Coarctation of the aorta

Gestational Age-Specific Markers Associated with Postnatal Intervention in Fetal Suspicion of Coarctation of the Aorta

OBJECTIVE

 Fetal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is currently associated with a high false-positive rate. Many predictive markers may be gestational age (GA)-specific. We sought to establish GA-specific traditional and speckle-tracking fetal echocardiography (STE) markers predictive of true CoA in neonates with prenatal suspicion.

STUDY DESIGN

 This is a retrospective case-control study. We compared the fetal ventricular and arch dimensions, as well as the deformation parameters by STE, of infants who required a postnatal intervention for their CoA with those who did not. Cohort was stratified based on GA before or after 30 weeks. Data extractors were masked to the outcome. The first fetal echocardiogram available was used.

RESULTS

 Seventy-five newborns with a fetal echocardiography performed between October 2013 and May 2022 for an antenatal suspicion of CoA were included, of which 59 (79%) had an aortic arch with nonsignificant obstruction upon ductal closure, and 16 (21%) underwent a neonatal intervention for a confirmed CoA. Before 30 weeks' GA, the right ventricular to left ventricular (RV/LV) end-diastolic width and end-diastolic area (EDA) ratios were most associated with postnatal CoA confirmation (area under the curve [AUCs] = 0.96 and 0.92). After 30 weeks' GA, the RV/LV end-diastolic width ratio (AUC = 0.95), the Z-score for the ascending aorta (AUC = 0.93), and the LV end-diastolic width Z-score (AUC = 0.91) performed the best. A decreased RV peak longitudinal strain was observed in those who developed true CoA and performed well by receiver operating characteristic analysis after 30 weeks (AUC = 0.85). In the overall cohort, the RV/LV EDA ratio was the most sensitive predictor of CoA and identified all cases with CoA. Indeed, a cutoff > 1.24 had a specificity of 69.5% and a sensitivity of 100% (receiver operating characteristic curve with an AUC of 0.88).

CONCLUSION

 We outlined sensitive and specific fetal markers associated with postnatal CoA based on GA at suspicion.

KEY POINTS

· Fetal ventricular disproportion predicts postnatal coarctation.. · A decreased right ventircular contraction was observed in those with coarctation.. · Fetal markers differ based on gestational age at fetal evaluation..

Single-Lung Ventilation in Infants for Surgical Repair of Coarctation of The Aorta Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of improving the operative field and postoperative atelectasis of single-lung ventilation (SLV) in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 28 infants (aged 1 to 4 months, weighing between 4.2 and 6 kg) who underwent surgical repair of CoA without CPB from January 2019 to May 2022 were analyzed. Fourteen infants received SLV with a bronchial blocker (Group S), and the other 14 infants received routine endotracheal intubation and bilateral lung ventilation (Group R).

RESULTS

In comparison to Group R, Group S exhibited improved exposure of the operative field, a lower postoperative atelectasis score (P<0.001), reduced prevalence of hypoxemia (P=0.01), and shorter durations of operation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.03). There was no difference in preoperative information or perioperative respiratory and circulatory indicators before SLV, 10 minutes after SLV, and 10 minutes after the end of SLV between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation after operation were also not different between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that employing SLV with a bronchial blocker is consistent with enhanced operative field, reduced operation duration, lower prevalence of intraoperative hypoxemia, and fewer postoperative complications during the surgical repair of CoA in infants without the use of CPB.

Un-diagnosed coarctation of the aorta in a 27-year-old adult with a rare presentation: a rare case report

Introduction and importance

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease that is typically diagnosed in children. COA is known to present with hypertension, weak or absent femoral pulses, heart failure in older patients, but the presentation of COA as calf atrophy is extremely rare. This article reports the successful surgical repair of a 27-year-old adult with undiagnosed COA.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old-male has presented with calf atrophy, which was diagnosed as COA transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography indicate COA, which is treated with successful surgical repair.

Clinical discussion

COA is typically diagnosed in children with a rare incidence in adults. Calf atrophy is an extremely rare presentation and uncommon. He has calf atrophy, which led to the diagnosis of COA in 27 years. The presentation in this medium-aged population with this rare manifestation gives our case significance to be one of the unique reported cases.

Conclusion

COA is uncommon to be found in adults and the presentation with calf atrophy is even rare. The authors revealed that COA can be found in adults and with an unexpected manifestation and highlights the significance of early detection, and timely referral to a specialist can enable proper management, which includes surgical correction.

