Tratamiento no quirúrgico de la coartación y recoartación de aorta

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the results of nonsurgical treatment of aortic coarctation and recoarctation by evaluating the results of each technique, and its complications and outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The results were as follows: 51 children underwent balloon dilatation due to recoarctation (86.5 %); two underwent dilation of a native coarctation (3.3 %) and six underwent stent implantation for recoarctation (10 %). Age ranged from 2 to 236 months (109 +/- 63.45 months) with a follow-up of between 1 and 156 months (38.87 +/-32.96 months).

RESULTS

The mean predilatation gradient in children with recoarctation was 34 +/- 11.62 mmHg, which decreased to 11 +/- 5.38 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). In 12 patients (20.3 %) effective dilatation was not achieved. The size of the stenosis was 6.7 +/- 2.35 mm predilatation, which increased to 9.3 +/- 3.10 mm (p < 0.0001) after dilatation with a percentage increase of 50.97. There were very few complications. Six children required subsequent redilatation. The experience with stent showed a mean gradient of 32.83 +/- 10.62 mm Hg, which decreased to 7.3 +/- 3.8 mm Hg (p < 0.0001) with a balloon/stenosis ratio of 1.94.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the interventionist technique is highly effective in both native coarctation and recoarctation in the short term, as well as subsequently, with very few complications. The stent technique produces equally good results in older children, which is promising for the future.

[Balloon valvoplasty for critical aortic valve stenosis in neonates]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the immediate results obtained with balloon aortic valvuloplasty in neonates and long-term echocardiographic outcome as well as to identify variables predictive for outcome. To identify the degree of agreement between hemodynamic and echocardiographic study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the results obtained in 26 procedures performed in 18 boys and 8 girls (2.25:1), aged 2 to 49 days (16.1 12.9 days). All procedures were performed in the Pediatric Cardiology Unit of Ramón y Cajal Hospital in Madrid between June 1989 and June 2001. Follow-up was from 0 to 144 months (39.5 39.7 months).

RESULTS

The immediate effects observed through echocardiographic study were a significant decrease in the maximum Doppler gradient (from 77.8 to 32.4 mm Hg; p < 0.0001) and in the medium Doppler gradient (from 41.7 to 18.5 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Hemodynamic studies showed a significant decrease in left ventricular systolic pressure (from 119.8 to 82.8 mm Hg; p < 0.0001) and an increase in aortic systolic pressure (from 56.8 to 66.6 mm Hg; p < 0.007). The hemodynamic peak gradient decreased from 63.1 to 17.7 mm Hg; p < 0.0001. In 23 % of the patients, aortic insufficiency significantly increased. Echocardiographic follow-up showed a significant increase in the telediastolic size of the left ventricle and a decrease in the maximum and medium Doppler gradient. The procedure showed initial success in 68.7 % and analysis of survival free of valvular surgery was 65.8 % at 45 months. Proportional risk analysis revealed that the post-valvuloplasty gradient was a predictive factor for future valvular surgery.

[The bidirectional Glenn operation in 100 cases with complex congenital heat diseases: factors influencing surgical results]

OBJECTIVE

The bidirectional Glenn shunt is a well established surgical technique in children with complex congenital heart disease. The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing this operation in order to assess the influence of different variables in the outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

From December 1990 to June 2000, 100 patients received a bidirectional Glenn shunt. Two groups were defined, based on the outcome. Group A (n = 15, unsuccessfully result) including death and need to reoperate, and Group B (n = 85, patients with good outcome).

