A multicenter study of three-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of normal pediatric left ventricular volumes and function.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) evaluation of left ventricular (LV) volume and function in pediatrics compares favorably with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study was to establish from a multicenter, normal pediatric z-score values of 3DE left ventricular volumes and function. METHODS: Six hundred and ninety-eight healthy children (ages 0-18 years) were recruited from five centers. LV 3DE was acquired from the 4-chamber view. A vendor-independent software analyzed end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) using semi-automated quantification. Body surface area (BSA)-based z-scores were generated. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were calculated using intraclass correlation (ICC) and repeatability coefficient (RC). RESULTS: Z-scores were generated for ESV, EDV, and SV. The ICC for intraobserver variability for EDV, ESV, and SV was 0.99, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively. The ICC for interobserver variability for EDV, ESV, and SV was 0.98, 0.94, and 0.98, respectively. The RC for intraobserver and interobserver variability for LV EF was 4.39% (95% CI: 3.01, 5.59) and interobserver was 7.08% (95%CI: 5.51, 8.42). CONCLUSIONS: We report pediatric z-scores for normal LV volumes using the semi-automated method from five centers, enhancing its generalizability. 3DE evaluation of LV volumes and EF in pediatric patients is highly reproducible.

Speckle tracking echocardiographically-based analysis of ventricular strain in children: an intervendor comparison.

BACKGROUND: Strain and synchrony can be calculated from a variety of software packages, but there is a paucity of data with inter-vendor comparisons in children. To test the hypothesis that different packages may affect results, independent of acquisition, we compared values obtained using two commercially available analysis tool (QLAB and TomTec), with several different settings. METHODS: The study population included 108 children; patients were divided into three groups: (1) normal cardiac structure and conduction; (2) ventricular paced rhythm; and (3) flattened ventricular septum (reflecting right ventricular pressure or volume load lesions). We analyzed the same image acquired from the apical 4-chamber (AP4) and short-axis at the mid-papillary level (SAXM) views in both QLAB (versions 10.5 and 10.8) and TomTec (version 1.2). In QLAB version 10.8, low, medium, and high quantification smoothness settings were employed. In TomTec, images were analyzed with both low and high frame rates. Tracking quality for each package was graded. AP4 and SAXM strain and synchrony values were recorded. A mixed-effects linear regression model was used, with main effect considered significant if the p-value was < 0.05. RESULTS: Tracking scores were high for all packages except QLAB 10.5 in the SAXM view. AP4 and SAXM strain values varied significantly between QLAB 10.5 and the other packages. Synchrony values varied widely for all strain values (p < 0.001 for both) in all packages. Quantification smoothness changes in QLAB 10.8 did not impact strain significantly in any patient group; temporal resolution changes in TomTec resulted in strain differences in children with flat ventricular septums, but not those with normal or ventricular paced hearts. CONCLUSION: Synchrony values varied substantially among all packages in children. Strain values varied widely between QLAB 10.5 and all other software packages, recommending avoidance of QLAB 10.5 for future studies. Quantification smoothness settings in QLAB 10.8 resulted in minimal strain differences. In TomTec, low and high frame rate strain values differed only in a subset of patients (flattened septum). These data suggest that reliable comparisons between strain values derived from QLAB and TomTec is possible in certain cases, but that caution should be used especially in different hemodynamics conditions.

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-guided transcatheter closure of multiple mitral paravalvular leaks demonstrating real time avoidance of device-induced valve malfunction.

Transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leaks has become an accepted alternative to surgical repair, especially in patients at high risk for reoperation. Device placement using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance allows en-face views of the valve and provides detailed information for device sizing and placement. We present a case demonstrating hybrid transapical transcatheter 3D TEE-guided closure of two mitral paravalvular leaks. We demonstrate real time 3D TEE guidance for device sizing and placement, and early real time recognition of mechanical mitral valve leaflet impairment during device deployment.

Operations for improving left ventricular diastolic function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With a combination of fetal catheter interventions and postnatal catheter and surgical interventions, the left ventricle in patients with hypoplastic left heart can undergo significant increase in size and remodeling to support cardiac output. However, some will have persistent high left atrial pressures resulting in pulmonary edema and high pulmonary artery pressures, that is, diastolic dysfunction. RECENT FINDINGS: The manuscript details the medical and surgical strategies to diagnose and treat diastolic dysfunction in this patient population to promote biventricular circulations. SUMMARY: Often times, this diastolic dysfunction is related to the presence of endocardial fibroelastosis, which affects left ventricular filling and mitral valve function. Ongoing research is investigating what causes and promotes the development of endocardial fibroelastosis, and means to improve the medical and surgical treatment of diastolic dysfunction.

