Cardiac tomography-echocardiography imaging fusion: a new approach to congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis, management, and surgical decision-making in children and adults with congenital heart disease are largely based on echocardiography findings. A recent development in cardiac imaging is fusion of different imaging modalities. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) fusion in children and adults with congenital heart disease. METHODS: We prospectively included 14 patients, 13 of whom had congenital heart disease, and who underwent both CT and 3D TTE as part of their usual follow-up. We described the steps required to complete the fusion process (alignment, landmarks, and superimposition), navigation, and image evaluation. RESULTS: Median age was 9.5 [2.7-15.7] years, 57% were male, and median body surface area was 0.9 m2 [0.6-1.7]. Congenital heart disease was classified as simple (n=4, 29%), moderate (n=4, 29%), or complex (n=6, 42%). 3D TTE-CT fusion was successful in all patients. Median total time to complete the fusion process was 735 [628-1163] seconds, with no significant difference according to the degree of complexity of the defects. Landmarks were significantly modified in complex congenital heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: We established the feasibility and accuracy of 3D TTE-CT fusion in a population of children and adults with a variety of congenital heart diseases. The simultaneous visualization of many intracardiac structures may help to understand the anatomical features of congenital heart disease without limitations regarding age, weight, or complexity of the congenital defects.

Electric toy car to reduce anxiety before a cardiac catherisation: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety before an invasive intervention is associated in children with persistent psychological disorders. We studied the effect of the transfer to the catheterisation room by an electric toy car on the anxiety of children and their parents before a cardiac catheterisation. METHODS: Forty-eight children with a median age of 5.6 years [4.2-7.0] were randomised to either riding on an electric car to go to the catheterisation laboratory or being transported lying supine on a gurney. Anxiety assessments were performed by a physician blinded to group allocation on the day before the procedure (T0) and at anaesthesia induction (T1). The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale Short Form (mYPAS-SF) and visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) were used in the children and the VAS-A in the parents. RESULTS: The mYPAS-SF, VAS-A-child, and the VAS-A-parent scores were significantly higher at T1 than at T0 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). The primary outcome (the median mYPAS-SF score at T1) was not significantly different in the two groups when males and females were combined. At T1, the VAS-A-child score, however, was significantly lower in the intervention than the control group (22 versus 55, p < 0.001). In the boys, the median mYPAS-SF score at T1 was significantly lower in the intervention group (25.0 versus 51.0, p = 0.024). No difference was observed in girls. The VAS-A parent score was lower at T1 in the intervention group (60 versus 87, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Riding to the catheterisation laboratory on an electric toy car decreased anxiety in boys and decreased parental anxiety.

Multiparametric evaluation of right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Outcome in patients with congenital heart diseases and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely related to right ventricular (RV) function. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters, such as strain imaging or RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) have emerged to quantify RV function. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients aged 48±12 years with pretricuspid shunt and PAH and investigated the accuracy of multiple echocardiographic parameters of RV function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, RV systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio, right atrial area, RV fractional area change, RV global longitudinal strain and RVESRI) to RV ejection fraction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: RV ejection fraction <45% was observed in 13 patients (43.3%). RV global longitudinal strain (ρ [Spearman's correlation coefficient]=-0.75; P=.001; R2=0.58; P=.001), right atrium area (ρ=-0.74; P <.0001; R2=0.56; P <.0001), RVESRI (ρ=-0.64; P <.0001; R2=0.47; P <.0001), systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (ρ=-0.62; P=.0004; R2=0.47; P <.0001) and RV fractional area change (ρ=0.48; P=.01; R2=0.37; P <.0001) were correlated with RV ejection fraction. RV global longitudinal strain, RVESRI and right atrium area predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with the greatest area under curve (0.88; 95%CI, 0.71-1.00; 0.88; 95%CI, 0.76-1.00, and 0.89; 95%CI, 0.77-1.00, respectively). RV global longitudinal strain >-16%, RVESRI ≥ 1.7 and right atrial area ≥ 22 cm2 predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7%; 76.9% and 88.3%; 92.3% and 82.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RVESRI, right atrial area and RV global longitudinal strain are strong markers of RV dysfunction in patients with pretricuspid shunt and PAH.

