Commissural malalignment on echocardiography as a predictor of coronary artery abnormalities in newborns with transposition of great arteries

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated commissural malalignment on echocardiography as a predictor of coronary anomalies.

METHODS

All newborns diagnosed with transposition of great arteries in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between 1 August 2020 and 1 February 2022 were included in this study. The ratio of distances (C-ratio) from the anterior commissure to the right-sided commissure of the pulmonary valve and the distance from the anterior commissure to the left sided commissure of the pulmonary valve were calculated. According to the median effective level (EL50), it was classified as minor alignment or malalignment (C-ratio ≤EL50) or major malalignment (C-ratio >EL50). Preoperative classification results were compared with the intraoperative coronary anomalies defined by the surgeon.

RESULTS

A total of 60 cases were included in the study. Echocardiography revealed 16/38 (42%) commissural malalignment in the patient group with the usual coronary artery pattern and 15/22 (68%) in the patients with abnormal coronary artery patterns. The median commissural rotation angle was 28° (IQR 20-42). Although it was associated with the commissural malalignment (cut-off 30°, sensitivity 80% and specificity 85%, p=0.001), the commissural rotation angle was unrelated to the presence of a coronary artery anomaly. The C-ratio was 42% (0.42) according to the median effective level. Abnormal coronary artery pattern was more common in patients with major malalignment (C-ratio >0.42) (sensitivity 82% and specificity 88%, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of coronary artery anomalies in patients with transposition of great arteries increases with major commissural malalignment. A high C-ratio might be a predictor of coronary artery anomaly.

Using machine learning analysis to describe patterns in tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with transposition of the great arteries after arterial switch operation

Background

Advanced echocardiographic techniques such as Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can detect more subtle changes in ventricular performance. We aimed to study the ventricular performance in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) at mid-term follow-up after the arterial switch operation (ASO) with advanced echocardiographic techniques. In addition, we sought to discover new clinical phenotypes using unsupervised machine learning.

Methods

Conventional, TDI and STE echocardiographic parameters were prospectively obtained from 124 TGA patients (66.1 % male, age 10.8 ± 5.1 years, 24.2 % with ventricular septal defect) in this observational study. The data was analyzed with conventional statistics and new machine learning techniques.

Results

TGA patients had reduced biventricular systolic (septal s' Z-score -2.28 ± 1.26; RV s' Z-score -2.16 ± 0.71; mean left ventricular longitudinal strain Z-score of the LV -2.49 ± 1.68) and RV diastolic performance (RV E/e' Z-score 2.35 ± 1.70) mid-term after ASO. Unsupervised clustering within the TGA population revealed 3 clusters. Interestingly, cluster 3 defined a group of patients with older age at ASO, the most reduced ventricular performance as well as the highest rates of reoperations and interventions.

Conclusions

Assessment of ventricular performance with TDI and STE 10 years after ASO showed that TGA patients have decreased biventricular systolic and diastolic function, especially at the septal regions. Novel analytical methods such as unsupervised clustering may help identify new clinical phenotypes from multiple variables and may contribute to improved risk stratification.

Low birth weight associations with cardiac structure and function in adults after arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries

Background and aims

The objective of this study was to assess the associations of birth weight with cardiac structure and function in adults with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) who underwent the arterial switch operation (ASO).

Methods and results

Thirty-nine ASO patients (age 24.4 ± 3.3 years) were included during routine clinical follow-up from July 2019 to December 2021. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at rest and during exercise. Early-life characteristics, including birth weight, were extracted from electronic medical health records. Linear regression analysis showed that lower birth weight was associated with smaller left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index (LV: -14.5 mL/m2 [95 % confidence interval, CI: -26.5 to -2.5] per 1-kg decrease in birth weight, p = 0.04; RV: -11.2 mL/m2 [-20.7 to -1.7] per 1-kg decrease in birth weight, p = 0.03). Lower birth weight was associated with greater LV and RV ejection fraction at rest (LV: +8.5 % [+4.4 to +12.5] per 1-kg decrease in birth weight, p < 0.001); RV: +8.1 % [+2.8 to +13.4] per 1-kg decrease in birth weight, p = 0.005). Furthermore, lower birth weight was associated with an attenuated increase in LV stroke volume index from rest to peak exercise (-5.2 mL/m2 [-9.3 to -1.2] per 1-kg decrease in birth weight, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Birth weight may be a novel risk factor for adverse cardiac remodeling in adult ASO patients. Further research is needed to delineate the mechanisms underlying the associations between birth weight and cardiac remodeling ASO patients as well as the broader adult CHD population.

A rare spatial relation of the great arteries in patients with transposition of the great arteries: Posterior aorta and its effect on outcomes

Background

This study aimed to evaluate patients diagnosed with posterior transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in detail.

Methods

This retrospective study included 192 patients (155 males, 37 females; mean age: 0.4±0.9 month; range, 0.1 to 6 month) with TGA who were followed between August 1, 2016, and August 1, 2022. Patients with ventriculoarterial discordance, normal vessel relationship, and mitral-aortic continuity were considered posterior TGA. Demographic features, clinical findings, echocardiographic data, and surgical results of each patient were recorded.

Results

Posterior TGA was present in 11 (5.7%) of the patients. The median age of patients with posterior TGA at the time of surgery was two months (interquartile range [IQR], 1-3 months), and their median body weight was 6.2 kg (IQR, 5-7.2 kg). The median oxygen saturation of the patients was 85% (IQR, 80-90%). A ventricular septal defect was present in all patients on echocardiography. There was also nonrestrictive atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus in four patients, and one patient had arcus aorta hypoplasia. A coronary anomaly was determined in eight of the patients during surgery. These were 1LRCA2Cx in three cases, 1LRCx in three cases, 1R2LCx in one case, and 1L2RCx in one case. Arterial switch operation and ventricular septal defect closure was performed in 10 patients initially and in one patient after a pulmonary banding operation. The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 190 min (IQR, 170-210 min). The Lecompte maneuver was not performed in any of the patients. The median stay in the intensive care unit and the hospital was 7 days (IQR, 5-10 days) and 16 days (IQR, 14-18 days), respectively. Two patients died in the early postoperative period.

Conclusion

In patients with suspected congenital heart disease, a segmental echocardiographic evaluation should be performed, and it should be kept in mind that the aorta may be located posteriorly as a rare spatial relationship in patients with TGA.

