The long-term outcome of an isolated vascular ring - A single-center experience

Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations in Vascular Rings and Slings

Vascular rings represent an increasingly prevalent and diverse set of congenital malformations in which the aortic arch and its primary branches encircle and constrict the esophagus and trachea. Perioperative management varies significantly based on the type of lesion, its associated comorbidities, and the compromise of adjacent structures. Multiple review articles have been published describing the scope of vascular rings and relevant concerns from a surgical perspective. This review seeks to discuss the perioperative implications and recommendations of such pathology from the perspective of an anesthesia provider.

Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Aberrant Subclavian Arteries in Adults

BACKGROUND

Symptoms, imaging characteristics, and early and midterm surgical outcomes for aberrant subclavian arteries (ASCA) are not well defined in the adult population.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review was conducted of adults undergoing surgical repair of ASCA and descending aorta origin/Kommerell diverticulum (KD) from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2021. Symptom improvement and differences in imaging characteristics between anatomic groups and the number of symptoms were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 46 ± 17 years. There were 23 of 37 left aortic arches with right ASCA (62%) and 14 of 37 right aortic arches with left ASCA (38%). Of these, 31 of 37 (84%) were symptomatic, and 19 of 37 (51%) had KD size/growth meeting criteria for surgical repair. KD aortic origin diameter was larger in more symptomatic patients: 20.60 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 16.42-30.68 mm) in patients with ≥3 symptoms vs 22.05 mm (IQR, 17.52-24.21 mm) for 2 symptoms vs 13.72 mm (IQR, 12.70-15.95 mm) for 1 symptom (P = .018). Aortic replacement was required in 22 of 37 (59%). There were no early deaths. Complications occurred in 11 of 37 (30%): vocal cord dysfunction (4 of 37 [11%]), chylothorax (3 of 37 [8%]), Horner syndrome (2 of 37 [5%]), spinal deficit (2 of 37 [5%]), stroke (1 of 37 [3%]), and temporary dialysis requirement (1 of 37 [3%]). Over a median follow-up of 2.3 years (IQR, 0.8-3.9 years), there was 1 endovascular reintervention and no reoperations. Dysphagia and shortness of breath resolved in 92% and 89%, respectively, whereas gastroesophageal reflux persisted in 47%.

CONCLUSIONS

The KD aortic origin diameter correlates with the number of symptoms, and surgical repair of ASCA and descending aorta origin/KD effectively relieves symptoms, with low rates of reintervention. Given the operative complexity, surgical repair should be performed in patients meeting size criteria or with significant dysphagia or shortness of breath symptoms.

Post-operative Outcomes for Vascular Rings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Vascular rings may cause tracheal and/or oesophageal compression. For many patients, symptoms/signs have been present for a long period before diagnosis. However, in the era of prenatal diagnosis, some units advocate universal early surgery. The risks and efficacy of surgery must be known to adequately counsel for the operation. This meta-analysis sought to define the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical correction, and persistent post-operative symptoms.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched for studies that described the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for a double or right aortic arch (DAA or RAA). Non-comparative and random effects model-based meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled rates of mortality, surgical complications, reintervention, and persistent follow-up symptoms.

RESULTS

Nineteen eligible studies were included comprising 18 studies describing outcomes for DAA surgery and 15 for RAA surgery. For DAA surgery, overall mortality rate was 0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0-1.0], post-surgical complication rate 18% [95% CI: 12.0-23.0], prevalence of reintervention 3% [95% CI: 1.0-5.0] and prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 33% [95% CI: 17.0-52.0]. For RAA surgery, overall pooled mortality was 0% [95% CI: 0.0-0.0], prevalence of post-surgical complications was 15% [95% CI: 8.0-23.0], reintervention rate was 2% [95% CI: 0.0-4.0], prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 40% [95% CI: 26.0-55.0].

CONCLUSIONS

While surgery to correct a vascular ring is safe, the rate of persistent symptoms is high and further strategies must be sought to reduce this burden.

Management of prenatally detected vascular rings: a United Kingdom national survey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate UK variability in prenatal and postnatal management strategy of right aortic arch and double aortic arch (RAA/DAA).

METHODS

Online surveys were sent to senior physicians (consultants) of the National Fetal Cardiology Working Group regarding prenatal diagnosis, counselling, and perinatal management of antenatally diagnosed RAA/DAA and to the British Congenital Cardiovascular Association regarding postnatal management strategies.

