Effects of atrial septal defects on the cardiac conduction system

The case report presented in this edition by Mu et al.The report presents a case of atrial septal defect(ASD)associated with electrocardiographic changes,noting that the crochetage sign resolved after Selective His Bundle Pacing(S-HBP)without requiring surgical closure.The mechanisms behind the appearance and resolution of the crochetage sign remain unclear.The authors observed the dis-appearance of the crochetage sign post-S-HBP,suggesting a possible correlation between these specific R waves and the cardiac conduction system.This editorial aims to explore various types of ASD and their relationship with the cardiac con-duction system,highlighting the diagnostic significance of the crochetage sign in ASD.

The Effect of Atrial Septal Defect Closure on Cardiac Volumetric Changes in Adults, Transcatheter Versus Surgical Closure, a Pilot Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study

Background:Closure of an atrial septal defect(ASD)reduces right-side heart volumes by abolishing shunting with simultaneous improvement of the left ventricle(LV)filling and functions due to ventricular interdependence,thereby improving symptoms.Furthermore,studies conducted on atrial volume changes after ASD closure are limited.Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)is considered as the gold standard method for measuring cardiac volume and mass.Objective:We aimed to study the effect of transcatheter and surgical closure of secundum ASD on cardiac volumes and systolic functions as well as the fate of tricuspid regurgitation(TR),using CMR analysis.Methods:We prospectively enrolled 30 adult patients with isolated secundum ASD who were referred to ASD closure.CMR evaluation of cardiac chambers indexed volumes,systolic function,myocardial mass index,and tricuspid regurgitant fraction were done at before and 6 months after closure.Results:RV volumes decreased in both groups when compared to baseline(p-value 0.001),the device group had more reduction in volumes and more improvement in RV function after closure(p-value 0.001)when compared to the surgical arm.The changes in the RV mass index were insignificant between both groups(p-value 0.31).Functional TR improved to the same extent in both groups.Left ventricular end diastolic volume index(LVEDVI)and LV mass index increased sig-nificantly in both groups when compared to baseline in both groups but with no difference between groups p-value 0.01),left ventricular end systolic volume index(LVESVI)changes were insignificant.LV systolic function improved in patients who underwent device closure only(63.53±3.85 vs.67.13±4.34,p-value 0.01).There was a significant reduction in right atrial(RA)volumes and an insignificant decrease in left atrial(LA)volumes,with no difference between groups.Conclusion:Transcatheter and surgical secundum ASD closure resulted in volumetric changes in some cardiac chambers with better improvement in bi-ventricular systolic function in the transcatheter arm and no difference in the TR reduction between the two groups at 6 months follow-up by CMR.

Effects of General Anesthesia on the Results of Cardiac Catheterization in Pediatric Patients with Ventricular Septal Defect

Background:There is no gold standard sedation method for pediatric cardiac catheterization.In congenital heart diseases with intracardiac shunts,hemodynamic parameters are prone to change depending on the ventilation conditions and anesthetics,although few studies have examined these effects.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different sedation methods on the hemodynamic parameters.Methods:This study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with ventricular septal defect(VSD)below 1 year of age who underwent cardiac catheterization at Aichi Children’s Health and Medical Center,who were divided into age-and VSD diameter-matched general anesthesia(GA)and monitored anesthesia care(MAC)under the natural airway groups(n=40 each),for comparison of hemodynamic parameters.Results:In the GA group,arterial blood pH and arterial partial pressure of oxygen were significantly higher(p<0.01),whereas arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was significantly lower than in the MAC group(p<0.01).Mean pulmonary artery pressure(p<0.05)and systemic blood pressure(p<0.01)were lower in the GA group.Pulmonary vascular resistance index(p<0.01)and systemic vascular resistance index(p<0.01)were also significantly lower in the GA group than the MAC group.There were no significant differences in pulmonary blood flow index,systemic blood flow index,and pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio between the two groups.Conclusions:Cardiac catheterization under GA in VSD patients results in different hemodynamic parameters compared to that under MAC.In particular,when using pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance measured under GA for judgment regarding the surgical indications or perioperative management,consideration should be given to the fact that these parameters might be lower compared to those measured under MAC.