Integrated prenatal and postnatal management for neonates with transposition of the great arteries: thirteen-year experience at a single center

BACKGROUND

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect in neonates but with low prenatal detection rate. This study sought to review the prenatal diagnosis, associated abnormalities, and mid-term postnatal outcomes of fetuses with TGA and investigate the integrated prenatal and postnatal management for TGA neonates.

METHODS

A total of 134 infants prenatally diagnosed with TGA in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, China, from January 2009 to December 2022 were included in the study. The prenatal ultrasound data and neonatal records were reviewed to assess the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with prognosis in such individuals.

RESULTS

The population originated from 40 cities in 10 provinces in China, with integrated antenatal and postnatal management rate reaching 94.0% (126/134) and a high accuracy rate (99.3%) of prenatal primary diagnosis. The median period of follow-up was 1.6 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.1-4.3] years. There were 3 (2.2%) postnatal deaths, 118 (88.1%) patients undergoing arterial switch operation (ASO), 3 (2.2%) undergoing Rastelli operations and 5 (3.7%) doing stage operations. Of 118 patients receiving ASO, the major morbidity occurred in 64 patients (54.2%), and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) in 31 (26.3%). In the multivariate logistic analysis, gestational ages at birth (OR = 0.953, 95% CI 0.910-0.991; p = 0.025) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (OR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.000-1.030; p = 0.038) were identified as independent risk factors associated with major morbidity. In the Cox multivariate analysis, aortic cross-clamping time (HR = 1.030, 95% CI 1.000-1.050; p = 0.017) was identified as independent risk factor associated with RVOTO.

CONCLUSION

Earlier gestational ages at birth and longer CPB time are significantly associated with increased morbidity. Integrated prenatal and postnatal management is recommended for patients with prenatal diagnosis of TGA.

Cerebral autoregulation monitoring using the cerebral oximetry index after neonatal cardiac surgery: A single-center retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether cerebral autoregulation is impaired after neonatal cardiac surgery and whether changes in autoregulation metrics are associated with different congenital heart defects or the incidence of postoperative neurologic events.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of neonates undergoing monitoring during the first 72 hours after cardiac surgery. Archived data were processed to calculate the cerebral oximetry index (COx) and derived metrics. Acute neurologic events were identified by an electronic medical record review. The Skillings-Mack test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the evolution of autoregulation metrics over time; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups.

RESULTS

We included 28 neonates, 7 (25%) with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 21 (75%) with transposition of the great arteries. Overall, the median percentage of time spent with impaired autoregulation, defined as percentage of time with a COx >0.3, was 31.6% (interquartile range, 21.1%-38.3%). No differences in autoregulation metrics between different cardiac defects subgroups were observed. Seven patients (25%) experienced a postoperative acute neurologic event. Compared to the neonates without an acute neurologic event, those with an acute neurologic event had a higher COx (0.16 vs 0.07; P = .035), a higher percentage of time with a COx >0.3 (39.4% vs 29.2%; P = .017), and a higher percentage of time with a mean arterial pressure below the lower limit of autoregulation (13.3% vs 6.9%; P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

COx monitoring after cardiac surgery allowed for the detection of impaired cerebral autoregulation, which was more frequent in neonates with postoperative acute neurologic events.

Association between balloon atrial septostomy and prostaglandin E1 therapy until repair of transposition of the great arteries in neonates

In patients with transposition of the great arteries, the continuation of prostaglandin E1 is more frequent in patients with intact ventricular septum in comparison to patients with ventricular septal defect. Ballon atrial septostomy did not eliminate the need for prostaglandin E1 infusion until the time of surgery in both subgroups of patients.

Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries in the Pediatric Field: A Multimodality Imaging Approach

The complete transposition of the great arteries (C-TGA) is a congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by the reversal of the main arteries. Early detection and precise management are crucial for optimal outcomes. This review emphasizes the integral role of multimodal imaging, including fetal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up of C-TGA. Fetal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in prenatal detection, enabling early intervention strategies. Despite technological advances, the detection rate varies, highlighting the need for improved screening protocols. TTE remains the cornerstone for initial diagnosis, surgical preparation, and postoperative evaluation, providing essential information on cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, and the presence of associated defects. CMR and CCT offer additional value in C-TGA assessment. CMR, free from ionizing radiation, provides detailed anatomical and functional insights from fetal life into adulthood, becoming increasingly important in evaluating complex cardiac structures and post-surgical outcomes. CCT, with its high-resolution imaging, is indispensable in delineating coronary anatomy and vascular structures, particularly when CMR is contraindicated or inconclusive. This review advocates for a comprehensive imaging approach, integrating TTE, CMR, and CCT to enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide therapeutic interventions, and monitor postoperative conditions in C-TGA patients. Such a multimodal strategy is vital for advancing patient care and improving long-term prognoses in this complex congenital heart disease.

Perioperative Factors and Radiographic Severity Scores for Predicting the Duration of Mechanical Ventilation After Arterial Switch Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during the neonatal period can cause perioperative organ injuries. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with postoperative mechanical ventilation duration and acute lung injury after the arterial switch operation (ASO). The secondary aim was to examine the utility of the Brixia score for characterizing postoperative acute lung injury (ALI).

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

A single-center university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 93 neonates with transposition of great arteries with intact ventricular septum (dTGA IVS) underwent ASO.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

From January 2015 to December 2022, 93 neonates with dTGA IVS were included in the study. The cohort had a median age of 4.0 (3.0-5.0) days and a mean weight of 3.3 ± 0.5 kg. About 63% of patients had ≥48 hours of postoperative mechanical ventilation after ASO. Risk factors included prematurity, post-CPB transfusion of salvaged red cells, platelets and cryoprecipitate, and postoperative fluid balance by univariate analysis. The larger transfused platelet volume was associated with the risk of ALI by multivariate analysis. The median baseline Brixia scores were 11.0 (9.0-12.0) and increased significantly in the postoperative day 1 in patients who developed moderate ALI 24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit (15.0 [13.0-16.0] v 12.0 [10.0-14.0], p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial switch operation results in a high incidence of ≥48-hour postoperative mechanical ventilation. Blood component transfusion is a potentially modifiable risk factor. The Brixia scores also may be used to characterize postoperative acute lung injury.