Familial Recurrence Patterns in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: An International Study.

BACKGROUND: Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare disease of unknown cause. We aimed to better understand familial recurrence patterns. METHODS: An international, multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted in 29 tertiary hospitals in 6 countries between 1990 and 2018, entailing investigation of 1043 unrelated ccTGA probands. RESULTS: Laterality defects and atrioventricular block at diagnosis were observed in 29.9% and 9.3%, respectively. ccTGA was associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia in 11 patients. Parental consanguinity was noted in 3.4% cases. A congenital heart defect was diagnosed in 81 relatives from 69 families, 58% of them being first-degree relatives, including 28 siblings. The most prevalent defects in relatives were dextro-transposition of the great arteries (28.4%), laterality defects (13.6%), and ccTGA (11.1%); 36 new familial clusters were described, including 8 pedigrees with concordant familial aggregation of ccTGA, 19 pedigrees with familial co-segregation of ccTGA and dextro-transposition of the great arteries, and 9 familial co-segregation of ccTGA and laterality defects. In one family co-segregation of ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries and heterotaxy syndrome in 3 distinct relatives was found. In another family, twins both displayed ccTGA and primary ciliary dyskinesia. CONCLUSIONS: ccTGA is not always a sporadic congenital heart defect. Familial clusters as well as evidence of an association between ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries, laterality defects and in some cases primary ciliary dyskinesia, strongly suggest a common pathogenetic pathway involving laterality genes in the pathophysiology of ccTGA.

Diagnostic Value of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography in Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Infective Endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performances of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with pulmonary prosthetic valve or conduit endocarditis (PPVE) suspicion. BACKGROUND: PPVE is a major issue in the growing CHD population. Diagnosis is challenging, and usual imaging tools are not always efficient or validated in this specific population. Particularly, the diagnostic yield of 18F-FDG PET/CT remains poorly studied in PPVE. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 8 French tertiary centers. Children and adult CHD patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT in the setting of PPVE suspicion between January 2010 and May 2020 were included. The cases were initially classified as definite, possible, or rejected PPVE regarding the modified Duke criteria and finally by the Endocarditis Team consensus. The result of 18F-FDG PET/CT had been compared with final diagnosis consensus used as gold-standard in our study. RESULTS: A total of 66 cases of PPVE suspicion involving 59 patients (median age 23 years, 73% men) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in PPVE suspicion were respectively: 79.1% (95% CI: 68.4%-91.4%), 72.7% (95% CI: 60.4%-85.0%), 91.9% (95% CI: 79.6%-100.0%), and 47.1% (95% CI: 34.8%-59.4%). 18F-FDG PET/CT findings would help to correctly reclassify 57% (4 of 7) of possible PPVE to definite PPVE. CONCLUSIONS: Using 18F-FDG PET/CT improves the diagnostic accuracy of the Duke criteria in CHD patients with suspected PPVE. Its high positive predictive value could be helpful in routine to shorten diagnosis and treatment delays and improve clinical outcomes.

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries: is the unroofing procedure always appropriate?