RESULTS

The mortality was 8%. Eight patients were reoperated at follow-up. The survivors were followed for a mean of 3.5 years. Mean pulmonary artery pressure 7 mmHg was a factor associated with poor clinical progress. Other variables (age less than 1 year, excessive pulmonary blood flow, double Glenn operation, significant anatomic anomalies, and arrythmias), were also associated with outcome. Significant variations were observed in the time of by-pass or the need for aortic clamp in cases with simultaneous operative repair of pulmonary branch stenosis. Actuarial survival rate, most more than 1 year was 92%, and freedom from reoperation at 3 years was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

The bidirectional Glenn shunt is an excellent palliation in patients with functionally single ventricle. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was the most important variable related with the outcome. We are encouraged to continue with tendency to perform bidirectional Glenn shunt preferably early, avoiding, whenever possible, previous palliative surgery.

Contribution of Doppler atrioventricular flow waves to ventricular filling in the human fetus

The normal fetal flow velocity profile across the atrioventricular valves is characterized by an early peak (E), which is related to preload and to active ventricular muscle relaxation, and a higher late peak (A), which is caused by the atrial contraction and also influenced by ventricular compliance. The purpose of this study was to determine how these two elements of ventricular filling change during gestation in both ventricles. A total of 485 normal fetuses from 17 weeks to term were examined by Doppler echocardiography. We measured E and A peak velocities and E/A ratio for both mitral and tricuspid valves. Simple regression analysis was applied to assess possible correlation between Doppler variables and gestational age. Moreover, E and A peak velocities were compared using paired Student's t-test. With the advance of gestation a significant linear increase in the E wave and E/A ratio was found for both mitral and tricuspid valves. The A wave shows little change throughout pregnancy. We found significantly higher Doppler velocities for the tricuspid valve than for the mitral valve. The relationship between the E/A ratios for the two valves and gestational age diverge slightly, with higher values for the mitral E/A ratio. This study shows that the A wave velocity remains constant throughout gestation, suggesting little or no change in ventricular compliance. The E wave is mainly responsible for the change in E/A ratio for both atrioventricular valves during gestation. These findings suggest progressive enhancement of relaxation and elastic recoil, an increase in preload, or both, throughout gestation, rather than a change in myocardial compliance as an explanation for the observed increase in the E/A ratio.

[Aortic-left ventricular tunnel. Long-term surgical results]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to describe the different aspects of diagnosis and postoperative follow-up in four patients after surgery for aortic-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT). The surgical techniques and results have been published, in the literature but there are no reports about the progression of aortic regurgitation.

METHOD

We reviewed the clinical features of four patients operated with ALVT. The clinical information (electrocar-diograms, echocardiograms and catheterilution) was studied in the preoperative period. Surgical technique and postoperative evolution were analysed. The follow-up period ranged between 4.7 and 13 years.

RESULTS

In a 14 years period, four children (2 boys and 2 girls), were operated for ALVT. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 8.5 years (ranged between 1 month and 14 years). A continuous murmurs was present in all cases, associated to cardiac failure in the youngest patient (1 month old). The clinical diagnosis was ALVT in the four cases but only in two the echocardiographic study showed correctly the anatomic aspects of the malformation. The angiohemodynamic study was correct in three patients and the differential diagnosis was made in last one with rupture of aortic sinuses of Valsalva to the left ventricle. All cases were operated; with direct closure of the aortic orifice (two cases), or with dacron patch (two cases). In one case aortic valve replacement was also performed. There was not mortality and the mean age at the time of surgery was 9 years (1.5 months and 14 years). The mean follow-up was 8.5 years (ranged between 4.7 and 13 years), three patients showed clinically and in the echocardiogram study an aortic valvular regurgitation without ALVT deshiscence. All cases are asymptomatic. No patient was reoperated.

CONCLUSION

The surgical treatment of ALVT must be done as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent left ventricular enlargement, ventriculo-aortic floor distortion and aortic valvular lesion. A precise echocardiographic study is necessary to avoid catheterization. This study provided a clear knowledge of anatomic structure of the ALVT for both clinician and surgeons. This information is important in order to obtain an optimal surgical success, particularly to prevent the valvar aortic regurgitation.