Hemodynamic simulation of complete transposition of the great arteries for optimal treatment strategies based on its circulatory physiology

Our study aimed to elucidate the role of different shunts and provide novel insights into optimal treatment approaches for complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA), which is characterized by unique and complicated circulatory dynamics. We constructed a computational cardiovascular TGA model and manipulated cardiovascular parameters, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) sizes, to quantify their effects on oxygenation and hemodynamics. In addition, ASD flow patterns were investigated as innovative indications for balloon atrial septostomy (BAS). Our model of TGA with an intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS) showed that a large ASD can achieve sufficient mixing for survival without PDA, and the presence of PDA is detrimental to oxygen delivery. A treatment strategy for TGA-IVS that enlarges the ASD as much as possible by BAS and PDA closure would be desirable. In TGA with a ventricular septal defect (TGA-VSD), the VSD allows for higher oxygenation and reduces the detrimental effects of PDA on systemic circulation. In TGA-VSD, both strategies of enlarging the ASD by BAS with a closed PDA and adjusting the PDA in response to pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) reduction without BAS may be effective. The simulated ASD flow patterns showed that the sharp peak left-to-right flow pattern in systole (σ-wave) reflected the hemodynamically significant ASD size, independent of PDA, VSD, and PVR. The ASD flow pattern visualized by Doppler echocardiography provides clinical insights into the significance of an ASD and indications for BAS, which are not readily apparent through morphological assessment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) represents complex and unique circulation that is dependent on blood mixing through multiple interacting shunts. Consequently, the role of each shunt and the treatment strategy remain unclear. We developed a mathematical model of TGA circulation, revealing the significant influence of atrial septal defect (ASD) on oxygenation and hemodynamics. The blood flow pattern through the ASD reflects its hemodynamic impact and helps determine treatment strategies.

Clinical effects of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in term neonates diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

Transposition of the great arteries is a severe CHD that affects term neonates. The presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in neonatal transposition of the great arteries patients is rare. This study investigated the clinical and haemodynamic implications of the presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in neonatal transposition of the great arteries patients who underwent an arterial switch operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis conducted on neonates diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries who underwent arterial switch operation within the period from 1 May 2020 to 1 January 2023 at two high-patient-volume paediatric cardiac surgery centres in Turkey. The patients' demographic characteristics, echocardiographic features, and clinical data were analysed. Additionally, the possible clinical effects of the presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

Two hundred cases of neonatal transposition of the great arteries were included in this study, with 55% of the cases male. All the patients underwent arterial switch operation. The median age at the time of arterial switch operation was 5 days (interquartile range 3-7), with a median weight of 3,100 g (interquartile range 2,900-3,400). The median pre-operative saturation level was 76% (interquartile range 70-82%). Prior to arterial switch operation, 32 patients underwent balloon atrial septostomy.In all the patients, the interatrial septum was checked to determine if the atrial septum was intact. A patent foramen ovale (≤ 3 mm) was found in 112 patients, and a non-restrictive atrial septal defect (> 3 mm) was found in 88. Forty-eight patients had ventricular septal defects, and 72 had coronary anomalies. Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries were found in 4 patients pre-operatively and in 12 patients after arterial switch operation (echocardiography, n = 8; angiography, n = 4). Of the patients with post-operative detection of cumulative number of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries were on post-operative day 1 in 2 patients, on post-operative day 3 in 5 patients, on post-operative day 7 in 6 patients, and on post-operative day 14 in 11 patients.Transcatheter closure was performed in 3 cases due to recurrent extubation failure. Major aortopulmonary collateral artery shrinkage was observed in one case under medical treatment. The length of paediatric cardiac intensive care unit stay (10 days versus 8 days; p < 0.005), mechanical ventilator time (4 days versus 2 days; p = 0.02), and inotrope use time (5 days versus 3 days; p = 0.04) were higher in the major aortopulmonary collateral artery cases than patients without major aortopulmonary collateral artery.

CONCLUSION

Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries are frequent in transposition of the great arteries patients and may have clinical effects. The presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries should be investigated in patients who do not have a favourable post-operative course after arterial switch operation.

Fifth decennium after the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

Background

From 1977 onwards, patients with both simple and complex transposition of the great arteries (TGA) have been treated with the arterial switch operation (ASO) in the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands. In this study, we compared mortality and morbidity between two patient groups: A. operated before and B. after 1991, specifically focusing on late ventricular function and reinterventions.

Methods

A single institution retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who had an ASO for either simple or complex TGA. Data were collected from medical records. The entire patient cohort (n = 283) was divided in a group with more than 30 years of follow-up (A) and a group with less than 30 years of follow-up (B). Clinical and standardized echocardiographic follow-up was evaluated.

Results

Group A consisted of 79 patients, of whom follow-up was available in 59 patients (median follow-up 34.8 years, IQR 33.0-36.9). Group B consisted of 204 patients, of whom 195 long-term survivors (median follow-up 14.9 years, IQR 10.0-21.2). Early survival was best in group B (A: 67.8% vs. B: 96.6%, p < 0.001), whereas late mortality (in total 1.8%) was similar for both groups. Reinterventions, corrected for follow-up time, were more frequent in group A (p = 0.005). In total 65 patients (25.1%) required 105 late reinterventions including 4 late aortic valve replacements. The mode of reinterventions has shifted over time, from surgical to more catheter-based (p = 0.03). The vast majority of patients functioned in NYHA class I. In contrast to the recent cohort, who have a normal average LVEF (%), the average LVEF in the oldest cohort was in the bottom percentile of normal range.

Conclusion

The majority of patients in their fifth decade after ASO are in functional class I. Early outcome improved showing reduced mortality and need for reoperation. However, a trend towards reduced left ventricular function and late aortic valve replacements justify further research.

Impact of Bedside Balloon Atrial Septostomy in Neonates with Transposition of the Great Arteries in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Romania

(1) Background: Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common congenital heart disease, accounting for 5-7% of all cardiac anomalies, with a prevalence of 0.2-0.3 per 1000 live births. (2) Aim: Our main objectives were to evaluate the clinical safety of balloon atrial septostomy in neonates and the possible complications. Furthermore, we tried to establish whether the procedure should be performed in all TGA patients with small atrial septal defects, regardless of oxygen saturation, within a center where corrective surgery cannot be performed on an emergency basis due to the lack of a permanent cardiac surgery team for arterial switch surgery. (2) Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, single tertiary-care center study between January 2008 and April 2022, which included 92 neonates with TGA transferred to our institution for specialized treatment. (3) Results: The median age at the time of the Rashkind procedure was four days. The rate of immediate complications after balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) was high (34.3%), but most were transient (metabolic acidosis and arterial hypotension-21.8%). Twenty patients with TGA managed in our hospital underwent definitive and corrective surgical intervention (arterial switch operation) at a median age of 13 days. Most patients (82.6%) were term neonates, but 16 were born preterm. (4) Conclusions: Urgent balloon atrial septostomy is often the only solution to restore adequate systemic perfusion. Bedside balloon atrial septostomy is a safe, effective, and initial palliative intervention in neonates with TGA, which can be performed in the neonatal unit.

Perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric congenital heart disease: Chinese expert consensus

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the main supportive diseases of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children. The management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for pediatric CHD faces more severe challenges due to the complex anatomical structure of the heart, special pathophysiology, perioperative complications and various concomitant malformations. The survival rate of ECMO for CHD was significantly lower than other classifications of diseases according to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization database. This expert consensus aims to improve the survival rate and reduce the morbidity of this patient population by standardizing the clinical strategy.

METHODS

The editing group of this consensus gathered 11 well-known experts in pediatric cardiac surgery and ECMO field in China to develop clinical recommendations formulated on the basis of existing evidences and expert opinions.

RESULTS

The primary concern of ECMO management in the perioperative period of CHD are patient selection, cannulation strategy, pump flow/ventilator parameters/vasoactive drug dosage setting, anticoagulation management, residual lesion screening, fluid and wound management and weaning or transition strategy. Prevention and treatment of complications of bleeding, thromboembolism and brain injury are emphatically discussed here. Special conditions of ECMO management related to the cardiovascular anatomy, haemodynamics and the surgical procedures of common complex CHD should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus could provide a reference for patient selection, management and risk identification of perioperative ECMO in children with CHD. Video abstract (MP4 104726 kb).

Impaired Speckle-Tracking-Derived Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Is Associated with Transposition of Great Arteries in Neonates: A Single-Center Study

The transposition of great arteries (TGA) is one of the most frequent and severe congenital heart diseases. After newborn stabilization and while pending surgical correction, echocardiographic monitoring with a careful evaluation of left ventricle (LV) performance is warranted. In this study, our objectives were (i) to compare myocardial function, assessed via speckle-tracking echocardiography, between neonates with TGA and neonates without TGA and (ii) to identify a strain parameter with a good discriminatory ability for TGA. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study. A total of 90 neonates were examined, of whom 66 were included (16 comprised the TGA group and 50 comprised the control group). The results of a bivariate analysis showed that classic echocardiography parameters displayed no significant differences between the two studied groups (p = 0.785 for EF, p = 0.286 for MAPSE and p = 0.315 for TAPSE). We found a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the mean values of the LVpGLS parameter (adjusted p = 0.0047), with impaired LV myocardium function being observed in the TGA group after adjusting for other covariates. Regarding segmental strain, the mean medial and apical inter-ventricular septum strain values were found to be significantly lower in the neonates with TGA than in the controls (95% CI for difference in means: [-6.45, -0.65], [-8.56, -1.97]). The results of an ROC analysis showed that LVpGLS had a significant ability to differentiate between neonates with TGA and controls (AUC = 0.712, 95% CI: [0.52, 0.903], p = 0.011). In conclusion, LVpGLS is a parameter with a significant discriminatory ability for LV dysfunction, and it is useful in the evaluation of ventricular myocardial function in newborns with TGA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Right Ventricular Deformation in Patients With Transposition of the Great Arteries

PURPOSE

To detect changes of right ventricular (RV) myocardial deformation in patients with systemic RV (SRV) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA) as compared with individuals without structural heart disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of cine steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance imaging sequences acquired using a 1.5 T scanner in short-axis and long-axis views in 25 patients with SRV (16 with atrial switch repair for D-TGA and 9 with congenitally corrected TGA; age range 19 to 68, 13 males). The control group consisted of 25 individuals without structural heart disease (age range 10 to 73, 14 males). Besides routine RV magnetic resonance imaging volumetry, mean longitudinal RV strain was measured on a 4-chamber view, and mean circumferential RV strain on 3 short-axis images (basal, midventricular, and apical) based on feature tracking. The strain parameters were statistically compared between patients with SRV and the control group.

RESULTS

Patients with SRV, compared with the control group, had significantly higher RV-indexed end-diastolic volume (122±40 vs. 70±9 mL/m 2 , P <0.001), lower RV ejection fraction (45±12% vs. 62±6%, P <0.001), and reduced mean longitudinal RV strain (-13.7±3.6% vs. -21.6±2.7%, P <0.001). There was no relevant difference between mean circumferential SRV strain in the basal and midventricular plane; however, in patients with SRV, mean circumferential strain was reduced at the apical level (-12.0±6.1% vs. -17.9±5.6%, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SRV failure could be explained by reduced longitudinal SRV strain caused by the longitudinal orientation of RV myocardial fibers. In patients with SRV, circumferential RV strain is only reduced in apical segments.

Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance/European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging/American Society of Echocardiography/Society for Pediatric Radiology/North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging Guidelines for the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pediatric congenital and acquired heart disease : Endorsed by The American Heart Association

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been utilized in the management and care of pediatric patients for nearly 40 years. It has evolved to become an invaluable tool in the assessment of the littlest of hearts for diagnosis, pre-interventional management and follow-up care. Although mentioned in a number of consensus and guidelines documents, an up-to-date, large, stand-alone guidance work for the use of CMR in pediatric congenital 36 and acquired 35 heart disease endorsed by numerous Societies involved in the care of these children is lacking. This guidelines document outlines the use of CMR in this patient population for a significant number of heart lesions in this age group and although admittedly, is not an exhaustive treatment, it does deal with an expansive list of many common clinical issues encountered in daily practice.

Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance/European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging/American Society of Echocardiography/Society for Pediatric Radiology/North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging Guidelines for the Use of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Pediatric Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease: Endorsed by The American Heart Association

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has been utilized in the management and care of pediatric patients for nearly 40 years. It has evolved to become an invaluable tool in the assessment of the littlest of hearts for diagnosis, pre-interventional management and follow-up care. Although mentioned in a number of consensus and guidelines documents, an up-to-date, large, stand-alone guidance work for the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pediatric congenital 36 and acquired 35 heart disease endorsed by numerous Societies involved in the care of these children is lacking. This guidelines document outlines the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in this patient population for a significant number of heart lesions in this age group and although admittedly, is not an exhaustive treatment, it does deal with an expansive list of many common clinical issues encountered in daily practice.

