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INTRODUCTION: Obesity is known to be associated with cardiovascular compromise and a major risk factor for the development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. However, little is known about the effect of obesity on maternal cardiac function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity on the maternal cardiovascular system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, longitudinal study. Pregnant women with booking body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 were compared with pregnant women with normal booking BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2. Participants were seen at three time points during pregnancy; 12-14, 20-24 and 30-32 weeks. At all visits, maternal blood pressure (BP) was measured, and cardiac geometry and function were assessed using two-dimensional trans-thoracic echocardiography. Multilevel linear mixed-effects models were used for all the comparisons. RESULTS: Fifty-nine pregnant women with obesity were compared with 14 pregnant women with normal BMI. In women with obesity, the maternal BP, heart rate and cardiac output were higher and peripheral vascular resistance was lower (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with normal BMI women. Women with obesity had altered cardiac geometry with higher left ventricular end diastolic diameter, intraventricular septal thickness, posterior wall diameter, relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There was also evidence of impaired diastolic indices in the obese group with a lower E/A ratio, tissue Doppler imaging E' lateral and medial and higher left atrial volume (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Finally, women with obesity had reduced longitudinal function, as assessed by mitral plane annular systolic excursion, between the second and third trimester of pregnancy, indicating possible early cardiac dysfunction in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is associated with maternal hyperdynamic circulation, altered cardiac geometry and suboptimal diastolic function, compared with normal BMI pregnant women, and these factors may contribute to the increased risk of complications in obese pregnant women.
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Obesidad , Mujeres Embarazadas , Femenino , Embarazo , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Estudios Longitudinales , Obesidad/complicaciones , Ventrículos Cardíacos/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a major determinant of cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare aerobic capacity, measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), of adolescents and young adults in remission with that of healthy controls and to identify the predictors of aerobic capacity in this population. METHOD: This is a controlled cross-sectional study. RESULTS: A total of 477 subjects (77 in remission and 400 controls), aged from 6 to 25 years, were included, with a mean delay between end of treatment and CPET of 2.9 ± 2.3 years in the remission group. In this group, the mean VO2max was significantly lower than in controls (37.3 ± 7.6 vs. 43.3 ± 13.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.01, respectively), without any clinical or echocardiographic evidence of heart failure. The VAT was significantly lower in the remission group (26.9 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min vs. 31.0 ± 9.9 mL/kg/min, P < 0.01, respectively). A lower VO2max was associated with female sex, older age, higher BMI, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. CONCLUSION: Impaired aerobic capacity had a higher prevalence in adolescents and young adults in cancer remission. This impairment was primarily related to physical deconditioning and not to heart failure. TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT04815447. IMPACT: In childhood cancer survivors, aerobic capacity is five times more impaired than in healthy subjects. This impairment mostly reflects early onset of physical deconditioning. No evidence of heart failure was observed in this population.
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Supervivientes de Cáncer , Insuficiencia Cardíaca , Enfermedades Hematológicas , Neoplasias , Adolescente , Femenino , Humanos , Adulto Joven , Estudios Transversales , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Neoplasias/terapia , Consumo de Oxígeno , Masculino , Niño , AdultoRESUMEN
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is common after aortic balloon valvuloplasty in children and it has been associated with large balloon/annulus ratio, abnormal valve morphology and aortic valve prolapse. We present a rare case of severe AR after aortic balloon valvuloplasty due to aortic strands rupture, causing prolapse of the co-joined cusp. These findings were identified by 3D echocardiography, highlighting the importance of this imaging technique even in pediatric patients.