Complexity in interpreting cardiac valve-associated thrombus from tumors in Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome(LFS)is a well-defined autosomal dominant predisposition syndrome due to TP53 germline mutation that causes many cancer malig-nancies.This early-onset syndrome poses a state of widespread malignancy.Such an inherited condition possessing defective p53,guardian of the genome,in the germline has the potential to cause multiple cancers by predominantly affecting mesenchyme(connective tissues,blood cells),breast,brain,and adrenal cortex organs.The tumors initially identified in LFS can eventually propagate to cause secondary malignancies.LFS contributes to multiple cancers in individuals with defective p53 inheritance.When suspected to possess any mass,patients with other co-morbidities,in particular those with certain cardiovascular conditions,undergo screening using high-throughput techniques like transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography or cardiothoracic magnetic resonance imaging to locate and interpret the size of the mass.In LFS cases,it is certain to presume these masses as cancers and plan their management employing invasive surgeries after performing all efficient diagnostic tools.There are only poor predictions to rule out the chances of any other pathology.This criterion emphasizes the necessity to speculate alternative precision diagnostic methods to affirm such new growth or masses encountered in LFS cases.Moreover,it has all the possibilities to ultimately influence surgical procedures that may be invasive or complicate operative prognosis.Hence,it is essential to strategize an ideal protocol to diagnose any new unexplored mass in the LFS community.In this editorial,we discuss the importance of diagnostic approaches on naïve pristine masses in LFS.

Delayed cardiac tamponade after simultaneous transcatheter atrial septal defect closure and left atrial appendage closure device implantation: a particular case report

Percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion evolved as an alternative treatment to the patients who are contraindicated or cannot tolerate oral anticoagulants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(AF)at risk of stroke or systemic embolism.[1]Abnormal hemodynamic changes in elder atrial septal defect(ASD)patients cause remodeling of the left atrium,which eventually leads to right heart failure.[2]As the ASDs elderly are associated with a higher incidence of AF,simultaneous transcatheter ASD and LAA closure has become a new effective therapeutic strategy.However,only a limited number of articles involving cardiac tamponade complications have been published in the literature.What’s more,previous studies involving early hemodynamically irrelevant pericardial effusion after the procedure attribute to multiple repositioning attempts of LAA occluder or delivery sheath injured the atrial wall.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure induced by left bundle branch block after transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect

A 54-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease had a persistent complete left bundle branch block three months after closure by an Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder. Nine months later, the patient suffered from chest distress, palpitation, and sweating at daily activities, and her 6-min walk distance decreased significantly （155 m）. Her echocardiography showed increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter with left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. Her symptoms reduced significantly one week after received cardiac resynchronization therapy. She had no symptoms at daily activities, and her echo showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 46%and 53%. Moreover, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased 6 and 10 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy, and 6-min walk dis-tance remarkably increased. This case demonstrated that persistent complete left bundle branch block for nine months after transcatheter closure with ventricular septal defect Amplatzer occluder could lead to left ventricular enlargement and a significant decrease in left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac resynchronization therapy decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and increased left ventricular ejection fraction, thereby improving the patient’s heart functions.

