Management of the Adult Patient With Congenitally Corrected Transposition: Challenges and Uncertainties

Hemodynamics in Adults with Systemic Right Ventricles: Differences Between Congenitally Corrected and Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries

Despite their anatomical differences, congenitally corrected (ccTGA) and complete transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) post-atrial switch are frequently studied together and managed similarly from a medical standpoint due to the shared systemic right ventricle (sRV). The aim was to assess differences in their underlying hemodynamics. The study is a retrospective review of 138 adults with ccTGA or d-TGA post-atrial switch undergoing cardiac catheterization at Mayo Clinic, MN between 2000 and 2021. ccTGA was categorized into isolated or complex ccTGA depending on concomitant ventricular septal defect and/or left ventricular outflow obstruction. There were 53 patients with d-TGA (91% post-Mustard procedure), 51 with complex and 34 with isolated ccTGA. Isolated ccTGA patients were older (51.8 ± 13.1 years) than those with d-TGA (37.5 ± 8.3 years) or complex ccTGA (40.8 ± 13.4 years). There were no differences in sRV or left ventricular size and function across groups. The ccTGA group more commonly had ≥ moderate tricuspid regurgitation than those with d-TGA; ≥ moderate mitral and ≥ moderate pulmonary regurgitation were most prevalent in complex ccTGA. There were no differences in sRV end-diastolic pressure (sRVEDP) or PAWP between groups. However, the ratio of PAWP:sRVEDP was higher in those with d-TGA compared to those with ccTGA. Cardiac index was higher in the d-TGA group than both groups of ccTGA patients with the latter showing higher indices of ventricular afterload. In conclusion, despite sharing a sRV, adults with d-TGA and ccTGA have substantial differences in hemodynamics and structural/valvular abnormalities. Further investigation regarding disease-specific responses to heart failure therapy in those with d-TGA and ccTGA is warranted.

Systemic Atrioventricular Valve Surgery in Patients With Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the long-term outcomes of systemic atrioventricular valve (SAVV) intervention (morphologic tricuspid valve) in congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA).

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term outcomes of SAVV surgery in ccTGA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 108 ccTGA patients undergoing SAVV surgery from 1979 to 2022. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of mortality, cardiac transplantation, or ventricular assist device implantation. The secondary outcome was long-term systemic right ventricular ejection fraction (SVEF). Cox proportional hazard and linear regression models were used to analyze survival and late SVEF data.

RESULTS

The median age at surgery was 39.5 years (Q1-Q3: 28.8-51.0 years), and the median preoperative SVEF was 39% (Q1-Q3: 33.2%-45.0%). Intrinsic valve abnormality was the most common mechanism of SAVV regurgitation (76.9%). There was 1 early postoperative mortality (0.9%). Postoperative complete heart block occurred in 20 patients (18.5%). The actuarial 5-, 10-, and 20-year freedom from death or transplantation was 92.4%, 79.1%, and 62.9%. The 10- and 20-year freedom from valve reoperation was 100% and 93% for mechanical prosthesis compared with 56.6% and 15.7% for bioprosthesis (P < 0.0001). Predictors of postoperative mortality were age at operation (P = 0.01) and preoperative SVEF (P = 0.04). Preoperative SVEF (P < 0.001), complex ccTGA (P = 0.02), severe SAVV regurgitation (P = 0.04), and preoperative creatinine (P = 0.003) were predictors of late postoperative SVEF.

CONCLUSIONS

SAVV surgery remains a valuable option for the treatment of patients with ccTGA, with low early mortality and satisfactory long-term outcomes, particularly in those with SVEF ≥40%. Timely referral and accurate patient selection are the keys to better long-term outcomes.

Transcatheter systemic atrioventricular valve-in-valve implantation in a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries patient

We present an asymptomatic pregnant patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and severe atrioventricular bioprosthesis regurgitation - with increased maternal and fetal risk due to volume overload. She was considered high risk for reintervention and was submitted to an off-label post-partum transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation with a Sapiens 3 valve. The procedure was successful, and she remains asymptomatic 30 months after - and even went through another successful pregnancy.

