed before release and upsized to a 12/10 MFO. Implantation success rate was 100% with ADOII and 90.9% with MFO devices. Two MFOs were snare-recaptured after embolization, and one 9/7 MFO was snare-retrieved for a new onset of grade-2 aortic regurgitation that persisted afterward. Median follow-up was 3.3 years (IQR, 2.1-4.2) for ADOII and 2.3 years (IQR, 1.7-2.5) for MFO. No permanent heart block or death occurred. Freedom from left ventricular dilation was 94.62% at 36 months of follow-up. Freedom from residual shunt was 90.62% for MFO and 89.61% for ADOII at 24 months of follow-up. One 2.6-year-old patient with baseline mild aortic valve prolapse and trivial aortic regurgitation developed a grade-2 aortic regurgitation after 9/7 MFO implantation. He was treated surgically after two years without device extraction. One new grade-2 asymptomatic tricuspid regurgitation persisted at the last follow-up in the ADOII group.

Conclusions

ADOII and MFO are complementary devices for effective retrograde closure of pmVSDs in children, including defects with absent or deficient SAR. ADOII is limited to smaller defects but offers a lower profile and a flexible left-side disk for better maneuverability over the aortic valve during retrograde implantation.

Lifetime Burden of Morbidity in Patients With Isolated Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect

Background The lifetime burden of morbidity in patients with isolated congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) is not completely described. Methods and Results In a population-based cohort study in Denmark using nationwide medical registries, we included 8006 patients diagnosed with a congenital VSD before 2018 along with 79 568 randomly selected controls from the general Danish population matched by birth year and sex. Concomitant congenital cardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Cox proportional hazard regression, Fine and Gray competing risk regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival function were used to estimate burden of morbidity, compared with matched controls. Median follow-up was 23 years (interquartile range, 11-37 years). The hazard ratio (HR) of heart failure was high in both patients with unrepaired and surgically closed VSD when compared with their corresponding matched controls (5.4 [95% CI, 4.6-6.3] and 30.5 [95% CI, 21.8-42.7], respectively). Truncated analyses with time from birth until 1 year after VSD diagnosis (unrepaired) or surgery (surgically closed) censored revealed reduced but persisting late hazard of heart failure. Similarly, the late hazard of arrhythmias and pulmonary arterial hypertension was high irrespective of defect closure. The HR of endocarditis was 28.0 (95% CI, 19.2-40.9) in patients with unrepaired defect and 82.7 (95% CI, 37.5-183.2) in patients with surgically closed defect. The increased HR diminished after VSD surgery. In general, the incidence of morbidity among patients with unrepaired VSD accelerated after the age of 40 years. Conclusions Patients with isolated congenital VSD carry a substantial burden of cardiovascular morbidity throughout life, irrespective of defect closure.

Survival of patients with congenital ventricular septal defect

AIMS

The long-term survival of patients with isolated congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) is not well described. The aim of this study was to describe the survival of a national cohort of patients with VSD compared with the general population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using Danish nationwide medical registries, all patients diagnosed with congenital VSD (n = 9,136) in the period 1977-2018 were included. Patients with chromosomal abnormalities and concomitant congenital cardiac malformations other than atrial septal defect were excluded. Each patient was matched by birthyear and sex with ten controls from the general Danish population. Kaplan-Meier survival function and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to compute survival and mortality risk. Median follow-up was 22 years (interquartile range: 11-37). VSD patients displayed lower survival (P<0.001) yielding a hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of 2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4-3.0] compared with matched controls. The adjusted HR for mortality among patients with unrepaired VSD was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.4-3.0) and 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1-3.7) for patients with surgically closed VSD. Stratified by era of VSD diagnosis, the HR for mortality was 3.2 (95% CI: 2.8-3.7) for unrepaired patients diagnosed before 1990 and 2.4 (95% CI: 2.0-2.7) for patients diagnosed later. Cardiac-related death was the commonest cause of death among unrepaired (30%) and surgically closed (65%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with VSD had lower survival compared with the general population. The HR for mortality was increased over 2.5-fold in patients with unrepaired defect (Eisenmenger syndrome excluded) and over 1.5-fold in patients with surgically closed defect (excluding surgical mortality).

