Interventricular Septal Hematoma after Congenital Cardiac Defects Repair at a Single Institution

Background: Interventricular septal hematoma is a rare complication after congenital cardiac repair. The managementvaries according to the literature. We present our experience with this rare complication. Methods:Echocardiography database were reviewed with the term ‘‘hematoma’’ or “hypoechoic mass” for patients whounderwent congenital heart surgery from January 2018 to December 2021 at our institution to identify potentialinterventricular septal hematoma cases. Relevant data of the patients identified were collected. Focus was put onthe presentation, management, outcomes according to patent medical charts and serial echocardiographic reportdata. Results: In total, there were 5 patients included. The mean age and weight at surgery were 5.5 ± 3.6 monthsand 5.5 ± 1.4 kg, respectively. Four patients were diagnosed with ventricular septal defect and the other one beingdouble outlet of the right ventricle. While all patients had intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, 80%(4 of 5) of Interventricular septal hematoma were revealed intraoperatively. Only one patient received hematomadrainage intraoperatively while the other 3 identified in the operating room were only closely observed. One afterventricular septal defect repair presented continuous dysfunction of the left ventricle at the last follow-up, whilethe others were doing well. All hematomas resolved completely with a mean time to interventricular septal hematomaresolution of 35.8 ± 16.9 days. Conclusion: Infants seem to be at a higher risk for Interventricular septalhematoma following congenital heart surgery. While the majority of interventricular septal hematoma has abenign postoperative course, some may result in ventricular dysfunction. Management strategies may be chosenon a case-by-case basis.

Surgical treatment for vascular anomalies and tracheoesophageal compression

Background Vascular rings are uncommon anomalies in which preferred strategies for diagnosis and management may vary among institutions. In this study, we reported our approach and a review of our 5-year experience. Methods From May 2006 to April 2011, 45 children （31 boys） with vascular rings underwent surgical repair at Beijing Children＇s Hospital. Nineteen patients （26%） had associated heart anomalies. Results There were two hospital deaths. At follow-up, 11 patients still had intermittent respiratory symptoms, but these symptoms had no effect on growth or physical activities. No patients required reoperation. Conclusions The rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of vascular rings are higher than those of other congenital heart diseases. A high index of clinical suspicion coupled with the use of computed tomography enables early diagnosis. Surgical repair can be performed successfully, although a number of patients will have persistent symptoms.