Non-routine thrombectomy in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Unlike in adults, the indications and techniques for mechanical thrombectomy for arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children are not clearly established. The medical and interventional management of children with acute large vessel occlusion may entail the modification of the standardized management of this condition in adults. We present six cases of children who underwent non-routine thrombectomy for AIS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of children diagnosed with AIS between 2015 and 2023 and evaluated patient characteristics, procedural technical data, and final clinical outcomes. Procedures deviating from the current definition and indications for AIS treatment in adults as well as previously reported pediatric thrombectomy cases were defined as non-routine thrombectomy. RESULTS: Seven non-routine thrombectomy procedures in six children were included in the study. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on admission ranged from 4 to 35; no procedure-related mortality or major neurologic morbidity occurred. One child died of causes related to the initial severe heart failure and stroke; otherwise, all the children had a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 1 at follow-up. Unique clinical and procedural features in our case series included presentation with acute stent occlusion (two children), bilateral simultaneous internal carotid artery occlusions associated with a unilateral tandem middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (one child), MCA occlusion caused by thromboembolism of the atrial myxoma (one child), and very distal (one child) or delayed thrombectomy (two children). CONCLUSION: Modifications to the standard medical and interventional algorithms may be required for mechanical thrombectomy in children. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Referral centers specialized in pediatric neurology, pediatric anesthesia, and pediatric intervention are optimal for treating children using mechanical thrombectomy and for modifying the treatment, if required.

Exercise capacity and muscle strength in patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure: a retrospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Due to their relationship with clinical progression, follow-up of exercise capacity and muscle strength is important for optimal disease management in patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure. We aimed to retrospectively analyze exercise capacity and muscle strength trajectory over approximately 2 years. METHODS: Exercise capacity was assessed using an exercise stress test with the modified Bruce protocol on a treadmill, hand grip and knee extensor strength using a hand dynamometer, and body composition using a bioelectrical impedance device. Exercise capacity, muscle strength, and body composition follow-up data recorded between 2020 and 2022 were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen patients [median age from 17 (first assessment) to 18 years (last assessment), 5 females)] with a 20-month median follow-up time were analyzed retrospectively. There was an increase in weight, height, body mass index, and body fat weight (p<0.05). There was a tendency for increased handgrip strength (%) (p=0.069), but no significant difference was observed in the knee extensor strength of patients during the follow-up period (p>0.05). The changes in heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation were higher in the last test than in the first test (p<0.05). Maximum HR (HRmax), % predicted HRmax and HR reserve recorded during the test and HR 1 minute after the test were similar between the first and last tests (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After 20 months of follow-up, exercise capacity and muscle strength did not decline; instead, the body mass index and fat weight increased. Patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure may not be experiencing a decline in exercise capacity and muscle strength over relatively short time periods during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.

Differentiating Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children from Kawasaki Disease During the Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to delineate the distinctive characteristics that aid in distinguishing between Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with KD-like manifestations during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated KD patients and MIS-C patients with KD-like symptoms admitted during the pandemic (between January 2021 and December 2022). RESULTS: Thirty-three MIS-C patients and 15 KD patients were included. Kawasaki disease patients were younger than MIS-C patients (3.4 vs. 7.6 years). Rash (P = .044, 100% vs. 75.7%), oral mucosal changes (P = .044, 100% vs. 75.7%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (P = .001, 93.3% vs. 42.4%) were more common in KD. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: patients had more hypotension (P = .002, 45.4% vs. 0), gastrointestinal (P .001, 72.7% vs. 13.3%), and respiratory symptoms (P = .044, 24.2% vs. 0). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients also had low lymphocyte and thrombocyte counts and elevated levels of d-dimer, ferritin, and cardiac parameters, unlike KD patients. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients exhibited a notable reduction in left ventricular systolic function in echocardiography. Another significant difference with regard to management was the anakinra treatment, which was prescribed for MIS-C patients. CONCLUSION: Although MIS-C patients might display a clinical resemblance to KD, several features could help differentiate between MIS-C and classical KD. Specific clinical (hypotension, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms) and laboratory (low lymphocyte and thrombocyte counts with higher C-reactive protein, ferritin, d-dimer, and cardiac parameters) features are characteristic of MIS-C. In addition, divergence in management strategies is evident between the 2 diseases, as biologic drugs were more prevalently employed in MIS-C patients than in classical KD patients.

