Morphological variations in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Retrofitting the Heart: Explaining the Enigmatic Septal Thickening in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic cardiac disease and is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy. Although this hypertrophy often associates with sarcomeric gene mutations, nongenetic factors also contribute to the disease, leading to diastolic dysfunction. Notably, this dysfunction manifests before hypertrophy and is linked to hypercontractility, as well as nonuniform contraction and relaxation (myofibril asynchrony) of the myocardium. Although the distribution of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can vary both between and within individuals, in most cases, it is primarily confined to the interventricular septum. The reasons for septal thickening remain largely unknown. In this article, we propose that alterations in muscle fiber geometry, present from birth, dictate the septal shape. When combined with hypercontractility and exacerbated by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, these factors predispose the septum to an isometric type of contraction during systole, consequently constraining its mobility. This contraction, or more accurately, this focal increase in biomechanical stress, prompts the septum to adapt and undergo remodeling. Drawing a parallel, this is reminiscent of how earthquake-resistant buildings are retrofitted with vibration dampers to absorb the majority of the shock motion and load. Similarly, the heart adapts by synthesizing viscoelastic elements such as microtubules, titin, desmin, collagen, and intercalated disc components. This pronounced remodeling in the cytoskeletal structure leads to noticeable septal hypertrophy. This structural adaptation acts as a protective measure against damage by attenuating myofibril shortening while reducing cavity tension according to Laplace Law. By examining these events, we provide a coherent explanation for the septum's predisposition toward hypertrophy.

Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum: Midterm Outcomes from a Multicenter Cohort

Contemporary multicenter data regarding midterm outcomes for neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are lacking. We sought to describe outcomes in a contemporary multicenter cohort, determine factors associated with end-states, and evaluate the effect of right ventricular coronary dependency and coronary atresia on transplant-free survival. Neonates treated during 2009-2019 in 19 United States centers were reviewed. Competing risks analysis was performed to determine cumulative risk of each end-state, and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with each end-state and transplant-free survival. We reviewed 295 patients. Median tricuspid valve Z-score was - 3.06 (25%, 75%: - 4.00, - 1.52). Final end-state was biventricular repair for 45 patients (15.2%), one-and-a half ventricle for 16 (5.4%), Fontan for 75 (25.4%), cardiac transplantation for 29 (9.8%), and death for 54 (18.3%). Seventy-six patients (25.7%) remained in mixed circulation. Cumulative risk estimate of death was 10.9%, 16.1%, 16.9%, and 18.8% at 1, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years, respectively. Tricuspid valve Z-score was inversely, and coronary atresia positively associated with death or transplantation [odds ratio (OR) = 0.46, (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29-0.75, p < 0.001) and OR = 3.75 (95% CI 1.46-9.61, p = 0.011), respectively]. Right ventricular coronary dependency and left coronary atresia had a significant effect on transplant-free survival (log-rank p < 0.001). In a contemporary multicenter cohort of patients with PAIVS, consisting predominantly of patients with moderate-to-severe right ventricular hypoplasia, we observed favorable survival outcomes. Right ventricular coronary dependency and left, but not right, coronary atresia significantly worsens transplant-free survival.

The so-called "one-and-a-half" ventricular repair: where are we after 40 years?

OBJECTIVES

The indications, timing, and results of the so-called "one-and-a-half ventricle repair", as a surgical alternative to the creation of the Fontan circulation, or high-risk biventricular repair, currently remain nebulous. We aimed to clarify these issues.

METHODS

We reviewed a total of 201 investigations, assessing selection of candidates, the need for atrial septal fenestration, the fate of an unligated azygos vein and free pulmonary regurgitation, the concerns regarding reverse pulsatile flow in the superior caval vein, the growth potential and function of the subpulmonary ventricle, and the role of the superior cavopulmonary connections as an interstage procedure prior to biventricular repair, or as a salvage procedure. We also assessed subsequent eligibility for conversion to biventricular repair and long-term functional results.

RESULTS

Reported operative mortalities ranged from 3% to 20%, depending on the era of surgical repair with 7% risk of complications due to a pulsatile superior caval vein, up to one-third incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias, and a small risk of anastomotic takedown of the superior cavopulmonary connection. Actuarial survival was between 80% and 90% at 10 years, with two-thirds of patients in good shape after 20 years. We found no reported instances of plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, or hepatic cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The so-called "one-and-a-half ventricular repair", which is better described as production of one-and-a-half circulations can be performed as a definitive palliative procedure with an acceptable risk similar to that of conversion to the Fontan circulation. The operation reduces the surgical risk for biventricular repair and reverses the Fontan paradox.

Procedural Outcomes of Pulmonary Atresia Intact Ventricular Septum in Neonates: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Multicenter contemporary data describing short-term outcomes following initial interventions of neonates with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) are limited. This multicenter study aims to describe characteristics and outcomes of PA-IVS neonates following their initial catheter or surgical intervention and identify factors associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

METHODS

Neonates with PA-IVS who underwent surgical or catheter intervention between 2009-2019 in 19 centers were reviewed. Risk factors for MACE, defined as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical circulatory support, stroke, or in-hospital mortality, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We reviewed 279 neonates: 79 (28%) underwent right ventricular decompression, 151 (54%) underwent systemic-to-pulmonary shunt or ductal stent placement only, 36 (13%) underwent right ventricular decompression with shunt or ductal stent placement, and 11 (4%) underwent transplantation. MACE occurred in 57 patients (20%): 26 (9%) received mechanical circulatory support, 37 (13%) received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 16 (6%) suffered stroke, 23 (8%) died. The presence of two major coronary artery stenoses (adjusted OR: 4.99; 95% CI: 1.16-21.39) and lower weight at first intervention (adjusted OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.27) were significantly associated with MACE. Coronary ischemia was the most frequent presumed mechanism of death (n=10).