OBJECTIVES: Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery (AAOCA) with an interarterial ± an intramural course is a rare anomaly that carries a high risk of ischaemic events and even sudden death. The unroofing of the intramural course has been adopted as the gold standard surgical treatment. However, some anatomical forms need alternative techniques. METHODS: We reviewed the surgical cohort with AAOCA managed at our institution between 2005 and 2019 and analysed the anatomical and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients underwent surgical interventions. The median age was 14 years (10-26 years). Twenty-eight patients (72%) had right AAOCA, and 11 (28%) had left AAOCA. Thirty-one (80%) patients presented with symptoms. The symptoms were chest pain in 22 patients (56%), syncope in 5 patients (13%), cardiac arrest during exercise in 2 patients (5%), dyspnoea in 6 patients (15%) and dizziness in 13 patients (33%). An ischaemic test was performed in 32 patients: Only 4 patients (10%) had positive results from the ischaemic test. All patients had computed tomography angiography scans to confirm the precise anatomical features of the anomaly. Repair techniques included 30 unroofing procedures (77%) with an associated translocation of the pulmonary artery for 11 patients in our early experience. In 6 patients the unroofing procedure was not feasible because of the absence of an intramural distinct segment or was judged intraoperatively not appropriate. A reimplantation of the anomalous coronary artery was performed in 2 patients (5%); 3 patients had coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (7%); and 3 (8%) had an isolated translocation of the pulmonary artery. There were no early or late deaths. All patients were free of symptoms. Computed tomography angiography scans performed in 31 cases showed a patent, non-restrictive coronary artery ostium. Seventeen patients underwent postoperative ischaemia testing and showed no evidence of ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction in AAOCA is mandatory both for symptomatic and for asymptomatic patients with evidence of myocardial ischaemia under stress or with a restricted coronary artery segment. Surgical unroofing remains the gold standard but is not appropriate for all forms: alternative techniques should be considered. Surgical results are promising.

4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance in children and adults with congenital heart disease: Clinical experience in a high volume center.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with velocity encoding along all three directions of flow, known as 4DFlow CMR, provides both anatomical and functional information. Few data are available on the usefulness of 4DFlow CMR in everyday practice. Here, our objective was to investigate the usefulness of 4DFlow CMR for assessing congenital heart disease (CHD) in everyday practice. METHODS: From 2017 to 2019, consecutive patients who underwent 4DFlow CMR were included prospectively at a single high-volume centre. The parameters recommended by an expert's consensus statement for each diagnosis (congenital valvulopathy, septal defect, complex CHD, tetralogy of Fallot, aortic abnormalities) were assessed by two blinded experienced readers. 4DFlow CMRs that provided all recommended parameters were considered successful. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were investigated. RESULTS: We included 187 adults and 60 children covering broad ranges of weight (4.5-142 kg) and age (0.1-67 years). 4DFlow CMR was always the second-line imaging modality, after inconclusive echocardiography, and was successful in 231/247 (91%) patients, with no significant difference between children and adults (54/60, 90%; and 177/187, 95%; respectively; p = .13). Longer time using 4DFlow CMR at our centre was associated with success; in children, older age was also associated with exam success. There was an about 12-month learning curve in children. The success rate was lowest in neonates. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were substantial. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 4DFlow CMR usually provides a comprehensive assessment of CHD in adults and children. A learning curve exists for children and the investigation remains challenging in neonates.

Three-dimensional printing for surgical planning of a double aortic arch case.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over the past years, three-dimensional (3D) models of patient-specific anatomical conditions are being used to improve the comprehension and surgical management of a variety of diseases. It is an additional diagnostic tool that aids clinical decision-making. Furthermore, this technology is still not routinely used in the medical field since its availability is limited by cost and complex process. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe a patient with a balanced-type double aortic arch encircling trachea and esophagus. Considering the clinical symptoms, surgical decompression of these structures and defined aortic arch reconstruction was indicated. The 3D printed model revealed narrowing of the left aortic arch at the junction of the descending thoracic aorta that did not clearly appear on the conventional images reconstruction. The left aortic arch was divided and the symptoms completely disappeared. No immediate or late complications occurred. CONCLUSION: 3D printed models can be helpful in surgical planning of congenital heart malformations. It should be strongly considered as an additional tool in complex cases.

