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Smood B, Katsunari T, Smith C, Dori Y, Mavroudis CD, Morton S, Davis A, Chen JM, Gaynor JW, Kilbaugh T, Maeda K. Preliminary report of a thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein lymphovenous anastomosis in swine: A novel technique and potential treatment for lymphatic failure. Semin Pediatr Surg 2024; 33:151427. [PMID: 38823193 PMCID: PMC11265529 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2024.151427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, and carries fluid and nutrients absorbed in abdominal organs to the central venous circulation. Thoracic duct obstruction can cause significant failure of the lymphatic circulation (i.e., protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, etc.). Surgical anastomosis between the thoracic duct and central venous circulation has been used to treat thoracic duct obstruction but cannot provide lymphatic decompression in patients with superior vena cava obstruction or chronically elevated central venous pressures (e.g., right heart failure, single ventricle physiology, etc.). Therefore, this preclinical feasibility study sought to develop a novel and optimal surgical technique for creating a thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in swine that could remain patent and preserve unidirectional lymphatic fluid flow into the systemic venous circulation to provide therapeutic decompression of the lymphatic circulation even at high central venous pressures. METHODS A thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein LVA was attempted in 10 piglets (median age 80 [IQR 80-83] days; weight 22.5 [IQR 21.4-26.8] kg). After a right thoracotomy, the thoracic duct was mobilized, transected, and anastomosed to the right inferior pulmonary vein. Animals were systemically anticoagulated on post-operative day 1. Lymphangiography was used to evaluate LVA patency up to post-operative day 7. RESULTS A thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein LVA was successfully completed in 8/10 (80.0%) piglets, of which 6/8 (75.0%) survived to the intended study endpoint without any complication (median 6 [IQR 4-7] days). Initially, 2/10 (20.0%) LVAs were aborted intraoperatively, and 2/10 (20.0%) animals were euthanized early due to post-operative complications. However, using an optimized surgical technique, the success rate for creating a thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein LVA in six animals was 100%, all of which survived to their intended study endpoint without any complications (median 6 [IQR 4-7] days). LVAs remained patent for up to seven days. CONCLUSION A thoracic duct-to-pulmonary vein LVA can be completed safely and remain patent for at least one week with systemic anticoagulation, which provides an important proof-of-concept that this novel intervention could effectively offload the lymphatic circulation in patients with lymphatic failure and elevated central venous pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Smood
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Terakawa Katsunari
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christopher Smith
- Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yoav Dori
- Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Constantine D Mavroudis
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Morton
- Resuscitation Science Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anthony Davis
- Resuscitation Science Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan M Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - J William Gaynor
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Todd Kilbaugh
- Resuscitation Science Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Katsuhide Maeda
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Smood B, Smith C, Dori Y, Mavroudis CD, Fuller S, Gaynor JW, Maeda K. Lymphatic failure and lymphatic interventions: Knowledge gaps and future directions for a new frontier in congenital heart disease. Semin Pediatr Surg 2024; 33:151426. [PMID: 38820801 PMCID: PMC11229519 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2024.151426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Lymphatic failure is a broad term that describes the lymphatic circulation's inability to adequately transport fluid and solutes out of the interstitium and into the systemic venous circulation, which can result in dysfunction and dysregulation of immune responses, dietary fat absorption, and fluid balance maintenance. Several investigations have recently elucidated the nexus between lymphatic failure and congenital heart disease, and the associated morbidity and mortality is now well-recognized. However, the precise pathophysiology and pathogenesis of lymphatic failure remains poorly understood and relatively understudied, and there are no targeted therapeutics or interventions to reliably prevent its development and progression. Thus, there is growing enthusiasm towards the development and application of novel percutaneous and surgical lymphatic interventions. Moreover, there is consensus that further investigations are needed to delineate the underlying mechanisms of lymphatic failure, which could help identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative procedures to improve the overall quality of life and survival of these patients. With these considerations, this review aims to provide an overview of the lymphatic circulation and its vasculature as it relates to current understandings into the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of lymphatic failure in patients with congenital heart disease, while also summarizing strategies for evaluating and managing lymphatic complications, as well as specific areas of interest for future translational and clinical research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Smood
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States of America.
