The Lifesaving Impact of Transcatheter Interventions in the Early Post-Fontan Palliation Period.

Despite advancements in postoperative outcomes after Fontan surgery, there remains a risk of suboptimal outcomes and significant morbidity in the early postoperative period. Anatomical obstructions in the Fontan pathway can lead to prolonged pleural effusion or ascites, cyanosis, and low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Transcatheter interventions offer an alternative to early re-surgery for treating these complications. Over a 13-year period, early catheter angiography, performed within 30 days post-index procedure, was administered to 41 patients, identifying anatomical issues that necessitated re-intervention in 39 cases. This led to transcatheter interventions in 37 (10.4%) of the 344 Fontan surgery patients. The median age was 4.8 years (IQR: 4-9.4), and the median weight was 16.5 kg (IQR: 15-25.2), with females comprising 51.4% (19/37) of this group. The primary indications for the procedures were persistent pleural effusion or ascites in 27 patients (66%), LCOS in 8 patients (20%), and cyanosis in 6 patients (14%). Among the 37 undergoing transcatheter intervention, 30 were treated solely with this method and discharged, three died in ICU follow-up, and four required early re-surgery. No procedural mortality was observed. Our findings demonstrate that transcatheter interventions, including stent implantation, balloon angioplasty, and fenestration dilation, are safe and effective in the early post-Fontan period. Therefore, they should be considered an integral part of the management strategy for this patient group.

Utility of Balloon Occlusion Testing in Determining Fontan Suitability Among Patients with Elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Additional Antegrade Pulmonary Blood Flow.

In individuals with a single ventricle undergoing evaluation before Fontan surgery, the presence of excessive pulmonary blood flow can contribute to increased pulmonary artery pressure, notably in those who had a Glenn procedure with antegrade pulmonary flow. 28 patients who had previously undergone Glenn anastomosis with antegrade pulmonary blood flow (APBF) and with elevated mean pulmonary artery (mPAP) pressure > 15 mmHg in diagnostic catheter angiography were included in the study. After addressing other anatomical factors that could affect pulmonary artery pressure, APBF was occluded with semi-compliant, Wedge or sizing balloons to measure pulmonary artery pressure accurately. 23 patients (82% of the cohort) advanced to Fontan completion. In this group, median mPAP dropped from 20.5 (IQR 19-22) mmHg to 13 (IQR 12-14) mmHg post-test (p < 0.001). Median PVR post-test was 1.8 (IQR 1.5-2.1) WU m2. SpO2 levels decreased from a median of 88% (IQR 86%-93%) pre-test to 80% (IQR 75%-84%) post-test (p < 0.001). In five patients, elevated mPAP post-test occlusion on diagnostic catheter angiography led to non-completion of Fontan circulation. In this group, median pre- and post-test mPAP were 23 mmHg (IQR 21.5-23.5) and 19 mmHg (IQR 18.5-20), respectively (p = 0.038). Median post-test PVR was 3.8 (IQR 3.6-4.5) WU m2. SpO2 levels decreased from a median of 79% (IQR 76%-81%) pre-test to 77% (IQR 73.5%-80%) post-test (p = 0.039). Our study presents a specialized approach for patients initially deemed unsuitable for Fontan due to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. We were able to successfully complete the Fontan procedure in the majority of these high-risk cases after temporary balloon occlusion test.

A Challenging Interventional Procedure: Transcatheter Closure of Tubular Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Transcatheter closure of the tubular ducts remains the most challenging procedure, with higher complication rates than other types. This study evaluates the characteristics of transcatheter closure of tubular ducts with pulmonary hypertension. 73 patients with tubular ducts who underwent cardiac catheterization for transcatheter PDA closure were analyzed. The mean age and weight were 1.93 ± 2.68 years and 8.83 ± 6.14 kg, respectively. Transcatheter closure was attempted in 72 patients. Four cases (5.5%) were referred to surgery, while the procedure was completed in the remaining (94.5%). Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) I or Cardiofix duct occluder (CDO) was the most commonly used devices. However, the use of Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) II raised in recent years. The most common concern was aortic protrusion/stenosis in ADO I/CDO devices, but most regressed during follow-up. Iatrogenic coarctation of the aorta was observed in two with ADO I/CDO. Embolization of the device to the pulmonary artery was observed in three with CDO, AVP II, and AVP I. Significant left pulmonary artery stenosis requiring stenting developed in one after closure with an MVSDO device. Tubular ducts are highly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and transcatheter closure of them is still challenging despite the developing device armamentarium. Although ADO I or similar devices are widely used, off-label devices are usually needed at increasing rates. The AVP II device is unsuitable for short tubular ducts but seems the best option for long ones.

