mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine-Associated Myopericarditis in Adolescents: A Survey Study.

In this survey study of institutions across the US, marked variability in evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of adolescents 12 through 18 years of age with mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated myopericarditis was noted. Only one adolescent with life-threatening complications was reported, with no deaths at any of the participating institutions.

Restoring Fetal Circulation as a Means of Bridging Treatment Prior to Surgical Repair of Anomalous Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

Anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital anomaly. Even more rarely reported is its presence in conjunction with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). We present a case of a full-term infant, initially thought to have PPHN and later found to have anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. We discuss our management concept which included use of PgE1 infusion to restore fetal circulation prior to surgical treatment in this unique clinical scenario.

Initial Experience with Elective Perventricular Melody Valve Placement in Small Patients.

Perventricular Melody valve placement has been described as a bailout approach or alternative RVOT approach in patients >30 kg. We present three patients <20 kg and two patients with limited venous access, where we electively performed the perventricular approach. Retrospective analysis of patients <30 kg and vascular access limitation undergoing elective hybrid pulmonary valve replacement were reviewed. The subcostal approach was performed without sternotomy with the sheath introduced through the diaphragmatic surface of the right ventricle. Diagnoses included tetralogy of Fallot (n = 3) and truncus arteriosus (n = 2). Mean weight was 16.2 kg (range 4.7-28.1 kg). Four patients had RV-PA conduits (size: 14-21 mm), and the fifth patient had a transannular patch. All patients met criteria for surgical valve replacement. Technical success was 100%. In two patients with absent pulmonary valve, the stent migrated during advancement of the delivery sheath. These stents were anchored in the distal main pulmonary artery (n = 1) or branch pulmonary artery (n = 1) without sequela. Tricuspid valve chordal injury occurred in one patient, where transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was not utilized. No patient required conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. One patient with absent pulmonary valve died on follow-up as a consequence of severe airway compromise. Our initial experience demonstrates that the perventricular valve can be placed safely in small-sized patients. Advancement of the melody ensemble may be difficult and may cause stent migration. We conclude that the technique is feasible in small-sized patients and that prevention of complications includes placement of the stent at the time of the valve and TEE assistance in reducing tricuspid valve injury.

Use of Plasma Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing for Pathogen Identification in Pediatric Endocarditis.

Pediatric infective endocarditis incurs significant morbidity and generally occurs among children with underlying heart disease. Identification of a pathogen is critical in determining appropriate therapy. However, standard diagnostic testing has limited sensitivity. We describe a case series of children with infective endocarditis in whom plasma next-generation sequencing (Karius, Redwood, CA) identified an organism in 8 of 10 cases.

Popular Hybrid Congenital Heart Procedures without Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

As surgical and catheter interventions advance, patients with congenital heart disease are now offered alternative treatment options that cater to their individual needs. Furthermore, collaboration between interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have led to the development of hybrid procedures, using the best techniques of each respective field to treat these complex cardiac entities from initial treatment in the pediatric patient to repeat intervention in the adult. We present a review of the increased popularity and trend in hybrid procedures in congenital heart disease without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.