Insight into the research history and trends of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by the inability of all pulmonary veins to connect to the left atrium. Our previous bibliometric article summarized the characteristics of only the 100 most cited papers in TAPVC research. The purpose of this study was to use comprehensive bibliometric analysis to examine the development history, current status, and future trends in the field of TAPVC. METHODS: All publications on TAPVC published between 2000 and 2023 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. The publication and citation data were quantitatively analyzed by publication year, country, institution, author, and journal. Co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses were performed using VOSviewer, and keyword and reference bursts were identified using CiteSpace. Pearson's test was used to examine the correlations between two continuous variables. RESULTS: As of July 20, 2023, we identified 368 publications with 3320 citations. These publications were published in 132 journals and authored by 1835 researchers from 457 institutions in 47 countries. For the number of publications, the top country, top institution, top author, and top journals were the United States (n = 82), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (n = 13), Huiwen Chen (n = 9), and Annals of Thoracic Surgery and Pediatric Cardiology (n = 29 each), respectively. For the number of citations, the top country, top affiliation, top author, and top journal were the United States (n = 1348), University of Toronto (n = 250), Christopher A. Caldarone (n = 315), and Annals of Thoracic Surgery (n = 746), respectively. The number of national publications significantly correlated with GDP (R = 0.887, P < 0.001), research & development (R&D) expenditure (R = 0.375, P = 0.013), population (R = 0.694, P < 0.001), and journals (R = 0.751, P < 0.001). The number of national citations significantly correlated with GDP (R = 0.881, P < 0.001), R&D expenditure (R = 0.446, P = 0.003), population (R = 0.305, P = 0.037), and journals (R = 0.917, P < 0.001). International collaboration in the field of TAPVC was not well developed. The most commonly cited publication discussed era changes in mortality and reoperation rate in TAPVC patients. The most common keywords were "total anomalous pulmonary venous connection" and "congenital heart disease". The keyword "case report" appeared most recently, with an average occurrence year of 2021.8. The co-occurrence analysis grouped 26 keywords into six themes: surgical repair of TAPVC, postoperative pulmonary vein stenosis, surgical repair of TAPVC patients with heterotaxy, application of echocardiography in diagnosing TAPVC, application of echocardiography in the prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC, and application of the sutureless technique in the surgical repair of TAPVC patients with right atrial isomerism or a single ventricle. Citation burst detection identified 32 references with citation bursts, seven of which had ongoing citation bursts until 2023. CONCLUSIONS: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of TAPVC research. We hope to offer new ideas for promoting development in the field of TAPVC.

Congenital Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia Masked by Postoperative Pulmonary Venous Obstruction in an Infant with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection.

Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) is associated with fetal pulmonary venous obstructive physiology. The precise morbidity of CPL is unknown as CPL is generally fatal in neonates. Here, we report an infant with secondary CPL in total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). He developed severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) after corrective surgery for TAPVC. However, cardiac catheterization showed mild left pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO), which was deemed unnecessary for re-intervention. He died at 11 months-old due to an exacerbation of PH. Autopsy revealed medial hypertrophy of the pulmonary arteries, mild left PVO, and marked dilatation and proliferation of the pulmonary lymphatics which might have been involved in the PH, although CPL was not conclusively identified based on the previous biopsy findings. We should be aware of the possibility of CPL in addition to postoperative PVO when encountering patients with fetal pulmonary venous obstructive physiology. Furthermore, a cautious approach to the interpretation of lung biopsy results is warranted.

Rare case of total anomalous pulmonary venous return into the right atrium in situs solitus.

We report an uncommon case report of total anomalous pulmonary venous returns into the right atrium at the base of the superior caval vein's ostium without a sinus venosus defect, in situs solitus, without vertical vein or a posterior pulmonary venous confluence.

A rare variant of scimitar syndrome characterised by right pulmonary vein drainage to portal vein with eventeration of diaphragm.

While infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to portal vein is well described, hemianomalous drainage of right pulmonary veins to portal vein in Scimitar syndrome has not yet been reported.

