Aortopexy offers surgical options for a variety of pathological tracheal conditions in paediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Aortopexy is widely used; however, many surgeons still regard it with suspicion. To date, there are only a few large series and minimal long-term data. Against this background, our goal was to report our experience, particularly with regard to the recent expansion of indications and modification of diagnostic routine and surgical strategy. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2012, 53 patients (mean age: 1.1 years; 5 weeks-10.2 years) were operated on. Tracheomalacia after the operation for oesophageal atresia was the main indication for aortopexy (74%), followed by tracheal compression by the innominate artery (17%) and other selected indications (9%). Computed tomography angiography has emerged in recent years as the method of choice for preoperative diagnosis. Median sternotomy has replaced lateral thoracotomy, and intraoperative bronchoscopy has become the standard. RESULTS: In contrast to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography angiography resulted in perfect visualization of the condition. Median sternotomy and simultaneous bronchoscopy led to immediate readjustment of the aortopexy sutures in 6 patients. There were no surgical deaths or serious morbidities. The mean follow-up was 4.9 (0.3-14.9) years. Two patients with additional complex diseases died during the follow-up period. In all survivors, symptoms improved markedly or disappeared. However, we observed an increased susceptibility to lower respiratory tract infections over the long-term (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Aortopexy is effective for treating tracheomalacia of different origins and other pathological conditions as well. Preoperative computed tomography angiography offers excellent visualization of the condition. Median sternotomy and intraoperative bronchoscopy provide a combination for reliable operative and long-term results. However, many patients still have an increased susceptibility to lower respiratory tract infections.

Pancarditis in a five-year-old boy affecting tricuspid valve and ventricular septum.

A five-year-old boy with a structurally normal heart and recent history of adenotomy and gastroenteritis presented with Staphylococcus aureus pancarditis including endocarditis of the tricuspid valve and abscess of the ventricular septum. Surgical treatment consisted of debridement of the valvar vegetations and of the septal abscess. A seven-day continuous mediastinal irrigation with iodine solution was conducted to eliminate local infection sites as well as to prevent from constrictive pericarditis. The patient recovered uneventfully and is in excellent clinical condition with no residues one year after surgery.

Myocardial ischaemia in a child infected with influenza B.

Cardiac involvement is a rare complication of infection by the influenza B virus. It usually presents with ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, or both. We report a 13-year-old boy with clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory findings of myocardial ischaemia during an otherwise silent acute infection with influenza B. Coronary endothelial injury constituted a potential underlying mechanism, and microthrombosis was promoted by high levels of lipoprotein(a) in the serum.

Magnetic resonance-guided placement of atrial septal closure device in animal model of patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is usually performed under x-ray in combination with ultrasound guidance. We tested the feasibility of applying magnetic resonance (MR) guidance for percutaneous closure of PFO in an animal model, thus avoiding the disadvantage of ionizing radiation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Real-time MRI with radial or spiral k-space filling (15 frames per second) on an interventional 1.5-T high-field whole-body system was exploited to examine the feasibility of MR-guided closure of the PFO in 7 piglets weighing approximately 14 kg. A specially designed prototype nonmagnetic closure device was introduced via the femoral vein. The short bore of the magnet and in-room monitors allowed for visualization and steering of the catheter with the loaded occluder. Catheterization of the left atrium and, finally, correct placement of the device was possible in all animals. Deployment of the device was depicted by real-time MR, and initial misplacement, which occurred in 2 animals, was easily detected and corrected. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time MR guidance of PFO closure, without the use of ionizing radiation, is feasible in an animal model.