Adult congenital heart disease training in Europe: current status, disparities and potential solutions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the status of training of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) cardiologists in Europe. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to ACHD cardiologists from 34 European countries. RESULTS: Representatives from 31 of 34 countries (91%) responded. ACHD cardiology was recognised by the respective ministry of Health in two countries (7%) as a subspecialty. Two countries (7%) have formally recognised ACHD training programmes, 15 (48%) have informal (neither accredited nor certified) training and 14 (45%) have very limited or no programme. Twenty-five countries (81%) described training ACHD doctors 'on the job'. The median number of ACHD centres per country was 4 (range 0-28), median number of ACHD surgical centres was 3 (0-26) and the median number of ACHD training centres was 2 (range 0-28). An established exit examination in ACHD was conducted in only one country (3%) and formal certification provided by two countries (7%). ACHD cardiologist number versus gross domestic product Pearson correlation coefficient=0.789 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Formal or accredited training in ACHD is rare among European countries. Many countries have very limited or no training and resort to 'train people on the job'. Few countries provide either an exit examination or certification. Efforts to harmonise training and establish standards in exit examination and certification may improve training and consequently promote the alignment of high-quality patient care.

Percutaneous Transcatheter Retrieval of Central Venous Port Fragments in Pediatric Patients; A Single-center Experience From the Pediatric Cardiology Department.

BACKGROUND: Split/fracture and embolization of central venous/shunt catheters are rare but serious complications in children. Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is an important minimal invasive treatment. This study is aimed to represent our largest pediatric sample experience till now of 17 years from a single institution. Another aim is to compare the results regarding the removal or leaving in place of embolized or ruptured intravascular or cardiac venous catheter parts in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 cases were included in this study. Any pediatric patient with normal coagulation parameters and a fractured catheter fragment was included in this study. Other intravascular foreign bodies related to interventional devices and/or pacemaker/implantable cardiac defibrillator leads were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients, of whom 25 had oncologic diseases and 1 had a ventriculoatrial shunt, were included. The median age was 83.5 months (between 20 mo and 18 y) at treatment.Superior vena cava (9 cases), followed by the right atrium (5 cases), were the most two common sites of embolization for cardiovascular foreign bodies. The success rate of percutaneous retrieval was 92.3% in all patients. There were neither complications nor deaths. The retrieval technique revealed a predisposition for extraction through the femoral vein (96.1%) and using snare techniques (100%). Additional catheters like pigtail, National Institutes of Health, or ablation catheters were used for stabilization in selective cases in which the permanent central venous fragments stuck to the vessels. A tractional maneuver and capturing the ruptured material in the middle were other trick points for successful retrieval. Patients were asymptomatic in 76.9% of cases (20/26). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous retrieval of cardiovascular foreign bodies is a reasonable, safe, and effective way in children when the catheter fragments are free and mobile. It should be considered the preferred treatment option instead of surgery. In patients where catheter fragments are stuck and are adherent to vessels, it could be left, and followed up by anticoagulation. Novel techniques accompanied by an experienced team could be helpful in difficult cases.

The risk of cardiovascular comorbidity in children with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with Behcet disease (BD) may experience long term morbidity caused by different forms of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the risk for cardiovascular comorbidity in pediatric BD patients with and without vascular involvement, independent of the contribution of traditional risk factors. METHODS: Pediatric patients classified as BD according to the 2015 International Pediatric BD criteria were included in the study. Twenty-four-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), transthoracic echocardiography, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) measurements were performed. Patients with an active disease and have other known risk factors for cardiovascular disease were not included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-one children and adolescents with pediatric BD (16 female, 51.6%; F/M: 1.06) were enrolled in the study. Among all BD patients 10 patients (34.4%) had abnormal ABPM. Carotid IMT values, mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure by ABPM and the prevalence of abnormal ABPM, non-dipping, and ambulatory hypertension were similar between patients with and without vascular involvement. The echocardiography measurements showed that BD patients with vascular involvement had significantly higher velocity and velocity time integral of the left ventricle outflow tract which may point out increased stiffness of the aorta. CONCLUSION: Pediatric BD patients with vascular involvement may tend to have more cardiovascular risk factors. However, cardiovascular assessment should be considered in all BD patients regardless of the involved systems. We suggest that ABPM may accurately define hypertension and cardiovascular risk in BD.

Case Report: Severe McCune-Albright syndrome presenting with neonatal Cushing syndrome: navigating through clinical obstacles.