Left ventricle function after arterial switch procedure for D-transposition of the great arteries: Long term evaluation by speckle-tracking analysis

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess left ventricle (LV) function in patients underwent arterial switch procedure (ASO) for transposition of great arteries (TGA) in long-term follow-up.

Methods

We studied 59 asymptomatic patients (43 male) who have undergone single-stage ASO for TGA, aged 13.9 ± 4.8 years, with a normal LV ejection fraction, compared to healthy peers. We evaluated LV volume, function and myocardial deformation in asymptomatic patients with normal ejection fraction by using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE).

Results

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was lower in patients compared to healthy peers throughout all age groups (5-9 years: -20.03 ± 0.65% vs 21.00 ± 1.30%, p = 0.083; 10-14 years: -19.43 ± 1.75% vs -21.80 ± 1.30%, p < 0.0001; 15-19 years: -19.05 ± 1.65% vs -22.50 ± 1.30%, p < 0.0001; 20-24 years: -17.90 ± 0.85% vs -20.90 ± 1.30%, p < 0.0001; >25 years: -18.60 ± 0.42% vs 20.60 ± 1.20%, p = 0.041). At the univariate analysis GLS resulted significantly related only to the presence of restrictive patent foramen ovale at birth (p = 0.0016). At the multivariate analysis GLS was significantly related to prenatal diagnosis, restrictive patent foramen ovale and by-pass time.

Conclusion

Children and young adults late after ASO demonstrate normal ejection fraction, but present subclinical signs of myocardial dysfunction, such as reduction of longitudinal strain. Our findings support the usefulness of STE to detect it precociously.

Thrombus formation in the heart following balloon atrial septostomy in transposition of great arteries

Thrombotic complications following balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) are unusual. We report a patient with thrombus formation at the site of BAS, extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC), following BAS for transposition of great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS). An urgent arterial switch operation (ASO) with removal of the thrombus was performed.

Mortality analysis of arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with and without ventricular septal defect

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the 90-day mortality and effect of rescue or urgent coronary revascularization in children undergoing arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with and without ventricular septal defect.

METHODS

The 90-day mortality, risk factors for mortality and outcome of rescue or urgent coronary revascularization were analysed using 8 years of data from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgical Database. We only included patients with full data for all analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1084 patients (median weight: 3.0 kg; interquartile range: 2.8-3.3) underwent arterial switch operation at a median age of 10 days (interquartile range: 7-14). The 90-day mortality (5.2%, n = 56) was ∼1.6-fold higher than 30-day mortality (3.2%, n = 35). The cause was cardiac origin in 84% of non-survivors. Fifty-nine of the 1034 patients (5.7%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), with successful weaning in 44% (n = 26). Univariable or multivariable analyses revealed the following risk factors for mortality: body weight at operation <2.5 kg, aortic cross-clamp time, cardiac events and ECMO (P < 0.005-0.001). Ventricular septal defect was not a risk factor.Thirteen patients (1.2%) had either rescue or urgent coronary revascularization with salvage rates of 25% (2/8) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Only 5 ECMO patients (8%) underwent coronary revascularization with 1 survivor.

CONCLUSIONS

The 90-day mortality represented perioperative outcomes better than 30-day mortality. Patients on ECMO, which extended the survival time, had 56% 90-day mortality. Coronary revascularization showed a salvaging effect, although the case number was small.Subj collection: 116, 137, 141.

The modified Senning operation - surgical aspects

The advent of the arterial switch operation for the treatment of transposition of great arteries (TGA) made the atrial switch operation largely redundant and its use in the developed world is now confined to the atrial component of the double-switch operation for congenitally corrected TGA. In resource-limited countries, however, it remains relevant as a treatment option for patients presenting late with transposition and a regressed left ventricle. The operation is intricate with many potential pitfalls, and this “how I do it” article describes the operative steps in detail to enable surgeons to learn this procedure and make it a part of their surgical armamentarium.

Saline contrast echocardiography complements cardiac interventions in neonates with transposition of great arteries and abnormal ductus venosus anatomy

We present a rare case of premature low birthweight neonate with right diaphragmatic hernia and transposition of great vessels requiring balloon atrial septostomy. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia poses a unique challenge to umbilical venous catheterisation. Based on the radiographic position of umbilical vein catheter, umbilical venous cannulation was attempted; however, the catheter could not be navigated to the right atrium. Saline contrast echocardiography was used to delineate the abnormal umbilical and ductus venosus drainage. Eventually, the procedure was successfully completed via the femoral venous approach. We emphasise the importance of defining ductus venosus anatomy and umbilical venous drainage using a simple tool like saline contrast echocardiography before performing catheterisation using the umbilical venous access in such cases.

Ventricular and atrial function and deformation is largely preserved after arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that ventricular and atrial function are different between patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO) and healthy controls.

METHODS

103 consecutive patients with TGA (median age: 16.7 years, 4.3-39.6 years, 71.8% male) were compared with 77 controls (median age: 15.4 years, 6.3-43.2 years, 66.2% male). Biventricular and biatrial function were assessed using standard cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques and feature tracking. Group comparison was performed with conventional non-parametrical statistics and machine learning methods to find the variables most discriminative between patients and controls. These variables were used to build a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the case-control status.

RESULTS

Markers of left and right ventricular function (LV; RV) (ejection fraction, MAPSE, TAPSE, LV long-axis strain) as well as LV global longitudinal (-20.7 (-24.1; -17.9) vs -23.7 (-26.1; -21.6), p<0.001), circumferential (-29.4 (-32.2; -26.5) vs -30.5 (-33.6; 29), p=0.001) and atrial longitudinal strain (left atrium (LA): 23.3 (18.6; 28.8) vs 36.7 (30.7; 44), p<0001; right atrium: 21.7 (18.2; 27.8) vs 34.9 (26.9; 40.3), p<0.001) were reduced in patients compared with controls using non-parametrical testing. The logistic regression model including the most discriminative variables from univariate and machine learning analysis demonstrated significant differences between patients and controls only for TAPSE and LA global longitudinal strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Biventricular and biatrial function are largely preserved after ASO for TGA. Using a comprehensive CMR protocol along with statistical machine learning methods and a regression approach, only RV longitudinal function and LA function are significantly impaired.