Right S3 segmentectomy for lung cancer with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in the right upper pulmonary vein: A case report.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital malformation where the pulmonary vein partially refluxes into the venous system. Here, we present the first robotic-assisted right S3 segmentectomy in a 70-year-old male with early-stage lung cancer and PAPVR in the right upper pulmonary vein. The patient, with suspected primary lung cancer (11 mm diameter, pure solid appearance in right S3 segment), exhibited clinical stage T1bN0M0 stage IA2. Preoperative computed tomography revealed severe lung emphysema, and right V1-3 returned directly to the superior vena cava. However, no signs of right-sided heart failure were observed, and echocardiogram was normal with a pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio of 1.4. Successful robot-assisted right S3 segmentectomy with hilar nodal dissection was performed, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without complications. One year postoperatively, there has been no recurrence of lung cancer or respiratory/right-sided heart failure symptoms.

STIC-HD live flow technology in the antenatal diagnosis of scimitar syndrome: A case report.

Scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare entity with an incidence of approximately 1-3 in 200 000 people. It is typically characterized by complete or partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the right lung into the systemic venous circulation, most commonly the inferior vena cava (IVC). For the first time, we report the diagnosis of SS in a fetus in utero using four-dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation combined with high-definition live flow rendering mode (STIC-HD live flow).

Modified L-shaped incision technique for supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection as an alternative to sutureless technique.

BACKGROUND: The modified L-shaped incision technique (MLIT) was successfully applied to the repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with promising mid-term outcomes. It is, however, unclear whether or not MLIT could be an alternative to sutureless technique (ST). METHODS: All patients ( n =141) who underwent MLIT or ST repair for supracardiac TAPVC between June 2009 and June 2022 were included and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed to reduce the heterogeneity. RESULTS: MLIT was performed in 80.9% (114/141), whereas ST was performed in 19.1% (27/141). Patients who underwent MLIT repair had a lower incidence of pulmonary veinous obstruction (PVO)-related reintervention (1.8 vs. 18.5%, P =0.002), and late mortality (2.6 vs. 18.2%, P =0.006). Overall survival at 10 years was 92.5% (87.7-97.7%) for MLIT and 66.8% (44.4-100%) for ST ( P =0.012). Freedom from postoperative PVO at 10 years was 89.1% (83.2-95.5%) for MLIT and 79.9% (65.6-97.4%) for ST ( P =0.12). Cox proportional hazards regression identified prolonged mechanical ventilation duration, postoperative PVO, respiratory dysfunction, and low cardiac output syndrome were associated with postoperative death and PVO-related reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The MLIT strategy is a safe, technologically feasible, and effective approach for supracardiac TAPVC, which is associated with more favorable and promising freedom from death and PVO-related reintervention.

Risk factors associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay following surgery for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays consume medical resources and increase medical costs. This study identified risk factors associated with prolonged postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay in children with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). METHODS: The medical records of 85 patients who underwent surgical repair of TAPVC were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into prolonged-stay and standard-stay groups. The prolonged stay group included all patients who exceeded the 75th percentile of the ICU stay duration, and the standard stay group included all remaining patients. The effects of patient variables on ICU stay duration were investigated using univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Patient median age was 41 (18-103) days, and median weight was 3.80 (3.30-5.35) kg.Postoperative duration of ICU stay was 11-68 days in the prolonged stay group (n = 23) and 2-10 days in the standard stay group (n = 62). Lower preoperative pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2), higher intraoperative plasma lactate levels, and prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for prolonged ICU stay. Preoperative SpO2 < 88.5%, highest plasma lactate value > 4.15 mmol/L, and postoperative mechanical ventilation duration was longer than 53.5 h, were associated with increased risk of prolonged ICU stay. Young age, low body weight, subcardiac type, need for vasoactive drug support, emergency surgery, long anesthesia time, low SpO2 after anesthesia induction, long cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic clamp times, high lactate level, low temperature, large volume of ultrafiltration during CPB, large amounts of chest drainage, large red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma transfusion, and postoperative cardiac dysfunction may be associated with prolonged ICU stay. CONCLUSIONS: Lower preoperative SpO2, higher intraoperative plasma lactate levels, and prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for prolonged ICU stay in children with TAPVC. When SpO2 was lower than 88.5%, the highest plasma lactate value was more than 4.15 mmol/L, and the postoperative mechanical ventilator duration was longer than 53.5 h, the risk of prolonged ICU stay increased. Improved clinical management, including early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to reduce hypoxia time and protect intraoperative cardiac function, may reduce ICU stay time.