Practice Patterns in the Management of Pressure Restrictive Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects: A Multinational Survey

Indications for the closure of pressure restrictive perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) are not well established in the pediatric population. We sought to assess practice variability among pediatric cardiologists in the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A survey ascertaining practice patterns, including case vignettes with incremental progression of disease severity, was designed and administered through representative professional cardiac organizations and email listservs in the designated countries. Among the 299 respondents, 209 (70.0%) were from the US, 65 (21.7%) were from Canada and 25 (8.3%) were from Australia and New Zealand. Indications for pressure restrictive pmVSD closure included the presence of left ventricular (LV) dilation for 81.6% (244/299) (defined as z-score ≥ 2 for 59.0% (144/244) and ≥ 3 for 40.2% (98/244)) and significant pulmonary-systemic flow ratio (QP:QS) for 71.2% (213/299) [defined as ≥ 1.5:1 for 36.2% (77/213) and ≥ 2 for 62% (132/213)]. US pediatric cardiologists elected to close restrictive pmVSD at lower LV z-score and QP:QS ratio cut-offs (p-value 0.0002 and 0.013, respectively). In a case vignette, 63.6% (173/272) chose to intervene if there was right coronary cusp prolapse with stable mild aortic regurgitation. Of the remaining cardiologists, 93% (92/99) intervened if the aortic regurgitation was progressive (from trivial to mild). Commonly identified indications with variable thresholds for closure of pressure restrictive pmVSDs included the presence or progression of LV dilation, significant volume loading, and aortic valve prolapse with regurgitation. US pediatric cardiologists may have a lower threshold for pmVSD closure.

NT pro- B-type Natriuretic Peptide in the Small Ventricular Septal Defect in Children

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide is a cardiac hormone secreted from the left ventricular myocardium due to ventricular expansion and volume overload. A recent study shows that small VSD will have risk of ventricular dysfunction in adulthood. Another complications such as endocarditis, congestive heart failure, aortic regurgitation, arrhythmia also we should be aware. Evaluations of the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level (NT pro BNP) are currently being considered as methods to identify the possible presence of ventricular dilation in small VSD. Objective: To evaluate the change in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide after transcatheter closure of VSD. Methods: A pretest-posttest design was conducted on VSD patients before and after transcatheter closure. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level were measured before and 30 days after the transcatheter closure of VSD. Result: A total of 32 peri membranous VSD patients were included in this study with 62.5 % female patients (n=20) and 37.5 % male patients (n=12). A significant decrease was observed in the median NT pro BNP level when the level before closure of 1.08 (0.74 – 3.47) ng/ml was compared to the level after closure of 0.91 (0.68 – 2.07) ng/ml (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant decreases in NT pro BNP level are seen in small VSD patients 30 days after transcatheter closure. Patients with small peri membranous VSD are generally considered to need occlusion for their childhood defect.  

Cardiovascular events in perimembranous ventricular septal defect with left ventricular volume overload: a French prospective cohort study (FRANCISCO)

The long-term prospective multi-centre nationwide (French) observational study FRANCISCO will provide new information on perimembranous ventricular septal defect with left ventricular overload but no pulmonary hypertension in children older than 1 year. Outcomes will be compared according to treatment strategy (watchful waiting, surgical closure, or percutaneous closure) and anatomic features of the defect. The results are expected to provide additional guidance about the optimal treatment of this specific population, which is unclear at present.

BACKGROUND

The management of paediatric isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) with left ventricle (LV) volume overload but no pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains controversial. Three therapeutic approaches are considered: watchful waiting, surgical closure, and percutaneous closure. We aim to investigate the long-term outcomes of these patients according to anatomic pmVSD characteristics and treatment strategy.