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty for evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome: postnatal outcomes of the first 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Fetal aortic valvuloplasty can be performed for severe midgestation aortic stenosis in an attempt to prevent progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). A subset of patients has achieved a biventricular (BV) circulation after fetal aortic valvuloplasty. The postnatal outcomes and survival of the BV patients, in comparison with those managed as HLHS, have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 100 patients who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty for severe midgestation aortic stenosis with evolving HLHS from March 2000 to January 2013. Patients were categorized based on postnatal management as BV or HLHS. Clinical records were reviewed. Eighty-eight fetuses were live-born, and 38 had a BV circulation (31 from birth, 7 converted after initial univentricular palliation). Left-sided structures, namely aortic and mitral valve sizes and left ventricular volume, were significantly larger in the BV group at the time of birth (P<0.01). After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, freedom from cardiac death among all BV patients was 96±4% at 5 years and 84±12% at 10 years, which was better than HLHS patients (log-rank P=0.04). There was no cardiac mortality in patients with a BV circulation from birth. All but 1 of the BV patients required postnatal intervention; 42% underwent aortic or mitral valve replacement. On the most recent echocardiogram, the median left ventricular end-diastolic volume z score was +1.7 (range, -1.3 to +8.2), and 80% had normal ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Short- and intermediate-term survival among patients who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty and achieved a BV circulation postnatally is encouraging. However, morbidity still exists, and ongoing assessment is warranted.

Evolving Role of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography for Right Ventricular Volume Analysis in Pediatric Heart Disease: Literature Review and Clinical Applications.

Accurate knowledge of right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction is fundamental to providing optimal care for pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart disease, as well as pulmonary hypertension. Traditionally, these volumes have been measured using cardiac magnetic resonance because of its accuracy, reproducibility, and freedom from geometric assumptions. More recently, an increasing number of studies have described the measurement of RV volumes using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. In addition, volumes by 3D echocardiography have also been used for outcome research studies in congenital heart surgery. Importantly, 3D echocardiographic acquisitions can be obtained over a small number of cardiac cycles, do not require general anesthesia, and are less costly than CMR. The ease and safety of the 3D echocardiographic acquisitions allow serial studies in the same patient. Moreover, the studies can be performed in various locations, including the intensive care unit, catheterization laboratory, and general clinic. Because of these advantages, 3D echocardiography is ideal for serial evaluation of the same patient. Despite these potential advantages, 3D echocardiography has not become a standard practice in children with congenital and acquired heart conditions. In this report, the authors review the literature on the feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy of 3D echocardiography in pediatric patients. In addition, the authors investigate the advantages and limitations of 3D echocardiography in RV quantification and offer a pathway for its potential to become a standard practice in the assessment, planning, and follow-up of congenital and acquired heart disease.

Experience Curve With the Cone Procedure for Ebstein's Anomaly: Effect on Cost and Resource Utilization.

Background: The volume-outcome relationship is well-known in health care. The Experience Curve, initially developed by the Boston Consulting Group for manufacturing, offers insight on this relationship and has never before been applied to health care. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of experience on cost and resource utilization for the Cone procedure. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent Cone reconstruction for Ebstein's anomaly at Boston Children's Hospital between October 2010 and October 2021. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross clamp time over time were evaluated using exponential regression to assess the surgeon-level learning curve. At the hospital level, length of stay and cost over time were assessed using exponential regression. Results: There were 115 patients included in the study. Median hospital length of stay was 7.9 days (IQR: 6.4-10.2 days) with a decline of 3.3% per year. Median intensive care unit [ICU] length of stay was 3.2 days (IQR: 2-5.7 days) with a decline of 10.5% per year. Adjusted direct costs indexed to 2020 prices fell by 4% per year. There was no statistically significant change in cardiopulmonary bypass or aortic cross clamp time. In mediation analysis, the reduction in cost was completely accounted for in the decline in ICU length of stay. ICU length of stay was correlated with duration of intubation. Conclusions: Increasing familiarity with Ebstein's anomaly and Cone reconstruction led to a reduction in resource utilization.

