Arterial switch for double-outlet left ventricle - Diagnostic and surgical considerations

Double-outlet left ventricle (DOLV) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly in which both the aorta and pulmonary artery arise completely or predominantly from the left ventricle. DOLV is a spectrum and can be classified depending on the position of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) relative to the great vessels, the relationship of the great vessels, and the presence or absence of pulmonary or aortic outflow obstruction. In the absence of tricuspid atresia or hypoplastic right ventricle, two ventricle repair is the preferred surgical treatment. We report a 31-day-old, 2.1 kg neonate with DOLV, subaortic VSD who underwent a successful arterial switch with VSD closure.

Combined Warden and Mustard procedure for late presenting transposition with anomalous pulmonary venous connections and regressed left ventricle

The presence of systemic and pulmonary venous anomalies in late presenting transposition of great arteries (TGA) may make standard atrial switch procedures difficult, necessitating modification in the surgical procedure. We present a case report of a 13-year-old boy with a partial anomalous connection of right superior pulmonary vein with TGA and regressed left ventricle, where a combination of Warden procedure and Mustard procedure was used.

Scaling skin and failing heart: the cardio-cutaneous connection

Ichthyosis refers to a comparatively rare group of skin disorders which may present with associated cardiomyopathy. We report a case of an 11-year-old female child who presented with ichthyosis and associated dilated cardiomyopathy. Genetic testing revealed mutation in the RBCK1 gene. She was successfully managed with heart transplantation. The purpose of the case report is to embark on the association between the skin and heart, the role of desmosomes, and the cutaneous manifestations of life-threatening cardiac disease. Cutaneous manifestations should not be escaped, as some of which could be a marker for sudden cardiac death and appropriate corrective actions can potentially save life.