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter cohort, one in five neonates with PA-IVS experienced MACE following their initial intervention. Patients with two major coronary artery stenoses or lower weight at time of initial procedure were most likely to experience MACE and warrant vigilance during pre-intervention planning and post-intervention management.

Human phenotype ontology annotation and cluster analysis for pulmonary atresia to unravel clinical outcomes

Background

Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a heterogeneous congenital heart defect and ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most vital factor for the conventional classification of PA patients. The simple dichotomy could not fully describe the cardiac morphologies and pathophysiology in such a complex disease. We utilized the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) database to explore the phenotypic patterns of PA and the phenotypic influence on prognosis.

Methods

We recruited 786 patients with diagnoses of PA between 2008 and 2016 at Fuwai Hospital. According to cardiovascular phenotypes of patients, we retrieved 52 HPO terms for further analyses. The patients were classified into three clusters based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering. We used Kaplan–Meier curves to estimate survival, the log-rank test to compare survival between clusters, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling to investigate potential risk factors.

Results

According to HPO term distribution, we observed significant differences of morphological abnormalities in 3 clusters. We defined cluster 1 as being associated with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), VSD, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), and aortopulmonary collateral arteries (ACA). ACA was not included in the cluster classification because it was not an HPO term. Cluster 2 was associated with hypoplastic right heart (HRH), atrial septal defect (ASD) and tricuspid disease as the main morphological abnormalities. Cluster 3 presented higher frequency of single ventricle (SV), dextrocardia, and common atrium (CA). The mortality rate in cluster 1 was significantly lower than the rates in cluster 2 and 3 (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that abnormal atrioventricular connection (AAC, p = 0.011) and persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusions

Our study reported a large cohort with clinical phenotypic, surgical strategy and long time follow-up. In addition, we provided a precise classification and successfully risk stratification for patients with PA.

A low threshold for neonatal intervention yields a high rate of biventricular outcomes in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

AIMS

Management strategies for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are variable and are based on right ventricular morphology and associated abnormalities. Catheter perforation of the pulmonary valve provides an alternative strategy to surgery in the neonatal period. We sought to assess the long-term outcome in terms of survival, re-intervention, and functional ventricular outcome in the setting of a 26-year single-centre experience of low threshold inclusion criteria for percutaneous valvotomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum from 1990 to 2016 at a tertiary referral centre, was performed. Of 71 patients, 48 were brought to the catheterisation laboratory for intervention. Catheter valvotomy was successful in 45 patients (94%). Twenty-three patients (51%) also underwent ductus arteriosus stenting. The length of intensive care and hospital stay was significantly shorter, and early re-interventions were significantly reduced in the catheterisation group. There were eight deaths (17%); all within 35 days of the procedure. Of the survivors, only one has required a Fontan circulation. Twenty-eight patients (74%) have undergone biventricular repair and nine patients (24%) have one-and-a-half ventricle circulation. Following successful valvotomy, 80% of patients required further catheter-based or surgical interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

A low threshold for initial interventional management yielded a high rate of successful biventricular circulations. Although mortality was low in patients who survived the peri-procedural period, the rate of re-intervention remained high in all groups.

Pulmonary Atresia With Ventriculocoronary Arterial Connections and a Large Conoventricular Septal Defect

Ventriculocoronary arterial connections are typically found in patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum. This report describes a case of ventriculocoronary arterial connections in a patient with pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect. Our case supports recent data suggesting a primary coronary artery developmental anomaly in pulmonary atresia. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Myocardial strain abnormalities in fetuses with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVES

Global and regional myocardial deformation have not been well described in fetuses with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), an angle-independent technique for assessing global and regional strain, may be a more sensitive way of determining ventricular systolic dysfunction compared with traditional 2D echocardiography. The aim of this study was to assess myocardial deformation in fetuses with PA/IVS compared with control fetuses and to determine if, in fetuses with PA/IVS, strain differs between those with and those without right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (RVDCC).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of fetuses with PA/IVS examined at two medical centers between June 2005 and October 2017. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate were obtained using STE, and comparisons were made between fetuses with PA/IVS and gestational age (GA)-matched controls. Postnatal outcome was assessed, including the presence of RVDCC.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven fetuses with PA/IVS and 57 controls were analyzed at a mean GA of 26.5 ± 5 weeks. LV-GLS was significantly decreased in fetuses with PA/IVS compared with controls (-17.4 ± 1.7% vs -23.7 ± 2.0%, P < 0.001). LV strain rate was also significantly decreased (-1.01 ± 0.21/s vs -1.42 ± 0.20/s, P < 0.001). Fetuses with PA/IVS had decreased strain in all segments. Similarly, RV strain was significantly decreased in fetuses with PA/IVS (-11.6 ± 3.8% vs -24.6 ± 2.5%, P < 0.0001). Thirty-six patients had postnatal cardiac catheterization performed to define coronary anatomy; 10 fetuses had RVDCC. Fetuses with RVDCC had decreased LV strain compared with those without (-15.8 ± 1.2% vs -17.9 ± 1.7%, P = 0.009). RV strain was also decreased in fetuses with RVDCC vs those without (-7.0 ± 2.9% vs -12.1 ± 3.2%, P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with PA/IVS have decreased global and regional LV and RV strain compared with controls. The finding of decreased LV strain may be due to altered ventricular mechanics in the context of a hypertensive right ventricle and/or abnormal coronary perfusion. Moreover, fetuses that were found to have RVDCC postnatally had decreased LV and RV strain compared with those that did not. These results encourage further investigation to assess whether fetal ventricular strain could be a prenatal predictor of RVDCC. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Long-term outcomes after intervention for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) can be treated by various operative and catheter-based interventions. We aim to understand the long-term transplant-free survival of patients with PA/IVS by treatment strategy.