METHODS

The Filiale de Cardiologie Pediatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) designed the FRANCISCO registry, a long-term prospective nationwide multi-centre observational cohort study sponsored by the French Society of Cardiology, which enrolled, over 2 years (2018–2020), patients older than 1 year who had isolated pmVSD with LV volume overload. Prevalent complications related to pmVSD at baseline were exclusion criteria. Clinical, echocardiographic, and functional data will be collected at inclusion then after 1, 5, and 10 years. A core lab will analyse all baseline echocardiographic data to depict anatomical pmVSD features. The primary outcome is the 5-year incidence of cardiovascular events (infective endocarditis, sub-aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, right ventricular outflow tract stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, PAH, arrhythmia, stroke, haemolysis, heart failure, or death from a cardiovascular event). We plan to enrol 200 patients, given the 10% estimated 5-year incidence of cardiovascular events with a 95% confidence interval of ±5%. Associations linking anatomical pmVSD features and treatment strategy to the incidence of complications will be assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

The FRANSCICO study will provide the long-term incidence of complications in patients older than 1 year with pmVSD and LV volume overload. The results are expected to improve guidance for treatment decisions.

Stress Echocardiography in Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Complement in Anatomical and Functional Assessment

Functional classification of children and adults with repaired and unrepaired congenital heart disease is a challenge for clinicians, due to the heterogeneity of congenital heart disease. Functional studies may be complemented with a stress echocardiogram, which analyzes the hemodynamic behavior of surgical repair zones, residuals, and sequelae. The integration of the anatomical and functional classification criteria developed for congenital heart disease and the results of a stress echocardiogram can establish a more precise functional classification. Stress echocardiograms also provide early diagnosis of functional complications of the congenital heart, allowing timely management decisions. This paper reviews the most important aspects of stress echocardiograms in pediatric and adult congenital heart disease, seeking to spark cardiologists' interest in extending its applications in congenital heart disease.

Detection of Early Myocardial Injury in Children with Ventricular Septal Defect Using Cardiac Troponin I and Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Children with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are subjected to hemodynamic overload which causes myocardial injury and subsequent heart failure. Early stages of myocardial damage cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) have been recently introduced as more accurate tools for early assessment of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and 2D-STE in the early detection of VSD-induced myocardial injury. Thirty children with VSD (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and 30 controls were assessed serologically by measuring serum cTnI and by conventional echocardiography. STE was performed to measure the averaged global peak longitudinal systolic stain [G peak SL(AVG)]. Serum cTnI levels were significantly higher in patients when compared to controls (P < 0.05) and in the symptomatic group when compared to the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). Serum cTn I level correlated positively with the left atrial (r = 0.37, P = 0.045) and left ventricular dimensions (r = 0.46, P = 0.01) and negatively with the G peak SL(AVG) (r = -0.39, P = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between patients and controls or between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups with regard to the G peak SL(AVG). The peak longitudinal systolic strain (measured by 2D-STE) is not affected despite the elevation of serum cTnI. Serum cTnI is a sensitive marker for early detection of myocardial injury in VSD patients even before the development of ventricular dilatation or dysfunction.

Comparison of Outcomes in Adults With Ventricular Septal Defect Closed Earlier in Life Versus Those in Whom the Defect Was Never Closed