Right ventricular outflow tract stenting during neonatal and infancy periods: A multi-center, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of right ventricular outflow tract stenting for palliation during the newborn and infancy periods. METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2018, a total of 38 patients (20 males, 18 females; median age 51 days; range, 3 days to 9 months) who underwent transcatheter right ventricular outflow tract stenting in three centers were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, cardiac pathologies, angiographic procedural, and clinical follow-up data of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: The diagnoses of the cases were tetralogy of Fallot (n=27), double outlet right ventricle (n=8), complex congenital heart disease (n=2), and Ebstein"s anomaly (n=1). The median weight at the time of stent implantation was 3.5 (range, 2 to 10) kg. Five cases had genetic abnormalities. The median pre-procedural oxygen saturation was 63% (range, 44 to 80%), and the median procedural time was 60 (range, 25 to 120) min. Acute procedural success ratio was 87%. Reintervention was needed in seven of patients due to stent narrowing during follow-up. During follow-up period, seven cases died. Total correction surgery was performed in 26 patients without any mortality. While a transannular patch was used in 22 patients, valve protective surgery was implemented in two patients, and the bidirectional Glenn procedure was performed in two patients. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, right ventricular outflow tract stenting is a form of palliation which should be considered particularly in cases in whom total correction surgery is unable to be performed due to morbidity.

Characteristics and transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in patients living at moderate to high altitude in Eastern Anatolia.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is greater among patients living at high altitude. In this po-pulation, the ductal diameter is often larger and pulmonary hypertension is more frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic and morphological features of PDA and transcatheter closure procedures performed with various devices in a group of patients living at high altitude in Turkey. METHODS: The data of 327 patients who lived at an altitude of at least 1600 m above sea level and who had undergone cardiac catheterization for isolated PDA between May 2010 and July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 7.33±7.67 years, and 62.4% of the patients were female. The mean ductal diameter was 3.74±2.14 mm. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 57.8%. Transcatheter closure was performed in 322 patients, with a 97.3% success rate. The Amplatzer duct occluder I (ADO I) was used most often, as well as off-label use of the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP) and the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder (AMVSDO). Pulmonary artery pressure decreased immediately in the vast majority after percutaneous closure. Transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction after ductal closure was seen only rarely. Follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter PDA closure can be performed with high success rate in highlanders. Off-label devices may be required for these procedures. Pulmonary hypertension is frequent but regresses after ductal closure. Transient left ventricular dysfunction after transcatheter closure is rarely seen in these patients and resolves without any medication.

A beneficial technique for preventing the device protrusion to the aorta during percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure: "Balloon-assisted device releasing technique".

BACKGROUND: Although percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus is an established safe procedure, protrusion of the device to descending aorta may occur in various degrees during these procedures, especially in small infants. The aim of our study is to evaluate the benefits of balloon-assisted device releasing technique in the era of preventing device protrusion and conditions related to protrusion. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five infants, who underwent patent ductus arteriosus closure with Amplatzer duct occluder I device between January, 2012 and December, 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Balloon-assisted device releasing technique was used in 20 cases (group 1, 12.9%), between January, 2015 and December, 2018. Procedures in which the technique had been used were compared with the remaining ones (group 2, 87.1%, n = 135) with regard to device stabilisation, aortic disc protrusion to the aorta, iatrogenic coarctation, and device embolisation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference by means of gender, age, weight, and the ductal diameter, whereas the average mean pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher in group 1. Device protrusion and related complications were significantly higher in group 2; thus, additional catheterisations or surgical interventions were required, while no additional intervention was required in group 1. CONCLUSION: The balloon-assisted device releasing technique provides a good device stabilisation and prevents protrusion of the device and related complications during percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in selected cases.

