Abnormal Origin of the Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta in the Neonate

ABSTRACT The anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital heart disease, generally diagnosed based on the clinical information and on echocardiographic and computed tomography angiography findings. Here we report two neonates successfully treated with surgery early in life.

Abnormal Origin of the Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta in the Neonate.

The anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital heart disease, generally diagnosed based on the clinical information and on echocardiographic and computed tomography angiography findings. Here we report two neonates successfully treated with surgery early in life.

Brazilian fetal cardiology guidelines ­ 2019 / Diretriz brasileira de cardiologia fetal ­ 2019

Over the years, Fetal Cardiology have been incorporated into the daily practice of Pediatric Cardiology. What was once restricted to a few fetal heart researchers, has slowly been incorporated into health institutions that deal with congenital heart diseases (CHD). Fetal echocardiography has generated extensive knowledge of the natural and modified history of heart diseases in utero, and normal fetal heart physiology and anatomy. The benefits of fetal diagnosis have become unquestionable over the years. Pioneers in the area succeeded in demystifying the fetal heart examination and proving the importance of screening for cardiac abnormalities during obstetric examinations. Prenatal detection rates have increased, and interest in fetal echocardiography is, thus, no longer merely a diagnostic tool; it has gone on to become a tool of the utmost importance in assisting medical and, progressively, interventional treatment of specific anomalies that occur in fetal life. A vast body of literature currently supports the practice of Fetal Cardiology. In addition to diagnosis, anatomical and functional particularities may be identified in utero, with implications on the delivery planning and pre and postnatal management. Prenatal diagnosis has certainly led to increase the number of babies with complex heart diseases in Pediatric Cardiology hospital beds. Prior to this, children with complex heart diseases did not survive the immediate neonatal period and died in neonatal intensive care units without being diagnosed. Nowadays, these children require increasingly careful and specific management involving Pediatric Cardiology and thus modifying the practice of Neonatal Cardiology. Despite the vast literature pertinent to Fetal Cardiology, due to the restricted number of cases, there is a lack of studies with large populations and randomization processes, being the information based on observational studies and description of small samples or cases reports. However, the accumulated knowledge is already enough to develop scientific statements or guidelines. In April 2014, the American Heart Association (AHA) published the first scientific statement for Fetal Cardiology, encompassing all the practical aspects involved in this area, including screening, diagnosis, medical or interventional therapy, counseling, delivery planning, and neonatal treatment. Considering this extremely thorough and highly useful document, we have accepted the challenge of bringing together professionals dedicated to Fetal Cardiology from different regions of Brazil in order to jointly establish guidelines which are adapted to our reality and which also take into consideration knowledge created in Brazil. We believe that the information brought together in this document will be of great use to professionals who face the challenge of dealing with possible abnormalities that affect the fetal heart in their daily practice. (AU)

Mid- and Longterm Neo-Aortic Valve Regurgitation after Jatene Surgery: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Jatene surgery became the surgical procedure of choice to repair transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in neonates and infants. Late complications, mainly related to the pulmonary outflow tract and coronary arteries, are well known. The behavior of the neo-aortic valve is a cause of concern because of its potential for requiring late reoperation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of neo-aortic valve regurgitation in 127 patients in the late postoperative period of the Jatene surgery. METHODS: Of the 328 survivors of the Jatene surgery at the Biocor Institute from October 1997 to June 2015, all patients undergoing postoperative follow-up were contacted via telephone, 127 being eligible for the study. The patients were divided into two groups, simple TGA and complex TGA groups, with follow-up means of 6.4 ± 4.7 years and 9.26 ± 4.22 years, respectively. Echocardiography was performed with adjusted measurements (Z-score) of the neo-aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular region and ascending aorta, as well as quantification of the neo-aortic valve regurgitation grade. RESULTS: The incidence of mild neo-aortic valve regurgitation was 29% in a follow-up of 7.4 ± 4.7 years. Moderate regurgitation was identified in 24 patients with age mean (± standard-deviation) of 9.81 ± 4.21 years, 19 of whom (79%) in the complex TGA group. Those patients had a higher aortic annulus Z-score. The reoperation rate due to neo-aortic regurgitation associated with aortic dilation was 1.5%, all patients in the complex TGA group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that, despite the low incidence of reoperation after Jatene surgery due to neo-aorta dilation and neo-aortic valve regurgitation, that is a time-dependent phenomenon, which requires strict vigilance of the patients. In this study, one of the major risk factors for neo-aortic valve regurgitation was the preoperative pulmonary artery diameter (p < 0.001).