| | - Christopher Smith
- Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104 United States of America
| | - Yoav Dori
- Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104 United States of America
| | - Constantine D Mavroudis
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Fuller
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States of America
| | - J William Gaynor
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States of America
| | - Katsuhide Maeda
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States of America; Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Pieper CC. Back to the Future II-A Comprehensive Update on the Rapidly Evolving Field of Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:610-640. [PMID: 37058335 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lymphatic imaging and interventional therapies of disorders affecting the lymphatic vascular system have evolved rapidly in recent years. Although x-ray lymphangiography had been all but replaced by the advent of cross-sectional imaging and the scientific focus shifted to lymph node imaging (eg, for detection of metastatic disease), interest in lymph vessel imaging was rekindled by the introduction of lymphatic interventional treatments in the late 1990s. Although x-ray lymphangiography is still the mainstay imaging technique to guide interventional procedures, several other, often less invasive, techniques have been developed more recently to evaluate the lymphatic vascular system and associated pathologies. Especially the introduction of magnetic resonance, and even more recently computed tomography, lymphangiography with water-soluble iodinated contrast agent has furthered our understanding of complex pathophysiological backgrounds of lymphatic diseases. This has led to an improvement of treatment approaches, especially of nontraumatic disorders caused by lymphatic flow abnormalities including plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, and nontraumatic chylolymphatic leakages. The therapeutic armamentarium has also constantly grown and diversified in recent years with the introduction of more complex catheter-based and interstitial embolization techniques, lymph vessel stenting, lymphovenous anastomoses, as well as (targeted) medical treatment options. The aim of this article is to review the relevant spectrum of lymphatic disorders with currently available radiological imaging and interventional techniques, as well as the application of these methods in specific, individual clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus C Pieper
- From the Division for Minimally Invasive Lymphatic Therapy, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn; and Center for Rare Congenital Lymphatic Diseases, Center of Rare Diseases Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Inflammation, Lymphatics, and Cardiovascular Disease: Amplification by Chronic Kidney Disease. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:455-463. [PMID: 35727522 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Kidney disease is a strong modulator of the composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiome that produces toxins and inflammatory factors. The primary pathways for these harmful factors are blood vessels and nerves. Although lymphatic vessels are responsible for clearance of interstitial fluids, macromolecules, and cells, little is known about whether and how kidney injury impacts the intestinal lymphatic network. RECENT FINDINGS Kidney injury stimulates intestinal lymphangiogenesis, activates lymphatic endothelial cells, and increases mesenteric lymph flow. The mesenteric lymph of kidney-injured animals contains increased levels of cytokines, immune cells, isolevuglandin (IsoLG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl, and of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI). IsoLG is increased in the ileum of kidney injured animals, and intestinal epithelial cells exposed to myeloperoxidase produce more IsoLG. IsoLG-modified apoAI directly increases lymphatic vessel contractions and activates lymphatic endothelial cells. Inhibition of IsoLG by carbonyl scavenger treatment reduces intestinal lymphangiogenesis in kidney-injured animals. Research from our group and others suggests a novel mediator (IsoLG-modified apoAI) and a new pathway (intestinal lymphatic network) in the cross talk between kidneys and intestines and heart. Kidney injury activates intestinal lymphangiogenesis and increases lymphatic flow via mechanisms involving intestinally generated IsoLG. The data identify a new pathway in the kidney gut-heart axis and present a new target for kidney disease-induced intestinal disruptions that may lessen the major adverse consequence of kidney impairment, namely cardiovascular disease.
