Ipsilateral hemifacial microsomia with dextrocardia and pulmonary hypoplasia:A case report

BACKGROUND Hemifacial microsomia(HFM)is a rare congenital malformation characterized by a combination of various anomalies,including the face,ears,eyes,and vertebrae.Prenatal diagnosis for HFM is possible,and quite accurate ultrasound can detect obvious defects.The etiology is still unknown,although some hypotheses have been proposed,including gene mutation,chromosome anomaly,and environmental risk factors.However,there are few reports of pulmonary hypoplasia and dextrocardia in HFM.CASE SUMMARY A 2-year-old boy presented to the ear reconstruction department of our hospital complaining of deviation of the face to the right side and auricular anomaly.Physical examination revealed facial asymmetry,preauricular skin tags,and concha-type microtia with stricture of the external auditory canal on the right side.Head magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral semicircular canal dysplasia and bilateral internal auditory canals stenosis.Audiometric examination showed bilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss.Chest radiography and computed tomography showed dextrocardia and right pulmonary hypoplasia.CONCLUSION This case presented a rare finding and an unusual association of 3 malformations,ipsilateral HFM,pulmonary agenesis,and dextrocardia.

The application of aortopulmonary shunt in cyanotic congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary hypoplasia in adolescents and adults

Background Pulmonary arterial hypoplasia is a common complication in complex cyanotic congenital heart disease. For extreme stenosis of the branch pulmonary arteries,which is not feasible for complete repair,palliative systemic-pulmonary shunt is needed to increase pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary tree growth as early as beyond 2 years old. Unfortunately,due to poor medical setting in local hospitals,there are still a small number of patient with severe hypoplastic pulmonary arteries in developing area who have failed to undergo appropriate surgical intervention till to teenagers even adults. In order to explore the resolution of the dilemma for these notable cyanotic patients,hence we began to utilize three-dimensional computed tomography(CT)to reconstruct pulmonary artery anatomy and to simulate virtual palliative systemic pulmonary shunt conduit module,to facilitate and improve the intraoperative aortopulmonary shunt performance. Methods FromApril 2011 to August 2018,13 consecutive patients undergoing aortopulmonary shunt with older age(13-35 years old)who missed the optimal timing for surgery were identified from 196 cases involving palliative systemic pulmonary shunt. An individually pre-designed prosthetic expanded poly tetra fluoroethylene(ePTFE)conduit was utilized based on the threedimensional enhanced computed tomography reconstruction and simulation. The post-operative recovery courses and complications were documented. Blood gas analysis,electrocardiogram,echocardiography were performed routinely prior to discharge and compared with the preoperative data. Re-evaluation of finger pulse saturation(SpO2),echocardiography and electrocardiogram was performed in clinical follow-up in 1 st month,6 th month,12 th month and every year postoperatively. A retrospective analysis of operative data,postoperative outcomes and complications were performed. Results All the 13 consecutive patients underwent successfully non-cardiopulmonary bypass systemic-pulmonary shunt with ePTFE conduits via median sternotomy. Postoperative thirtyday mortality was 1 in 13 due to pulmonary hemorrhage. During the follow-up,no more mortality was documented but a re-intervention for ePTFE conduit revision. For the 12 survivors,the postoperative SpO2,and arterial partial oxygen pressure(PaO2)on room air significantly increased from 68.0±2.42% to 88.46±4.67%(P<0.01),and from 42.61±3.94 mmhg to 49.62±1.76 mmhg(P<0.01),respectively. While the postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin significantly decreased from 72.01±3.12% to 61.03±3.21%(P<0.01),and from 196.77±10.56 g/dL to 171.76±6.52 g/dL(P<0.01),respectively. Conclusions Appropriate systemic-pulmonary shunt based on threedimensional reconstruction and simulation can significantly alleviate the hypoxia with elevated oxygen saturation for severe cyanotic adolescent or adult patient with extreme pulmonary hypoplasia and unrepairable complex congenital heart disease,so as to improve their clinical symptoms and life quality,although it cannot promote secondary pulmonary artery development directly.