Two-stage Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Vessels in Older Children

BACKGROUND

This study investigated a two-stage arterial switch operation (ASO) to treat transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS) in late referral patients.

METHODS

From February 2007 to August 2018, we retrospectively analyzed patients with TGA-IVS or TGA with restricted ventricular septal defects who had undergone two-stage ASO at our institution. Forty-one patients were included: 21 (51.2%) who had undergone long-term two-stage ASO and 20 (48.8%) who had undergone rapid two-stage ASO.

RESULTS

The long-term two-stage group was older at ASO (3.5 versus 25 months; p < 0.001). The intensive care unit time, mechanical ventilation time, and length of stay were more satisfactory in the long-term group than in the rapid group (P=0.004, P=0.004, and P=0.007, respectively). No in-hospital mortality occurred in the long-term group, and the postoperative course was more manageable in the long-term group than in the rapid group. However, the risk of significant neoaortic regurgitation was lower in the rapid group, which also had a better left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

The long-term group achieved better early-term outcomes than the rapid group. However, a high risk of neoaortic regurgitation and myocardial dysfunction was also noted.

Risk factors for transposition of the great arteries in Saudi population

Objectives:

To assess potential risk factors and their effect on the development of transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Methods:

A retrospective case-control study of all patients diagnosed with TGA between 1999 to 2016 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Age and gender-matched controls were selected. Risk factors, including consanguinity, gestational diabetes, family history of congenital heart disease, parental age, and maternal parity, were collected. Regression modeling was used to analyze the effects of risk factors on the development of TGA.

Results:

A total of 206 patients with transposition of the great arteries were enrolled in the study. Transposition of the great arteries cases were divided into simple and complex TGA. Selected healthy controls were 446. In the studied cases, consanguinity was found in 95 (46%) of cases, gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 36 (17.5%) mothers, and 35 (17%) had a confirmed family history of congenital heart disease. When risk factors of the cases were compared to the controls, consanguinity, gestational diabetes, maternal age, and parity were found to significantly increase the incidence of TGA.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed significant risk factors for the development of transposition of great arteries including first degree consanguineous marriages, gestational diabetes, family history of congenital cardiac anomalies, and increasing maternal age and parity. These factors increased the risk by at least 2 folds.

Reference Values for Ventricular Volumes and Pulmonary Artery Dimensions in Pediatric Patients with Transposition of the Great Arteries After Arterial Switch Operation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary artery (PA) anatomy in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO) with Lecompte manoeuvre is different compared to healthy subjects, and stenoses of the PA are common. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent imaging modality to assess PA anatomy in TGA patients. However, disease-specific reference values for PA size are scarce.

PURPOSE

To establish disease-specific reference ranges for PA dimensions and for biventricular volumes and mass.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

SUBJECTS

A total of 69 pediatric patients with TGA after ASO (median age 12.6 years; range 5-17.8 years; 13 females and 56 males).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T, steady-state free precession (SSFP) and gradient echo cine sequences and four-dimensional time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography with keyhole.

ASSESSMENT

Right and left PA (RPA, LPA) were each measured at three locations during its course around the aorta. Ventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction were measured from a stack of short axis cine images.

STATISTICAL TESTS

The lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method of Cole and Green, univariate and multivariate linear models, and t-test.

RESULTS

Centile graphs and tables for PA dimensions, biventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction were created. Univariate linear analysis showed significant associations (P < 0.05) between body surface area (BSA), height, and weight with systolic MPA and RPA diameter. In multivariate linear analysis, only BSA remained a strong predictor for main PA and RPA diameters. For biventricular volumes, the univariate linear model revealed a strong influence of BSA, height, weight, and age (all P < 0.05). On multivariate linear analysis, only body height remained associated.

DATA CONCLUSION

Uni- and multivariate linear analyses showed a strong association between BSA and PA diameters, as well as between height and biventricular volumes, and therefore, centile tables and graphs are presented accordingly. Our data may improve MR image interpretation and may serve as a reference in future studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Y-shaped Bifurcated Graft to Pulmonary Arteries After Arterial Switch Operation

Pulmonary artery stenosis is a frequent complication after arterial switch operation. This case study presented a complex pulmonary artery stenosis initially treated with bilateral pulmonary artery stenting. The patient was found to have aortic valve endocarditis and recurrent pulmonary artery stenosis. The aortic valve was replaced and the pulmonary valve was repaired, followed by interposition of a Y-shaped graft from the sinotubular junction to both pulmonary arteries. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home asymptomatic after endocarditis antibacterial treatment.

Pulmonary venous baffle obstruction following senning procedure - Role of transesophageal echocardiography

We present a case of D-transposition of great arteries with atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus electively posted for Senning's operation at 10 months of age. The patient developed signs of lung congestion immediately after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass. A stenosis in the pulmonary venous baffle was detected in transesophageal echocardiography showing a peak gradient of 10 mmHg and a mean gradient of 5 mmHg. Hence, revision of baffle was planned. The stenotic area was excised and augmented with homologous pericardium. Post-correction, lung compliance improved and the peak and mean gradient decreased to 3 and 1 mm Hg, respectively. The patient was extubated in the intensive care unit after 36 h and shifted to ward after 5 days with stable hemodynamics.

Transposition of the great arteries with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a 1½year-old child: Pulmonary arterial hypertension - An advantage

Transposition of the great arteries with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare anomaly with varied management approach depending on the time of presentation; the management of cases which present early is usually by anatomical surgical approach while late presentation is by physiologic approach. This is due to early left ventricular mass regression as a result of the absence of volume and pressure load to the left ventricle (LV). We report a late presentation (at 1½ years of age) that had a successful anatomic surgical correction because the LV was "prepared" by both pressure and volume load from pulmonary arterial hypertension and large ostium secundum atrial septal defect.