Perioperative Brain Injury in Children with Aortic Arch Anomalies: A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors and Outcomes

Complex pediatric cardiac disease is associated with brain impairment and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in patients requiring cardiac surgery for aortic arch anomalies. This study examines the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of perioperative brain injury in children undergoing aortic arch repair who had aortic arch anomalies. A total of 145 children with aortic arch anomalies in our center undergoing aortic arch repair between January 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. There were 129 (89.0%) with coarctation of the aorta (COA) and 16 (9.7%) with interrupted aortic arch (IAA). Risk factor analysis of brain injuries was done using perioperative imaging and included symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke, arterial ischemic stroke, white matter injury, cerebral sinus venous thrombosis, and other pathologies. Preoperatively, 50/145 (34.5%) patients had brain injuries. Multivariate analysis showed that an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke was associated with newborns (odds ratio [OR], 2.09 [95% CI 0.08-3.50]), isolated COA (OR, 3.69 [95% CI 1.23-7.07]), mechanical ventilation (MV) ([OR, 2.56 [95% CI 1.25-4.03]), and sepsis (OR, 1.73 [95% CI 0.46-3.22]). Newborns ([OR, 1.91 [95% Cl 0.58-3.29]) and weight-for-age z score ([OR, -0.45 [95% CI -0.88 to -0.1]) were associated with an increased risk of white matter injury. New postoperative brain injuries were present in 12.9% of the patients (16/124). Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) was associated with new postoperative brain injuries compared with deep hypothermic low-flow (DHLF) plus antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) (([OR, 2.67 [95% CI, 0.58-5.75])). Isolated COA was almost associated with new postoperative brain injuries (OR, 1.13 [95% CI, -0.04 to 2.32]). Children diagnosed with isolated COA appeared to have a higher risk of perioperative brain injury, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We focused on the intrinsic mechanism by which changes in hemodynamics caused by COA result in perioperative brain injury. Further research will be needed to optimize the personalized treatment and cerebral perfusion techniques for complex pediatric cardiac surgery.

Balloon Dilatation in the Management of Congenital Obstructive Lesions of the Heart: Review of Author's Experiences and Observations-Part I

Balloon dilatation techniques became available to treat congenital obstructive lesions of the heart in the early/mid-1980s. The purpose of this review is to present the author's experiences and observations on the techniques and outcomes of balloon dilatation of pulmonary stenosis (PS), aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic coarctation (AC), both native and postsurgical re-coarctations. Balloon dilatation resulted in a reduction of peak pressure gradient across the obstructive lesion at the time of the procedure as well as at short-term and long-term follow-ups. Complications such as recurrence of stenosis, valvar insufficiency (for PS and AS cases) and aneurysm formation (for AC cases) have been reported, but infrequently. It was recommended that strategies be developed to prevent the reported complications.

Percutaneous Structural Interventions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: State-of-the-Art Review

Structural interventions play a crucial role in the management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). In recent years, this field has seen significant advancements in catheter-based procedures despite limited investment from industry and lack of device development specific to this population. Because each patient is unique in their anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical repair, many devices are used off-label with a "best fit" strategy. Therefore, continuous innovation is needed to adapt what is available to ACHD and to increase collaboration with industry and regulatory bodies to develop dedicated equipment. These innovations will further advance the field and offer this growing population less invasive options with fewer complications and faster recovery times. In this article, we summarize some of the contemporary structural interventions performed in adults with congenital defects and present cases performed at Houston Methodist to better illustrate them. We aim to offer a greater understanding of the field and stimulate interest in this rapidly growing specialty.

Diagnosis of covert coarctation of the aorta in adolescents

Objectives

By reviewing the diagnostic process for adolescents with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in our institution, we analyzed the reasons for delayed diagnosis of CoA. We also proposed a diagnostic protocol to improve the detection rate of CoA.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 48 patients aged 12-18 years who were diagnosed with CoA in our hospital from January 2000 to November 2022. Clinical data from involved cases in local hospitals and our institution were collected.

Results

All patients had blood pressure (BP) measurements in upper and lower extremities in our institution. They all had hypertension, 29 (60.4%) of whom had known histories of the same. BP in the upper limbs of 47 (97.9%) patients was ≥20 mmHg higher than that in the lower limbs, and BP in the upper limb of 1 (2.1%) patient was greater than 0 and less than 20 mmHg than that in the lower limb. Echocardiography (ECHO) was performed in all patients, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 44 patients (91.7%). There were 38 (79.2%) patients who visited local hospitals. Among them, a total of 20 (52.6%) patients had their right upper extremity BP measured, 18 (47.4%) only had their left upper extremity BP measured, and 16 (42.1%) had their lower extremity BP measured. ECHO was performed in 27 (56.2%) patients and CT/MRI was performed in 18 (37.5%) patients. The detection rate for CT/MRI was 100%, and those of ECHO were 72.9% and 18.5% at our institution and a local hospital, respectively. Forty-eight (100%) and 23 (60.5%) patients were detected in our institution and local hospitals (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We recommend measuring BP in the bilateral upper extremities. Measurement of BP in the lower extremities is recommended if hypertension is diagnosed. MRI/CT is recommended when BP in the upper extremity is greater than that in the lower extremity.