METHODS

Cohort study from the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium, a multi-institutional registry with prospectively acquired outcome data after linkage with the National Death Index and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

RESULTS

Eligible patients underwent neonatal surgery or catheter-based intervention for PA/IVS between 1982 and 2003 (median follow-up of 16.7 years, IQR: 12.6-22.7). Over the study period, 616 patients with PA/IVS underwent one of three initial interventions: aortopulmonary shunt, right ventricular decompression or both. Risk factors for death at initial intervention included earlier birth era (1982-1992), chromosomal abnormality and atresia of one or both coronary ostia. Among survivors of neonatal hospitalisation (n=491), there were 99 deaths (4 post-transplant) and 10 transplants (median age of death or transplant 0.7 years, IQR: 0.3-1.8 years). Definite repair or last-stage palliation was achieved in the form of completed two-ventricle repair (n=201), one-and-a-half ventricle (n=39) or Fontan (n=96). Overall 20-year survival was 66%, but for patients discharged alive after definitive repair, it reached 97.6% for single-ventricle patients, 90.9% for those with one-and-a-half ventricle and 98.0% for those with complete two-ventricle repair (log-rank p=0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

Transplant-free survival in PA/IVS is poor due to significant infantile and interstage mortality. Survival into early adulthood is excellent for patients reaching completion of their intended path independent of type of repair.

Pulmonary Atresia With an Intact Ventricular Septum: Preoperative Physiology, Imaging, and Management

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) is a rare complex cyanotic congenital heart disease with heterogeneous morphological variation. Prenatal diagnosis allows for developing a safe plan for delivery and postnatal management. While transthoracic echocardiography allows for detailed delineation of the cardiac anatomy, additional imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and catheterization may be necessary to further outline features of the cardiac anatomy, specifically coronary artery anatomy. The size of the tricuspid valve and right ventricular cavity as well as the presence of right ventricle–dependent coronary circulation help to dichotomize between biventricular repair versus univentricular palliation or heart transplantation, as well as predicting the expected survival. The delineation and understanding of these features help to dictate both medical and surgical management.

Predictors of Mortality in Children with Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) is a rare cardiac congenital lesion characterized by imperforate pulmonary valve, intact ventricular septum, and atrial level shunt. Although different management strategies to establish a source of non-ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow have been described, studies have not assessed the relationship between the therapeutic approach, patient characteristics, and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of mortality for patients with PA/IVS. Neonates and children with PA/IVS were identified through analysis of the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Hospital admissions that included a cardiac catheterization and/or surgical procedure were analyzed to identify demographics, co-morbidities, and outcomes. We identified 508 patients with PA/IVS with hospital admissions that included cardiac catheterization (n = 165), surgical procedures (n = 273), or both (n = 70). The incidence of mortality in this cohort was 6.69% (34/508). Univariable analysis demonstrated that age less than 12 months (p < 0.001), non-elective admission (p < 0.001), AKI (p = 0.001), sepsis (p = 0.002), and the use of ECMO (p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of mortality, while no difference was observed for the type of therapeutic approach (p = 0.498). These variables were used in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to develop the predictive model for mortality. Age less than 12 months, non-elective admission, and the use of ECMO in children with PA/IVS were predictors for mortality. Interestingly, the type of therapeutic approach did not influence mortality, which suggests that patient characteristics other than the method chosen to provide pulmonary blood flow determine mortality.

Multiple Coronary Artery Aneurysms of the Right Coronary Artery in Neonate with Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) with right ventricular-dependent coronaries is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. It has been associated with wide range of considerable anomalies including sinusoids, fistulae, coronary stenosis, or complete atresia. Coronary artery aneurysms in a neonate with PA/IVS have not been described. We report a case of neonate with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum with giant coronary artery aneurysms.

Further morphological observations on hearts with twisted atrioventricular connections (criss-cross hearts)

A superior and anterior location of the tricuspid valve in the setting of malalignment between the atrial and ventricular septal structures was the characteristic unifying morphologic feature of seven autopsied hearts with twisted atrioventricular connections. The peculiar angiocardiographic appearances of this lesion could be readily explained by the findings of unusual recesses in the right atrium, in the right ventricle, and in the left ventricle. The recess in the morphologically left ventricle was seen in each case at the right posterior part (or, in the hearts with left-handed ventricles, at the left part) of the chamber. Displacement of the right-sided atrioventricular valve far from the inferior caval vein (vena cava) had produced the recess in the morphologically right atrium; this feature was most prominent in the heart in which the atrioventricular connections were discordant. The recess within the right ventricular outflow tract was seen in four hearts, in all of which the inlet and apical trabecular components of the right ventricle were hypoplastic.

Pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum: influence of coronary anatomy on single-ventricle outcome

BACKGROUND

We investigated the influence of coronary artery abnormalities on outcome in patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) for planned single-ventricle palliation.

METHODS

Catheterization and medical records were reviewed in patients with PA-IVS for planned single-ventricle palliation at our institution between 2000 and 2012. Primary outcome was death or transplantation. Patients with confirmed or strong suspicion of stenosis in 2 or more main coronary arteries or coronary ostial atresia were defined as having right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (RVDCC); those with stenosis of 1 main vessel or normal anatomy were defined as having non-RVDCC.