Clinical and 2D/3D-Echo Cardiography Determinants of Mitral Valve Reoperation in Children With Congenital Mitral Valve Disease.

Background: Congenital mitral valve disease (CMVD) presents major challenges in its medical and surgical management. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and identify associations with MV reoperation in this setting. Methods: All children <18 years of age who underwent MV reconstruction for CMVD in 2002 to 2018 were included. Preoperative and postoperative 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and 3DE data were collected. Competing risks and Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent associations with MV reoperation. Receiver operating characteristic and decision-tree analysis were implemented for comparison of 3DE vs 2DE. Results: A total of 206 children underwent MV reconstruction for CMVD (mitral stenosis, n = 105, mitral regurgitation [MR], n = 75; mixed disease, n = 26); 64 (31%) required MV reoperation. Variables independently associated with MV reoperation were age <1 year (HR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.13-6.21), tethered leaflets (HR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.05-3.82), ≥ moderate 2DE postoperative MR (HR: 4.26; 95% CI: 2.45-7.40), changes in 3D-effective orifice area (3D-EOA) and in 3D-vena contracta regurgitant area (3D-VCRA). Changes in 3D-EOA and 3D-VCRA were more strongly associated with MV reoperation than changes in mean gradients (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.847 vs AUC: 0.676, P = 0.006) and 2D-VCRA (AUC: 0.969 vs AUC: 0.720, P = 0.012), respectively. Decision-tree analysis found that a <30% increase in 3D-EOA had 80% accuracy (HR = 8.50; 95% CI: 2.9-25.1) and a <40% decrease in 3D-VCRA had 93% accuracy (HR: 22.50; 95% CI: 2.9-175) in discriminating MV reoperation for stenotic and regurgitant MV, respectively. Conclusions: Age <1 year, tethered leaflets, 2DE postoperative MR, changes in 3D-EOA and 3D-VCRA were all independently associated with MV reoperation. 3DE parameters showed a stronger association than 2DE. 3DE-based decision-tree algorithms may help prognostication and serve as a support tool for clinical decision-making.

Multiphysiologic State Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Planning Fontan With Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava.

Background: Single ventricle (SV) patients with interrupted inferior vena cava (iIVC) and azygos continuation are at high risk for unbalanced hepatic venous flow (HVF) distribution to the lungs after Fontan completion and subsequent pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) formation. Objectives: The aim of the study was to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to avoid maldistribution of HVF to the lungs after Fontan surgery. Methods: Four SV subjects with iIVC were prospectively studied with a 3-dimensional (3D) modeling workflow with digital 3D models created from segmented magnetic resonance images or computer tomography scans, virtual surgery, and CFD analysis over multiple physiologic states for the evaluation of operative plans to achieve balanced HVF to both lungs. Three of the patients were Fontan revision candidates with existing AVMs. All patients underwent Fontan completion or revision surgery. Results: CFD predicted that existing or proposed Fontan completion in all patients would result in 100% of HVF to one lung. Improved HVF balance was achieved with CFD analysis of alternative surgical approaches resulting in the average distribution of HVF to the right/left pulmonary arteries of 37%/63% ± 10.4%. A hepatoazygos shunt was required in all patients and additional creation of an innominate vein in one. CFD analysis was validated by the comparison of pre-operative predicted and postoperative MRI-measured total right/left pulmonary flow (51%/49% ± 5.4% vs 49%/51% ± 8.5%). Conclusions: A 3D modeling workflow with CFD simulation for SV patients with iIVC may avoid HVF maldistribution and development of AVMs after Fontan completion.

