Outcome of cardiac surgery in patients 50 years of age or older with Ebstein anomaly: survival and functional improvement

Validation of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Patients With Tricuspid Regurgitation

Importance

Improving patients' health status is a key goal of treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is a heart failure disease-specific health status measure used to capture the health status impact of TR and the benefit of transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI), but its validity in this clinical setting is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the KCCQ in patients with TR.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data were pooled from patients with severe TR enrolled in 11 manufacturer-sponsored trials of TTVI. The data were transferred to the US Food and Drug Administration to harmonize and anonymize prior to analysis by an independent center. Data were collected from December 2015 to April 2023, and data analysis was performed from July to October 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prespecified analyses included evaluation of internal consistency, reproducibility, responsiveness, construct validity, and predictive validity. Outcomes were determined using Cronbach α, score comparisons, intraclass correlation, Cohen d, Spearman correlations with best available reference measures, and association of scores and changes in scores with risk of subsequent clinical events.

Results

The study cohort was composed of 2693 patients enrolled in either single-arm (n = 1517) or randomized (n = 1176) investigations of TTVI. Mean (SD) patient age was 78.6 (8.0) years, 1658 of 2693 patients (61.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) baseline KCCQ Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS) score was 50 (23). There was strong internal consistency within individual domains (Cronbach α, .77-.83). Among clinically stable patients between 1 and 6 months, there were small mean changes in KCCQ domain and summary scores (differences of -0.1 to 1.9 points), demonstrating reproducibility. In contrast, domain and summary scores of patients who underwent TTVI showed large improvements at 1 month after treatment (mean changes, 12.1-21.4 points), indicating excellent perceived responsiveness. Construct validity was moderately strong when domains were compared with best available reference measures (Spearman correlations, 0.47-0.69). In both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, the KCCQ-OS was associated with clinical events, with lower scores associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.34 per 10-point decrement; 95% CI, 1.22-1.47) and heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.24 per 10-point decrement; 95% CI, 1.17-1.31).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the KCCQ had strong psychometric properties in patients with severe TR, including reliability, responsiveness, and validity. These data support use of the KCCQ in patients with severe TR as a measure of their symptoms, function, and quality of life and also for assessing the impact of interventions, such as TTVI, in rigorously controlled trials.

Ebstein's anomaly in children and adults: multidisciplinary insights into imaging and therapy

Although survival has significantly improved in the last four decades, the diagnosis of Ebstein's anomaly is still associated with a 20-fold increased risk of mortality, which generally drops after neonatal period and increases subtly thereafter. With increasing age of presentation, appropriate timing of intervention is challenged by a wide spectrum of disease and paucity of data on patient-tailored interventional strategies. The present review sought to shed light on the wide grey zone of post-neonatal Ebstein's manifestations, highlighting current gaps and achievements in knowledge for adequate risk assessment and appropriate therapeutic strategy.A 'wait-and-see' approach has been adopted in many circumstances, though its efficacy is now questioned by the awareness that Ebstein's anomaly is not a benign disease, even when asymptomatic. Moreover, older age at intervention showed a negative impact on post-surgical outcome.In order to tackle the extreme heterogeneity of Ebstein's anomaly, this review displays the multimodality imaging assessment necessary for a proper anatomical classification and the multidisciplinary approach needed for a comprehensive risk stratification and monitoring strategy. Currently available predictors of clinical outcome are summarised for both operated and unoperated patients, with the aim of supporting the decisional process on the choice of appropriate therapy and optimal timing for intervention.

Mortality in Patients With Ebstein Anomaly

BACKGROUND

Low birth prevalence and referral bias constitute significant obstacles to elucidating the natural history of Ebstein anomaly (EA).

OBJECTIVES

An extensive 2-country register-based collaboration was performed to investigate the mortality in patients with EA.

METHODS

Patients born from 1970 to 2017 and diagnosed with EA were identified in Danish and Swedish nationwide medical registries. Each patient was matched by birth year and sex with 10 control subjects from the general population. Cumulative mortality and HR of mortality were computed using Kaplan-Meier failure function and Cox proportional regression model.