Modification of Serum Galectin-3 and Reversal of Cardiac Remodeling Following Pediatric Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Objectives:We aimed to evaluate the effect of percutaneous atrial septal defect(ASD)closure in children using right heart indices and serum galectin-3(Gal-3),as potential biomarkers of right heart remodeling.Methods:This case–control prospective study included 40 children with ASD and 25 control subjects.An echocardiographic evaluation was performed before the procedure,as well as 24 h,1 month,and 6 months after intervention.Serum Gal-3 was measured before,and 1 month after the procedure.Results:Serum Gal-3 concentration,right atrial(RA)dimensions,right ventricular(RV)dimensions,indexed RA area,and right index of myocardial performance(RIMP)were significantly increased in children with ASD compared with control subjects while tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE)was significantly decreased.Six months after closure,RA,and RV dimensions significantly decreased and RVfunction improved(RIMP decreased and TAPSE increased).Gal-3 oncentration significantly decreased 1 month after ASD closure,but it did not reach normal range compared with control subjects.A positive correlation between Gal-3 and age at closure,RA area,RV dimensions,and RIMP was observed.A positive correlation was observed between the decrease in Gal-3 concentration and the decrease in RA area and RV dimensions 1 month after ASD closure.A significant negative correlation was observed between TAPSE and Gal-3 concentration before and after intervention.Conclusions:Percutaneous ASD closure can improve right-sided indices and decrease serum Gal-3 concentration.Gal-3 can be used as a sensitive biomarker of right heart remodeling,with a decrease in Gal-3 concentration suggesting reversal of maladaptive remodeling.

To What Extent Can Transcatheter Devices Replace Open-Heart Surgery in the Treatment of Cardiac Septal Defects?

Transcatheter treatments are widespread, having the advantages of being less invasive than surgery with quicker recovery times and reduced physical and psychological consequences. However correct patient selection is vital to optimise outcomes. In the case of an isolated atrial septal defect (ASD), transcatheter closure is preferred. Whilst multiple or large ASDs or ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are best treated through the transthoracic approach. Furthermore, the development of the transcatheter approach has yielded devices that can be used in the transthoracic approach resulting in hybrid techniques. This article aims to evaluate both transcatheter devices and open-heart surgery in the treatment of cardiac septal defects. A brief discussion follows on from the causes and history of cardiac defect treatments.

Ventricular Septal Crypts:Remnants of Spontaneous Interventricular Defect Closure?

Background:Ventricular crypts are quite a common finding during cardiac imaging,but their etiology is unclear.A possible final result of a spontaneous ventricular septal defect closure has been supposed but never investigated in earlier studies.Method:From January 1997 to December 2020,all newborns diagnosed to have a ventricular septal defect were prospectively entered in our database and those with an isolated defect were included in the study.Ventricular septal defects were classified into four types:perimembranous,trabecular muscular,inlet and outlet.A long-term follow up was performed in order to visualize the possible residual formation of a septal myocardial crypt.Results:A total of 376 isolated ventricular septal defects(314 muscular and 54 perimembranous,4 inlet,4 outlet)were detected.Follow up ranged from 1 to 23 years and showed that,among muscular type,a spontaneous closure occurred in 284(91%),26 did not close(8,28%),2 required surgical intervention(0,63%),3 were lost at follow up(0,95%).During this period,after spontaneous defect closure closure,20 crypts were found(6,4%).Conclusion:This study shows that a muscular ventricular septal defect may evolve in the 6.4%of cases in a residual septal crypt.Although septal crypts occur more frequently in patients affected by hypertrophic and hypertensive cardiomyopathy,they may also represent the evolution of a spontaneous closure of a muscular interventricular defect.

Changes of cTnI in myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury during correction of cardiac defects in children

Objective The purpose of this study is to investgate changes of cTnI in myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury during correction of cardiac defects in children. Methods From June, 1999 to May,2000,45 children (30 male, 15 female) undergoing correction of cardiac defects were divided into three groups randomly: group Ⅰ no myocardial ischemia,group Ⅱ myocardial ischemia less than 60 minutes, group Ⅲmyocardial ischemia 】 60 minutes. There were no significant differences in the three groups in age, sex ratio, C/T ratio, or left ventricular function. Blood samples for analysis were collected before skin incision and at time intervals up to 6 days postoperatively. Analysis of creatine kinase MB.LDH and cardiac-specific troponin I was used for the detection of myocardial damage. Meantime, the ECG was checked for myocardial infarction. After the reperfusion, myocardial tissue was obtained from the free wall of right ventricle myocardial structure studies. Results The level of cTnI was increased