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The arterial switch operation (ASO) has become the standard surgical treatment for patients with d-transposition of the great arteries. While ASO has significantly improved survival rates, a subset of patients develop a unique anatomical anomaly known as the gothic aortic arch (GAA). Understanding cardiac mechanics in this population is crucial, as altered mechanics can have profound consequences for cardiac function and exercise capacity. The GAA has been associated with changes in ventricular function, hemodynamics, and exercise capacity. Studies have shown a correlation between the GAA and decreased ascending aorta distensibility, loss of systolic wave amplitude across the aortic arch, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Various imaging techniques, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac computed tomography, play a crucial role in assessing cardiac mechanics and evaluating the GAA anomaly. Despite significant advancements, gaps in knowledge regarding the prognostic implications and underlying mechanisms of the GAA anomaly remain. This review aims to explore the implications of the GAA anomaly on cardiac mechanics and its impact on clinical outcomes in young patients after ASO. Advancements in imaging techniques, such as computational modeling, offer promising avenues to enhance our understanding of cardiac mechanics and improve clinical management.
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Operación de Switch Arterial , Transposición de los Grandes Vasos , Humanos , Aorta Torácica/diagnóstico por imagen , Aorta Torácica/cirugía , Operación de Switch Arterial/efectos adversos , Transposición de los Grandes Vasos/diagnóstico por imagen , Transposición de los Grandes Vasos/cirugía , Transposición de los Grandes Vasos/etiología , Aorta/diagnóstico por imagen , Aorta/cirugía , CorazónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Obesity in pregnancy is associated with substantial risks, notably hypertensive disorders. Bariatric surgery achieves sustained weight loss and has several cardiovascular benefits, including positive effects on blood pressure, cardiac geometry, and both systolic and diastolic function. Pregnancy following bariatric surgery is also associated with improved outcomes, including a reduced risk of hypertensive disorders. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain uncertain. Maternal cardiovascular adaptation plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and maladaptation has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, to date, the maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy after bariatric surgery has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy in women with previous bariatric surgery compared with women with a similar early-pregnancy body mass index, age, and race but no history of weight loss surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational, longitudinal study including pregnant women with (n=41) and without (n=41) a history of bariatric surgery. The participants were seen at 3 time points; at 12 to 14, 20 to 24, and 30 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. At each visit, the blood pressure was measured and the maternal cardiovascular system was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Two-dimensional speckle tracking was performed to assess the global longitudinal and circumferential strain on a subset of patients (15 in each group). Offline analysis was performed according to the European and American echocardiography guidelines. Multilevel linear mixed-effect models were used for all the comparisons. RESULTS: Compared with the no-surgery group, women with previous bariatric surgery, had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output across all the trimesters (P<.01 for all comparisons), with an evidence of more favorable diastolic indices, including a higher E-wave/A-wave ratio across the mitral valve (P<.001), higher mitral velocity at the lateral and medial annulus (E') (P=.01 and P=.03, respectively), and a lower left atrial volume (P<.05). Furthermore, women with previous bariatric surgery demonstrated lower global longitudinal (P<.01) and circumferential strain (P=.02), which is suggestive of better systolic function. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate better cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy in women with previous bariatric surgery than in pregnant women of a similar early-pregnancy body mass index but no history of surgery.
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Cirugía Bariátrica , Sistema Cardiovascular , Hipertensión Inducida en el Embarazo , Femenino , Humanos , Hipertensión Inducida en el Embarazo/epidemiología , Estudios Longitudinales , Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The hypothermic circulatory arrest is a major limitation of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique, associated with a high incidence of postoperative mobility and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients suffering from different aortic arch diseases treated with the release and perfuse technique (RPT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had undergone aortic arch repair with the RPT at our Institution between October 2019 and September 2021. Preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients undergoing aortic arch surgery with the use of RPT were analyzed. Twelve of them (67%) were males, and the median age of the entire cohort was 67 (56-73) years. The primary indications for surgery included acute type A aortic dissection (50%), chronic type B aortic dissection (33%), and chronic aneurysms (17%). The median cardiopulmonary bypass-, aortic cross-clamp- and circulatory arrest times were 163 (147-213) min, 69 (51-120) min, and 10 (8-13) min, respectively. The median intensive care unit and hospital stay were 4 (2-7) and 12 (11-16) days, respectively. One patient (6%) died during the first 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the anatomical limitations related to the use of this technique, the RPT can be safely performed and could represent a promising strategy to reduce the circulatory arrest time during aortic arch surgery. Nevertheless, further studies are required to demonstrate its efficacy.