RESULTS

The study included 530 patients with EA and 5,300 matched control subjects with a median follow-up of 11 years. In the EA cohort, 43% (228) underwent cardiac surgery. Cumulative mortality was lower for patients diagnosed in the modern era (the year 2000 and later) than for those diagnosed in the prior era (P < 0.001). Patients with isolated lesion displayed lower cumulative mortality than patients with complex lesions did (P < 0.001). Patients with a presumed mild EA anatomy displayed a 35-year cumulative mortality of 11% (vs 4% for the matched control subjects; P < 0.001), yielding an HR for mortality of 6.0 (95% CI: 2.7-13.6), whereas patients with presumed severe EA demonstrated an HR of 36.2 (95% CI: 15.5-84.4) compared with control subjects and a cumulative mortality of 18% 35 years following diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality in patients with EA is high irrespective of presence of concomitant congenital cardiac malformations and time of diagnosis compared with the general population, but overall mortality has improved in the contemporary era.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2022 Guidelines for Cardiovascular Interventions in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Interventions in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) focus on surgical and percutaneous interventions in light of rapidly evolving ACHD clinical practice. To bring rigour to our process and amplify the cumulative nature of evidence ACHD care we used the ADAPTE process; we systematically adjudicated, updated, and adapted existing guidelines by Canadian, American, and European cardiac societies from 2010 to 2020. We applied this to interventions related to right and left ventricular outflow obstruction, tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation, aortopathy associated with bicuspid aortic valve, atrioventricular canal defects, Ebstein anomaly, complete and congenitally corrected transposition, and patients with the Fontan operation. In addition to tables indexed to evidence, clinical flow diagrams are included for each lesion to facilitate a practical approach to clinical decision-making. Excluded are recommendations for pacemakers, defibrillators, and arrhythmia-directed interventions covered in separate designated documents. Similarly, where overlap occurs with other guidelines for valvular interventions, reference is made to parallel publications. There is a paucity of high-level quality of evidence in the form of randomized clinical trials to support guidelines in ACHD. We accounted for this in the wording of the strength of recommendations put forth by our national and international experts. As data grow on long-term follow-up, we expect that the evidence driving clinical practice will become increasingly granular. These recommendations are meant to be used to guide dialogue between clinicians, interventional cardiologists, surgeons, and patients making complex decisions relative to ACHD interventions.

Haemodynamic determinants of improved aerobic capacity after tricuspid valve surgery in Ebstein anomaly

BACKGROUND

Although tricuspid valve surgery improves functional capacity in patients with Ebstein anomaly, it is not always associated with improvement in aerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of improved aerobic capacity after tricuspid valve surgery in adults with Ebstein anomaly with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly that had tricuspid valve surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester (2000-2019) and had preoperative and postoperative cardiopulmonary exercise tests and echocardiograms. The patients were divided into aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups depending on whether they had postoperative improvement in %-predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2).

RESULTS

Of 76 patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly, 28 (37%) and 48 (63%) were in aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups, respectively. The average improvement in peak VO2 was 2.1±1.4 mL/kg/min and -0.9±0.4 mL/kg/min in the in aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups, respectively. Although both groups had similar severity of residual tricuspid regurgitation, the aerobic capacity(+) group had more postoperative improvement in right atrial (RA) function, left atrial (LA) function and left ventricular preload and stroke volume. Of the preoperative variables analysed, RA reservoir strain (relative risk 1.12; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18); LA reservoir strain (relative risk 1.09; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.14) and LV stroke volume index (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) were predictors of postoperative improvement in peak VO2.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly had postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity, and atrial function indices were the best predictors of postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity. These data provide new insight into the haemodynamic determinants of exercise capacity and lay the foundation for further studies to determine whether postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity translates to improved long-term survival, and whether timing of tricuspid valve surgery based on these echocardiographic indices will improve long-term outcomes.

A simplified repair method for adult Ebstein's anomaly

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare but difficult to manage congenital heart disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. We present a simplified repair method which combines the plication of the atrialized right ventricle, tricuspid leaflet repair and ring annuloplasty. This method is suitable for older adult EA patients with progressive right heart dysfunction symptoms. Compared with complex repair methods (such as Cone reconstruction) this simplified repair method can reduce surgical risk, and achieve mild or less tricuspid regurgitation with acceptable long-term effects compared with prosthetic valve replacement.