Long-term outcomes of functional single ventricles associated with heterotaxy syndrome†.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the long-term surgical outcomes of patients with functional single ventricles associated with heterotaxy syndrome, risk factors for mortality and factors associated with Fontan stage completion. METHODS: Overall, 279 patients with a functional single ventricle associated with heterotaxy syndrome who underwent an initial surgical procedure at our institute between 1978 and 2021 were grouped into 4 "eras" based on the surgical year during which the initial procedure was performed: era 1 (1978-1989, n = 71), era 2 (1990-1999, n = 98), era 3 (2000-2009, n = 64) and era 4 (2010-2021, n = 46). Neonatal surgery was more frequent in eras 3 and 4 than in eras 1 and 2. RESULTS: Overall, 228 patients had right atrial isomerism; 120 patients (43.0%) had a total anomalous pulmonary venous connection; and 58 patients (20.8%) underwent an initial procedure as neonates. Overall survival rates at 10, 20 and 30 years after the initial procedure were 47.1%, 40.6% and 36.1%, respectively. Neonatal surgery (P < 0.001), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair at the initial procedure (P < 0.001) and early era (P < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for mortality, with the last 2 variables being negatively associated with Fontan stage completion (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Although era had a favourable effect on survival, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with intrinsic pulmonary vein obstruction was associated with both mortality and Fontan stage completion. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: R19092.

[Left Metastatic Lung Tumor for a Patient with Scimitar Syndrome:Report of a Case].

Scimitar syndrome is a subtype of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, a rare congenital disorder associated with hypoplasia of the right lung. In addition to the difficulty of isolated lung ventilation, resection of the left lung is associated with the risk of developing right heart failure due to increased right-to-left shunts. We report a case of a left lung metastasis of a patient with scimitar syndrome. The patient, a 58-year-old male, was diagnosed with scimitar syndrome at the age of 26 but had never experienced any symptoms. He underwent chemoradiotherapy for mid-pharynx carcinoma and achieved complete response. During follow-up, a nodule appeared in the lower lobe of the left lung. Since right heart catheterization revealed a pulmonary blood flow/systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) ratio of 2.6, intra-cardiac blood flow was diverted prior to pulmonary resection. Stanford type A acute aortic dissection occurred intra-operatively, and total aortic arch replacement was performed. Three months later, partial pulmonary resection was performed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on standby. As oxygenation was maintained by placing a blocker in the left lower lobe bronchus and ventilating the left upper lobe with high frequency jet ventilation, the operation was completed without using ECMO. The nodule was pathologically diagnosed as metastasis of mid-pharynx carcinoma. He did not develop heart failure and was discharged on post operated day 15.

Clinical exome sequencing efficacy and phenotypic expansions involving anomalous pulmonary venous return.

Anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR) frequently occurs with other congenital heart defects (CHDs) or extra-cardiac anomalies. While some genetic causes have been identified, the optimal approach to genetic testing in individuals with APVR remains uncertain, and the etiology of most cases of APVR is unclear. Here, we analyzed molecular data from 49 individuals to determine the diagnostic yield of clinical exome sequencing (ES) for non-isolated APVR. A definitive or probable diagnosis was made for 8 of those individuals yielding a diagnostic efficacy rate of 16.3%. We then analyzed molecular data from 62 individuals with APVR accrued from three databases to identify novel APVR genes. Based on data from this analysis, published case reports, mouse models, and/or similarity to known APVR genes as revealed by a machine learning algorithm, we identified 3 genes-EFTUD2, NAA15, and NKX2-1-for which there is sufficient evidence to support phenotypic expansion to include APVR. We also provide evidence that 3 recurrent copy number variants contribute to the development of APVR: proximal 1q21.1 microdeletions involving RBM8A and PDZK1, recurrent BP1-BP2 15q11.2 deletions, and central 22q11.2 deletions involving CRKL. Our results suggest that ES and chromosomal microarray analysis (or genome sequencing) should be considered for individuals with non-isolated APVR for whom a genetic etiology has not been identified, and that genetic testing to identify an independent genetic etiology of APVR is not warranted in individuals with EFTUD2-, NAA15-, and NKX2-1-related disorders.

Intracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return or septum primum malposition? Complete repair in left atrial isomerism.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return due to septum primum malposition is a poorly understood condition despite being very common in left atrial isomerism or polysplenia syndrome. Due to the leftward displacement of the septum primum, either the two right pulmonary veins or all four pulmonary veins can drain abnormally into the right atrium, despite their correct position. In other words, the four pulmonary veins (or the two right pulmonary veins), looking from outside the heart, return at the back of the atrium in the normal position. Nevertheless, from the inside of the heart, two or all four pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium due to the leftward displacement of the septum primum. As an example, we report a 5-month-old patient with severe malposition of the septum primum and consequent total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the right atrium. The patient underwent surgical correction with resection of the malpositioned septum primum and reconstruction of a normal interatrial septation with a pericardial patch.

Long-Term Outcomes of Unrepaired Isolated Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With an Intact Atrial Septum.

The natural history of an unrepaired isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection(s) (PAPVC) and the absence of other congenital anomalies remains unclear. This study aimed to expand the understanding of the clinical outcomes in this population. Isolated PAPVC with an intact atrial septum is a relatively uncommon condition. There is the perception that patients with isolated PAPVC are usually asymptomatic, that the lesion generally has a limited hemodynamic impact, and that surgical repair is rarely justified. For this retrospective study, we reviewed our institutional database to identify patients with either 1 or 2 anomalous pulmonary veins that drain a portion of but not the complete ipsilateral lung. Patients with previous surgical cardiac repair, coexistence of other congenital cardiac anomalies that would result in either pretricuspid or post-tricuspid loading of the right ventricle (RV), or scimitar syndrome were excluded. We reviewed their clinical course over the follow-up period. We identified 53 patients; 41 with a single and 12 with 2 anomalous PAPVC. A total of 30 patients (57%) were men, with a mean age at the latest clinic visit of 47 ± 19 years (18 to 84 years). Turner syndrome (6 of 53, 11.3%), bicuspid aortic valve (6 of 53, 11.3%), and coarctation of the aorta (5 of 53, 9.4%) were commonly associated anomalies. A single anomalous left upper lobe vein was the most commonly identified variation. More than half of the patients were asymptomatic. Cardiopulmonary exercise test demonstrated a maximal oxygen consumption of 73 ± 20% expected (36 to 120). Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mean RV basal diameter of 4.4 ± 0.8 cm, RV systolic pressure of 38 ± 13 (16 to 84) mm Hg. A total of 8 patients (14.8%) had ≥moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Cardiac magnetic resonance in 42 patients demonstrated a mean RV end-diastolic volume index of 122 ±3 0 ml/m2 (66 to 188 ml/m2), of which in 8 (14.8%), it was >150 ml/m2. Magnetic resonance imaging-based Qp:Qs was 1.6 ± 0.3. A total of 5 patients (9.3%) had established pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg). In conclusion, isolated single or dual anomalous pulmonary venous connection is not necessarily a benign congenital anomaly because a proportion of patients develop pulmonary hypertension and/or RV dilation. Regular follow-up and on-going patient surveillance with cardiac imaging is advised.

Outcomes and Risk Factors of Interventions for Pediatric Post-operative Pulmonary Vein Stenosis.

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) in children is a challenging condition with poor outcomes. Post-operative stenosis can occur after repair of anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR) or stenosis within native veins. There is limited data on the outcomes of post-operative PVS. Our objective was to review our experience and assess surgical and transcatheter outcomes. Single-center retrospective study was performed including patients < 18 years who developed restenosis after baseline pulmonary vein surgery that required additional intervention(s) from 1/2005 to 1/2020. Non-invasive imaging, catheterization and surgical data were reviewed. We identified 46 patients with post-operative PVS with 11 (23.9%) patient deaths. Median age at index procedure was 7.2 months (range 1 month-10 years), and median follow-up was 10.8 months (range 1 day-13 years). Index procedure was surgical in 36 (78.3%) and transcatheter in 10 (21.7%). Twenty-three (50%) patients developed vein atresia. Mortality was not associated with number of affected veins, vein atresia, or procedure type. Single ventricle physiology, complex congenital heart disease (CCHD), and genetic disorders were associated with mortality. Survival rate was higher in APVR patients (p = 0.03). Patients with three or more interventions had a higher survival rate compared to patients with 1-2 interventions (p = 0.02). Male gender, necrotizing enterocolitis, and diffuse hypoplasia were associated with vein atresia. In post-operative PVS, mortality is associated with CCHD, single ventricle physiology, and genetic disorders. Vein atresia is associated with male gender, necrotizing enterocolitis, and diffuse hypoplasia. Multiple repeated interventions may offer a patient survival benefit; however, larger prospective studies are necessary to elucidate this relationship further.