Mid- and Longterm Neo-Aortic Valve Regurgitation after Jatene Surgery: Prevalence and Risk Factors / Regurgitação da Valva Neo-Aórtica a Médio e Longo Prazo após Cirurgia de Jatene: Prevalência e Fatores de Risco

Abstract Background: Jatene surgery became the surgical procedure of choice to repair transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in neonates and infants. Late complications, mainly related to the pulmonary outflow tract and coronary arteries, are well known. The behavior of the neo-aortic valve is a cause of concern because of its potential for requiring late reoperation. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of neo-aortic valve regurgitation in 127 patients in the late postoperative period of the Jatene surgery. Methods: Of the 328 survivors of the Jatene surgery at the Biocor Institute from October 1997 to June 2015, all patients undergoing postoperative follow-up were contacted via telephone, 127 being eligible for the study. The patients were divided into two groups, simple TGA and complex TGA groups, with follow-up means of 6.4 ± 4.7 years and 9.26 ± 4.22 years, respectively. Echocardiography was performed with adjusted measurements (Z-score) of the neo-aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular region and ascending aorta, as well as quantification of the neo-aortic valve regurgitation grade. Results: The incidence of mild neo-aortic valve regurgitation was 29% in a follow-up of 7.4 ± 4.7 years. Moderate regurgitation was identified in 24 patients with age mean (± standard-deviation) of 9.81 ± 4.21 years, 19 of whom (79%) in the complex TGA group. Those patients had a higher aortic annulus Z-score. The reoperation rate due to neo-aortic regurgitation associated with aortic dilation was 1.5%, all patients in the complex TGA group. Conclusion: This study shows that, despite the low incidence of reoperation after Jatene surgery due to neo-aorta dilation and neo-aortic valve regurgitation, that is a time-dependent phenomenon, which requires strict vigilance of the patients. In this study, one of the major risk factors for neo-aortic valve regurgitation was the preoperative pulmonary artery diameter (p < 0.001).

Resumo Fundamento: A operação de Jatene tornou-se o procedimento cirúrgico de escolha para o reparo da transposição das grandes artérias (TGA) em neonatos e lactentes. Complicações tardias, principalmente relacionadas à via de saída pulmonar e às artérias coronarianas, já são bem reconhecidas. O comportamento da valva neo-aórtica tem sido motivo de crescente preocupação pelo seu potencial de necessidade de reoperações tardias. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica em 127 pacientes em pós-operatório tardio de cirurgia de Jatene. Métodos: Dos 328 sobreviventes da cirurgia de Jatene no Biocor Instituto operados de outubro de 1997 a junho de 2015, todos os pacientes em seguimento de pós-operatório foram contatados via ligação telefônica, sendo 127 elegíveis para o estudo. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, Grupo TGA simples e Grupo TGA complexa, com médias de follow-up de 6,4 ± 4,7 anos e 9,26 ± 4,22 anos, respectivamente. Foi realizada avaliação ecocardiográfica com medidas indexadas (escore Z) do anel da valva neo-aórtica, do seio de Valsalva, da região sinotubular e da aorta ascendente, bem como quantificação do grau de regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica. Resultados: A incidência de leve regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica em nossa casuística foi de 29% em um follow-up de 7,4 ± 4,7 anos. Regurgitação moderada foi observada em 24 pacientes, com idade média (± desvio-padrão) de 9,81 ± 4,21 anos, sendo 19 (79%) no Grupo TGA complexa. Nesses pacientes, observou-se maior escore Z do anel aórtico. A taxa de reoperação por regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica associada a dilatação da aorta foi de 1,5%, sendo todos os casos no Grupo TGA complexa. Conclusão: O estudo demonstra que, embora reoperações após cirurgia de Jatene por dilatação da neo-aorta e regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica tenham incidência baixa, esse é um fenômeno dependente de tempo, requerendo rígida vigilância desses pacientes. Na nossa casuística, um dos principais fatores de risco para regurgitação da valva neo-aórtica foi o diâmetro da artéria pulmonar no pré-operatório (p < 0,001).