[Intravascular hemolysis following percutaneous occlusion of the ductus arteriosus]

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus has become a safe and successful technique, but it's not free of complications. We present the case of a two-year-old boy who underwent routine transcatheter closure of his patent ductus arteriosus, using a "coil" device. Twenty hours later he developed severe persistent hemolysis in association with residual ductal flow. Patient's clinical situation became stable when the device was removed. Pulmonary embolization of the device and hemolysis are the main complications of percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus. Hemolysis occurs rarely (0.5%) and is always associated with the presence of residual ductal flow. Several approaches to this problem have been described. Mild cases may require no intervention; however, when severe hemolysis is present, removal of the device may be needed, proceeding with surgical repair of the patent ductus arteriosus.

[Aortico-left ventricular tunnel associated with pulmonary valve stenosis]

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel is an unusual cardiac anomaly. The main clinical feature is early, severe aortic regurgitation, and surgical management is mandatory. Exceptionally this defect is associated with pulmonary valve stenosis. A case of a newborn with aortico-left ventricular tunnel plus pulmonary valve stenosis is reported. Initially she underwent percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty during diagnostic cardiac catheterization and with surgical closure of the tunnel later.

[Heart growth in the normal human fetus. A two-dimensional echocardiographic study]

INTRODUCTION

Fetal cardiac growth was studied by two-dimensional echocardiography. The size of various cardiac structures were compared with gestational age. Normal values for each measurement were determined, with special attention being paid to the differences between the right and left chambers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety human fetuses with a gestational ages between 17 and 39 weeks were studied. Any structural abnormality was excluded at prenatal and postnatal examination. Aortic, pulmonary artery, tricuspid and mitral valve annulus diameters were measured with classical echocardiographic views. These variables were compared between them and plotted against gestational age. The correlations were determined by Student's T-test and regression analysis using 95% confidence limits.

RESULTS

A good correlation (r > 0,7) between all the measurements and gestational age was obtained. In absolute values, tricuspid and pulmonary artery valve diameters were significantly greater (p < 0,01) than mitral and aortic valve diameters, respectively. Nevertheless, the diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (LV) was slightly greater than the diastolic diameter of the right ventricle (RV). Separating the data of the second trimester from of those of the third, the initial dominance of LV (RV/LV ratio = 0,93) tends to disappear and a slight dominance of RV (RV/LV ratio = 1,03) was observed at term.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes normal values based on two-dimensional echocardiographic cardiac measurements throughout gestational stages. The data obtained will be very useful for the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management of certain cardiopathies like the hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The relative dominance of RV in utero was also demonstrated. The different morphology of both ventricular outflow tracts and their volume changes throughout gestation, secondary to placental resistance variation, could justify the changes in the RV/LV ratio during the intrauterine period.

[Redundancy of the interatrial septum without associated congenital cardiopathy. Its prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis and follow-up]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Aneurysm of the atrial septum at the level of the foramen ovale is reported commonly at the routine fetal echocardiographic examination. Cases with entire involvement of the atrial septum have been exceptionally reported. We described the data concerning the prenatal detection of a total redundancy of the atrial septum in 6 cases without congenital heart disease.

METHODS

The gestational age was between 28 and 38 weeks, and none of the fetuses had evidence of heart defect. A routine fetal echocardiography was made in all the cases. Rhythm disturbances were studied by M mode. During the first three months of life, a cardiologic control was made in all the cases.

RESULTS

The large displacement of the atrial septum towards the left atrium was clearly visualized in four-chambers view; by using Pulsed Doppler and Color flow mapping, the pulmonary venous return and mitral orifice flow were not impaired. Premature atrial beats were found in two fetuses and no hemodynamic disfunction was observed in all entire study group. Postnatal echocardiographic control was normal in all patients. The atrial septum becomes completely rectified with normal patency of the foramen ovale membrane in the newborn studies. The supraventricular extrasystoles were confirmed in the neonatal period. In both, the arrhythmia disappeared in a few days after delivery without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the benign follow-up in our cases, the unexpected presence of an extremely redundant atrial septum, leads to a close prenatal attention particularly in the presence of rhythm disturbance. The pathologic substrate of this anomaly might be an intrinsic alteration of the myocardial structure of the septum like seems demonstrated in the aneurysm circumscribed to area of the fossa ovalis [correction of fosa ovale]. The increase in the left atrial pressure after birth will produce a normal 2-D echo patterns in the newborn period.