Ross operation early and mid-term results in children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The Ross procedure has been cited as the procedure of choice for young patients requiring aortic valve replacement. However, potential for reintervention requirement in both left and right ventricular outflow tracts can be a source of concern. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience with this procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all the patients who underwent the Ross procedure in a single institution was performed. National death registry records were used for late mortality. RESULTS: Eighteen Ross procedures between May 2003 and May 2018 were performed. The median age of the cohort was 15 [interquartile range (IQR): 12-18] years. The pulmonic conduit was a homograft in 11 patients, Labcor in 5 patients, Contegra in 1 patient, and Medtronic Freestyle Valve in 1 patient. There were three early deaths. The median follow-up of 15 hospital survivors was 11 (IQR: 3-14) years. Any late mortality was not observed. In the two surviving patients with infective endocarditis, there was no recurrent infective endocarditis. Freedom from reintervention was 80% at 8 years and onward. Any risk factors associated with reintervention could not be identified. However, freedom from autograft dilatation at 10 years was 45%. CONCLUSION: Autograft failure is a potential problem in the long-term follow-up of Ross patients. Freedom from reintervention was satisfactory, and the type of pulmonic conduit did not affect the mid-term outcomes. In patients with infective endocarditis, the Ross procedure has a low recurrence rate, but it might have an increased risk of mortality.

Aortic translocation procedure: Early outcomes from a single center.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The data on the Nikaidoh procedure is limited in the literature. This study presents our experiential findings with aortic translocation (Nikaidoh) procedure and its modifications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all the patients who underwent aortic translocation in our institution. RESULTS: Between September 2014 and November 2018, eight patients underwent aortic translocation surgery. The median age was 3.2 years (14 months and 9 years). The diagnosis was transposition of the great arteries (TGA), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in five patients (63%); double-outlet right ventricle (DORV), VSD, and LVOTO in two patients (25%) and DORV and remote VSD in one patient (12%). Additionally, two patients had tricuspid straddling. In terms of surgical procedures, six patients underwent standard Nikaidoh procedures, while one patient underwent double root translocation and one patient underwent a half-turned truncal switch operation. Hospital mortality was recorded for one patient (12.5%). Median intensive care and hospital stay duration was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-5 days) and 11 days (IQR: 8-17 days). Median follow-up duration was 10 months (IQR: 10-24 months). One of the patients, who underwent standard Nikaidoh procedure, died in the late follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic translocation procedure is an option for TGA, VSD, and LVOTO patients with a distal VSD or tricuspid straddling and DORV patients with a small VSD. Avoiding the use of a conduit through modifications, such as double root translocation and half-turned truncal switch operation, may decrease the risk of long-term recurrent interventions.

Preliminary results of the CeraflexTM PDA occluder and device behaviour during releasing.

INTRODUCTION: The CeraFlexTM PDA occluder is a new flexible device with a unique delivery system that may be beneficial with regard to not changing the device position after releasing. We prospectively evaluate the efficacy of the device and also the device behaviour patterns during release. METHODS: The study included 21 patients. Their median age was 1.2 years (from 6 months to 28 years) and weight was 9.6 kg (from 5.4 to 82 kg). All of the ducts were conical except one atypical ductus. Median ductal diameter at the pulmonary end was 3.8 mm (from 2.2 to 8.2 mm). The ductus was closed using an antegrade approach, but special attention was paid to the patterns of device behaviour during and just after releasing. RESULTS: Three different modes of device behaviour were observed during and just after releasing: (1) Neither difficulty nor change of position in 13 patients (62%), (2) a little difficulty in releasing but no change of position in 6 (29%), and (3) change of the device position in 2 (9%). There was no residual shunt on the next day except in one patient, in whom late device embolisation occurred. The device was retrieved and another, bigger device implanted. CONCLUSION: The CeraFlexTM PDA occlude device seems to be safe and efficacious for patent ductus arteriosus closure. Its unique delivery system generally fixes the device in a stable position that does not change after release (91%). Minor difficulty in releasing is not uncommon; however, the major disadvantage is the need for larger sheaths for delivery.

Systolic dysfunction of systemic ventricle in patients who underwent a Fontan operation.

