RESUMEN
We aimed to assess the frequency of criss-cross pulmonary arteries and associated intracardiac and vascular anomalies in patients who underwent CT angiography due to suspected congenital heart disease or vascular anomaly at our hospital. We retrospectively evaluated the CT angiography images of 355 patients aged 0-18 years between April 2018 and December 2022. The presence of the criss-cross pulmonary artery anomaly was assessed. Additionally, in patients with a criss-cross pulmonary artery anomaly, accompanying branch pulmonary artery anomalies, aortic arch anomalies, and other vascular-cardiac anomalies were also evaluated. A total of 331 patients' images were evaluated. Criss-cross pulmonary artery anomaly was present in 57 patients (17.2%). Pulmonary artery branch anomaly was present in 16, aortic arch anomaly in 40 patients (70%) with criss-cross pulmonary artery anomaly, while associated intracardiac pathology (by echocardiography) was detected in 43 patients (75.4%). The frequency of criss-cross pulmonary artery was found to be significantly higher in patients with any aortic arch anomaly (p = 0.01). This study represents one of the largest series of patients with criss-cross pulmonary artery anomalies. Our results suggests that it may be more common than previously recognized and potentially overlooked. It is crucial to consider the presence of this anomaly in patients with complex aortic arch anomalies or cardiac pathologies, as it may have implications for surgical approaches and potential complications. Increased awareness of this anomaly among cardiologists and radiologists is necessary for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 is a biomarker which takes a role in both acute and chronic inflammation as well as fibrosis and oxidative stress. Increased levels of it are associated with cardiovascular diseases. This study was performed to investigate the levels of galectin-3 in acute rheumatic fever (ARF). METHODS: 30 patients with ARF and 26 healthy children were included. Galectin-3 levels of the patients were compared with the controls, as well as within the patients before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The patients had significantly lower galectin-3 levels on admission than the control (p=0.02), but its levels were not significantly different between these groups at the end of treatment (p=0.714). The mean galectin-3 levels of the patients were increased after the treatment (p < 0.001). Severity of carditis and galectin-3 levels were negatively correlated (r=-539, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Children with ARF have significantly reduced levels of galectin-3 and there is a negative correlation between the severity of the carditis and galectin-3 levels. Studies with larger sample sizes may give more accurate data about the role of galectin-3 in ARF.