Predictive modeling of endocardial fibroelastosis recurrence in patients with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is a major effector in the maldevelopment of the heart in patients with congenital heart disease. Despite successful surgical removal, EFE can redevelop, but the underlying cause of EFE recurrence remains unknown. This study aimed to identify hemodynamic predictors and genetic links to epithelial/endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT/EndMT) alterations for preoperative risk assessment. METHODS: We assessed the impact of preoperative hemodynamic parameters on EFE recurrence in a cohort of 92 patients with congenital heart disease who underwent left ventricular (LV) EFE resection between January 2010 and March 2021. Additionally, whole-exome sequencing in 18 patients was used to identify rare variants (minor allele frequency <10-5) in high-expression heart (HHE) genes related to cardiac EMT/EndMT and congenital heart disease. RESULTS: EFE recurred in 55.4% of patients, within a median of 2.2 years postsurgery. Multivariable analysis revealed specific hemodynamic parameters (mitral valve inflow and area, LV filling pressure, and aortic valve gradient and diameter) as predictors, forming a predictive model with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.782. Furthermore, 89% of the patients exhibited damaging variants in HHE genes, with 38% linked to cardiac EMT/EndMT Gene Ontology processes and 22% associated with known congenital heart disease genes. Notably, HHE genes associated with cardiac EMT/EndMT were significantly associated with faster EFE recurrence in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-10.17; P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: These findings established a predictive scoring system using preoperative hemodynamic parameters for EFE recurrence risk assessment. Alterations in HHE genes, particularly those linked to cardiac EMT/EndMT, exacerbate the risk of recurrence.

Symmetric bicuspidizing repair for patients with congenital aortic or truncal valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: Symmetric bicuspidizing repair has been shown to be safe and effective in the short term in adults and children with unicuspid aortic valve. Outcomes of extending this technique to patients with other forms of aortic and truncal valve disease have not been reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent the symmetric bicuspidizing repair at Boston Children's Hospital between December 2019 and June 2022 with a contemporary comparator group of patients who underwent other forms of bicuspidization. Survival, valve-related reoperation, and the development of moderate or greater aortic or truncal valve regurgitation were assessed. RESULTS: There were 23 patients who underwent symmetric bicuspidizing repair and 18 who underwent another form of bicuspidization. Preoperative aortic regurgitation was present in 87.0%. Patients who underwent symmetric bicuspidizing repair more commonly underwent suture annuloplasty (100% vs 55.6%; P = .002) and ascending aortoplasty (78.3% vs 27.8%; P = .004). There was 1 operative mortality (2.4%) in the entire cohort and 1 late mortality. Freedom from moderate aortic regurgitation was 87.5% at 21 months after symmetric bicuspidizing repair compared with 43.5% for patients who underwent other types of bicuspidization; P = .03. Freedom from valve-related reoperation was 100% in the symmetric bicuspidizing repair group compared with 64.4%; P = .02. CONCLUSIONS: The symmetric bicuspidizing repair may be safely extended to patients with various forms of congenital aortic and truncal valve disease. Longer term follow-up will be necessary to determine the comparative effectiveness of this technique compared with neocuspidization and the Ross procedure.

Residual Lesion Severity Predicts Midterm Outcomes After Congenital Aortic Valve Repair.

BACKGROUND: We sought to validate the technical performance score (TPS) as a predictor of midterm outcomes after congenital aortic valve repair. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve repair between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019. Predischarge echocardiograms were used to assign a TPS for each index operation as class 1, no aortic valve residua; class 2, minor aortic valve residua; or class 3, major aortic valve residua or predischarge reintervention for major residua. The primary outcome was postdischarge (late) unplanned aortic valve reintervention. Secondary outcomes included late mortality and at least moderate aortic regurgitation or stenosis at the latest follow-up or before the earliest reintervention. Associations between TPS and outcomes were assessed using competing risk, Cox proportional hazards, or logistic regression models, adjusting for preoperative patient- and procedure-related covariates. RESULTS: Of 507 patients, there were 110 (21.7%) reinterventions, 22 (4.3%) deaths, and 67 (13.2%) cases of at least moderate aortic regurgitation or stenosis at the latest follow-up or earliest reintervention. On multivariable analysis, class 3 patients had a greater risk of reintervention (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.1; P = .005) and mortality (hazard ratio, 5.3; 95% CI. 1.1-25.2; P = .038) compared with class 1 patients. Adjusting for duration of follow-up, class 3 patients also had a greater risk of at least moderate aortic regurgitation or stenosis at the latest follow-up or earliest reintervention (odds ratio, 7.7; 95% CI, 2.5-24.2; P < .001) vs class 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with major residua after congenital aortic valve repair have significantly worse midterm outcomes compared with those with no residua, warranting closer follow-up.

Staged ventricular recruitment and biventricular conversion following single-ventricle palliation in unbalanced atrioventricular canal defects.