A percutaneous treatment strategy of an adult patient with a bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of the aorta, and an exceptionally large aneurysm of a collateral artery: Case report and literature overview

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect that is associated with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), ascending aorta dilatation, intracerebral aneurysms, and premature atherosclerotic disease. The first presentation during late adulthood is rare and is frequently driven by late sequelae. Hypertrophic collateral arteries can develop aneurysms which are at risk for spontaneous rupture, however, treatment recommendations for these aneurysms are scarce. Here, we describe the clinical course and percutaneous treatment strategy of a patient with a late diagnosis of a pin-point CoA, a BAV with moderate regurgitation, and an exceptionally large aneurysm of a collateral artery. A 59-year-old woman was diagnosed with Streptococcus bovis endocarditis of a BAV with moderate aortic valve regurgitation and small vegetation (<5 mm) on the non-coronary cusp. Work-up revealed hypertension and adenocarcinoma in situ of the ascending colon, considered the bacteremia porte d'entrée, for which a curative hemicolectomy was performed. Echocardiography showed a narrowing of the aorta distal from the origin of the left subclavian artery with the antegrade diastolic flow with a pathognomonic "sawtooth" pattern and an estimated pressure gradient of >70 mmHg. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a network of well-developed collateral arteries and a levoatriocardinal vein. One of the collateral arteries arising from the left subclavian artery revealed an exceptionally large aneurysmatic dilation (29 × 24 × 24 mm). The invasive assessment confirmed a hemodynamically significant CoA. Treatment involved balloon dilatation and placement of a covered stent at the site of the pin-point CoA and a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the stenosis in the left anterior descending artery. No residual gradient over the CoA was observed. Antihypertensive drugs could be discontinued, and CTA performed 4 months later showed regression and thrombosis of the numerous collaterals and, importantly, thrombosis of the large aneurysm. This case illustrates the late diagnosis of CoA with associated congenital heart defects and late sequelae including hypertension, BAV endocarditis, coronary artery disease, and aneurysm formation of the extensive collateral network. The patient underwent pharmacological and percutaneous treatment, ultimately resulting in the alleviation of the CoA, normalization of the blood pressure, reduction of collateral flow, and thrombosis of the large aneurysm of the collateral artery.

Enhanced 4D Flow MRI-Based CFD with Adaptive Mesh Refinement for Flow Dynamics Assessment in Coarctation of the Aorta

4D Flow MRI is a diagnostic tool that can visualize and quantify patient-specific hemodynamics and help interventionalists optimize treatment strategies for repairing coarctation of the aorta (COA). Despite recent developments in 4D Flow MRI, shortcomings include phase-offset errors, limited spatiotemporal resolution, aliasing, inaccuracies due to slow aneurysmal flows, and distortion of images due to metallic artifact from vascular stents. To address these limitations, we developed a framework utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) that enhances 4D Flow MRI visualization/quantification. We applied this framework to five pediatric patients with COA, providing in-vivo and in-silico datasets, pre- and post-intervention. These two data sets were compared and showed that CFD flow rates were within 9.6% of 4D Flow MRI, which is within a clinically acceptable range. CFD simulated slow aneurysmal flow, which MRI failed to capture due to high relative velocity encoding (Venc). CFD successfully predicted in-stent blood flow, which was not visible in the in-vivo data due to susceptibility artifact. AMR improved spatial resolution by factors of 101 to 103 and temporal resolution four-fold. This computational framework has strong potential to optimize visualization/quantification of aneurysmal and in-stent flows, improve spatiotemporal resolution, and assess hemodynamic efficiency post-COA treatment.

Turbulent Intensity of Blood Flow in the Healthy Aorta Increases With Dobutamine Stress and is Related to Cardiac Output

Introduction: The blood flow in the normal cardiovascular system is predominately laminar but operates close to the threshold to turbulence. Morphological distortions such as vascular and valvular stenosis can cause transition into turbulent blood flow, which in turn may cause damage to tissues in the cardiovascular system. A growing number of studies have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the extent and degree of turbulent flow in different cardiovascular diseases. However, the way in which heart rate and inotropy affect turbulent flow has not been investigated. In this study we hypothesized that dobutamine stress would result in higher turbulence intensity in the healthy thoracic aorta.

Method: 4D flow MRI data were acquired in twelve healthy subjects at rest and with dobutamine, which was infused until the heart rate increased by 60% when compared to rest. A semi-automatic segmentation method was used to segment the thoracic aorta in the 4D flow MR images. Subsequently, flow velocity and several turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) parameters were calculated in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta and whole thoracic aorta.

Results: With dobutamine infusion there was an increase in heart rate (66 ± 9 vs. 108 ± 13 bpm, p < 0.001) and stroke volume (88 ± 13 vs. 102 ± 25 ml, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was an increase in Peak Average velocity (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 m/s, p < 0.001, Peak Max velocity (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 m/s, p < 0.001), Peak Total TKE (2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 8.0 ± 2.2 mJ, p < 0.001), Peak Median TKE (36 ± 7 vs. 93 ± 24 J/m3, p = 0.002) and Peak Max TKE (176 ± 33 vs. 334 ± 69 J/m3, p < 0.001). The relation between cardiac output and Peak Total TKE in the whole thoracic aorta was very strong (R² = 0.90, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: TKE of blood flow in the healthy thoracic aorta increases with dobutamine stress and is strongly related to cardiac output. Quantification of such turbulence intensity parameters with cardiac stress may serve as a risk assessment of aortic disease development.