Immersive simulation training at 6-week intervals for 1 year and multidisciplinary team performance scores: a randomized controlled trial of simulation training for life-threatening pediatric emergencies. / El efecto de las simulaciones inmersivas repetidas cada 6 semanas en la evolución del rendimiento de un equipo multidisciplinar durante un año: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado en situaciones pediátricas de riesgo vital.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate an effect of 1 year of training using immersive simulations repeated every 6 weeks versus every 6 months to improve the performance of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) working with children in lifethreatening situations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trial in 12 MDTs of emergency responders in France. Each MDT consisted of 4 persons: a physician, a resident, a nurse, and the ambulance driver. Six MDTs participated in 9 different high-fidelity simulations of pediatric shock over the course of a year. Six control MDTs were presented with 3 of the experimental group's simulations at 3 time points (starting point, 6 months, and 1 year). Technical performance was assessed with the Team Average Performance Assessment Scale (TAPAS) and an intraosseous (IO) access performance scale. Nontechnical performance assessment instruments were the Clinical Teamwork Scale (CTS) and, for leadership, the Behavioral Assessment Tool (BAT). Progress over time was analyzed by comparing the 2 groups during the 3 simulations they experienced in common. RESULTS: Performance scores rose significantly over the study period in the experimental group (P=.01 for the TAPAS score, P=.008 for IO access, P=.03 for the CTS score, and P=.02 for the BAT score) but did not change in the control group (P=.46 for TAPAS, P=.55 for IO access, P=.62 for CTS, and P=.58 for BAT). All mean (SD) scores were higher in the experimental group than in the control group in the last session: TAPAS, 55.8 ± 6.3 vs 31.2 ± 10.3, P=.01; IO access, 91.7 ± 8.0 vs 62.9 ± 16.2, P=.01; CTS, 63.2 ± 9.3 vs 47.2 ± 13.1, P=.03; and BAT, 72.8 ± 5.1 vs 51.2 ± 14.3, P=.01). The 6-month assessment showed significant between-group differences on 2 technical performance measures (P=.02 for TAPAS and P=.03 for IO access); the experimental group's scores were higher. We also observed close correlations between the performance of the leader and the group on both nontechnical (rho > 0.9) and technical (rho > 0.7) assessments. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training should be repeated more than 3 times per year. Our findings suggest the advisability of repeating simulations of infrequent, high-risk scenarios every 6 weeks to improve all performance scores and guarantee acceptable technical and nontechnical performance throughout the year.

OBJETIVO: Demostrar el efecto de simulaciones inmersivas repetidas cada 6 semanas, en comparación con su repetición cada 6 meses, sobre la evolución del rendimiento de un equipo multidisciplinar en situaciones pediátricas de riesgo vital durante un año. METODO: Ensayo controlado aleatorizado unicéntrico que incluyó 12 equipos multidisciplinares (EMD) del servicio de emergencias médicas (SEM) de Francia compuesto por 4 miembros (médico/residente/enfermera/conductor de ambulancia). En el grupo experimental, 6 EMD se enfrentaron a 9 escenarios diferentes de shock pediátrico en simulaciones de alta fidelidad durante un año. En el grupo de control, 6 EMD tuvieron 3 escenarios comunes a los del grupo experimental (inicial, intermedio ­después de seis meses­ y final ­después de un año­). Se evaluó el rendimiento técnico, mediante la Team Average Performance Assessment Scale (TAPAS) y la escala de rendimiento de acceso intraóseo (IO), y el no técnico, mediante la Clinical Teamwork Scale (CTS) y la Behavioral Assessment Tool (BAT) para los líderes. Se analizó la evolución en el tiempo y se compararon los dos grupos durante los simulacros comunes. RESULTADOS: Las puntuaciones del rendimiento se incrementaron significativamente a lo largo del tiempo en el grupo experimental (p = 0,01 para TAPAS, p = 0,008 para IO, p = 0,03 para CTS y p = 0,02 para BAT) en comparación con el grupo control (p = 0,46 para TAPAS, p = 0,55 para IO, p = 0,62 para CTS y p = 0,58 para BAT). Todas las puntuaciones fueron más altas en el grupo experimental que en el grupo control durante la última sesión (55,8 ± 6,3 vs 31,2 ± 10,3, p = 0,01 para TAPAS; 91,7 ± 8,0 vs 62,9 ± 16,2, p = 0,01 para IO, 63,2 ± 9,3 vs 47,2 ± 13,1, p = 0,03 para CTS; y 72,8 ± 5,1 vs 51,2 ± 14,3, p = 0,01 para BAT). Se observó una diferencia significativa en las dos escalas de puntuación de rendimiento técnico (p = 0,02 para TAPAS y p = 0,03 para IO) a favor del grupo experimental durante la sesión intermedia. También hubo una estrecha relación entre los rendimientos del líder y del equipo, tanto para el rendimiento no técnico (rho > 0,9) como el técnico (rho > 0,7). CONCLUSIONES: La formación basada en la simulación debería repetirse más de tres veces al año. Nuestros resultados favorecen la repetición de una situación poco común de alto riesgo cada seis semanas para mejorar todas las escalas de puntuación de rendimiento y garantizar puntuaciones aceptables de rendimiento técnico y no técnico durante un año.