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Jalal Z, Gewillig M, Boudjemline Y, Guérin P, Pilati M, Butera G, Malekzadeh-Milani S, Avesani M, Thambo JB. Transcatheter interventions in patients with a Fontan circulation: Current practice and future developments. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:965989. [PMID: 36110107 PMCID: PMC9468446 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.965989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fontan operation represents the last of multiple steps that are offered a wide range of congenital cardiac lesions with a single ventricle (SV) physiology. Nowadays this surgical program consists of a total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), by anastomosing systemic veins to the pulmonary arteries (PAs), excluding the right-sided circulation from the heart. As a result of imaging, surgical, percutaneous, and critical care improvements, survival in this population has steadily increased. However, the Fontan physiology chronically increases systemic venous pressure causing systemic venous congestion and decreased cardiac output, exposing patients to the failure of the Fontan circulation (FC), which is associated with a wide variety of clinical complications such as liver disease, cyanosis, thromboembolism, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), plastic bronchitis (PB), and renal dysfunction, ultimately resulting in an increased risk of exercise intolerance, arrhythmias, and premature death. The pathophysiology of the failing Fontan is complex and multifactorial; i.e., caused by the single ventricle dysfunction (diastolic/systolic failure, arrhythmias, AV valve regurgitation, etc.) or caused by the specific circulation (conduits, pulmonary vessels, etc.). The treatment is still challenging and may include multiple options and tools. Among the possible options, today, interventional catheterization is a reliable option, through which different procedures can target various failing elements of the FC. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of indications, techniques, and results of transcatheter options to treat cavopulmonary stenosis, collaterals, impaired lymphatic drainage, and the management of the fenestration, as well as to explore the recent advancements and clinical applications of transcatheter cavopulmonary connections, percutaneous valvular treatments, and to discuss the future perspectives of percutaneous therapies in the Fontan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Jalal
- University Hospital of Bordeaux - Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, Pessac, France.,IHU LIRYC Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac, France.,INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France
| | - Marc Gewillig
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrice Guérin
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Inserm UMR 1229, L'Institut du Thorax, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Mara Pilati
- Medical and Surgical Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Butera
- Medical and Surgical Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Malekzadeh-Milani
- Department of Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology, Centre de Reference Malformations Cardiaques Congenitales Complexes-M3C, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Pediatric Cardiology, Paris, France
| | - Martina Avesani
- University Hospital of Bordeaux - Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, Pessac, France.,IHU LIRYC Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac, France.,INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Benoit Thambo
- University Hospital of Bordeaux - Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, Pessac, France.,IHU LIRYC Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac, France.,INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France
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6
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Hosokawa T, Uchiyama M, Tanami Y, Sato Y, Wakabayashi Y, Oguma E. Insufficient hepatic uptake in pediatric patients on lymphoscintigraphy. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15156. [PMID: 35510682 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To demonstrate the association between pediatric outcomes and tracer hepatic uptake as a marker of systemic circulation in lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS We included 31 initial lymphoscintigraphic studies. We compared the presence or absence of hepatic uptake between deceased and survived patients in both early and delayed images using Fisher's exact test. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed based on imaging results, and these curves were compared using the log-rank test. The primary endpoint was death and the survival period was defined from the day of examination to the day of the last visit or death. RESULTS Of 31 patients, six died. Hepatic uptake was significantly different in both early and delayed images (early images, died [with/without visualization] vs. survived [with/without visualization], 0/6 vs. 13/12, P = 0.028; delayed images, died [with/without visualization] vs. survived [with/without visualization], 2/4 vs. 22/3, P = 0.014) between deceased and survived patients. Survival periods were significantly different between the two groups with and without hepatic uptake in early and delayed images (with/without visualization in early imags = 1,177.1 ± 773.8 days/426.7 ± 419.8 days, P = 0.008 and with/without visualization in delayed images = 821.3 ± 738.0 days/467.4 ± 452.4 days, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Visualization of hepatic uptake in both early and delayed lymphoscintigraphy is associated with patient outcomes. Hepatic uptake could represent tracer inflow into the systemic circulation, indicating preservation of the connection between the lymphatic system and the systemic circulation. Physicians should evaluate these findings carefully on lymphoscintigraphy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Hosokawa
- Department of Radiology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mayuki Uchiyama
- Department of Radiology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tanami
- Department of Radiology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yumiko Sato
- Department of Radiology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Wakabayashi