RESULTS

Of 58 patients with PA-IVS, 17 (30%) underwent single-ventricle palliation. Ten (59%) had RVDCC (3 with ostial atresia) and 7 (41%) had non-RVDCC. Median follow-up time was 8.2 years (0 months-11.3 years), with 1 patient in each group lost to follow-up. Five patients with RVDCC died, including the 3 patients with ostial atresia, and 1 underwent transplantation at 6 months of life. No deaths occurred after second-stage palliation. Three of the 4 surviving patients with RVDCC completed a Fontan operation, and 2 of these patients had evidence of cardiac ischemia on follow-up. No deaths occurred among patients with non-RVDCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly better survival in patients with non-RVDCC (100%) than in patients with RVDCC (40%) (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PA-IVS undergoing single-ventricle palliation, RVDCC is associated with high early mortality, especially with coronary ostial atresia. There should be early consideration of transplantation in neonates with RVDCC. Patients with non-RVDCC undergoing single-ventricle palliation have excellent long-term outcomes, with no mortality seen in this series.

Late clinical features of patients with pulmonary atresia or critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum after biventricular repair

BACKGROUND

We aimed to reveal late clinical features of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) or critical pulmonary stenosis (cPS) after biventricular repair (BVR) based on preoperative right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) findings.

METHODS

Since 1985, 23 of 73 patients with PA/IVS (n=22) or cPS (n=1) with a tripartite RV and without major sinusoidal communication underwent BVR with a hybrid approach. The mean age and weight at BVR were 1.4±2.1 years and 6.9±5.9 kg, respectively. Mean follow-up was 10.1±6.4 years (range, 1.1 to 24.6 years).

RESULTS

Overall survival, reintervention-free, and arrhythmia-free rates at 20 years were 90.6%, 75.4%, and 50.4%, respectively. In 19 patients with preoperative RVEDV of 60% to 120% of normal, echocardiography at 10 years after BVR showed well-maintained RV systolic function. However, RV volume was quantitatively dilated in 16 (88.9%) due to moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation in 8 (44.4%), pulmonary regurgitation in 12 (66.7%), or both, which caused arrhythmia in 3 patients more than 10 years after BVR. Two patients with preoperative RVEDV of greater than 120% of normal required tricuspid valve replacement after BVR, after which refractory atrial tachyarrhythmia developed in both patients. Furthermore, 2 patients with preoperative RVEDV of less than 60% of normal showed a cardiac index value within 2.5 L/min/m2 at 1 year after BVR, which did not improve.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PA/IVS or cPS and adequately sized RV showed good late clinical features after BVR. However, long-term follow-up examinations are necessary for RV dilatation and late-onset arrhythmia.

[Pulmonary stenosis and atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Pulmonary atresia and critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum includes a wide spectrum of cardiopathies with great morphological heterogeneity. The pulmonary valve may be completely atretic or may contain a puncture hole if stenosis is present. The obstruction may be membranous and/or muscular. All components of the right ventricle can be affected, even the coronary circulation with ventriculocoronary connections and stenosis or atresia of the pulmonary arteries. Prenatal diagnosis is made when the right ventricle is hypoplastic and hypertrophic. The pulmonary valve is thickened and the pulmonary artery is perfused retrogradely through the ductus arteriosus. Right ventriculocoronary connections may sometimes be seen with fetal echocardiography. Postnatal survival depends on the patency of the ductus arteriosus, requiring prostaglandin E1 infusion. When hypoplastic right ventricle and/or ventricle-dependent coronary circulation exists, biventricular circulation is not possible. In these cases, surgical treatment is palliative. In cases with well-developed right ventricle, transcatheter therapy is usually provided with perforation and balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve. In cases of muscular obstruction of the right ventricle outflow tract, surgery may be considered as first-line therapy. In case of prenatal diagnosis, the medical termination of pregnancy is possible when severe right ventricular hypoplasia exists, precluding biventricular circulation. Postnatally, the prognosis of the patients is highly variable, mainly related to the size of the right cavities and the presence of coronary anomalies.

Critical care outcomes in pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum undergoing single-ventricle palliation

OBJECTIVE

To examine early outcomes for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum undergoing single-ventricle palliation and to determine risk factors for mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary paediatric critical care unit.

INTERVENTION

Risk factors for mortality were sought for infants after the primary intervention whether surgical shunt or ductal stent.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We reviewed outcomes of 19 infants with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum undergoing single-ventricle palliation between July, 2000 and July, 2008. Echocardiograms, cardiac catheterisation findings, anaesthesia, and critical care management, as well as autopsy reports were reviewed. We modelled survival after surgery and looked for predictors of early mortality. A total of 19 infants underwent single-ventricle palliation and seven of these died. The risk of death was increased by a lower arterial pH at induction of anaesthesia (p = 0.01), a lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.01), and technical problems during surgery (p = 0.03). On admission to the critical care unit, a lower mixed venous saturation (p = 0.02) and presence of tachyarrhythmia (p = 0.02) were associated with the need for mechanical support within the first 48 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high early mortality for those who undergo single-ventricle palliation. It is higher for those who are haemodynamically compromised before surgery; technical problems, and haemodynamic instability during surgery also increase mortality.

The prevalence of coronary arterial abnormalities in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and their influence on surgical results

BACKGROUND

The relatively high mortality in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum may be related to the presence of significant coronary arterial anomalies. This retrospective review of cineangiocardiograms was undertaken to further elucidate the types and variety of such coronary arterial abnormalities, and to assess their effect on postoperative survival.

MATERIAL AND RESULTS

Details regarding coronary arterial anatomy and abnormalities were assessed in 116 patients. We noted the site and severity of lesions, and the presence of fistulous communications from the right ventricle to the coronary arteries, assessing the proportion of left ventricular myocardium affected by coronary arterial interruptions or significant stenoses, in other words, the amount dependent on coronary circulation from the right ventricle. We also measured diameters of the tricuspid and mitral valves. Fistulas were found in 87 patients (75%), interruptions of major coronary arteries in 40 patients (34%), lack of connections between the coronary arteries and the aorta in 18 patients (16%), and single origin of a coronary artery, with the right coronary artery arising from the left, in 6 patients (5%). We found increased mortality in 47 patients (40%) who had a right ventricular-dependent coronary arterial circulation. The presence of fistulas in itself was not associated with higher mortality, but the presence of coronary arterial interruptions (p = 0.05), and a higher myocardial score (p = 0.0009), were.