Oclusão percutânea do canal arterial com molas de liberação controlada / Percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus with controlled-release coils

INTRODUÇÃO: A oclusão percutânea do canal arterial tem sido realizada com eficácia e segurança, reservando-se o tratamento cirúrgico a situações específicas tecnicamente desfavoráveis à utilização da via percutânea, como a abordagem de prematuros. O dispositivo mola de liberação controlada configurou-se como técnica segura e de baixo custo. Apresentamos a experiência de nosso serviço com esse dispositivo, discutindo aspectos técnicos do implante e características do material utilizado. Método: No período de 2002 a 2009 foram encaminhados 90 pacientes para oclusão percutânea do canal arterial. Todos os pacientes foram diagnosticados em base clinicas, com confirmação por meio de ecocardiografia transtorácica. Foi realizado angiograma imediatamente após o procedimento para verificação da presença de fluxo residual e de possíveis complicações imediatas. Resultados: A idade variou de 4 meses a 36 anos (mediana de 3 anos e 4 meses). O diâmetro do canal arterial variou de 0,2 mm a 6 mm (média de 2,3 mm). Os tipos de canal arterial...

BACKGROUND: The percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus is an effective and safe procedure and surgical intervention is restricted to specific unfavorable technical conditions, such as in premature infants. The controlledrelease coil has proven to be a low cost and safe method. We report our experience with this device, discussing technical aspects of the implant and coil characteristics. METHOD: From 2002 to 2009, 90 patients were referred for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. The size of the coil was based on the narrowest ductal luminal diameter. Diagnosis of all of the patients was based on clinical evaluation and transesophageal echocardiography. Aortic angiogram was performed immediately after the procedure to assess residual shunt and early complications. RESULTS: Age ranged from 4 months to 36 years (median: 3 years and 4 months). The patent ductus arteriosus diameter ranged from 0.2 mm to 6 mm (mean: 2.3 mm). According to Krichenko's morphological classification, the types of patent ductus arteriosus were divided as follows: type A, 80 (88.8%); type C, 4 (4.6%); and type E, 6 (6.6%). Success was achieved in 97.6% (81/83) of the cases. There was no evidence of hemolysis, endarteritis or vascular obstruction. We observed only one case of embolization where the device was retrieved back into the delivery catheter and repositioned successfully. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the controlled-release coil is safe and effective for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

Surgical strategy in transposition of the great arteries with aortic arch obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience in the surgical correction of transposition of the great arteries associated with aortic arch obstruction. METHOD: From January 1998 to December 2005 we performed 223 arterial switch operations for transposition of the great arteries; 21 (9.4%) patients had associated aortic arch obstruction. Aortic arch anatomy showed: localized aortic coarctation (n=10) and coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch (n=6) and interrupted aortic arch (n=5). Ventricular septal defect was present in 19 (90.5%) patients. Size discrepancy between the aorta and pulmonary artery and complex coronary artery anatomy were common findings. Surgical correction was performed in either one (14) or two stages (7). Aortic arch reconstruction was achieved either by resection and extended anastomoses (13) or by relocation of the ascending aorta (8). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 23.8% (n=5); with only one death (11.1%) among the last nine patients. Reoperations in the immediate post-operative period included: bleeding (5), residual ventricular septal defect and unrecognized coarctation (1) or residual stenosis of the aortic arch (1). There were two late deaths caused by fungal infections and reoperation for severe aortic regurgitation. Three patients underwent procedures to relieve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Two patients have slight to moderate aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of transposition of the great arteries with aortic arch obstruction is complex with high morbidity. Our present choice is one-stage treatment for all patients without using homologous or heterologous tissue for aortic arch reconstruction. We recommend resection and extended anastomoses for localized coarctation and relocation of the ascending aorta for hypoplastic or interrupted aortic arch.