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Aneurisma de la Aorta Torácica , Enfermedades de la Aorta , Disección Aórtica , Implantación de Prótesis Vascular , Anciano , Disección Aórtica/etiología , Disección Aórtica/cirugía , Aorta Torácica/cirugía , Aneurisma de la Aorta Torácica/etiología , Aneurisma de la Aorta Torácica/cirugía , Enfermedades de la Aorta/cirugía , Implantación de Prótesis Vascular/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The interest in intra-cardiac blood flow analysis is rapidly growing, and it has encouraged the development of different non-invasive imaging techniques. Among these, Vector Flow Mapping (VFM), combing Color-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking data, seems to be a promising approach, feasible in adult and children population. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The aim of this review is to give a historical perspective on the development of VFM method and a summary of the current algorithms and parameters potentially evaluable. Then, we will present the current state-of-the-art of VFM with an overview of clinical studies and applications of this technique.
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Algoritmos , Hemodinámica , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo , Niño , HumanosRESUMEN
We describe the case of a 59-year-old female affected by aortic extensive endocarditis with communication between aortic annulus and right cavities, treated with double pericardial patch reconstruction and rapid-deployment aortic valve prosthesis implantation.
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Válvula Aórtica/cirugía , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Cardíacos/métodos , Endocarditis/cirugía , Implantación de Prótesis de Válvulas Cardíacas/métodos , Prótesis Valvulares Cardíacas , Procedimientos de Cirugía Plástica/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Resultado del TratamientoAsunto(s)
Endocarditis Bacteriana , Endocarditis , Aorta , Humanos , Uso Fuera de lo Indicado , Prótesis e ImplantesRESUMEN
Although contemporary outcomes of initial surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are excellent, the survival of adult patients remains significantly lower than that of the normal population due to the high incidence of heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The underlying mechanisms are only partially understood but involve an adverse biventricular response, so-called remodelling, to key stressors such as right ventricular (RV) pressure-and/or volume-overload, myocardial fibrosis, and electro-mechanical dyssynchrony. In this review, we explore risk factors and mechanisms of biventricular remodelling, from histological to electro-mechanical aspects, and the role of imaging in their assessment. We discuss unsolved challenges and future directions to better understand and treat the long-term sequelae of this complex congenital heart disease.
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Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Cardíacos , Insuficiencia Cardíaca , Tetralogía de Fallot , Disfunción Ventricular Derecha , Adulto , Humanos , Tetralogía de Fallot/complicaciones , Tetralogía de Fallot/diagnóstico por imagen , Tetralogía de Fallot/cirugía , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Cardíacos/efectos adversos , Factores de Riesgo , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/complicaciones , Arritmias CardíacasRESUMEN
Background: The premature-born adult population is set to grow significantly, and prematurity has emerged as an important cardiovascular risk factor. We aimed to comprehensively assess cardiac mechanics and function in a cohort of ex-preterm preschoolers. Methods: Ex-preterm children (<30 weeks of gestation), aged 2 to 5 years, underwent transthoracic 2D, speckle-tracking, and 4D echocardiography. The findings were compared with 19 full-term children. Results: Our cohort of 38 children with prematurity history showed a normal morpho-functional echocardiographic assessment. However, compared to controls, the indexed 3D end-diastolic volumes of ventricular chambers were reduced (left ventricle 58.7 ± 11.2 vs. 67.2 ± 8.5 mL/m2; right ventricle 50.3 ± 10.4 vs. 57.7 ± 11 mL/m2; p = 0.02). Left ventricle global and longitudinal systolic function were worse in terms of fraction shortening (32.9% ± 6.8 vs. 36.5% ± 5.4; p = 0.05), ejection fraction (59.2% ± 4.3 vs. 62.3% ± 3.7; p = 0.003), and global longitudinal strain (-23.6% ± 2.4 vs. -25.5% ± 1.7; p = 0.003). Finally, we found a reduced left atrial strain (47.4% ± 9.7 vs. 54.9% ± 6.8; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Preschool-aged ex-preterm children exhibited smaller ventricles and subclinical impairment of left ventricle systolic and diastolic function compared to term children. Long-term follow-up is warranted to track the evolution of these findings.