RESULTS

There were 28 prenatal and 90 postnatal surveys completed. Prenatally, there was consensus for potential associated chromosomal/genetic anomalies, but there was variation in the risk quoted. Confidence in defining aortic arch morphology was reported by 43% (12/28) of fetal cardiologists. There was variation in what was felt to be possible symptoms/signs of a compressive vascular ring, postnatal investigation, postnatal management, follow-up duration of asymptomatic patients, and indications for surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study has highlighted important areas for future research: improving accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, clarification of potential symptoms, optimal investigation strategies, and indications for surgery.

Pediatric airway compression in aortic arch malformations: a multidisciplinary approach

Background

Aortic arch malformations (AAMs) should be suspected in the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms despite medical treatment or feeding problems at the pediatric age.

Aim

We report a descriptive cohort of patients with AAMs and the local management protocol applied.

Methods

A total of 59 patients with AAM were retrospectively reviewed. Three groups were identified: double aortic arch (DAA), group 1; complete vascular ring (non-DAA), group 2; and anomalous origin of the innominate artery (IA), group 3.

Results

Prenatal diagnosis was available for 62.7% of the patients. In all, 49.2% of children were symptomatic. There was a significantly different prevalence of respiratory symptoms within the three groups: 73.7% in group 1, 24.2% in group 2, and 100% in group 3 (p-value: <0.001). Surgery was considered in the presence of symptoms in patients with DAA and in those with reduction of the tracheal section area greater than 50%. A total of 52.5% of the patients underwent surgical repair (median age 6 months). The median follow-up interval was 21.9 months. Respiratory symptoms improved in most symptomatic patients.

Conclusions

No specific protocols are available for the management of patients with AAMs. Conservative treatment seems to be reasonable for asymptomatic patients or those with airway stenosis less than 50%. A close follow-up is necessary to identify early patients who become symptomatic.

Long term respiratory morbidity in patients with vascular rings: a review

Abnormalities in position and/or branching of the aortic arch can lead to vascular rings that may cause narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to external compression, or constriction of the oesophagus, causing symptoms that vary in relation to the anatomical vascular pattern and the relationship between these structures. Respiratory morbidity related to external airways compression is a major concern in children affected by vascular rings. Clinical presentation depends on the severity of the tracheal lumen reduction and the presence of associated tracheomalacia. Recurrent respiratory infections, wheezing, atelectasis, and hyperinflation are mostly reported. As they are nonspecific and therefore difficult to recognize, attention should be given to all children with history of respiratory distress, extubation failure, noisy breathing, and recurrent respiratory infections. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centres can prevent the long-term complications and improve the respiratory outcomes of these patients.

Functional capacity and quality of life in patients with vascular ring

BACKGROUND

Vascular rings are congenital anomalies of the aortic arch that compress the trachea and esophagus and may require corrective surgery. Data about the long-term effects of vascular rings are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the long-term cardiorespiratory, exercise capacity, and quality of life of vascular ring patients.

METHODS

A single center prospective study evaluating spirometry, echocardiography, six-minute walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) in patients with a diagnosis of vascular ring, with or without corrective surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients participated (11.9 ± 6 years, 52% males). The most common diagnosis was double aortic arch (16 patients, 59%). Nineteen patients had corrective surgery (O) and 8 did not (NO). Pulmonary function tests were within normal range in both groups (FEV₁ % predicted O = 87.6 ± 16.5, NO = 83 ± 10.8%). However, 11/27 had abnormal FEV₁ , 5 had abnormal FVC, and 13 (48%) had flattening of the expiratory curve. 6MWD and oxygen uptake were similarly mildly reduced in both groups; (6MWD O = 80.1 ± 10.7% predicted, NO = 74.1 ± 10.9% and oxygen uptake O = 78.5 ± 23.2% predicted, NO = 73.4 ± 14.3%). Peak O₂ pulse (V̇O₂ /HR% predicted) was mildly reduced in the NO group (O = 88.4 ± 17.3%, NO = 75.8 ± 16.2%). Echocardiogram and SF36 scores were normal in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term evaluation of patients born with vascular rings revealed mild pulmonary impairment, reduction in 6MWD, and oxygen uptake. The NO group had also mild reduced peak O₂ pulse. Larger, long-term studies assessing functional parameters in operated and non-operated patients are needed to assess disease/surgery limitation in patients with vascular rings. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04781738.