Focal scar and diffuse myocardial fibrosis are independent imaging markers in repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

AIMS: To identify the correlates of focal scar and diffuse fibrosis in patients with history of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with prior TOF repair underwent electrocardiogram, 24-h Holter, transthoracic echocardiography, exercise testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including cine imaging to assess ventricular volumes and ejection fraction, T1 mapping to assess left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diffuse fibrosis, and free-breathing late gadolinium-enhanced imaging to quantify scar area at high spatial resolution. Structural imaging data were related to clinical characteristics and functional imaging markers. Cine and T1 mapping results were compared with 40 age- and sex-matched controls. One hundred and three patients were enrolled (age 28 ± 15 years, 36% women), including 36 with prior pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Compared with controls, TOF showed lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and higher RV volume, RV wall thickness, and native T1 and extracellular volume values on both ventricles. In TOF, scar area related to LVEF and RVEF, while LV and RV native T1 related to RV dilatation. On multivariable analysis, scar area and LV native T1 were independent correlates of ventricular arrhythmia, while RVEF was not. Patients with history of PVR showed larger scars on RV outflow tract but shorter LV and RV native T1. CONCLUSION: Focal scar and biventricular diffuse fibrosis can be characterized on CMR after TOF repair. Scar size relates to systolic dysfunction, and diffuse fibrosis to RV dilatation. Both independently relate to ventricular arrhythmias. The finding of shorter T1 after PVR suggests that diffuse fibrosis may reverse with therapy.

Outcome of adults with Eisenmenger syndrome treated with drugs specific to pulmonary arterial hypertension: A French multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific drug therapy (PAH-SDT) and mortality in Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is controversial. AIMS: To investigate outcomes in patients with ES, and their relationship with PAH-SDT. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, nationwide, multicentre cohort study. RESULTS: We included 340 patients with ES: genetic syndrome (n=119; 35.3%); pretricuspid defect (n=75; 22.1%). Overall, 276 (81.2%) patients received PAH-SDT: monotherapy (endothelin receptor antagonist [ERA] or phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor [PDE5I]) 46.7%; dual therapy (ERA+PDE5I) 40.9%; triple therapy (ERA+PDE5I+prostanoid) 9.1%. Median PAH-SDT duration was 5.5 years [3.0-9.1 years]. Events (death, lung or heart-lung transplantation) occurred in 95 (27.9%) patients at a median age of 40.5 years [29.4-47.6]. The cumulative occurrence of events was 16.7% [95% confidence interval 12.8-21.6%] and 46.4% [95% confidence interval 38.2-55.4%] at age 40 and 60 years, respectively. With age at evaluation or time since PAH diagnosis as time scales, cumulative occurrence of events was lower in patients taking one or two PAH-SDTs (P=0.0001 and P=0.004, respectively), with the largest differences in the post-tricuspid defect subgroup (P<0.001 and P<0.02, respectively) versus patients without PAH-SDT. By multivariable Cox analysis, with time since PAH diagnosis as time scale, New York Heart Association/World Health Organization functional class III/IV, lower peripheral arterial oxygen saturation and pretricuspid defect were associated with a higher risk of events (P=0.002, P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively), and one or two PAH-SDTs with a lower risk of events (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes are poor in ES, but seem better with PAH-SDT. ES with pretricuspid defects has worse outcomes despite the delayed disease onset.