Balloon-Expandable Cheatham-Platinum Stents Versus Self-Expandable Nitinol Stents in Coarctation of Aorta: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare the safety and efficacy of the balloon-expandable stent (BES) and the self-expandable stent (SES) in the endovascular treatment of coarctation of aorta.

BACKGROUND

Coarctoplasty with stents has conferred promising results. Although several nonrandomized studies have approved the safety and efficacy of the BES and the SES, no high-quality evidence exists for this comparison.

METHODS

In the present open-label, parallel-group, blinded endpoint randomized pilot clinical trial, adult patients with de novo native aortic coarctation were randomized into Cheatham-platinum BES and uncovered nitinol SES groups. The primary outcome of the study was a composite of procedural and vascular complications. The secondary outcomes of the study consisted of the incidence of aortic recoarctation, thoracic aortic aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm formation, and residual hypertension at a 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 105 patients who were screened between January 2017 and December 2019, 92 eligible patients (32 women [34.8%]) with a median age of 30 years (IQR: 20-36 years) were randomized equally into the BES and SES groups. The composite of procedural and vascular complications occurred in 10.9% of the BES group and 2.2% of the SES group (odds ratio: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02-1.62; P = 0.20). Aortic recoarctation occurred in 5 patients (5.4%), 3 patients (6.5%) in the BES group and 2 patients (4.3%) in the SES group (odds ratio: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.10-4.09; P = 0.64). Only 1 patient (1.1%) was complicated by aortic pseudoaneurysm. Hypertension control was achieved in 50% of the study population, with an equal distribution in the 2 study groups at the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the BES and the SES were safe and effective in the treatment of native coarctation.

Descending Thoracic Aorta Stenosis Treated by Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting with Coaxial Sheath Introduction Technique in a Small Child

A 10-year-old girl (23 kg) having a medical history of uncontrolled hypertension was presented to our hospital because of acute left heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed stenosis of descending thoracic aorta with a maximum trans-stenotic pressure gradient of 50 mmHg and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 20%. She was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis with a long severe stenosis of segment III of the thoracic aorta. The procedure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed and helped to reduce the pressure gradient significantly. After a 6-month follow-up, the left ventricular function was unimproved. Hence, aortic angiography was done and revealed the descending thoracic aorta restenosis with a pressure gradient of 46 mmHg. Despite the difficulties of small vascular access and the disease severity, this patient was intervened by cover stent without any complications. The trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased remarkably to 5 mmHg. The stent implantation should be considered in the severe stenosis of descending thoracic aorta because of its benefit and safety.

A NEW RING STENT WITH GRADED GEOMETRY FOR TREATING COARCTATION OF CURVED AORTA ARTERIES

Ring stent implantation has been widely used to treat coarctation of the aorta (CoA) as an alternative to surgery. Currently adopted stents with uniform geometry may cause uneven stress distribution and high stress concentration in curved vessels, leading to in-stent restenosis (ISR). Inspired by functional graded material, here we propose a new ring-and-link stent, which has graded geometry in order to achieve a reduced peak stress when deployed in curved arteries. Numerical simulation of a single ring of the graded stent indicated that by varying the circumferential spacing of wave crest, the maximum stress exerted on the artery was reduced by as much as 27.86% in comparison with the uniform one. The effects of stent geometric parameters and artery curvature were also obtained through a parametric study. Finally, a whole stent was studied to verify the design, and a maximum stress reduction by 31.96% was achieved. In summary, the proposed graded ring stent shows great potential in clinical applications to reduce the risk of ISR.

Late diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta in a 44-year-old male: a case report

BACKGROUND

Coarctation of the aorta is a rare congenital disease. In adults, the main manifestations include hypertension, weak or absent femoral pulses, heart failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case involving a late diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta detected during aortography in a 44-year-old man. The patient underwent stent implantation and aortoplasty. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient was in good condition.

CONCLUSIONS

This case shows that coarctation of the aorta can be cured and that hypertension caused by the condition can be controlled to some extent with medication. Based on our findings, we recommend a detailed physical examination for all patients suspected of having coarctation of the aorta; the examination should include blood pressure measurements of both the upper and lower extremities. The case of coarctation of the aorta is not common or easy to be found in medium-aged population. Better BP control, earlier repair, and transcatheter intervention may result in a good outcome in that case.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Secondary Hypertension?: An Interdisciplinary Discussion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Traditional statements in medical textbooks pointed that 90 to 95% of cases of hypertension is essential or primary. However, secondary hypertension seems to be common in those patients with resistant forms of hypertension. Appropriate investigation and treatment may have prognostic impact but frequently hypertension remission did not occur raising concerns about the real meaning of secondary hypertension. Here, we provided an interdisciplinary and critical discussion comprising an endocrinologist, a nephrologist, and a cardiologist with expertise in resistant hypertension. We reviewed the literature approaching each one of the recognizable cause of hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies pointed that the most common causes of secondary hypertension are those who overall responses to their treatments do not promote hypertension remission including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic kidney disease, renovascular hypertension and primary aldosteronism. The authors raised concerns regarding the lack of inclusion of obesity by several societies as a formal cause of hypertension considering not only the biologic plausibility but also the huge impact of weight loss therapies such as bariatric surgery on hypertension remission. In contrast, there is no discussion that a very rare condition-namely pheochromocytoma-is the most "typical" cause of hypertension by promoting hypertension remission in the majority of patients after surgical procedure. Hypertension is a complex condition with multiple environmental and genetics interactions. In clinical practice, it is challenging to prove causality in hypertension. Common conditions largely acceptable as causes of hypertension (OSA, chronic kidney disease, renovascular hypertension, and primary aldosteronism) frequently occur in a setting of an established hypertension background and therefore do not promote hypertension remission in a significant proportion of patients. If obesity becomes largely accepted by several societies as a secondary form of hypertension, this pandemic condition will be certainly the most common cause of hypertension.