Objective: Restoration of biventricular circulation is an alternative management strategy in unbalanced atrioventricular canal defects (uAVCDs), especially in patients with risk factors for single-ventricle palliation (SVP) failure. When ventricular volume is inadequate for biventricular circulation, recruitment procedures may accommodate its growth. In this study, we review our uAVCD experience with biventricular conversion (BIVC) after prior SVP. Methods: This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of uAVCD patients who underwent BIVC after SVP, with staged recruitment (staged) or primary BIVC (direct) between 2003 to 2018. Mortality, unplanned reinterventions, imaging, and catheterization data were analyzed. Results: Sixty-five patients underwent BIVC from SVP (17 stage 1, 42 bidirectional Glenn, and 6 Fontan). Decision for conversion was based on poor SVP candidacy (n = 43) or 2 adequately sized ventricles (n = 22). Of the 65 patients, 20 patients underwent recruitment before conversion. The staged group had more severe ventricular hypoplasia than the direct group, reflected in prestaging end-diastolic volume z scores (-4.0 vs -2.6; P < .01), which significantly improved after recruitment (-4.0 to -1.8; P < .01). Median follow-up time was 1.0 years. Survival and recatheterizations were similar between both groups (hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.2-3.7; P = .95 and hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9-4.1; P = .09), but more reoperations occurred with staged approach (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3-7.1; P = .01). Conclusions: Biventricular conversion from SVP is an alternative strategy to manage uAVCD, particularly when risk factors for SVP failure are present. Severe forms of uAVCDs can be converted with staged BIVC with acceptable mortality, albeit increased reinterventions, when primary BIVC is not possible.

A comparison between the apical and subcostal view for three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular volumes in pediatric patients.

Background: Accurate measurement of ventricular volumes is an important clinical imaging goal. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DEcho) is used increasingly as it is more available and less costly than cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). For the right ventricle (RV), the current practice is to acquire 3DEcho volumes from the apical view. However, in some patients the RV may be better seen from the subcostal view. Therefore, this study compared RV volume measurements from the apical vs. the subcostal view, using CMR as a reference standard. Methods: Patients <18 years old undergoing a clinical CMR examination were prospectively enrolled. 3DEcho was performed on the day of the CMR. 3DEcho images were acquired with Philips Epic 7 ultrasound system from apical and subcostal views. Offline analysis was performed with TomTec 4DRV Function for 3DEcho images and cvi42 for CMR ones. RV end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume were collected. Agreement between 3DEcho and CMR was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Percentage (%) error was calculated using CMR as the reference standard. Results: Forty-seven patients were included in the analysis (age range 10 months to 16 years). The ICC was moderate to excellent for all volume comparisons to CMR (subcostal vs. CMR: end-diastolic volume 0.93, end-systolic volume 0.81; apical vs. CMR: end-diastolic volume 0.94, end-systolic volume 0.74).The 3DEcho mean % error vs. CMR for end-systolic volume was 25% for subcostal and 31% for apical; for end-diastolic volume it was 15% for subcostal and 16% for apical. The % error was not significantly different between apical vs. subcostal views for end-systolic and end-diastolic volume measurements. Conclusions: For apical and subcostal views, 3DEcho-derived ventricular volumes agree well with CMR. Neither echo view has a consistently smaller error when compared to CMR volumes. Accordingly, the subcostal view can be used as an alternative to the apical view when acquiring 3DEcho volumes in pediatric patients, particularly when the image quality from this window is superior.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of the safety and feasibility of a novel mesenchymal precursor cell therapy in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of low-dose, novel, allogenic mesenchymal precursor cell (MPC) therapy as an adjunct to left ventricular (LV) recruitment for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and borderline left ventricles. MPC injections into the hypoplastic left ventricle may stimulate neovascularization and beneficial LV remodeling and may improve the likelihood of achieving biventricular (BiV) or 1.5 ventricle (1.5V) circulation. Methods: Children <5 years with prior single ventricle palliation undergoing LV recruitment surgery at a single center were randomized to MPC injections into the LV endocardium/papillary muscles (MPCs) or standard-of-care (controls) and followed for 24 months. The primary endpoint was safety, including (serious) adverse events (S/AEs), and panel reactive antibodies (PRAs). Secondary endpoints included BiV/1.5V conversion and LV size and function. Results: Nineteen subjects were enrolled, including 9 MPC recipients and 10 controls. Fourteen patients (74%) had >1 AE, and 2 patients had SAEs, both deemed unrelated to the trial product. AE severity and frequency were similar in the 2 groups. Baseline PRA levels were high, with no difference between the groups at 12 months. The overall probability of BiV/1.5V conversion was 0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 0.41) at 12 months and 0.52 (95% CI, 0.31 to 0.77) at 24 months. For patients with imaging data at both time points, increases in LV volumes from baseline to 12 months were larger in the MPC group by 3-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. For children who successfully underwent BiV conversion (n = 12), full BiV conversion was achieved at 24 months in 5 of 5 (100%) MPC-treated children compared with 4 of 7 (57%) controls. Conclusions: MPC injections were considered safe and feasible in HLHS patients. More than 50% of subjects underwent BiV/1.5V conversion within 2 years. Larger trials are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of MPCs in this population.