A Typical Case of Classic Potter’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Potter syndrome is a rare congenital malformation that primarily affects male fetuses;it is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal malformation, and kidney abnormalities. The pressure of the uterine wall due to oligohydramnios leads to an unusual facial appearance, abnormal limbs in abnormal positions, or contractures. The fetus generally dies soon after birth due to respiratory insufficiency. The baby was a live preterm male, born to a 30-year-old multigravida, out of a non-consanguineous marriage via cesarean section. There was no liquor at the time of delivery. The baby did not cry immediately after birth and required resuscitation, followed by mechanical ventilation. Multiple congenital anomalies suggestive of Potter’s syndrome were noted including facial features, flattened nose, low protruding ear, retrognathism, and epicanthal folds with unilateral atresia of the choana. Chest X-ray showed small volume lung fields suggestive of pulmonary hypoplasia, and we had on ultrasonography bilateral polycystic kidney disease on ultrasonography. At 42 hours of life, the baby developed tachypnea and severe chest retractions and died due to respiratory insufficiency. Our case highlights the importance of regular prenatal checks and examinations in each pregnancy, which helps to collect suspected cases and improve knowledge of this syndrome for better management.

Congenital Hernia of the Diaphragmatic Dome with Neonatal Revelation, Experience from the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Center of Oujda

Congenital hernia of the diaphragmatic dome (CHDD) is an embryonic malformation in which all or part of the diaphragmatic dome fails to develop properly. In the majority of cases (80% to 90%), this malformation affects the left posterolateral part of the diaphragm, while in 10% to 15% of cases it affects the right. Bilateral cases are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. This malformation is estimated to occur at a frequency of around 1 in 3500 births, with a male predominance. The diaphragmatic defect causes the abdominal organs to rise into the thoracic cavity during critical phases of lung development. These anomalies result in bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia, a reduced number of pulmonary vessels, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The combination of these anatomical and functional anomalies, in varying degrees, explains the wide variability of symptoms at birth. Diagnosis is usually made prenatally by ultrasound, which enables severe forms of the disease to be detected and appropriate management initiated. The prognosis remains generally grave, with a neonatal mortality rate of between 30% and 60% depending on the study, and around half of all children will have long-term sequelae.

MR ASSESSMENT OF LUNG DEVELOPMENT IN FETAL ANOMALIES USING RATIO OF LUNG TO LIVER SIGNAL INTENSITIES

Objective To evaluate the monitoring and diagnostic potential of MR in fetal lung development using lung signal intensity changes in the fetus. Methods The lung-to-liver intensity ratio was calculated by means of region-of-interest analysis in all 35 fetuses including 7 bilateral urinary anomalies, 9 unilateral urinary anomalies, 5 pulmonary anomalies, and 14 others. Results All fetuses with urinary anomalies and pulmonary anomalies showed low ratio of lung-to-liver signal intensity. Conclusion Low ratio of lung-to-liver signal intensity on MR imaging indicates pulmonary hypoplasia after 22 weeks’ gestation.

Clinical results of combined palliative procedures for cyanotic congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia of pulmonary arteries

Background Congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries without intercourse or with intercourse stenosis is unsuitable for surgical correction or regular palliative procedures. We reported our experience with combined palliative procedures for congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia pulmonary arteries. Methods From 2001 to 2012, a total of 41 patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects and intractable hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries underwent surgical procedures. From among them, 31 patients had pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect （VSD） and the other 10 cases had complicated congenital heart defects with pulmonary stenosis. Different kinds of palliative procedures were performed according to the morphology of the right and left pulmonary arteries in every patient. If the pulmonary artery was well developed, a Glenn procedure was performed. A modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or modified Waterston shunt was performed if pulmonary arteries were hypoplastic. If the pulmonary arteries were severely hypoplastic, a Melbourne shunt was performed. Systemic pulmonary artery shunts were performed bilaterally in 25 cases. A systemic-pulmonary shunt was performed on one side and a Glenn procedure was performed contralaterally in 16 cases. Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries were unifocalized in six cases, ligated in two cases and interventionally embolized in two cases. There was one early death because of cardiac arrest and the hospital mortality was 2.4%. Results Five patients suffered from postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, three had perfusion of the lungs, and two pulmonary infections. Systemic pulmonary shunts were repeated after the original operation in three cases due to the occlusion of conduits. The mean follow-up time was 25 months. The pre- and the post-operation left pulmonary indices were （8.13±3.68） vs. （14.9±6.21） mm2/m2. The pre- and post-operation right pulmonary indices were （12.7±8.13） vs. （17.7±7.78） mm2/m2. The pre- and post-operational pulmonary indices were （20.87±9.43） vs. （32.6±11.7） mm2/m2. They were all significantly increased （P 〈0.001）. The diameter of the pulmonary artery increased after the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt （（5.51±0.94） mm2/m2 pre-operation vs. （7.01±1.97） mm2/m2 post-operation）, the modified Waterston shunt （（5.70±3.96） mm2/m2 pre-operation vs. （9.17±3.62） mm2/m2 post-operation） and the Melbourne shunt （（2.17±0.41） mm2/m2 pre-operation vs. （7.35±2.49） mm2/m2 post-operation） （all P 〈0.05）. Bilateral pulmonary arteries developed well as compared to their pre-operation development. Hemoglobin decreased from （194±27） to （174±24） g/L （P 〈0.05） and peripheral oxygen saturation increased from （65±11）% to （84±6）% （P 〈0.001 ）. During the follow-up of 27 to 49 months, ultimate complete repair was performed in four cases and one patient underwent a Glenn procedure. Conclusions The procedures should be considered on a case to case basis in patients having hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries with cyanotic congenital heart defects. Combined palliative operations could be an adequate strategic treatment.

