Balloon angioplasty for native aortic coarctation in different anatomic variants

Assessment of intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies associated with coarctation of aorta and interrupted aortic arch using dual-source computed tomography

To evaluate the value of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) compared with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in assessing intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies in patients with coarctation of aorta (CoA) and interrupted aortic arch (IAA). Seventy-five patients (63 with CoA and 12 with IAA) who received preoperative DSCT and TTE were retrospectively studied. Intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies were recorded and compared by DSCT and TTE, in reference to surgical or cardiac catheterization findings. A total of 155 associated anomalies were finally found. Collateral circulation (56, 74.70%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA; 41, 54.67%) were the most common anomalies. PDA, aortopulmonary window, and collateral circulation were more frequently present in patients with IAA than those with CoA (100% vs. 46.03%, 16.67% vs. 0%, and 100% vs. 69.84%, respectively, all p < 0.05). DSCT was superior to TTE in assessing associated extracardiac-vascular anomalies (sensitivity: 100% vs. 39.81%; specificity: 100% vs. 100%; positive predictive value: 100% vs. 100%; negative predictive value: 100% vs. 76.06%). Extracardiac-vascular anomalies, including collateral circulation and PDA, were the most common anomalies in patients with IAA and CoA. Compared with TTE, DSCT is more reliable in providing an overall preoperative evaluation of morphological features and extracardiac anomalies for surgical planning.

Percutaneous balloon angioplasty for severe native aortic coarctation in young infants less than 6 months: medium- to long-term follow-up

Background:

Although balloon angioplasty (BA) has been performed for more than 20 years, its use as a treatment for native coarctation of the aorta (CoA) during childhood, especially in young infants, remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the effects and potential role of percutaneous transcatheter BA for native CoA as an alternative therapy to surgical repair in young infants.

Methods:

The 37 patients aged from 6 days to 6 months with severe CoA in congestive heart failure or circulatory shock were admitted for BA. Patient's weight ranged from 2.4 to 6.1 kg. All 37 patients were experiencing cardiac dysfunction, and eight patients were in cardiac shock with severe metabolic acidosis. Eleven patients had an isolated CoA, whereas the others had a CoA associated with other cardiac malformations. Cardiac catheterization and aortic angiography were performed under general anesthesia with intubation. Transfemoral arterial approaches were used for the BA. The size of the balloon ranged from 3 mm × 20 mm to 8 mm × 20 mm, and a coronary artery balloon catheter was preferred over a regular peripheral vascular balloon catheter.

Results:

The femoral artery was successfully punctured in all but one patient, with that patient undergoing a carotid artery puncture. The systolic peak pressure gradient (PG) across the coarctation was 41.0 ± 16.0 mmHg (range 13–76 mmHg). The mean diameter of the narrowest coarctation site was 1.7 ± 0.6 mm (range 0.5–2.8 mm). All patients had successful dilation; the PG significantly decreased to 13.0 ± 11.0 mmHg (range 0–40 mmHg), and the diameter of coarctation significantly improved to 3.8 ± 0.9 mm (range 2.5–5.3 mm). No intraoperative complications occurred for any patients. However, in one case that underwent a carotid artery puncture, a giant aneurysm formed at the puncture site and required surgical repair. The following observations were made during the follow-up period from 6-month to 7-year: (1) The PG across the coarctation measured by echocardiography further decreased or remained stable in 31 cases. The remaining six patients, whose PGs gradually increased, required a second dilation. No patient required further surgery because of a CoA; (2) in two cases, an aortic aneurysm was found with an angiogram performed immediately postdilatation and disappeared at 18 and 12 months of age, respectively; (3) tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension improved in all patients; (4) all patients were doing well and were asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous BA is a relatively safe and effective treatment for severe native CoA in young infants, and should be considered a valid alternative to surgery because of its good outcome and less trauma and fewer complications than surgery.

Balloon Valvuloplasty of Aortic Valve Stenosis in Childhood: Midterm Results in a Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt

Background:

Balloon valvuloplasty was established as an alternative to surgery for treatment of aortic valve stenosis in childhood. Acute complications after balloon dilatation including aortic insufficiency or early death were described.

Aim of Work:

To analyze early outcome and midterm results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in Children’s Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Subjects and Methods:

Between April 2005–June 2008, all consecutive patients of age <18 years treated for aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with BAV were analyzed retrospectively. The study included 21 patients; 17 males, and 4 females. Their age ranged from the neonatal period to 10 years (mean age 5.6 ± 3.7 years). Patients with gradient ≥50 mmHg and aortic valve insufficiency (AI) up to grade I were included. All patients had isolated aortic valve stenosis except 3 patients (14.3%) had associated aortic coarctation. Six patients (28.6%) had bicuspid aortic valve. All patients had normal myocardial function except one (4.8%) had FS 15%. The duration of follow up was (mean ± SD: 18.5 ± 11.7 months).

Results:

Femoral artery approach was used in 20 patients (95.2%) and carotid artery in one neonate (4.8%). Balloon/annulus ratio was 0.83 ± 0.04. Significant reduction in pressure gradient was achieved (mean 66.7 ± 9.8 mmHg to 20.65 ± 2.99 mmHg) (P < 0.001). Nine patients (42.8%) developed grade I AI, 2 patients (9.5%) developed grade II AI and 1 patient (4.8%) developed grade III AI. Two early deaths (9.5%); one died due to heart failure caused by grade IV AI and a neonate died because of severely compromised LV function. One patient (4.8%) had femoral artery occlusion necessitating anticoagulation. Patients remained free from re-intervention during follow up.

Conclusion:

Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve stenosis significantly reduces gradient with low morbidity and mortality in children.