Morphometric evaluation of aortic coarctation and collateral circulation using computed tomography in the adult population

Background

Analysis of morphometric details of aortic coarctation and collateral circulation using computed tomography (CT) and its impact on clinical symptoms is a perspective which is missing in the published literature.

Purpose

To perform CT-based qualitative and quantitative evaluation of aortic coarctation and collateral circulation with reference to clinical symptoms.

Material and Methods

The study comprised 2022 patients who underwent CT angiography. If aortic coarctation was seen, the patients underwent evaluation of its anatomy and associated clinical symptoms.

Results

Aortic coarctation was found in 33 patients. Follow-up (median 2476 days; range 1692–3543) was performed in 31 (94%) individuals. In this group (median age 42 years; range 30–52.5 years), median stenosis at the site of coarctation was 70% (range 58–85%) of the lumen area, with 17 (55%) patients presenting with significant (≥70%) stenosis. Patients with significant stenosis had a greater right and left internal mammary artery diameter ( P = 0.0070 and P = 0.0114, respectively) than those with mild stenosis. Patients with significant coarctation stenosis revealed hypertension and headache more commonly than those with mild stenosis (17 vs. 9, P = 0.01 and 10 vs. 2, P = 0.02), respectively. In patients who underwent intervention, a decrease in prevalence of hypertension (19 vs. 0, P = 0.008) and headache (12 vs. 3, P = 0.010) were observed in the follow-up.

Conclusion

CT enables quantitative and qualitative evaluation of aortic coarctation anatomy, including stenosis at the site of coarctation, and collateral circulation. In adult patients with aortic coarctation, the prevalence of hypertension and headache is related to the degree of stenosis at the site of coarctation and decreases after intervention.

Management of Congenital Heart Disease: State of the Art; Part I-ACYANOTIC Heart Defects

Since the description of surgery for patent ductus arteriosus in late 1930s, an innumerable number of advances have taken place in the management of congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this review the current status of treatment of seven of the most common acyanotic CHDs was reviewed. The discussion included indications for, and timing of, intervention and methods of intervention. The indications are, by and large, determined by the severity of the lesion. Pressure gradients in obstructive lesions and the magnitude of the shunt in left-to-right shunt lesions are used to assess the severity of the lesion. The timing of intervention is different for each lesion and largely dependent upon when the criteria for indications for intervention were met. Appropriate medical management is necessary in most patients. Trans-catheter methods are preferable in some defects while surgery is a better option in some other defects. The currently available medical, trans-catheter, and surgical methods to treat acyanotic CHD are feasible, safe, and effective.

The effect of including increased arterial stiffness in the upper body when modelling Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the Aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta and diagnosis can be difficult. Treatments result in idiopathic sequelae including hypertension. Untreated patients are known to develop increased arterial stiffness in the upper body, which worsens with time. We present results from simulations with a one-dimensional mathematical model, about the effect of stiffness, stenting, surgery and coarctation severity on blood pressure, Pulsatility and Resistivity Index. One conclusion is that increased stiffness may explain both hypertension in treated patients and why diagnosis can be difficult.

Genetic testing for coarctation of aorta

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is an inherited narrowing of the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Histological features include localized medial thickening and infolding with superimposed neointimal tissue. CoA is diagnosed by detection of a murmur or hypertension during routine examination. Typical clinical features are delayed or absent femoral pulses and difference in blood pressure between the arm and legs. These symptoms may appear in the first weeks of life or after the neonatal period. CoA accounts for 4-6% of all congenital heart defects and has a reported prevalence of about 4 per 10,000 live births. It is more common in males than females (59% vs 41%). This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.

Endovascular management of a rare complication of an aortic coarctation

A 28-year-old pregnant woman presents with arterial hypertension of the upper limbs. The examination suggests an aortic coarctation. After a normal delivery, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a subocclusive aortic coarctation of the descending thoracic aorta and a 33-mm aneurysm developed from the left cervical-thoracic artery. The coarctation of the aorta was treated by a stent graft, and the aneurysm was treated by an injection of thrombin and glue.

