Impact of 4D-Flow CMR Parameters on Functional Evaluation of Fontan Circulation.

We sought to evaluate the potential clinical role of 4D-flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived energetics and flow parameters in a cohort of patients' post-Fontan palliation. In patients with Fontan circulation who underwent 4D-Flow CMR, streamlines distribution was evaluated, as well a 4D-flow CMR-derived energetics parameters as kinetic energy (KE) and energy loss (EL) normalized by volume. EL/KE index as a marker of flow efficiency was also calculated. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was also performed in a subgroup of patients. The population study included 55 patients (mean age 22 ± 11 years). The analysis of the streamlines revealed a preferential distribution of the right superior vena cava flow for the right pulmonary artery (62.5 ± 35.4%) and a mild preferential flow for the left pulmonary artery (52.3 ± 40.6%) of the inferior vena cave-pulmonary arteries (IVC-PA) conduit. Patients with heart failure (HF) presented lower IVC/PA-conduit flow (0.75 ± 0.5 vs 1.3 ± 0.5 l/min/m2, p = 0.004) and a higher mean flow-jet angle of the IVC-PA conduit (39.2 ± 22.8 vs 15.2 ± 8.9, p < 0.001) than the remaining patients. EL/KE index correlates inversely with VO2/kg/min: R: - 0.45, p = 0.01 peak, minute ventilation (VE) R: - 0.466, p < 0.01, maximal voluntary ventilation: R:0.44, p = 0.001 and positively with the physiological dead space to the tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) peak: R: 0.58, p < 0.01. From our data, lower blood flow in IVC/PA conduit and eccentric flow was associated with HF whereas higher EL/KE index was associated with reduced functional capacity and impaired lung function. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to further improve the prognostic role of the 4D-Flow CMR in this challenging population.

4D Flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance consensus statement: 2023 update.

Hemodynamic assessment is an integral part of the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease. Four-dimensional cardiovascular magnetic resonance flow imaging (4D Flow CMR) allows comprehensive and accurate assessment of flow in a single acquisition. This consensus paper is an update from the 2015 '4D Flow CMR Consensus Statement'. We elaborate on 4D Flow CMR sequence options and imaging considerations. The document aims to assist centers starting out with 4D Flow CMR of the heart and great vessels with advice on acquisition parameters, post-processing workflows and integration into clinical practice. Furthermore, we define minimum quality assurance and validation standards for clinical centers. We also address the challenges faced in quality assurance and validation in the research setting. We also include a checklist for recommended publication standards, specifically for 4D Flow CMR. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and the future of 4D Flow CMR. This updated consensus paper will further facilitate widespread adoption of 4D Flow CMR in the clinical workflow across the globe and aid consistently high-quality publication standards.

Role of cardiac MRI in the prediction of pre-Fontan end-diastolic ventricular pressure.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence has emphasised the importance of ventricular performance in functionally single-ventricle patients, particularly concerning diastolic function. Cardiac MRI has been proposed as non-invasive alternative to pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation in selected patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To identify clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance predictors of high pre-Fontan end-diastolic ventricular pressure. METHOD: In a retrospective single-centre study, 38 patients with functionally univentricular heart candidate for Fontan intervention, who underwent pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation, beside a comprehensive cardiac MRI, echocardiographic, and clinical assessment were included. Medical and surgical history, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac catheterisation, echocardiographic, and clinical data were recorded. We investigated the association between non-invasive parameters and cardiac catheterisation pre-Fontan risk factors, in particular with end-diastolic ventricular pressure. Moreover, the impact of conventional invasive pre-Fontan risk factor on post-operative outcome as also assessed. RESULTS: Post-operative complications were associated with higher end-diastolic ventricular pressure and Mayo Clinic indexes (p < 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis end-diastolic ventricular pressure ≥ 10.5 mmHg predicted post-operative complications with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 88% (AUC: 0.795, 95% CI 0.576;1.000, p < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, both systemic right ventricle (OR: 23.312, 95% CI: 2.704-200.979, p < 0.01) and superior caval vein indexed flow (OR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993-0.999, p < 0.05) influenced end-diastolic ventricular pressure ≥ 10.5 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced superior caval vein flow, evaluated at cardiac magnetic resonance, is associated with higher end-diastolic ventricular pressure a predictor of early adverse outcome in post-Fontan patients.