Infective Endocarditis Risk After Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation With the Melody and Sapien Valves.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) with the Sapien and Melody valves. BACKGROUND: The incidence of IE after PPVI is estimated at 3% per year with the Melody valve. The Sapien valve is a more recently marketed valve used for PPVI. METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients who underwent PPVI at a single center between 2008 and 2016. IE was diagnosed using the modified DUKE criteria. RESULTS: PPVI was performed in 79 patients (Melody valve, 40.5%; Sapien valve, 59.5%). Median age was 24.9 years (range 18.1 to 34.6). IE occurred in 8 patients (10.1%) at a median of 1.8 years (minimum: 1.0; maximum: 5.6) after surgery. Causative organisms were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 1), Streptococcus mitis (n = 1), Aerococcus viridans (n = 1), Corynebacterium striatum (n = 1), and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 1). All 8 cases occurred after Melody PPVI (25.0% vs. 0.0%). The incidence of IE was 5.7% (95% confidence interval: 2.9% to 11.4%) per person-year after Melody PPVI. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence of IE with Melody PPVI was 24.0% (95% confidence interval: 12.2% to 43.9%) after 4 years and 30.1% (95% confidence interval: 15.8% to 52.5%) after 6 years, compared with 0.0% with the Sapien PPVI after 4 years (p < 0.04 by log-rank test). There was a trend toward a higher incidence of IE in the first 20 patients with Melody PPVI (who received prophylactic antibiotics during the procedure only) and in patients who had percutaneous interventions, dental care, or noncardiac surgery after PPVI. CONCLUSIONS: IE after PPVI may be less common with the Sapien compared with the Melody valve.

Unexpected Internalization of a Pulmonary Artery Band in a Porcine Model of Tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience of an unexpected complication of internalization of a pulmonary artery (PA) band in the vascular lumen, which occurred in a chronic porcine model of repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). METHODS: Twelve piglets were divided into 3 groups: (1) TOF model animals (PA band plus pulmonary valvotomy, n = 4), (2) pulmonary insufficiency (PI) animals (pulmonary valvotomy, n = 4), and (3) control animals (n = 4). A nonabsorbable, coated braided polyester tape was used to perform the main pulmonary artery banding. Echocardiography was performed 4 months postoperatively. After each animal was euthanized, PA histological analysis was performed in animals with band internalization. RESULTS: Significant postsurgical pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular enlargement were present in the TOF and PI, compared with control animals, whereas no significant pulmonary stenosis was observed in TOF animals when compared with PI group. Postmortem examination of all TOF animals revealed the constricting band to be intact but partially internalized into the PA lumen, allowing blood flow around the stenosis. Histological sections of the banded PA in the area of internalization showed a significant disorganization of the medial layer, with significant scarring and fibrotic reaction surrounding the outside of the band and the presence of inflammatory cells suggesting a significant inflammatory response during band internalization. CONCLUSIONS: Band internalization may occur after PA banding using a nonabsorbable, coated braided polyester tape in a chronic porcine model of repaired TOF. This unusual complication was likely due to the type of material used for banding.

Crossed views of burden and emotional distress of cancer patients and family caregivers during palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: Studies regarding natural caregivers' burden (CB) in palliative situations, as well as its determinants and consequences, have been numerous during the last 20 years. Yet, studies regarding how terminally ill cancer patients perceive their CB (self-perceived burden, SPB) are less common. This study aims to assess the links between CB and SPB evaluated by means of the very same items. It also aims at identifying the determinants of potential differences between CB and SPB and their consequences on emotional distress among both members of the dyad. METHODS: Sixty cancer patients from a palliative care unit and their principal natural caregiver completed questionnaires concerning the subjective burden of the caregiver, their own personal emotional distress and that of the other member of the dyad. RESULTS: Globally, patients had a good perception of their CB, although a little overestimated, except for their difficulties in managing their time. Caregivers overestimated patients' distress. The minimisation by patients of CB was a source of emotional distress for the latter, and the perception of being a burden to others was a source of depression for patients. These results did not depend on the nature of the relationship between patients and their caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: This data confirmed the need to study the experiences of the patient-caregiver dyad as well as their communication of their respective experiences, with a prospect to offer clinical interventions to optimise the quality of life and health of patients and their close relatives.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Selection of ultimately ill cancer patients able to fulfill a questionnaire: Identification of inherent biases.