Öner T, Balli S, Hekim Yilmaz E, Bulut MO, Sasmazel A, Çelebi A. Systolic dysfunction of systemic ventricle in patients who underwent a Fontan operation. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 925-930. The aim of the study was to report the clinical and echocardiographic data of patients who underwent a Fontan operation, and define the group with systolic dysfunction in the systemic ventricle observed during postoperative follow-up. The medical records of 183 patients [mean age: 10.93 ± 5.89 years (range: 2.5-45 years)] who were referred to our center and underwent a Fontan operation were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical, echocardiographic, and postoperative follow-up data of the patients were recorded. Preoperatively, 68 (37.2%) patients experienced pulmonary stenosis, while 41 (22.4%) had pulmonary atresia and 74 (40.4%) had pulmonary hypertension. The most common pathology in patients who were ineligible for biventricular repair was tricuspid atresia, seen in 51 patients (27.9%), followed by double-inlet left ventricle pathologies in 40 patients (21.9%). In total, 38 (20.7%) patients had a biventricular structure; among those with a single ventricular structure, the systemic ventricle involved was the right ventricle in 51 (27.9%) patients and the left ventricle in 94 (51.4%) patients. During follow-up, a total of 31 (16.9%) patients underwent catheterization and ventricular systolic functions were preserved in 168 (91.8%) patients. In Fifteen (8.2%) patients developed systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%). The mean age of the group developing systolic dysfunction was 15.6 ± 2.63 years (median, 13 years; range: 5-45 years). Of this group, 10 patients had a left ventricular structure of the systemic ventricle, 14 had atrial situs solitus, and 4 had moderate atrioventricular valve insufficiency. Even if the systemic ventricle is in the left ventricular structure, systolic dysfunction in the systemic ventricle develops, especially after the first 10 years, and this makes us think rudimentary ventricle function should also be carefully monitored for intra-univentricular diastolic asynchrony.

ALCAPA syndrome in an asymptomatic young soccer player.

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery syndrome is a rare, but severe congenital cardiac malformation. It is an important cause of dilated cardiomyopathy and left heart failure during infancy and, if left untreated, the prognosis is poor with an overall mortality rate over 90%. About 15% of patients can survive beyond the first year of life, depending on the development of collateral circulation and may present with angina, dyspnea, syncope, and arrhythmias. Myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death may be the only and the first symptom in some cases. The treatment of choice for this syndrome is urgent surgical intervention with favorable long-term outcomes. Herein, we present an asymptomatic adolescent active sportsman who was diagnosed with anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery syndrome and underwent a successful surgery.

Use of covered stents in simultaneous management of coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical and procedural characteristics of twelve patients who received a covered stent for the treatment of aortic coarctation and concurrent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). METHODS: A single center database was retrospectively evaluated to obtain data of patients with combined aortic coarctation and PDA. We selected patients in whom a covered stent was used for the treatment of both pathologies. The stent length was chosen so as to cover the entire length of the lesion from healthy to healthy tissue and also cover the ampulla of PDA. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 15 (range, 6.5-35) years. The diameter of the coarctated segment increased from a median of 8.4 (range, 2.6-10.8) mm to 16 (range, 9-24) mm (p<0.005), whereas the pressure gradient decreased from a median of 43 (range, 10-71) mm Hg to 0 (range, 0-8) mm Hg (p<0.005). Fourteen covered stents were used for 12 patients. Following deployment, seven stents were flared with larger and low-pressure balloons because of the gap between the distal end of the stent and the poststenotic dilated segment of the aorta, which caused residual PDA shunts and/or instability of the stent. After the procedure, no residual PDA shunt was present in any patient. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study includes the largest series of patients reported in literature in whom covered CP stents were used for simultaneous percutaneous treatment of coarctation and PDA. The procedure was successful and stable results were obtained during follow-up in all cases.

Stenting of the ductus arteriosus in infants with functionally univentricular heart disease and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short- and medium-term outcomes of ductal stenting (DS) in patients with functionally univentricular hearts (FUHs) and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. BACKGROUND: Several studies have evaluated the outcomes of DS in a limited number of patients with FUHs. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus regarding the indications for this procedure, and no appropriate patient selection criteria have been devised. METHODS: From 2005 to 2015, cardiac catheterization for DS was performed in 68 patients with FUHs. Of these patients, 49 had single source pulmonary blood flow from ductus arteriosus. Procedural and follow-up data were evaluated. RESULTS: The median weight of the patients was 3.6 kg (2.3-6.8 kg), and the median age was 26 days (3 days-8 months). The technical success rate of the procedure was 95% (65 of 68 patients). Mean oxygen saturation increased from 70% ± 7.6% to 87% ± 4.6% (P < 0.0001). Among patients in whom DS was successful, 55 (84.6%) were bridged to a Glenn procedure after a median of 9.1 months (6.4-14 months), and 41 (63%) were successfully bridged to a Glenn procedure without additional interventions. Of the 16 patients with preexisting mild pulmonary artery stenosis, five required a surgical shunt due to progressive branch pulmonary artery stenosis, while nine were bridged to a Glenn operation without shunt placement. Five (7.3%) patients died, including patients who were sent to surgery. CONCLUSION: DS is a reasonable and effective alternative to surgical shunt placement as a first-stage palliative procedure in patients with FUHs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Treatment of severe hemolysis following Nit-Occlud Lê VSD coil implantation with Amplatzer Duct Occluder II.