Estratégia cirúrgica na transposição das grandes artérias associada à obstrução do arco aórtico / Surgical strategy in transposition of the great arteries with aortic arch obstruction

OBJETIVO: Analisar nossa experiência no tratamento cirúrgico da transposição das grandes artérias (TGA) associada à obstrução do arco aórtico. MÉTODO: Entre janeiro de 1998 e dezembro de 2005, realizamos 223 operações de Jatene para correção de TGA: 21 (9,4 por cento) pacientes apresentavam obstruções do arco aórtico. A anatomia do arco aórtico evidenciou: coarctação da aorta localizada (n=10); coarctação com hipoplasia tubular do arco aórtico (n=6); interrupção do arco aórtico (n=5). Comunicação interventricular (CIV): 19 pacientes (90,5 por cento), sendo 11 do tipo Taussig-Bing. Desproporção importante entre aorta e artéria pulmonar e anomalias coronárias foram achados freqüentes. Houve 7 correções em dois estágios e 14 correções em um único estágio. A reconstrução do arco foi realizada por ressecção e anastomose término-terminal ampliada (13) ou por translocação da aorta ascendente (8). RESULTADO: Houve cinco (23,8 por cento) óbitos hospitalares; apenas um (11,1 por cento) nos últimos nove casos consecutivos. Reoperações no período hospitalar: revisão de hemostasia (5), CIV residual + coarctação não identificada (1), estenose residual de arco aórtico (1). Após a alta, houve dois óbitos e três pacientes foram submetidos a reintervenções para estenose da via de saída do ventrículo direito. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento da transposição das grandes artérias associada à obstrução do arco aórtico apresenta alta complexidade e morbi-mortalidade. Empregamos as correções em um e em dois estágios, obtendo resultados comparáveis. Nossa preferência atual é pela correção precoce em um único estágio para todos os pacientes, independente de sua configuração anatômica.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze our experience in the surgical correction of transposition of the great arteries associated with aortic arch obstruction. METHOD: From January 1998 to December 2005 we performed 223 arterial switch operations for transposition of the great arteries; 21 (9.4 percent) patients had associated aortic arch obstruction. Aortic arch anatomy showed: localized aortic coarctation (n=10) and coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch (n=6) and interrupted aortic arch (n=5). Ventricular septal defect was present in 19 (90.5 percent) patients. Size discrepancy between the aorta and pulmonary artery and complex coronary artery anatomy were common findings. Surgical correction was performed in either one (14) or two stages (7). Aortic arch reconstruction was achieved either by resection and extended anastomoses (13) or by relocation of the ascending aorta (8). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 23.8 percent (n=5); with only one death (11.1 percent) among the last nine patients. Reoperations in the immediate post-operative period included: bleeding (5), residual ventricular septal defect and unrecognized coarctation (1) or residual stenosis of the aortic arch (1). There were two late deaths caused by fungal infections and reoperation for severe aortic regurgitation. Three patients underwent procedures to relieve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Two patients have slight to moderate aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of transposition of the great arteries with aortic arch obstruction is complex with high morbidity. Our present choice is one-stage treatment for all patients without using homologous or heterologous tissue for aortic arch reconstruction. We recommend resection and extended anastomoses for localized coarctation and relocation of the ascending aorta for hypoplastic or interrupted aortic arch.