Background: Café-au-lait skin macules, Cushing syndrome (CS), hyperthyroidism, and liver and cardiac dysfunction are presenting features of neonatal McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), CS being the rarest endocrine feature. Although spontaneous resolution of hypercortisolism has been reported, outcome is usually unfavorable. While a unified approach to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up is lacking, herein successful treatment and long-term follow-up of a rare case is presented. Clinical case: An 11-day-old girl born small for gestational age presented with deterioration of well-being and weight loss. Large hyperpigmented macules on the trunk, hypertension, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, and elevated liver enzymes were noted. ACTH-independent CS due to MAS was diagnosed. Although metyrapone (300 mg/m2/day) was started on the 25th day, complete remission could not be achieved despite increasing the dose up to 1,850 mg/m2/day. At 9 months, right total and left three-quarters adrenalectomy was performed. Cortisol decreased substantially, ACTH remained suppressed, rapid tapering of hydrocortisone to physiological dose was not tolerated, and supraphysiological doses were required for 2 months. GNAS analysis from the adrenal tissue showed a pathogenic heterozygous mutation. During 34 months of follow-up, in addition to CS due to MAS, fibrous dysplasia, hypophosphatemic rickets, and peripheral precocious puberty were detected. She is still regularly screened for other endocrinopathies. Conclusion: Neonatal CS due to MAS is extremely rare. Although there is no specific guideline for diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up, addressing side effects and identifying treatment outcomes will improve quality of life and survival.

Cardiac rhabdomyomas: clinical progression, efficacy and safety of everolimus treatment.

BACKGROUND: Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare. Cardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor. 50-80% of solitary rhabdomyomas and all multiple rhabdomyomas are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Due to spontaneous regression, surgery is necessary only in severe hemodynamic compromise and persistent arrhythmias. Everolimus, a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, can be used in the treatment of rhabdomyomas seen in tuberous sclerosis complex. We aimed to evaluate the clinical progression of rhabdomyomas followed-up in our center between the years 2014-2019 and evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus treatment on tumor regression. METHODS: Clinical features, prenatal diagnosis, clinical findings, tuberous sclerosis complex presence, treatment and follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 56 children with primary cardiac tumors, 47 were diagnosed as rhabdomyomas, 28/47 patients (59.6%) had prenatal diagnosis, 85.1% were diagnosed before one year of age and 42/47 patients (89.3%) were asymptomatic. Multiple rhabdomyomas were present in 51% and median diameter of tumors was 16mm (4.5 - 52 mm). In 29/47 patients (61.7%) no medical or surgical treatment were necessary while 34% of these had spontaneous regression. Surgery was necessary in 6/47 patients (12.7%). Everolimus was used in 14/47 patients (29.8%). Indications were seizures (2 patients) and cardiac dysfunction (12 patients). Regression in size of rhabdomyomas was achieved in 10/12 patients (83%). Although, in the long-term, the amount of tumor mass shrinkage was not significantly different between patients who received everolimus and untreated patients (p=0.139), the rate of mass reduction was 12.4 times higher in patients who received everolimus. Leukopenia was not detected in any of the patients, but, hyperlipidemia was noted in 3/14 patients (21.4%). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, everolimus accelerates tumor mass reduction, but not amount of mass regression in the long term. Everolimus may be considered for treatment of rhabdomyomas which cause hemodynamic compromise or life-threatening arrhythmias before surgical intervention.

The Effect of Biologics in the Treatment of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (Mis-C): A Single-Center Propensity-Score-Matched Study.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition characterized by excessive inflammation that can arise as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. While our understanding of COVID-19 and MIS-C has been advancing, there is still uncertainty regarding the optimal treatment for MIS-C. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory outcomes of MIS-C patients treated with IVIG plus corticosteroids (CS) to those treated with IVIG plus CS and an additional biologic drug. We used the propensity score (PS)-matching method to assess the relationships between initial treatment and outcomes. The primary outcome was a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 55% on day 2 or beyond and/or the requirement of inotrope support on day 2 or beyond. We included 79 MIS-C patients (median age 8.51 years, 33 boys) followed in our center. Among them, 50 children (25 in each group) were allocated to the PS-matched cohort sample. The primary outcome was observed in none of the patients in the IVIG and CS group, while it occurred in eight patients in the IVIG plus CS and biologic group (p = 0.04). MIS-C is a disorder that may progress rapidly and calls for extensive care. For definitive recommendations, further studies, including randomized control trials, are required.

Fetal cardiac interventions: First-year experience of a tertiary referral center in Turkey.