AIM: Physical or psychological well-being is an essential component of quality care assessment in palliative unit. This assessment is mainly based on self-assessment (questionnaires or interviews). The aim of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics of patients able to fulfill a questionnaire and those not able to do that. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 166 cancer patients admitted in palliative care unit from December 2006 to February 2008 have been collected. Characteristics of patients able to fulfill a questionnaire (80, 48.2%) have been compared to other patients (86, 51.8%). Moreover, functional independence measure (FIM) had been evaluated by nurses. RESULTS: Median age (60 versus 62) and sex ratio (40/40 versus 42/44) are similar in both groups. Lung primaries are significantly less frequent in patients able to fulfill the questionnaire (4% versus 17%, P=0.005). Patients able to fulfill the questionnaire had had better performance status (Karnofsky Index≤30%: 54% versus 21%, P<0.0001). The total score of FIM (56.0 versus 91.5, P<0.00001) and the median overall survivals (2.3 weeks versus 6.6 weeks, P=0.0001) were significantly lower in the group of patients non able to fulfill the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Patients able to fulfill a questionnaire represent only 48.2% of all consecutive admitted patients. These patients are not representative of all patients since they had better performance status, they are less dependent and they display significant better survival. We have to think about new methods to avoid the biases generated by the use of patient-reported outcomes.

Young couples' experiences of breast cancer during hormone therapy: an interpretative phenomenological dyadic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Young women are confronted with the same consequences of cancer as older women are. In addition, they face problems specifically related to their age, such as their children's education and their family responsibilities, marital relationships, and career issues. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to identify the functioning profiles of young couples confronted with hormone therapy. METHODS: This study was both qualitative and dyadic. Interviews with 11 couples revealed 5 themes. RESULTS: Initially, the partners reported increased intimacy and mutual support; however, during hormone therapy, a divergence developed between the patients and their partners. The partners wished for the couple to resume a normal life. The patients' loved ones, also helpful in the beginning, were tempted to promote this resumption of normalcy, with the risk that the patients' suffering would no longer be acknowledged. The risk of cancer recurrence appeared to immobilize the patients, who were unable to adopt a long-term perspective. Finally, the experience of the disease led the participants to reorganize their priorities and promoted self-centering. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer affects both the patient and her loved ones. Future research should focus on qualitative extensions to other stages of cancer treatment and quantitative studies to measure the phenomena revealed in the current work. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Cancer and its treatment have impacts on the patient and her marriage; therefore, the focus for the clinical care should be on the couple rather than just the patient. Additionally, our findings suggest new areas of psychological dyadic counseling for cancer patients and their partners.

[Quality of life of young women with early breast cancer and their partners: specific needs result in the necessity of development of specific questionnaires for the patient and the partner]. / Qualité de vie des femmes jeunes ayant un cancer du sein localisé et de leur partenaire : nécessité de développement de questionnaires spécifiques pour la patiente et le partenaire.

Purpose. To determine the feelings of young women with early breast cancer concomitantly with their partners at different treatment periods in order to create a specific quality of life (QOL) scale for this population. Materiel and methods. It was a prospective, multicentre, qualitative study, in patients younger than 45 years old at diagnosis and living with a partner for at least six months. Patients and partners were interviewed by a psychologist, from the diagnosis disclosure until follow up, using non-directing individual talks. Results. Sixty-nine couples were interviewed. Analyses of the interviews have highlighted the impact of disease on eight dimensions: psychological, physical, family, social, couple, sexuality, domestic, professional and economic dimensions. These impacts are mostly negative and are present in all periods and even after treatment for follow up. Discussion. A multidimensional profile of this specific population was established. A QOL scale dedicated to this population is being validated.