运动康复在先天性心脏病术后患儿中的应用进展

运动康复是根据疾病特点和患儿自身功能状况,依据力学原理进行主被动运动以改善身体功能,提高身体素质的治疗性运动。先天性心脏病患儿的运动耐力及心肺功能都低于正常儿童,且术后会出现不同程度的下降。运动康复能够安全、有效地促进快速康复,增强患儿心肺功能,提高运动耐力,改善生活质量并促进快速康复。但运动耐力评价指标、个体化运动处方、患儿院外支持系统及随访管理仍有待进一步研究和完善。该文就运动康复对先天性心脏病术后患儿的意义、影响因素、实施过程等进行综述,以期为临床实践提供参考依据。

胎儿室间隔缺损未愈合超声心动图四腔心切面及与遗传学检测相关性

目的:探讨胎儿室间隔缺损(VSD)未愈合超声心动图四腔心切面(4CV)及与遗传学检测的相关性。方法:选取2020年1月至2022年12月于我院收治的128例胎儿VSD孕妇作为研究对象,均行超声心动图检查以及遗传学检测,以产后结果作为金标准,分为未愈合组(100例)和愈合组(22例),其余6例发生失联或者流产,对两组患者临床特点差异进行比较,采用多元Logistic回归模型分析胎儿VSD未愈合的影响因素,并构建预模型,使用ROC曲线、校准曲线及临床决策曲线评价模型的诊断效能。结果:本研究中122例胎儿VSD孕妇行超声心动图诊断VSD未愈合的准确度为97.54%,灵敏度为98.00%,特异度为95.45%,阳性预测值为98.99%,阴性预测值为91.30%,与金标准诊断VSD未愈合的一致性较高(Kappa值=0.918);超声心动图诊断胎儿VSD未愈合检出率为97.00%,4CV检出率为31.00%;122例VSD胎儿中羊水样本中,14例(11.48%)检出异常,其中4例(3.27%)有致病性,其CNVs大小均在0.38~3.23 Mb之间,均为已知的微缺失/微重复综合征,3例(2.46%)临床意义不明,但胎儿父母均未同意进行溯源性CNV检测验证;未愈合组与愈合组(宫内愈合及出生1年内)在年龄、家族遗传史、孕期早期服药、足月、临床分型、缺损口直径、胎儿贫血、胎儿出生体重、Hb、ALB、TC、铁蛋白、TBA、HCY方面差异显著(均P<0.05);多元Logistic回归模型结果表明,家族遗传史、孕期早期服药、临床分型、缺损口直径、Hb、ALB是影响VSD胎儿未愈合的关键因素(P<0.05);最后基于关键因素进行列线图预测模型构建,回归方程为Logit(P)=-2.567+0.961×X1+0.398×X2+1.553×X3+1.557×X4+0.594×X5+0.683×X6;绘制ROC曲线显示,AUC为0.886(95%CI:0.798~0.890),灵敏度为0.803,特异度为0.798;校准曲线及临床决策曲线表明该预测模型具有良好的准确度和临床实用性。结论:超声心动图4CV对胎儿VSD愈合具有一定的评估作用,超声心动图多切面结合遗传学检测使得诊断结果得到验证,又能够互为补充,可为胎儿VSD孕妇遗传咨询和预后评估提供参考依据。