AIM: To present the first-year experience of fetal cardiac interventions (FCIs) in a tertiary referral hospital and to evaluate the outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of four pregnant women who underwent fetal pulmonary or aortic balloon valvuloplasty between November 2020 and June 2021. The procedures were performed with a percutaneous cardiac puncture under the ultrasonography guidance. Gestational age at intervention, procedural success, complications, and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. Procedural complications defined as fetal bradyarrhythmia requiring treatment, pericardial effusion requiring drainage, balloon rupture, and fetal death. The procedure was considered technically successful if the valve was dilated with a balloon catheter. Ultimately successful procedure was defined as the discharge of infants alive with biventricular circulation. RESULTS: A total of 5 FCIs attempted between 26 + 3 and 28 + 2 gestational weeks. While the procedure was technically successful in 2 cases with pulmonary stenosis, both attempts were unsuccessful in the fetus with pulmonary atresia. Although the procedure was technically successful in the patient with critical aortic stenosis, it ultimately failed. No fetal death occurred in our series and there were no procedure-related significant maternal complications. However, three interventions were complicated by fetal bradycardia and pericardial effusion necessitating treatment, and balloon rupture cropped up in one case. CONCLUSION: FCIs may lead to improving the likelihood of a biventricular outcome for selected fetuses. Careful selection of patients and centralization of experience are essential for obtaining favorable outcomes. Operators should be aware of procedural complications. Improved procedural techniques with a lower complication rate will be achieved through advanced medical technology and special balloon catheters.

Risk factors for coronary arterial involvement in Turkish children with Kawasaki disease: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary arterial lesions (CALs) are the major component of Kawasaki disease (KD), associated with significant morbidity, which affect a substantial proportion of patients despite proper treatment. The aim of this study was to define the risk factors for CALs in Turkish children with KD. METHODS: Medical records of 399 KD patients from five pediatric rheumatology centers in Turkey were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical (including duration of fever before intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] and resistance to IVIG), laboratory and echocardiographic data were noted. RESULTS: The patients with CALs were younger, had a higher male ratio and a longer duration of fever before IVIG. They also had higher lymphocyte and lower hemoglobin values before the initial treatment. Multiple logistic regression analyses defined the following three criteria as independent risk factors for predicting CALs in Turkish children with KD: age ≤12 months, male gender and duration of fever before IVIG ≥9.5 days. High sensitivity rates of elevated risk of CALs up to 94.5% were calculated despite specificity values falling to 16.5%, depending on which of these three parameters are taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the demographic and clinical features, we established an easily applicable risk-scoring system for predicting CALs in Turkish children with KD. This may be useful for choosing appropriate treatment and follow-up for KD to prevent coronary artery involvement. Further studies will show whether these risk factors can be used in other Caucasian populations as well.

Assessment of exercise capacity using field walking tests in patients after the Fontan procedure: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the frequent use of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), exercise capacity has not been assessed with the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) in patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure. It is unclear whether these tests cause clinically relevant cardiorespiratory responses in these patients. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess cardiorespiratory responses to the 6MWT and ISWT in Fontan patients, compare the responses with those in the controls, and examine the agreement between the two field tests. METHODS: Submaximal exercise capacity was assessed using the 6MWT, maximal exercise capacity using the ISWT, quadriceps isometric muscle strength with a hand dynamometer, and body composition using a bioelectrical impedance device. RESULTS: Twenty-one Fontan patients (16.42±6.63 years, 5F/16M) and 21 controls (16.57±4.30 years, 7F/14M) were included. While body composition was similar between the groups (p>0.05), quadriceps isometric muscle strength and 6MWT and ISWT distance were lower in the Fontan patients than in the controls (p<0.05). In both the 6MWT and ISWT, pre- and post-test heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), dyspnea, and leg fatigue differed significantly between the Fontan patients and the controls (p<0.05). In addition, the ISWT resulted in a more significant change in HR, SpO2, and leg fatigue than the 6MWT in the Fontan patients (p<0.05). Bland-Altman plots for the 6MWT vs. the ISWT indicated agreement between the two tests. CONCLUSION: There were remarkable changes in HR, SpO2, dyspnea, and leg fatigue in both tests. With similar safety to the 6MWT but with more caution applied for adverse events, the ISWT can also be performed as a field test to evaluate exercise capacity and identify more pronounced exercise-induced responses (especially oxygen desaturation) in Fontan patients.