Heart failure in the adult Ebstein patient

Ebstein anomaly comprises approximately 1% of all congenital heart diseases. It occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to properly delaminate from the right ventricle, resulting in a clinical spectrum of abnormal tricuspid valve morphology and right ventricular dysfunction. Due to the anatomy of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle, as well as associated right- and left-sided pathology, patients are at risk for both right and left ventricular failure and the associated symptoms of each. Ebstein patients are also at risk for atrial arrhythmias, due to the atrial enlargement intrinsic to the anatomy, as well as the presence of potential accessory pathways. Arrhythmias are generally poorly tolerated, particularly in the setting of ventricular dysfunction. Cyanosis may also be present in Ebstein patients, due to the common occurrence of atrial communications, which can exacerbate other symptoms of heart failure. Treatment of heart failure can be through pharmacologic and procedural interventions, depending on the underlying cause of heart failure. While early heart failure symptoms may be treated with medical management, most Ebstein patients will require surgery. Various surgical and catheter-based interventions targeting the tricuspid valve and the atrialized right ventricular tissue have been developed to help treat the underlying cause of the heart failure. The optimal timing of transcatheter and surgical intervention in the Ebstein patient to prevent or treat heart failure needs further study.

Surgical management of Ebstein anomaly: impact of the adult congenital heart disease anatomical and physiological classifications

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate the impact of the adult congenital heart disease anatomical and physiological (ACHD AP) classification system on the surgical management of Ebstein anomaly (EA) in adult patients.

METHODS

From February 2000 through August 2017, data of patients aged at least 16 years, who underwent primary EA surgery, were retrospectively evaluated. The cohort was divided in 2 groups according to their ACHD AP classification: the moderate EA group (IIB, IIC) and the severe EA group (IID). Survival, freedom from reoperation and freedom from occurrence of major adverse advents were estimated.

RESULTS

There were 33 patients (21 women, 12 men). Eighteen belonged to the moderate group, 15 to the severe group. There were 12 female patients (80%) in the severe group. Patients in the moderate group were younger than those in the severe group (P = 0.02): 32 ± 12 vs 44 ± 15 years old. Thirty tricuspid valve repairs and 3 replacements were performed. Repair was mainly performed in the moderate group (P = 0.02). Overall survival was 90.1 ± 5.4% at 9 months after the operation and did not change in the later follow-up period. It was 100% for patients in the moderate group and 80.0 ± 10.3% in the severe group (P = 0.07), and 75.0 ± 12.5% for female patients of in the severe group compared to 100% for the remaining patients (P = 0.025). Survival free from major adverse events, including reoperation, at 10 years was 60.0 ± 12.6% in the moderate and 38.1% ± 12.9% in the severe group (P = 0.03). No patient in the moderate group evolved to be in the severe group at late follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Adult EA patients should undergo surgery earlier when they are still in the moderate ACHD AP classification.

Ebstein's Anomaly of the Tricuspid Valve: an Overview of Pathology and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare, but complex form of congenital heart disease consisting of a right ventricular myopathy and morphologic tricuspid valve disease leading to a high incidence of right ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias. This review offers an updated overview of the current understanding and management of patients with EA with a focus on the adult population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increased understanding of anatomic accessory atrioventricular pathways in EA has resulted in an improvement in ablation techniques and long-term freedom of atrial arrhythmia recurrence. Despite an improvement in understanding and recognition of EA, significant disease heterogeneity and complex treatment options continue to challenge providers, with the best outcomes achieved at expert congenital heart disease centers.

An ontology-based classification of Ebstein's anomaly and its implications in clinical adverse outcomes

BACKGROUND

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease with significantly phenotypic heterogeneity, accompanied with multiple associated phenotypes. The classification of cases with EA based on a standardized vocabulary of phenotypic abnormalities from Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) and its association with adverse clinical outcomes has yet to be investigated.