A DiGeorge Syndrome Case Report—Challenges of Diagnosis and Management

Background: DiGeorge syndrome (also known as velo-cardio-facial syndrome) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder occurring in approximately 1 in 4000 to 1 in 6000 live births [1]. Although advances in genetic screening have improved diagnosis in developed countries, the condition remains underdiagnosed in developing nations such as the Republic of Moldova, where access to genetic testing and family planning services is limited. Routine prenatal screening usually includes regular ultrasounds, monitoring of blood pressure, complete blood counts, coagulation studies, glucose, urine protein, and urine culture. Current ultrasound techniques have limitations in detecting this syndrome due to variability in interpretation, and genetic testing is often performed based on clinical discretion. The ultrasound could potentially point towards a genetic problem, as in DiGeorge, if multiple cardiac malformations are spotted in utero, but most cases such as this one are diagnosed after birth while being described as totally normal on prenatal ultrasound. Purpose: This study aims to highlight the diagnostic challenges and the need for comprehensive evaluation in identifying DiGeorge syndrome, emphasizing the importance of considering the syndrome as a whole rather than focusing on isolated organ system issues. Method: We present a case report of a 6-month-old girl who, after an uneventful pregnancy and normal prenatal ultrasound, presented with cardiac insufficiency. Following extensive investigations and multiple surgical interventions, DiGeorge syndrome was diagnosed at 9 months of age. Results: The patient’s diagnosis was delayed due to the lack of prenatal markers and the reliance on separate investigations of affected organ systems. Despite several interventions aimed at managing her symptoms, the final diagnosis was made after observing the association of multiple clinical features and conducting comprehensive genetic testing. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of a holistic approach to diagnosis, which involves a thorough patient history, integration of diverse diagnostic tests, and recognition of the syndrome’s multi-system nature. It highlights the necessity for improved diagnostic protocols and increased awareness in regions with limited access to advanced genetic testing to prevent delays in identifying DiGeorge syndrome and to facilitate timely and appropriate management.

TEE引导下右腋下小切口室间隔缺损封堵术对膜周部室间隔缺损患儿的疗效及安全性分析

目的探究经食管超声心动图(TEE)引导下右腋下小切口室间隔缺损封堵术治疗膜周部室间隔缺损(PmVSD)的疗效,并分析其安全性。方法选取2020年5月至2021年5月在河南省儿童医院行手术治疗的PmVSD患儿98例,依据术式分为封堵组(50例)和修补组(48例)。封堵组男28例,女22例,年龄(3.25±0.40)岁;修补组男26例,女22例,年龄(3.68±0.31)岁。封堵组行TEE引导下右腋下小切口室间隔缺损封堵术治疗,修补组行体外循环下经右腋下直切口外科修补术,对两组患儿均进行2年的术后随访。统计两组患儿的手术情况,比较两组患儿心肌损伤、心功能的差异。行t检验、χ2检验、Fisher确切概率法。结果封堵组和修补组的手术成功率分别为98.00%(49/50)和100.00%(48/48),两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);但封堵组手术时间、住ICU时间以及住院时间均短于修补组[(74.25±11.58)min比(133.69±28.78)min,(4.60±1.00)h比(6.82±1.23)h,(4.05±0.69)d比(7.03±1.25)d](均P<0.05),且其术后24 h引流量少于修补组[0比(67.50±15.69)ml](P<0.05)。封堵组患儿术后24 h的心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)水平均较修补组低(均P<0.05)。两组患儿术前、术后2年的各心功能指标比较差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。两组术后2年残余分流、三尖瓣新发返流发生情况比较差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05),但封堵组术后3、6、12、24个月的新发异常心电图发生率均较修补组低[10.00%(5/50)比27.08%(13/48)、6.00(3/50)比20.83%(10/48)、4.00%(2/50)比16.67%(8/48)、2.00%(1/50)比12.50%(6/48)](均P<0.05)。结论TEE引导下右腋下小切口室间隔缺损封堵术与外科修补手术治疗PmVSD远期随访效果良好,但相较而言TEE引导下右腋下小切口室间隔缺损封堵术具有术后恢复更快、心肌损伤小以及切口更加微创的优势。