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) have recently demonstrated poorer functional outcome with disrupted ventricular contractility during exercise in young patients. It is not known whether this will change with age. Therefore, echocardiography was performed in older patients with congenital VSDs, either surgically closed or unrepaired and all without Eisenmenger physiology, to compare functional outcomes with healthy peers. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at rest and during supine bicycle exercise, with tissue velocity Doppler for assessment of primary end points: isovolumetric acceleration and systolic velocities. In total, 30 surgically closed VSDs (51 ± 8 years) with 30 healthy controls (52 ± 9 years) and 30 unrepaired VSDs (55 ± 12 years) with 30 matched controls (55 ± 10 years) were included. Surgical patients displayed lower right ventricular (RV) systolic and early diastolic-filling velocities compared with controls, p <0.01, lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (17.8 ± 5 vs 22.7 ± 3mm, p <0.01) and lower fractional area change (37.8 ± 6 vs 46.4% ± 7%, p <0.01). Unrepaired VSDs also had lower RV fractional area change than matched controls (39.9 ± 7 vs 48.4% ± 7%, p <0.01). Both patient groups had more tricuspid regurgitation and larger RV outflow tract dimensions than controls, p <0.01. During exercise, isovolumetric acceleration and systolic velocities were lower in both patient groups compared with controls, with the difference increasing with workload level. In conclusion, adults in their mid-50s with surgically closed or unrepaired VSDs have abnormal RV function at rest, with even more pronounced differences during exercise. These results suggest that a VSD, whether repaired early or considered hemodynamically insignificant, is not a benign lesion and continuous follow-up of adults is warranted.

Effect of transcatheter closure by AmplatzerTM Duct Occluder II in patients with small ventricular septal defect

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an alternative treatment of surgery. However, because of the potential risk of the complete atrioventricular block (AVB) and the lack of available dedicated devices for VSD, this procedure rarely used most centers. Recently in Thailand, with distinct device design that may cause less clamp force and radial force, the Amplatzer^TMDuct Occluder (ADO) II has become available for the closure of small VSDs. This is a retrospective review of 49 patients who underwent transcatheter VSD closure using ADO II at Songklanagarind hospital and Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health between January 2014 and December 2016 with an intention to report procedural success rate and 12-months-outcomes. Twenty-six cases were female. The median age and weight at treatment were 7.8 year (ranged from 1.9 to 25 year) and 25.1 kg (ranged from 11 and 57 kg). The majority (65.3%) of the VSD was a perimembranous defect. The mean diameter of LV entry was 5.2 ± 2.5 mm and the mean RV exit was 3.2 ± 0.8 mm. Four patients had more than 1 exit at RV orifice. The mean length of the VSD was 5.3 ± 1.8 mm. The mean aortic valve-VSD distance was 3.9 ± 2.0 mm. The mean tricuspid valve-VSD distance was 3.8 ± 2.5 mm. The procedural success achieved in all patients (100%), most of the implantations were performed in a retrograde approach (53.1%). The ADO II was successfully implanted in 2 cases (5%) who failed other devices in the first attempts. There were no major complications. There were no changes in the severity of tricuspid and aortic valve regurgitation immediate after implantation and at 12 months' follow-up. Three patients (6%) had tiny to small residual shunt at 12 months' follow-up. None of the patients had a complete heart block. However, new-onset of left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block occurred in 2 (5%) cases and 5 (10%) cases, respectively. With symmetrical double-disc design and softness of the device, the ADO II can be safely and effectively used for closure of the VSDs with the defect size less than 6 mm.

Outcomes of closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defects in adults

BACKGROUND

Outcome data of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure in adults are limited.

METHODS

A review was made of the inpatients >18 years of age who underwent doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure between June 2010 and June 2017.

RESULTS

The patients were categorised into two groups: The valve intervention group consisted of 31 patients who underwent aortic valvuloplasty, aortic valve replacement, or repair of sinus Valsalva aneurysm in addition to doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure; non-valvular intervention group comprised 58 patients who underwent only doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure. The groups did not differ by sex and age. Patients in the valve intervention group, with a larger ventricular septal defect size, were shorter and tended to be lighter. The valve intervention group had more patients with pneumonia perioperatively. No infective endocarditis and reoperation were noted during the study period. At last follow-up, 91 and 96.6% of the studied patients were free from left ventricle dilation and pulmonary hypertension. In patients without pre-operative aortic regurgitation, 12 developed new mild aortic regurgitation during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

About 34.8% of adult patients with doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect required concurrent intervention on aortic valve or sinus Valsalva aneurysm. The midterm results of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure in adult patients were favourable. However, the incidence of new mild aortic regurgitation after ventricular septal defect closure was high (27.3%). Long-term follow-up of aortic regurgitation progression is needed.