Recommendations for cardiovascular magnetic resonance and computed tomography in congenital heart disease: a consensus paper from the CMR/CCT working group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology (SICP) and the Italian College of Cardiac Radiology endorsed by the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) Part I.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CCT) are advanced imaging modalities that recently revolutionized the conventional diagnostic approach to congenital heart diseases (CHD), supporting echocardiography and often replacing cardiac catheterization. Nevertheless, correct execution and interpretation require in-depth knowledge of all technical and clinical aspects of CHD, a careful assessment of risks and benefits before each exam, proper imaging protocols to maximize diagnostic information, minimizing harm. This position paper, written by experts from the Working Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and from the Italian College of Cardiac Radiology of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology, is intended as a practical guide for applying CCT and CMR in children and adults with CHD, wishing to support Radiologists, Pediatricians, Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons in the multimodality diagnostic approach to these patients. The first part provides a review of the most relevant literature in the field, describes each modality's advantage and drawback, making considerations on the main applications, image quality, and safety issues. The second part focuses on clinical indications and appropriateness criteria for CMR and CCT, considering the level of CHD complexity, the clinical and logistic setting and the operator expertise.

Biventricular Reference Values by Body Surface Area, Age, and Gender in a Large Cohort of Well-Treated Thalassemia Major Patients Without Heart Damage Using a Multiparametric CMR Approach.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac MRI plays a critical role in the management of thalassemic patients. No accurate biventricular reference values are available. PURPOSE: To establish the ranges for normal left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) and LV mass normalized to body surface area (BSA), age, and gender in a large cohort of well-treated beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients without heart damage using a multiparametric MRI. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective/cohort study. POPULATION: In all, 251 ß-TM patients with no known risk factors or cardiac disease, normal electrocardiogram, no macroscopic myocardial fibrosis, and all cardiac segments with T2 * ≥20 msec, and 246 healthy subjects. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T/cine steady-state free precession (SSFP), gradient-echo T2 *, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images. ASSESSMENT: Biventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, and LV mass were normalized to BSA (EDVI, ESVI, SVI). STATISTICAL TESTS: Comparisons between the two groups was performed with two-samples t-test or Wilcoxon's signed rank test. For more than two groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or a Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. RESULTS: Compared to controls, males with ß-TM showed significantlt higher LVEDVI in all the age groups, while for the other volumes the difference was significant only within one or more age groups. In females the volumes were comparable between ß-TM patients and healthy subjects in all the age groups. In the male ß-TM population we found a significant effect of age on LVEDVI (P = 0.017), LVESVI (P = 0.001), RVESVI (P = 0.029), and RVEF (P = 0.031), while for females none of the biventricular parameters were significantly different among the age groups (LVEDVI: P = 0.614; LVESVI: P = 0.449; LVSVI: P = 0.186; LV mass index: P = 0.071; LVEF: P = 0.059; RVEDVI: P = 0.374; RVESVI: P = 0.180; RVSVI: P = 0.206; RVEF: P = 0.057). In ß-TM patients all biventricular volume indexes as well as the LV mass index were significantly larger in males than in females (P < 0.0001 in all cases). The LV and the RV EF were comparable between the sexes (P = 0.568 and P = 0.268, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION: Appropriate "normal" reference ranges normalized to BSA, sex, and age are recommended to avoid misdiagnosis of cardiomyopathy in ß-TM patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