Interventional cardiac catheterization in neonates and premature infants with congenital heart disease: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: The increased survival of patients with congenital heart disease over the last three decades has been associated with improvements in diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate therapeutic interventional catheterization, outcomes and complications of these procedures in neonates and premature infants. METHODS: In this study, therapeutic catheterization procedures performed on neonates and premature infants with congenital heart disease at a university hospital between February 2000 and October 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 322 procedures were performed on 279 neonates and 26 premature infants. Of the patients, 217 (67.4%) were male. The median age of the patients was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2-20) and the median body weight was 3050 g (IQR 2900-3600). The most common procedures were balloon atrial septostomy, balloon aortic angioplasty, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (35.4%, 20.8%, 18.3% and 12.4% respectively). The most common diagnoses were transposition of the great arteries, coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary stenosis and aortic stenosis (26.7%, 19.3%, 15.2% and 11.5% respectively). Most procedures, 274 (85.1%), were successful. Complications were observed in 74 procedures (23%). Of these complications, 45 (14%) were minor and 29 (9%) were major. The most common complication was transient dysrhythmia (6.9%). There was no significant relationship between body weight, age and the rate of complications. However, longer procedure time and fluoroscopy time were associated with higher complication rates (p < 0.05). Four procedurerelated deaths were observed. CONCLUSION: Procedure-related complications are higher in the neonatal period. Although the complication rate varies according to the type of procedure, longer fluoroscopy time and procedure duration are associated with an increased complication rate. Procedures performed with the right indications, appropriate equipment and by experienced teams will play a key role in reducing complication rates.

Efficacy of flecainide in bidirectional ventricular tachycardia and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy with Andersen-Tawil syndrome.

Andersen-Tawil syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic or sporadic disorder characterized by periodic paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias and dysmorphic features. Ventricular arrhythmias can include frequent premature ventricular complex, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and less frequently bidirectional ventricular tachycardia. Left ventricle function has been reported in only a few individual cases of Andersen-Tawil syndrome. A 14-year-old female patient was referred to our clinic from another center with documented arrhythmia and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Andersen-Tawil syndrome was suspected and the diagnosis was confirmed after detection of a previously unreported mutation in children. We report the successful use of flecainide in bidirectional ventricular tachycardia and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in a case of Andersen-Tawil syndrome associated with a novel mutation.

Comparison of IVIG resistance predictive models in Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the ten different scores (by Kobayashi, Egami, Harada, Formosa, Sano, Piram et al., Wu et al., Yang et al., Tan et al., and Kanai et al.) to assess their performance in predicting IVIG resistance in Turkish children. METHODS: Complete and incomplete KD patients diagnosed with KD at Hacettepe University between June 2007 and September 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients, 79 boys (61.2%), with a median age 36 (IQR 19.5-57.0) months were evaluated. Sixteen patients (12.4%) had IVIG resistance. Sensitivity was low for all the ten scores. Tan, Sano, and Egami predictive models had the highest specificity (97.3, 89.4, 86.7%, respectively). Almost all scoring systems distinguished the group of patients with low risk for IVIG resistance but could not differentiate IVIG-resistant patients. Multivariate analysis for the laboratory features showed that platelet count <300 × 109/L and GGT serum levels were independent risk factors for IVIG resistance (OR: 3.896; 95% CI: 1.054-14.404; p = 0.042 and OR: 1.008; 95% CI: 1.001-1.015; p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: The current scoring systems had a low sensitivity for predicting the risk for IVIG resistance in Turkish children. On the other hand, increased serum GGT levels and low platelet count were risk factors for predicting IVIG resistance. IMPACT: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance may be observed in 10-20% of patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Coronary artery involvement is more frequent in IVIG-resistant patients. It is important to predict the patients who might develop IVIG resistance to improve prognosis. The performance of the IVIG resistance predictive models in Kawasaki disease in our population is limited due to the low sensitivity.

Two decades of experience on ablation in children with Ebstein's anomaly.