The effects of tapering and artery wall stiffness on treatments for Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the Aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta. Two commonly used treatments are resection and end-to-end anastomosis, and stent placements. We simulate blood flow through one-dimensional models of aortas. Different artery stiffnesses, due to treatments, are included in our model, and used to compare blood flow properties in the treated aortas. We expand our previously published model to include the natural tapering of aortas. We look at change in aorta wall radius, blood pressure and blood flow velocity, and find that, of the two treatments, the resection and end-to-end anastomosis treatment more closely matches healthy aortas.

The agreement between oscillometric and intra-arterial technique for blood pressure monitoring in the lower extremities for infants and toddlers undergoing aortic coarctation repair

OBJECTIVE

Anesthetic management for patients undergoing surgical repair of aortic coarctation (CoA) should include constant blood pressure monitoring of the right upper extremity and a lower extremity. The delayed or absent pulse in the lower limbs often leads to unsuccessful arterial cannulation in infants and the oscillometric technique used for blood pressure measurement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between the oscillometric method and intra-arterial technique for blood pressure monitoring in the lower limbs of infants undergoing CoA.

METHODS

A total of 45 infants diagnosed with isolated CoA were initially enrolled in this study and five were excluded because of cannulation failure. Thus, 40 patients had their blood pressure measured simultaneously by both oscillometric technique on the thigh and femoral artery catheterization. After induction and intubation, five pairs of blood pressure readings from each patient were collected in an interval of 3 min. Statistical analysis was accomplished by revised Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

There was a strong correlation between oscillometric and invasive blood pressure measurements [systolic blood pressure (SBP) r = 0.771, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) r = 0.704 and mean artery pressure (MAP) r = 0.850]. The mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) between oscillometric and femoral artery blood pressure readings was 3.830 mmHg (-19.297, 26.957) for SBP, -8.725 mmHg (-26.236, 8.786) for DBP, and -3.235 mmHg (-18.842, 12.372) for MAP. There were only one pair of MAP (1/40) and two pairs of SBP readings (2/40) out of range (95% LOA), and all of paired DBP readings were within 95% LOA.

CONCLUSION

There was a good agreement between oscillometric and invasive blood pressure measurements of lower extremities in infants with isolated CoA statistically. However, the oscillometry-measured SBP showed a tendency to overestimate the intra-arterial blood pressure reference, while oscillometry-measured DBP underestimated its reference. MAP measurement provided the most accurate and reliable results in this study.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography in children with an aortic coarctation

Background

Children with aortic coarctations (CoA) are increasingly percutaneously treated. Good visualisation of the CoA is mandatory and can be obtained with three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). This study aims to compare the diagnostic and therapeutic additional value of 3DRA with conventional biplane angiography (CA) in children with a CoA.

Methods

Patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of CoA with balloon angioplasty (BA) or stent between 2003 and 2015, were retrospectively reviewed on success rate, complications, radiation and technical settings. Diagnostic quality of CA and 3DRA and additional value of 3DRA were scored.

Results

In total, 134 patients underwent 183 catheterisations, 121 CA and 62 3DRA-guided. Median age was 0.52 years in the BA group and 11.19 years in the stent group. 3DRA was superior to CA in displaying the left ventricle (p = 0.008), ascending aorta (p < 0.001), aortic arch (p = 0.005) and coronary arteries (p < 0.001). In the BA group, 3DRA had a significantly higher success rate than CA (100.0 % versus 68.9 %, p = 0.016). All stent interventions were successful. Complication rates did not differ significantly. The median total dose area product did not significantly differ between CA and 3DRA in the BA (27.88 μGym²/kg versus 15.81 μGym²/kg, p = 0.275) or stent group (37.34 μGym²/kg versus 45.24 μGym²/kg, p = 0.090). 3DRA was of additional value in 96.8 % of the interventions.

Conclusions

3DRA is superior to CA in diagnostic quality and not associated with increased radiation exposure. It provides high additional value in guiding CoA related interventions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi: 10.1007/s12471-016-0899-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bridging thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for a late rupture following aortic coarctation angioplasty

Introduction Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair has been employed to treat late complications after aortic coarctation correction. However, its use in children has seldomly been reported. Case report We present the case of a 15-year-old child who presented with a ruptured aneurysm of the descending aorta complicated later by an aortic-oesophageal fistula following aortic coarctation stenting that was managed with multiple bridging endovascular interventions until a definitive repair was performed.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair may be used successfully as a bridging intervention to a definitive repair in children with life-threatening aortic complications following aortic coarctation repair.

Retrograde percutaneous repair of aortic coarctation utilizing trans-septal puncture in patients with complex anatomy

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is one of the more common congenital anomalies, occurring in four in ten thousand live births and accounting for five to eight percent of all congenital heart defects. COA lesions can be challenging to treat percutaneously, especially if complex vascular anatomy is a barrier to crossing the lesion. We present two cases of COA that utilized a trans-septal approach to cross the lesion in anterograde fashion, subsequently facilitating retrograde stenting of the lesions after snaring and externalizing the wire. In both cases, the trans-septal approach was employed because traditional femoral and radial approaches failed due to complex anatomy, and the trans-septal approach allowed for effective intervention without the need for surgery.