METHODS

We developed a deep phenotyping algorithm for Chinese electronic medical records (EMRs) from the Fuwai Hospital to ascertain EA cases. EA-associated phenotypes were standardized according to HPO annotation, and an unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify EA cases according to their phenotypic similarities. A survival analysis was conducted to study the association of the HPO-based cluster with survival or adverse clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The ascertained EA cases were annotated to have a single or multiple HPO terms. Three distinct clusters with different combinations of HPO term in these cases were identified. The HPO-based classification of EA cases was not significantly associated with survival or adverse clinical outcomes at a mid-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided an important implication for studying the classification of congenital heart disease using HPO-based annotation. A long time follow-up will enable to confirm its association with adverse clinical outcomes.

Surgical outcomes in complex adult congenital heart disease: a brief review

Life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) continues to increase dramatically over the last few decades, primarily due to significant medical and surgical advancements in the field. Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients are now living longer but continue to face morbidity and reduced long-term survival when compared to the general population. We briefly describe the growth of ACHD with a focus on surgical procedures and outcomes in the more complex lesions including Tetralogy of Fallot, Ebsteins Anomaly of the tricuspid valve, Coarctation of the Aorta, Transposition of the Great Arteries and single ventricle lesions. The advancing role of mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplantation in ACHD patients is also highlighted. Cardiac surgery in these patients continues to improve with low surgical mortality rate and outstanding long-term outcomes and efficacy.

Mortality burden in patients born with Ebstein’s anomaly: a 40-year nationwide cohort study

Aims 

Survival rates for unoperated patients with Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) are unknown. We estimated overall long-term mortality in operated and unoperated EA patients, compared with the general population in Sweden.

Methods and results 

Using national medical registries, Swedish individuals born 1970–93 and diagnosed with EA between 1970 and 2011 were included. The hazard ratio for overall mortality for EA patients (n = 216) vs. the matched comparison cohort (n = 2160) was 43.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 24.8–82.5]. Mortality risk for EA patients (vs. controls) decreased as birth period progressed, with hazard ratios declining from 63.6 (95% CI: 26.3–191.8) for those born in the 1970s to 34.4 (95% CI: 15.8–83.1) for those born in the 1980s and 20.2 (95% CI: 1.6–632.5) for those born at the beginning of 1990s. The overall mortality hazard ratios for unoperated and operated patients with EA (vs. controls) were 30.2 (95% CI: 13.8–73.3) and 63.7 (95% CI: 28.1–172.5), respectively. The risk of mortality among unoperated EA patients (vs. controls) declined with progressing birth period, with hazard ratios declining from 58.4 (95% CI: 15.1–415.2) in the 1970s to 22.9 (95% CI: 8.0–75.3) in the 1980s and 10.2 (95% CI: 0.3–395.9) in the 1990s.

Conclusion 

Overall all-cause mortality for patients with EA declined dramatically from 64 times to 20 times that of controls without EA, from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Unoperated patients with EA had better survival than did operated patients, possibly reflecting the higher severity of disease or more severe associated cardiac defects in patients undergoing surgery.

Early and Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Ebstein's Anomaly

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate Ebstein's anomaly surgical correction and its early and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 62 consecutive patients who underwent surgical repair of Ebstein's anomaly in our institution from January 2000 to July 2016. The following long-term outcomes were evaluated: survival, reoperations, tricuspid regurgitation, and postoperative right ventricular dysfunction.

RESULTS

Valve repair was performed in 46 (74.2%) patients - 12 of them using the Da Silva cone reconstruction; tricuspid valve replacement was performed in 11 (17.7%) patients; univentricular palliation in one (1.6%) patient; and the one and a half ventricle repair in four (6.5%) patients. The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was 20.5±14.9 years, and 46.8% of them were male. The mean follow-up time was 8.8±6 years. The 30-day mortality rate was 8.06% and the one and 10-year survival rates were 91.9% both. Eleven (17.7%) of the 62 patients required late reoperation due to tricuspid regurgitation, in an average time of 7.1±4.9 years after the first procedure.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the long-term results of the surgical treatment of Ebstein's anomaly demonstrate an acceptable survival rate and a low incidence of reinterventions.