不同入路房间隔缺损修补术后患者心脏结构近期改变的比较

目的比较不同入路房间隔缺损修补术后患者心脏结构的近期改变。方法选取房间隔缺损修补术患者104例,根据入路方式分为左房微小切口组、右外侧切口组和正中切口组。比较各组体外循环时间、机械通气时间、术后引流量、术后住院时间、切口长度、重症监护时间、心脏结构变化及并发症情况。结果与正中切口组比较,左房微小切口组和右外侧切口组机械通气时间、术后住院时间、重症监护时间、切口长度缩短,术后引流量减少(P<0.05)。与术前比较,术后各组右房左右径和上下径、右室前后径缩小,左室舒张期末内径增大(P<0.05),且术后3个月较术后3天比较差异更显著(P<0.05),术后3天左房微小切口组和右外侧切口组与正中切口组比较差异更显著(P<0.05);术后3个月各组上述指标比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。各组并发症比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论左房微小切口、右外侧切口较正中切口入路房间隔缺损修补术近期矫正效果较好,但应根据患者实际情况选择合适术式。

Successful totally transthoracic echocardiography guided transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect in pregnant women

BACKGROUND Transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect(ASD) guided by fluoroscopy and/or transesophageal echocardiography is a mature technology. Little study has focused on whether the technology can be guided totally by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE),even in pregnant women with ASD.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of totally TTE guided transcatheter device closure of ASD in pregnant women.METHODS Six pregnant women(gestational age 20-26 wk) with ASD underwent transcatheter device closure totally guided by TTE at our cardiac center from January 2015 to August 2017. A routine transcatheter procedure without fluoroscopy or intubation and a domestic occluder were used in this study.RESULTS All patients had successful closure with good clinical results,and the overall immediate complete closure rate was 100%. The size of the occluder deployed ranged from 20 to 32 mm(26.7 ± 4.3 mm),the procedure time ranged from 30 to50 min(41.7 ± 7.5 min),and the length of hospital stay was 2-3 d(mean 2.2 ± 0.4 d). There were no serious cardiovascular related complications,and transient arrhythmias occurred in one patient during the procedure. During the follow-up period(3 mo to 2 years),no occluder dislodgement,residual fistulas,or thromboses occurred. All of the patients underwent vaginal delivery between 36 and 38 wk of gestation.CONCLUSION Totally TTE guided transcatheter device closure of ASD in pregnant women may be safe and effective.

Efficacy and Safety of the Atrial Septal Defect Closure for Patients with Absent or Malaligned Aortic Rim Using a Figulla Flex II Device Flared and Straddling Behind the Aorta

Background:Although transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD)is safe and effective for patients with sufficient rim,ASD patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim have higher risks of device embolization and cardiac erosion.We have treated such high-risk patients using a Figulla Flex II(FFII)device shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta because this method would avoid such serious complications.However,its long-term efficacy and safety remain unclear.Therefore,the midterm efficacy and safety of this method were studied.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 47 consecutive patients with such rim(age 6–73 years,weight 17–75 kg,31 females)treated with this method at our hospital between February 2016 and September 2019.To make the flared and straddling shape,we selected a FFII 4–6 mm larger than the balloon sizing diameter by stop-flow technique.We also studied the device shape,the disc pressure to the Valsalva wall and their changes over 6 months by transesophageal echocardiography.Results:All procedures were successful,and leakage disappeared within 1 year.During a mean follow up of 37±12 months,complications included a transient sinus node dysfunction and one I°atrioventricular block within 3 months.Whole device shape changed from bulky to thin:the device waist and thickness significantly decreased by around 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm,respectively(p<0.05),but the two discs remained flared and straddling behind the aorta over 6 months;therefore,the disc edges seldom pressed the Valsalva wall perpendicularly,even though the inner plane of either disc often slightly pressed the wall.Conclusions:ASD closure using a FFII shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta is probably effective and safe for patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim although requiring care for conduction disorders.