CONCLUSION

We encountered a higher prevalence of both coronary arterial abnormalities and right ventricular-dependent circulation than previously reported. Awareness of the severity of the coronary arterial abnormalities should assist in planning treatment.

Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum: Limitations of Catheter-Based Intervention

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) has a wide spectrum of anatomic heterogeneity and invokes a wide variety of treatment strategies. We reviewed the outcome of our patients with PAIVS in order to delineate strategies for the optimal management of PAIVS. In particular, the possibility of avoiding neonatal surgical intervention with catheter-based technology was assessed.

METHODS

The study cohort was composed of all patients presented with PAIVS from January 1999 through December 2005. Demographic and anatomic variables were analyzed to determine association with in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Forty-four infants with PAIVS underwent catheter valvuloplasty (n = 17) and (or) surgical intervention (n = 42). The mean age and weight of the infants was six days and 3.1 kg, and the average follow-up was 40 +/- 29.5 months. Five (11%) had right ventricle dependent coronary circulation (RVDCC) and six (14%) had Ebstein's anomaly. Five (11%) patients died. Of those who underwent catheter valvotomy, three (18%) underwent shunt placement, 12 (71%) underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with shunt placement, and only two (12%) did not require a further surgical intervention in the newborn period. Multivariable analyses demonstrated RVDCC (odds ratio 21.3, p = 0.025) and Ebstein's anomaly (odds ratio 16.0, p = 0.038) to be risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Of those patients with Ebstein's anomaly, a single ventricle approach had a better outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated excellent recent outcomes for patients with PAIVS. Catheter-based interventions rarely avoid surgical repair. The RVDCC and Ebstein's anomaly were associated with high mortality. In patients with Ebstein's anomaly, single ventricular pathway may be the better strategy for this specific patient population.

Determinants of outcome in fetal pulmonary valve stenosis or atresia with intact ventricular septum

Pulmonary valve stenosis or atresia with intact ventricular septum represents a spectrum of severity. This study aimed to identify ultrasound markers of biventricular versus non-biventricular outcome. The fetal echocardiograms of 41 fetuses diagnosed with pulmonary stenosis or atresia and right ventricular (RV)/left ventricular (LV) length ratios >0.4 from 17 to 31 weeks of gestation were reviewed. Of 27 live-born patients with intention to treat, 8 had non-biventricular outcomes and 19 had biventricular circulation. At the time of diagnosis, poor RV function, flow reversal in the arterial duct, the degree of tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation, and inferior vena cava Doppler flow pattern did not differ between the 2 outcome groups. However, RV sinusoids, the RV/LV length ratio, the TV/mitral valve ratio, and TV inflow duration were significantly different. Cut-off values derived from receiver-operating characteristic curves yielding the best sensitivity and specificity for a non-biventricular outcome were TV/mitral valve ratio <0.7, RV/LV length ratio <0.6, TV inflow duration <31.5% of cardiac cycle length, and the presence of RV sinusoids. If 3 of these 4 criteria were fulfilled, this predicted a non-biventricular outcome with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 75%. In conclusion, in fetuses < or =31 weeks of gestation with pulmonary stenosis or atresia and intact ventricular septum, progression to a non-biventricular outcome can be predicted by a 4-criterion scoring system. The criteria may be useful in selecting fetuses for prenatal catheter intervention to prevent progressive RV hypoplasia.

Natural History of Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum and Right-Ventricle–Dependent Coronary Circulation Managed by the Single-Ventricle Approach

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcome of patients with pulmonary valvar atresia and intact ventricular septum with right-ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (PA/IVS-RVDCC) managed by staged palliation directed toward Fontan circulation is unknown, but should serve as a basis for comparison with management protocols that include initial systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunting followed by listing for cardiac transplantation.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients admitted to our institution with the diagnosis of PA/IVS-RVDCC from 1989 to 2004. All angiographic imaging studies, operative reports, and follow-up information were reviewed. Right-ventricle-dependent coronary circulation was defined as situations in which ventriculocoronary fistulae with proximal coronary stenosis or atresia were present, putting significant left ventricle myocardium at risk for ischemia with right ventricle decompression.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were identified with PA/IVS-RVDCC. All underwent initial palliation with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS). Median tricuspid valve z-score was -3.62 (-2.42 to -5.15), and all had moderate (n = 13) or severe (n = 19) right ventricular hypoplasia. Median follow-up was 5.1 years (9 months to 14.8 years). Overall mortality was 18.8% (6 of 32), with all deaths occurring within 3 months of BTS. Aortocoronary atresia was associated with 100% mortality (3 of 3). Of the survivors (n = 26), 19 have undergone Fontan operation whereas 7, having undergone bidirectional Glenn shunt, currently await Fontan. Actuarial survival by the Kaplan-Meier method for all patients was 81.3% at 5, 10, and 15 years, whereas mean survival was 12.1 years (95% confidence interval: 10.04 to 14.05). No late mortality occurred among those surviving beyond 3 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PA/IVS-RVDCC, early mortality appears related to coronary ischemia at the time of BTS. Single-ventricle palliation yields excellent long-term survival and should be the preferred management strategy for these patients. Those with aortocoronary atresia have a particularly poor prognosis and should undergo cardiac transplantation.