Cardiopulmonary dysfunction in adults with a small, unrepaired ventricular septal defect: A long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

There are increasing reports of cardiac and exercise dysfunction in adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects (VSDs). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function in adults with unrepaired VSDs, and secondly to assess the effects of 900 μg salbutamol on lung function and exercise capacity.

METHODS

Young adult patients with small, unrepaired VSDs and healthy age- and gender-matched controls were included in a double-blinded, randomised, cross-over study. Participants underwent static and dynamic spirometry, impulse oscillometry, multiple breath washout, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, and ergometer bicycle cardiopulmonary exercise test.

RESULTS

We included 30 patients with VSD (age 27 ± 6 years) and 30 controls (age 27 ± 6 years). Patients tended to have lower FEV₁, 104 ± 11% of predicted, compared with healthy controls, 110 ± 14% (p = 0.069). Furthermore, the patient group had lower peak expiratory flow (PEF), 108 ± 20% predicted, compared with the control group, 118 ± 17% (p = 0.039), and showed tendencies towards lower forced vital capacity and increased airway resistance compared with controls. During exercise, the patients had lower oxygen uptake, 35 ± 8 ml/min/kg (vs 47 ± 7 ml/min/kg, p < 0.001), minute ventilation, 1.5 ± 0.5 l/min/kg (vs 2.1 ± 0.3 l/min/kg, p < 0.001) and breath rate, 48 ± 11 breaths/min (vs 55 ± 8 breaths/min, p = 0.008), than controls.

CONCLUSION

At rest, young adults with unrepaired VSDs are no different in pulmonary function from controls. However, when the cardiorespiratory system is stressed, VSD patients demonstrate significantly impaired minute ventilation and peak oxygen uptake, which may be early signs of parenchymal dysfunction and restrictive airway disease. These abnormalities were unaffected by the inhalation of salbutamol.

Diagnosis and treatment of adults with congenital heart disease

Approximately 50 million adults worldwide have known congenital heart disease (CHD). Among the most common types of CHD defects in adults are atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects followed by complex congenital heart lesions such as tetralogy of Fallot. Adults with CHDs are more likely to have hypertension, cerebral vascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease than age-matched controls without CHD. Moreover, by the age of 50, adults with CHD are at a greater than 10% risk of experiencing cardiac dysrhythmias and approximately 4% experience sudden death. Consequently, adults with CHD require healthcare that is two- to four-times greater than adults without CHD. This paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of adults with atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and tetralogy of Fallot.

Disappearance of the shunt and lower cardiac index during exercise in small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects

OBJECTIVES

Clinical studies have revealed decreased exercise capacity in adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects. Increasing shunt ratio and growing incompetence of the aortic and pulmonary valve with retrograde flow during exercise have been proposed as reasons for the previously found reduced exercise parameters. With MRI, haemodynamic shunt properties were measured during exercise in ventricular septal defects.

METHODS

Patients with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects and healthy peers were examined with MRI during exercise. Quantitative flow scans measured blood flow through ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. Scans were analysed post hoc where cardiac index, retrograde flows, and shunt ratio were determined.

RESULTS

In total, 32 patients (26 ± 6 years) and 28 controls (27 ± 5 years) were included. The shunt ratio was 1.2 ± 0.2 at rest and decreased to 1.0 ± 0.2 at peak exercise, p < 0.01. Aortic cardiac index was lower at peak exercise in patients (7.5 ± 2 L/minute/m2) compared with controls (9.0±2L l/minute/m2), p<0.01. Aortic and pulmonary retrograde flow was larger in patients during exercise, p < 0.01. Positive correlation was demonstrated between aortic cardiac index at peak exercise and previously established exercise capacity for all patients (r = 0.5, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects revealed declining shunt ratio with increasing exercise and lower aortic cardiac index. Patients demonstrated larger retrograde flow both through the pulmonary artery and the aorta during exercise compared with controls. In conclusion, adults with unrepaired ventricular septal defects redistribute blood flow during exercise probably secondary to a more fixed pulmonary vascular resistance compared with age-matched peers.