Effects of modified ultrafiltration and conventional ultrafiltration combination on perioperative clinical outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was performed to review the effects of the addition of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) and conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) to CUF alone on postoperative hemoglobin, surgical and ultrafiltration data, and postoperative clinical outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled clinical trials that compared MUF and CUF combination with CUF alone in pediatric cardiac surgery undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science without any language or date limitation in February 2020. For each included trial, the primary outcomes including post-CPB and postoperative hematocrit, surgical and ultrafiltration data, postoperative clinical outcomes including volume of chest tube drainage within 48 hours after surgery and perioperative blood requirement, ventilation support duration, and length of stay day in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital were collected and analyzed. The analysis was conducted using STATA version 12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 8 trials encompassing 405 patients were included in this analysis. Analysis indicated that MUF + CUF increased the post-CPB hematocrit (Standard mean difference, SMD = 1.85, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.91-2.79). Meanwhile, ultrafiltration volume was higher in CUF+MUF infants than CUF-alone infants (SMD = 1.46, 95% CI 0.51-2.41, P = .003). The clinical outcomes, including postoperative hemodynamic changes, prime volume, blood requirement, chest tube drainage volume, mechanical ventilation duration, and ICU duration, were unclear because of the unstable sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Beneficial effects of using MUF and CUF for pediatric cardiac surgery, including increase post-CPB hematocrit and ultrafiltration volume when compared with CUF alone. Meanwhile, MUF and CUF did not significantly influence the postoperative hospital stay duration, CPB, and aortic occlusion duration.

Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Neonates: A Review Article

Critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are serious malformations that remain to be an important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The clinical presentations of CCHD are shock, cyanosis, or respiratory distress, which may be similar to that of other neonatal conditions. Failure to diagnose these conditions early on after birth may result in acute cardiovascular collapse and death. Screening with routine pulse oximetry is efficient in distinguishing newborns with CCHD and other hypoxemic illnesses, which may otherwise be potentially life-threatening. If the cardiovascular system cannot be observed by echocardiography, then treatment with continuous prostaglandin-E1(PGE1) infusion should be started in any newborn whose condition deteriorates in the first few days of life. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the presentation and management of various CCHDs and to emphasize the role of timely diagnosis in the management.

A successful management of late-presenting transposition with intact septum and severe coarctation of the aorta

A 13-week-old baby was referred with dextrocardia, situs inversus, transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum, patent foramen ovale, right aortic arch with severe preductal aortic coarctation and large patent ductus arteriosus. Left ventricular mass index as well as thickness was adequate, 118 g/m² and 5.9 mm, respectively; thus, a primary arterial switch with aortic coarctation repair was performed. The patient made a full recovery without the need for extracorporeal life support. Adequate left ventricular mass index and thickness in late-presenting transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum might justify primary arterial switch.

Transposition of the great vessels and intact ventricular septum: is there an age limit for the arterial switch? Personal experience and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Prognosis of the transposition of the great arteries has completely changed since the introduction of the arterial switch. Time limit to perform this intervention is still controversial. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the early and late outcome of primary arterial switch operation beyond the age of months.

METHODS

We included all patients with the diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum beyond the age of 8 weeks who underwent primary arterial switch operation. The procedures were performed by the same surgeon, in two different institutes. Patients who had transposition of the great arteries and associated anomalies (except atrial septal defect and persistent arterial duct) were excluded. Ventricular shape, geometry, and mass were not considered during the decision on procedure type.

RESULTS

In the study, 11 patients with the diagnosis of simple d-transposition of the great arteries beyond 8 weeks were undergone primary arterial switch operation with a mean age of 90.63 days (60-137 days), and 7 patients had a Rashkind procedure. All patients had squashed left ventricle shape with preserved function. The sternum was left open in 10 patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was necessary in 45.45% of cases. The mean mechanical ventilation time was 7.27 days (1-16 days). No mortality was recorded until now. Post-operatory left ventricular function was preserved in 90.9% of the patients. Only one patient had mild myocardial dysfunction at the time of discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary arterial switch procedure can still be the best surgical option in patients with the diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum beyond 8 weeks of age, providing that mechanical circulatory support and an expert cardiac intensive care unit service are available.

TGA With Interarterial Course and Athletes Heart

We report a case of coronary artery compression and athlete's heart in a patient with a history of transposition of the great arteries. We present the diagnostic dilemmas and demonstrate the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cycle-ergometer stress cardiac magnetic resonance in the management of our patient. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Timing of Interventions in Infants and Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common form of birth anomalies. About one-fifth of these are critical requiring very early intervention, the classical examples being transposition of great arteries or obstructive total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. On the other hand, relatively milder and simpler lesions, such as small ventricular septal defects or mild pulmonary stenosis, may either not need intervention at all or intervened as and when deemed necessary. Apart from the cardiovascular effects, some CHDs can significantly affect the physical growth and neurodevelopment of the child. Each type of CHD has unique hemodynamic effects and the intervention is, by and large, timed based on the severity and natural history of each cardiac lesion. Some lesions have a "limited" time window beyond which they may become unsuitable for any intervention. Hence it is critical to intervene at the appropriate time so as to prevent the untoward effects of CHDs and at the same time to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Newborn girl with coarctation of the aorta and anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery, with retrograde perfusion of left circumflex artery: a case report

Background

Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare coronary abnormality. Although it exists usually as an isolated abnormality, ALCAPA has been described with aortic pathologies like coarctation or aortopulmonary window.

Case summary

An 18-day-old female was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit because of a heart murmur and weak femoral pulses. A transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was performed and confirmed suspected diagnosis of aortic coarctation. In addition, a total retrograde perfusion of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was found, without visible flow through the ostium of the left coronary artery (LCA) into the aorta. A coronary angiography was performed, showing a single right coronary artery with a normal right posterior descending artery (RPD). Supplied by collaterals from the RPD, the LCX was perfused retrogradely, passing by the lateral wall of the ascending aorta without flowing into it, but into the right pulmonary artery. At 23 days of age, surgery was performed with resection of the aortic coarctation and reimplantation of the LCA into the posterior aortic wall.

Discussion

This case demonstrates that coronary artery anomalies like ALCAPA may occur together with other cardiac malformations. Despite concomitant cardiac lesions, careful assessment of the coronary arteries is mandatory, including cardiac catheterization in case of doubt.

Neoaortic Regurgitation in Patients with Transposition Long Term After an Arterial Switch Operation and Its Relation to the Root Diameters and Surgical Technique Used

Neoaortic regurgitation and root dilatation are common findings in patients with transposition after an arterial switch operation. The aim of this study was to describe the relation between neoaortic regurgitation long term after an arterial switch procedure, aortic root diameters, and surgical technique used. We also assessed the agreement of the neoaortic regurgitation grade and root diameters in different imaging modalities. For this retrospective study, we qualified 56 consecutive patients who, according to our institutional protocol, had a routine postoperative evaluation of more than 16 years with multimodality imaging studies. Neoaortic regurgitation was assessed by both transthoracic echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, and the root diameters obtained by echocardiography and tomography were compared to the reference values and associated with the presence of neoaortic insufficiency. Neoaortic insufficiency was present in 75% of examined patients; the vast majority of them had trace or mild regurgitation, and its qualitative evaluation was significantly different between echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. In our study group, the neoaortic valve and aortic sinus were larger in relation to the normal values, and they were significantly correlated with the presence of neoaortic insufficiency, but not with the surgical technique used. Values obtained by echocardiography and tomography correlated well but were significantly different. Transthoracic echocardiography has a tendency to overestimate the severity of regurgitation compared to magnetic resonance imaging. Neoaortic valve and sinus dilatation are significantly correlated with valve insufficiency, but in most cases of root dilatation, the valve remains competent.