Successful Management of Patients With Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum Using a Three Tier Grading System for Right Ventricular Hypoplasia

BACKGROUND

We sought to validate a simple grading scheme for right ventricular hypoplasia in determining suitability for a biventricular repair.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records for 106 patients with pulmonary atresia-intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) treated between 1982 and 2001. Over this period, children were assigned to mild (> 2/3 normal size, 23.7% of patients), moderate (1/3 to 2/3, 41.2%), or severe (1/3, 35.1%) right ventricular hypoplasia, and this grouping, along with severity of coronary anomalies (45% right ventricle to coronary fistulae, 16% with right ventricle dependent coronary circulation [RVDCC]), triaged children to eventual single ventricle (severe) or two-ventricle (mild or moderate) repair.

RESULTS

Actuarial 10-year survival was 86.3% with mortality predicted by severe hypoplasia (odds ratio [OR] 12.9, p < 0.001), RVDCC (OR 15.0, p < 0.001), and non-Caucasian race (OR 10.7, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis with a Cox proportional hazards model confirmed only RVDCC (risk ratio [RR] 10.9, p = 0.0009} and non-Caucasian race (RR 6.9, p = 0.007) as significant. Although not an independent risk factor for survival, the degree of hypoplasia was the most important determinant for definitive repair. Severe hypoplasia virtually precluded two-ventricle repair (OR 33.1, p < 0.001 by chi2 analysis) and was the strongest risk factor for a one-ventricle system (OR 78.7, p < 0.001). Actuarial survival after either repair was 91%, and no biventricular repair later converted to a Fontan system.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management of patients based on this three tier grade for right ventricular hypoplasia results in excellent survival and correctly predicts patients destined for eventual Fontan and biventricular repair.

Does a bidirectional Glenn shunt improve the oxygenation of right ventricle–dependent coronary circulation in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum?

OBJECTIVE

There is a risk of myocardial ischemia in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum associated with the right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation. In this patient group, the oxygen delivery to the myocardium depends on the oxygen saturation of the right ventricular cavity. We hypothesized that bidirectional Glenn shunt would improve the oxygenation of right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation relative to a systemic-pulmonary artery shunt. The reduction of systemic venous return to the right atrium due to a bidirectional Glenn shunt could increase the oxygen saturation of the right ventricle in the clinical setting, when the mixture of systemic and pulmonary venous blood is unchanged at the atrial level.

METHODS

Patients with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation were defined as those with right ventricle-coronary artery fistulas plus stenoses of the right or left coronary arteries. For 7 patients with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation before and after bidirectional Glenn shunt, cardiac catheterization was performed and the oxygen saturation of the right ventricular cavity was measured.

RESULTS

For all 7 patients, the bidirectional Glenn shunt was performed at a mean age of 18 months. Ischemic changes in the electrocardiogram before the bidirectional Glenn shunt improved after the procedure in 2 patients. The oxygen saturation of the right ventricular cavity before the bidirectional Glenn shunt was 54.6 +/- 8.8%, and that after the BGS significantly increased to 75.6% +/- 5.8% (P < .01). All 7 patients have subsequently undergone the Fontan procedure with excellent results.

CONCLUSION

Early bidirectional Glenn shunt could prevent progression of myocardial ischemia in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation.

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: Predictors of early and medium-term outcome in a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is a form of congenital heart disease usually associated with right-heart hypoplasia, with considerable morphologic heterogeneity and often poor outlook. Ascertainment of risk factors for poor outcome is an important step if an improvement in outcome is to be achieved.

METHODS

The UK and Ireland Collaborative study of Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum is an ongoing population-based study of all patients born with this disease from 1991 through 1995. All available clinical, morphologic, and investigative variables were directly reviewed, and risk factor analysis was performed for poor outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-three patients presented with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Fifteen underwent no procedure, and all died. Of the remainder, 67 underwent a right ventricular outflow tract procedure (catheter or surgical), 18 underwent an outflow tract procedure with shunt, and 81 underwent a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt alone. One- and 5-year survival was 70.8% and 63.8%, respectively. Results from Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that low birth weight (P = .024), unipartite right ventricular morphology (P = .001), and the presence of a dilated right ventricle (P < .001) were independent risk factors for death. The presence of coronary artery fistulae, right ventricular dependence, or the tricuspid valvar z score did not prove to be risk factors for death. After up to 9 years of follow-up, 29% have achieved a biventricular repair, 3% a so-called one-and-a-half ventricular repair, and 10.5% a univentricular repair, with 16.5% still having a mixed circulation (41% died).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based study has shown which features at presentation place an infant in a high-risk group. This is important information for counseling in fetal life and for surgical strategy after birth.

Determinants of mortality and type of repair in neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

We sought to define the prevalence of definitive end states and their determinants in children given a diagnosis of pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum during the neonatal period.

METHODS

Between 1987 and 1997, 408 neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum were entered into a prospective study by 33 institutions. Competing risks analysis was used to demonstrate the prevalence of 6 end states. Factors predictive of attaining each end state were identified by means of multivariable analysis with bootstrap validation.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 77% at 1 month, 70% at 6 months, 60% at 5 years, and 58% at 15 years. Prevalence of end states 15 years after entry were as follows: 2-ventricle repair, 33%; Fontan repair, 20%; 1.5-ventricle repair, 5%; heart transplant, 2%; death before reaching definitive repair, 38%; and alive without definitive repair, 2%. Patient-related factors discriminating among end states primarily included adequacy of right-sided heart structures, degree of aberration of coronary circulation, low birth weight, and tricuspid valve regurgitation. After adjusting for these factors, 2 institutions were predictive of 2-ventricle repair, 1 of Fontan repair, and 6 of death before definitive repair. Two institutions were predictive of both 2-ventricle and Fontan repair. These 2 institutions achieved a higher risk-adjusted prevalence of definitive repair and a lower prevalence of prerepair mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum predict type of definitive repair. A morphologically driven institutional protocol emphasizing both 2-ventricle and Fontan pathways might mitigate the negative effect of unfavorable morphology. In the current era, 85% of neonates are likely to reach a definitive surgical end point, with 2-ventricle repair achieved in an estimated 50%.