The impact of native Fallot anatomy on future therapeutic requirements and outcomes at follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In patients with repaired Fallot, subsequent surgical or interventional procedures and adverse cardiac events are frequent. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a simple pre-operative anatomic classification based on the size of the pulmonary valve (PV) annulus and branches on future therapeutic requirements and outcomes. METHOD: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients operated for Fallot before the age of 2 years, from January 1990. Pre-operative anatomy, surgical and interventional procedures and adverse events were extrapolated from clinical records. RESULTS: Among the 312 patients, a description of the PV and pulmonary arteries (PAs) native anatomy was known in 239 patients (male:147, 61.5%), which were divided in the following 3 groups: group 1 (65 patients) with normal size of both PV and PAs; group 2 (108 patients) with PV hypoplasia but normal size PAs; group 3 (66 patients) with concomitant hypoplasia of the PV and PAs. During the 12.7 years (IQR 6.7-17) follow-up time, 23% of patients required at least one surgical or interventional procedure. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was a significant difference in requirement of future surgical or interventional procedures among the 3 groups (p < 0,001). At multivariate Cox regression analysis, hypoplasia of PV and PAs was an independent predictor of subsequent procedures (HR:3.1,CI:1.06-9.1, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Native anatomy in Tetralogy of Fallot patients affects surgical strategy and follow-up. It would be therefore advisable to tailor patient's counseling and follow-up according to native anatomy, rather than following a standardized protocol.

Pitfalls in surgical repair of Fallot's tetralogy: The "ventricular subaortic pouch".

Fallot-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) is characterized by anterior malalignment of the outlet septum with variable degree of aortic dextroposition. Correct identification of the borders of the defect is crucial to achieve an optimal surgical repair. We describe a particular postsurgical lesion, identified by cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography, which results from an improper surgical closure technique of anterior malaligned VSD. Based on its anatomical features we defined this entity "subaortic pouch." A comprehensive description of this defect is here provided along with an in-depth analysis of the proper operative technique for Fallot-type VSD repair.

The different surgical impact of the superior cavoatrial incision in children and adults.

INTRODUCTION: The single- and double-patch repairs are undoubtedly the most commonly used techniques for the surgical management of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection associated with sinus venosus atrial septal defect. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare early and long-term surgical outcomes in paediatric and adult patients, focusing in particular on the occurrence of ectopic atrial rhythm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy patients (male: 38, 54.2%) underwent surgical repair for partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with sinus venosus atrial septal defect. Forty-nine patients (70%) underwent surgical repair in paediatric age (<16 years old), while 21 of (30%) patients were operated in adulthood. Thirty patients (42.8%) underwent single-patch repair and 39 patients (55.7%) underwent double-patch repair. In only one patient, the Warden procedure was performed (1.4%). Median follow-up time was 52 months (IQ 15.1-113). RESULTS: The type of surgical technique didn't affect the incidence of ectopic atrial rhythm (26.6% in single-patch group and 25.6% in double-patch groups, p = 0.9). At long-term follow-up, ectopic atrial rhythm, as an expression of sinoatrial node disturbance, was however significantly more frequent in the paediatric population (28.8% paediatric group and 4.7% adult group, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The higher incidence of ectopic atrial rhythm in children is probably related to the closer position of the sinus node to the superior cavoatrial incision, which makes irreversible iatrogenic traumatism more likely to occur. Surgical techniques that avoid any manipulation on the superior cavoatrial junction should, therefore, be preferred for children undergoing partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair.

Functional characterization and circulating expression profile of dysregulated microRNAs in BAV-associated aortopathy.