Reduced biventricular contractility during exercise in adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects: an echocardiographic study

OBJECTIVES

Small ventricular septal defects are often considered to be without long-term haemodynamic consequences and so the majority remains unrepaired. However, we recently showed reduced functional capacity and altered right ventricular morphology in adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects. The underlying mechanisms behind these findings remain unclear, and so, biventricular contractility during exercise was evaluated.

METHODS

Adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects and healthy controls were examined with echocardiography during supine bicycle exercise with increasing workload. Tissue velocity Doppler was used for evaluating isovolumetric acceleration and systolic velocities during exercise.

RESULTS

In total, 34 patients with ventricular septal defects, a median shunt- ratio of 1.2 (26 ± 6 years), and 28 healthy peers (27 ± 5 years) were included. Right ventricular isovolumetric acceleration was lower in patients as compared with controls at rest (97 ± 40 vs 158 ± 43 cm/s2, P = 0.01) and at peak heart rate (222 ± 115 vs 410 ± 120 cm/s2, P < 0.01). Peak systolic velocities were similar at rest, but differed with exercise (13 ± 3 vs 16 ± 3 cm/s, P = 0.02). Left ventricular isovolumetric acceleration was lower in patients as compared with controls throughout the test (P < 0.01). Septal isovolumetric acceleration was similar at rest, but reduced during increasing exercise as compared with controls (220 ± 108 vs 303 ± 119 cm/s2, P = 0.03). Left ventricular isovolumetric acceleration was negatively correlated with the shunt- ratio, and right ventricular and septal peak systolic velocities were positively correlated with lower functional capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered biventricular contractility is present during exercise in adults with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects. These results add to the growing number of studies showing that long-term outcome in unrepaired ventricular septal defects may not be benign.

Transcatheter closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect with Nit-Occlud Lê VSD Coil: A French multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) closure remains challenging and is seldom used in France given the risk of atrioventricular block (AVB). pmVSD closure with the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD coil was recently introduced in France as an alternative to occluder devices.

AIMS

To study the safety and feasibility of pmVSD closure with the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD coil.

METHODS

All consecutives cases of pmVSD closure with the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD coil in 20 tertiary French centres were included between January 2015 and December 2018.

RESULTS

Among 46 procedures in five centres, indications for pmVSD closure were left ventricle overload (76.1%), exertional dyspnoea (17.4%), history of infective endocarditis (4.3%) and mild pulmonary hypertension (2.2%). The median (interquartile [IQR]) age of the patients was 13.9 (5.7-31.8) years. Aneurismal tissue was identified in 91.3% of patients. VSD median (IQR) size was 8 (7-10) mm on the left ventricle side and 5 (4-6) mm on the right ventricle side. Implantation was successful in 40 patients (87.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 73.7-95.1%). Severe complications occurred in six patients (13.0%, 95% CI 4.9-26.3%), mainly severe haemolysis (8.7%, 95% CI 2.4-20.8%). One aortic valve lesion required surgical aortic valvuloplasty. Occurrence of severe complications was significantly related to the presence of haemolysis (P=0.001), residual shunt (P=0.007) and multi-exit VSD (P=0.005). Residual shunt was observed in 40% of cases with the implanted device shortly after closure and 15% after a median follow-up of 27 months. No immediate or delayed device embolization or complete AVB was recorded.

CONCLUSION

pmVSD closure with the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD Coil is feasible in older children and adults. However, residual shunting (leading to haemolysis) is a dreaded complication that should not be tolerated. pmVSD closure with the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD as a therapeutic strategy remains controversial and is limited to selected patients.