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: range of morphology in a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

We describe the morphologic variability in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) within a population-based study.

BACKGROUND

An uncommon disease, PAIVS shows considerable morphologic heterogeneity. Clinical reports, based mostly on small samples of patients, may not reflect the true spectrum of pathology of this condition. We have studied the entire range of morphology in a prospective population-based study of patients over a five-year period (1991 to 1995). METHODS; As part of the United Kingdom and Ireland Collaborative Study of PAIVS, all 18 pediatric cardiac centers were visited by a single investigator. Morphologic features of each case were determined by direct review of the echocardiograms and angiocardiograms, from surgical and autopsy reports, and by review of pathology specimens where available.

RESULTS

Among 183 live-born infants, atresia was valvar (membranous) in 74.7% and muscular in 25.3%. Muscular obliteration of the apical trabecular cavity, and in some cases its infundibulum, resulted in "bipartite" right ventricle (RV) in 33.6%, and a "unipartite" chamber in 7.7%. The remaining 58.7% had "tripartite" morphology. Coronary arterial abnormalities were identified in 45.8%, including arterial stenoses, interruptions and ectasia in 7.6%. Ebstein's malformation coexisted in 18 patients. Median tricuspid valvar size and RV inlet Z-scores were -5.2 and -5.1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides unique data on the diverse pathology of PAIVS in an unselected population. This will help determine if published reports reflect the true spectrum of pathology of the condition.

Radiofrequency perforation in the treatment of congenital heart disease

Catheter-directed perforation of cardiac tissue with radiofrequency (RF) energy has expanded the horizon of the interventional cardiologist dealing with congenital heart disorders. The focus of the following discussion will be to detail the biophysical basis behind RF perforation and review its application in the management of congenital heart lesions.

Staged biventricular repair of pulmonary atresia or stenosis with intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

Since 1991 we have performed a multistage palliative approach to biventricular repair of pulmonary atresia or critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum in infants with a detectable right ventricular infundibulum.

METHODS

A total of 25 patients (19 pulmonary atresia and 6 critical pulmonary stenosis) underwent initial palliation consisting of a transarterial pulmonary valvotomy and a polytetrafluoroethylene shunt between the left subclavian artery and pulmonary trunk. Among the 23 survivors, 15 underwent balloon valvotomy. Six of these patients later required additional palliative surgery that consisted of repeat pulmonary valvotomy, adjustment of an atrial communication, and resection of the hypertrophied muscles in the right ventricle.

RESULTS

Of the 25 patients, 23 (92%) survived. In all, 20 patients underwent definitive operations: 18 (90%) biventricular repair (12 pulmonary atresia, and 6 critical pulmonary stenosis), one bidirectional Glenn, and one Fontan procedure. The actuarial probability of achieving a biventricular repair at 36 months of age was 69%. In 18 patients right ventricular end-diastolic volume significantly increased but tricuspid valve diameter did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

The multistage palliation procedure to promote right ventricular growth makes a definitive biventricular repair of pulmonary atresia or critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum possible in the majority of infants with a patent infundibulum.

Central pulmonary artery anatomy in right ventricular outflow tract obstructions

We reviewed the cine-angiograms of 190 patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstructions for size and anatomy of pulmonary arteries, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and major aorto pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Patients were grouped into three, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia (group 1, N=86), TOF with pulmonary stenosis (group 2, N=97) and 7 cases of pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular septum (group 3). Out of 86 patients in group 1, 49 had PDA alone, 30 had MAPCAs alone, six had both and one had none. In group 2, 31 patients had persistent PDA and one patient had MAPCAS and PDA. A discrete stenosis (DS) of pulmonary artery was seen significantly more in patients with RVOT obstructions associated with PDA compared to patients without PDA (67/84 vs. 5/96). Out of the 84 cases with ducti, 53 had stenosis of the pulmonary artery at the site of ductus insertion. Thus presence of PDA was an important factor in the development of DS. The likely cause of pulmonary artery stenosis in TOF with PDA may be the opposing flows through RVOT and PDA producing a watershed effect at the ductus-pulmonary artery junction. Diffuse hypoplasia of pulmonary arteries (DH) was seen more significantly in RVOT obstructions associated with MAPCAs, compared to other patient groups (19/36 vs. 14/87). These small pulmonary arteries had no discrete stenosis and this diffuse hypoplasia might be the result of inadequate blood flow during intrauterine life [Harikrishnan S, Tharakan J, Titus T, Bhat A, Sivasankaran S, Bimal F, Syam Sunder KR, James, KJ. Central pulmonary artery anatomy in right ventricular outflow tract obstructions. Indian Heart Journal 1997;49:624 (Abstract)[18]].

Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: Ebstein's anomaly and tricuspid valve disease

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect that is characterized by a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the tricuspid valve that also involve the right atrium and right ventricle. The extant nomenclature for Ebstein's anomaly and our approach to the description of the severity of Ebstein's anomaly are reviewed with the objective of establishing a unified reporting system. Although there are common features in Ebstein's anomaly, there is a wide spectrum of pathology with an infinite variety of combinations of severity of the involved structures. An effort was made to develop a classification system that would take into consideration the anatomic abnormalities that help direct the surgical management, particularly in regard to tricuspid valve repair or valve replacement. Isolated congenital tricuspid stenosis and regurgitation are also rare, and a simple classification system is presented. Acquired causes of tricuspid regurgitation and stenosis are more common and are included in the classification system. A comprehensive database set for these malformations is presented so that a comprehensive risk stratification analysis can be performed. A minimum database set is also presented that will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Outcome tables relating diagnoses, procedures, and risk factors are presented.