- Division of Radiological Technology, Saitama Prefectural Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eiji Oguma
- Department of Radiology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
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Gierlinger G, Sames-Dolzer E, Kreuzer M, Mair R, Nawrozi MP, Tulzer A, Bauer C, Tulzer G, Mair R. OUP accepted manuscript. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2022; 35:6570592. [PMID: 35438156 PMCID: PMC9419686 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Gierlinger
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Corresponding author. Department für Kinderherzchirurgie, Kepler Universitätsklinik, Med Campus III., Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4020 Linz, Austria. Tel: +43-732-7806-78230; e-mail: (G. Gierlinger)
| | - Eva Sames-Dolzer
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Michaela Kreuzer
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Roland Mair
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Mohammad-Paimann Nawrozi
- Department for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, JKU, Linz, Austria
| | - Andreas Tulzer
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital, JKU, Linz, Austria
| | - Christoph Bauer
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital, JKU, Linz, Austria
| | - Gerald Tulzer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital, JKU, Linz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Mair
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
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Brouillard P, Witte MH, Erickson RP, Damstra RJ, Becker C, Quéré I, Vikkula M. Primary lymphoedema. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:77. [PMID: 34675250 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoedema is the swelling of one or several parts of the body owing to lymph accumulation in the extracellular space. It is often chronic, worsens if untreated, predisposes to infections and causes an important reduction in quality of life. Primary lymphoedema (PLE) is thought to result from abnormal development and/or functioning of the lymphatic system, can present in isolation or as part of a syndrome, and can be present at birth or develop later in life. Mutations in numerous genes involved in the initial formation of lymphatic vessels (including valves) as well as in the growth and expansion of the lymphatic system and associated pathways have been identified in syndromic and non-syndromic forms of PLE. Thus, the current hypothesis is that most cases of PLE have a genetic origin, although a causative mutation is identified in only about one-third of affected individuals. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, imaging of the structure and functionality of the lymphatics, and in genetic analyses. Management aims at reducing or preventing swelling by compression therapy (with manual drainage, exercise and compressive garments) and, in carefully selected cases, by various surgical techniques. Individuals with PLE often have a reduced quality of life owing to the psychosocial and lifelong management burden associated with their chronic condition. Improved understanding of the underlying genetic origins of PLE will translate into more accurate diagnosis and prognosis and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Brouillard
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marlys H Witte
- Department of Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert P Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert J Damstra
- VASCERN PPL European Reference Centre; Department of Dermatology, Phlebology and Lymphology, Nij Smellinghe Hospital, Drachten, Netherlands
| | | | - Isabelle Quéré
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Centre de référence des Maladies Lymphatiques et Vasculaires Rares, Inserm IDESP, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. .,VASCERN VASCA European Reference Centre; Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, University Clinics Saint-Luc, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. .,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Defects in Congenital Cardiac Patients With Postoperative Chylothorax. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2. [PMID: 34590077 PMCID: PMC8478352 DOI: 10.1097/jova.0000000000000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Chylothorax following cardiac surgery for congenital cardiac anomalies is a complication associated with severe morbidities and mortality. We hypothesize that there are intrinsic defects in the lymphatics of congenital cardiac patients. Methods Postsurgical chylothorax lymphatic endothelial cells (pcLECs) (n = 10) were isolated from the chylous fluid from congenital cardiac defect patients, and characterized by fluorescent-activated cell sorting, immunofluorescent staining, and quantitative RT-PCR. Results were compared to normal human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HdLECs). pcLECs (n = 3) and HdLECs were xenografted into immunocompromised mice. Implants and postoperative chylothorax patient's pulmonary tissues were characterized by immunostaining for lymphatic endothelial proteins. Results pcLECs expressed endothelial markers VECADHERIN, CD31, VEGFR2, lymphatic endothelial markers PROX1, podoplanin, VEGFR3, and progenitor endothelial markers CD90 and CD146. However, pcLECs had key differences relative to HdLECs, including altered expression and mislocalization of junctional proteins (VECADHERIN and CD31), and essential endothelial proteins, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, and PROX1. When xenografted in mice, pcLECs formed dilated lymphatic channels with poor cell-cell association. Similar to congenital lymphatic anomalies, the pulmonary lymphatics were dilated in a patient who developed postoperative chylothorax after cardiac surgery. Conclusions Recent studies have shown that some postoperative chylothoraces in congenital cardiac anomalies are associated with anatomical lymphatic defects. We found that pcLECs have defects in expression and localization of proteins necessary to maintain lymphatic specification and function. This pcLEC phenotype is similar to that observed in lymphatic endothelial cells from congenital lymphatic anomalies. Co-existence of lymphatic anomalies should be considered as a feature of congenital cardiac anomalies.