Healthcare needs and Quality of Life in Youths with Congenital Heart Disease: Health-Promoting Behaviors as a Mediator

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between healthcare needs, health-promoting behaviors and quality of life (QoL) of youths with congenital heart disease (CHD), and to determine whether health-promoting behaviors were a mediating variable.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted recruiting 205 youths aged 15 to 24 with either ventricular septal defect (VSD) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect demographic information; furthermore, the thickness of the triceps skinfold was measured. The Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with CHD, Adolescent Health Promotion-short form scale, and World Health Organization QoL-BREF scale were administered, and Pearson's correlation, multiple regressions, and the Sobel test were conducted.

RESULTS

The triceps skinfold of participants with VSD was significantly thicker than that of participants with TOF (p < 0.05). Healthcare needs, health-promoting behaviors, and QoL were positively correlated. The overall health-promoting behaviors served as a partial mediator between overall healthcare needs and QoL, accounting for 40.1% of the total variation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study illustrates that health-promoting behaviors have an impact on healthcare needs and QoL of youths with CHD. The development of tailored health consulting interventions to fulfill healthcare needs is required to improve physical and psychosocial wellness among youths with CHD.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Targeting individual and public health strategies for enhancing health-promoting behaviors should be integrated in CHD care planning.

Prediction of spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect and guidance for clinical follow-up

AIM

To predict the spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) and assist pediatrician to manage VSD children.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2016, 132 children diagnosed with isolated VSD by echocardiography were enrolled. All participating children were followed-up by echocardiography yearly until the closure of VSD or 6 years old. The clinical indicators and echocardiographic parameters of patients were collected. Statistically significant factors were used to establish a Logistic Regression model for predicting spontaneous closure of VSD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the specificity and sensitivity of Logistic Regression model.

RESULTS

Spontaneous closure occurred in 60% of all patients; 57% in perimembranous VSD (p-VSD) and 64% in muscular VSD (m-VSD) patients. Initial diagnosis age, defect size, aneurysms tissue of the ventricular membranous septum (ATVMS), pulmonary hypertension (PH), and left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDD) were statistically significant. Defect size, ATVMS and LVDD were determined by the Logistic Regression model as representative factor. P-VSD and m-VSD model had areas under the ROC curves 0.854 and 0.898, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We inferred that defect size, ATVMS and LVDD were characteristic and representative predictors for spontaneous closure of VSD. And we summarized the prognostic factors and recommended a follow-up criteria to assist the pediatrician managing VSD children.

Association of aortic root dilatation with left ventricular function in patients with postoperative ventricular septal defect

Proximal aortic enlargement is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and all-cause mortality. Recently, aortic root dilatation (ARD) was reported in postoperative patients with ventricular septal defects (VSDs). However, the impact of ARD on left ventricular (LV) function in postoperative VSD patients remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ARD on LV function in patients with postoperative VSD. One hundred and thirty-five patients (> 15 years of age) with surgically repaired isolated ventricular defects and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography in our institution between 2009 and 2013 were identified. ARD was defined as an observed aortic root diameter/body surface area > 2.1 cm/m². The propensity score estimating the probability of having ARD adjusted for anatomical and clinical characteristics was calculated. Forty-four patients (32.6%) had ARD. In unadjusted analyses, right ventricular systolic pressure, Tei index, and E/e' were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in patients with ARD than in those without ARD (31.3 ± 7.5 vs. 35.4 ± 13.7 mmHg, 0.32 ± 0.10 vs. 0.44 ± 0.15, and 7.1 ± 1.7 vs. 9.5 ± 2.9, respectively). In the propensity score-adjusted analysis, significant differences in the Tei index and E/e' were confirmed between the two groups (Tei index difference: 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.17; E/e' difference: 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.5). However, there were no differences in the other echocardiographic measurements. The presence of ARD in patients with postoperative VSD was significantly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. Thus, surgically repaired VSD patients require careful screening for aortic enlargement and LV function.