Improved results with selective management in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

Late outcome of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum remains poor in most reported series. We have followed a selective approach toward either single ventricle repair versus complete or partial biventricular repair based on the presence of right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation and growth of the right ventricle.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 47 patients who underwent surgery between January 1991 and September 1998.

RESULTS

Sixteen (34%) patients had a right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation, with a tricuspid valve Z-score of -3.0 +/- 0.66 versus -2.0 +/- 0.95 (P =.002) for those without a right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation. A systemic-pulmonary artery shunt only was performed in all patients with a right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation, with 1 death. Fourteen of 16 patients with a right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation underwent a bidirectional Glenn shunt at a median of 9 months after their first operation, 9 of whom have had a Fontan procedure (no deaths). In the 31 (66%) patients without a right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation, 6 patients underwent only a systemic-pulmonary artery shunt, 23 had a shunt and right ventricular decompression, and 2 had only a transannular patch. In this group, 10 patients received a 2-ventricle repair, 6 a 1. 5-ventricle repair, and 8 patients had a Fontan procedure. There was 1 early death and the overall survival was 98% at 1 year, 5 years, and 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

If patients are stratified well, excellent survival can be achieved in the treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. This result may be at the price of achieving a 1-ventricle as opposed to a 2-ventricle repair.

Evaluation and management of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) is a spectrum of diseases with varying severity of right ventricle hypoplasia and potential for biventricular, univentricular, or hybrid repairs. Pessimistic outcome measures for PA/IVS may give way to optimism with the refinement of early diagnosis and early intervention to encourage right ventricle flow and optimize growth. To this end, PA/IVS has become a focus of innovative interventions (e.g., fetal surgery) and new catheter-based and surgical techniques.

Prenatal diagnosis of pulmonary atresia by fetal echocardiography

With an improvement in cardiac imaging during the past 20 years, fetal echocardiography has progressively altered the practice of obstetricians and become a principle armamentarium for the diagnosis of fetal heart diseases. We presented a case of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum diagnosed prenatally using fetal echocardiography.

Unguarded tricuspid orifice: a rare malformation of tricuspid valve diagnosed by echocardiography. Report of two cases and review of the literature

In this report we present two cases with unguarded tricuspid orifice, and review the literature. The complete absence of tricuspid valvular structures is a very rare anomaly coexisting with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, and is termed unguarded tricuspid orifice. Double tricuspid orifices and isolated dextrocardia were distinguishing features of our first case. The second patient of this report, a 5-year-old boy, is the first case in the literature with this malformation of the tricuspid valve as an isolated anomaly, in addition to being the first surviving case in the literature.

Influence of right heart size on outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

Neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) are frequently born with hypoplastic right heart structures that must grow after right ventricular decompression (RVD) procedures for a complete two-ventricle physiology to be achieved. Previous authors have asserted that neonatal right heart size or morphology will predict right heart growth potential. Since 1983, our bias has favored early RVD regardless of initial right heart size. In 1986, we recognized a subset of patients with coronary artery abnormalities associated with poor outcome after RVD and have defined these patients as having a right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation (RVDCC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess the influence of right heart size on outcome independent of the presence of RVDCC, we measured echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) dimensions in 37 neonates with adequate studies presenting between 1983 and 1990. Coronary artery anatomy was adequately assessed by angiography in 36. RV volume and tricuspid valve (TV) diameter were significantly smaller in patients with RVDCC than in those without. However, there was no statistically significant association between RV volume or TV diameter and survival among patients with or without RVDCC: Among 29 patients without RVDCC, 23 of 24 (95.8%) who achieved RVD are alive compared with 1 of 5 (20%) who did not achieve RVD (P = .001). Twenty-one of the 23 survivors have a complete two-ventricle physiology with low right atrial pressure. Among 7 patients with RVDCC, 2 patients who underwent RVD died early of left ventricular failure, whereas 4 of 5 who did not undergo RVD have survived single ventricular palliation.

CONCLUSIONS

Small right heart size is associated with RVDCC but is not associated with survival in PA-IVS. Patients without RVDCC have improved survival after RVD regardless of neonatal right heart size.

Management evolution of pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

To examine the impact on survival and clinical course of incorporating the morphologic classification of the right ventricle into the evolving management strategy for babies with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, the surgical results and follow-up status of the first 62 consecutive patients managed in this hospital between 1979 and 1990 were reviewed. Before 1984, all 23 babies from group I underwent primary right ventricular outflow reconstruction irrespective of right ventricular morphology and size. Since 1984, depending on the morphology and size of the right ventricle, 39 babies from group II had either closed transventricular pulmonary valvotomy (n = 31) or a shunt operation (n = 8). There were 10 hospital (43%) and 2 late deaths (total mortality 52%) in our group I patients. Three of the 11 long-term survivors had cyanosis at rest but none had any residual pressure gradient across the pulmonary outflow. Group II had 6 hospital (15%) and 4 late deaths (total mortality = 26%). Of the 29 long-term survivors, 9 had a second-stage right ventricular outflow reconstruction, 8 had balloon valvuloplasty and 2 had successful Fontan operation. At the latest follow-up, 5 children from this group have cyanosis at rest, 1 has a residual gradient (55 mm Hg) across the infundibulum, and 3 have right ventricular dysfunction. The hospital and total mortality for babies in group II was significantly lower than that in group I (p < 0.01). These data suggest that tailoring the treatment to the right ventricular anatomy results in a lower overall mortality although long term postoperative hemodynamic abnormalities are observed in both groups.