Compelling evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in the pathophysiology of BAV-associated aortopathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the biological role as well as the circulating expression of two miRs (miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p) that have been previously identified as significantly dysregulated in thoracic aortic aneurysm specimens of BAV patients. Bioinformatic tools were used to predict miR gene targets followed by functional validation transfecting synthetic miR mimics and negative controls into human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Levels of miRs and target genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The circulating miR expression profile analysis was assessed on plasma samples collected from a cohort of 72 patients with aortopathy including 39 BAV (33 males; 58 ± 13 years) and 33 TAV patients (26 males; 67 ± 9 years). Computational analysis revealed that SMAD7 and YAP1 were potential targets of miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p, respectively. Transfection with mimics confirmed a significantly decreased gene expression of SMAD7 and YAP1 compared to mimic negative control (p = 0.04 and p = 0.0005, respectively) or blank control (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0007, respectively). Overexpression of miR-3688-3p also significantly upregulated pro-apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression compared to mimic negative control (p = 0.02) or blank control (p = 0.01). Furthermore, a significant down-regulation of the circulating miR-424-3p was observed in BAV compared to TAV patients (p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, the aortic valve morphology (ß = - 0.29, p = 0.04) and the presence of aortic stenosis (ß = - 0.28, p = 0.03) had a significant effect on the miR-424-3p expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p directly targeted SMAD7 and YAP1 in HASMCs, pivotal genes of the TGF-ß and Hippo-signaling pathways. Circulating miR-424-3p was also found to be significantly decreased in BAV patients when compared to TAV patients, especially in patients with aortic stenosis. Further large studies of well-characterized BAV patient cohorts are needed to define the clinical significance of the miR-424-3p.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of Pulmonary Transit Time and Blood Volume in Adult Congenital Heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Management of adults with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD) is still challenging. Heart failure secondary to residual anatomical sequels or arrhythmic events is not rare in this population. MRI has emerged as an accurate tool to quantify pulmonary transit time (PTT) of intravenous contrast agents and pulmonary blood volume (PBV). PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between PTT, and conventional indexes of ventricular dysfunction and heart failure in a cohort of adults with CHD and to assess its association with adverse outcomes. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. SUBJECTS: 89 adult CHD patients (56 males, age 34 ± 11 years) and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: First-pass perfusion and standard sequences for ventricular volumes and function and flow analysis at 1.5T. ASSESSMENT: PTT was calculated as the time required for a bolus of contrast agent to pass from the right ventricle to the left atrium, expressed both in seconds (PTTS) and number of heartbeats (PTTB). The pulmonary blood volume index (PBVI) was measured by the product of PTTB and the pulmonary artery stroke volumes. STATISTICAL TESTS: Student's independent t-test analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney nonparametric; Pearson's or Spearman's correlation; Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: PTTS and PTTB were significantly higher in patients than in controls (7.6 ± 3 vs. 5.6 ± 1.2 sec, P = 0.01 and 8 ± 3 vs. 6 ± 1 bpm, P = 0.01, respectively). PTTS showed negative correlation with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac index (CI) (r = -0.3, P = 0.004, and r = -0.4, P < 0.001, respectively) as well as with left ventricle and atrial volumes. By Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, PTTB >8 bpm was associated with significant increased risk of adverse outcome at mid-term follow-up. Moreover, patients with both increased PTTB and PBV have higher amino-terminal portion of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and lower LVEF. DATA CONCLUSION: PTT is prolonged in adult CHD in comparison with healthy subjects, likely reflecting reduced CI and ventricular dysfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:779-786.

Nomograms for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Measurements in the Pediatric Age Group: To Define the Normal and the Expected Abnormal Values in Corrected/Palliated Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review.

Our purpose is to provide an overview and to systematically review the strengths and limitations of studies on pediatric and adolescent normal values for cardiovascular MRI parameters. A literature search was performed within the National Library of Medicine using the following keywords: normal, reference values, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and children/pediatric. Eleven published studies evaluating cardiovascular MRI measurements in normal children were included in the present analysis. Our results revealed reasonable consistencies in the protocols employed for cardiovascular MRI. Inter- and intraobserver variability analyses were performed in most studies and generally showed acceptable reproducibility. However, several numerical and methodological limitations emerged. Besides small sample sizes (the largest study enrolled 114 subjects), data for some structures (pulmonary arteries, aortic arch) were limited, and neonates/infants were poorly represented (eg, only two studies). There was heterogeneity regarding measurement normalization (eg, for gender, age, or both), and data were mostly expressed as mean values, while z-scores (commonly used in pediatric echocardiography) were rarely employed. Theoretically, a z-score or a standard deviation of ±2 is considered pathological. Furthermore, differences among races and ethnic groups were not evaluated. In conclusion, our analyses revealed an important need for generation of pediatric and adolescent cardiovascular MRI nomograms built over a wide population of healthy children, using consistent methodologies and with consideration of potentially relevant confounders. More data on expected abnormal values in specific CHD populations (eg, univentricular hearts) also need to be defined. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1222-1235.