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Systemic hypertension has been considered mainly as an adult health issue for a long time, but it is now being increasingly acknowledged as a significant problem also among pediatric patients. The frequency of pediatric hypertension has grown mostly because of increases in childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles, but secondary forms of hypertension play a role as well. Considering that unaddressed hypertension during childhood can result in enduring cardiovascular complications, timely identification and intervention are essential. Strategies for addressing this disease encompass not only lifestyle adjustments, but also the use of medications when needed. Lifestyle modifications entail encouraging a nutritious diet, consistent physical activity, and the maintenance of a healthy weight. Moreover, educating both children and their caregivers about monitoring blood pressure at home can aid in long-term management. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the etiologies, classification, and principles of the treatment of hypertension in pediatric patients.
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Advances in pediatric cardiac surgery have resulted in a recent growing epidemic of children and young adults with congenital heart diseases (CHDs). In these patients, congenital defects themselves, surgical operations and remaining lesions may alter cardiac anatomy and impact the mechanical performance of both ventricles. Cardiac function significantly influences outcomes in CHDs, necessitating regular patient follow-up to detect clinical changes and relevant risk factors. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging method for CHDs, but clinicians must understand patients' unique anatomies as different CHDs exhibit distinct anatomical characteristics affecting cardiac mechanics. Additionally, the use of myocardial deformation imaging and 3D echocardiography has gained popularity for enhanced assessment of cardiac function and anatomy. This paper discusses the role of echocardiography in evaluating cardiac mechanics in most significant CHDs, particularly its ability to accommodate and interpret the inherent anatomical substrate in these conditions.
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The complete transposition of the great arteries (C-TGA) is a congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by the reversal of the main arteries. Early detection and precise management are crucial for optimal outcomes. This review emphasizes the integral role of multimodal imaging, including fetal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up of C-TGA. Fetal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in prenatal detection, enabling early intervention strategies. Despite technological advances, the detection rate varies, highlighting the need for improved screening protocols. TTE remains the cornerstone for initial diagnosis, surgical preparation, and postoperative evaluation, providing essential information on cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, and the presence of associated defects. CMR and CCT offer additional value in C-TGA assessment. CMR, free from ionizing radiation, provides detailed anatomical and functional insights from fetal life into adulthood, becoming increasingly important in evaluating complex cardiac structures and post-surgical outcomes. CCT, with its high-resolution imaging, is indispensable in delineating coronary anatomy and vascular structures, particularly when CMR is contraindicated or inconclusive. This review advocates for a comprehensive imaging approach, integrating TTE, CMR, and CCT to enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide therapeutic interventions, and monitor postoperative conditions in C-TGA patients. Such a multimodal strategy is vital for advancing patient care and improving long-term prognoses in this complex congenital heart disease.