Hemolysis after percutaneous device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication that can be conservatively managed in the majority of cases. However, surgery or transcatheter occlusion may be necessary. Presently described is the successful treatment of hemolysis that developed after implantation of the Nit-Occlud Lê VSD coil, using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) in a patient with aneurysmatic perimembranous VSD. Systolic murmur and symptoms immediately disappeared after the procedure.

Initial Experience with the Nit-Occlud ASD-R: Short-Term Results.

We aim to assess the safety, feasibility and efficacy of the new Nit-Occlud ASD-R (NOASD-R) device. From 2014 to 2015, transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) using the NOASD-R was performed in 30 consecutive patients. The standard deployment technique as the left upper pulmonary vein approach was used in 25 patients. Right upper pulmonary vein approach was required in five. The median age was 6 years (range 3.5-60 years), and median weight was 21.5 kg (14-79 kg). Implantation was successful in all patients. The median size of devices was 16 mm (12.0-26.0 mm). The mean device size/2D defect diameter ratio was 1.26 ± 0.09 (1.12-1.40). The mean device size/color flow diameter ratio was 1.07 ± 0.06 (range 1.0-1.22). Releasing problem was encountered in three patients. A device-related erosion on the day after the closure was observed in one patient. No further device-related complication (erosion, embolization or dislodgement of the device) was encountered in a median follow-up period of 10 months (range 2-14 months). Complete occlusion has occurred in all at follow-up. NOASD-R is a feasible and effective device for use in the transcatheter occlusion of moderate to large secundum ASDs in selected patients. The occurrence of the erosion on the right atrial roof may be due to the high localization of the device and the larger size of the right disk.

Intervention in Patients with Critical Pulmonary Stenosis in the Ductal Stenting Era.

We aimed to assess early and midterm outcomes of balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) procedure in patients with critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) and to describe the predictors of the need for additional pulmonary flow and reintervention in this subgroup of patients. From 2005 to 2014, 56 neonates were diagnosed with CPS and were included in this study. All echocardiographic, catheterization and angiographic data obtained prior to the initial BVP and at follow-up were reviewed. BVP was successful in 55 neonates (98 %). Twenty-one neonates needed pulmonary blood flow augmentation after BVP (38 %). Ductal stenting (DS) was performed in 20. The patients' mean tricuspid valve (TV) annulus diameter was 10.4 ± 2 mm, and the Z score was -1.29 ± 1 (-3.7 to 0.78). The mean pulmonary valve (PV) annulus diameter was 6 ± 0.9 mm, and the Z score was -1.74 ± 1 (-4.34 to 0.05). A transcatheter or surgical reintervention was performed in 11 patients. A TV Z score < -1.93 SD predicted the need for pulmonary blood flow augmentation after a successful BVP, with a sensitivity of 63.2% and a specificity of 84.4%. A PV Z score < -1.69 SD predicted the need for pulmonary flow augmentation, with a sensitivity of 74 %. The presence of bipartite RV was found to be a significant predictor of the need for reintervention (odds ratio 9.6). Our study showed the excellent immediate outcomes of BPV and DS in a pure cohort of patients with CPS. Prophylactic DS in selected cases seems reasonable and safe.

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of a descending aorta to vertebral venous plexus fistula using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2: a case report.

A descending aorta to vertebral venous plexus fistula is an extremely rare form of arteriovenous fistula. A 10-month-old infant was referred to the hospital for evaluation of a murmur. On examination, a continuous murmur was heard in the entire back. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed left heart chamber dilatation in the presence of preserved left ventricle systolic function. Computerized tomography angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction, and lateral projection aortography revealed a descending aorta-vertebral venous plexus fistula measuring 4.8 mm in the aortic orifice. The fistula was embolized using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2.

[Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects in pediatric and adult patients: short- and mid-term follow-up results]. / Eriskin ve çocuklardaki sekundum tip atriyal septal defektlerin perkütan yaklasim ile kapatilmasi: Kisa-orta dönem izlem sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the short- and mid-term results of patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) who were treated with percutaneous closure. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-nine patients with secundum ASD (54 female and 25 male; mean age 26.2±17.2; range 3 to 71] years) were included in this study. Patients were evaluated by transthoracic (TTE) and/or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) was used in all patients. In 76 patients, the procedure was performed under local anesthesia with TTE, while in the other 3 patients, it was performed with general anesthesia with TEE. Patients were followed up at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months and annually thereafter. Mean follow-up time was 13.6±6.6 months. RESULTS: Mean diameter of ASDs was 18.2±7.5 mm and 20.7±8.04 mm during balloon dilatation, and mean diameter of implanted devices was 22.7±8.5 mm. Procedural time was 40.2±12.6 minutes and fluoroscopy time was 10.9±4.1 minutes. The procedure was successfully performed in all patients (100%). One patient with cardiac tamponade died seven days after cardiac surgery. In two patients, the implanted devices embolized to the pulmonary circulation. Residual flow was found in three patients immediately after the procedure, without residual shunts one month after closure. Mild pericardial effusion in one patient and significant residual shunt due to device malposition in another were discovered during the follow-up at 1 and 6 months, respectively, after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that percutaneous closure of ASDs is successful in most patients with a low complication rate, and demonstrated that residual shunts do not develop in the majority of patients in the short- and mid-term.

[Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus: short term results]. / Duktus arteriyozus açikliginin perkütan yolla kapatilmasi: Kisa dönem sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short term results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients following closure with the Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (ADO-1 and ADO-2) and Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) devices. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 48 patients (17 male and 31 female; range 3 to 39 years) were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before intervention. Percutaneous closure was performed under fluoroscopy through anterograde or retrograde route. Aortagraphy was performed to measure and classify the ductus arteriosus. Residual shunt through ductus was controlled by aortography at the tenth minute and by TTE 24 hours and three months after the procedure. RESULTS: The released device was ADO-1 in 25 patients (51.2%), ADO-2 in 22 patients (45.8%), and ASO in one patient. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months. In 97.9% of patients, the occluder was placed into the ductus without any complication. In one patient, the device embolized to the left pulmonary artery during implantation. Aortography performed ten minutes after the procedure showed complete closure in 38 patients without residual defect. TTE revealed trace amounts of residual shunt within the device in two patients, flow around the device in two patients 24 hours after implantation, and residual shunt in only one patient three month after intervention. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of PDA with ADO-1 and ADO-2 devices has low morbidity and mortality with high rates of success in selected patients.

Outcome results in children with IgA nephropathy: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis. Patients manifest variable clinical symptoms (eg, microhematuria) with preserved or progressive deterioration of renal function resulting in end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients from a single center to describe the clinical features, treatments, and follow-up results of those with the disease. METHODS: This is a retrospective data study of all children with IgAN. Patients who had a histopathologically proven diagnosis of IgAN and were followed up for at least 5 years were included in the study. Renal biopsy, graded as Hass classification, was performed on all patients. A total of 39 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time (± standard deviation) was 10.4 ± 3.51 (range 5-16) years. Twenty-nine patients (74.4%) were male and ten (25.6%) were female. Nineteen (48.7%) patients presented with recurrent macroscopic hematuria, ten (25.6%) with microscopic hematuria ± proteinuria, six (15.4%) with nephritic syndrome, and four (10.3%) with nephrotic syndrome. All patients underwent a renal biopsy, which was graded according to the Hass classification. At the end of follow-up time, 18 (46.1%) patients were normal, 15 (38.5%) had minor urinary abnormalities, three (7.7%) had active renal disease, and three (7.7%) developed renal failure. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study are better than those from most other series. The majority of children with IgAN in this study were admitted with recurrent macroscopic hematuria and found to have a good prognosis. We suggest that children with IgAN have a good prognosis in the first 5-year follow-up period.