Contemporary surgical outcome and symptomatic relief following vascular ring surgery in children: effect of prenatal diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to describe postoperative complications and outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of children with an isolated double aortic arch (DAA) or a right aortic arch (RAA) with left arterial ligament and to assess the impact of foetal diagnosis on outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgery for DAA or RAA with left arterial ligament between 2005 and 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 132 children were operated on for a DAA (n = 77) or a RAA (n = 55). Prenatal diagnosis was made in 100/132 (75.8%). Median age at surgery for DAA was 5.0 (1.7-13.3) months and for RAA was 13.9 (6.4-20.1) months. There was no difference in the age at surgery between the prenatal and postnatal cases (8.6 [4.0-15.6] vs 5.4 months [1.8-17.7]; P = 0.37). No surgical deaths occurred. Vocal cord palsy was the most common complication, occurring in 12/132 (9%): of these, 11 resolved spontaneously and 1 required a temporary tracheostomy. Logistic regression demonstrated that older age at operation was the only predictor for a postoperative complication (P = 0.02). Overall, 21/67 (31%) of prenatally detected, symptomatic cases reported residual symptoms/signs 1 year after surgery compared to 18/28 (64%) of postnatally detected cases. Postnatal diagnosis was associated with persistent postoperative symptoms/signs [P = 0.006, odds ratio = 3.9 (95% confidence interval 1.5-9.4)].

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery to relieve a vascular ring resolves trache-oesophageal compressive symptoms in most cases, but parents/patients should be aware that symptoms/signs may persist in the first postoperative year despite effective release of the vascular ring. Earlier surgery and prenatal diagnosis may improve outcomes.

Aortic arch anomalies, embryology and their relevance in neuro-interventional surgery and stroke: A review

BACKGROUND

Congenital aortic arch anomalies are commonly encountered during neurointerventional procedures. While some anomalies are identified at an early age, many are incidentally discovered later in adulthood during endovascular evaluations or interventions. Proper understanding of the normal arch anatomy and its variants is pivotal to safely navigate normal aortic arch branches and to negotiate the catheter through anomalies during neurointerventional procedures. This is particularly relevant in the increasingly "transradial first" culture of neurointerventional surgery. Moreover, some of these anomalies have a peculiar predilection for complications including aneurysm formation, dissection, and rupture during the procedure. Therefore, an understanding of these anomalies, their underlying embryological basis and associations, and pattern of circulation will help endovascular neurosurgeons and interventional radiologists navigate with confidence and consider relevant pathologic associations that may inform risk of cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

Here, we present a brief review of the basic embryology of the common anomalies of the aortic arch along with their neurological significances and discuss, through illustrative cases, the association of aortic arch anomalies with cerebral vascular pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the aortic arch anomalies and its embryological basis is essential to safely navigate the cerebral vascular system during neurointerventional surgeries.

Pediatric pulmonology 2019 year in review: rare and diffuse lung disease

Pediatric Pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on topics related to a wide range of children's respiratory disorders. Here we review manuscripts published in 2019 in this journal and others on (1) anatomic lung, airway, and vascular malformations, (2) children's interstitial lung disease, and (3) primary ciliary dyskinesia and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Right aortic arch forming a true vascular ring: a clinical review

OBJECTIVES

This review aims at presenting and summarizing the current state of literature on the presentation and surgical management of a right-sided aortic arch with a left-sided ligamentum forming a complete vascular ring around the oesophagus and trachea.

METHODS

A systematic database search for appropriate literature was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE. Articles were considered relevant when providing details on the presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this specific congenital arch anomaly in human beings.

RESULTS

Affected patients present with respiratory and/or oesophageal difficulties due to tracheoesophageal compression. Conservative treatment might be reasonable in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases; however, once moderate-to-severe symptoms develop, surgical intervention is definitely indicated. Surgery is commonly performed through a left thoracotomy or median sternotomy and includes the division of the left ductal ligamentum; if a Kommerell's diverticulum is present that is >1.5 times the diameter of the subclavian artery, then concomitant resection of the large diverticulum and translocation of the aberrant left subclavian artery is also conducted. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are low and are rather related to concomitant intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies than to the procedure itself. In a majority of patients, full resolution of symptoms is seen within months to years from the surgery. Nevertheless, there is also a subset of patients who remain with some tracheobronchial narrowing, sometimes even requiring reintervention during follow-up due to persisting or recurring symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the surgical management of a right aortic arch forming a true vascular ring in infancy, childhood and adulthood seems relatively safe and effective in providing symptomatic relief despite some persistent tracheobronchial and/or oesophageal narrowing in some cases.