[Non-surgical extraction of intravascular foreign bodies in children. Experience with 8 cases]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Foreign body retrieval in the catheter room is a useful procedure at any age, but, although its interest, few reports of such technique have been reported in children.

METHODS

We review and present our experience in 8 children, aged 5 days to 11 years, five of them having congenital hearts defects.

RESULTS

We retrieved 4 catheter fragments, 2 endocardial electrode catheter tips, 1 Rashkind 12 mm. PDA umbrella, and 1 detachable Jackson coil. All of them were placed in systemic veins, right heart chambers or pulmonary arteries. We used biplane fluoroscopy and percutaneous right femoral vein puncture in all cases. Goose-Neck (Microvena Corporation) snares were used in 5 patients, hand made snares in 2 and a Swan-Ganz catheter in one. In 4 cases, the snare was introduced trough a Mullins long sheath and the foreign body pulled into its distal end, in order to bring it out of the femoral vein. Six foreign bodies came off the femoral vein: 4 trough the puncture site and 2 needing a venous cut-down. The two remaining foreign bodies, stopped while pulling at the common iliac vein and a minor surgical procedure was needed for final extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic catheterization is the technique of choice for intravascular foreign body retrieval in children.

[Value of two-dimensional Doppler color echocardiography in mitral-ventricular-aortic obstructive disease in the newborn]

Over the last years, the bidimensional echocardiography has assumed an increasingly impact in the management of heart disease in neonates. With the addition of Doppler technique and color flow mapping this non invasive method provide the most accurate definition of cardiac anatomy and physiology. It is particularly true in newborns with left inflow or outflow obstruction disease such as: pulmonary vein stenosis, divided left atrium, mitral and aortic stenosis or atresia, subvalvular narrowing, and hypoplastic left ventricle and aortic tract. The combination of these two methods contribute to recognize a specific left cardiac abnormalities and allow us to evaluate the therapeutical success in the follow up period.

[Aortic hypoplasia in a case of single ventricle with normally related vessels]

In cases with double inlet left ventricle when there exists a hypoplasia of one of the great arteries, the affected vessel arises from the accessory right ventricular chamber. This is due in general to the presence of a restrictive bulbo-ventricular foramen that results in hypoplasic vessel. The case we present in this paper has unusual anatomic morphology: the hypoplasic vessel (the aorta) arises from the main ventricular chamber. We analyse the electrocardiographic findings useful for the differential diagnosis from cases of isolated aortic coarctation of hypoplasia. We review also the intraventricular anatomic malformations that may cause the presence of a hypoplasic vessel. Even if, our patient died in the neonatal period, the adequate surgical procedure for this case is reviewed.

[Congenital familial cardiopathies. Prenatal diagnosis]

The diagnosis of congenital heart disease by means of echocardiography is already a real fact. The use of this technique for diagnosis in utero currently allows the detection of these malformations during the early stages of pregnancy and to determine the prognosis of the fetal cardiopathies, as well as to establish a medical or surgical treatment of the neonate. The prenatal echocardiographic study of 126 pregnant women, previously having had children with heart disease, has allowed s to prove the greater incidence of cardiopathy in this population (6.4%), compared to the results obtained from a group of pregnant women previously having normal children and without a high risk pregnancy (0.8%). These findings support the theory that genetic factors are the primary cause of congenital cardiac malformations, although the existence of teratogen factors (rubella, diabetes, etc.) in some cases cannot be excluded.