Characteristics of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Outcomes in Adults With Repaired Truncus Arteriosus

The cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) features of adults with repaired truncus arteriosus (rTA) are largely undefined. We sought to explore CMR characteristics in rTA and to identify associations between imaging findings and cardiovascular outcomes. Adults with rTA and CMR were identified and anatomic subtypes (1-4) were assigned (Collett and Edwards classification). CMR characteristics, clinical data at last follow-up and adverse cardiovascular outcome were recorded. Twenty-seven adults (19% male) were studied (median age at cardiovascular magnetic resonance 26 years [interquartile range 18 to 40]) over 5.2-year duration [interquartile range 2.5 to 7.5]. With the exception of mildly increased RV mass (30 ± 12 g/m²), cardiac chamber measurements were within the normal range. In CMR measurements, only pulmonary artery peak velocity differed in subtypes (highest in subtype 3, 318 ± 26 cm/s, p = 0.029). Number of cardiovascular interventions in adulthood was moderately correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.463, p = 0.015), left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.425, p = 0.027) and neoaortic root size (r = 0.398, p = 0.039). Cardiovascular events (nonmutually exclusive) in 5 of 27 patients (19%) included death (n = 1), heart failure (n = 1), ventricular tachycardia (n = 1), and atrial tachycardia (n = 3). Increased cardiovascular risk was associated with decreased right ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio 1.153, confidence interval 1.003 to 1.326, p = 0.046) and smaller ascending aorta diameter (odds ratio 1.758, confidence interval 1.037 to 2.976, p = 0.036). In conclusion, decreased right ventricular ejection fraction and smaller ascending aorta on cardiovascular magnetic resonance were associated with adverse events in rTA.

Cone Type Repair Has Become Our First Option in the Treatment of Adult Ebstein Anomaly

PURPOSE

Different surgical procedures were defined due to degree of Ebstein anomaly. In this study, we are reporting our surgical experience of adult patients with Ebstein anomaly.

METHODS

We analyzed the patients, who had operated with the diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly from March 2011 through February 2018, retrospectively. We evaluated patients in two groups: patients with cone type surgical repair were in Group 1 and patients with other surgical (Danielson, Carpentier) procedures were in Group 2.

RESULTS

There were 23 patients in the study; 9 (39%) were in Group 1 and 14 (61%) were in Group 2. In the comparison of preoperative data, groups were statistically similar. Aortic cross clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, need for inotropic agents, intubation time, postoperative >2 tricuspid regurgitation incidence, intensive care unit, and hospital staying times were statistically significantly higher in Group 2. There was one mortality (4.3%) in Group 2 due to sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Cone type repair can safely be performed in the repair of Ebstein anomaly with acceptable results. Our results are encouraging to prefer this technique as one of the first-line treatment of Ebstein anomaly. However, further randomized controlled studies are recommended to evaluate the efficacy of this surgical procedure.

Mid-term outcomes of individualized surgeries in patients with Ebstein's anomaly

The variable anatomy of Ebstein's anomaly leads to its various surgical procedures. The long-term outcomes of different operations were not well established. Thirty-five patients with Ebstein's anomaly who underwent operations from 2006 to 2018 in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Individualized surgical plans were performed according to the preoperative echocardiography and surgeons' preference. Tricuspid repair, either Danielson's or Carpentier's technique, was the primary choice in patients who had sufficient tricuspid leaflets and adequate right ventricle, while tricuspid replacement was used when a reliable repair is not achievable. Additional bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt was performed in those who had unstable hemodynamics despite of high central venous pressure after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. The perioperative and follow-up data were collected. The age was 26.9 (0.6-54) years [16 children (age < 14, and 19 adults (age ≥ 14)]. Preoperative tricuspid regurgitation was severe in 30, moderate in 4, and mild in the remaining 1 patient. Preoperative cardiac-associated malformations include 20 atrial septal defects, 2 ventricular septal defects, 2 pulmonary stenosis, and 1 sub aortic ridge, and these were operated simultaneously. Among all the surgical patients, 2 needed additional reoperation during the same admission, and ultimately, 29 patients had biventricular repair, including 21 tricuspid repair and 8 replacements. The other 6 patients had cavopulmonary connection and achieved 1.5 ventricular repair (3 tricuspid repair and 3 replacements). In all the 24 tricuspid repair patients, Danielson's procedure was used in 17, while Carpentier's technique was used in the other 7 patients. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 90 ± 28 min and cross-clamp time was 48 ± 24min. There were 2 perioperative deaths (5.7%) and no third-degree atrioventricular block. The postoperative in hospital stay was 13.7 ± 9.6 days. In the 33 survivors who were followed up at a median of 29.2 months, 6 patients had severe tricuspid regurgitation, and 2 of them underwent tricuspid replacement. The 5-year freedom from severe tricuspid dysfunction or reoperation was 78.5%, and no difference was found between children and adults, neither between different surgical choices. The surgeries of Ebstein's anomaly were variable, and individualized operation achieved reasonable short- and mid-term results. However, severe tricuspid regurgitation during the follow-up was not neglectable, and reoperation in such cases also achieved good outcomes. New repair strategy such as cone repair may be considered.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance evidence of myocardial fibrosis and its clinical significance in adolescent and adult patients with Ebstein's anomaly