Coarctation of the aorta: Management from infancy to adulthood

Coarctation of the aorta is a relatively common form of congenital heart disease, with an estimated incidence of approximately 3 cases per 10000 births. Coarctation is a heterogeneous lesion which may present across all age ranges, with varying clinical symptoms, in isolation, or in association with other cardiac defects. The first surgical repair of aortic coarctation was described in 1944, and since that time, several other surgical techniques have been developed and modified. Additionally, transcatheter balloon angioplasty and endovascular stent placement offer less invasive approaches for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta for some patients. While overall morbidity and mortality rates are low for patients undergoing intervention for coarctation, both surgical and transcatheter interventions are not free from adverse outcomes. Therefore, patients must be followed closely over their lifetime for complications such as recoarctation, aortic aneurysm, persistent hypertension, and changes in any associated cardiac defects. Considerable effort has been expended investigating the utility and outcomes of various treatment approaches for aortic coarctation, which are heavily influenced by a patient’s anatomy, size, age, and clinical course. Here we review indications for intervention, describe and compare surgical and transcatheter techniques for management of coarctation, and explore the associated outcomes in both children and adults.

Unexpected death caused by rupture of a dilated aorta in an adult male with aortic coarctation

Aortic coarctation (AC) is a congenital aortic narrowing. We describe for the first time the findings obtained by unenhanced post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in a case where the death was caused by cardiac tamponade from a ruptured aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch without dissection combined with aortic coarctation. The patient, a 46-year-old man, was found dead at home. PMCT showed haemopericardium and dilatation of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. This appearance led to the mistaken interpretation that the images represented a dissecting aneurysm. The autopsy showed instead a thin-walled and floppy dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch with a coarctation just proximal to the ligamentum arteriosum. A longitudinal tear was found in the posterior aortic wall just above the valves. Blood in the surrounding soft tissue intersected with a large haematoma (1000ml) in the pericardial sac. Cardiac hypertrophy (556g) was observed in the patient, though no other cardiovascular abnormalities were found. Histological analysis showed cystic medial necrosis of the ascending aortic wall. A ruptured aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch without aortic dissection associated with AC is an uncommon cause of haemopericardium that has only been described a few times before. The case is discussed in relation to other reported cases and in the context of the present understanding of this condition.

Aortic dissection in children and adolescents with Turner syndrome: risk factors and management recommendations

There is a general lack of awareness of the risk of aortic dissection in Turner syndrome (TS) from both patients with TS and their physicians. Patients often ignore symptoms for up to 24 h before seeking medical advice, significantly increasing their risk of death. A clinical profile of those at risk of dissection is emerging and includes the presence of congenital heart defects, aortic dilatation and hypertension. MRI has revolutionised the visualisation of cardiovascular anatomy in TS but remains underutilised, especially in children and adolescents, and there is currently little guidance on blood pressure (BP) assessment or hypertension management. Children and adolescents with TS at risk of dissection could be easily identified by timely imaging and BP assessment. This would allow medical management or surgical intervention to be put in place to reduce the risk of this major, and often fatal, complication. Since guidance is lacking, we have reviewed the literature on the risk factors for dissection in TS during childhood and adolescence, and make recommendations on the assessment and management of these patients.

Cerebral ischaemia after repair of coarctation of the aorta

A 9-year-old boy, with a history of repair of severe coarctation of the aorta through balloon angioplasty 2 weeks ago, presented in the emergency paediatric department with symptoms consistent with transient cerebral ischaemia. MRI revealed an area of cerebral infarction in the right frontal lobe. Causes of cerebral ischaemia after aortic coarctation repair are briefly discussed.

Drug Closure of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus in An Extremely Low Birth Weight Premature Newborn. A Case Report

Introduction

Patent ductus arteriosus involves maintaining the permeability of the vascular ductus located between the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta, due to the failure of transition from foetal to adult type circulation. This malformation is characteristic to premature newborns with extremely low birth weight. The main pathophysiological factors identified in this pathology are immaturity of the smooth muscles, presence of vasodilator mediators and persistent hypoxaemia. Ductal-dependent cardiac malformations require drug therapy for keeping the permeability of the ductus arteriosus until the time of corrective surgery.

Case presentation

We present the case of an extremely low birth weight premature newborn, derived from twin pregnancy with suspected specific pathology, respectively feto-fetal transfusion syndrome, admitted to the Regional Centre of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Tîrgu-Mureş.Premature newborn with gestational age 31-32 weeks, extremely low birth weight, derived from twin pregnancy, with adequate prenatal follow up, was born by caesarean section for severe intrauterine growth restriction secondary to feto-fetal transfusion syndrome suspicion. The newborn developed respiratory distress syndrome by surfactant deficiency, intraventricular-haemorrhage grade I/II, and severe retinopathy. The detection of a systolic murmur in the second week of life, the diastolic theft revealed by trans-fontanellar ultrasound as well as lowered diastolic blood pressure values raised the suspicion of a patent ductus arteriosus and therefore specific treatment with ibuprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, was initiated. Progressive alteration of the newborn's condition and the evidence of a coarctation of the aorta imposed the initiation of Prostaglandin E1 therapy and subsequent surgical correction.