[Unilateral agenesis of the pulmonary artery. Experience with 4 cases]

We present our experience with four cases of unilateral pulmonary agenesis, 3 of the right artery and the other one of the left. Two of the patients had pulmonary hypertension and one of them died at two years of age. All cases were diagnosed by using pulmonary angiography. Aortography demonstrated the absence of circulatory supply to the lung and a contralateral aortic arch to the absent pulmonary artery. We have performed a review of the literature with an emphasis on the diagnostic aspects of this condition, and discuss the considerations for possible surgery in symptomatic patients.

[Intracardiac mycetoma induced by central catheterization]

We report a case of an infective endocarditis presented as a right atrial mass which pathological study showed a big vegetation of candida albicans (mycetoma). We think its presence was related to a great central vein catheterization during the neonatal period. The clinical feature was completed with pulmonary fungal embolism and later tricuspid valve afectation. With this work we wish to remark the necessary careful management of patients with central vein catheters to avoid this severe complication. We review the pharmacological and surgical treatment of this uncommon entity.

[Therapeutic catheterization: the percutaneous closure of a persistent ductus arteriosus and of interatrial communication]

Between february and december 1990, we attempted percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 26 patients and in one ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). One of the PDA was right sided with right aortic arch and two were post surgical leaks. We used the "USCI-Rashkind PDA double disc occluder" and the newly designed "Lock Clamshell" occluder for the ASD. Twenty seven patients (20 females and 7 males), aged 1.3 to 16 years (M = 5.6) and weighing 9.5 to 56 kg (M = 21.3), were studied. Diagnosis was made clinically with the aid of Doppler colour flow echocardiography, with follow-up studies at 24 hours, 6 months and 1 year after the procedure. Diameter of the ductus varied from 1.6 to 8.2 mm (M = 2.6). Successful implant of the device was achieved in 25 cases (95%), of which 18 (72%) were totally occluded at 24 hours and 21 (84%) after 6 months, remaining small residual leaks in four (16%). In only one patient total occlusion was demonstrated 1 year after device implantation. We achieved 22 (88%) total occlusions. One case was not possible to occlude, due to its large size. Angiocardiography demonstrated adequate anatomy in 18, and difficult in 8 patients. Twelve and 17 mm devices were used in 16 and 9 patients, respectively. Successful second implant with subsequent total occlusion was achieved in one patient with a previous moderate residual leak. The ASD was central and single, with a diameter of 20 mm. Immediate total occlusion was achieved. We conclude that percutaneous PDA closure is a safe and effective procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The angiographic diagnosis of the connection of the persistent left vena cava superior to the left atrium by the absence of the roof of the coronary sinus in a child with a Holmes' heart]

We describe a patient with angiographic findings of a left superior persistent vena cava draining in the left atrium with absence of the coronary sinus' roof and coexisting with Holmes' heart. The diagnosis can be made by selective angiography in the left atrium, pulmonary vein or at the left superior vena cava. We want to emphasize the importance of knowing this sort of anomaly before surgical treatment.

[Two-dimensional and color-coded Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis of infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (ITAPVC) to the portal venous system]

We have studied by means of 2D echocardiogram and pulsed, continuous and codified colour Doppler, 3 newborns with a total anomalous infradiaphragmatic pulmonary venous connection to the portal vein. In the right subcostal projection we have observed the abnormal venous conduit crossing the diaphragm going to an enlarged portal system. The codified colour and the pulsed Doppler showed the venous characteristics and the abnormal direction of the flow. With these techniques it was also possible to detect the anatomic and functional intracardiac abnormalities. We consider these techniques a reliable method to make a surgical correction without the practise of any other invasive diagnostic method.

Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) in childhood: a congenital or acquired disease? Follow-up in 65 patients

Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) is a frequent malformation easily diagnosed by echocardiography; surgical resection of the membrane is the most suitable treatment. However, some evolutive aspects of the lesion remain unexplained (the presence of aortic dysfunction, associated malformations, etc.). With a view to analyse these aspects, we have studied 65 patients with DSS and divided them into two groups: Group I, 37 patients without surgery, and Group II, 28 patients treated by resection of the membrane. During follow-up we observed: (a) development of aortic regurgitation in operated and non-operated cases; (b) frequent association of DSS with closed or closing ventricular septal defect; (c) the absence of DSS in neonates and (d) the progressive growth of the membrane. These aspects give this malformation an evolutive character that requires observation and management even after resection of the DSS.

[Aortico-left ventricular tunnel. Presentation of 2 new cases. Usefulness of non-invasive study]

In the last years the anatomic characteristics of the left aorto-ventricular tunnel and the clinical aspects of this uncommon malformation have been well described. Its evolution usually fatal without surgical procedure is in great contrast with the slight symptoms encountered by us in two new cases. This particular finding joined to the specific aspects found in the noninvasive color Doppler study, have lead us to present two new cases of left aorto-ventricular tunnel successfully operated.

[Cerebral arteriovenous fistula as a cause of neonatal cardiac insufficiency. Presentation of 3 cases]

The CAVF with aneurysm of the vein of Galen is an uncommon malformation, leading to the wrong diagnosis of congenital heart disease. We present the clinical and hemodynamic findings in three cases. Cranial echography has been useful as a noninvasive diagnostic tool. Surgical treatment can be difficult and the general outlook is poor.

Tetralogy of Fallot associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage

We present a case of tetralogy of Fallot associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous return, with successful surgical correction. This association presents problems as regards surgical indications and technique.

[Hepatic hemangioendothelioma with interauricular communication]

A case of hepatic hemangioendothelioma in an infant of 2 1/2 months of age is presented. This case showed clinical features of this malformation: cardiac failure, severe hepatomegaly and cutaneous hemangiomata. The cardiac failure was complicated by the presence of an atrial septal defect. This symptomatology persisted after the surgical closure of the cardiac defect. The control of cardiac failure was only possible by using high doses of metil-prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day). The scheme of management in the treatment with steroids was revised, and the good results obtained in this case and in other series recorded. The use of surgical techniques (hepatic artery ligation or lobectomy), and radiotherapy, is relegated to a secondary plane by these findings.

[Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery. Presentation of 5 cases]

Clinical findings are reported in 5 cases of anomalous left coronary artery originating from pulmonary trunk, with reference of ventricular function evaluated through echocardiographic and angio-haemodynamic methods. All patients were catheterized between 7 and 8 months of age. Left atrial and ventricular dilatation, diminished shortening of minor diameter and free wall thickness and septum normal values were obtained by echocardiography. Quantitative angiography of left ventricle demonstrated an elevation of end-diastolic volumes (mean values: 270% of predicted normal). The ejection phase indexes are diminished. The left ventricular mass/end-diastolic volume ratio was low in all cases. Myocardial imaging with thallium-201 demonstrated perfusion defect in lateral area of left ventricle in one patient. The electrocardiographic signs of myocardial necrosis support the diagnosis, and the echocardiographic and isotopic studies may contribute to it. The angio-haemodynamic method corroborate the diagnosis, and the myocardial pump function evaluation may help to decide the most appropriate treatment for this anomaly.

[Diagnostic features of congenital absence of pulmonary valve (author's transl)]

Diagnostic features of the absent pulmonary valve syndrome are reported. Association of this syndrome with ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot and tricuspid atresia is stressed. Severe ventilatory problems are frequent during the neonatal period. A exaggerated right ventricular hypertrophy, in comparison with that expected in the usual case of tetralogy of Fallot, is a useful parison with that expected in the usual case of tetralogy of Fallot, is a useful electrocardiographic sign. Complete diagnosis sometimes requires the technique of occlusion aortography sign. Complete diagnosis sometimes requires the technique of occlusion aortography or contrast injections into pulmonary veins.