Right ventricular contraction patterns in healthy children using three-dimensional echocardiography.

Background: The right ventricle (RV) has complex geometry and function, with motion along three separate axes-longitudinal, radial, and anteroposterior. Quantitative assessment of RV function by two-dimension echocardiography (2DE) has been limited as a consequence of this complexity, whereas newer three dimensional (3D) analysis offers the potential for more comprehensive assessment of the contributors to RV function. The aims of this study were to quantify the longitudinal, radial and anteroposterior components of global RV function using 3D echocardiography in a cohort of healthy children and to examine maturational changes in these parameters. Methods: Three-dimensional contours of the RV were generated from a cohort of healthy pediatric patients with structurally normal hearts at two centers. Traditional 2D and 3D echo characteristics were recorded. Using offline analysis of 3D datasets, RV motion was decomposed into three components, and ejection fractions (EF) were calculated (longitudinal-LEF; radial-REF; and anteroposterior-AEF). The individual decomposed EF values were indexed against the global RVEF. Strain values were calculated as well. Results: Data from 166 subjects were included in the analysis; median age was 13.5 years (range 0 to 17.4 years). Overall, AEF was greater than REF and LEF (29.2 ± 6.2% vs. 25.1 ± 7.2% and 25.7 ± 6.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). This remained true when indexed to overall EF (49.8 ± 8.7% vs. 43.3 ± 11.6% and 44.4 ± 10%, respectively; p < 0.001). Age-related differences were present for global RVEF, REF, and all components of RV strain. Conclusions: In healthy children, anteroposterior shortening is the dominant component of RV contraction. Evaluation of 3D parameters of the RV in children is feasible and enhances the overall understanding of RV function, which may allow improvements in recognition of dysfunction and assessment of treatment effects in the future.

Recommendations for the Use of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography.

Acute rheumatic fever and its chronic sequela, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), pose major health problems globally, and remain the most common cardiovascular disease in children and young people worldwide. Echocardiography is the most important diagnostic tool in recognizing this preventable and treatable disease and plays an invaluable role in detecting the presence of subclinical disease needing prompt therapy or follow-up assessment. This document provides recommendations for the comprehensive use of echocardiography in the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of RHD. Echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD is made when typical findings of valvular and subvalvular abnormalities are seen, including commissural fusion, leaflet thickening, and restricted leaflet mobility, with varying degrees of calcification. The mitral valve is predominantly affected, most often leading to mitral stenosis. Mixed valve disease and associated cardiopulmonary pathology are common. The severity of valvular lesions and hemodynamic effects on the cardiac chambers and pulmonary artery pressures should be rigorously examined. It is essential to take advantage of all available modalities of echocardiography to obtain accurate anatomic and hemodynamic details of the affected valve lesion(s) for diagnostic and strategic pre-treatment planning. Intraprocedural echocardiographic guidance is critical during catheter-based or surgical treatment of RHD, as is echocardiographic surveillance for post-intervention complications or disease progression. The role of echocardiography is indispensable in the entire spectrum of RHD management.