BACKGROUND

Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathophysiological process that is related to ventricular remodeling in congenital heart disease. However, the presence, characteristics, and clinical significance of myocardial fibrosis in Ebstein's anomaly have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate myocardial fibrosis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping techniques, and to explore the significance of myocardial fibrosis in adolescent and adult patients with Ebstein's anomaly.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients with unrepaired Ebstein's anomaly (34.0 ± 16.2 years; 18 males), and an equal number of age- and gender-matched controls, were included. A comprehensive CMR protocol consisted of cine, LGE, and T1 mapping by modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences were performed. Ventricular functional parameters, native T1, extracellular volume (ECV), and LGE were analyzed. Associations between myocardial fibrosis and disease severity, ventricular function, and NYHA classification were analyzed.

RESULTS

LGE was found in 10 (22.7%) patients. Typical LGE in Ebstein's anomaly was located in the endocardium of the septum within the right ventricle (RV). The LV ECV of Ebstein's anomaly were significantly higher than those of the controls (30.0 ± 3.8% vs. 25.3 ± 2.3%, P < 0.001). An increased ECV was found to be independent of the existence of LGE. Positive LGE or higher ECV (≥30%) was associated with larger fRV volume, aRV volume, increased disease severity, and worse NYHA functional class. In addition, ECV was significantly correlated with the LV ejection fraction (P <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both focal and diffuse myocardial fibrosis were observed in adolescent and adult patients with Ebstein's anomaly. Increased diffuse fibrosis is associated with worse LV function, increased Ebstein's severity, and worse clinical status.

Origins and consequences of congenital heart defects affecting the right ventricle

Congenital heart disease is a major health issue, accounting for a third of all congenital defects. Improved early surgical management has led to a growing population of adults with congenital heart disease, including patients with defects affecting the right ventricle, which are often classified as severe. Defects affecting the right ventricle often cause right ventricular volume or pressure overload and affected patients are at high risk for complications such as heart failure and sudden death. Recent insights into the developmental mechanisms and distinct developmental origins of the left ventricle, right ventricle, and the outflow tract have shed light on the common features and distinct problems arising in specific defects. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the development into the normal and congenitally malformed right heart and the clinical consequences of several congenital heart defects affecting the right ventricle.

Adult congenital heart disease: the challenges of a lifetime

The growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) poses challenges for cardiac surgeons, general cardiologists and CHD sub specialists. The patients themselves, often believing themselves to be 'totally corrected' following operative repair, also face challenges with re-operations and lifelong cardiac problems. This review examines the challenges of the past, present and future for both medical providers and patients.

Cardiac imaging in Ebstein anomaly

Ebstein anomaly is a congenital disorder of right ventricular myocardial development, which affects the tricuspid valve in addition to the right ventricular myocardium. Cardiac imaging by transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the key modalities used to assess timing and type of surgery. In this article, we review the current standards of echocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging in Ebstein anomaly.