[Problems related to tricuspid atresia during the first year of life (author's transl)]

Sixty six per cent of cases need surgical treatment during the first months of life. The high mortality rate (23 to 40%) in those children which need pulmonary banding or sistemic pulmonary shunts authors believe is due to: 1) The existence of coartation of the aorta in 83% of the cases with trasposition of the great arteries and high pulmonary blood flow. 2) The small diameter of pulmonary arteries in cases with low pulmonary blood flow (smaller than those presenting Fallot's Tetralogy). 3) The association, in 25% of the cases with normally related great arteries, with a subaortic myocardiopathy. These findings require before use of surgical methods: a) Practice of aortography in cases with transposition of great arteries. b) Proper evaluation of pulmonary artery branches diameter performing, if needed, a contrast injection in pulmonary vein. c) Angiographic and echocardiographic studies of left ventricle to rule out association with a hypertrophic myocardiopathy.

Nomenclature and classification of congenital heart disease

At present there is no universally accepted nomenclature for congenital cardiac malformations. Much of the controversy results from failure to distinguish the structural connections of the heart from the morphology and spatial relations of its components. The confusion is compounded by an abundance of individual definitions, many of them speculative. The present article proposes a totally descriptive nomenclature. It describes in turn the connections of the cardiac segments, their morphology, their relations, and additional anomalies in any segment. Each step in the segmental approach is discrete. The overall effect is to force a succinct and comprehensive description of any cardiac malformation, no matter how complex.

[Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage below the diaphragm. Report of three cases and semiologic considerations (author's transl)]

Clinical, hemodynamic and pathologic findings of three patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the portal vein system are presented. Some of the findings are emphasized because of its rarity in previous reports. These are: 1) Cyanosis was mild. 2) There was some obstruction of the foramen ovale, besides the obstruction at the portal system level. In two patients gastrointestinal bleeding and analitical evidence of renal failure, were found, both findings not previously reported to our knowledge.

Aortic levopositions without ventricular inversion

A multi-center series of aortic levoposition (aorta anterior and to the left of the pulmonary artery) without ventricular inversion is presented and analyzed from an anatomical viewpoint. All the cases are exceptions to the 'loop rule' and amount to 0.9% of the total number or cases reviewed. A combined study of our own cases and those reported in the literature is presented. There is a high incidence of anomalies (malrotations, juxtaposition of the atrial appendages, atrioventricular valve anomalies, ventricular septal defects, pulmonary outflow tract obstructions and abnormal conal types) which may be related to the primary cause of the aortic levoposition, suggesting that they may form part of a new syndrome of diagnostic and surgical importance. In some cases, absence of coronary sinus was noted without asplenia or left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium. The major coronary artery pattern in cases of antomically corrected malposition with two well-developed ventricles was similar to that seen with ventricular inversion. Most of these cases can be helped surgically provided accurate and detailed preoperative evaluation and operative assessment and treatment is carried out.

[Atrial septal defect symptomatic in infancy. Report of 11 cases (author's transl)]

Eleven cases of atrial septal defect, ostium secundum, with important symptomatology, under the age of one year are reported. The clinical picture does not differ essentially from what is found in older patients. Extracardiac associated anomalies are frequent. Pulmonary to systemic flow ratio varied between 1.3 and 3.5. The E.C.G. showed typical findings is most of the cases, but unexpected left ventricular enlargement was found in one case, and in another one with a Noonan syndrome, a left anterior hemiblock was present. Surgery was performed in six patients, between one and six years. In all, direct vision of the defect showed the large size of it. Pulmonary vascular resistances were normal. It is postulated that early vasodilatation of the pulmonary vascular bed could be the origin of the early onset of a left to right shunt in this patients without an increase in pulmonary vascular resistances.