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the cardiopulmonary fitness of children with asthma, in comparison to healthy controls, and to identify the clinical and CPET parameters associated with the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in childhood asthma. DESIGN: This cross-sectional controlled study was carried out in CPET laboratories from two tertiary care paediatric centres. The predictors of VO2max were determined using a multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 446 children (144 in the asthma group and 302 healthy subjects) underwent a complete CPET. Mean VO2max was significantly lower in children with asthma than in controls (38.6±8.6 vs 43.5±7.5 mL/kg/min; absolute difference (abs. diff.) of -4.9 mL/kg/min; 95% CI of (-6.5 to -3.3) mL/kg/min; p<0.01) and represented 94%±9% and 107%±17% of predicted values, respectively (abs. diff. -13%; 95% CI (-17 to -9)%; p<0.01). The proportion of children with an impaired VO2max was four times higher in the asthma group (24% vs 6%, p<0.01). Impaired ventilatory efficiency with increased VE/VCO2 slope and low breathing reserve (BR) were more marked in the asthma group. The proportion of children with a decreased ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), indicative of physical deconditioning, was three times higher in the asthma group (31% vs 11%, p<0.01). Impaired VO2max was associated with female gender, high body mass index (BMI), FEV1, low VAT and high BR. CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary fitness in children with asthma was moderately but significantly altered compared with healthy children. A decreased VO2max was associated with female gender, high BMI and the pulmonary function. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04650464.
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Asma , Consumo de Oxígeno , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Tolerancia al Ejercicio , Oxígeno , Estudios de Casos y ControlesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the change in aerobic fitness (VO2max), measured by cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET), in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), compared to matched healthy controls, and identify predictors of VO2max change with time in this specific population. METHOD: This longitudinal retrospective multicentre cohort study was carried out from 2010 to 2020. We included CHD paediatric patients from the cohort of a previous cross-sectional study, who had a second CPET at least 1 year after the first one, during their follow-up. RESULTS: We included 936 children, 296 in the CHD group and 640 controls. Mean time between baseline and final CPET was 4.4 ± 1.7 years. After matching on age and gender and adjustment for age and BMI, the mean VO2max group difference was 10.5% ± 1.0% of percent-predict VO2max at baseline and increased to 19.1% ± 1.3% at final assessment. In the CHD group, the proportion of children with impaired aerobic fitness was significantly higher at final than at baseline CPET assessment (51.4% vs 20.3%; P < 0.01). The mean annual VO2max decrease was significantly worse in the CHD group than in controls (-1.88% ± 0.19% of percent-predict VO2max/year vs. -0.44% ± 0.27% of percent-predict VO2max/year, P < 0.01, respectively). In multivariate analyse, male gender, a high initial VO2max, a high BMI, and the number of cardiac surgical procedures ≥2, were predictors of the VO2max decrease with time. CONCLUSION: The VO2max decrease with time is more pronounced in children with CHD compared to healthy matched controls. This study highlighted the importance of serial CPET assessment in children with CHD. Trial registration NCT04815577.
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Tolerancia al Ejercicio , Cardiopatías Congénitas , Niño , Humanos , Masculino , Consumo de Oxígeno , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudios de Cohortes , Prueba de Esfuerzo/métodos , Cardiopatías Congénitas/diagnóstico , Cardiopatías Congénitas/cirugíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of concomitant suture bicuspidization to treat mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation at the time of mitral valve (MV) surgery. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent MV surgery for degenerative MV regurgitation with mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation and annular dilatation between January 2009 and December 2017 were analysed. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: mitral valve surgery alone (MVA) and MV surgery with concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) repair. RESULTS: A total of 196 patients were included in the study. MVA and MV surgery with concomitant TV repair were performed in 91 (46.4%) and 105 (53.6%) patients, respectively. Propensity score matching analysis identified 54 pairs. In the matched cohort, 30-day mortality (0.0% vs 1.9%, P = 1.0) and new permanent pacemaker implantation (11.1% vs 7.4%, P = 0.740) did not differ significantly between groups. After a mean follow-up of 6.0 (2.8) years, MV surgery with concomitant TV repair was not associated with increased mortality risk compared to MVA (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.47-2.28, P = 0.927) with 10-year overall survival rates of 69.9% and 77.2%, respectively. Furthermore, MV surgery with concomitant TV repair was associated with a significantly reduced progression of TV regurgitation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing MV surgery with concomitant TV repair had similar 30-day and long-term survival, similar permanent pacemaker implantation rate and reduced progression of TV regurgitation compared to those undergoing MVA.