Determinants of oxygen uptake and prognostic factors in cardiopulmonary exercise test in patients with Fontan surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) allows quantification of functional capacity of patients with Fontan. The objective of this study was to determine the role of CPET parameters in predicting a higher maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and to analyse the role of CPET parameters in predicting an unfavourable outcome. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out on 57 patients with Fontan, who had undergone incremental CPET with cycloergometer between 2010 and 2020. Determinants of VO2 max and determinants of clinical deterioration were analysed. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, the variables significantly related to VO2 max were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), years of Fontan evolution, intracardiac Fontan, oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (VO2AT), CO2 equivalents at anaerobic threshold (VE/VCO2) and chronotropic insufficiency. The multiple linear regression model that best fitted the relationship between VO2 max and independent variables (correlation coefficient 0.73) included sex (correlation index 3.35; p = 0.02), BMI (-0.27; p = 0.02), chronotropic failure (-2.79; p = 0.01) and VO2AT (0.92; p < 0.0001). In the univariate analysis of the prognostic CPET variables related to an unfavourable clinical situation, significance was only obtained with chronotropic insufficiency (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, chronotropic insufficiency maintains its association [p= 0.017, OR = 4.65 (1.3-16.5)]. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, together with the anthropometric parameters universally related to VO2 max, chronotropic insufficiency and VO2AT are the main determinants of functional capacity in patients with Fontan. Moreover, chronotropic insufficiency is closely related to unfavourable clinical evolution. Our data would support the intensive treatment of chronotropic insufficiency in order to improve the quality of life and the clinical situation of patients with Fontan.

Criss-cross heart three-dimensional printed models in medical education: A multicenter study on their value as a supporting tool to conventional imaging.

The utility of three-dimensional (3D) printed models for medical education in complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is sparse and limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of 3D printed models for medical education in criss-cross hearts covering a wide range of participants with different levels of knowledge and experience, from medical students, clinical fellows up to senior medical personnel. Study participants were enrolled from four dedicated imaging workshops developed between 2016 and 2019. The study design was a non-randomized cross-over study to evaluate 127 participants' level of understanding of the criss-cross heart anatomy. This was evaluated using the scores obtained following teaching with conventional images (echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging) versus a 3D printed model learning approach. A significant improvement in anatomical knowledge of criss-cross heart anatomy was observed when comparing conventional imaging test scores to 3D printed model tests [76.9% (61.5%-87.8%) vs. 84.6% (76.9%-96.2%), P < 0.001]. The increase in the questionnaire marks was statistically significant across all academic groups (consultants in pediatric cardiology, fellows in pediatric cardiology, and medical students). Ninety-four percent (120) and 95.2% (121) of the participants agreed or strongly agreed, respectively, that 3D models helped them to better understand the medical images. Participants scored their overall satisfaction with the 3D printed models as 9.1 out of 10 points. In complex CHD such as criss-cross hearts, 3D printed replicas improve the understanding of cardiovascular anatomy. They enhanced the teaching experience especially when approaching medical students.

Giant right atrium, what does it hide? Case presentation.

BACKGROUND: Malformation of the right atrium is a rare cardiac abnormality and is usually reported as isolated malformation in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Prenatal giant atrial dilatation in an asymptomatic infant was treated surgically at 18 months of age, due to potential risk of thrombosis and arrhythmias. Post-surgical echocardiographic images illustrate residual atrial elevated pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Sometimes, as seems in our case, right atrial dilatation hides an associated restrictive right ventricle.