Lung ultrasound reclassification of chest X-ray data after pediatric cardiac surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Lung ultrasound is gaining consensus for the diagnosis of some pulmonary conditions. Pulmonary complications are common in pediatric cardiac surgery. However, its use remains limited in this setting. Our aim was to test the feasibility of lung ultrasound following pediatric cardiac surgery and to compare lung ultrasound and chest X-ray findings, assessing whether lung ultrasound may provide additional information. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight lung ultrasound examinations were performed in 79 children (median age 9.3 months) at different time points after surgery. For each hemithorax, 3 areas (anterior/lateral/posterior) have been evaluated in the upper and lower halves of the chest (for a total of 6 scanning sites per side). Pleural effusion, atelectasis, and the number of B-lines were investigated. RESULTS: Lung ultrasound was feasible in all cases in at least 1 of the 3 areas. Feasibility was different for the lateral, posterior, and anterior areas (100%, 90%, and 78%, respectively). The posterior areas were more sensitive than anterior and lateral ones in the diagnosis of effusion/atelectasis. In 81 cases, lung ultrasound allowed reclassification of chest X-ray findings, including 40 new diagnoses (diagnosis of effusion/atelectasis with negative chest X-ray reports) and 41 changes in diagnosis (effusions reclassified as atelectasis/severe congestion or vice versa). Although new diagnosis of small-to-moderate effusion/atelectasis was of limited clinical value, in 29 cases the new diagnosis changed the therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasound is feasible and accurate for the diagnosis of common pulmonary conditions after pediatric cardiac surgery, allowing reclassification of chest X-ray findings in a significant number of patients.

Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients with Non-syndromic Congenital Heart Disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers a unique opportunity to sequence multiple genes at lower cost and effort compared to Sanger sequencing. We tested a targeted NGS of a specific gene panel in a relatively large population of non-syndromic CHD patients. The patient cohort comprised 68 CHD patients (45 males; 8.3 ± 1.7 years). Amplicon libraries for 16 CHD-strictly related genes were generated using a TruSeq® Custom Amplicon kit (Illumina, CA) and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequence data were processed through the MiSeq Reporter and wANNOVAR softwares. After applying stringent filtering criteria, 20 missense variants in 9 genes were predicted to be damaging and were validated by Sanger sequencing with 100% concordance. Fourteen variants were present in public databases with very rare allele frequency, of which four variants (p.Arg25Cys in NKX2-5, p.Val763Ile in ZFPM2, p.Arg1398Gln and Gly1826Asp in MYH6) have been previously linked to CHD or cardiomyopathy. The remaining six variants in four genes (GATA4, NKX2-5, NOTCH1, TBX1) were novel mutations, currently not found in public databases, and absent in 200 control alleles of healthy subjects. Four patients (5.8%) carried two missense variants (1 compound heterozygote in the same gene and 3 double heterozygotes in different genes), with possibly synergistic deleterious effects. Targeted NGS is a powerful and efficient tool to detect DNA sequence variants in multiple genes, providing the opportunity for discovery of the co-occurrence of two or more missense rare variants.

Respiratory Training Late After Fontan Intervention: Impact on Cardiorespiratory Performance.

Fontan palliation allows patients with "single ventricle" circulation to reach adulthood with an acceptable quality of life, although exercise tolerance is significantly reduced. To assess whether controlled respiratory training (CRT) increases cardiorespiratory performance. 16 Adolescent Fontan patients (age 17. 5 ± 3.8 years) were enrolled. Patients were divided into CRT group (n = 10) and control group (C group, n = 6). Maximal cardiopulmonary test (CPT) was repeated at the end of CRT in the CRT group and after an average time of 3 months in the C group. In the CRT group a CPT endurance was also performed before and after CRT. In the CRT group there was a significant improvement in cardiovascular and respiratory response to exercise after CRT. Actually, after accounting for baseline values, the CRT group had decreased breathing respiratory reserve (- 15, 95% CI -22.3 to - 8.0, p = 0.001) and increased RR peak (+ 4.8, 95% CI 0.7-8.9, p = 0.03), VE peak (+ 13.7, 95% CI 5.6-21.7, p = 0.004), VO2 of predicted (+ 8.5, 95% CI 0.1-17.0, p = 0.05), VO2 peak (+ 4.3, 95% CI 0.3 to 8.2, p = 0.04), and VO2 workslope (+ 1.7, 95% CI 0.3-3.1, p = 0.02) as compared to the control group. Moreover, exercise endurance time increased from 8.45 to 17.7 min (p = 0.01). CRT improves cardiorespiratory performance in post-Fontan patients leading to a better aerobic capacity.

Aortic elasticity indices by magnetic resonance predict progression of ascending aorta dilation.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic distensibility and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) are under investigation as parameters by which to evaluate the indication for ascending aorta (AA) replacement. The maximum rate of systolic distension (MRSD) was proposed as a new index of aortic elasticity. The aim of this study was to assess the role of aortic elasticity parameters to predict AA growth rates in patients with AA dilation (AAD). METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed annually in 65 patients with AA dilation (median follow-up 17 months; 25-75th percentile; range 12-30 months). A significant increase in AA diameter was defined as a ≥2-mm increase. RESULTS: An increase in AA diameter was found in 42 (68 %) patients (AAD+ group) and absent in 20. Median increase was 0.16 (25-75th percentile; range 0.32-0.7) mm/month. The AAD+ group had a lower MRSD (4.6 ± 2.2 vs 7.4 ± 2.0, p < 0.001) but the same PWV and distensibility. MRSD showed 93.7 % specificity and 75.6 % sensitivity for prediction of increase. Patients with MRSD ≤ 6 had lower progression-free survival times (p < 0.002). After a follow-up of 4.1 years, patients who underwent surgical therapy had lower MRSD and distensibility than others. CONCLUSIONS: MRSD is an index of aorta elastic properties and is a valuable predictor for progression in AAD. KEY POINTS: • MRI-derived parameters of aortic wall elasticity predict progression of ascending aorta dilation. • Maximal rate of systolic distension (MRSD) was the best predictor of progression. • Patients with MRSD ≤ 6 had lower progression-free survival (PFS) times. • Patients who underwent surgical therapy had lower MRSD and distensibility. • MRI-derived parameters identify patients with fast progression of Ascending Aorta Dilation.

miRNome Profiling in Bicuspid Aortic Valve-Associated Aortopathy by Next-Generation Sequencing.

The molecular mechanisms underlying thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are incompletely characterized. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may play a major role in the different pathogenesis of aortopathy. We sought to employ next-generation sequencing to analyze the entire miRNome in TAA tissue from patients with BAV and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). In the discovery stage, small RNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform in 13 TAA tissue samples (seven patients with BAV and six with TAV). Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis were used to identify key pathways and biological functions. Validation analysis was performed by qRT-PCR in an independent cohort of 30 patients with BAV (26 males; 59.5 ± 12 years) and 30 patients with TAV (16 males; 68.5 ± 9.5 years). Bioinformatic analysis identified a total of 489 known mature miRNAs and five novel miRNAs. Compared to TAV samples, 12 known miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in BAV, including two up-regulated and 10 down-regulated (FDR-adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥ 1.5). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05) identified different target genes and pathways linked to BAV and aneurysm formation, including Hippo signaling pathway, ErbB signaling, TGF-beta signaling and focal adhesion. Validation analysis of selected miRNAs confirmed the significant down-regulation of miR-424-3p (p = 0.01) and miR-3688-3p (p = 0.03) in BAV patients as compared to TAV patients. Our study provided the first in-depth screening of the whole miRNome in TAA specimens and identified specific dysregulated miRNAs in BAV patients.

A novel TGFßR2 splice variant in patient with aortic aneurysm and family history for aortic dissection: a case report.

We report the clinical presentation and genetic screening of a 31-year-old man with dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta and a positive family history for aortic dissection and sudden death. A novel heterozygous variant in a splice acceptor site (c.1600-1G>T) of TGFßR2 gene was identified by using a targeted multi-gene panel analysis. Bioinformatics tools predicted that the c.1600-1G>T variant is pathogenic by altering acceptor splice site at - 1 position affecting pre-mRNA splicing. These data confirm that the diverging splicing in the TGF-ß pathway genes may be an important process in aneurismal disease and emphasize the utility of genetic sequencing in the identification of high-risk patients for a more patient's management able to improve outcomes and minimize costs for the care of patients with heritable thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.