Natural history of exercise function in patients with Ebstein anomaly: A serial study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of Ebstein anomaly (EA) vary greatly; criteria for surgical intervention remain undefined. Decisions regarding surgical intervention in asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients would be helpfully informed by a detailed, quantitative understanding of the natural history of exercise intolerance in these patients. However, past studies of exercise function in EA have been of a cross-sectional, rather than a serial, nature. We, therefore, analyzed serial cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) tests from patients with unrepaired EA to better appreciate the natural history of their exercise function. METHODS: All patients with EA who had had at least 2 CPX tests, separated by at least 6 months, between November 2002 and October 2010 were identified. Patients with prior tricuspid valve surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary exercise data from 23 patients (64 CPX tests; 2.8 ± 1.0 tests/patient) were analyzed. The median time interval between the first and last CPX tests was 3.3 (range, 0.6-7.3) years. The percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption declined slowly (1.87 ± 8.04 percentage points/y) during the follow-up period. The decline was more pronounced (3.04 ± 6.78 percentage points/y) in patients <18 years old. On multivariate modeling, only the change in oxygen pulse at peak exercise (a surrogate for forward stroke volume) and the change in peak heart rate over time emerged as statistically significant correlates of the change in percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption. CONCLUSION: The exercise function of patients with EA tends to deteriorate over time. This deterioration appears to be related to a progressive decline in their ability to augment their forward stroke volume and heart rate during exercise.

Echocardiography of transposition of the great arteries.

The successful diagnosis, surgical planning, and long-term care of children with transposition of the great arteries require high-quality cardiac imaging with echocardiography. Echocardiography must identify the relevant anatomic variants of transposition of the great arteries, such as of ventricular septal defects and aortic arch anomalies. Methodical and detailed imaging of the coronary arteries is particularly important, as translocation of the coronary arteries is a critical component of the arterial switch procedure. Familiarity with the potential coronary artery variants and the ideal imaging planes is essential for an echocardiographer. Knowledge of both the early and late complications following the arterial switch procedure is essential to optimise post-operative echocardiography. These complications can include residual lesions leading to haemodynamic compromise or progressive late phenomena, such as aortic root dilatation and aortic insufficiency. Echocardiography will continue to be the cornerstone to the lifelong management of transposition of the great arteries, and improvements in technology and increased familiarity with modalities such as stress echocardiography will enhance the role of advanced imaging even further.

Restriction of Atrial Septal Defect Leads to Growth of Hypoplastic Ventricle in Patients with Borderline Right or Left Heart.

Patients with borderline hypoplastic right or left ventricle and VSD may be candidates for either single ventricle palliation or staged ventricular recruitment (SVR) followed by eventual biventricular conversion. Components of SVR include restriction of atrial septal defects (ASD) without ventricular septal defects (VSD) closure and addition of accessory pulmonary blood flow. This study evaluated the impact of ASD restriction on ventricular growth and function. We retrospectively reviewed patients with borderline ventricular hypoplasia and VSD who underwent a staged ventricular recruitment (SVR) procedure from 2012 to June 2019. Pre- and post-recruitment MRI and echocardiogram data were compared and analyzed. We excluded cases in which we intentionally restricted VSD with simultaneous ASD restriction. Forty-six patients (41 with right-dominant ventricle, 25 with risk factors for Fontan procedure) underwent SVR at a median age of 15.1 months' (interquartile range (IQR), 7.2-37.2 months'). The median indexed ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and stroke volume according to cardiac MRI significantly increased at median 11.0 months' (IQR:7.8~14.1 months') after recruitment. Among them, except 2 operative mortalities after SVR, 26 patients underwent bi-ventricular repair (56.5% including one and a half ventricle repair) at a median of 8.0 months' (IQR: 6.2-12.2 months') after recruitment. Fifteen patients await biventricular completion, and 3 patients underwent single ventricle palliation. Pulmonary blood flow (Qp) tended to increase after recruitment regardless of type of pulmonary blood flow modification without statistical significance. Six patients died at a median duration of 6.5 months' (IQR: 2.9-11.7) after SVR; 3 patients died after biventricular completion, 2 after recruitment, and 1 after returning to single ventricle palliation. All of them were considered poor Fontan candidates due to severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vein stenosis, or airway stenosis. Restriction of the atrial septum leads to the growth of hypoplastic ventricle in patients with ventricular septal defects who undergo SVR regardless of the preoperative characteristics, and eventual biventricular repair can be performed in a subgroup of these patients. Future work is necessary to optimize timing of SVR and method of accessory pulmonary blood flow.