[Ventricular septal defect in the first year of life (author's transl)]

Thirty cases of CIV in the first year of life are presented. Association with prematurity and other malformations anticipate cardiac failure. Left ventricular hypertrophy is more frequent in conal defects. Repolarization disturbances were found in 73% of the cases in left precordial derivation with significative relief after surgical repair (banding). Conduction disturbances after surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was found in 15% of the cases. Surgical treatment during the first year was needed in 86% of patients. Only one case had good evolution without surgery. After four months of life total correction of septal defect as prefered. In patients with previous pulmonary artery banding, correction must be made one or two years later.

[Endocardial fibroelastosis. Pathologic and clinical findings in 20 cases (author's transl)]

Pathologic and clinical findings in 20 infants with Endocardial Fibroelastosis are reported. Ten cases were considered as secondary Fibroelastosis due to left heart structural anomalies. Purpose was to find some clinical criteria to establish differential diagnosis between primary and secondary forms. QRS voltages in electrocardiogram were higher in primary forms and QRS axis in the frontal plane had more rightward deviation in secondary ones.

[Fallot's tetralogy with severe symptomatology during the first year of life (author's transl)]

Seventeen cases of Fallot's Tetralogy with severe symptomatology during the first year of life are reviewed. In all of them, a cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography were performed. In 2 cases the pulmonary outflow tract was atretic. In general, the clinical, radiologic, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic findings were similar to those previously reported, although in 3 patients of the present series atypical electrocardiographic findings were found. Pronounced narrowing and horizontal orientation of the infundibular chamber, and accentuated hypoplasia of the pulmonary artery branches and of the left heart cavities and were all unfavourable findings for total correction frequently found in the present material. Minimal or non-existent aortic dextroposition was observed in association with cases of Fallot's Tetralogy with extreme severity. Surgery was indicated as an emergency measure in the majority of the cases. Palliatives procedures were performed in 10 patients, and corrective surgery in one. Surgical results agree with the extreme severity that this lesion has, when it gives rise to important symptomatology so early in the life.

[Pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular septum. Study of 28 cases]

The present report is based on the study of 28 cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, all of them necropsically and/or angiographically verified. A microscopic study of the wall of both ventricles was performed in the 20 necropsy cases. The size of the right ventricular cavity, a fact of great surgical significance, did not correlate with the electrocardiogram and varied from diminute to very large. In two cases necropsically proved there was as associated atresia of the infundibular, in one of them existing additionally an Ebstein malformation of the tricuspid valve, which could be angiocardiographically diagnosed. The surgical mortality, in our hands, is 64.3%. All survivors have a small right ventricle.

[Single ventricle and related anomalies. Anatomic findings in 30 cases. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications (author's transl)]

Anatomic characteristics are studied in 30 cases of single ventricle and related anomalies. Cases are distributed into 6 groups according to: a) the derangement in the expansión of the atrioventricular canal towards the "bulbus cordis", which may be either defective (groups I, II and III) or excessive (groups IV and V), and b) the hypoplastic nature of the ventricular septum (group VI). The most important conclusions are: 1) An L-bulboventricular loop was found in 43.47% of the entire material; all of them pertained to groups I, II and III. 2) A normal position of the great arteries was uncommon, being encountered in 13.4% of the cases. An aorta situated anteriorly and to the left was present in 30.43% of the cases included in groups IV and V. 3) Obstructive anomalies of either outflow tract were discovered in 66.6% of the entire material, regardless of the type of bulboventricular loop. 4) The left atrioventricular orifice was found to be abnormally small in 56.66% of the total case material and in 88.23% of the cases pertaining to groups I, II and III. 5) A mitral atresia was encountered in two cases pertaining to groups I and II. The criteria which have been used to admit cases with this association of anomalies have been established in previous publications by one of the authors of the present study. 6) The changes in the spacial orientation of the leaflets of the right atrioventricular orifice in cases with an L-bulboventricular loop are attributed to the rotation of the heart around its longitudinal axis which takes place in cases with levocardia and mesocardia. 7) A preoperative study as accurate as possible is necessary in order to establish a rational approach to the surgical management of these patients.