Complex aortic coarctation and PHACE syndrome.

In PHACE syndrome, the acronym PHACE stands for the association of posterior fossa malformations, cervicofacial hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctation and eye anomalies. We report our findings in four patients with this syndrome, in whom it was characterized by complex aortic coarctation that required not only preoperative echocardiographic investigation, but also the use of techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Surgical treatment was also complex. Prognosis in this condition depends primarily on cardiovascular and cerebral artery complications associated with the syndrome.

Percutaneous treatment of atrial septal defects, muscular ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus in infants under one year of age.

Amplatzer devices are used for the percutaneous closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defects, muscular ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. However, very little experience has been gained in using these devices in infants under 1 year of age. Between January 2001 and January 2008, 22 symptomatic infants aged under 1 year underwent percutaneous treatment: three had an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, 15 had patent ductus arteriosus, and four had a muscular ventricular septal defect. All the procedures were completed successfully. No immediate or medium-term complications were observed. Closure of these types of defect using an Amplatzer device in infants under 1 year of age, who would otherwise require surgery, is a safe and effective procedure.