Vascular rings

Upper partial sternal split for pediatric cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES

We introduced the use of an upper partial sternal split for pediatric cardiac surgical procedures in our unit in 2016. We report the outcomes of our experience in 51 patients using this approach.

METHODS

From February 2016 to September 2022, 51 patients underwent congenital cardiac surgical procedures using an upper partial sternal split including vascular ring repair (n = 20), subaortic membrane (n = 12), ventricular septal defect closure with aortic valve resuspension (n = 9), aortic arch repair (n = 4), pulmonary artery band (n = 2), pulmonary artery sling (n = 1), supravalvular aortic stenosis (n = 1), aortic valve replacement (n = 1), and pulmonary artery plasty (n = 1). The surgical approach involved a midline skin incision, based on the manubrium, followed by an upper manubriotomy. No special surgical instrumentation was required. Median patient age was 2.9 years (IQR 1.3, 6.0); median body weight was 15 kg (IQR 9.8, 20).

RESULTS

There was no mortality and no patient required intraoperative conversion to full sternotomy. One patient required re-exploration for bleeding when the incision was converted to a full sternotomy. There were no wound complications in any patient. Twenty-one patients (41%) were extubated on the table and of the remaining 30 patients, 23 patients (76%) were extubated within 24 h of surgery. Eleven patients did not require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Median ICU and hospital stay was 1 day (IQR 1, 1.25) and 5 days (IQR 4, 8) ,respectively.

CONCLUSION

An upper partial sternal split approach is straightforward and can be performed safely with a preferable cosmetic result in selected pediatric cardiac operations.

Outcomes for Children With Vascular Ring Repair Using a Simple Surgical Approach

INTRODUCTION

Vascular Rings (VRs) are congenital malformations of the aortic arch that can compress the trachea and esophagus producing symptoms. Approximately, 5%-10% of patients experience persistent symptoms postrepair and 9% require reintervention. There are various approaches to repair-simple ligation and division of the ring or more complex procedures. Our objective was to describe outcomes for VR repair using a "simple" surgical approach.

METHODS

We identified patients who underwent VR repair from 2012 to 2022 at our institution. Clinical and surgical data, demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were extracted from their electronic medical records. Outcomes were analyzed and regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for residual symptoms after repair.

RESULTS

Ninety three patients with VR repair were included. Prevalence of symptoms were reduced following surgery (80% preoperative versus 13% postoperative, P 0.03). Tracheomalacia also decreased from 16% to 7% postrepair. No deaths were reported in our cohort and 2% of our patients required reintervention. Multivariable regression analysis showed that preoperative tracheomalacia was associated with having persistent symptoms after VR repair (odds ratio 6.2, 95% CI 1.02-37.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Our institutional experience using a simple surgical approach showed a significant decrease in symptoms, a very low reintervention rate and no mortality. Preoperative tracheomalacia can be a risk factor for persistent symptoms postrepair. We believe a simple surgical approach for children with complete VR repair can be effective in relieving symptoms.

Implications of right aortic arch prenatal diagnosis: the multicentric nationwide ARCADE cohort

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the various presentations of the prenatally diagnosed isolated right aortic arch (RAA), that is, without associated congenital heart defect and to evaluate the impact of prenatal diagnosis of isolated RAA in terms of postnatal outcome.

METHOD

In this multicentric retrospective study, from 2010 to 2019, all live births with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of isolated RAA were included, with a 1-year postnatal follow-up. The concordance between the different diagnostic steps (prenatal ultrasound, postnatal ultrasound and postnatal CT scan) was evaluated using Gwet's AC1 coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 309 cases of prenatally diagnosed RAA were analysed, most of which had a left ductus arteriosus (83%). The concordance between prenatal and postnatal ultrasound diagnosis was excellent regarding the RAA type (AC1=0.97, 95% CI=(0.94 to 0.99)). The rare discrepancies mainly involved non-diagnosed or misdiagnosed double aortic arch (2%). CT scan was performed in 108 neonates (35%) and the concordance between prenatal ultrasound and postnatal CT scan was good regarding the RAA diagnosis (AC1=0.80, 95% CI=(0.69 to 0.90)) but poor regarding the distribution of brachiocephalic vessels (AC1=0.21, 95% CI=(0.06 to 0.36)). An associated genetic anomaly was sought for in half of the cases and identified in 4% of the cohort. During the first year of life, 50 (18%) infants presented with vascular ring symptoms and 24 (8%) underwent aortic arch surgery.

CONCLUSION

This multicentric nationwide cohort of 309 prenatally diagnosed isolated RAA demonstrated the reliability of prenatal screening, highlighted the rare cases of discrepancies between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and underlined the value of CT scan to improve the postnatal follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04029064.

Double Aortic Arch: A Comparison of Fetal CMR, Postnatal CT and Surgical Findings

BACKGROUND

In double aortic arch (DAA) one of the arches can demonstrate atretic portions postnatally, leading to diagnostic uncertainty due to overlap with isolated right aortic arch (RAA) variants. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the morphological evolution of different DAA phenotypes from prenatal to postnatal life using 3D fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and postnatal CT/CMR imaging.

METHODS

3D fetal CMR was undertaken in fetuses with suspected DAA over a six-year period (Jan 2016 - Jan 2022). All cases with surgical confirmation of DAA were retrospectively studied and morphology on fetal CMR was compared to postnatal CT/CMR and surgical findings.