A Comprehensive Review of COVID-19-Related Olfactory Deficiency: Unraveling Associations with Neurocognitive Disorders and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is one of the most common symptoms in COVID-19 patients and can impact patients' lives significantly. The aim of this review was to investigate the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on the olfactory system and to provide an overview of magnetic resonance (MRI) findings and neurocognitive disorders in patients with COVID-19-related OD. Extensive searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until 5 December 2023. The included articles were 12 observational studies and 1 case report that assess structural changes in olfactory structures, highlighted through MRI, and 10 studies correlating the loss of smell with neurocognitive disorders or mood disorders in COVID-19 patients. MRI findings consistently indicate volumetric abnormalities, altered signal intensity of olfactory bulbs (OBs), and anomalies in the olfactory cortex among COVID-19 patients with persistent OD. The correlation between OD and neurocognitive deficits reveals associations with cognitive impairment, memory deficits, and persistent depressive symptoms. Treatment approaches, including olfactory training and pharmacological interventions, are discussed, emphasizing the need for sustained therapeutic interventions. This review points out several limitations in the current literature while exploring the intricate effects of COVID-19 on OD and its connection to cognitive deficits and mood disorders. The lack of objective olfactory measurements in some studies and potential validity issues in self-reports emphasize the need for cautious interpretation. Our research highlights the critical need for extensive studies with larger samples, proper controls, and objective measurements to deepen our understanding of COVID-19's long-term effects on neurological and olfactory dysfunctions.

Psychological Impact of a Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease on Parents: Is It Time for Tailored Psychological Support?

The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) represents, for both parents, a particularly stressful and traumatic life event from a psychological point of view. The present review sought to summarize the findings of the most relevant literature on the psychological impact of prenatal diagnosis of CHD on parents, describing the most common mechanisms employed in order to face this unexpected finding. We also highlight the importance of counseling and the current gaps in the effects of psychological support on this population.

The burden of radiation exposure in congenital heart disease: the Italian cohort profile and bioresource collection in HARMONIC project.

BACKGROUND: The European-funded Health Effects of Cardiac Fluoroscopy and Modern Radiotherapy in Pediatrics (HARMONIC) project aims to improve knowledge on the effects of medical exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) received during childhood. One of its objectives is to build a consolidated European cohort of pediatric patients who have undergone cardiac catheterization (Cath) procedures, with the goal of enhancing the assessment of long-term radiation-associated cancer risk. The purpose of our study is to provide a detailed description of the Italian cohort contributing to the HARMONIC project, including an analysis of cumulative IR exposure, reduction trend over the years and an overview of the prospective collection of biological samples for research in this vulnerable population. METHODS: In a single-center retrospective cohort study, a total of 584 patients (323 males) with a median age of 6 (2-13) years, referred at the Pediatric Cardiology in Niguarda Hospital from January 2015 to October 2023, were included. Biological specimens from a subset of 60 patients were prospectively collected for biobanking at baseline, immediately post-procedure and after 12 months. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-nine (44%) patients were under 1 year old at their first procedure. The median KAP/weight was 0.09 Gy·cm2/kg (IQR: 0.03-0.20), and the median fluoroscopy time was 8.10 min (IQR: 4.00-16.25). KAP/weight ratio showed a positive correlation with the fluoroscopy time (Spearman's rho = 0.679, p < 0.001). Significant dose reduction was observed either after implementation of an upgraded technology system and a radiation training among staff. The Italian cohort includes 1858 different types of specimens for Harmonic biobank, including blood, plasma, serum, clot, cell pellet/lymphocytes, saliva. CONCLUSIONS: In the Italian Harmonic cohort, radiation dose in cardiac catheterization varies by age and procedure type. An institution's radiological protection strategy has contributed to a reduction in radiation dose over time. Biological samples provide a valuable resource for future research, offering an opportunity to identify potential early biomarkers for health surveillance and personalized risk assessment.