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation: outcomes and therapeutic interventions

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be caused by primary valvular abnormalities such as flail leaflet or secondary annular dilation as is seen in atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension and left heart disease. There is an increasing recognition of a subgroup of patients with isolated TR in the absence of other associated cardiac abnormalities. Left untreated isolated TR significantly worsens survival. Stand-alone surgery for isolated TR is rarely performed due to an average operative mortality of 8%–10% and a paucity of data demonstrating improved survival. When surgery is performed, valve repair may be preferred over replacement; however, there is a risk of significant recurrent regurgitation after repair. Existing society guidelines do not fully address the management of isolated TR. We propose that patients at low operative risk with symptomatic severe isolated TR and no reversible cause undergo surgery prior to the onset of right ventricular dysfunction and end-organ damage. For patients at increased surgical risk novel percutaneous interventions may offer an alternative treatment but further research is needed. Significant knowledge gaps remain and future research is needed to define operative outcomes and provide comparative data for medical and surgical therapy.

Current Treatment Strategies for Tricuspid Regurgitation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tricuspid regurgitation is common; however, recognition and diagnosis, clinical outcomes, and management strategies are poorly defined. Here, we will describe the etiology and natural history of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), evaluate existing surgical outcomes data, and review the evolving field of percutaneous interventions to treat TR.

RECENT FINDINGS

Previously, the only definitive corrective therapy for TR was surgical valve repair or replacement which is associated with significant operative mortality. Advances in percutaneous valve repair techniques are now being translated to the tricuspid valve. These novel interventions may offer a lower-risk alternative treatment in patients at increased surgical risk. Significant TR adversely impacts survival. Surgery remains the only proven therapy for treatment of TR and may be underutilized due to mixed outcomes data. Early experience with percutaneous interventions is promising, but large clinical experience is lacking. Further study will be required before these therapies are introduced into broader clinical practice.

Impact of Surgery in Ebstein's Anomaly Using Current Surgical Criteria

BACKGROUND

In Ebstein's anomaly (EA) current surgical criteria may not translate into better long-term survival. The aim of this study was therefore to determine if surgical treatment for EA increases survival, and to analyze factors associated with mortality.Methods and Results:A retrospective study was carried out involving 103 patients with surgical indication using current criteria, comparing operated (n=49; 47.5%) and non-operated patients (n=54; 52.4%); the severity of disease was similar in all cases. Overall follow-up was 12 years (range, 1-49 years). There were no differences in mortality: in the surgical and non-surgical groups, survival at 10 years was 92.8% vs. 90.7%; 20 years, 85.7% vs. 81.0%; and 30 years, 78.5% vs. 72.2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis right ventricular fractional shortening (RVFS) was associated with mortality in both groups. Decreasing RVFS was associated with worse survival according to severity: when RVFS was <20%, survival at 20, 40 and 60 years was 58%, 39%, and 12.5%, respectively (P<0.0013). Left ventricular ejection fraction also correlated with survival (P<0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery did not translate into benefit in terms of survival, and this was clearly associated with RV function; therefore this should be a key factor in the surgical decision making.

Natural Course of Adult Ebstein Anomaly When Treated according to Current Recommendation

The objectives of this study were to assess the clinical outcomes of adults with Ebstein Anomaly (EA) according to their treatment modalities. All adult EA patients diagnosed between October 1994 and October 2014 were retrospectively evaluated by medical record review. Total 60 patients were categorized into 3 groups according to their treatment strategy, i.e. non-operative treatment (Group I, n = 23), immediate operative treatment (Group II, n = 27), and delayed operative treatment (Group III, n = 10). A composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and factors associated with MACCE were assessed in each treatment group. MACCE occurred in 13.0% patients in Group I, 55.6% patients in Group II and 50% in Group III (P = 0.006). Event free survivals at 5 years were 90% in Group I, 52.7% in Group II, 50.0% in Group III (P = 0.036). Post-operatively, most patients showed improvement on clinical symptoms. However, event free survival rate was lower in patients with operation compared to those with non-operative treatment (58.7% vs. 90.9%; P = 0.007). Major arrhythmic event occurred more frequently even after surgical ablation (50.0% vs. 20.0%; P = 0.034). Re-operation was more frequent in patients underwent delayed surgery compared to those with immediate surgery (50.0% vs. 18.5%; P = 0.001). Current guideline to decide patient's treatment strategy appeared to be appropriate in adult patients with EA. However, surgical ablation for arrhythmia was not enough so that concomitant medical treatment should be considered. Therefore, attentive risk stratification and cautious decision of treatment strategy by experienced cardiac surgeon are believed to improve clinical outcome.