INTRODUCTION: Accessory pathways are commonly seen due to delamination of tricuspid valve leaflets. In addition to accessory pathways, an enlarged right atrium due to tricuspid regurgitation and incisional scars creates substrates for atrial re-entries and ectopic tachycardia. We sought to describe our experience with catheter ablation in children with Ebstein's anomaly. METHODS AND RESULTS: During the study period, of 89 patients diagnosed with Ebstein's anomaly, 26 (30.9%) of them who underwent 33 ablation procedures were included in the study. Accessory pathways were observed in the majority of procedures (n = 27), whereas atrial flutter was observed in five, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in five, and atrial tachycardia in two procedures. Accessory pathways were commonly localised in the right posteroseptal (n = 10 patients), right posterolateral (n = 14 patients), septal (n = two patients), and left posteroseptal (n = one patient) areas. Multiple accessory pathways and coexistent arrhythmia were observed in six procedures. All ablation attempts related to the accessory pathways were successful, but recurrence was observed in five (19%) of the ablations. Ablation for atrial flutter was performed in five patients; two of them were ablated successfully. One of the atrial tachycardia cases was ablated successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Ablation in patients with Ebstein's anomaly is challenging, and due to nature of the disease, it is not a rare occasion in this group of patients. Ablation of accessory pathways has high success, but also relatively high recurrence rates, whereas ablation of atrial arrhythmias has lower success rates, especially in operated patients.

Differences and similarities of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, Kawasaki disease and macrophage activating syndrome due to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a comparative study.

To compare the clinical and laboratory findings of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and with macrophage activating syndrome due to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA-MAS) on real-life data. Patients diagnosed with MIS-C, KD, and sJIA-MAS from 12 different centers in Turkey who were followed for at least 6 months were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of all patients were analyzed. A total of 154 MIS-C, 59 KD, and 31 sJIA-MAS patients were included. The median age of patients with MIS-C were higher than those with KD while lower than those with sJIA-MAS (8.2, 3, 12 years, respectively). Myalgia (39.6%), cardiac (50.6%), gastrointestinal (72.7%), and neurological (22.1%) involvements were more common in patients with MIS-C compared to others. MIS-C patients had lower levels of lymphocyte (950 vs 1700 cells/µl) and thrombocyte (173,000 vs 355,000 cells/µl) counts and higher pro-BNP (1108 vs 55 pg/ml) levels than KD. Ferritin levels were higher in patients with MIS-C compared to patients with KD while they were lower than patients with sJIA-MAS (440, 170, 10,442 ng/ml, respectively). Patients with MIS-C had a shorter duration of hospitalization than sJIA-MAS (p = 0.02) while they required intensive care unit admission more frequently (55 vs 8 patients, p < 0.001). The median MAS/sJIA score of MIS-C patients was - 1.64 (- 5.23 to 9.68) and the median MAS/sJIA score of sJIA-MAS patients was -2.81 ([- 3.79] to [- 1.27]). MIS-C patients displayed certain differences in clinical and laboratory features when compared to KD and sJIA-MAS. Definition of the differences and similarities between MIS-C and the other intense inflammatory syndromes of childhood such as KD and MAS will help the clinicians while making timely diagnosis.

Femoral venous haemostasis in children and young adults using the 'figure-of-eight' suture technique.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the 'figure-of-eight' suture among children and young adults with congenital heart defects who underwent interventional procedures, in patients with structurally normal hearts who underwent electrophysiological study and in haemodynamically impaired children and newborns. We also reported a novel femoral haemostasis method in patients with a central catheter by modifying the 'figure-of-eight' suture around the catheter for haemorrhage control. METHOD: Between 2015 and 2018, a total of 100 'figure-of-eight' sutures were performed in 90 patients (48 males, 42 females) where the median age was 12.5 years (minimum 3 days, maximum 22 years). The procedures were diagnostic angiography (n = 6), radiofrequency and/or cryoablation (n = 7) and interventional procedures (n = 87). RESULT: Haemostasis was achieved in 89 of 90 patients. Haemostasis could not be achieved in one malnourished patient due to lack of subcutaneous tissue. There were no major complications. A bullous skin lesion and minor bleeding were the only complications seen in two patients. A central catheter was inserted in eight patients using the modified 'figure-of-eight' suture technique. CONCLUSION: The 'figure-of-eight' suture is a safe and effective method for femoral venous haemostasis in patients who require large sheaths for procedures, in those using high-dose heparin and in haemodynamically unstable children who need cardiac catheterisation.

Giant diverticulum of coronary sinus with multiple accessory pathways treated with catheter ablation.

Coronary sinus abnormalities are usually associated with arrhythmia disorders when symptomatic. We report a 5-year-old 14 kg patient with a giant diverticulum of coronary sinus and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Catheter ablation therapy was decided during follow-up due to inadequate response to multidrug therapy. Posteroseptal and left posterolateral accessory pathways were established and radiofrequency ablation was performed successfully through coronary sinus.