RESULTS

32 fetuses with surgically confirmed DAA underwent fetal CMR. All demonstrated a complete DAA with left-sided arterial duct. The RAA was dominant in 30/32 (94%). Postnatal CT/CMR was undertaken at median age of 3.3months (IQR 2.0-3.9) demonstrating DAA with patency of both arches in 9/32 (28%), with 6 showing signs of coarctation of the left aortic arch (LAA). The LAA isthmus was not present on CT/CMR in 22/32(69%), the transverse arch between left carotid and left subclavian artery was not present in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal CMR provides novel insights into perinatal evolution of DAA. The smaller LAA can develop coarctation or atresia related to postnatal constriction of the arterial duct, making diagnosis of DAA challenging with contrast-enhanced CT/CMR. This highlights the potentially important role for prenatal 3D vascular imaging and might improve intepretation of postnatal imaging.

Persistence of aerodigestive symptoms after vascular ring repair

OBJECTIVE

Vascular rings are often associated with respiratory and swallowing difficulties due to tracheal or esophageal compression. While the results of a vascular ring repair are considered excellent, the long-term effect of tracheal and esophageal remodeling and the persistence of symptoms have scarcely been reported. Our study aims to evaluate the respiratory and swallowing outcomes of vascular ring repair.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent vascular ring repair between 2010 and 2022 in a tertiary-care children's hospital.

RESULTS

There were 108 patients enrolled: sixty-three patients (57.41 %) with a right aortic arch, 42 patients (38.89 %) with a double aortic arch, and 3 patients (2.78 %) with other vascular rings. Forty-three (39.81 %) patients were diagnosed prenatally. Of the 65 patients (60.19 %) diagnosed postnatally, 35/65 (53.85 %) had either respiratory or swallowing symptoms as the indication for diagnostic workup. Persistent respiratory and swallowing symptoms were noted in 34/108 (31.48 %) and 30/108 (27.78 %) patients, respectively, within a year of surgical repair. Fourteen patients underwent repeated laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy that demonstrated residual tracheomalacia; however, only 2/14 (1.9 %) patients required tracheostomy tube placement, and 6-out-of-7 patients were weaned off positive pressure airway support. Persistent respiratory symptoms were significantly more common in patients with a double aortic arch compared to a right aortic arch. No differences were noted in demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative aerodigestive symptoms between patients with residual symptoms and patients with no residual symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent respiratory and swallowing symptoms after vascular ring repair are not uncommon. Postoperative evaluation should be pursued by a dedicated team, and treatment considered as appropriate.

Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations in Vascular Rings and Slings

Vascular rings represent an increasingly prevalent and diverse set of congenital malformations in which the aortic arch and its primary branches encircle and constrict the esophagus and trachea. Perioperative management varies significantly based on the type of lesion, its associated comorbidities, and the compromise of adjacent structures. Multiple review articles have been published describing the scope of vascular rings and relevant concerns from a surgical perspective. This review seeks to discuss the perioperative implications and recommendations of such pathology from the perspective of an anesthesia provider.

Narrowing Down the Symptomatology of Isolated Vascular Rings in Children

Vascular rings may cause respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms due to compression of the trachea and/or esophagus. Advances in imaging have enabled early detection in asymptomatic patients posing new management dilemmas. Surgery is expected to relieve symptoms, although this has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate the presence and pattern of symptoms associated with vascular rings before surgical intervention and to detail symptom resolution after surgery. A 10-year retrospective review of patients diagnosed with an isolated vascular ring was performed between January 2010 and December 2019. 100 patients were identified; 35 double aortic arch (DAA) and 65 right aortic arch and left ligamentum arteriosum (RALL). 73 patients were symptomatic on presentation; 47 had respiratory, 5 had gastrointestinal, and 21 had both types of symptoms. Surgical repair was performed in 75 patients; 74 were symptomatic. Respiratory symptoms were more likely in patients with preoperative tracheal narrowing (p < 0.001). Moderate-severe respiratory symptoms led to surgery in RALL patients (OR 10.6, p = 0.0001). DAA patients were more likely to undergo surgery (p < 0.001) irrespective of symptom severity. At a median post-surgical follow-up of 4 months, there was a significant reduction in symptom burden (p < 0.001), except for asthma symptoms (p = 0.131). Symptom resolution was not dependent on the vascular ring anatomy (p = 0.331) or the age at operation (p = 0.158). Vascular rings are typically accompanied by respiratory symptoms and less commonly GI symptoms, both of which resolve in most patients after surgery. Those who present predominantly with asthma-like symptoms may not achieve resolution after surgery.

Congenital pulmonary malformations

There are many congenital anomalies of the lung, some of which have no clinical symptoms and are detected incidentally, while others, particularly in the neonatal and infant period, are recognized by their typical signs, symptoms, and radiological appearance. Some congenital lung anomalies are so important that they can cause the death of the patient if not diagnosed and treated early. Classification of congenital lung anomalies is difficult since these anomalies may be related to the airway, arterial and venous vascular system, pulmonary parenchyma, and primitive anterior intestinal anomalies from which the lung originates, and some anomalies may have several etiologic origins. In this review, all subgroups of congenital pulmonary malformations will be discussed.

Association Between Airway Stenosis Degree and Respiratory Distress in Infants With a Vascular Ring

Background Although the number of cases of prenatally diagnosed vascular rings is increasing, some cases may remain asymptomatic, and no indicator of the appearance of dyspnea has been established. Thus, we aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of airway compression by the vascular ring on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and respiratory distress. Methods This is a retrospective study of nine patients diagnosed with vascular rings at a single hospital from July 2010 to December 2019. Data regarding the patient's clinical characteristics, such as prenatal diagnosis, vascular ring type, complicated cardiac disease, and presence or absence of surgery, were recorded. Airway assessment on contrast-enhanced CT was measured in the axial cross-section. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (version 25.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Five of the eight patients had respiratory distress. Patients with respiratory distress were less likely to have been diagnosed prenatally (p = 0.04) and had smaller stenosis degree of anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.03). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT is useful in patients with vascular rings. Our study suggests that the stenosis degree of the anterior-posterior diameter of the airway is related to dyspnea.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer with right aortic arch and Kommerell diverticulum: a case report and literature review

Background

Esophageal carcinoma accompanied by a right aortic arch (RAA) is very rare. When combined with Kommerell diverticulum (KD), a right aortic arch forms a vascular ring encircling both the esophagus and trachea. Due to abnormal anatomy of the upper mediastinum, it is very difficult to dissociate the esophagus and its surrounding tissues, especially the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Herein, we report a case of successful thoracoscopic esophagectomy in an esophageal cancer patient concurrent with a RAA and KD.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old male patient was diagnosed with esophageal squamous carcinoma in the middle esophagus at clinical stage I (cT1N0M0) according to UICC-TNM classification 8th edition. Further examinations revealed RAA and KD. Based on the three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) reconstruction, a Mckeown esophagectomy via a left thoracoscopic approach in semi-prone position was performed. During the operation, the left recurrent laryngeal nerve was accurately exposed and well protected. Postoperatively, severe complications, including anastomotic leakage and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, were not observed. The patient was discharged 12 days after the surgery.

Conclusion

Preoperative 3D-CT reconstruction is useful to clarify the vascular malformation in esophageal cancer patients with RAA, and helpful to formulate a reasonable surgical approach.

Post-operative Outcomes for Vascular Rings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Vascular rings may cause tracheal and/or oesophageal compression. For many patients, symptoms/signs have been present for a long period before diagnosis. However, in the era of prenatal diagnosis, some units advocate universal early surgery. The risks and efficacy of surgery must be known to adequately counsel for the operation. This meta-analysis sought to define the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical correction, and persistent post-operative symptoms.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched for studies that described the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for a double or right aortic arch (DAA or RAA). Non-comparative and random effects model-based meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled rates of mortality, surgical complications, reintervention, and persistent follow-up symptoms.

RESULTS

Nineteen eligible studies were included comprising 18 studies describing outcomes for DAA surgery and 15 for RAA surgery. For DAA surgery, overall mortality rate was 0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0-1.0], post-surgical complication rate 18% [95% CI: 12.0-23.0], prevalence of reintervention 3% [95% CI: 1.0-5.0] and prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 33% [95% CI: 17.0-52.0]. For RAA surgery, overall pooled mortality was 0% [95% CI: 0.0-0.0], prevalence of post-surgical complications was 15% [95% CI: 8.0-23.0], reintervention rate was 2% [95% CI: 0.0-4.0], prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 40% [95% CI: 26.0-55.0].

CONCLUSIONS

While surgery to correct a vascular ring is safe, the rate of persistent symptoms is high and further strategies must be sought to reduce this burden.

Aortic arch and frozen elephant trunk repair of a right-sided aortic arch with pseudoaneurysm rupture

A 53-year-old man with a history of vascular ring repair secondary to a right-sided aortic arch with a retroesophageal subclavian artery and ligamentum arteriosum to the descending thoracic aorta presented to our institution with a large aortic pseudoaneurysm of the distal aortic arch. Computed tomography demonstrated a right-sided aortic arch with a 5.8-cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the distal arch with concern for rupture. The patient underwent successful two-stage repair, including a left carotid artery to subclavian artery bypass, followed by total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. He recovered well postoperatively, and computed tomography showed complete, successful repair of the pseudoaneurysm.

The Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society Presidents and Their Contributions

The Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (CHSS) was founded by 16 congenital heart surgeons in 1973, who endeavored to share their clinical advances in an informal setting that would stimulate honest and forthright discussions. As the Society grew, prospective studies were organized from a centralized data center that was established and based first in Birmingham, Alabama, thence to Toronto, and recently in a collaboration between Toronto and the Cleveland Clinic. These studies formed the basis for a myriad of outcomes reports that favorably impacted surgical results. The Kirklin-Ashburn Fellowship was created and endowed by the membership which has been successful in training many congenital heart surgeons. The CHSS was then incorporated into a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with bylaws, officers, and committees in 2002. Increased membership followed. The CHSS has become the face of congenital heart surgery in North America by affiliating with the World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, having one designated member on the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, and hosting joint meetings with the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association. Since 2002, 11 presidents have been elected for two-year terms and have guided the advances that have been achieved by the CHSS. Their contributions and achievements are highlighted in chronological order.

Thoracic Aorta: Anatomy and Pathology

The aorta is the largest elastic artery in the human body and is classically divided into two anatomical segments, the thoracic and the abdominal aorta, separated by the diaphragm. The thoracic aorta includes the aortic root, the ascending aorta, the arch, and the descending aorta. The aorta's elastic properties depend on its wall structure, composed of three distinct histologic layers: intima, media, and adventitia. The different aortic segments show different embryological and anatomical features, which account for their different physiological properties and impact the occurrence and natural history of congenital and acquired diseases that develop herein. Diseases of the thoracic aorta may present either as a chronic, often asymptomatic disorder or as acute life-threatening conditions, i.e., acute aortic syndromes, and are usually associated with states that increase wall stress and alter the structure of the aortic wall. This review aims to provide an update on the disease of the thoracic aorta, focusing on the morphological substrates and clinicopathological correlations. Information on anatomy and embryology will also be provided.

Vascular ring: prenatal diagnosis and prognostic management based on sequential cross-sectional scanning by ultrasound

BACKGROUND

In terms of embryonic origin, vascular ring is a congenital anomaly in which the aortic arch and its branches completely or incompletely encircle and compress the trachea or esophagus. Early and accurate diagnosis of a vascular ring is the key to treatment. Prenatal diagnosis mainly relies on fetal echocardiography, but the rate of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis is still very high, and the prognosis has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis and to evaluate the prognosis semi-quantitatively according to the shape of the ring and the distance between the vessel and the trachea.

METHODS

From 2019 to 2021, 37,875 fetuses underwent prenatal ultrasound examination in our center. All fetal cardiac examinations were performed using the fetal echocardiography method proposed by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) combined with dynamic sequential cross-sectional observation (SCS). For SCS, the standard abdominal section was taken as the initial section, and the probe was moved cephalically along the long axis of the body until the superior mediastinum had disappeared. If a vascular ring was found, the shape of the ring and the distance of the branch to the airway were observed. The distance relationship with the airway was divided into three grades: I-III; the closer the distance, the lower the grade. The vascular rings were monitored every 4 weeks before birth. All were monitored before surgery or 1 year after birth.

RESULTS

A total of 418 cases of vascular rings were detected. There was no missed diagnoses or misdiagnoses by SCS. The vessels formed different shaped rings according to their origin and route. Grade I, "" and "O" rings have a poor prognosis and are associated with the highest risk of respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

SCS can accurately diagnose vascular rings before delivery, evaluate the shape and size of the rings to conduct prenatal monitoring of children until birth, which plays a guiding role in airway compression after birth.

Persistent Tachypnoea in Early Infancy: A Clinical Perspective

Tachypnoea in the newborn is common. It may arise from the many causes of the respiratory distress syndrome such as hyaline membrane disease, transient tachypnoea of the newborn, meconium aspiration etc. Congenital heart disease rarely presents with early tachypnoea on day one or two, in contrast to the early presentation of cyanosis, unless there is "pump" (ventricular) failure such as may occur in a cardiomyopathy/myocarditis, or as a result of severe obstruction to either ventricle. Space-occupying lesions within the chest, for example from a diaphragmatic hernia or a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, may present with early tachypnoea, as can a metabolic cause resulting in acidosis. The aim of this paper, however, is to focus on infants where the tachypnoea persists or develops beyond the newborn period, at times with minimal signs but occasionally with serious underlying pathology. They include causes that may have originated in the newborn but then persist; for example, arising from pulmonary hypoplasia or polycythemia. Many congenital cardiac abnormalities, particularly those causing left sided obstructive lesions, or those due to an increasing left to right shunt from large communications between the systemic and pulmonary circulations, need be considered. Respiratory causes, for example arising from aspiration, primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease, may lead to ongoing tachypnoea. Infective causes such as bronchiolitis or infantile wheeze generally are readily recognisable. Finally, there are a few infants who present with persistent tachypnoea over the first few weeks/months of their life who remain well and have normal investigations with the tachypnoea gradually resolving. How should one approach infants with persistent tachypnoea?

Long term respiratory morbidity in patients with vascular rings: a review

Abnormalities in position and/or branching of the aortic arch can lead to vascular rings that may cause narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to external compression, or constriction of the oesophagus, causing symptoms that vary in relation to the anatomical vascular pattern and the relationship between these structures. Respiratory morbidity related to external airways compression is a major concern in children affected by vascular rings. Clinical presentation depends on the severity of the tracheal lumen reduction and the presence of associated tracheomalacia. Recurrent respiratory infections, wheezing, atelectasis, and hyperinflation are mostly reported. As they are nonspecific and therefore difficult to recognize, attention should be given to all children with history of respiratory distress, extubation failure, noisy breathing, and recurrent respiratory infections. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centres can prevent the long-term complications and improve the respiratory outcomes of these patients.

Tracheopexy and aortopexy for circumflex aortic arch on a small infant

Circumflex aortic arch is a rare vascular ring anomaly, which is often associated with tracheobronchomalacia. Aortic uncrossing is the definitive repair of this condition, which is a major high-risk operation; therefore, it is not suitable for small patients such as newborn infants or individuals who have severe comorbidities. We present a case of the circumflex aortic arch with tracheobronchomalacia in a 2.7-kg infant who underwent successful innovative combined surgery of the airway and the aorta.

Evaluation of the trachea in fetuses with double aortic arch using prenatal ultrasound: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Double aortic arch is the most common form of complete vascular ring. The trachea and/or esophagus could be compressed by the complete vascular ring, which may lead to early respiratory and/or esophageal symptoms in children with double aortic arch. Accurate prenatal assessment of tracheal compression could provide relevant information for perinatal clinical management of double aortic arch and emergency treatment of infants with double aortic arch. The fetal trachea is filled with amniotic fluid and can be clearly visualized with prenatal ultrasound. Previous studies reported the use of prenatal ultrasound to measure the tracheal internal diameters in normal fetuses and showed a linear correlation between the fetal tracheal internal diameters and gestational age. However, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have quantitatively evaluated tracheal compression in fetuses with double aortic arch using ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the tracheal compression caused by the vascular ring in fetuses with double aortic arch using prenatal ultrasound and to analyze the relationship between tracheal compression and postnatal clinical symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

The data of fetuses with double aortic arch diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound at 2 institutions from January 2011 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Singleton pregnancies with normal fetuses as the control group were prospectively recruited. The tracheal compression-evaluated by comparing the tracheal internal diameter z scores against the gestational age-was assessed in fetuses with double aortic arch and in normal fetuses. The live-born infants with double aortic arch were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups for the comparison of z scores. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the tracheal internal diameter z score cutoffs and prediction of symptomatic infants with double aortic arch was plotted. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 26 fetuses with double aortic arch were diagnosed, and 14 fetuses (53.8%) with double aortic arch were delivered alive. Among the 14 live-born infants, 7 (50.0%) were symptomatic, whereas 7 (50.0%) were asymptomatic. The tracheal internal diameter z scores were significantly lower in the double aortic arch group than in the normal groups (-0.62±1.36 vs 0.00±0.78; P<.001). The tracheal internal diameter z scores were significantly lower in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (-1.42±0.92 vs -0.49±0.96; P=.018). The area under the curve was 0.878 (95% confidence interval, 0.689-1.000). Using a tracheal internal diameter z scores cutoff of -1.21, the sensitivity was 71%, and the specificity was close to 100%. The intraclass correlation coefficients of interobserver and intraobserver agreements were 0.987 (95% confidence interval, 0.980-0.992) and 0.975 (95% confidence interval, 0.955-0.987), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The clinical symptoms in infants with double aortic arch were associated with prenatal tracheal compression, which can be prenatally evaluated using ultrasound. If fetuses are diagnosed with double aortic arch, prenatal surveillance of the tracheal internal diameters and comparison with z score reference ranges could provide pertinent information that would aid perinatal clinical management.

Computed tomography of the airways and lungs in congenital heart disease

The presence of airway and lung disease in children with congenital heart disease is commonly observed with both cardiac CT angiography and routine chest CT. In this review we discuss abnormalities encountered on CT imaging of the chest beyond the heart and central vasculature, focusing on the airways, lung parenchyma and peripheral vasculature. Preoperative and postoperative findings are reviewed as well.

Computed tomography for aortic assessment in children

Because the aorta is the major vessel of the body, basic knowledge of aortic pathology is essential to the pediatric imager. This review divides aortic pathology into anatomical (e.g., congenital abnormalities) and acquired (e.g., vasculitis, trauma) entities, providing a brief description of pathology, technical considerations in CT acquisition and processing, and some pearls and pitfalls of interpretation. The objective of this paper is to familiarize general pediatric imagers with imaging features of common as well as high-impact aortic pathology on CT and prepare them for acquisition and reporting.

Rings and Slings: Not Such Simple Things

Purpose of Review

Vascular rings are congenital malformations resulting from abnormal development of the great vessels, with the consequent encircling and compression of the trachea, esophagus, or both. We conducted a review of the current literature to identify the different management strategies that can be implemented based on the prognosis of each of these anomalies.

Recent Findings

Although most vascular rings occur in isolation, they can also be associated with other congenital cardiac and/or respiratory diseases; therefore, thorough investigation is necessary before definitive surgical repair. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to severe, with both respiratory and digestive symptoms. Although early surgical results are acceptable, the long-term outcome is variable; therefore, there is still controversy regarding the appropriate timing of treatment. This is especially true with regard to the Kommerell diverticulum (KD) and in patients without symptoms at the time of initial surgical evaluation.

Summary

As more sophisticated diagnostic tools have become available and more studies on adults affected by this condition have been published, understanding of this condition and its additional clinical implications has grown and appears to be tilting management toward earlier intervention.

Don't go barking up the wrong tree: Thinking beyond infection in a toddler with stridor

A toddler presented to the emergency department with persistent stridor and barky cough for 4 weeks and progressive dysphagia for 1 week. During this time, he had sought medical attention 6 additional times and had been treated for pneumonia, wheezing and croup, receiving antibiotics and several courses of steroids without improvement. On the final presentation, airway imaging did not reveal a foreign body. However, bedside laryngoscopy demonstrated bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Further imaging revealed an intracranial posterior fossa mass which provided the unifying diagnosis for his persistent symptoms.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of vascular rings and other things: a pictorial review

Compression of the airway, esophagus or both by aortic and pulmonary vessels can be caused by a variety of anatomical situations. Vascular rings are the most commonly encountered entity; however, compression can also occur from less common anomalies such as a left pulmonary artery sling or innominate artery compression. Vascular rings and other vascular compression abnormalities can be challenging to visualize and image and often require advanced imaging by CT or MRI to better understand the cause and extent of compression. Atretic vascular structures, such as the ligamentum arteriosum or atretic arch, play a key role in creating a vascular ring and do not enhance with contrast agent in a typical fashion. Despite these imaging challenges, classic and useful signs can indicate the presence or absence of a vascular ring or compression.

A Comparative Assessment of the Diagnosis of Swallowing Impairment and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Canines and Humans

Swallowing impairment is a highly prevalent and clinically significant problem affecting people and dogs. There are myriad causes of swallowing impairment of which gastroesophageal reflux is the most common in both species. Similarities in anatomy and physiology between humans and canines results in analogous swallowing disorders including cricopharyngeus muscle achalasia, esophageal achalasia, hiatal herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux with secondary esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility. Accordingly, the diagnostic approach to human and canine patients with swallowing impairment is similar. Diagnostic procedures such as swallowing fluoroscopy, high-resolution manometry, pH/impedance monitoring, and endolumenal functional luminal imaging probe can be performed in both species; however, nasofacial conformation, increased esophageal length, and the difficulty of completing several of these procedures in awake dogs are inherent challenges that need to be considered. Human patients can convey their symptoms and respond to verbal cues, whereas veterinarians must rely on clinical histories narrated by pet owners followed by comprehensive physical examination and observation of the animal eating different food consistencies and drinking water. Dogs may also be unwilling to drink or eat in the hospital setting and may be resistant to physical restraint during diagnostic procedures. Despite the species differences and diagnostic challenges, dogs are a natural animal model for many oropharyngeal and esophageal disorders affecting people, which presents a tremendous opportunity for shared learnings. This manuscript reviews the comparative aspects of esophageal anatomy and physiology between humans and canines, summarizes the diagnostic assessment of swallowing impairment in both species, and discusses future considerations for collaborative medicine and translational research.

Concurrent double aortic arch and circumflex aorta repair in a symptomatic child: a case report

Double aortic arch with circumflex aorta is a rare type of vascular ring. Symptoms result from external compression of the trachea and esophagus. The best surgical approach for patients with double arch and circumflex aorta is debated, and options include the highly complex aortic uncrossing procedure. Herein we describe the surgical treatment of a patient with concurrent double aortic arch and circumflex aorta by division of the non-dominant arch and ligamentum arteriosum, plication and posterior tacking of the diverticulum of Kommerell. This left thoracotomy approach provided complete symptom resolution.

Double aortic arch: a rare cause of stridor in infants

Double aortic arch is the most common vascular ring anomaly. It usually presents with symptoms related to tracheal and oesophageal compression. The constricting vascular ring may lead to stridor in infants and young children, which could be mistaken for upper respiratory tract infections or foreign body aspiration. It is therefore prudent to have a high index of suspicion when evaluating cases of paediatric stridor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the diagnostic modalities of choice to investigate vascular rings. We report a case of a stridulous infant with a double aortic arch.

Vascular rings

Vascular rings are congenital aortic arch anomalies that lead to compression of the trachea or esophagus. The goal of this review is to summarize our current recommendations for the management of patients with a diagnosis of a vascular ring. We review the history, classification methods, and epidemiology of the various types of vascular rings. We then propose a management strategy for the relatively new paradigm of fetal diagnosis, including the management of asymptomatic vascular rings. Finally, we finish with a review of the operative techniques and outcomes for the four main categories of vascular rings.

Mid-term results of vascular ring surgery

BACKGROUND

Vascular rings cause respiratory symptoms in children. Treatment consists of surgical division; however, data regarding mid-term results are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results of vascular ring surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent vascular ring surgery. Mid-term follow-up consisted of clinic visits and telephone questionnaire over a 1-year period sampling at five points in time.

RESULTS

Follow-up of 85 patients who underwent vascular rings surgery revealed significant symptomatic improvement within 6 months. In total, 50% were symptomatic to some degree at their last documented clinic visit complaining of stridor (36.8%), cough (34.2%), wheezing (10.5%), dyspnoea on exertion (10.5%), or recurrent respiratory infections (23.7%). By telephone questionnaires, 83% described a significant improvement in respiratory symptoms, 63.4% had some residual symptoms, 36.6% stridor, 38.8% chronic cough, 32.4% bronchodilator use,18.3% had at least one episode of pneumonia per year, 31% of children had dyspnoea or respiratory limitation, and 12.7% while doing physical activities. We found no association between the age at surgery or anatomic variant to the presence of symptoms at mid-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical division of vascular rings results in significant clinical improvement within 1 year; nevertheless, some patients remain symptomatic to some degree. We found no association between the age at surgery or anatomic variant to the presence of symptoms at mid-term follow-up. Further evaluation is warranted to assess the nature of residual symptoms and explore whether anatomical causes can be identified leading to surgical modifications.

Reoperation to correct unsuccessful vascular ring and vascular decompression surgery

OBJECTIVE

Although most children do well after operations to relieve vascular compression of the esophagus and airway, many will have persistent/recurrent symptoms. We review our surgical experience using a customized approach to correct various etiologies of failure after vascular ring/decompression surgery.

METHODS

Our institutional database identified children who underwent reoperation for persistent/recurrent symptoms after vascular ring or aberrant arterial decompression surgery between January 2014 and December 2019. Charts were reviewed for operative approaches and clinical data. Findings were analyzed by Fisher exact test for comparison between groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven children required reoperative surgery. Detailed preoperative workup identified 5 etiologies of failure for a customized approach. Residual scarring was corrected by lysis and rotational esophagoplasty (n = 23/27); fibrotic bands re-creating a ring were divided (n = 11); ongoing vascular compression was addressed by descending aortopexy (n = 19), aberrant subclavian division (n = 7), aortic uncrossing procedure (n = 4), and Kommerell resection (n = 8); anterior aortopexy (n = 6) and anterior tracheopexy (n = 9) corrected cartilage malformation; and tracheobronchomalacia was addressed with posterior airway pexy (n = 26). At available short-term follow-up (median 1 year), 21 of 22 patients (95%) had symptom improvement, and on bronchoscopy, the average number of airway sections with severe tracheobronchomalacia decreased from 2.8 ± 1.7 to 0.5 ± 0.9 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent/recurrent symptoms after release of vascular compression are frequently caused by 5 different etiologies. A multidisciplinary strategy for workup and a customized operative approach can effectively treat these cases and may suggest opportunity at the index surgery to prevent reoperation and achieve optimal outcomes.

Early Prenatal Diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch: Prevalence, Associated Anomalies and Outcome

PURPOSE

 Our aims were to describe the feasibility of diagnosis of DAA in early pregnancy and to assess its prenatal prevalence, associated anomalies and outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective cohort review of all DAA cases diagnosed by early prenatal transvaginal scans at 12-17 weeks of gestation between the years 2007-2018 was performed. Associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities and long-term postnatal outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

 12 cases of DAA were diagnosed by early prenatal transvaginal scans at a median of 15 (range: 12-17) weeks of gestation out of a total of 28 654 early scans preformed with a prevalence of at least 1:2378. Associated anomalies/genetic abnormalities were found in 5/12 (42 %) cases. The diagnosis was confirmed postnatally in all newborns. In two cases termination of pregnancy was performed. Four patients (40 %) were symptomatic. Six patients (60 %) underwent surgery due to symptoms or due to severe obstruction on imaging with resolution of symptoms in all except one patient.

CONCLUSION

 DAA can be readily diagnosed transvaginally even in the first trimester. Its prevalence is 1:2387. A search for associated anomalies and genetic abnormalities should be performed. If DAA is isolated, the prognosis with or without surgery is usually good.

Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy: A single-center report

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric flexible laryngotracheal bronchoscopy (FB) is an integral part of diagnostics and treatment at tertiary pediatric respiratory centers.

AIM

FBs performed between 2013 and 2018 at our Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Medicine Unit of the Department of Women's and Children's Health at Padua University were examined in terms of the indications, findings, and adverse events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent FB at least once between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 were considered. Patients' clinical data, indications for FB, anatomical findings, information derived from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial brushing, and possible adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 447 pediatric FBs performed in 428 patients (aged from 1 month to 18 years) for diagnostic purposes (92.4%), to clear secretions (3.6%), or to monitor a known condition (4.0%). The main indications were recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI, 32.2%) and chronic wet cough (9.4%). Lower airway malacia was the most common abnormal finding in these two groups (36.1% and 28.6%, respectively). BAL bacterial culture was positive in 55 children (39.6%) with recurrent LRTI and in 25 (59.5%) with chronic wet cough, being Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis the microorganisms most commonly isolated. FB proved a safe procedure and was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric FB is an essential tool at our tertiary pediatric respiratory center. It helps establish the anatomical conditions underlying several chronic respiratory conditions and any correlated microbiological findings, with a significant impact on further patient management.

Management of Coarctation and Aortic Arch Anomalies in the Adult

Congenital Aortic arch malformations are rare in adults. Often they present with hypertension or tracheoesophageal compression. The involved anatomy is dependent on the sidedness of the aortic arch and the variable development of the primitive pharyngeal arches. Sternotomy and thoracotomy are usually required for surgical repair, while need for circulatory arrest is not uncommon. With caution and adequate planning, surgery can be carried out with satisfactory results.

A Ten-year Single-center Surgical Experience With Symptomatic Complete Vascular Rings

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on the management of complete vascular rings (CVR) in adults. We reviewed our institution's surgical experience in the management of these patients.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2019, all adult patients that underwent a thoracotomy for a CVR repair were identified. We performed a retrospective medical record review of these patients to characterize their demographics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 5 patients identified (3 females, 2 males; Mean age 50 ± 9 years), anatomic variants were right arch and Kommerell diverticulum (KD) in 3 (60%) and double aortic arch in 2 (40%) patients. Indications for operation included dysphagia in 4 (80%), respiratory symptoms in 3 (60%) and aneurysmal KD in 1 (20%) patient. Two right aortic arch exclusion, 1 ligamentum arteriosum (LA) division, 1 LA division combined with a KD resection and 2 aortic reconstructions with interposition Dacron graft under partial cardiopulmonary bypass, were performed. Two carotid-subclavian artery transpositions prior to the thoracotomy were done. The postoperative length of stay was 10.0 (IQR 7.3-14.8) days. One reoperation for chylothorax and 1 for symptoms recurrence were performed for the same patient. Over a follow-up period of 1.4 (IQR 0.4-7.0) years, no mortality or major postoperative complications occurred. At their last follow-up visit, all patients reported no related remaining symptoms, except for persisting mild asthma in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Open repair of CVR in adults can be performed safely with low complication rate. Symptoms improved in all patients after definitive repair.

Performance evaluation of a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm in "double low" chest CTA in children: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Chest CT angiography (CTA) is a convenient clinical examination for children with an increasing need to reduce both radiation and contrast medium doses. Iterative Reconstruction algorithms are often used to reduce image noise but encounter limitations under low radiation dose and conventional 100 kVp tube voltage may not provide adequate enhancement under low contrast dose.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm in conjunction with lower tube voltage in chest CTA in children under reduced radiation and contrast medium (CM) dose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

46 Children (age 5.9 ± 4.2 years) in the study group underwent chest CTA with 70 kVp and CM dose of 0.8-1.2 ml/kg. Images were reconstructed at 0.625 mm using a high setting DLIR (DLIR-H). The control group consisted of 46 age-matching children scanned with 100 kVp, CM dose of 1.3-1.8 ml/kg and images reconstructed with 50% and 100% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V. Two radiologists evaluated images subjectively for overall image noise, vessel contrast and vessel margin clarity separately on a 5-point scale (5, excellent and 1, not acceptable). CT value and image noise of aorta and erector spinae muscle were measured.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the study group reduced the dose-length-product by 11.2% (p = 0.01) and CM dose by 24% (p < 0.001), improved the enhancement in aorta (416.5 ± 113.1HU vs. 342.0 ± 57.6HU, p < 0.001) and reduced noise (15.1 ± 3.5HU vs. 18.6 ± 4.4HU, p < 0.001). The DLIR-H images provided acceptable scores on all 3 aspects of the qualitative evaluation.

CONCLUSION

"Double low" chest CTA in children using 70 kVp and DLIR provides high image quality with reduced noise and improved vessel enhancement for diagnosis while further reduces radiation and CM dose.

Right aortic arch forming a true vascular ring: a clinical review

OBJECTIVES

This review aims at presenting and summarizing the current state of literature on the presentation and surgical management of a right-sided aortic arch with a left-sided ligamentum forming a complete vascular ring around the oesophagus and trachea.

METHODS

A systematic database search for appropriate literature was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE. Articles were considered relevant when providing details on the presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this specific congenital arch anomaly in human beings.

RESULTS

Affected patients present with respiratory and/or oesophageal difficulties due to tracheoesophageal compression. Conservative treatment might be reasonable in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases; however, once moderate-to-severe symptoms develop, surgical intervention is definitely indicated. Surgery is commonly performed through a left thoracotomy or median sternotomy and includes the division of the left ductal ligamentum; if a Kommerell's diverticulum is present that is >1.5 times the diameter of the subclavian artery, then concomitant resection of the large diverticulum and translocation of the aberrant left subclavian artery is also conducted. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are low and are rather related to concomitant intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies than to the procedure itself. In a majority of patients, full resolution of symptoms is seen within months to years from the surgery. Nevertheless, there is also a subset of patients who remain with some tracheobronchial narrowing, sometimes even requiring reintervention during follow-up due to persisting or recurring symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the surgical management of a right aortic arch forming a true vascular ring in infancy, childhood and adulthood seems relatively safe and effective in providing symptomatic relief despite some persistent tracheobronchial and/or oesophageal narrowing in some cases.

Morphology of vascular ring arch anomalies influences prognosis and management

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the anatomical features of aortic arch anomalies associated with vascular rings, hoping to identify those which may increase the risk of symptomatic presentation and surgical intervention.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study at a single cardiac unit. Individuals diagnosed with an aortic arch anomaly, either isolated or non-isolated, between June 2014 and September 2018 were included. The morphology of the aortic arch was established via analysis of postnatal echocardiography, CT or MRI scans. CT and magnetic resonance studies were evaluated for the presence of a Kommerell diverticulum in those with aberrant vessels. Case notes were reviewed for relevant clinical data.

RESULTS

Of those with aberrant subclavian arteries, 24/79 (30.4%) were shown to have a Kommerell diverticulum. Additional forms of congenital heart disease were present in 133/227 (58.6%) individuals. Surgical division of the vascular ring was performed in 30/227 (13.2%), most commonly in the setting of a double aortic arch (70.8%). In those with aberrant subclavian arteries, no children without a Kommerell diverticulum were referred for surgery. In those with a Kommerell diverticulum confirmed on imaging, 11/24 underwent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with a double aortic arch, or an aberrant subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell diverticulum, have the highest requirement for surgical intervention, especially in isolated anomalies. These individuals should remain under monitoring. The subjective nature of symptoms remains problematic. Longitudinal research is required further to understand the natural history of vascular rings and how it links to morphology.

Congenitally Malformed Hearts: Aspects of Teaching and Research Involving Medical Students

To appreciate congenital heart disease fully, a detailed understanding of the anatomical presentation, as well as the physiology, is required. This is often introduced at an advanced stage of training. Professor Anderson has been influential in the Clinical Anatomy Intercalated BSc programme at the University of Birmingham, in particular in his teaching on Sequential Segmental Analysis. This article describes the experiences of the latest cohort of students on this programme, who undertook varying research projects using the Birmingham Cardiac Archive, with the guidance of Professor Anderson. The projects outlined include various aspects of isomerism, encompassing both the cardiac and abdominal manifestations, as well as details of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and prenatally diagnosed right aortic arch and double arch. These studies all aimed to increase the knowledge base of their respective cardiac malformations and provide a basis for further research.

Anatomical Variations of the Aortic Arch: A Computerized Tomography-Based Study

Introduction

Despite adequate preparation and meticulous pre-operative assessment, variations of the vascular anatomy of the aortic arch may lead to clinical dilemmas. In the present era, with the easy availability of imaging facilities, various anatomical variations can be found out prior to an interventional procedure. However, there are many countries including India where such facilities may still be not widely available. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of these anatomical variants in patients undergoing Computerised Tomography (CT) chest with contrast.

Methods

This observational study involved patients who underwent CT chest with contrast as part of various clinical indications during a three-year period in a tertiary care centre in South India. Variations of the aortic arch and its branching pattern were studied in 4,000 chest CT images of patients referred to the radiology department. 

Results

A total of 4,000 patients underwent CT chest with contrast during the study period. Twenty-seven variations were observed in these patients. They included aberrant right subclavian artery in seven patients, bovine arch in one patient, bovine origin of left vertebral artery from arch in one patient, bronchial artery of anomalous origin from arch in one patient, double aortic arch in one patient, and right-sided aortic arch in 16 patients. 

Conclusion

The variant anatomy of the aortic arch has tremendous clinical significance, especially from the surgical standpoint. Anatomical variants can also cause difficulty during catheterization while performing endovascular interventions. Given the prevalence demonstrated in our study, imaging may be indicated prior to any procedure involving vascular access in order to prevent unwanted complications. 

The Role of Lung Function Testing in Newborn Infants With Congenital Thoracic Arterial Anomalies

Introduction: Congenital thoracic arterial anomalies (CTAAs), such as complete or incomplete vascular rings, pulmonary artery sling, and innominate artery compression syndrome, may cause severe tracheomalacia and upper airway obstruction. An obstructive ventilatory pattern at lung function testing (LFT) has been suggested in the presence of CTAA. The severity of obstruction may be evaluated by LFT. Little is known about the use of LFT in newborn infants with CTAA. The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of LFT in CTAA diagnosis. Methods: This is a retrospective study, conducted between February 2016 and July 2020. All CTAA cases for whom LFT was performed preoperatively were considered for inclusion. Tidal volume (Vt), respiratory rate, and the ratio of time to reach the peak tidal expiratory flow over total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) were assessed and compared to existing normative data. Demographics and CTAA characteristics were also collected. Results: Thirty cases were included. All infants with CTAA showed a significantly reduced Vt and tPTEF/tE, compared to existing normative data suggesting an obstructive pattern. No significant differences were found for LFT between cases with a tracheal obstruction <50% compared to those with tracheal obstruction ≥50%, or between cases with and without symptoms. Sixteen infants (53.3%) had respiratory symptoms related to CTAA. Of these, only two cases had also dysphagia. Conclusion: LFT values were significantly reduced in cases with CTAA before surgery. LFT represents a potential feasible and non-invasive useful tool to guide diagnosis in the suspect of CTAA.

Anesthesia for laryngotracheal reconstruction in a child with single ventricle

The number of children with congenital heart requiring anesthetic care is increasing. We describe the anesthetic management of a child with single ventricle candidate for laryngotracheal reconstruction. The patient suffered from severe subglottic stenosis due to prolonged intubation following Glenn shunt procedure. Anesthetic considerations in the care of patients with single ventricle for non-cardiac surgeries are reviewed. Particular concerns in the airway management of children with severe subglottic stenosis and during the tracheal surgery are also reviewed.