Ebstein's anomaly in those surviving to adult life - a single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) occurs in about one to five per 200 000 live births. Long-term follow-up data of adults with EA is scarce due to the relatively low frequency of the disease and the variation of its anatomic and haemodynamic severity.

METHODS

Since 1995, in our adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) centre, we have practised a uniform approach to management of adults with EA, with surgery reserved for those with refractory arrhythmia (failed medical and/or catheter-based treatment) or worsening symptoms of breathlessness. A retrospective review of medical records of all such patients with EA and normal cardiac connections was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one EA patients (17 males) were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 21+/-21 years and mean follow-up time at our centre was 21±14 years. During this time, 18 patients (35%) had documented supraventricular arrhythmia. Sixteen patients (30%) underwent ablation therapy with long-term relief from arrhythmia in nine (56%). Nine patients (18%) underwent tricuspid valve (TV) surgery (four repair and five replacement), with seven patients having undergone a tricuspid valve surgery prior to referral to our unit. Three patients died, one of cardiogenic shock after redo surgery (58 years), one of progressive heart failure (45 years) and one with malignancy. Overall survival was 100% to age 40 years, 95% to age 50 years and 81% to age 60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Ebstein's Anomaly in adulthood often has severe morphological abnormalities but is compatible with good medium-term survival, with a generally symptom driven approach to the indications for interventions.

Da Silva's cone repair for Ebstein's anomaly: effect on right ventricular size and function

OBJECTIVES

Da Silva's cone repair is a novel technique for surgical reconstruction of the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle (RV) in Ebstein's anomaly. The technique consists of extensive leaflet mobilization, longitudinal plication of the atrialized ventricle and cone-shaped reconstruction of the tricuspid valve, allowing for leaflet-to-leaflet coaptation. We evaluated the influence of Da Silva's cone repair on tricuspid competency, right ventricular size and function.

METHODS

From February 2010 until July 2013, 20 patients (median age 30.0 years, range 6.6-68.3 years) underwent Da Silva's cone repair. A 4- to 6-mm interatrial communication was left in all patients. Echocardiographic studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after the repair were evaluated.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11 (0.5-36) months. There were 2 early deaths and no late death. Echocardiography at follow-up revealed mild or absent tricuspid regurgitation in 16 patients. Two patients showed moderate tricuspid insufficiency. MRI studies showed that the mean functional RV end-diastolic volume decreased after surgery (pre 334 [135-656] ml; post 175 [115-404] ml, P < 0.001). The mean RV ejection fraction decreased (pre 47 ± 10%; post 35 ± 13%, P = 0.001), and the mean antegrade net stroke volume of the RV increased (pre 65 ± 28 ml; post 75 ± 30 ml, P = 0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

Da Silva's cone repair for Ebstein's anomaly creates excellent valve function in all patients. Consecutively, the size of the RV decreases and the antegrade net stroke volume increases 6 months after the operation.

Ebstein's anomaly in adult patients over 50 years of age

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease of the tricuspid valve, and less than 5% of patients with EA survive beyond the age of 50. We report two unoperated cases of EA in adult patients aged over 50 years. Two patients, a 70-year-old Japanese woman and a 59-year-old Chinese woman, were referred to us for tachyarrhythmias. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated apical displacement (>8 mm/m(2) body surface area) of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve from the atrioventricular ring with tricuspid regurgitation in both patients. The former suddenly expired 20 months later after suffering from repetitive supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and/or heart failure, and the latter is alive with minimal signs of heart failure 12 months after the diagnosis of EA. Although the natural history of EA is extremely variable, these two patients are exceptional in that they tolerated EA well for over 50 years without any surgical intervention.