Current Advances in Transcatheter Intervention for Children Born with Congenital Heart Defects: A Review of Literature

This review aims to sum up the improvements witnessed in the field of interventional cardiology during recent times. The last decade has witnessed significant technical advances in the field of radiological imaging and also in interventional cardiology which has helped to offer more non-invasive solutions for the management of congenital heart defects. This has resulted from the use of advanced 3-dimensional fusion imaging instead of conventional 2-dimensional angiography, applying interactive real-time enhancement and using computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for interventional procedures. Similarly the introduction of next generation devices, have not only improved the final outcome of the procedure but also has helped in reducing the challenges that were faced before and with the initial generation of devices. These advances have helped not only in reducing the radiation exposure, the use of contrast medium dose but also have resulted in improved early survival. The field of neonatal cardiology has advanced at an unprecedented pace. The transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus has evolved over time and now it has been made possible at much lower body weight. Similarly, early use of stents for aortic coarctation has been found effective in some patients, especially when surgical intervention had been denied. The application of the hybrid approach for the management of complex congenital heart defects has also been effectively applied. More recently transcatheter placement of the pulmonary valve has been introduced for severely stenotic and/or regurgitant pulmonary valve in adolescents and adults. It is anticipated that in near future, this procedure would be available for relatively younger patients. In conclusion: last 2 decades have improvised pediatric interventional cardiology to incorporate less invasive solutions for CHD. The current advances in radio-diagnostic imaging, gadgetry and technical expertise have improved significantly and led to manage many of such defects by trans-catheter approach. This has led also, to replace the early surgical intervention with a more subtle hybrid approach, thus reducing not only the major surgical trauma but also been found to be cost-effective due to a shorter hospital stay. But a learning curve for performers is required for optimum results and also such procedures should be performed in a fully developed facility with an optimum surgical backup.

中孕期胎儿圆锥动脉干系统畸形的心轴变化特征

目的:探讨单中心产前超声心动图检测胎儿心轴(cardiac axis,CAx)与圆锥动脉干系统畸形(conotruncal defect,CTD)的关系。方法:回顾性分析2016年11月至2019年12月,诊断为CTD的孕妇908例作为病例组;选取同期相同孕周匹配的胎儿1816例作为对照组,对比两组胎儿CAx的范围;采用逐步Logistics回归分析。胎儿CAx异常与CTD遗传的关系。结果:CTD胎儿心轴较正常胎儿CAx大[(49.9±15.8)°vs.(39.1±7.4)°,t=17.875,P<0.001]。不同亚型CTD胎儿CAx异常存在差异(F=72.504,P<0.0001)。CAx异常与胎儿CTD的遗传学诊断结果相关(OR=2.329,95%CI:1.182~5.525,P=0.045)。CAx作为CTD合并遗传异常的ROC曲线下面积为0.63。当CAx截断值为58.5°时,敏感度为48.4%,特异性为75.3%。结论:中孕期CTD胎儿的CAx范围较正常胎儿略大,各亚型间CAx有差异,且存在一定的变化趋势,CAx异常与胎儿CTD的遗传学诊断结果阳性相关。

经皮房间隔缺损封堵术中实时三维经食管超声心动图的效果分析

目的分析实时三维经食管超声心动图(RT-3D-TEE)用于房间隔缺损(ASD)患者中的价值。方法选取30例ASD患者为观察对象,全部接受经皮房间隔缺损封堵术,分别在手术过程中切换二维和三维经食管超声心动图,分析相关的检测参数。结果两种检测方法比较,下腔静脉侧残缘、主动脉侧残缘参数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),RT-3D-TEE检测的上腔静脉残缘长度大于2D-TEE(P<0.05),RT-3D-TEE的ASD直径大于2D-TEE(P<0.05)。与术前1 d相比,术后3 d、1周、1个月、3个月左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、左室每搏输出量(LVSV)水平上升,右室舒张末期容积(RVEDV)、右室收缩末期容积(RVESV)、右室每搏输出量(RVSV)水平下降(P<0.05)。左室射血分数(LVEF)、右室射血分数(RVEF)水平术前、术后无明显变化(P>0.05)。结论RT-3D-TEE能更准确测量房间隔缺损的大小和残缘的长短,有利于临床严格把控房间隔缺损封堵适应证;同时术中采用实时RT-3D-TEE引导,明显减少封堵器释放次数及缩短操作时间,封堵术后效果良好。