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RochéRodríguez M, DiNardo JA. The Lymphatic System in the Fontan Patient-Pathophysiology, Imaging, and Interventions: What the Anesthesiologist Should Know. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2021; 36:2669-2678. [PMID: 34446325 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2021.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The Fontan surgery was developed as a palliative intervention for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with single-ventricle physiology who are not candidates for a biventricular repair. Improvements in the surgery and medical management of these patients have increased survival, yet this population remains at risk for complications and end-organ dysfunction due to Fontan failure. Lymphatic vessels maintain a fluid balance within the extracellular space, participate in fat reabsorption from the small intestine, and play an important role in the body's immune response. Altered Starling forces at the capillary level, capillary leak, and lymphatic obstruction contribute to lymphatic dysfunction in patients with Fontan physiology. These lymphatic complications include edema, pleural effusions, plastic bronchitis (PB), and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Over the past decade, there have been innovations in lymphatic imaging. These new imaging techniques include noncontrast magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography, intranodal lymphangiography (IL), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL), and liver lymphangiography. These imaging techniques help in delineating anatomy and guiding the appropriate therapeutic approach. Lymphatic interventions then may be performed to decompress the lymphatic system or to identify and occlude abnormal lymphatic vessels and drainage pathways. The anesthesiologist should have an understanding of the effects of lymphatic disorders on the Fontan circulation and apply appropriate management techniques for the associated interventions. The Fontan surgery was developed as a palliative intervention for CHD patients with single-ventricle physiology who are not candidates for a biventricular repair. The surgery creates a series systemic and pulmonary circulation with the energy necessary to provide gradient-driven pulmonary blood flow generated by the ventricle.1 In the past decades, improvements in the surgery and medical management of these patients have increased survival, with 30-year survival rates close to 85%.2 Despite these improvements, this population remains at risk for complications and end-organ dysfunction due to Fontan failure, which is characterized by elevated systemic venous pressures and low cardiac output. These complications include arrhythmias, cardiac dysfunction, ascites, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, pulmonary failure, and lymphatic complications such as edema, pleural effusions, PB, and PLE. Complications ultimately contribute to increased risk for hospitalization, death, and need for heart transplantation.3,4 For this reason, there has been increasing interest in the role of abnormal lymphatic circulation in the genesis of Fontan failure. The authors characterize the lymphatic pathophysiology associated with Fontan physiology and review the imaging and interventional strategies used to treat these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricarmen RochéRodríguez
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - James A DiNardo
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Spectrum of Fontan-associated liver disease assessed by MRI and US in young adolescents. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:3205-3216. [PMID: 33688987 PMCID: PMC8215034 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-02994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Patients with Fontan circulation are at risk of developing hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis. The mechanisms and disease development are unclear and early secondary liver cancer is a concern. This study will describe hepatic imaging findings in a national cohort of adolescents with Fontan circulation. Methods The patients prospectively underwent abdominal contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging. Images were assessed for criteria of fibrosis/cirrhosis including characterization of hepatic nodules. These nodules were in addition, assessed by ultrasonography (US). Nodules ≥ 1 cm were investigated and monitored to evaluate malignant transformation. Clinical and hepatic serological data were recorded. Results Forty-six patients, median age of 16.5 years (15.4–17.9 years) were enrolled. All patients underwent US examination and MRI was performed in 35/46 patients. On MRI, 60% had hepatomegaly and 37% had signs of fibrosis/cirrhosis. Seven patients had together 13 nodules ≥ 1 cm in diameter. Only 4/13 (17%) where seen on US. Nodules had variable MRI signal characteristics including hepatobiliary contrast enhancement and two nodules revealed portal venous phase ‘wash-out’ on the first examination. No further imaging signs of malignancy were revealed during the follow-up period of median 24.4 (7–42) months. Conclusion The majority of adolescents with Fontan circulation had imaging findings of fibrosis/cirrhosis of varying severity. US had low detection rate of hepatic nodules compared to MRI. The imaging work-up before transition to adult cardiology care did not reveal findings suggestive of malignancy. However, the high prevalence of Fontan-associated liver disease calls for surveillance strategies even in childhood. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00261-021-02994-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Rabinowitz D, Itkin M. Pediatric Lymphatics Review: Current State and Future Directions. Semin Intervent Radiol 2020; 37:414-419. [PMID: 33041488 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Rabinowitz
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware.,Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Center for Lymphatic Imaging, Penn Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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