Conclusions

Although beneficial, prophylactic or therapeutic closure of persistent ductus arteriosus may worsen the evolution of a newborn with a "silent" cardiac malformation and associated pathology.

Vein of Galen arteriovenous malformation mimicking coarctation of the aorta

Arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen is a rare congenital intracranial anomaly lacking a capillary bed and subsequent aneurysmal enlargement of the arterial and venous system, warranting careful management due to associated morbidity and mortality. Coarctations of aorta demonstrate similar neonatal echocardiographic signs to the vein of Galen arterial malformation (VGAM). We present a boy at 37 weeks of gestation whose initial ultrasound and echocardiographic investigations showed a dominant right ventricle and isthmal hypoplasia, suggestive of coarctation of aorta. Follow-up ultrasound and echocardiography revealed an arteriovenous malformation involving middle and posterior cerebral artery branches, eliminating coarctation of aorta. VGAM was confirmed by further ultrasound and angiographic investigation, which demonstrated a tangle of cerebral and choroidal arterial branches centrally feeding into an enlarged vein of Galen. The boy's hemodynamic and neurological statuses were confirmed to be stable despite increased venous pressure. Elective embolization at 7 months of age was complicated by a cerebrovascular accident, resulting in right hemiparesis despite no residual cardiac issues. This case demonstrates that rarely, arteriovenous malformations such as the vein of Galen malformations may be the primary cause of patients presenting with coarctation of aorta. The rarity of this condition and its guarded prognosis make our case of special interest to cardiologists and the perinatal care team.

Does the z-score value of the abdominal aorta predict recoarctation in an infant?

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated left ventricular dimensions and aortic arch z-scores in infants who underwent balloon angioplasty (BAP) or surgery for coarctation of aorta (CoA). We searched for risk factors predicting recoarctation.

PATIENTS

Between 2007-2011, 27 male and 17 female infants (mean age 2.93 ± 4.78 months, range 2 days-24 months) with CoA were evaluated. Left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, mitral and aortic annuli, transverse aortic arch, isthmus, coarctation site, and diaphragmatic aorta measurements were done and z-scores were determined before intervention.

RESULTS

Six patients underwent primary operation, 38 patients had BAP (86.4%). Associated cardiac pathologies in operated patients were double outlet right ventricle (n = 2), atrioventricular septal defect (n = 1), Ebstein's anomaly (n = 1), arch hypoplasia (n = 2). Twelve patients (27.2%) had simple coarctation. Ventricular septal defect was the most frequent associated cardiac pathology (n = 20, 45.4%). The patients were followed for 10.22 ± 8.21 months. Among 33 primary successful BAP's, 14 had recoarctation (42%). Eleven patients were primarily operated (including 5 with unsuccessful BAP), two had recoarctation (18%). Abdominal and transverse aorta values and z-scores were significantly lower in the recoarctation group (7.15 ± 2.12 mm and 6.07 ± 1.86 mm respectively in the "no-recoarctation group"; vs. 5.53 ± 0.75 mm and 4.94 ± 1.53 mm in the "recoarctation group" P <.05). Abdominal aorta z-score of 0.42 was 88.9% sensitive and 53.8% specific to predict recoarctation (area under ROC curve: 0.618-0.902, P <.05).

CONCLUSION

Although BAP for native coarctation is still a controversial treatment option due to frequent restenosis rates, abdominal aorta z-score of 0.42 could correctly eliminate recoarctation in 89% of these cases. This cutoff value might help us choose patients for primary BAP and decrease the recoarctation rate after BAP.

Ruptured spinal artery aneurysm associated with coarctation of the aorta

BACKGROUND

Spinal artery aneurysms associated with aortic coarctation are exceptionally rare, with only eight cases reported in the literature that we are aware of, and treatment of the aneurysm described only in one of them. Aortic coarctation often results in an aberrant collateral circulation with hyperdynamic flow and potential spinal artery aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture. Microsurgical, interventional, and medical management of these lesions can be challenging and has rarely been reported. Complication avoidance requires thorough knowledge of the clinical presentation of the disease, the hemodynamic factors involved, and the therapeutic tools available.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 59-year-old woman with a previously undiagnosed isthmic coarctation of the aorta presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 7-mm wide-necked, saccular spinal artery aneurysm was identified as the source of the hemorrhage and was subsequently successfully coiled through a transbrachial access route. After rehabilitation, the patient returned to her asymptomatic neurologic baseline, and underwent successful surgical repair of the aortic coarctation with placement of an interposition graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal artery aneurysms induced by aortic coarctation are rare and complex entities. They pose unique surgical and medical challenges. Securing the aneurysm should be prioritized specifically in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Blood pressure should be closely monitored and balanced to reduce the risk of rehemorrhage and at the same time allow for sufficient end-organ perfusion.

Aortic development and anomalies

Development of the aorta takes place during the third week of gestation. It is a complex process that can lead to a variety of congenital variants and pathological anomalies. In diagnostic and interventional radiology, knowledge of aortic abnormalities and variant branching sequence is crucially important. This article gives a systematic overview of anatomical variability of the aorta.