Antenatal use of bosentan and/or sildenafil attenuates pulmonary features in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background:Lung hypoplasia,pulmonary persistent hypertension of the newborn and its morphological changes are the main features in congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH).This study was undertaken to investigate if antenatal use of sildenafil and/or bosentan attenuates vascular remodeling,promotes branching,and improves alveolarization in experimental nitrofeninduced CDH.Methods:Nitrofen(100 mg)was gavage-fed to pregnant rats at post conception day(PCD)9 to induce CDH.The rats were randomized to 5 groups:1)control;2)nitrofen;3)nitrofen+sildenafil 100 mg/kg per day at PCD 16-20;4)nitrofen+bosentan 30 mg/kg per day,at PCD 16-20,and 5)nitrofen+bosentan+sildenafil,same doses and administration days.After cesarean delivery,the offsprings were sacrifi ced.The diaphragmatic defect and pulmonary hypoplasia were identified,and the lungs were dissected.Arterial wall thickness,bronchiolar density and alveolarization were assessed.Results:The offsprings with CDH were characterized by severe pulmonary hypoplasia(lung weight-to-body weight ratio:0.0263[95%confidence interval(CI)0.0242-0.0278)]in the nitrofen group versus 0.0385(95%CI 0.0355-0.0424)in the control group(P=0.0001).Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was decreased to 3.0(95%CI 2.8-3.7)μm in the nitrofen+sildenafil group versus 5.0(95%CI 4.1-4.9)μm in the nitrofen group(P=0.02).Terminal bronchioles increased to 13.7(95%CI 10.7-15.2)μm in the nitrofen+bosentan group in contrast to 8.7(95%CI 7.2-9.4)μm in the nitrofen group(P=0.002).More significant differences(P=0.0001)were seen in terminal bronchioles in the nitrofen+sildenafil+bosentan group than in the nitrofen group[14.0(95%CI 12.5-15.4)μm versus 8.5(95%CI 7.1-9.3)μm].Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was also decreased in the former group.Conclusions:In this rat model,antenatal treatment with sildenafil attenuates vascular remodeling.Bosentan promotes the development of terminal bronchioles in nitrofen-induced CDH.

Bilateral bidirectional superior cavopulmonary shunt is more beneficial in medium and long term clinical outcomes than unilateral shunt

Background The present study was aimed to compare the effects of bilateral and unilateral bidirectional superior cavopulmonary shunt （b-BDG and u-BDG） on pulmonary artery growth and clinical outcomes. Methods The 51 subjects enrolled in this study were divided into two groups： those receiving b-BDG （n=21） and those receiving u-BDG （n=30）. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively at a mean of 43.3 months after BDG procedures. Chi square and t-tests were performed to analyze the data. Results Left and right pulmonary artery diameters increased 27%-37% in both groups. The pulmonary artery index increased 37.2% after b-BDG and 27.0% after u-BDG, b-BDG patients experienced a significant decrease in mean hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value, and a correlated change in postoperative diameter of left pulmonary artery （LPA） and pulmonary artery index （y=0.2719, x=-1.8278; R=0.564, P=-0.008）. The change ratio of hemoglobin and postoperative LPA were also correlated in b-BDG patients （y= -0.0522x ＋ 0.3539; R=-0.479, P=-0.028）. Only one b-BDG patient versus twelve u-BDG patients needed total cavopulmonary connections 31.8 months after BDG surgery （P=-0.0074）. Moreover, only one （4.8%） b-BDG patient but eight u-BDG patients （26.7%） developed pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Conclusions b-BDG increases bilateral pulmonary blood flow and promotes growth of bilateral pulmonary arteries, with preferable physiological outcomes to u-BDG. Results may imply that subsequent Fontan repair may not always be needed. Chin Med J 2009; 122（2）： 129-135