Echo-Doppler and strain assessment of filling pressures in adults with congenitally corrected transposition and systemic right ventricles

AIMS

Systolic dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle (sRV) is common in adults with transposition of the great arteries and sRV. In acquired disease, diastology analysis for assessment of filling pressures (FP) is paramount in patient care.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of 47 adults with sRV without prior systemic tricuspid valve surgery undergoing catheterization and echocardiography within 7 days (median -2 [-1, -3]) from January 2000 to February 2021 at our institution. Median age was 48 (31, 55) years, and 16 (34.0%) patients were female. FPs were normal in 21 patients (44.7%). Left atrial size was enlarged in most patients (83.0%) with mean indexed value 58.3 ± 23.4 mL/m2. Tissue Doppler e' was not significantly different between those with high FPs vs. normal (medial 0.07 ± 0.03 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03 m/s, P = 0.63; lateral 0.08 ± 0.04 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04 m/s, P = 0.88). E velocity and subpulmonic mitral regurgitant velocity were higher in those with high FPs (0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 m/s, P = 0.005; 3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 0.9 m/s, P = 0.004). Left atrial reservoir strain, sRV global longitudinal strain, and subpulmonic left ventricular strain were worse in those with high FP (18.0 ± 7.6 vs. 27.9 ± 10.2%, P = 0.0009; -13.0 ± 4.4 vs. -17.9 ± 5.0%, P = 0.002; -16.8 ± 5.7 vs. -23.0 ± 3.8%, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite the complex anatomy, FPs can be assessed non-invasively in adults with sRV without prior systemic tricuspid valve surgery. The current guideline algorithm for diastolic dysfunction in acquired heart disease has limited applicability in this population. Given the limitations of Doppler in this heterogeneous population, strain analysis can be a helpful adjunct for estimation of FPs.

Role of Echocardiography for Assessment of Cardiac Remodeling in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of echocardiography for a comprehensive assessment of cardiac remodeling, and the relationship between indices of cardiac remodeling and cardiovascular events (defined as the composite end point of heart failure hospitalization, heart transplant, or cardiovascular death) in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (cc-TGA).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of adults with cc-TGA who underwent echocardiogram (2003-2020). Offline image analysis was performed in all patients. Chamber (atrial and ventricular) function and size were assessed by strain imaging and 2-dimensional echocardiography.

RESULTS

Of 233 patients with cc-TGA (40±15 years), 123 (55%) had at least one cardiac procedure before baseline echocardiogram. Of 233 patients, 76% and 61% had left atrial dysfunction and systemic right ventricular dysfunction, respectively; while 43% and 11% had right atrial dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction, respectively. During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 114 (49%) underwent additional cardiac procedures, and 66 (28%) had cardiovascular events. Left atrial reservoir strain, right ventricular global longitudinal strain, right atrial reservoir strain, left ventricular systolic pressure, and left ventricular global longitudinal strain were independently associated with cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the clinical importance of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in cc-TGA that is already well described, the current study demonstrated, for the first time, that biatrial dysfunction was common and was associated with clinical outcomes. Since there are currently no effective therapies for atrial and ventricular dysfunction in patients with cc-TGA, there is a need for research to identify novel strategies to prevent atrial and ventricular dysfunction in this population.

Prognostic Implications of Progressive Systemic Ventricular Dysfunction in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for and prognostic implications of progressive right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVD) in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries.

BACKGROUND

There are no effective therapies for RVD; hence the need to identify and modify risk factors for progressive RVD.

METHODS

RV systolic function was assessed by using RV longitudinal strain (RV-LS). The first echocardiogram (baseline echocardiogram) and all subsequent annual echocardiograms performed within 5 years from the baseline echocardiogram were analyzed. Progressive RVD (temporal decline in RV-LS) was assessed as the average annual change in RV-LS within 5 years of imaging follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 186 patients (mean age 40 ± 12 years), the RV-LS at baseline was -17% ± 4%, and the annual decline in RV-LS was -4% (95% CI: -6 to -2). The risk factors for progressive RVD were left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, LV pacing, and systemic hypertension. Cardiovascular events (heart failure hospitalization, heart transplant, and death) occurred in 57 (27%) patients. Progressive RVD was associated with cardiovascular events, independent of RV systolic function at baseline. In subgroup analyses assessing impact of therapies (medical therapy, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and tricuspid valve replacement), only tricuspid valve replacement was associated with improvement in RV systolic function when performed before onset of RVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries were at risk for progressive RVD, and the risk factors for progressive RVD were LV pacing, systemic hypertension, and concomitant LV dysfunction. Further studies are required to determine whether strict blood pressure control and early tricuspid valve replacement will prevent progressive RVD.

Late Presentation of a Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries and Hemodynamically Balanced Ventricles Associated with a Large Ventricular Septal Defect and Severe Pulmonary Stenosis: A Case Report and a Multi-Imaging Approach

Patient: Male, 40-year-old

Final Diagnosis: ccTGA

Symptoms: Dyspnea

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology