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Moscatelli S, Borrelli N, Sabatino J, Leo I, Avesani M, Montanaro C, Di Salvo G. Role of Cardiovascular Imaging in the Follow-Up of Patients with Fontan Circulation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121875. [PMID: 36553321 PMCID: PMC9777137 DOI: 10.3390/children9121875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Since its first description in 1971, the Fontan procedure and its modifications have led to a substantial improvement in the survival rates of patients with a variety of types of complex Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) characterised by the presence of a single, dominant ventricle. However, despite the significant improvement of the prognosis over the years, Fontan patients are still exposed to several cardiovascular and systemic complications. It is, therefore, important to fully understand the pitfalls hidden behind a Fontan anatomy and the potential predictors of ventricular failure. Cardiovascular imaging plays a key role in this context, allowing for the early identification of complications with important prognostic implications. Echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality for serial evaluation of Fontan patients. However, there is a growing role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography from pre-operative assessment to longitudinal follow-up. The aim of this paper will be to provide a comprehensive overview of the role, strengths, and weaknesses of each imaging modality in the assessment of congenital cardiac conditions palliated with the Fontan procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moscatelli
- Paediatric Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 5NP, UK
| | - Nunzia Borrelli
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, A.O. dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Jolanda Sabatino
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Women and Children’s Health, University Hospital Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Paediatric Research Institute (IRP), Città Della Speranza, 35127 Padua, Italy
| | - Isabella Leo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Grecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Department, Royal Brompton Hospital Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 5NP, UK
| | - Martina Avesani
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Women and Children’s Health, University Hospital Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Montanaro
- Adult Congenital Department, Royal Brompton Hospital & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 5NP, UK
| | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Women and Children’s Health, University Hospital Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Paediatric Research Institute (IRP), Città Della Speranza, 35127 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ciliberti P, Ciancarella P, Bruno P, Curione D, Bordonaro V, Lisignoli V, Panebianco M, Chinali M, Secinaro A, Galletti L, Guccione P. Cardiac Imaging in Patients After Fontan Palliation: Which Test and When? Front Pediatr 2022; 10:876742. [PMID: 35652057 PMCID: PMC9149285 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.876742] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fontan operation represents the final stage of a series of palliative surgical procedures for children born with complex congenital heart disease, where a "usual" biventricular physiology cannot be restored. The palliation results in the direct connection of the systemic venous returns to the pulmonary arterial circulation without an interposed ventricle. In this unique physiology, systemic venous hypertension and intrathoracic pressures changes due to respiratory mechanics play the main role for propelling blood through the pulmonary vasculature. Although the Fontan operation has dramatically improved survival in patients with a single ventricle congenital heart disease, significant morbidity is still a concern. Patients with Fontan physiology are in fact suffering from a multitude of complications mainly due to the increased systemic venous pressure. Consequently, these patients need close clinical and imaging monitoring, where cardiac exams play a key role. In this article, we review the main cardiac imaging modalities available, summarizing their main strengths and limitations in this peculiar setting. The main purpose is to provide a practical approach for all clinicians involved in the care of these patients, even for those less experienced in cardiac imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ciliberti
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciancarella
- Advanced Cardiothoracic Imaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Bruno
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Curione
- Advanced Cardiothoracic Imaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Bordonaro
- Advanced Cardiothoracic Imaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Lisignoli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Panebianco
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Chinali
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelio Secinaro
- Advanced Cardiothoracic Imaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Galletti
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Guccione
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Heart and Lung Transplantation Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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