Association between preoperative respiratory support and outcomes in paediatric cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Preoperative mechanical ventilation is associated with morbidity and mortality following CHD surgery, but prior studies lack a comprehensive analysis of how preoperative respiratory support mode and timing affects outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on children <18 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery at an academic tertiary care medical centre. Using multivariable regression, we examined the association between modes of preoperative respiratory support (nasal cannula, high-flow nasal cannula/noninvasive ventilation, or invasive mechanical ventilation), escalation of preoperative respiratory support, and invasive mechanical ventilation on the day of surgery for three outcomes: operative mortality, postoperative length of stay, and postoperative complications. We repeated our analysis in a subcohort of neonates.

RESULTS

A total of 701 children underwent 800 surgical procedures, and 40% received preoperative respiratory support. Among neonates, 243 patients underwent 253 surgical procedures, and 79% received preoperative respiratory support. In multivariable analysis, all modes of preoperative respiratory support, escalation in preoperative respiratory support, and invasive mechanical ventilation on the day of surgery were associated with increased odds of prolonged length of stay in children and neonates. Children (odds ratio = 3.69, 95% CI 1.2-11.4) and neonates (odds ratio = 8.97, 95% CI 1.31-61.14) on high-flow nasal cannula/noninvasive ventilation had increased odds of operative mortality compared to those on room air.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative respiratory support is associated with prolonged length of stay and mortality following CHD surgery. Knowing how preoperative respiratory support affects outcomes may help guide surgical timing, inform prognostic conversations, and improve risk stratification models.

Diepoxy- Versus Glutaraldehyde-Treated Xenografts: Outcomes of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Children

BACKGROUND

Xenografts used for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction are typically treated with glutaraldehyde. However, potential benefit of epoxy treatment was demonstrated in experimental studies. We aimed to compare diepoxy-treated bovine pericardial valved conduits (DE-PVCs) and glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardial valved conduits (GA-PVCs) for RVOT reconstruction in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2017, 117 patients underwent RVOT reconstruction with PVC in single center: DE-PVC group, n = 39; and GA-PVC group, n = 78. After performing propensity score analysis (1:1) for the entire sample, 29 patients from the DE-PVC group were matched with 29 patients from the GA-PVC group.

RESULTS

There were no conduit-related deaths. In the DE-PVC group, the freedom from conduit failure was 90.9% at four years and 54.3% at eight years postoperatively. In the GA-PVC group, it was 46.3% and 33.1%, respectively. The difference was significant (P = .037). Conduit failure was typically caused by stenosis in both groups. In the DE-PVC group, the main cause of stenosis was xenograft calcification (27.6%); while in the GA-PVC group, it was mostly due to neointimal proliferation (25.0%) and, less often, calcification (14.3%). Conduit thrombosis was the cause of replacement in 6.9% of patients from the GA-PVC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Diepoxy-treated bovine pericardial valved conduit is a suitable alternative to GA-PVC for RVOT reconstruction in pediatric patients. Diepoxy-treated bovine pericardial valved conduits may be less prone to conduit failure and more resistant to neointimal proliferation and conduit thrombosis than GA-PVCs.

Transposition of the great arteries: Fetal pulmonary valve growth and postoperative neo-aortic root dilatation

Objectives

Documentation of semilunar valve growth in fetal transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and the relationship between neo‐aortic root (NAoR) dilatation, a cause for postoperative reinterventions after the arterial switch operation (ASO), and pulmonary valve (PV) annulus dimensions prenatally.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter observational study included TGA fetuses suitable for ASO. Semilunar valve annuli pre‐ASO and NAoR diameters (post‐ASO) were measured. Trends in annulus diameters were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model and compared with normal values. Prenatal semilunar valve Z‐scores were correlated with NAoR diameters post‐ASO.

Results

We included 137 TGA fetuses (35.8% with significant ventricular septal defects [VSDs]). One hundred twenty‐one underwent ASO. Fetal TGA‐PV diameters were significantly larger than control aortic valve (AoV) and PV annuli from 23 and 27 weeks, respectively, especially when a VSD was present. Fetal TGA‐AoV annuli were significantly larger than control AoV and PV annuli from 26 and 30 weeks, respectively.

Z‐scores of fetal TGA‐PV and NAoR diameter at last follow‐up correlated significantly (P < .001 at 26‐30 wk).

Conclusion

Fetal TGA semilunar valve annuli are larger than control annuli, especially when there is a significant VSD. Factors besides postoperative hemodynamics, including fetal anatomy, PV Z‐score, prenatal flow, connective tissue properties, and genetics, may influence the risk for late reintervention in these fetuses.

The Use of Umbilical Cord Blood for Autologous Transfusion in Neonatal Open Heart Surgery

In the last few decades, the use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) has received increasing attention, not only as a source of stem cells, but also as a transfusion product for the treatment of anemia in the neonatal and even the adult population. This review focuses on data reports and collection efforts related to the autologous transfusion of UCB in full-term neonates with prenatally diagnosed critical congenital heart defects. This review summarizes different aspects of UCB transfusion, including indications and contraindications; the collection procedure; storage timing; and special properties of one of its constituents, fetal hemoglobin, in the setting of hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

Late complication of intramural coronary transfer during the arterial switch operation

Intramural coronary arteries remain a major risk factor and technical challenge of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. We report a 27-year-old woman who presented with acute coronary syndrome late after arterial switch with a complex coronary pattern (intramural left and right coronary from sinus 2). Computed tomography demonstrated that the pericardial 'saddle bag' used to reconstruct the intramural coronary was compressed between the neoaortic root and the neopulmonary trunk. During surgery, the coronary system was laid open into the neoaorta with patch enlargement, and the patient made an uneventful recovery.