Biventricular morphology in adults born with a ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defects - large, surgically closed or small, untreated - have demonstrated lower peak exercise capacity compared with healthy controls. The mechanisms behind these findings are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we evaluated biventricular morphology in adults with a ventricular septal defect using MRI. Adults with either childhood surgically closed or small, untreated ventricular septal defects and healthy controls underwent cine MRI for the evaluation of biventricular volumes and quantitative flow scans for measurement of stroke index. Scans were analysed post hoc in a blinded manner. In total, 20 operated patients (22±2 years) and 20 healthy controls (23±2 years) were included, along with 32 patients with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects (26±6 years) and 28 controls (27±5 years). Operated patients demonstrated larger right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (103±20 ml/m2) compared with their controls (88±16 ml/m2), p=0.01. Heart rate and right ventricular stroke index did not differ between operated patients and controls. Patients with unrepaired ventricular septal defects revealed larger right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (105±17 ml/m2) compared with their controls (88±13 ml/m2), p<0.01. Furthermore, right ventricular stroke index was higher in unrepaired ventricular septal defects (53±12 ml/minute/m2) compared with controls (46±8 ml/minute/m2), p=0.02, with similar heart rates. Both patient groups' right ventricles were visually characterised by abundant coarse trabeculation. Positive correlations were demonstrated between right ventricular end-diastolic volume indices and peak exercise capacity in patients. Left ventricle measurements displayed no differences between groups. In conclusion, altered right ventricular morphology was demonstrated in adults 20 years after surgical ventricular septal defect repair and in adults with small, untreated ventricular septal defects.

Twenty-three year-old with pleuritic chest pain

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION

A 23-year-old woman followed at another medical centre for congenital heart disease (CHD) presented to our emergency clinic with 3 weeks of bilateral pleuritic chest pain. She returned from holiday in Greece 6 weeks earlier where a tattoo and nasal piercing had been performed. There was no history of night sweats or fever.Her temperature was 37.5°C, heart rate 120 beats/min, oxygen saturations 94% on room air and blood pressure 110/74. Her chest was clear and there was systolic murmur on auscultation. The chest radiograph showed peripheral bilateral lower zone atelectasis. The ECG demonstrated sinus tachycardia. The haemoglobin was 11.2 g/dL, white cell count 10.18×10⁹/L, C-reactive protein 67 mg/L (normal <5 mg/L) and D dimer=430 ng/mL (normal <230 ng/mL).A pulmonary embolus was suspected and a CT pulmonary angiogram was performed (figure 1).

QUESTION

Based on the CT findings, what is the most likely underlying congenital heart lesion in this patient?Bicuspid aortic valveCoarctation of the aortaFontan circulationParachute mitral valveVentricular septal defect heartjnl;105/6/464/F1F1F1Figure 1CT pulmonary angiogram (coronal views).

Heart rate variability is impaired in adults after closure of ventricular septal defect in childhood: A novel finding associated with right bundle branch block

BACKGROUND

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) generally have benign long-term prognoses, but recent studies have indicated increased pulmonary vascular resistance. A potential tool for monitoring pulmonary artery pressure is heart rate variability, and therefore, the aim of this study was to assess heart rate variability in adults with a surgically repaired or unrepaired VSD.

METHODS

In a long-term, follow-up study, three groups were included; VSD-patients operated in early childhood, patients with an open VSD, and controls. For each patient, 24-hour Holter monitoring was performed and heart rate variability was assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 30 participants with a surgically closed VSD, 30 participants with an unrepaired VSD, and 36 controls were included. In the closed VSD group, there was a higher proportion of participants, who had low sNN50 (p = 0.005) and low sNN6% (p = 0.017) than in the other two groups. Similar differences were found when sNN50 was divided into increases and decreases (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively) as well as sNN6% (p = 0.014 and p = 0.014, respectively). Lastly, there was a higher proportion of patients in the closed VSD group with low rMSSD than in the other two groups (p = 0.005). For the closed VSD group, the proportion of participants with low total sNN50 (p = 0.046) and low total sNN6% (p = 0.046) were higher among participants with a complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) than among participants with no or an incomplete RBBB.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults who had surgical VSD closure in early childhood had impaired heart rate variability and, particularly, participants with complete RBBB had lower heart rate variability.